Happy New Year!

Wishing you a Blessed, Peaceful, and Happy 2020!

Stay safe and God Bless America!

Can It Be Spring????

Even though Mr. Gnome still has some snowflakes in his garden, it feels like Spring here.  72 right now with a warm breeze.  And you know the guys can't resist a day in the 70's so they are out on the golf course.

The un-decorating is all done and things are packed up and put away. Cleaning has been done and and things are "under control".  I moved on to cleaning out our files and have a bag of papers to shred.  And I've started on our end of year spreadsheets for tax purposes.

Jacquie's Christmas trip from he** has been awful for her.  All of them got sick.  Chris had back spasms and had to see a doctor.  I am sure everyone will be glad to get back home.

Pam says they are all good at the moment although some germs went around down there, too.  She plans to un-decorate and clean up today, too.

I made it to the Commissary this morning and everything is in and put away.  Had to get a few things for tomorrow evening.  We are staying in as usual and I will be making the annual egg salad dip. 

Even though the weather today is only a tease, when we get to January 1st, my mind always goes to warm weather and thoughts of our beach trip in May.  It's probably too soon to start packing, but I can think about it.

This past year has had lots of "issues" for us, with many extra doctor appointments, surgeries for both of us, PT sessions, plumbing issues and repairs, etc.  I am hoping that 2020 is quieter and calmer.  I wish you all a Happy New Year!  Stay safe and God Bless America!  Life is great!

Alright.....

Christmas is over now.  I hope everyone had a good one.  I decided I'd better check in.

This has been a tough one here.  I have not been feeling very good for a while and part of the issues is some erratic emotions, and also some major joint pains and tiredness.  As a result, I am not getting things done as I want to do them and it is frustrating me.  But all is well, life is great, I am coping.  I see the new doctor in a couple weeks.

It was a tougher year this year not having either of the girls here or the kids.  This happens and we understand.  We don't complain about it because they all have responsibilities with work and school, and their own lives to take care of.  Plus, Les and I rarely made it home for holidays over the years.

Pam says they are doing okay except Bloomer has been sick.

Jacquie says all three girls have had a virus or something and they have been sick.  They are supposed to be back home next week.  I feel bad that they are sick while at their other Grama's for a visit.

And Les has been sick all week, to the point that we had to cancel Christmas dinner with our friends, Lou and Gloria.  I had prepared and shopped and even done some food prep, when we finally realized we should not expose them to the germs here.  So I loaded up a bag and took the "fixins" to them so they would have a nice dinner.

Les is actually at our doctor's right now. He has been fighting a terrible cough and some congestion and just not feeling well.  At times he has practically no voice. This morning when he got up he thought maybe he was feeling worse than last night, so I called and got him the appointment.

Those of you who know me well know I like to do the un-decorating usually starting on the 26th.  That has been slow going, but it is happening.  When I finish this, I am going to pull all the containers out of the closet and start on the tree in the living room.  Years ago, this would all be done in one day.  Those days are over, and I am pacing myself.  😊

The elf on the porch has met an untimely end.  I went out one evening to plug in the lights and noticed a large wet spot on the porch floor.  As he filled with air and stood up, I was splashed.  It was about then I also noticed the stink.  Something - it had to be large - had peed all over the elf.  It was just downright nasty.  I had to clean my shoes and change my clothes.  Next day I had to put my shoes in the washer with some old towels and wash them again because they were offending our furry boys.  I also had to go clean the porch and spray it down.  With all the weights and electrical parts, I declared the elf  "deceased".  And he still STUNK!

But... life remains good!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

This Is All There Is From Me Today

Don't ask.  Don't get me started.  But I will say this has sooooo many possibilities.  I love it!

Merry Christmas!

Have a wonderful, Blessed day! 

Amazing!

https://biggeekdad.com/2016/12/hallelujah-killard-house-school-choir/


If you click on this you will get another link.  Please listen to this beautiful song.  This little girl does a wonderful job.  She is on the Autism spectrum and also has ADHD.

Have a blessed day!

What's Going On??

Evidently there was something pretty interesting going on in our backyard.  I have no idea what, but I think it might have been birds flying to our large azalea bush at the corner of the deck.  I couldn't see anything when I looked out, but I know sometimes there is a nest in there.

Cecil wanted to see what I was doing taking the picture, but then he was right back to looking out, too.

Life is great!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

More Fun with Children!

Les and I were asked by Jacquie to attend Little Miss E's class party.  It was a fun time.  The class was in the gym when we arrived and when they all came back to the classroom she was very excited to see us.  So excited that when the teacher was squirting the hand sanitizer in her hand it went on the floor!  (She got squirted again)

A couple of the mothers had a craft project set up for each child and a plate of "goodies".  Craft was done first and I got to help with that. Little Miss E sampled her treats and then was up and taking Papa all around the room to show him things.

Life is great!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Ah, the Joys of Children's Christmas Programs!

Last evening was Little Miss E's pre-school Christmas program.  She looked adorable and so sweet!  She did very well in the procession into the sanctuary carrying her gift for the children's hospital. Unfortunately, the rush of people taking photos when the principal said parents had one minute to take pictures scared her.  She started to cry and covered her face.  She came and sat with us very nicely during the program.  And Jacquie said she sang in the car all the way home.

Les and I have been invited to join Little Miss E tomorrow for her class party.  I'll let you know how that goes.

Life is great!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Early Christmas!

We had our early Christmas with Jacquie, Chris and the girls last evening.  I think everyone had a good time.  Cutie Girl seemed thrilled with her Godzilla puppet!  And Little Miss E had a great time helping Papa distribute gifts from under the tree.  And by helping I mean he would pick one up and set it by a person and she would grab it and put it back under the tree!  But it was all eventually straightened out.

Jacquie and Pam gave Les and me a Skylight picture frame.  I have been having fun loading pictures to it.  Pam had it all set up and they had already loaded some.  And all we have to do is email pictures as attachments to it!  Thanks, girls!

So, today is just a quiet day.  As usual, I cooked Sunday morning breakfast, we watched another Christmas movie - "Diehard #2" today.  (sorry, folks, there is no question these are Christmas movies)  😊 I've done a little cleaning and like I said, been looking at pictures!

Life is great!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Hey!

I hope everyone is well and happy!

It's rather dark, cloudy, damp, and cool here.  Les is out on the golf course though.  Tomorrow is supposed to be rain all day.

I've been trying to get a picture of Finnigan under the Christmas tree but he doesn't stay there long enough, so here he is sitting on our new kitchen chair seat pads.  He evidently likes them, because he is there often.

Tomorrow evening we are having "early Christmas" with Jacquie, Chris and the girls.  I asked Jacquie what they would like for dinner and she said "burritos", so that is fairly easy. 

Les and I saw "Knives Out" yesterday and it was great!  Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, and some other big names are in it.  And Daniel Craig has a Southern drawl!  Kudos to his dialect coach!

And while Cecil is being extra sociable, I have to post another picture of him.  BTW, he sat on my lap for most of the evening last night!  And snuggled up during the night!  We think he wants something special for Christmas.  😊

The Amazon Prime "guy" was just here so I have to go wrap some things.

Life is great!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Just Some Updates

My doctor's appointment went okay.  I was the very last one of the day and he was running late, but he spent time with me discussing my "issues".  And his very nice nurse showed me on the computer the proof that I did, indeed, NOT cancel my morning appointment.  She also said if the receptionist had been doing her job she would have looked at that and gone right away to talk with her and the doctor and they would have gotten me in.  It was a computer system error.  And then yesterday morning I went for all the lab work.  Results are pending.

Yesterday was an usually warm day of mid-70's.  It rained during the night and today is in mid-40's, but it's been sunny.  It was too wet for golf so Les and I went out for breakfast and then did a couple errands and went to the Commissary.  We just returned home from the "Y".  Laundry is running now and I need to go to the kitchen to start dinner.

Cutie Girl is feeling better.  Little Miss E is busy as ever.  Jordan's exams are going well.  Boxer and Bloomer are busy with school and doing well. 

Here's another Christmasy picture to end the post.  Stay safe and God Bless America!  Life is great!

Thanks again, Pam!

A Fitting Postscript

Thanks to the friend who recently posted this.  I do not know the original creator, but thanks to them, too.

But life remains great!  Keep smiling!

Harrumph! And BAH! HUMBUG!

I have had an appointment scheduled with our family doctor for this morning that I made five or six months ago.  I need to talk with him and get fasting lab work done.  There was a new woman at the check-in desk and she said I had cancelled my appointment.  I told her she should look again because there was no way I would have cancelled it.  The end result of my insistence that I be seen today, and her pi**y attitude, is that I  have to go back to see the doctor this afternoon and then go back for the lab work in the morning.

So I got some coffee on the way home and finally got some breakfast, settled in to watch the Third Hour of Today and it was preempted yet again by political proceedings.

It is cloudy and dark.  Rained last night and might rain more later.

Jacquie texted that she was on the way to pick up meds for Cutie Girl.  She hasn't been feeling well and now has a major ear infection.  She has also had a sore throat and lost a front tooth.  She is not a happy little girl right now.  I hope she feels better soon.

In light of my emotional well being, here are a couple Christmas pictures.  Life is still great, it just gets a bit out of whack sometimes.  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Cecil relaxing under the dining room tree.  In case you are wondering about the chair....it is there so the furry boys can sit and look out the window.  They are too big to sit on our narrow windowsills.

Angus enjoying Santa Shark

Flowers I splurged on at the A.C. Moore "going out of business sale".

P.S.

Our new ornament this year!  Star Trek Discovery 😊

Life is great!

Scenes of Christmas

It's been a busy week ever since we got home last Sunday.  But all is well!  The decorating is done and I thought I'd just post a few pictures from around the house.

Dining room tree

Our Hummel Nativity set

Living room tree

Had to show these little guys.  They've been around since our girls were small.

And now I am off to bake some cookies.  Life is great!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

A Birthday Hint :)

When we went to pick up our TLX after service at Acura, our MDX needed the "special" air put in the tires.  So while I was waiting for that to be done I took the opportunity to look around.  We have had multiple Acura cars and I have liked and enjoyed them all, and given them names.

But I have to tell you that this one called to me! Actually shouted!  I told Les I'm putting it on my wish list.  The girls might have to chip in with him or someone start a "Go Fund Me", but wow!

It's a 2020 RDX and beautiful!

Life is great!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

P.S.  And it is just too bad we are not in the market for a new car right now!

Creepy

I mentioned in an earlier post about how we split our trip home after going to Pam's for Thanksgiving.  We stayed Saturday night in Lexington, NC.  It was dark, cold, and rainy.  This was the view from our room's window.

I didn't think too much about it until after I shared the view with Jacquie and Pam and they thought the long pile of rocks looked like a grave.  ??  I have no idea what it actually is.

But this was right down the hall from our room:

Hmmmmm.  Stay safe, people!  Life is great, even if it is creepy at times.  And God Bless America!

Thank You, Garrett!

First some background info.

When Les and I were first married, his Mom tried to teach me to make over easy eggs.  Her method involved the small cast iron skillet, using a lid over them, and somehow magically knowing when to take the lid off and stop cooking them!  I never got it right.  So for most of the first fifty years of our marriage, Les' over easy eggs happened when we went out to breakfast.  After our 50th anniversary a couple years ago, I thought I would tackle this again.  I thought they looked pretty good.

However......... after two years, just a couple months ago, Les told me I still wasn't getting them right. He didn't want to hurt my feelings by telling me.  So, I am still trying.

We went to Pam's for Thanksgiving, and on Friday morning Garrett was cooking breakfast and a discussion of egg cooking happened.  He says, "it's easy" and proceeded to show me how he cooks them.  His method involves no lid, and a lifting, flipping pan motion to flip the eggs over. Then take them off the heat and onto the plate.  Looked easy enough, so I said I'd try his way.

Today is Thursday.  According to our "routine", this is an egg day for us.  So I took a deep breath and went at it.  First try did not go so well.

My gripping, flipping, and catching needs some work!

So I cleaned that up and tried again.  The second time I used my largest spatula to flip the eggs over.  Les says they were pretty good.  Progress!

Stay safe, people!  Life is great!  And God Bless America!

p.s.  And never stop learning!

Yes, I Am Still Here!

We had a lovely Thanksgiving with Pam and family.  She did a beautiful job on dinner.  Her friend, Lynn, also prepared food and there were lots of leftovers!  Here is a picture of one of the desserts, Pam's Turtle Cheesecake!  Yummmmm!  She also made her Oreo cheesecake!

Traffic was hideous getting to Pam's but the trip back home wasn't bad.  Of course, we split the trip up and were up early and on the road by 5:30 Sunday morning.  Ever since getting home we've been catching up on things.  There was a mountain of laundry to be done, cleaning, tree decorating, grocery shopping, errands, etc.  And of course, yard work!  That was delayed by rain for a couple days, but it is getting done.

We drove our TLX and on the trip the Navigation and GPS system stopped working several times.  Jadzia has been to see Acura service and she is supposedly all fixed now by them doing a hard reboot of the system.  But they said to come right back in if it happens again.  You can bet on that!

I just wanted to let you all know we are home, we had a good time at Pam's, and life remains great!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am doing this post a bit early since I know everyone is busy with Thanksgiving plans and travel and food prep.

Have a Blessed and peaceful day!

Stay safe and God Bless America!  Life is great!

Mr. Gnome Is Getting Ready

Stay safe, people!  Life is great!  God Bless America!

Just a Bunch of Updates!

I hope everyone is well and happy!  I am sure all are busy.  Everywhere you go you hear people commenting on how such a late Thanksgiving is messing up routines and plans.  We all know this happens every few years, so why does it surprise us when it happens?

As for me, my "normal" routine is focus on Thanksgiving, and that evening start pulling out the boxes and bins of decorations.  Then Friday and the weekend is spent decorating and doing Christmas prep.

I have mentioned that this is our year to go to Pam's for Thanksgiving. I am aware of my limitations and know that when we return I will want to get things decorated and done.  I also know that I can not do as much at a time as I used to.  So I pace myself and adjust.  This year that adjusting means that a lot of our decorating is already done!

Jordan will be taking care of our furry boys and looking after things around the house.  I have told her it's up to her to make sure the trees aren't taken down. 😊  (should be fine, the furry boys are all older and larger now; no tree climbing for them)  The dining room tree is all done and looks good.  The large, living room tree is up but won't be decorated until we return.  It gets the older, and more breakable ornaments.

I have the shopping almost done.  Wrapping is done so far.  A couple things are all packed up and ready to go to the Post Office when we return, as well as all the cards.

In other areas, everything is straightened out with our cars, their registrations, and the license plates.  Our new plates actually came a couple days ago and Les got them on the cars.  So that is all done now.  We won't have to deal with DMV again until Les has to renew his driver's license!  I still have a few more years on mine.

We mailed the registration for the Military Retirees Tournament in May in Myrtle Beach.  Always like to get that sent in right away!

Les has been keeping up with the leaves in our yard.  He just mulched/mowed and gathered them up again a little bit ago. He has also been playing golf when he can.  (you all knew that)

Pam says they are all okay and busy.  Can't wait to see them all!

Jacquie is as busy as ever and at the moment they are all doing okay. Jordan will have exams pretty soon and has already registered for the next semester.

Our furry boys are happy to have tree skirts to lie on and trees to lie under. They get all excited when I get the boxes and bins out.  I just finished combing them all and cutting nails this afternoon.

So, life is great!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

P.S.  Here is a preview of Christmas pictures.  Will post more in December.  The truck was the container for a flower arrangement Les received from L&V.   It's a nice ceramic truck and I wanted to use it somewhere. So, thanks again, L&V!

Just a Weather Update

Yesterday was nasty, windy, cold, wet, and snowing later in the day.  Today is 30, sunny, and windy.

If you look hard enough, you can just barely see the snow coming down with the leaves. 

Life remains great! Stay safe and God Bless America!

Not Time for Us to Redecorate... But............

This made me smile!

Stay safe and God Bless America!  Life is great!

Rainy Tuesday Full of Weather

You have to stay on your toes and up to date with our Virginia weather.  Right now it is upper 50's and raining.  By late afternoon/evening it is supposed to be in 30's and snowing.  They "say" it shouldn't stick.  Tonight there is a freeze warning.    Yesterday it was beautiful, sunny, and around 70.

I love this cat!  Picture is from I Can Haz Cheeseburger site.  Thank you to whoever took the photo.

In other news - - - - we had a nice weekend when L & V came to visit.  It was great to get to spend time with them.  V had never been to an IKEA.  Since it was too cold and windy for the guys to play golf, we all went to IKEA and Doumar's Drive-In for lunch. 

Things are busy as usual for the family in Georgia, but Pam says they are all doing well.  We will get to see them soon when we go for Thanksgiving.

Lots going on at Jacquie's.  Jordan is doing well at ODU, but on the drive home yesterday someone rear-ended her car at the tunnel.  She is okay, but the car has some damage. He gave her a name and phone number and took off without giving any other info.  The police that talked with Jordan said it is a felony hit and run and they will probably never find him.  He did leave his bumper at the scene, but there was no plate.  However, Jacquie says they have found him on social media and Jordan will be calling the police today to give information. 

I had a bad morning yesterday with some "lack of gall bladder" issues, but am feeling better now.

As always, life is still great!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Thank You, Veterans!

As you are out and about today, remember to thank our Veterans for their service.

I love you, honey.  Thank you.

Stay safe, people.  And God Bless America!

Time to Change the Clocks!

Enjoy that extra hour of sleep if you can!

Happy Halloween!

Stay safe and have a happy time!

Life is great!  God Bless America!

Just Some More Thoughts

I just had about thirty minutes on hold with the DMV.  I did eventually get to talk with a very helpful lady who answered all my questions, but Holy Moly! 

The issues are all from when we first got our TLX as a lease.  We had never leased a vehicle before, but there was a deal going on that saved us several thousand dollars on the car.  Unfortunately, what we might have saved in money added a lot of stress and worry as far as I am concerned and we will not be doing this ever again.  We have paid off the lease and now have a regular car loan with our credit union.  Where the problem is right now is this: we got a letter from Acura leasing saying we had fifteen days to get the TLX registered.  But we do not have a title number yet and the credit union says it could take up to forty-five days to get it.  And we want to keep our personalized license plates, so that has to be worked into the process.

The DMV lady was helpful, but said I needed to contact Acura and get them to help.  So I called the helpful man we have been working with and he thinks he can help.  We will probably be going back up to see him either Friday or Monday.  OMG!!  Like I said, we will not be doing another lease in the future. EVER.

In other news, the weather has been Fallish.  At the current time, neither the heat nor the A/C are on.  Outside temps are mid-60's and humid.

The precipitation people are coming on Saturday to shut down our sprinkler system.  Les has been hand watering the area that was dug up in the front for the new drain; rest of the yard is doing okay.  Leaves are coming down.

Life is great!  In the words of Helen Reddy (from I Am Woman)  "If I have to, I can do anything".  If you are wondering what brought that comment up, Helen's CD is one of the ones I have loaded up in Jadzia (TLX)  She is right along with IZ, the soundtracks from Chicago, Wicked, Grease, Frankie Valli, and Celtic Thunder.  And for extra stressful times, I have Pachelbel's Ocean Sounds.  😊

Stay safe and God Bless America!

Some Thoughts and Reflections

I was listening to a report/interview on TV recently about "Life Journeys".  Those of you who know me also know I don't really go for what I call the "touchy feely" stuff, but it did get me thinking.

I was raised by a divorced, hard-working mother.  If something needed doing she did it.  She had many strong opinions but rarely voiced those.  For whatever reasons, she thought it was better to stay quiet.  So as I grew up, I used to be like that.  If something needed to be done, I did it.  But I didn't talk so much, to the point that two dear friends have told me that when they first met me they thought I did not like them.  Now when we get together, our husbands tell us we are all never quiet. 😊

Les and I have been married for over fifty-two years.  He is the love of my life and my best friend.  We have two wonderful, responsible, talented daughters.  Life has been very good.  During the years when he was active duty, going on assignments, and going TDY, I always handled things at home.  If something needed to be done, I figured a way to do it, and hardly ever talked about it.

But then, November 2, 1999, happened.  I was very blessed and survived that awful accident.  I think as bad as it was, it made me stronger.  It's been almost twenty years, and it is never completely out of my mind.  But I survived, and during the injuries and recovery, something was switching on in my brain.  (Les and the girls blame the flat spot on my head from the concussion)  I am no longer that quiet person who rarely spoke up.  If I see something, I say something.  If something is not right, I say something.  If someone waves or says hello to me, I wave or say hello back.  And whenever possible if something needs to be done, I still try to figure out how to do it.  Age, past surgeries, and other health issues sometimes make that harder, but I try to find a way.

So often older people are dismissed, and overlooked.  Sometimes we are seen as insignificant when others see we move more slowly, or our hair is silver, or it takes us longer to understand new technology.  To the younger folks who are guilty of this, I advise you to be careful and be more considerate.  If you are lucky, you will someday be older yourselves.

I had a couple instances recently where someone we were doing business with did not care to talk to me; they only wanted to speak with Les.  Honestly, I think they should have known better.  They were ignorant of the fact that Les and I handle things together, but I am very capable of making decisions.  And more often than not, I am the one that will be calling them for future service and also writing checks and paying bills.  So heads up!  If you want to keep our business, act better!  As an example, let me tell you about the service agent at the car dealership where we have purchased several cars that made a major goof.  This agent was a young female and when I went in to pick up our car - the TLX I drive the most - she said to me that she needed to talk with my husband. Les had dropped me off and was already heading home.  I looked her in the eye and asked why.  Then I told her I was the one who drove the car and she could just tell me whatever needed to be said.  She took a breath, apologized, and basically just wanted to tell me that the work had been done.  I thanked her and drove home.  I am pretty sure she will improve her customer service practices in the future.

The picture at the top of this post is from a Facebook post a friend made.  It just sort of jumped out at me and I had to copy.  If I knew where it originated, I would certainly give credit.  But thank you to the artist who came up with this!

So, I am here, I know myself, life is great!  Stay strong, take care of yourself, be courageous!  Remember to pick your battles wisely.  Stay safe, be kind, and God Bless America!

Trunk or Treat!

Last evening we went along to Trunk or Treat for Cutie Girl and Little Miss E.  They were so cute and I was so proud of both of them speaking up and saying "Trick or Treat" and then saying "Thank you!" 

They will get to go out to a few houses in their neighborhood on Halloween evening. Jacquie, Chris and Jordan have decorated their front yard.  There's been a pirate invasion!

Here are our cute little Mad Hatter and Cheshire Cat!

Life is great!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Friday!

I hope everyone has had a good week.  There was no golf today so Les and I went to Byrd's for breakfast.  It was very good. 

He plans to do some work in the yard.  I've been doing some odds and ends around here and finishing the usual morning stuff.

It's supposed to get to around 70 today and right now the humidity is 70%.  May or may not rain; who knows?!

Interesting thing happened yesterday while I was out doing errands.  I don't know if I should be insulted or not.  I choose not.  I had parked the car and was walking into Bed, Bath, and Beyond to buy a new replacement skillet.  A large man carrying boxes was passing me and in a low voice he said, "that's a good looking car you got there, Grama".  I just smiled and kept going.  Jadzia is a good looking car and I am a Grama.  😊

Life continues to be great.  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Here is Angus relaxing by the pumpkin.

Just Saying Hi!

The flat tire on our TLX had too big a hole to repair, so she now has a brand new tire.  We have no idea what was run over; we did not see anything in the road.  I remembered we had points on the Acura rewards program and used those for the cost.  They paid almost all of it, so yay! for me for remembering about it!

It's been coolish, and damp here.  Had a couple cloudy days, but today is sunny and in 60's.

We have been trying for years to get help with the drainage issues at the side of our house.  Several times we talked to companies and they either backed out, didn't want the work, or said they would do it and then never show up.  But..... Les talked to a new company a month or so ago that seemed promising.  He called us Tuesday morning and said he was ready to do the work either that afternoon or on Wednesday morning.  He and his crew of guys showed up Tuesday afternoon, dug a trench down to the storm drain.  Installed a flexible pipe and a grated drain cover and then repaired the yard, raked and seeded.  And it was done for the estimated cost, so we are hoping this is going to help.  I kept his card in case we ever need anything else done.

I have continued with my catching up and have even gotten a good start on the Christmas shopping!  Other than that, the file cabinet has been cleaned out, some organizing done in the closets, and yesterday I did a little yard work out front.  Got the mulched area all cleaned up and the Liriope cut back.  Will do some in the back yard on the next  yard work day.

Life is great!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Well. Huh. It Is Certainly a Monday.

Sorry Monday, I try not to pick on you, but your reputation is proving true today.

And here is how the day has been so far.....

After a day of rain yesterday, today is just cloudy and in the 60's.  Les is having a round of golf with the other guys.  We were both leaving at the same time because this is a Starbucks day for us.  I got in Jadzia (TLX) and immediately got a warning message saying "low tire pressure".  I looked at the readings and then got out to look.  Yep, flat tire, reading had said "0".   Les saw me get out as he was backing out of the driveway and asked what was wrong.  I went with him to Starbucks, we got our coffees,  and he brought me home.  He got his golf hat he had forgotten and I came in and had breakfast, enjoyed my coffee, read the paper, and watched some news.  When it was time for the Acura service department to open I called them and am currently waiting on AAA to get here.

Does everyone remember when it used to be that when you had a flat tire, you just changed it with your spare tire from the trunk which was a regular tire????  Now tires on new cars are filled with Nitrogen, and you get no spare tire, just a can of something to squirt in a flat tire.  And in this case, since she is new, and we have a warranty, she has to go in to the Acura service department.  Sigh.

Les made sure years ago that I could do some things with our cars if I needed to since he was sometimes TDY or on assignment somewhere.  I checked tire pressures, fluids and added if needed, scrubbed battery posts, etc.  And I remember when he was in Thailand for a year and I went back to Ohio to stay with my Mom for that year, his Dad would come by and check to make sure I knew what I was doing.  Memories!

Well, anyway, life goes on.  The plans I had for the day are all on hold.  There are things I can do here at home. .  .  .  .  .  .  .  AAA man was just here and Jadzia is on her way to Acura.  Will keep you posted.  After he left, I cleaned the garage floor since the cars are both out.

Life is still great!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Just Checking In

Things are calming down around here.  I am caught up on most of the cleaning.  Still need to get upstairs and do some organizing and a bit of cleaning up there, but it can wait until I am ready.

The man was here and shaved some off the bedroom closet door and it will now open and close easily.

Les has been discharged from PT and will continue his exercises here at home.  He is outside doing yard work now.

I finally got a pumpkin for the front porch!

Life is great!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Happy Columbus Day!

When I was working, Columbus Day was the day I usually got most of the Christmas shopping done.  I am way behind this year!

The new carpet is installed, things are back in order and put away.  The new desks were delivered on Saturday and all the office things are back in order, too.  Les has the computer set up again and working. 

I still have many things I would like to get done, but am being careful and pacing myself.  I got the windows all cleaned.  That was really necessary after the roof cleaning!

Our weather is back and forth.  Today is in 70's but 90% humidity and feels a lot warmer.

Life is great!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Updates

Today has been spent getting ready for tomorrow.  We have just about all of our prep work done except for alarm clocks and lamps, and the computer.  The installers will be here between 6:30 and 7:00 in the morning.  We have piles and stacks all over the house.

One of the prep jobs was to round up our furry boys and get them to the clinic to stay overnight.  With three rooms involved in the carpet installation, there is just no safe place to secure them tomorrow.  Lisa helped get them all settled into the kitty condos and she said she would check on them.  We'll go bring them home as soon as we can tomorrow.  BTW, the boys were not happy about this, but sort of looked resigned to the situation when we said good-bye to them.  (and none of them looked at all as happy as the kitty in the clip art!)

It has cooled off a little here and been cloudy all day.  Les did not play golf today so he could get things moved around.

No word yet on the scheduling for the exhaust fan on the roof. 

Stay safe.  Life is great, even when it is sometimes exhausting!  And God Bless America!

What Next?!?

And here is the answer to that question.

While the man was up in the attic doing the Fall heating system check-up this morning, he called me over to the ladder where he could talk to me.  He said, "I'm sorry to tell you this, but I think your roof is leaking".  (the roof is not all that old)  And he had sat in water while doing the furnace check and he was all wet.

Les was on the computer and came out to hear all this and immediately called our guy, Steve.  Steve has been here and he went up and looked around.  Seems the leak is from the exhaust fan.  It's been up there for years.  Supposedly the newer models of the fans are made a bit better.  So we will be getting a new fan installed and things secured up there. 

And again, I ask, what next?

Stay safe and God Bless America!  Life is great!

Too Much Time on the Phone!

Things are moving along here.  The cleaning out and getting ready for carpet installation continues. I have made a couple trips to drop things off at DAV.  Also marked some things for Jacquie and for Pam.  😊  And we filled up the garbage dumpster.  Work continues.

And I have had to make way too many phone calls and be on hold way too long to get answers for various things.  I had to talk with the insurance claim people, the Verizon people about a messed up situation I won't go into, and several other time consuming calls. 

I had previously mentioned we are getting new desks and we wanted to donate our old wooden ones that were still in good condition.  Unfortunately, none of the charities would come and pick up.  In my search for one that would though, the name of the company "College Hunks Hauling Junk" popped up.  I called and talked to a nice young-sounding lady.  They would pick up and haul to a charity and send us a donation receipt for a fee.  So Friday they came to give us an estimate and Saturday they came and picked them up.  One of the guys came both days.  Definitely college age, and able to lift and carry.  The man who came with him on Saturday was maybe a bit older, but definitely looked like a weight lifter.  They picked those large desks up and moved them out like they were TV trays!

I've been trying to keep up with things that always need to be done and keep working on the prep work.  I admit, I am ready for all this to be done and things back in order.  I am tired and I am achy.  And I know why (too much bending, stooping, reaching, lifting and carrying even though I am careful) 

This coming week is a packed one.  Les has PT and doctor appointments, we have the Fall heating system check-up, the carpet installation, the roof cleaning, and the furniture delivery, as well as getting everything moved back in place.  That is going to go at a slow pace and be done right, not just shove things back in closets.  Although I am sure we will be tempted to do that.  😊

Since the desks were moved out, Les has our computer set up on the work table temporarily.  Angus is not pleased at all with this situation.  He does not have his usual place to sit on the end of the desk to see out the window and his napping place in front of the monitor is different.  But you will notice that he squeezed in and as I write now, he is fast asleep. But please also notice the expression on his face.

Life is great!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Happy International Coffee Day!

I thought this was the perfect picture for the day's observance.  And also to remind you to check out "The Stitch" at http://www.thestitchtvshow.com !

I recently participated in a survey of "what is your favorite way to drink coffee".  Starbucks' bold with a splash of half and half, please!  Sometimes it's made here at home, and sometimes gotten at the store.  Either way, YUM!  And don't rush me when I'm drinking it.

Have a great day!  Stay safe, keep your coffee hot, and God Bless America!  Life is great!