Costco

Betty, you are right!  They made me go back and shop some more until my bill came to about $150!  (Just kidding).  I bought some stuff for New Year's Eve, including a moderately priced bottle of champagne.  I also filled my fuel tank at $2.29/gal.  Not sure if it has been lower during the past couple of weeks - I don't have to fill it as often when I just drive locally.  There were many days in December that I purposely stayed home so as to not be immersed in the "buy-buy-buy" mentality.

I also paid the January rent this morning - my bill includes gas, elec., and water for the past month.  It has been so cold and I've run the  gas furnace more often, plus use the small electric heater when I'm sitting down at the computer or to watch TV.  I haven't had bills this high for a long time, but I just can't deal with the cold.  

After my travels this year I hope to put some money toward replacing my windows, which should make it easier to heat (and cool) the house.  These windows are 1960 vintage and not one of them shuts tightly, and there isn't a decent screen in the bunch.  The biggest drawback to getting new windows is that it might be difficult (and expensive) to replace them with the same size and expanse of glass.  I've noticed on similar mobile homes in the park that they often replace a large window with two smaller ones.  I don't get a lot of natural light because of the layout of the houses and streets, so I want the big windows.  My son Steve has said he will do some work on a few things I need, and I'm torn between updating kitchen, bath or windows. 

One of my resolutions for next year is to use up or get rid of all the cleaning products I've accummulated.  I could clean a hotel with all the crap I think is going to give me a sparkling clean house!   Lately I've begun using vinegar, and sometimes baking soda & salt to clean, and they work just as well if not better, with no harsh chemicals.  I light a couple of scented candles to get rid of the vinegar odor though.

Ara finally got home but it wasn't until about 7:30 in the evening.  She had to take a train from the airport, transfer to a bus and then to a trolley that stops at her house.  I would gladly pay the cab fare for her, but as long as it's not the middle of the night I'll let her travel her way! 

I could sure use a nap by now, but still have some papers and clutter to get out of the way.  I wish it was easier for me to throw things away, but I've always held on to things "just in case".

Just one more day until we are in the year 2016, folks!  I wish you all a happy and prosperous year ahead! 

 

Weather woes!

Poor Ara, went to the airport last night and was told the flight had been delayed until this morning.  Today's flight left, but there was a delay of several hours in Houston; I haven't heard if it finally departed, but I hope she is home by now.   Oh how I hate the thought of air travel!

I really enjoy working at the library.  My boss wasn't there today but she had given me something to do, and the time passed quickly.  The job is something I love doing and am extremely good at, if I do say so.

On my way home I stopped at the grocery for a few items, which turned out to be more than a few.  Before leaving home this morning I checked my bank account online and saw that reimbursement checks for about $200 from Medicare (chiropractic care) had made it to the bank and were in my checking account, so  I transferred $200 to savings (my travel fund), leaving me a little over $60 in checking.  Wouldn't you know the groceries came to $71?  After several tries I asked the cashier to debit $60 and let me pay the balance in cash.  I was frustrated as I saw the line behind me getting longer, but we finally got it squared away.  I didn't expect to spend as much as I did.  I need some things from Costco as well as to fill up the gas tank, but will have to wait for the Jan. retirement check to hit my account!    I did pretty well on the Christmas shopping this year - I can only think of one gift that I charged on the credit card.  But my wallet and checking account are certainly depleted!

I drove to a nearby Fed-Ex place on Christmas morning to pick up a box from Mike that should have been delivered days earlier.  There were a few people ahead of me, and since things were moving slowly we eventually began to chat with each other.  Several people made comments about grandchildren, and that 5 minutes with them was enough, glad when they went home, etc.  Everyone was agreeing and chuckling, and I decided it was time to speak up.  I said "Grandchildren are the best part of my life".  I swear everyone glared at me!  What was that all about.  I can't figure it out.

I'm going to work out at the gym with Jeannie this evening.  Looking forward to pumping iron!!

A relaxing day

I went to Jeannie's house today to spend the day with Ara before she heads back east.  Jeannie, Ara and I put toether  a big jigsaw puzzle, and worked 5 NY Times crossword puzzles.  With three great minds together we just couldn't fail.  Donald came in and assisted with the jigsaw puzzle for a while.  

I will miss Ara and love having her here, but I'll see her again when I go to NY for Justin's 1st Communion in April.  I'm still debating trying to drive or get back on a plane, and I've about ruled out taking Amtrak.  At one time Amtrak was the best choice but the service has greatly deteriorated over the years (although the airlines has had the same decline as well).  I don't have to decide for another couple of months, and just hope the weather is fair on my travel days.

Today I don't think I would even attempt to drive across country, but if I can get a new prescription for eyeglasses in January that will improve my vision, I might attempt it.  So far the macular degeneration doesn't seriously affect my view of the road ahead while driving under most road conditions, and if I can avoid large metropolitan areas (such as Chicago) I think I might be 
ok.  

I work at the library tomorrow and I think I'll be working in the non-fiction, which is my favorite.  I'm getting tired of the kids' section and need a break.

I've looked ahead at the 15 day forecast for my area, and it is likely our days won't rise above the 50's.  Tonight it is going down to 30 - I sometimes wear an extra shirt under my pj' s to keep warm.  

I'm going to try to go back to walking at the gym on a daily basis, and hope to work out at least twice a week.  The hardest part of getting back to healthy living is to quit eating the carbs and sugar that go with holiday treats!  I have an unopened growler (64 oz) of golden ale in my fridge, and it needs to be consumed within 24-36 hrs of breaking the seal.  I will need some company to accomplish this, and when it's gone I'm going to get serious about my diet.

See you next year, Santa!

Another Christmas has come and gone, and I'm still reeling!   Our family had a wonderful gathering, with lots of love and laughs.

I am drinking a super tasty cup of coffee this morning, made possible by my new Mr. Coffee.  One of my gifts was a model with an on/off switch and no bells & whistles.  Just what I have always liked, and this model makes a great cup from the very first time.  There is definitely a difference.

I also got a North Face jacket with a warm liner.  I've always wanted one of these but never  could afford a North Face.  There is definitely a difference!  

I got a growler of beer from American River Brewery, a couple of bottles of wine, a gift certificate from Straw Hat Pizza, a book "Women Who Run With the Wolves",  and a spiffy wine bottle opener that looks so easy to use.  I have always used the old style corkscrew and can barely get the cork out intact.  

I also received plane tickets to Alaska for July/Aug, and will travel with Joe, Sarah & their girls.  Sarah has family there and I'm looking forward to just being there.  This will be my 50th state, and I never thought I'd be able to do it.

Yesterday was a lazy day for me and I'm thinking about getting out and about for a little while today. 

I have an appointment for the first week in January to see the opthamologist and hopefully get a prescription for new glasses that can make my vision a little better.  The mac degeneration will still be a problem but I hope to be able to see a little better without straining.  It's getting difficult to read street signs until I'm right upon them, reading anything on the TV screen, etc.

I hope everyone has had as happy a Christmas as I have, and look forward with me to a good 2016.

Rest in Peace

This will be a short post, but I wanted to show a couple of pictures taken at Arlington Cemetery in Virginia.  The scene is stunningly beautiful in its simplicity.

(Click on a photo to enlarge it.)

All the presents are wrapped and I feel a big relief.  I had to run out and get more gift tags - who would think they are so difficult to find.  I can remember in the past having to buy a package of 100 when I only needed about 10, but this year they are scarce!

Lucky Day

I've felt great today and now realize I feel lucky as well.  I got another reimbursement from Medicare for my chiropractic treatment, and I still have a few more treatments to go, and to bill Medicare for.

I'm mentioning this in case any readers who are under Medicare are also under chiropractic treatment, please be sure the office submits the request for reimbursement to Medicare.  My treatment plan is for approximately one year, and I paid the total amount to the doctor in the first 3 months.  Medicare sends me the checks and I'm not sure how they dole them out but I expect to receive another check or two before I'm finished.  It looks like I might get somewhere around 1/3 of the total and possibly a bit more.  So be sure to check with the chiro's office personnel to see if they will submit the payment request for you.  I think Medicare pays for the manipulative treatments but not xrays or just an office visit  to discuss the treatment plan or other options.  Note that there is a deductible amount set by Medicare.

I've wrapped some more of the kids' Christmas presents and realize that one of the kids is 1 present short.  I got them all some little inexpensive things to unwrap along with the primary gift.

Work at the library is going well.  The Volunteer Coordinator and I discussed my working a few more hours a week if I want.  I'll extend my shift after the New Year.

The sunset today is about the most gorgeous I've ever seen.   I snap pictures like crazy but they never come near to the actual sight. 

Fun Sunday

The day spent at Steve's house yesterday was really nice and relaxing as well.  The Bengals game was on the TV, but the guys just cast their eyes on the screen once in a while and the sound was very low.  A friend of theirs came with his two beautiful little daughters (Mama wasn't feeling well).  They left after Cincinnati won the game.

The Cincy chili was so good - I eat mine plain over spaghetti while most people dump cheese & onions all over it.  I also set aside my avoidance of processed meats and had a Coney Island - hot dog on a bun with Cincinnati chili and if you like, cheese and onions.  I had mine with just the chili.

My sister Amy and niece Katy were there as well, and it is always a joy to get together.  The kids play so well together, and the dog (Sammy) was all over the place.  He started out looking like a boxer but after a year or so he has a decided pit bull look.  I have never met a sweeter and better tempered dog; of course he loved following the kids to the bowl of chips as they obligingly dropped one for him now and then.  He tried his best to get up in my lap but couldn't quite make it into the chair.  It was nice to have a dog around for a change.

I'm essentially finished with my Christmas shopping, and will pick up one of the gifts on Christmas Eve.  I also might look for a couple of small items for the kids.  I haven't sent a Christmas card in years and intended to for some of my elderly relatives this year, but never got around to it.  I'm not really into Christmas and it's only because of family that I even mark the day.   The hard sell that begins the day after Halloween really turns me off, but that's just part of it.


This morning looks like it will rain all day.  I checked the 15 day forecast for Sacramento and it looks like only one day out of 15 will get above 60F, and barely above at that.  I have been absolutely freezing here in my house.  There is no way to keep it warm - no doubt due to lack of proper insulation, windows that let air in, etc.   I hate to think of what the gas and electric bills will be for this month.   The only time I'm warm enough is when I go to bed and crawl under the down comforter!  I'm tough and can deal with it though. 

I have to leave now for my chiropractor appointment.  I hope the traffic is light especially in all this rain, but I know better.