Weather?

 11/12/2020

When Jeff and I moved to Maryland 30 plus years ago, most of the family had ever really seen snow! I lived in Illinois when I was a teenager, and we did get snow. A lot of snow. In the 60's, there were no underground wires, nope they were outdoors, and occasionally we'd get enough snow to bring the wires down.

My Dad told me, before we left California, that we would likely get buried underneath snow. We don't get a lot of snow every winter, but when we do it's heavy and wet. In my telephone conversations with Dad, he would always have an opportunity to basically say, I told you. 

This many years later, I'm glad we left California, when we did. Now, there are forest fires, generally not enough water, mudslides, along with earthquakes, just to name a few things that I'm glad, we don't have to experience anymore.

Our first year in Maryland, we never froze to death. I had bought coats, but they weren't the kind of coat that is needed back here.

The boys loved the snow, Jeff and I not so much. When I was working, there was a special automatic phone number, so that we could find out - if the company closed, or had a two hour delay. The other option was to use up a one of your vacation days. 

I worked at Marriott headquarters for 13 or so years. Everybody in my department, that I would begin to panic, even if all I saw, was just flurrys. My bosses knew, as well as my co-workers, that if we received any snow, I had to get home now! 

One winter, when we had a lot of snow, and our house was run by electricity. Hence, there was no cooking, no heat, etc. At the time, Benjamin was a toddler, and he didn't understand why our food was cold, and that there wasn't heat. When it came time to go to bed, we wore our warmest clothes. Benjamin, was wedged in between us, and our combined body heat, kept him cozy.

After the storm, Jeff decided that we would never lose power again. He bought a whole house generator that gets it's power through the gas line, or something like that. The generator has a name - Jenny. Kind of cute, don't you think? Before putting Jenny in place, we had to get the HOA's approval, and the county to come out and bless us. 

Mind you, Jenny would never even come to winning a beauty award. Jenny's cover, which is some kind of a tan color, and she is big! Oh, and when she's running, which she can indefinitely, since she gets her power from our gas line, she can run the whole house indefinitely.  We now have two neighbors, who have attempted to put Jenny out of their sights. I guess we could paint her green, so she would blend in a bit more. Thankfully, up to now, we haven't really needed her for a period of time.

But one of our neighbors asked us, that if the power went out, could they run an extension cord to their house. Hmm - no. If we ever do loose electricity, and I know it's mean, but I want to turn on every light in the house. Doing so, would give us a smug attack! Jenny sits on a fairly high concrete pad, which makes our immediate neighbors, not very happy. But, like Scarlet O'Hara - frankly I don't give a damn what you do or do not like. 

A neighbor on our street, wants to buy a generator also. But, when he asked Jeff's advice, Jeff told him that a small generator would likely only be able to do small things, keep your phone charged, and perhaps one light. Clearly, it cannot run a house, and you have to keep putting gas into the generator.

Checking out the numbers today, a whole house generator will cost you between $3,700 to $9,500. Plus the installation cost about $4,471. So you see, Jenny was a fairly expensive purchase, but will be needed some day in the future, I'm sure. Both of the boys also have whole house generators. Plus side, their houses are on acreage, so they are not subjected to neighbors, who don't like the noise or the color! I know Jenny isn't pretty, and one neighbor has put up a tall fence to block their view and the other neighbor, put several pieces of lattice on their deck.

Oh, to back in California, minus all the weather events, to have a 6 foot concrete wall between neighbors. This type of fence, offers a lot of privacy.

That's all I have for today. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

P

 

 

Vaccinations

12/9/2020

As far as I'm concerned, and it's only my opinion, but I think it's cold outside. Jeff has even begun wearing pants and a flannel shirt!

We went out yesterday afternoon, to get the booster shot for Shingles. Let me tell you, that this shot is more painful than any I've ever had before.

The shot itself is no biggie. But, for a few days after getting the shot, your arm is SORE! I mean really sore. I don't know about Jeff, but this morning, I'm not only sore, but very tired.

The doctor told me that since I had chicken pox as a child, and, shingles as a teenager. As a teenager, I didn't think  shingles was a big deal. I've been told that as an adult, there is pain involved if you get shingles. I avoid pain as much as possible.

As an Air Force brat, every time Dad was assigned twice over his time in the Air Force, everybody had to have certain vaccinations. We were protected against typhoid, tetanus and other serious illnesses. Back when I was a child, when you were going to get a shot, there was the overwhelming smell of alcohol in the room. I'm happy to say, that when I get shots now, there is no smell in the lab area. I don't like them, but I know I need them.

Flu shots? Piece of cake. Neither Jeff or I had any lingering effect from the shot. We were not told, that the shingles shot would be painful, for several days. I guess it wouldn't have made much of a difference, because around 1975 of so, both of became really and truly sick. There were multiple trips to the bathroom.

Jeff and I were down hard, and we couldn't get up the energy to take care of a toddler. I did call my parents, and asked them to keep him until we were feeling better. When flu shots became available, we were first in line! Trying to get the younger generation to understand how sick people were way back then, is nearly impossible! I think people who don't take the flu shot, are afraid of somehow getting the flu. For Jeff and I, we want to be proactive, even though there are no children left at home. While there is anybody in our house, we both remember how sick we were.

Once the virus shot becomes available, I will get advice from our doctor, but already know what she's going to say. Take the shot, even if it makes you a little sick. It's going to be better then adding to the numbers of sick people, as well as the number of people who have died.

I think today, that I'm going to actually wrap presents. I use the word wrap loosely, because I'm absolutely the worse wrapping presents, and this no joke. Giving gifts to the boys, their boxes can be sealed with packing tape. They don't care about presentation. And, that's a good thing!

Well my dears, I'm signing off now. More tomorrow. Stay safe.

P

 

Getting Things Done

 12/8/2020

I am very proud of myself. Yes, I deserve a pat on the back, just saying!

Yesterday, I took all the Christmas gifts, and put them into piles according to the recipient. My problem is, that even today, I searched my Amazon list. What am I looking for? I have no idea, but I do have things on my list that I'm thinking about buying.

Overkill? I confess, yes. Would the family notice and/or care if they didn't get the same number of gifts, or close to that same number! They may be adults now and need very little. They are at this point in theirs lives, that if they need and/or want something, they buy it.

It is much easier to buy gifts for Wendy, Elly and Stacey. Since I'm a woman, of a certain age. I still can relate to the "girls" when it comes to finding gits (and yes, I do put a lot into doing this), that I think everyone will like. I do have lists for all three of them. I consider the items on their lists. But, then I go rogue. 

When I was a teenager, my Mother also must have searched. She found things for me, that I, am pretty sure wasn't on a list. Come to thing about it, I don't believe that the three of us siblings, ever made a list. She, at that time, just seemed to know what to buy. And, she also hit the ball out of the court.

Today, I will put the labels on the 4A cards. This is the easy part. After doing this, Jeff will go to the post office to buy the right amount of postage for all the cards. Because of the magnet inside, the cards will weigh more than the stamps we already have. 

I read today, that if you want your packages to arrive before Christmas, UPS suggests mailing by December 25th. Going with USPS, the deadline is December 21. I think that sending by the 21st, could be, or might be, your gifts might not arrive before Christmas! And, nobody wants to get a picture of the gift that you bought, but didn't arrive in time. 

Today, or not today, I have to finish up our Christmas cards. My handwriting is pretty bad, hence sending the Christmas letter to some of our friends, is a good idea.

Stacey, will come to see me today. Our plan is to go to the salon, for much needed pedicures. And, wax off my "lady" beard. If I had lighter hair, then the hair on my face wouldn't be quite so noticeable. 

We haven't had Christmas at our house in many years. I remember when Jeff and I were living in California, we had to spend time with both sets of parents. I only remember one time when my parents came to our house for Christmas.

In our family, Jeff and I do the going to one house and then the other. Because of the virus, we'll wrap (well, as best as I can), presents and drop them off outside of their houses. We're so, not going into their respective homes. Perhaps, we will play Santa on either the 23rd or the 24th. 

I am sending up positive thoughts, that we will not be in the same position next year.

Happy Shopping!

P

Christmas Is Getting Closer!

12/7/2020

I'm sure that some of you, might be having warm weather, at this point in time. For us, not so much. I know it's cold, when Jeff puts his shorts away for the season and starts wearing  a flannel shirt! 

When we bought our house, 32 or so years ago, my choice for our "formal" living room's carpet is an off-white color. We have put up a gate, so that the girls can't wander in. There is, unfortunately, a small "spot" on the carpet. Thank you Daisy.

I've been playing Santa for several weeks now. Basically, that formal room,has  transformed into Santa's workshop. All presents, that arrive from Amazon, get stacked in there. 

I have already ticked off two of my things to accomplish. One was the shipping of my sister box yesterday. I also, stuffed the 4A Christmas cards, with the 2021 magnet. And, not to pay myself on the back, but I also licked them as well. When Jeff gets a chance, he will take them to the post office for mailing. Because of the magnet inside the card, the cards require higher priced stamps. I have done this in the past, stood in line, check the weight of one envelope, and then buy the appropriate number of stamps, for every card we send out. 

It was 31 when I came downstairs this morning, so the fireplace is going full steam. I know, because I've seen it, that there are two dogs, who like to get as close to the fireplace as possible. Bella and Daisy, for most of the day, play the game of I was here first. The girls are now 4 years old, and I still can't figure out which one is the alpha dog. While Bella is bigger than Daisy, I believe that Daisy runs the show.  Or, that's how it looks to me.

Watched the morning new one time. While I used to watch more than one news cycle, I have stopped doing that. I can only handle so much depressing news!

Our Tivo, which everybody should have, has a "to do" list. At the moment, said list is filled with my Christmas movies. I am aware of the space limitations, so as soon as I've watched movie, I delete it. And, there are so many movies available. Basically, I could send the entire day, parked in my chair! Of course, this accomplishes nothing.

There is one thing, that I used to do so well, is typing. I started taking typing classes when I was in junior high, some 30 years ago. And, when I have to take a typing test, I have to take time to turn the page over. I could type as fast as my bosses could talk. My typing speed was always 80 wpm or more.

Sadly, one of the things I did so well, for so many years, is just one more thing that I don't do as well as I did. Now, I actually have to sometimes look down at the keyboard to find the right letter. And, then there's spelling, which is beginning to get sketchy as well. Don't get me wrong, I can still type pretty fast, but when I look back at what I've typed, it appears that I'm a key or two off. I personally, have a memory issue, a body that hurts each every day. I am no longer driving (the family doesn't believe that I'm not safe, and while I protest, I have to agree). 

It seems as if my world, keeps getting smaller and smaller. This, of course makes me sad. I have such great memories of what I used to be able to do when we lived in California. I was Mrs. Claus (because I was 9 months pregnant), who could climb up or down, depending on where we were. Take a fairly long walking tour of Carlsbad Caverns. After you finish your tour, you can sit down, and then watch all the bats that fly out when the sun starts to go down. And, my list could go on and on!

Christmas time, is the only time of the year when Jeff and I, give presents. We give presents for Elly and Benjamin's birthdays. Otherwise, this is the only time of the year, where I search and buy for the family. By tendency is too buy too many things. I'll make piles in the living room today, and for the children, hold back some gifts for next year.

I'm going to wrap this up. Much as I would like to stick around and chat, that simply isn't on my "to do" list.

Please be safe.

P

 

Today

 11/4/2020

I'm a bit late this morning. Instead of watching the news, which I'm trying to avoid, I watched a Holiday movie instead. I think it's a better way to start my day. Perhaps, yours as well.

First thing, on my really to do list, is wrap my presents to go into my sister box. At Jeff's suggestion, I wrote a message, such as, if said item was made by Mom. Things like that. Most of the gifts in my box, bring back memories, some of which I've not thought about in years.

Since my short term memory isn't working to it's full capacity, I continually wander through my past. I can, in my mind, visualize my prom dress, wedding dress, our honeymoon, and things like that. I try very hard not to think about anything negative in my past. 

It's a gloomy, rainy day here. And, yes my SAD light is on. Even on sunny days, I turn my light on. I don't believe that I can have too much sun. And, obviously, I don't think anybody can get too much sun, unless you're trying to get a tan. In the 60's, we teenage girls, tried to get a quicker tan, by rubbing oil and some other product (which I can't remember) onto our skin, until we were golden.

I don't know about my friends, but as a 70 year old, I am now paying for my past. I have age spots, that are super duper ugly. When you are a teenager, it reminds me now, as an adult, of a sort of getting ready to be an adult. Does that make any sense? 

So of these "beauty", or old lady spots, has led me to a plastic surgeon to have some spots removed. After a blast of liquid nitrogen, then in a few days time, the spots are no more. How cool is that? I see her next week, and I still have a lot of spots on my back that she can zap for me.

Age is a number, I know this, and you do as well. I finally figured out that that I don't have to live with the things that happen as you grow older.

I don't have a lot of gray hair, and when I think back, my mother didn't as well. Not too many wrinkles on my face. Must have lived a life of no stress!! And, those of you who know me, that the no stress part just isn't true.

New technology leaves me frustrated. I was given a new iPhone, but have absolutely no idea how to use it. For now, it's more of a paper weight. Perhaps, they make one of those dummy books that might help me.

I know that those of you who are working, always look forward to Friday. I know I certainly did!

Try to avoid, the last minute shopping and shipping of products. I have a list on Amazon, and I'm continually adding or deleting items. I'm going to have a talk to myself, about the things I really want and/or need. For me, needing something is a bit boring. But, the list of things I would like to have, is endless!

I'll chat with you on Monday. Have a good weekend everyone.

P

 

 

Oh Christmas Tree

 12/3/2020

Once the boys became adults, and had their own homes, has left me without a lot of Christmas Cheer.

When the boys were growing up, our house, and likely yours, was at it's liveliest, on the weeks and days before Santa.

Scott, from a very young age, was, and still is, the outdoor lighting king. As a teenager, he put lights all over our house. It was important to Scott that the position of each light bulb had to be in exactly the right spot. We used to joke about the face that we had so many light, we could probably be seen by planes flying over our house! Obviously, that's more of a family joke. Nets of lights graced our front yard bushes. If there was a blank space in the yard, not to worry Scott had it covered.

We had a neighbor, whose daughter grew up, and Scott would go every Sunday to have a breakfast snack with them. Of course, he noticed that there were no outside lights. Not to worry, Scott went to their house and, with great enthusiasm, brought and put up, you guess it - lights!

Stacey, DIL, does a more than outstanding job of decorating their house. Thanks to the combined effort, including Andrew and Benjamin, the three of them, have had in the past, a beautifully decked out house. Obviously, I haven't seen it this year, so I'm just using my imagination!

For years, the boys would take their presents under the tree, and put all of their gifts in the front. As far as I was concerned, they could shake and/or smell (which is kind of my thing) the presents. The "fight" for the front of the year, changed almost every day.

I lost a lot of Christmas joy, when the boys moved out. No more natural trees, no lights outside, well you get the idea.

Jeff and I do own a small tree, about two feet tall. The little tree came with lights, which no longer work. Last trip to WalMart, I bought a few new things to put on our tiny tree.

Yesterday, even though I've accomplished absolutely none of my chores. Instead, I spent a lot of time putting on new lights, a few ornaments, and the boys' favorite, a string of fake popcorn and cranberries. W and spent the time listening to Christmas carols, while attempting rather poorly, to gussy up our little tree. Our tree isn't really a "Charlie Brown" tree, but it comes close.

We own Alexa, and you can tell her to turn on different plugs. I was thrilled, when Jeff told me, that the plug I used, was able to be controlled by Alexa. This eliminates the need to grope around every evening to unplug the tree. We don't use Alexa except in the den, but she is good at her job. She tells us the weather, and does her things with the smart plugs.   

As usual, I guess you could say I'm a rut kind of gal, I have my coffee while watching a feel good holiday movie. I suppose I should start my day watching the news, but this morning, I decided that I didn't bother to watch the news, because, in general, there is very little, if any, good news to be reported. Surely, there must be something to report, that doesn't include the very sad statistics.

Our tree, doesn't look anything like the picture below. But, it does come close.

P

Help With Bad News!

 12/2/2020

While eating my breakfast, which has consisted of toast, or the equivalent, along with coffee, I watch the news, once. Most of the news doesn't change from the news recorded earlier.

After watching the news, and feeling a bit down (isn't everybody?), I start watching a Hallmark or Lifetime movie. The plots are very much like a Danielle Steel book. Beautiful woman, handsome man, some kind of a small drama, and the ending always the same. They fall in love. Trust me, this story line, at least for me, never gets old. With the flurry of Christmas approaching, taking time to watch a feel good movie, is good for mental health. At least, for me, i mentally feel better! I know that most men, if any, want to watch mushy movies. I know that Jeff doesn't watch them with me. And, truthfully, with all the work he doesn't have time to watch much television. He has several shows, like "Gold Rush" and the like, that he watches during his lunch break.

At the present moment, the UPS driver and I, are becoming friends. Pretty much every day, I receive a package or two. Tragically, they don't come wrapped!! The boys don't care if I use duct tape on their presents. The ladies, not so much. I, either use too much paper, or not enough paper. 

When spending Christmas with Jeff's parents, his mother would save all the wrapping paper and bows. It would be possible for me to do the same, but it's just not high up there on my "to do" list. Right after Christmas, is a good time to stock up on all things Christmas. Cards, paper, decorations, etc., all of which have reduced prices.

Today, I'm going into my "war room", which is our formal living room, and make piles for everybody on my list. After I do this, then I can see how much I've bought, or not bought, for each person. And, I can always keep some things back, for birthdays, etc.

The boys are successful in their careers. And, at this point in their lives, really don't need for anything. I walk a fine line, when looking for their gifts. I have no such problem, buying gifts for the girls (Stacey, Wendy and Elly) is a bit easier for me. I find, any number of things, that I think would make great gifts. 

Thank heavens for Amazon. You can pretty much, find all kinds of things to buy. I'm sure that I'll soon be invited to an Amazon party!!

Without taking inventory of the presents in the living room, I know for certain, that I've bought way to many. This is not surprising, but it's the only time in the year that I give presents, with the exception of Elly and Benjamin.

I can always keep back some of the presents, to give to the family, sometime next year. While the thought of going into an actual store, right after Christmas, nearly gives me hives.

It's getting cooler, or colder back here. I know when it's cold, by Jeff's standards, because he stops wearing shorts! Jeff and I are not living in California, where you can run errands, in your sandals!

As if you needed a reminder, there are only 23 days until Christmas. And, if you wait too long to order on-line, there is always the possibility that you won't receive your packages before Christmas.

As it is for me, I will have to take pictures of some of the things I wanted to finish before Christmas. Wish me luck.

You know my regular reminders. Above all, stay safe.

P