Gosh What Happened?

When I first wrote this morning’s entry it was last night and scheduled to appear when it did.  Well it didn’t go exactly what was written.

Pea pod came at 7:14 this morning while I was working on the computer and watching TV.  I was finished in 45 minutes of when it arrived.

The rest of the morning I worked on Trish’s letter, had breakfast and then started getting ready for my coffee session with Dave.

I thought we were meeting at the Starbuck’s in Orange and that’s where I went then when I didn’t see him I sent him a message and he was at the one at the mall which I totally forgot about.  So I got there a little after 11 and we spent nearly 3 hours talking.  At times I didn’t think he really listened to me because he would ask questions on things I just told him and to me that’s really frustrating.

Before we left we discussed taking a day trip somewhere with the T&A travel place we used for the Canada trip.  I told him I would take a look myself (just did) and there are some great places but a tad expensive.  I actually am thinking it may have to wait a while.

When I got home I didn’t do much of anything.  I made an early supper of steak.  I watched TV and ended up falling asleep.  I would have loved it if I had someone take a picture of me sleeping on the couch and Tiger was at my feet and Sky was on back rest.  He was there a second time while I was watching TV.

I straighten up downstairs a little not so as you could even tell but I even took out some stuff from the freezer.  I looked on the shelves with all the vases.  I finally had to ask Liz if she needed or wanted them and she vehemently said NO.  Then I suggested a local florist (where we got most of the vases from over the years).  Anyway she suggested I take them to good will.  I just need boxes now.

As I was emptying the garbage I decided to wash out the garbage van.  I rinsed it in the shower.  The shower sprayer is the one that works the best.  Now it’s all cleaned and ready to take on more garbage.

I think I am going to work on the bedroom tomorrow before taking off for bingo and church.  I just couldn’t do it today and even now I am having problems at my waste again.  I need to take some medicine and go to bed.

Saturday Doings

I can’t believe today is the last day of April and that tomorrow will be May.  This year definitely has flown by. 

In nineteen days Mama and Papa R will be starting a new chapter in their lives as they go to NC.  Mama promised to come up and visit and of course I will be down there in just two months.

This month will see year end activities begin for the woman’s club, the campaign activities gearing up for the DTC, and of course the continuing contract negotiations and activities for the unions and management at the University.

Right now I am waiting for Peapod deliveries to arrive so I can put the groceries away.  I ordered them on Tuesday so I could have them by the weekend.  I didn’t spend as much this time as I did last week but I know of things I already need for the next delivery.

After that I will start working on the bedroom before meeting DO at Starbuck’s for our catch up session. I will work on it when I came home as well.

I am not sure what I will do the rest of the time.

The last couple of days went by fast

The last two days went by fast.  Yesterday I worked until 12:30 and then went for my Benlysta infusion and then ran some errands and came home by 4.  I cancelled my session with Debra as it was going to be too much to drive back into the city and when I saw the traffic on my way home I knew it was a good choice. 

Today I was on my own as far as doing the mail.  Guardian Angel had today off and we had two mail pickups today.  The mail volume allowed me to work on refund checks.

 Next week depending on how much mail I get I may be helping out with the Scanning.  Mama Joanie will be out for a while due to her health problems.  Young Anthony and my Supervisor will be on vacation and so that will leave Janet and AC to do most of the work.  I just have to get access to the scanning programs.  It has been quite some time.

Liz called Lawyer Bob yesterday and told him of the window we want to replace and suggested we get the one with 6 over 1 (she suggested the 6 over 6) we even got Jim’s view on it as well. Anyway he suggested that we get the one with 6 over 1 so that it help with the sale of the house when the time comes.  Anyway we have made arrangements for him and his contractor to come take a look around the house to see what else needs to be done and that will be next Saturday.  So tomorrow and for the next several days when I am not volunteering or working or whatever I have to clean out some areas.  I have made a list of things that I would like to be done.

Yesterday I went to the post office to take care of the PO BOX bill.  It is now paid for six months.   So I will pay for it again in October.  While I was there I picked up the mail and found a letter and coupon book waiting for me.  The letter was from Trish Barnes.  I may get her letter written tonight

Tonight is the Laurelton Hall Prom.  Neighbor Shannon and her friends all were dressed so beautifully and Shannon came over to say hello and I nearly cried.  They will all come back to the house (Shannon’s) tonight and have an after Prom party.  Hopefully the rain will hold off until they come home.

Yes I said rain.  It didn’t rain last night but it will be some rain and drizzle tonight and during the weekend.  It has been in the 50’s today and now in the 40’s.  It felt almost like February.

I have to say I think I am having sciatica. I couldn’t sleep last night because my leg and rear end hurt like hell.  It was like that all day too.  I did take my prednisone and I think I should take some Tylenol.  It’s starting to hurt again now.

The kitties are pretty good.  They were downstairs for a short time and now are each sitting on a cushion on the chair and one of the couches.  I am glad they are not under the sofas.  I have a feeling they have explored under the sofas when I am not home.

I am going to have to close out right now.  The battery is running low and I want to see the rest of the Mummy Returns movie (its not like I haven’t seen it before)>

Thankful Thursday

1.            I am thankful for my family warts and all.

2.            I am thankful for my friends.

3.            I am thankful for my neighbors

4.            I am thankful for my job and co-workers who are my extended family

5.            I am thankful for the Medical profession who are taking care of my health.

6.            I am thankful for the organizations I am a part of that keep me busy.

7.            I am thankful for the weather

8.            I am thankful for my home.

9              I am thankful for my kitties.

I had a great time despite the fact my sister didn’t believe me rearranging furniture in my house over the weekend.  Several times she threatened to beat with If I said It was fun.  It actually was tiring but now I have a new living room.

My brother came up for an overnight and we had fun as well.  We managed to have lunch together and some moments for chatting.  He will be up in May for the scholarship.

My friends Mama and Papa R are enjoying their vacation and will be returning next week to begin their final move to NC.  We are supposed to get together with the club for a farewell picnic.  I am not sure what date it is now.

I am getting together with my friend Dave this weekend.  We are going to Starbuck’s on Saturday for coffee.  I hadn’t talked to him for a few weeks.  It was time to get together.

The kitties are behaving around the new furniture.  I did see Tiger “knead” one of the couches but I shooed her away and put the repellent on the furniture again.

I didn’t go to the Monthly General DTC yesterday. I was too tired.  I know pretty much what’s going on anyway since we discuss it at the 4th.

Woman’s club is making plans for the picnic but we are still trying to get the date.  It looks like it will be during the week. 

Mid Week Reflection

It has been kind of hard for me to write this week.  There are times I try and write while at work but the last couple of days have been busy with my daily routine.  By the time I get home I am tired and by the time I get to bed I just don’t feel like writing.  As it is I should be getting ready for work.

The end of last week brought the 4^th District to my house and it went well and lasted until 9:30.  We basically talked about things going on in town and the upcoming conventions starting in May.  None It looks like I am attending which is good because things look like they are going to be busy the first weeks of May anyway.

Friday my “new” furniture came by way of my sister and her friends.  According to them it was incredibly heavy and they moved my old stuff into the garage.  Saturday my sister and I cleaned the new stuff and rearranged it and it looks great.  It is very comfortable and the kitties seem to like.  They haven’t tried scratching it but I have also gotten some scratching deterrent that will work.

My brother came up for a one day visit.  He got here just in time for us to finish up the cleaning.  We had lunch together and then his afternoon was filled with visiting friends and dinner with some of them as well.  Sunday he did some stuff and then stopped home for his things and took off for home.  He will be home in late May for the Scholarship presentation.

Sunday I went out and started preparations for a new storm door.  I got it from Home Depot and someone will be out next week to measure the old door and doorway to and then we will order the one I want.  This one has a self-storing screen which is much better than the one now.  You have to take out the inserts and struggle with them every time the season changes.

The rest of the week I have a meeting tonight and I am not sure but I think I have a Benlysta infusion tomorrow.  The rest of the weekend is quiet.

I haven’t seen hide or hair of the Tabby I mentioned last weekend.  The last time we saw him was Sunday Morning.  My hope is he went back to his forever home.

Now I do have to get ready for work.

It is Sunday again.

The kitties hid in the house either sleeping or something.  My brother took in a meeting and then had brunch with another friend of his before leaving for his trip home to Allentown.

My brother told me this morning that he has been on a mission to connect or reconnect with old friends and family members and it worried me a little.  I told him he has had some scary situations that makes people rethink or reevaluate their life (he also says because he is getting old too).  It just gave me a moment to feel sad and scared of losing him.  He tells me I am his rock when he is mine as well. 

The tabby came by again this morning.  This time it was back at back door.  It was there long enough to get this. 

Even Jim got to see it as well.  Of course when I got home from my afternoon of activities I had been half looking for it to come to the front and or back door looking for the kitties but so far nothing.  I am hoping it has gone back to its forever home.

I got a call from a fellow DTC member today.  I was surprised thinking she was calling to ask if I was going to attend a meeting or she needed a ride to the upcoming conventions no it was about something totally off the wall.

Ann called me to read me the riot act because I used pesticides on my lawn.  She said she was going to give me “what for” and I just said to her “no you’re not”.  She was asking me questions about where it was used and why it was used and it wouldn’t be good for me.  I explained to her that I have carpenter ants and that it was only used at the foundation.  When I told each of my siblings they each said basically not her business. 

After Jim left I headed to the Nursing home.  I had stopped at Dunkin Donuts for iced coffee and it was refreshing.  I made it on time to the nursing home for bingo.  Marie was there as well.

We had a good session although there was a guest who was a bit of snob and insisting we should do a full card.  I spoke up and explained why we don’t do those and what ones we do.  I get real tired of people doing this.  I really don’t want to get into a debate but really most of these people (the residents) couldn’t keep track of what they do anyhow.  After bingo I headed to my Sister and BIL’s for a quick visit.

They had an ad for a storm door like theirs at Home Depot and I needed to drop off a check for the truck rental on Friday.  Liz was still at the theater so I couldn’t show her the pictures and stuff.

I went to church and then headed to Home Depot and talked with the guy in the doors section.  He didn’t place the order yet but this is what it will look like.  I will have a great price for it.  They will either call me or schedule it and I won’t need to be there as long as they have access to it.  I had a fun conversation with the guy he is from Sweden Finnish and where he lives and so forth and we talked about construction it was quite interesting. I called Liz once we arranged ordering and a site visit to measure it. Once that was done I stopped at 5 guys for dinner. 

After that I went to the pet store and picked up the spray that Liz suggested I get to prevent the babies from destroying the furniture.  I tried it on the furniture when I got home.  They seem to avoid scratching it but jump up on the furniture with no problem.

I finally got the dishwasher emptied and the clothes folded and did some more laundry.  I watched the news and now I am going to get to bed.  It will be a long day for me again.

The USPS sent back my payment for the mailbox because they didn’t know what it was for.  So I called them yesterday and told them about it. They said I could stop by tomorrow and give it to them.

For now though I need to get to bed.

Saturday Doings

Liz came over and helped with the rearranging and (I think) cleaning of the sofas/couches they picked up yesterday from Mama and Papa. I started to clean them last night with upholstery and rug cleaning stuff but that’s not working just yet. I have been slowly putting the cushions from the old furniture in the garage. Again I started last night but saw the neighbors and chatted with them.   So I tried to vacuum the cushions again. I can’t get to the back of them because it’s hard to move them and I can’t really reach with the attachments. Well I am going to try again soon.
I threw some windows opened last night and some I was surprised that did open. I left them open overnight so the house is pretty cool right now. The smells from the Couches were strong.
I found we have new neighbors in the flipped house. It had happened in the last couple of days. A young couple with a dog. You will never believe this but the young man is a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs minor league team. I found him here.   I told my family about them but they didn’t seem impressed. If you have followed me then you know I am not a sports fan by any stretch of the imagination.
Jim arrived by 12 and we were just finishing up by then and we had lunch and we talked about stuff. Nothing heavy handed really. We talked about family and ideal’s and stuff like that.   After lunch we said good bye to Liz and waited for our cousin to come. They went out for a couple of hours and I didn’t laundry.
When they came back we chatted about of all things Facebook. Then Jim had to meet a friend for dinner and so we said goodbye to Ed and I Have been watching TV, grazing and laundry.
Jim came home around 8:30 and has been reading and catching up on emails and texts and is heading to bed. He will be going to a meeting in the morning and then brunch with another friend and then head home by noon.
For the last two nights a tabby came around the house. Last night it was the back yard and door and they all interacted with hisses and meows. Tonight he returned to the front door looking for my two. I thought they were upstairs under the bed and they were downstairs in the cellar.   The tabby left.
Now that everyone is settled down We will be going to bed soon. The kitties are exploring the new furniture. I am going to put the breathing machine on and head to bed.

I booked my flight

Early this morning I booked my flight to North Carolina and I got a good deal on it (price is probably a better word for it) now all that is left is getting a limo ride up to Hartford.  I just would need someone to drop me off and pick me up from the limo locations.  I am trying to figure out what is the best and cheapest to go.  If I get the limo out of new haven it looks like it will be under $100 round trip if I take it out of Milford it would be $15 to $20 more.  I can make reservations a week before the flight.  When I do I will park the car in the garage and walk over to the hotel near my office.

The kittens were not happy with me this morning.  I lured them in to the upstairs bathroom with food and tried to shut the door before they could get out and nearly clobbered poor Tiger in the head.  I had to get her again and put her in the bathroom.  As I look back not so bad.  Sky on the other hand took me about 20 minutes to get him.  Finally from under the bed I got him (after nearly falling backwards at one point on the stairs.).  My credibility as a Mama Cat is seriously low.

The reason for this endeavor was the exterminator was coming this morning and they had to be out of the way.  At one point I called and he was already done and he did both inside and out and upstairs as well. 

Now all that’s left is getting the furniture picked up from Mama’s and brought to the house. 

Liz is still working on that project as well.  Today though she is preparing for a dinner at her home and she needs to focus on that.  My secret hope is she is able to do it tomorrow if not I am not sure when.

The music world lost another of its members.  Prince was found dead today.  He was 57.   I have heard he had the flu last week and apparently was a lot sicker than he thought.  

Thankful Thursday

1.            I am thankful for my family warts and all.

2.            I am thankful for my friends.

3.            I am thankful for my neighbors

4.            I am thankful for my job and co-workers who are my extended family

5.            I am thankful for the Medical profession who are taking care of my health.

6.            I am thankful for the organizations I am a part of that keep me busy.

7.            I am thankful for the weather

8.            I am thankful for my home.

9              I am thankful for my kitties.

I Love Thursdays!  It reminds me that I need to take stock of my life.  It’s been pretty good week this week if not busy.

My sister made arrangements for an exterminator to come today and get rid of the ugly critters (no not my babies) and I am hoping I won’t have to deal with them for the rest of the season.  I saw one last night by the back door and that’s it.   She is also arranging for friends to pick up Mama Roberta’s furniture now it may be Friday.  Fingers crossed for success.

My brother J will be coming up for the weekend for a visit.  He has friends he wants to catch up with that live in town and he wants to get together with us for lunch on Saturday.  He also is coming up for the Senior Awards programs later in May and June so that we can present the DTC Scholarship in my Mother’s name.  He did whine about the length of time each one is.  I may have had to promise him we could leave after our presentation but it all depends on where we are in the program.

My SIL E came by last week for a brief visit.  She had been in the Philippines until recently and was catching up with family and had a seminar later this month to attend.  She dropped a huge bombshell on me though.  She is planning on retiring to her home land.  She is planning on growing Cocoa and building a resort.  She is not happy with her life here (she says she is bored with life here).  My only objection is if you had all this money to build a resort how come she didn’t use it to pay for the bills she accrued over the years with my brother or even enough to have helped out with Mom’s funeral?  My other fear is we will never see her again.  As it is we haven’t been keeping in touch much since Bob or Mom died.

I am awaiting to get Roberta’s furniture and she just alerted me about the airfare to NC in July.  I will get it tomorrow.  If still available.  We had a great time last week when we went to dinner with our fellow club members.  They are getting ready for a two week vacation out west before they move.  It’s going to be tough now.

I am so relieved that I was able to get my neighbors to watch the kitties while I am down in North Carolina.  They will be able to come in the morning and feed the kitties and take care of the litterbox.  They can also look after the house if something comes up.

Work is going on like clockwork.  The contract negotiations are continuing throughout the campus.  We had an FYI meeting with the Admin in the Med School keeping us posted on the recent and current budget cuts made at the state level and how they affect us.  Lots of questions but not a lot of answers.  We have a rally the first week of May. 

I went to the pulmonary specialist and he says I am doing well.  He will see me again in August.  I see the Lupus Doctor this morning.  I am not sure what to expect for that one.  She does have my parking tag application (I hope).  I see Debra this afternoon.  I didn’t get to see her last week.

Tonight I have the DTC 4^th District meeting at home.  I am going to have to stop and get a few things and some of my other members will be bringing something as well.  We will be talking about the award dinner we have plus the conventions coming up this summer.

The weather has been beautiful for the last several days.  Sometimes it has been chilly and others not so much.  It has been forecast to have showers.  Not until the weekend I believe.

As I mentioned earlier I am having the exterminator come and spray the house.  Now I can start concentrating on things I need for the house such as a few new windows, and a new storm door.  I am thinking of a security system as well.

In the mean time I am going to get ready for bed have lots to get ready for…

Going to bed now

I came home to a clean home (save for the creepy crawly ants-again) and welcoming kitties.  Who were more interested in going into the cellar then being with their Mama.  I will remember this.  Now they are starting to congregate on my bed.

I didn't do very much tonight.  I surfed the net, watched TV,  made dinner late of steak, and put the sheets in the wash and are now finishing up in the dryer.

It was a beautiful afternoon and I kept the heat down to 60 and the windows opened for a bit.  The in-house temperature said 67 and it felt cool to me.  Felt better when I turned it up to 70 and closed the windows.  Now the heat is turned down for the night I expect it to be very cold in the morning.

I was going to tell you my head is better but its not.  Every so often a slight turn or bending over or something pulls it and it hurts.  I really hope it goes away again soon.  It makes it hard to drive and to talk to people.

J stopped his complaining about the length of the awards once I told him we "Might" be able to leave once we are done with presenting but it all depends on when we are listed in the program.  Trust me I don't want to be there anymore than they do but I sure don't want someone else shouldering the responsiblity.

Liz says the guy will be here Thursday morning and Nelson will be here with him.  There shouldn't be a lingering smell for my guests (or I am going to have a lot of explaining to do if these people collapse or something.  She needed the measurements of the couches and stuff.  I have not told M&R about the glitch yet.

My head feels like

I think the arthritis is acting up in my neck to the head.  Anytime I move my head it feels like someone is whacking it with something.  I took some Tylenol but it hasn’t kicked in yet and it really isn’t helping at all.  It didn’t seem to be that bad near the end of the day but I tried not to turn my head much.

Jim, Liz and I are still trying to get together for lunch (now) on Saturday but I warned him that we had some furniture moving activity going on.   That is until Liz mentioned there was a glitch in that.  I wish she had called me before I called Mama and Papa and told them it would be this Saturday.  Something had come up for the guy that really needs the big bucks so Liz is working to get that one arranged. 

Monday Musings

It was another beautiful morning around here.  The sun was shining and the temperatures were comfortable.  It is in the mid to upper 60’s and felt wonderful.  I see we might be getting showers from Thursday until the weekend.  That I am not happy about but what can you do.

Work was fine had lots to do especially when I had a short day today.  I went and saw the pulmonist and he says I am doing well I will see him in August.  The only thing I didn’t like was having to pay for parking.  Propark charges $3 for the first two hours.  It just started two weeks ago and the tenants, visitors, patients you name it are not happy.  I think they want to start a petition to present to the Landlords which I believe is the University.

I am so looking forward to the pest control guy coming to take care of the ants.  They are showing up everywhere.  Sky is trying to play squash with them and nearly wrecked a few things last night chasing a moth.  He was supposed to come Thursday but now it may be Friday.

Liz was able to get people to pick up my “new” furniture but it won’t be until Saturday.  The same day Jim is coming up ;)

Now I am going to get ready for bed.  I have gotten tired now…

What a Gorgeous Day!

The sun is shining and the temperatures are comfortable (read: have no idea but) and the windows are open.  This morning I wanted to stay in bed but again my diligent alarm clock wanted me up.  Sky and Tiger were hungry I am guessing.

So I got up did our regular constitution and managed to get the babes fed.  I gave them both half a can of the new food.  Friskies this time.  the 5.5 oz can.  It was shredded something or else.  They seem to both eat it.  I gave them one can of tuna yesterday (since they had run out of food) and they both ate it.  There hasn't been any reprecusions on that front and they haven't left me massive piles of fertilizer either.  I had to clean the spot more when I discovered the last bunch.  It may be time for the rug cleaning again.

I laid on the couch for a short time than got ready for church.  I went to the 8:30 mass and I was glad I did.  It puts life back into perspective for me when I need it.  After the services I went to the K of C communion breakfast.  They had a lot of food and of course it was all delicious.  I was home by 11 and decided to take a nap for a bit.  Then I went out side and chatted with neighbors.

After a while it was time to get ready for bingo.  I left here just after 1:30 and made it on time.  Marnie was there and either the staff is getting dumber or something.  Tney thought I wasn't going to be here this week.  i clearly told them the 10th.  Either she plays stupid or just doesn't get it.

When I got home I closed the windows and decided to relax before starting on some chores that I have been ignoring or avoiding this weekend.

This week will be a fairly busy one at that.  I have Doctors appointments,  Livia is supposed to come tomorow, and the pest control is coming Thursday mid morning.  I have the 4th District meeting that night and Jim is coming up next weekend.  It will be interesting to see how it all unfolds.

• Current Location:United States, Connecticut, Milford

Got some sleep

After Mama and Papa R left I decided to have a late lunch of a steak.  I thought I cooked it in the time required but it was still red in some parts of it.  I am not sure but I think that's why I wasn't feeling well this afternoon (that and eating up the nut mixture I just got this morning) and that led to me having a long nap and missing out on most of the HTLJ and the LOTR trilogy.  My neck has been hurting for at least a day and half now and I suspect its the arthritis.  I will take more Tylenol and the prednisone and head to bed in about an hour.
I had a phone conversation with Liz tonight.  She hadn't asked anyone about helping with the furniture move if I was able to.  I could have sworn she said she would look into it.  However she did manage to get the pest control guy scheduled for Thursday.  The same day I have my 4th District meeting (well its at night).  This should prove interesting.
She did invite me to a church breakfast tomorrow at 9:30.  That will be awesome.  She will be late but Nelson will be there at 9:30.  I see the KC is having their annual Ladies Night on May 20.  I would like to go to that one as well.
I reinforced a well known fact that I am a food a holic.  I just finished off a container of the strawberry whipped cream cheese that I just got and opened up this morning.  That also could be the reason I got to feeling sick. 
Well I need to set up the cpap machine...

Saturday Doings

It is a beautiful morning here in Casa Kitty land.  The sun is shining but I don't know the temperature outside in here its 65 and chilly not uncomfortable though.  I was woken up by the furry alarm clock and did my daily constitutional.  I was a tad paranoid as to what i would find in the back room or for that matter anywhere and they did their constitution where they should have.  After I fed them I went back and laid down for about an hour and half.  The kitties settled down on the couches Tiger on my lap and Sky on the love seat.  Now I think they are out in the back room sunning themselves.

I am waiting for the Peapod to arrive.  I scheduled it between 8 and 10 am and I haven't had a notification they are on their way yet.  I had a terrible thought that maybe they didn't use the debit card visa I added and they used the other ones? So I checked it out and everything is fine.

I am expecting Mama Roberta and Papa Mike to be here some time today so we can measure the furniture and area and take care of the timer.

Woodmont Fire Company Tag Sale is happening today.  I am not sure why or what it is.  I guess to raise funds for the Volunteer Fire Company that is no longer in existence.

Then the rest of the day is MINE.

What a wonderful way to end a day

I come in the door and the cats were upstairs I look on the counter and see two carpenter ants doing who knows what.  I cleaned that up and proceeded to open the windows in the kitchen and in the back hall  when what do my wandering eyes find?  a Huge pile of kittie poop on a pillow on the floor.  I am not sure how long it was there or who of the two did it (they both could have done it) but that prompted my to chastise the culprits and immediately cleaned out the litterbox in the bathroom.  It didn't take long and I managed to get some bleach splattered on my gray pants (Bad Advertising Clorox!  Your bleach does splatter).  After I was done with it I made peace with Tiger.  I am pretty sure it was her.  To be clear?  I clean out the kittie poo from the boxes daily.  I will clean out the other litterbox in the upstairs bathroom tomorrow.

I have a few things I am going to do right now as I relax.  I have Star Trek:The Next Gen on in the background and shortly will have Hercules on and I will be writing up notes and letters for the rest of the night.  Now Sky is walking over the keyboard so I best go and pay attention to him.

TGIF

It was funny I was trying to think of a title for this and when I was about to give it the same title came up from last year for the exact same day.  So obviously I needed to change it for this one.  Anyway very glad it’s Friday.

This week was good but busy.  Yesterday I made it to my former neighbor’s wake and got to see his children, grandchildren and great grandchild.  I also got to see a very dear friend who was the advisor of the Police Explorer post we belonged to.  It had been years since I last saw him and I asked him how he survived the two hurricanes and he lost his house both times.  He was telling me about his wife’s health (stable for now).  I was there for about 15 minutes and had promises from both Ron and John they would stop by the house sometime.  Hopefully they will take me up on the invitation.

I was home a short time later and relaxed and ate some fruit cup and then got ready for the girls night out.  I picked Roberta up just before 5:15 and we headed to the restaurant. Of course we were the first ones there.  Then JW and finally Dr. T arrived.   We were seated and got caught up with everyone’s lives.  I had a lot to eat and glad we had a great time.  We didn’t even touch on the future of the club and I personally think that’s a mistake.  We have some time yet.  Dr. T is going on vacation for a week so we don’t meet again until next month.

As soon as I got home I got into the shower.  I had internal issues and needed to get cleaned up and after that I went to bed.  The kitties followed suit.  I was particularly pleased that Miss Tiger was very cuddlesome. 

Before going to bed I answered a text from Jim.  He wants to come up for a visit a week from tomorrow.  Wee.  I am glad that Livia will be here that week to clean and it’s the same week as the 4^th District too.

Speaking of…Chairman Phil sent out an email blast in the last couple of days for the meeting and asked for RSVPs.  So far I have been getting the responses.  Four are definitely not coming, 1 definitely is, 2 are not sure.  I need to write up a proposal regarding refreshments.  At least discuss it at the next meeting.

I have been keeping an eye out for my tax refunds and so far nada.  I really hope the State one isn’t going to be held up long.  Although with all the new state Layoffs that may be a given.  

Thankful Thursday

1.            I am thankful for my family warts and all.

2.            I am thankful for my friends.

3.            I am thankful for my neighbors

4.            I am thankful for my job and co-workers who are my extended family

5.            I am thankful for the Medical profession who are taking care of my health.

6.            I am thankful for the organizations I am a part of that keep me busy.

7.            I am thankful for the weather

8.            I am thankful my brother in law continues to recover from a very long and painful summer.

9.            I am thankful for my home.

10.          I am thankful for my kitties.

This week has been pretty good as far as weather is concerned.  It rained at the beginning of the week but the rest of the week has and will be beautiful. 

Work has been revving up for the contract negotiations and there is a meeting or two regarding the current budget crisis and of course the bargaining units.  I am certain we have the right people to get what we want as long as “the other side” is cooperating.  I realize they don’t always so it will be very interesting to see what happens.

The woman’s club meeting went very well.  I am not so sure the whole “active participation and commitment” was addressed but she couldn’t very well tell the choir.  We have a few things coming up including another one final farewell for Roberta in club wide.

Tonight the women folk of the club have dinner at Plan B restaurant.  I am really looking forward to that.

The kitties have been okay.  They knocked over one of the boxes so I had to clean it up.  Someone had a hairball and Think it had to do with the catnip in the bag.  She was actually chewing on the bag and I know that’s definitely not good.

Mid-Week Reflection

It has been a pretty busy week so far and will continue to be so for the rest of it. 
The end of last week brought a DTC annual event and a weekend full of activity.

Saturday I spent the day with a fellow University employee in New Haven and explored places I don’t normally get to see and places I don’t usually see.  The conversations were enlightening and I enjoyed myself.  I was tired by the time I got home.  The weather held nicely as well.

Sunday was my friend’s wedding and it was lovely.  It was my first time in a Synagogue.  I can’t say it was my first Jewish wedding as my friend Roberta’s Daughter got married and it was mixed wedding.  Again the weather was lovely.

Work is okay.  Been busy but things are starting to heat up with the labor negotiations.  We got word from the Administration the Med School has budget cuts throughout the school and they can affect many things.  The union is countering our campaign as part of the negotiations.  There is an area lunch meeting tomorrow.  I don’t know if I should be overly concerned or not.  It could be just a tactic in the contract negotiations. 

I have to take some time off from work tomorrow for a wake.  The wake itself starts at 4 and it’s for a dear friend’s father.  I wanted to go early so I can be ready for my friend Roberta’s dinner.  I also put in for my vacation for early July.

Tonight is the General Meeting for the Woman’s Club and Girls Club.  We will be discussing lots of things such as the budget, elections, and past activities.  I talked with Dr. T yesterday about issues that concerned me about the members of the girls club.   The girls do not always follow through on commitments they make and it is a real problem with me.

Thursday we are having a farewell dinner for Mama Roberta at Plan B restaurant in town.  It will be bittersweet because we don’t always get together outside of the club without the girls.  We have had a few adult only parties.  Sadly it may be the last.  As I said to Papa Mike I believe the club will fold due to lack of membership.

I am also going to start preparations for the 4th District meeting next week.  I have already asked some people to bring things because we are expecting a large number of members this time.  Earlier this month we had a outreach project and it worked and we sent on and received responses to come to the meeting.  We have a few things coming up over the next few weeks involving the election.  We have conventions to sign up for (I am a delegate runner up).

However this weekend I am hoping to just concentrate on overdue letters to friends. I am also going to do some volunteering.

Monday Musings

It is a bit of shower day.  It wasn't too cold that I needed the heavy coat but it was chilly enough that you needed something.  It was much nicer when I left and when I got home I opened some windows.  The rain started around 6 and hasn't stopped.

I was so proud that I was all ready for work by 7.  I got up my regular time and did the my shtick.  Once the cats were fed and watered I laid down until 6:30.  It took me 7 minutes to do a shower and dress.  I sat with the kitties for a bit and the TV and then got my things together and went out the door.  I didn't realize until I was getting out of the car I had forgotten my book bag with the appointment book and check register in it. Luckily I have no checks to write out.

Work was kind of low key.  I spent most of the morning doing the refund checks.  Sometimes i think Monday's are low key and then now and then its Boom heavy volume.  My Guardian Angel was out today so I had to make the rounds to finance and get the mail from the lobby.  Once I finished the mail went back to the Refund checks.

We had gotten an email blast from the head admin of the Med school about budgetary cuts and that sent a panic through the office.  We see it for what it is and we were given hand outs shortly by the stewards to calm and to inform everyone.

I have been checking the status of the My Tax refund and the federal was excepted and I may have told you they were having an issue with a date so I mailed my State Income Tax. I forgot to do it Wednesday and the mailman never came to my door on Thursday so I mailed on Saturday.  That should come to me in a few weeks.

Going to bed as soon as i can...

What a lovely day

My Friend Debbie and Stan got married today.  It was at their synagogue in Meriden and it was a lovely yet small.  The reception was held in the hall next door.  The food was simple and delicious.  Poached Salmon, macaroni and cheese, and a dish I can best describe as couscous, and broccoli.  For Dessert there was fruit salad, cookie assortment and coffee and tea.  The reception was over by 3 or 4 and we took Stan's daughter to the Ferry in Bridgeport.  On the way home from there we stopped at Christmas Tree Shop.  It was nearly 5 when I got home.

The weather was absolutely beautiful.  Sunny and in the mid to upper 40's.  It was a complete surprise considering the weather forecast called for rain and snow.  This entire weekend has been great weather wise.

Since I have been home I took a nap, did some laundry, started the dishwasher and should be done in about 10 minutes.  I am really tired now and so I am getting on the CPAP machine.

Saturday Doings

It was a beautiful morning nothing at all what I was expecting. This turned out to be a good thing because today I met up with  siduri for our Museum adventure.I have been looking forward to this ever since we decided to meet.  As previously arranged we met in front of Pitaziki and then walked up Chapel to check out the various stores that were preparing to open for the day.  Our first stop was at this Bath and Body store (I can't remember the name of it but the sales person who was a lovely young lady gave us a history of the store.  It as one of those Natural stores. We had coffee at Starbucks and waited outside the gallery for awhile until it opened.  We had a great discussions.  I learned a lot about the city.  We also took a walk further down Chapel street and saw some really interesting stores.  I really enjoyed it because it felt like a different world then what I am used to.

The visit to the Art Gallery had many interesting and beautiful exhibits.  I admitted my Art History was very limited but I enjoyed the detail and the efforts to keep these pieces in tact.  i plan on visiting again very soon.  When we were done at the Gallery we had lunch at Zaroka Bar and Restaurant. 

The restaurant was York Street and turns out not that far from my office.  It was buffet style so I was able to try almost everything on the buffet table.  After lunch we headed to Broadway and looked at some wonderful shops there.  We even stopped at the Yale Book store and I was able to pick up the Wedding card and the sympathy cards I needed.  After that we headed back to my car and headed home.

By then there was a definite change in the weather.  It got much colder and the sun was gone.  Happily it didn't snow or rain so it made the ride home easy.  We will be doing this sort of thing again and again.  Thank you Siduri for this great idea and the great time.

When I got home I napped.  Later on in the afternoon I did get things ready for the Wedding and wrapped up the remaining coin.  i spent time watching the TV and I made myself a huge salad with steak in it.

As I said a great day all around.

Thankful Thursday

It’s that time again. 

1.       I am thankful for my family warts and all.

2.      I am thankful for my kitties

3.      I am thankful for my job

4.      I am thankful for the Medical profession that keeps me on the road to good health

5.      I am thankful for my neighbors

6.      I am thankful for my home

7.      I am thankful for my friends

8.      I am thankful for the organizations I belong to.

9.      I am thankful I got the taxes done

10.   I am thankful for the weather.

I talked with Liz yesterday w discussed the results of my tax preparation.  She had asked if I got frustrated and just went on ahead instead of going back to HR Block.   I thought about this after we got off the phone and I found myself getting annoyed because she seems hell bent on pointing out when I get frustrated or angry at things.  It is the same kind of “game” Mom played.  They don’t want to see me react and dismiss whatever I am getting annoyed at as being ‘No big deal’.  They are my emotions and I have a right to them.  (This would be the “warts” part.)

My brother sent a text w/picture of a state of the art cat brush that will make the cats hair shiny and the cats like it (unlike the ones I have the kids bite them) but it costs $50.  I love my cats but that’s a little too pricey. 

Jim will be coming up (or make effort) to be here for the Scholarship Presentation in late May.  I gave him the heads up last week when Chairman Rich mentioned it at the meeting last week.  It will be great to see him.  I can probably look forward to a few “this is what I want YOU to do” conversations while he is here.

Work is going okay.  Work load varies from day to day.  Somedays it feels like a lot and some days I am thinking there isn’t a lot to do.  We have had some returning co-workers and some who have suffered a loss of a parent.  The labor Contract Negotiations continue.  The first item is Job Security.  One department is being threatened with outsourcing their jobs.

I am planning on taking some time off at the end of June beginning of July.  I always worry it can be a bad time.   Its FY end as well as Month end for AR and it will be (supposedly) the time we will be moving to our new and undisclosed location.

This weekend will be a weekend with friends.  On Saturday I will be meeting Siduri in New Haven and we will be going to exploring the city we work in and have lunch too.  Siduri is also a fellow University employee and it will be fun to getting to know her. 

Sunday is my friends Debbie and Stan’s Wedding and it will be enjoyable.  I will be meeting their other friends that we don’t get to see at all.  I suspect or at least I hope I will get to see our Mexican Train Game friends at this time. 

The Woman’s club has been keeping me a little busy we had our fashion show last week and except for a couple of things it went exceedingly well.  The issues I have are with the girls who don’t follow through on their commitments.   I am probably the only one who has this issue.  The Creative Writing contest deadline is fast approaching and it will culminate with a reception at City Hall in Mid-May.  We have elections coming up and a number of other activities before finishing up for the year.  We don’t usually have meetings during the summer but we do have other activities such as carwashes, picnics, and parties.

We will be saying good bye to our Charter Member and Treasurer Roberta this year as she and her husband will be moving to North Carolina next month.  Members of the woman’s club will be getting together for one final dinner next week. 

Well that’s it for now..

Mid Week Reflection

The Biggest thing this week has been the weather.  It went through the gambit of sun, rain, snow, sleet and for some it made driving and traveling a challenge.  I survived though.  The rest of the week promises to continue that challenge.

Last week brought the infusion, volunteering, and family time. It was fun, and some level made me feel good to bring some enjoyment to the seniors that we did the fashion show for.  We had the DTC meeting on Thursday and the seating of the new committee.

This week brings lots of work related things and two excellent activities this weekend.  On Saturday I meet Siduri for the first time in person we are planning on going to a museum and have lunch.  I have been following Siduri’s Blog now for quite some time and I am really looking forward.

On Sunday is my friend Debbie and Stan’s wedding in Meriden.  It starts at 12:30 so Mama and Papa R will be picking me up around 11:30.  It will be my first time in a Synagogue.  It should be a lot of fun.

I am starting to formalize my vacation to North Carolina in June/July.  My sister and I were looking at flights and train stuff this week.  Flying may be an option.  I am really looking forward to this trip.  I just have to decide who will take care of Sky and Tiger that week.

Enough Cold weather!

Man it was cold for the last two days.  Icy as well.  I am like everyone else I want it to be warmer than what it is now.  At least the sun is out.  I do have to admit the ice on the trees and bushes reminded me of some story or movie that talks about an Ice world.  In other words it was pretty.

Work went well busy with mail, some readdress mail, and did some more refund checks.  There is going to be a slight change in mail direction for the NEMG correspondence.  It is in the process of being hammered out now.  The is a collection going around for a team lead as she lost her father earlier this week.  We have until Friday to contribute or donate. 

More discussion on this whole getting Yale to pay taxes continues.  It was in several different publications and it was being joked about by my co-workers.  I have yet to read the publications but from the headlines themselves it sounds like that they don't believe it will ever happen.  It also looks like the CT Governor isn't going to be encouraging it to happen.  Some believe the move (although there hasn't been any indication they are considering it) could happen if the opportunity rises.

Liz and I spent more time on the finances yesterday.  We seemed to be off by $150 and figured we added it twice.  Now its fine.  The new register is working out fine.  We also checked out fares for traveling to North Carolina.  Still not sure if I will fly or take the train.  Either way it will be a long trip.

I decided yesterday that I would go down and visit Mama Roberta and Papa Michael the end of June and during the 4th of July Holiday.  Liz cautioned me it will be during a holiday and we need to be careful about prices, and my limitations.

I didn't do too much last night as I was very exhausted from the day.  I hadn't gone to bed until 1 am Monday.  I made up for it Tuesday by going to bed fairly early.  Tonight will not be the same way.  Considering I am writing this 40 minutes before midnight.  I wanted to stay up long enough to get the taxes done and revise some papers I was working on.

I did my taxes tonight.  I did it through the Turbo Tax app on the Credit Union and despite popular belief it isn't necessarily free.  They do only so much and then tell you that you will have to pay for additional steps.  It took me nearly an hour and half and still had a few glitches.  I have to submit the State refund via mail because they will not fix a date on the form.  I don't know why this particular date is giving them a problem.  I can still print it out and access it until a certain date.  The federal refund has been accepted.

Livia came today and did another awesome job.  Unfortunately it didn't take long for me to make a mess in the kitchen.  I did some cooking.

Well it is time for me to get on the CPAP.

Monday musings

It's after midnight and still awake. I am not really that surprised considering I had a lot of coffee and hot chocolate yesterday.
Just waiting for the snow to start. Not really sure when it's going to start but is it is supposed to make things Messi.

Didn't hear from Deborah last night so I expect to meet with her I don't know what time on Wednesday. We have a lot to catch up on over the last couple of weeks. It will be good to see you as usual.

Talked with my brother this weekend via text.  He did one of those 5 k races and did very well. Got a t shirt for his effort.

crazy weather

That's what we say when we have weather that is a little unusual for a specific time of year or it changes radically within a few hours.  Residents of the Nutmeg state were told we would be having snow squalls, heavy winds, and perhaps a rainy weekend.  Well we got that and a little more.  Last night sometime around 10 it started to hail. It didn't last long either but it continued to rain for awhile.  i woke up around 5 and found snow.  Then it melted and the sun came out for a short time and then wouldn't you know it? It was snowing again.  It stopped and is starting to melt and of course the sun is out but I can hear the wind and see it blowing through the trees.  Others still have lots of snow.

I should be doing laundry and paperwork but I just am being lazy.  Around lunch time I am going to get ready for bingo and then see Liz.  i wanted to show her the new stuff I got and go over some stuff on line.  It won't be long as I am sure she has stuff to do.

This week is a fairly busy week and one I am really looking forward to as on Saturday I will be meeting up with siduri on Saturday and we will be exploring the city we work in.  Its been a while since I have done this and I do need to find out what time.

Well I am going to relax some more and then get the day started.

Saturday Doings

Today is pretty much like it was yesterday messy and raining.  Last night's thunderstorms came through around 8 and were gone in a matter of minutes.  Thats the first time it has happened like that in quite some time.  I thought for sure it would last half the night.  We are supposed to get much colder and snowier.

This morning I did some banking and shopping.  I got the ledger I was looking at yesterday and should be useful to keep better records.  The coin wrappers will come in handy when I wrap the rest of the coins in the coin jar.  I went grocery shopping and had to enroll to use the scanner at Stop and Shop (the hand held scanner).  Once I did that and got on my way it wasn't hard to figure out.  You can't hold the items in your hand to scan you have to have it IN the cart.  I did spend a little more than last week in groceries but I got a few things I didn't have on the original list (like canned fruit) but I did manage to save about $5.00.  I also liked the fact it took me just an hour to do the shopping.

I talked with Liz this morning after she had breakfast with some friends.  We going to go over some things with the computer and some of the bills but we are both busy this afternoon.  Actually today was much better than yesterday morning because she was getting on my nerves yesterday after she was trying to tell me that her friend Andrea got taken from illegitimate "Mystery Shopper".  I understood what she was doing but I was telling her there are more reputible Mystery shopper sites because Mama Roberta does them all the time.  I actually told the story to Mama as well.  Shouldn't have but I won't say anything.  ANyway getting back to the interaction later in the day Liz and I talked about stuff and she in a way apologized for being overbearing if she was.  So everything is back in alignment again.

I have some good news.  When Mama Roberta came to pick me up she was able to see the babies.  They were sitting at the top of the store before they took off for the bedroom.  This is the first time she actually got to see Tiger for any length of time.    We had to laugh when they took off for upstairs.

The fashion show at Carriage Green went very well except for the fact that several girls didn't come as promised and two of the girls didn't do a damn thing.  i made sure Telka knew.  The residents had fun and we will be doing it again if the club is still in existence then.  WE were home by 3 (we took 2 of the girls to Target for a project they were doing).


The rest of the afternoon and evening I am just relaxing.  I had a late lunch of grilled cheese and fruit cup.  Around 6 I will have a hamburger with cheese.  I would like to get some letters written that are way over due.