9/10/2019
There was a time, when nobody except family and close friends, knew your business. And, I was okay with that.
Then social media became a "thing", and some people post on Facebook their travel pictures (I enjoy those), pictures of Benjamin (love those too).
While I check on things on Facebook daily, I almost never post anything about myself. I will, occasionally, comment on a post, generally from Scott, Stacey and Wendy. And, that pretty much sums up my involvement with Facebook.
Today, we're dealing with robo and scam calls. I have been offered, more time than I can count, knee braces (there is nothing wrong with my knees), shoulder and back braces as well. And, I love the calls that begin with "there is nothing wrong with your bank account, but, we're offering lower interest rates, etc. IRS calls and we all know that they don't call - they write.
Last night, I received a disturbing email, telling me how much this person knew about me. He had pictures of me, and had "captured" the sites I have visited. And, for a "small" price - I think it was in the neighborhood of $700.00, he would destroy all this evidence. Whenever I receive a questionable email, I don't open them, I send them to Jeff. Jeff told me to delete the email, which I did. But, to be frank with you, the email unsettled me quite a bit. I felt almost like I should pull the plug on all the sites where I have some limited information about myself. I also know that I never open up a document from a questionable source. Knowing this was all spam to generate money, somehow didn't give me much peace of mind. I still felt violated. And, pretty sure you would too. I guess Toto, we're not in Oz anymore.
Best advice: beware of people who are calling, from a number you don't recognize, and simply hang up.
P
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Digging Out Warmer Clothes
9/9/2019
The oak tree in the front yard, has dropped a minimal amount of leaves in the yard. In past years, it would take several of those brown recyclable bags to capture the leaves. But, since the oak tree is dying, it's going to be relatively easy to keep the front yard clean.
For me, I think it's time to sort out my warmer clothes. I am a fair weather girl. I'm either too hot, and then I'm too cold. Practically, never happy.
I will sort out my cooler weather clothes and will toss out any things that are now to big. What a horrible situation! Jeff has promised me that if I bag up my larger clothes in bags, he will then take those bags into the basement. I don't want to have to take any clothes from those bags, but nothing is certain or guaranteed in life.
I have since last year really working on losing pounds and I think I've been really successful. Depending on the day, I've lost 30 plus pounds. And, I'm so proud of me. It started out with eating high protein snacks, etc. Oh, and protein water too. By the way, some of the flavors of protein water are very, very good. And, they are filling.
I haven't had to really use those special foods in a long time. I do, however, when we go out say to, let's say Hopkins, I bring along a bar or two just in case, I do get hungry. Luckily for me, most of my clothes are either too big, or are just on the edge of being too big. What a problem to have.
The days are getting shorter, which means I have a greater chance of being "down in the dumps". Whenever I am at my desk, I always have the "Happy Light" on, which does help, a bit.
I don't really like winter weather, particularly snow and ice. Unlike all the years I was working, I no longer have to wonder if the office was going to be closed or a delayed opening. Nope, I normally don't even set my alarm clock! Believe me, when it's time to get up, the girls become restless - they want their food - and they want it now! Luckily for me, Jeff gets up early so that after his breakfast, he can return to his office, and work through any problems. And, there is always a problem!
Television watching isn't too good right now. I keep reminding Jeff that the new season of shows we like, as well as new shows, begins later this month. Because I'm a television "nut", I have written down the names of the new shows and their premiere date. I'll also check on our returning shows that we both like - Bull, Chicago anything, The Good Doctor, etc. It's not always easy to be in charge of the remote! While I like "junk" shows, Jeff does not. So, to be fair, I watch my shows when Jeff is not around. And, this solution makes us both happy. We're definitely doing the Mars/Venus thing, which works for both of us.
P
The oak tree in the front yard, has dropped a minimal amount of leaves in the yard. In past years, it would take several of those brown recyclable bags to capture the leaves. But, since the oak tree is dying, it's going to be relatively easy to keep the front yard clean.
For me, I think it's time to sort out my warmer clothes. I am a fair weather girl. I'm either too hot, and then I'm too cold. Practically, never happy.
I will sort out my cooler weather clothes and will toss out any things that are now to big. What a horrible situation! Jeff has promised me that if I bag up my larger clothes in bags, he will then take those bags into the basement. I don't want to have to take any clothes from those bags, but nothing is certain or guaranteed in life.
I have since last year really working on losing pounds and I think I've been really successful. Depending on the day, I've lost 30 plus pounds. And, I'm so proud of me. It started out with eating high protein snacks, etc. Oh, and protein water too. By the way, some of the flavors of protein water are very, very good. And, they are filling.
I haven't had to really use those special foods in a long time. I do, however, when we go out say to, let's say Hopkins, I bring along a bar or two just in case, I do get hungry. Luckily for me, most of my clothes are either too big, or are just on the edge of being too big. What a problem to have.
The days are getting shorter, which means I have a greater chance of being "down in the dumps". Whenever I am at my desk, I always have the "Happy Light" on, which does help, a bit.
I don't really like winter weather, particularly snow and ice. Unlike all the years I was working, I no longer have to wonder if the office was going to be closed or a delayed opening. Nope, I normally don't even set my alarm clock! Believe me, when it's time to get up, the girls become restless - they want their food - and they want it now! Luckily for me, Jeff gets up early so that after his breakfast, he can return to his office, and work through any problems. And, there is always a problem!
Television watching isn't too good right now. I keep reminding Jeff that the new season of shows we like, as well as new shows, begins later this month. Because I'm a television "nut", I have written down the names of the new shows and their premiere date. I'll also check on our returning shows that we both like - Bull, Chicago anything, The Good Doctor, etc. It's not always easy to be in charge of the remote! While I like "junk" shows, Jeff does not. So, to be fair, I watch my shows when Jeff is not around. And, this solution makes us both happy. We're definitely doing the Mars/Venus thing, which works for both of us.
P
Saturday, September 7, 2019
A Trip To The Dentist, Etc.
9/7/2019
Yesterday, Jeff and I went to see our dentist to make a plan for my top teeth. A plan? Yes indeedy (made up word). Unlike, Jeff whose teeth are made of sturdy stuff. They are so sturdy, and he almost never has a cavity (jealous). The condition of my teeth have for most of my adult life, remind me of jell-o. After I get a cleaning, on my way out the door, I can almost feel a new cavity coming out to get me.
Jeff and I took the boys, when they were young, to see a children's dentist. It was a good thing, because now as adults, the boys don't fear going to the dentist like I do.
I need three implants, so three teeth will have to be removed and the process of implantation begins.
The cost of the beginning of "making Patti's teeth look good", is going to be equivalent to a down payment on a car! Not really, but you get the idea. Just glad that we don't need a car right now!
Jeff and his sidekick Bella, are out running a few errands today. Daisy and I are staying home. None of the errands, Jeff is going to do, spark even a little bit of interest for me.
We are in the "summer slump" television right now. Our favorite shows don't come back until later this month. When there's nothing good on television, Jeff and I are forced to talk to each other. Horrors!
We are, at the moment, having some fall-like weather. But, later in the week, the temperatures are supposed to rise again. While I enjoy, most of the time, having windows open and letting in fresh air, isn't always a good thing for the girls. With the windows closed and shades down, the outside world doesn't bother them at all.
I keep telling Bella, that if she's barking, there better be a dead body! Bella is very protective of her family and though she's not a huge dog, has a very loud bark.
I keep telling you every day, what I'm "going to do". My follow-up hasn't been too good. Jeff has told me that if I bag up my "fat" clothes (this is a good thing), that he will take the bags and put them somewhere, probably in the basement.
Moving now. Later.
P
Yesterday, Jeff and I went to see our dentist to make a plan for my top teeth. A plan? Yes indeedy (made up word). Unlike, Jeff whose teeth are made of sturdy stuff. They are so sturdy, and he almost never has a cavity (jealous). The condition of my teeth have for most of my adult life, remind me of jell-o. After I get a cleaning, on my way out the door, I can almost feel a new cavity coming out to get me.
Jeff and I took the boys, when they were young, to see a children's dentist. It was a good thing, because now as adults, the boys don't fear going to the dentist like I do.
I need three implants, so three teeth will have to be removed and the process of implantation begins.
The cost of the beginning of "making Patti's teeth look good", is going to be equivalent to a down payment on a car! Not really, but you get the idea. Just glad that we don't need a car right now!
Jeff and his sidekick Bella, are out running a few errands today. Daisy and I are staying home. None of the errands, Jeff is going to do, spark even a little bit of interest for me.
We are in the "summer slump" television right now. Our favorite shows don't come back until later this month. When there's nothing good on television, Jeff and I are forced to talk to each other. Horrors!
We are, at the moment, having some fall-like weather. But, later in the week, the temperatures are supposed to rise again. While I enjoy, most of the time, having windows open and letting in fresh air, isn't always a good thing for the girls. With the windows closed and shades down, the outside world doesn't bother them at all.
I keep telling Bella, that if she's barking, there better be a dead body! Bella is very protective of her family and though she's not a huge dog, has a very loud bark.
I keep telling you every day, what I'm "going to do". My follow-up hasn't been too good. Jeff has told me that if I bag up my "fat" clothes (this is a good thing), that he will take the bags and put them somewhere, probably in the basement.
Moving now. Later.
P
Friday, September 6, 2019
It's Friday Finally!
9/6/2019
I may not get as excited about a Friday as you do. But, I remember fondly all of the Fridays I had when I was working.
I've been watching, more than I should, reality shows. Perhaps the draw to these shows, is that whatever is happening, good or bad, is not happening to me!
When I watch those zoo shows, I am amazed at what the animals can do. And, then there's Daisy. Her name should be Lazy Daisy! Doggy door in the basement - check. Going out into the yard? Not always. With Daisy, she might go outside, but even if she does, it's likely that she will come into the basement do her business. Maddening. Her saving grace? She is a very lovey dog and will sit on my lap, which I love. One of the reasons she sits on my lap, is she can then find a tiny bit of food. So, I guess we're sticking it out with Daisy, but her actions require a lot of patience. I don't go up and down stairs very well, so I don't go down into the basement nearly enough to get Daisy to go outside. Believe me, if she only does a quick and tiny tinkle, she still gets a "cookie". Reward good behavior.
More tomorrow.
P
I may not get as excited about a Friday as you do. But, I remember fondly all of the Fridays I had when I was working.
I've been watching, more than I should, reality shows. Perhaps the draw to these shows, is that whatever is happening, good or bad, is not happening to me!
When I watch those zoo shows, I am amazed at what the animals can do. And, then there's Daisy. Her name should be Lazy Daisy! Doggy door in the basement - check. Going out into the yard? Not always. With Daisy, she might go outside, but even if she does, it's likely that she will come into the basement do her business. Maddening. Her saving grace? She is a very lovey dog and will sit on my lap, which I love. One of the reasons she sits on my lap, is she can then find a tiny bit of food. So, I guess we're sticking it out with Daisy, but her actions require a lot of patience. I don't go up and down stairs very well, so I don't go down into the basement nearly enough to get Daisy to go outside. Believe me, if she only does a quick and tiny tinkle, she still gets a "cookie". Reward good behavior.
More tomorrow.
P
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Mother Nature
9/5/2019
History lesson: Mother Nature(sometimes known as Mother Earth or the Earth-Mother is a Greco-Roman personification of nature that focuses on the life-giving and nurturing aspects of nature by embodying it, in the form of the mother. The concept is far from universal, and there are no equivalent term or concept in many languages and/or cultures. So there you have it, which is probably more than you needed/wanted to know!
Jeff and I have made two trips to the Bahamas, and it's a lovely spot to visit. Blue water, sand and warm temperatures. Until it's not. On our first trip to the Bahamas, we, along with most other pilots, flew out early. There was a threat of weather heading toward the island. Our plane doesn't do very well in some kinds of weather. Wind and more fearful lightening, meant that most pilots left the island a few days shorter than we wanted to.
Our second trip, was uneventful, just not quite as nice as the first time. The beach was rocky, which was so not good for somebody with balance issues! Me.
The interesting thing about flying to the Bahamas, is the change in ocean color that you can distinctly see from the air. Initially, the ocean is a drab, and dirty looking place. Keep flying, and you can literally see the ocean changing into blue water! And, once you start to see blue water, you know you're almost at your destination.
What Hurricane Dorian did to the Bahamas, was terrible. From aerial pictures, the land almost looks like somebody came through with a bull dozier (I think that's the correct spelling), and knocked everything down.
People are a resilient bunch, but I can only imagine, how all of those people feel, watching everything they own, crushed and destroyed. How does someone get back to "normal", whatever that is. Where do they live, what do they eat, etc.
In 2017, Hurricane Maria took out her anger on Puerto Rico. Hurricane Maria was a deadly Category 5 hurricane that devastated Dominica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico in September 2017. It is regarded as the worst natural disaster in recorded history to affect those islands and was also the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since Mitch in 1998.
Jeff and I would love to own a house near the ocean, for obvious reasons - it's lovely, and generally nice weather. One of our vacations to OBX was shortened, with the threat of a major weather event. We packed and cleaned up the rental house, and headed home. There is only one road into and out of the Outer Banks "OBX", so even though we left early, driving was slow going. I suppose we could have hunkered down, but the whole point of going to the beach, is well going to the beach!
Our last trip to the Outer Banks I think, but could have been the year when Benjamin was a year old. an infant. He was born in April, and we went on vacation in September. We pulled a wagon full of blankets, and carried a bag of necessary baby items to the shore. The boys put up the large umbrella, and we dug a hole (literally) and in that hole, we put down blankets, and then Benjamin. So it was fair to all of us, some of us went to play in the ocean, while others stayed behind to take care of Benjamin. And, then we switched roles. We had enough bodies to take care of Benjamin. Sadly, we haven't been back since that last summer.
I took a "poll" about going back to the Outer Banks again, and everyone was on board. But, the reality now is that Benjamin and Elly are in school, and all the adults (except me) are working. The general cost of a home, that can accommodate everyone, during the summer can be as high as $15,000. But, if you rent in March, for instance, that same house rental fee drops to approximately $3,780! Big difference. Unless, we go in the summer, when rental fees are very high, it's unlikely that we'll be able to go off season. And, in September and going forward, you are taking a chance on the weather.
P
History lesson: Mother Nature(sometimes known as Mother Earth or the Earth-Mother is a Greco-Roman personification of nature that focuses on the life-giving and nurturing aspects of nature by embodying it, in the form of the mother. The concept is far from universal, and there are no equivalent term or concept in many languages and/or cultures. So there you have it, which is probably more than you needed/wanted to know!
Jeff and I have made two trips to the Bahamas, and it's a lovely spot to visit. Blue water, sand and warm temperatures. Until it's not. On our first trip to the Bahamas, we, along with most other pilots, flew out early. There was a threat of weather heading toward the island. Our plane doesn't do very well in some kinds of weather. Wind and more fearful lightening, meant that most pilots left the island a few days shorter than we wanted to.
Our second trip, was uneventful, just not quite as nice as the first time. The beach was rocky, which was so not good for somebody with balance issues! Me.
The interesting thing about flying to the Bahamas, is the change in ocean color that you can distinctly see from the air. Initially, the ocean is a drab, and dirty looking place. Keep flying, and you can literally see the ocean changing into blue water! And, once you start to see blue water, you know you're almost at your destination.
What Hurricane Dorian did to the Bahamas, was terrible. From aerial pictures, the land almost looks like somebody came through with a bull dozier (I think that's the correct spelling), and knocked everything down.
People are a resilient bunch, but I can only imagine, how all of those people feel, watching everything they own, crushed and destroyed. How does someone get back to "normal", whatever that is. Where do they live, what do they eat, etc.
In 2017, Hurricane Maria took out her anger on Puerto Rico. Hurricane Maria was a deadly Category 5 hurricane that devastated Dominica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico in September 2017. It is regarded as the worst natural disaster in recorded history to affect those islands and was also the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since Mitch in 1998.
Jeff and I would love to own a house near the ocean, for obvious reasons - it's lovely, and generally nice weather. One of our vacations to OBX was shortened, with the threat of a major weather event. We packed and cleaned up the rental house, and headed home. There is only one road into and out of the Outer Banks "OBX", so even though we left early, driving was slow going. I suppose we could have hunkered down, but the whole point of going to the beach, is well going to the beach!
Our last trip to the Outer Banks I think, but could have been the year when Benjamin was a year old. an infant. He was born in April, and we went on vacation in September. We pulled a wagon full of blankets, and carried a bag of necessary baby items to the shore. The boys put up the large umbrella, and we dug a hole (literally) and in that hole, we put down blankets, and then Benjamin. So it was fair to all of us, some of us went to play in the ocean, while others stayed behind to take care of Benjamin. And, then we switched roles. We had enough bodies to take care of Benjamin. Sadly, we haven't been back since that last summer.
I took a "poll" about going back to the Outer Banks again, and everyone was on board. But, the reality now is that Benjamin and Elly are in school, and all the adults (except me) are working. The general cost of a home, that can accommodate everyone, during the summer can be as high as $15,000. But, if you rent in March, for instance, that same house rental fee drops to approximately $3,780! Big difference. Unless, we go in the summer, when rental fees are very high, it's unlikely that we'll be able to go off season. And, in September and going forward, you are taking a chance on the weather.
P
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
Another Day
9/4/2019
Yesterday, was both Benjamin and Elly's first day of school. Last night, I had a very excellent conversation with Benjamin, about his first day. In a word - excellent. He likes his teachers, and has already made a few friends. Unlike schools that I knew, and you probably do too, the children have to bring an electronic device (can't remember if it's a laptop or some other other electronic device. Certain apps have to be loaded into the electronic device, and homework is finished electronically as well. Benjamin informed me that the school was trying to reduce it's "foot print"!
The short answer for Benjamin's first day was excellent. He was going to sign up for cross road? training. But, all of his friends are going to play soccer, so he did as well.
Carpet cleaning AGAIN today. I swear I should put Daisy in doggy diapers. With all this frequent cleaning, we are simply going to wear the carpets out! It would be cheaper, in the long run, to replace the carpet in the hallway with some kind of fake wood product!
Have to run now. Carpet cleaners are scheduled for noon to five. I'm betting around noon, so I need to put some things away in the bedroom.
More tomorrow.
P
Yesterday, was both Benjamin and Elly's first day of school. Last night, I had a very excellent conversation with Benjamin, about his first day. In a word - excellent. He likes his teachers, and has already made a few friends. Unlike schools that I knew, and you probably do too, the children have to bring an electronic device (can't remember if it's a laptop or some other other electronic device. Certain apps have to be loaded into the electronic device, and homework is finished electronically as well. Benjamin informed me that the school was trying to reduce it's "foot print"!
The short answer for Benjamin's first day was excellent. He was going to sign up for cross road? training. But, all of his friends are going to play soccer, so he did as well.
Carpet cleaning AGAIN today. I swear I should put Daisy in doggy diapers. With all this frequent cleaning, we are simply going to wear the carpets out! It would be cheaper, in the long run, to replace the carpet in the hallway with some kind of fake wood product!
Have to run now. Carpet cleaners are scheduled for noon to five. I'm betting around noon, so I need to put some things away in the bedroom.
More tomorrow.
P
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
I'm Back
9/3/2019
You may have noticed, and I hope you did, miss me. I was taking a short break from blogging. In my mind, I didn't have anything to talk about.That's actually not true, there's a lot of stuff going on in my head, but nothing worth writing about. At least that's what I think.
Today, Benjamin entered the 6th grade. Andrew posted a very nice picture of Benjamin. We always took first day of school pictures.
When I talked to Benjamin last night, we had a good chat and I told him that the first day of anything, is the hardest. Then, it's smooth sailing. I also told him how proud Jeff and I were of him entering middle school. I told him that when Jeff and I were of a similar age, we went to junior high! And, that when we were in junior high, the Beatles came out with their first song - "I Want To Hold Your Hand". A lot of swooning was heard whenever that song came on the radio. And, to be fair we did a fair amount of swooning when Elvis was on the radio!
And, it's still hard to grasp that it's been 50 years since my graduation in 1967. A sure way to know you're old is to find your birthday or age on a sliding scale. Getting closer to the bottom every year!
Benjamin is supposed to call us tonight to tell us all about his first day. Talking to him last night, got me a little teary. I was thinking back to when he was a baby and then toddler. Benjamin is now about as tall as I am.
Pretty nice day, weather wise. But, I've noticed that it's getting darker earlier every day. So here's a fun fact. In August, we lose 2 minutes everyday and that in the following months, we will lose an additional hour and 8 minutes. As we lose time, it gets darker earlier (duh). This is so not good for a person such as myself. But, I do sit at my desk, with my "happy light" on, every day.
I should have, but didn't, blog this morning. Perhaps tomorrow I will be on a more normal routine.
I hope you had a great day. See you tomorrow.
P
You may have noticed, and I hope you did, miss me. I was taking a short break from blogging. In my mind, I didn't have anything to talk about.That's actually not true, there's a lot of stuff going on in my head, but nothing worth writing about. At least that's what I think.
Today, Benjamin entered the 6th grade. Andrew posted a very nice picture of Benjamin. We always took first day of school pictures.
When I talked to Benjamin last night, we had a good chat and I told him that the first day of anything, is the hardest. Then, it's smooth sailing. I also told him how proud Jeff and I were of him entering middle school. I told him that when Jeff and I were of a similar age, we went to junior high! And, that when we were in junior high, the Beatles came out with their first song - "I Want To Hold Your Hand". A lot of swooning was heard whenever that song came on the radio. And, to be fair we did a fair amount of swooning when Elvis was on the radio!
And, it's still hard to grasp that it's been 50 years since my graduation in 1967. A sure way to know you're old is to find your birthday or age on a sliding scale. Getting closer to the bottom every year!
Benjamin is supposed to call us tonight to tell us all about his first day. Talking to him last night, got me a little teary. I was thinking back to when he was a baby and then toddler. Benjamin is now about as tall as I am.
Pretty nice day, weather wise. But, I've noticed that it's getting darker earlier every day. So here's a fun fact. In August, we lose 2 minutes everyday and that in the following months, we will lose an additional hour and 8 minutes. As we lose time, it gets darker earlier (duh). This is so not good for a person such as myself. But, I do sit at my desk, with my "happy light" on, every day.
I should have, but didn't, blog this morning. Perhaps tomorrow I will be on a more normal routine.
I hope you had a great day. See you tomorrow.
P
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