Things keep moving

I went to swimming and coffee this morning. Wayne, grandson Andy, and his fiancée Erica drove down this morning to pick up some of the things they wanted from the house. I went there first and emptied John's tall chest-of-drawers (one of the things they were taking). It was mostly socks, underwear, cargo shorts, bathing suits, sleep pants, etc. I bagged all that up to take to the homeless shelter. There was one drawer of "stuff" - most of which went straight into the trash. I did find a few trinkets to keep, though.
The guys also loaded up some of the art work from the house that I wanted over here, and carried that into the apartment for me. Before they headed home, I took them to lunch at a yummy local burger place near here. We ate so late with a full burger and onion rings, I skipped dinner tonight. Sweet Andy also hooked up my DVD player and Roku box - and posted a picture of us on Facebook.

Ten for Tuesday

This week's topic is 10 Things You Take In A Travel Tote Bag.

1. Passport
2. Wallet and Money
3. Cellphone
4. IPad
5. Charging cords
6. ATM and credit cards
7. Crostic book
8. Erasable pen
9. Knitting
10. Medications

Mondays are tough!

Mondays have gotten really tough.  Leaving home at 6:45 a.m. and not getting home until 5 p.m. makes for a VERY long day.  I'm glad I don't have to get up early tomorrow.

Sweet!

A do-nothing day!

I haven’t had one of these

In many months! Sweet.

Feeding

Last weekend when Sue and Jean were here, they put a couple of birdfeeders out on the deck. I had just noticed some birds were starting to find them. Then one morning I looked out, and both feeders were completely empty. Oh, well - I figured some critter (maybe a possum or a raccoon) had found them and cleaned them out. So I filled them again.

Yesterday morning, not only was the birdseed gone, both feeders were gone. Completely gone! I looked around, but didn’t see anything. I thought maybe I wasn’t supposed to have feeders and the maintenance people had picked them up, but… I put some seed out on a plate, but then took it inside last night. I put the plate back out today, and the birds slowly started coming to that.

This evening Carol and Stephen came by and took me out to dinner (Yummy stuff at Red Ginger Bistro!). I gave them the guided tour of the apartment. When we got to the deck, I told them about the feeders. Carol looked over the railing and noticed the flat black feeder hidden under a rose bush. Stephen went down the steps and picked that one up. While looking around, he found the yellow one hidden under the deck.

I don’t know how that raccoon thinks I can refill the feeders for him if he doesn’t leave them out for me to find. What a hoot!
-------------------------------------
Matt stopped by on his way back to Atlanta. Margaret had gotten me some shelves to put beside the refrigerator. Matt brought them in, assembled them, and got them situated for me. They work great! Thanks.

Approaching "routine"?

Today may have approached a more "normal" Friday. I went to swimming and to coffee.  Then I got a few "Hixson" errands done - the post office, the bank, etc. Missy was back in town, so I had lunch with Renna and her.


I came back home, got a short nap, wrote some thank-you notes, and made a few phone calls.  I had supper in the dining room and came back to take off my shoes and get into soft clothes.


Boring I know - but what a refreshing change.  I'm finally settling down enough to pay some attention to the apartment and get an idea of what else I need to do with it.


Life goes on.

John's car

Well, John’s car is gone. I wound up selling it for less than had been offered. When I got to the house, I got in the car to start it and check the odometer reading. I was astounded to see that there was a "bullet-hole" type break in the center of the windshield, and another crack in the lower right side. I knew it hadn't been that way last weekend. A large nut must have fallen and hit just right on it.

When the buyer got there, I told him about it, and said he might want to revise his offer. I was thinking $200 less, and when he came back he said he had checked and it was going to cost about that to replace/repair the windshield. That sounded fair to both of us, so we had a deal. Now he has the car, and I have cash in my pocket!

A slower day

Things sort of slowed down today.  After swimming and coffee, I went by the house and picked up the laundry I had done yesterday. I got the car washed (not that it needed it) and got a few things at Walmart. Today was maybe the second time I've eating lunch in the dining room here. And I ate with the folks who live next door to me.  She's a painter, too, and I hope will inspire me to start painting again.
But then Vicki called and invited me to have dinner with them tonight (lamb!), so off I went for another meal out.
Tomorrow will be another slower day.  I plan to get some thank-you notes written and then will go to the house to meet the folks who are going to buy John's car.
Hopefully a routine is starting up.

Gradually getting it done.

I guess I haven’t written in a couple of days. It’s been lots more of the same.

Jean left early Sunday morning. Sue came through that afternoon with a small desk she brought from Margaret’s. It fits very well in the intended space, and will do fine for my papers, etc.

Yesterday was an all-day event. I left before 7 to go to swimming, then coffee. I went by the house to put my swim stuff in the dryer, then went for an appointment with the optometrist, and then to play bridge. I managed to sneak some lunch in there somewhere. But it surely felt good to get home, have someone else cook supper, then get my shoes off and into my jammies!

Today was with appointments, too, but not as many. And the mani/pedi was definitely a pampering experience (and long overdue). The meeting with the attorney was to get all the papers filled out, notarized, and sent in to get an official Alberta death certificate.

I also did a lot of telephone work - changing addresses, user names, passwords, etc., on my credit cards. This sees like so much busy-work - and I guess it is. But it is necessary. And things are gradually getting done.

Sunday Stealing

That Alphabet Thing Meme


Stolen from: Songs of innocence and of experience

A: Accent -- Southern
B: Breakfast -- Eggs, toast, hash browns, tomato juice, coffee
C: Chore you hate -- Housekeeping (don’t have to do that anymore)
D: Dad's name -- Paul
E: Essential everyday item -- Coffee
F: Flavor ice cream -- Vanilla, butter brickle
G: Gold or silver -- Silver
H: Hometown -- Chattanooga
I: Insomnia -- Not really - usually a pretty good sleeper
J: Job title -- Retired
K: Kids -- Four
M: Mother's birthplace -- Bonham, TX
N: Number of significant others -- Just my family
O: Overnight hospital stays -- Too many to count
P: Phobia -- None
Q: Quick at -- Not much of anything any more.
R: Religious affiliation -- None
S: Siblings -- One (deceased)
T: Time you wake up -- Depends on the day of the week - 6-8 am
U: Unnatural hair colors -- None
V: Vegetable you refuse to eat -- Can’t think of one, although some not favorites
W: Worst habit -- Overeating, laziness
X: X-rays -- Too many to count
Y: Yummy -- Unfortunately I love most foods
Z: Zodiac sign -- Pisces

Another day

Today was another productive day - if not exactly what we had in mind. Cars always have other ideas

I got to swimming and met up with Jean at Panera. Jean headed to WalMart and other stores. As I left, the “check engine” light came on in my car again, so I headed right over to Firestone. They took it in for diagnostics, and I went around the corner for a haircut. When Jean finished with the stores, she picked me up and we went to the apartment. We got some work done, had lunch, and were here when the maintenance guys came to hang the heavy mirrors and reverse the doors on the refrigerator.

Then we headed for the house to wait for my car and for Sue. The car was ready about 5 - about $550 in various engine and tire problems. Sue came shortly. We went and picked up some barbecue and took it to the apartment to eat. I gave Sue a tour of the building and we talked for a while. We called it a night about 9.

More moving stuff

Smaller things are slowly getting moved from the house to the apartment.  Jean has been here, sleeping at the house, but going back and forth with "stuff" and helping get it organized once it gets here.  She's done some shopping and just generally done what needs doing.
Our old friend, Beth and her daughter Lisa, were in town for a couple of days.  Beth is a realtor and she's helping me with advice on what needs to be done to the house to help it sell and helping me find a realtor here.  I know I'll really depend on her opinions dealing with that. She's definitely a special lady!  Plus they took us out to dinner two nights!
I haven't had a chance to do any of the activities here at the Terrace or to meet too many of the other residents, but that will come as I get more settled in.  I did get to swimming yesterday and am planning to go tomorrow - so that feels good, too.
And then the battery died in my car this afternoon and I had to call AAA to come get the car started and install a new battery.  @#$$%%$###

Gradually coming together

I went to breakfast in the dining room this morning, but think I'll probably be eating breakfast "at home" most of the time. I'd rather eat breakfast in my pjs than have to get dressed to go to the dining room. And I should be having my paper delivered to my door - it was supposed to be today, but wasn't. I hope it will be there tomorrow.

I had a good night. The only problem was the a/c leaked, and one corner of the living room and adjoining bedroom have wet carpet. The maintenance guys came this morning and have worked on it, plus they‘ve been back twice to check on it. They have fans blowing on the areas to help them dry quicker. From what they said, this is not uncommon when an apartment that's been vacant for a month or so is newly occupied.

I like the way we decided to arrange the rooms. And my enormous shower worked beautifully this morning. I've met a few folks, and I know I'll be meeting more. I haven't had a chance yet to go to any of the activities - just meals.

Jean is here to help. She’s staying at the house, but spending most of the day with me. We brought a load back from the house today, including a lot of stuff from the refrigerator. So now I do have food for breakfasts. We finished the day with a trip to Walmart for a new phone (with two handsets), an inflatable mattress (for the house for a while, and then here for a guest), a toaster, paper towel holder, and other small stuff like that.

It’s gradually coming together.

Well, I'm in....

Well, I'm here! Thanks to Margaret, the staff here, the movers (the Good Guys), and Comcast. Everybody came a little earlier than scheduled, and finished without incident. There are still a couple of boxes to unpack and stuff at the house to pack up and bring. But I'm in and will be sleeping here tonight!

I got an early dinner and hurried to the apartment to get my shoes off and into soft clothes. And now I’m in my chair, watching TV, and shoeless. FJ&D sent sent me some lovely flowers. And I’ve been on the phone a lot, talking to Sue, Robin, and Beth.

Tomorrow, Jean is coming, and she'll help me get more smaller, loose things moved from the house. And she'll help me decide what to put on the walls. Beth is coming later in the week to give me advice about what to do with the house.

Tomorrow

Yesterday, Margaret (mostly) with a little help from me got things almost completely ready for the movers. I'm pretty much with my "must-have" stuff in three rooms, and almost everything to be moved has been gathered into clumps. The smaller stuff that I wind up taking will go in bits and pieces. Someone came to look at John's car, and is supposed to get back to me in a day or two. Then we took a load over to the apartment. I'll get my last few necessaries ready tomorrow, so they can go over with me on Monday. I got a few more things ready today. And tomorrow it happens.

Sunday Stealing

Q & A Meme

Stolen from: My Random Randomness

1. What would you pick as a major, if you could go back to college and do it again?
Probably art - like I did when I did go back to college.

2. Who is the one celebrity with whom you would most like to have an indepth conversation?President Obama

3. If you could make a living doing ANYthing, what would that be?Being kept by a very rich, generous benefactor.
4. What’s your all-time very favorite dessert?
I really do like vanilla ice cream, or vanilla with caramel and sea salt.
5. How many pairs of jeans do you own?
Three, I think
6. What is your favorite flower, and why?
I don’t know that I have a favorite - they’re all lovely
7. What book has most changed your life?

I can’t think of one right now
8. What is your least favorite vegetable? Is there any way you can be persuaded to eat it?
I like almost all vegetables, some better than others.
9. If you could take a nonstop first class flight to any destination, where would you pick to land?
How about an around-the-world trip, with stops in many places along the way.10. If your 15 minutes of fame included a stint on
American Idol, what song would be your trademark solo?
It would be humming something - definitely not singing.11. If you could pick one former friend (who has remained elusive in this wild Facebook world) to reunite with, who would you unearth?
Margaret R.
12. You have been awarded the time off from work and an all-expenses paid week anywhere in the United States. The catch is that it must be somewhere you have not been before. Where do you choose to visit?
There are not many places in the US that I haven’t seen - lucky me! Maybe the south rim of the Grand Canyon.
13. Name three of your guilty pleasures.
I never feel guilty. If I enjoy it, I don’t feel guilty about it.
14. The best kind of cookie is:
I love Scotch shortbread and chocolate chip cookies.
15. What do you value most in other people?
Honesty, sense of humor, and a willingness to accept all people at face value.
16. Have you ever looked back at your life and realized that something you thought was a bad thing was actually a blessing in disguise?
Maybe once or twice.
17. What is the most beautiful place you’ve ever visited?
Oh, there are SO many. The most moving is Canyon de Chelly.
18. Are you more of a thinker or a feeler?
Some of each.
19. Name three things you are thankful for right now.
My family, my friends, 60 years with John.
20. Have you ever participated in a three-legged race?
I don’t think so
21. When you are at an event that plays the National Anthem, do you place your hand over your heart?
Of course, and I sing along, too.

So many changes!

So many changes!

I took another load of stuff to the apartment this morning.

On the way, I went by Tina’s. She spent the last two nights here, after her belongings had been loaded on the moving truck. She’s moving to a small town in upstate New York. This morning was my last time to hug her before she left. This was a relatively short interlude in her life, and she’s moving on. Damn! As much as I understand, I hate to have her gone.

Missy texted this afternoon. Her mother passed away today, surrounded by her loving family. And I do understand how that happens - at least, now I do.

So any changes!

Did you see?

Did you watch PBS tonight?  The program, E. O. Wilson: Of Ants and Men, was a PBS special tonight.  It's fabulous!  I hope you can find it on your PBS station, or watch it online.

Busy Tuesday

Another busy day - at least this morning. I went to the courthouse again this morning - this time to transfer John's car title. Turns out I don't need to do that to sell the car, since I'm executor. But I did get lots of other good information.

Then I took a couple of bags of stuffed animals to the fire department (to give to kids to comfort them after fires, wrecks, etc.). I had a big basket of mostly small penguins and flamingos that have "flocked" here over the years.

Then I went to the credit union (our bank) to set up an estate account (as advised by the lawyer for the probate). That turned out to be about an hour's worth of looking things up, filling out forms, signing stuff, with eventual success. AND again, getting lots of other valuable information re what to do with renaming and changing the address on the existing account. And I even got in a short trip to Walmart.

And I finished up by getting some clothes out of the closet ready for transport.

Monday haiku

So much to be done.

Moving, getting affairs in

Order. Soon calmer.

I hope.

Moving stuff

I made the first trip to take stuff to the new apartment this morning. I picked up Tina to show her the place (and to let her help me carry the few things). It feels more like mine now - with familiar things there. They’ve put in a new refrigerator (yea!), but maintenance still needs to move the hinges so it opens the right way.

It’s rained off and on all day, and I got through a few more cabinets.

And more

Another busy day today. The rain made driving and walking an interesting exercise, but the time in the courthouse was short and uneventful. I was back home about 9:30. I ran some errands, even including Walmart. I picked up some things I need for the new place - a lockbox for my medications (required), some dividers for the kitchen drawers, shower curtains (the huge shower will take two), and that always necessary item - toilet paper. All this remains in the trunk of the car. I'm planning to drive over tomorrow and take a load. That will certainly give me a sense of possession.

I’ve checked with the insurance company about renter’s insurance and the insurance on the house for the time after I move out and the time it’s sold. And, I've booked the movers and signed up for cable/internet/phone with Comcast.

Now, I'm getting really eager to get moved in.

Things are moving quickly

I got all my chores done this busy day. I went to the rheumatologist for blood work (to check on the changed medication) and to get my flu shot. Then I met with the financial planner. She's great, and I'm sure we're going to get along fine. She went through the papers like a house afire (and really appreciated the work done by Margaret and Alison). She’s going to get things lined up for me. I'll go back in a couple of weeks to finish signing and mailing in appropriate papers. Then we'll talk about how I want things structured, monthly income, etc.

This afternoon I met with a Comcast rep to find out what my options are for cable/internet and possibly land-line phone at the new place.

Margaret called and she’s going to come spend the day Sunday to get more things done to help me move - getting furniture ready, etc. I’ll get on the phone tomorrow and set up a date for the move, for hooking up cable and internet, etc.

I had dinner at a local eatery with Missy and Renna. Missy's mom has been in and out of the hospital since a broken hip last November, most recently with pneumonia. Today, she's being sent home with hospice care. So Missy needs some TLC, and we'll see what we can do to help.
------------------------------------
Our weather has been gorgeous, and is definitely turning into autumn. Leaves are starting to fall, although our peak color isn't usually until midOctober.

The week continues...

I've gotten more done this busy week - mainly today, I got a much-needed haircut!

My art teacher came by and picked up a lot of art supplies that I know I won't be using any more, and about half of my art books for her library. She's going to mention the others to some in her class. Any books that are left will be going to the library book sale.

I've talked to two moving companies (Two Men & a Truck and another small local one) to get estimates. Each says they don't need to come by - just took my info about furniture I'm taking and quoted me an hourly rate. Both deliver to The Terrace and just need a few days' notice to set up a date. So now I have to decide on a date.

And I talked to the contact guy for Comcast who was recommended by The Terrace. I'm meeting with him tomorrow to check on the package I might want. I'll have to use them for cable and internet - we'll see how the phone works out.

After I meet tomorrow morning with the financial advisor and Friday with the attorney, I'll consult with the daughters and decide on a date to physically move. Whew!

Well, I did it!

Well, I paid money today and got keys - so I now have an apartment!

They were laying the new carpet this morning when we were there. Jean and I pointed out a few other things for the maintenance guys to check. I guess I'll start moving in some small things in another day or so - just so I can really feel some "ownership". Jean left this afternoon, and so I'm here by myself now. They've all assured me that somebody will come back quickly if I need it, but I'm pretty sure I'll be okay. There's still SO much to do. I haven't set up a definite moving date, but will try to figure that out soon. I think the girls have agreed on the first week in November to come here to get things they want out of the house.

All scary, major things going on.

Monday

Things have been relatively quiet today. I had my regularly scheduled eye appointment - all okay there. Jean and I went to visit Vicki, and I took her some lamb out of my freezer. I know I won't be using it now, and they love it. Plus I know they'll invite me to dinner sometimes when she cooks it.

Tomorrow, Jean will go with me when I go to The Terrace to sign papers and pay the first month's rent. Then I can start taking things over and set up an actual moving date.

Stuff

Jean and I have been through a lot of stuff, packed up some stuff that needs to be moved first, and set aside a lot that doesn't. There’s lots of stuff to give away. We’ve thrown away lots of stuff. Lots of art stuff will be going away on Wednesday.

I see the financial advisor on Thursday morning, and go to court with the lawyer on Friday morning. I sign papers and pay rent on Tuesday morning, so can start moving things then. After that we will talk about when to move ME.

Saturday haiku

Cleaning out old stuff.

Downsizing is always hard,

But we make progress.

Learning curve

So now, I'm not only going to have to learn to live a new life, in a new place, I have a new laptop, with Windows 10.  OMG!!!  At least the laptop isn't quite so life-changing.

-----------------------------------

Jean and I have gone through an amazing amount of stuff today.  We've been through yarn stuff, painting stuff, shelves and the desk around the desk-top computer, etc.  There are piles everywhere, but there IS a modicum of organization involved. And it looks like we'll be able to start moving some stuff into the apartment toward the latter part of next week.

Productive

Jean and I had a productive day. Plus the cleaning lady came - so that always does some good.

I got some paperwork done. We got copies of the death certificate made, so we have those ready to go with forms to be sent in. We got some plastic bins for paint supplies. We emptied the knitting cabinet and did some sorting in that. And, wonder of wonders, I actually worked about an hour sorting through my art supplies and other stuff in the office/studio. It’s a good start.

The attorney has made an appointment for us to start the probate process for 25 September, so that’s underway. And I have an appointment with a financial advisor on 24 September. I’ll be paying my first month’s rent early next week, and I can start moving things in anytime after that.

We finished off the day at dinner with Tina at Noodles & Pho. A good day.

"Daddy's home!"

There was a soft knock on the door this morning. Kate went to the door and I heard her talking. Then she called out, “Mom, Daddy’s home!”

The ashes and death certificates were delivered by our regular carrier today. Of course, John never did anything the easy way, and the box had gotten bumped and had sprung a "leak" somewhere in transit. The packaging was torn and had been wrapped in plastic - and there was a small amount of ash over everything inside of that. The poor letter carrier was devastated that she had to bring the package for delivery. Kate heard this explanation before she called me. The carrier was all but in tears, and Kate and I were joking about John’s having continued his travels and taken the scenic route home. Oh, dear - we’re so irreverent. But I think we did make the carrier feel better.

So now the ashes are here, and eventually, we’ll decide how we want to honor him.

But now I have the documents, and I can get started on paperwork. I've talked to the lawyer, and a court date is to be set up for sometime next week. I'll get originals and copies sent to various locations as soon as possible, and we can get things going.

Progress

It’s been great having Kate here the last few days. I took Kate and Vicki to see the apartment yesterday. The painting is underway, and then the carpet is to be replaced. We got a good idea of what furniture I’ll be taking and where how the rooms will be arranged. Looks like this is really going to happen.

On her way home tomorrow, Kate is going to meet Margaret for lunch - maybe with Jean. And then Jean is coming here for a few days. All our girls are taking such good care of me. I don’t know what I’d do without them.

I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow, and then will have a meeting with the Wellness Director at The Terrace. I have a meeting with the financial consultant a week from Thursday.

I guess my new life is getting under way.

Sunday Stealing

Mac'n Cheese Meme

Stolen from: Love me some surveys

Can you ever get enough of mac ‘n’ cheese?
Don’t really much care - not one of my favorites.
Are you allergic to nuts or dairy products?
No
Do you think age matters in relationships?
Not necessarily
Has anyone ever called the cops on you?
No
Did you talk to someone until you fell asleep last night?
No
What’s the connection between the last person you texted?
Vicki is my friend.
Are you in a good mood?
It’s been better.
Excited for anything?
Not really
Do you have a hard time controlling your emotions?
Not usually
Do you like your height?
I liked it better before I shrank 2.5 inches.
How long have you lived in your current home?
29 years, but not too much longer.
Could you go a week without brushing your teeth?
Oh, yuck! I hope I never have to find out.
Have you ever given any amount of money to the homeless?
We contribute to the homeless shelter here in town.
Own anything from Bath & Body Works?
Nope
Have you ever had your nails so long that they curved down at the ends?
No, and I think that’s kind of yucky, too.
Have you ever swallowed a bunch of salt water by accident?
Probably, but not recently.
Does it take you over an hour to go to sleep sometimes?
Very rarely, but then I get up and read or work puzzles for a while, then try again.
When you get home from school/work do you change into your pjs right away?
No work or school any more, but as soon as I know I’m in for the day, I change into “soft clothes” (not necessarily pjs).
Have you ever stayed up all night and the whole next day without any sleep?
I’m afraid so.
Has anyone ever told you that you have pretty feet?
Oh, this IS funny - I have the ugliest feet in town.
What is the temperature currently in the town you live in?
67* F
Do you ever actually drink milk alone?
No, only over cereal or as hot chocolate.

Dear Readers

Dear Readers,
I just want to thank you for all you kind comments and good wishes over the last couple of weeks. It's obviously been a tough time for all our family. It's been comforting to hear from you and know my computer community is out there and caring.


Love to you all,
Mary

Some routine

It felt so good to get back in the water and have "wet hugs" from all the gals. And coffee was good, too. One of the cashiers there gave me a big hug - John had always joked with her when he placed the order. I was going to get a haircut and go to the store. But, for the second day (I tried Wednesday, too), Great Clips was too crowded, so I put it off again. I got some Rx filled, and did a quickie WalMart trip. I decided to get a single-cup coffee maker for the apartment. There's probably no point in making full pots once I get moved. We'll see how it goes. It's a Mr. Coffee brand, not Keurig. I will get some of the refillable cups for it, though.

I got a little nap this afternoon. Tina came over and we ordered pizza for dinner. Sarah and her friend got here about 7:30, and then settled in to watch some football.

Thursday

I saw the rheumatologist this morning. He's such a nice guy/good doctor. He was so concerned about me - even giving me a short session of grief counseling - mainly just good common sense advice. He took an x-ray of my ankle to rule out a stress or chip fracture for the sudden onset of pain, but expected to find that it was tendinitis. The x-ray was normal, so I'll just have to wait out the duration of the tendinitis. I'm to keep wearing the elastic ankle brace, and take pain meds when necessary. Also he's changing my NSAID from DayPro (generic) to another oldie - Naprosyn (generic). We'll see how that does.

I called the crematory in Calgary. They tell me the ashes and death certificate are on their way, so we should be able to proceed with other things before long.

Jean's job will be over the end of this month. I'd been talking about her getting me a new laptop with her employee discount. So she ordered that for me while she was here. So I have another new learning curve to deal with - a new laptop with Windows 10.

Alison & Joe, Jean & Leroy are all back home safely. I can’t begin to thank everybody for all the help they’ve given me. I don’t know what I’d have done without it. And there’s still more to come. What a great family we have!

A busy day

Alison and I got more stuff done today. I met with the attorney this morning. He looked over the papers we had (as beautifully organized by Margaret and Alison), and told us, the estate will have to go through probate. No big glitches - just the way it is.

When we got home, I called The Terrace and told them I wanted to reserve the apartment we looked at last week. When Jean gets here tomorrow, we’ll go over to pay the deposit and let her look at it. Click here to see their web page.

The one I'm getting is a 2-bedroom apartment. I'd probably rather have a 1-BR suite, but this is what was available, and the bathroom made it perfect for me. A previous tenant had modified the two bathrooms, combining the bathtub in one with the shower area of the other, making the two bathrooms into 1.5 baths, one with a double-sized fully tiled walk-in shower - actually wheelchair accessible. I don't need that, but certainly love the idea of the big walk-in shower.

Alison's husband, Joe, drove down from Annapolis today. They'll drive back probably on Thursday. She has been such a great help.

Labor Day

Alison, Tina and I went over to Margaret's today. Some of our oldest friends from Nashville came, too, and it felt so good to be able to spend some time with them and get some special hugs. Plus getting to see Margaret and get some of her good food. The drive home took about 45 minutes longer than usual - never did find out why the slowdown, but at least it kept moving.

We have an appointment with an attorney tomorrow morning, so I guess things will get underway then.

One week

It was a pretty quiet morning.  But lots going on this afternoon.  Matt and Jesse and his girlfriend, Caroline, came by.  They stayed for lunch and to talk for a while.  Jesse loaded up the old recliners to take to his house (the new ones were delivered on Thursday).  Matt left to head home.  Before Jesse and Caroline left, the rower who had loaned John his rowing machine came to pick it up.  It was good Jesse was still here to help him.  Then J&C left to go back to Hillsboro. Alison left to go visit her other grandparents  (about 30 miles from here).


There were lots of phone calls this evening.  It was good to talk to Anne and Sue and Ann and Margaret.  And then just some TV watching.  Not really "normal", but not chaos either.

Just taking a break with mindless trivia

Making a list Meme

Stolen from: Love me some surveys

1. Do you like making lists?
I do make lists, but it’s not because I “like” them.
2. Do/did you play sports with your siblings?
No
3. Would you rather go to a University or a community college?
It would depend on lots of factors - it’s not an either/or choice.
4. What’s your favorite kind of bread?
Rye or sourdough
5. What toppings do you like on your pizza?
Mushrooms, onions, olives, pepperoni, tomatoes
6. What color or design does your shower curtain have?
Wavy blue and white stripes
7. What kind of car does/did your mom drive?
Chevy II
8. What’s on your cell phone’s home screen?
A picture of John
9. Do you like to watch the National Geographic channel?
Sometimes
10. Are you the type of person to correct a survey maker’s grammar and/or spelling?
Maybe not grammar in a phone call, but definitely spelling on a questionnaire.
11. What color is your microwave?
White
12. Do you have a fan in your bedroom?
A ceiling fan
13. Mountain Dew or Sprite?
Neither. I generally don’t care for carbonated drinks.
14. Does it rain a lot where you live?
Just the right amount - we’re lucky that way.
15. Do you shop at Walmart regularly?
Yes
16. Does it bother you when animals lick themselves?
No - why on earth should it?
17. Have you ever been to a Trader Joe’s?
Once or twice when visiting in California. I wish we had one in our city. But we do have Aldi (which is a sibing to Trader Joe), and I really like it.
18. What’s the longest time you’ve ever been stuck in traffic?
Five hours
19. Do you wear black a lot?
Not a lot, but sometimes.
20. Are there stairs in your house?
Yes, but I don’t use them any more.
21. Have you ever held $500 in cash?
Yes
22. Do you like onions on your burger?

Yes
23. Could you ever give yourself a shot?
Yes, and I have.
24. Do you wear shoes in the house?
I’d rather not, but with my feet, I do most of the time.
25. Have you ever worked as a cashier?
No

Obituary

John Zelle, 80, died August 30, 2015, in Calgary, Canada. He is survived by his wife, Mary, daughters Sue (Randy) Cawood, Margaret (Bobby) Smith, Kate (Wayne) Fuller, Jean Zelle, and 6 grandchildren. He loved his family, rowing, the Riverwalk, and travel. No services are planned at this time. Memorials would be welcomed to the Chattanooga Junior Rowing Program, Chattanooga Room in the Inn, Chattanooga Food Bank, Northside Neighborhood House, or the charity of your choice.
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Things have moved so fast. I don’t know when or how to pick up and start writing again. I want to document the past two weeks, but don’t know if I’ll publish it all or not.


Margaret and Alison have been here going through papers and getting things organized. We’ve looked at an apartment in a retirement complex. There aren’t many choices in the area where I want to be, but the one we found is a definite possibility. I’m still getting my head wrapped around that, though.


Our girls have been magnificent. The swimmers and neighbors have kept us fed. You great folks across the internet have held me. And everybody has surrounded me with love. I’m grateful and humbled.


Thanks.

R. I. P., my love

John David Zelle, 29 November 1934 - 30 August 2015

You did everything on your own terms, as usual.
Love always.

An ending

we have, at John's insistence, agreed to turn off the machines. We have no idea how long this will take. Right now , Sue Ann and Al are here. Alison is coming tonight. Love us.

Saturday 3;15am. Mountain time

things are not going well.  They started him on steroids Friday, and said this was the last treatment they had to offer him.  He seemed to be doing fairly well, and then took a bad turn. The crash team came in (7 people and machines in his tiny space) and they've gotten him stabilized for now.

Sue will be here tomorrow, and Ann and Al are coming back here a day early. We'll just have to see what happens next.

Thursday update

He had a good night, and seems maybe some better today. They're going to take the catheter out today. We've talked to the team again today, as usual. The head guy has talked to the insurance company about options and finances. He told them it'd probably be another week to get him so he would be able to go home on a commercial flight, vs the cost of sending him to a local hospital in his home network sooner via air ambulance. The insurance is supposed to be checking to see what his policy allows. The doc here said that , in the meantime, they'd treat him "like a Canadian".

If we're here past Monday, there are things that will have to be arranged at home. But things are okay until then.  We do think we'll be looking at moving to an independent facility when we get home. The time table just got moved up.

Wednesday midday update

I left the hospital yesterday about 3.  Got some takeout from McDonald's , and checked into the motel. After a shower and dealing with expected leg cramps, I crashed about 8. I had breakfast at the motel, then headed to the hospital.

John had a pretty good night, only one low oxygen spell, and le looks good today. The "team" came in, and again, a good talk with them. His white count has been low the whole time, which makes this an atypical pneumonia. They're still thinking three or four causes - the radiation scarring, probably some damage before that, pneumonia, etc., and all exacerbated by and precipitated by the altitude.

They're continuing antibiotics, but orally. All IVs have been removed. He's been fed, bathed, clean sheets, and other bodily functions are working. Now the plan is for more improvement and to get us home, and to a lower altitude. The docs here are going to talk to medical people at the insurance company to talk about covering medivac. That might just wind up being the transport, just to get us to a hospital in Chattanooga. That's still at least a couple of days in the future.

They've pretty much worn him out, so I'd guess he'll sleep most of the afternoon.

As we told the doc, what we want most, and what I think will do him the most good, is to get home.  I wish I was Dorothy and could just click my heels.

Tuesday noon, mountain time

After last night's panic, things are better today.  To recap, his oxygen level dropped to 55%, and the doc on duty was talking ICu and intubation .  John refused, and while was stuck in horrible traffic because of a wreck, (took 5 hours to do what is usually an hour drive), he started to improve. He was getting more aggressive oxygen therapy, and lasix to draw off fluid. The house doc this morning told him he hoped last night was the "nadir" of the problem.  John said first time he'd heard the word outside a crossword puzzle. 

The pulmonary team came by a little while ago. Great head guy, dr. Ward flemons. They're going to take over his case. Doc had spent time with radiologist going over scan. Still not 100% sure of problem, probably combination of scarring from radiation, scarring from something older, bronchitis, pneumonia ...all set off by coming to this altitude.  

So they're treating aggressively for pneumonia, with antibiotics and diuretics. No idea of when going home.  We'll probably be changing our flight so we don't go through Denver with even higher altitude. We could go directly to Chattanooga, too. Plus a Medivac flight has been mentioned as a possibility.  

Ann and Al have gone on to their week in Jasper. I'll be moving into the Travelodge Valley Park this afternoon, very near the hospital.  Btw, he's in #624, but no phones in rooms.  This is a bigger room , only two beds, but still co-Ed.  

Guess that's all for now.

Update

John will be in the hospital until Thursday or Friday.  I'll be moving into a motel nearer the hospital tomorrow, and we'll decide whether to go to Jasper to catch up with Ann and Al then, or change flights and go home.  They did a scan last night and there in no evidence of blood clot or cancer, but he does have extensive scarring in the lungs, so his recovery will be slower than might otherwise be expected.  We'll move along, slowly, one day at a time.

And then things turned bad...

Yesterday started out great. Beautiful scenery with new snow on the mountain tops , and bright sunshine.  We got to see my favorite waterfall, Takkakaw Falls. But the altitude seemed to really be getting to John .  He did get great cards when we played bridge, though.

Things turned bad overnight. John's coughing was getting much worse, and he started coughing some blood. He woke me about 2 a.m., to take him to the hospital. The folks in this small local hospital stabilized him, got him on oxygen, and sent him via ambulance to the major hospital in Calgary .  They're treating him for pneumonia, keeping him overnight,  and we hope he'll be well enough to leave tomorrow .  Then we'll have to see what happens about the rest of the vacation. We'll finish it out if we can.  At least he's in good hands. I'm back in the condo for the night.

From Canada

sorry to have not been writing. Our travel day was a bit longer than planned. In Houston our plane "broke", on the ground and before we boarded, fortunately. But it took them about 1 1/2 hours to get us a new plane. But we finally arrived ok, got rental car, and to motel. Ann and Al arrived shortly after.  We went to Drumheller the next morning.

Great day touristing there, especially the Royal Tyrell Museum of Paleontology. Fabulous place - look it up, and visit if you get a chance. Then we came to Canmore for a week in a condo.

We've done driving around this incredibly beautiful country. Ann and Al did the walk into Johnston Canyon. I remember it from years ago - a gorgeous place. It's colder and rainy today, so there will be a lot of bridge playing going on. We'll be in this location until Tuesday, then off to Jasper.

I'll try to write again before long.

The day before

Our bags are packed.  We're ready to go...


(Postings will probably be spotty for the next couple of weeks.)

Sunday Stealing

I want you to be free from me Meme

Stolen from: Everything Goes To Hell



Are your nails painted a dark or light color?

Light, with a sparkly overcoat.
Have you ever order pizza online?
Yes
What color was the last candle you lit?
Red - probably at a Thanksgiving dinner a few years ago.
Is there something written on your shirt right now?
Not today - usually it’s a YMCA t-shirt.
Is there a bookshelf in your room?
Not specifically, but there are piles of books in every room.
Do you own a treadmill?
No. We currently have on loan a recumbent bicycle and a rowing machine.
Have you ever signed up for a gym membership?
We belong to the Y. Does that count?
Is there a garbage can in your room? What color is it?
There’s a wastebasket, kind of a brown color.
Have you ever read in the bathtub?
I did, in another lifetime. I can’t remember the last time I sat in a bathtub. I’m sure it was at least 25 years ago.
Have you ever had to wear a hairnet?
No
Do you know how many pages the last book you read had?
No. That’s something I never pay any attention to. Also I read e-books almost exclusively now.
What day of the week does the laundry usually get done?
Sunday
Do you use the Facebook chat often?
I’ve never used it.
Do you have any baby pictures of yourself on your computer
Good heavens, no.
Do you eat onion rings?
Given the opportunity, of course.

What flavor of tea did you last have?
I’m not generally a tea-drinker, except iced tea occasionally.
Do you own a bathrobe?
Yes, but I can’t remember the last time I wore it.
Did you/will you have coffee or some other form of caffeine today?
Of course. Coffee keeps the world going.
Do you have a mailbox or do you collect your mail from the post office?
Mail is delivered to the mailbox in front of the house.
What was the last animal you saw, and was it a pet?
I don’t guess squirrels count as pets, do they.
What was the last documentary you watched focusing on?
Terrible wording on this question - I guess it means the subject of the documentary. It was probably Nature or something like that on PBS.
Is there anything you need to remember to do before the day ends?
Continue with the packing.
Is your car messy, or do you like to keep it clean?
Somewhere in between.
Are you the type to wake up before the sun has even risen?
Depends on when the sun rises. I used to be a very early riser, but I have gotten to where I can sleep later.
Do you get uncomfortable when people stare at you?
I don’t think I remember anybody staring at me.
Have you ever been admitted to the hospital for a long period of time?
When our girls were born, it was customary to stay in the hospital for 5-6 days, but since then no. I was in for two nights when I had my shoulder replacement last year.

Friday stuff

     I skipped swimming this morning - not something I usually do.  I decided to favor the ankle, even though it felt better after yesterday's steroid injection (spill-over from the neck area).
     We played duplicate.  It seemed like we were "all thumbs", and had pretty yucky cards.  But we came in the middle, so didn't do too badly.
     We had such great cards last Monday.  I checked, and I came in first (5 tables) and John came in third.  It felt good!
     The best part of the day was having dinner at Old Saigon with Tina and Missy.  So much fun and laughter.  We are going to miss them so much when they move.

Would you like some whine with that?

The Valium must have hung around in my system yesterday. I slept straight through from 11:45 to 6:15 - without even a potty break. I can't remember the last time THAT happened.

The cleaning lady came today. We've turned the mattress, and she put clean sheets on the bed, so that's a once-every-so-often chore done. I got to Aldi, too.

I saw the spine surgeon’s PA this afternoon. She showed me the MRI and explained the problems with the various cervical vertebrae, and what was likely causing the pain I’m having in my neck/shoulder/back. She told me that I didn’t have the severity of symptoms of nerve compression that would cause them to recommend immediate surgery (WHEW!!). But this did not rule out surgery at some point in the future. As long as the pain I have isn’t worse (usually around a “2-3”, at times up to a “7+”) or remain at a high level, I’ll control it with medication. When that doesn’t work any more, I’ll go back and we’ll talk surgery. In the meantime, she gave me a steroid injection in the neck/shoulder angle. I hope that helps over the trip.

But wait, there’s more. You know how I say, “ if it ain’t roaches, it’s piss-ants”. Well… Tuesday afternoon, my right ankle started hurting. I didn’t fall or twist it or do anything that I know of, but it has been killing me. So now I’m going with the compression and elevation and ice. Phooey! So much for the whining.

Wednesday wrap-up

All went well with the MRI. I guess the Valium did the trick, plus some help from the earplugs. I was pretty relaxed and kept my eyes closed (of course). The tech did talk to me each time the sounds stopped to tell me how many more sessions were to come and for how many minutes. Plus they gave me an emergency button to push. So all went well. And I was only there for about 1.5 hours total. The only bad part was that it was incredibly cold in there and poor John about froze to death (I had a blanket). They had had an a/c malfunction overnight, and it had gotten down to 52 inside overnight - and was only up to about 60 by the time we were there. Brrrr. Now I see the doc at 1 tomorrow to see what, if anything, they found.

--------------------------------

I fixed a yummy supper tonight. If you have access to an Aldi store, check out their frozen food section for a package of frozen mussels in tomato garlic sauce. They are delicious, just as they are, following package directions. Tonight I made additional sauce with tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil, white wine, and basil, and reduced it. Then I cooked fettuccini and drained it. Then put it all in a big skillet, with the mussels and cooked per package directions. Oh, so good!

------------------------------------

Sometimes there are obituaries of people you don’t know that make you wish the person has been part of your life. Tina gave me the link to this obit of an obviously delightful 104 year old lady. So I’ll share. Please click here.

I just did WalMart this morning, but that was it for the day. We had a quick thundershower this afternoon, just as I was getting into my nap. Although it cooled things off, we didn’t get a lot of rain.

It's not been one of the better days - lots of pain in the neck/shoulder/arm areas - fortunately relatively short lived. It surely has cut my appetite - guess nothing is without a silver lining. I certainly hope tomorrow’s MRI gives the docs something to work on.

August Monday

We had pop-up thundershowers this afternoon - all while we were playing bridge. I had great cards for the first four rounds - not too good the last round. But I came in second last week. We’ll get in lots of bridge-playing while we’re gone. We usually play every evening when we’re with Ann & Al.

I have an MRI scheduled for Wednesday. I hope they call me tomorrow with instructions. The doc prescribed some Valium to take beforehand, but I have some questions about when to take it.

I hope this produces some answers as to why I’m having this pain.

Another quiet Sunday

We drove over to Margaret's this afternoon for a short visit. It's about 1 1/4 hours drive usually, but we went the "back way" (i.e., not on the interstate), so it was a little longer. But it was a gorgeous day for a drive. We sat out on their porch and just talked for about an hour or so, and then came back home. Bobby is doing fairly well - still in some pain, and not walking very much yet. He's back in hospice care, so that makes things easier and is a relief for them.

We have a busy week coming up.

Sunday Stealing

Crazy Random Twenty Meme

Stolen from: My Random Randomness
Have you ever demolished a wall or building?
Nope
If you and a friend both wanted the same thing would you let the friend get it first?
Of course! Why should something like that be competitive?
Have you ever argued over who should pay for something?
Not seriously.
Do you have any family heirlooms?
Yes. And the girls are just waiting for them to passed down.
Are you related or distantly related to anyone famous?
I’ve always been told that Captain Bradford from the Mayflower was one on our family tree.
What's your favorite ocean?
All of them - any place with salt water.
Do you correct people’s mistakes?
Sometimes. It would depend on the person and the circumstances and the mistake.
Have you ever helped out an injured animal?
I don’t think I’ve been in such a situation.
Do you throw bread for the ducks?
Not since we had small children - and that was a long time ago.
Do you think babies are little bundles of joy or smelly noisy things?
Yes
Do you give money to buskers?
I haven’t been in a place to see a busker in years, but I probably would.
Do you ever forward or reply to chain mails?
Never!
Do you often have a tune in your head you can't name?
Rarely.
Has anyone ever approached you thinking you were someone else?
Not that I recall.
Have you ever starred in an amateur or professional video?
No.
Have you ever been in a position of authority?
I’m a mother, so of course! I’ve also been president of an organization. Won’t do that again.
If you were ruler of your own country what would you call it?
I don’t know what it would be called, but I would politely decline to serve.
And what title would you give yourself?
See above.
If you invented a monster what would you call it?
“Hate”
And what features would it have?
My imagination doesn’t go to places like that.

Doctor visit

It was only in the mid70s here, since it’s been cloudy with rain showers all day…definitely a nice change.

I saw the spine surgeon’s PA today and the visit was, as I expected, fact-finding, exam, and conversation. I’m set up for an MRI next week, and then to return to the office again after that. I’m not really claustrophobic, but I’m pretty uncomfortable with MRIs. They offered to call me in some Valium, and I took them up on it.

The PA was very thorough in her explanation of the x-ray and possible problems. She felt that my physical symptoms weren’t too bad at this point, i.e., no numbness or loss of strength in my arms, but that we’d wait to see the MRI before making any further decisions. I told her that we were going to be traveling, and she said they might give me a steroid injection in the neck/shoulder area to help with pain during that time. Then when we return, maybe they would prescribe some PT before getting into anything more invasive. I can live with this plan.

Wednesday haiku

When there’s naught to say

It’s better to be quiet.

Doctor tomorrow.

Monday Miscellany, except....

Usual morning stuff.
So-so cards, except for a small slam John and I bid and made.
Best thing was dinner - casserole made with last Thanksgiving turkey, dressing and gravy.

But NEVER miscellaneous....

Happy Birthday, Jean!

Sunday Stealing

Shout Out The Answer Meme

Stolen from: My Random Randomness

Do you shout out the answers at the TV while watching quiz shows?
I haven’t watch quiz shows in years, but I have been known to shout at the TV
Do you get over-involved with TV or movie plots at times?
Not really, although I do cry sometimes.
What's the highest hill or mountain you've ever climbed?
Climbed? None. But the highest I’ve been on is in Switzerland, the Jungfraujoch (3,454 m.)       Do you have a piggy bank? Nope
What's the fastest you've ever traveled in a car?
Maybe 80+ MPH.
Could you ever hand milk a cow?
I doubt it very seriously - and would never care to try.
Which was your favorite science? Biology, Physics or Chemistry?
Biology - and I never took physics
Have you ever had a surprise party? (that was an actual surprise)
I haven’t had one for me, but I gave John one for his 21^st birthday - and it was definitely a surprise.
Have you ever worn clothing with the labels/tags still attached?
Not the outside labels.
Have you ever slipped on a banana skin?
Fortunately no. I fall over almost anything, though.
Are you scared of the dark?
No.
Do you have a lawyer?
Not right now. The guy who wrote our wills has died. We’re waiting for Sarah.
If you had a paid year off, what would you want to do?
Since I’m retired, I’m pretty much there. But if someone wanted to pay all my expenses for a year, I’d travel.
How long did your last phone call last?
I was talking to a doctor’s office, making an appointment. It was probably 15 minutes or so.
Have you ever helped someone across the road?
It’s much more likely that someone will help ME across the road - at least I hope someone will help.
Have you ever been wolf whistled in public?
If that happened, I totally missed it.

Culinary fusion

Fusion is the melding of several cuisines, hopefully to the enhancement of all.

I frequently head into meal prep with the intention of using leftovers, both fresh and out of the freezer. Tonight was no exception.

I had rice and fresh field peas (from Margaret and Bobby) left over from dinner last night. I thought I could add some sausage (kielbasa or brats) and come up with something like a Cajun red beans and rice. As I rummaged through the freezer, I realized there was none of that meat. All I could find sausage-type was breakfast sausage and two kinds of Italian sausage - hot and mild.

Well, let’s see what I can do with that.

So the dinner in a bowl was rice, field peas, and crumbled, browned, mild and hot Italian sausage. It was really quite good (if not reproducible). I guess we wound up with…

Cajun-Italian-Southern Fusion Cuisine.

Special Thursday

We didn't have anything on the calendar today, so we did something special.

We went to the Hunter Museum of American Art, and saw this summer's special exhibit, Monet and the American Impressionists.  It's a super exhibit.  I hope anyone who can possibly get here to come see it.  It'll be here until midSeptember.

After we left, we went to La Altena (our favorite Mexican place) for lunch.

It was a great way to spend a hot summer day.

Pretty normal

I did my swim class and coffee this morning, and we went to visit Renna in a rehab facility. She had back surgery several months ago, and developed an infection. It's really been awful for her. She's hoping to be able to go home by mid August.

I have an appointment next week with a spine surgeon, and called another to see if maybe I could get an earlier appointment with another surgeon. After lots of questions and history-taking from the PA at the second office, I was offered an appointment in late August. We'll be gone then, so I took an appointment on 2 September. I'll probably cancel it, but will keep it on the books, in case I think I need a second opinion.

The weather-guesser is saying that a “cold front” is coming through. He says it’ll still be hot, but will be cooler overnight, with considerably less humidity. That’d be a refreshing change.

Ten Things Tuesday

1. Only one grocery store today.

2. I forgot only a couple of things.

3. My massage was great, as usual.

4. I tried to make an appointment with another surgeon for an earlier appointment. They’re to call me back.

5. John went to a class for first-time-Android users and says he learned some things.

6. He went back to the dentist to get some adjustment to his implanted tooth.

7. Pop-up thundershowers in the area, but only a few drops of rain at our house.

8. Tina brought carry-out from Formosa for us and Missy.

9. Always great to spend time with the girls.

10. Petty Officer Randall Smith was laid to rest at our National Cemetery today, the last burial of the five servicemen killed here on 16 July. RIP

If it ain't roaches.....

If it ain’t roaches, it’s piss-ants!

It’s an old Wheeler family expression, but WAY too true!

Bobby has been doing fairly well. Margaret got to go to the beach. Then Bobby fell and broke his femur, requiring surgery and rehab.

John’s got the good news that his lung cancer is in remission. The same day he fell down in the driveway and sprained his ankle.

Jean has had some major changes in her life.

My left shoulder (the one with the reverse prosthesis) is doing fairly well. The right “shoulder” problem is another matter. When the doc walks back in the treatment room, looks at your cervical spine x-rays, and says, “Oooh! I figured it was bad, but not this bad.”, it is NOT good news. Two of the vertebrae are already fused and somewhat twisted, another is subluxed (slipped) over its neighbor, and the next words out of his mouth are “surgery”, and “Do you have a spine doctor?” Well, shit!

He told me not to see a chiropracter, but that it was okay to go to the massage therapist (thank heavens!). And the dear man did prescribe me a cortisone dose-pack for some immediate pain relief. So I came home, got on the phone, and now have an appointment with a spine surgeon next week.

Sighhhhhh

Sunday Stealing

I’ll spread my wings and I’ll learn how to fly Meme

Stolen from: Gabs survey


1. Have you ever had a pen pal?
I think I did, but it was a zillion years ago.
2. What’s your favorite breed of dog?
Mutt, rescue dog, yours
3. Can money buy happiness?
It’s what they say - money doesn’t buy happiness, but it can buy you a way to be unhappy.
4. Do you listen to music when you’re down?
I like to listen to music anytime.
5.What is one thing you spend way too much money on?
Probably yarn, but not really that much.
6.Can you honestly say you’re okay right now?
Not too bad - could definitely be worse.
7.What was the last thing you spent money on?
Coffee at Panera
8.Is your current hair color mostly your natural hair color?
It’s all my own grey
9.Who have you texted in the last 24 hours?
Jean, Tina, Renna, Missy
10.Were you in a good mood last night?
Sure - I’m in a good mood most of the time.
11.Do you have a reason to smile right now?
It’s been a pretty good day
12. How often do you hold back what you want to say?
Probably not often enough
13. Do you think that in the end, everything will fall into place?
Things don’t always work out like they’re supposed to, but I guess they do most of the time.
14.Are you currently looking forward to anything?
Near term - massage next week; next month, Canadian Rockies
15.Do you have any TV shows on DVD?
Northern Exposure, Sports Night, probably some others.

Saturday miscellany

It was another quiet day.


We were sitting on the porch this afternoon, when I noticed a bluebird fluttering around the bluebird house.  This is not the time for them to start a family, so I started watching.  Over the course of about 15 minutes, there were 3-4 bluebirds flying around the house.  They were looking in the hole, sitting on the top or on nearby perches.  Sometimes two of them were looking in the hole.  Who knows what was going on.  Tina suggested that perhaps that a "new couple" had gotten a "real estate agent" to show them around the neighborhood.  Love that as an explanation.


Matt had been at home, helping Margaret and Bobby.  He stopped here on his way back home, bringing a "care package" from Margaret.  There were grapes, bags of shelled field peas (frozen), okra, two kinds of squash, and dozens of tomatoes!  We took Matt to out to dinner, and enjoyed getting a chance to talk to him, finding out what he was up to, getting an update on next year's wedding plans, etc.


I finished off the day with a couple of tomatoes for dessert! 

R.I.P.

Marine Sgt. Carson Holmquist

Naval Logistic Specialist Randall Miller

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan

Marine Lance Cpl. Squire "Skip" Wells

Marine Staff Sgt. David Wyatt

A Thought for Today

There are two kinds of truth: the truth that lights the way and the truth that warms the heart. The first of these is science, and the second is art. Neither is independent of the other or more important than the other. Without art, science would be as useless as a pair of high forceps in the hands of a plumber. Without science, art would become a crude mess of folklore and emotional quackery. The truth of art keeps science from becoming inhuman, and the truth of science keeps art from becoming ridiculous. -Raymond Thornton Chandler, writer (23 Jul 1888-1959)
From:  A Word A Day

Tough Wednseday

I’ve had a tough time trying to write the last few days. Nothing much has been going on with us personally.

The horror that engulfed Chattanooga last Thursday has pretty much consumed all news and all conversations. The mourning for the fallen is ongoing and the pain will last and last. But life goes on.

Two of the funerals will be here, the first on Friday. Both burials will be in the National Cemetery here in Chattanooga. Marine Staff Sgt. David Wyatt and Naval Logistic Specialist Randall Miller had put down roots in our community and their loved ones wanted them to be here. Sgt. Wyatt’s service will be limited to family and military personnel, but they have asked that people wishing to pay their respects line the streets between the church and the Cemetery. I can guarantee you the route will be solidly lined for the just under 10 mile route.

We’re glad we live in this proud and caring community.

Monday haiku

Hot, humid, hazy.

It’s July, so nothing new.

Cards lousy at bridge.

Steamy Sunday

We did a little cleaning up on the deck before it got too hot. The painters had to move everything to get to the side of the house. We got rid of a bunch of stuff. We also got some stuff "neatened" up so the cleaning lady could get at the underneath area when she comes tomorrow. John will probably come to the Y with me in the morning. He doesn't want to be here when "she" comes, but the area where he walks is still blocked off for the crime scene investigation.

That's so horrible to have to say and deal with. Today, we just heard about another serviceman who was wounded and has now been released from the hospital. Turns out the Reserve Center was full of Marines just back from maneuvers. They haven't released nearly all of this story yet.

Hard times

Our city is still reeling from yesterday’s horror. So many questions and so few answers. We can only honor the Marines and hold fast to their grieving families. And we can try to start the healing process for all of us.
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Did you read about the visit to the White House this morning by the oldest living veteran? She’s a 110-year-old woman who enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps in 1943 at age 38, and drove a jeep for the Army. She was to be given a special t-shirt to wear. Her granddaughter said: "It was supposed to be a short sleeve shirt. But we decided to give her a blouse, she's going to have her arms covered up because she says she doesn't have 'Michelle Obama arms' so she cannot go in there short sleeves on, she said that's not happening." You have to love this feisty old broad!
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Something amazing happened last night. I slept straight through the night. Not even one potty break or wake-up because of pain. I realize that “normal” people do this all the time, but I can’t remember the last time it happened to me.

Our hearts are broken!

The first I saw of today's horror was an alert on FaceBook from the Chattanooga Times Free Press that there had been a shooting at the River Park. 

I didn’t turn on the TV or know anything else until FJ called me from Nashville about 1 p.m. to ask what was happening here. Then I turned on the TV.

The shootings were at two locations - a recruiting office on and a Marine/Naval Reserve Center. One of these locations is about five miles from us - just across the Tennessee River. It's where John goes to walk on the River Walk. There were four Marines killed, plus the shooter. There were no fatalities at the first site. The second one is on a major street, about a mile from the main police station. This is why the police response was so fast. One police officer and two others were wounded, one critically.

As information emerged over the day, we found out that the shooter grew up in Chattanooga and lived with his family in this general area - a nice neighborhood where several of our friends live.

This is certainly not anything we'd expect anywhere, much less in our quiet city, or literally in our neighborhood. Of course, there's been nothing else on our local stations all day.

To quote our governor, “Chattanooga is a great city, with a broken heart.”

Wednesday happenings

I had my mani/pedi this morning. I had such wild nails for the beach time (turquoise and pink, with palm trees and seagulls), but I was tired of looking at them. Back to the usual almost-natural-with-a-sparkly-layer.

When I got home, the painters had started with the pressure washing. John stayed home to get them started. They'll be back tomorrow to start painting.

His ankle must be pretty bad, because he's really letting me "treat" him today. He's spent most of the day in the chair with the foot elevated and with an ice pack. Plus he's taken some pain meds. Also, I found a support boot that I used when I had foot surgery. That's been a great help when he has to walk - and he's been using a cane. There's been some swelling, but not too bad.

The best news ever!

John had his CT scan this morning. And he is officially IN REMISSION!!! No oncology appointments for 3 months. We had been getting increasingly antsy over the results - as you might expect. So, WOW, what a relief!

But, as we all know, Mother Nature has her way of keeping us humble, and She thumbed her nose at John. As he was going to bring the car up the driveway, he rolled his ankle and fell. Other than a skinned knee and some scrapes, the worst problem is a bruised hip and a severely sprained ankle.

The poor baby has really been limping around, but has kept it iced and elevated and has even taken some pain medicine.

The painters are coming to start on the outside of the house in the morning, so he has to be at home anyway. More rest and ice.

Another week

Update: Bobby has been having good PT sessions and has been moved to a skilled care facility in Sewanee. He’s doing well from the broken leg, it seems, but I don’t think this changes his long-term prognosis.

We bit the bullet and picked out new recliners yesterday. They should be delivered in early September. It was relatively painless, and only took about an hour. Then we went to Bonefish Grille. John got what he always does - the Mussels Josephine - an appetizer, but a huge bowl of steamed mussels. I had grilled tuna. I love it, but don't get it every time. Yum!

I found a special book over the weekend. A terrific old book, The Cowboy and the Cossack, by Claire Huffaker, has been reissured as an e-book. I pounced on it, and John’s already reading it. (Kate and Jean, take notice.)

Bridge today was great, at least for me. I had some terrific cards. And, if I do say so myself, bid and played them quite well. It was the kind of day that keeps us playing this silly game.

Sunday Stealing

I Want To Be Famous Meme

Stolen from: Surveysurveysurvey

1. Would you like to be famous? In what way?
Not really.
2. Before making a telephone call, do you ever rehearse what you are going to say? Why?
Not on a social call.
3. What would constitute a “perfect” day for you?
I try not to look for “perfection” - just take it as it comes.
4. When did you last sing to yourself? To someone else?
Only in the car, to myself. Or maybe singing Happy Birthday to a friend.
5. If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30-year-old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you want?
Since I’m nearly 80, I’d definitely want the both of a 30-year-old. I’d hate to have to learn all that stuff again.
6. Do you have a secret hunch about how you will die?
Nothing I think about.
7. For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
My family, my friends, and the travels we’ve been able to do.
8. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?
I would have liked to have been closer to my sister.
9. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?
To take better care of myself.
10. If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?
I don’t think I’d like to know the future.
11. What does friendship mean to you?
It’s very important.
12. What roles do love and affection play in your life?
A major part
13. When did you last laugh?
I laugh a lot, but can’t remember the last time specifically.
14. Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Some of each now.
15. Seen anything weird lately?


Only when I look in the mirror.

Updates

Margaret texted that the PT folks worked Bobby very hard.  He'll probably be in the hospital through the weekend and then be moved to a skilled care facility in a nearby town.
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Marion came to coffee for the first time since her total knee replacement 8 weeks ago.  She's walking pretty well.
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We went to see Renna in the hospital after coffee.  She's doing well, but will be there for a while longer.  She's in pretty good spirits.
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We had the terrible cards at duplicate today, and didn't play that well, either.  I guess this is pay-back for coming in first last time.
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I think we're both getting pretty antsy about John's appointment next week and his first post-treatment scan.  This will let us know if he's now in remission.

Thursday Thirteen

1. Bobby is now in a regular room, getting blood products and PT.

2. His surgery involved plate and screw fixation of the femur fracture.

3. The seven (!) tree trimmers came on time this morning.

4. They finished in less than 45 minutes and cleaned up everything!

5. We had a great lunch at Sticky Fingers with Diane and Harry.

6. I got a short nap.

7. John got a long nap.

8. Tina came by for a little while.

9. Our friend, Renna, is still in the hospital fighting a severe infection.

10. The World Champion US Women’s Soccer Team will be playing an exhibition match in Chattanooga.

11. Tickets were sold out in two hours. Scalping in Chattanooga?

12. Hooray for the South Carolina Legislature for voting to remove the Confederate battle flag from their state capital grounds.

13. It’s summer - hot, hazy, humid, temperatures in the mid90s, chance of late afternoon thunderstorms.

Update plus miscellaneous stuff

Bobby had his first PT session today. She said he stood up twice, but didn't make it to the chair. They’re keeping in the ICU again tonight. His blood pressure is too low and his “blood is thin”. They’re giving him blood/blood products. She’s staying with him - in a recliner chair.
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After coffee this morning, I did grocery stores again. I could only do Walmart yesterday because of the pain in my knee. I went to Publix for one specific thing, but got some Rainier cherries (a once-a-year splurge) and some peaches, too. Then I went to Aldi for some basics from there. And my knee went "out" in each store. So I guess it's any grocery store that bothers my knee - not just Walmart. I'll do what John wants and start riding a cart in stores that have them. Plus wear the knee brace and maybe carry a cane.
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I love Canadians!  Click here for a story that really tickled my funny bone.

Good thoughts, please.

Margaret's Bobby fell this morning and broke his leg, just below the hip.  They got him right to the  hospital, and he had pinning surgery this evening.  He did well and is in ICU for the night.  Updates when we have some.

Routines

First day back on the way to routines.  I saw the rheumatologist this morning - they did a blood draw for a sed rate to test for polymyalgia rheumatic.  Plus he increased the muscle relaxants.  Bridge went well - I even got pretty good cards (not so much for John).  And we went to 5 Guys and Fries for dinner.


The oncology office postponed John's appointments until next Tuesday - the doc is out of town this week.  So now we have to wait a few more days to find out if he's in remission.  Oh, well....

From the Chattanooga Times Free Press of 5 July 2016:


Educator and social justice advocate Franklin McCallie delivered the following remarks to about 100 Chattanooga residents who gathered to honor the nine Americans who were slain in a Charleston S.C., church on June 12, 2015.
Dr. McCallie begins “We gather tonight, first and foremost, to remember and grieve nine American citizens who were slain … because they were black.”

I won’t quote the whole speech here, but will copy a few sections. You can click here to read the entire talk (not too long).

Dr. McCallie describes himself as “…a 75-year old, white, Southern-speaking man. I was born and raised in Chattanooga at a time when we were - and still are - refighting the Civil War. During my first 20 years, I held a strong allegiance to the Confederate flag, to Robert E. Lee and to Stonewall Jackson. "

John was particularly taken with this passage from McCallie’s remarks: “When Muslim terrorists murder innocent people, the vast majority of Americans - liberals, conservatives, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Libertarians, tea party - all cry out: ‘Why don’t the moderate, peace loving Muslims handle their own?’
    "But when white American terrorists murder black Americans, some in those same political groups shout: ‘That wasn’t racism! That was a deranged mind!’ Certainly it’s a deranged mind. Deranged first with a culture that injects white people with mind-corroding views against black citizens!
    "Right-thinking, white Americans must step up to challenge a system that keeps black people poor, that closes the door to good education and to jobs, and that sends disproportionate numbers of black men to prison. And ‘nice,’ even well-intentioned, white people who do nothing to help fix this problem help to sustain this racist culture.”

Amen!

I encourage you to read the whole piece - it’s well worth a few minutes.

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July! Amid all the family, food, and fun, be sure to remember what this day celebrates.

We got home a couple of hours ago, after a great, quiet week at the beach - with our family, friends, food, and fun. I had hoped that the drive today would be easier - on the holiday itself. And that was indeed the case. It took us just over 7.5 hours (which included a stop for lunch). Plus we had no rain. When we got home, I turned on our local weather and it showed heavy rain storms all along I-65 through Alabama - just the way we drove home. So we obviously missed bad stuff.

Most of the stuff is unpacked and put away. I'll do the laundry tomorrow, as usual, and we'll maybe get back to what we laughingly call normal.

From the Mobile Press-Register

I'm going to copy and paste this article by Clete Wetli from today's Mobile Press-Register.  But you can click here and read it on the newspaper's web site.  It's definitely worth reading.
In the aftermath of Charleston, McKinney, and the Baltimore riots, America is finally realizing the true damage caused by far right religious conservatives and the Republican Party who have spent decades fueling and manipulating the hatred of angry white men.
They are angry they lost the "War of Northern Aggression". They are angry that some people get help from the government. They are angry that 'Mericuh has a black President. They are angry that people have sex for recreation instead of procreation. They are angry that gays are ruining their third marriage. Heck, they are angry that lawn darts were recalled and that women think they should be paid the same as men... in the army! 
The angry white men are just outraged that poor people may be getting government subsidized cheese and, now, the internet... those cheddar-eating lazy bums and their Obama-phones! (Well, except for the fact that government subsidized cell phones were spawned during the Reagan Administration... it's still Obama's fault!)
They are so angry that Obama just got to say the "n-word" publicly and they can't. They are angry that they have to be politically correct and angry that they don't really know what that means. They are angry that they just can't fly their confederate flags without having to explain it to a bunch of college educated lefties who don't know squat about heritage or that "Gone With The Wind" was actually a documentary.
They are angry when they have to talk about global warming when it just snowed last January.
All this anger started bubbling into a boil as a reaction to the counterculture of sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll that began in the 1960's and 1970's. By the 1980's, conservatives were sure that America was doomed to moral bankruptcy and that it could only be saved by channeling the political energy of angry white men.
Thus, the myth of "the welfare queen". Thus, the myth of rampant government waste, fraud, and abuse. Thus, the myth that the government is coming for your guns.
Perhaps, the biggest myth of all is that American Exceptionalism is somehow guaranteed by prayer in schools or giving tax breaks to "job creators" on Wall Street, rather than creating a level economic playing field that facilitates upward financial mobility.
Yet, the angry white men are finally reaping what they have sown. Even in Alabama, Governor Bentley has begun to realize that the state needs federal dollars to survive. Bentley has even figured out that the people of Alabama need healthcare, but he hasn't quite figured out how to expand Medicaid and blame Obama simultaneously.
The angry white men are realizing that their beloved Republican Party is dying off and that there is a pronounced insanity in screaming, "Get your government hands off my Medicare!" Yes, the angry white men are even starting to consider whether having guns in church and at the ball park is really such a great idea after all.
Perhaps, South Carolina Senator and Presidential long-shot contender, Lindsey Graham said it best for the Republicans when he opined, ""The demographics race we're losing badly, we're not generating enough angry white guys to stay in business for the long term."
Good. The rest of America is getting tired of dealing with angry white men and their obsession with racism and class division. It's long past time to elevate the debate about our nation's problems above the very low bar that seems to be set by Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, and Ann Coulter.
It'll be a wonderful day in America when the last angry white guy cries, "I've fallen and I can't get up."


About the writerClete Wetli is a liberal, political activist and works as the Executive Director for First Stop, Inc. His opinions are solely his own and not representative of First Stop, Inc. or the Madison County Democratic Party. He can be reached at decaturclete@gmail.com.