Responses to my post yesterday (A Quick Hello)

I am sorry for all my complaints in yesterday's post.  When I read about a working person having to live in his car because he couldn't afford housing, I was ashamed of myself for  whining about my situation.  I have a very nice and comfortable apartment, connected to my daughter's home but completely separate, and I sleep pretty comfortably every night.  I have no right to b*tch about my situation when so many others in the U.S. are living in desperate conditions.

I recall the stories my dad told about living through the Great Depression, and I guess our lives could get much worse.  They are worse for people who are deprived of the basics.  A couple of years ago, I gave my backpacking tent and other camping items to a homeless person, and I often wonder what became of him.

"There, but for the grace of God, go I."   I think that is such a humbling and impactful saying!

A Quick "Hello"

I'm getting ready for bed, but thought I'd write a quick note to say "Hello" to everyone.  

I'm kind of tired of where I live - don't know anyone and don't really meet anyone.  I walk Rocky twice a day on a short path through some woods, and the people I meet are friendly enough as passers-by, but I miss having friends that I can talk to.  I'd love to move back to my last neighborhood and the friends I made there, but it probably won't happen.  I thought my current neighborhood would be much more friendly, as there are a number of "next gen" homes - homes for families with an apartment for older (or younger) family members.  But I have as yet to meet another older person, and many of the people are definitely not interested in taking to an elder.  If they don't want to talk to me, then I don't want to talk to them, but I need to find a place where I fit in.  It's a helluva note -  and I don't have an answer.  I know Jeannie meant the best for me when she got this particular house, and my quarters are definitely perfect for me, but the situation grows worse by the week.   I'm approaching 82 so I guess I need to put up with it for a bit longer and then it won't matter!

The one thing I miss is a complete kitchen.  I have a stab at a kitchenette at one end of the room - it consists of a fridge, sink, and microwave.  (And of course, cabinetry).  Donald told me that the unit would be taxed differently if there was a complete kitchen, so I can understand why it is like it is, but I miss a stovetop - never did "cook" in a microwave.  It might have a "convection oven", but I have no idea how to use it, so to me it's just a microwave oven to heat something up in.  I got to the point where I didn't cook much, but I did like the option of a stovetop and oven.

Enough of complaining- I have what I need (except friends).  And Rocky instinctively knows there is tension between Jeannie and me, and he is placing his bets on Jeannie, so I've lost my last friend.  I keep asking myself, "How in the hell did I get here?" 

To make it worse, I've always been a "city girl", but now I'm far enough removed from the city that I can't walk to anything.  Since I don't drive any more, I can't look for something closer in and more convenient for me.

Suggestions?  Or may be condolences!

 

 

Hotel California!

 I am "living it up at the Hotel California" today.  In fact, if I don't quit having so much fun, who knows what trouble I might get into!   I can "check out any time I like, but I just can't ever leave".  (Thanks for the suggestion, Cactus Flower!)

It has been too hot lately to even go out on my covered patio, but one of the best things about Sacramento weather is that no matter how hot the days are, it gets cool in the evening and the cool hangs on until mid-morning at least!  I just closed my windows at 3pm and clicked on the a/c!

Kathy mentioned that there are little boots for dogs to protect their paws.  I bought some of these years ago for Smoky, my first black lab and dog who accompanied me on my Appalachian Trail hike.  We began the hike in early March and the weather was often cold and icy.  His reaction to the boots was absolutely priceless:  he would take a step and shake one of his paws trying to get rid of the bootie.  Then another step and shake of a paw.  It went on for a few steps and I took them off when I could finally quit laughing.  I came to the conclusion that God would have to protect his paws because booties were not the answer!  (He survived like the champ he was!).  I walk Rocky on a short trail that runs through the woods, and I steer him back and forth to whatever side has any shade at all.

I'll be happy when the days begin to cool down, although that might be another month, at least. 

 

The long, hot summer!

The long, hot summer has begun in earnest, and I can just say "Thank God for air conditioning".  I really feel sorry for those who don't have it.  At least in this part of California the nights are cool, and the coolness lasts into the middle of the morning.  I'm trying to take Rocky for his morning walk a bit earlier than  usual because I worry about his paws on the hot sidewalks and pavement.

Speaking of Rocky, he had a grooming session yesterday and looks absolutely gorgeous!  He usually comes back from grooming smelling so good, but evidently they didn't use any nice-smelling stuff on him yesterday.  I'm going to ask for it the next time.

I need a change!

I think I need something in my life that will give me a reason for going on.  What I have is so boring and predictable, as well as lonely.  I might be better off in a senior living community, and I have given it some thought.  My daughter went to great lengths to find a builder of new homes that included a senior living apartment that is totally independent from the main section.  I have every appliance except a dishwasher, and you will never know how wonderful a dishwasher is until you don't have one!  I miss it terribly, as a single person doesn't accrue many dirty dishes each day,  I don't like leaving them stack up in the sink. 

I walk my dog every day but rarely meet other people on the walk, and those I do see don't say much more than "hello" or just wave as I go by.  It is me, because when I'm outside with my daughter she has people clamoring around her to talk.  I don't get so much as a wave or a smile.  Can someone tell me if it might be my age, or if it could be another reason.  I try to smile at everyone I meet, so I hope I look friendly.

 I know my daughter searched for a home that would accommodate me in a private and completely equipped apartment, but I might have been better where I was and on my own.  I hope I don't sound ungrateful, but I feel like I'm facing a slow death here.  Another problem, or maybe it's just an inconvenience to me, is the fact that no commercial establishment is within walking distance.  I wish I could walk to a store, a deli, or any kind of place where I would have a destination and would interact with others.

I know there is no answer for me, so I just have to suck it up and try to keep the peace.

 

Snake Plants and Snakes!

I am looking at a large flowerpot that contains a beautiful snake plant.  I've had it for several years and need to repot it soon.  There are quite a few smaller leaves that would love extra room so they could grow and bring up their own little shoots.  It is such a hardy plant and thrives no matter what you do, or what you don't do, to it.

As for snakes, I can't help but worry about meeting one when I walk Rocky twice a day.  We usually take a road that runs through some woods (not dense woods, though) to another building site where more new homes are springing up.  I hope they leave the woods alone, and I think there are some trees that are on the "protected list" in these woods.  A determined builder could probably find a way around any kind of building codes, but I hope they don't try it in this case. 

I am tired of living here, and while my personal space is awesome, I'm totally separated from everything and everyone.  I can't even see the street from the windows on my side of the house.  As with all California houses, they are separated from the neighboring properties by a tall wooden fence. 

Today started out hot, and will probably end up hanging around the 100 degree mark.  If it's this hot in June, I hate to think of what July and August will be!

Jeannie and I went to a store yesterday evening called 'Total Wine".  I was in "wine heaven", and have never seen such a collection of every type of wine, in every price range.  One of the store employees must have noticed the bottles already in my cart and brought me a coupon for 20% off my total order.  This was a good move on his part because I bought even more than I intended.  I even bought myself a bottle of Johnny Walker scotch, as it was actually lower than Costco's price!  So the long, lonely evenings won't be so bad as I will have my friends, Johnny W. and Mr. Moscato to keep me company for a while! 

While it may sound like a lot, I can assure you that I have always adhered to the rule  that I stop drinking whatever it is BEFORE I start to feel the effects!  That seems to work for me.

I didn't intend to get so "wordy" so I will quit now and wish you all a great day/evening, wherever you are. 

Is Everything Shrinking?

It seems to me that nearly everything except my waistline is shrinking!  

 I have two loaves of bread on my table - one is Sun-Maid raisin bread.  It is so much smaller than I remember it being, so then I checked the white bread - a loaf of Artesano bread - and that, too, is much smaller than it was a short time ago.  Both loaves are smaller in width as well as height - I can't recall what I paid for either of them, but I'm almost certain they haven't gone down in price to match the new size!

 Has anyone noticed other items that you've purchased lately that seem to be less than what they recently were?   I think this is a bad sign for what we can expect from now on, and all across the board of the goods and services we rely on.

Just a Quickie!

I don't have much to say because I don't do much to talk about!  I'm hanging in there.

I think I might be going to Costco tomorrow, and if I do get out I might try to stop at a place to buy a cheap instant camera.   I don't think Costco has a camera department any more, but a Target or Walgreens will do.

After some hot summer weather, this past week has been cool.  In fact, I'm wearing a flannel shirt over my short sleeved t-shirt.  I love to sit out on my patio, but it is too chilly for me this evening - I'm sure the temps will warm up in a day or so.  The weather would suit me fine if it was like this year-around!

I hope I have more to write about in the coming days, but maybe I'm lucky things are so bland.  They could be worse!

I Need a Camera!

I need a new camera so I can take some photos of my new place.  I've been wanting to do that since I've been living here.  I haven't used a camera in so long I think I have forgotten a lot about them, and wonder if I should just buy a disposable camera and throw it away after taking a roll of pictures.  I have a perfectly good camera but haven't used it in so long I'm not sure I want to even try.

My place is really nice and spacious.  I should have no complaint at all, but I'm so darned isolated from other people it's really making me depressed.  If I complain, I sound ungrateful.  I've looked online at several senior housing units in my old neighborhood, but don't know if I should take that step.  It could be great, or it could be a disaster.

My dog knows there is conflict in the air, and he doesn't side with me - that's for sure.  I'm abandoned on all sides.

 

 

New Neighborhoods

They can be nice when you are younger, but for a person in her 80's I can't say much for our new neighborhood.  In fact, I hate it!

I walk Rocky twice a day and don't see very many people, but I speak and wave to everyone I meet.  The only responses I get are usually from workmen in the area.  I'm just sick and tired of even trying.

I walked with Jeannie yesterday and everyone speaks to her - and she speaks to everyone.  The only difference between us is our age.  I always try to smile when I greet someone and I think it makes my voice different - more friendly.  But a helluva lot of difference it makes in my case.  I'm really tired of trying, hurt from the constant rejection, and angry because I have to tolerate this type of treatment from neighbors and strangers in the neighborhood.  When I was with Jeannie and greeted people, not one looked me straight in the eye, or responded in any way.  Their attention was all on being friendly with Jeannie.  

Anyone who still reads my posts probably recalls the old song by "The Animals":  We Gotta Get Out of This Place!  If it's the last thing we ever do.....

 

I don't know what happened . . . Try again!

I don't know what happened to my memory, that is.  I cannot, for the life of me, remember how to include a photo in the blog entry.   I think my blogging days are over.   I'll try this, and ask if someone will let me know if they can access the photo.

 https://mail.aol.com/webmail-std/en-us/DisplayMessage?ws_popup=true&ws_suite=true

Beautiful Days!

I am really enjoying the days lately - warm enough, but not hot and dry yet.  I haven't yet had to use heat or a/c to be comfortable in my house, so I'm grateful for that.

I need to get a new camera so I can take some photos of the house:  I have the right side of the house, 1 story only (the rest of the house is 2-story).  My garage is in front, and behind that is a long room, being kitchen, dining area, and living area in one, with full bath and bedroom at the rear of the house.  I have a very nice patio in back, and my son Steve and his wife (Meg) bought me a beautiful patio furniture set.  The weather is still cool enough that I don't sit outside for any length of time, but that time will definitely come soon!  The back yard is very large which is nice for the dogs, and as nearly all California houses, has complete wooden fencing all around which provides great privacy.  I try to walk Rocky around the neighborhood once a day, although my health is really worsening and some days I just don't feel like walking.

The "kitchen area " isn't much to speak of.  Everything is lined up against one wall:  fridge, sink and a fairly small countertop, cabinets - my table & chairs plus more cabinets in the "middle", and then the living area at the other end of the room.  There is a hallway with the bathroom off to one side, and then the bedroom at the back of the house and the double doors to the patio.   The kitchen has a microwave/convection oven; I have no clue what a convection oven is or how to use it, so I don't!  I really would have preferred a more standard kitchen with at least a small stove/oven, but it is what it is.   I did buy myself a hot plate so I can heat something up in a pan or skillet if I so desire although I just really don't care anymore!  When I look back on the days when my children were young, and I took great pride in cooking delicious, nutritious meals from scratch - and then see how I'm reduced to heating up frozen meals in the microwave, I realize how low I can go!

The garage provides me a great place to store some things, such as my treadmill which is set up if I ever feel like walking on it; when my son Mike was here he bought floor to ceiling metal shelving and packed lesser used items on it.  I'm grateful that he organized that area so well.   The garage is in front and has a window from which I can see the street.  I am planning to fix it up so it can be more useful to me than simply storage.  I'd like to get some comfortable seating in there - maybe a small sofa or a couple of chairs.  

All in all I like the space I have, although I'd like to have more contact with people than I do - although that is probably my fault as I don't have the desire any more to get out and make new friends.  I've had to say goodbye to so many friends in my lifetime, and I'm tired of doing it.  Many people that I've cherished are no longer around, and I don't have the drive to make new friends.   I will be blogging a lot less as I just don't do anything to write about.  But I will still enjoy reading the blogs of others.

 

Just a quick update

I thought I would say a quick hello to any readers I might have left!  We have been moved in for a while now, and while I really like my space, I don't care much for being away from the goings-on in a city!   And the only view I have is the tall fence along the side and rear of the property.

Also my health seems to have tanked during the past six months, so I don't get out as much as I should.  To add to that, the streets in this area are not on a grid, so I can easily get lost.  It's not like I could take a "walk around the block".

I suppose it's what I have coming when I think of the wonderful long life I have lived up to now.  If I can figure out how to work my old camera, I'll try to take some pictures.   No, I don't take photos with my phone.  I talk on a phone; I take photos with a camera, and I send messages on my computer!  Totally out of sync with today's world :-) 

 

It had to happen!

 I've finally had to start taking blood pressure medicine.  I figured it eventually would happen to me if I lived long enough.  The product I will take is called Amlodipine.  If any readers take this drug, please let me know how it works for you, are there side effects, etc.  I hate the idea of having to take anything on a regular basis, but I've lived a long time without major problems so I guess I'm due for something.

It seems so quiet around here without my  two grandsons.  They weren't boisterous or anything like that, but it was so nice to have them here, and Rocky was in dog heaven with them around.

A Wonderful Week!

 My oldest son (Mike), his wife (Sandy) and two boys (Joshua and Justin), came from New York for visit.  They were here about 4 days and left yesterday evening - it's so quiet without them.  Rocky was in doggie heaven the whole time!  The younger boy is an excellent soccer player, and Rocky is darned good himself!  You could see the joy emanating from him when they were kicking the ball in the back yard.  Rocky is especially good at header balls, and I sometimes worry he will knock himself out!  He also loves a good basketball game, but this week it has been soccer.  It is so interesting to watch Rocky play - he is not a ball hog at all and seems to just "know the rules" instinctively.

I thought we were headed into summer but this morning I awoke to a cool rainy drizzle coming down.  I'm glad because I'm just not mentally ready for summer in March!

 

Update

I doubt if I will be posting from now on, unless something drastic or new arises.  As it is, I'm living in the new space which is very nice and the perfect amount of space for me. 

It's the location that I don't care for, but I can't do anything about it.  It's in a new  housing development, way out from the city.  I've said in the past that I've always been a city girl and that hasn't changed. I walk around my neighborhood with Jeannie & and dogs every day, but it's not what could be considered  "city".

I'm seriously considering moving back into Rancho Cordova, but don't know it would be worth the effort considering my age and stage in life.  Also, I would probably p*ss off my entire family!  

I don't feel like I matter much any more, and even my dog shows that he doesn't think I matter.  So I will probably stay where I am, wishing I could be someplace else where I could make friends more easily.  I haven't met anyone even close to my age since we've been here.  I guess that is how my life is going to go from now on.  Sorry to post such a "downer" but I've really been "down" lately.  I don't plan to continue the blog unless something changes drastically in the next few weeks, but I do plan to continue reading my "faves"!

Too Many Changes

I turned on my computer this morning to find everything changed!  All my regular programs and sites have been tampered with, to the point where I've lost interest in trying to keep up with them.  Maybe that's intentional on Google's part - phase out the old dinosaurs and make room for the younger ones who like constant change.

So as it stands, I may send another post or two, but as for regular posting - I'm done with change for change's sake!

  

Prsidents Day

My oldest son sent this to me and since it gave me such a good laugh, I thought I'd share it.

 "I was eating breakfast with my 10 year old granddaughter and I asked her:    "What day is tomorrow?"  Without skipping a beat she said, "It's Presidents' Day".

She's smart so I asked her:  "What does Presidents Day mean?  I was waiting for something about Obama, Bush, Clinton, etc.  She replied, "Presidents Day is when the President steps outside the White House, and if he sees his shadow we have another year of bullshit!

You know, it hurts when hot coffee spurts out of your nose!

A Much-Needed Outing!

I went out for breakfast with my son, Steve, and his wife, Meg, this morning.  Today is Steve's birthday so we had a very nice brunch and got a chance to visit with no dogs or kids running in circles around us!  It was the first meal I've tried to eat in weeks, and I managed to devour about half of it.  The other half is boxed and in my fridge, and I just ate a bit of it cold - almost as good as it was when it was warm!

The restaurant is in a very lovely and trendy spot - lots of shopping and restaurants, as well as living space (apartments/condos).  It's really a self-contained neighborhood.  After we finished eating we walked around the area, which really tired me out but was very good for me.  I needed a push to get up and move about!

So maybe I've reached a sort of turning point and can now feel like getting dressed in the morning, and taking a short walk every day.    Or possibly I can talk myself into a walk every day on my treadmill.   Every little bit will help.

The End of a Blog

I just want to say that I am going to discontinue this blog.  It originally began as a way to document my travels, but I haven't traveled for several years now.  It has mainly become a way for me to document my days, and to continue the habit of writing something about my day on a regular basis.  

I think it's time to change the title and focus of the blog as it seems to have been attracting a few readers expecting to read about travel, or whatever, and they are disappointed in what they read.

I will try to think of a general focus for a new daily recount of my thoughts and activities and will publish something soon in that regard.   I'll also have to figure out a new title. 

I hope to keep in contact with friends I've made over the years, who also initially wrote about traveling, but who are no longer on the road.  I want to stress that I will write about my days, what I think of certain events, etc.  I am not writing to attract new readers, nor am I interested in criticism of my efforts, whether constructive (is there such a thing?) or non-constructive  criticism.  I have read many blogs in years past that held no interest to me, or which I found to be irritating in some way.  I simply did not read that particular blog again, but I certainly didn't write nasty and critical emails to the author.  That is beyond decent adult behavior, and I want no part of it.

So, if you have had any problems or criticisms of my previous efforts at blogging, please simply take me off your reading list!

To those wonderful people I've been blessed to come in contact via the blog world, I hope to continue our association.  Helpful hints and suggestions will be welcome, but I never did believe there is any kind of "constructive criticism". 

To me the blog has become a sort of "daily diary" and a way to record my thoughts and activities.  It also satisfies the urge I have to write about the thoughts and activities.  So I won't expect many folks to keep reading my posts, and I urge those folks to find other blogs to their liking.

 

My best friend, Rocky!

Rocky had a session with the groomers yesterday, and he is absolutely gorgeous right now.  Of course his lab personality is always gorgeous, but now his beautiful black coat is so clean and shining!  There's nothing like a clean dog, especially when they share your bed!  

Right now he's off running somewhere in Jeannie's part of the house, while her pup, "Tito", is sitting here beside me gnawing on a bone.  Tito is a small dog with a very pronounced and dominant personality.  Sometimes he takes advantage of Rocky, but I try to not interfere as I will never understand doggie etiquette or dominance.  Of course there are times I get tired of Rocky's easy going nature being used against him, so I take care to see that he gets what he wants/needs.  Those two dogs probably have a pact together to take advantage of my human motherly tendencies!

My left hand is still hurting badly, but I'm determined to try to do what I can to use it.  Typing is not easy but I think I'm doing a fairly good job of it!   Much of the swelling has gone down, but much of the pain still remains.  I don't think it will ever be "normal" again.

I'm going to take a few photos of my little "apartment", but I will have to straighten things up a bit so it doesn't look messy.  Right now I'm only doing what is absolutely necessary while I still have so much pain.  I will try to post some photos during the next week.

 

As IF I needed a little more pain!

I was so shot up with novocaine (or whatever they use these days) that I didn't feel much pain.  I got dental work done, and it was the serious kind that takes a long time.  I'm worn out from it all, but I'm hoping I will start to feel better - needing dental work can really cause all sorts of pain that you might not associate with teeth.  I had thought the dentist would just pull the tooth, but he must have thought it was worth saving.    (It was a molar and I'm sure I'll be glad to still have it.)  And now I'm worn out completely!

So the dental work, along with my injured hand, has me pretty "down".  The hand is by far the worst although it's looking better. 

It was actually nice getting out in the car and seeing all the signs of life around me!  Donald took me and waited all that time!  We all go to the same dentist, who is absolutely superb!  

I'm going to enjoy  a scotch & water this evening.  I make them pretty weak, and in a big water glass with mostly water and ice, as  I just enjoy the hint of the flavor of scotch.  The younger Marty in her 20's and 30's wouldn't know me now! 

Not the best situation

I hate to say it but I'm not exactly thrilled to be here, and wish I was back in Rancho Cordova.  That is where I lived in my mobile home, and while I wouldn't want to be back in the mobile home, I liked the area.  I feel stranded here.

I can't go for a walk because I'm terrified of falling - my hand is still in a lot of pain from my last fall. 

I could go into senior housing, and while some will allow you to bring a pet, I'm sure there are weight limits.  Rocky hangs out at Jeannie's place anyway, and comes home to eat and sleep.  I'm really fed up with the situation.

If the pain ever eases in my hand I might try walking for exercise and for something to do, but I won't take the chance of making it worse right now.  Actually, I don't know if my situation could get much worse!  I shouldn't say that, because of course it could get worse.

I might go into senior housing somewhere and be with others in the same boat as I am in! 

I'm finally moved in

I am moved into the new house, and I love my space!  Hope to get some photos posted soon.  I recently fell and hurt my left hand very badly, and it is difficult to type which has no doubt contributed to my not posting lately.

 I just wanted to check in and let everyone know why I am having so much difficulty getting a post out.  My hand is still swollen and hurts something awful!  I'm going to ask Donald to take some photos for me, and I'll post them as soon as I can.

 

Hitting close to rock bottom!

 That's where I think I am about now!  I will be glad to move, and although I have quite a few boxes I never unpacked when we came here, I have quite a job ahead of me organizing and packing!

I haven't been feeling well at all lately and stayed mostly in my room for about a week.  Jeannie wondered yesterday if the room had something that is making me ill.  No one else in the house has noticed anything but I sure have.  I'm up and about today and trying to stay away from it, but I need to be getting things together as we will move this coming weekend.  On top of everything else, I need to have blood drawn as well as to visit the dentist.   My health needs will be pushed behind the rest.

Last week I noticed that my ankles were pretty swollen, but I think it was because i didn't get out of bed and walk around enough.  It was boring as hell to lie in that room looking at four walls, but I couldn't muster up the energy to do anything about it.  I'm up today and feel much better than I did, and I'm trying to stay out of my room as much as possible.

As anyone knows who has read my blog, I don't care much for new ways of doing things.  This time I'm talking specifically about locking one's doors to the house.  I think our new house will have all sorts of new and different things including door locks, and while it will no doubt keep us much safer, I don't like the idea of having to do much more than to stick a key in a lock and open or lock the door!  I never feel unsafe since I have my wonderful burglar alarm/protector, and I'm talking about my beautiful black lab!  In fact, I've had a dog for most of my life and have never felt unsafe.  Any burglar with half an ounce of sense would just walk away and not want to tackle with whatever is barking behind that door!

I ought to close today's post and go finish packing up my room.  I'll close for now but I doubt I'll pack!

Friday is the day!

I'm writing this on Sunday, so I have about 4 days to go until we move.  I've packed several boxes and the rest should be fairly easy.   I have a lot of potted plants and they could be a problem to move, but I'll just have to move them carefully.  I have two plants that are in dire need of being divided, but I think I'll wait until I'm moved into my new place where it will be a lot easier to do.

I need to shop for my patio furniture.  I will probably buy it at Home Depot as I have seen what I want online.  I will wait and try to view it in the store before deciding for sure on a set.

The patio is off the bedroom and isn't a large one, but Donald is planning to extend both our patios out several feet.  I want to keep my furniture under the original covered patio, and maybe set my plants out on the extension.   I'm going to love having my morning coffee out on the patio! 

I have been waffling about the move for the past two days  - I'm anxious to move-I don't want to move!  I know I will love it, but I'm so weary of moving and just hate the thought of doing it again.  I've already gotten rid of a lot of my possessions, so it may be a bit easier.  Also, there are several boxes I never bothered to unpack when we moved here temporarily.

My son, Steve, assures me that it will all go well and he will take care of me.  So that relieves me a bit.  A good woman can plan and pack for a move; a good man can accomplish the move!  I'm speaking in generalities, but for the most part I think our genes have a lot to do with what we are good at.  I can remember my late ex-husband and how I could totally outdo him in something like planning for a move, but he completely outdid me in carrying out the plan for the move!  The reverse can be true, but working together can accomplish so much.

I am starting to get a bit excited about it, and I don't recall that I've ever moved into a brand new space.

Making Lists!

I'm sure there are other list-makers out there, and probably many of you are as good, or as driven at it, as I am.  My bedside table has several lists on top of a stack of papers, and I just keep on making more!

 Of course a lot of my lists are concerned with my upcoming move - what must I take, and where will I put the items I take.  Everything is grouped by rooms in my space, or the patio, etc.  And I have lists of things I need to buy for each of the spaces.

Now and then I come across lists I have made on previous occasions, including what I will grow in my garden this year, placement of furniture, and so on.  I get as much enjoyment in the planning and list-making as I probably will in the execution of all the items in my lists.  I think it's a way to collect my scattered thoughts and put them down in writing.   I also get a lot of enjoyment in composing the lists, and of course one of the best things about it is being able to cross off "things accomplished"! 

 

Another Week to Go!

My son Steve just sent me a note to let me know he is planning on helping me move.    What a relief to know that I have a dedicated helper!  Most of my furniture and belongings are in storage, and I will be over the moon to see them again!

A New Leaf

OK, you will hear it first!  I am planning to turn over a new leaf, from now on.  No more negative thinking.  No more letting little things get me down.  No more suspicions of people's motives.  And on and on and on!

I am lucky to have a loving family and a beautiful place to move, where Rocky and I won't be alone.  I will no doubt be able to meet many new folks who are living in some of the "NextGen" homes all around us, and I won't be the only "oldie but goodie" in the neighborhood!  I know I am damn fortunate, and I need to start acting like I believe it!

It's going to be harder than I thought to pack up what little I have here, and then I remember I have lots of my furniture and belongings in storage.  It will be fun to get it all together in my new home, but it will certainly be a big job for me to deal with.  I can never remember dates any more, but I think it will be about a week to ten days until I move in.  I have historically put everything off until the last moment, and up to now I have been lucky that it's all come together.  Now, I think I need to be a little more careful and practical, but I don't know where to start!  I'll figure it out, and in the meantime, I am anxious to begin.

The Move is Drawing Near!

Jeannie & Donald went to the new house yesterday to tour all of it and make sure everything was the way they want it.  The builder, Lennar, seems to be very attentive to the home buyer and wants to ensure complete satisfaction.  I've been impressed with them from the beginning.  I believe that most of the items we have here in our temporary quarters, plus everything in storage, will be picked up this weekend and moved to our new house.  I'm not clear about the logistics, but I think that is what will happen.  I don't have much here in my room, and most of it is in several boxes that will be easy to move.  Of course, it will be all the little stuff that isn't packed that will give me the most trouble.

I'm Not Looking Forward

 I'm certainly not looking forward to the move!  I've been a city girl for most of my life and I like living in the city.  The newer suburbs are certainly not "city" - I will miss being within walking distance of even a few stores, especially without a car.

My daughter may not like it, but I reserve the right to try it out and then move back to civilization if I want to.

I've "Caught Something"!

I don't know what it is or where I caught it - I'm only around Jeannie and her family and none of them is sick.  I haven't been able to talk much today - on the verge of laryngitis!  Of course I have no one to talk to, except Rocky.

Other than the "almost-laryngitis" I'm not feeling too bad.   Except that last night it seemed like my ankles were a bit swollen, and they haven't gone down yet!   I should see a doctor, but the medical people's first choice is a tele-visit via the computer.  Worthless!

I've been torn lately by the wish that I had stayed where I was rather than move out to live in the house of a friend of Jeannie's.  The house isn't bad except that I definitely don't care for the neighborhood, and have been feeling rotten since I've moved here.  I believe I am getting worse by the week!  Every time I think I am ready to let it all go and check out of this life, I look at my beautiful dog.  No one that I know of would want him.  Most people I know train their dogs as if they were Army recruits, and lord help them if they don't remember all the rules.  I have always let a dog be a dog, as long as they follow my basic rules and are friendly.   I wish I could have gotten him when I lived by myself and not close to any family - at least for the first couple of months.  Then I could have have started him out "my way" instead of having several people giving him instructions.   We live and learn, don't we!  He is a beautiful dog, with a beautiful personality and temperament.  I shudder to think of what will happen to him when I'm gone.

Enough of being a Debbie Downer!  Let's see, there must be something positive.   In just another week (actually 10 days) Donald and Jeannie will complete the  process of buying the house and taking possession.   Not sure how the moving of furniture, etc. is going to go, but I think it will be at the end of that week.  I can't wait to get my living room furniture back and use it again.  I have the dining table & chairs here, as well as my bed and a couple of other pieces.  I've been using a chest of drawers that was part of my ex's bedroom from the mid-1950's!  I'm glad to have had it.  Jeannie and Steve think I should get some sort of thing that can hang in the big wide closet, that will hold my clothes so I won't need a chest of drawers.  I guess that holds true as well for a dresser, but I will get myself a nice full-length mirror to hang in my room (or maybe on the back of the door).  And if I decide I want a piece of furniture instead of squirreling my things away in a closet, then I think I will just do what I like!

I will have my own private patio off my bedroom and have been looking (on the internet) for nice patio furniture.  I will need to shop in person for it though, and make sure it will fit my patio but not make it too crowded.

I'm hoping I can make an attitude adjustment when we move, and hopefully I can roll with the punches a bit easier than I have lately.  I've lived on my own and by myself for too long to be happy with being advised what I should and shouldn't do now. 

Looking Back

I just went back and re-read a few posts at the beginning of my blog.  I had just sold my beautiful place in North Carolina and bought a 5th wheel, and I was ready to set out on an adventure.  My dogs and I drove all over the country, meeting lots of people, seeing lots of sights, and I suppose  I don't regret it.  Sometimes I look back and wonder where I'd be today if I had kept a more normal lifestyle living in one place for a while.  But you can't go back, so here I am, and I'm glad I began blogging at the beginning of my last journey.

The supreme benefit of the blog is the fact that it has connected me with hundreds of people I would never have been able to meet and/or correspond with, or even just to read so many wonderful blogs out there.  Blogging, commenting, maybe a meeting here and there when I was traveling, has opened a world to me that I would never have known otherwise.  I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the kindness and encouragement you've shown me throughout the years. 

I will have to admit that once I wrote the first post I was hooked forever!  Now, I don't often have much to say but I'm compelled to say something!  I keep telling myself to quit now, but something comes along that I want to write about, and so it goes.  I'm anxious to move into the new house in less than 3 weeks from now,  and you will probably tire of hearing about it!  I'm anxious to take some photos of it.  I normally ask Donald to take photos for me, but I'm thinking about  buying a camera, or else a cell phone that takes good pictures.  I prefer a camera, because to tell the truth, I DETEST cell phones!

Since I started writing this post I keep thinking of a scene on my "maiden voyage" from New York to California - a long way to drive hauling a 35' fifth wheel behind!  I was driving through Los Angeles and recall having to keep veering off to yet another section of freeway, in all that traffic.  The stories you might hear about L.A. traffic don't adequately describe the horror of it!  But I drove bravely on and arrived later that day at my brother's house in Livermore, CA (about halfway between L.A. and Sacramento).  A lot of family were already there and waiting for me, and I had to have one of the guys get that huge thing off the street and into a vacant lot nearby!  I never did master backing up!

No More Dog Walks for Me!

I decided to take Rocky for a short walk, but we didn't stay out long.  He's forgotten how to walk on a leash; he drove me crazy going from one side of the street to the other and never walking in a straight line.  I can understand however, as he hasn't been out except for the small back yard, in some time.  I'll have to work on him (and me) in the coming weeks and hope we both benefit from walking in the new neighborhood.

I might even hire a dog trainer to help me be able to control him better - my vision is too poor to have to walk a dog who wants to stop to smell the flowers, the rocks, tree roots, fireplugs, etc.  He had me going from one side of the street to the other, and with my age, poor eyesight, lack of good balance, and lack of patience, it is a recipe for disaster.  I do want him to enjoy the walk however, and it's a toss up between the two of us - it's only fair that he can explore his surroundings and all the smells left by dogs who have passed this way.   If only he could stay on one side of the street!

This is an unfriendly neighborhood, and I will be glad to move out of it and to our new place.  I always say hello to everyone I meet when out for a walk, and have never once had a similar acknowledgement from anyone around here.  It's like I'm invisible!  What makes people like that.  They will look me straight in the eye and not give any indication that they heard me or want to return my greeting if they did hear.  It's not just a few people - absolutely no one I've ever met in this area has returned a greeting or even acknowledged me in any way.  And I've heard from the grapevine that this has always been true of the area.

My granddaughter Quinn, (Steve's daughter) is selling girl scout cookies.  Of course I will do my best to support my grandchildren and a worthy cause, and just a little bit because I have a sweet tooth!  I ordered  $75 worth of girl scout cookies!  To be fair, they have gone up in price since my daughter sold them when she was a kid, but they are now $5 a box!  I bought the varieties I absolutely love, and can't wait to get them and open a box.  Heavenly!

I'm so anxious to move, and am making lists of things I would like to buy for my space.  I already have most of what I need, but a few new items will cheer me up and make my space more inviting!  Of course at the top of my list is a new broom.  You never take an old broom to a new house!  I can't remember what old gypsy woman taught me that, but I always remember! 

I'm also going to buy a new bedspread as  I'm using the comforter Jeannie bought me when I lived in Ireland.  I will fold it up and put it in Rocky's bed so he can be comfy!

I don't anticipate the hassle of moving, but I'm sure ready to do it! 

Just a quick entry this evening

Don't hold me to that, however, because once I start writing I don't always know when to stop!

I wanted to go shopping tonight with Jeannie & the girls, but I just couldn't leave Rocky here by himself.  He has moved with us a couple of times recently, and I'm sure he knows we will be moving again.   That has to make a pet a little nervous, and I'm certain that Rocky knows we aren't settled down yet.  He must be concerned that he will be included in our plans, and that we won't go off and leave him.  I really don't know if that is an issue, but it seems to me that it would be on his mind.

To tell the truth, as much as I would love to get out and go shopping, I am not up to anything but a quick trip now and then.  So I decided to stay here and let the girls do their thing!  And I'm relaxing on my bed, with my beautiful sweet dog snoozing beside me! 

Just a Little More Waiting!

In just about 2 weeks Jeannie and Donald will sign the final papers on the house, and I think we will have to wait a few days for the processing of those papers, but move-in time is getting close.  I have such mixed emotions about it all -

On the one hand it will be nice to have a new space all my own (except that I don't own it in any way).

On the other hand, I'm so tired of moving and living out of boxes - not even having a clue where some things are.  I believe that a lot of my belongings are in storage along with my furniture.    And it will be so nice to finally have my own furniture again.  It is still relatively "new" to me, about 2 yrs old.  For the last few months I've been using a four-drawer chest of drawers that belonged to my ex-husband.  It was purchased in the mid-50's, and I think we still have the entire bedroom set.  Jeannie certainly isn't sentimental and the style is definitely mid-50's, but I have been delighted to be able to use some of it over the years, mostly in a spare bedroom.  She will get rid of it in a heartbeat.  I can't let it bother me because I will take my own belongings into my own private space, and hope it all works out in an agreeable manner.  I absolutely have detested conflict all my life, so I've developed the ability to retain my own self and my beliefs.  I just keep my mouth shut and hold on to my own thoughts, wants, desires, and dislikes.  I've mostly done that my whole life, and in my own mind, I've come out a winner.  And that is what counts - not what anyone else thinks of me!

After not feeling well the past couple of weeks, I think I'm beginning to snap back.  I would really like to see my doctor, but in these days I am lucky to be offered a "video visit", which is near worthless to me.

Donald took me to Costco last week and I can't remember when I've enjoyed shopping more!  They had a sale on houseplants and I bought a 3-pack.  I don't know what two of the plants are, but the third is a pothos or similar.  I am intrigued by one of them - it has dark green (almost black) lower leaves, becoming a lighter green at the top half of the plant, and those leaves are green with a yellow section runing up the middle.   I will try to remember to have Donald take a photo and will post it next time I blog.  The other plant has slender yellow leaves with a green "stripe" running up the middle.  The top of my chest of drawers is completely covered with plants, including a snake plant that really needs to be divided.  I think that is my favorite plant, along with a gorgeous spider plant I have on top of a bookshelf.  Both plants are said to be air purifiers, taking in the toxins in the air and returning clean air to the room.  I like that idea!

 

Just Call Me "Grace"

That's because I'm so graceful!  (Not!)

I'm bored to tears this evening and decided to open a  bottle of wine.  It has a huge cork in it and I couldn't even begin to get it out.  So I thought I would settle for a scotch and water, and fixed myself a nice drink.  Somehow, when I got it back to my room, I spilled some.  I don't know what I did, but I ended up spilling some more until the glass was entirely emptied on my bedroom floor!

I was really irritated because I only had a sip of the drink, but I had to mop that mess up which wasn't easy as it had run across a big section of the hardwood floor!  I got that done, but then I had an empty glass on hand, and I wanted that drink more than ever at this point.  So I carefully mixed another scotch and water and it is now sitting on my bedside table.  I feel like I really want a nice long sip of that drink, and am a bit regretful that I didn't make it any stronger than I did.  I usually have a weak drink, and it's just as well!

I think we have about 3 weeks until the big move, and while I'm ready to leave the place I'm in now, I don't know that I want to move out to the middle of nowhere.  I'd love to just go back to Rancho Cordova!  I feel so isolated, and if I could get some energy back so that I could walk Rocky every day, it would help both of us.  I feel so bad for him, but I just don't have the energy to walk anywhere.  Maybe tomorrow I will force myself!

 

Taylor, and my post from yesterday

In yesterday's post I included part of an email I received from True Leaf Market, in which they referred to "Taylor, the warehouse cat".   There was a link to a short clip about Taylor, and yes, there is absolutely a warehouse cat at True Leaf Market.  Here is the link in case you'd like to see him and hear about his job as a warehouse cat!

https://www.trueleafmarket.com/blogs/articles/taylor-the-warehouse-cat

 

 

Gardening

I order all my gardening supplies from True Leaf Market, and not only do they have everything I want at great prices, they have the best folks working there!  I received this message from them today, so you will see why I love them!

"Your order is on the way

Your order is on the way to you. Track your shipment (below) to see the delivery status.

When your seeds were selected for your order, many of them were so overcome with emotion, they had to fight to hold back tears of joy (they did not want to germinate themselves prematurely, of course).

Under the scrupulous supervision of our Quality Control Officer, Taylor the Warehouse Cat, your seeds were carefully picked, lovingly packed, and meticulously inspected. Your order is now on the truck, on its way to you."

See what I mean?  That's trueleafmarket.com in case you'd like to see their website.   I've just ordered several varieties of tomato seeds, and can't wait to get them started.  It will be all I can do to hold off until I am in the new house (approx. 4 weeks).  I want to plant them in the ground where they will stay and hopefully give me lots of beautiful tomatoes! 

 

 

 

One More Month!

We have about one more month until we can move into the new house.  I'm excited to see my furniture that is now in storage, and actually be able to use it again.  Most of it was purchased about two years ago, so it will seem like new to me!

On the other hand, I absolutely dread having to move again.  Even though my furniture and belongings are in storage, it is going to be difficult to have to deal with yet another move.  I ought to just move to an old folks home and stay there for the remainder of my time - never move again!  Believe me, I've thought seriously about it.

I was all set to have to buy a new watch, but I found the one I lost.  I definitely need to get a new watch band because part of the clasp has broken off and it will soon fall off my arm again.

But I will have to buy a new phone.  I want to get another Jitterbug phone, which was the best phone I ever had.  I'm having trouble with my current phone as I have trouble reading anything on it unless I stare at the screen for a while.  I rarely use a phone these days, but feel safer having one. 

 

 

Getting low on patience!

I am so ready to be in my own space and am losing patience.  I feel confined to my bedroom here, which is where I stay most of the time.  The girls don't have their own room and sleep on a pull-out sofa in the living room, so I try to stay out of their space.  I'm sure we will all be glad to get into our own place, and I'm looking forward to posting pictures of my area.   I will have a large area consisting of living room, leading to dining area, and then to the kitchen space.  My bedroom will be off to itself leading to a patio in the back yard area.  If I get to see it again before we move, I will be sure to post photos of my space.  I don't think I will need any new furniture, especially since I bought mostly new items when I moved into my rental two years ago.  To tell the truth, I don't remember exactly what I have as much of it has been in storage for a while.

The back yard will be completely fenced and is huge, so Rocky and Tito will have plenty of space to run.  I just hope I have enough stamina to take Rocky for a walk every day.  As is true of so much of Sacramento, there are no sidewalks so I will probably have to walk him in the street.  There shouldn't be much traffic though.

Speaking of Rocky, he somehow got out the door a couple of days ago and made great use of his newly found freedom.  There was no catching him until he decided to be caught, and he led Jeannie & the girls on a merry chase!  I knew he would come back when he ran out his taste of freedom, and he did.  But until he wanted to come back there was no catching him!  I sort of envied him as there are times when I'd love to run free of all the crap in my life these days, and people telling me what to do!  At least I can enjoy a scotch & water in the evening and not think about the cares of the day.  I feel like the last couple of years of my life have been such a waste - I can't go anywhere I want, when I want, or do what I want to do.  The only satisfaction I have is that I still have my mind (which I think is in pretty good shape!), and while I never did like to argue, I know the score and I definitely don't like it!   As long as I know that nobody can "put anything over on me", I don't care if anyone thinks they can. 

It is ironic to me that for my entire life, up to now, I knew what I wanted to to and I did mostly what I wanted to do - I think I had pretty good control.  I've been letting go of the control, which makes it a little easier to age, but in my mind I will always know what is right for me.

When it comes right down to it, I've had a wonderful life:  great family - I come from a large family and two wonderful loving parents; seven siblings and lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins.   My siblings are the "cream of the crop", and while we don't all agree on every issue, we love each other dearly and have a lifetime of wonderful memories.

I have no regrets and look forward to my future! 

Where did my enthusiasm go?

Thinking about it, I'm not sure how I feel about moving into someone else's new home.  I guess as long as I can choose how I want to arrange my space, and use my own furnishings, it might work.  I have little or no privacy here, so it will probably be an improvement.

Where did the years go?  I've always been self-sufficient and except for not being able to drive, I am still relatively self-sufficient.  I'm not sure I want to be out in the boondocks rather than in city limits, but no one really asked me what I want nor does anyone care about how I might feel.

I'm still financially independent, so if it doesn't work for me I will hire a mover to transfer my belongings back to a small apartment within the city limits.

A few minutes ago I rammed the top of my head into an open cabinet door, which may explain my feelings right about now.  It's not hurting too badly except I can't touch the big lump on top of my head, but I don't think my awareness has changed for the worse.  If it wasn't so early in the afternoon I would pour myself a stiff scotch & water, but I'd rather wait until a more reasonable time later on.   By the way, I don't drink much and never to the point that it makes me feel different, so I don't worry about a weak drink most evenings.  The "stiff scotch & water" is just a joke.  In fact, the way my life is currently going, I'm surprised at how little I drink!!!

Something to look forward to!

I was talking with my daughter this evening about the status of our new house, and I found myself energized and ready to move into it.  I think we have about 4-6 weeks until it's ready - maybe more, depending on availability of supplies and workers.  The men working on the house have really been great - they have worked many weekends including Sundays to get the house built and ready to move in.  I'm wondering if they get a bonus for finishing it early, and I certainly hope they do.  The company is Lennar Builders, and I believe they are all over the U.S., and I'm happy with our experience so far.

I am still deciding what I want to buy for my new living quarters.   My furniture is relatively new (about 2 yrs old) and will look great in the new space, and I will treat myself to lovely new patio furniture.  But I'm really not anxious to begin another move so close to the last one or two moves!  I'm getting to be too old to keep doing this!  I can only imagine what must be going through Rocky's doggie mind!

 

Attitude Adjustment!

I'm going to try to do just that, because I know my attitude has a lot to do with my lack of energy and hopefulness.  Some things in life are just negative, but I hope to concentrate more on the positive from now on.

My oldest granddaughter, Jeannie's daughter Ara, left in the wee hours of this morning to drive back to her home in Missouri.  I will miss her and have really enjoyed having her around.  She brought her little dog with her, and the three pups have had a wonderful time bouncing around with each other.  (Not that I can really call Rocky a "pup"!) .  She is going to come back to help us move into our new house, which should be within a month or two!

I have gone an entire year now without having my hair cut, and need to decide what to do about it.  It's so easy to just pull back and tie up, and if I get it cut short then it will need to be trimmed regularly.  I'm probably way too old to be wearing my hair so long!

I believe we might be able to move into our house a week or so earlier than predicted, and I certainly hope so.  I will truly enjoy selecting things for my quarters that I need and/or want.  I'm going to try to get by with the furniture and accessories I already have, and enjoy picking out window coverings and maybe get a new bedspread with matching drapes.

Speaking of bedspreads, my daughter sent me the quilted spread I currently use when I was living in Ireland in the early 2000's!  I loved it then and love it even now that it is showing signs of wear, to say nothing of a couple of chewed spots from a certain animal whose name I won't disclose!  So I may just get coverings for the window and  sliding glass door to the patio.  I'm also going to buy new patio furniture, but other than that I'm pretty satisfied with what I have and just need a bit of something new.

Today is such a hazy day and makes the windows look like they need washing.  I think it's just the moisture in the air although it's not raining yet.  I wish I could drum up some energy, but so far .....

This was the Worst!

It's been the worst year for my blog, I think.  I just don't have much to write about these days.  My health is deteriorating and my life is so uneventful and unexciting that there is nothing worth mentioning.

Here I am in the house belonging to Jeannie's friend, and I mostly stay in my small room.  I'm lucky to have a room - the girls have their things in the living room and sleep on a pull-out couch!  Jeannie has the other bedroom.  Donald and one of the girls usually stay at his mother's house - the girls alternate from time to time.  Ara has been visiting, so we have three dogs in the house, who spend more time in my room than anywhere else, I think.  Especially Tito - he likes me, while   Rocky mostly ignores me these days.

Our new house seems to be coming along at a rapid pace, and we might be able to move in a month earlier than we thought.   I certainly hope so, and look forward to using my own living room furniture, my own kitchen items & dining table, etc.  I've been looking online to find a nice patio set - just a couple of chairs, maybe a chaise lounge & a small table.  I really need to shop at a couple of stores and see what is available and compare everything.  My patio will be right off my bedroom, so that is where I will spend my mornings drinking coffee and watching the birds!  (I think I've written this before, so I'm sorry if I'm repeating.  Old age, you know!)

I have seen many New Years roll around and have enjoyed them for the most part.  This one has a different feel, and I don't think I like it as much as I used to.  I wish all the best to you in the coming year. 

After I published this post, I gave each of the 3 dogs a treat, but I set a special one aside for Rocky.  They all know it's there, and they are sitting in that "good dog" pose just looking and waiting.  It reminded me, wasn't there a play years ago called "Their Eyes Were Watching God"?   It may have been a book or a movie, but I can't remember anything except the catchy title.  So the dogs have that look of waiting for God to drop a treat in front of them!

One Last Try!

https://mail.aol.com/webmail-std/en-us/DisplayMessage?ws_popup=true&ws_suite=true

The Morning After, Post #2

I hope this works and you can see the photo.  Please let me know if it doesn't show up.

https://mail.aol.com/webmail-std/en-us/DisplayMessage?ws_popup=true&ws_suite=true

So far I haven't been able to test it out, and I don't know what is wrong.   I'm not sure if the problem is me or if it's with blogger, but I'm so tired of fighting with the darned program!  I'm about ready to quit blogging - I think I've come to the end of the road.

The morning after!

Some folks just don't know when to stop!

Sorry, but I can't seem to adjust the spacing of this paragraph and photo.   Is it blogger that has changed, or is it me that doesn't remember how to do anything! 

Happy New Year!

I watched the celebration in NYC, or at least what I thought was going to be the ball dropping in NYC, at 9pm here in CA.  I think I must have watched something else though, because it sure didn't look like what I've always seen in New York.  I wouldn't expect much this year, so I really wasn't shocked or disappointed!

I certainly hope we have a decent year ahead, better than the one we're leaving behind.  This hasn't been one of my better holiday seasons, but maybe things will look up in 2022.  What in the world has happened to New Year's Eve!

At any rate, I wish all my readers a good year to come.