Columbus Day 2017

Today is the day we honor Christopher Columbus and all that he has done including the discovery of AMerica.  It seems there is new evidence or issues that are coming up.  Over the weekend a statue was vandalized in New Haven and the police are investigating it.  

    I like today because traffic was light and I got here in good time.  I even got here before my supervisor and was able to put the magnetic clips I bought on his desk.  He chuckled when he saw them (the one he had prior broke) and I don’t have a poker face so he knew I got them.

    It was  quiet in the office today as I mentioned over the weekend people took off today to have a long weekend.  It’s nice.  As I expected not a lot of mail coming in and what has come in were part of the redirecting mail that I am doing and small amount from weekend.  Spent most of the morning on readdressing and then I did  work on some  refund mailing. Which if I stuck through it would have taken me an hour but as I said the weekend mail came.  Both SR and I were quite surprised to get our daily Healthlogic delivery.  We thought because of the holiday we wouldn’t get until tomorrow.  

SR was kind enough to pass out choc chip cookies for appreciation day.  It is most likely for morale around here.  It is all part of the “share something nice” campaign.  I do not say no to cookies.  As the case yesterday.  The second package of the sugar cookies I bought was put in the kitchen near my office with a big sign says “help yourself”.  Happily people have obliged.  

I spoke to the insurance adjuster and he says we will need to do a couple of things.  Well I will.  First call the DMV to confirm the time frame of the official title delivery  (what is in my possession is now  a copy of the request/confirmation).  If it does take the amount we need to contact the Sovereign bank for confirmation document of payment of loan.  I don’t have anything in my possession (that I know off) that indicates it is paid off (i just know it is) and the reason I don’t have it is I tossed it years ago.  The Adjuster seemed like he was reassuring me he was working with me and that he understood and that the state could be the roadblock.  I really don’t want to have to go to the DMV to pick it up.  NOr do I want or should have to contact Sovereign.  

I was going to stop at the post office on the way home but because traffic was a little slow I decided to just go home.  It nearly five when I got home.   Sky greeted me and I was so impressed that Tiger came when i called.  So I gave them kibble since it was empty.  They ate some and headed down to the cellar.  While they did that i had some steak and channel surfed.  

I have some things to do before the night gets to late.  EMpty dishwasher and do laundry.  I don’t want to leave it til the end of the week (hanging clothes and such)

A Gloomy Sunday

I woke up to a headache today.  I think I was on the pillow that causes that I must be allergic to (sleeping directly on it without the pillow case). I took some Tylenol with coffee so I am hoping it will go away.  Either that I will be making jaunt to the bathroom soon.

It looks like we will be getting the effects of Tropical Storm Nate for the next couple of days.  It’s a good thing I wasn’t planning on going out and attempting the weeding today.  It’s been obviously windy but not gale force.  It was in the mid 70’s according to the thermostat on the fan in the window.  I will be surprised if it gets any worse.  At least I can test the car’s ability in the rain.  I stand corrected it’s raining now.  It smells nice.

I showed Liz the documents (via text) I got from the DMV yesterday and she said it does say Title but it’s not like the one she remembers.  She recommended I show it to the adjuster and I told her I already did (at least I hope it went).  I am relieved it came when it did I was thinking it would take longer.  I have a nagging feeling that it still will be December before I see the insurance check.

We are in the final hour of the 22 hour slow cook Roast beef.  I really hope I didn’t dry it out.  Now I understand the looks and questions I got when I told my friends I was cooking it for 22 hours.  In the past I never understood why people would cook Turkey’s or main meals like that for so long.  I think that’s the impatience in me.  I have to admit I am getting a little excited knowing I can cook this stuff.  If I apply myself.  I know it sounds a little odd but Mom did a lot of the cooking until she got sick.  I did make a few meals over the years but she was not sure of my abilities.  I think at least I hope she is looking down and is proud of what I have been able to do.  Oh God I am starting to cry here.

I am doing laundry as I write this.  I didn’t have much to do this weekend as far as that goes.  I did find the other dresses I was looking for.  They were hanging inside the door to the small pantry closet.   I am going to have to put them away I think.

I may have to break down and sign up with Dia.com.  Many of my clothes I don’t wear often and in all likelihood don’t fit.  I am just not excited about answering the questions they have to figure out what I need and want.

The kitties are being themselves.  Sky is on the top of the sofa cushion above my head sleeping and Tiger is being vocal.  I did hold her for a mere 30 seconds and now she is sitting on the stairs. 

I talked with Jim this morning.  He was just getting his day started.  We talked about cooking and the roast beef.  The last one he cooked (if you saw his kitchen you would ask how) he ruined.   If he ever knew I wrote that I would probably be on his shit list.

I may have to take off earlier than normal for bingo.  I need to go to the post office and drop some letters to Carol and Claudia off (they are pen pals).  I also have to stop at Dr. T’s house here in town to drop off some bank statements Dr V needs to bring down with him next week.

Well that’s the news for now.  I am going to get ready for the debut of my roast beef.  Watch for it on FB…

Might be getting the car

Friday Night I went to My Sister’s and picked up my BIL and we headed to a Honda in town and we looked at a 2014 CVR and a 2014 Civic.  I have a feeling I am going with the 2014 Civic.  It has 16,000 miles a decent warranty, blue tooth, power lock-actually I will get the all the specs and whatever when I see them again.  The CVR I fell in to (literally).  I liked the dashboard in the civic.  

It must be karma because I found the key to the 2014 Honda civic in my pocketbook yesterday morning.  I had to call them and let them know what time I was coming in and told them about the key.   I put a security deposit on the Blue Honda.  I am going to see what night Nelson is available (actually waiting to hear back from Liz).  They did suggest I call Lawyer Bob about the accident.

  Heard from the insurance company Friday and they are giving me a good Price $3.5k for it..  He says he will send it to my email (haven’t gotten it yet) but it was a detailed phone message. I also got the primary info letter from the first adjustor.

I took everything out of the rogue.  Got rid of the old repair bills and old insurance cards and old maps and directions that got wet.  I still have the bin to clean out.  I will put it all in the other car next week.

Things between Liz and me are getting better.  She doesn’t want to talk about how much I hurt her but she says whatever the choices I make are not her business.  I told her I would fix it.  You will probably say “why should you fix it anything?” that “your sister is too much in your business” and you are probably right (because I am thinking the same thing) but I don’t like hurting people.  We both were wrong.

The laptop must have done some updates because I had a blank screen all night.  I rebooted it a couple of times and now I can get into the mail program and link from the mail program…I really don’t know what I am talking about but whatever it’s working again.

The kitties are ambling around here this morning.  Sky slept on top of my legs half way through the night (I thought it was the blankets that were bunching up around there).  I thought it was Tiger.  I guess he was getting tired of me rolling over on him or whatever.  I also think they want to get back into the storage room (my old bedroom/computer room).

It is a little humid right now at this time of day I think its 7o degrees out and cloudy and foggy too.  We are supposed to get remnants of Hurricane Jose sometime in the next few days.  There are two more in the Atlantic as well. I am not fully paying attention to those as they seem to be far away.

Everyone that is on my time line that was in the Hurricane Irma is safe, some have power some don’t (after 8 days one wrote) and have to look forward to clean up.  It’s been a couple of days since I heard from DR. T.

I spoke with Mama R last night.  I was updating her on the car search and she was telling me a little of the adventures of the refugees from Hurricane Irma.  They had more company than they expected which included a cat.  Mama R promised to call me later today with all the details.

I am still updating files and adding them to the laptop.  I haven’t written many letters this week.  I was focusing on the car situation.  I still have to organize the files and do it slowly or I will get overwhelmed.

The plant and bake sale is today and I didn’t make anything for it and let Tammy and Suzanne know.  I need to get ready and man the tables.

Mid Week Reflection

I just returned to work yesterday from an extended holiday weekend.  I was quite busy and it felt odd to start my week after-well almost everyone else and it felt like I was intruding at first.  I say almost because I was one of many in my aisle who took the extended and much needed weekend.

Monday’s MYWC Club picnic was fun.  Seven of the girls were able to attend while we were able to get a lovely time with Janet R.  She works with an orchestra as an Oboist.  She has told me the name a few times but I can’t remember it right now.

I was very pleased to get my 13 year old car back from the shop.  Everything has been repaired and updated for $1,000 plus and I may have to start thinking of getting this one replace eventually.  The Struts had to be replaced and aligned and tires had to be also replaced among the other things.

The rest of this short week sees my Pulmonary Test tomorrow.  I have decided to take the whole day off and do some errands like paying the freaking house taxes.  I have no intention of standing online for hours tomorrow but at least get the banking part done.

I have a 4th District meeting tomorrow night and will be preparing for it tonight come hell or highwater.  I have been neglecting my secretarial duties again.  We have our local convention in a couple of weeks to decide the slates for candidates and it will be interesting to see what happens.

I am seriously considering using the Peapod grocery Delivery service that Shoprite has for their shoppers especially if I have days like the ones I had over the weekend (labored breathing hard time walking).  I am just not sure how to go about doing it.  

I have resigned myself to leave the spare bedroom open.  The kitties got into it yesterday and the only thing they mussed up was the bed blanket.  I have a hard time trying to keep it closed and all they do there right now is lie around sleep or explore or see if they can get out of the window like last week..  

My Car is in the shop

As you may remember I took the last part of  last week off for the holiday and I had dropped off my car Wednesday night expecting it to be finished by Thursday and returned.  Well that didn’t happen.  There is more than oil change needed for the car.  THey told me what needs to be done including alignment.  It is going to cost 2 grand.  Something my sister thinks is too much when she called me to find out what happened.  Nelson either called her or LIz  called to check in. (THat was Thursday night).  So I Have been without a car of my own or relying on Mama Roberta, and Papa Mike. for a few trips..

Thursday night Milford had a fantastic fireworks display and music.  The food truck lines were a little chaotic so we went to subway for our dinner.  THe crowds were huge.  When I talked with Chairman Phil a couple of days later he told me he saw me but I didn’t see him   He did say that many of the DTC were there..  I only saw VC Charlie and his wife.  We managed to get home by 10.  

Friday night was West Haven’s Fireworks show and of course The Phelan picnic.  I had gotten the annual last minute invite Thursday afternoon..  Mama Roberta and Papa Mike came along too.   I was having issues with breathing and walking.   I did take a rest before the show.   I am not sure what it is,  I am still going to the pulmonary doctor/test on Thursday.  Roberta offered to take me to the hospital but I turned it down.

I found out that night the Santore party was postponed to Sunday.  Right after I called Nephew Rich to arrange a ride to Sis’s house.  I called him back that night and let him know..  I found out from Liz via text/phone conversation about the car.  I did see the message finally on FB.

Saturday was incredibly lazy.  i slept for most of the day.  I ordered pizza for dinner and continued to watch TV or sleep.  I did hear from Brother Jim.  He was in Atlanta at the same conference as Liz.  He let me know he ran into her.  Later that night Liz contacted me and told me the samething.  It apparently went okay.

Sunday I called my BIL around 8.  I wish I hadn’t.  He didn’t sleep well overnight and wasn’t feeling well.  He was going to sleep some more and then let me know if he was going to go.  He called back again around 11 and said he was not going and he would try and get someone to come get me.  I told him how I was feeling also and we decided that we would just stay home.  The rest of the day I did odds and ends and slept too.  I tried to finish the pizza but ended up throwing it out.

The kitties did pretty well with the fireworks and the noise for the weekend.  at least I think they did.  I left the TV on for them to get the noise muted.  They did shock me a couple of times this week.  Tiger got into the spare room and managed to get outside.  She did it through the window with the AC and I believe she pushed the slider thing over.  SKy walked out the front door when I was putting the garbage can away.  He didn’t get very far and I picked him up and took him back in..  He tried one other time.

I finally cleaned out the litter boxes even though it took some effort.  Especially after they used some of the litter as soccer balls and made a huge mess in the bathroom.  They almost did the same thing downstairs.

Today I have the Woman’s club picnic at 3 and so I have to bring a green salad.  I still have to get some additional salad fixings.  I am not going swimming though.

Dear Friends

January 25, 2014



Dear Friends:

    Its just before 8:30 and I am the only one up right now.  I have been awake since 5:30 but I decided I would doze for a bit and finally got up by 8.  I just posted yesterday’s entry and then surfed the net. 

    I am excited to see I have another letter from Mary in Victoria.  I will be writing her this afternoon.  I think I have another one from last week as well.  I will have lots to tell her I think.

    I was really glad I went to bed early last night.  I did have a little bit of aches and pains but they were more like strains mostly.  I have them a little now but I will take some Tylenol shortly.

    This morning I am going to pick up the car and then go shopping and then do other things.  The snow that is predicted for today isn’t due until this afternoon but we all know how that can change.  It is fairly cloudy now.  It’s also very windy.  Yikes.  I am told the snow won’t be a huge accumulation.

    Well I better take off…see you later.

Dear Friends

December 3, 2013

Dear Friends:

    This day didn’t start off too well.  I missed the buses.  I had to take a taxi and the guy asked me for directions with a GPS sitting to his left.  The whole thing was stressful.  The upside I got here on time.  The downside it cost me $30.  I wasn’t looking forward to telling Mom how it went.  I called her and she was just getting up.  Didn’t mention the cab ride.

I got another email from JV again the same exact wording as her previous email.  I blocked her email and it went directly into the Junk email.  I am not going to be brow-beat to answering someone when they say I am being lazy.  I told this woman from the beginning I would do email.  I am an infrequent emailer as you also know.  To me pen paling is supposed to be a fun thing to do not having to sweat it out.

Heard from the mechanic.  They replaced battery and noticed an oil leak but not sure where it is coming from.  They will put dye on it and in a couple of days will check it out to see where.    No cooling fluid loss ether.  I picked it up after work.  I will have to call tomorrow to schedule a time to put the dye in so they can follow it a few days.

Well another college campus was put on lockdown today.  This time it was University of New Haven in West Haven CT.  Afternoon Classes were cancelled while the man was taken into custody after getting out of a car at a Shoprite Parking lot on Campbell Avenue with a rifle  This incident  is the third one in a month.  The first one (and this I didn’t know) was Central Connecticut State University back in Early November.  The other one was early last week at Yale University.  Investigators are still investigating that incident.  I am told they know who the caller was who made the phone call that shut down the Yale campus for hours on Monday. When I left for the bus tonight  I was certain I didn’t want to take the bus that goes right through the area so I I took  the J-Bus and it meant more walking but I got to the garage.

I heard from Nancy today via Facebook.  She was reminding me about this weekend.  I asked her if her husband Patrick knew or caught on and he knows they are doing something but nothing about the mode or who they are seeing (his son).  They will be back late Monday night so I will go straight there from work and walk and feed the critters.

I talked with Liz today.  She is getting better but not completely there yet.  I told her about the wrist (it seems fine for now-thank goodness for Tylenol) and the right knee that’s still giving me a hard time when I have to lift it up high.  I promised I would call the doctor if these continued any discomfort but I really don’t want to.

Since I have been home I have been watching TV and doing a little surfing.  I told Mom I wasn’t hungry and as of this writing I am still not.  That Ruben sandwich was heavy and delicious.  I am hoping with all the water I drank it won’t affect me negatively (then again that could explain my legs today).

I am going to crash for now.  I will watch some more TV and then head to bed.

Have a great night.

Dear Friends

October 16, 2013

Dear Friends:

Oy Vey.  It was a long day.  I slept through my alarm and ended up sleeping until 6:30.  I woke up with a headache as well.  I rushed around getting ready but at the same time did get online   I start to feel guilty when that happens because as a result of that i end  up getting into traffic.  I was a little late.  

I was rewarded with lots of lockbox about 45 minutes into the hour.  It kept me busy for the entire morning and most of the day even though I worked on the Post office mail.  That would usually be light but because of the holiday it may have shifted.  

I talked with Mom bright and early this morning.  She was okay but wasn’t up long.  We made plans for me to drive her to her bridges meeting.  Actually she would drive us there and I would drive the car home.

I was pretty anxious to get home.  I was getting tired and it looked as though the sky was going to open up and pour.  Maybe not that dark but I ended up putting my headlights on.  I really should have left them off.

i got home and relaxed until Mom got home.  I was watching NCIS it was the last few episodes of Season six.  Where we were introduced to the LA Ops division and the beginning of the team break up for the second time.

When Mom got home she gathered her stuff and we took off.   She drove us to where the meeting was and we talked.  She approached the “really want you to start looking over the bills along with your sister and Brother”.  Not so they can look over your shoulder.  I knew this discussion was going to upset me.  We discussed about the symptoms she has been experiencing and she was going back to the “paying bills that if and when the time comes her pension will also be gone.    I got weepy.  I asked her questions about “the time”.   We still don’t know but she is preparing.  We got to the meeting place switched places and said goodbye and I headed home.

 

When it got darker I put the garbage cans out front and noticed my rear lights just barely on.  I checked the lights and turned them off and  I tried to turn it on (the engine) and no go.  I called Neighbor Don and he put the charge on and gave me a few pointers and said he would be back out around 9 to check on it.

After a while Mom came home and I told her that Jim called back again but that he went out (apparently he doesn’t have call waiting or inbox for messages).  She got into her pajamas and we chatted about stuff and she is now writing up something for Bridges.

When I jim on the phone earlier today told him about EMily’s email getting hacked. I told him I was writing them again this week..  He was pleased with that.  

Well now that the car is all better for the night (and until I get it winterized ) and Mom is busy with her Bridges work i think I am going to bed.   I need to get to bed early and start tomorrow at a decent time.

Have a great one.

I wasn't sure

I wasn’t sure I was going to have a great day.  When I left here this morning I realized I left my sunglasses out on the counter.  I just didn’t want to go back and get them.  They were the new clip-on.  As I was driving on the highway a couple of cars cut me off (without signaling).

Work went okay.  I had lots to do and got most of it done.  I have a few things to finish tomorrow.  I worked until 6 tonight and made some headway on stuff.  I do have to say I had way too much sugar intake then I should have.

I picked up my metro gel from the pharmacist after work.  They haven’t heard from Dr. B yet.  My mind went to a place I shouldn’t have gone.  What if she is no longer at the Arthritis and Osteoporosis clinic like Dr. Martin disappeared?  I didn’t get any indication that he was leaving. I will call them tomorrow and urge them to call.

It was quarter of seven when I got home.  Mom was in the back waiting for me our sandwich fixings were on the stove.  We were having roast beef sandwiches.  Mom called me earlier today giving me a choice between that and pork chops.  We probably will have it tomorrow.

Since dinner I have been relaxing by watching TV and reading emails.  I need to clear out some more emails from my inbox. It looks like I have a board meeting on Sunday.  The weekend should prove to be a semi busy one again.

Mom has to be in Hartford tomorrow for State Board meeting again.  She had a breakfast this morning up there and enjoyed it very much.  The rest of her day was quiet I guess.

More equipment arrived for the Pump station project.  I was glad I was able to get off the street before they drove it in.  You can see it as you drive up and see the other end of it from our back window.  I am not exactly sure what else they did today but maybe one day I will.

I am starting to get tired and a little headache so I am going to say good night.

In a real fog

It is really cold and very foggy today and according to the weather page its supposed to get even more foggy.  I told Mom this and she is deciding whether or not we really need anything at the store.  She isn’t feeling again either. 

I had a great time at the party last despite the fact we got into political discussions.  I somehow seem to start them and then try to get out of them not just for my benefit but for those who get equally impassioned about them as well. 

There was a lot of food so much so that the cake Mom made was not touched.  There were all sorts of appetizers, salads, lasagna, kielbasa, and desserts galore. 

Unfortunately one of John and Telka’s friends had a health issue and was taken to the hospital.  I couldn’t tell you what it was but in simple terms it may have been a blood pressure drop.  I would call Telka and find out how they were doing but she is in the middle of preparing for the students mid-terms.

When I got home Mom was already in bed and that was early for her.  The earliest I have seen her go is 9 but she usually had to be some where the next day very early.  Today she is not completely feeling better.  She said her back is hurting her and her short answers although not constant are intermixed with regular conversations.

I was checking emails before going off to bed and I found one from Jeanette V and she wasn’t able to open the email attachment I sent her so I had to cut and past to the email and send it that way.  I hope she got it.

I slept until 7:30 this morning and when I got up I spent time online and watching some TV.  I also explained to Mom that her cake was not eaten and the reason for it.  This afternoon she was glad they didn’t eat it because now we can use it for our 4th District meeting in two weeks.

I left for the nursing home at my usual time making stops at the neighbors dropping off our newspapers.  Then I had one more stop to make.  It was to D&D for breakfast.  I ended up getting 2 extra large caffeine drinks and a BEC on a bagel. 

Bingo went very well. Despite the fact I had a little dizzy spell prior to the residents arriving.  Matthew B returned from the injured list.  He dislocated his knee in a wrestling match before the holidays.  He was incredibly helpful today and of course a joy to work with.  Did I mention that we had 15 residents playing today?  I think we also had three new players today too.

What I didn’t know was I left my lights on in the car and completely decimated the battery.  Luckily the security guards with the help of one of the picketers got my car jumped after 20 minutes.  I called the garage back and cancelled my request for help.

I talked with Liz before I realized the car was dead.  She was tired because of not getting much sleep because of the steroids they have her on.  She is in Isolation still and still needed rest. 

I was home by 12:15 and Mom was in the kitchen. I scared her half to death.  For the next several hours until Dave picked me up I spent it trying to write THIS entry and surfing the web.  I also watched a little bit of TV.

Rose and Dave picked me up some time after 4.  We headed to the mall where Dave and Rose had to go to a couple of stores before going to the movies.  I went with Rose and it was a short trip to Target.  We met back at the movie theater and went in to get tickets.

We saw Gangster Squad.  Dave paid for my ticket because I left my wallet at home.  We went through the previews, the behind the scenes of both TV and movies (We paid $8.50 for this?) and then more previews of upcoming movies that I would be interested in seeing. 

When the movie finally started it was graphic and violent.  It was fun trying to identify all the cast members.  Some were surprising and some not so much.  But I did notice at least three or four that were in TV shows I have watched.  However, I just took a look and didn’t see all of them listed on the cast list at IMDB.  I don’t know if I would see it again. 

After the movie we headed back to the house so I could pick up my wallet and then went to Plan B restaurant in the Whole Foods shopping center.  We started off with Wings seasoned with Garlic Pepper Parmesan cheese.  We each had sandwiches (Dave had his usual chicken sandwich and we had burgers.  Mine was 4 cheese burger and onion rings.  When we were done Dave drove me home and I have been watching TV and checking emails.
Now that it is almost ten I think I am going to go to bed.  I want to try and get to work early tomorrow and work on the re-address mail.

Have a great night.

Been here an hour

I have been here at work an hour already and haven’t gotten much done.  The scanner I usually use I can’t remember the password (its supposed to be my password but its not).   So I have to use Mama Joanie’s.  It certainly was easier to log on.

Funny I got up by 6 and got online and then got ready for work.  I managed to leave before 7:30 and get here by 10 of 8.  I don’t know why I find that funny.  I guess each day is different.  Depending on traffic and perception I guess.

Mom was just getting up when I was leaving.  She is planning on spending the day doing paperwork for the boards she is on and also more personal budget work as well.  She saw the doctor yesterday and she got a good report about the pancreas.  It is stable.

It is now mid morning.  I have made a few trips to the ladies room and to the vending machine to find something to wake me up.  I chose Coke and Fanta.  I have done about 14 batches so far and some have small number of pages while only one had over a 100 pages.

This past thursday the students from Sandy Hook Elementary were welcomed at their new yet temporary school from town and elementary school in Monroe Connecticut.  They also got a visit from Former Congresswoman Gabrielle  Gifford from AZ.  Well the families who lost relatives.  According to the reports she didn’t give a speech but just hugged the families.  Governor Malloy and the State legislatures will be looking to revise the current gun laws on the books.  

I have also some of the travel blogs on in the background I would like at least one day write about my Canadian trip to Niagara Falls.  I always get side tracked. Maybe one day when all the other stuff is done I will sit down and write it up.

I called Dave this morning but I had to leave a message.  I want to give him his gift from Christmas.  I didn’t have it with me the day of his party and I was rather embarrassed.  I am not sure what he is doing this weekend.

Noon time rolled around and I checked in with Mom.  She was doing board work as I expected but she didn't feel as though she was getting a lot done.  I didn’t stay on the phone long.

I also called Sis she had been housecleaning and was tired.  She also started swimming every day so that takes a lot out these days.  She also told me that a high school chum passed away a couple of days ago.  She was diagnosed a long time ago with Lupus before it was as well known today.  

Tomorrow is Baby Lucas’s Christening. Obviously we haven’t been invited and that’s okay too.  I have financial obligations that need to come first.

It is now quarter of four and I have been home an hour already.  I stopped and talked with one of my former supervisors and current friend.  We were talking a long time and we were talking about where her son lives and I made an offhand comment about safety in and around where she lives.  SHe was offended by the remark..  I apologized and left it at that.

The next 45 minutes I worked on the scanning.  i ended up scanning like 40 batches.  I cleaned up Mama Joanie’s desk and headed out the door and then too the garage and headed home..  

The ride home was uneventful.  I got home just about 2:30 and chatted with Neighbor Don and Princess Lilly.  We talked about the games they like to play and the wood cutting project ahead of him.  He also saw the damaged bumper.  He says its cosmetic.  I have yet to call the garage.

WHen I came in I found a notice from the Insurance company.  When I came upstairs with it in my hand Mom insisted I open it.  I had told her what it was.  It was exactly what I thought it was.   I get it every time I make a payment.  I have yet to get the actual cancellation notice from them anyways.

It’s after 5:30 now.  Mom had gone to the store and to church.  I had my lunch and vegged out in front of the TV and spent time on the computer.  I also called Roberta.  We talked about the email and the woman who has decided to step back from the woman’s club along with her daughter.  Teh woman claims its because of scheduling conflicts I think it was because her son was yelled at by PJ for taking pictures..  Her excuses were lame.  We also talked about club history with problem members.  
Mom is now looking up recipes and figuring out what we are having for dinner.  I am not exactly hungry as I had an open faced cheese sandwich and some cake..  

I haven’t touched my “to do list” and I have some more files to update and emails to go through but I just don’t feel like it..  Ah well that’s life.  I will try to pop in before going to bed. in a few hours.

Had a Scary Moment

I had just gotten home from feeding Junior.  It was just about 5 and I was getting dinner ready when the door bell rang.  It was the owner of the garage we take the cars to be serviced.  He explained to me that Mom’s breaks had given out while she was driving.  All of a sudden I see Mom coming down the stairs.   Not once did I think she was upstairs.  I took the opportunity to tell him that my car needs to be serviced. 

Anyway, when he left we had an opportunity to talk.  I had received a package of Silkies stockings.  I didn’t order them and I am royally pissed.  Now I have to go through the rig morrow of calling the company and canceling my membership with them. 

She also asked if I remembered Jim’s birthday.  She shamed me into calling him and so I talked with him.  He didn’t care that I didn’t get him anything (at least that’s why I am sticking with).

I was debating whether or not to do laundry tonight and I was really close to saying “not” but I see the blouse I had on today now has a spot.  I still have time before bed time to get it washed. 

AC brought her Mom in for a brief visit today.  You could see they were related.  They looked a like and she walked straight and militaristic.  They didn’t stay long. 

Yay….West River got their Phones working!!! J  I left a message on Natalie’s office.   

Okay I need to get going.  The daytime cold medicine is starting to wear off and I need to do the laundry before I take the night time stuff.

You would never Know

You would never know today was Columbus Day or a federal holiday. Traffic was pretty steady for some (mine was okay). Some banks were open. I still had my regular volume of mail. There was nearly 470 pieces of mail. The rest of the time I scanned EOB’s. I did it for about an hour in the morning and then after I finished the mail. We have been given permission to work OT for every night and possibly on Saturday. I will be taking advantage of that this week. I put in an hour tonight.




We got an update from AC regarding G today. It seems that she is having a few set backs in her legs and her back. She can’t seem to stand straight or walk as well as she was hoping. I feel terrible because I haven’t called her and I don’t know when a good time is. I don’t feel comfortable doing it from work. By the time I get home I am too tired and I don’t know if or when she is sleeping.



I met with Debra and talked about the week’s events and activities. They include my aggravations, and disappointments, and happy moments (which seem to be almost invisible lately). We will be meeting at our regularly scheduled time on Friday.



After the session I stopped at Marketa on Temple Street. It is a little market/deli and I got my dinner. A steak and cheese sub w/onions, tomato, lettuce and mayo. I also got a root beer and the whole thing came to $10.40. It was still very hot when I ate it at Headquarters. I also wore it too.



As I was walking back to my car I noticed another restaurant had closed its Doors. It was the Greek Restaurant Atlas. I have only been there maybe twice. I am gathering it was too rich for anyone to get stuff there or the service was terrible. I mentioned both restaurants on my Facebook page.



I don’t remember what time I got to Campaign Headquarters but the first thing I did was make sure I turned off my headlights. I went in and chatted with M^T for a few moments and got to eat dinner. I made phone calls until quarter of 8. I got to see the first family of Milford (Mayor Ben Blake and his always cute son Carter). They were picking up more lawn signs. It was good to see them as always.



It was nearly 8 when I got home. Mom was watching TV and already had her dinner. I told her about the OT opportunity and that I will be taking it for the entire week as well as Saturday (if it is offered).



I had to send some emails to the 4th District members and again I had problems with one of them. I sent an email to the person and hopefully it will be resolved soon. I received a response from one other person so I am expecting more later.



I heard from one of the new woman’s club members. She will go and get some supplies for the meeting. I have yet to call JWalker, Roberta, and JanetR but it is now too late and I am too tired.



Now that it is 10 I think I will try and get some sleep. I am starting to fade quickly. I was going to try and stay up long enough to watch HTLJ but I just can’t. The spirit is willing but the Body hit the sack an hour ago.



I hope your Columbus Day was a pleasant one!

Long Day today

After a restful sleep I woke up around 7. My intention (as usual) was to get up earlier but decided that I could do what ever it was I needed in the time I had.




I got ironing the clothes I was to wear for the day. I decided to wear dark clothes with the blue and black jacket. I would wear it for Bingo, the canvassing and of course the wake.



I had to send out some emails for the 4th District for today’s activities and to inform Phil that one of our members emails no longer works. I called that person a short time ago and found out it was because I sent an attachment. In the future can’t do that. I also told RLutz about Dave’s loss (they are related by marriage some how-his wife’s maiden name is Oliver).



I didn’t get to the nursing home until close to 9:30. I made my stop at DD for coffee and two orders of hash browns. They were freaking hot. I think I may have burned my esophagus. I chatted with the picket line and then went inside. The first 45 minutes I talked with Angela and Matt (the new young volunteer).



I started bingo just before 10:30. We were served communion by one of the Eucharistic Ministers from Christ the Redeemer Church. We played until 11:30. Luckily I had some volunteers helping clear the tables off so that allowed me to chat with the picket line members for a short time.



It started to rain while I was chatting with some of the picketers so I didn’t stay long. It was getting chillier as well. I decided to go to Democratic headquarters and see if I could do anything. I made some calls and ate some really” healthy food (rolls eyes). I would have been leaving at 1 pm but I couldn’t because I had a dead battery.



BryanA (a fellow DTC member) helped me out with that. He allowed me to use his AAA membership and I felt horrible but grateful at the same time. The people on the phone at the Roadside Service were very good and said they would have someone there by quarter of 2 the latest. It was way before that.



Once the guy got the car started I thanked both Bryan and the nice man and headed to the Funeral Home. There was barely any spaces. I parked across the street from the Funeral home.



A nice lady offered me her spot which I hungrily took. I saw people I recognized (Dave’s Uncle Steve), and friend of Carlene. I paid my respects to Dave’s Family and sat with his family. I was later joined by some friends Mary & Steve, Rose and of course JimK. I was there for about an hour. As I was leaving Mom had just arrived. I took the moment to re-introduce her to Mary and Steve. We chatted and then took off.



On my way home I called Ethel to see if hse needed me to come over to wait for the new “boarder”. She said no he hadn’t arrived so I didn’t have to come over.



When I arrived I had a little bit of time before Mom came home. I was hoping I wouldn’t have to see anymore woodchucks as October is the month they start their hibernation. Today would not be that day.



Since I have been home I did finally put away the summer clothes. At least I think I put them all away. This is one of those things I hate to do. I never know if I should put them away or not. I think there are many clothes that I can wear even during the winter. I have several white blouses that I plan on wearing during the fall and winter. I will just have jackets, sweaters etc over them. I also did find my fall and winter clothes but for now I have enough to wear during the week. Of course the old stand by are my jeans and tops (sweats shirts, sweaters, and blouses)



Mom and I are having beefaroni for dinner. Its quick and simple and one of my favorite meals. We usually have dinner by 6 and then start our decompression of the weekend.



I can’t believe how quickly the afternoon went by. The sun will be setting in an hour or so. We are supposed to have more rain during the night. I am glad I don’t have to go out tonight. I am hoping my friends who are traveling get home safely.



In about 45 minutes I will be turning on John Diliberto’s radio show Echoes. I have been listening to the show nearly 20 years (no it can’t be that long can it?) on the local Public Radio stations. When I do listen to other public radio stations he is on during the week. I am thinking when it is on the station I listen to it is a culmination of the weeklong shows. It is fun to listen to and it is nice to fall asleep too as well.



This week should be a really hectic week. I meet with Debra twice this week. Monday and Friday (last Friday I cancelled to take JanetN to lunch for her birthday). I have the club meeting Wednesday. I have to pick up the birthday gifts for J & A (Chris’s kids) for their combo birthday party next Sunday. Of course Sunday is also the Meet and greet.



I have told you I want to go on vacation? I might be..will tell you more next time…

Dear Debra

Dear Debra:

I had a great time yesterday being with my family watching my niece perform here at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts (JORG) at the Storrs Campus UCONN.  I never realized just how big the campus was!  It is a huge city within itself.  I guess it is not unlike Yale University.  The ride up was lovely.  The ride back was “ok”.  We got a little lost and tempers flared but it was resolved.  We had dinner at the Nathan Hale Inn and Conference center right there.  I asked the waiter who served us if it gets crazy on game nights and his response was “Oh yeah”.   The food was good.

Mom and I got home by 8 and we did our own things.  I answered emails from friends and the various email lists I belong to.  I also sent out emails to cousins who might want to know about our cousin that was killed last week.  I had one response from a cousin.  I was getting tired so I think I went to bed about 10. 

Today is the wake/funeral for the cousin and I also have to get my INR level checked.  Then I am rushing over to the wake and funeral.  It will be a long night for sure. 

I haven’t even done the minutes from the 4^th District or even Saturday’s Woman’s Club board meeting (even though there were 0only three of us).  I don’t think I will be able to work on them tonight anyway.  I have no idea what time we are getting home and if there will be a gathering after the funeral.

We had some rain this morning.  It was funny because when I left the house it was sunny.  When I looked out the window at work it was dark and ominous.  Now the skies of cleared a little but it was still raining.  Janet told me it was supposed to rain all day.  Great!  I didn’t bring my rain gear.

The second Round of mail just arrived and I haven’t finished lockbox.  I better close out and get this done.  I will chat with you later…

me

Messy Monday

Today started out with a really messy weather. By mid morning we had gotten a thunder and lightening storm but no major damage like Mardi got up in her area. The sun came out again for a short time and then by the time I left Debra’s the sky started opening up again. I thought I heard some thunder a short time ago but nothing continuous.




Today was Diva’s return. She kept mostly to herself at least that’s what I thought. I found out later she was talking often to “P” (the woman who has been doing her job these last several months). . This concerns me because if “P” over hears me.



“P” was assigned to help me with the mail. I had her do the readdress mail (the tedious stuff she called it). When I first was giving her instructions on what to do-she kept saying oh I know what to do I was a “senior Admin”. That’s great so what did she ask me if she could batch all the interoffice stuff together?



The way I wanted her to do it was. Condense all the mail going to say one particular address for pediatrics (LMP 1093) she didn’t do it that way. “Oh this is what we did in Central”. That’s great but it isn’t necessary to do it here. I don’t know how many ways to say it to people. They still do what they want.



When she realized she didn’t have to do it a certain way I finally said to her well I figured you were comfortable with what you were doing I wasn’t going to stop her.



Anyway a part of me was feeling a little vulnerable What if they feel I am not doing enough. I did most of the mail and sorted and delivered it. Tomorrow I am going to show P the steps. What if she does it better than me?



It was a long day that’s probably the reason I felt the way I did. Tomorrow she will be helping me with the actual mail. I expect a lot for Tuesday.



After work I had my session with Debra. I told her how the weekend went and about the rest of the week. Our next session is a week from Friday.



When I was done I headed out to the Anastasio’s Restaurant. Traffic was horrendous. But I did get there a little after 5:30 the restaurant is literally behind the beach club in E. Haven. I got there before Mom. There were about forty people already there. Town leaders from Hamden, East Haven, West Haven and after a short time later Congresswoman DeLauro arrived.



The owner welcomed everyone and then introduced Congresswoman DeLauro and she talked for about 20 minutes about things that are going on and what can happen if things go the opposite direction. She thanked everyone who was there including Mom.



The food was very good. It was mostly finger food but I didn’t want to over do it and I wanted to go home. So we left shortly before 7:30.



I would discover that once again I left my lights on. This time the windshield wipers would go slowly. The engine wouldn’t turn over. So Mom waited with me while I asked the owner if he jumper cables. He was kind enough to get the car going for me. When I got home I left the car running for a while to keep the battery juiced.



I spent the evening watching TV and on the computer. I even bought myself some LJ-Tokens and a virtual gift for the lovely Mardi as her birthday is tomorrow.



All in all the busy day but messy at times.