I can see the backyard through the window in our computer room, and it's a gorgeous day.
The longer shadows of September are upon us, showing the dark green and light green colors of the grass. The temperature is in the 70's. The air is still. There isn't a breeze, but early leaves have been coming down, so Paul is out on the back deck and patio with the leaf blower making everything neat. The noise disrupts the quiet, but now he's done and it looks great.
Today is my brother Bob's 76th birthday. It's the last day of August and he's been looking forward to this last day for the whole month, not only because it's his birthday, but it means the month's over.
It's been a month he'd like to forget. Can't blame him there. His heart operation on August 6th was a challenge, so he's glad and we're glad August is over with and look forward to his continued recovery. Happy Birthday, dear brother. I miss you and look forward to seeing you. Epril and Bill miss you too.
I talked with my good friend Marcia on the phone yesterday because I hadn't heard from her in a while and a good phone call to someone special makes you feel great. The moment she answered she said - wow, you've been busy! (Good. That means she's been reading my blog!) Out of sight does not mean out of mind. We got caught up with news. What a good feeling. It did my heart good.
I've been going to Curves as much as possible - four, five days a week. I have a back ache, so I'm resting it today and not going. Perhaps I'll feel better this afternoon though. If I do, I'll go. We'll see.
Have invited the Corning relatives and Sharon and family for a cookout on Monday. I think the weather may cooperate, as Isaac seems to be headed toward the central part of the country rather than the coastal states. I hope the weather doesn't interfere with Nancy and Dan's trip in St. Louis. We can always be inside of course.
Just finished the second book in the best-selling trilogy - "A Discovery of Witches".
Nancy had brought the first book (paperback) when she came and left it for me. A while back, I had read a sample of it on my Kindle and didn't think much of it, but she liked it, and Dan liked it, and so I re-read the sample, and then read the paperback. I couldn't put it down. When there's a good book, it's like it envelopes you in its pages, and when it's overwith, there's a sense of loss. . .what do I do now?
Well, we went to Sams Club and found the next book in the series for $16.99. I could get the book on my Kindle for $12.99. Now. . . .If you remember . . .At one time I said I'd never pay more than $9.99 for a Kindle book, but (I'm making excuses) $12.99 was still less than the hard copy. And I wanted to read it very badly. So I must say, I did what I said I wouldn't. It's so easy to just push that button on the Kindle. In one second you can have that book to read. I try to remember but always forget. . . . Never say never.
So - I finished the second book last night on my Kindle. Now, the third and last book in the series will not be ready til 2013. Sigh.
It's getting toward lunchtime so I'll close. How're things goin' in your neck o' the woods?
Friday, August 31, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
Not much new happenin' around here.
Paul and I took a drive with Gracie on Saturday afternoon - We'd never been to a place called Park Station, so we decided that would be our destination - about 30 miles south east from us in a little town called Erin.
Park Station is a county park which is just beautiful. It surrounds a small lake - and river. Before you enter the park, you come to the fishing area. We stopped there and looked around. The whole area had a chain linked fence. A couple of people over to the left a quarter mile, fishing. Some in boats. No motors allowed, Paul said.
Looking to the right, in the distance we saw a swimming area with sand (Paul said the sand had been brought in) and a roped off area to swim. Lots of people. Since it was mid afternoon, the gal at the entrance, didn't charge us an entry fee. She asked if we wanted a "doggie bag" for Gracie, but we had our own. Dogs were allowed if leashed. She was. We discovered lots of picnic areas with charcoal grills. These were all over - in the woods, out in the open, plenty.
There was a pavillion (with ice-cream, other foods) near the beach. Dogs weren't allowed on the beach, so we sat at the pavillion and had our ice cream and watched. Gracie got lots of compliments. They always say - what kind of a dog is she? how old is she? is she friendly? can we pet her? We always say she doesn't bite, but she'll lick you to death, or she can't control her licker. Everyone gets a kick out of that. There was a "beach volleyball" net up, with some more brought-in sand, a couple of small kids were digging . Obviously, no beach volleyball candidates were around.
We drove through a twisty roaded campground area and saw mostly tent campers but not many motor campers. Lovely wooded sites. It was quite rustic. Then we drove home, stopping at Sharon's just to say hello. She and Ida were getting ready to meet Dave and the boys at the high school. There was a football scrimmage at 5:00. So we didn't get out of the car.
Paul cut down a tree in our side yard a couple of days ago. His back's been hurting. Nothing serious I think, but still hurt enough for him to complain. He used a heating pad last night.
It amazes me the wealth of knowledge Paul has. For example:
Our adventurous Corning 14 year old grandson is building a treehouse. He drew up the plans himself, and his dad and he got the wood. His dad had done some work with him, and is an excellent carpenter, but he was very busy with work. so he called Grandpa and asked him to come and help him. Paul is amazing. I understand he taught all three boys, and now he's on to the next generation.
I dropped Paul off and went on to Montour Falls for a haircut - (I got really trimmed!) and picked Paul up afterwards. The car went over one hundred miles. Of course, I went the long way to Montour so that was my fault. I'm still not that familiar with the fastest ways to get places. So I take full responsibility.
I tell you this. . . . having one car is getting to be for the birds. One of us is stuck home if the other needs it, or we tag a long. Or have to wait. Either way, it takes getting used to. I'll be glad when the van is fixed. It's something to think about in Florida. We'll have only one car there too. But that's permanent! This morning Paul dropped me off at Curves and went on to Wegmans in Elmira, to get some food. Then he picked me up on the way home.
Out in California, Brenda is loving her third grade class in her new school. She and Eric are empty-nesters now that Emma is a Freshman at Humboldt. When Bill and Nancy left for college, I did the same thing. I started a new job in a new school district. I loved it. I'm so happy for her!
Eric and Brenda have their twentieth anniversary coming up. They have some sort of coupon for a hotel (I would guess in San Francisco)and they're going to use it now that they have the added bonus of not having to worry about Emma. From what I see in Facebook, Emma's enjoying her new life.
Lots of adustments there on both sides. I can remember.
I've been invited to play the piano at the 10:00 church service at my old church this Sunday. It'll be so nice to see my old friends. I've picked out "How Great Thou Art" and will pick up the practice-rate since it's this coming Sunday - Labor Day Weekend. It'll be a wet day. That's when the remnants of Hurricane Isaac should "hit us." It's going to miss Venice, thank goodness! Wherever it lands, I hope it doesn't do much damage.
Okay. I'd better practice. So - how're things goin' in your neck o' the woods?
Paul and I took a drive with Gracie on Saturday afternoon - We'd never been to a place called Park Station, so we decided that would be our destination - about 30 miles south east from us in a little town called Erin.
Park Station is a county park which is just beautiful. It surrounds a small lake - and river. Before you enter the park, you come to the fishing area. We stopped there and looked around. The whole area had a chain linked fence. A couple of people over to the left a quarter mile, fishing. Some in boats. No motors allowed, Paul said.
Looking to the right, in the distance we saw a swimming area with sand (Paul said the sand had been brought in) and a roped off area to swim. Lots of people. Since it was mid afternoon, the gal at the entrance, didn't charge us an entry fee. She asked if we wanted a "doggie bag" for Gracie, but we had our own. Dogs were allowed if leashed. She was. We discovered lots of picnic areas with charcoal grills. These were all over - in the woods, out in the open, plenty.
There was a pavillion (with ice-cream, other foods) near the beach. Dogs weren't allowed on the beach, so we sat at the pavillion and had our ice cream and watched. Gracie got lots of compliments. They always say - what kind of a dog is she? how old is she? is she friendly? can we pet her? We always say she doesn't bite, but she'll lick you to death, or she can't control her licker. Everyone gets a kick out of that. There was a "beach volleyball" net up, with some more brought-in sand, a couple of small kids were digging . Obviously, no beach volleyball candidates were around.
We drove through a twisty roaded campground area and saw mostly tent campers but not many motor campers. Lovely wooded sites. It was quite rustic. Then we drove home, stopping at Sharon's just to say hello. She and Ida were getting ready to meet Dave and the boys at the high school. There was a football scrimmage at 5:00. So we didn't get out of the car.
Paul cut down a tree in our side yard a couple of days ago. His back's been hurting. Nothing serious I think, but still hurt enough for him to complain. He used a heating pad last night.
It amazes me the wealth of knowledge Paul has. For example:
Our adventurous Corning 14 year old grandson is building a treehouse. He drew up the plans himself, and his dad and he got the wood. His dad had done some work with him, and is an excellent carpenter, but he was very busy with work. so he called Grandpa and asked him to come and help him. Paul is amazing. I understand he taught all three boys, and now he's on to the next generation.
I dropped Paul off and went on to Montour Falls for a haircut - (I got really trimmed!) and picked Paul up afterwards. The car went over one hundred miles. Of course, I went the long way to Montour so that was my fault. I'm still not that familiar with the fastest ways to get places. So I take full responsibility.
I tell you this. . . . having one car is getting to be for the birds. One of us is stuck home if the other needs it, or we tag a long. Or have to wait. Either way, it takes getting used to. I'll be glad when the van is fixed. It's something to think about in Florida. We'll have only one car there too. But that's permanent! This morning Paul dropped me off at Curves and went on to Wegmans in Elmira, to get some food. Then he picked me up on the way home.
Out in California, Brenda is loving her third grade class in her new school. She and Eric are empty-nesters now that Emma is a Freshman at Humboldt. When Bill and Nancy left for college, I did the same thing. I started a new job in a new school district. I loved it. I'm so happy for her!
Eric and Brenda have their twentieth anniversary coming up. They have some sort of coupon for a hotel (I would guess in San Francisco)and they're going to use it now that they have the added bonus of not having to worry about Emma. From what I see in Facebook, Emma's enjoying her new life.
Lots of adustments there on both sides. I can remember.
I've been invited to play the piano at the 10:00 church service at my old church this Sunday. It'll be so nice to see my old friends. I've picked out "How Great Thou Art" and will pick up the practice-rate since it's this coming Sunday - Labor Day Weekend. It'll be a wet day. That's when the remnants of Hurricane Isaac should "hit us." It's going to miss Venice, thank goodness! Wherever it lands, I hope it doesn't do much damage.
Okay. I'd better practice. So - how're things goin' in your neck o' the woods?
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Home Alone and getting things accomplished. . . .
All our company left. It's nice and quiet. Bill and Epril left on last Friday at 5 AM (Yes. That's right. 5 AM). They drove straight through to Venice in 20 hours. I don't envy them, and I didn't envy them. We talked with them last night. The trip was fine. No problems at all. They have a new minister at their church in Northport and got home in hear him preach his first sermon.
Did I mentioned that two weeks ago, Paul had an accident with his van?
He was pulling out of our T intersection onto the curvy, windy street our cul de sac leads into. Anyway - he's okay. His seat belt wasn't even jerked around. The front of the van needs work, though. Luckily the truck and driver that he collided with weren't hurt. We're driving one car while the van is being repaired. So far, it's been fine. I don't expect it will not be!
Brother Bob continues to improve from his heart operation. He's still at his daughter Christine's house. He'll be there for a week or so more, and then he will go to his son Jon's house in Sarasota. Cousin Alice is getting his mail for him. We talk with him every other day or so, and each time he seems better and better. We talked with him tonight.
Other health issues:
I had a not-so-routine colonoscopy a week ago because things weren't coming out right. (pun!) And I was tired of it all and demanded a colonoscopy to see if we could find out what was going on. I had been feeling poorly for quite some time - months, a year? I blamed it on weight gain. So I lost 23 pounds - (and I intend to do some more.) I blamed it on sudden high blood pressure. I am on blood pressure medication. Wasn't the problem.
I gave up foods with lactose, coffee. Didn't do any good. So the gastroenterologist did a biopsy with the colonoscopy and discovered microscopic colitis. This is a disease that can be treated with medication. And eliminating some. I'm taking it - and have eliminated some - and am I ever feeling better! It'll take a while, sometimes months or years, for it to do it's job completely, but I'm so glad that we know what's wrong and I'm feeling ever so much better. God bless the doctors when they find what's wrong.
Isn't that enough about health???
Paul has finished the garage walls and ceiling, and has painted it all white. It looks so nice. Much brighter.
It sure feels like Fall is coming. That's what I miss about Long Island. August was August - it was still summer. Been up here for 36 years, Fall weather begins the third week in August. It is good sleeping weather, though. I have been up here exactly one-half of my life.
Our tomato crop has just about ended. We've enjoyed BLT's a lot, using turkey bacon as a health substitute for regular bacon. It's a pretty good substitute.
Talked with my good friend Carol O this afternoon, and she's made reservations on the auto-train for her trip to Fla. She's really excited about it. I know how she feels. It'll be good to see our friends and family down there. We'll miss our family and friends here though. She's coming for a visit here in September before she has her knee replacement at the end of September. It'll be good to see her. We don't see each other much up north but enjoy each other down in Venice.
I've been asked to play at my old church in Bath on Labor Day Weekend. I've started practicing. It'll be good to be there and see everyone.
Guess that's all the news from this part of the Woods. How're things in your neck o' the woods?
Did I mentioned that two weeks ago, Paul had an accident with his van?
He was pulling out of our T intersection onto the curvy, windy street our cul de sac leads into. Anyway - he's okay. His seat belt wasn't even jerked around. The front of the van needs work, though. Luckily the truck and driver that he collided with weren't hurt. We're driving one car while the van is being repaired. So far, it's been fine. I don't expect it will not be!
Brother Bob continues to improve from his heart operation. He's still at his daughter Christine's house. He'll be there for a week or so more, and then he will go to his son Jon's house in Sarasota. Cousin Alice is getting his mail for him. We talk with him every other day or so, and each time he seems better and better. We talked with him tonight.
Other health issues:
I had a not-so-routine colonoscopy a week ago because things weren't coming out right. (pun!) And I was tired of it all and demanded a colonoscopy to see if we could find out what was going on. I had been feeling poorly for quite some time - months, a year? I blamed it on weight gain. So I lost 23 pounds - (and I intend to do some more.) I blamed it on sudden high blood pressure. I am on blood pressure medication. Wasn't the problem.
I gave up foods with lactose, coffee. Didn't do any good. So the gastroenterologist did a biopsy with the colonoscopy and discovered microscopic colitis. This is a disease that can be treated with medication. And eliminating some. I'm taking it - and have eliminated some - and am I ever feeling better! It'll take a while, sometimes months or years, for it to do it's job completely, but I'm so glad that we know what's wrong and I'm feeling ever so much better. God bless the doctors when they find what's wrong.
Isn't that enough about health???
Paul has finished the garage walls and ceiling, and has painted it all white. It looks so nice. Much brighter.
It sure feels like Fall is coming. That's what I miss about Long Island. August was August - it was still summer. Been up here for 36 years, Fall weather begins the third week in August. It is good sleeping weather, though. I have been up here exactly one-half of my life.
Our tomato crop has just about ended. We've enjoyed BLT's a lot, using turkey bacon as a health substitute for regular bacon. It's a pretty good substitute.
Talked with my good friend Carol O this afternoon, and she's made reservations on the auto-train for her trip to Fla. She's really excited about it. I know how she feels. It'll be good to see our friends and family down there. We'll miss our family and friends here though. She's coming for a visit here in September before she has her knee replacement at the end of September. It'll be good to see her. We don't see each other much up north but enjoy each other down in Venice.
I've been asked to play at my old church in Bath on Labor Day Weekend. I've started practicing. It'll be good to be there and see everyone.
Guess that's all the news from this part of the Woods. How're things in your neck o' the woods?
Sunday, August 12, 2012
More Happenings This Past Week
Brother Bob continues to improve from his heart surgery last Monday in Melborne Fla.
As you know, I've been busy this week and didn't have the time to write. BUT - Facebook has been great for quick updates. His son, Jon, and daughter, Christine, were very good about keeping me informed as to how things were going. One or the other called, during the first couple of hours, days.
Jon had to go to Orlando for work, Tuesday- but came back to Melbourne Saturday and made sure we talked with Bob for a couple of minutes. It really tired him out, but he was just "six days out" so we were so happy to at least hear his voice.
Tomorrow, Monday, he'll be out of the hospital and recuperating with Christine and her family in Indialantic. (the next town over.) I know Christine will take fantastic care of him. She and Jon are both such good people. It does my heart good to think of them. No pun intended.
Bill and Epril arrived here last Tuesday and were here til Friday, so their time overlapped with Nancy and Dan's visit for a couple of days. It was busy around here!
Sleeping arrangements: Nancy and Dan upstairs in the guest room, Vincent, next to them, in the library on a fouton, Evie in the Kids Kamp in her port-a-crib. Nancy requested they be separated because they tended to keep each other awake. Bill and Epril were/are downstairs in the other guest room. It was much quieter for them.
This was great timing for Bill and Epril to come because Bill had his 25th High School Class Reunion over the weekend, it was his birthday, and Epril had a chance to meet her new nephew and niece. We live almost forty-five minutes from Bath, his hometown, so they're staying at Dad and Judy's home there, Friday - through tomorrow. Then they're back here with us for a couple of days.
Evie took right to Epril, and let her hold her from the very first. (Evie doesn't do that very often. She's more stand-offish at first) Epril even said she said - I love you. Early on. Wow. We were impressed. It looks like Epril has a way with little kids. Big smile from Epril. And her face lit up when she saw Evie.
Bill sent me a copy of his "itinerary" before they got here, and they've pretty much kept on schedule.
Good Heavens! They even had time one afternoon to go to Addison to see our old minister, Dave Barnard! After the reunion and their stay in Bath, they're headed to Niagara Falls, then they'll be back here for a day or two before heading back to Florida.
It makes me tired thinking of all the places and people they've seen. I only mentioned a fraction of the "events" Bill had planned. And I'm glad I have his itinerary because I'd never keep track of where he was. I'm hoping Epril will have posted a lot of pictures on Facebook, or on Bill's blog.
So that's what's happened here at the Woods Edge. What's happenin' in your neck of the woods?
.
As you know, I've been busy this week and didn't have the time to write. BUT - Facebook has been great for quick updates. His son, Jon, and daughter, Christine, were very good about keeping me informed as to how things were going. One or the other called, during the first couple of hours, days.
Jon had to go to Orlando for work, Tuesday- but came back to Melbourne Saturday and made sure we talked with Bob for a couple of minutes. It really tired him out, but he was just "six days out" so we were so happy to at least hear his voice.
Tomorrow, Monday, he'll be out of the hospital and recuperating with Christine and her family in Indialantic. (the next town over.) I know Christine will take fantastic care of him. She and Jon are both such good people. It does my heart good to think of them. No pun intended.
Bill and Epril arrived here last Tuesday and were here til Friday, so their time overlapped with Nancy and Dan's visit for a couple of days. It was busy around here!
Sleeping arrangements: Nancy and Dan upstairs in the guest room, Vincent, next to them, in the library on a fouton, Evie in the Kids Kamp in her port-a-crib. Nancy requested they be separated because they tended to keep each other awake. Bill and Epril were/are downstairs in the other guest room. It was much quieter for them.
This was great timing for Bill and Epril to come because Bill had his 25th High School Class Reunion over the weekend, it was his birthday, and Epril had a chance to meet her new nephew and niece. We live almost forty-five minutes from Bath, his hometown, so they're staying at Dad and Judy's home there, Friday - through tomorrow. Then they're back here with us for a couple of days.
Evie took right to Epril, and let her hold her from the very first. (Evie doesn't do that very often. She's more stand-offish at first) Epril even said she said - I love you. Early on. Wow. We were impressed. It looks like Epril has a way with little kids. Big smile from Epril. And her face lit up when she saw Evie.
Bill sent me a copy of his "itinerary" before they got here, and they've pretty much kept on schedule.
Good Heavens! They even had time one afternoon to go to Addison to see our old minister, Dave Barnard! After the reunion and their stay in Bath, they're headed to Niagara Falls, then they'll be back here for a day or two before heading back to Florida.
It makes me tired thinking of all the places and people they've seen. I only mentioned a fraction of the "events" Bill had planned. And I'm glad I have his itinerary because I'd never keep track of where he was. I'm hoping Epril will have posted a lot of pictures on Facebook, or on Bill's blog.
So that's what's happened here at the Woods Edge. What's happenin' in your neck of the woods?
.
Clean Glass Doors
I just completed the usual paper towel/glass cleaner routine for glass doors that have little fingerprints on it.
Nancy and Dan left this morning around 8:30 for their trip back to Chicago.
In the back, Evie (22 months) sat, strapped in her car seat . She was facing forward for the first time, but she wasn't really impressed about this new event - Next to her were assorted soft toys, her blankie, and then comes brother, Vincent, (6) strapped in his car seat. Both excited that they'd soon be watching the new DVD The Lorax on their DVD player. There are lots of food and drink to use on the way, but they still plan stops for lunch, dinner. They plan to go the whole way home today - 10-12 hours depending on how Evie is. Nancy has to work tomorrow. She's driving the first shift.
I finally got out my camcorder as they were packing up and leaving. Kinda slow thinking on my part. At least no one said - Mom, isn't it a little late for that? I appreciated that. I hadn't used it in a long time, so I forgot to turn it on to record, but I did get some cute shots after I realized it.
It is very quiet here.
New news: Nancy's expecting a little boy around February 19th. She's over the morning sickness, and feeling better, but tired. Evie got her up at 5 AM. this morning. Mothers all over the world can identify with this. Perhaps when Evie naps in the car, Nancy can too. . . .
Evie is talking a lot, but I can understand only 1 in 10 words. Nancy says that she's can't underestand her either, but Evie's tone of voice lets you know what she's talking about. True.
Gracie's glad the children have gone.
They tried really hard not to upset her, but hugs and pats were sometimes a little hard, and jumping and yelling made her nervous. Just typical children. Gracie was bewildered. She barked a lot. It scared Evie and made her cry. We even had to get a spray water bottle to use on her. Even Paul used it. She learned that our bedroom and the computer room were her kid-free places, so she hung out there. A lot.
That's the newest news from the Woods Edge. How're things goin' in your neck o' the woods?
Nancy and Dan left this morning around 8:30 for their trip back to Chicago.
In the back, Evie (22 months) sat, strapped in her car seat . She was facing forward for the first time, but she wasn't really impressed about this new event - Next to her were assorted soft toys, her blankie, and then comes brother, Vincent, (6) strapped in his car seat. Both excited that they'd soon be watching the new DVD The Lorax on their DVD player. There are lots of food and drink to use on the way, but they still plan stops for lunch, dinner. They plan to go the whole way home today - 10-12 hours depending on how Evie is. Nancy has to work tomorrow. She's driving the first shift.
I finally got out my camcorder as they were packing up and leaving. Kinda slow thinking on my part. At least no one said - Mom, isn't it a little late for that? I appreciated that. I hadn't used it in a long time, so I forgot to turn it on to record, but I did get some cute shots after I realized it.
It is very quiet here.
New news: Nancy's expecting a little boy around February 19th. She's over the morning sickness, and feeling better, but tired. Evie got her up at 5 AM. this morning. Mothers all over the world can identify with this. Perhaps when Evie naps in the car, Nancy can too. . . .
Evie is talking a lot, but I can understand only 1 in 10 words. Nancy says that she's can't underestand her either, but Evie's tone of voice lets you know what she's talking about. True.
Gracie's glad the children have gone.
They tried really hard not to upset her, but hugs and pats were sometimes a little hard, and jumping and yelling made her nervous. Just typical children. Gracie was bewildered. She barked a lot. It scared Evie and made her cry. We even had to get a spray water bottle to use on her. Even Paul used it. She learned that our bedroom and the computer room were her kid-free places, so she hung out there. A lot.
That's the newest news from the Woods Edge. How're things goin' in your neck o' the woods?
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Keeping Busy
Everything's been copacetic round here. (Not much going on, to speak of.) Just the normal every day things we have going on.
Paul's in the garage - hammering and stapling wallboard to walls and ceilings. He's going at a good pace, which doesn't mean fast. It means he's working at a good pace - he does a little, comes inside to sit at the computer or across from me, and we talk awhile. He'll say - it's gettin' hot out there, I'm quittin' for the day. Sure. He stops. Then he may go out again later. Or perhaps not. Whatever hits his fancy. We try to make it so that life in retirement is not about working until you're exhausted. (At least in our lives.)
He mentioned to me the other day - I'm almost finished with the garage. and then he says - What'll I do when that happens? He meant that literally . . . What. Will. He. Do? When Brenda was here, I told her what he said, and she said - Oh, yes. That sounds like dad. I agree. That's the way he is. He has to be busy. He needs projects. He'll find one. Or more. I have faith in him.
Let me back up.
Earlier this summer, he put in a little fountain, that he brought from Montour, and put it beside our deck with a little rock garden. We picked out perennial flowers at this lovely lovely nursery called Valerie's Gardens. I seem to remember mentioning that last year. But I'm going to repeat it. Valerie's, situated in the country, has a beautiful setting with big trees, a lovely display of perennials, annuals, green houses.
Valerie's has a large set of windchimes, hanging from a big old tree amid the flower gardens. The chimes really bong. But softly. They're big. We always admired the sound, which reminds me:
When we were in Florida last year, Paul said he'd like to make a windchime, so he went to some nurseries, and studied them and picked up some tubing from Home Depot, and together we decided the "chord" we'd like to have chime. And he cut the tubing to make the sound, added them altogether, and did some other things and voila - we had a wind chime.
At first I thought it would bother the neighbors. No way. It's very soft. So we had it on the lanai in Florida, which is sometimes open to the breeze, and we would enjoy it during cocktail hour. It sounded so nice, we brought it back up here with us and it is off our deck, so now we have the sound of the babbling water fountain and the wind chimes to keep us company.
Speaking of 5:00 cocktail hour, - If it's not hot, we'll sit out on our deck. At this time of year, if we look over the garage, the sun shines through one of the trees and that, with a light breeze, makes the leaves sparkle. They really do sparkle for several minutes, looking like Christmas lights. My goodness. It is so pretty. It only happens at this time of year when the sun's at a certain angle.
But - It's been so hot this year, we've stayed inside and really enjoyed our a/c. rather than sit on the hot deck. We shouldn't complain. We haven't been as hot as a lot of places.
Before I leave you, I'd like prayers for my brother, Bob, who is going in for heart surgery, the day after tomorrow, Monday in Melbourne, Florida.
The operation will be performed at the hospital where his daughter, Christine, a doctor, is affiliated. It is a routine (as routine as a heart operation can be) but serious operation. He will stay in the hospital for a week.
His son, Jon, who lives in Sarasota, will go with him to Melbourne. Bob and Jon will stay at her house this weekend before Bob needs to go to the hospital on Sunday for the usual preliminaries, with the operation on Monday. He will recuperate with Christine and her family - husband Dave, and children Susan and Tommy. Bob's papillon, Martini, will be staying at Jon's house for the duration.
Paul's in the garage - hammering and stapling wallboard to walls and ceilings. He's going at a good pace, which doesn't mean fast. It means he's working at a good pace - he does a little, comes inside to sit at the computer or across from me, and we talk awhile. He'll say - it's gettin' hot out there, I'm quittin' for the day. Sure. He stops. Then he may go out again later. Or perhaps not. Whatever hits his fancy. We try to make it so that life in retirement is not about working until you're exhausted. (At least in our lives.)
He mentioned to me the other day - I'm almost finished with the garage. and then he says - What'll I do when that happens? He meant that literally . . . What. Will. He. Do? When Brenda was here, I told her what he said, and she said - Oh, yes. That sounds like dad. I agree. That's the way he is. He has to be busy. He needs projects. He'll find one. Or more. I have faith in him.
Let me back up.
Earlier this summer, he put in a little fountain, that he brought from Montour, and put it beside our deck with a little rock garden. We picked out perennial flowers at this lovely lovely nursery called Valerie's Gardens. I seem to remember mentioning that last year. But I'm going to repeat it. Valerie's, situated in the country, has a beautiful setting with big trees, a lovely display of perennials, annuals, green houses.
Valerie's has a large set of windchimes, hanging from a big old tree amid the flower gardens. The chimes really bong. But softly. They're big. We always admired the sound, which reminds me:
When we were in Florida last year, Paul said he'd like to make a windchime, so he went to some nurseries, and studied them and picked up some tubing from Home Depot, and together we decided the "chord" we'd like to have chime. And he cut the tubing to make the sound, added them altogether, and did some other things and voila - we had a wind chime.
At first I thought it would bother the neighbors. No way. It's very soft. So we had it on the lanai in Florida, which is sometimes open to the breeze, and we would enjoy it during cocktail hour. It sounded so nice, we brought it back up here with us and it is off our deck, so now we have the sound of the babbling water fountain and the wind chimes to keep us company.
Speaking of 5:00 cocktail hour, - If it's not hot, we'll sit out on our deck. At this time of year, if we look over the garage, the sun shines through one of the trees and that, with a light breeze, makes the leaves sparkle. They really do sparkle for several minutes, looking like Christmas lights. My goodness. It is so pretty. It only happens at this time of year when the sun's at a certain angle.
But - It's been so hot this year, we've stayed inside and really enjoyed our a/c. rather than sit on the hot deck. We shouldn't complain. We haven't been as hot as a lot of places.
Before I leave you, I'd like prayers for my brother, Bob, who is going in for heart surgery, the day after tomorrow, Monday in Melbourne, Florida.
The operation will be performed at the hospital where his daughter, Christine, a doctor, is affiliated. It is a routine (as routine as a heart operation can be) but serious operation. He will stay in the hospital for a week.
His son, Jon, who lives in Sarasota, will go with him to Melbourne. Bob and Jon will stay at her house this weekend before Bob needs to go to the hospital on Sunday for the usual preliminaries, with the operation on Monday. He will recuperate with Christine and her family - husband Dave, and children Susan and Tommy. Bob's papillon, Martini, will be staying at Jon's house for the duration.
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