The End!

Blogger has made it impossible for me to continue.  I've enjoyed writing this blog for many years now, and cherish the friendships I've made along the way.  I would continue, but it has become so aggravating with this last "update" from blogger, that I'm not going to stress myself out over it any longer. 

I would enjoy hearing from you now and then, and my email is mgypsy97@aol.com.  I wish the best for all of you.

A Wonderful Morning!

Jeannie called me early this morning and asked if I would like to go to Costco!  Would I ever!  I don't know how I've done without that wonderful store - although I still can order online - but they have some things they only carry in some stores.  I spent a lot of money, but it was offset somewhat by the rebate check I get from Costco each year for spending over a certain amount there.  I think you have to get a particular membership in order for that to apply, and it's always been worth it to me.

Since we got back, Jeannie took Rocky for a walk to her house where she was going to pick up Arianna and Tito.  It's been a while since she left and I'm loving the quiet!

Workmen are in my backyard cutting some smaller trees along the fence line in preparation for installing a length of new fencing on one side of the lot.  There were several breaches in a couple of  places, and I'm sure Rocky has used them to go visiting now and then.  The fence on the other side of the lot has been replaced more recently, although there are several small trees that need to be removed so they don't ruin the fence.  In a way I'm glad it's not my problem although I would have taken care of it much sooner if I owned rather than rent.

 

Rocky and Tito

 I have some photos to share but don't know how well I can do since Blogger has changed things again.  I do wish they would just leave well enough alone.  I don't use a phone to read blogs, but if any of my readers do, please let me know if your blogging experience has improved.

I'm going to try to publish this before I lose it.  I've tried several times and don't know what Blogger has in mind with the "updates".

 

Medical stuff

 I just got back from the Med Center where I was given a Holter monitor to wear for 3 days, and I had blood drawn for my oncologist, which I'm supposed to do periodically.    The monitor is a nuisance but I'll put up with it.  I've had episodes lately where I have the sensation that my heart stopped, but it then picks up after skipping a beat or two.  So I'm all wired up for a few days.  I had to go through this several years back, so I'll just put up with it again.

Rocky was so good about going into the crate this morning and was very happy when we returned!  

I don't go out very often so I'm not used to wearing a mask.  It certainly is a nuisance, but then getting sick with Covid would be an even greater nuisance.  I can't understand all the reaction against something so simple to keep people safe.  It is no big deal to wear a mask in public and I just don't understand why politicians, especially, refuse to lead by example.

I started cleaning yesterday and thought I would just pick up today where I left off.  Now that I'm all wired up I'm just going to take it easy!

It's almost like Fall!

With the temperatures down below 100 degrees, it almost feels like autumn weather out there.  I did break down and turn on the a/c at about 4pm (an hour ago).

My son and granddaughter (Steve and 3-yr old Quinn) came over yesterday to take Rocky to the vet for his annual checkup.  It was a quick checkup at that, but at least they gave me some calming meds so I can get his nails trimmed.

Speaking of Quinn, what an adorable little girl she is!   And what a personality! 

Rocky is on my s*** list right now.  I just bought him a new comfortable bed which was delivered yesterday, and which on closer inspection today, reveals two chewed spots in the top of it.  He didn't waste any time getting to it.  I don't know if anything can be done about a dog that chews everything in sight - my experience from years ago is that some dogs keep chewing for the rest of their lives.  I am furious with him and he knows it.

My wrist doesn't hurt constantly lately, although it may be that I just don't think about it all the time. It's bad enough as it is, but better than it was.

It won't be long until September is over with.  I think I missed Labor Day completely.   So this year Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day have come and gone without so much as a firecracker going off in my neighborhood.  I have been thinking how glad I am that I had everyone here last Christmas.  

With my wrist such as it is - I haven't done any real housecleaning for months.   I'm going to have to get motivated and do something soon, but wonder if it's even worth the effort.

I thought I had sworn off gardening after the debacle with the chinese seeds this year, but have decided i will try again next year.  I don't intend to plant any seeds but will purchase tomato plants and set them out - I'm undecided on the zucchini and yellow squash as they grow so well from seed, but I'll have to see what is available at a garden store.  I hope my wrist has healed by next March or April, at least well enough for me to handle the gardening chores.  I have a birthday coming up in a couple of months, and wonder if I'll be too old to work in the garden next spring!

Have a good week!

 

 

The new format

There is no reason I can see for this new format.  It isn't so much different from the older version, so I'm not sure why they even bothered to change it.

Jeannie couldn't come over to walk Rocky this evening so I took him for a walk - I'm sure a much shorter one than Jeannie does.  I also walked him this morning so he's exercising at least a little.  I should do a longer walk but then I have my own limitations these days, and I am uncertain about my balance, my eyesight, etc.  I'm terrified of falling, to be honest. 

I had hoped to get a photo of Rocky and Tito this evening, but it will have to wait for tomorrow.  Most people today wouldn't recognize the name "Tito" as the name for the former Yugoslavian communist dictator in the late 1940's and 50's!

 

Still blogging!

Somehow I got to the old familiar blogger page for creating a new post, and it is such a relief and so much better than the one they are pushing on us.  I'll use it as long as I can.

I don't have much to write about.  The air is still a bit hazy, depending on the time of day, and I rarely go out.  I do try to walk Rocky for about 20 minutes in the morning, and in the evenings that Jeanne comes by she takes him up to the big field behind the school and lets him run out his energy.  So at least I'm getting a short walk in as well.  So far he has behaved very well when I walk him - no pulling on the leash or lunging at other dogs & people.   I don't hesitate to bribe him with the magic words, "Ya wanna treat?"

Jeannie and her family have a new puppy - "Tito" as I may have previously mentioned.  He is a little dog (and will stay small).  The whole family came by with Tito yesterday evening and picked up Rocky to go play in that field.  I'm glad to see him get the exercise and would love to go with them except that it is now getting dark much earlier and I can see an accident in my future if I try to walk anywhere in the dark!  When they came back to my house for a while afterward, Tito kept jumping in and out of my lap.  He's a sweetheart for sure!

My wrist is healing as I can tell that it's becoming easier to use my left hand.  Thank goodness for that, as it is so difficult to do anything with only one hand.  It still hurts, but I've dealt with the worst of the pain so I try not to complain too much.  I don't take much of anything for pain, except for a bit of CBD oil every now and then.  My brother brought me a bottle of oil that is good for taking in the evening, so I try to remember it before I go to bed.  To be honest, I don't see much difference when I take something for pain versus when I don't.

Here we are at the middle of the week - it'll be weekend before you know it.    Time seems to go by so fast for as little as I do.  It sure doesn't drag on.

Better weather ahead!

The weather seems to be a little better and I have gotten by without turning on the a/c, although I'll have to admit that at 6pm it's rather warm.  I don't want to open all the doors and windows because of the air quality.  I don't smell smoke, but others tell me there is a smoky odor in the air.

 I try to look at the new Blogger format with a positive attitude, but cannot find a single thing about it that is an improvement over the last version.  Am I missing something?  Perhaps those of you who access blogger on your phones might have a  better experience with it?  To  me it is a total waste, and totally aggravating as well.  It doesn't seem to have changed much, except the page looks a bit different as I am typing the blog.  Not different enough to convince me there was a good reason to change from the older version.  What a waste of time!

 

New blogger layout

This blog may be nearing the end.  I definitely don't want to change to yet another blogger format - there have been several changes since I've been blogging - well over 3000 posts ago - and I've always felt that change for change;s sake is just a way to keep the developers busy.  Maybe blogger doesn't need so many developers?  When I'm left with no choice I will write my final post, but I will certainly miss all the friends I have made via blogger!

The air quality goes between tolerable and downright frightening.  The air looks a little better today, but I don't want to go out nor does Rocky.

I just talked to my son Steve.  They had been planning a family get-away to the Oregon coast for months now,  but timing was certainly an issue.  The first place they had booked turned out to be a version of the "Bates Motel".  They looked around at several other places and found something tolerable, but I think they are happy to be "home sweet home".  The air quality is bad everywhere which doesn't help.

 My wrist has been declared healed, which I take to mean that the break has knitted back together.  It still hurts all the time, but it's more tolerable than it was a month or more ago.  It will never straighten out to look like what it was, but I can deal with a crooked hand!  (Hmmm, that almost reminds me of a crooked card dealer!)

I have found some exercises online that I can do, although from the beginning I have been trying to massage and move my hand and fingers to try to help my range of motion.  Now I'm using that hand to help me carry items requiring two hands, and while it hurts, I have to keep up the activity.

After publishing this post I thought to ask readers if they are aware of any other blogger formats.  I have tried Word Press in the past and didn't like it.  Blogger always seemed so straightforward and easy to use.



   

Getting to go "Bye-Bye"

Anyone who has raised a child will recognize the magic in the words "go bye-bye"!  I'm now reverting to my childhood, and when I had the chance to ride along with Jeannie yesterday to pick up orders at Target, Whole Foods, Total Beverage, etc., I jumped at it!  I wasn't disappointed as it was so energizing to just be out and about, seeing the people and the traffic, and of course, visiting with my daughter.  Kudos to the businesses who make it possible to shop with them, without having to risk the health and well-being of one's-self, store personnel and other shoppers.  Target, Total Beverage, and Whole Foods are the businesses that come to mind that make this possible.  On the other hand, it is amazing (and disheartening) to see the number of people who totally ignore safety practices such as wearing a mask.

I came home as totally exhausted as if I had done a full day's shopping and going in and out of stores, while I never left the passenger seat of Jeannie's vehicle!

I think and hope the triple digit temperatures are over with, although the 2-week forecast ahead predicts temps in the 90's for the entire period.   It will be interesting to see what the winter brings!

 

Took Rocky for a walk,

We went over our old favorite route of 6 blocks.  He walked slowly for me which I appreciated.   He always remembers the spot where he sits in his good dog pose and I give him a treat!  It is good for me to get out and stretch my legs as well, although the condition of the streets in this neighborhood is treacherous, and of course, no sidewalks.  I'd probably be safer on my treadmill.

The weather today is perfect for walking, with the high somewhere in the mid to upper eighties.  We'll pay for it in the coming days with triple digits expected.  I'm ready for a rainy, chilly Sacramento winter.  The days are certainly getting shorter.

I think I will sleep well tonight.  I need to do a little housekeeping, but it can wait.

I got what I needed!

Thanks to my brother, I have a new bottle of CBD oil which is about the same strength as what I just used up.  I wanted approximately the same formulation and ratio of ingredients as the bottle I just finished.   In other words, it has a small percentage of THC but not enough that I can really tell.  I still have constant pain but I can deal with it.

I found a youtube series that demonstrates physical therapy exercises for a broken wrist.  I would much rather do any therapy at home than have to go to a medical office.  I may just try it for a week or so.  I never liked medical appointments and after my ordeal with the broken wrist, I am completely  "DONE" with visiting any more doctors,  That said, I desperately need my eyes examined and new prescription glasses.

I saw my son this morning and his 7 month old baby boy.  That little boy is absolutely perfect!  At his age they show their personalities and seem to find their surroundings challenging.  And what a smile!

That's about it for today.  Hope you are all doing well.