Tuesday All Day!

 8/25/2020

 When you think about it, Tuesdays are really just not important, as let's day Friday is. So Tuesday has the "distinction", if you will, of being stuck between a Monday and/or a Friday. I just did my research and for this year, there are no holidays occurring on a Tuesday. Sometimes, but not always, if a holiday occurs on Monday, you might get a Tuesday off. Notice I said might.

When I was working, I hated, okay that may be too much of a stretch, of having a middle of the week holiday. I just did some research, and all of you know how much I enjoy doing this, our last Christmas holiday on a Tuesday was in 2019. 

For me, Tuesday means that the trash will be picked up today. Please, please try to contain your enthusiasm. Looking at a "normal" week, if you will, there isn't too much to be excited about. 

Once you're retired, one day just drifts into another. And, before you know it, you actually have to think about, what the day is currently. Obviously, calendars become pretty handy. On my desk, I have a day-by-day calendar. This helps me know what day to put on my blog! Sad, I know. And, for those of you that are still working, perhaps wish for a problem such as this.

Another way that I can "tell" what day of the week it is by remembering what happens on a Tuesday. I know, you're dying to know, but it isn't much of a big deal - but the trash is picked up.

I checked, of course I did, and found many facts about Tuesdays. 

In the Thai Solar Calendar the color associated with Tuesday is pink. How rare is that? There are many Tuesdays where pivotal events have occurred. I had a fairly long list about events on Tuesday, but I'm having a brain freeze, so I can't remember them. This not being able to  remember things, will haunt me, if you will, I suppose the rest of my life.

I watched one "loop" of news every morning. Notice I said one loop. Watching more than one news program, for me, is fairly depressing. When I reach that point, I'm more than ready to find another show to watch. Pretty much anything, that isn't associated with news, I'll watch. Even the occasional episode on "Shark Week"!

Today, on my calendar, is to continue sorting out, what I believe, are pieces of clothing, without stains, tears, etc., I'm bundling them up for Stacey to take them to the thrift shop, close to her home.

Also, on Tuesday, is a great day to empty the shred basket. It is generally a messy and two step project. You used to be able to put your shredded documents in with the paper recycling. Now, I dump the contents into a large plastic bag, and then transfer into a recycle brown bag. Since I don't want our "confetti" to fly everywhere, I seal the bag with staples. 

While I know the reason for recycling, it was much easier to just put your shredded papers into a regular trash container. Trouble was that, using your shredded documents, meant that later you would have to go out into the street and pick up the bits and pieces. I can remember a time, and perhaps you do as well, when trash was just trash. But, at that time, people trying to steal your identity, etc., wasn't yet a problem. Sometimes, I think about the 60's, minus the Vietnam war, was a pretty peaceful time.

Thought for the day: 

"Show respect for others' time. Call whenever you're going to be more than ten minutes late for an appointment". This is something that Jeff and I do, and have always done, is to be respectful of time, particularly if it's a doctor's appointments.

I'll end with my usual closing: masks, washing hands, and try to practice social distancing.

P

 

For The Love Of A Dog

 8/24/2020

In my first life, and yes I indeed had one. Good news is/was that after 5 years of marriage, my husband, at the time, wanted out to pursue  relationships. I didn't know it at the time, but this man gave me a "get out of marriage", and in looking back, he did yours truly, a solid.

When I met Jeffrey, I told him that owning a dog, would be a deal breaker. For reasons that I won't go into, just the mere mention of a dog (in that previous time, dogs ate before I did).

A few years after we were married, our oldest son, became quite ill. No reason that I can remember, we bought a Springer Spaniel puppy. The child became better soon, but not before we adopted this puppy. I think the dog's name was Charlie (and Jeffrey will be happy to remind me later, if the name is wrong).

The problem with owning a spaniel, or any other breed where the ears hang down, there is a huge ponderous (sp and I hope I'm using the right name), to suffer from ear infections. And, this dog was no exception. 

By the time we left California for Maryland, we owned a West Highland Terrier. Name, also forgotten. Anyway, this dog, like most terriers seem to always be given you the sign "middle paw", Terriers, at least in my opinion, are very reluctant to follow instructions! They are lovely dogs, but you need to have the upper hand when dealing with a terrier. 

Long story short, somehow we ended up with puppies. For a small dog, she produced a good number of puppies. We made a doggy pen, with a throw-away piece of carpet for the bottom. 

The boys took giving away the puppies as some kind of cruelty on our part. Years later, we owned a Westie, also stubborn, who lived to be around 15 years old.

Over the years, we had dogs named: Daisy (the name of a cow mentioned in the book I was reading). Then we had, through those same years, dogs named: Suzie, Maggie, and Sam (the terrier).

Four years ago, both Sam and Maggie, were getting up in years and both became ill. The illnesses, for both dogs, was partly because they were old, but there were other problems as well. We had to put down these two dogs one week after the other. And, our house was very quiet. 

We had a remedy for that, of course, and we adopted a little terrier mix (Daisy). Now, in her defense, and she does need one, Daisy is the most loving dog we've ever owned.

The second dog we adopted, almost a week later, is named Bella. Bella has very short blonde hair, and black spots on her tongue. Here's what I do about this dog. Jeff has worked with Bella, over the course of the four years, we've had her, to be a service dog for me. No professional training, but when she has her vest on, she knows her mission. Bella has never acted out in public, nor, has she ever, made a potty mess. 

When we go to Hopkins, the name used for the medical center where we go, Bella just lays down in front of us. We have, over the years, discouraged people who want to pet her. We make very few exceptions, but we do for a child in a wheelchair. Her service dog patch says "not all disabilities are visible". We bought that tag to discourage from people giving me "the look". If you're "mental", such as I am, I don't want to have to explain to strangers, and frankly it's none of their business, what the disability is. 

But, here's what I need you to know about her. Once the vest is off, Bella becomes just a regular dog. And, what she does for me, in public is a dog that walks beside me, and I can lean against her if I need to.

Here's the weirdest thing about Bella. She can be anywhere in the house, and knows that I'm crying, sad, etc. She will find me. Once I have her full attention, she puts her front paws on my legs. and licks my face. I always give Bella a huge hug, she's like my own security blanket. After the hug, she licks my face again, and stares at me. Once I'm feeling better, I put my face down next to her, and tell her that I'm okay. How does Bella, or any other kind of dog, know to do this? Or, is it part of her DNA? 

We share our bed, as we have done before, the bed with the dogs. Daisy has a need to lick Jeff's face before she goes to sleep. At the end of the bed, and for only a few moments, Bella will get something out of her toy box to chew on. The chewing doesn't last long, or perhaps I've already gone to sleep. It seems as if she has this need, perhaps like a pacifier for a baby to have a knaw on something before settling in for the night.

And, like the alarm clock in the alligator, named Tick-Tock, both of the girls, absolutely know when it's time for breakfast. They also make sure that we know that's it breakfast time too. But, by the looks of them, it's quite obvious that they haven't missed many meals.

We're supposed to have a very warm/hot week. Thank goodness for air conditioning. Did our weekly shop yesterday. I had a fall on Saturday, which has left me both bruised and sore. This was the second fall for me, during the week. I guess I wobble, and then down I go. Thank heavens for good bones, otherwise, I'd have broken some bone when I fall. Let's drink milk people. And, if you're a "dunker" like me, dipping a cookie into the milk, is like icing on a cake. But, it takes a special skill to know when dipping has completely dissolved your cookie!

Our week's weather calls for mostly hot and rainy weather. This kind of weather, mostly because of the humidity, keeps many people home. At least, that's me for sure.

Stay safe everyone.

P

We Made It To Friday!!

 8/21/2020

My friends, we managed to get through the week. I'm hoping that you are well, and perhaps sporting some kind of a unique mask! 

On Etsy, a beautiful beaded mask was being sold for a mere $39.00. A mask that expensive would certainly make some kind of fashion statement. Also, you wouldn't want to leave said mask just sitting around. I'm sure other people would like to have such a glamours mask. Since we all have to wear masks that cover our noses, wearing such a fancy mask, would not only be a fashion statement. And, of course, there is always the mystery of who is behind the mask. A beautiful woman, obviously! 

Jeff and I watched the convention last night, as we have the other nights as well. And, to be honest, "occasionally" would find myself dozing off a bit! Jeff would tell you, that the bit of dozing, looked more like a genuine nap. I, can sleep in front of the television almost anytime. Perhaps, it's merely the drone of the voices I hear. Whichever, truth is, I'm not sleeping well at night, averaging about four hours. It seems as if, I have sent some kind of internal alarm. It's possible that I have, over time, developed some kind of internal alarm for myself, and that's really not good. 

I have a rollator, which happens to be a big one.When I bought this rollator, I concentrated on the weight limit. It's true I was 50 pounds heavier, but upon reflection, didn't need basically a rollator for really heavy people. Fearing, that I might go over the weight limit, bought this, really big and unweldly (sp)  rollator. But, in my defense, I hadn't done my appropriate research. If I had, I would have seen other rollators that were smaller and easier to use. However, that's water over, or is it under the bridge?

Because the rollator is large and heavy, putting it into the car, is pretty much a non-starter. Having said that, I have to ride around in those little "beep beep" carts. And, to say that I hate them, would be an overstatement, or understatement, I don't know which word is appropriate here. But, I know that all of you will understand what I'm hopefully trying to say here.

Doing my "Marie Condo" thing, I gathered up a large pile of clothes, that no longer fit. I decided to bag up these clothes as well as books that I've read, or will never read, donating them to a thrift shop. At the moment, my untidy spare room, has piles of clothes over there, and another pile one over there, etc. It's going to take some time to make this room, nice and tidy. But, I do have time, and a long list of why I'm not working on that room every day. Truth is, it's boring. I have to try on "x" amount of clothes - wearable now? or wearable never? I have only one or two pieces of clothing, that are a little snug right now.

Please don't tell Jeff (though he reads my blog every day) that the pile of clothes that I still have to get sorted, etc., is quite large. But, as I continue to maintain this new weight, and hopefully more - then I'll be "forced" to buy smaller clothes. What a drag that will be (ha).

Every morning, I watch "talking heads" to be sure that I'm up-to-date on everything. Once, my head starts spinning, I turn on a baseball game, to distract me. I even watch games that perhaps I've already seen. Since I have short term memory, I don't know, or frankly care, when the game was initially played. When watching television shows, Jeff has to remind me that I've already seen the show. And, I have absolutely no memory of doing so. Perhaps, it's possible that my short term memory loss, is sometimes a good thing, but more often it's simply a nuisance.

Notice the time people. I have a few minutes to go before it's 11:00!! 

Have a great day, and be well. See you on Monday.

P

Quote for the day: when someone hugs you, let them be the first to let go.

 

Lost an entire post

 8/20/2020

Apologies, sometimes, like yesterday, I had a pretty long blog. And, not to pat myself on the back or anything, but I thought that I had done a good job. Of course, knowing that I have some brain issues, I don't always remember things that I have done. 

After my fabulous blog, I thought that I had saved it, but apparently I was wrong. When I sat down this morning, to check on the number of folks that had read the blog that's when I saw that I had not published anything but a blank page. And, that's not productive at all, also I don't want to bore you with something you have already seen.

I watched the "talking heads" this morning. When I had seen enough, and/or my brain was about to explode, I switched to a baseball game. It is possible, and happens a lot, that I might take a little snooze sometime during the day. But, I always tell Alexa to set an alarm for "x" amount of time. Since I'm not sleeping well at night, it might have something to do with the nap(s). Every morning of late, I wake up at 3:00. Before, I leave the room, I scan the pads that are on the floor, to make sure that neither Jeff nor I, step into something unpleasant. Such as I did last week, and I promise you that is definitely not the way you want to start your day.

I have been doing some research for getting a medical alert thingy, with the additional cost of fall detection. I fell twice this week, so I think it's time for me to have an alert (goodness I'm getting old) to let someone know that I'm down on the floor again. When you get your system, you can designate who to call, such as friends and/or family. If I don't answer, then the operator does something. Hopefully, I'll always still be able to talk to a person about what's wrong. To help me, for now, I'm wearing those ugly "grip" socks. 

Today, or perhaps tomorrow, I'll go through the clothes that I want to give to the Thrift Shop, where Stacey took me on Saturday. I also have some books, that I will donate also.

Now, before I turn into a pumpkin, I think I'll stop now and save my blog to publish it.

See you later.

P

 

 

 

I'm Still Here!

  8/19/2020

Readers, I owe an explanation about the blog from yesterday. When I saved it, I didn't realize that my blog was going to be in columns. Readers, I know it's been several days since I checked in. Apologies, and I have no excuse. But, for a retired person, I've been a busy gal. And, after you retire, actually when I retired, my life became simple. If, you know me well, then you're not surprised, with my acceptance of mostly staying in the house. I handle this better than Jeff, which makes us the "perfect" couple!

I don't remember if I told you about my appointment with a plastic surgeon. Mind you, I'm not asking for, what they call, a body lift. Nope, just a few "adjustments" to this old and sagging body. I know that I'm rather late to the game. And, all I can think about is that song "you're so vain, you probably think this song is about you". I believe, and you guys may feel differently, that up until the last few years, I was okay with the old bod. There does seem to be some kind of a driving force, behind my desire to look better. I'm not looking to look prettier - because everyone knows how pretty I already am! (insert laughing emoji here)!! I want to feel better. Nothing wrong about that.

Saturday, Jeff was going to a fly-in party, at somebody's house that has it's own runway. When he was talking to me about this, I can imagine, and you can too, that Travolta likely has his own runway. Perhaps, if we ever find our selves winning the lottery (would actually have to buy the lottery ticket!), and find ourselves at odds about how to spend this vast amount of money. Unfortunately, every time we buy tickets, we don't even get back the price of said tickets! then perhaps we too could have a runway. Unfortunately, dreams don't always become reality. Even though that's true, the two of us will continue to dream. 

Oh, back to where I was talking about Jeff who was flying in to attend party, I spent the day at Andrew's house. Actually, that's kind of not true. Stacey and I went out to stores, to "test try" my Visa card. And, it did. My rationale is/was that Jeff told me to have a good time. Trust me, I did, and Visa will be happy that I'm out there spending money. Jeff, not so much.

First stop, was to a thrift store. Mind you, I needed nothing! But, when in a store, most women, and me for sure, fee obligated to buy something. Men will never understand this. And, that's why they are from "Mars" and we girls are from "Venus". 

At the thrift shop, I was in a buyer's heaven. I have a "thing" about glass. And, the boys and Jeff will attest to this. So, remembering that Jeff said I should have fun, I picked up some beautiful, and heavily discounted, pieces. 

I wasn't interested in the clothes, because that for me, is boring. Ah, but then I found the book section. I was in heaven. Wonderful. I can hardly hold myself back, when books are involved. Mind you, I didn't need any more books. Since the book swap that I did earlier this year, I am up to my elbows in books. I have so many books in the neighborhood, I have books in boxes, some on the bookcase, and more, taking up space in a spare chair in our den! Jeff knows that my love for glass and books are just about equal.

I found several Danielle Steel books, so I put them in my cart. Bought a few more Golden Books to add to to my collection. I have a love for these kinds of books, because my Dad read these to me, when I was young.

But, while browsing, I came across a very old book. Titled "The Sheik" , published in, wait for it, 1921!!! This is not a book I intend to read. I bought it because I really love old books, They have a certain smell to them. I know when I'm in a store where there are really old books, people stare at me. They do this, because I'm holding the book to my face, and taking in the "scent" of the book for lack of a better word. Trust me, this old book, "ticked" off all the boxes. The title of the book was almost unreadable, and that's okay. I don't buy these books to read, nope. This book was yellow with age, and had been printed using a very small type, that I wouldn't be able to read it, even with my reading glasses! 

In the back of the book, this is written:

"Of all the amusements which can possibly be imagined, for a hard working man, after his daily toil, there is nothing like reading an entertaining book. It calls for no bodily exertion. It transports him into a livelier and gayer and more diversified and more interesting scene, and while he enjoys himself there he may forget the evils of the present moment, ......." Lively words from a book this old.

Unlike myself, Jeff doesn't have much down time. Sometimes he finds the title of an interesting book, that he wants to read. but reading is not his passion. Flying is his passion. 

Give me a book, and I can be transported anywhere and be anybody! Just saying.  

My old/new book was published by A.L.Burt Company, which was in business from (incorporated as A.L. Burt Company) was a New York based book publishing house from 1883 until 1937. See, I told you that this book was old.

Anyway, once we were done in the Thrift Shop, we went to several other stores, the names of which I can't remember (shocker I know). Our final store was Michael's. I love that store, and while I was there, picked up numerous things for Christmas. Since, I'm not sure who, in the family, reads my blog, obviously, can't say what I bought. This Christmas will likely be very strange. Can families get together, if they stay six feet apart and wear masks? Or, do will all use Zoom - you show me your gift, and I'll show you mine! Just writing this, makes me grimace.

I think I've written a pretty wordy blog, catching up on what this old lady has been up to. "Stella" and I, will get our groove back tomorrow.

A research note about the old book I found:

A. L. Burt (incorporated in 1902 as A. L. Burt Company) was a New York-based book publishing house from 1883 until 1937. It was founded by Albert Levi Burt, a forty year old from Massachusetts who had come to recognize the demand for inexpensive reference works while working as a traveling salesman.

Please stay safe everybody, and while we don't like it, wear your masks when you leave the house. Just think what your suntan would look like, if you were out in the sun, with your mask on!! You might end up looking like a racoon!

Tomorrow, I'll sit here in my "office", and will be back to my "normal", self, whatever that means when it pertains to me.

P

 

Let Me Tell You About My Day Yesterday

 8/14/2020

Weather wise, yesterday sucked. Not only are the weeds growing really fast, pretty much as if they were on Steroids. But, alas most people, who have a yard also gets the weeds. This is which unfortunately grow like weeds! And you also know that as soon as your turn back,  frustrating and annoying they can be.

I can pull on those weeds for only a bit, before I have to holler "Uncle". But the progress I made is satisfying to me.

And then my body knows, without ever uttering a word, that my weed pulling is done for the day. And, I'm old enough, even with a short memory, seems to know when my body is saying "enough". My usual position, at that point, is to get my butt into my walker a fast as I can for a rest. 

And, after the rain, the sun came out, as if Mother Nature was apologizing for her earlier weather. There is a song in a movie, which I can't remember. Wait, I think I've got it, Annie and Daddy Warbucks. 

Seeing Stacey and Benjamin certainly made my day. Benjamin stayed home with Jeff. Stacey and I, haven't had a pedicure since all this virus started! At the salon, there were plastic dividers separating you from the manicurist. We kept our masks on, until it was time for waxing! Duh. Finished up with manicures. At that point, Stacey and I could have taken on the world. After all our procedures were done, then men should be afraid, our procedures, we felt like Wonder Woman! Men  should be afraid, really afraid! Such a great feeling! I paid for everything, and told Stacey that it was an early Christmas present. I know, when it's convenient for Wendy and Elly, who have a lot going on, I will give them also a "spa" day. A gift with no expiration date.

I mentioned earlier this week, that I was going through my clothes. All of my "fat" clothes are going into a bag so that I can donate them. Once their gone, I'm totally screwed I step on the scales once in the morning and again at night. A "bit" OCD on my part. 

Last week, not only did I go through my clothes, I also sorted out Benjamin's toys. He had a lot of them, but mostly the toys that were given to him years ago. I ended up with not one, but two plastic bags. I decided as I was bagging up his toys, that I wouldn't go through the toys. Benjamin did go through the two bags, and only kept four things. What was left, were random pieces that, for the most part, couldn't really be donated. I mean who wants to start with this or that kind of blocks, and then discover, there were only three or four blocks. Time to toss.

Benjamin over time, received many books as presents. One particular set of books, were all about the Bernstein (sp) Bears, with titles about: a first  visit to the beach, first day of school, etc. I intend to put all of these books away for the next generation.

After all, Jeff isn't the only person in the house that keeps things. We just keep different things. Things that I keep are sentimental to me. I know that when I'm gone, the boys will likely take everything out of the chest, including Benjamin's first pair of Crocs, and make a donation to the big trash can in the garage. Knowing that the boys are not sentimental, I've asked them not to toss out, my Mother's needle point pictures. They are quite beautiful, and if they don't want them, perhaps a new generation might.

Okay, I've blogged or typed enough for one day. I use the weekends to rest my brain, at least the part that's still working, to come up with blog ideas.

Be well everyone.

P

I always enjoy my time spent with both of them, even more so now, because I stay in the house 99% of the time. Jeff is very afraid that I'll get the virus, and likely combined with other issues - heart - is one, that I'll never recover from this horrible virus.

The Junk Drawers

 

 
8/12/2020

Morning everyone. Here is the new challenge I have set for myself today. I'm going to put everything in a bag. Some things I'll leave alone, batteries, doggy bags, etc.

Here's the plan. I'm going to put the contents in a large brown (do you remember those?)The plan is to empty the drawers, and put the contents in the bag, and date it. And, then all I have to do, is see whether Jeff or myself will miss anything having to do with said junk.

History and you know that I love doing research, here's what I found. Most people, excluding the likes of Martha Stewart and/or Marie Condo, just keep putting more "junk" in the drawers. All of you, including myself, keep shoving things in those drawers. And, at some point, the only way my drawers will close, is using the old tried and true method. Dump and sort.

Before I bag things up, I'll keep the necessities. Flash light, measuring tape (do you really need more than one)?, poop and scoop bags for walks, batteries (good and/or bad ones). several pairs of glasses. Now, why do we keep those old glasses, may have something to do with the frames that can be used again. Of course, as a woman, I don't want old frames, even if they are in good shape. I want new ones. Doesn't everybody?

Once I have an appropriate sized box, I'm going to put all of Benjamin's books away. They're not going far - just to the other spare room, which is still needing my organizational skills. But, doing the organizational thing, gets old in a hurry.

New ramblings. Last night, I started dinner. Orange chicken, vegetable and rice. The food was quite tasty. About an hour after dinner, I smelled smoke (between the two of us, it's my job for all of the years we've been married to do the sniff test). Between the two of us, I have the better smeller. And, what I smelled last night was smoke. The source was a pan left on a burner, and never went back to turn said burner off. The pan, obviously was nicely scorched. Today, I'm going to put up a "sticky" that will say - turn the oven off - turn the burners off. I suppose that my time in the kitchen is getting more limited. (insert sigh here)

Remember, and how could you not, to use all the things we should do, to hopefully slow the numbers down.

 P