Brrrrrrr!

Wow, it's been really cold here today.  It just barely got to above 32* - and that's cold, even with the sun shining.  And it's supposed to be down in the teens tonight.  Plus they're talking about that white stuff this week.  At least I don't HAVE to go anywhere.

We didn't play bridge at our regular venue today.  That's a city facility and was closed for MLK Day.  One of the couples arranged for four tables to play at the clubhouse in their community.  It was a good afternoon, even without much in the way of cards. For me, the only problem was coming home close to rush hour on the usually-congested interstate. It did clog up, but at least I know where to get off and how to maneuver through surface roads.

I guess what happens the rest of the week is dependent on the weather.

1

Another quiet Sunday

Margaret came by this afternoon and hung more of my art.  The living room is about filled up now.  8^) .  We found a good place to hang the collection of Navajo and Peruvian rugs.  I'm glad to have them up.  We didn't have any snow flurries this morning, and there was bright sunshine this afternoon.  Cold, though - and due to get colder.

Sunday Stealing

Why do you want to know that meme - Part four

76. What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

"Measure twice, cut once"

77. Is it easier to forgive or forget?

Forgive

78. First mobile phone?

Probably about 10 years ago - nothing fancy or "smart"

79. Strangest dream?

I never remember my dreams

80. Best dream?

See above

81.  Who is the smartest person you know?

Our daughters

82. Who is the prettiest person on you know?

Everybody is pretty one way or another

83. Do you miss anyone right now?

Of course - John

84. Who do you love? Why?

Our girls - because they take such good care of me

85. Do you like sharing?

What's the point of having anything if you can't share it.

86. What was the last picture you took with your phone?

In Elizabeth City, NC

87. Is there a reason behind everything that happens?

Life happens

88. Favorite genre of music?

I like most music

89. If you had one word to describe yourself, what would it be?

Survivor

90. Describe your life in 5 words.

It is what it is.

91. Craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Probably our 3 1/2 month trip with the camper including the Alaska Highway

92. First three songs in your favorite playlist?

I don't have a playlist

93. Are you more creative or logical?

Probably equal parts of both

94. Would you rather lie or hurt someone with the truth?

I doubt I'd lie, but I'd also probably find some way to avoid the truth

95. What are you most proud of?

My family

96. What personality trait do you admire in other people?

Loyalty and a sense of humor

97. When you imagine yourself as really, really relaxed and happy, what are you doing?

At the beach, watching the surf, and reading or knitting.

98. How do you usually start a conversation?

With a stranger, introduce myself and try to find out something about him/her.

99. What is the best news you could hear right now?

That I had won the lottery, but I didn't, and I didn't even buy a ticket.

>

Boo! Yea!

Boo!  Last night, I went out to a String Theory concert - going by myself.  When I got there, they were not letting people park in the only close parking lot.  I'm not able (or willing) to walk (alone and at night) from where I would have to park otherwise.  So I just came on home.  I'll call before the next concert to see if I can get in that lot.  If not, I guess I'll just pass on the rest of the season.  Phooey on that.

Yea! I've found a bridge game here at The Terrace.  Two of the "old-timers" had been playing with a foursome, but two of their group are no longer able to play. So when two of us showed up looking for a game, there were places for us.  We played tonight, and are set up to play regularly on Thursday evenings.  They are all pretty good players, so I'm a happy camper.

And there's a Lady Mocs basketball game tomorrow afternoon.

And Margaret's coming by Sunday afternoon.

Plugging along

Things are plugging along here.  My landline quit working the other day.  A tech guy from Comcast came this morning, and it's the base phone itself (hardware, not software) that's not working.  I've ordered another one, so should have that phone working soon (I hope).

I got an e-mail from my realtor this afternoon.  She indicates that she thinks the house will be closing soon.  I think it's all amazing.  We shall see. 

Land line

Phone is still out.  Call

To Comcast didn't fix. Tech

Coming tomorrow.

Ten things on Tuesday

 

1. It was REALLY cold yesterday morning.
2. Today started cold, but warmed into the 50s, with lots of sunshine.
3. I got my laundry done this morning.
4. I went to the Silvers Sneakers exercise class while the laundry was in the dryer.
5. Good soup and salad for lunch.
6. I went to a "food committee" meeting, i.e., getting together with the head of food services (chef) for comments, complaints, compliments, etc.  Interesting.
7. After that was a music program, a young man with a terrific bass voice singing mostly Johnny Cash and Jim Croce songs - the best music I've heard here so far.
8. My land line phones aren't working.  I just get static when I listen for a dial tone.  Got to call Comcast tomorrow.
9. I've got a little bit of vertigo again.  Time to call the ENT guy tomorrow, too.
10. Listened to the State of the Union tonight.

Cold with a surprise

The temperature fell all day long, down to about 30* as I write this.  It's supposed to be in the 20s when I head out to the Y in the morning.  At least, it has dried out, and there is no precipitation.

Margaret called as she was leaving the Lady Vols game in Knoxville (they won over Auburn).  She was coming through Chattanooga and stopped so we could go to dinner.  Dinner at La Altena was good as usual - and it was good to have the unexpected visit.

Sunday Stealing

Why Do You Want To Know That Meme, part three 

Stolen from: Love me some surveys

50. What do you spend most of your money on?

Housing (apartment, meals, cleaning, etc.) and travel.

51. Would you rather visit the past or the future?

The future

52. Favorite clothing store?

Walmart

53. What is the best advice you can give to those who are feeling down?

It's not possible to give blanket "advice" to those suffering from depression.

54. How often do you think about your future? Does it scare you?

I think about my future frequently.  I wouldn't say there were things that scared me, but there are situations I'd prefer not to have happen.

55. What angers you the most?

Intolerance, hatred, lack of respect for others, stupidity

56. When was the last time you got majorly angry?

I don't get "majorly angry", but I really hate the current crop of Republican candidates for the presidential nomination.

57. When was the last time you got really sad?

Most of 2015

58. Are you good at lying?

Nope, and I try never to do it

59. What foreign language would you like to learn?

I'd like to speak/understand Spanish better than I do

60. How many languages can you speak and what are they?

I don't really "speak" any other language, although I like to think I speak English fairly well.  I understand some Spanish and French, and a few words of German.

61. How often do you go to parties? If you don’t, what do you do instead?

I'm not really a party-goer.  I do whatever I was going to do anyway.

62. What books do you plan to read this year?

I'd like to read more of almost anything.  My reading volume has been tanked for a long time.

63. Do you have breakfast every morning?

Definitely

64. Tell us a secret.

I don't keep secrets - although sometimes I don't tell the whole truth.

65. How many concerts have you been to?

We went to a Jimmy Buffett concert years ago, but other than symphony and chamber music programs, that's it

66. Last hug?

Last week

67. Who knows you better than anyone else?

Since John is gone, I guess my girls do

68. Baths or showers?

Definitely showers.

69. Do you think you’re ambitious?

No

70. What song is stuck in your head?

None

71. Countries you’ve visited?

U.S, Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Antarctica, Ireland, Iceland, England, Scotland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Russia, France, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Austria, Yugoslavia, Italy, Croatia, Greece, New Zealand, Australia, Cambodia, Vietnam

72. What do you most value in your friends?

Loyalty, honesty, a sense of humor

73. What helps you to sleep better?

Being tired, sometimes some melatonin

74. What is the most money you have ever held in your hand?

Enough cash for family Christmas presents

75. What makes you nervous?

I don't really get nervous.  Sometimes uncomfortable with someone who I think is a bad driver.

Virtuous #2

Well, if I felt virtuous yesterday, it got doubled today.  There were two boxes of papers that have been under the counter since I moved.  I managed to totally ignore them all this time.  This afternoon, I finally went through them.  Some papers got filed, some got pitched, but most got put in the burn/shred box.  But that's one more chore done.  Not that all the boxes have been gone through, you understand.  But at least there are two fewer than there were this morning.

Also I checked with the realtor.  She says that the contract for the sale is still in effect, and moving slowly through the maze of regulations and paperwork. So things progress…

Virtuous?

I'm allowing myself to feel a little bit virtuous because I went to the Silver Sneakers exercise class again this morning.  I know I need to do this.  Now let's see if I can keep it up.

Wednesday haiku

Swimming, coffee, friends!

Always a good way to start

Your day. Good for me.

Getting some things done.

I went to a Silver Sneakers class here at the Terrace this morning - making me feel very virtuous.  I'm going to try to do that on Tuesdays and Thursdays (the non-swimming days).
I'm planning to go by the county Voter Registration office tomorrow.  I remembered today that I need to change my address on my registration in time for our elections this year.  Fortunately, the office has easy access, i.e., not downtown in the courthouse.  LOL  I have to renew my driver's license this year, too (since I'm turning 80 on my birthday).  I think I can do that online, though.

Seasonably cold

It's finally turned into winter and January - imagine that!  We had some bright sunshine today, but they're now using the term "wind chill" (it's 26* wind chill as I write this), and only around 40 for a high today.

One of the gals I share a dinner table fell Saturday night and broke her hip. She had surgery that night and will be in the hospital for a few days, then rehab.  I'm so sorry for her, but I hope it's a warning for all of us to pay attention to where we put our feet.

Nothing too exciting today - except it surely did feel good to get back in the pool with my buddies. Also just middling cards at bridge this afternoon.

Moving toward normal...

It was a lovely chilly day today.  I decided I had to get off my fanny and get some exercise, so I went to the Y.  I was planning to just work by myself in the pool, but a deep-water class had just started, so I participated in that. It  felt great to be back in the water, and get some movement going.  It was the first time I'd been to the pool since Thanksgiving (between the cold and my foot).  And then I've got a short nap this afternoon.  I guess I'll get back into the "normal" routine on Monday.

2015 - a really bad year

January:  Margaret's Bobby hospitalized with Stage 4 heart and liver disease. 

February: Bobby sent home with Hospice care. John diagnosed with lung cancer. 

March: John started chemo and radiation. 

April:  Stated getting work done on house - rebuild part of deck, painting, etc. Cancelled our trip to Ireland. 

May: Nothing special on the calendar, except doctors' appointments. 

June:  John got to row a couple of times. Beach week started at the end of the month. 

July:  Beach week.  Bobby fell and broke his hip. John was told his lung cancer in remission. A lone shooter kills five service men in Chattanooga at a recruiting center and Naval/Marine Center. Jean found out she was going to be laid off the end of September. 

August: We traveled to spend two weeks in the Canadian Rockies with Ann and Al.  John's lungs basically shut down.  My dear one died 30 August, with me, Ann, Al, and Sue with him. 

September: Alison came home with me.  She and Margaret got me started on the new journey of my life. 

October: I moved to The Terrace, an independent-living apartment. The girls and grandchildren continued to move things out of the house. 

November:  Bobby continued to worsen and died on 6 November.  Thanksgiving wasn't much fun this year. 

December:  I somehow wound up with a broken bone in my foot.  Fortunately I only had to wear a boot for about three weeks.  The house was listed for sale, and we are actually working on contract negotiations with a potential buyer.  Margaret took me to Sue and Randy's for Christmas and then to Jesse's for a few days.

2015 was characterized by awful health issues and deaths.  The weather was terrible all year long, all over the country.  Disturbed people with guns destroyed lives - their own and many others - all over the world.  Too many crazy people ran for the Republican nomination for President. 

But there were spectacularly good things - mostly the love and caring of our family and friends.  None of us could have made it through without them.  Sue, Margaret, Kate, and Jean are my rocks, and they continue to keep me going. 

We managed to get through this damnable year.  And we can only hope for better things in 2016.

There's no place like home...

We left Elizabeth City about 6:30 this morning and got to my apartment about 6:30 this evening.  Margaret drove the whole way, mostly in the rain.  We finally saw the sun as we turned onto I-75 west of Knoxville. It was a good week - a good time for both of us to be away from home, with family, doing other things.  We got to see Sue and Randy and four of the six grandchildren and their spouse/fiancee/significant others - always special.  We had unseasonably warm weather most of the time, but the temperatures were falling as we headed home.  It's good to be home.

Last day in NC

The temps here in NC today were in the mid70s.  We sat out on the back patio this afternoon, just to enjoy the lovely weather.  It's supposed to cool off again tomorrow.  But Margaret and I are heading home first thing in the morning.  It'll be a long day of driving - and we just hope for uneventful. 

From Elizabeth City

We're still at Jesse's.  The plan is to head for home on Wednesday.  It's a 10-hour drive, so we may not make it in one day.  We shall see.  The temperatures here have been crazy - mid70s yesterday, mid50s today, and predicted to be near 80 tomorrow.  At least we haven't had the awful floods/tornadoes/blizzards as the rest of the country.  I hope all are safe.

Sunday Stealing

The 2015 Year End Meme
From the archives!


1. What did you do in 2015 that you’d never done before?
See my husband and son-in-law die.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't make new year's resolutions.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
We just had deaths this year.
4. Tell us a valuable lesson you learned in 2015?
Check and recheck to be sure all your affairs are in dying order.
5. What was your favorite new TV program?
I didn't see any of the new TV programs this year.
6. What would you like to have in 2016 that you lacked in 2015?
Weddings, births, and other happy events instead of deaths.
7. What dates from 2015 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
30 August, the date John died; 6 November, the date Bobby died.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Surviving
9. What was your biggest failure?
Losing loved ones.
10. What was the best thing you bought?
Time at the beach
11. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Our wonderful daughters, sons-in-laws, and grandchildren, John's sister and brother-in-law
12. Whose behavior made you appalled and disgusted?
Candidates for the Republication presidential nomination.
13. What song will always remind you of 2015?
I can't think of one.
14. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Told everyone how much I loved and appreciated them.
15. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Dealt with death
16. What was the best book you read?
Not much reading happened this year.
17. What one thing would have made your year measurably more satisfying?
Obviously, not to have lost John and Bobby.
18.  Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I can't think of a lyric, either.

Peace

I hope your holiday time has been safe and happy.

There's been a lot of rain here, but nothing like back home in Chattanooga.  One road has been completely washed out - about 6 feet of roadway gone, and many others flooded.  I'm glad my house and the apartment are on hills.

Our Christmas has been a quiet but lovely day with Margaret, Sue & Randy, Alison & Joe, and Sarah & Carson (plus the three noisy dogs).  Our Christmas "dinner" was a Margaret-cooked breakfast/brunch complete with biscuits and gravy.  Lots of love in the building.

On to Jesse's in the morning.

To continue with the metaphor...

We're off to see the Wizard.

Well, maybe not the Wizard, but Margaret and I are going to see Matt & Claire, Sue and her family, and Jesse & Caroline.  The plan is for Margaret to pick me up early in the morning, and we'll head off on The Yellow Brick Road (or maybe just I-75).  Stay tuned.

To paraphrase...

Ding, dong!  The boot is gone!

The clunky boot is gone!

The break is healing,

New bone growing.

Ding, dong! The nasty boot is gone!

Monday strikes again

We've had the warm temperatures here (going to be in the 70s by Xmas Day), but lots of rain along with it.  As usual, today was my busy day, but I got a lot done.Including a much-needed haircut. I took keys by the realtor's office, then cashed a Medicare reimbursement check.  So-so cards at bridge - I had one or two fairly good hands, but lots more yucky ones. It was good to get home, get some supper, and get into soft clothes.

 I'll be glad to see the orthopedist tomorrow - and hope to get rid of this boot. Think good orthopedic thoughts!

Slow

A Saturday spent at home.  Computer time and knitting and NCIS filled most of the day.  But I actually accomplished a little something else - getting some of the piles of paper on the desk organized.  I'm hoping for another exciting day tomorrow, too.

Five things Friday

1. It got cold overnight.  I had to scrape my windshield this morning - haven't done that in 30 years.  I didn't even have a scraper, but found a CD case in the car to use.
2. We had a wonderful brunch with our wonderful swimmers at Betty's wonderfully decorated house.
3.  I made a trip to Walmart (and forgot to get an ice scraper).
4.  It was a nice quiet afternoon at home.
5.  I had a special Chinese dinner with Missy, John, Renna, Judy S. - always a treat!

Quiet Thursday

The big excitement today was doing my laundry, for the first time using the laundry facilities here.  I must have found good time and day.

I was sent some wonderful flowers, fruit, and candy - thanks, dear friends.

All in all, a nice uneventful day.

I'm amazed

Jean picked up the washer and dryer today.  And the glass company people came and replaced the stained glass window. Plus, two more people looked at the house today.

However, this morning the realtor had an offer on the house.  This afternoon, the realtor made a counter-offer, and by 10 this evening, the counter-offer had been accepted.  Then she said that we had gotten "through the first of three loops" and we'd see what came next.

Stay tuned.

A better day

Today was much better.  At least I think I was a bit smarter.  The only thing scheduled "out" was my manicure/pedicure.  Nothing like some pampering! 

The house is official listed on MLS, and there has already been somebody looking at it.  Plus there's another appointment for tomorrow.  Jean is coming in tomorrow to get the stained glass window out of the house, and pick up the washer and dryer. 

And, for the first time in a week, I spent all night in the bed, with no intervals in the recliner.  Maybe this cold IS finally on the way out.

Monday overdone

I really overdid it today.  It was basically my first day back in the "real world", and I tried to do what I would usually do (except for going swimming).  Not the smartest move I've ever made.  I went to coffee, to Walmart, got some lunch, and then went to play bridge.  I had awful cards, and mis-bid the few biddable hands I had.  I was able to leave a little early.  We had one too many again, and when I started to crash, I left at a break.

When I got home, I immediately changed into soft clothes, and didn't even go back up to dinner.  Fortunately Margaret had brought me some soup yesterday, and I just ate some of that.  All I have on for tomorrow is my mani/pedi, and I'll definitely not plan anything else for the rest of the week.

The guy who was cleaning out the house finished up today, so the realtor will be getting it actually on the market.  When there's something put on line, I'll pass along the link.

Sunday Stealing

Why Do You Want To Know That Meme, part two 

Stolen from: Love me some surveys

25. List 3 activities that you can only enjoy by yourself.

Reading, sleeping

26. If you could live in any biome* (and survive) which biome would you live in? (*a large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat, e.g., forest or tundra.)

Near water, preferably salt water

27. How do you like being roused in the morning?

Waking up naturally

28. How was your day? What did you do?

Watched Margaret work, putting together a floor lamp and some shelves; then took her to dinner.

29. What did your last text message say?

Two emoticons to Margaret after she told me was home safely

30. Do you respond to texts quickly?

Fairly quickly.

31. Who was the last person you called?

The concierge to order my lunch yesterday.

32. List 5 things that are on your wish list.

Good things for my family, the disappearance of Donald Trump, that people could celebrate "other-ness", the disappearance of terrorists, (dare I say it?) world peace.

33. If you were famous, what do you think you would be famous for?

Would never happen

34. Winter or summer?

Winter

35. What is a quality that all people should have?

I have to list two - tolerance and a sense of humor.

36. If you could have a large collection of one item, what would that item be?

I'm never going to collect anything again.

37. What have you been thinking about lately?

The cold I had last week; selling my house

38. What is the secret to a happy life?

Living within your means; a sense of humor

39. What are some phrases you say often?

"It is what it is!"  "Shit!"

40. Favorite food?

Seafood - crabs and shrimp

41. What is your wish for the world?

Respect and tolerance for "other-ness".

42. What are some of your greatest fears?

That Donald Trump might, by some fluke, become president.

43. What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer?

A form from my attorney

44. Most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen (in real life)?

I've seen so many beautiful things that I could never pick just one.

45. Spicy food: Like or dislike?

Love it - but not too hot.

46. Scary movies: Like or dislike?

Not my favorite genre

47. Do you like to travel?

Love it!

48. Any regrets?

Regret is a wasted emotion.

49. Do you like rain?

Yes, in moderation.

Almost human

I guess today was the turnaround.  I feel almost human again.  And I even went to the dining room for dinner - first time this week.

Day #5

This morning, I was still feeling lousy and getting very little good sleep.  After five days of this and heading into the weekend, I went to the walk-in clinic at my primary-care doc's office.  It's not gone into my chest, fortunately, but he says is definitely an upper respiratory infection.  He gave me some amoxicillin (along with diflucan for the expected yeast infection) and some cough syrup with codeine to help me get some sleep.  In the meantime, I'll keep hibernating in the apartment. I'd like to think I'd use the time to get some papers sorted out, etc., etc., but that probably won't happen.

In the vein that it's an ill wind that blows nobody good, I've lost ten pounds. 

Day #3

I still feel awful today (3rd day).  I've been staying in the apartment, just having soup for meals in my apartment.  I surely don't want to spread this around this complex. Things are going to move quickly with the house now.  The realtor got in touch with her "guy" who does repairs and cleaning.  I talked with him today, and he's doing to finish cleaning out the house, do the minor repairs that are needed, some yard work, etc., etc.  He says he should be finished by the end of the weekend, and I guess they'll be getting the house on the market soon after that.

Cold

Laryngitis…Yuck!

Haven't had a cold in years.

Sore throat, cough, sneeze, blow.

Yucky Monday

I woke up about 5:30 this morning, and felt awful - laryngitis, general feeling that I had a cold.  I got up, but decided not to go to swimming.  I had too much else scheduled to bag the day completely, but it was tempting.  After a cup of tea and a good shower, I felt well enough to head out for the morning stuff.

I took a load of laundry to the house to get in the machine, met the gals for coffee, picked up my framing at Michael's (looks great), back to the house to transition laundry to the dryer.  Then I had about a 90-minute meeting with the realtor, going over forms and signing things and looking at similar listings in my neighborhood, talking about price, etc., etc.  There's still a bunch to do before she actually gets the house on the market.  When I left there, I went to the financial gal's office to leave the forms I had had to get signed with a medallion notary.  Back in time to go to bridge.  The fates were kind for a change, and we had one too many players show up today.  So I bailed out of bridge, picked up my dry laundry at the house, and headed home.

It surely did feel good to just get my boot on, get a cup of coffee, and sit in my chair with my feet up.  I can feel the cold coming back on, too.  I've got a couple of things to do tomorrow morning, but I hope that nothing else comes up tomorrow.  I really was looking for some "time off".  I ate some udon soup in the room, rather than expose anybody in the dining room to this cold.

Now we'll hope to maybe sleep this off.

Good weekend

If you didn't watch or record "100 - Sinatra"  tonight, I hope you can find it On Demand.  Such wonderful music, and with mostly the original arrangements.  Fabulous!

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

Margaret picked me up yesterday morning and we went to spend the weekend with Matt and Claire.  Their new house is lovely and their labradoodles are so sweet.  Claire had basketball games to coach; Matt and Margaret went to Ikea and got lamps and shelves; the dogs and I took naps.

We left early this morning to come back home.  Margaret assembled one of the lamps and then went on to the Lady Vols game (which they lost, unfortunately).  All in all, a very nice weekend.  Thanks to all!

End of a busy week

I met with the realtor this morning and liked her a lot. She seems very practical about the house and what needs to be done.  She has people she uses to do this sort of work, and doesn't seem wound up in spending lots of money redoing things in the house.  She's more about sprucing up what's there than putting the newest fad.  This is a mid1960s house, and there's not reason to be trying to make it into something else.  I'll meet with her again on Monday to sign a contract, get a list of what needs doing, and possibilities of people to do the work.  It'll feel so good to have this chore underway, if not completed yet.

I can't drive with the boot - I tried - so I wore a regular shoe, then changed when I was out moving around.  The foot surely was aching by the time I got back home, and I was glad to get the boot back on and take some pain med.

A busy day in a busy week

I took a check to deposit in the bank.  I asked if they had a "medallion notary" - and to my surprise, they do have one.  I'd never heard of a medallion notary, but it's kind of  super-notary - requires more information that just a notarized signature.  It turns out this happens frequently with DuPont forms.  Who knew!  I didn't have all the necessary paperwork, but at least now I know this can be done at my own bank.

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

The orthopedist put me in a boot for the fracture in my foot (it's in the extension of the toe bone of the little toe, back into the foot itself).  I go back on the 22nd, and we'll see what happens after that.  The boot really throws my none-too-steady gait off even more.  So I'll be walking with a cane while wearing it.  I think I'm going to have to take it off in order to drive, but he said that was okay to do.

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

The end of an era!  After being in Chattanooga for 60 years, duPont will no longer have a presence in our Scenic City.  John was transferred to the duPont plant here in 1986, and was there until he retired at the end of 1991.  Yet another loss.

Ten things Tuesday

1. We're well on our way to 40 days and 40 nights of rain. 
2. Should I measure for an ark?
3. Saw the rheumatologist this morning; asked about the pain in my foot.
4. X-ray showed a fracture, right 5th metatarsal.
5. SHIT!
6. Appointment with orthopedist on Thursday.
7. Appointment with financial advisor on Wednesday.
8. Appointment with realtor at the house on Friday.
9. Maybe things are moving, finally.
10. Did I mention it was still raining?

UTC Lady Mocs vs #1 UConn

Well, it was a tough night - a learning experience.
UTC Lady Mocs 31, UConn 79.
Folks, the #1 team in the country is awesome (and you know how I hate to say that).

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, dear one.

Never on Thanksgiving, but

We celebrate you.

What it takes

Family!  Friends!  Love!

That's what it takes to make life worth living.

And sometimes we just throw in some good food - just for fun.

Post- and pre- Thanksgiving Friday

I had a Thanksgiving dinner with friends at home yesterday (good smoked turkey).

I drove to Margaret's midday today.  I drove the back roads, avoiding the interstate, and had good roads and no traffic at all - a very pleasant drive.  We've made dressing, and done some other prep for our family Thanksgiving tomorrow.  Jesse is here, and he grilled steaks for our dinner tonight - Yum!  She got the country ham cooked yesterday - the samples were delicious.  There should be about 15 or so here tomorrow.  I think I'll probably stay overnight tomorrow, too, and go home Sunday morning.  I don't want to drive at night - and I'll stay off the interstate then, too. 

Thanksgiving

Holidays will be tough for us this year - we've had so much loss and sadness and upheaval.  But I have so much to be thankful for.

Sixty years of marriage to a wonderful man, my love and my best friend.

Four fantastic daughters we had together and who gave us six amazing grandchildren.

Thirty-six years with the sweet man who was married to our daughter and fathered two great sons.

Friends who always give us love and joy.

The Wednesday before

The full moon is gorgeous tonight.  And it's shining in my sliding glass doors, right where I sit.

Our Lady Mocs won 55-54 over a tough Arkansas State team tonight.  I'll miss Saturday's game because I'll be at Margaret's.  And we host UConn on Monday.

Slightly different Monday

The pool was open today, but the temperature was only up to about 77 (it's usually 82).  We're just not going into the water at that temperature.  So we skipped class today, and just did coffee (LOL).
I ran some errands, and then played bridge.  I had a few good cards, but probably not enough to finish in the top bunch.  The best hand was making a bid that had been doubled by our "Mr. Know-It-All" - that was sweet.

I remembered to turn on the radio to listen to the Lady Mocs/Lady Vols game.  The Lady Mocs were behind 38-19 at the half, but finished losing by only two points, 59-57!  And this was in Knoxville! 

Working weekend

Sue and Margaret worked so hard this weekend.  They both left today with overloaded vehicles - taking things that they wanted or to store until the grandkids could pick up things they wanted.  The house is mostly empty now (except for the dust bunnies).  The refrigerator is still there - to be picked up by Andy sometime.  Jean is coming back for the washer, dryer, a piece of porch furniture, and the stained glass.

I'm not holding my breath that the sale of the house to the couple who's been looking at it is going to work out.  It seems to have hit a stalemate at the moment.  I've gone over the scenario with Sue & Margaret and told them that I'm almost ready to just go ahead and contact a realtor and let him/her handle all this stuff.  They're okay with that - or with whatever works. We shall see.

Five Things Friday

1. Another bright sunshiny day!
2. Coffee with the swimmers - even without swimming.
3. Haircut!!
4. Refund from cancelled Road Scholar trip arrived.
5. The Lady Mocs didn't play well tonight, but managed to pull out a 53-48 win in overtime over a scrappy Southern Mississippi team.  At least it shows up as a "W" in the stats.

Miscellany

It's been a beautiful bluebird-sky kind of day today - after all the rain yesterday.  I went by the house this morning, but didn't think to check the rain gauge.  It's probably overflowing - I don't think it's been emptied more than once since I moved out.  The crepe myrtle outside my door has completely changed color - and in the sunshine, it was beautifully red/orange/yellow - so pretty against the blue sky.

I got some errands run this morning.  I've been toting lots of coats from the back closets around in my car, waiting for a good chance to get them to the homeless shelter.  Since it's supposed to be in the 20s tonight, I made a point of getting them there today.  I'm SO glad to be giving them to folks who really need them.

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I must make a comment on recent political rhetoric.  It is reprehensible that anyone, least of all a candidate for President of the United States should be proposing a religious test for people applying for admission to this country or even already in this country.  "Reprehensible" not a strong enough word for the way I feel - incomprehensible, disgusting, unAmerican, obscene - I can't seem to come up with a strong enough word.

Speechless

I have been and continue to be rendered speechless by all the wonderful help, concern, and especially love from so many people.  I am absolutely overcome, and just hope I can return this love in some measure in the years to come.

Sunday six

1. Sunshine and cold.
2. The girls worked all day at the house.
3. Stephen and I went to the Lady Mocs game.
4. Lady Mocs 60, Butler 49.
5. Dinner at Noodles & Pho with Carol and Stephen, Jean and Jamie.
6. Brewster's cinnamon ice cream for dessert.

Lots of love

Beautiful day today - clear and cold!

Jean and her friend came to get most of the remaining stuff packed up at the house to get it ready for Sue and Margaret to finish it up next weekend.  The girls have all done yeoman (or is it yeo-woman) service through all this.  I don't know what I'd have done without them.  Much love to you all!

Paris

How awful for Paris and France!  Our hearts go out to the French people.

Quiet Thursday

It was quiet here this morning.  We had some overnight rain, but the front came through, with a little wind.  Then the sun shone brightly the rest of the day. 

I was headed out to the Silver Sneakers class this morning, when the maintenance guys showed up to install my curtain rods.  So no exercise for me today.  They got interrupted about half-way through, but came back later to finish up.  The curtains look nice and, while not very noticeable, at least soften the windows and sliding glass doors. 

The death certificates finally arrived, and I have a stack of letters ready to mail.  Most have to be sent with "return receipt requested", so I have to go to the post office. 

And UTC women's basketball starts tomorrow night! 

We honor all Veterans!

We honor all our veterans - especially Bobby and Jesse!
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After swimming this morning, I went to Lowe's and got a shelf to go over the desk I'll be using.  It's one Margaret got, but never used (actually an old dressing table).  It'll work, but I need a shelf to put "stuff" on.  It's just a simple one board thing.  Now to get it installed.  Our pool is going to be closed all next week while the Y puts in a new hvac system in the pool area. We'll surely miss it.

That was about all the excitement for the day.

Sunshine!

I went to the dentist this morning.  A 55+ year old gold onlay had started to "leak", and needed to be removed and replaced.  Fortunately it came off easily, and he was able to just fill the place, rather than do a crown.  I've finally started receiving my widow's payments from John's pension, and went to deposit those checks (already set up for direct deposit now).  Next, I got in a short Walmart run, including getting pictures taken to renew my passport.  So much for outside work for the day.

The official death certificates have finally arrived from Alberta.  And I have a new wireless printer (thanks for hooking it up, Kate).  I did some printing and copying tonight, so tomorrow, I'll start getting things ready to mail, and with any luck, get some of the paperwork finalized.

It was great to have some blue skies and sunshine here today, too.  And the temperatures have dropped to much more November-type levels.

Laying him to rest

I'm back home now, but it's been a long, busy weekend.  The girls were all supposed to be here this weekend to get most of the house cleared out.  Of course, with Bobby's death, that didn't happen quite that way.  Sue, Kate, and Jean were here Friday night, and worked like Trojans Saturday morning.  They completely filled the dumpster I'd had delivered.  Sue went on to Margaret's (an hour + west of here) Saturday night.  Kate, Jean, and I came here to shower and clean up.  Then we went to Margaret's for the visitation.  We came back here Saturday night, not the most comfortable for them, but it worked.  I got the bed - Kate and Jean slept in the recliners.  Sunday morning, we went back to the house to pick up a and organize a few things, then again, cleaned up and headed for Margaret's for the funeral.

Bobby had joined a church earlier this year, and the pastor from his church spoke.  His tribute to Bobby, Margaret and their boys was exceptional.  A small group from the church sang three old hymns a cappella to complement the service.  It was a wonderful service in this small rural town.  The auto procession to the cemetery was very long.  I don't know about customs in other places but, particularly in rural areas around here, oncoming traffic pulls over and stops for a funeral procession - and that was certainly the case yesterday. Margaret and Bobby had picked out a plot in a cemetery in an even smaller community.  And the cemetery and the plot adjoins the farm of one of Bobby's oldest friends.  Bobby had been in the Coast Guard, so there was a flag on the coffin.  Two very young Coast Guardsmen came to fold the flag and present it to Margaret.  As I said, they were very young, and not very crisp, but it was still a very moving experience.

We all went back to Margaret's after the service.  Folks from the church and Bobby's family who live in the area had brought great quantities of food.  We all ate and got in lots of visiting and reminiscing, too.  Kate, Jean, and I stayed in a nearby motel last night, then went back to Margaret's this morning for breakfast.  The boys are still there until tomorrow, but the rest of us came home near lunchtime.

It's a tough time.

Tough day

It's been a tough day.  Sue, Kate, and Jean like Trojans, cleaning out the house.  They're not finished yet, but they filled up the dumpster this morning.  I'll have to see if they'll empty it and bring it back.  Still stuff to do.

Sue went on to Margaret's, while the rest of us came back to the apartment to shower and change clothes.  We headed over the mountain and met up with them at the funeral home. The visitation for Bobby was tonight, and the funeral will be tomorrow afternoon.  It's been tough for everybody.

We'll all be glad when this shitty year is over!

R.I.P., BDS

A good father, and

A good husband, and a good

Gardener. He'll be missed.

Out of the past

     On my way to exercise class this morning, I noticed some "Welcome to the Terrace" signs on several doors, and I recognized one of the names.  It was "Bob S."  There was a guy by this name that John knew from the rowing club.  It's not an uncommon name, but I wondered if it was the same guy.

     As the fates would have it, I wound up sitting at the dinner table with this man, who turned out to be not only "Bob", but THE Bob.  He moved in only five days ago.

     As we talked, I remembered that Bob and John had worked together at duPont. John had been a kayaker, but it was beginning to take a toll on his shoulders.  He was talking to Bob, and Bob said when John retired, he should try out rowing.  This was in 1991.  John retired at the end of 1991, and the following spring, he took a class to learn how to row.  As they say, the rest is history.

     We had a nice chat and, of course, he was sorry to hear of John's death.  We'll be talking again, I'm sure.  It was a treat to find someone from the past.  But it makes me sad that there's no one who knows both of them to share the story with.

Wednesday bullet points

• While fixing my breakfast, I burned the toast, and set off the smoke alarms.
• That triggered the alarms in the whole building.
• Nurses and aides came running.
• All this before 6:30 a.m..  How embarrassing!
• Always swimming and coffee.
• Came back home to meet Vicki.
• She hung some more pictures for me.
• After lunch, I went to the Resident's Council meeting, where folks complained about the fire alarm. I didn't confess - too humiliating.
• That was all the excitement for the day.

More moving

I was out most of the day.  Sue's husband came to the house to pick up the pieces that Alison wanted.  We had a handyman who came to help him (fortunately).  He pretty much filled up a U-Haul truck, and the guy went with him to help him unload at his mother's house (It's complicated).  They had to take the door off its hinges to get the desk out of the office, but no other problems.  I have no idea how we managed to get the desk got into the room in the first place.  Anyhow, nothing going on there until the weekend when the dumpster is delivered and the girls come.

By the time I headed home, I had already missed lunch, so I decided to do a Walmart run.  I went to the one closest to the apartment, so it took me a while to find things - and never did find a couple of things on my list. Better luck next time.

Monday, Monday

Monday was an all-day event - as usual.  But I did have the great pleasures of a haircut and a mani/pedi.

I'm struggling with learning to use and getting used to using my new laptop.  It's a Lenovo - and I like the feel and weight of the device.  But it has Windows 10, and that does have a learning curve. It has a VERY sensitive finger pad.  I got some advice from Seniors & Friends about how to make it at least less sensitive, so that's something. I've re-found a lot of my Favorites, but haven't been able to completely transfer everything from the old one to the new one. Then I'll have to figure out the new printer.

It does go on.

Quiet Sunday

Absolutely nothing unusual going on today.  It was nice, for a change.

Clocks and smoke alarms!

Don't forget to set your clocks back an hour tonight, and to change the batteries in your smoke alarms.


Sue and Margaret came to the house this morning to get some things ready to be picked up next week. It's amazing how much stuff is still there, but most of the big things are moving out. I've had a lot of tendinitis in my right ankle/lower leg area for a couple of months. At the house, I managed to trip (didn't fall) and turned that ankle. It's been really painful since, so I was definitely not helpful for most of the time they were here. We ate lunch, and then they headed home - just a day trip for both of them (4 hours each way for Sue!). The plan is for all the girls to be here next weekend to finish cleaning up the house.


After I got home, I took a pain pill, and spent the afternoon in the recliner, feet up, with an ice pack on the ankle. I didn’t go to dinner. I decided to just stay home and eat the Chinese I brought home last night. It’s feeling better now at bedtime, but I’ll still take it easy tomorrow.

Miscellany

The old landline number is finally hooked up at the apartment. And today, I disconnected the phone/internet/cable bundle from the house. Don’t worry, folks, we have graciously been given the password to our neighbor’s strong wifi signal. But the epbfi.com e-mail address is no more.
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The potential buyer came to look through the house again today. But I haven’t heard back from him yet.
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Missy was in town unexpectedly. We got together with Renna and Judy S for dinner at our favorite Chinese place. Good food and good friends - always special!
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My new Epson printer came today, and I’ve taken it out of the box. I need to get a couple of things specified in the instructions, and then I’ll see if I can get it set up tomorrow. Wish me luck.

Thursday thirteen

Thursday thirteen

1. An offer was made on the house.
2. I made a counter-offer (thanks, Beth).
3. The counter-offer was accepted (I think.
4. Meeting with them again tomorrow for another look-through.
5. Went to Silver Sneakers exercise class here. Good one.
6. The buyer of the car called - needs a death certificate.
7. Will meet him at the house Saturday.
8. Meeting Sue (and maybe Margaret) at the house Saturday.
9. Basketball tickets arrived. Yea!
10. First String Theory concert tonight.
11. Judy S. going with me.
12. Finally got the old phone number transferred to the apartment. Now I can cancel the cable/internet/phone bundle at the house.
13. Beethoven was terrific!

It's beginning to look a lot like home

‘Twas the 28^th of October,
And all through the apartment,
Vicki’s hammer was sounding,
As pictures were hung on the walls with care.

Not all of them, but lots of the family photos are up, and a few paintings. Curtains and rods are purchased and waiting for maintenance to put the rods up for me.

It’s beginning to look a lot like home.

My momentarily quiet life

It was a very quiet weekend - really nothing going on. The rain started last night, and it's been a light rain almost constantly since then. I don't think we've has more than about an inch, though.

Mondays are an all-day thing for me now. Swimming and coffee, of course. This morning, I had my 6-month dental cleaning. Unfortunately, another one of my 50+ year old gold inlays has started to "leak". I have another appointment in a couple of weeks so the dentist can try to just remove the old inlay and replace the filling, or whether I'll need a crown. Yuck. At least it's not too bad at this point.

The cards were so-so at bridge, but it's always good to play. I haven't had a chance to see about finding folks to play bridge with here. Surely there are some who would like to do so (and aren't too bad).

Friday 5

Consumables

What dehydrated foods (meant to be consumed that way) do you enjoy?
I like most dried fruits - especially cranberries
What’s your favorite dish made by stuffing one food with another?
Turkey and dressing - what else!
What’s your favorite dish made by rolling something up?
Burritos, wraps
What’s a meal you frequently consume primarily because the cleanup is quick?
Pimiento cheese and crackers, maybe an apple for lunch
What’s a food that’s made much better because of what you sprinkle on it?Definitely cinnamon toast

Photos

Vicki came to the apartment this morning to talk about window treatments and stuff to put on the walls.  We went by the house to pick up a few more paintings, and then to Olive Garden for lunch. She'll see that it gets done.  What a gal!
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I downloaded the pictures from the memory card in John's camera.  They were from the beach this year and from our trip to Canada.  I posted one of the last ones on my Facebook page.  I couldn't make it post here.  It's of Takkakaw Falls, on the BC/Alberta border - our favorite waterfall of all the wonderful ones we've seen.  Check it out there.