Allentown Day 1

 

 

 

My trip down yesterday was nice.  I made a few stops before reaching the highway.  Gillion called me while I was at the bank and comparing routes and traffic levels.    I got on with little to no problem.  I stopped in Fairfield as traffic began to get heavier but was still moving.   A deer was visible in the middle of the day.  I appreciated that the deer remained safely away from the traffic.

I do not recall the exact time I arrived at Governor Cuomo's bridge, but the ride proceeded at a steady pace despite occasional periods when the speed seemed inconsistent. 

It was around lunchtime that I stopped for rest break in Pompton Lake.  I had lunch at a Wendy’s and another check in call from Gillion.  It made me feel good.  It was shortly after that I checked in with Laura in Old Saybrook.  She told me about the state dinner party she went to and how much she enjoyed it.

Approximately 86 miles remained before I arrived at my brother and sister-in-law's residence.   Although I tried to be patient, my impatience grew.   Near the end of the drive there seemed to be construction and probably school and early weekend traffic 

Just as I got into Allentown, Jim Called me and to see how it was going.  I told him I was 10 minutes away and I probably was less than that. 

When I arrived, Janis greeted me with a hug and laughter. Jim then came down on his new stairlift.   They love it.  I tried, but it failed.

We spent time catching up, and then around 4 we headed to Costco to get some things for the weekend (meals) and some clothes for Jim, and I got a new belt.  So that Jim would be nagging at me.  He was basically doing that while I chatted with his cat instead of people.

After visiting Costco, we returned home, ate some snacks, and ordered pizza.   Janis and I picked it up and then brought it home and we ate it and then dessert.  I offered to walk with Jim before it became too late, but I later withdrew my offer because I was tired.

I got ready for bed by 8 and Janis started some laundry for us.  I tried to sleep but by 10 I got back on the computer.  I was grateful that she helped me access the internet.

While Janis goes to WW Jim and I will take a walk at some point.  Then we will have breakfast. They may have some plans for us, but I’m not sure what they are or if they’ll change because a storm is expected this afternoon.

 

 

 

After talking with Jim mid-morning, we decided to get my car washed. After his online meeting, I’ll have time to shower and write, then we might go for a walk or visit a nearby museum.

The conversations we had were enjoyable.   He maintains a positive outlook on life and strives to live by it. He mentioned that he is not disappointed with me.   He’s not responsible for me.  He has said so much that I couldn’t begin to tell but it is in my brain or heart and I need to put into practice what works for me.      

 

Labor Day weekend

Well its Labor Day weekend the unofficial end of summer (the last day of summer is in three weeks).  Friday I spent it working and clearing up before I took my two week vacation.  It was a last minute decision to take it.  I hope to get stuff done while home.

I did have my phone session with Deborah. While doing it I was also trying to order food from instacart. It was not fun to do not very easy I was so frustrated I end up being frustrated by other things.

Unfortunately today was not the day to do it. This morning I had the gym. Happily though we did not have to do 57 reps of all of the exercises. The gym was having end-of-summer bash and so we did our exercises outside. Everybody wished me a happy birthday since today is my birthday ;-)

I did pretty well even outside and I got a free birthday shake. I'll be coming back later for my 12:30 session with Alex. We did pretty well. He knows I wasn't there for 3 days but I will make it up to him this week.

In between the sessions at the gym I managed to answer some of my wonderful and many birthday wishes on Facebook. I will have to do more later or tomorrow.

I had lunch from Boston Market for Sesame Sweet Chicken and vegetables. Came home and add it unfortunately I ended up with a headache at some point this afternoon because I was sleeping on pillows that I should have been. After taking some aspirin I fell asleep on the couch it went away.

I actually had a really lazy afternoon spending it on the couch watching movies between Star Wars, The Hobbit, and all the PBS shows.

With the intention of I'm going into the bedroom to do some work I let the cats in and they stayed  afternoon until dinner time. I will probably get in there sometime tomorrow.

Well I'm going to go to bed now. Get up early and go to the gym and do some stuff and get ready for the rest of the weekend. Have a great one.

A New Day and New Month

It is a whole new day and new month.  I am still thinking about the fight Liz and I had this past week but I have to decide if I keep in the past or find ways of doing things differently.  In other words look around and see what needs to change if anything.  Of course things can always be done differently.

I have been replying to more Birthday wishes and there have been a lot since I went to bed.  It’s made a difference in my mood at least.  I am making plans to meet up with Tina for lunch later this month to celebrate both of our birthdays.

I watched TV and had breakfast this morning and looked for things for the garden and house.  I think I should just go to Lowes and pick up the garden gloves and new basket.  Instead of ordering from Amazon.  Not sure if it is equitable to get from amazon.  It’s the same prices.  I decided to do it Saturday.

I did manage to get the pc virus protection problem rectified.  Its working and Carl from the company helped me out very nicely…Good job Carl.  So I won’t be worried about viruses and such.

I managed to order groceries and update cat supplies.  I would later realize I forgot laundry detergent and now figured out I would have to get some.  I ordered some more coffee and saved $10.  IT should be here by Tuesday at least.

I did some straightening up In my bedroom…threw some stuff out and put the rest in the storage room (aka my old bedroom) to later organize.  I also threw stuff in dresser drawers that barely have anything in them.  I have lots more.

I hear the dryer bell going off so I am going to go answer it…;)

Done for the week

Well I can say with confidence I got a lot off my desk and delivered before I left for my very long weekend.  I don't have to worry about anything until Tuesday morning 8 pm.  Whoohoo.  I am also not the only one.  siduri* also took a long weekend and it feels like we are mirroring each other. ;)  it is really funny.  Well I find it amusing.

I got home at a decent hour and the kitties were waiting for me at the window where I left them this morning.  Sigh love it.  They ambled around while I relaxed and watched NCIS for a while and then I noticed they were playing with a big ol carpenter ant.  They eventually disapeared to the four corners of the house (the bed basically).  They did go into the cellar at one point and when I called they came up at different times but I was very impressed they listened. Now they are cuddled up at the foot of the bed leaning on each other.

I am so excited and happy to find out that hawk_soaring has decided to get a new furbaby and her name now is Penelope.  She is fairly new to this world and lives in Florida and will be coming home sometime in may or June when her Daughter and boyfriend drive down and get it for her. :)

Like I said we have carpenter ants.  I stomped on one and then notice another one on the stove.  I grabbed the Ant spray and nearly hosed down the stovetop.  As soon as it suffocated I cleaned it up and used some cleaning solution.  i was a little apprehensive about using the stove with that crap on it so when it came time to eat dinner I had a frozen meal.  Anyway, there were only two but if it gets anywarmer there may be more.

i did some laundry and still have more to put through.  I can do that tomorrow while i am getting the tire fixed at Townfair tire.  i managed to cancel the Firestone appointment for this but its just an hour later.  During that time I will be with Liz doing the final clean up of the budget and move on I hope.

Liz is going to see Lawyer Bob and see if he can get a better deal on the house insurance (I don't think so but Oh well).  While I am with her I will get my glasses repaired (They need to be straightened out).

The weather got beautiful.  it was probably 60 or 70 today.  It is supposed to be in the 40's tomorrow and raining on Friday.  Its going to be beautiful for the Easter weekend.

One Day

According to my little countdown I have just over a day until my long weekend starts.  I am really looking forward to this weekend.  The week has been good so far but I can do some stuff long put off before the holiday starts.

Work is going well.  The whole mail thing is getting resolved and there is light starting to shine on it. It was a little slow yesterday but manage to help out with the refund check mailing.   Many people are getting sick, have been sick and finally getting over their bouts with whatever is going on.  I just hope I don't get it or it will be horrible.

I had forgotten I volunteered for the DTC New Member Outreach program and I received a list from JohnM with  a list of calls and suggestion of when to best call.  So Last night from 7 to about 8 I made these phone calls.  I had to leave messages for a few and spoke to a number of people two or three were students returning to school  after the Easter break.  It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and figure when the phone banking comes along I will be a pro.  IF the people I have asked to come to the district meeting do come the house is going to be full.

We also got the convention dates for the different offices.  I may have mentioned them earlier but I don't know if I can go.  I don't know if I want to travel all the way up to Hartford during the week.

Heard from Dr. T about the proposed budget.  She also asked if we were going to stay as officers.  I am but I don't know if Roberta is or not considering she might be leaving in the summer when her house is sold.  If we don't get more members and we don't get them soon there won't be any club to be in.  That would be disappointing. 

The house looks gorgeous again.  Let's see if I can keep it cleaner a bit longer this time.  I know I have to get the laundry done before the weekend.  I actually just made dinner of veal sandwiches.  That's it sandwiches. 

The kitties were pretty funny today which is a relief because for the last few days they have been a little wacky.  They seemed skittish and any loud sound made them jump and take off like a rocket.  Tonight Sky was very cuddly and head butting along with mowing as if he was looking for something.  Tiger was upstairs until about 25 minutes ago.  Now I am not sure where they are.

This Week

This week has really gone by fast again.  My hope is to have tomorrow Friday off for the long weekend.  I am still waiting on Supervisor to approve it.  I hope he will when he gets in from a meeting.

Work has been good.  Been able to work with the epic system logging in the refund checks.  I basically keep up with things.  I haven’t heard any updates on the negotiations for the newest contract.  I am sure we will be getting some soon. 

On Tuesday I submitted the FMLA stuff to the leave coordinator.  I hope they review it and let me know when (and soon) it is approved.  They will probably email me or send me a formal response home.

The DTC caucus went well our immediate district has ten open seats bringing our number to 33 but currently have 24.  Including a woman who joined that night.  There are new rules about registering for the DTC.   The new slight is voted in at our March meeting.

Our first District Meeting is the 21^st and the general DTC is the 28^th.  We will vote the new member in at the district meeting as well.  For all intents and purposes we will be starting the next campaign season (Presidential and Representatives). 

Wednesday was a long day between work, and the health coach and the Woman’s club meeting.  Courtney gave me some exercises to do a couple of times a week and we discussed making better choices with food.

The woman’s club meeting went well.  Did get some disturbing news that a major Children’s organization w/d money from our club’s account electronically.  Both Dr. T and the treasurer is looking into it.  We don’t do things electronically and quite frankly disturbs me as we haven’t dealt with them since 2011.

We discussed The Beth-el Shelter dinner we will be doing in March, the fashion show, and of course Dr. T scheduled the Creative Writing Contest Reception for May.

We got the snow Tuesday into Wednesday.  Some areas got the snow early in the day but it started in New Haven around 10 and finished in my area by 2 or 3.  The snow stayed on the ground until late last night.  We had a snow dusting this morning.

Everyone in the family is doing well.  No major catastrophes or health problems.