here I go again summer edition

 

I have been having a problem trying to write what has been going on with me and my world but every time I start, I get writers block. 

 

It's Saturday morning and I'm at the laundromat to avoid the noisy machine at home.   I have made some movement to find a service guy but hit the walls.  Next door Don says he has a guy and will ask. However, he Has his SC friend visiting. 

 

Things in the complex are good. The landscaping is changing, and we recently made a new protocol that all front flower beds need to be uniformed.  Same bushes or whatever they call it.  Some people are kvetching about it.  Others are not.  This will be one of many things that will probably lead to unrest coming election time this winter.

 

I don’t know if I mentioned in my long-ago missive that we have another cable provider Xfinity or whatever it’s called that came in this past spring.  I don’t know if anyone has signed up with it or not, but I do know every so often we get the ads for it or promos.

 

Bills were paid, though taxes made things a bit tight.   I was anxious about the taxes, but they were paid in time for the august deadline. 

 

I have prepared meals at home, but I have continued to choose takeout for some meals, particularly for lunch.   I am planning on doing more cooking tomorrow.

 

It's been months since I last spoke to Liz.   If I haven’t explained it was because while she was having a luncheon with her recovery people, I showed up to pick up food that she had for me.  One of her friends told me to go in.  I was wrong. I tried to explain but it didn’t fly.  Two weeks later, she sent me a message expressing how she felt.   It was also a left-handed invite to Easter celebration at my nieces.  Everything in that text was something I should have sent her earlier.  She feels I disrespect her opinions, her advice.  When she shares her opinions regarding my job, lifestyle choices, or housekeeping abilities, it feels more like a command than anything else.  I feel as though no matter what I say or do it will never be enough. 

 

I suspect she's isolating me from the family.   Yes, I realize I sound paranoid. I noticed a cousin was posting on Facebook that she was in town and I think she was staying with Liz.  I noticed the same car there for several days.   I have also been reading up or researching different forms of abuse.   According to this isolation is one of them.

 

I have had some people say I need to talk with Liz and clear the air.  Others are saying to do what I am doing (shades of world wars I & II with her in the past) and keep my sanity.

 

I will not pursue relationships with my family, including cousins, siblings, or nieces and nephews. IF they are not willing to spend time with me.  After having said that I did send an email to the cousin who was in town and just said I was sorry we didn’t get together while she was in town and the next time maybe we should meet for coffee.

 

Granted I did see the R, M, branches at the celebration of life, and Christening for Rosella.  The atmosphere with Liz was civil but that’s it.  Everyone else appears to be fine.

 

I have been keeping in touch with Big Brother, and SIL by text.  He seems to be doing okay.  I will be seeing them in September for a few days. 

 

He recently was doing a project having to do with Dad’s Birthday and his DOD.  He was way off the date (I suspect that’s his memory not working right) and was checking with us (Liz and I) Liz gave info but for some reason he couldn’t see it .  I sent him a separate text.  I didn’t want to contradict Liz.

 

A week later he sent a text and so I called him (I think he called me too) that’s when I told him what was going on.  He felt bad about that.  As I was explaining my reasons for not telling him sooner, he reminded me I can’t control how he thinks or what worries about.  My Original plan was to tell him in person when I see him in September.  Its just that these texts were coming I was concerned that he would walk into something.

 

I did talk via text with Both his daughter Em and James JR.  Awhile back there was very strong Earthquake in CA.  Em experienced it.  She was safe but it shook her up.  I just recently discovered James JR. spent the summer working with his former law firm in LA.  He wasn’t part of the recent National Guard Deployment in DC.

 

Sent a text to kris in Colorado.  Haven’t heard back from him yet either.  I will send another soon.

August 10 marked the thirteenth anniversary of Brother Bob’s passing.   As in the years Both Niece D and SIL Ethel has posted Memorials. 

Ethel is living in the Philippines.   Diane is performing in Austen’s Pride in MO.  She'll be there until the 24th.   John and Tiffany are doing well.  They became grandparents recently.  Tiffany is getting ready for school.  John is doing EMT.  They traveled and visited with family members.   Rob is working and spending time with friends.

 

Healthwise, I have been having chronic UTI.  I have a Cystoscopy next week.  I had a renal Ultrasound yesterday; there are no problems.  BP has been good.  Haven’t really Monitored it except when I go to the appointments.  The occasional swelling but other than some gastro problems.  I am trying to figure that out. 

 

I have been chatting with Mama R.  She has been dealing with Cancer.  She is currently finishing up some chemo and is supposed to have reduction surgery in early fall.  Despite the trials and tribulations of this journey she and Papa became Grandparents in early summer.

 

When I am not working or volunteering been spending time with the girls in Finding Friends Meetup.  We have our weekly meetups at Madison Beach at M&J’s Beach stand (they have everything).  We also went to the shoreline Diner.

 

We are assisting FH with her October vow renewal.  Gill has been pushing her to get things done for this.  The reception will now be held in the yard.   We even made some flowers out of book pages.

 

We are having a movie night in a couple of weeks.  It will be the Jungle Cruise with Dwayne Johnson.  It is supposed to be outside in the yard.   We will play Left Right Center.

 

I must admit the other meetup groups have been busy, but I haven’t been doing any of their activities.  Sticking with the Finding friends’ group

 

I am still volunteering at the nursing home.  Tomorrow is the day I will go in.  Sadly, some of my bingo buddies have either died or are not coming as much. 

 

Work has been normal.  Some weeks are good, and some not so much.  Guardian Angel/Gargoyle is becoming overstepping boundaries but after talking with my team leader, I have decided to be a little more open.  She was getting into things that were not her business. 

 

Negotiations for our new contract have started and we have had a few rallies and one coming up next week.  Some of the issues are already becoming crazy.  It will be interesting to say the least.

 

Well, That’s about it for now. 

 

 

It was a busy Day

I was expecting it to be busy today and I was right.  I completed the claim forms, scanned them to Lynda, and mailed them before pickup.  During that time, I also downloaded today's Health Logic.  I placed it with the other two and proceeded to organize the items. Subsequently, I scanned Sunday’s Health Logic document and continued with the tasks. I also worked on the stuff that PBC gave me Thursday.  I am hoping to have it all done by the time she arrives on Thursday.

 my session with Debra Tonight was cancelled.   Her daughter was ill, and she needed to collect her.   It has been a couple of weeks since our last meeting.  She was on vacation.    I successfully forwarded the prior entries to her.  I do want to tell her about a humorous activity. 

I found out during the meeting tonight that the session with Debra next week is going to be moved as the Installation starts at 5:30 (Mass) and then the dinner and festivities start at 6:30.   Anyway, My session will be on Monday.

Last weekend Chef Maureen and a large group of Liz’s friends celebrated Liz’s Birthday at a restaurant.  Chef Maureen took pictures and Video of all these women.  The very same women Who Liz wanted to protect their Anonymity and was so Angry with me when I showed up to her fucking luncheon at the club house.  Hypocritical Much?

I had dinner when I got home and eventually fed Sky and then got ready for the Board Meeting for the ladies Guild.  I had to bring money for the Installation Dinner for Next week.  It will be held at Father Callahan Hall at St Agnes.  Of course we are going to have it catered.   We will be putting the final touches for the said dinner.

The meeting focused mainly on the dinner and the scholarship presentations scheduled for September. It appears we need to make some changes moving forward.  Depending on how much money is available.

I couldn't find the car keys as I was leaving.  I started panicking.  Luckily Pat was there and eventually I found it in my jeans pocket deeply.  I arrived home by 9:30 p.m. and was in bed by 10 p.m.

The Coffee I bought before the meeting is keeping me up. 

I better get going..

It happened again

 

It has been ten days since my last correspondence.  Every time I wanted to write I was either too tired or busy.

Work has been satisfactory.   Getting things relatively organized.  There were a couple of times I was getting annoyed with myself when doing the health logic.  Trying to get the daily work done by trimming the documentation down to the things needed.  It happened again yesterday.  I didn’t leave there until 4:30.

Overall, the lIast ten days the students have left for the semester and Commencement activities are this weekend with Commencement ceremonies on Monday.  I don’t expect too much traffic to be early in the morning.  I thought it would be going home but not that bad either.

We learned last week that my colleague Toni lost her husband a week ago yesterday.  We got the email regarding arrangements.  It is this Thursday in East Haven.

The celebration of life for Nelson went very well.  I sat with Liz and Andrea.   Liz’s In-laws sat at the other end of the table.   We are still not buddies yet but neither do I want it right now.  The kids and friends sat at the other tables. 

I found out that my nephew Rich is moving from his condo and closer to the center of town.  The likelihood of encountering him more frequently is low, as my only interactions with him were during holidays at Liz’s residence and occasionally on Sundays.

All the kids in that family are finishing up school.  Audrey Elizabeth (Chris’s Daughter) graduated from HS.

For the past couple of weeks my three-way chat with Jim and Janis has been just with Janis.  Jim apparently didn’t have a phone until this week.  His stepdaughter Lauren (my niece) was getting him a new one. According to Janis he had a rough patch recently.  She did not delve into specifics, so I will allow him to inform me when he feels prepared.

All their kids (two legged and the fur babies) are doing well.  Emily survived the earthquake in San Diego last month.  It was significant, but she overcame it.  It was reported as 6.2 but later downgraded to 5.2.

Angel Brother’s family seems to be doing well.   All are busy.  I will check on their FB pages and find out and put it in the next entry.

Life in the Condo association is going okay.  We recently had the units power washed last week.  A reminder that we need to be a little more uniform with our front flower beds.  Apparently, some of my neighbors want to do their own thing.  As Neighbor Don and I discussed recently if you don’t like the rules find somewhere else to live. 

We had a social gathering last weekend, but I didn't feel like going.   I wasn’t feeling well.  Liz and her friend Maureen attended.  The next one is in two months.  I am not sure if I am going to attend or not.

Sadly, Neighbor Ginny passed away last week.  She is the one before Liz’s unit.  Her services are later today and tomorrow. 

The turkeys were present for a brief period last week.   It would be nice to see the deer appear, but it seems unlikely.  I have seen one chipmunk.  Don told me before he left for his trip he saw a fox in the back yard.  Liz had another coyote.

Neighbor Don returned from his ten-day trip to Nashville.  His friend from SC annoyed him again.   I think she is gone now and had some things to do by herself.  I think that’s it for his travels for now. 

The lady’s guild is wrapping up the year very soon.  We have a slate of officers that we voted on last week and the installation dinner is on June 10 at Father Callahan Hall at St. Agnes church.  We had a couple of great speakers in the last couple of months.  One was the supervisor of the community garden here in Milford.  It was very interesting.  It is insufficient for me to initiate one either.   

We have some activities during the summer that will be working with other groups in the church.  We start up in September for the year, but I know we will be having preparation meetings before then.

Things at the nursing home are okay.  I didn’t work on Mother’s Day because I was at a brunch at my Friend Faith’s home.  On Sunday, I played Pokeno while Tina worked.   I hadn’t met Tina before, but she is young and wonderful.  I will be there next Sunday for a regular Bingo session.

One of the Nurses passed away last week.   I attended her wake on Sunday after Bingo.   Her Name was Jennifer, and she had two sons.  She had been at the nursing home for as long as I had and I would see her from time to time.

The girls in my meetup are good.  All are keeping busy.  Faith and Jerry lost their aunt, and the services were held just days before Faith's Mother's Day brunch. That weekend had two brunches.   Saturday was the brunch at Goveia Vineyard.  It was a small group but still nice.  AS I mentioned Sunday was the Mother’s Day brunch.  My contributions to both were quiche and they were very good.

Now we are helping Faith and Jerry plan for their church wedding to renew their vows in September.

Well I am sure I am forgetting something again but I will think of it for my next entry.  

Quiet Day

 

Since my plans changed earlier this week; today turned out to be a semi quiet day.  Even though I went to bed at 10 last night I got up several times during the night and got on the computer and did various things.  I finally went back to sleep around 3.

I got up again for the day and did my normal Sunday morning routine.  I got online again and finished yesterday’s entry.  There are a lot of things I didn’t get done too.

I did go to bingo.  There were about ten residents.  The dining room wasn’t cleared to play bingo but apparently Church Services were not held, and neither was lunch.  Someone at one point walked in and called out Bingo.  I am pretty sure it was an employee.  I asked them not to do it.  She looked at me like I had two heads.  When I told Recreation Emily about it she said it was good I said something but maybe later look for her and tell the woman not to do that and explain why.  UH no.  I will tell them then.  After three they may be gone.  She agrees that it is rude when people do that because the residents get confused and end up clearing their card when They don’t have to.

When I got home.  I split my time between the computer, watching TV, and stuff.

Ladies Guild Auction

 Saturday night was the Ladies Guild auction at 6.  I ordered 2 trays of cookies from shop rite and I was able to pick them up earlier than needed.   

I have been told ticket sales were not as hoped.  I wasn’t sure what to expect.  If there weren't a lot of people tonight,use them at the next meeting.  Luckily there seemed to be a lot of people to me. Including this one woman who knows Mama Roberta.  

First she was late, second from the time she sat down to the time I left she bitched about one thing or another.  THere was not enough food, not enough servers, and then we talked about condos, and politics.  I even chatted with the guy next to her (not with ehr) and was telling him that I really need patience with her.  He understood I hope.  

Since the auction itself was still going on and I wasn’t bidding on anything I left at 8.  I was so glad to leave.  I had told President Pam to use the remaining cookies to the meeting in a couple of weeks.

Sunday was bingo day at the nursing home.  I was looking forward to going.  It felt like it was a long time since I was there.  Between Recreation Bob and I not being there two Sundays and the other two were my days off.  THat feeling left fast.  Recreation Bob got pissed because I gave two bags of snacks to one person.  He started slamming things around and became obnoxious. I sent a text IM to my Friend Lynn who is also a volunteer there. She agreed he was stupid.  Personally I can’t wait for him to retire which I am guessing is soon.  At least I  won’t be there for another two weeks.

Been Back to work

 I have been back to work since the 12th from my birthday vacation.  During that time Guardian Angel had  arranged my desks, and suggested with the blessings from my supervisor to do the mail in the huddle room.  Where I have more room.  Even now she thinks I should do the claims there.  I told her no.  She is still opening and getting the mail that came in buckets while I was away and it's almost done.

I also learned my first week back that Supervisor was able to hire a person and she started on Tuesday.  She has been excellent.  She learned very well.  She did some work today but had training for Epic and had the afternoon off.  

Home stuff?  Well bills are getting paid and some are still there.  Still making a list of things to get repaired or replaced once the finances are completely eradicated. My credit rating is good too.  BuTTTTT made the mistake of telling Sis that one of the credit cards is still up there.  She made no comment but I imagine what she has been thinking.  She did ask if I have a financial advisor for when I retire and will I have enough money for retirement.

Community board meetings and general meetings have been held once a month during the week. Just got our first board meeting minutes this past week. Lots going on.

Neighbor Wise we lost Larry of Unit 14 last week he had been having issues. His funeral was this week. I found out via Legacy this week too.

Unit 10 is still planning on moving this time. I found out it was in Silverbrook which is an Orange. Carol told me herself.

Been attending the Wednesday night meetups and we have only a few more weeks before we move it to the diner in Guilford.  I will need to bring a heavy jacket with me so I won’t be cold.  Laurie B the original owner of the Finding friends had a happy hour at Stone bridge and it went well there were six of us.  A part of me is wondering if there will be a powerplay for the entire group now.  Laurie has said she only wants to do things in the Milford area since she lives there and doesn’t want to go traveling.  Gillion and the girls are planning lots of other activities soon.

I haven’t been attending any other Meetup Groups but I hope to change this soon.

The DTC and the city of Milford lost another member earlier this month His name was David Casey.  He was a dear friend over the years and a fellow Woodmont resident.  Ran into some old friends from Woman’s Club too.

The DTC is in full campaign mode and spent a couple of Saturdays doing things.  We have monthly meetings at the Elks club and of course our district meeting  has been held at Headquarters.

The Ladies Guild is going well.  Some of our activities have been moved up or back (I can never tell).  We had the welcome meeting earlier this month and it was lovely. I have returned to church services as well.  Well I have been once in two weeks.  This week I wasn't feeling well.

Health is meh.  Still trying to get BP down and it has been okay.  I had my infusion last week and this week I have various other appointments.

Family is good.   Sis and BIL are over their bronchitis.  They did get to see  their newest great   grandson.  He is a cute button.  The rest of their family is good.  THe grandkids old enough to go to school are getting in that routine.

Angel Brother’s family is good.  The Play INto the Woods has been extended until after the new Year.  So that means for now Diane is still working.  I have been promoting on Facebook to my friends and family.   Nephew John and Tiffany seem to be well.  Rob? I have no idea.  Their mother is keeping busy.   

Jim and Janis are well.  He had cataract surgery and is recovering.  They have invited me to come for Thanksgiving this year.  They are in the Scheming phase of this plan so far.  So hoping to keep fingers crossed.

The cats are doing well.  Sky has been hiding or sleeping in the sofa recliner. THat notion scares me.  Tiger is doing well.

My plans changed for tonight

 As of late yesterday afternoon I was planning on attending the meetup at Hammonasset State Park and meet the newest two attendees.  Then around 10 I received an email from President Pat of the Ladies Guild reminding us there is a board meeting tonight at the church.  I had been waiting for a reminder and I had been checking the calendar on the church site but it wasn’t there.  

I should have known it wouldn’t be cancelled.  We discussed it earlier in the season about meeting during the summer this year.  In the past we didn’t meet in the summer but I think with Covid we can catch up and prepare for the upcoming year. I am seriously considering bailing on that meeting  myself.

I was supposed to update the membership list and totally forgot about it. .  I put it out of my mind and went on to other things.    This is probably the reason I don’t want to be on the membership committee  anymore because I haven’t done anything with it and it's usually someone else that is working on it.

I also got an email from DTC and the call to Volunteer for our tent at the Oyster festival this year has been made.  I have volunteered for the entire weekend.  Friday night to help set up.  Saturday all day (I hope) to set up and work the tent.  Sunday morning to help clean up.    The Oyster Festival Committee posted announcements regarding the COVID.  I wonder how people will react to it.

At first I thought I had to do bingo that day but it doesn’t look like it.  I actually still have to discuss with Natalie the schedule.  The calendar that Bob gave me is confusing.  

The vet called me this morning to check on Tiger.  They will be sending the prescription renewal but it will be tapered to once a day (yehaaa) for the next three weeks and then every other day after that.   I also let her know that Tiger seems to be eating well, drinking well, and getting up on the counter with no problems.

Oh I found poop on the rug outside my bedroom  this morning!  The one thing I have been fearing lately.  I maintain I have been cleaning out the litter box at least three   times a day.  Whoever is missing (I don’t know anymore) the target needs to stop.  I deep clean the box at least once or twice a month.  I was considering getting a larger litter box but they can deal with the one.  I don’t want to put another one in any other room.  Well Maybe I could put it in my bedroom. I really don’t want to do that but I may not have a choice.

It looks like I will have to go up to Shelton and pick up the prescription for Tiger.   Shoprite doesn’t carry it.  They are going to try CVS for me and then if not I will try chewy.com

So yeah I am not going to the meeting tonight.

Election Day 2020

 

It’s Election Day 2020.  The next four years are decided today and actually probably for the next week.  It’s been said we won’t know who wins until January.  Others are afraid that President Trump will be re-elected.  Others are hoping he will be.  There is a believe things will not change and get worse.  I personally agree.  I don’t believe he is good leader.   There is a certain way to behave in the office and he doesn’t.  I don’t think being a President is easy but he is making a mockery of the US.

So I urge any and all of you to go and make the best decision that will befit you and your lives.  Just know the facts.  Whatever choice you make will not change our relationship(s).

To those running for office here in the state and across the country good luck to you and wish you the best.  Lead us the best way you can possible.

This morning I voted at my local HS.  At times the lines seemed long but it moved quickly.  As soon as I voted I stood outside for an hour or so.  It was cold, windy and boring as all hell. I remembered a conversation I had with Chairman Phil I don’t think it will be for very long.  It wasn’t, No one else from the Democratic Party was there and the republicans were in another area.  We should have been told where to stand.  As I told Vice Chairman John it makes us look weak that no one else was there.  He feels that we didn’t get a lot of volunteers because of the virus.  Well okay I guess that’s a semi legitimate reason but it feels like every time I volunteer no one else wants to and when I don’t there are lots of people out.  Yes I know that sounds tad paranoia.  I hope the new district is different.  However, I realize I don’t know what the others are doing. 

I was glad I didn’t have to do the mail.  I would prefer to be scanning.  I have the daily stuff and the refund stuff that I have neglected and the readdress mail pile is getting back to being a lot.

I heard from Liz earlier today.  She was on her way to her infusion and she was saying it messes her up for a couple of days.  So my BIL was going to see Lawyer and get a check for the down payment for the condo and sign paper.  We still don’t know the closing dates

I asked Liz about the down payment and she explained it was to basically make sure no one comes along and makes a better offer or whatever.  So I guess I shouldn’t be giving out the address yet to anyone.

I left the office a little before 4 and was home by 4:30.  I snacked and then fed the cats make some burgers, froze the rest of them and emptied the garbage.  I fell asleep watching TV and the next thing I knew it was dark.  I got out of my clothes and into my pajamas and still trying to get warm.

I set the dishwasher going and it will need to be emptied soon I may wait until tomorrow. 

I am trying hard not to watch the election news and there are a bunch of movies that I like that are on.  NCIS won’t be on tonight.

 

 

 

 

 

Aw Nuts

I woke up this morning and got on Facebook and learned my Cousin in Vermont lost his thirteen year old fur baby Nicky.  I am not sure what breed it was but it got me to be thinking about my two.

I try to make sure that both Sky and Tiger are happy and healthy and taken care of. When I don’t see Tiger close by I go find her to make sure she isn’t getting into trouble and that she knows she is loved.  I guess you could say I smother her.  I will pet her and hold her all the while she tries to move away.  I tried to pick up her up a couple of times yesterday and wasn’t happy about it.  I just quietly say it’s okay and then when I get the feeling she is going to leap away I let her go.  She has been running from me when I go to pet her.  It’s a little disheartening to me.

I also pay attention to Sky…he is a little more receptive to my attention.  He was just lying above my head on the cushion but he took off for something to the back room to look out at the world.  Of course I held him and then he wanted to get down.

It gave me an opportunity to clean out the litterbox as one of them missed the target-again.  When I clean out the litterbox I don’t always wash it down.  It looks like I may have to.  This to me is an indication that someone is annoyed with me.

So, I went to the gym yesterday.  I had the two classes.  I did pretty well despite the fact I got hit with a 10 lb. med ball in the face (it was during the first class).  I yelled out loud scaring the hell out of A.  I can’t keep doing that.  He made me do squats instead of the many wall balls.  The second class was called a burn class. 

During the break between the classes and my session with Alex I managed to go to Goodwill and drop off a bag of clothes.  Then I went DD for breakfast.

When I got home I called the insurance agent to get the ball rolling on the request from the lawyer.  The agent understood what he wanted and called him to discuss upping coverage.  It’s to help with any rebuilding to bring house up to code.

My session with Alex went well.  We talked about the diet and class that morning.  I am re-energized to do better.  The one thing he did say to me was ask myself how this will help me to get better at my goals.  So that’s what I did when I had my lunch. 

I did manage to get some cards at the card shop.  One was a sympathy card for my colleague on the town committee and several Valentine’s cards.

The rest of the day I did some laundry and fell asleep for a while.  I didn’t make much dinner and tried to get to bed early.

 I didn’t go to sleep right away I filled out the cards and did some surfing.  I came back downstairs and turned the heat down and ended up watching TV and then falling asleep on the couch.  One of the cats fell asleep on my legs.  Not sure which one.

I fell back to sleep once I got back to the bed and woke up a few times during the night and finally got up-you guess it. 5:30.

We did our normal routine and I waited like Alex suggested for my coffee and had water first.  I shouldn’t be surprised he was right about the water helping to wake me up more than the coffee. 

I did register for two exercise classes but now I have to bail this morning.  I want to get things done before I go to my sisters. 

We did our morning routine with texts.  I want to get her stuff that she lent me for New Year’s back to her.  Two of the dresses need to be dry cleaned so I will do that on the way to her house but will have the shawl cleaned and ready. 

Well DO and I have dinner plans for tonight at 6.  The restaurant will be the Reel and Hook and they open at 12 so I will call them then.

I have some stuff to do so I better get to them….

I think I am getting sick

 At some point this weekend I started sniffling and sneezing and haven’t really stopped.  I was really hoping I didn’t get sick again.  Almost every Christmas holiday I get a sinus infection or cold.  I am not sure what set it off..  At first I thought maybe the kitty litter dusts that I smell on the titans were the cause of it but I am beginning to have my doubts.

I took some night time alka seltzer medicine and hope it would kick in soon.  I buried in my covers and Tiger sat beside me and I expected sky to join us soon after.

Sunday I didn’t do too much in the morning.  Watched TV, took care of the cats, had probably too much coffee and then showered and got ready for gym class.  It was alternating 20 reps with 10 (should have been 19)

After class I headed to my Sister’s and chatted with her until about things in general.  We made plans for me to come over around 7:30 to get any last minute preparations done for the party.  However it might be tight because I have Alex for an hour Tuesday night.

I was a little late for bingo and Mina was there.  We had managed to have 12 residents playing but no coin for the winnings.  I don’t know what happened to it.  I go back in two weeks.  Grace is sweet woman but she really taxes me at times.  I really believe there should be aids helping the residents because I know I can’t keep doing it.  I would say one number and she would hear (or not hear) something else.

I was there until 3:15.  I headed to Big Y and went shopping.  I spent about the same amount as I did the previous week at Shoprite.  I saved about $16.  It wasn’t bad.  I was finished shopping by 4 and home a short time later.

First Snow fall of the season

It started just as I got home from the pet supply store with the litter.  It was almost rain but by the time I was leaving for bingo it was coming down heavier but not enough for me to bail on the bingo session.  It was even heavier for the hour I was there.  I drove safely home.  It took me twenty minutes to get home when it would take me almost 15 minutes.   By the time I got home it slowed and now is raining.  This qualifies a dud.  I was expecting high winds and tons of snow and a snow day tomorrow.  Not going to happen-yet.   The winter weather advisory is still in effect as well as the forecast for more snow.  As my late mother was fond of saying ‘I will believe it when it happens’.

So I went to the gym for an hour and did cardio.  30 minutes on the treadmill but did elliptical until my legs got tired.  I was thinking I would do the bike but when I realized the hour was up I headed to the store to pick up some litter.  To hold us over until the next order gets here by the end of the week.  Petco has everything supersized.  I decided to get one box to split between the two litterboxes. 

When I got home I put the TV on (not much that holds my interest) so I made lunch.  Lamb shank and Brussel sprouts seasoned.  Both came out okay.  I should have left the Brussel sprouts in for another minute as some of them were still cold.

Bingo went well had the 12 regulars including 103 year old Grace.  She won a scratch off lottery ticket left over from Thanksgiving but she traded it for money.  The facility is decorated for the holidays and has the annual Christmas wreath activity is also along the main Hallways.  That’s when organizations and companies and people donate Christmas wreaths to bid on and the funds go to a local charity.

When I got home I relaxed and then fed the titans and came up to start Christmas cards.  I managed to finish one and update the list for this year.  I have a feeling I made a mistake searching and copying the document a few times. I am going to probably end up sending e-cards to those I don’t have addresses for or in the case of the new neighbors hands deliver. 

Right now the titans are either at my feet or under the bed near the heating duct.  I have the heat up to 71 I will have to turn it down before going to bed.  I have been drinking Decaf coffee to keep warm and snuggling under the blankets.

I do admit though I like weekend nights like this.  I probably will do a few more cards and then go to bed. 

Have a great one and stay safe…

Crunch time

Today I decided that I would get on the ball and really get going on both the decluttering and the Christmas season.  On Thanksgiving CM asked me how the decluttering was going and reminded me I have only a few months before we put the house on the market.  She reassured me she wasn’t giving me grief but she offered to send me text messages in the future.

I also promised A that I would take an earlier class or come in for Cardio in case the predicted storm does come in around 11 and I decide to bale on Trainer Dan again.  I had a great session with him and we talked about the foods I had.  I was technically supposed to choose between stuffing and or dessert.  Not have both.  I did tell him I feel as though I did pretty well and that I feel I may have lost some weight.  One of the things he did say to me is, if I have an opportunity to get into the gym TAKE IT.  So that’s my goal this coming week.

If the weather isn’t too bad this afternoon I will be going to do bingo.  If it does get bad I am just hesitating because I don’t want to call out at the last minute.  I may have to because I can’t be sure of anything.  The sun is out now but clearly changing as I write this.  There is winter weather advisory to last until Tuesday.  For today its rain and sleet all day…supposed to get to 34 degrees.

I got a wonderful text from my sister yesterday.  First she wanted to know if I had tried on the clothes she gave me to use for the New Year’s Eve party and the new pair of jeans.  I tried them on at that moment and showed her the pictures.   Then she thanked me for the starting the “what are we thankful discussion” at the table on Thanksgiving.  She thought it was a great idea and she also thanked me for reminding her that she was an advocate for people taking holidays by themselves.  She was concerned that my Nephew R was being anti-social and she really appreciated.  I can’t believe I actually said something useful.

I actually went to bed early last night.  Did some browsing and then went to bed.  The titans slept with me last night.  For the first time all weekend.  I am not complaining either.  They have been sleeping at the foot of the bed in the guest room.  When I finally woke up this morning Tiger had left already and Sky was trying his hardest to get me up.  I had a little headache (probably the pillows again).  

WE did our morning routine and now I need to get going.  I keep thinking I see snow flakes...

Busy Couple of weeks

 
I have been writing but never had the energy to post.  So here is a quick updates

House Hunting/decluttering: Still at a snail’s pace.  I am making arrangements this week for a friend to come and take some pieces of furniture to the dump.  That’s a big deal for me.  A part of me doesn’t want to live in a semi empty house.  The other part knows this is part of it.  As the holidays approach I may have to do a lot during recess.

I am still looking at Real Estate sites.  I even entertained the thought of mobile homes.  A few are on sale but then remembered the reason I want condos.   The same three or four condos seem to pop up.  But a new one did pop up that looks great but I realize all of them will not be available when I actually get things done.

Family:  I had a wonderful visit last week with my South Carolina Family.  Niece Jen and baby Sophie came for a weekend visit and we had dinner at Cracker Barrels with Jen’s family.  I was able to get a lot of cuddling time before it all became over stimulation. 

Sis and BIL are keeping things low key until the holidays.  They have been giving each other Bronchitis or dealing daily with life on life’s terms.    I will get to spend Thanksgiving with them later on in the week.  We will be going to Killingworth to Nelson Jr and Lisa’s for the holiday.

I heard from Big brother via text and he has been working as a “Standardized patient”.  A practice a few hospitals have been instituting recently.    I just say “Guinea Pigs”.  He is also working at WW.  He seems to be okay otherwise.

All of his kids are good. I guess.   Truth is?  I need to email them I haven’t done it in a while.   I know Kris was supposed to have surgery this month but I haven’t heard anything.  The youngest is still in Spain going to school.

The Titan (Sky and Tiger) are pretty good.  They are currently sleeping upstairs.  Tiger was roaming around and got stuck in the cellar for about 20 minutes this afternoon.  They should be down here in a couple of hours for dinner.   They have had moments of cuddling with each other and it’s cute to see.

Health:   I had a moment of concern when I went to the pulmonary doctor for my follow up appointments this month.    Everything turned out alright after a CT-Scan.   I have some annual appointments coming up as well.

I am going to the gym as much as possible. I haven’t made it today yet.  I finished the challenge earlier this month.  I managed to lose one pound.

I will not be having a session with Debra after thanksgiving.

Volunteering and Community Service:  It’s kind of quiet for activities for DTC; I missed the inauguration last week because of my date with Sophie.  Family definitely “trumps” politics.  Sadly we lost a couple of members of the DTC.  I have never heard of them or met them.



I missed most if not all of the Ladies guild activities for November.  There is a couple during December but that will be it until March of 2020.  I know I signed up to bring something in December.  Need to remember what I will bring.

I am have been really have a had a great time with the meetups I have been to recently.   If you remember earlier this month I was going up to Suffield for hike/walk with Walking with Friends Meetup.  We were walking on the Farmington Canal/ Heritage trail.  We picked it up from Phelps Road and walked all the way up past The Red Riding Hood Café (in Southwick MA) and to be honest not sure how far we went past the restaurant but it was great.  We saw an Eagle, old tobacco farms.  So my edict about not wanting to Hike outside of the state was obliterated.

The countryside around there was absolutely beautiful.  The ride also took me past the airport and a plane was taking off just as I was driving by.  It was a little scary but beautiful just the same.  I believe the Air National Guard is based there as well.    I also saw the Old Newgate Prison.  I plan on taking a trip up there sometime and explore it.

Part of the reason it was so great is I was reunited with two members I hadn’t seen in a while.  Jamie was the organizer for the Manchester walks and she was on one of the first ones I went on when I joined the group.  Then there was Larry.  I Met Larry at the Plainville Balloon Fest.  I met three new people as well.  All were very pleasant and fairly easy to talk to...

The Friend Finders Group for Women has been great.  I was able to go to a couple of the coffee talks recently and had great time.  There were new people that joined up too and one of them works at the University.

We have two wonderful activities coming up for the holidays.  A cookie Swap in about 2 weeks and we are going to a Swinging 20’s New Year’s Eve party in Middletown at a place called Conspiracy.  I have to look for a costume for it. 

All in all active yet at times there are times I

Despite the early morning wakeup call from Sky and tiger (4:30), we survived the time change.  When I did get up at 5:30 (and I was hoping too) I could see the sunlight just in the eastern sky.  It didn’t seem so dark at 7 this morning.  It actually seemed brighter.   When I got home from bingo this afternoon it was still light out (I left the nursing home later than usual) so I was right about it not getting dark exactly at 4.  Of course it was dark by 5.

Siduri and I were discussing the possibility of doing away with the time change.  I was just looking at some articles from the spring of this year.  I didn’t get far.

I never made it to the gym.  I spent most of the time before the nursing home either on the computer writing the email to Karyn in Colorado, or doing the crossword puzzles.  Did I mention they were addictive?

Around 1:15 I left for the nursing home but made a stop at dunking donuts for my first coffee of the day I think. Now that I think about that can’t be right.  I got to the nursing home a short time later.  Recreation Bob was there and we caught up with each other.  He showed me his vacation pictures to the Dominican Republic.  We then got set up for bingo but didn’t start until after 2.

We had 15 players today and only three or 4 of them won.  One of the residents won three times and the 102 year old Grace finally won a few games. Two of the male residents finally won some games too.

Bob and I were talking with Nurse Jennifer about Labor practices of the local supermarkets and eventually we were discussing personality conflicts with certain people in the DTC.  That’s one of the reasons I left so late from the nursing home.

My hope was to go and see Liz but she was out with two of her grandsons.  They were at the Bridgeport cabaret.  I don’t know what they saw but she did send me pictures.  I will move them to a folder tomorrow.

I stopped at the grocery store to pick up diner (didn’t feel like having chicken again) nor did I feel like thawing the meat I do have in the freezer.  I also got some creamer for the coffee.  I couldn’t go without it any more.

Oh Today was the NY marathon.  I asked Jim if he was going to watch it he said no.  I also asked why he didn’t run it in it and he said he wasn’t ready for that kind of race.   The last one he walked it.  Our nephew Rogier was in it.   I don’t know what his final time was.  I will tomorrow.

I had a wonderful phone call from Mama tonight.  She is still fighting a cold.  She has had it since her flight a week ago.  The main conversation was about the decluttering.  We talked about her flight home and other activities.

My hope is to go back out there in the latter half of the spring.  Let’s hope that I can.

Well I need to go to sleep.