Art Show

I went to a showing of art produced by students from grades 1 through 12 of the San Juan School District.  I will show some of them in random order - click on an image to enlarge.

My granddaughters' art offerings are the two tall pictures at the bottom of the board.

This is just a sampling of the hundreds of drawings, paintings, ceramics, etc.   There were many outdoor activities for the kids, but it was difficult to get a good photo  because people were always moving in and out.

It was the same indoors - almost impossible to get good photos because of all the activity around them.  I was totally amazed at the talent and how different it was in "my day", although I think having actual "art teachers" today instead of the class teacher having to do art as well makes a big difference.  

It was a really fun day, and I'm grateful to have been included in it.

Another Fun Art Day!

Arianna came to spend the day with me today and we got out the art supplies.  She did a very nice painting in acrylics while I kept busy opening and closing tubes of paint, washing paint brushes, changing the water she was dipping the brushes into, and all that fun stuff.

After she finished the painting we walked over to In-N-Out Burger and got some lunch.  She has had numerous allergies since infancy, and recently found out some of them have gone away so she could have a cheeseburger rather than a plain burger.  She could have most everything they normally put on it except for mayonnaise which contains eggs and that is still a "no no".  It's wonderful to see her enjoying things she has not been able to eat.

When we returned she decided to do some sketching.  I found some good websites that have easy to follow instructions for sketching just about anything, especially lots of animals, birds, fish, and other wildlife.  I love to see a kid so interested in trying as well as improving their skills.

It was a fun day for me and I'll probably "crash" early this evening.  Right now I'd like a beer but I'm out of it, and the rush hour traffic will be holding me off for another hour.

Tomorrow afternoon I'll be going to Old Fair Oaks (an artsy older neighborhood I lived in about 8 yrs ago where they will be holding an art show.  I think I'll enjoy it.  For now I just need a rest.

Caught off guard!

The heat today caught me off guard, as I don't yet have my swamp cooler uncovered and can't use it.  I held off until I was fairly sure it wouldn't rain  any more this season.  It's up in the 80's today and tomorrow, and then will go back down to a more tolerable 70's and 60's for a while.  I wish it would stay at 65 for the rest of the summer, but that's a pipe dream!

I'm expecting my sister and her husband to drop by later, and I hate it that it's so warm in my house.

I was going to cook today but didn't get the meat thawed out in time, so I just said "the heck with it".  My appetite is way down lately - I don't know what's causing it but eating only two meals a day doesn't help hold on to my weight gain.  I lose my appetite in the late afternoon and just snack if I eat anything.

I visited my opthamologist yesterday morning and confirmed my left eye is really bad.    I wrote down what is wrong with it but can't find where I put the note!  The Dr. said I need surgery and is sending a referral to a specialty group.  He says the surgery is very safe and effective, and he thinks I'll be happy with the results.  The group will call me and arrange a visit, although I might be back east for a couple of months.  My Dr. didn't see any problem with waiting until mid-summer.  I absolutely hate the thought of any more surgery, but having been through cataract removal in both eyes,  and cornea transplants in both,  I guess I can deal with it.  Is this what getting old is all about?  There are several other issues I have that probably warrant surgery, or will in the future, but I'm not even going to think about it, much less mention any of it to a doctor.   I'd like for my eyesight to get better however.

I've been doing a few exercises every day to try to improve my balance as well as upper body muscles.  I'm doing "wall push-ups" to see if I can get prepared to do the regular kind.   I have trouble seeing, walking, remembering, and a lots more, but by golly I'm going to do push-ups in the near future!

 

Just a quick post

I didn't realize I hadn't posted anything for several days.  To tell the truth I haven't felt at my best since I recovered from the allergies I experienced several weeks ago when spring sprung in earnest!

I haven't done anything much to write about, but I did want to post a photo I took of my new luggage.  This is the large suitcase and I'm hoping I can get everything into that and a carry-on backpack, so I don't have to bring the other luggage piece which is a just like this one except for being a carry-on.  

Click to enlarge:

The light was streaming in the window and I don't think the color seems this bright, but I love it anyway.  Jeannie got her set today but she picked a gray color.  This is actually much larger than it looks in the picture!   

I don't intend to ever get on an airplane again, but if I did this bag would be easy to spot on a conveyor belt.

Travel Preparations

I'm always so excited to be planning a trip, and this time is no exception.  I went to Costco this morning and bought a 2-pc set of Samsonite luggage.   The box it came in is heavy as well as awkward, and I barely got it into my cart.  I was having trouble getting it from the cart into the car, and a very nice gentleman came over to do it for me.   I really appreciated his help and kindness.

I also bought several new tops, all the same size but only one fits well enough to keep.  I don't have a clue about why that is!   So I'll soon be back to Costco to return the other two.   I love that store, and not just any Costco, but "my local Costco". 

I'm getting to that stage in the day where I get sleepy, especially if I read or try to work a crossword puzzle.

I hope all is going well for everyone who reads my blog.  I don't have much else to say today, but see ya tomorrow!

 

Aggravations in life

I haven't really had much to blog about because it's the same old things I deal with  all the time.  I often wonder what life would be like if I just got off the computer altogether, although that probably doesn't bear thinking about!  I keep getting emails from sites I visit to request that I use the long form sign in (just to make sure it's me?).  Apple did that to me this morning and I believe it is a fake and a fraud because while it looks legit, they ask for my full SSN, whereas real sites only want the last 4 digits.  There are some other questionable items so I wrote to the address I have for Apple and asked them if they sent it.  Things like that can set me off for the entire day!

It looks to be a very nice sunny day ahead with the temps going up to the mid-60's, which is PERFECT!  I'll try to concentrate on that rather than the computer.  I'm really wanting to spend less time online anyway.

I got a visit from my grandson Liam yesterday with some homework he needed my input on.   He was supposed to ask an old person at least over 60 yrs of age (they call 60 "Old"??) some questions about what things were different between "then and now".  I gave the questions a lot of thought and realized what a wonderful and precious childhood I had.  Some questions concerned things from "now" that I wish I had "then", and I really couldn't think of anything.  I didn't have TV, computers, tons of toys, etc., and our phone was on a party line.  I don't think my childhood would have been any better with them, and I certainly didn't miss anything that wasn't even available yet.   The questions were all along those lines, and I had a great trip down memory lane, also sharing with my grandson how things were back then!   My son Steve was with him and he even got into the spirit of remembering things such as having milk in glass bottles delivered to our back door.

I remember being poor, although I don't think we were any more poor than most others around us.   I'd appreciate any comments you might want to make about your childhood and how you relate "then" to "now".   I think I'm happy now but I wouldn't want then to have been any different for me than it was.

It's almost lunchtime and I need to figure out what I need to do in the here and now!

I wore myself out today!

I know I'm sitting way too much and I just read an article saying that for an older person, sitting too much causes memory loss.  I don't need to do anything to encourage my memory to get any worse, so I've tried to keep busy today, including 2 loads of wash and cleaning the kitchen.

Then I came across a website that has exercises for seniors.  I'm a sucker for things like that, and out of 10 very simple exercises I finished 5 of them.   They are designed to improve mobility, but right now I'm anything but mobile!  I notice that when I get into a van with a higher step than a regular car, I have to pull myself up and it isn't easy!

I did go to the medical clinic this morning to get some blood drawn for thyroid tests, plus got the pneumonia shot.  I'm never bothered by needles but for some reason today, the needle stung pretty badly when drawing blood, and the pneumonia shot was painful as well.

Last night I made the most delicious shepherd's pie, and while I enjoyed eating it (plus leftovers) I am reminded that beef doesn't really agree with me.

I plan to do some shopping this weekend but so far haven't heard from Jeannie when she is available to go with me.  I'll go by myself if I need to, but I know she worries about me driving anywhere.  If I'm going by myself I'd rather do it on a weekday morning. 

I think I will enjoy a beer this afternoon.  I bought some Sam Adams Boston Lager, which I think is the best beer I've tasted except maybe for  local craft breweries'  offerings.  I enjoy both, and they are totally different brews so no competition exists.  There are many local craft breweries near where I live, but expansion eventually ruins them and they go out of business, or become something totally different.

Here's wishing you all a good weekend!

 

My son-in-law is a GENIUS!

I got dressed and ready this morning to head to Best Buy - I was unable to use my computer at all and was going to buy a PC (and ditch the Mac).  Just before leaving home I called Donald and asked him if he wanted to meet me there and give me some advice.

He was out and not far from my house, so he stopped by and within 20 minutes my computer is up and working!  The man is a total genius! 

I am so happy to be online again and to not need a new computer at this time, I think I'm going to go fix myself something good to eat!

Another weekend gone!

This train sure is going fast, but I'm holding on for dear life!

The day has been sunny but I was surprised when I stepped outside this afternoon to see if it was warm, that it was indeed cooler than I expected.  I actually wouldn't mind this year-around.

As if I hadn't gotten enough fresh air and pollen a week or so ago, I went with Jeannie to Costco, and a little later joined Donald with 5 of the kids at a very nice park that is on land where Mather AFB was years ago.  When we lived here in the 1990's, I used to watch the huge, beautiful B-52's lumbering into the airfield on my way home from work.   I really don't like airplanes at all, but that B-52 was one of the biggest, most graceful and beautiful planes I've ever seen.  Just to watch it come in for landing, slowly and descending very little at a time was exciting.  The pilots had from the mountains all the way to the Base to land it.  There were all sorts of planes in the skies near our house, and Air Force and Navy had navigational schools there.

The place is totally different now - housing everywhere, shopping centers, a sports complex, and a large park.  Jeanne & I joined Donald and 5 of the kids at the park, and hung out with them for several hours.  After a few hours I realized I was sitting outdoors and in a park, but I didn't notice my allergies acting up.  Actually, there was nothing blooming at this time, so maybe that was the reason - anything that was new growth, the grass, flowers, and trees, had already opened up.

The same tinkly music that was playing when my kids were little drove up and I bought them all an ice cream of their choice.  It's funny how some things never change, and hearing the dorky music of the ice cream truck casts its spell over kids and adults alike.

   We spent most of our time with the kids playing basketball.  (Of course I just watched!).  I need to remember to take a pillow if I ever go back - those iron benches are the most uncomfortable things I've ever sat on. 

I didn't buy much at Costco yesterday but I did pick up a pack of 12 boxes of facial tissues!   They should last my allergies for the rest of my life!  I've slept off and on today and know I'm still not back to normal.  The Mucinex has been a life saver, but I'm wary of taking much of that or anything else as I don't know how they react with the infusions for cancer that are at work in my system. 

I feel as if I could go right back to sleep, but I'd better hold on for at least a few more hours or I'll be awake all night!   

Thanks to Commmenters

Thanks to those who recommended I try Mucinex for my cough & allergies.  I bought some this morning, took one at about Noon, and 5 hours later I can see a big difference.  If I'm awake some time around midnight I'll take another one and I feel sure I'll be ok soon.  I don't recall if the symptoms go away as long as the pollen is in the air, but I'm hopeful that at least I won't have the cough.  I haven't experienced anything like this for years and I'm not handling it well, so my thanks to those of you who recommended taking Mucinex.

The rain all day makes the world seem so dreary, but I'd rather than this type of weather than blazing heat and sun.  I don't think the rain has let up much since it started some time overnight. I hope it's also falling where needed for the farms and orchards.

I wish all of you a good weekend, wherever you are.  I'm so grateful to feel this much better than yesterday.  Where would I be without the kind suggestions and comments from readers.  I appreciate you all!

I'm ready to get well!

I feel a little better but still have a ways to go.  My lungs don't hurt so bad when I cough, which is still too frequently to suit me, and I take periodic naps and rest periods throughout the day.  I'm determined to get out and to the store tomorrow - I'm nearly out of fresh foods, and also want to go to Costco this weekend.   I must be on the verge of getting much better because the grocery lists I'm making indicate I'm going to start cooking again!

I was really getting worried a few days ago because I could barely walk without stumbling, and I couldn't express a coherent thought!  I've realized it was the OTC meds, particularly Benadryl!   

I think we are looking at the next two weeks being very rainy ones for Sacramento.  I don't mind it at all as it keeps the temperatures down.  I wouldn't care if it stayed in the 60's for the rest if the year, although I know that's too much to hope for. 

I'm still loving the joy I get when I can gather all my kids & grandkids together.   The memories are still sharp in my mind even now, and I know they will linger for a long time.  I'm just sorry my oldest granddaughter (Ara) is on the other side of the country.  When I take the train to NY this summer to visit Mike & family I am determined to get to see Ara.  It would be nice if I could just go into NYC (Grand Central Station) and get the train to Philadelphia, but I could never deal with getting around NYC again.  As it is, the City will remain in my memories as one of, if not my most  favorite cities in the world, and I will figure out some way to make the trip. 

I hope I can get a good night's sleep and be ready for a full day tomorrow.   Just reading over my grocery list is making me hungry and anxious to start cooking again.  I know I'm going to be ok! 

No Change, Maybe Worse!

I bought some OTC medicine for coughs and colds at the grocery yesterday, and even sent a message to my doctor (of course, no response yet).  I'm getting no better and might be a little worse but don't know what to do about it.  I still think it's all allergy related.  I'm hoping Jeannie stops by after work today because I would like to see if she will pick up some other meds for me - I'm using the last of my benadryl but need something for the cough.  This is worse than anything I remember.

I've been drifting in and out of sleep, and at least the sleep makes me feel a little better, until I wake up.  Its a long day and I hate to think how much of the lovely weight gain I've lost.  I've had no fever though, at least according to the "Dr. Mom" method of checking for fever!  

I feel like moaning and saying "Call Gilligan".  I don't think any of my readers are from Cincinnati, but if you are and are near my age you would know that it was settled by Germans  and Irish.  Some neighborhoods are   still a little ethnic, as with there being a German Catholic church right across the street from an Irish Catholic church!  Each ethnicity had its own merchants, which even ran to the funeral homes.  When I started out on my first job, some of the co-workers who didn't feel well would moan and announce (jokingly) "Call Gilligan" who was the Irish undertaker!  I have plenty of German ancestry but I honestly can't remember who the Germans used for funerals.  Even now I sometimes say to myself, "Call Gilligan" when I'm feeling really ill!  I don't say it out loud because people will think I'm crazy.  You probably think I'm stark raving mad!!  

I hope you are all feeling well, with no need to "call Gilligan", who is still in business, by the way.

Just checking in!

I'm just checking in to say hi before I turn in for the night.  The sore throat is a little better but I am still coughing.

I'm better when I stay indoors with the doors & windows closed.  As soon as I go outside or stand in an open door, I start with the coughing & sneezing, etc.  That's why I'm pretty sure it is "only allergies".

My son and his family are back in NY.  It was wonderful to see them, and I'm hoping to take the train to see them in a few months.

We had a great time at Straw Hat Pizza.  They are always so nice to us there and the pizza can't be beat.

I'm going to try to be more careful proof-reading my blog posts.  I don't know why I can't type now, and make all sorts of dumb mistakes.  I've always been extremely accurate in my work and it bums me out now that I'm messing up all the time and I don't know what causes it!

I don't have anything else at the moment - I never did get dressed today and slept a lot.  I need to drink a lot more water.

Take care, and stay safe.