Baby Elsie finally had her party.
Summer mourned her grandmother.
Jane got well.
Ian is opening the new Something Silver concept gift store, Sublime, at Alderwood Mall which is close, very close, May fifth. I'm going to try to be the first customer.
Roger is running around and basking in the Mexican sun.
Julia sailed through surgery.
And walked in the woods.
Tal baked a cake.
Josie turned two.
A storm or two traveled through the Midwest.
Chris and Nora do everything.
Jan wrote a poem.
Amber has one class to go.
Jeff is traveling to England.
Taylor traveled to New York.
Jerry traveled with Marc to California.
Roger, Connor, and I are traveling to California in July.
Jean and Brittany are traveling to ME!
Kathy left. She was good for the soul, insomnia, and diabetes. Somehow she helped sweep the cobwebs out of my head. We had many unguarded conversations. We are alike in many ways, everything from movie preferences to each of us having multiple sneezing fits, basically we only disagreed on Obama and legalized marijuana. Or to quote Julia's neighbor, Colleen I think, "How about them Cubs." Kathy was like traveling with Jean "game" for what ever was next.
And Verla we overused the phrase I said I was going to steal from you. When every we couldn't think of a person, place or thing we said, "I'll tell you later." Worked like a charm. Even though I am way older then that sweet young cousin, we forgot in about equal measure. Thanks Verla it saved me many times.
I spent the days being the fat old lady, Kathy spent the days doing the heavy lifting. Or to use the phrase I stole from Jeff, "Dance monkey, dance." She was, absolutely, the helping hand. The truth is I love her warts and all, maybe I love the warts the most and just accept the rest of her. Traveling with Kathy was like traveling with Julia, she helped me immeasurably.
Before, during and after our one and only fire we talked about the wonderful fire masters of Taylor Family Reunion fame, but what we really needed was their tools. I missed the experts and I missed a microwave. Our yurt was waterproof and fun, but a tad primitive. No Keurig. We had to actually fill up the teapot at the spigot, fire up the camp stove by striking a match, and then wait, and wait, and wait for the water to heat up. Primitive!
Christian provided all the camp necessaries; sleeping bags, chairs, stove, teapot. I stole wine from Ian's stash. He gets gifted wine, a lot of wine, and he doesn't drink, but he still thought I should have asked before I rifled through his belongings. They were delicious.
We talked about everything and everyone; life, death and everything in-between -- nothing and no one was safe. I drove down the wrong side of the road for her, got lost twice, and bumped into a rock and a post while trying to remember how to back up the car. She kept offering to do it for me, I wonder why? Traveling with Kathy was like traveling with Jerry, we never stopped discussing -- stuff.
She loved the Pacific Ocean, the beach, the Columbia River, hated the Astoria Bridge. I knew I loved her for a deep reason. I didn't have to drive over it for her. The Columbia River ferry was closed so that was a no go. Next time Kathy, next time. We saw ships, tugs, kites, kite surfers, dead seals, birds, light houses, clammers with their clamming guns. Who knew? The only complaint she had was the seagulls waking her up at my house. Traveling with Kathy is like traveling with my family, she was ready to love it all.
Kathy the name of the slippers that have great arch support and will bring comfort to your feet is Keen Howsers. the clog kind. Yes, we talked about feet, knees, colonoscopies, actually we talked about health a lot. And retirement and lake living and traveling and kids and grandkids and how early the sun comes up and sits in the Pacific Northwest. Important stuff.
We discovered The Cottage Bakery in Long Beach with the best clam chowder -- EVER -- I promise. And bakery goods that rival The Chestnut Cottage. Nothing will ever beat Chestnut Cottage's apricot walnut scone, but everything else we had, and we had more than we should have, was better. Our favorite find was Sailor Jacks. Have you ever heard of those? Neither had we, but we are big fans now. Maybe the bran muffin was more medicinal than delicious, but we ate it anyway. Kathy was properly impressed with The 42nd Street Cafe beignets, they did not disappoint. It was a great trip, great fun, great adventure, great drive, great sights. Traveling with Kathy was like traveling with Jan; let's eat.
SO who is coming next! I'm ready ladies.
In two days I had dinner with Jacquie, coffee with Carol, and lunch with Christian -- I love retirement. I can get up, get out of the house, go somewhere -- or not. I can watch a movie, read a book, learn a new language -- or not. I can travel, exercise, nap -- or not. I heard retirement was a relentless effort in creativity. I don't agree with the relentless part.
Time, solitude, and toil are the old time simple requisites for success.
The movie Spotlight was very good.
The book The Reader was very good.
Now, a word about Connor. I gave him a Tin Can Cable Car kit for his birthday. This kit had four pages of dense, dense instructions, but Connor put it together by looking at the pictures including the electrical part. I said, "Connor that is amazing," and he said, "Not really, I put Legos together all the time and they never have words."
It was amazing.
If someone doesn't come soon I might have to go back to Silver Sneakers and, gulp, exercise.
Christian quit smoking and gained weight, so he started drinking smoothies for breakfast and lost ten pounds. Yes, I'm drinking smoothies now.
The prep-nurse called me for medical information before my colonoscopy Monday; she asked me about my vision, hearing, and balance. What could I say, it all sucks.
I had my eyes examined today to check on my cataracts, no surgery, not yet, so I'm still foggy eyed.
To quote my brother Jerry, growing old isn't for sissy's.
And the beat goes on.
Friday, April 29, 2016
Friday, April 15, 2016
Slow and Slower
Pesky Ian asked if I wanted to watch season two of Fargo before he returned it to the library. "It got good reviews" always a hook for me. Twelve hours later I emerged bleary eyed from binge watching. Now I know what "binge watching" is. Occasionally he would pop around the corner and ask "Do you like it?"
I kept answering "No" but I kept watching and watching and watching until the bitter end. Here is fair warning DON'T start watching Fargo season two. You will love parts, hate arts, be puzzled, entertained and horrified. It is smart, sweet, sad, funny, and gory -- evil Ian.
That folks is life in the slow lane.
Life in the slow lane is akin to greeting card wisdom
"Hope your day is blooming with love."
Or
"Love happens in the little moments."
To off set the inane-ness of Fargo I finished the book The Snow Leopard. A deeper wisdom, a slower lane. A book about a trek in the Himalayas. About writing, climbing, observing, thinking, and striving to get to a deeper understanding of Zen Buddhism.
These quotes made me wonder, ponder, go deeper into myself.
Thank you Mary for loaning me the book.
"I longed to let go, drift free of things, to accumulate less, depend on less to move more simply,"
"The perfect sound of voiceless wisdom."
"Something infinite behind everything appeared."
'I must entrust myself to life."
And my favorite from the book;
"The great sins: to pick wildflowers and threaten children."
Tibetan folklore?
Another quote; but I can't remember if it came from a greeting card or The Snow Leopard.
"It has taken me all of my life to get where I am now."
I am such an undisciplined me. I'm of an age where practically every one I know is clearing out their homes, their lives, their beliefs, striving for deeper wisdom, less encumbrances, while I watch Fargo and notate Facebook wisdom: I am a mermaid, a dragon, a tree, a warrior. "The hardest part of childhood is the first fifty years."
What I admire, undisciplined me that I am, is beliefs pass, time passes, heartache and ecstasy pass, but life goes on in a daily way. Those small moments. Small moments of love, kindness, peace, joy. I appreciate the deeper wisdom of everything from greeting cards to FB to The Snow Leopard.
~and~
Company is coming.
Brittany wants to go to Canada and see the famous Capilano Swinging Bridge. If you know of my fear of heights then you know I think she is an evil 20-something, sass with attitude. I'll take her, but I won't step foot on it.
Kathy Noland will be here Wednesday and we have that yurt trip planned. I'm collecting tea, and coffee, and wine, and Christian came through with sleeping bags and camp chairs, and I plan on sitting and slowing down just a little bit more.
I wanted to write deeply about fear, and passion, and prayer, and listening, but I'm too excited about Kathy's upcoming trip. Undisciplined, simple, small? Yes it is, and worthwhile, and lovely, and loving, and mundane, and life.
Facebook wisdom intrudes. This was in reference to running, but I think I will use it here,
"It doesn't get easier, you get stronger."
"Relentless forward motion."
Time passes, that's for sure.
That's life.
Last Snow Leopard quote:
This is at the bottom the only courage that is demanded of us: to have courage for the most strange, the most singular, and the most inexplicable that we may encounter. That mankind has in this sense been cowardly has done life endless harm; the experiences that are called "visions" the whole so-called "spirit world," death, all those things that are so closely akin to us, have by daily parrying been so crowded out of life that the senses with which we could have grasped them are atrophied. To say nothing of God.
May you have a slower day
And I wish Jean comfort and success and good news with her test today.
I kept answering "No" but I kept watching and watching and watching until the bitter end. Here is fair warning DON'T start watching Fargo season two. You will love parts, hate arts, be puzzled, entertained and horrified. It is smart, sweet, sad, funny, and gory -- evil Ian.
That folks is life in the slow lane.
Life in the slow lane is akin to greeting card wisdom
"Hope your day is blooming with love."
Or
"Love happens in the little moments."
To off set the inane-ness of Fargo I finished the book The Snow Leopard. A deeper wisdom, a slower lane. A book about a trek in the Himalayas. About writing, climbing, observing, thinking, and striving to get to a deeper understanding of Zen Buddhism.
These quotes made me wonder, ponder, go deeper into myself.
Thank you Mary for loaning me the book.
"I longed to let go, drift free of things, to accumulate less, depend on less to move more simply,"
"The perfect sound of voiceless wisdom."
"Something infinite behind everything appeared."
'I must entrust myself to life."
And my favorite from the book;
"The great sins: to pick wildflowers and threaten children."
Tibetan folklore?
Another quote; but I can't remember if it came from a greeting card or The Snow Leopard.
"It has taken me all of my life to get where I am now."
I am such an undisciplined me. I'm of an age where practically every one I know is clearing out their homes, their lives, their beliefs, striving for deeper wisdom, less encumbrances, while I watch Fargo and notate Facebook wisdom: I am a mermaid, a dragon, a tree, a warrior. "The hardest part of childhood is the first fifty years."
What I admire, undisciplined me that I am, is beliefs pass, time passes, heartache and ecstasy pass, but life goes on in a daily way. Those small moments. Small moments of love, kindness, peace, joy. I appreciate the deeper wisdom of everything from greeting cards to FB to The Snow Leopard.
~and~
Company is coming.
Brittany wants to go to Canada and see the famous Capilano Swinging Bridge. If you know of my fear of heights then you know I think she is an evil 20-something, sass with attitude. I'll take her, but I won't step foot on it.
Kathy Noland will be here Wednesday and we have that yurt trip planned. I'm collecting tea, and coffee, and wine, and Christian came through with sleeping bags and camp chairs, and I plan on sitting and slowing down just a little bit more.
I wanted to write deeply about fear, and passion, and prayer, and listening, but I'm too excited about Kathy's upcoming trip. Undisciplined, simple, small? Yes it is, and worthwhile, and lovely, and loving, and mundane, and life.
Facebook wisdom intrudes. This was in reference to running, but I think I will use it here,
"It doesn't get easier, you get stronger."
"Relentless forward motion."
Time passes, that's for sure.
That's life.
Last Snow Leopard quote:
This is at the bottom the only courage that is demanded of us: to have courage for the most strange, the most singular, and the most inexplicable that we may encounter. That mankind has in this sense been cowardly has done life endless harm; the experiences that are called "visions" the whole so-called "spirit world," death, all those things that are so closely akin to us, have by daily parrying been so crowded out of life that the senses with which we could have grasped them are atrophied. To say nothing of God.
May you have a slower day
And I wish Jean comfort and success and good news with her test today.
Saturday, April 2, 2016
What I Really Wanted to Write About Yesterday
Drinking iced tea under the shade tree.
Family gatherings of old, of yesteryear.
Amber was still a kid and not a grandmother, Jane wasn't a nurse yet, Chuck didn't race cars yet, and Christian wasn't born yet. But still the family congregated at Mom's on Saturdays. Sometimes 3 or 4, sometimes 24. Sometimes to work on a project for Mom or Dad; a new fence, tear down a shed, burn some trash, garden chores. Sometimes it was just any old Saturday, sometimes it was the 4th of July, but it was always iced tea under the shade tree. The catalpa tree. The big catalpa tree with its funny seeds, the seeds that every kid played with. Seeds that could be a baby buggy or a weapon.
Sometimes there were guests arriving; Tim and Dorie, The Strouds, the cop, I forget his name -- Priest I think, sometimes total strangers who just happened to be going down the road there on 50th Street. Amber had to wear her corrective shoes, Julia would bring down excitement; a red sports car, a case of soda, a camera. This was before she became such a nervous Nellie. Remember that time?
As active as it was with people coming and going, playing, laughing, James being James, eating, and drinking ice tea. As active as it was -- on reflection it seems a quiet time. All those troubles of those days are gone. Gone like melted spring snow. And there were troubles, it was not a trouble free time but I can't remember a one.
What I do remember is the gallons of iced tea, getting blocks of ice out of the freezer and chipping gallons of ice for the iced tea, and then drinking the iced tea slowly under the shade tree.
Times keep changing. Careers, jobs, sometimes Janice was in town, sometimes not. Jean went to California and came back, grand kids grew up and started getting married, Maxine died, but there was always the quiet calm under the tree.
Now it is more water than iced tea, there is no congregating point. Settling in at Jerry and Jane's is nice, Jean's table is nice, Janice's nook is nice, My couch is sorta nice, but it ain't the same as drinking ice tea under Mom's shade tree.
People are the same, life is the same, busy times, troubled times, quiet times. Family is the same, still grief and joy, still loving and aging, still children and still sunshine and trees. All the homing devices are aimed at Greenleaf now where we drink our iced tea under the shade tree -- or water, or bourbon, or beer, or Yoohoos. Maybe it is the same.
Kids rolling down the grassy hillside, playing in the sand, getting hurt, crying, needing a hug or kiss. Health issues, trip planning, eating, laughing, sharing with or without troubles. Amber is a grandmother, Jane is a retired nurse, Christian is middle-aging.
Life continues under the shade tree.
Family gatherings of old, of yesteryear.
Amber was still a kid and not a grandmother, Jane wasn't a nurse yet, Chuck didn't race cars yet, and Christian wasn't born yet. But still the family congregated at Mom's on Saturdays. Sometimes 3 or 4, sometimes 24. Sometimes to work on a project for Mom or Dad; a new fence, tear down a shed, burn some trash, garden chores. Sometimes it was just any old Saturday, sometimes it was the 4th of July, but it was always iced tea under the shade tree. The catalpa tree. The big catalpa tree with its funny seeds, the seeds that every kid played with. Seeds that could be a baby buggy or a weapon.
Sometimes there were guests arriving; Tim and Dorie, The Strouds, the cop, I forget his name -- Priest I think, sometimes total strangers who just happened to be going down the road there on 50th Street. Amber had to wear her corrective shoes, Julia would bring down excitement; a red sports car, a case of soda, a camera. This was before she became such a nervous Nellie. Remember that time?
As active as it was with people coming and going, playing, laughing, James being James, eating, and drinking ice tea. As active as it was -- on reflection it seems a quiet time. All those troubles of those days are gone. Gone like melted spring snow. And there were troubles, it was not a trouble free time but I can't remember a one.
What I do remember is the gallons of iced tea, getting blocks of ice out of the freezer and chipping gallons of ice for the iced tea, and then drinking the iced tea slowly under the shade tree.
Times keep changing. Careers, jobs, sometimes Janice was in town, sometimes not. Jean went to California and came back, grand kids grew up and started getting married, Maxine died, but there was always the quiet calm under the tree.
Now it is more water than iced tea, there is no congregating point. Settling in at Jerry and Jane's is nice, Jean's table is nice, Janice's nook is nice, My couch is sorta nice, but it ain't the same as drinking ice tea under Mom's shade tree.
People are the same, life is the same, busy times, troubled times, quiet times. Family is the same, still grief and joy, still loving and aging, still children and still sunshine and trees. All the homing devices are aimed at Greenleaf now where we drink our iced tea under the shade tree -- or water, or bourbon, or beer, or Yoohoos. Maybe it is the same.
Kids rolling down the grassy hillside, playing in the sand, getting hurt, crying, needing a hug or kiss. Health issues, trip planning, eating, laughing, sharing with or without troubles. Amber is a grandmother, Jane is a retired nurse, Christian is middle-aging.
Life continues under the shade tree.
Friday, April 1, 2016
Grannies, Grannies, Grannies and Mimi
Boys, boys, boys -- I gotta tell you boys keep you hopping. I spent the week picking Connor up after his Lego class and keeping him until Mom got off work. How can two or three hours feel like seventeen? We had Star Wars crashes. block crashes, dinosaur crashes, crayola crashes, Connor crashes especially when he gets his foot stuck in the theater seats, or topples over from his stool, or trips over shoelaces. I ask you what keeps them alive until they grow up?
One day I couldn't fill him up, he ate dinner; mac and cheese, corn, orange, boiled egg, popcorn, candy, beet/strawberry juice, cookie, grapes, cereal bar, plus all the left over lunch that he didn't eat at school that day including a sandwich and apple slices, all in the two to three hours at my house. The next day he sniffed his displeasure at all offers of food.
He corrected me on all the errors of my thinking like the correct way to build and play "cootie," the real difference between a Storm Trooper and a Snow Trooper, that reading for fifteen minutes included the time it took to find a book, open a book, find the correct page, wiggle around on the couch to get comfortable and then and only then proceed to read. This granny wasn't fooled. He reads beautifully by the way, but oh my, he forgot his math homework. How convenient.
And as for grannies, they were everywhere in Oklahoma when I visited. It was a granny state of mind up to and including the new granny, er Mimi. Grannies made sure of rides, money, dinners, vehicles, and talks, laughs, and advice. It was grand to watch in Oklahoma but a little harder to herd my own growing grandson. Jeff does a great job being a grandpa, Tal does a great job being a, well, a Tal, but I have trouble keeping up. I have learned I can't do it everyday. Whew!
Now that I am retired and have learned that my advantage insurance pays for it, I have joined Silver Sneakers at the YMCA. Yeah, I know, cra cra crazy. I've been three times, had a tour, was introduced to all the machines and how to use them, learned the difference in all the classes; water, classic, circuit, yoga, cardio, what times the pool and the exercise room is open, where the hot tub and sauna are located and which are open all the time and which are limited. I'm not saying I'm going to change much, but I do have a goal to move. Roger again told me if I went to the Y and actually got out of the car it was a successful trip. Smart arse kids.
Even though I think Silver Sneakers is an insipid name, the actual experience has been very nice. Lovely people, kind instructors, pleasant environment, not too intimidating, and FREE. I have a very hard time joining in with a new type tribe of folks so I don't know how far I will travel this road, but I have taken my first step, steps, after all I did bike five minutes today and Jeremiah said "good job."
Another week of retirement come and gone. Busy, busy, busy. How did I ever have time to work? I have heard that over and over and over from various siblings, Now I ask, "How did I ever have time to work?" Aging isn't graceful, it's a bumpy kind of road. An all-ten-doctor-appointments-are-made kind of road. Ask Jerry about his teeth-hearing aids-glasses scenario.
Ian has painted and decked out the new bathroom, you won't recognize the navy wall and teal-ish towels. Beautiful.
Easter Sunday came and went without a hitch. Everyone ate too much: Kahlua Pig, Hawaiian cornbread, fried rice, green antioxidant salad and pie -- just to keep it balanced. Ian made an emergency run to the store for egg dye and then proceeded to let Connor dye all the boiled eggs and then all the un-boiled eggs to boot. Sometimes you just can't stop dying eggs. Connor had fun and called Ian "The Best."
You can have a really good life NOT following your passion. Have you noticed how Julia takes on the world? Dabbler deluxe not following a passion, but dabbling in life to its fullest. Besides having a lovely home, lovely couch and lovely bed, she has dabbled with welding, community theater, photography, stitchery, candle making, bird watching, recycling before it was cool, volunteering for The Crystal Bridge activities before it opened, motorcycles, doll making, doll house, gardening, ballet, yoga, hiking, biking, running, and travels. I for one can tell you traveling with Julia is fun and fulsome. And reading, did I leave anything out?
My thought of the day; continue with a messy mind; day dreaming, playing, collaborating, expressing, or sitting in solitude.
I just talked to Jean and Kathy -- trips they be looming.
Here is to a fulsome life, aging gracefully or not.
One day I couldn't fill him up, he ate dinner; mac and cheese, corn, orange, boiled egg, popcorn, candy, beet/strawberry juice, cookie, grapes, cereal bar, plus all the left over lunch that he didn't eat at school that day including a sandwich and apple slices, all in the two to three hours at my house. The next day he sniffed his displeasure at all offers of food.
He corrected me on all the errors of my thinking like the correct way to build and play "cootie," the real difference between a Storm Trooper and a Snow Trooper, that reading for fifteen minutes included the time it took to find a book, open a book, find the correct page, wiggle around on the couch to get comfortable and then and only then proceed to read. This granny wasn't fooled. He reads beautifully by the way, but oh my, he forgot his math homework. How convenient.
And as for grannies, they were everywhere in Oklahoma when I visited. It was a granny state of mind up to and including the new granny, er Mimi. Grannies made sure of rides, money, dinners, vehicles, and talks, laughs, and advice. It was grand to watch in Oklahoma but a little harder to herd my own growing grandson. Jeff does a great job being a grandpa, Tal does a great job being a, well, a Tal, but I have trouble keeping up. I have learned I can't do it everyday. Whew!
Now that I am retired and have learned that my advantage insurance pays for it, I have joined Silver Sneakers at the YMCA. Yeah, I know, cra cra crazy. I've been three times, had a tour, was introduced to all the machines and how to use them, learned the difference in all the classes; water, classic, circuit, yoga, cardio, what times the pool and the exercise room is open, where the hot tub and sauna are located and which are open all the time and which are limited. I'm not saying I'm going to change much, but I do have a goal to move. Roger again told me if I went to the Y and actually got out of the car it was a successful trip. Smart arse kids.
Even though I think Silver Sneakers is an insipid name, the actual experience has been very nice. Lovely people, kind instructors, pleasant environment, not too intimidating, and FREE. I have a very hard time joining in with a new type tribe of folks so I don't know how far I will travel this road, but I have taken my first step, steps, after all I did bike five minutes today and Jeremiah said "good job."
Another week of retirement come and gone. Busy, busy, busy. How did I ever have time to work? I have heard that over and over and over from various siblings, Now I ask, "How did I ever have time to work?" Aging isn't graceful, it's a bumpy kind of road. An all-ten-doctor-appointments-are-made kind of road. Ask Jerry about his teeth-hearing aids-glasses scenario.
Ian has painted and decked out the new bathroom, you won't recognize the navy wall and teal-ish towels. Beautiful.
Easter Sunday came and went without a hitch. Everyone ate too much: Kahlua Pig, Hawaiian cornbread, fried rice, green antioxidant salad and pie -- just to keep it balanced. Ian made an emergency run to the store for egg dye and then proceeded to let Connor dye all the boiled eggs and then all the un-boiled eggs to boot. Sometimes you just can't stop dying eggs. Connor had fun and called Ian "The Best."
You can have a really good life NOT following your passion. Have you noticed how Julia takes on the world? Dabbler deluxe not following a passion, but dabbling in life to its fullest. Besides having a lovely home, lovely couch and lovely bed, she has dabbled with welding, community theater, photography, stitchery, candle making, bird watching, recycling before it was cool, volunteering for The Crystal Bridge activities before it opened, motorcycles, doll making, doll house, gardening, ballet, yoga, hiking, biking, running, and travels. I for one can tell you traveling with Julia is fun and fulsome. And reading, did I leave anything out?
My thought of the day; continue with a messy mind; day dreaming, playing, collaborating, expressing, or sitting in solitude.
I just talked to Jean and Kathy -- trips they be looming.
Here is to a fulsome life, aging gracefully or not.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
What a Time, What a Time
What a time, what a time. It was FANTASTIC!
3 states, not counting Washington and Colorado.
4 couches, 3 comfy, 1 ugly.
6 vehicles.
Climbing in and out of SUV's, trucks and vans made my old knees creak.
13 cities.
19 restaurants.
2,000 miles.
17 days.
Didn't count the family, friends, and cousins -- but a bunch.
And everyone loved.
Especially that one wee babe hanging on waiting to be born for as long as possible with mom on complete bed rest.
I said it was a family trip, Jean said it was a foodie trip, I do believe Jean was right. Besides Starbucks and Whataburger we had Cajun, Thai, burgers and fries, chicken and pies and Camarones a La Diabla. My doctor wants blood work but suggested it might be a good idea to wait until I have cleansed my system for a bit. Do you think?
I said I couldn't write it and I can't write it, but here is a peek;
Ian knew the name of the brand of stuffed animal I wanted for Hannah's new baby, since the wee girl doesn't need any more clothes to add to her collection of 200 outfits, I decided to get her a stuffed animal. She doesn't actually need that either, however Jellycat is the brand name and it has been ordered Hannah.
I will never drive in Dallas, Never, N E V E R! Taylor is a fantastic actor and worth the chauffeured drive to Dallas, thank you Jerry. The chorus was hard for me to understand, but Taylor projected like it was Lincoln Center. I only dropped my cane once, but I didn't feel too awful because his mom dropped her water bottle when she went to the play. ST Joan of the Stockyards, yes it offended everyone, but I believe religion fell the farthest from grace. Long long day, long long drive, delicious breakfast at Cindi's, delightful 84 year old Theresa, Jerry and Jane's neighbor, who came along for the adventure and talked about her store bought children. Never mind about the traffic jam.
Jerry also took me around the block a few times before we finally headed to Norman to see Clark. Lunch at Ted's which I have heard about but never been to, Mexican food at its finest and the sweetest image of Clark slipping his arm around his grandmother out of sheer love and affection.
I discovered Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies drive up window. Yes, they were that good. Like I said, Jean knew it was a foodie trip before I did. By day five I had already been to BJ's for Cathy's birthday lunch, Cindi's New York Deli and Bakery, Whataburger, Ted's, fried pies and S&B's burger joint in Lawton seeing Chris in all his managerial action, plus we got the manager's discount. His place is delightfully quiet, busy, friendly, helpful and delicious, no, fantastic. Thank you Chris.
One morning at Jerry and Jane's I told the dog snuggled on my lap that she would have to move because I was going to go get me a cup of coffee. Jerry said he would get it for me and did. As he set the cup down with a flourish he said, "See what I will do for my dog?" Ellie must not be disturbed. Jerry also called me "head in the sand, la la land Jan." And told me the dogs would think I was a hot rock if I didn't get up and move off the couch. Oh the respect I get. However, I saw Jerry get out of his chair when the dog told him to,
I saw Jean make a right turn from the left turn lane. Yep, four lanes, thank God there was no other cars on the road at that time. And they call me a bad driver.
The OKC tour was fantastic, everything has changed. Besides making really really illegal right turns we gawked, backed up the street, drove around the block, and stopped in the middle of the road to gawk some more. Great drive; new revitalization, nostalgic childhood byways, city streets, country lanes, hi-ways, Route 66, parkways, extensions, and Interstate. It was all fantastic.
I saw siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins. A nervous cousin asked me "Are you going to vote for Bernie?" I was afraid to tell him I'm considered a liberal in Seattle and that might make me slightly dangerous in Oklahoma.
I loved Cousin Verla's coaster that said, "Underneath it all I am mostly naked." Fun times. Fantastic family who loves me in spite of...
My two thousand miles of travel went through wind, mist, fog, rain, deluge, monsoon and lots and lots of warm Oklahoma sunshine. The brightest sunshine being the people.
When Amber explained to Taylor that the new baby might be born on his birthday and he might have to share his birthday henceforth Taylor didn't care. He said "She can just have it." I love family.
I visited lots of gray hair, and some bald heads, and a smattering of red heads, it was fun, fun, fun.
Fellowship, fellowship, fellowship.
Food, food, food.
Fun, fun, fun.
I met a waitress at Denny's in Tulsa with the name Weather Cheyenne Angoue Rain Elizabeth Charlotte Val Haag. I had her write it down so I wouldn't forget. Got free coffee out of it. Thank you Charlotte of Denny's in Tulsa.
Jean delivered me to Tulsa, and Tal picked me up as a kindness so I could visit the Arkansas folks. Julia had to work. I remembered the time that Tal picked me up in Chicago when I rode the train up for a visit some 36 years ago when Julia had to work. Thanks again Tal.
And thank you Tal for the dinner I will not soon forget, Camarones a La Diabla. Fantastic
Michael and Branson can light up a house with activity, laughter, affection, and joy. Branson gave me a pink crayola to color with because it matched my pink shirt. It was fantastic. Branson bonded with me but he doesn't love anyone more that Tal, or Grandpa, or Michael, or Mom, or Ed, or Dad. Branson is a loving child.
In cruise ship speak I had a lazy sea day in Arkansas, nothing but relax, talk, and nap. New state, new city, new couch, and a Tal made meal. Julia had to work, again. She is trying to save her PTO for that voyage to Yucatan in December with the rest of the Bowman/Miller family and a possible surgery.
Jeff gave me a driving tour of Punkin Hollow Road, and, ahem, "J" Street in Bentonville, J Street over and over and over. I was beginning to think the Arkansas family couldn't go to the bathroom without first getting on J Street. Since J Street is the road to everywhere else if you want to go to Nirvana first go to Bentonville and get on J Street. It was the street to UPS where I mailed my paintings home that Julia has saved for over forty years, the street to Starbucks, the restaurant The Station on the Square, The Crystal Bridge Museum, Michael's favorite barista, Jeff's favorite park for Branson, the one without swings.
If you want to see a waitress carry four large iced tea glasses in the palm of one hand have Tal and Julia take you to the Monte Ne Inn for family style fried chicken. She was fantastic, the food was fantastic, the fellowship was fantastic and it was my one sighting of Andrew. I didn't embarrass myself completely. At least I knew what he was talking about part of the time. I had actually heard of the director Jodorowsky and had seen a documentary about him. Whew... dodged that bullet.
Saturday March 12th had to of been my just about perfect day. The meet and greet Jean organized at McNellies in Tulsa with Arkansas and Oklahoma family in attendance. Jeff said, "Now that she sees what she is missing she can just have her ole' sons dinners." Only Jeff, only Jeff. I just keep staring at the two photographs taken that day. The one of the gathering at the table with Tal being Tal, and the one of the siblings outside. Perfect.
I met Chris' mom, Gloria, who refurbished an old refrigerator. A rusted out 1950's refrigerator. I've never met anyone who has done that, or thought about it, or who had a refrigerator to refurbish, or who found the parts she needed, or imagined it. She was amazing, as was the finished project. I might have new inspiration.
After lunch we all got to hang out at The Mayo Building in downtown Tulsa where Chris and Nora have their fantastic apartment even if the bathroom is slightly over Star Wars-ed. I only embarrassed myself three times, and Chris took us on a roof top tour where I was glad Julia was a nervous nellie and protected Branson while I sat and enjoyed the view. Julia is amazing.
Chris and Nora are amazing, they hosted the entire family between an organized morning run and an evening theater date in the middle of planning their Spain-England-New York-Yucatan trips. Thanks you young whippersnappers you.
The quickest quips in the west are Nora and Taylor bantering back and forth. It was enigmatic.
Julia and I took a road trip across the Southwest in about 1973 and kept a foodie diary. Fun stuff then, fun stuff now.
Simple things excite me. On our road trip to Verla's Jean and I saw a flock of wild turkeys, but the best was seeing the roadrunner in the wild leaving the hospital after visiting Hannah.
Remember Hannah and her bedrest? Well Chibi won his fourth professional fight, he is 4 and 0, and they had that beautiful baby girl. Babies are always the best. Welcome to the world, welcome to the family, welcome, welcome Little Elsie.
What a time, what a time.
3 states, not counting Washington and Colorado.
4 couches, 3 comfy, 1 ugly.
6 vehicles.
Climbing in and out of SUV's, trucks and vans made my old knees creak.
13 cities.
19 restaurants.
2,000 miles.
17 days.
Didn't count the family, friends, and cousins -- but a bunch.
And everyone loved.
Especially that one wee babe hanging on waiting to be born for as long as possible with mom on complete bed rest.
I said it was a family trip, Jean said it was a foodie trip, I do believe Jean was right. Besides Starbucks and Whataburger we had Cajun, Thai, burgers and fries, chicken and pies and Camarones a La Diabla. My doctor wants blood work but suggested it might be a good idea to wait until I have cleansed my system for a bit. Do you think?
I said I couldn't write it and I can't write it, but here is a peek;
Ian knew the name of the brand of stuffed animal I wanted for Hannah's new baby, since the wee girl doesn't need any more clothes to add to her collection of 200 outfits, I decided to get her a stuffed animal. She doesn't actually need that either, however Jellycat is the brand name and it has been ordered Hannah.
I will never drive in Dallas, Never, N E V E R! Taylor is a fantastic actor and worth the chauffeured drive to Dallas, thank you Jerry. The chorus was hard for me to understand, but Taylor projected like it was Lincoln Center. I only dropped my cane once, but I didn't feel too awful because his mom dropped her water bottle when she went to the play. ST Joan of the Stockyards, yes it offended everyone, but I believe religion fell the farthest from grace. Long long day, long long drive, delicious breakfast at Cindi's, delightful 84 year old Theresa, Jerry and Jane's neighbor, who came along for the adventure and talked about her store bought children. Never mind about the traffic jam.
Jerry also took me around the block a few times before we finally headed to Norman to see Clark. Lunch at Ted's which I have heard about but never been to, Mexican food at its finest and the sweetest image of Clark slipping his arm around his grandmother out of sheer love and affection.
I discovered Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies drive up window. Yes, they were that good. Like I said, Jean knew it was a foodie trip before I did. By day five I had already been to BJ's for Cathy's birthday lunch, Cindi's New York Deli and Bakery, Whataburger, Ted's, fried pies and S&B's burger joint in Lawton seeing Chris in all his managerial action, plus we got the manager's discount. His place is delightfully quiet, busy, friendly, helpful and delicious, no, fantastic. Thank you Chris.
One morning at Jerry and Jane's I told the dog snuggled on my lap that she would have to move because I was going to go get me a cup of coffee. Jerry said he would get it for me and did. As he set the cup down with a flourish he said, "See what I will do for my dog?" Ellie must not be disturbed. Jerry also called me "head in the sand, la la land Jan." And told me the dogs would think I was a hot rock if I didn't get up and move off the couch. Oh the respect I get. However, I saw Jerry get out of his chair when the dog told him to,
I saw Jean make a right turn from the left turn lane. Yep, four lanes, thank God there was no other cars on the road at that time. And they call me a bad driver.
The OKC tour was fantastic, everything has changed. Besides making really really illegal right turns we gawked, backed up the street, drove around the block, and stopped in the middle of the road to gawk some more. Great drive; new revitalization, nostalgic childhood byways, city streets, country lanes, hi-ways, Route 66, parkways, extensions, and Interstate. It was all fantastic.
I saw siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins. A nervous cousin asked me "Are you going to vote for Bernie?" I was afraid to tell him I'm considered a liberal in Seattle and that might make me slightly dangerous in Oklahoma.
I loved Cousin Verla's coaster that said, "Underneath it all I am mostly naked." Fun times. Fantastic family who loves me in spite of...
My two thousand miles of travel went through wind, mist, fog, rain, deluge, monsoon and lots and lots of warm Oklahoma sunshine. The brightest sunshine being the people.
When Amber explained to Taylor that the new baby might be born on his birthday and he might have to share his birthday henceforth Taylor didn't care. He said "She can just have it." I love family.
I visited lots of gray hair, and some bald heads, and a smattering of red heads, it was fun, fun, fun.
Fellowship, fellowship, fellowship.
Food, food, food.
Fun, fun, fun.
I met a waitress at Denny's in Tulsa with the name Weather Cheyenne Angoue Rain Elizabeth Charlotte Val Haag. I had her write it down so I wouldn't forget. Got free coffee out of it. Thank you Charlotte of Denny's in Tulsa.
Jean delivered me to Tulsa, and Tal picked me up as a kindness so I could visit the Arkansas folks. Julia had to work. I remembered the time that Tal picked me up in Chicago when I rode the train up for a visit some 36 years ago when Julia had to work. Thanks again Tal.
And thank you Tal for the dinner I will not soon forget, Camarones a La Diabla. Fantastic
Michael and Branson can light up a house with activity, laughter, affection, and joy. Branson gave me a pink crayola to color with because it matched my pink shirt. It was fantastic. Branson bonded with me but he doesn't love anyone more that Tal, or Grandpa, or Michael, or Mom, or Ed, or Dad. Branson is a loving child.
In cruise ship speak I had a lazy sea day in Arkansas, nothing but relax, talk, and nap. New state, new city, new couch, and a Tal made meal. Julia had to work, again. She is trying to save her PTO for that voyage to Yucatan in December with the rest of the Bowman/Miller family and a possible surgery.
Jeff gave me a driving tour of Punkin Hollow Road, and, ahem, "J" Street in Bentonville, J Street over and over and over. I was beginning to think the Arkansas family couldn't go to the bathroom without first getting on J Street. Since J Street is the road to everywhere else if you want to go to Nirvana first go to Bentonville and get on J Street. It was the street to UPS where I mailed my paintings home that Julia has saved for over forty years, the street to Starbucks, the restaurant The Station on the Square, The Crystal Bridge Museum, Michael's favorite barista, Jeff's favorite park for Branson, the one without swings.
If you want to see a waitress carry four large iced tea glasses in the palm of one hand have Tal and Julia take you to the Monte Ne Inn for family style fried chicken. She was fantastic, the food was fantastic, the fellowship was fantastic and it was my one sighting of Andrew. I didn't embarrass myself completely. At least I knew what he was talking about part of the time. I had actually heard of the director Jodorowsky and had seen a documentary about him. Whew... dodged that bullet.
Saturday March 12th had to of been my just about perfect day. The meet and greet Jean organized at McNellies in Tulsa with Arkansas and Oklahoma family in attendance. Jeff said, "Now that she sees what she is missing she can just have her ole' sons dinners." Only Jeff, only Jeff. I just keep staring at the two photographs taken that day. The one of the gathering at the table with Tal being Tal, and the one of the siblings outside. Perfect.
I met Chris' mom, Gloria, who refurbished an old refrigerator. A rusted out 1950's refrigerator. I've never met anyone who has done that, or thought about it, or who had a refrigerator to refurbish, or who found the parts she needed, or imagined it. She was amazing, as was the finished project. I might have new inspiration.
After lunch we all got to hang out at The Mayo Building in downtown Tulsa where Chris and Nora have their fantastic apartment even if the bathroom is slightly over Star Wars-ed. I only embarrassed myself three times, and Chris took us on a roof top tour where I was glad Julia was a nervous nellie and protected Branson while I sat and enjoyed the view. Julia is amazing.
Chris and Nora are amazing, they hosted the entire family between an organized morning run and an evening theater date in the middle of planning their Spain-England-New York-Yucatan trips. Thanks you young whippersnappers you.
The quickest quips in the west are Nora and Taylor bantering back and forth. It was enigmatic.
Julia and I took a road trip across the Southwest in about 1973 and kept a foodie diary. Fun stuff then, fun stuff now.
Simple things excite me. On our road trip to Verla's Jean and I saw a flock of wild turkeys, but the best was seeing the roadrunner in the wild leaving the hospital after visiting Hannah.
Remember Hannah and her bedrest? Well Chibi won his fourth professional fight, he is 4 and 0, and they had that beautiful baby girl. Babies are always the best. Welcome to the world, welcome to the family, welcome, welcome Little Elsie.
What a time, what a time.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
I Have An Agenda
Just so you know.
On my upcoming trip to Oklahoma I have an agenda.
I want to check out Cathy's hip.
I want to check out Hannah's bump.
I want to check out, well, I want to ask about Julia's colon.
I want the joy and experience of meeting the Arkansas family in Tulsa. I have missed out on that treat for years, Years. So can I go to Tulsa for a family lunch, see some Arkansas folks, see a Texan or two? Would Julia, Tal and Jeff let me visit for a while?
I need a manicure and pedicure. Would anyone join me if I waited to have it done in Oklahoma or should I have it done before I leave? I just think it would be a fun activity to do with some Oklahoma family, but I don't have to.
Do I need to bring dog treats for all those dogs I am going to have to pet?
I'll need to go shopping for Hannah's "wee bird" baby shower. I got the Target list but thought why haul it to Oklahoma when I could probably shop there. Hannah I am not very good at sticking to a list, I get distracted by pink fluff. I'm thinking lots and lots of sweet pink thoughts. Can I shop for a baby shower after I arrive?
I want some evil Oklahoma food: Cheever's, the golden chicken place with sweet tea that Brittany loves that I don't know the name of, fried pies, Hideaway Pizza, B J's in Lawton. And where is that State Fair Food restaurant?
I do have an agenda and hope you will indulge some of it.
The bathroom fix is completed. Roger did the last bit of sanding and texturing yesterday. It is beautiful. New shower surround. New tall toilet. New security bar. New hot water heater. It is beautiful, completed, paid for, admired, and inaugurated.
The initiation commenced without a hitch except the plumbers left on a Friday morning and the new hot water heater leaked onto/into Ian's closet for hours before it was discovered. An emergency visit from the said plumbers discovered the faulty part, it was not workmanship, they fixed the faulty part, and Ian started drying his wardrobe. Now his perfect closet was pretty much strewn all over every chair, counter, bed, and surface. No, he wasn't upset, just pragmatic and fired up the dryer.
Here is the funny part. Ian had so many clothes in his closet to soak up all the water from the leak that it barely affected the neighbors downstairs. The neighbor came up to tell me there was a wet spot, not to complain, but so that I would be aware. It was a kindness. Nice neighbors! Yes, I bought them some Valentine chocolates and a Starbuck's drink card as an apology. Yeah for Ian's clothes, they absorbed most of the potential damage.
It was chaos for a while. After all the chaos of plumbers working, tearing out, installing, going in and out, leaks, Ian's clothes piled everywhere, (You do remember Ian's pristine closet don't you?), it was chaos! Then Roger started sawing sanding texturing building cutting chalking. There were tools dust clothes supplies stuff everywhere. Roger worked all day Saturday, Sunday, and Monday finishing the sheet rock to wed the new shower surround to the rest of the bathroom. My job was to keep Connor entertained while Roger worked. Keep Connor entertained and breath.
Connor was easy, breathing wasn't, with my compromised lungs. Ian went out and bought me a face mask late one evening. Life was much better after that. And now it is done.
I love sons.
I came home one day to some cops stalking around the building. I looked out the window to see if I could see any activity. I couldn't so it is still a mystery.
I saw a vehicle that said "Drink Local Coffee". I think they meant locally roasted coffee because to my knowledge coffee beans don't grow in Washington. Silly vehicle.
My first few weeks of retirement I drove 30 miles according to my vehicle odometer. Ah, retirement.
Lynn and I had breakfast and blessed the fact that we live in a Bacon World.
I woke up one night and my clock said it was 11:11. I loved that. No, it doesn't mean a thing I just loved it anyway. Silly me.
I shared this post on FB, but am also sharing it here in case you missed it because it is so beautiful:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMUplV73baA
How Great Thou Art by Stikyard. Enjoy.
The new Book Challenge is; since I am getting ready to travel to Oklahoma I wanted a book about travel, but this is the closest I could find on the list: A book set somewhere you have always wanted to visit.
Now back to Hannah. Hannah can you do bed rest at home or does it have to be in the hospital? Please take a picture of your toes so I can see what you are seeing then you can go back to contemplating your navel. Forty days to go sweet girl you will know your navel very well. See you Saturday.
On my upcoming trip to Oklahoma I have an agenda.
I want to check out Cathy's hip.
I want to check out Hannah's bump.
I want to check out, well, I want to ask about Julia's colon.
I want the joy and experience of meeting the Arkansas family in Tulsa. I have missed out on that treat for years, Years. So can I go to Tulsa for a family lunch, see some Arkansas folks, see a Texan or two? Would Julia, Tal and Jeff let me visit for a while?
I need a manicure and pedicure. Would anyone join me if I waited to have it done in Oklahoma or should I have it done before I leave? I just think it would be a fun activity to do with some Oklahoma family, but I don't have to.
Do I need to bring dog treats for all those dogs I am going to have to pet?
I'll need to go shopping for Hannah's "wee bird" baby shower. I got the Target list but thought why haul it to Oklahoma when I could probably shop there. Hannah I am not very good at sticking to a list, I get distracted by pink fluff. I'm thinking lots and lots of sweet pink thoughts. Can I shop for a baby shower after I arrive?
I do have an agenda and hope you will indulge some of it.
The bathroom fix is completed. Roger did the last bit of sanding and texturing yesterday. It is beautiful. New shower surround. New tall toilet. New security bar. New hot water heater. It is beautiful, completed, paid for, admired, and inaugurated.
The initiation commenced without a hitch except the plumbers left on a Friday morning and the new hot water heater leaked onto/into Ian's closet for hours before it was discovered. An emergency visit from the said plumbers discovered the faulty part, it was not workmanship, they fixed the faulty part, and Ian started drying his wardrobe. Now his perfect closet was pretty much strewn all over every chair, counter, bed, and surface. No, he wasn't upset, just pragmatic and fired up the dryer.
Here is the funny part. Ian had so many clothes in his closet to soak up all the water from the leak that it barely affected the neighbors downstairs. The neighbor came up to tell me there was a wet spot, not to complain, but so that I would be aware. It was a kindness. Nice neighbors! Yes, I bought them some Valentine chocolates and a Starbuck's drink card as an apology. Yeah for Ian's clothes, they absorbed most of the potential damage.
It was chaos for a while. After all the chaos of plumbers working, tearing out, installing, going in and out, leaks, Ian's clothes piled everywhere, (You do remember Ian's pristine closet don't you?), it was chaos! Then Roger started sawing sanding texturing building cutting chalking. There were tools dust clothes supplies stuff everywhere. Roger worked all day Saturday, Sunday, and Monday finishing the sheet rock to wed the new shower surround to the rest of the bathroom. My job was to keep Connor entertained while Roger worked. Keep Connor entertained and breath.
Connor was easy, breathing wasn't, with my compromised lungs. Ian went out and bought me a face mask late one evening. Life was much better after that. And now it is done.
I love sons.
I came home one day to some cops stalking around the building. I looked out the window to see if I could see any activity. I couldn't so it is still a mystery.
I saw a vehicle that said "Drink Local Coffee". I think they meant locally roasted coffee because to my knowledge coffee beans don't grow in Washington. Silly vehicle.
My first few weeks of retirement I drove 30 miles according to my vehicle odometer. Ah, retirement.
Lynn and I had breakfast and blessed the fact that we live in a Bacon World.
I woke up one night and my clock said it was 11:11. I loved that. No, it doesn't mean a thing I just loved it anyway. Silly me.
I shared this post on FB, but am also sharing it here in case you missed it because it is so beautiful:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMUplV73baA
How Great Thou Art by Stikyard. Enjoy.
The new Book Challenge is; since I am getting ready to travel to Oklahoma I wanted a book about travel, but this is the closest I could find on the list: A book set somewhere you have always wanted to visit.
Now back to Hannah. Hannah can you do bed rest at home or does it have to be in the hospital? Please take a picture of your toes so I can see what you are seeing then you can go back to contemplating your navel. Forty days to go sweet girl you will know your navel very well. See you Saturday.
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Let The Wild Rumpus Start
Let the wild rumpus start:
Yep, the bathtub surround is gone, two big dudes came in and ripped it out. It is the beginning of my bathroom improvement. Savings, plus severance, plus tax refund, plus payment from Social Security gave me the confidence to "get 'er done." They said 1 week, Roger said un-uh. They quoted a price, Roger said un-uh. He suggested a good rule of thumb is twice as long, twice as much.
So here is the plan. Get the bathroom finished and then skedaddle to Oklahoma.
It seems as though there is always a reason to celebrate. Super Bowl -- over. Mardi Gras - over. Oscars -- approaching. My celebration will be skedaddling to Oklahoma. Year of the Monkey -- starting.
It seems as though everything is monkey-ish in my world. Is it just me or does everyone need to attempt a task three/four times before it is completed. Example; I wanted a new mail box key and went to my local Post Office to get a new one. She, kindly, said we don't handle that here you have to go to the Post Office in Everett. The lady in Everett, kindly, said we don't do keys we put in a whole new lock and it costs $65.00, but this key you can have made by any locksmith. Where is Kenny when I need him? So I went to Home Depot for a key and out of 9,000 blanks guess which one they didn't have? He, kindly, said Fred Meyer has the same system they should be able to make it for you, but by then I gave up and went home. That was the week I felt like crap. Feeling much better now.
Julia how are you feeling?
Cathy how are you feeling?
How is everyone feeling today?
The saga of the "key" was just one example. Everything else in my life is going just as smoothly. It seems as though it is always effort times three. Whether I'm trying to find something on a website (Advantage insurance anyone? Advantage pharmacies anyone?) or something much more mundane like a new ink cartridge for the printer or a dying DVD player to work. Jean gave me a card one time that said, "Sometimes the only way out is through the muddle." I'm still in the muddle.
"Life is hard even when blessed." I read that on Facebook.
Does anyone else forget to buy what they need to buy and then buy what they don't need? Which is why I have 3 jars of Low Sodium Kikkoman Soy Sauce and no Kikkoman Teriyaki Sauce.
I'm blaming everything on stress and high blood sugar; thirst, headaches, fuzzy concentration, fuzzy vision, fatigue, and stomach troubles. There should be some weight loss in there, but that hasn't happened yet. I put myself on a high protein diet and feel better. Almost a high protein diet, I'll be honest here, I've cheated a bit.
I also cheated on The Book Challenge Book; the one set in the future. I reread one. I reread The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. Love that book. It is one of my comfort books. I really tried to find a book I hadn't read before but fuzzy brain got in the way.
Book club is tomorrow night at my house, I hope they will pardon my dust. This month the book was Gilead. A wonderful, fantastic, lovely, thoughtful, interesting book that I will recommend heartily. I'm glad I read it before my brain became so fragmented.
I read a sentence in a book review and know it is false but I can't quite put my finger on why. Back to fuzzy brain I think."How does the fact that we're all mortal influence the way we think about our lives?' There is an untruth lurking in that phrase that I haven't been able to suss out. The author was talking about the book When Breath Becomes Air, by Dr Paul Kalanithi.
Open letter to Cara who wrote on FB February 8th, "Being a parent is hard..."
Dear Cara, being a parent isn't hard; a little fun in the hay, nine months of incubation, a birthing, and you are a parent. The real true statement is "being a good parent is hard..."
Teething, tantrums, homework, science projects, make up, boys, or girls as the case may be, driving, trust, braces, sickness, dirty socks, dirty rooms, dirty tubs, dangers, divorces -- all of it taking time, thought, guidance, herding, care, patience, kindness, and lots and lots of love can be and will be exhausting to the good parent.
Sorry young lady but you have already chosen your path -- the hard path. Not being in the middle, or muddle as the case may be, but gazing at you from some distance, a vantage point of perspective, you have lots more to get sucked out of you before it is over, it is all renewable resources so just hang on. You are in the midst of a wild rumpus.
Now I am going to go make soup for The Bear Book Club meeting here tomorrow night.
When the rumpus is over I'll be in Oklahoma.
Ahhh the rewards of muddling through.
Love to all
Yep, the bathtub surround is gone, two big dudes came in and ripped it out. It is the beginning of my bathroom improvement. Savings, plus severance, plus tax refund, plus payment from Social Security gave me the confidence to "get 'er done." They said 1 week, Roger said un-uh. They quoted a price, Roger said un-uh. He suggested a good rule of thumb is twice as long, twice as much.
So here is the plan. Get the bathroom finished and then skedaddle to Oklahoma.
It seems as though there is always a reason to celebrate. Super Bowl -- over. Mardi Gras - over. Oscars -- approaching. My celebration will be skedaddling to Oklahoma. Year of the Monkey -- starting.
It seems as though everything is monkey-ish in my world. Is it just me or does everyone need to attempt a task three/four times before it is completed. Example; I wanted a new mail box key and went to my local Post Office to get a new one. She, kindly, said we don't handle that here you have to go to the Post Office in Everett. The lady in Everett, kindly, said we don't do keys we put in a whole new lock and it costs $65.00, but this key you can have made by any locksmith. Where is Kenny when I need him? So I went to Home Depot for a key and out of 9,000 blanks guess which one they didn't have? He, kindly, said Fred Meyer has the same system they should be able to make it for you, but by then I gave up and went home. That was the week I felt like crap. Feeling much better now.
Julia how are you feeling?
Cathy how are you feeling?
How is everyone feeling today?
The saga of the "key" was just one example. Everything else in my life is going just as smoothly. It seems as though it is always effort times three. Whether I'm trying to find something on a website (Advantage insurance anyone? Advantage pharmacies anyone?) or something much more mundane like a new ink cartridge for the printer or a dying DVD player to work. Jean gave me a card one time that said, "Sometimes the only way out is through the muddle." I'm still in the muddle.
"Life is hard even when blessed." I read that on Facebook.
Does anyone else forget to buy what they need to buy and then buy what they don't need? Which is why I have 3 jars of Low Sodium Kikkoman Soy Sauce and no Kikkoman Teriyaki Sauce.
I'm blaming everything on stress and high blood sugar; thirst, headaches, fuzzy concentration, fuzzy vision, fatigue, and stomach troubles. There should be some weight loss in there, but that hasn't happened yet. I put myself on a high protein diet and feel better. Almost a high protein diet, I'll be honest here, I've cheated a bit.
I also cheated on The Book Challenge Book; the one set in the future. I reread one. I reread The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. Love that book. It is one of my comfort books. I really tried to find a book I hadn't read before but fuzzy brain got in the way.
Book club is tomorrow night at my house, I hope they will pardon my dust. This month the book was Gilead. A wonderful, fantastic, lovely, thoughtful, interesting book that I will recommend heartily. I'm glad I read it before my brain became so fragmented.
I read a sentence in a book review and know it is false but I can't quite put my finger on why. Back to fuzzy brain I think."How does the fact that we're all mortal influence the way we think about our lives?' There is an untruth lurking in that phrase that I haven't been able to suss out. The author was talking about the book When Breath Becomes Air, by Dr Paul Kalanithi.
Open letter to Cara who wrote on FB February 8th, "Being a parent is hard..."
Dear Cara, being a parent isn't hard; a little fun in the hay, nine months of incubation, a birthing, and you are a parent. The real true statement is "being a good parent is hard..."
Teething, tantrums, homework, science projects, make up, boys, or girls as the case may be, driving, trust, braces, sickness, dirty socks, dirty rooms, dirty tubs, dangers, divorces -- all of it taking time, thought, guidance, herding, care, patience, kindness, and lots and lots of love can be and will be exhausting to the good parent.
Sorry young lady but you have already chosen your path -- the hard path. Not being in the middle, or muddle as the case may be, but gazing at you from some distance, a vantage point of perspective, you have lots more to get sucked out of you before it is over, it is all renewable resources so just hang on. You are in the midst of a wild rumpus.
Now I am going to go make soup for The Bear Book Club meeting here tomorrow night.
When the rumpus is over I'll be in Oklahoma.
Ahhh the rewards of muddling through.
Love to all
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