Sunday Stealing

A to Z Meme 

Stolen from: i take surveys 

A) What does the last text you sent say? And to whom? To Kate, about going to Andy's wedding in October

B) What does the last text you received say? And from whom? From Verizon, with my current bill.

C) What time do you wake up most mornings? Depends on the day of the week.  On M/W/F at 6 a.m. Usually about 7 or so on other days.

D) Are you afraid of walking alone at night? Depends on where I am - and it's not likely to happen in any case (but not because I'm afraid)

E) What do you do to relax at the end of a stressful day? Get into soft clothes

F) Where did your last kiss take place and with whom? Kissed Jean when she left last week.

G) Do/did you get into trouble a lot at school? No, I was Miss Goody Two-Shoes.

H) Do you enjoy your job? If unemployed, are you content being so? I always enjoyed my job, but I'm happier being retired

I) Do you often pick up on double entendres and innuendos? Sometimes very quickly, sometimes I'm just oblivious

J) Have you ever been offered drugs but declined? I was offered a joint once, but declined.

K) Have you ever met someone who has completely altered your way of thinking?  Yes, I was about 16 at the time.

L) Have you ever been offered drugs and accepted? See #J.

M) Tell us something weird that turns you on. What???

N) When did someone last admit romantic or sexual feelings for you? Was the feeling mutual?  It was a long time ago, and yes.

O) What is something you have given a lot of thought to lately? Travel plans

P) When did you last swallow your beliefs to avoid an argument or confrontation? Just because I avoid an argument doesn't mean I "swallow my beliefs" - just don't want to argue.

Q) Do you usually initiate hugs? I do frequently.

R) Are you a very affectionate person? I think so.

S) Can you roll your own cigarettes? I quit smoking about 35+ years ago, and never did roll my own.

T) What are you looking forward to? This week's trip.

U) Do you have any tattoos. Do you want any/more? No and no.

V) Are you mentally strong? I guess so.

W) Are you physically strong? Not any more

X) Do you think you’re a good person? I think so

Y) Name one thing you wish you could change about your life right now. I'd wish for John back, but otherwise I'm content to rock along as is.

Z) What do you usually eat for breakfast?  Depends on the day of the week.  Yogurt, oatmeal, toast, eggs.  I love breakfasts.

Your National Parks

I have spent this past week watching Ken Burns' magnificent series on our National Parks.  It is certainly fitting to replay this series during the 100th Anniversary year of the Park Service.  If you've not seen any of it, borrow the DVD from your library, buy it, watch it on  On Demand - however you can.

I have been moved to tears every night.  We were fortunate to have been able to travel to many, if not most, of these wonderful places.  And there are so many wonderful memories flooding back.  The programs are full of great photography.  And I'm watching and thinking, "I stood in that place." "I've taken that picture."

Our National Parks truly are unique and special parts of our national personality.  Please go see your Parks - they are YOURS.  And you need to know them.

This and that

I went to the jewelry-making class this afternoon.  The Terrace supplies the materials, and a gal comes in to help with the stringing, etc.  It's the first time I've tried this.  I'm not really a jewelry wearer, other than earrings, but thought it would be fun.  I made a necklace in purples today, and I'm sure it'll wind up with a friend or daughter before long.  Maybe turquoise next time.  LOL

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

You know how I do love to read obituaries.  Someone, somewhere (sorry, can't remember where), posted a link to this one.  Click here to read this great tribute from children to an obviously much-loved mother.

Nice day

Nothing too exciting, except....

Don't cheer, but I did use some watercolors at a class Vicki is teaching.  Nothing earthshaking, but it might be a start.

Ten Things Tuesday

1. I went to a little bit of Silver Sneakers this morning.
2. I left to go to the rheumatologist's office to get a cortisone shot in my left knee.
3. The orthopedist had taken x-rays several months ago and there is no cartilage left in my knees - just bone-on-bone.
4. The PA at the rheumatologist agreed - said he even had trouble getting the needle into the right place.  I guess that's as good as a second opinion.
5. He also told me that it's best to get elective surgery done in the fall and winter - that he'd seen that patients got better results.
6. And he told me that getting about three weeks of "pre-hab" before the surgery would be very beneficial.
7. Now I'll think more seriously about knee replacement - maybe after Andy and Erica's wedding.
8. I met Carol for lunch - soup and sandwich at Panera Bread.
9. We saw the 3D version of The Jungle Book.  Fun movie.
10. Then back home to get my feet up for the evening and hope the shot takes effect quickly.

Not the usual

Jean and her friend came over for a while.  I took them to eat at a local burger joint (yum), and then we went to the Sculpture Fields to check on John's tree.  It's still doing well.  Jean had gotten some bulbs, and planted them around the base of the tree.  Of course, they may not survive and/or the arborists at the park may not want them there, but it made us feel good - and that's what counts.  It's been a gorgeous day, and the gals enjoyed walking around the park and looking at the sculpture - while I waited in the car.  Jean got us some wonderful ice cream at Brusters.  She also brought some plant hangars and a lovely copper wind catcher for the deck.  Needless to say, I had just some of the wonderful salad Margaret brought yesterday for my supper tonight.

A nice Sunday

Have you seen the movie Woman in Gold?  It's a 2015 movie about the painting by Gustav Klimt, which was stolen by the Nazis at the beginning of World War II.  Helen Mirren plays the woman whose aunt had been the model for the painting and from whose family the painting had been taken.  This is the story of her trying to recover the painting from Austria.  It's a fascinating story and quite well acted.  Of course, with Helen Mirren, how could it be otherwise!

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

Margaret came over this afternoon.  She had planted some impatiens in boxes to sit on the deck railing, and brought some other hanging baskets and hangers.  The deck is looking really nice.  And we found a hose to use for watering them. Now if I can just keep them alive through the summer.  A dinner at La Altena was a nice end to the afternoon.  I'm looking forward to Jean and her friend coming tomorrow.

Sunday Stealing

Ask Questions, Yo Meme 

Stolen from: i take surveys 

1. Are you a very open or private person?  Some of each, I think

2. Change one thing about the world what would it be?  Being sure everyone had enough food and water. Maybe there wouldn't be war then.

3. Live in any country/city, where would you choose? In general, I like where I am.

4. What perfume do you wear?  I don't wear scents of any kind.

5. How are you feeling right now? Not too bad, except my left knee

6. If money was no object, where would you move to? On the water somewhere, preferably salt, but I'd take fresh.

7. Who was the last person to make you cry? John.

8. What age do people usually mistake you for?  Usually some younger than my actual age.

9. Is there a song which can bring you to tears instantly? Not than I can think of.

10. Do you play video games? Yes, but not action or timed games.  I play word games and puzzles.

11. What do you think about before you go to bed?  Sleeping.

12. Have you ever online dated?  I'm much too old for that.

13. Do you get cranky when you’re hungry?  No.

14. What drink did you last consume?  Water.

15. Have you ever tripped while walking up the stairs?  Of course.  I can trip on a perfectly flat floor.

16. Is there something you’re happy about at the moment? I'm happy about upcoming events.

17. Are you a shy person? Not particularly, but not a "life of the party", either.

18. Were you happy when you woke up today? It was just another day.

19. Do you like rain? Usually yes - but not in excess.

20. Can you go a day without music? I can, but it doesn't usually happen.

Five on Friday

1. Our new Friday instructor was at swimming today.  I think she's going to give us a good class.
2. We had a little rain this morning.  Obviously it's just what was left over after what fell on Houston.
3. One of our new swimmers invited our core group to lunch at her home today.  It was a lovely lunch in her lovely home.  We love our newbies.
4. The rest of the day was quiet and sunny.
5.  I watched Confirmed on HBO tonight - the story of the Anita Hill testimony during the confirmation hearings when Clarence Thomas was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1991.  Excellent production, of the disturbing proceedings. 

Wednesday/Thursday

Today was almost as exciting as yesterday.  The best thing today was getting my manicure/pedicure.  That is a wonderful thing I do for myself.  Or rather have done for myself.  And I got some reasonable cards tonight at bridge.

My knee started hurting pretty consistently yesterday.  I'm glad I made an appointment to get a cortisone shot, since it's still hurting today.  It's not until next Tuesday, but that'll just put it closer to our trip.  And that's a good thing.

I hope we get our promised rain tomorrow.  Otherwise, I'll have to water the hanging baskets.

Hooray!

Hooray!  Hooray!

I got my car back today!

Monday haiku

Usual Monday.

Ceviche for lunch, then bridge.

Good/bad.  Car ready.

More than planned

It was a beautiful day here.  I decided I really need get off my rear this morning.  So after I finished the laundry, I got in the car and drove over to the Sculpture Fields.  I planned to get some walking done by going to John's tree, and I wanted to see if it had leafed out.  The tree is doing quite well, and the tulip-shaped leaves showed up well against the blue sky (showing why the tree is called a "tulip poplar").  Of course, I was huffing and puffing, but I used a cane, and didn't have any problems. 

Until I got back home.  When I discovered I didn't have my driver's license.  I had put it in my pocket when I walked, so I'd have some ID with me.  Obviously, when I took my phone out of my pocket to take photos, the license came out, too, and fell on the ground.  ARGGGHHH!  What to do?!  Oh, well - I got back in the car and drove back to the Sculpture Fields and walked back to the tree.  Dear John had taken good care of me, and there was my license on the walkway, right in front of the tree.  Sighhhhhhhh.  I guess he wanted me to have more exercise than I'd planned - about twice as much. 

But all is well now.  I posted a couple of picture on Facebook for those of you who are able to see them there.  Now I need to make this more than a one-time thing.

Sunday Stealing

25 Large Meme

Stolen from: i take surveys

1. Travel anywhere, where would it be? I've been so many wonderful places.  I've not been to Spain or Africa, so maybe that would be on my list.
2.  Meet anyone, who would it be? I like to meet the Obamas or maybe Justice Ginsberg.
3. Bring anyone dead back to life, who would it be? John, of course. 
4.  Be anyone for a day, who would it be? I don't know. I'm okay with who I am. 
5.  Get anything for free for the rest of your life what would it be? First class air and other travel 
6.  Change one thing about your life what would it be? No pain and more mobility. 
7. Have any superpower what would it be? To keep moving easily. 
8. Be any animal for a day which would you be? An eagle 
9. Date anyone who would it be? I can't imagine dating anybody.
10.  Change one thing about the world what would it be? I want people to get along with one another and stop fighting.
11.  Live in any fictional universe which would you choose? One in which people get along with all others. 
12.  Eliminate one of your human needs which would you get rid of? Maybe aging.
13.  Change one thing about your physical appearance what would it be? My weight, naturally.
14.  Change one of your personality traits which would you choose? My laziness.
15.  Be talented at anything instantly what would you choose? I'd like to get back to painting sometime.
16.  If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be? See #2
17.  Erase an event from history (make it so it never happened) which would you choose? The birth of Adolf Hitler.
18.  Have any hair/eye/skin color, which would you choose? I'm not unhappy with what I've got
19.  Be any weight/body type, which would you choose? Thinner and taller. 
20.  Live in any country/city, where would you choose? I'm happy with Chattanooga.
21.  Change one law in your country, which would you change? All the anti-abortion laws
22. Be any height, which would you choose? Maybe about 5'7" again. 
23. Have any job in the world, which would you choose? Retired 
24. Have anything appear in your pocket right now, what would it be? A credit card with unlimited cash on it.
25.  Have anyone beside you right now, who would it be? As before, John

She who waits

I've been nagging, very gently, the maintenance guys here to repair the steps and handrail off my deck.  Recently, the top railing around the sides of the deck has started to deteriorate, too.  I finally caught Jeff and Johnny outside this afternoon.  I think the rotted side railing really got their attention this time. They took measurements for the railings and the steps.  And also noted that some of the flooring is loose, too.

Maybe some good things will come to she who waits.

Not all bad

Tough night last night.  A little after 3 am, I was awakened by a barrage of either fireworks or gunshots not too far away (there's a large apartment complex about half-mile from me).  There were no followup sirens, so the noise went unexplained.  But, of course, I didn't get back to sleep.  I got up after about 30 minutes and went to the chair.  Then about 4:15, there was another string of 8 sharp reports.  And again, no followup sirens.  Oh, well....  I dozed a bit in the chair, then went back to bed to sleep (with rolling dreams) until nearly 7:30.

The rest of the day was mostly uneventful.  Silver Sneakers, nap (surprise!), and bridge (with lousy cards).

But any day that ends with an uncut showing of West Side Story can't be all bad.

Wednesday haiku

Coffee at Renna's.

Maine cruise with Ann/Al reserved.

Singing in the Rain!

Car day

I've spent the day dealing with, or waiting on, car things.  I took my car to the body shop this morning, per appointment.  Turns out things had not quite been settled with the insurance company.  I talked to the company, and then headed home, planning to reschedule.  I'd gone only a couple of blocks, when the insurance company called back and okayed everything, and that they'd talked to Enterprise about a car.   Sighhhhhhhh 

So I turned around and went back to the shop.  Eventually the guy from Enterprise came to pick me up.  BUT, it turned out they didn't have a car ready, so they were just going to take me back home - to be picked up later. That was abut 9:30 this morning.  I called about 3:30, and was told it shouldn't be too much longer.  Yeah, right!  At least I didn't have anything major planned for today. They finally came about 4:30.  At least I didn't have to take the delivery guy back - another car came with him to do that. 

So now I have a car - 2015 Camry - very nice.  The delivery guy made a point of telling me to return it "empty".  OK, so I don't put gas in it when I take it back.  When I took it to my parking space, I realized that it was already on "empty".  Well, crap!  I'm out so early in the morning, I didn't want to deal with it then.  So after supper, I went to Walmart to gas it up. 

So much for car days! 

Monday Miscellany

I had some pretty good cards at bridge today.  Played them pretty good, too.  Of course, there were also some less-than-6-point hands, too.

The rain started this afternoon.

Margaret, family, friends, and I are starting to make plans for our upcoming road trip to Maryland/Delaware/North Carolina.  I'm ready!

Plans are starting to come together for a small ship coastal-or-river cruise with Ann & Al, maybe in Alaska.  I'm ready!

Sunday Stealing

Ask Ask Ask Meme

Stolen from: i take surveys 

1 -If you were stranded on an island, who do you wish to be with?  John and someone who could help us get off

2 - What do you feel right now? Ready for be

3 - What chocolate is your favorite?  Dark

4 - Why did you create a blog account? To communicate with family members and to create a journal.

5 - Who is your favorite blogger?  Airy Persiflage, Jenconsin, Yorkshire Pudding - too many others to name

6 - When was the last time you cried? Why? Last weekend when Kate played Jimmy Buffett when we put some of John's ashes in the tree planting.

7 - Who is your best friend? John was my best friend, my daughters - and I'm lucky enough to have more than one BFF.

8 - What kind of music do you listen to? Chamber music, guitar

9 - Do you have troubles sleeping at night? I'm a good sleeper

10 - What do you prefer, jeans or shorts? Jeans - I don't wear shorts anymore

11 - Did you try to change for a person? No, take me or leave me as is

12 - Are you in a good or bad mood? I'm almost always in a good mood

13 - Name someone you can’t live without. I'm learning to live without John - now I don't know what I'd do without our daughters

14 - Do you have a grudge against anyone? No - it takes too much effort.  If I have a problem with anyone, I try to just edit him/her out of my life

15 - Are you a crybaby? No

16 - When people praise you for your looks, what feature do they praise? Surprisingly, my haircut

17 - What hair color do you prefer? My natural color - gray

18 - If you can change anything about yourself, what is it? My weight

19 - Can you live without internet?  I probably could, but I hope I never have to do that

20 - Have you ever experienced being hysterical? Only overcome with laughter - but it's been a long time since that happened.

21 - Did you have an accident last year? Not last year, but last week.

22 - What are you thinking right now? Just answering these questions

23 - Have you been hurt so bad that you can’t find words to explain how you feel? No

24 - Do you have trust issues? No, I always trust until someone proves untrustworthy.

25 - Who’s the person who first comes to your mind when someone mentions “love”? John, my wonderful family

26 - Do you believe in the phrase “If it’s meant to be, it will be”? I guess.  I tend to take things as they happen. "It is what it is."

27 - Do you believe in destiny? Things happen - but you have to be open to happenings

28 - How do you look right now? Comfortable

29 - Did you ever feel like you’re not good enough? Depends on what the topic is - mostly I think I'm "good enough" and hopefully better.

30 - Favorite city? To live in? I really like Chattanooga.

Blackberry winter?

I wonder if this is what they call "blackberry winter". 

This weekend was the dedication of the Sculpture Fields.  I didn't want to go to any of the festivities, but I thought I might go out fairly early this morning and walk out to John's tree.  When I checked the temperature, it was 43 degrees!  So much for walking.

Then today turned into a slug day. I had two movies checked out from the library, and I spent the afternoon watching "Nebraska" with Bruce Dern and "Philomena" with Judi Dench.  Not new films, but both quite good.  I can certainly recommend them.  It was a day well spent.

We're predicted to have a frost tonight - and then be in the 70s on Monday.  Welcome to spring.

Friday Miscellany

The guy from the Body Shop called, and they've communicated with the insurance company.  I'm taking my car in on Tuesday.  The work will take about 5-7 working days, but they're going to be getting me a rental car. 

Margaret and I are definitely going to take a trip to Maryland and Delaware next month.  That's starting to take shape.  Also Ann & Al are starting to work on finding us a river an/or coastal trip to do later this year. I'm looking forward to getting into some travel planning - even though I'm really missing my travel buddy. 

We're supposed to be getting a late frost this weekend.  I certainly hope this is the end of it - and it'll really be spring after this.  Even though I know I'll be complaining about the heat when it comes to summertime.

Quiet times

It's been really quiet the last few days.  Well, except for some thunderstorms last night, but it was a nice cool day today.  The only excitement was going to the body shop to get an estimate on repairs to my car.  It was not as high as I had feared - but then I won't be paying for it in any case.  Now to wait for all the paper work to get tended to.

I was having trouble getting my Roku box to let me watch programs from Netflix and Amazon.  I had tried rebooting (I thought), unplugging the box and replugging it.  But it just wouldn't work.  I asked Kate about it, and we arranged to get on the phone this evening, so she could try to talk me through a fix. Turns out I was unplugging the wrong plug.  Duhhhhh!  So I got to watch a couple of episodes of Longmire tonight.  Thanks, Kate!

For John

My friend, Jamie, posted this on FB under the picture of us Saturday when we put some of John's ashes under the tulip poplar tree at the Sculpture Fields, near the "red pointy sculpture".  It was such a great memorial to John, I wanted to share it here.

“Yeah, the red, pointy sculpture close to the REALLY tall Tulip Poplar. The one with rough bark but strong branches that reach out and shelter everybody; and houses birds that will poop on you if you say something stupid while standing under it."

A few more steps

For a change today, I got a bunch of stuff accomplished.  I  went to the credit union and got a medallion stamp on some papers needed for probate.  I got a cashier's check to pay a bill from the doctor in Calgary. I got another check deposited.  And I went to the post office and got all the pieces mailed, certified mail…plus the checks for federal and state taxes.  It's always nice to have that off my plate.

I went to bridge, but didn't stay.  We were one over, which would have meant a sit-out in each round.  I volunteered to leave, and headed home.

Then when I picked up my mail, I had another check - the payment from the old life insurance policy John's dad took out on him when he graduated from high school.

Almost through.

Sunday Stealing

Survey 212 Meme 

Stolen from: i take surveys 

Is your birth year an odd or even number?: Even 

Which one of your friends is the most outgoing?: Flo Jean, Renna 

Have you eaten any of your favorite foods today?: I had a good breakfast 

When did you last find yourself in an awkward situation?: I can't remember 

How many different towns/cities have you lived in?: Five 

When was the last time you had Nutella?: Tried it once - yuck! 

Who is your favorite character in“The Big Bang Theory”?: I never could get into it. 

What are your parents’ middle names?: Allen and Frances 

Name someone with a sexy sounding voice.: Sean Connery, James Earl Jones 

Are your eyes the same color as your sibling’s?: Yes 

How many pets do you have? Would you like any more?: None, definitely not. 

Is there a song you can’t stop listening to?: Not really 

Is there a song that you’re fed up of hearing?: Nope 

Did you have a strange or interesting dream last night?: No 

Name 3 things that are in your refrigerator.: Tomato juice, yogurt, cheese 

Which friend do you confide in most?: Flo Jean 

What was your most recent reason for smiling? Being with family yesterday to put some of John's ashes in a tree planting at the Memorial Forest.

A perfect day...

Today has been a beautiful day - not just because of the weather (although it's gorgeous, too).  All our wonderful daughters were here, plus grandchildren Sarah and Matt and fiancé Claire, and friends Vicki & Roger.  We shared in helping plant a tulip poplar in the Memorial Forest at the Sculpture Fields with some of John's ashes. I spread some around the base of the tree, and Matt finished the filling in with dirt and mulch. We were doing great until Kate started playing some Jimmy Buffett, which brought on some tears.  All in all, a perfect send off!

##$$%%$#%^^^%$$

Has anybody ever dealt with a survey company called "GFK Custom Research, Knowledge Panel"?  I love doing surveys, and have done Nielsen ratings books before.  I just got a mailing from this company, and it has a definite web presence (site, etc.).  Just a little leery about signing up - although they're not asking for any personal (i.e., numbers, etc.) information.  Just checking.  I always feel like I'm skewing their results because I rarely answer like I think they expect. I saw some good reviews online, so I'll probably wind up doing it.  We got almost 3.5" of rain yesterday, but it was nice today.  I hope it's still pretty tomorrow, as predicted, for our tree planting. All four of the girls will be here, plus Sarah, Matt & Claire, and Vicki & Roger. I got a lovely massage this morning, and then got "front-ended" at a traffic light on the way home.  ARGGGHH!! I was behind a big Teen Challenge truck, and the driver decided to back up - right into me.  Fortunately, I was stopped, and he was barely moving, but it was a loud crunch, and looked like the hood buckled up.  The vehicles were driveable (of course, there wasn't a mark on the truck), so we moved into a nearby parking lot, called insurance companies, the police, and he called his employer.  I'll have to wait to see the police report, but I don't think there's any question that he was at fault.  And I don't seem to be hurt - although I may stiffen up later on.  I think/hope it's only cosmetic damage to the car.  I'm glad nobody was with me - they might not have learned any new words, but I'm sure they would have learned a few new combinations and phrases.  @#$$$$%$##$#@