Midweek Reflection

 

Dear Debra:

          It is noon on Wednesday and the sun is shining.  The USA NCIS marathon is on in the background. Tiger is sleeping beside me and Sky is under the covers on the bed.  I have a letter to a pen pal in AZ beside me and I thought since I wasn’t doing much today I would get it written. 

          I haven’t finished Monday’s entry yet and I didn’t write much yesterday.  I was kind of angry at a discussion Liz and I had Monday night.  We had gotten a call from Cheryl who just had a conversation with Lawyer guy and apparently he told her to have us make a list of things I still needed or wanted. So we did. We also talked about finances and hoped to submit to see if Lawyer would do as he promised.  We fully realize he may not.

She says I need to be a little more responsible about the finances and she seems to believe that I feel I am entitled to things.  She believed that Mom had me go to all weddings and trips.  I reminded her that just last week when we were shopping and she wanted to buy a whole lot of stuff for the condo I said no.  She acknowledged that. 

I think what angered me was the fact what she said was exactly what my late asshole grandmother said many years ago to me. (the comment about the weddings).  I probably said I don’t know or probably nothing at all but I almost wanted to tell my sister it is none of her business how or why. 

Of course I haven’t said anything more to her about it since then but she doesn’t know what arrangements we (Mom and I had).  She doesn’t know what I have done with others when she wasn’t present.   I don’t think its her business. 

She feels that if I don’t control the spending that someone would have to step in and give me a stipend or allowance.  Or I would end up losing the condo and end up in Assistant living.

I know I have said this many times in the last several months but I keep thinking she is gathering proof of my bad decisions/and actions despite the fact she is trying to help. 

 

Christian's Birthday

 

Dear Debra:

Today is my nephew Chris’s 44^th Birthday.  The only reason I actually know his age is because I used a calculator. You know I don’t usually keep track of their ages but this time I decided to.  I sent him a birthday wish but couldn’t send him an e-card.  Facebook wasn’t cooperating.

His life is quite full with his new business taking off.  He makes homemade meals (like home fresh and all those other meal delivery companies) and delivers them.  He is looking into renting out a place just to make the foods as his own kitchen is fairly small. 

He has a growing family as well.  He has his beautiful wife and four kids. That includes most recently Aiden Jason Morgan who is now six days old.  He certainly will be busy.  They sent some beautiful pictures on Christmas.

It was sunny for most of the day and according to the weather reports in the 30’s.  Sitting in the sun felt good on my neck.  It didn’t prompt me to go for a walk or to the grocery store after all

I did some cleaning in the kitchen, and the bathroom.  The living room was done yesterday and so was the bedroom

I did talk with Liz via text.  I told her about the shade in the office.  Every couple of days it has pulled away from the frame.  To me it looks like crap but I have to remember it’s made of paper. 

I had the crab bisque and a hamburger for lunch.  The rest of the day watched Nat Geo Wild and Dr. Pol.  When the animals have to be put down or end up dying somehow I end up turning it off most of the time.

 

Semi Productive

 

Dear Debra:

 

                I managed to get a few things done this afternoon.  I dropped off some pants to Good will this morning.  They were the two pairs of jeans that were 3x that Liz wanted me to try on.  She thinks some of my clothes are not good enough (too tight, too messy etc.).   I was going to send a pair my Mom owned (they were 1x) and they seem to be fitting me.  It may be a little tight but if I wear bulky sweaters it should be fine.

                After that I headed to the credit Union further down route one into Orange.  I had forgotten there was road work going on and most Saturday’s it’s a hassle to drive on Route 1.  I am happy to report it wasn’t as bad as all that getting there but I did take another route home from there.  My reason for going is that I can have cash for the plumber on Monday.  I don’t want to be caught short and I want to be prepared for whatever he may need. 

                I got the eagerly awaited Gas bill today.  Do you know of anyone who was eager to get a bill?  I wasn’t able to get online to the website but right now for me it’s not that important for me to have access.  I am setting up the files on the laptop and its already set up on the credit union account.  It’s not due until the end of next month.  I still have to update my budget for this month and start on the next one.

I just got some bad news regarding a fellow Journalwriting group member.   His name is Ray and he passed away yesterday after having Covid.  He has been vital part of the group for as long as I have been a member and he has been in a nursing home for a number of years.  The doctors tried everything.  There won’t be a service per his request.  Many of our fellow members posted something on their FB pages.  I will certainly miss him.  He was always supportive of everything I wrote.  God Bless you Ray.

I have decided that this week I will be making chili and meatloaf.  I was perusing some of the recipes earlier today and added the ingredients to the grocery list.  I may go grocery shopping later and it may have to wait.  I still have food for the rest of the weekend and I am pretty sure the budget needs to be updated. 

MY order from Chewy.com came today.  The cats should be set for litter for at least a couple of months (I still have 1 and half boxes left).  The next order is in June.   I will need to get some more wet food for them in a day or two.

Well I see the Lord of the Rings movie is on…so I am going to watch it for a while.

 

 

Another Headache

 

                                                                                                                                        December 26, 2020

 

 

Dear Debra:

                Good Morning the dawn broke little while ago and the sunrise will soon.  How long it will be out is another question.  It’s supposed to be cloudy this morning and in the 20’s.  There is also a flood warning for the shoreline and probably streets and rivers, and streams.

I have another headache again and I think this time it was the pillows and I am probably gritting my teeth too much.  Those are the only two things that come to mind about this.  I didn’t do the grinding the teeth much yesterday while at Liz and Nelson’s but earlier in the day I may have.  I can’t keep contributing it to post moving stress.

                Today will be a low-key day.  As I have mentioned a few times I will go grocery shopping, drop some stuff at Goodwill, and maybe go for a walk if it isn’t too cold other than that maybe write some thank you notes.

The cats have the right idea.   They are both sleeping.  Tiger is curled up behind my head on the couch and Sky is under the covers on the bed.

Have a great day!

Kate

 

                                                                                                                                                              

A Nice Holiday Dinner

 

                                                                                                                                        December 25, 2020

 

 

Dear Debra:

                  Hey just wanted to let you know I had a nice afternoon with Liz and Nelson and Rich.  He was very helpful in the kitchen taking care of things.  It was still raining when I got there.   We didn’t have dinner until about 2 or shortly after that.  However, I nearly scared Liz and Rich when I told thm I have had headaches for the last couple of days.  I had already taken Tylenol and was hoping it would be gone quickly and it was. 

                  Before we sat down and had dinner Jen’s Brother and SIL and little niece stopped by for a visit.  It was a short visit to be sure but it was fun nonetheless.  We had our dinner after that.   I was surprised with gifts.  Liz gave me hand warmers (those things you put into gloves to keep your hands warm), some chocolate candy and those $5 scratches off tickets.  Do I need to mention I didn’t win?

I got a beautiful handmade cutting board from Rich.  He says I can consider it a house warming gift instead of a Christmas gift and a very funny card “the three wise cats”.  J

Before I left for home Jim called Liz (he had also called me but I left my phone home).  Liz told him the baby news, and how covid is affecting daily routine up here for them and the family.   I talked with him too.  Before they hung up they discussed the situation with Lawyer Bob.  We sent letters and the next thing will be a registered Letter.  I have to wonder if she realizes I just sent the email this afternoon to these people (uh well most of them) instead of yesterday when she told me to.  So I don’t expect them to respond as quickly as she would like.  At the same I am expecting a “fuck you” from one of them.

Oh during my conversation with Jim I had learned that he heard from Kristian and Emily while he had dinner with his lady Janis and her kids (adult children).  I am not sure why he didn’t hear from James but I guess I will find out when we speak on the phone over the weekend.

I think it was nearly 5 when I got home the cats were waiting by the door for me and made it clear they were not happy that I was late with their dinner.  So I had to unload my leftovers and treats, gifts and get their dinner. 

While they ate I did a few things and got on the net.  At first I couldn’t stay connected and I was afraid there was something wrong with my system but it seems to be working now.

 I think I am going to go to bed now.  I managed to get tired.

 

Merry Christmas!

 

                                                                                                                                        December 25, 2020

 

 

Dear Debra:

 

                Good Morning and Merry Christmas!  It is nearly 7 in the morning and I have been up or awake since the normal 5:30.  The normal routine has been completed and now the cats are beside me at either end of the bed.  Tiger is on a pillow beside me and Sky is under the covers at the foot of the bed.

As it was predicted it’s raining.  It’s been raining since early yesterday evening.  It has washed away most if not all the snow from last week’s storm.  Some neighborhoods in town lost power.  Happily I am not one of them and neither is the complex.

I have been surfing the net and avoiding the one thing I haven’t looked at in what seems like days.  I haven’t gone over my budget.  I want to update it before the year ends and I start the next year.  I have a feeling once the new year starts Liz, who has made it known to me she wants to be the trustee, will want to check my budget and she will criticize the way I have been doing it.  I really don’t want to hear it or have it.

This morning besides updating and making sure bills get paid, I will be finishing some housecleaning that I started with yesterday.  I didn’t finish it because I was getting tired and fighting another headache.  I can’t complain about the house cleaning there are not that many rooms here.  It’s the Livingroom that is left.  The office is still a mess so that’s not going to be a factor just yet.

I am expected around 1 at Liz’s and it will be quiet dinner.  The menu will be Ham, and sides, and dessert and a card game and puzzles.  We are not exchanging gifts or so I have been told.  As it is Liz has spent a lot of time with me at the expense of her own holiday preparations.  She has repeatedly told me that they are not in the Christmas spirit this year.

So Christmas Eve Day was spent doing some house cleaning, TV watching, and getting a hold of the plumber.  So I set up an appointment for Monday morning at 9 am.  I will need to go to the bank over the weekend. When I spoke to Frank he did say not to use Raps plumbing and heating that they are not good. 

Liz had done a search or something for their website and sent it to me.  I had heard of them and seen their ads but didn’t really think much of it. When I called to tell her about the appointment she conceded to the President’s experience with them.  So for now that’s a good thing.  Although I just read some of the google reviews and there were only two negative/critical reviews. 

 

I also called my 2 of my three remaining aunts.  They were both short (the conversations).  Actually my call to Aunt Betty may have been a little longer.  When she starts to criticize what the Governor of CT does or says I have to roll my eyes. What he plans, or decisions he makes for our state doesn’t affect her all the way in TX.  I wasn’t able to speak to my Aunt Rosemary.  Her phone was busy. 

I had a late dinner from McDonalds.  I didn’t feel like cooking and I still had the headache.  It was a double cheeseburger, Fries and a shake.  I had spilled a little of the shake on my rug but it’s cleaned up.  The cats thought they could have my dinner. 

I went to bed early and took no time at all to fall asleep. 

Well I am going to close for now.  I Hope you and your family are having a wonderful day….

 

Christmas Recess has begun

 

                                                                                                                                      December 23, 2020

 

 

Dear Debra:

                Well the Christmas Recess has begun and I have been looking forward to it for a while.  I usually do every year as it is the break from work.  As you may remember over the years I am usually pet sitting for friends and usually splitting my time between two homes (and my own kitties).  It was tough.  When all I wanted to do is relax and be lazy or get ready for the holidays. 

Well as you know I have already said I am not doing much for the holidays because of the recent changes and of the finances.  The most decorating is the door hanger from Kristy I received and the tree from Dave and his gift and the Christmas cards I received so far.    My hope today is to get out Christmas cards to as many as I can.  I may have to find the New Year’s Eve cards I got last year and send them next week.

                You had asked me in our abridged session this week what I would be doing for the holiday and I asked Liz and she said dinner.  So like Thanksgiving it will be the four of us for a quiet dinner.  Liz and Nelson haven’t been in the Christmas spirit because of the Pandemic and quarantines.  They did get some creative ideas for gifts for the grandkids in state and shared them with them last week and it was a huge success.  I think it may have lifted their spirits a little.  We agreed that we would not be exchanging gifts this year.   Of course every time we say that either of us does give the other something. 

                The weather forecast for the Christmas holiday has called for a bad storm (mostly rain and high winds).  I have been getting weather alert updates from the cable company for the last couple of days now assuring customers they will be on top of things if something goes wrong.   I think I will need to go grocery shopping again this afternoon.  It’s going to be crazy there I am sure.

                I can’t believe it’s been over a week since we officially moved in.  It has become quite comfortable that we feel we have been here forever.   The cats are currently next to me sleeping.  Sky is under the blankets and Tiger is curled up on one side of the bed.  I have not had the urge to drive to the old place even once.   My plan is to do the office while on the recess.  I am already tired of having the door closed. 

I have to make some calls to Condo President today.  I have questions about the monthly fees like where do I send the check,  and do I pay for December?   If I miss more than three months in a row it will be messy and a Lien can be put on the condo.  I also want to check with him about having contractors submit their licenses prior to work.  When and where?

Once I get those questions answered I need to call a plumber to fix the water connection to the washing machine.  It is leaking and rusty.  I don’t want to spend $200 plus for this to be done.  I don’t know what a reasonable price is for it. 

Well I better get my day started.  Have a great one and I will check in with you again soon.

 

                                                                                                                                      Kate and the kitties

 

 

Last day of work before the recess

 

I am not sure what I was originally going to call this because it’s on the hard drive at home.  I think it was something close to this title.  So yes today is the last day of work for the next ten days.  SR sent out a cute Holiday message and many other admins and departments across the campus followed suit.  Everyone from the team responded

 

DG and I discussed what we should do when we return as there will be a huge backlog of mail.  So we plan on working together as a double team and focus getting out as much as we can without overwhelming ourselves.

 

There were a small number of people in the office today.  Many took today off in preparation for the holiday.  It was pretty quiet for most of the day.  Supervisor left after 2:30.  When I left there were only three left in the office.

 

I did scanning for the entire day.  I straightened up my desk a little but not by much before I left and ran for the door.  The sun was in setting mode and it wasn’t too cold.

 

I was planning on going grocery shopping but decided against it.  I wasn’t really sure what to expect (pandemonium probably).  Besides that the drive was a little slow at times.  I must say I still haven’t made the mistake of heading to the old house even once since I moved.

 

I stopped at the mailbox before coming into the house/condo.  It was empty.  That’s okay I can catch up on card writing.  I came in and the cats were coming out of the bedroom.  It was nearly quarter of 5 so I fed them, got some hot chocolate, and watched tv for a while.

 

I made some dinner of steak and nearly made a mess.  Too much oil to begin with and it spattered everywhere and on me.  There was still an oily smell in the kitchen so I went to put the ceiling fan on and I am use to turning it on at the source and it wouldn’t go on.  I had forgotten there was a switch for it.  I finally found it and turned it on.  I will have to check the chain to make sure it can go faster when necessary.

 

I spoke to Liz today.  She had a really hard day for herself.  She was recently diagnosed with diabetes (its in our family) and she also has Barrett’s disease.  The doctor told her she is really sick and it needs to do it.  There is a lot of factors involved here but Liz also knows it was the food she was eating.  She has to cut a lot of things out and she says it will be hard but she will do it.

 

The one highlight that probably made her day better was facetime with her newest grandbaby Aiden.  She sent me pictures of him wrapped up like an elf.  He made funny faces at her too.  He is beautiful.  I believe he will be going home tomorrow.

 

I have to make sure I get an email off to Dr. T.  I have been having problems trying to get the pictures I took of the condo to her.  I hope it works this time. 

 

Tomorrow I need to make calls and clean the condo.  I can’t believe I have been here a week already.

monday Musings

 Today was my first day back and as usual  it met with some challenges.  I couldn’t get to start scanning until 9:30.  .I kept getting invalid security credentials and before that Microsoft needed admin log in first.  When Bob came in he suggested that I reboot.  The Microsoft thing stopped but that’s when the invalid credentials and I checked my epic password was fine.  So when AC came in it worked.

I spent the day working on the scanning of daily eobs.  I had asked AC if I should also do the stuff she does (the scanning of correspondence such as attorney and bankruptcies) she said no.  She suggested I just do the eobs.  The reason I asked her this is because she will be out longer than the recess.

Aiden Jason M came into the world tonight at 7:30 at 9 lbs and 12 ozs.  I had received a text at first and later a call from LIz  letting me know he was on his way slowly and the  chance of inducement after so many hours of labor..  Mother, Father, and baby boy all doing well.

I had a great time with Liz and RIch tonight as he hung the two mirrors, looked at the night stand and said he will fix the extension/leaf of the night stand.  The kitchen table doesn’t seem to need anything and this morning I realized the end table  in the living room needed looking at.  The shades we got from CHristmas tree shop look great and the ones we put in the living room look great too.  All that needs to be done is the bedroom and the kitchen window.  Both mirrors are up and they look great.  

While they were there Debra and I had an abbreviated meeting.  We just discussed the progress of the unpacking and how family was helping.  I guess you could say I was distracted even though Liz suggested that I could go somewhere private which was the room.  I was grateful that Debra suggested the abbreviate meeting even though the two of them left shortly after we finished.

Before leaving Liz chauffeured me to the trash hut and my mailbox so that I could drop that off and pick up the mail.  Of course she drove me back too. ;)  

I got three wonderful Christmas cards, from a cousin in MA and one from my friend Chris in MN and from former neighbor SHannon the entrepreneur.  None from Dave that I can see but I will check my files at home on the laptop.  I was hoping to get to the cards tonight but it got too late.

After I was once back in the condo I went to the store to get dinner.  I ended up getting some hot chocolate mix, creamer, sweetener, Little Debbie snack,  in addition to a container of soup.  Needless to say the soup was devoured along with all six Little Debi snacks (they were the jelly rolls).  I will have to do more grocery shopping tomorrow I think.  

Right now though I need to get to bed.

I am not feeling so good

 

I was watching the Smithsonian marathon of Mighty Trains last night.  It was very interesting but my headache was making it difficult to enjoy it.  It never went away and I still have it this morning.

I didn’t do anything for it until about five minutes before going to bed.  I am hoping the Tylenol will kick in soon.  All I had this afternoon was the steak and vegetables and a few slices of bread.  The back of my neck was hurting too.   It isn’t now.  It was the way I was sitting on the chair.

I did throw out the boxes that I broke down.    I didn’t use some of the cabinet space by the sink.  The dishes that I put in the other cabinet will move there in the next few days.

If you thought I was confused yesterday about the insurance papers I got earlier this week I got another one and it sounds like the coverage for the condo was cancelled but it was for the house.  I hope.  I never did get a call from the agent.  I just have to be sure to bring the documents to work with me tomorrow.

Cortana says its partly sunny right now.  Um I don’t see any sun.  I see clouds.  It is supposed to have snow and rain showers today.   I am not sure when it will start and I am hoping it won’t until I am in for the night.

Liz and I planned on going to Home depot and return the blinds that don’t fit and were damaged.  I know she asked me to get the president or someone here to put the only ones that seem to be okay up for me.  I don’t think they want to come in and do it because of Covid.

I am thrilled I finally got rid of a dirt spot in the Livingroom.  I used carpet cleaner first and then Resolve (I have a feeling I should have used that to begin with).  I think the spot came from the movers.

I am still emptying out boxes in the kitchen and I hope to be done with it soon.  I am still putting the rest of the dishes just anywhere for now.  I don’t want to leave things around and it’s starting to feel like it’s getting messy.

I have been getting alerts from Angie’s list regarding the plumbing problem and none of them have given prices or calls.  Well the Angie’s list rep called and gave me a price I want to discuss with Liz first.  I do have a plumber that I used back at the old house but I need to be sure I can use him per the rules of the association.

 

I have some cards to get out for the Christmas holiday however, that’s all that’s being done.  No presents for anyone-anywhere.

I better get going….

 

 

 

Today is Jennifer's Birthday

 

Today is my niece in law Jennifer’s birthday.  I am not sure what age she is but she is a wonderful person who is a loving, caring and inclusive of her step children. That would be Chris’s older children from a previous marriage. They are expecting their second child as of three days ago.  I would imagine since I haven‘t gotten a text or phone call from Liz he hasn’t arrived yet.

Yesterday was fairly quiet.  I emptied a few more boxes from the kitchen and put the dishes in any spot for now.  I just want to be able to walk around the kitchen without walking into boxes.  I also spent a lot of time watching TV.

I received some bills the car insurance payment I have been waiting on was paid or at least scheduled to be paid now.  The renter’s insurance letter and policy is confusing and I put in some calls to my insurance agent but he hasn’t returned my call. 

I don’t know if I owe more money on the house or more for the condo.  They have both my old address and the new one and it really doesn’t make sense to me.  Have I said this is frustrating?

My nephew Mike came around 4 to hook up the washing machine.  The hoses were all there under the machines.  He connected the hose to the water and discovered it was leaking and rusty.  He suggested it get done sooner than later.  Liz also suggested that he could also but the shades up and he couldn’t.  Then Liz suggested someone from the committee to do it.  I have only gotten a recommendation for a plumber.

Dave came over after that and spent about 20 minutes looking around.  He would ask where certain things were.  I showed him.  He made suggestions and I ignored them.  He also gave me a Christmas decoration and a gift.

After he left I did the laundry, and watched TV and made dinner.  I think I fell asleep around 10 and then went to bed.

Today I made some calls, emptied out more boxes and still doing it as I write ths.  I  made a late lunch and watched TV.  I have boxes to be thrown out.  I still have mail to pick up.

It’s partly cloudy and in the low 30’s.  We are supposed to get rain and snow tomorrow.  I hope it won’t be for long as Liz and I will probably return the the shades that were dent and not fitting right.

 

 

 

I am here

 

Actually that should be we are here.  After much aggravation and challenges we have finally moved in.  We left Thursday afternoon.  I moved the cats in to my sister’s house/room we would spent the next several days.  We couldn’t move in on Friday as we had hoped as the bank hadn’t finished the paperwork.   The way Cheryl explained it to me was I could move my things in but I couldn’t sleep there until Monday.

We were expecting the movers who were a huge disappointment to come on that Friday afternoon but they didn’t even though we told them to come.  They told us we didn’t confirm it.  They came on Saturday 3 hours later than the promised.  They didn’t unload the small truck until they were paid.  First it was one price and then it came out to $940 dollars.

Saturday afternoon is becoming a faded memory I was pretty exhausted and I seem to remember we did some shopping for lamp shades.  Saturday night we had Pizza I think and I went to bed early.  I hadn’t been really sleeping much because the titans were destroying the box spring covering and constantly getting into the closet where we were staying.

Sunday I had to come back to meet up with the cable set up guy because when he was here the day before he couldn’t do anything until the TV got into the condo.  He was another one who said he would be here at a certain time and didn’t get here until a few hours later.   I did some unpacking and got the bed made.  Everything with the cable is fine but the house phone didn’t work but it doesn’t matter because I broke it the other day.  I was going to move it to the front room and it fell out of my hand.

Liz and I have been trying to get blinds for the windows.  We did but they don’t fit.  The guy who cut them for us at Home Depot didn’t do a very good job.  That was on Wednesday.  We worked on it until 5:30 and it was very difficult.  We are going to do something different.  If we get custom made ones it would be too expensive

I am trying to get my new accounts set up for the utilities and having a problem.  Its frustrating.  I am sure I have at least the accounts but they are not working.

WE had our first major snow storm this week.  Milford got seven to eight inches of snow.  IF you look out my window it seems like a lot more.    It started around 6 Wednesday night and finished mid-morning Thursday.

I was hoping my nephew Rich would come by (after the storm dissipated) and hang the mirrors and fix a few things but he didn’t come.   I am also waiting for my nephew in law to come and hook up the washer and dryer.  No confirmation yet.

 

 

 

 

Almost Done

 

It is after 10 in the morning.  My sister reminded me to put the cat stuff in the car.  Most of it is in there except the litterbox, one very heavy bin of litter and maybe one unopened box.  My trunk is completely full and I still have more to put in the car I think.  I am frustrated and I am not sure how it is going to get in.    I am thinking the back seats (on the floor while the cats are in the crate on the seats.   I may have to ask Liz to take more than the lamps.  We will worry about that later.

I have to finish the bathroom (personally I think I should wait until tomorrow or Thursday morning).  I may be putting too much on for the last day.  That morning I need to strip the bed and wash the sheets and towels and bag them and have them ready to put on when I get to the condo.  I am also going to vacuum the house one last time.

If you all don’t see me after tomorrow for a couple of days I will be back by the weekend.  The internet  connection is acting  a little weird and by Thursday morning I have to disconnect the boxes.

 

 

I am finding myself.

 

Saturday I found myself not getting motivated to start the things I needed to do.  It was the rain partially and the anxiety that is saying I am going to need most of this stuff.  Whether it is to put the clothes in bags (where am I going to put them in the car when I will need to put the cats and their carriers in the car.  I will just have to do it.

I have come to the conclusion I can’t write on the fly.  I forget what I wrote from one blog to the other and it may not be written the same way or meant the same way.  I much rather write it once and past and copy.  Besides I set up writing on word documents.

It had been raining since Friday afternoon until Saturday night.  I don’t think it was the Nor Easter that they had hoped but throughout the day people had posted who had snow.  Among them was my nephew Adam and his family.  Sunday the sun was out and chilly.  This allowed Neighbor Kim to decorate our street sign for the holidays.

I don’t know if I posted it everywhere but I did hear from the lawyer Friday.  He wanted me to have the oil guy get the left oil metered so we get a credit.  He made some comments about his being behind the 8 ball on this.  He also wanted me to get it done right away.  Excuse me?  I am working.  It can be done later.   Got it done and they should be here Tuesday.

Saturday afternoon I was binge watching TV from the dramas to cooking.  I wasn’t in the mood to start much although late that night I cleaned out the upstairs bathroom and finishing late Sunday.

Liz was here around 10 on Sunday and we managed to sit and organize our day and chat.  We finished my bedroom.  The clothes in the closet are all bagged and everything was dusted and cleaned.  I will do the bed on Thursday morning and bag the sheets to put on the bed on Friday when I move in.

We worked until 1:30 2 because I was exhausted.  I hadn’t slept that well in to Sunday and thought I should be vacuuming and doing things that needed to be done.

After several failed attempts on my part Liz was able to find the buried ST. Joseph statue but now there are several holes in the front lawn.  Actually that’s not really true. We covered them up.  He is ready for his new home.

I spent the rest of the night watching various TV programs (probably the marathons on TBS).  Since I didn’t have much else to do I went to bed early listening to the Echo’s radio program on my phone.  

Today I ran some errands and made some calls before Liz came over in the afternoon.  I probably should have gone to the PO to get the in person verification for the informed delivery but I was focused on getting the label for the license and getting stuff to the goodwill. 

It looks like the a few things I was going to leave behind will be coming with me.  The desk I was unable to sell and the bookshelf in the kitchen.  I will probably need it for towels or something.

Our aim is to have the kitchen or bathroom (I think the bathroom could be done in 30 minutes) done today.  Then by Wednesday everything will be in the front room and ready to be moved out.  That will hopefully be Thursday afternoon. 

I was waiting for the mover to call to discuss in-depth of what will be needed and payment.  They will hold my stuff overnight and then take it to the condo.   We called him when Liz came

After that we spent the next several hours reorganizing the back room and put the rest of the empty boxes in the dining room.  We did the bathroom and by 4 we had enough. 

We made a list of things for me to do tonight.  I have already cleaned out the car to hold the kitty litter, food and the cat stuff. 

REality

 Yesterday I received the home owners insurance application from my insurance agent.  I signed it scanned it to be filed later. The original is being mailed back today.  I hope he wasn't expecting the rest of the pages back.  I sent a text message to Liz and told her about it. 

It was about then we talked about what day we should start packing I told her what ever day is fine.  I reiterated that when I called her about The lawyer.

I also received an email from Kerri the AR of Milford (assistant registrar).   She did confirm the district I will be in (of them) and that I need to do the voter registration.  Unfortunately I think I messed up on the registration.  I get have to call  Registrar.  That had me think they must have just gotten my change of  address.  I tried to call them it was  unsuccessful.  I did learn that I need to go to the local police station and get an address label and adhere it to the license and also cross out the info on the registration.   I hope my change of address form got to the right place by now.

I got a call from the lawyer and he wanted me to call the oil company to get it metered so we can get a credit. He said he was behind the 8 ball which made no sense to me and when i told Liz that she said Cheryl was going to do that.  She did ask me if he said anything else.  I told him no. I don't think I was terribly rude to him.  Just asked what can I do for you.  Aside from tell him to fuck himself.  He wanted it to be put on the front burner.  So I quickly made the call not really knowing what the hell I was doing luckily she knew what I needed and said it would be mailed to me by Tuesday.  Liz gave me instructions for the next time I find myself in that situation.  

She later called me back to tell Jay that when he comes or if he is coming to come on the 9th and perhaps bring enough oil for the new owners.  She also said I won't have to be there for the signing of the house.   It also looks like the cats and I will be staying at the casa de Rivera for the night before we move that Friday.

Liz told me today she still hates her new phone and that she has been diagnosed with Diabetes. She says it could be the meds but its the food she eats she acknowledged to me.  so Sunday we will begin the final packing process.

                                                                                                                                                     

Another Holiday Party

 Yesterday I had been thinking about the Holiday party the Finding friends meetup was planning and then I got an update.  The venue was moved from Stephanie’s home to Laurie’s home in Old Saybrook.  It still on the 19th but later than the Ladies Guild.  The last thing I remember seeing is they were discussing menus.  They wanted to do  a  menu of Jewish traditions and  then it went to Taco bar.  The Yankee Swap is still $25.  I suspect that is the only gift I will be giving out and maybe the group gift for the supervisor.

Work is progressing.  When I left I was just starting on the mail from Dec 2 and hopefully will get through all of it by the time I leave today.  I will need to show AC some things about sorting the eobs for scanning (I really hope DG is back next week).  There are holiday emails coming out from YM Admin.  The ugly sweater contest went virtual and I am not sure what else oh the holiday party.

I called Mama R on the way home last night they were heading out to a late lunch to one of my favorite spots.  IHOP.  Anyway we talked about the weather.  They had cold temperatures of 39 out there we had the sunshine today.  I think it was 47 when I looked at the thermostat.  We talked about the move and stuff like that then we had to hang up

When I got home I fed the cats and made my dinner and relaxed for a bit.  I did do some laundry that I will finish when I get home tonight.  I will put the suitcase together tonight as well.

I think there was a fisher cat in the neighborhood last night.  It first sounded like a bird but I saw it by the driveway in the street then it headed to the main road.  I texted everyone on the street.  I heard it one more time but no one else did.

I went to bed early as planned but I did wake up a few times and  found the wonder twins at my shoulder a few times. 😍They slept with me until about 4.  I was up at  5:30 and did the routine.  I did find the trash can on the floor again.

 

A week from today

 I thought I would do this on the fly..

Well in one week I will be either just signing for the condo or getting the key and then moving in.  Everything for the most part is all in place.  The utilities will be running I hope.   The moving company is ready and will be paid by the lawyer.    Liz is so excited for me.  I am having mixed emotions about it.  Excited, terrified, sad, worried, defensive. 

Liz ordered and received all the things I needed for the bathroom and the wood cleaning stuff.  She was worried that it would hurt my  budget.  Well I just got paid and the bills have been paid for this month and I can swing it I told her.  She did say I could do it in installments.  

This weekend I will do the closet(yeah I know I have been saying that right along but this time I mean it).  This time just put them all in bags with the hangers (like from the cleaners).  I will do some more cleaning and then put the paper shredder in the ottoman to be transported.  I am hoping it will fit.

at some point will take the cat crates down to the bathroom so that I can limit the trauma to all of us for the move.  Its been what's on my mind the most.   I will bring the excess litter down stairs when I get home tonight.   

So has the the fears of leaving stuff behind.  My hope was that all the soaps, cleaning products and food would be gone by the time I moved so all that was needed was to have to go to the store and get more (or rely on what was left behind by the previous condo owners).

Work is Work.  I am still behind in opening the mail and sorting and delivering it (actually the in person delivery isn't so bad).  DG has not returned yet  and I am both worried and annoyed.   

We found out that a coworkers mother succumbed to lung cancer this week. It was expected but its still sad.  I will need to get a card to her and her family.

Supervisor has been working from home all week.  I was hoping to get to say goodbye for two weeks but that's not going to happen.

Had the ladies guild meeting yesterday.  We discussed the upcoming holiday activity in two weeks.  Its a drive through Santa party.  We discussed the gifts for the Pastoral and office staff.  We are still trying to plan some fundraisers for the spring once the vaccine is distributed.

The weather this week has been mixed with rain and sunshine and temperatures in the 30's going into the 60's.  We are supposed to have rain in the next couple of days.  I have been amazed at the skies at night.  Dark clouds and bits of rose and pink and orange as the sun is going down.