The News From My Corner

 4/13/2021

Weather wise here, it's neither particularly cold or particularly hot. Dilemma? Do I put the a/c on, or the heat on. I know I'm well past hot flashes, but I'm forever changing the temperature in my room. At least, every room can control their own temperature. Thank goodness for that.

Just finished the 30 minute morning exercise class. I don't actually think I'm making much progress, but I go anyway. And, when the class is over, and I've done my best, I'm really proud of myself. Kuddos to me!

I tried to watch the ballgame last night, I can't remember if it was the Nationals or the Oriels. In the end, it didn't matter, the rain stopped the game. When I'm watching a game, I'm not really watching it, I'm doing something else, like a word search puzzle.

There is a poetry contest due by May 15th. Stacey wants me to enter a poem. And, I am working on a funny poem. Last night, before I went to sleep, I had, in my mind (dead space), a perfect set of lines. I guess in the poetry world, those lines are called stanzas. Of course, this morning, I can only remember some of the lines that I thought were kind of funny. Ah, the "benefits" of short term memory loss.

This afternoon, me and my "creative" self, are going to an activity that involves paint splattering. I have no natural talent for anything that even comes close to being called "artsy fartsy" (if that's even a word, and if it is, I don't know how to spell it!! But you get the general idea. So, if I make something for somebody, while it's not perfect, it's definitely made with love.

I wish I was home, as far as the ability to record shows. I've always had a lot of interest in the Royal Family. And, now with Prince Phillips death, I which that I could record all the events. 

Years ago, a friend of mine and I took days off to watch Prince Charles' wedding, as well as Princess Diana's funeral. Of course, one event was joyous, and the other was quite sad. Either way, they were major events in the Royal Family's life. And, the funeral this week, will definitely be historic. 

Because, I don't know if any of my neighbors read my blog, and I don't think they do, I'll carefully give you the news from the neighborhood bulletin board.

1st. There is a dead turtle in a backyard. Question? What do I do about it? Really, you can't figure this out on your own?

And, somebody has been put "on notice" that if they continue to post, what has been deemed unacceptable, they will be banned from the community bulletin board. Seriously. The threat of being banned, would make me tremble in my boots - not. And, I wonder who makes the decision about postings. Perhaps, the Wizard of Oz!! Such power, could easily go to your head!

I don't know if it's the area where we live, but it seems as if many residents, don't seem to have anything else to do, but post silly stuff, at least that's how I see it. But, that's just my opinion. And, you know what that's worth - nothing.

I've been given exercises to do in my room. And, believe it or not, I did the first set of these exercises this morning. Shocker I know. In my mind, exercise is not a word that easily comes to mind.

My lunch is here. Of course, I can't remember what I've ordered, since I ordered yesterday. But, I hope it's good.

Till tomorrow.

P

Apologies

 4/12/2020

It's a Monday, but I had to look! How sad is that? I've said it before, and I'll say it again, once you're no longer working, you forget not only the date, but what day of the week it is. You'll see for yourself some day. Who knows what technology might be like in the future. Maybe, we'll have something like Alexa, who will tell you the news, weather, date, day of the week, etc. When I think about this, two things come to mind, (a) how annoying that might be, or (b) how intrusive this will become.

Jeff came on Saturday, for the one hour visit. It's a long way for him to come, and I appreciate that he did. He fixed my computer, so that it now works like it should. You know, where's a geek when you need one?

He also brought me the remote for my little colored globe, I guess you could call it that. I have set it so that the globe, keeps changing colors all the time. That might annoy some people, but for me, this makes for a great night light. And, during the day, it just cheers me up.

Last night at dinner, other residents told me, that you are not supposed to keep your door open, even for an inch or so. I call this bull shit (sorry for the language). I didn't think I was, but have discovered that I'm a little bit catastrophic. Who knew? Oh, back to dinner, those who have lived here for a long time, tell me that your apartment door is never supposed to be open, even for just an inch or two. Well, I've been here a month, and nobody has said anything about this to me. I like seeing and hearing people in the hallway, so I don't feel isolated. If, this becomes an issue, then I'll have to pull up my big girl panties, to state my argument. Hope it doesn't come to that. But, again I say, for the amount of money this is costing Jeff, then I should be able to leave the damn door open, if that's what I want to do.

I'm going to ask Jeff to record all things Prince Phillip. I've always had an interest in the royal family, and the funeral coming up, is definitely going to be on television. Since, I'm having trouble with the Xfinity remote, the chances of me find the right station, and the right time, will not be possible. I'm lucky if I can even find a ball game to watch! 

If I do happen to stumble on a ball game, I really don't watch, I just like the "white noise" in the background. I generally have a large word search book in my lap. I no longer look for the actual words, nope, I go rouge and look for all the other words I can find. This is good brain exercise, or at least I hope so. I need all the help I can get.

I check the weather every day, basically so I'll know what to wear. Today, a bit on the cool side, so long sleeves. I love being able to control the temperature in my room. I go from needing a little heat, to needing more air conditioning! And, I'm not even going through that old lady business, because that ship has sailed a long time ago!

Last night at dinner, I bit down on something very hard. Two hundred dollars, if you know what it was. If you said a tooth, ding ding, you're a winner. Jeff's going to make an appointment at the dentist, but since I'm not in any kind of pain, I told him no rush. I generally don't like smiling, and now with part of my tooth missing, I really don't smile. When I do see the dentist, I really want to talk about what can we do for my upper teeth. It seems like, to me anyway, that on more than one occasion, a tooth seems to just fall out. I know it's not quite like that, but this is my second tooth that has broken off. And, the good news about the masks, is that nobody can see what's behind the mask, including missing teeth.

I have a lot of spare time, so I read and, at the moment, try to write a funny poem. 

Stacey, was kind enough, to take me to the local library, for books (of course). I came away with I think ten or more books. That should hold me for a while. There is a library outreach program that comes on the first Friday of every month. Since I've read all of the books I received on the first of April, I needed new books. At the moment, I think I have perhaps 12 books in my room. Activities that I participate in, take away from reading. When I moved here, I told Jeff that I just wouldn't stay in my room, and I don't. Generally, there are at least two activities that I participate in every day. One activity that I don't go to, is a documentary film and discussion. Definitely not my cup of tea.

I don't know if I mentioned it, and apologize if this is not new news. I do my very best with my limited memory. I bought from CVS, a pair of reading glasses. Okay, so what's the big deal? I bought a pair of reading glasses that are tinted blue. I wanted to try tinted glasses, to see if they make a difference when I read. And, oh boy do they ever.  I'm here to tell you, that they are amazing. I definitely use them when I'm reading, and it makes such a difference. Every now and again, I take the glasses off, to see how effective they are. Happy to say that my "blue" glasses make a huge difference, at least when I'm reading.

Stacey, wants me to enter a poem in a poem contest. First prize is $65.00 and bragging rights. I have seriously been working on my poem, add this, take away that, that's how it works. I have written several stanza's, who knew that a break in a poem even had a name. I always thought a break in the poem, was more like a "writing cramp" issue. There's stuff in my head, all I have to do is get on paper! Wish me luck. Once I've finished said poem, I'll put it in a blog. But, don't hold your breath while waiting for this poem. Creativity just doesn't suddenly pop into your head! It takes time, and also some breaks from what you're trying to write.

It's a sunny day here. I hope there is sunshine in your neighborhood. Talk to you tomorrow.

P

Sorry - Missed a Day

 4/9/2020

Guys, I'm sorry about yesterday. But, this girl had a busy day, and paying for it now.

You can only a visitor for one hour in your apartment. But, after that, you're free to leave the premises, just have to let the staff know you're leaving. It's not like prison, but I really can't say, well because I've never been in prison!

A few weeks ago, Stacey and I bought these lovely pink and lavender sheer curtains for my room. She managed to get the hooks into the wall, but then our hour was up. She's going to try and make an appointment with me for next week, so she can put the curtains up. This is something that Jeff could easily do, but between curtains and my computer, guess which one is more important? If, you said computer, then you'd be right! My computer is my world. Can I blog for you guys, do my research on anything. Oh, where was all this technology, when I was in high school, and had to use an encyclopedia for your research. For you younger folk, those books were are "research", our only research. Think what we could have written, if today's technology was available back then. If, you don't know what an encyclopedia is, then look it up on the internet!

Stacey and I shopped, I think our final shop, for little bits and pieces. I did find, and bought (thank you Jeffrey), a bright purple folding table, that is almost the same height as my computer table. At the moment, I'm using the table to hold some extra things that I had on my computer desk. Very, very handy, and a wonderful color too!!!

Here's a tip for you. They make glasses with a blue tint. I bought a pair for reading, and if you don't think they're working, just take the glasses off, and you'll see how white the page is. I don't use them for my computer, but since I read so much, they are a wonderful gift to myself!!

Stacey took me to the library yesterday for me to pick up my books on hold. I didn't count, but I think there was ten. I'm never lonely, if I have a book. Well, almost never lonely.

Jeff and Bella are visiting on Saturday. During his one hour appointment in my room, I'm hoping, actually I know he can, "fix" what I've managed to mess up!! Which is practically everything, as it relates to me, which is nothing new. Because unfortunately, I do this all the time. Hit a button there, or change a setting, and I'm off to the rabbit hole!

Stacey and I also went to WalMart, and I did a lot of walking. And, I did sit on my buggy periodically. The result? I can hardly move this morning, and told the physical therapist, we'd have to start again on Monday. I even cancelled my participation for Bingo this afternoon. Since there is a waiting list to play Bingo, I've made somebody happy.

Sad news for me, that Prince Phillip has passed away, at the age of 99 I think. I think that most of you don't follow the Royal Family, but they have fascinated me for years. The Queen and the Prince were married for more than 70 years. That's a long life, not only for his age, but for how long they were married.

I think that's all for today. See you back here on Monday. Have a wonderful weekend.

P

Happy Birthday Jeffrey!!

 4/7/2021

Today is Jeffrey's 72nd birthday. We have celebrated our birthdays generally, with just a card. Or, sometimes, because we are so sentimental, we browse the birthday cards. We find one, and read it to each other. Doesn't make Hallmark happy, but their cards, aren't cheap.

While Jeff and I were dating, I didn't make much money. There was definitely no commas in my paycheck.  Groceries, utilities and child care, just about emptied out my money in the bank. The average wage in 1974 was $11,000. Looking back, I don't know how we survived.

Jeff was a blind date, that my Dad and his Sister arranged. It could have gone wrong in so many ways. But, it didn't, and here I am writing about Jeffrey's 72nd birthday.

Jeffrey knew I had a dress on lay-a-way at a local store. He paid the remaining balance.

We went to the grocery store together. I was, due to a lack of funds, looking for dented cans, food, like bread, for instance. I had to feed myself, and my son. So the pickings in a grocery store, for me were minimal. While shopping, Jeffrey kept adding a lot of things, in his cart. When it was time to check out, and I saw all the things in his cart, I told him that I definitely couldn't pay for all that food. No worries, Jeffrey put my minimal amount of groceries in his cart. At that point, he was my hero, even though he didn't wear a cape!! But, he quickly became my significant other, and he is still today.

Our honeymoon was in San Francisco. It was September, and for people who lived in the southern part of the state, they we're still wearing shorts. 

During the days we spent there, it was definitely coat and gloves time. I truly can't remember if we found and bought, gloves. I didn't enjoy jumping on and off the trolley. Even back then, I was a whimp (however you spell it). 

After we spent a few days in Frisco, Jeff told me that with the money we hadn't spent, he would buy me a real washer and dryer. I know people, that appliances can be touchy as a gift, but, for me, it was like receiving diamonds. I kid you not I'll tell you why. In my first life, I had a wringer washing machine. It looked very similar to the picture below. You basically had to fill the tub with water and soap, then rinse. Are you tired yet? After you had rung out your clothes by hand, then you put the clothes through the wringer. I learned early on, that buttons needed to be inside a shirt, or there would be less buttons. But wait, it gets better - then you had to put the wet clothes on a close line and pin them up. Basically, it was a whole day project. And, then if you weren't too tired, then ironing came into the picture

We bought our house, and lived in it for 32 years or so. It was small, but so was the mortgage! With the help of friends and family, It was no big deal, for Jeffrey and his friends, to take on a project, generally on the weekend, and you know how well that works out, when the stores weren't open. Remember, this was a long time ago. A window was put in place, and it drastically made a difference.

I could go on and on, about the life we've lived. The experiences we've had, and the highs and lows, just like everybody has. We think of our life, as two people in a row boat, and we're both rowing, in the same direction, as it should be.

Our vows, like everybody else, say for good or bad. At this point in our life, I'm afraid that Jeffrey got the short end of the stick. And, for this, I apologize. It's not easy being around, and having to help somebody with a mental issue, 24/7. I know having to care for a person like me, is not an easy task. Which is one of the reasons, I'm living in an assisted living facility, at least for now. Jeffrey knows that I'll be safe here, meet people and participate in activities. And, I promised him, that I would leave my room, and I do.

Last but not least, but this man has been my best friend and supporter through all of these years.

Happy Birthday Jeffrey. Love you.

P

Time To Switch Clothes!

 4/6/2021

Good morning everybody. Please check the time that I'm writing my blog. It's 8:15 AM. By this time today, I've showered, dressed, even have on my socks and shoes. I'm even impressed with myself.

Each morning, I check out for today's weather. According to the weatherman, we might get into the 70's. And ladies, you know what time it is. If you don't shave your legs in the winter, it's okay, Besides your significant other, you wear pants most of the time.

But, with today's forecast, I have on my "shorty" pants.  And, in doing so, my legs and feet are on display. Trust me, nobody's looking, at least not here. Still, I feel compelled, as a woman, to put my best leg forward!! It's a vanity thing, and men don't understand.

 

 and for the most part, nobody does, 

Stuff That Comes To Mind!

 4/5/2021

The weekend is over, and the prices for Easter anything is on sale. So, if you're one of those super organized persons, then this is the right time for you. My worry is, how well will chocolate hold up for a year. My thought would be to put the candy in the freezer. Just a suggestion.

I always told the boys, and now Benjamin, that you have to eat the ears first. No reasonable explanation. But the facts are clear: 

According to popsugar.com, 76 percent of Americans bite off the ears first. Only 5 percent eat the feet first and 4 percent eat the tail first. So there you go. I knew I wasn't making it up about the ears!

For Easter, one of our activities was flower arranging. The activity director, brought in an assortment of flowers, baby breath, etc. We each had our own vases, all we had to do is arrange them! And, there's where the trouble began. For years, my idea of flower arranging, went something like this - get a vase, put water in the vase, and finally plop your flowers in. Done and done.

Tomorrow, an activity will be, Watercolor Greeting Cards. That should be fun, particularly since I'm so creative!! Not.  My strength, if you can call it that, is typing.  Since I have an IBM clickety click keyboard, there is a sound, when you press a key, which I enjoy. last week, one of the other residents stopped by to tell me how much she enjoys the sound of my typing. Who knew that typing would be something people like to hear?

The amount of books I can read in a week isn't a strength, simply more of a passion.

Here's the facts about the tall white hat that chefs wear. 

In the 1800s the French began using the phrase toque blanche to refer to the white hat worn by chefs as part of their uniform. The color white was perceived as the most hygienic of colors, which helped to portray a sense of cleanliness in the kitchen. See, now there's a trivia game question, or something to talk about at a party. I'm always happy to "investigate" the facts for you, and frankly for me as well.

Stacey and Benjamin are coming on the 8th. This is the first day, where visitors are allowed to come into apartments. I know Benjamin wants to see what my apartment looks like. It's a studio apartment, but all of my furniture, including the computer table, which I cannot live without, is in my room. And, my room is beautifully decorated, thanks to Wendy and Stacey.

There is a small ledge outside of every apart- ment. Stacey and I, have made it a priority, to decorate said ledge. At this moment, there is a picture of a Bassett dog (of course, there is), and a sparkling rainbow, and other stuff. Twice, I have left my room, and found people, mostly in wheelchairs, just looking at my ledge. One man, who lives on a different floor, says he just comes up, to see how my ledge is decorated. This makes me very happy.

When Stacey and I go to WalMart this week, we'll have to find some new things to put on the ledge. Maybe something summer like. Who knows for sure.

The local library comes here on the first Friday of every month. Okay, I ordered books, and have read all of them, except two. Time permitting, perhaps Stacey can take me to the library, so I can find more books to read. In my humble opinion, you can never have too many books. But, perhaps that's just me. Pretty much anywhere I go, there is a book with me. Books can take you anywhere, and you can be anybody. Unfortunately, I can no longer remember much of what I've read. It's possible that I could read a book the second time, and have little or no remembrance, that I've already read the book. This is just one of those things, that short term memory loses. 

I have a call that starts in a few minutes. Have a wonderful spring day. Talk to you soon.

P 

Did You Miss Me?

 4/3/2020

Friends, I'm sorry that I haven't been posting for a few days. Unlike when I'm home, and have lots of time. Being here in this facility, there are a lot of things to do, during the day. And that's a good thing, especially for me!

This facility, like most others, has a schedule. What time are the meals. What time are the activities. 

I start my morning with 30 minutes of exercise, followed by a coffee and chat. I enjoy this activity very much. The topics are varied from day to day. 

Some activities are more difficult for me. I don't have a creative bone in my body, except perhaps writing.

But, I've been trying my best. Flower arranging, painting wooden eggs, bingo, things like that.

On the first Friday of the month, you can order books from the library. My books came yesterday, and there are six of them! You have to return the books in 30 days, so my spare time is generally spent reading.

The weather I think, for the rest of the week, will be in the 60's. Short sleeve weather for sure. While I'm not generally an outside girl, if the weather really is nice, I may take my buggy and walk and soak up the sun.

I believe I'm going to start physical therapy next week. After the virus started, I decided that I didn't want to go out for my personal training. Medicare has approved my therapy 3 times a week. Who knows, maybe I'll be ready for a bikini (please don't get a mental picture of this) in time for summer.

The activities for today are over, so I have a lot of free time. Once I've walked outside this afternoon, just short of having my hip "talk" (pain) to me.  But, at least I'd be trying, which would be big for me, because I abhor exercising. Need it, but that doesn't mean I have to enjoy, or even like it.

Lunch is here, which will give me time to continue reading the last volume of the Hunger Games. This series is both interesting and definitely keeps your imagination  going.

Thought for the day:

"Life is tough, but so are you"

P