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.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
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.
Monday, June 29, 2015
It wasn't that bad.
Ha.
Here I am again. Well, several years ago, Queen Elizabeth II, the year there was a big fire at her home, Diana and Charles got divorced, called that year, her (my latin) "my yearus terribilus" in other words a really really bad year.
I guess you could call June my bad terribilus month. There's never been one like it for me. It is hoped there won't be again, and it left a lot to be desired, and now I feel like I'm a member of the exclusive club of those with new knees. I guess you could say, my pain is usually down to a minimum and that is the reason for celebrating. For it all. But - nothings gained unless you've learned from it.
I learned a lot. It will be worth it. And I apologize for all the complaining. I left some of it out as a favor to you all and my conscience. I still have my other knee to contend with. That will be in Florida, this winter. I'm sure you'll say - not again. Here we go again.
First of all, I want to thank all of you for your kind wishes and messages that poured in from all the people who had knee replacement - and it was a lot. It is amazing how many people have had knee replacement. It is a very popular (?) surgery.
As I said, I learned a lot. First of all, I had a good surgeon. I had it done in a brand new hospital with many soothing, smiling nurses, aides for five days. You'd ring the bell and someone was there almost immediately. I felt like I was in a five-star hotel. Couldn't have asked for anywhere better.
So.....
I had an antibiotic introduced into my system during the operation, standard procedure. Unfortunately it caused my colitis to act up, in the hospital, nursing home and home. so that I wasn't only sore from the operation, but from the colitis. Colitis isn't the anti-immune disease of choice to have when you're helpless. It took a couple of weeks for my brain and body to understand that this wasn't normal and was separate from the knee pain.
No one discovered this secondary problem, colitis, but little ole me. So - I made an appointment with my gastroenterologist when I got out of the nursing home. I am feeling much better now. I can remember the PA telling me as Paul and I left his office, he said - next time. call me. sooner. Right. I shall be more aware of pain that isn't in my knee area when the anesthesia wears off. Was it two weeks I was unknowingly suffering?
During part of that time, I was in a nursing home. We figured that was the best place to be.
It did not make me a happy camper. Most of the food was tasteless. That's not a really big problem. Now, I must say that my gluten free diet didn't help - But I didn't have any appetite anyway. How about - broccoli and cauliflower as a main meal. That was the worst, though. Seriously. And I still don't have an appetite. (I've lost 10 pounds. I always celebrate when that happens . . whatever the reason.)
One episode stands out in my mind - I was walking with my walker in my room and I happened to glance across the hall at the man in that room. He had his face in his food. Like he had passed out. I quickly made my way into the hall where six aides were standing. . . Hey, people, this man needs help. Their response? Is she (meaning me) supposed to be using a walker? What's she doing out in the hall. They did finally respond to him.
Now about the nursing home: They didn't tell me that I was set up to stay for two weeks. It somehow got in my mind that I was to have five days of PT. But they did tell me on Friday, the day I arrived at the nursing home, and the PT people came and measured my knee - See you Monday for PT! What do you mean - no PT until Monday!
Now, keep this in mind . . . Everyone, and I mean everyone, had said - now make sure you follow the therapy. Do it. Don't delay. Here I was without any therapy for two whole days. I figured my new knee was going to wither, dry up and fall off.
So after five days, of which two were the weekend, and didn't include any physical therapy, Paul and I "demanded" a meeting with the higher-ups. (It reminded me of meetings I had with parents, special ed teachers, principal, everyone. How intimidating it must have been for parents.)
I told them I wanna go home. Today. Now. After some gasps and reasons why they couldn't do it, there wasn't time, they had all the papers ready by 4:00. (three hours later) Paul and I were just about ready to get in the car and leave, when someone came racing out and wheeled me back in. I hadn't signed some papers.
I HAD had therapy at that point, and it was good, made a difference, but I didn't need to have to learn how to dress myself, put my socks, shoes on. There were several inventions for me to try. I did. They worked well. I'll get them in Florida.
My dear one was and is the best. He modified the shower in our bathroom - took out our glass door, added a hand-held shower, a seat, and a shower curtain. He got me a phone in the nursing home. We were allowed to bring a phone from home. He brought GF raisin toast, Chex GF cereal, GF cookies, GF pretzels. What a dear. He helped me in so many ways. I felt truly cherished and loved. He's doing all the cooking, and gradually I'm getting to do some things on my own. I'm walking without a cane now. I'm not supposed to, but I do. I go to PT two times a week. Up at Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls. I have a great young lady who's helping me. I practice my exercises here at the house.
Gracie - when I came home, she saw me in the garage in the car - jumped in and cried. It was so sweet. She never got used to the walker, especially at night when I had to get up. Her cry was the saddest of sads. I could feel she could feel how I felt. She's gotten much better now. She still follows me around.
But now she zooms outside. And plays with her toys. BTW - Paul took her to the vet and she had an infection - so she was on an antibiotic and felt much better. So - me being home, her feeling better has made her world a whole lot nicer.
********
I've been skyping with Bill and Flor each Sunday night at 9:00, which is 9AM Monday morning there. Little Samantha is finally getting used to me a little bit. She was very shy. Now at least when we were done talking, she (whispered) bye. And her face lights up when she sees Gracie. Gracie responds to Bill. Her head nods when he speaks to her and she looks directly at him. Of course she doesn't understand but recognizes his face and voice.)
Ruth and Carol O from Bath came with some food for the invalid - marvelous. We're still eating parts of the salad makings. Also the Corning relatives brought food. It was wonderful.
Dorothy came by on Friday to say hello and go to Charles' graduation ceremony at Odessa High school.
We've seen Lue - and she's called every night to see how I'm doing, also her friend Ruth who had a hip replaced is doing very well.
Nancy kept in touch a lot, and ordered books on Amazon for me to read on my Kindle. That was a godsend. It let my mind get away. I appreciated that so much.
I got flowers from Paul's children, and a visit from Sharon and the Corning relatives, plus some more flowers.
It's our anniversary and we're going out to Tanino's, my favorite restaurant.
Here I am again. Well, several years ago, Queen Elizabeth II, the year there was a big fire at her home, Diana and Charles got divorced, called that year, her (my latin) "my yearus terribilus" in other words a really really bad year.
I guess you could call June my bad terribilus month. There's never been one like it for me. It is hoped there won't be again, and it left a lot to be desired, and now I feel like I'm a member of the exclusive club of those with new knees. I guess you could say, my pain is usually down to a minimum and that is the reason for celebrating. For it all. But - nothings gained unless you've learned from it.
I learned a lot. It will be worth it. And I apologize for all the complaining. I left some of it out as a favor to you all and my conscience. I still have my other knee to contend with. That will be in Florida, this winter. I'm sure you'll say - not again. Here we go again.
First of all, I want to thank all of you for your kind wishes and messages that poured in from all the people who had knee replacement - and it was a lot. It is amazing how many people have had knee replacement. It is a very popular (?) surgery.
As I said, I learned a lot. First of all, I had a good surgeon. I had it done in a brand new hospital with many soothing, smiling nurses, aides for five days. You'd ring the bell and someone was there almost immediately. I felt like I was in a five-star hotel. Couldn't have asked for anywhere better.
So.....
I had an antibiotic introduced into my system during the operation, standard procedure. Unfortunately it caused my colitis to act up, in the hospital, nursing home and home. so that I wasn't only sore from the operation, but from the colitis. Colitis isn't the anti-immune disease of choice to have when you're helpless. It took a couple of weeks for my brain and body to understand that this wasn't normal and was separate from the knee pain.
No one discovered this secondary problem, colitis, but little ole me. So - I made an appointment with my gastroenterologist when I got out of the nursing home. I am feeling much better now. I can remember the PA telling me as Paul and I left his office, he said - next time. call me. sooner. Right. I shall be more aware of pain that isn't in my knee area when the anesthesia wears off. Was it two weeks I was unknowingly suffering?
During part of that time, I was in a nursing home. We figured that was the best place to be.
It did not make me a happy camper. Most of the food was tasteless. That's not a really big problem. Now, I must say that my gluten free diet didn't help - But I didn't have any appetite anyway. How about - broccoli and cauliflower as a main meal. That was the worst, though. Seriously. And I still don't have an appetite. (I've lost 10 pounds. I always celebrate when that happens . . whatever the reason.)
One episode stands out in my mind - I was walking with my walker in my room and I happened to glance across the hall at the man in that room. He had his face in his food. Like he had passed out. I quickly made my way into the hall where six aides were standing. . . Hey, people, this man needs help. Their response? Is she (meaning me) supposed to be using a walker? What's she doing out in the hall. They did finally respond to him.
Now about the nursing home: They didn't tell me that I was set up to stay for two weeks. It somehow got in my mind that I was to have five days of PT. But they did tell me on Friday, the day I arrived at the nursing home, and the PT people came and measured my knee - See you Monday for PT! What do you mean - no PT until Monday!
Now, keep this in mind . . . Everyone, and I mean everyone, had said - now make sure you follow the therapy. Do it. Don't delay. Here I was without any therapy for two whole days. I figured my new knee was going to wither, dry up and fall off.
So after five days, of which two were the weekend, and didn't include any physical therapy, Paul and I "demanded" a meeting with the higher-ups. (It reminded me of meetings I had with parents, special ed teachers, principal, everyone. How intimidating it must have been for parents.)
I told them I wanna go home. Today. Now. After some gasps and reasons why they couldn't do it, there wasn't time, they had all the papers ready by 4:00. (three hours later) Paul and I were just about ready to get in the car and leave, when someone came racing out and wheeled me back in. I hadn't signed some papers.
I HAD had therapy at that point, and it was good, made a difference, but I didn't need to have to learn how to dress myself, put my socks, shoes on. There were several inventions for me to try. I did. They worked well. I'll get them in Florida.
My dear one was and is the best. He modified the shower in our bathroom - took out our glass door, added a hand-held shower, a seat, and a shower curtain. He got me a phone in the nursing home. We were allowed to bring a phone from home. He brought GF raisin toast, Chex GF cereal, GF cookies, GF pretzels. What a dear. He helped me in so many ways. I felt truly cherished and loved. He's doing all the cooking, and gradually I'm getting to do some things on my own. I'm walking without a cane now. I'm not supposed to, but I do. I go to PT two times a week. Up at Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls. I have a great young lady who's helping me. I practice my exercises here at the house.
Gracie - when I came home, she saw me in the garage in the car - jumped in and cried. It was so sweet. She never got used to the walker, especially at night when I had to get up. Her cry was the saddest of sads. I could feel she could feel how I felt. She's gotten much better now. She still follows me around.
But now she zooms outside. And plays with her toys. BTW - Paul took her to the vet and she had an infection - so she was on an antibiotic and felt much better. So - me being home, her feeling better has made her world a whole lot nicer.
********
I've been skyping with Bill and Flor each Sunday night at 9:00, which is 9AM Monday morning there. Little Samantha is finally getting used to me a little bit. She was very shy. Now at least when we were done talking, she (whispered) bye. And her face lights up when she sees Gracie. Gracie responds to Bill. Her head nods when he speaks to her and she looks directly at him. Of course she doesn't understand but recognizes his face and voice.)
Ruth and Carol O from Bath came with some food for the invalid - marvelous. We're still eating parts of the salad makings. Also the Corning relatives brought food. It was wonderful.
Dorothy came by on Friday to say hello and go to Charles' graduation ceremony at Odessa High school.
We've seen Lue - and she's called every night to see how I'm doing, also her friend Ruth who had a hip replaced is doing very well.
Nancy kept in touch a lot, and ordered books on Amazon for me to read on my Kindle. That was a godsend. It let my mind get away. I appreciated that so much.
I got flowers from Paul's children, and a visit from Sharon and the Corning relatives, plus some more flowers.
It's our anniversary and we're going out to Tanino's, my favorite restaurant.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
I'm back - in more ways than one.
Hi there - haven't written much because we hadn't done much. Now I can.
Naturally (for me, anyway) I didn't get this finished, so I'm adding things.
We're upstate New York now because of my injured knee. We called an orthopedist and made an appointment for April 22 to see him. So we stayed in Florida for a couple of weeks because - why come back to the cold, snow, when we don't have to - and then left April 14-16th.
We had the choice of going with an orthopedist down in Venice, whom we liked a lot, or coming up here to have the surgery and lengthy recuperation done up here. If we'd had it done in Venice, we would have had to stay there for two more months.
So by his estimate it would have been July when we could leave. Kinda late for starting mowing-of-the-lawn up here. (Yes, I know, we could have made arrangements. But I have a happy husband.) One of our neighbors said that if we'd come two weeks earlier, we wouldn't have been able to get in the driveway due to snow and ice.
We spoke to several people who've had knee replacement surgery up here and two were really recommended. One is retiring in July, so he was out of consideration. That left us with the other. . .but no difference in qualifications, so that was fine! My good friend from Bath, Ruth, had her knee replacement done by him. several years ago. And - it's a small world - our other friend, Ruth, from Watkins Glen is having her hip replaced from him on the same day as I, in the same hospital. She's had a knee replacement from him also just like the other Ruth.
My surgery is scheduled for June 1st at the new Corning Hospital. Paul and I went to their Open House last year and were very impressed by the facility. My doctor, Dr. Austin, seems very knowledgeable and pleasant to talk to. My questions were answered fully. He spent a lot of time with me. That impressed me.
********
Something was new at Circlewoods - It's called . . . It's Five O'clock Somewhere.
It's a great way to make new friends. People meet outside the Clubhouse and set up tables, bring something to drink and a snack. It starts at 4:00 and ends at 7:00 but you can come and leave at any time. I like it because we're meeting a lot of new people. You don't have to drink alcohol unless you feel like it. We were there only three times before we had to start north, but I'm sure we'll make it a favorite weekly thing to do. When it gets too hot or rains, they move inside.
We got together with cousins - Carol and Alice - before we left. We went to Carabbas Grill and had a really nice dinner together. Carol looks well. She's doing the old dialysis system and it's working better for her than the one she was trying. Alice continues to maintain her healthy, happy outlook to life. She's a blessing to have in my life and everyone who knows her would agree.
Not much was happening for us at Circlewoods, since I was unable to get around much. Noi, Greg and NeeNee surprised us by a call the week before Easter and said they were coming up "for Easter Sunday afternoon." Wasn't that nice? We went to church before they got there. Then we went to Marker 4 restaurant which is on the water. (We'd been there a while back with Bob after a Venice Theater performance.) This time, like last time, we sat on the deck at a round table and could enjoy watching the boats. It was so nice to see Greg and family and be with them.
So our trip north came early this year (by two weeks or more) and we were lucky to come up to good weather for a while.
We did stop to see Edna and Mike, the last traveling day, in PA, and have lunch with them. They even had gluten free pretzels which we took home with us. Delicious. They both looked well, except for Edna's broken arm. Yes. Seems she fell two weeks ago in the garage. (I had wondered if she'd slipped on the ice, but no. She fell in the garage.) She still prepared a lovely lunch and we had a chance to sit and talk for a while. Their daughter, Judy, was coming for a visit from New Jersey that day, but she was arriving after we had left so we didn't have a chance to see her.
We came home to warmish weather and some of the daffodils are out. Now it's getting colder and we had some snow flurries yesterday. None are scheduled for today. I'm busy doing wash. I don't know how two people can manage to get so many clothes dirty!
So - I guess you could call me handicapped or disabled, so Paul went to the county office building to get me a handicapped sign to put on my rear view mirror.
Unfortunately, all they had there were the disabled stickers to put on license plates and Paul was sent (wouldn't you know) to the bottom of our hill, where the town of Veteran office buildings are located. It was late, so I was assigned the job of getting it on Thursday morning on my way to Bible Study. They weren't opened then so I went back afterwards.
One of the advantages of living in a small town. . .The lady behind the counter looked at my name and said --- I saw your name in the paper today! What? It seems my name was on a list of people who were to get money from Blue Cross/Blue Shield. . . .
When I got home, I looked, and there was my name on a full-page list of names in alphabetical order. I looked up BC/BS phone number and called and yes. After I verified that it was me, he said that in August there would be a check sent to me. Naturally he didn't know how much. But it has to be $50 or over. So --- how about that???
My next door neighbor also saw it, and told Paul about it.
It looks like Paul will have to mow the lawn sometime soon. But there's no hurry. It's now Tuesday the 28th, and the grass in the backyard looks like it's time. This feels so strange to me that we're home BEFORE all this must start. Our neighbors, located across the street and one house down, are putting in an in-ground pool. The workers are working even though there are snow flurries.
Bill got the light bulb I sent, but the TV still doesn't work. He's going to take it to the repair shop.
Samantha, Flor's 4 1/2 year old daughter took tests for the Chinese Language School last week. The school is one of the best in the area, according to Bill. It isn't far from where they live. So, it seems like a great opportunity.
One of Flor's sisters, Ellenette, is living with them. She's 12 years old so she may be going there either or another school - depending on if there's room.
We went for lunch with Lue and Sharon P yesterday. Sharon and Dave walked in for lunch, but we had just finished. This was the first we'd seen them since we arrived a week ago. They'd just finished closing on some office space in Montour Falls. They're excited. We're excited for them.
Talked with Carol O this week. She had an exciting couple of days. . . .
She left Fla the weekend before us. BUT she missed her train! She had to stay in a motel and leave the next day. It seems she left Circlewoods an hour later than expected because she had some little cleaning chores left to do. It's a three hour trip to Sanford, and she ran into unexpected delays of traffic. She called them, but it didn't do any good. They couldn't wait. Luckily there was ONE seat left on the Saturday train. Poor Carol. Guess that was a lesson learned. It would be for anybody. As she said, she was really outside of her comfort zone.
Sharon, Charles and Ida came Sunday afternoon and helped move some furniture in our living room. For those of you who know what it looked like, here's what happened. They moved the china cabinet that was on the stairway wall downstairs. They moved an oak cabinet from upstairs, to that spot. They moved the TV from the corner in the living room to on top of the cabinet.. Then they moved Paul's recliner to the empty spot where the TV stand was . The loveseat was placed where the piano was, and the piano was put between the dining room and the hall to the two other bedrooms. Make sense?
Naturally (for me, anyway) I didn't get this finished, so I'm adding things.
We're upstate New York now because of my injured knee. We called an orthopedist and made an appointment for April 22 to see him. So we stayed in Florida for a couple of weeks because - why come back to the cold, snow, when we don't have to - and then left April 14-16th.
We had the choice of going with an orthopedist down in Venice, whom we liked a lot, or coming up here to have the surgery and lengthy recuperation done up here. If we'd had it done in Venice, we would have had to stay there for two more months.
So by his estimate it would have been July when we could leave. Kinda late for starting mowing-of-the-lawn up here. (Yes, I know, we could have made arrangements. But I have a happy husband.) One of our neighbors said that if we'd come two weeks earlier, we wouldn't have been able to get in the driveway due to snow and ice.
We spoke to several people who've had knee replacement surgery up here and two were really recommended. One is retiring in July, so he was out of consideration. That left us with the other. . .but no difference in qualifications, so that was fine! My good friend from Bath, Ruth, had her knee replacement done by him. several years ago. And - it's a small world - our other friend, Ruth, from Watkins Glen is having her hip replaced from him on the same day as I, in the same hospital. She's had a knee replacement from him also just like the other Ruth.
My surgery is scheduled for June 1st at the new Corning Hospital. Paul and I went to their Open House last year and were very impressed by the facility. My doctor, Dr. Austin, seems very knowledgeable and pleasant to talk to. My questions were answered fully. He spent a lot of time with me. That impressed me.
********
Something was new at Circlewoods - It's called . . . It's Five O'clock Somewhere.
It's a great way to make new friends. People meet outside the Clubhouse and set up tables, bring something to drink and a snack. It starts at 4:00 and ends at 7:00 but you can come and leave at any time. I like it because we're meeting a lot of new people. You don't have to drink alcohol unless you feel like it. We were there only three times before we had to start north, but I'm sure we'll make it a favorite weekly thing to do. When it gets too hot or rains, they move inside.
We got together with cousins - Carol and Alice - before we left. We went to Carabbas Grill and had a really nice dinner together. Carol looks well. She's doing the old dialysis system and it's working better for her than the one she was trying. Alice continues to maintain her healthy, happy outlook to life. She's a blessing to have in my life and everyone who knows her would agree.
Not much was happening for us at Circlewoods, since I was unable to get around much. Noi, Greg and NeeNee surprised us by a call the week before Easter and said they were coming up "for Easter Sunday afternoon." Wasn't that nice? We went to church before they got there. Then we went to Marker 4 restaurant which is on the water. (We'd been there a while back with Bob after a Venice Theater performance.) This time, like last time, we sat on the deck at a round table and could enjoy watching the boats. It was so nice to see Greg and family and be with them.
So our trip north came early this year (by two weeks or more) and we were lucky to come up to good weather for a while.
We did stop to see Edna and Mike, the last traveling day, in PA, and have lunch with them. They even had gluten free pretzels which we took home with us. Delicious. They both looked well, except for Edna's broken arm. Yes. Seems she fell two weeks ago in the garage. (I had wondered if she'd slipped on the ice, but no. She fell in the garage.) She still prepared a lovely lunch and we had a chance to sit and talk for a while. Their daughter, Judy, was coming for a visit from New Jersey that day, but she was arriving after we had left so we didn't have a chance to see her.
We came home to warmish weather and some of the daffodils are out. Now it's getting colder and we had some snow flurries yesterday. None are scheduled for today. I'm busy doing wash. I don't know how two people can manage to get so many clothes dirty!
So - I guess you could call me handicapped or disabled, so Paul went to the county office building to get me a handicapped sign to put on my rear view mirror.
Unfortunately, all they had there were the disabled stickers to put on license plates and Paul was sent (wouldn't you know) to the bottom of our hill, where the town of Veteran office buildings are located. It was late, so I was assigned the job of getting it on Thursday morning on my way to Bible Study. They weren't opened then so I went back afterwards.
One of the advantages of living in a small town. . .The lady behind the counter looked at my name and said --- I saw your name in the paper today! What? It seems my name was on a list of people who were to get money from Blue Cross/Blue Shield. . . .
When I got home, I looked, and there was my name on a full-page list of names in alphabetical order. I looked up BC/BS phone number and called and yes. After I verified that it was me, he said that in August there would be a check sent to me. Naturally he didn't know how much. But it has to be $50 or over. So --- how about that???
My next door neighbor also saw it, and told Paul about it.
It looks like Paul will have to mow the lawn sometime soon. But there's no hurry. It's now Tuesday the 28th, and the grass in the backyard looks like it's time. This feels so strange to me that we're home BEFORE all this must start. Our neighbors, located across the street and one house down, are putting in an in-ground pool. The workers are working even though there are snow flurries.
Bill got the light bulb I sent, but the TV still doesn't work. He's going to take it to the repair shop.
Samantha, Flor's 4 1/2 year old daughter took tests for the Chinese Language School last week. The school is one of the best in the area, according to Bill. It isn't far from where they live. So, it seems like a great opportunity.
One of Flor's sisters, Ellenette, is living with them. She's 12 years old so she may be going there either or another school - depending on if there's room.
We went for lunch with Lue and Sharon P yesterday. Sharon and Dave walked in for lunch, but we had just finished. This was the first we'd seen them since we arrived a week ago. They'd just finished closing on some office space in Montour Falls. They're excited. We're excited for them.
Talked with Carol O this week. She had an exciting couple of days. . . .
She left Fla the weekend before us. BUT she missed her train! She had to stay in a motel and leave the next day. It seems she left Circlewoods an hour later than expected because she had some little cleaning chores left to do. It's a three hour trip to Sanford, and she ran into unexpected delays of traffic. She called them, but it didn't do any good. They couldn't wait. Luckily there was ONE seat left on the Saturday train. Poor Carol. Guess that was a lesson learned. It would be for anybody. As she said, she was really outside of her comfort zone.
Sharon, Charles and Ida came Sunday afternoon and helped move some furniture in our living room. For those of you who know what it looked like, here's what happened. They moved the china cabinet that was on the stairway wall downstairs. They moved an oak cabinet from upstairs, to that spot. They moved the TV from the corner in the living room to on top of the cabinet.. Then they moved Paul's recliner to the empty spot where the TV stand was . The loveseat was placed where the piano was, and the piano was put between the dining room and the hall to the two other bedrooms. Make sense?
Monday, March 23, 2015
This Growing Old is Not for Sissies.
Do the Good really die young? Nah. Look at my husband. And I just had my 75th birthday.
Well, it's good to be writing again. I had a problem with this computer - I have the touchpad "erased" as I like to use my mouse instead. It had un-erased and was causing a lot of problems for me: of words that suddenly disappeared, or I'd start typing and end up in the middle of a paragraph. Anyway, my dear husband showed me that F6 is the magical key that I can use. He even put a sticky note on the computer that I can use to remind me if I needed to do it again. What a guy.
I guess the biggest thing is that my son Bill has relocated to the Philippines.
His divorce was finalized in January. He decided a while ago that he really loved living there. .We picked him up last Saturday afternoon and brought him back to our house for the weekend.
He had some friends at the apartment so we had a chance to meet them. A young couple with a cute 2 year old boy. We dropped his car off at a friend of his who is a sheriff. So I guess he's reliable! LOL. He'll be storing the car for him while Billl continues on with the payments..
Then we took a bayan box (Filipino mailing cubes (They're quite big -This one held approx. 90 pounds) to a Filipino woman who has a business that mails them to the Philippines. It takes two-three months. Bill mailed out several with her earlier in the month. She has quite a business. In fact, she's renting a garage at her apartment complex to store all the boxes she presently has, before she sends them on their way.
Bill stayed with us Saturday night and Sunday night before we took him to the airport last Monday. He took us out to dinner on Saturday night to a Thai restaurant that we all love. So much food - I took half of it home with me.
If you don't already know, but I don't see how you could not, if you're on Facebook, since Bill's been telling the world about it on Facebook, Bill has met someone on the internet with whom he's decided to be with. Her name is Flor, who has a young pre-school daughter, Samantha.
An aside: Paul and I met on the internet. We were lucky because we could get together for coffee very soon thereafter. But Bill had Skype. So that helped them to get to know each other enormously.
It was hard to see him off, but all I want for him is to be happy and I think he's very happy. Overjoyed. He's been Facebooking all the time. I've tried to share a lot of the photos so my friends can see.
Monday: We've been Skyping back and forth starting on Saturday night - Sunday morning there. This was our first chance to Skype. He took me on a tour of his house, the outside area, and I had a chance to talk with Flor and Samantha. (4) It was nice to talk to Flor. She's a poised young lady who knows how to converse very well in English. Samantha was too shy to look at me. She buried herself in her mother. That's okay. You could tell they are very close. What a lot of changes in this little girl's short life. We must remember that anything worth anything takes time and patience with little ones.
Since talking with them on Saturday night, they called me for my birthday yesterday.
My birthday: Paul and I went to early church at 9:00 and then he said he wanted to take me to the club. In Englewood. That's the Moose Club. Well, he surprised me when we turned in to Boca Royale, the upscale restaurant/golfing community. That was the Club he was talking about! He was tickled that he surprised me! We had a wonderful brunch - great food, watched the golfers tee off, etc. Physically, I was not able to do much more. But he really surprised me a lot. It was a wonderful birthday.
I have just realized how much of the following has to do with health. My apologies. No one likes to read such things, but it has affected us. So I felt I should write.
So - I've been busy just trying to get my physical life back to normal. I've just gotten used to what doctors I have here do what, and I'll have to go up north and become used to the doctors up there again. (They said growing old isn't for sissies.) I DO have a yellow notebook in which I have put all doctors, their phone numbers and why I see them. and current happenings. At my age, it's hard to remember. There's a total of 12 doctors - here and there.
Since I wrote last, I haven't been able to get to the pool due to wounds. I had a stupid fall. And some exercise Both my arms and legs had been affected. . . .
On a day that was supposed to be wonderful - our friends Bob and Sue B. invited us on their catamaran boat.
Paul couldn't go because the shower men were still working on it. You'll read about this in a paragraph down below. I went with Carol O. All was fine, beautiful day - outstanding scenery, dolphins following us - Paradise on Parade. Until we stopped for lunch and the cement dock was too high for my short legs.
I fell up onto the dock and injured my knee and scraped up my shin. Then later I fell getting back into the boat. My knee was the one I had the cortisone shot - I guess luckily! It got better in a couple of days. Not the wounds though. They take forever to heal. No pool for me. I have been to the pool very little this year.
Paul came to their house later on to see what a beautiful spot they have. They live in a mobile home park on the Myaaka River. .
Then I went to Curves Thursday and Friday and injured my other knee. Holy Cow. (It did not affect Friday night's cocktail hour at the Clubhouse. Thank goodness. Another paragraph further along) I can hardly walk now. We stopped in at the orthopedics doctor this morning, and I'm hoping for an appointment really soon. They're booked up. BUT they put me on an "important list" and they'll call me this afternoon they said.) Cortisone shot needed, I think. And probably knee replacement. Probably sooner rather than later.
The thing about it is, I feel great when I'm sitting. Sleeping too. Like I could conquer the world. That's an illusion when I get up and try to go from one place to the other. Or even stand.
Bob is now back up in Alpharetta, planning his next trip south with his friend Mark, from Toronto. That should be at the end of April because we're planning on leaving after that.
We want to leave when the grass needs to be mowed. BUT Paul said you can't depend on the grass! And I agree - one year, the grass was high. Another year, it wasn't ready at all. You guys up North have had an awful winter, and we felt for you. I wonder if that means that Spring will come later, or earlier, or what. So that means we don't know.
Two weeks ago, Paul decided to clean the grout in our bathroom shower, and while doing it, put his hand through the tile and made a big hole. Needless to say, that started a chain-reaction of things, entitled Replacing Master Shower. We called Alice who had her guest shower replaced a while back. Her tile-man couldn't do the job (too busy), but he recommended a guy and he came and he and his son did a fabulous job. We were really pleased. Then we needed to paint the bathroom. From a lime-green to a beautiful tan color.
The medicine cabinet looked pretty awful. Paul took it out and is making a new one. What a beauty it is. All wood. Oak. The stain is gun metal. The window curtain was salvageable. Washed and rehung. I know how spoiled I am when I realized I asked him - oh, by the way, do you think you could replace the old shelving and make a new shelving unit to hang up on the wall with doors? and he immediately sat down and drew the plans.
We have found a new fun thing to do at Circlewoods. It's called "It's 5:00 Somewhere."
On Friday afternoons at 4:00, anyone who'd like to come can go to the Clubhouse. If it's nice weather, we sit outside, if not, we go inside to the a/cing. Everyone brings an hor d'oerve and whatever they'd like to drink. We've been twice. Last week we came late at 5:00 because our tile man hadn't finished up yet. It was nice. This time we came at 4:00 and left a little after 5:30 to go out for a fish fry. We had about 30 people there this time. The sun is very bright, but the shadows help immensely, and we have umbrellas on the tables.
Cousin Carol, Carol O both stopped by for my birthday yesterday afternoon. That was so nice - with funny cards. I talked with Nancy and the grandkids who sent me a kindle book. Looks good too! Alice is recuperating from a very bad cold after her trip to Colorado last week. She can hardly talk, her voice is so raspy But she says she's feeling better. Good!
So - I have to get up and complete the wash. What I can do, I do. As I said, when I'm sitting, I feel I can conquer the world. Then reality slips in.
Well, it's good to be writing again. I had a problem with this computer - I have the touchpad "erased" as I like to use my mouse instead. It had un-erased and was causing a lot of problems for me: of words that suddenly disappeared, or I'd start typing and end up in the middle of a paragraph. Anyway, my dear husband showed me that F6 is the magical key that I can use. He even put a sticky note on the computer that I can use to remind me if I needed to do it again. What a guy.
I guess the biggest thing is that my son Bill has relocated to the Philippines.
His divorce was finalized in January. He decided a while ago that he really loved living there. .We picked him up last Saturday afternoon and brought him back to our house for the weekend.
He had some friends at the apartment so we had a chance to meet them. A young couple with a cute 2 year old boy. We dropped his car off at a friend of his who is a sheriff. So I guess he's reliable! LOL. He'll be storing the car for him while Billl continues on with the payments..
Then we took a bayan box (Filipino mailing cubes (They're quite big -This one held approx. 90 pounds) to a Filipino woman who has a business that mails them to the Philippines. It takes two-three months. Bill mailed out several with her earlier in the month. She has quite a business. In fact, she's renting a garage at her apartment complex to store all the boxes she presently has, before she sends them on their way.
Bill stayed with us Saturday night and Sunday night before we took him to the airport last Monday. He took us out to dinner on Saturday night to a Thai restaurant that we all love. So much food - I took half of it home with me.
If you don't already know, but I don't see how you could not, if you're on Facebook, since Bill's been telling the world about it on Facebook, Bill has met someone on the internet with whom he's decided to be with. Her name is Flor, who has a young pre-school daughter, Samantha.
An aside: Paul and I met on the internet. We were lucky because we could get together for coffee very soon thereafter. But Bill had Skype. So that helped them to get to know each other enormously.
It was hard to see him off, but all I want for him is to be happy and I think he's very happy. Overjoyed. He's been Facebooking all the time. I've tried to share a lot of the photos so my friends can see.
Monday: We've been Skyping back and forth starting on Saturday night - Sunday morning there. This was our first chance to Skype. He took me on a tour of his house, the outside area, and I had a chance to talk with Flor and Samantha. (4) It was nice to talk to Flor. She's a poised young lady who knows how to converse very well in English. Samantha was too shy to look at me. She buried herself in her mother. That's okay. You could tell they are very close. What a lot of changes in this little girl's short life. We must remember that anything worth anything takes time and patience with little ones.
Since talking with them on Saturday night, they called me for my birthday yesterday.
My birthday: Paul and I went to early church at 9:00 and then he said he wanted to take me to the club. In Englewood. That's the Moose Club. Well, he surprised me when we turned in to Boca Royale, the upscale restaurant/golfing community. That was the Club he was talking about! He was tickled that he surprised me! We had a wonderful brunch - great food, watched the golfers tee off, etc. Physically, I was not able to do much more. But he really surprised me a lot. It was a wonderful birthday.
I have just realized how much of the following has to do with health. My apologies. No one likes to read such things, but it has affected us. So I felt I should write.
So - I've been busy just trying to get my physical life back to normal. I've just gotten used to what doctors I have here do what, and I'll have to go up north and become used to the doctors up there again. (They said growing old isn't for sissies.) I DO have a yellow notebook in which I have put all doctors, their phone numbers and why I see them. and current happenings. At my age, it's hard to remember. There's a total of 12 doctors - here and there.
Since I wrote last, I haven't been able to get to the pool due to wounds. I had a stupid fall. And some exercise Both my arms and legs had been affected. . . .
On a day that was supposed to be wonderful - our friends Bob and Sue B. invited us on their catamaran boat.
Paul couldn't go because the shower men were still working on it. You'll read about this in a paragraph down below. I went with Carol O. All was fine, beautiful day - outstanding scenery, dolphins following us - Paradise on Parade. Until we stopped for lunch and the cement dock was too high for my short legs.
I fell up onto the dock and injured my knee and scraped up my shin. Then later I fell getting back into the boat. My knee was the one I had the cortisone shot - I guess luckily! It got better in a couple of days. Not the wounds though. They take forever to heal. No pool for me. I have been to the pool very little this year.
Paul came to their house later on to see what a beautiful spot they have. They live in a mobile home park on the Myaaka River. .
Then I went to Curves Thursday and Friday and injured my other knee. Holy Cow. (It did not affect Friday night's cocktail hour at the Clubhouse. Thank goodness. Another paragraph further along) I can hardly walk now. We stopped in at the orthopedics doctor this morning, and I'm hoping for an appointment really soon. They're booked up. BUT they put me on an "important list" and they'll call me this afternoon they said.) Cortisone shot needed, I think. And probably knee replacement. Probably sooner rather than later.
The thing about it is, I feel great when I'm sitting. Sleeping too. Like I could conquer the world. That's an illusion when I get up and try to go from one place to the other. Or even stand.
Bob is now back up in Alpharetta, planning his next trip south with his friend Mark, from Toronto. That should be at the end of April because we're planning on leaving after that.
We want to leave when the grass needs to be mowed. BUT Paul said you can't depend on the grass! And I agree - one year, the grass was high. Another year, it wasn't ready at all. You guys up North have had an awful winter, and we felt for you. I wonder if that means that Spring will come later, or earlier, or what. So that means we don't know.
Two weeks ago, Paul decided to clean the grout in our bathroom shower, and while doing it, put his hand through the tile and made a big hole. Needless to say, that started a chain-reaction of things, entitled Replacing Master Shower. We called Alice who had her guest shower replaced a while back. Her tile-man couldn't do the job (too busy), but he recommended a guy and he came and he and his son did a fabulous job. We were really pleased. Then we needed to paint the bathroom. From a lime-green to a beautiful tan color.
The medicine cabinet looked pretty awful. Paul took it out and is making a new one. What a beauty it is. All wood. Oak. The stain is gun metal. The window curtain was salvageable. Washed and rehung. I know how spoiled I am when I realized I asked him - oh, by the way, do you think you could replace the old shelving and make a new shelving unit to hang up on the wall with doors? and he immediately sat down and drew the plans.
We have found a new fun thing to do at Circlewoods. It's called "It's 5:00 Somewhere."
On Friday afternoons at 4:00, anyone who'd like to come can go to the Clubhouse. If it's nice weather, we sit outside, if not, we go inside to the a/cing. Everyone brings an hor d'oerve and whatever they'd like to drink. We've been twice. Last week we came late at 5:00 because our tile man hadn't finished up yet. It was nice. This time we came at 4:00 and left a little after 5:30 to go out for a fish fry. We had about 30 people there this time. The sun is very bright, but the shadows help immensely, and we have umbrellas on the tables.
Cousin Carol, Carol O both stopped by for my birthday yesterday afternoon. That was so nice - with funny cards. I talked with Nancy and the grandkids who sent me a kindle book. Looks good too! Alice is recuperating from a very bad cold after her trip to Colorado last week. She can hardly talk, her voice is so raspy But she says she's feeling better. Good!
So - I have to get up and complete the wash. What I can do, I do. As I said, when I'm sitting, I feel I can conquer the world. Then reality slips in.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Being in Contact
I'm back! Doesn't ever seem possible that so many days have gone by - almost a month since I last wrote. . .
And I've been getting some positive feedback - Brenda says she reads my blog to keep up with "what Dad's doing." Got a lovely long e-mail from Barbara in New Hampshire - she reads it faithfully and feels she knows me better than she did when we lived near each other years ago on Long Island. She updated me on her family. Thanks Barbara! It's so good to hear from you. A blog often feels like a one-way street.
One thing that I am enjoying is Facebook. I have put my blog on Facebook so it can have more of an audience. It surprises me when I hear from people from "long ago." Also - It enables me to learn about so many people I haven't thought about for many years, or to get to see what my children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives of Paul's are up to.
It's been invaluable to get to know Paul's extended family. Once a year - We seem to get together with as many as we can. But still, that's only once a year, and with Facebook, I can read what's going on and comment on it when it is happening. I feel truly it is a Godsend to me and really serves its purpose that way.
We've been pretty close to home since we got back from our cruise. Paul needed more care from the cataract surgery than he expected. The healing is going a lot slower. He has a pair of glasses that sometimes work, sometimes don't. It depends on the day. BUT Sometimes he sees fine. I would say excellent! He went back Friday and ordered a new pair for computer work. The pair he has does distance and close up, but not the distance to the computer.
I ordered Posey Arm Sleeves on the web. Luckily it hasn't been hot and humid down here. It would be rather unpleasant with these sleeves on. I have to take medicine that thins my blood and skin and my arms end up bruised and wounds appear. I feel very stupid and clumsy - I was banging into all kinds of things and becoming very frustrated. Wearing the sleeves most of the time, has given my arms time to heal and I feel much better about it. My arms look almost normal. I haven't been able to go to the pool with open cuts. I am hoping I can go next week..
But - of course - next week is very busy with Showtime rehearsals. Showtime is next weekend, so we have rehearsal upon rehearsal. Lots. Cousin Alice is not in it this year because of a travel commitment to Colorado. We'll miss her, of course.
I was to accompany Alice, but someone else is doing her song - and I'm playing for her. She's never sung before and didn't know we should practice, and I didn't know I was to accompany her. Until last Thursday. It will all work out! No problem! Cute song to the tune of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Which I can almost play by ear. Carol O will be helping me out with all the accompaniments - turning pages.
We got a new wind-impact resistant front door. It has a beautiful oval window that brings in a lot of light but the glass design still gives us a lot of privacy. Paul put it in, of course. We have an agreement, that if he enjoys doing something - that's fine. If it's not fun, we will get someone else to do it. So far, he's done everything.
My brother Bob has been here for two weeks and will be here next week. He leaves next Saturday, so he can see Showtime Friday night. Bill, his son Paul Wi and my Paul will be there then. We've enjoyed Bob's visit - as usual. It's like having family - oops - he IS family. Very enjoyable. And Martini is a joy too. Gracie and she have been having fun. Although, they both instigate barking at nothing, when they think someone is at the door. We'll miss him (Bob) when he goes home. We always do. When I proofread this, I thought - wait a minute - that should be she (Martini) But - no. I meant Bob!
Bill came for dinner last night, along with Paul Wi. We ate in the dining room instead of the Island because there were five of us. Beforehand, we had cocktails outside at our next door neighbors'. They have a great couple visiting them - Hank and Geri, whom we've come to know. Plus they had some relatives from the Venice area. So they had quite a crew! We brought some lawn chairs.
Gracie adores Bob A. (next door) and if she hears him talking and they're both outside - she is gone like a flash and sitting on his lap. We try to train her not to do this, but I guess we're just not strict enough. Bob A seems to love this.
Bill is getting ready to go on March 15-16th back to the Philippines. He's so excited. There is so much he has done already to go, and it's not like a hit or miss kind of thing. He's been there, done that, and knows what he needs to do. He has a friend that will be storing his sports car for him. That may or may not be a problem, but whatever it is, it is. As far as I can see, he's really tried to do everything he could.
That always reminds me of Lue. It is what it is. She always has such neat sayings and descriptions of things. Wish I had written them down. I will have to remember. So clever, Lue! Miss you.
Last weekend I went to Chicago to help Walter celebrate his 2nd birthday. Actually, it was just a weekend like every other to them. They had celebrated his birthday on his day.(the 18th) But it was good to see Evie,Vincent. and him. Walter is behaving better which means Nancy can enjoy him more. It hasn't been easy. Evie is a wonderful four and a half year old. She is adorable. She has started piano lessons and will begin dance lessons soon. Plus She and Vincent have swimming lessons on Sunday mornings while Walter goes to soccer. Yes. He's in soccer. He's in the Little Kickers. Dan went with him and met us at the swimming pool after he was done.
Nancy and I watched Evie and Vincent. Nice spot - called Gold Fish. Almost in the same building as Walter's. It is a pool for little ones. Four (or less)feet deep. Toddlers and babies (obviously) need parents in the pool. It has 20 or so lanes across the pool with three-four kids in each spot. a half hour lesson. Parents sit behind a glass wall in plastic chairs and can move them to the lane where their kids are. We were able to sit behind Vincent and watch Evie over in the corner. Cute. Afterwards we went out for lunch. The kids ate well!
Bob and we have gotten used to not having him next door. This is something I wondered about before we came down. Would it bother me that someone else is living there? Actually, they aren't. The house probably will be a vacation house for the rest of their working years. Or perhaps they'll rent it out. But, no - I don't mind someone else there. Neither does Bob. He's so happy in Alpharetta.
Sharon and her family are certainly not lacking for excitement. They're thinking of moving - their office, their home! What stamina they must have. Dave Sr. still has his health problems, and Sharon, Dave and the kids are struggling with medical problems too. Wish they could come down and get some sun and warmth. And they had to have Gunnar put down. Some years you wish you'd be able to stay in bed. There are so many quotes - Into each life some rain must fall. This too will pass. Look for the silver lining. . . .Let's just leave it at that. Thinking of you, Sharon. And Ida, who is having a tough time of Gunnar's passing. . . That's the hard part of having a pet.
So - as they say - that's all the news that's fit to print. Speaking of news, isn't that something about Brian Williams? He's from Elmira, practically a relative. Bob has a bell on his watch that goes off at 5:00. It just went off. Wonder what that's for. . .
And I've been getting some positive feedback - Brenda says she reads my blog to keep up with "what Dad's doing." Got a lovely long e-mail from Barbara in New Hampshire - she reads it faithfully and feels she knows me better than she did when we lived near each other years ago on Long Island. She updated me on her family. Thanks Barbara! It's so good to hear from you. A blog often feels like a one-way street.
One thing that I am enjoying is Facebook. I have put my blog on Facebook so it can have more of an audience. It surprises me when I hear from people from "long ago." Also - It enables me to learn about so many people I haven't thought about for many years, or to get to see what my children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives of Paul's are up to.
It's been invaluable to get to know Paul's extended family. Once a year - We seem to get together with as many as we can. But still, that's only once a year, and with Facebook, I can read what's going on and comment on it when it is happening. I feel truly it is a Godsend to me and really serves its purpose that way.
We've been pretty close to home since we got back from our cruise. Paul needed more care from the cataract surgery than he expected. The healing is going a lot slower. He has a pair of glasses that sometimes work, sometimes don't. It depends on the day. BUT Sometimes he sees fine. I would say excellent! He went back Friday and ordered a new pair for computer work. The pair he has does distance and close up, but not the distance to the computer.
I ordered Posey Arm Sleeves on the web. Luckily it hasn't been hot and humid down here. It would be rather unpleasant with these sleeves on. I have to take medicine that thins my blood and skin and my arms end up bruised and wounds appear. I feel very stupid and clumsy - I was banging into all kinds of things and becoming very frustrated. Wearing the sleeves most of the time, has given my arms time to heal and I feel much better about it. My arms look almost normal. I haven't been able to go to the pool with open cuts. I am hoping I can go next week..
But - of course - next week is very busy with Showtime rehearsals. Showtime is next weekend, so we have rehearsal upon rehearsal. Lots. Cousin Alice is not in it this year because of a travel commitment to Colorado. We'll miss her, of course.
I was to accompany Alice, but someone else is doing her song - and I'm playing for her. She's never sung before and didn't know we should practice, and I didn't know I was to accompany her. Until last Thursday. It will all work out! No problem! Cute song to the tune of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Which I can almost play by ear. Carol O will be helping me out with all the accompaniments - turning pages.
We got a new wind-impact resistant front door. It has a beautiful oval window that brings in a lot of light but the glass design still gives us a lot of privacy. Paul put it in, of course. We have an agreement, that if he enjoys doing something - that's fine. If it's not fun, we will get someone else to do it. So far, he's done everything.
My brother Bob has been here for two weeks and will be here next week. He leaves next Saturday, so he can see Showtime Friday night. Bill, his son Paul Wi and my Paul will be there then. We've enjoyed Bob's visit - as usual. It's like having family - oops - he IS family. Very enjoyable. And Martini is a joy too. Gracie and she have been having fun. Although, they both instigate barking at nothing, when they think someone is at the door. We'll miss him (Bob) when he goes home. We always do. When I proofread this, I thought - wait a minute - that should be she (Martini) But - no. I meant Bob!
Bill came for dinner last night, along with Paul Wi. We ate in the dining room instead of the Island because there were five of us. Beforehand, we had cocktails outside at our next door neighbors'. They have a great couple visiting them - Hank and Geri, whom we've come to know. Plus they had some relatives from the Venice area. So they had quite a crew! We brought some lawn chairs.
Gracie adores Bob A. (next door) and if she hears him talking and they're both outside - she is gone like a flash and sitting on his lap. We try to train her not to do this, but I guess we're just not strict enough. Bob A seems to love this.
Bill is getting ready to go on March 15-16th back to the Philippines. He's so excited. There is so much he has done already to go, and it's not like a hit or miss kind of thing. He's been there, done that, and knows what he needs to do. He has a friend that will be storing his sports car for him. That may or may not be a problem, but whatever it is, it is. As far as I can see, he's really tried to do everything he could.
That always reminds me of Lue. It is what it is. She always has such neat sayings and descriptions of things. Wish I had written them down. I will have to remember. So clever, Lue! Miss you.
Last weekend I went to Chicago to help Walter celebrate his 2nd birthday. Actually, it was just a weekend like every other to them. They had celebrated his birthday on his day.(the 18th) But it was good to see Evie,Vincent. and him. Walter is behaving better which means Nancy can enjoy him more. It hasn't been easy. Evie is a wonderful four and a half year old. She is adorable. She has started piano lessons and will begin dance lessons soon. Plus She and Vincent have swimming lessons on Sunday mornings while Walter goes to soccer. Yes. He's in soccer. He's in the Little Kickers. Dan went with him and met us at the swimming pool after he was done.
Nancy and I watched Evie and Vincent. Nice spot - called Gold Fish. Almost in the same building as Walter's. It is a pool for little ones. Four (or less)feet deep. Toddlers and babies (obviously) need parents in the pool. It has 20 or so lanes across the pool with three-four kids in each spot. a half hour lesson. Parents sit behind a glass wall in plastic chairs and can move them to the lane where their kids are. We were able to sit behind Vincent and watch Evie over in the corner. Cute. Afterwards we went out for lunch. The kids ate well!
Bob and we have gotten used to not having him next door. This is something I wondered about before we came down. Would it bother me that someone else is living there? Actually, they aren't. The house probably will be a vacation house for the rest of their working years. Or perhaps they'll rent it out. But, no - I don't mind someone else there. Neither does Bob. He's so happy in Alpharetta.
Sharon and her family are certainly not lacking for excitement. They're thinking of moving - their office, their home! What stamina they must have. Dave Sr. still has his health problems, and Sharon, Dave and the kids are struggling with medical problems too. Wish they could come down and get some sun and warmth. And they had to have Gunnar put down. Some years you wish you'd be able to stay in bed. There are so many quotes - Into each life some rain must fall. This too will pass. Look for the silver lining. . . .Let's just leave it at that. Thinking of you, Sharon. And Ida, who is having a tough time of Gunnar's passing. . . That's the hard part of having a pet.
So - as they say - that's all the news that's fit to print. Speaking of news, isn't that something about Brian Williams? He's from Elmira, practically a relative. Bob has a bell on his watch that goes off at 5:00. It just went off. Wonder what that's for. . .
Friday, February 6, 2015
We're back from our cruise. . .
. . . from Ft. Lauderdale to Costa Maya and Cozumel with Dayle and Daryl aboard the Caribbean Princess! This was my second time on this ship. The first was with my brother Bob several years ago. This time we went to Costa Maya and Cozumel. Paul and I had been to these places two times before, so we didn't do any sight-seeing. We went mainly to be with our friends, Dayle and Daryl. They had never been to the Western Caribbean. It was fun just walking around the port at Cozumel and going window shopping.
Believe me - we have too many tchotchkes. All I have to do is look up as I type, and there are lots on the top of the bookshelves. They originally were on the lanai, but when we had that done over, we eliminated their shelf home. It's ridiculous. We have to get rid of them
Costa Maya is prettier than Cozumel and it is growing a lot. They're even adding on a second level to their shopping area. I heard Costa Maya is owned by the cruise companies and that it was built after a hurricane damaged Cozumel. Our ship was even able to dock right at the pier. There were trams to take passengers to the end - a good trek for those who are handicapped.
. As you approach Costa Maya shops, there is a beautiful beach with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and tables and there are water sports areas. Costa Maya has thatch-roofed, brightly painted buildings near the water and pretty brightly colored lounge chairs in the sand. Enough seating, just there, for at least a hundred or more people. The main attraction is the shopping area with a BIG open-air restaurant that has an out-door (naturally) free-form pool attached. Lots of steel drums,playing calypso music, which could be heard throughout the port area. Here you can also get balloon animals, delicious looking drinks and Mexican food.
Interestingly, after the cruise, Dayle and Daryl left our ship and went to Miami and got on another ship for a seven day trip to the Southern Caribbean. And before we went on this cruise, they'd been on another. So, that's three. Not only were Dayle and Daryl doing this, but also several other people on our ship stayed on board. Our cruise was 5 nights to the Western Caribbean. After we got back, it continued on with a 4 night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. Princess cruise line docked at a different spot from Norwegian, so these were new shops but with the same old things.
Cruising is an nice low cost way of vacationing. We noticd that some snowbirds spend the winter doing this. Some cruises cost as little as $400 a person. And we've seen some even lower. If you've flown or driven down, that expense is done. Since you're down here, why not continue on to other places? You can't get a hotel for that low a price and it includes three meals a day, entertainment, and seeing new places (for a nominal fee.)
We've had cloudy, cool weather here. Sometimes it's sunny. No humidity. I would like to go to the pool, but I've developed a common reaction to one of my medications - thin skin, easily bruising forearms. Can't go in the pool with wounds. If I can get that under control, I'd be really happy.
Paul is putting in new baseboards. He's pulled out the fridge and is doing that area now. It's amazing how much stuff falls back there, etc. Gross. The air compressor is working well - it's quite noisy. He and Gracie went to Lowe's earlier this morning to get another piece of wood. Paul says they know Gracie. The salespersons love to greet and pet her.
Paul's eyes are doing well. He thinks he needs glasses for reading. The lettering some times comes in fuzzy on the tv at night, but we both think it may be because his eyes are tired. He's due to see the eye doctor at the end of the month - he saw him the day after surgery and a week after. The end of the month will be a month from that date.
We're headed off to the movies tonight to see Unbroken. We've both read the book and want to see it. From what I've heard, it's very good. But, they seem to downplay the end when he comes back home and that's what I was most interested in. We'll see. It'll be fun to do it anyway. We have a brand new Carrabas (opened on the 2nd) and we're going to try it afterwards at 6:30 - they have call ahead seating. Paul looked at their website and it says it has a lot of gluten free items on their menu!
Okay - now it's Friday. We didn't get to see Unbroken. It was sold out. We have missed it. That's a bummer. Paul checked the website and said it's not playing any more. Guess we'll have to check Pay per View.
So we ended up at Carrabas - two and a half hours early! Luckily - because when we got there at 4, it was starting to get crowded and when we left at 5:30 - there were a LOT of people waiting for tables. We had a really good dinner and they had a full gluten free hard copy menu that I could choose from. Both dinners were great - Paul had a shrimp pasta dish and I had a chicken dish with green beans. Caesar salad beforehand. As I said, we were glad we were there early because there were a lot of people waiting for tables when we left. It did feel strange eating so early though. The evening was long.
We're headed down to Port Charlotte tonight. We're meeting Bill for a fishfry at a place called Boomers where we met a couple of weeks ago. It was an open air restaurant with good food served on paper plates. Just heard that Unbroken is playing in Port Charlotte at 7:00. We may get there! We're meeting Bill at 5:00. We have some errands to do in Sam's Club. Yes. It definitely sounds possible!
Bill has plane tickets on March 15th to go back to the Philippines. So he's busy getting ready to leave and begin the new chapter in his life. He has a new friend, Flora, whom he met on the internet.
Believe me - we have too many tchotchkes. All I have to do is look up as I type, and there are lots on the top of the bookshelves. They originally were on the lanai, but when we had that done over, we eliminated their shelf home. It's ridiculous. We have to get rid of them
Costa Maya is prettier than Cozumel and it is growing a lot. They're even adding on a second level to their shopping area. I heard Costa Maya is owned by the cruise companies and that it was built after a hurricane damaged Cozumel. Our ship was even able to dock right at the pier. There were trams to take passengers to the end - a good trek for those who are handicapped.
. As you approach Costa Maya shops, there is a beautiful beach with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and tables and there are water sports areas. Costa Maya has thatch-roofed, brightly painted buildings near the water and pretty brightly colored lounge chairs in the sand. Enough seating, just there, for at least a hundred or more people. The main attraction is the shopping area with a BIG open-air restaurant that has an out-door (naturally) free-form pool attached. Lots of steel drums,playing calypso music, which could be heard throughout the port area. Here you can also get balloon animals, delicious looking drinks and Mexican food.
Interestingly, after the cruise, Dayle and Daryl left our ship and went to Miami and got on another ship for a seven day trip to the Southern Caribbean. And before we went on this cruise, they'd been on another. So, that's three. Not only were Dayle and Daryl doing this, but also several other people on our ship stayed on board. Our cruise was 5 nights to the Western Caribbean. After we got back, it continued on with a 4 night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. Princess cruise line docked at a different spot from Norwegian, so these were new shops but with the same old things.
Cruising is an nice low cost way of vacationing. We noticd that some snowbirds spend the winter doing this. Some cruises cost as little as $400 a person. And we've seen some even lower. If you've flown or driven down, that expense is done. Since you're down here, why not continue on to other places? You can't get a hotel for that low a price and it includes three meals a day, entertainment, and seeing new places (for a nominal fee.)
We've had cloudy, cool weather here. Sometimes it's sunny. No humidity. I would like to go to the pool, but I've developed a common reaction to one of my medications - thin skin, easily bruising forearms. Can't go in the pool with wounds. If I can get that under control, I'd be really happy.
Paul is putting in new baseboards. He's pulled out the fridge and is doing that area now. It's amazing how much stuff falls back there, etc. Gross. The air compressor is working well - it's quite noisy. He and Gracie went to Lowe's earlier this morning to get another piece of wood. Paul says they know Gracie. The salespersons love to greet and pet her.
Paul's eyes are doing well. He thinks he needs glasses for reading. The lettering some times comes in fuzzy on the tv at night, but we both think it may be because his eyes are tired. He's due to see the eye doctor at the end of the month - he saw him the day after surgery and a week after. The end of the month will be a month from that date.
We're headed off to the movies tonight to see Unbroken. We've both read the book and want to see it. From what I've heard, it's very good. But, they seem to downplay the end when he comes back home and that's what I was most interested in. We'll see. It'll be fun to do it anyway. We have a brand new Carrabas (opened on the 2nd) and we're going to try it afterwards at 6:30 - they have call ahead seating. Paul looked at their website and it says it has a lot of gluten free items on their menu!
Okay - now it's Friday. We didn't get to see Unbroken. It was sold out. We have missed it. That's a bummer. Paul checked the website and said it's not playing any more. Guess we'll have to check Pay per View.
So we ended up at Carrabas - two and a half hours early! Luckily - because when we got there at 4, it was starting to get crowded and when we left at 5:30 - there were a LOT of people waiting for tables. We had a really good dinner and they had a full gluten free hard copy menu that I could choose from. Both dinners were great - Paul had a shrimp pasta dish and I had a chicken dish with green beans. Caesar salad beforehand. As I said, we were glad we were there early because there were a lot of people waiting for tables when we left. It did feel strange eating so early though. The evening was long.
We're headed down to Port Charlotte tonight. We're meeting Bill for a fishfry at a place called Boomers where we met a couple of weeks ago. It was an open air restaurant with good food served on paper plates. Just heard that Unbroken is playing in Port Charlotte at 7:00. We may get there! We're meeting Bill at 5:00. We have some errands to do in Sam's Club. Yes. It definitely sounds possible!
Bill has plane tickets on March 15th to go back to the Philippines. So he's busy getting ready to leave and begin the new chapter in his life. He has a new friend, Flora, whom he met on the internet.
Friday, January 23, 2015
Winter Snowbirds have arrived in Florida. . . Now . . . winter is here!
No need for winter coats to tell us winter is here. Altho some people do use them when the weather hits 50 degrees.
Paul's eyes are doing so much better each day. (I know I just wrote that in my past blog, but wanted to relay it again.) He's down to one eye drop in each eye three times a day - for a month. Then he goes back to see the eye doctor again. He notices things "all of a sudden." Like. . . all of a sudden, the wall clock isn't fuzzy any more. Great news.
Paul thinks he may need reading glasses, but who knows. . . with this progress, perhaps he won't. We looked at the moon the other night. It was just a sliver and he had such pleasure looking at Venus and the moon. With one eye - it was great, with the other, it was double. We can only look for improvement!
He's back to driving. That was hard on him to have to rely on me to take him places. He's such an independent person. I, of course, enjoyed the driving and intend to continue at times when we're together. Tonight we're going to Port Charlotte (a town about 20 miles south of us) for a fish fry with Bill. He'll come up 20 miles. Bill located a new restaurant there and wanted us to share it with him..
Last weekend Bill came and spent Saturday night with us. Paul was still a little under the weather from his eye surgery, so we stayed home. We cooked a steak, watched a movie, Bill stayed overnight, and went out to breakfast and to church with us on Sunday. I guess all you Facebook readers know this since Bill published pictures from his I Pad.
Showtime is starting. There was a meeting last Thursday that I missed, due to Paul's recuperation time. I could have gone, but I felt better being home with him. I'm only accompanying a couple of people, but it usually gets more as the time goes on. I think this will be the last year for Showtime. Our fearless leader, Pat, has exhausted her supply of creativity. This will be her sixth year. There's no one available to take over. I certainly would not want the job.
As you can see, we've been laying low, (or is it lying low). As Paul eyes improve, we'll be headed for more activity. In fact, we're due to have some friends come tomorrow and stay with us from Montour Falls - Daryl and Dayle. They moved away a couple of years ago. We're going on a five night cruise together next week. We're dropping Gracie off at Bill's before we head for the east coast and Ft. Lauderdale and our Princess cruise ship..
Paul is busy putting in new baseboards right now. It's noisy in there. We prefer the wider baseboards to the 40-year old narrow ones. It'll look a lot better.
Yesterday, we ordered a new beautiful oval glass front cherry mahogany door at Home Depot. That'll keep Paul busy for a while also. We had done some window shopping for it and found out we needed a building permit.
So we went to the county building to take care of it before going to HD. What a lot of rigamarole! We had to wait for ages. Of course, if he didn't get the permit, we couldn't claim the money off our home owners' insurance. So, we stopped and got the permit ordering it from HD. Now all we have to do is have the special order door arrive at the store, and off we go! It'll really look nice.
Carol O is back! She traveled the auto train with her friend Cindy. Their teacher-friend Carol S. is here and Carol invited me for coffee this morning to see them. They've been busy seeing the Ringling Museum in Sarasota. That is a good place to visit. . .
We took Lue and Ruth there when they visited a couple of years ago. Actually, it will be five years in March. They were here when Paul said he'd like to get me a little papilon for my 70th birthday. My 75th is coming up. Gracie is 5. Time flies. Unfortunately. or fortunately. I don't like the idea of Gracie getting older. Or me, or Paul.
I talked with Nancy the other night, and Evie is starting piano lessons Monday evening. Vincent has been taking for a couple of years and his teacher comes to the house. Evie will have a 15 minute lesson after his. As a former piano teacher, I am very interested in all this.
The piano was my piano. I'm so glad I gave it to her. It's so good to know it's being used still - for another generation of lessons. Both Nancy and Bill took lessons on it. I know she still plays, when she has time. (which is laughable, I know. How much time can she have?)
I'm glad the weather is a bit warmer (?) up north compared to last week. Chicago, I know, was pretty cold. It's hard for us to believe it all, down here in Southwest Florida. We just know by the snowbirds who appear. Yes, I know we're snowbirds. But we came in November and could see the difference in traffic between then and now. It takes three lights to get through an intersection rather than one.
Jeff, Paul's son, and his family - wife, Dorothy, son DJ are visiting their daughter, Alaina, in Uganda. We've been trying to keep up with them and their itinerary, so it was nice to see some pictures posted on Facebook of their trip. Nancy and Dorothy share the same birthday, next Wednesday, the 28th. That's when Dorothy and family will be headed home. The time has gone by quickly for me. I wonder if it is going by quickly in Africa.
I talked with cousin Carol last night. She has spent the week trying out a new kind of dialysis. Some problems have come up. However, she's at a facility where they give her lots of encouragement and other ways to handle it. and she continues with her admirable outlook. She is going to spend a week using the old dialysis to build up her strength again. And then continue on with this new way where she can do it herself, in her apartment, and not have to go to the dialysis center three times a week. Prayers would be good for her at this time. Please pray for her, if that is comfortable for you..
********
An interesting aside about my Walmart post:
I had several comments come in regarding this. Two said it probably was a scam. I can see their point. We have to be overly cautious at places like Walmart. One other said - that poor lady.
Maybe I didn't make it clear. She had a receipt that she was using to check off the items as she added them to her cart - and, let me repeat - . She was putting the items in HER shopping cart. She didn't ask for anything, except for me to listen. I think I'm smart enough to know a scam when I see one. But you never know. I appreciate their looking out for me. I do believe, however, with all the information that my eyes gave me and my ears gave me, and my brain interpreted, that this was a lady in distress.
I think we need to be aware of scams, but we also need to be aware of people in need of people. Isn't that what Barbra Streisand said? Thank those of you for responding. It made me feel loved.
********
As you can see, we haven't been busy, but the days seem to fly by. Hope you're all well. Talked with Lue the other night and she seemed well. It was good to talk with her.
Paul's eyes are doing so much better each day. (I know I just wrote that in my past blog, but wanted to relay it again.) He's down to one eye drop in each eye three times a day - for a month. Then he goes back to see the eye doctor again. He notices things "all of a sudden." Like. . . all of a sudden, the wall clock isn't fuzzy any more. Great news.
Paul thinks he may need reading glasses, but who knows. . . with this progress, perhaps he won't. We looked at the moon the other night. It was just a sliver and he had such pleasure looking at Venus and the moon. With one eye - it was great, with the other, it was double. We can only look for improvement!
He's back to driving. That was hard on him to have to rely on me to take him places. He's such an independent person. I, of course, enjoyed the driving and intend to continue at times when we're together. Tonight we're going to Port Charlotte (a town about 20 miles south of us) for a fish fry with Bill. He'll come up 20 miles. Bill located a new restaurant there and wanted us to share it with him..
Last weekend Bill came and spent Saturday night with us. Paul was still a little under the weather from his eye surgery, so we stayed home. We cooked a steak, watched a movie, Bill stayed overnight, and went out to breakfast and to church with us on Sunday. I guess all you Facebook readers know this since Bill published pictures from his I Pad.
Showtime is starting. There was a meeting last Thursday that I missed, due to Paul's recuperation time. I could have gone, but I felt better being home with him. I'm only accompanying a couple of people, but it usually gets more as the time goes on. I think this will be the last year for Showtime. Our fearless leader, Pat, has exhausted her supply of creativity. This will be her sixth year. There's no one available to take over. I certainly would not want the job.
As you can see, we've been laying low, (or is it lying low). As Paul eyes improve, we'll be headed for more activity. In fact, we're due to have some friends come tomorrow and stay with us from Montour Falls - Daryl and Dayle. They moved away a couple of years ago. We're going on a five night cruise together next week. We're dropping Gracie off at Bill's before we head for the east coast and Ft. Lauderdale and our Princess cruise ship..
Paul is busy putting in new baseboards right now. It's noisy in there. We prefer the wider baseboards to the 40-year old narrow ones. It'll look a lot better.
Yesterday, we ordered a new beautiful oval glass front cherry mahogany door at Home Depot. That'll keep Paul busy for a while also. We had done some window shopping for it and found out we needed a building permit.
So we went to the county building to take care of it before going to HD. What a lot of rigamarole! We had to wait for ages. Of course, if he didn't get the permit, we couldn't claim the money off our home owners' insurance. So, we stopped and got the permit ordering it from HD. Now all we have to do is have the special order door arrive at the store, and off we go! It'll really look nice.
Carol O is back! She traveled the auto train with her friend Cindy. Their teacher-friend Carol S. is here and Carol invited me for coffee this morning to see them. They've been busy seeing the Ringling Museum in Sarasota. That is a good place to visit. . .
We took Lue and Ruth there when they visited a couple of years ago. Actually, it will be five years in March. They were here when Paul said he'd like to get me a little papilon for my 70th birthday. My 75th is coming up. Gracie is 5. Time flies. Unfortunately. or fortunately. I don't like the idea of Gracie getting older. Or me, or Paul.
I talked with Nancy the other night, and Evie is starting piano lessons Monday evening. Vincent has been taking for a couple of years and his teacher comes to the house. Evie will have a 15 minute lesson after his. As a former piano teacher, I am very interested in all this.
The piano was my piano. I'm so glad I gave it to her. It's so good to know it's being used still - for another generation of lessons. Both Nancy and Bill took lessons on it. I know she still plays, when she has time. (which is laughable, I know. How much time can she have?)
I'm glad the weather is a bit warmer (?) up north compared to last week. Chicago, I know, was pretty cold. It's hard for us to believe it all, down here in Southwest Florida. We just know by the snowbirds who appear. Yes, I know we're snowbirds. But we came in November and could see the difference in traffic between then and now. It takes three lights to get through an intersection rather than one.
Jeff, Paul's son, and his family - wife, Dorothy, son DJ are visiting their daughter, Alaina, in Uganda. We've been trying to keep up with them and their itinerary, so it was nice to see some pictures posted on Facebook of their trip. Nancy and Dorothy share the same birthday, next Wednesday, the 28th. That's when Dorothy and family will be headed home. The time has gone by quickly for me. I wonder if it is going by quickly in Africa.
I talked with cousin Carol last night. She has spent the week trying out a new kind of dialysis. Some problems have come up. However, she's at a facility where they give her lots of encouragement and other ways to handle it. and she continues with her admirable outlook. She is going to spend a week using the old dialysis to build up her strength again. And then continue on with this new way where she can do it herself, in her apartment, and not have to go to the dialysis center three times a week. Prayers would be good for her at this time. Please pray for her, if that is comfortable for you..
********
An interesting aside about my Walmart post:
I had several comments come in regarding this. Two said it probably was a scam. I can see their point. We have to be overly cautious at places like Walmart. One other said - that poor lady.
Maybe I didn't make it clear. She had a receipt that she was using to check off the items as she added them to her cart - and, let me repeat - . She was putting the items in HER shopping cart. She didn't ask for anything, except for me to listen. I think I'm smart enough to know a scam when I see one. But you never know. I appreciate their looking out for me. I do believe, however, with all the information that my eyes gave me and my ears gave me, and my brain interpreted, that this was a lady in distress.
I think we need to be aware of scams, but we also need to be aware of people in need of people. Isn't that what Barbra Streisand said? Thank those of you for responding. It made me feel loved.
********
As you can see, we haven't been busy, but the days seem to fly by. Hope you're all well. Talked with Lue the other night and she seemed well. It was good to talk with her.
One picture. Just a little news.
Here's one of Paul's pictures of our flowers. The pots make such a difference in our landscaping. I will try to get some more up. Seems like we're busy this year with doctors' visits. Paul just had his second eye done last week, and now he is beginning to get excited about his vision. He
is finding he doesn't need to wear his glasses for distance and is enjoying driving again. I, of course, have been relegated to the job of passenger. That's okay - but once in a while, I will drive. It's too nice to not. The traffic is really horrendous, but here in South Venice, we find that the driving is not so bad. We even have time when we joke - where's all the cars? You can really see the difference between November and January. All the out-of-state license plates show that the Snowbirds are here.
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