4/9/2020
Most of you know what "bits and pieces" mean. It means I don't have anything in particular on my mind. Unless, you count boredom! Yesterday, I forced myself to go into one of the spare bedrooms. Yuck.
How does one person (me) allow the spare rooms, gather up some much stuff. It's a tough assignment, but somebody has to do it.
Do you have a thermometer? Thermometers are as rare as chicken lips. It's not in the same category as toilet paper, but close. I couldn't find anything reasonably priced, so I returned to my old hunting ground.
Lucky me, I was able to find a no contact thermometer for a ridiculous price on Ebay. Based on the price, I'm positive I'm not getting a high quality thermometer. But, if it works, then what do I have to lose? The price is $12.33 (see what I mean about quality). We don't have a thermometer in the house, but feel the need to have one now. Once the virus is gone, then you should be able to get a better (higher price) thermometer all over town.
And, then you have to buy masks to wear in public. Apparently, this isn't a request. Last week when we went shopping, I used a very large scarf to cover my nose and mouth. Not the best thing to use going forward, but I have a few masks at the moment. Mostly, the only place Jeff and I go, is to Costco, and WalMart. A thermometer at WalMart lowest price is $62.88. Masks, now mandatory, the lowest price at WalMart is $30.99. Oh, and several of the masks are not available? You think?
Stacey and her friends are making masks, but I know this is a big project and time consuming. To be safe, I have ordered a few masks to use in the meantime. Better to be prepared, than sorry. I was a good girl scout! Be prepared. Nobody is going to get these things for you. I guess if you never leave the house, you might not even need a mask. But, on the other hand, if you never leave your house for weeks on end, there likely will be a bed waiting for you in the mental health department! And, I've been in that ward before.
Time is ticking, but you will notice that I'm done before noon.
Stay safe everyone.
P
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Look At The Time!!!
4/8/2020
Friends, I'm starting my blog today BEFORE noon. I did have to make a sacrifice, such as foregoing my after breakfast nap, and that's
a really big deal!
The problem (and it isn't much of a problem), is getting your body moving. Frankly, it's just so easy to put off some chore, like cleaning the spare bedrooms until another day. If we were expecting company, I would absolutely have to get my rear in gear. Alas, no guests in the immediate future, unless it's Benjamin. And, he doesn't matter what the room looks like, as long as the bed is loaded with stuffed animals, and items that produce light - like a snow globe.
I listened to the "talking heads" this morning, until I couldn't stand the chatter any longer. They basically talk about cases and deaths. This is not a good way to start your day. The cure for all the negative things happening in the world, is going to YouTube. There, I've discovered, you can watch comedians, documentaries, and pretty much anything else that might alter your mood. I know it's working for me.
Jeff and I watch a reality show called "Gold Rush". The investors and their team are looking to keep boring holes into the "money shaft". Their dream, as well as ours, would be to discover gold and jewels.To be sure, they have found bits and pieces that were interesting and enticing. But, the BIG treasure, if it's on the island, has yet to be found. I figure if they find gold, then the series would end. What would Jeff and I watch then?
And, of course, if treasure was found, what would the brothers do next?
I think that some of our favorite shows are coming to their season finale. What does that mean? Why does that matter? It matters because then Jeff and I would be forced to TALK to each other! Horrors. When you've been married as long as we have, there is for the most part, very little new things to talk about.
And, since I no longer can seem to remember what show I watched, or what I ate for lunch, I ask Jeff the same question over and over again. I hear the answer, but it doesn't stick, hence the back and forth. I assure Jeff that I really DON'T remember these things, and others like it. This makes both of us sad, because we don't know what's ahead of us.
It's a sunny day, and I should, and probably will, walk around the circle 3 or 4 laps. That's about all I can do. But, from where I started with my personal trainer, I have made great progress. Most people don't have trouble putting socks on, I did. After weeks of training, I can put socks on with no difficulty. I have no idea when the physical therapy office will open.
Here's a picture of happiness. Stay safe.
P
Friends, I'm starting my blog today BEFORE noon. I did have to make a sacrifice, such as foregoing my after breakfast nap, and that's
a really big deal!
The problem (and it isn't much of a problem), is getting your body moving. Frankly, it's just so easy to put off some chore, like cleaning the spare bedrooms until another day. If we were expecting company, I would absolutely have to get my rear in gear. Alas, no guests in the immediate future, unless it's Benjamin. And, he doesn't matter what the room looks like, as long as the bed is loaded with stuffed animals, and items that produce light - like a snow globe.
I listened to the "talking heads" this morning, until I couldn't stand the chatter any longer. They basically talk about cases and deaths. This is not a good way to start your day. The cure for all the negative things happening in the world, is going to YouTube. There, I've discovered, you can watch comedians, documentaries, and pretty much anything else that might alter your mood. I know it's working for me.
Jeff and I watch a reality show called "Gold Rush". The investors and their team are looking to keep boring holes into the "money shaft". Their dream, as well as ours, would be to discover gold and jewels.To be sure, they have found bits and pieces that were interesting and enticing. But, the BIG treasure, if it's on the island, has yet to be found. I figure if they find gold, then the series would end. What would Jeff and I watch then?
And, of course, if treasure was found, what would the brothers do next?
I think that some of our favorite shows are coming to their season finale. What does that mean? Why does that matter? It matters because then Jeff and I would be forced to TALK to each other! Horrors. When you've been married as long as we have, there is for the most part, very little new things to talk about.
And, since I no longer can seem to remember what show I watched, or what I ate for lunch, I ask Jeff the same question over and over again. I hear the answer, but it doesn't stick, hence the back and forth. I assure Jeff that I really DON'T remember these things, and others like it. This makes both of us sad, because we don't know what's ahead of us.
It's a sunny day, and I should, and probably will, walk around the circle 3 or 4 laps. That's about all I can do. But, from where I started with my personal trainer, I have made great progress. Most people don't have trouble putting socks on, I did. After weeks of training, I can put socks on with no difficulty. I have no idea when the physical therapy office will open.
Here's a picture of happiness. Stay safe.
P
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Jeff's Birthday
It doesn't seem possible that Jeff is now 71. I met him when he was 25, and I was 24. Boy, have the years gone by quickly.
In the early years, some of the things we did:
Bought our first house, which was small and had a copper (and yes, I do mean copper) oven - try cleaning an oven like that! Nearly impossible.The house was small, with a flat roof. In California, a flat roof works because it doesn't snow.
Early days, when we had "young person brain ideas" we bought a 1942 WEAPONS CARRIER! After we bought it, we had to get out of the buyer's yard and tow it back to our house. Dad "drove" the vehicle while being towed along by Jeff. It didn't have an engine, or much of anything. Jeff, had great plans, along with a friend, to fix it up and have it become a beach buggy. This never happened, and had he been successful, the WC would have collapsed sand dunes, etc. But, it was Jeff's dream. And, everyone should have one.
Trips to Carlsbad Caverns, which is truly breathtaking. If you stay, as we did, into the evening, all the bats flew out of the cave. A great sight, but BATS!
Trip to White Sands of New Mexico. Here's a picture, so you imagine being there. And, it's quiet there.
Camped at Yosemite, using Jeff's parents truck and trailer. There is something about camping, that brings people out in the evening to chat. We loved that trip. At that time,you could drive your car through a Sequoia tree. This famous tree fell down in 1969. Glad we were visiting while you could still go "through" the tree.
Hawaii, on one of Jeff's business trip. One of your first stops has to be at Hilo Hatties, which has been in business for 50 years! You can buy your mumu there, and get the hem altered while you wait! As well, as Hawaiin shirts for men. Hawaiian shirt fabric typically has the design printed on one side. The colors on the printed side look just like the designer intended when creating the graphics on computer. But the colors on the inside of the shirt is a faded reverse print Hawaiian Shirt. Called an Aloha Shirt. Most of the men in Hawaii wear this kind of shirt, even when working.
We did take more trips, but these are the ones I remember clearly.
So, back to the future. Jeff has been my best friend and protector for 46 years. I now have, what can be called, shrinkage of the brain, or MCI - mild cognitive impairment. While Jeff has a full time job, he also has another job, that pays nothing. Taking care of me, which is a full time job. And, frankly at this point in my life, I don't remember what I watched on television the night before. Or what I ate at lunch. Little stuff like that. My diagnosis of MCI can, and likely will, become dementia or Alzheimer's.
Jeff has taken his wedding vows seriously. For better or worse. Well, I believe right now we're in the worst part of our marriage. There can be, both physical and mental problems.
Happy birthday my dear. We won't have cake, but perhaps we could drive through McDonald's and buy ice cream cones. They truly have very good ice cream. Even Bella, who can sometimes be a bit of a pig, likes ice cream too!
It's a bright sunny day outside. I will be outside after I finish my necessary chores: dishes and laundry!
Have a great day. Stay safe.
P
Monday, April 6, 2020
Sunny at Last
4/6/2020
Happy Monday everybody. After several days of gloom and doom, which we absolutely didn't need, and now there is sunshine! It's almost like Mother Nature decided we needed a break - and yes we do.
Yesterday, Jeff and I went to the only two stores on the planet (Costco and WalMart), to do Jeff's weekly shop. I went along and put a scarf around my face. Not the best, but at least I was trying. I now have masks for both of us. I did notice that while most people were wearing masks, there was a whole bunch of people that weren't. Seemed like to me, that only one person in a relationship was wearing a mask. Maybe, they trade off. You know, it's my time to wear the mask, and so on.
When Jeff was in Costco, he did buy toilet paper. Don't need it at the moment, but who knows how long we will have to shelter in place.
WalMart was, for the most part, had recently been stocked. There were things, such as eggs, that were not available. But, if you go to a regular grocery store, it's likely that you could buy eggs. I literally haven't been out of the house except to ride along when Jeff is ordering take-out. Otherwise, you can find me in the house with great plans of things to do. But, gravity keeps sucking me down in the recliner, which accomplishes nothing!
Stacey, asked us to buy milk, if there was any. We did buy the milk, and I bought Benjamin, two little Lindt (however you spell it) bunnies in a little basket. When we got to Stacey's house, Benjamin had drawn a line on the driveway, and he wrote stop! Away from each other, we had a short conversation. It was very nice to see all of them, and we had to send "virtual" hugs and kisses to them.
Once we got home, we washed our hands after we brought the groceries inside.
While having my breakfast, I listened to the talking heads. I shouldn't do that. It is a bad way to start a day. After you watch the news, with it's chilling reminder of how many people have died here at home, you definitely need to watch a happy show. One of those shows, is the Great British Baking Show.
P
Happy Monday everybody. After several days of gloom and doom, which we absolutely didn't need, and now there is sunshine! It's almost like Mother Nature decided we needed a break - and yes we do.
Yesterday, Jeff and I went to the only two stores on the planet (Costco and WalMart), to do Jeff's weekly shop. I went along and put a scarf around my face. Not the best, but at least I was trying. I now have masks for both of us. I did notice that while most people were wearing masks, there was a whole bunch of people that weren't. Seemed like to me, that only one person in a relationship was wearing a mask. Maybe, they trade off. You know, it's my time to wear the mask, and so on.
When Jeff was in Costco, he did buy toilet paper. Don't need it at the moment, but who knows how long we will have to shelter in place.
WalMart was, for the most part, had recently been stocked. There were things, such as eggs, that were not available. But, if you go to a regular grocery store, it's likely that you could buy eggs. I literally haven't been out of the house except to ride along when Jeff is ordering take-out. Otherwise, you can find me in the house with great plans of things to do. But, gravity keeps sucking me down in the recliner, which accomplishes nothing!
Stacey, asked us to buy milk, if there was any. We did buy the milk, and I bought Benjamin, two little Lindt (however you spell it) bunnies in a little basket. When we got to Stacey's house, Benjamin had drawn a line on the driveway, and he wrote stop! Away from each other, we had a short conversation. It was very nice to see all of them, and we had to send "virtual" hugs and kisses to them.
Once we got home, we washed our hands after we brought the groceries inside.
While having my breakfast, I listened to the talking heads. I shouldn't do that. It is a bad way to start a day. After you watch the news, with it's chilling reminder of how many people have died here at home, you definitely need to watch a happy show. One of those shows, is the Great British Baking Show.
P
Friday, April 3, 2020
I Confess....
4/3/2020
to the fact that I'm having trouble letting go. Letting go? For 40+ plus years, I have been in charge. I, am the mother of sons, a sister and a daughter.
As the boys were growing up, many holiday meals were cooked by yours truly, and I also had the "joy" of cleaning up too. And, now I don't.
I am now the matriarch of the family. And, for no reason that I can think of, makes me feel like the lead elephant in a parade. Until the boys married, I pretty much controlled things. And, while I didn't see it as being powerful, I guess, in some ways, I was.
We used to spend 2 weeks at the beach, I organized the meals that I would prepare for the two weeks. I did give the boys an opportunity to give me some feedback, which they never did. But, everybody ate everything I cooked, so I guess my menu was acceptable.
The boys got married, and they have given me two wonderful daughters-in-law! Plus, two grand-children - one blue and one pink! Best in the world!
Now, at 70, I no longer plan dinners - birthdays and holidays, or anything else for that matter. I know it's time for me to take a "back seat" in running the show. But, this is a "bit" difficult for me. Perhaps, mothers out there, will understand how I feel.
When family occasions come around, I wait until I'm told where to go, what time and what, if anything, to bring.
We have a great time when all of us get together, and the food and company is wonderful. Scott, Andrew, Stacey, Wendy, Benjamin and Elly all get along, and enjoy everybody's company. I can't imagine what it would feel or look like, if some-how the family became divided.
When we lived in California, Jeff and I, for the most part, thought holidays were tricky. Do we spend Thanksgiving with Jeff's parents? What do we do about Christmas? We wanted to be fair, to both set of parents, but that wasn't always possible.
Oh, back to family gatherings. I am no longer in charge, of anything. I suppose I should just let the girls take over. But, as some of you know, this proves to be hard. While, I'm tired and no longer cook or back anything (back to starting a fire in the microwave), just puts Jeff off!
So, while I'm still the matriarch, simply because I'm the oldest woman in the family, it is difficult to let go of the things I used to do. I know that I am somewhat physically and mentally handicapped. This means things, like food preparation, is now Jeff's job. And, taking care of me, is almost a full-time job, and I'm truly sorry about that.
Jeff's birthday is next week. But, since we are all sheltering in place, there will be no party for him. He's not particularly sentimental, like yours truly, who almost can't close my hope chest! If restaurants were open, both of us would opt for steak. But, picking up your diner to take home, just isn't the same.
I guess I've whined long enough. It's Friday, and one of these days, it will be warm enough to ride in Jeff's car.
Enjoy your weekend, and stay safe. You can see me leading the rest of the crew.
P
to the fact that I'm having trouble letting go. Letting go? For 40+ plus years, I have been in charge. I, am the mother of sons, a sister and a daughter.
As the boys were growing up, many holiday meals were cooked by yours truly, and I also had the "joy" of cleaning up too. And, now I don't.
I am now the matriarch of the family. And, for no reason that I can think of, makes me feel like the lead elephant in a parade. Until the boys married, I pretty much controlled things. And, while I didn't see it as being powerful, I guess, in some ways, I was.
We used to spend 2 weeks at the beach, I organized the meals that I would prepare for the two weeks. I did give the boys an opportunity to give me some feedback, which they never did. But, everybody ate everything I cooked, so I guess my menu was acceptable.
The boys got married, and they have given me two wonderful daughters-in-law! Plus, two grand-children - one blue and one pink! Best in the world!
Now, at 70, I no longer plan dinners - birthdays and holidays, or anything else for that matter. I know it's time for me to take a "back seat" in running the show. But, this is a "bit" difficult for me. Perhaps, mothers out there, will understand how I feel.
When family occasions come around, I wait until I'm told where to go, what time and what, if anything, to bring.
We have a great time when all of us get together, and the food and company is wonderful. Scott, Andrew, Stacey, Wendy, Benjamin and Elly all get along, and enjoy everybody's company. I can't imagine what it would feel or look like, if some-how the family became divided.
When we lived in California, Jeff and I, for the most part, thought holidays were tricky. Do we spend Thanksgiving with Jeff's parents? What do we do about Christmas? We wanted to be fair, to both set of parents, but that wasn't always possible.
Oh, back to family gatherings. I am no longer in charge, of anything. I suppose I should just let the girls take over. But, as some of you know, this proves to be hard. While, I'm tired and no longer cook or back anything (back to starting a fire in the microwave), just puts Jeff off!
So, while I'm still the matriarch, simply because I'm the oldest woman in the family, it is difficult to let go of the things I used to do. I know that I am somewhat physically and mentally handicapped. This means things, like food preparation, is now Jeff's job. And, taking care of me, is almost a full-time job, and I'm truly sorry about that.
Jeff's birthday is next week. But, since we are all sheltering in place, there will be no party for him. He's not particularly sentimental, like yours truly, who almost can't close my hope chest! If restaurants were open, both of us would opt for steak. But, picking up your diner to take home, just isn't the same.
I guess I've whined long enough. It's Friday, and one of these days, it will be warm enough to ride in Jeff's car.
Enjoy your weekend, and stay safe. You can see me leading the rest of the crew.
P
Thursday, April 2, 2020
Tired Of The News!
4/2/2020
It's April here, but feels like winter. I have even turned on the fireplace. I suppose that we'll wake up one day and the temperature will be more seasonal.
While eating my breakfast, I watched the "talking heads", until I thought my head might explode. The numbers for both cases and deaths, continues to get bigger every day. Who knows? And, when this virus has gone away, how will we actually know that's safe to be outside.
First lawn mowing of the season, and looking at the grass makes me happy. It's a sign of spring, even though it doesn't feel like it at the moment. I've parked a lawn chair outside on the sidewalk, so that I can enjoy the sunshine when I want.
My cleaning lady won't come to clean our house until April 29. Guess I'll just have to work at keeping the house tidy. And, that's a big chore, especially, when my body doesn't always want to cooperate.
The flowers are starting to come out, and I love seeing them. Our dogwood tree is beginning to get buds. Once it's in full bloom, the tree, like the flowers, return to life. In the winter, when everything is dormant, and frankly ugly, I begin to worry that that the flowers and trees will wake up.
I had a neighbor, who has since moved away, told us in 1986, that we should remove the dogwood, because they always die. We didn't take her advice, and happy to say that for 32 years, she is still alive and produces beautiful flowers. Point: don't follow everybody's advice. Because some of it might be wrong.
National holidays for today:
P
It's April here, but feels like winter. I have even turned on the fireplace. I suppose that we'll wake up one day and the temperature will be more seasonal.
While eating my breakfast, I watched the "talking heads", until I thought my head might explode. The numbers for both cases and deaths, continues to get bigger every day. Who knows? And, when this virus has gone away, how will we actually know that's safe to be outside.
First lawn mowing of the season, and looking at the grass makes me happy. It's a sign of spring, even though it doesn't feel like it at the moment. I've parked a lawn chair outside on the sidewalk, so that I can enjoy the sunshine when I want.
My cleaning lady won't come to clean our house until April 29. Guess I'll just have to work at keeping the house tidy. And, that's a big chore, especially, when my body doesn't always want to cooperate.
The flowers are starting to come out, and I love seeing them. Our dogwood tree is beginning to get buds. Once it's in full bloom, the tree, like the flowers, return to life. In the winter, when everything is dormant, and frankly ugly, I begin to worry that that the flowers and trees will wake up.
I had a neighbor, who has since moved away, told us in 1986, that we should remove the dogwood, because they always die. We didn't take her advice, and happy to say that for 32 years, she is still alive and produces beautiful flowers. Point: don't follow everybody's advice. Because some of it might be wrong.
National holidays for today:
- Children's book day
- Peanut butter and jelly and,
- Lastly, eat a burrito
P
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
April Fool's Day
On April 1, 1700, English pranksters begin popularizing the annual tradition of April Fools' Day by playing practical jokes on each other4/1/2020
When I was younger, a lot younger, we kids thought it was fun to try and fool somebody. I really don't remember what we all did, but we were enjoying this special day.
Some history, that I'm pretty sure you don't know:
On April 1, 1700, English pranksters begin popularizing the annual tradition of April Fools' Day by playing practical jokes on each other. And, then I found a different date - 1582! Wow, were they playing April 1st jokes back then? Pretty sure they were, but it boggles my mind. I have visions of court jesters, who's job on this day, was to make the King laugh. Bad news, for the jester, if you did not! I suppose that if the Kind didn't laugh, then your performance was a one-time gig.
I think I'll tell Benjamin that I sprayed Pop Pop's scalp, because there is no hair, bright green!
At breakfast, I watched the "talking heads". You can only do this for so long, before depression sets in. Monday was the first day that the number of U.S. deaths due to the coronavirus grew by more than 500. And, more sobering is that the number of deaths is approximately $185,499, and, and the number of deaths sits right now as 4,082. And, we all know that is likely, and both or probably, that numbers of cases will grow as time goes by. This is very sad news.
Once I've read the front pages of the paper, all articles pretty depressing to the comics, to get giggles. We need to laugh more now, than we did in the past.
Jeff turns 71 in April. There will be no celebration with the family. Benjamin's birthday is also in April, and like Jeff's birthday, there will be no celebration. Perhaps, Jeff and I can stop at the end of their driveway, leave a gift, and wave to each other. Hugs and kisses are definitely off limit, which will make all of us sad, so we'll send kisses to Benjamin, Stacey and Andrew from far away.
Stacey's eggs are proving to be very popular. Particularly, since you can't always find them in stores.
Please note, that I'm getting my blog done before noon! Pretty proud of myself!
I'll leave you with today's "holidays".
National one cent day. Almost impossible for me, as I generally just toss change into the depths of my purse, never to be seen again.
National Sour Dough Bread. Jeff and I both love sour dough bread, probably a bit too much.
And, finally National Walking Day. I'm afraid that going outside to walk, is something I can only do for minutes. If, I make 4 loops around the circle, without stopping, then it's a very good day for me.
Stay safe everyone.
P
When I was younger, a lot younger, we kids thought it was fun to try and fool somebody. I really don't remember what we all did, but we were enjoying this special day.
Some history, that I'm pretty sure you don't know:
On April 1, 1700, English pranksters begin popularizing the annual tradition of April Fools' Day by playing practical jokes on each other. And, then I found a different date - 1582! Wow, were they playing April 1st jokes back then? Pretty sure they were, but it boggles my mind. I have visions of court jesters, who's job on this day, was to make the King laugh. Bad news, for the jester, if you did not! I suppose that if the Kind didn't laugh, then your performance was a one-time gig.
I think I'll tell Benjamin that I sprayed Pop Pop's scalp, because there is no hair, bright green!
At breakfast, I watched the "talking heads". You can only do this for so long, before depression sets in. Monday was the first day that the number of U.S. deaths due to the coronavirus grew by more than 500. And, more sobering is that the number of deaths is approximately $185,499, and, and the number of deaths sits right now as 4,082. And, we all know that is likely, and both or probably, that numbers of cases will grow as time goes by. This is very sad news.
Once I've read the front pages of the paper, all articles pretty depressing to the comics, to get giggles. We need to laugh more now, than we did in the past.
Jeff turns 71 in April. There will be no celebration with the family. Benjamin's birthday is also in April, and like Jeff's birthday, there will be no celebration. Perhaps, Jeff and I can stop at the end of their driveway, leave a gift, and wave to each other. Hugs and kisses are definitely off limit, which will make all of us sad, so we'll send kisses to Benjamin, Stacey and Andrew from far away.
Stacey's eggs are proving to be very popular. Particularly, since you can't always find them in stores.
Please note, that I'm getting my blog done before noon! Pretty proud of myself!
I'll leave you with today's "holidays".
National one cent day. Almost impossible for me, as I generally just toss change into the depths of my purse, never to be seen again.
National Sour Dough Bread. Jeff and I both love sour dough bread, probably a bit too much.
And, finally National Walking Day. I'm afraid that going outside to walk, is something I can only do for minutes. If, I make 4 loops around the circle, without stopping, then it's a very good day for me.
Stay safe everyone.
P
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