Up early, Molly was ready to start her day around 7:00 AM. I had a tad bit of trouble falling asleep, so tonight will be a much easier time falling asleep as I did not have a chance to catch a cat nap anytime today.
Warmed up my beans and put them into a crock pot to keep them warm for the picnic. Headed out to get Annette, stopped to get the necessary one dollar bills for a game that was going to be played and headed to the house. When we arrived, there was no one around. Thinking that we had either the wrong place or the wrong day, I called the organizer. We had the wrong place.
She and her ride waited for us at a local Mennonite SCHOOL and they were in a silver car. I thought I knew where the building was and pulled in, seeing the silver car. But no one was there. Here we had stopped at a Mennonite CHURCH, they were another block away, so we finally found them and headed to the house for the picnic.
We were guests of Deb, a recent widow who is really looking for some new friends who understand the issues that widows face. She opted to have the picnic indoors as there was a threat of some popup storms and the temperature and humidity were really high. I was prepared with a cooling scarf, but did not need to do that.
There were six of us. All widows and we chatted about all of our lives and found that we were all experiencing similar issues with being suddenly alone after being married for many years. All of us are struggling with the new life and looking to make a network of friends who understand what being a widow entails. It was very comforting. And the food, we all cook well, so we should plan to get together more often.
Spoke tonight with Marji and Debby. I think they may be up tomorrow. So, we are going to work on the boards and get some of the notebooks updated with the new pages I have copied. I am looking forward to spending time with them.
Hard to believe that tomorrow is already September. Where did the time go? Faster and faster, it seems to fly!
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
Another Day....
I have no idea what is wrong with me. This morning I slept in until almost 10:00 AM! Not the usual for me. Hmmmmm.
Yesterday was a busy day. The baked beans were cooked... or I guess baked would be more correct. The house smelled wonderfully all day long. And the beans are delicious. I test tasted them all along the process. They are in the fridge now, mellowing and should be terrific by the picnic tomorrow.
I also worked on the boards. I am planning a surprise for the ladies of the OBX retreat. Danny Lantz brought me the basic boards cut to the size I needed. But they were, of course, square. I have been looking at and playing with the boards and decided that the study boards had very pointed corners that could prove dangerous id dropped on a foot or floor or anything that might be damaged. So yesterday, I took the 7 boards to the basement. I had marked each corner with a curve line and used the band saw that was Rudy's to remove the sharp corner. It was not the best job. It might have been easier with a scroll saw... which is also there, but I managed with the band saw. So now the boards have rounded corners.
Not much else, but I did enjoy the day. Today is more work on the boards and some straightening up in the living room.
Today is also Mystery Quilt Day from an online group. I have the fabric needed, but I never got it cut out but will soon. I am happy that I did not get on top of things regarding the preparation. This group communicates through Yahoo Groups and there must be some serious issues. I could get to the file location but the files remain hidden giving me the message "Oops, Invalid Path". It is that way for all of the members and it has just been the last hour or so that the needed files have been available. So I will print them out, cut the fabric and put the materials in a small container for later.
I am off to shower and head to WalMart. I have some scripts ready to be picked up.
Yesterday was a busy day. The baked beans were cooked... or I guess baked would be more correct. The house smelled wonderfully all day long. And the beans are delicious. I test tasted them all along the process. They are in the fridge now, mellowing and should be terrific by the picnic tomorrow.
I also worked on the boards. I am planning a surprise for the ladies of the OBX retreat. Danny Lantz brought me the basic boards cut to the size I needed. But they were, of course, square. I have been looking at and playing with the boards and decided that the study boards had very pointed corners that could prove dangerous id dropped on a foot or floor or anything that might be damaged. So yesterday, I took the 7 boards to the basement. I had marked each corner with a curve line and used the band saw that was Rudy's to remove the sharp corner. It was not the best job. It might have been easier with a scroll saw... which is also there, but I managed with the band saw. So now the boards have rounded corners.
Not much else, but I did enjoy the day. Today is more work on the boards and some straightening up in the living room.
Today is also Mystery Quilt Day from an online group. I have the fabric needed, but I never got it cut out but will soon. I am happy that I did not get on top of things regarding the preparation. This group communicates through Yahoo Groups and there must be some serious issues. I could get to the file location but the files remain hidden giving me the message "Oops, Invalid Path". It is that way for all of the members and it has just been the last hour or so that the needed files have been available. So I will print them out, cut the fabric and put the materials in a small container for later.
I am off to shower and head to WalMart. I have some scripts ready to be picked up.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Slept in and yummy smells...
It was a late night as falling asleep took a tad longer than usual, but Molly let me sleep in until almost 9:00 AM except for a pee break around 5:30 AM. So it was a little later start than I had planned.
I rinsed the beans and put the ingredients into the roaster. They are now in the oven, cooking slowly. They will be cooking all day until they are creamy, sweet and tender. The last batch I made did not really have a good odor until a few hours into the process. They were not the best I have ever made but they were not the worst. These beans already have the most lovely aroma going on. The smell in the house is making me hungry and they are no where near being edible. If this keeps up, it could be a long day until I can finally nibble on the beans.
I rinsed the beans and put the ingredients into the roaster. They are now in the oven, cooking slowly. They will be cooking all day until they are creamy, sweet and tender. The last batch I made did not really have a good odor until a few hours into the process. They were not the best I have ever made but they were not the worst. These beans already have the most lovely aroma going on. The smell in the house is making me hungry and they are no where near being edible. If this keeps up, it could be a long day until I can finally nibble on the beans.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Nice Day...
Today, in spite of the grey skies and periodic rain, was a nice day. Mary spent the night on the couch as it was late when we slowed down last night and she has always found my living room couch comfy. We had dined at the Chinese Buffet locally and then talked quilting and our retreat more after we returned. She works the graveyard shift 5 nights at Indian Acres and she never really gets enough sleep as far as I am concerned.
We were up by 8:00 AM, had a cup of coffee then she headed home to get some things done before her shift starts tonight.
I showered and headed down to Joann Fabrics in Downingtown. I had found an online coupon for Joann's for 60% off a single item. I needed to get some special fabric from there for my retreat project and being able to reduce the cost by 60% was wonderful. I was very lucky as they had the fabric and in the amount that I needed! Yippee!
I then headed to WalMart. I needed to get the makings for my mother's homemade baked beans. I will be taking them to the cookout on Saturday. I was going to soak them tomorrow night and cook them on Friday. I have them in the roaster as I type. I am soaking them tonight, cooking tomorrow. They are always better after sitting for a day! Besides, that gives me an extra day to nibble on them. If they turn out well... and they usually do.... I could eat them and eat them and eat them... Yum.
Had some lunch when I got home and them realized that my Internet was acting funky. It got really slow and then suddenly stopped downloading at all. I was connected, all of the places that one checks said I had access, but that was all. No email, no web pages, no pictures in older emails... nada. Nothing. So I called Verizon. Made my way through the automated hell that is Verizon Support but finally got to a very nice young man who tried and tried to get into the backdoor of my Windows 8 computer, but to no avail. He pinged things and tried things to verify that all was well, but he was trying to get to where I could do a system restore (not something I would have been keen on actually doing) but we could never get that to happen. The funny thing was, after I hung up and actually went into the computer again, everything was working fine. So either the issue that existed was fixed by their pinging or the numerous reboots cleared things up on my side. But as you can see, I have access now.
Once I get the beans in the oven tomorrow, I will start on my retreat project!! Should be a fun day of trial and error until I get the process down. No further info... it is a surprise for my ladies!
We were up by 8:00 AM, had a cup of coffee then she headed home to get some things done before her shift starts tonight.
I showered and headed down to Joann Fabrics in Downingtown. I had found an online coupon for Joann's for 60% off a single item. I needed to get some special fabric from there for my retreat project and being able to reduce the cost by 60% was wonderful. I was very lucky as they had the fabric and in the amount that I needed! Yippee!
I then headed to WalMart. I needed to get the makings for my mother's homemade baked beans. I will be taking them to the cookout on Saturday. I was going to soak them tomorrow night and cook them on Friday. I have them in the roaster as I type. I am soaking them tonight, cooking tomorrow. They are always better after sitting for a day! Besides, that gives me an extra day to nibble on them. If they turn out well... and they usually do.... I could eat them and eat them and eat them... Yum.
Had some lunch when I got home and them realized that my Internet was acting funky. It got really slow and then suddenly stopped downloading at all. I was connected, all of the places that one checks said I had access, but that was all. No email, no web pages, no pictures in older emails... nada. Nothing. So I called Verizon. Made my way through the automated hell that is Verizon Support but finally got to a very nice young man who tried and tried to get into the backdoor of my Windows 8 computer, but to no avail. He pinged things and tried things to verify that all was well, but he was trying to get to where I could do a system restore (not something I would have been keen on actually doing) but we could never get that to happen. The funny thing was, after I hung up and actually went into the computer again, everything was working fine. So either the issue that existed was fixed by their pinging or the numerous reboots cleared things up on my side. But as you can see, I have access now.
Once I get the beans in the oven tomorrow, I will start on my retreat project!! Should be a fun day of trial and error until I get the process down. No further info... it is a surprise for my ladies!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Fun Day Activities
Fun day started around 9:30 AM. Mary had planned to get here at 10:30 AM, but she pulled in the driveway a full hour early and said she would have been here sooner, but ran into school buses taking kiddies to school.
We chatted for awhile and then I dressed and we headed to East Earl and Good's Store. Mary had been to the one in Quarryville but not the East Earl store. We wandered around the store, I bought some fabric and a jar for the bath salts we will be making in the Outer Banks. Mary found some fabrics as well.
Hunger set in, so we went over to Shady Maple for the lunch buffet. Yum!
From there, we headed to the new cheese/country store that just opened on Route 322. It was lovely, full of cheeses in many varieties, ice cream, other yummy things like jams and crackers and the normal country store fare. One of the things that were there was San Marco pastas. Last night when I ate with Annette, she told me about the San Marco store. They make the pasta in the store and sell it to restaurants and stores like the cheese shop. Annette told me where it was, so we left the cheese shop and headed to Downingtown.
San Marco is on Norwood Road (Route 282) and we pulled in the lot. There is a tiny storefront with lots of variety. Homemade pasta, spaghetti and noodles. They had dried varieties and the frozen items, like raviolis, gnocchi, etc. All kinds of oils and sauces in cans and a couple of loaves of homemade bread. A couple of cheeses rounded out the store. We each took a loaf of bread and some pastas to try. We will go back there, no problem. Annette says they supply the pasta to Anna & Rocco's in Parkesburg. It is one of my favorite Italian Restaurants in the area.
Back to the house for some quilt book reading and just relaxing.
Trash day tomorrow, so later tonight will be some more sorting and purging. Grocery tomorrow to get the makings for baked beans.
We chatted for awhile and then I dressed and we headed to East Earl and Good's Store. Mary had been to the one in Quarryville but not the East Earl store. We wandered around the store, I bought some fabric and a jar for the bath salts we will be making in the Outer Banks. Mary found some fabrics as well.
Hunger set in, so we went over to Shady Maple for the lunch buffet. Yum!
From there, we headed to the new cheese/country store that just opened on Route 322. It was lovely, full of cheeses in many varieties, ice cream, other yummy things like jams and crackers and the normal country store fare. One of the things that were there was San Marco pastas. Last night when I ate with Annette, she told me about the San Marco store. They make the pasta in the store and sell it to restaurants and stores like the cheese shop. Annette told me where it was, so we left the cheese shop and headed to Downingtown.
San Marco is on Norwood Road (Route 282) and we pulled in the lot. There is a tiny storefront with lots of variety. Homemade pasta, spaghetti and noodles. They had dried varieties and the frozen items, like raviolis, gnocchi, etc. All kinds of oils and sauces in cans and a couple of loaves of homemade bread. A couple of cheeses rounded out the store. We each took a loaf of bread and some pastas to try. We will go back there, no problem. Annette says they supply the pasta to Anna & Rocco's in Parkesburg. It is one of my favorite Italian Restaurants in the area.
Back to the house for some quilt book reading and just relaxing.
Trash day tomorrow, so later tonight will be some more sorting and purging. Grocery tomorrow to get the makings for baked beans.
Nice evening into a fun day....
I was treated to dinner last night. I went to my friend Annette's house in the late afternoon yesterday. She is joining the widow and widowers meetup group so we can sign up for some of the activities that the organizer thinks up. To join this group you MUST have a picture of yourself posted so that when new people meetup with you they know what you look like. It is a safety thing.
I am blessed with a pretty good grasp on how to do most things on a computer, and what I do not know I can call my brother, Andy, and he can usually guide me through the steps to make things happen. I am noticing that it is taking me a couple of times through the process with Andy's help, to get more complicated things done, but in time, I can do most things on my own.
Annette was unable to conquer the uploading process to place a picture in her meetup profile, so she invited me to come to her house, get the picture in place and in return she would cook dinner. These days, I will never turn down a meal that is cooked by someone other than me and where there is a person who will be chatting with me while we eat. Annette has a lovely house in a fairly quiet development over by the WalMart. It is a split foyer home, so there were steps up to the house and then steps up to the living area. By late afternoon, my wounded knee was a bit ouchy, so I wore the brace and managed the stairs. I uploaded the picture in short order and then we headed out to her lovely deck to enjoy some Zin and cheese, followed by spaghetti. It was almost dark by the time I headed home. We just talked and talked and talked. She lost her husband three years ago and we share many of the same problems being widows in today's world. It was a very nice evening. We will do this again.
This morning the knee is feeling much better. I was a bit longer falling asleep last night, but managed without going into the wee hours. I was up by 7:00 AM, cleaned up the kitchen and am enjoying my coffee. Mary Davis is going to come up to play today. I had toyed with the idea of going to Indian Acres today when I thought that Sharon might be on vacation there. But she is at home and busy picking up family for the holiday weekend, so Mary decided to come up here. We will be making plans for the OBX trip and just bumming around Should be a fun day. I love days like the last couple.
Annette and I will be going to a cookout this weekend. I will be making my mother's baked beans. Since it is easily a good two day process, this week will be going very quickly!
I am blessed with a pretty good grasp on how to do most things on a computer, and what I do not know I can call my brother, Andy, and he can usually guide me through the steps to make things happen. I am noticing that it is taking me a couple of times through the process with Andy's help, to get more complicated things done, but in time, I can do most things on my own.
Annette was unable to conquer the uploading process to place a picture in her meetup profile, so she invited me to come to her house, get the picture in place and in return she would cook dinner. These days, I will never turn down a meal that is cooked by someone other than me and where there is a person who will be chatting with me while we eat. Annette has a lovely house in a fairly quiet development over by the WalMart. It is a split foyer home, so there were steps up to the house and then steps up to the living area. By late afternoon, my wounded knee was a bit ouchy, so I wore the brace and managed the stairs. I uploaded the picture in short order and then we headed out to her lovely deck to enjoy some Zin and cheese, followed by spaghetti. It was almost dark by the time I headed home. We just talked and talked and talked. She lost her husband three years ago and we share many of the same problems being widows in today's world. It was a very nice evening. We will do this again.
This morning the knee is feeling much better. I was a bit longer falling asleep last night, but managed without going into the wee hours. I was up by 7:00 AM, cleaned up the kitchen and am enjoying my coffee. Mary Davis is going to come up to play today. I had toyed with the idea of going to Indian Acres today when I thought that Sharon might be on vacation there. But she is at home and busy picking up family for the holiday weekend, so Mary decided to come up here. We will be making plans for the OBX trip and just bumming around Should be a fun day. I love days like the last couple.
Annette and I will be going to a cookout this weekend. I will be making my mother's baked beans. Since it is easily a good two day process, this week will be going very quickly!
Monday, August 26, 2013
Good News and Better News...
Good News... the knee is feeling better. Walking is not nearly as painful as yesterday. I still feel like it could go out if I turn wrong, so I need to be careful. I will get the brace on shortly to help keep everything in place as I go about my day.
Better News... not only did Marji & Danny bring up my materials for the OBX project, but Danny went up on the roof and installed the chimney cover that I have had in a box on the back porch since last fall. We... actually Danny painted the furnace chimney last fall with Dry Loc to seal it from allowing rain water soaking in and coming down through the cinder block and into the walls. He recommended that I get a cover so rain would not also go straight into the chimney as it had a 10" circular flue. I ordered one that was listed as adjustable and it has lived on the back porch in the box since it arrived last fall.
Danny had to go get some bigger screws to tighten it onto the chimney... that was the 'adjustable' feature and the screws provided were too small. But it is now in place and I will try to remember to get a picture to add later.
Now that the final area of water coming into the house has been addressed I will be doing the fix on the "ugly" wall. There is a patch that was in place from before I even looked to buy this house over 30 years ago that I am going to stabilize with some of the Dry Loc. It will soak into the plaster that was used as a patch so it will not flake off the wall. Then Danny and I will remove the gas heater that I use in the winter as an extra kicker on really cold days. Then we will either glue or nail sheets of bead board on the wall that I can then paint it with the colors I am putting in the rooms. It will be so nice to have that finally finished after two years!!
This evening I am having dinner with my friend from GriefShare, Annette. I will be helping her set up her Meetup account and upload her picture to her profile. Then she is cooking spaghetti for dinner. Annette went with me to the Meetup breakfast for widows and widowers last weekend and will be going with me to the cookout on Saturday. It is nice to be meeting other widows in the area. It will give me a larger circle of ladies who are in the same boat as I am.
So, I will work on a couple of things here today and then head to Annette's for dinner.
Better News... not only did Marji & Danny bring up my materials for the OBX project, but Danny went up on the roof and installed the chimney cover that I have had in a box on the back porch since last fall. We... actually Danny painted the furnace chimney last fall with Dry Loc to seal it from allowing rain water soaking in and coming down through the cinder block and into the walls. He recommended that I get a cover so rain would not also go straight into the chimney as it had a 10" circular flue. I ordered one that was listed as adjustable and it has lived on the back porch in the box since it arrived last fall.
Danny had to go get some bigger screws to tighten it onto the chimney... that was the 'adjustable' feature and the screws provided were too small. But it is now in place and I will try to remember to get a picture to add later.
Now that the final area of water coming into the house has been addressed I will be doing the fix on the "ugly" wall. There is a patch that was in place from before I even looked to buy this house over 30 years ago that I am going to stabilize with some of the Dry Loc. It will soak into the plaster that was used as a patch so it will not flake off the wall. Then Danny and I will remove the gas heater that I use in the winter as an extra kicker on really cold days. Then we will either glue or nail sheets of bead board on the wall that I can then paint it with the colors I am putting in the rooms. It will be so nice to have that finally finished after two years!!
This evening I am having dinner with my friend from GriefShare, Annette. I will be helping her set up her Meetup account and upload her picture to her profile. Then she is cooking spaghetti for dinner. Annette went with me to the Meetup breakfast for widows and widowers last weekend and will be going with me to the cookout on Saturday. It is nice to be meeting other widows in the area. It will give me a larger circle of ladies who are in the same boat as I am.
So, I will work on a couple of things here today and then head to Annette's for dinner.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Ouch!!!! Hurting Today!
Well, yesterday was a washing day, thanks to Molly. I got the blankets washed again as well as the sheets that got peed on and the clothes that were in the hamper, so I am ready for the week. I also worked on the pattern and instructions notebooks for the OBX trip. I have most of them printed out and in sleeves. Only a few left and that is completed.
Last night I suddenly began to have very achy knees. Not just one, but both of them. If you are familiar with my house, to go to my bedroom, you head into the tiny hallway and make an immediate left. The TV wall in the living room is the headboard wall in the bedroom. Making that left my right knee twisted oddly and the pain was awful. The remainder of the time before I was in bed was very painful and I managed to get the blankets back on the bed before falling into it. I had trouble falling asleep as there was really no position that relieved any of the pain.
I got up this morning and did not find that everything had gone back to normal. The right knee was still very painful although the left knee was much better. I am holding onto furniture and walls to get around, so it is a good thing that I live in a tiny house!
I have finally dressed as Danny & Marji are on their way up. Danny did a project for me for the trip and he is bringing the materials so I can finish my grand idea. I put the brace on my knee and it is better, but it feels like something has broken loose in the knee and is not allowing the leg to straighten the way it can.
I love these golden years!!!!!
Last night I suddenly began to have very achy knees. Not just one, but both of them. If you are familiar with my house, to go to my bedroom, you head into the tiny hallway and make an immediate left. The TV wall in the living room is the headboard wall in the bedroom. Making that left my right knee twisted oddly and the pain was awful. The remainder of the time before I was in bed was very painful and I managed to get the blankets back on the bed before falling into it. I had trouble falling asleep as there was really no position that relieved any of the pain.
I got up this morning and did not find that everything had gone back to normal. The right knee was still very painful although the left knee was much better. I am holding onto furniture and walls to get around, so it is a good thing that I live in a tiny house!
I have finally dressed as Danny & Marji are on their way up. Danny did a project for me for the trip and he is bringing the materials so I can finish my grand idea. I put the brace on my knee and it is better, but it feels like something has broken loose in the knee and is not allowing the leg to straighten the way it can.
I love these golden years!!!!!
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Short night, bad dog!
This morning I have a breakfast meeting at a local eatery with a new group of widows and widowers. They meet at 8:30 Am and I find it so odd that after finally not really having to set an alarm to go to work that I set an alarm on a Saturday morning periodically to meet strangers for breakfast!
Topping it all off is that it was a very short night! Molly and I have a routine and I varied that routine slightly last night, so it is really all my fault. Normally she will go out just before we go to bed and I put food down for her... kind of a nighttime snack. Last night she had gone out a bit earlier, and I had fed her then. So when I finally went to bed I figured.. wrongly, that she would be fine.
I cleared my bed, pulled back the sheets and put her on the bed. I went to the bathroom and got ready for bed. Into my nightgown and into the bed, only to find a small, round, warm wet spot. Good old Pavlov... she had peed.
So, bed stripped, clean sheets, blotted the blankets (freshly washed this week and will again today) before crawling back in. Had to calm down some before I drifted off, so my night got very short.
She has done that same thing once before and in a similar scenario. From now on, she will go out just before bed whether she needs it, or not!
Off to shower and grab breakfast with the Busy Buds.
Topping it all off is that it was a very short night! Molly and I have a routine and I varied that routine slightly last night, so it is really all my fault. Normally she will go out just before we go to bed and I put food down for her... kind of a nighttime snack. Last night she had gone out a bit earlier, and I had fed her then. So when I finally went to bed I figured.. wrongly, that she would be fine.
I cleared my bed, pulled back the sheets and put her on the bed. I went to the bathroom and got ready for bed. Into my nightgown and into the bed, only to find a small, round, warm wet spot. Good old Pavlov... she had peed.
So, bed stripped, clean sheets, blotted the blankets (freshly washed this week and will again today) before crawling back in. Had to calm down some before I drifted off, so my night got very short.
She has done that same thing once before and in a similar scenario. From now on, she will go out just before bed whether she needs it, or not!
Off to shower and grab breakfast with the Busy Buds.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Being of Assistance and checking in on family..
I got side-tracked from clearing the living room. Only because one of the things I needed to organize were the notebooks for the ladies that will be traveling in about 5 weeks to the Outer Banks for a week of crafting, sewing and fun. The notebooks will contain the directions for the projects that they can do while they are in the house. They have the option of just taking the book and trying them on their own when they got home and just lounge by the pool or go sight-seeing. So I have been copying and placing the directions in clear sleeves to keep them clean and easy to grab.
Yesterday I took some dinner to my BFF Debby who seems to be recovering nicely from her leg injury. I took a pizza down to her as well as a sub to take for lunch today and a Stromboli for dinner today. But i will be joining her for dinner (not in the original plan) to help her install a Blu-Ray player so she can lounge in bed with her leg elevated while watching some TV series and movies. So glad I have an extra one from the Maryland house that will let her do that.
Caught up with my brother, Andy, this morning. He called me. He was awake and was in the home office, waiting for the rest of the house to wake up. I asked how he was enjoying retirement and he confirmed that he still did not feel like he was actually retired. He, his wife and MIL will be heading for Williamsburg tomorrow morning. They will be in a Timeshare for the week. He suspects that they will be keeping the MIL going as they tour, shop and enjoy the area. I suspect it will be a week or so after they get back before the retirement thing finally sinks in.
So, I am off. I want to get the notebooks started, gather the DVDs for Debby and other chores for the day. Looking forward to the weekend. Tomorrow is the Busy Buds breakfast at Dutchway. It is a group of widows and widowers who get together for breakfast once a month as well as other activities. September is almost here and I will be getting back into Lions Club meetings, Quilt Guild meetings, and my gun classes are all in September. Certainly glad that I am retired so I will have time for all of my other activities!!!
Yesterday I took some dinner to my BFF Debby who seems to be recovering nicely from her leg injury. I took a pizza down to her as well as a sub to take for lunch today and a Stromboli for dinner today. But i will be joining her for dinner (not in the original plan) to help her install a Blu-Ray player so she can lounge in bed with her leg elevated while watching some TV series and movies. So glad I have an extra one from the Maryland house that will let her do that.
Caught up with my brother, Andy, this morning. He called me. He was awake and was in the home office, waiting for the rest of the house to wake up. I asked how he was enjoying retirement and he confirmed that he still did not feel like he was actually retired. He, his wife and MIL will be heading for Williamsburg tomorrow morning. They will be in a Timeshare for the week. He suspects that they will be keeping the MIL going as they tour, shop and enjoy the area. I suspect it will be a week or so after they get back before the retirement thing finally sinks in.
So, I am off. I want to get the notebooks started, gather the DVDs for Debby and other chores for the day. Looking forward to the weekend. Tomorrow is the Busy Buds breakfast at Dutchway. It is a group of widows and widowers who get together for breakfast once a month as well as other activities. September is almost here and I will be getting back into Lions Club meetings, Quilt Guild meetings, and my gun classes are all in September. Certainly glad that I am retired so I will have time for all of my other activities!!!
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Ballastic Break....
As promised, I headed to Targetmaster for my first time on the range without anyone who knew about guns. I took my ear protection with me when I left and then just about forgot it in the car. Picked up the targets and headed to check in. I was assigned Lane 5 and given a Ruger SP101 .22 caliber revolver as the weapon to try. After turning in my license and signing in the book, I put on my ear protection and headed into the range. I had 100 rounds of ammunition and prepared to shoot.
I went through 3/4 of the ammo before I changed targets. Then I put the other one up and fired off the remaining rounds. I have not checked the targets (I brought them home) but I think I pretty much stayed inside the body of the target with every shot. Not nearly as closely clustered as the semi-auto from last week,
I did not like the feel of this gun as much as the one from last week, but it had less buttons to move to load the weapon, but the trigger was harder to pull... it was a double action trigger. If I were to get a revolver, it would have to be easier to pull. I may try a single action next.
After I was done, I realized that I must have pinched my right-hand trigger finger. Guess that might explain the slight pain I was feeling by the end of the 100 rounds!
I went through 3/4 of the ammo before I changed targets. Then I put the other one up and fired off the remaining rounds. I have not checked the targets (I brought them home) but I think I pretty much stayed inside the body of the target with every shot. Not nearly as closely clustered as the semi-auto from last week,
I did not like the feel of this gun as much as the one from last week, but it had less buttons to move to load the weapon, but the trigger was harder to pull... it was a double action trigger. If I were to get a revolver, it would have to be easier to pull. I may try a single action next.
After I was done, I realized that I must have pinched my right-hand trigger finger. Guess that might explain the slight pain I was feeling by the end of the 100 rounds!
OUCH!!!
And the heat returns...
The temps have been relatively comfortable in recent days. Lowish humidity and not overly hot. But over the last couple of days one could feel the humidity begin to creep up and there have even been a couple of air quality warnings, so I am guessing that the 'dog days' of summer are not quite done with us. The corn across the street is quite tall, so you know that autumn is just around the corner.
Monday was a lazy day. I was very concerned about my BFF Debby. She had fallen and really banged up her leg. She did not let anyone know until it had gotten bad enough for her to make her way to a doctor. I tried to stay close to the phone so I could assist her, if she needed me.
Tuesday was my brother's last full day of work. He is retiring effective on September 3rd after a long career with the Navy as a civilian. He will have to got into the office on the 3rd for final stuff, but Tuesday was his final day of work. I have not spoken to him to see how he feels about it all. It really will not hit him for a couple of weeks. He and his wife are going to Williamsburg for a vacation so it is going to feel normal for another few weeks. I am so happy that he has finally retired. He has worked tirelessly for many, many years. It is time for him to enjoy the fruits of his labors.
Tuesday was also my BFF Mary's birthday. I drove to Elkton to treat her to lunch at Olive Garden. Her daughter, Michelle, joined us to help her celebrate. We discussed meal plans for our trip to OBX in October. I bought some chicken Gnocchi soup to take to Debby. On my way back to PA, I stopped at my other BFF, Marji's house. So I guess instead of Tuesday I could call it BFFday. Drove to Debby's place to see her punctured and bruised right leg. Chatted for a bit and then left her to elevate her leg. She will be going to work today.
I have started to in depth purge in the living room/dining room. It may take a week or two, but I am going through the place area by area and getting rid of excess. My goal is to get the floor cleared of the piles I have had since combining the stuff from Maryland so my robot vacuum can once again work to keep the floors swept.
But, today I may take a ballistic break and head to the range for another round of shooting practice.
Monday was a lazy day. I was very concerned about my BFF Debby. She had fallen and really banged up her leg. She did not let anyone know until it had gotten bad enough for her to make her way to a doctor. I tried to stay close to the phone so I could assist her, if she needed me.
Tuesday was my brother's last full day of work. He is retiring effective on September 3rd after a long career with the Navy as a civilian. He will have to got into the office on the 3rd for final stuff, but Tuesday was his final day of work. I have not spoken to him to see how he feels about it all. It really will not hit him for a couple of weeks. He and his wife are going to Williamsburg for a vacation so it is going to feel normal for another few weeks. I am so happy that he has finally retired. He has worked tirelessly for many, many years. It is time for him to enjoy the fruits of his labors.
Tuesday was also my BFF Mary's birthday. I drove to Elkton to treat her to lunch at Olive Garden. Her daughter, Michelle, joined us to help her celebrate. We discussed meal plans for our trip to OBX in October. I bought some chicken Gnocchi soup to take to Debby. On my way back to PA, I stopped at my other BFF, Marji's house. So I guess instead of Tuesday I could call it BFFday. Drove to Debby's place to see her punctured and bruised right leg. Chatted for a bit and then left her to elevate her leg. She will be going to work today.
I have started to in depth purge in the living room/dining room. It may take a week or two, but I am going through the place area by area and getting rid of excess. My goal is to get the floor cleared of the piles I have had since combining the stuff from Maryland so my robot vacuum can once again work to keep the floors swept.
But, today I may take a ballistic break and head to the range for another round of shooting practice.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
A Quiet Sunday
I had all kinds of good intentions. I dressed to go to church, drove down to find the parking lot empty and the sign in front of the church announcing the church picnic. I have been away for so many Sundays, I was not aware of the change in time and place. So, I headed home. Molly was a bit confused, but glad I was home.
Not much accomplished. I did get all of the laundry folded and put away. Watched the NASCAR race and managed to find and order the vinyl mesh that the ladies will need for the beach bags that will be a project on the trip.
I worked on making some finished edge for the one last quilt that needed a binding. Shelli has been leaving a lip if backing all around the edge of my finished quilts. Since this is just a silly little scrappy quilt, I have just folded the excess over and will stitch it down by machine so that quilt will be finished. I have three other tops that are needing borders and binding, so I will begin working on them.
I did grill some spare ribs tonight. I am gradually getting the hang of grilling. These were small but meaty bone-in country spare ribs. I also cooked some corn-on-the cob in the oven. I really like the way they come out when done this way. It is perfect for a single person. Just get the oven up to 350 degrees, put the corn, husk and all, in the oven. Cook for 30 minutes or until done. The husk keeps the moisture in, the silks come off so easily and it is yummy.
So, I did accomplish something, but at a nice pace for the day. No appointments but am going to lunch on Tuesday, but that is a fun thing. Should be a nice, quiet week.
Not much accomplished. I did get all of the laundry folded and put away. Watched the NASCAR race and managed to find and order the vinyl mesh that the ladies will need for the beach bags that will be a project on the trip.
I worked on making some finished edge for the one last quilt that needed a binding. Shelli has been leaving a lip if backing all around the edge of my finished quilts. Since this is just a silly little scrappy quilt, I have just folded the excess over and will stitch it down by machine so that quilt will be finished. I have three other tops that are needing borders and binding, so I will begin working on them.
I did grill some spare ribs tonight. I am gradually getting the hang of grilling. These were small but meaty bone-in country spare ribs. I also cooked some corn-on-the cob in the oven. I really like the way they come out when done this way. It is perfect for a single person. Just get the oven up to 350 degrees, put the corn, husk and all, in the oven. Cook for 30 minutes or until done. The husk keeps the moisture in, the silks come off so easily and it is yummy.
So, I did accomplish something, but at a nice pace for the day. No appointments but am going to lunch on Tuesday, but that is a fun thing. Should be a nice, quiet week.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Yesterday and Today.... A Two for One entry!
Busy couple of days. It makes the time go faster.
Yesterday I headed to Downingtown and picked up Mary Ciarlone. Mary was my boss at Jefferson Bank and we have remained close and in touch since the bank was acquired by Hudson United many years ago. We had not seen each other for quite a while, so we went to Olive Garden for 'Soup, Salad and Breadsticks' lunch. We chatted and caught up on our activities. She is concerned about what might be some upcoming surgery for me, so we chatted about the good and bad of knee replacements.
After lunch we went to Staples. Mary is in charge of he Downingtown Lions Club Golf Tournament. She had received a banner that she had ordered but it did not come with grommets. So we took the banner to Staples and they installed them. She picked up a couple of other things and I took her home.
Stopped at Kohl's on my way home. I had a gift card that I wanted to use and I was looking for a small purse for shopping and a larger one for the trip in October. Once I get my training and my gun, I will need a larger purse in order to take my gun along, should I choose to do that. I found just what I wanted for both and after the Gift Card, I only paid $7.77 cents for both. I love shopping that way.
The rest of the evening I made a whole bunch of button flowers and placed them in small vases to give to the ladies today. I also printed out maps and downloaded and printed a free quilt pattern. I also made a list of things needed for the October trip to OBX.
I was in bed at a decent hour and did fall asleep right away. But I woke up around 4:30 AM and could not get the mind to shut down, so I got up and putzed around making sure everything was ready for lunch today. Debby Patton arrived just before noon and we headed out Bakers Restaurant just outside of Elkton. By the time we arrived Marji Lantz, Debby Ready, Shelia Williamson and Mary Davis were already there. Sharon DeRicco arrived a bit later, after her daughter brought her car back to the Acres.
We discussed our upcoming trip, our planned projects and some new possibilities. We talked about departure dates and room mates, food and fun times as well as getting to know each other. It was the first time we had all been together and I think we are in for a fun, fun week.
Came back and gave Molly some lap time and it turned out, me some nap time. I hope I will be able to sleep tonight!!
Yesterday I headed to Downingtown and picked up Mary Ciarlone. Mary was my boss at Jefferson Bank and we have remained close and in touch since the bank was acquired by Hudson United many years ago. We had not seen each other for quite a while, so we went to Olive Garden for 'Soup, Salad and Breadsticks' lunch. We chatted and caught up on our activities. She is concerned about what might be some upcoming surgery for me, so we chatted about the good and bad of knee replacements.
After lunch we went to Staples. Mary is in charge of he Downingtown Lions Club Golf Tournament. She had received a banner that she had ordered but it did not come with grommets. So we took the banner to Staples and they installed them. She picked up a couple of other things and I took her home.
Stopped at Kohl's on my way home. I had a gift card that I wanted to use and I was looking for a small purse for shopping and a larger one for the trip in October. Once I get my training and my gun, I will need a larger purse in order to take my gun along, should I choose to do that. I found just what I wanted for both and after the Gift Card, I only paid $7.77 cents for both. I love shopping that way.
The rest of the evening I made a whole bunch of button flowers and placed them in small vases to give to the ladies today. I also printed out maps and downloaded and printed a free quilt pattern. I also made a list of things needed for the October trip to OBX.
I was in bed at a decent hour and did fall asleep right away. But I woke up around 4:30 AM and could not get the mind to shut down, so I got up and putzed around making sure everything was ready for lunch today. Debby Patton arrived just before noon and we headed out Bakers Restaurant just outside of Elkton. By the time we arrived Marji Lantz, Debby Ready, Shelia Williamson and Mary Davis were already there. Sharon DeRicco arrived a bit later, after her daughter brought her car back to the Acres.
We discussed our upcoming trip, our planned projects and some new possibilities. We talked about departure dates and room mates, food and fun times as well as getting to know each other. It was the first time we had all been together and I think we are in for a fun, fun week.
Came back and gave Molly some lap time and it turned out, me some nap time. I hope I will be able to sleep tonight!!
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Sleep.... ah, Sweet Sleep...
There is nothing that can beat a good nights sleep. I say that from experience. I have had some difficulty sleeping from time to time since Rudy died. It is normal and expected in grief. Usually, for me, it is the inability to fall asleep at a 'normal' time. This week was an exceptional night of not sleeping, but I think it had little to do with grief.
Tuesday evening I met my BFF, Debby Patton, at Targetmaster just before the Delaware state line for a round of shooting on their indoor gun range. I am in the process of learning to shoot a handgun and have become a member of the gun range for a year. This will give me unlimited use of the gun range for free and I can use their rental guns (also for free), giving me the opportunity to try several different types of guns before I actually buy my own. I had gone shooting with my son, Brian, when I visited him recently in Minneapolis. I enjoyed the experience and thought it might be fun to do here. Besides, now being a single woman living in the country, having a gun might be a good idea.... just in case!
So, Debby and I were assigned Lane 15 and they gave me a Ruger 22/45 Lite semi-automatic pistol to shoot. I bought 100 rounds of ammunition and with ear protection (I bought a set for me rather than rent theirs as I would be needing it anyway wherever I shoot) and we headed into the range. Debby brought her own gun and ammo. She shot first and then I tried to load my weapon. I had never shot a semi-auto weapon with a magazine so we called the range officer over and he went over the proper use of the gun. It took about three or four times of getting assistance before I was confident enough to shoot the gun easily.
As Brian had indicated, the 22 caliber gun was much easier to shoot than the .357 I had enjoyed in Minnesota. There was not nearly as much kickback. The two targets we had used were well peppered with holes, so our aim and ability to hit the target was pretty good, for 'girls' who are novices. It took a little over an hour and was fun. Afterwards, we went out to dinner and headed home.
I relaxed with Molly before heading to bed. I had an appointment with my knee doctor the next day. I could NOT fall asleep for love nor money. I watched mind numbing TV, nothing. I laid in the dark with nothing on, nothing. I got up, put Molly out and I peed, too. More mind numbing TV. Nothing. Back in bed and the last time I looked at the clock and set the alarm for 8:30 AM so I would not miss my appointment, it was 5:30 AM. I did fall asleep, sometime after that, I was awake before the alarm.
To say that yesterday was a long day is an understatement. Once back from the doctor, it became very hard to not fall asleep or nap, but if I had done that I would have been in trouble. So I worked very hard at staying awake. I crawled into bed at my normal 11:00 PM bed time. I had the TV on, but quickly turned it off and fell fast asleep. I came too very slowly and when I looked at the clock, it was 9:00 AM. I LOVE a good nights sleep.
The only thing I can figure is that the adrenalin from the shooting experience was the culprit in my being unable to sleep. I am hoping that this will pass as I become more confident with my ability and also after I have selected my own gun and get comfortable with it's operation.
For now, I am back on track and feeling well rested.
Tuesday evening I met my BFF, Debby Patton, at Targetmaster just before the Delaware state line for a round of shooting on their indoor gun range. I am in the process of learning to shoot a handgun and have become a member of the gun range for a year. This will give me unlimited use of the gun range for free and I can use their rental guns (also for free), giving me the opportunity to try several different types of guns before I actually buy my own. I had gone shooting with my son, Brian, when I visited him recently in Minneapolis. I enjoyed the experience and thought it might be fun to do here. Besides, now being a single woman living in the country, having a gun might be a good idea.... just in case!
So, Debby and I were assigned Lane 15 and they gave me a Ruger 22/45 Lite semi-automatic pistol to shoot. I bought 100 rounds of ammunition and with ear protection (I bought a set for me rather than rent theirs as I would be needing it anyway wherever I shoot) and we headed into the range. Debby brought her own gun and ammo. She shot first and then I tried to load my weapon. I had never shot a semi-auto weapon with a magazine so we called the range officer over and he went over the proper use of the gun. It took about three or four times of getting assistance before I was confident enough to shoot the gun easily.
As Brian had indicated, the 22 caliber gun was much easier to shoot than the .357 I had enjoyed in Minnesota. There was not nearly as much kickback. The two targets we had used were well peppered with holes, so our aim and ability to hit the target was pretty good, for 'girls' who are novices. It took a little over an hour and was fun. Afterwards, we went out to dinner and headed home.
I relaxed with Molly before heading to bed. I had an appointment with my knee doctor the next day. I could NOT fall asleep for love nor money. I watched mind numbing TV, nothing. I laid in the dark with nothing on, nothing. I got up, put Molly out and I peed, too. More mind numbing TV. Nothing. Back in bed and the last time I looked at the clock and set the alarm for 8:30 AM so I would not miss my appointment, it was 5:30 AM. I did fall asleep, sometime after that, I was awake before the alarm.
To say that yesterday was a long day is an understatement. Once back from the doctor, it became very hard to not fall asleep or nap, but if I had done that I would have been in trouble. So I worked very hard at staying awake. I crawled into bed at my normal 11:00 PM bed time. I had the TV on, but quickly turned it off and fell fast asleep. I came too very slowly and when I looked at the clock, it was 9:00 AM. I LOVE a good nights sleep.
The only thing I can figure is that the adrenalin from the shooting experience was the culprit in my being unable to sleep. I am hoping that this will pass as I become more confident with my ability and also after I have selected my own gun and get comfortable with it's operation.
For now, I am back on track and feeling well rested.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
I have been shot.... again!
Today was a follow-up with mt knee doctor. After 6 weeks with Cortisone, I was already beginning to get a couple of twinges with my right knee. It still was not as bad as before the shot, but I could tell the effects were beginning to wear off.
So we discussed several things but determined that instead of trying the Cortisone again, that we would try using Synvisc-One this time. This injection was of a very viscous material (the bubble in the goo did not move even when flipped upside down) and replaces the cushioning that were once there in my youth and have now been eaten away by age, weight and arthritis. If successful, I should be pain free for up to six months, but regardless, the knee will need to be replaced shortly. But this treatment will get me through my next trips and retreats.
I was able to drive home. The only change was that I had a lump, resembling half of a golf ball on my knee. It has slowly reduced in size. And so far, no adverse reactions, which is excellent.
So, time will tell and I go back to see Dr. Renz in 6 weeks, just a few days before I leave for the Outer Banks.
So we discussed several things but determined that instead of trying the Cortisone again, that we would try using Synvisc-One this time. This injection was of a very viscous material (the bubble in the goo did not move even when flipped upside down) and replaces the cushioning that were once there in my youth and have now been eaten away by age, weight and arthritis. If successful, I should be pain free for up to six months, but regardless, the knee will need to be replaced shortly. But this treatment will get me through my next trips and retreats.
I was able to drive home. The only change was that I had a lump, resembling half of a golf ball on my knee. It has slowly reduced in size. And so far, no adverse reactions, which is excellent.
So, time will tell and I go back to see Dr. Renz in 6 weeks, just a few days before I leave for the Outer Banks.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Rain, Rain...Yikes!
I was jostled from a sound sleep around 6:30 AM. I laid quietly. My weather alert was going off in the living room and the thunder was rolling and rain was pelting the windows. As I rolled over, I jostled Molly, so she decided it was time to go out and pee. So we got up. She took one look at the pouring rain and wandered all over the deck to see if it might be different somewhere else. She finally bit the bullet and dashed down the steps and as far under the overhang as she could, peed and then dashed back up on the deck.
I took a moment to look at my rain gauge. To my surprise, it was already reading 2+ inches of rain. I turned on the TV and the local news was already reporting the beginning of flooding. The best thing for me?? Back to bed, of course.
It was a bit after 9:00 AM when I came too again. Molly wanted to go out again, so I made a cup of coffee (I love my pod coffee maker!) and once Molly got into the house, we curled up in the recliner.
Below is a picture of the rain gauge a bit after 9:30 AM. Wow!
It now reads at 4.10 inches of rain, there is a bit of a drizzle coming down. It should be finished by this afternoon. I am meeting my BFF Debby at Targetmaster for my first night on their gun range.
I took a moment to look at my rain gauge. To my surprise, it was already reading 2+ inches of rain. I turned on the TV and the local news was already reporting the beginning of flooding. The best thing for me?? Back to bed, of course.
It was a bit after 9:00 AM when I came too again. Molly wanted to go out again, so I made a cup of coffee (I love my pod coffee maker!) and once Molly got into the house, we curled up in the recliner.
Below is a picture of the rain gauge a bit after 9:30 AM. Wow!
It now reads at 4.10 inches of rain, there is a bit of a drizzle coming down. It should be finished by this afternoon. I am meeting my BFF Debby at Targetmaster for my first night on their gun range.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Missteps and Sam's Club
Well, I have seen it all now. I was preparing to tell you the story of a missed lunch because of a bad hearing aid and laundry when my traveling companion, Miss Molly, started woofing at me. She wanted to go outside and pee. She is usually pretty good at asking, but tonight it was something to see.
As the title indicated, I made it to Sam's Club today. I needed dog food and trash bags along with a few other items. In the dog aisle, I found a box of 'Mintees'. These are a generic form of 'Greenies' that are green, spearmint flavored bones that help clean doggie teeth and freshen doggie breath. I had gotten Molly some tiny Mintees a while back to see if she would even eat them. She is a picky eater and I have thrown more snacks away because she would never even put one in her mouth. But she seems to like the Mintees, so... while the Sam's Club version were a bit bigger, I got them for her.
After she ate her dinner tonight, I got out a bigger Mintee and gave it to her. She ignored it for a minute or two and then she picked it up and for the last hour she has been chewing and chewing on it. One of the things she does with them is to get them in her mouth and then walk around with it in her mouth. Not just for a minute, but for as long as 15/20 minutes. She holds it in her mouth, does not put it down and just walks all over the house, many times with the green end sticking out of her mouth. It makes her look a great deal like a rabid bunny or beaver with alien front teeth.
Tonight, the bone is bigger. She has been chewing and breaking it into pieces. Then she works on the pieces, one at a time, until they are gone.
Her woofing??? She was making a woofing sound while holding the green Mintee still in her mouth. She kept it in as we went to the back door. It was still in her mouth as she got hooked up to her lead. It remained in her mouth as she hustled down the steps into the grass, squatted and peed. It was still in her mouth when she came back in and is now gone. Like I said, I have seen it all, now!!
I will tell the other story later!
As the title indicated, I made it to Sam's Club today. I needed dog food and trash bags along with a few other items. In the dog aisle, I found a box of 'Mintees'. These are a generic form of 'Greenies' that are green, spearmint flavored bones that help clean doggie teeth and freshen doggie breath. I had gotten Molly some tiny Mintees a while back to see if she would even eat them. She is a picky eater and I have thrown more snacks away because she would never even put one in her mouth. But she seems to like the Mintees, so... while the Sam's Club version were a bit bigger, I got them for her.
After she ate her dinner tonight, I got out a bigger Mintee and gave it to her. She ignored it for a minute or two and then she picked it up and for the last hour she has been chewing and chewing on it. One of the things she does with them is to get them in her mouth and then walk around with it in her mouth. Not just for a minute, but for as long as 15/20 minutes. She holds it in her mouth, does not put it down and just walks all over the house, many times with the green end sticking out of her mouth. It makes her look a great deal like a rabid bunny or beaver with alien front teeth.
Tonight, the bone is bigger. She has been chewing and breaking it into pieces. Then she works on the pieces, one at a time, until they are gone.
Her woofing??? She was making a woofing sound while holding the green Mintee still in her mouth. She kept it in as we went to the back door. It was still in her mouth as she got hooked up to her lead. It remained in her mouth as she hustled down the steps into the grass, squatted and peed. It was still in her mouth when she came back in and is now gone. Like I said, I have seen it all, now!!
I will tell the other story later!
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Busy Weekend.... and I did it all Myself!
OK... I know that I sounded a bit down my last couple of posts. And I was... still am. But it is all part of the grieving process. I read a wonderful article today about grieving that I think is going to help me some. I guess I have been upset about all of the damn changes that are being forced upon me, things that I am having to adjust to that are not making me very happy. But they are what they are... and so I dove into a couple of projects this weekend and really have a feeling of moving forward, which is more than I can say I felt I was doing several days ago.
Yesterday I started digging into the small piles of pictures that graced the walls of the house in Maryland. I really liked the pictures that we had collected in Maryland and did not really want to get rid of any of the ones that I took down and brought home to Pennsylvania. So yesterday I took a couple of pictures down off the walls here and started laying out the pictures I had brought back form Maryland. I finally decided which ones I wanted to go where. So, hammer and hangers in hand, I went from living room to bedroom to bathroom... yes, bathroom and hung all the the pictures I had in pleasing arrangements.
Below is a picture of the corner of the bathroom around the toilet. The wooden lighthouse was made for us by Jim Rees (He died a year or so before Rudy died. Jim and Lorraine were friends that we met camping in Fenwick Island, DE. The year after we bought at Indian Acres, they came and bought some lots just down from ours. Jim got into woodworking to keep busy and really got very good at it. I really love this piece and since my bathroom is going nautical, the lighthouses... including the wooden one and the other pictures/stitchery in that corner. Gives the whole place character.
The other grouping has been growing more slowly. The two pictures are original water colors by Polli Trumbore, a very talented woman whom I knew as I grew up. The one in the larger frame I have had for years. The smaller framed one belonged to my Dad and it lived in Maryland. The clock is the atomic clock that was in Maryland. I have one just like it in the Living Room but could not bring myself to leaving it behind. The feathery thing is a Mardi Gras mask from a Red Hat Event. Another thing I just had to save. This area is next to my tiny closet.
Today I decided I was going to mount two shadow box shelves I bought. This past spring I was at the PABA awards dinner and bid/won several items. One of them was a collection of Cat's Meow buildings that depict historic buildings in Parkesburg. There were 13 individual buildings, six churches and seven other buildings. There was a 14th one, but it was a duplicate of one of the churches. They are designed to go on the trim over windows and doors, but with my 7 foot ceilings, there was not room. So I found these shelves on Amazon and figured they would work to group the buildings.
To put them up I needed to get anchors in the wall and then get them mounted on the screws that went into the anchors. This is something that Rudy would have handled and would have done it much better and much faster than I did. In fact, this was an all day adventure for me. But, as you can see by the pictures, they are up, the buildings are displayed, along with a couple of other items. It replaced a painting that was done by the ex-father-in-law which is now at my son, Brian's house. There was another painting by the ex-F-I-L in the house, but I shipped that one to Rob and his wife, Kate, in Fairbanks, AK.
I really think it turned out well.
And I did it all by myself. I am guessing I had better learn to do more or find a trusted local handyman I can pay to do some of the things I cannot do! The problem is that these days, there are fewer and fewer people who can do the mundane fixer-upper things well. Everyone wants to have the cushy office jobs.
Yesterday I started digging into the small piles of pictures that graced the walls of the house in Maryland. I really liked the pictures that we had collected in Maryland and did not really want to get rid of any of the ones that I took down and brought home to Pennsylvania. So yesterday I took a couple of pictures down off the walls here and started laying out the pictures I had brought back form Maryland. I finally decided which ones I wanted to go where. So, hammer and hangers in hand, I went from living room to bedroom to bathroom... yes, bathroom and hung all the the pictures I had in pleasing arrangements.
Below is a picture of the corner of the bathroom around the toilet. The wooden lighthouse was made for us by Jim Rees (He died a year or so before Rudy died. Jim and Lorraine were friends that we met camping in Fenwick Island, DE. The year after we bought at Indian Acres, they came and bought some lots just down from ours. Jim got into woodworking to keep busy and really got very good at it. I really love this piece and since my bathroom is going nautical, the lighthouses... including the wooden one and the other pictures/stitchery in that corner. Gives the whole place character.
The other pictures are 3D lighthouse scenes/ The receptionist at AGS (Anita) presented it to Rudy the day he retired/ I love these too, so they are over the towel rack across from the toilet. The door hides them when it is open, but they are in view when the door is closed.
These pictures are in my bedroom. This first grouping is replacing a large blue abstract of a ship that was painted by a high school classmate. He was going to throw it away and I convinced him to let me have it. My ex-father-in-law re-stretched it and it has hung in my house since. Sad to say, it will no longer, but this grouping is a hummingbird watercolor that I adore and three small drawings by Julia Winter, an artist that I collected for several years. I also hung an embroidery that I framed to remind to keep moving forward and a picture of Rudy and his Best Friend, Donnie Jackson when Rudy caught a BIG Bass in the pond at Indian Acres. It was one of the things he loved doing and the reason we had been at Indian Acres for 20 years.
Today I decided I was going to mount two shadow box shelves I bought. This past spring I was at the PABA awards dinner and bid/won several items. One of them was a collection of Cat's Meow buildings that depict historic buildings in Parkesburg. There were 13 individual buildings, six churches and seven other buildings. There was a 14th one, but it was a duplicate of one of the churches. They are designed to go on the trim over windows and doors, but with my 7 foot ceilings, there was not room. So I found these shelves on Amazon and figured they would work to group the buildings.
To put them up I needed to get anchors in the wall and then get them mounted on the screws that went into the anchors. This is something that Rudy would have handled and would have done it much better and much faster than I did. In fact, this was an all day adventure for me. But, as you can see by the pictures, they are up, the buildings are displayed, along with a couple of other items. It replaced a painting that was done by the ex-father-in-law which is now at my son, Brian's house. There was another painting by the ex-F-I-L in the house, but I shipped that one to Rob and his wife, Kate, in Fairbanks, AK.
I really think it turned out well.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Kind of a down couple of days....
The last couple of days have been more down-time than I would like. But there are still days when I just feel like I do not want to be part of the human race and am quite content to just sit with Miss Molly and veg in front of the TV.
They say it takes years to get through the grieving process. I can see progress from where I was in 2011, but there are just days when I miss Rudy so much... and recently being very mad at him for leaving me behind. He was the one that seemed to keep me motivated day in and day out. Without him around, there are days that I just plain, do not care because there is no one else who cares, either.
One of the things that I was told, early on, was that all of the people who were so there for me in the days immediately after Rudy died have moved back into their routines and busy lives and I am left to my own devices.
For example, I have found a way to seal the chimney that was sucking up water in rain that has kept water from seeping down the cinder block and into the wall. I was told I needed a cap for the chimney and got one, per the dimensions I was given. That was last summer. It is still in the box on the deck. Not really helping the chimney or wall.
The ugly wall is still here. I have a half painted living room because I need to have the damage on that wall fixed and them a cover placed over it...I want some bead board paneling that can be painted to match the walls. But I cannot do this myself.
I want to clean out the basement room where Rudy had his wood workshop and plane building room. I want to turn it into my quilting/sewing workshop. But again, I cannot do that myself.
So, I am angry at Rudy for leaving me. I loved our life together. I miss him. And, hard as I try to get the new direction in my life going... there are just some things I need help with. And everyone who was going to be there for me, are no longer there. And the few who have hung in there for the last year... are too busy, too. Besides, I hate to ask for help. It was not something I never had to do as Rudy could do anything and together we managed to do it all. Now I feel like I can do nothing.
Like I said, some down days.
They say it takes years to get through the grieving process. I can see progress from where I was in 2011, but there are just days when I miss Rudy so much... and recently being very mad at him for leaving me behind. He was the one that seemed to keep me motivated day in and day out. Without him around, there are days that I just plain, do not care because there is no one else who cares, either.
One of the things that I was told, early on, was that all of the people who were so there for me in the days immediately after Rudy died have moved back into their routines and busy lives and I am left to my own devices.
For example, I have found a way to seal the chimney that was sucking up water in rain that has kept water from seeping down the cinder block and into the wall. I was told I needed a cap for the chimney and got one, per the dimensions I was given. That was last summer. It is still in the box on the deck. Not really helping the chimney or wall.
The ugly wall is still here. I have a half painted living room because I need to have the damage on that wall fixed and them a cover placed over it...I want some bead board paneling that can be painted to match the walls. But I cannot do this myself.
I want to clean out the basement room where Rudy had his wood workshop and plane building room. I want to turn it into my quilting/sewing workshop. But again, I cannot do that myself.
So, I am angry at Rudy for leaving me. I loved our life together. I miss him. And, hard as I try to get the new direction in my life going... there are just some things I need help with. And everyone who was going to be there for me, are no longer there. And the few who have hung in there for the last year... are too busy, too. Besides, I hate to ask for help. It was not something I never had to do as Rudy could do anything and together we managed to do it all. Now I feel like I can do nothing.
Like I said, some down days.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Applied and Joined
Today was preparation for my future with guns.
As much a surprise to me as it may be to you. But I had such a nice time shooting with Brian on my trip to his house, I decided that it would be fun to learn how to properly shoot a gun and, perhaps, even become a fair marksman.
Today I went to the new justice center in West Chester and filed an application to carry a concealed weapon. It was not necessary as I doubt that I will ever need to carry a weapon except to take it to the range, but there may come a time when it may be much more difficult to get such a permit, I figured I should just go ahead and get one. Took less than 15 minutes and that included a nice discussion with the hunky sheriff's officer who gave laws I should be aware of and a couple of thoughts about gun safety courses to take.
After that I headed to Targetmaster in Chadd's Ford where I looked at a couple of handguns that would be good starter guns for honing in my shooting skills before moving up to a high powered gun. I became a member at the range for a year that would give me unlimited use of the range and free rental weapons and free guests. My first visit requires another person, so I am hoping that my BFF Debby will find time next week to meet me there for my first shooting experience.
Taking it slow but looking forward to learning all about guns.
As much a surprise to me as it may be to you. But I had such a nice time shooting with Brian on my trip to his house, I decided that it would be fun to learn how to properly shoot a gun and, perhaps, even become a fair marksman.
Today I went to the new justice center in West Chester and filed an application to carry a concealed weapon. It was not necessary as I doubt that I will ever need to carry a weapon except to take it to the range, but there may come a time when it may be much more difficult to get such a permit, I figured I should just go ahead and get one. Took less than 15 minutes and that included a nice discussion with the hunky sheriff's officer who gave laws I should be aware of and a couple of thoughts about gun safety courses to take.
After that I headed to Targetmaster in Chadd's Ford where I looked at a couple of handguns that would be good starter guns for honing in my shooting skills before moving up to a high powered gun. I became a member at the range for a year that would give me unlimited use of the range and free rental weapons and free guests. My first visit requires another person, so I am hoping that my BFF Debby will find time next week to meet me there for my first shooting experience.
Taking it slow but looking forward to learning all about guns.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
A Day of Webinars and Furnace Cleaning....
Today was a strange day. Up around 7:30 AM and after coffee, shower and dressed, ready for the day.
I had to clear a path to and in the basement. I had a pile of things waiting to go to the basement that had to get to the basement so the furnace technician could get to basement to do the annual servicing of the furnace and, now that it is part of my system, the air conditioner. Then I had to rearrange some of the stuff in the area of the furnace so he had room to work. I had piled some things in front of the work bench last winter when I moved stuff out of the Maryland house. The tech was not to be here until after 12 Noon, so I got it finished as early as I could in case they arrived early.
At 1:00 PM I started watching a Quilt-In-A-Day webinar. I had subscribed to a full year of Eleanor Burns New Pattern Block Party that got me the pattern and then the lesson once a month for a year. I enjoy watching Eleanor. She has such a simple way of quilting even the most complicated-looking pattern. Today was the new Double Four Patch pattern based on a civil war quilt that she collected many years ago. I will not be doing this one anytime soon as it has triangles and squares and I am still struggling with squares and points where they meet. But she did break it down into manageable parts, so when I am ready it will be a fun quilt to do.
I was about halfway into the lesson when the tech from Mack Services arrived. He set about cleaning the furnace and, naturally, he had to run the heating portion. Took the internal temp up to 82 degrees. It is almost 5:00 PM. He is still here. He is dealing with the outside portion of the Air Conditioner. It is still cooling, so I am assuming that it is functioning OK. I will verify when he comes in to replace the battery on the thermostat.
After he leaves, I will get the trash pulled together and pulled around to the front of the house. I am waiting to see if the lawn guys come back. They did the same thing I did last year, today while mowing they came over a clean-out pipe that is capped just below the ground and the mower sucked the cap right off of it, They had one on the truck, but it was the wring size. I thought I saw another truck come in and I assumed they measured it. I will check after the tech guy leaves and if they have not, I will measure it myself and go to Home Depot for a replacement. We are expecting rain tonight and tomorrow and an open hole will only add water to the system that should not be there.
Tomorrow it is supposed to be raining, so I will head to West Chester and the Sherrif's Office. I am applying for a Permit to Carry a firearm. I went shooting with Brian in Minneapolis and found it to be a lot of fun, so I may be buying a gun and doing some target shooting. Now I know that in Pennsylvania you do not need a permit to carry, but who knows if a citizen will be able to continue to get them in the future, so why not!! A couple of my lady friends also have guns, so we are planning to do some shooting at local ranges together,
The tech guy just left. Both the furnace and air conditioner are in great shape. Good news. And the lawn guys did return. A nice, new white cap is over the clean-out pipe.
A good day all the way around.
I had to clear a path to and in the basement. I had a pile of things waiting to go to the basement that had to get to the basement so the furnace technician could get to basement to do the annual servicing of the furnace and, now that it is part of my system, the air conditioner. Then I had to rearrange some of the stuff in the area of the furnace so he had room to work. I had piled some things in front of the work bench last winter when I moved stuff out of the Maryland house. The tech was not to be here until after 12 Noon, so I got it finished as early as I could in case they arrived early.
At 1:00 PM I started watching a Quilt-In-A-Day webinar. I had subscribed to a full year of Eleanor Burns New Pattern Block Party that got me the pattern and then the lesson once a month for a year. I enjoy watching Eleanor. She has such a simple way of quilting even the most complicated-looking pattern. Today was the new Double Four Patch pattern based on a civil war quilt that she collected many years ago. I will not be doing this one anytime soon as it has triangles and squares and I am still struggling with squares and points where they meet. But she did break it down into manageable parts, so when I am ready it will be a fun quilt to do.
I was about halfway into the lesson when the tech from Mack Services arrived. He set about cleaning the furnace and, naturally, he had to run the heating portion. Took the internal temp up to 82 degrees. It is almost 5:00 PM. He is still here. He is dealing with the outside portion of the Air Conditioner. It is still cooling, so I am assuming that it is functioning OK. I will verify when he comes in to replace the battery on the thermostat.
After he leaves, I will get the trash pulled together and pulled around to the front of the house. I am waiting to see if the lawn guys come back. They did the same thing I did last year, today while mowing they came over a clean-out pipe that is capped just below the ground and the mower sucked the cap right off of it, They had one on the truck, but it was the wring size. I thought I saw another truck come in and I assumed they measured it. I will check after the tech guy leaves and if they have not, I will measure it myself and go to Home Depot for a replacement. We are expecting rain tonight and tomorrow and an open hole will only add water to the system that should not be there.
Tomorrow it is supposed to be raining, so I will head to West Chester and the Sherrif's Office. I am applying for a Permit to Carry a firearm. I went shooting with Brian in Minneapolis and found it to be a lot of fun, so I may be buying a gun and doing some target shooting. Now I know that in Pennsylvania you do not need a permit to carry, but who knows if a citizen will be able to continue to get them in the future, so why not!! A couple of my lady friends also have guns, so we are planning to do some shooting at local ranges together,
The tech guy just left. Both the furnace and air conditioner are in great shape. Good news. And the lawn guys did return. A nice, new white cap is over the clean-out pipe.
A good day all the way around.
Monday, August 5, 2013
One room almost done and lunch with the girls....
Well, as I promised, I tackled my bedroom yesterday afternoon. I still have a few things to do, but I am pleased with the progress. Yesterday in the morning I could no longer walk around the bed. There was a pile of suitcases and bags and plastic bins. They had accumulated over the winter when I was sorting though stuff from Maryland. Then preparation for the spring trip to Lewes, DE and the most recent trip to Chicago/Minneapolis kept the clutter in piles at the bottom of the bed. With no trip planned until October, I could no longer justify the junk... besides I wanted my bedroom back.
So, for the remainder of the day, I was in the bedroom. I think Molly was worried that we might be traveling again as she was seeing the suitcases being moved about. But they are now empty, folded into each other and back in the attic where they belong. I went through dresser drawers and the number of outfits I had. Everything I need is now tucked away in drawers. I still need to go through the closet to thin that herd out, but that will be for another day.
Today was a fun day. I met Mary Davis, Janet Flower and Lorraine Rees in Bart, PA at Fishers Housewares and Fabrics for some shopping. This is a delightful Amish run general store. The front part of the store sells fabrics. It is in no way a Joann nor is it a fancy quilt shop. The majority of the fabric is geared towards Amish clothing, but the quilting fabric they do have is nice and well below the costs of the quilt shops. One of the ladies once found the exact fabric that she had paid $10.99 for at a quilt shop for a measly $4.99. I was looking for some border material, a binding for a quilt and yardage for a mystery quilt project at the end of the month. I was happy to find it all. And I was happy to pay their prices and not have to go out shopping for more.
Then we went around the corner for lunch. I was able to share the newest craft... my button flowers... with the ladies. Mary will see it again for the October Retreat, but I think Janet and Lorraine may actually get their stuff together and have a craft afternoon.
It was a fun day. Just what I needed after a work day yesterday. Tomorrow is furnace and air conditioning check-up day.
Wednesday is West Chester Sheriff's Office and a trip to TargetMaster.
So, for the remainder of the day, I was in the bedroom. I think Molly was worried that we might be traveling again as she was seeing the suitcases being moved about. But they are now empty, folded into each other and back in the attic where they belong. I went through dresser drawers and the number of outfits I had. Everything I need is now tucked away in drawers. I still need to go through the closet to thin that herd out, but that will be for another day.
Today was a fun day. I met Mary Davis, Janet Flower and Lorraine Rees in Bart, PA at Fishers Housewares and Fabrics for some shopping. This is a delightful Amish run general store. The front part of the store sells fabrics. It is in no way a Joann nor is it a fancy quilt shop. The majority of the fabric is geared towards Amish clothing, but the quilting fabric they do have is nice and well below the costs of the quilt shops. One of the ladies once found the exact fabric that she had paid $10.99 for at a quilt shop for a measly $4.99. I was looking for some border material, a binding for a quilt and yardage for a mystery quilt project at the end of the month. I was happy to find it all. And I was happy to pay their prices and not have to go out shopping for more.
Then we went around the corner for lunch. I was able to share the newest craft... my button flowers... with the ladies. Mary will see it again for the October Retreat, but I think Janet and Lorraine may actually get their stuff together and have a craft afternoon.
It was a fun day. Just what I needed after a work day yesterday. Tomorrow is furnace and air conditioning check-up day.
Wednesday is West Chester Sheriff's Office and a trip to TargetMaster.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Settling in and resuming life....
Hard to believe, but just 7 days ago I was all packed up and getting ready to head home from Minneapolis. It always amazes me how quickly the time flies when you are actually in an activity that you had planned. Seems like time just speeds up when you are really enjoying something and then slows down during the more mundane parts of life. I am back to Mundane.
I do have to admit that while I needed to get to the grocery upon my return, it took until Friday afternoon for me to get back into a vehicle and drive more than just moving the van out of the way in the driveway. But I did go pick up some basics that I had not replaced before I left.
Yesterday I drove to Indian Acres. I am in the process of finalizing the sale of the last two lots that Rudy and I owned. I have some wonderful friend there but it was really Rudy's Oasis from the drudgery of life. He built the bungalow that replaced the travel trailer we brought into the park in 1993. Had I not sold that last year, this could have been the 21st summer spent there. I miss the place sometimes, but I am forging a really nice little niche here at home, so this is just a part of my finding my new normal.
Another ex-Indian Acreite was visiting so I had a chance to stop by and visit with her. As we move into the new phases of our lives, it is often a real wake-up call to see where people actually are in their path. I had, at one time, been very close to this person and over that time we had shared our hopes and dreams. Talking with her yesterday it was very clear that what we had hoped for those many years ago was nowhere near the actual reality of our life.
So, I am back to my normal and after church, I will be tackling my bedroom. It is cluttered with washed clothing from the trip, suitcases that need to be unpacked and drawers that are going to get a final purge to reduce the amount of clothing to one house full instead of two.
I do have to admit that while I needed to get to the grocery upon my return, it took until Friday afternoon for me to get back into a vehicle and drive more than just moving the van out of the way in the driveway. But I did go pick up some basics that I had not replaced before I left.
Yesterday I drove to Indian Acres. I am in the process of finalizing the sale of the last two lots that Rudy and I owned. I have some wonderful friend there but it was really Rudy's Oasis from the drudgery of life. He built the bungalow that replaced the travel trailer we brought into the park in 1993. Had I not sold that last year, this could have been the 21st summer spent there. I miss the place sometimes, but I am forging a really nice little niche here at home, so this is just a part of my finding my new normal.
Another ex-Indian Acreite was visiting so I had a chance to stop by and visit with her. As we move into the new phases of our lives, it is often a real wake-up call to see where people actually are in their path. I had, at one time, been very close to this person and over that time we had shared our hopes and dreams. Talking with her yesterday it was very clear that what we had hoped for those many years ago was nowhere near the actual reality of our life.
So, I am back to my normal and after church, I will be tackling my bedroom. It is cluttered with washed clothing from the trip, suitcases that need to be unpacked and drawers that are going to get a final purge to reduce the amount of clothing to one house full instead of two.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Home again.....
Well, 2450+ miles, a wonderful visit with my cousins (Linda Menhert and Marcia Beth Sinnott) followed by a bit over a week-long visit with my youngest son, Brian and I am finally back home.
It is always nice to get away. And it is always nice to get back to your home. My lovely bed was waiting and felt really good. I doubt that it took any more than 2 minutes for me to fall sound asleep after I turned the lights out that first night. Even nicer that I did not have to get into the car yesterday and go anywhere.
I have still not finished unpacking the van. Today I will get to that. I do not even mind getting wet to do it.
Glinda, the good witch in the Wizard of Oz had it right: There is no place like home!!!
It is always nice to get away. And it is always nice to get back to your home. My lovely bed was waiting and felt really good. I doubt that it took any more than 2 minutes for me to fall sound asleep after I turned the lights out that first night. Even nicer that I did not have to get into the car yesterday and go anywhere.
I have still not finished unpacking the van. Today I will get to that. I do not even mind getting wet to do it.
Glinda, the good witch in the Wizard of Oz had it right: There is no place like home!!!
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