Lost some neighbors recently

 Earlier this week I learned that two of my association neighbors passed away recently.  I discovered that Chuck who lived in #4 passed away on Friday.  He had been battling cancer for a while now.  I saw him maybe two weeks ago.  He was a nice man.  We had nice conversations.  

The other neighbor whom I didn’t see much but had a beautiful collie named Reagan, passed away near the end of September.  She had been having health issues.  I first met  Nancy back in November 2021.  A Plant was delivered to my home for her so I brought it to her.  Her Husband had just died that month. It was a nice visit.  From time to time her family would come and walk Reagan for her.  My hope is that Reagan will be going to the daughter.

Addie, who is two doors down, is going for surgery at the end of the week.  Not sure how long she will be out.  

Neighbor Don is still in NC for another week.  I haven't told him about the neighbors yet.  I am thinking of asking him to watch Sky Thanksgiving weekend.  He was waiting for a package to be delivered and it came Thursday and so I let him know it was here but still didn’t mention it.

The board meeting scheduled  for last week  was canceled and rescheduled for tomorrow at 10.

I have noticed there are spots around the house that need fixing.  Mostly painting..  I have to pull up my big girl pants and do it.  Not sure when though.  

I have been paying my bills but part of that is also keeping up with my budgets and ledgers and I haven’t been doing that.  I need to force myself to sit down and do that very soon or I am afraid that I will get myself into trouble.

New Year's Afternoon got quiet

 

Dear Debra:

It is now 2 in the afternoon.  I have Law & Order on the Bounce channel. At the sane tune I have Classical Music on the local Public Radio Station.

My early morning project of cleaning the car seats was an utter failure.  I used diluted Resolve and all it did was to clean it for a short time.  The stains were still there.  So Liz’s suggestion to use carpet cleaning and upholstery cleaning was not a good one.  I wonder if the service department can do something about at the Honda place.  I am supposed to get the car serviced this month.

I had some lunch, and snacks and trying hard to not graze or head off to the store and get a cake or sweets but it’s getting harder and harder.  I did have some more food by the time I was going to bed.

I spent the rest of the day either surfing the web or sleeping or watching TV.  I had a visit from a neighbor who was passing out Cat calendars and of course I got one.  We had a lovely visit. 

The cats got up around 3:30 and were hungry.  I put off feeding them for as long as I could.  They sounded like they were dying. For the rest of the night they were quiet and either sleeping on the couch with me or on the bed.

Now that it is 10 and I am heading to bed.  Its been raining for the last few hours now.  I didn’t hear it even start.  I was watching the Smithsonian channel’s Train shows.  I actually fell asleep myself.  I was glad that I had taken a shower before falling asleep.

I don’t know what’s up but I am a little stiff in the legs and it hurts I have taken some Tylenol and hopefully it will be okay.

I think some sleep is in order.

Good night.

 

Hoping I didn't make a promise I can't keep

 

Last night Neighbors Kim and Shea stopped by to ask about the downstairs bathroom and whether or not there was paperwork for it at the city.  I wasn’t sure (but I doubt it considering who was building it at the time).  We got around to the subject of them really wanting the house and they are prepared to make an offer.  I personally would like to see them get it and I told them I would talk to Cheryl and see what I could do but I am afraid I shouldn’t have done that.   I texted both Liz and Cheryl to let them know what had transpired but I didn’t tell them what I would like.  Cheryl said she would be here Saturday with more Mums and decorations.  Kim feels that if they are ready to make an offer that the sign shouldn’t have to go up.  That’s why I am beating myself up.  I should let Cheryl handle it and let her advise me.

I went to the DTC meeting last night.   I was 30 minutes late. It was a zoom meeting.  That’s the irony of it.   I should have been there at 7:30 and not paid attention to the time I saw on it.  There were 39 of us there.  I had contacted the chairman, and the VC prior to the meeting to update them on my email address and to let them know what was going on.  VC did respond Chairman Rich didn’t.  He barely does anyway.  I think he tends to respect privacy and honors Mom’s memory.

I came home from work with a headache I didn’t eat much yesterday and that’s a problem.  I stopped at Texas Roadhouse and picked up the dinner I should have gotten the other day but this time followed through and it worked but I didn’t use the gift card.  I tried but I need to update the budget entries.  I took some Tylenol and it went away quickly. 

After the meeting I did some sweeping and cleaning up and then went to bed.

Today I managed to a few things before going to work.  I still have a few errands to do before going home.  For example get wet cat food and groceries.   I don’t need too much but enough.

 My hope for this weekend is to work on pen pal letters that I have been neglecting.  I see I got a response from Pam in OK. 

 

 

 

Man am I beat

 

Well when we last met I discussed the past week’s activities and the plans for yesterday

I went to meet with Alex for our second to last session (Tuesday will be the final one) he tells me I still have two more weeks I can do the classes.  He will also be discussing with the gym manager about allowing me to “cash in” if you will my points that I have collected over the years and possibly get two months of free classes.  In the mean time I will attend class until the end of the month. 

I told him all the things I ate this week (well except the brownie) and why I hadn’t made it to the gym.  We discussed grocery budgets and the best foods.  He did say to have rice but not the minute rice but uncle Bens.  We discussed what would be good and just what to do with diet and the choices.

After wards I headed home.  I still had about an hour or so before Liz came over.  We talked earlier via text.  She needed to come later (and I agreed).  This gave me time to do some more laundry and straighten up a little bit more.  As I told her I was afraid it would stress and she said no.  She wasn’t going to Judge and if she didn’t like all she had to do is go home and leave it behind. 

We spent a few minutes organizing and talking about the move and stuff.  We started off in the guest room.  We have tagged stuff to be either saved or taken out.  We got rid of stuff that needed to be sent to good will or the trash.  We finished just a little after 4.

Liz was put out by the way Next door’s driveway was.  I explained in order to have that the new shack he had to measure and it came out that he owned it.  She thought he was a little rude.  I think she may have forgotten the conversation she had with him years ago.

 

 

She also didn’t like the fact the neighbors across the street park in front of my house all the time and ask why they don’t park in front of theirs.   I reminded her they can park where ever they want.  She isn’t the only one who says this to me when they come over but (this was the first time in a couple of years she has been here) I personally want to get into it with them.  They don’t live here and my sister should know better. 

She also doesn’t like the way my Cleaning lady does the cleaning.  I do but not this week.  I did end up telling Livia last week there are changes coming regarding the house.  I may have to reconsider her as my cleaning lady.

Anyway back to purging story.  We spent about an hour and half ID’ing and emptying out crap I don’t need from the guest room and the attic stairway.  Between the two of us deciding and emptying I got tired.  AT one point Liz says she was doing all the work she stopped herself.

We had at least three bags of crap for the garbage, recyclable, and good will.  She did say to me that my nephews Mike and Bryan will come and empty or take the stuff out or get a dumpster.  I had told her earlier I saw some coupons for that 1-800 Got Junk Company.  That could also be an alternative.

At the end of that we discussed what should be done next.  We will be doing this for the next several weekends and during the week.  In subsequent texts she reminded me to text my niece D and tells her I have stuff of her father’s and asked if she wants it.  Then text Jim and ask about pictures we found of his wedding to C and of the kids coming to America when they were adopted.  Some of these were in Letters to Mom. 

She also suggested that as we go along find boxes to collect again and make the sunroom the packing location.  It doesn’t have to be done right now but as we go along.

Liz seems to think we should do the attic and cellar next and the Kitchen and other rooms later.  That they will take the longest to clear out and put away eventually.  Once that’s done maybe call Cheryl and begin the search process. 

She reminded me earlier when we were talking of what to keep or let go that I won’t have that much money to get things.  A part of me can’t help think even though she wants me in a safe and good place that she is expecting me to be restricted in many ways.  Of course I will be restricted but I am not comfortable with what she is expecting or hoping.

She also told me as much as Jim is being good with her about this she doesn’t really trust him.  That he has hurt her too much and really doesn’t believe he will continue to be helpful or whatever.  I was worried at how long this Détente would last.

As I was leaving for Good Will I saw next door and told him what the end results of the activities last week.  I had already told him about Lawyer man’s behavior.  He asked when do I expect to put the house up and I told him wasn’t sure but probably the holidays.  He was kind and said He was sorry to see me go.

I am holding off telling the other neighbors for now.  I am sure they were wondering what I was doing yesterday.  I am holding off because I do share way too much and as you know back pedal on decisions.

When I texted D about her father’s things I also told her that I changed my mind about moving and that it wasn’t financially feasible.  She asked me what changed my mind and so I called and left a voice mail.  I don’t remember if I told her how much debt I was in.  Afterwards I had visions of her calling Jim demanding we fight lawyer man.  I also hoped she would call me back so I could fill her in with what I told her.  I know I left out some stuff.

I heard from Mama Roberta last night.  We are still waiting on news about Dr. T and her recent tests and surgery.  I also told her of the decision to acquiesce to lawyer guy.  I will tell her more in our semiweekly check in later on Sunday.

The rest of Sunday was supposed to go to class but I am not making it but will exercise. 

I have some errands to make and then plan some grocery shopping to do.  I told Liz what my plans for budgeting and revising grocery stuff and wardrobes and stuff.

I may just relax for the day and get ready for the week ahead.

I am also very pleased that Authoress51 and I will be pen pals.  I have been following her on her blogs now for quite some time and we actually met via Zoom at the Meetup virtual Trivia games this past spring. 

Speaking of pen pals this guy sent me and a few others a pen pal request and it really was unpleasant.  Two people chastised him and demanded that he not contact them.  I put in my two cents and asked not to be included and I apologized to those he offended and wished them well.  For some reason one of them reposted the original email.  I just deleted it.

The weather right now is not making me move fast.  It’s overcast and expected some rain.   The temps seem cooler than in the past week.  I still have the AC on.

Still Humid

I was still feeling the humidity when the rain finally started.  The clouds may have started rolling in by 1 but it didn’t really start until 3.  It came down hard for ten minutes and it looks like its misting out.  The thunder is periodically coming through.  The rain dried up quickly.  Oops it’s raining again.

I really have mixed feelings about the WWF’s 1&2 but I was trying very hard and after every time I finished a round ads or promotions of other types of games.  It was so damn frustrating even after the suggestions Jim (brother) gave me.  OF course just did a few and did okay…was a little more tolerant of the ads.

By six hadn’t moved from the Livingroom much.  Fed the cats just a little before 5 and had to call them down.  That was a first in a long time.  Maybe they sensed my agitation early.  I was quite vocal.  They must be upstairs again.  I just checked and Tiger is under the dining room table.   Sky I have feeling is in one of two places under my bed (again) in the closet.  I left it open and he is probably sitting inside.

IT looks like SyFY channel is having a Star trek night with Wrath of khan, and Star Trek III. It starts at 8 and I will stay up for that and probably miss my Friday night Radio program.  Right now I am watching 70’s TV opening credits.  Of course I have an Entertainment Blog for all this.

It looks like the neighbors across the street have a guest for the weekend.  It’s their daughter’s boyfriend.  He lives in New Jersey.  He was going to be working as a lifeguard this summer here but things got turned around with this Pandemic and relationships.  He went home mid-June.

I heard from my sister she was sort of working in her yard before it started raining. She hasn’t gone far since the pandemic started. 

Now the movies are on so good night.

 

 

Christmas Eve Day

I had the normal routine morning but fell asleep until 8.  I watched some TV and registered for a class at ten and for an early morning one on Thursday before I see Alex.  That will be a busy day all around I think. 

I am very excited that my New Year’s Cards arrived bright and early this morning and I found them on the Front porch. I will get the list started later tonight or tomorrow.

Some people have responded to my shared memory of last year’s Christmas wish including my SIL.  I have no idea where she is having the holiday because she is at odds with my instate nephew and my NY niece who went to PR for the last week.  With all that my sister shared with me last time I saw her I am concerned she will come here and dump on me and blame me for whatever justified anger she may have with Mom.

Both E and L feel was Mom was unkind, mean to Ethel during the time they stayed with us when they first came home from Taiwan.  L accused our father of kicking the boys when they were younger.  I don’t remember ever seeing that but….This is the point where Liz says I will defend Mom to my death.  I saw things both ways.  Could have Mom been a less controlling? Yeah, I would say probably.  But when you have seven people in the house there has to be some cooperation and understanding. No matter what was going on there needed to be discussing.  Mom sometimes wouldn’t do. 

I should say I wasn’t very young at the time it was over 30 years ago when it happened and somehow I missed some of the things while still living in the house but I do remember when my brother and E moved out.  For the next couple of years their relationship with us was tense at best.

Well I can’t dwell on that right now it’s the holiday and I have to look to today’s presents. J

It was 40 degrees out and sunny for most of the day.  According to one weather reporter it would be quiet weather wise.  By early afternoon it was 44 degrees.  That is a big difference from 4 years ago (another memory popped up on fb) where it was 68 degrees out on Christmas Eve Day.



I went to the exercise class and it was all Christmas themed exercises (one was in the tune of 12 days of Christmas).  I am not quite sure what the second 20 minute workout was.  I did leave a few minutes before class ended because I needed to move along and I was hungry.

The first place I stopped was at Chipotle’s for their latest Salad.  Second place was Wal*Mart.  I managed to pick up three gift cards put $25 on them each and got a pair of stockings for the New Year’s Eve costume.  The third and 4^th/final stop was to the card shop and grocery store.  I got the cards and bags I needed and my coffee creamer and milk and a couple of extra things I didn’t really need.

I was home by 12:30 and grateful.  It was a little crazy out there but I survived.  AT one point I remembered I was going to give cards to all my neighbors but I have decided to do the New Year’s card instead.

I put some of the gifts together before taking a nap.  Unfortunately, I never did fall asleep.  Instead I was answering a question on one of the blogs.  I also got some info from next door about the subject of animal safety.  I finished my research and then got started getting ready the evening.

My neighbors across the street sent me a coffee cake for the holidays. J  I am going to bring it with me tonight or tomorrow I think.    

I am going to say good night and have a great night.

The Neighborhood Tag Sale

The neighborhood tag sale was today and I regret not getting stuff out and following through like I should have.  I did manage to visit with the neighbors and ran into my niece Jess's family.  We were chatting over at Neighbor Kim's. 

I did get a chance to talk with Neighbor D'Arcy's parents today and shared the news with Them about the decision to put the house on the market.  We talked about it and she totally understood. 

As a result of my traveling barefoot around the neighborhood i have a huge bruise on the baby toe on my right foot.  It probably didn't start to hurt me until I had sneakers on at the gym and when i came home.  Tried to put the ice pak on it (useless).

Because the wifi didn't come back on by this morning I got distracted.  I called the place a few times today and not until this afternoon did it get resolved by me unplugging the box and resetting it.  Something that both Neighbor Chris recommended and one other person.    So since it started again been trying to catch up.

This morning I ended up splitting my time watching TV and shredding papers from the last five years.  It included more greeting cards, follow up medical reports, insurance bills for the car at that point.  As I told Liz when I spoke with her this morning I can see the old bed.  Still have more to do and that will have to be tomorrow.

I had totally forgotten the fact I was supposed to meet JoanS at fowler field to pick up my t-shirt for tomorrow's walk.  I sent her an apology and asked if I could pick it up earlier this afternoon.  She came to the house instead.  I told her the events of the day (including the fact apparently everyone lost service in Optimum).

 I just discovered an article posted last night explaining the issue.  I have to agree their customer service sucked royally in the three or 4 times I called them but NO ONE had the Fucking Right to call 911 to complain.  The Better Business Bureau would be a better place.  How goddamned stupid is that??  That angers me because not having  internet, or TV is not emergency,  The landline would be an issue but most if not all have cell phones.  Many people on Twitterverse asked for a credit.  Or better yet a choice for cable provider.  We have four.  Dish, Frontier, DirectTV, and in some part Comcast

So I mentioned I talked with Sis this morning.  We commiserate a little more regarding not having the internet and TV.  From there we talked about other things including the death of her first love.  His name was Cory  I remember him.  I also remember that my neighbor Beth had a huge crush on him (10 year age difference).  I told Beth about it via IM while at the gym.  Anyway it was a tumultuous time for our family at that time too.

Liz had to run some errands and I needed and wanted to get back to some more shredding until I decided to relax before heading to the gym.

Today was more of a strategy session for the challenge that starts in just about ten days.  We also discussed this past week's lacking attendance to the gym.  He wasn't pleased but he did say he will try to text me to get me motivated or remind me to get to the gym daily in the days ahead.  Oh I managed to gain 7/10's of lbs.  He would like to see me at 200 by the end of the challenge. 

I told him I was trying really hard on the diet part but we agreed that exercise is part of it.  So I spent nearly an hour trying to get my steps up to 8000.  I didn;t reach that goal until I was home.  I did talk to him while he was working out as well.  I have already scheduled classes for Monday and Tuesday mid mornings. Of course the regular class at night Monday.

In the late afternoon I cooked a small pork roast.  I seasoned it, and cooked it for 40 minutes.  An hour after I finished the entire pork roast.  It was that good.  You can see the dilemma right?

I have also had the string cheese, yogurt, and fruit.  Lots of coffee (and I am surprised I am sleepy because of it).  The kitchen is still a bit of a mess but I need to hit the sack.  I will clean it when I get home tomorrow.

The kitties are settled in for the night.  They spent most of the day under the bed in the spare room and came down around 3 (well Tige did) Sky came down closer to dinner time.  I fed them and they went their separate ways again.  Sky is at my elbow sleeping.  Tige is in the spare room or the old bedroom.

I need to get to sleep. 

Can't Believe it

My Neighbor K texted me and others this morning that their cars were broken into overnight and urged us to check our own.  As usual I didn’t see it until I got to work but by then I had spoken to Kim and checked my car and indeed it had been rummaged through.  I can’t say they broke in because the car wasn’t locked this time.  Nothing was taken from my car (they could have taken the CD’s or the crappy GPS I had).  Things that are not normally opened were opened and tossed.  

It is a shame that this has to happen.  I do feel violated but I also feel stupid especially in this day and age.  I do know that I can’t beat myself up but brings to mind that I need to keep it locked at all times and not leave anything of value in the car.

I checked in with Neighbor K and she said the break-ins have been happening in several places near by.

I sent messages to my cleaning lady to lock her door and gave her instructions on where to find the house key and use when she leaves and where to put it so I can find it when I get home.  I am not going to leave my door unlocked for her anymore.

I also let my siblings know.  They felt terrible but were glad I wasn’t hurt or nothing was taken.  Jim shared a story with me about the time he was working with a car rental place.  It was suggested they leave the doors unlocked so they wouldn’t break windows.  Obviously the company ignored the suggestion.

Because I stayed long enough to talk to the police (just told them that things were tossed but that I couldn’t stay) I drove to work instead of taking the shuttle.  I didn’t think I would make it time wise.

I was there by 7:30 and shared my tale of woe.  I had gotten looks of “really’?  Especially about the part where I left the door open.  Made a little joke of it too and got a few muffled laughs and chuckles.

The morning I did scanning and in the  afternoon I took care of the mail my shadow hadn’t returned from her mini vacation yet.  I had finished the old stuff from June midmorning and began the new protocol for July.  I like it much better for some reason.

I wasn’t able to finish today’s mail afterall.  I left it for Shadow until tomorrow.  

When it was time to leave it was just MA and myself.  A was home sick so we walked and I told her things going on in my life (ie Ladies Guild).  We chatted before getting into our cars and headed home.

When I got home the new fan was out on the porch.  I left it there while I chatted with newbie Bill about the break ins.  Eventually I asked neighbor K to come out and fill in the blanks I had.  Other newbie Shannon also came over.  WE discussed the situation and what we will be doing from then on.  Newbie Bill thought his wife would freak out if she knew it had happened.  WE all offered our cell phone #s and emails for contact purposes when he is away.  We all split and headed to our homes.

I brought in the new fan and got it set up.  It was nearly five and the kitties were getting impatient for dinner.  It took me a few minutes and it seems to be doing okay but it's not like the other holmes we have had over the years.  

Since i had about an hour before getting ready for class I decided to feed the cats and relax.  IT was then when I noticed that cleaning lady left the bedsheets she took off my bed at the foot of the stairs.  She usually doesn’t do that and made a note of it to ask later.

Around 6 got ready for class and dragged myself there and it was the Hit Class.  I was really disappointed in myself.  I  tried very hard to do the Devil presses and asked Alex to show me tomorrow night.  After class I headed to Panera for dinner.

Ran into Vice Chair John (my 4th District committee) while there.  He was having dinner while the mrs was at a Lion’s meeting.  We chatted and then went our separate ways.  I picked up my salad and headed home.

It was nearly 8 so I turned the TV on and ate my salad.  There was nothing much on that interested me.  So I finished my salad and put a load of laundry in and headed to bed.  Surfed the net and now starting to fall asleep.  

My cuddle bud just arrived so now I am going to sleep, see you tomorrow.

Moving slowly today

I should be at class but I woke up with  a headache this morning and decided I would take it easy and catch up on sleep and get rid of the headache.  It's gone now. 

I paid some taxes and finally got to straightening somethings I have left all week.   I have a little bit more to do on both those.  I will do it later after bingo and the gym.  

As it was predicted the rain came just around noon and one rumble of thunder.  It came  hard and then the sun came back out.  Just a little bit hotter.  Not sure if this will be the theme for the afternoon.  I may have to go on a walk early.

I did forget to mention that this week there was some changes in the dynamics of the neighborhood.  The Flipped house around the corner have new owners.  I met them yesterday afternoon as small delegation greeted them.  Their POD delivery showed up at about 7:30 and my reaction was a mixed annoyance but when I actually met them it changed.  She is originally from South Africa and He is American and have been in FL.    I am not sure what they do for a living but I look forward to getting to know them.

I am currently watching Tiger sleep.  She has decided she was going to fall asleep in front of the TV stand (its huge).  Many times this week found out back, and in the dining room.  I wonder constantly at the choices she makes in where she sleeps.  The same with Sky.  Many times this past weekend I found him in the upstairs hallway sleeping.  I half expect to see if he is in the bedroom closet I left open.  I also expect him to get to his spot on the couch above my head.  I love it when his head is popping out of the curtains when I pull into the driveway anytime I come home.  I sometimes worry they are not feeling well by the way they sleep.  As if I am looking for something.  Sometimes they are just sleeping.

Well It's time for me to get ready for bingo.  Not sure who is on duty today and how many there will be.

Have a great afternoon.

Good Friday

I am not sure if I should be saying Happy Good Friday to you all or not.  I probably have in the past.  Today thought it may not be appropriate.  I do wish you all the best of the holiday blessings for those who celebrate.  Some of us get the day off and some don’t.  I remember over the years that Mom would make sure we went to either late afternoon mass or the stations of the Cross.  I don’t remember the last time I was at either of them in the last ten years.    I do remember that after today we could have meat on Fridays. 

Today I made plans to get to the gym.  Late yesterday afternoon I had an upset stomach and decided on the way home to not go anywhere and my point is I wasn't feeling that well this morning and slept in.   The  classes are done for the day but I can do cardio on the treadmill and cycle.

At some point today I was heading to the store for groceries.  It had been recommended that I go early but by 11 I was doing odds and ends and not making any movement to the store.  A Part of me was not looking forward to the chaos I had thought was going to happen.  My hope was to go before it started raining.  According to the weather reports it said PM showers.  Well that could mean later this afternoon or tonight.

Hey I talked with Neighbor Nikki today.  I hadn’t seen her in awhile because of a lot of things. It looks like they are moving back back home.  They are getting home sick I guess.  I admitted I felt like I was being a bad neighbor because I didn’t extend myself and being a tad creepy by looking out my window into their house.  She poo pooed that thought.  She wasn’t the only one either.  When I emailed Mama Roberta yesterday Mama said the same thing to me.  Anyway they will be here for at least a couple of months until they move.

I actually just took a look on the Real estate sites and they haven’t listed the house yet but they do have a sign up in front of the house.  I saw it earlier this week.  Let’s see who will eventually take the house.

I have more thoughts in my head but will have to finish other entries and the laundry first.  I am hoping some old friends (and former neighbors) will come by this weekend and even though the house was cleaned this week I need to straighten it.