Phewwwww.. I was looking out the kitchen window into the backyard and saw what I thought was a cat skulking real low through the grass. Then I remembered that Ron mowed the grass two nights ago and it wasn’t anywhere near long enough to cover that much of a cat. It turns out it was the ugliest, the most hideous snapping turtle I've ever seen. Seriously, it was most dreadful. I’ve seen plenty of tortoises and plenty of turtles, but nothing as ugly as this. I took a few pictures and loaded a couple down below. Ugly ugly ugly and it was not happy when Ron tempted it to snap at the handle of the rake. It raised itself up on all four legs and its head moved and snapped so quickly I couldn’t click the camera fast enough. It won’t surprise me if I have nightmares about it. This creature is seriously ugly.
It appears to be a female because she found a small area of dirt and was busy digging, we assume to fix a place to lay eggs, when one of the feral cats decided to play cat and mouse with it. Wrong move, kitty. I chased the cat away but I can’t be out there all the time. I hope the cat doesn't get hurt.
It was a busy day today: laundry, vacuuming, cleaning bathroom, getting a few things together for next week’s trip to Texas, fighting off snapping turtles (LOL).
Mid afternoon we drove up to my old stomping grounds in Niskayuna so Ron could pick up a part for his bucket truck from Metro Ford. I went along ‘cause right next door is a strip mall with Barnes & Nobles, Target, Pet Smart, etc. My trip to B&N netted me four books and a crossword puzzle book. I’ll have enough to keep me occupied if we should get stuck somewhere during our trip.
We got home just before a big storm came through. There was heavy wind, hail and lots of rain. It passed almost as quickly as it came and caused no damage to us.
And now it’s evening. The sun has come back out, snapping turtles roam the backyard and Ron’s threatening to shoot it so I can make turtle soup. Yah, right. Not in this lifetime! But I guess all’s right in my world, at least at this moment.
Today’s weather – It was pretty nice up until it wasn’t. LOL The day was mostly sunny and warm until the storm came through. Now it’s warm and wet outside.
Gas prices – Sunoco in town: regular unleaded $4.149
Exercise – Not much today!
Life changes – Boy oh boy, I miss living in Niskayuna. One email two years ago and now my entire life has changed. I’m married, living in the country, avoiding snapping turtles, and hoping none of the feral cats get hurt.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Quick Note
I haven't even read my email since early afternoon. It was a busy day with Ember, and a busier evening, so this will be a quick post.
I took a few pics of Ember today at the gazebo in Green Island. It's right on the Hudson River, which look spectacular in the brilliant sunshine. The pictures are below.
She looks older than 2 years, 2 months. Most people estimate she's close to 3 years of age if not already 3. Her speech, her actions and her size are those of an older child.
Didn't feel like making supper tonight (and what's new about that?), so Ron made himself soup and sandwich and I nuked cold pizza. Fine with me.
I got in over 10,000 steps today. Between walking with Ember and then walking after supper tonight, I logged a lot of walking.
Exercise - As I said above, I logged over 10,000 steps of walking, a full 5 miles.
Today's weather - It was a beautiful day, though not quite warm enough for shorts on Ember.
I took a few pics of Ember today at the gazebo in Green Island. It's right on the Hudson River, which look spectacular in the brilliant sunshine. The pictures are below.
She looks older than 2 years, 2 months. Most people estimate she's close to 3 years of age if not already 3. Her speech, her actions and her size are those of an older child.
Didn't feel like making supper tonight (and what's new about that?), so Ron made himself soup and sandwich and I nuked cold pizza. Fine with me.
I got in over 10,000 steps today. Between walking with Ember and then walking after supper tonight, I logged a lot of walking.
Exercise - As I said above, I logged over 10,000 steps of walking, a full 5 miles.
Today's weather - It was a beautiful day, though not quite warm enough for shorts on Ember.
Em at Green Island's Gazebo on the Hudson River
Hudson River just south of Troy, NY, at Green Island.
Em at the Gazebo at Green Island - pulling "da wagon."
Em at picnic table at Gazebo, Green Island, NY.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Mid Week
Yesterday was an Ember day. It was also Judy’s birthday. We all went to the park for about an hour and then to Applebee’s to take Aunt Judy to lunch. There were quite a few kids at the park so Em had fun playing. One girl had brought her collection of caterpillars in a “bug cage.” Em wanted to much so touch and hold one of the caterpillars but was also afraid. As she watched the other kids hold the furry thing, peer pressure gave way to her fear and she held out her hand. “It tickles, Gramma,” and she laughed.
It’s interesting that half an hour later while in the car driving to Applebee’s, Ember got HYSTERICAL, in all caps, with much HYSTERICAL screaming and crying because there was an ant on her. This ant phobia is something new in the past few days, so her mom told me. It could have been funny or even annoying except Em was seriously frightened. I had to pull over and find the little ant which, as ants often do, was scurrying around – on Em’s arm – trying to avoid being caught. By the time I got the damn thing, and tossed it out the window, Em was red in the face and breathing hard with hot fat tears pouring out of her eyes. I felt so bad for her. She’s going to have a tough time when she visit me here in the country next week.
Today was hair cut day. I thought my appointment was for 10 AM. It wasn’t. It was for 11. Oh well… Better to be early than late.
Today is the second day of reducing Entocort from three to two pills per day. It could be a coincidence, but I am not feeling well in my abdominal/intestinal area and don’t want to eat.
I’ve been lazy today. Other than doing a few dishes, getting my hair cut and taking a walk, I’ve pretty much been on the computer most of the day. There’s not enough laundry to bother with. I could attack cobwebs, or not. I could dust, or not. I could vacuum, or not. I’ve chosen not. Nothing is particularly dirty, and though I like a clean house, I am no slave to it.
Tonight Ron goes to the sleep clinic for evaluation. I know he’s doing it more because I want him to and it may turn out to be for nothing, but I will sleep better, no pun intended, when the results of the evaluation are in.
Gas prices – Cumberland Farm was $4.119 this morning.
Today’s weather – Sunny and bright but breezy and a bit chilly, especially compared to yesterday when it was in the low 80s.
Exercise – So far, just 1.25 miles. I’ve been aching like crazy the past 3 or 4 days. My hips and my knees and cramps in my calves. It hurts to walk because of all of them and then walking exacerbates the situation.
Life changes – Nothing changes like the weather. It never stays the same. Yesterday was hot and muggy. Today is breezy, sunny and chilly. I wore one of Ron’s flannel shirts with a t-shirt and jeans when I walked the cemetery.
It’s interesting that half an hour later while in the car driving to Applebee’s, Ember got HYSTERICAL, in all caps, with much HYSTERICAL screaming and crying because there was an ant on her. This ant phobia is something new in the past few days, so her mom told me. It could have been funny or even annoying except Em was seriously frightened. I had to pull over and find the little ant which, as ants often do, was scurrying around – on Em’s arm – trying to avoid being caught. By the time I got the damn thing, and tossed it out the window, Em was red in the face and breathing hard with hot fat tears pouring out of her eyes. I felt so bad for her. She’s going to have a tough time when she visit me here in the country next week.
Today was hair cut day. I thought my appointment was for 10 AM. It wasn’t. It was for 11. Oh well… Better to be early than late.
Today is the second day of reducing Entocort from three to two pills per day. It could be a coincidence, but I am not feeling well in my abdominal/intestinal area and don’t want to eat.
I’ve been lazy today. Other than doing a few dishes, getting my hair cut and taking a walk, I’ve pretty much been on the computer most of the day. There’s not enough laundry to bother with. I could attack cobwebs, or not. I could dust, or not. I could vacuum, or not. I’ve chosen not. Nothing is particularly dirty, and though I like a clean house, I am no slave to it.
Tonight Ron goes to the sleep clinic for evaluation. I know he’s doing it more because I want him to and it may turn out to be for nothing, but I will sleep better, no pun intended, when the results of the evaluation are in.
Gas prices – Cumberland Farm was $4.119 this morning.
Today’s weather – Sunny and bright but breezy and a bit chilly, especially compared to yesterday when it was in the low 80s.
Exercise – So far, just 1.25 miles. I’ve been aching like crazy the past 3 or 4 days. My hips and my knees and cramps in my calves. It hurts to walk because of all of them and then walking exacerbates the situation.
Life changes – Nothing changes like the weather. It never stays the same. Yesterday was hot and muggy. Today is breezy, sunny and chilly. I wore one of Ron’s flannel shirts with a t-shirt and jeans when I walked the cemetery.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Perfect Day!
Butterflies, dragonflies, hummingbirds, flowers with beautiful fragrances, grass and trees so green that it’s almost not real. All this just sitting on the swing in the backyard.
It’s been a wondrous day. I did laundry and hung what I could on the line to dry. I dozed in the swing. I swung and read in the swing. I just sat in the swing and looked out over a yard that I still don’t think of as mine. I don’t know what I did to deserve this, and in the end, it may all come tumbling down what with the real estate taxes and cost of oil, but for this moment in time, it is perfect.
Below are pictures I took this afternoon. The sun is so bright it washed out some of the color. There are pictures of the house from the back, the side and the front and pictures of Ron week wacking.
Today’s weather – It is BEAUTIFUL. The sun has been shining all day. The sky is blue. The temp reached mid-80s. There is a slight breeze so it’s not stifling hot.
It’s been a wondrous day. I did laundry and hung what I could on the line to dry. I dozed in the swing. I swung and read in the swing. I just sat in the swing and looked out over a yard that I still don’t think of as mine. I don’t know what I did to deserve this, and in the end, it may all come tumbling down what with the real estate taxes and cost of oil, but for this moment in time, it is perfect.
Below are pictures I took this afternoon. The sun is so bright it washed out some of the color. There are pictures of the house from the back, the side and the front and pictures of Ron week wacking.
Today’s weather – It is BEAUTIFUL. The sun has been shining all day. The sky is blue. The temp reached mid-80s. There is a slight breeze so it’s not stifling hot.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Long Time, No Write
Hmm…. I haven’t blogged in a few days. I’ll try to reconstruct from memory what I’ve done.
Thursday I had Ember. She was more in balance with her life than not. It’s easier for both of us when she’s agreeable. We took a field trip to the grocery store. Em is so funny about sitting in the grocery cart. She insists on being buckled in, and woe is me if the buckle is broken. I needed a few things for Friday’s dinner with Jeannie and Jim, and enjoy talking to Ember about what I’m buying. She recognizes a lot of veggies and fruits and asked to taste each one. Ha!
Since she was so agreeable, we went to the Stride Rite store where I bought her a pair of sneakers. I made the exercise easier – for Ember hates to have her feet measured and be touched by a stranger -- by telling her there was a surprise for her in “this store.” The surprise was a box of animal crackers, which I knew would keep her mind occupied enough to ease her distress. She still wasn’t happy with the procedure, but getting into the small box of cookies was more important than protesting.
Friday was a busy day. I cleaned and prepared for dinner. I hate to cook, but I like to organize and had everything ready by 4ish, when Jeannie and Jim got here. Dinner was very good and we had a good time.
Saturday, I met Barbara in Saugerties. She had picture of her Florida vacation; lovely pictures of Florida’s gulf coast. As always, we talked and talked and swore we wouldn’t wait so long to meet again.
And today is Sunday. I drove to Schenectady to pick up Cara for lunch and shopping. I haven’t seen her since just before Christmas. It’s not like I haven’t tried, though, but she sometimes doesn’t return my calls and around her birthday, she had to cancel at the last minute. We had a good time. She threw herself at me and cried saying how much she misses me. Cara isn’t someone who cries easily so I was very touched. I feel so privileged to have been her Big Sister since December 2001. She was almost 9 years old and now is over 16. I have high hopes that she will avoid the pitfalls that run in her family. So far, so good.
Gas prices – On Saturday in town: Sunoco was $4.099; Cumberland was $4.079; Stewart’s was $4.099. Sunday, on the way out of town to see Cara, Sunoco was $4.119
Exercise – I’ve been doing about 3 miles a day worth of steps. Some of it is actual walking for the sake of the exercise. Some of it are steps taken during the course of living my day.
Today’s weather – Today is just wonderful!!! It is a perfect day. Temp is 74 degrees. It’s been sunny and warm since waking. A great Sunday for Memorial Day weekend.
Life changes – Cara was a tiny almost-9-year-old when she and I were matched by Big Brothers Big Sisters in December 2001. She was shy and quiet but very composed. She had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 18 months prior , and a disease like that seems to make children grow up quickly. She is now over 16 years old and still as sweet as she was when I met her. I am so lucky to have been her Big Sister over the past 7-1/2 years, and I expect to be in her life in some manner for as long as I live.
Thursday I had Ember. She was more in balance with her life than not. It’s easier for both of us when she’s agreeable. We took a field trip to the grocery store. Em is so funny about sitting in the grocery cart. She insists on being buckled in, and woe is me if the buckle is broken. I needed a few things for Friday’s dinner with Jeannie and Jim, and enjoy talking to Ember about what I’m buying. She recognizes a lot of veggies and fruits and asked to taste each one. Ha!
Since she was so agreeable, we went to the Stride Rite store where I bought her a pair of sneakers. I made the exercise easier – for Ember hates to have her feet measured and be touched by a stranger -- by telling her there was a surprise for her in “this store.” The surprise was a box of animal crackers, which I knew would keep her mind occupied enough to ease her distress. She still wasn’t happy with the procedure, but getting into the small box of cookies was more important than protesting.
Friday was a busy day. I cleaned and prepared for dinner. I hate to cook, but I like to organize and had everything ready by 4ish, when Jeannie and Jim got here. Dinner was very good and we had a good time.
Saturday, I met Barbara in Saugerties. She had picture of her Florida vacation; lovely pictures of Florida’s gulf coast. As always, we talked and talked and swore we wouldn’t wait so long to meet again.
And today is Sunday. I drove to Schenectady to pick up Cara for lunch and shopping. I haven’t seen her since just before Christmas. It’s not like I haven’t tried, though, but she sometimes doesn’t return my calls and around her birthday, she had to cancel at the last minute. We had a good time. She threw herself at me and cried saying how much she misses me. Cara isn’t someone who cries easily so I was very touched. I feel so privileged to have been her Big Sister since December 2001. She was almost 9 years old and now is over 16. I have high hopes that she will avoid the pitfalls that run in her family. So far, so good.
Gas prices – On Saturday in town: Sunoco was $4.099; Cumberland was $4.079; Stewart’s was $4.099. Sunday, on the way out of town to see Cara, Sunoco was $4.119
Exercise – I’ve been doing about 3 miles a day worth of steps. Some of it is actual walking for the sake of the exercise. Some of it are steps taken during the course of living my day.
Today’s weather – Today is just wonderful!!! It is a perfect day. Temp is 74 degrees. It’s been sunny and warm since waking. A great Sunday for Memorial Day weekend.
Life changes – Cara was a tiny almost-9-year-old when she and I were matched by Big Brothers Big Sisters in December 2001. She was shy and quiet but very composed. She had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 18 months prior , and a disease like that seems to make children grow up quickly. She is now over 16 years old and still as sweet as she was when I met her. I am so lucky to have been her Big Sister over the past 7-1/2 years, and I expect to be in her life in some manner for as long as I live.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Living in a Truck
OK, I don’t live in a truck, but each of the past two days Ron and I have gone to Albany twice for medical tests (him not me), and each day we’ve also had to go to one supply store or another for an electrical part. We’ve traveled up and down Route 32 and around Albany or its environs for what seems like miles on end. Unfortunately, the new truck is not nearly as comfy as the former truck. My advice: If considering a new truck, don’t buy a GMC. Buy a Chevy Silverado. Ron gave up a perfectly good Chevy Silverado, in my favorite shade of blue, for a new GMC in my not-so-favorite shade of kinda gray.
Dang, I took pictures of the backyard in its full rain forest green glory and left the camera downstairs. I’m too lazy to go downstairs to get it and then spend the time downloading to the computer then uploading to blogspot. Maybe tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow, it’s an Ember day. If she’s still a devil child, I am planning on doing an exorcism. In my Grandma bag, I’ve packed garlic along with a box of animal crackers. One or the other should do the trick!
Time to head downstairs and pick up knitting. Ron’s at a meeting tonight so I’ve got total control the clicker. I always have control of the clicker – if I want – but how often does a woman chose a show she knows her husband truly does not like? For instance, I really like Kate and Jon plus 8, but Ron all but shudders, so I seldom watch it.
Hmmm.. that’s another thing about being married and I swore I’d never do again, in addition to not cooking: share the remote control. Thing is, for the most part I don’t care what he watches because I’m either reading, knitting or on the computer.
Gas prices – Don’t know.. refuse to look.. on the rise.
Today’s weather - Sunny for most of the day but chilly and breezy.
Exercise – One walk back through the woods, across the crick and around the cemetery; 10 minutes on the treadmill; lots of walking doing errands and chores. Total miles: 3.5.
Life changes - I am out of steam and don't have one meaningful thing to write. Some other time I will. :--)
Dang, I took pictures of the backyard in its full rain forest green glory and left the camera downstairs. I’m too lazy to go downstairs to get it and then spend the time downloading to the computer then uploading to blogspot. Maybe tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow, it’s an Ember day. If she’s still a devil child, I am planning on doing an exorcism. In my Grandma bag, I’ve packed garlic along with a box of animal crackers. One or the other should do the trick!
Time to head downstairs and pick up knitting. Ron’s at a meeting tonight so I’ve got total control the clicker. I always have control of the clicker – if I want – but how often does a woman chose a show she knows her husband truly does not like? For instance, I really like Kate and Jon plus 8, but Ron all but shudders, so I seldom watch it.
Hmmm.. that’s another thing about being married and I swore I’d never do again, in addition to not cooking: share the remote control. Thing is, for the most part I don’t care what he watches because I’m either reading, knitting or on the computer.
Gas prices – Don’t know.. refuse to look.. on the rise.
Today’s weather - Sunny for most of the day but chilly and breezy.
Exercise – One walk back through the woods, across the crick and around the cemetery; 10 minutes on the treadmill; lots of walking doing errands and chores. Total miles: 3.5.
Life changes - I am out of steam and don't have one meaningful thing to write. Some other time I will. :--)
Monday, May 19, 2008
Spring Has Left the Building
I love my little red car. I’ve had it for two months and two days and the stats from today’s fill up are 34.34 miles per gallon. Dang.. a cute little red car and good mileage too. Now if men could always be this desirable and pleasing. :--)
Today was an Ember day and it was not the best. She’s been very ornery the past few days. I think she realizes she’s being ornery and wishes she could be a pleasant child but it’s just not in her right now. I was going to take her to the shoe store for new sneakers, but it was not worth the stress to both her and me. Buying new shoes is optional at this point and better days will come.
Even though it was cold today (spring has indeed forsaken us), Em and I dressed warmly and took her babies for a walk in the stroller. Well, Em pushed the stroller, I meandered along behind. Aunt Judy gave her twin baby dolls with a stroller for her birthday, and Ember loves them. She sings to them; feeds and burps them; puts them to bed in her own bed. It wasn’t until we were halfway through our walk that she realized she had forgot to bring the receiving blanket she covers them with and wanted to take her own jacket off to cover them! “Babies are cold, Grama. I gotta cover them.” Sweet? Yes, but not practical. I deserve an award for the double stepping and distracting I did to dissuade her from that idea.
Em got a sliver under the right thumbnail this morning. What a scream came out of her mouth. She would not let me look at it. I had to hold her tight, with her kicking and screaming, and then hold her hand still – a feat at which I was not totally successful – in order to get a decent glance at it. I’ll be the first to admit I am not good with slivers. I can handle blood. I can handle soothing a child in an ER getting stitches. I can handle vomit and diarrhea. I cannot handle slivers. When Tony got slivers, his dad took them out. Since Em wanted nothing to do with me touching it, it was OK that I am sliver-challenged. I just talked to Michele who said Em has done nothing but complain about her booboo since she got home and that she was going to work on getting it out after Em got out of the tub. Good luck, Michele!!
Update - Tony just called to say that the sliver is out and boy is it long. They let Em play in her bath until she was all wrinkly and then told her it was a nail cutting day (apparently this is a ritual every once in a while). At the second attempt to cut the nail on the affected thumb, Michele got hold of the sliver just as Em pulled back and out it came.
God I hate to cook. After a challenging day with Ember, the very last thing I wanted to do was cook. Ron had been out all day working at Pine Lake and was tired, more tired than I, so if we were not making reservations for dinner (ha!), I had to make it. I could have gone real sour about the whole thing for I tend to get irked when I assume traditional female roles just because I am female, and when I divorced Patrick, I swore to myself that if I ever married again, which was very far my mind at the time, the man I married would have to understand and accept that I do not cook. But I chose not to go sour and by the time supper was ready, I was fine. Gotta pick one’s battles and tonight was not a night to complain about cooking. Another night will do. :--)
Gas prices - I just filled up at Cumberland and regular unleaded was $3.939 a gallon. Sunoco is $3.979 a gallon. 6.396 gallons of gas cost me $25.13.
Today’s weather - It was a nasty cold day with no sun. I think the temp never got above 52 degrees and as the day progressed, the wind picked up.
Life changes - I am 58 years old and still feel the same aversion to slivers in little fingers as I did 25 years ago when my son was 2 years old. So some things don’t change!
Today was an Ember day and it was not the best. She’s been very ornery the past few days. I think she realizes she’s being ornery and wishes she could be a pleasant child but it’s just not in her right now. I was going to take her to the shoe store for new sneakers, but it was not worth the stress to both her and me. Buying new shoes is optional at this point and better days will come.
Even though it was cold today (spring has indeed forsaken us), Em and I dressed warmly and took her babies for a walk in the stroller. Well, Em pushed the stroller, I meandered along behind. Aunt Judy gave her twin baby dolls with a stroller for her birthday, and Ember loves them. She sings to them; feeds and burps them; puts them to bed in her own bed. It wasn’t until we were halfway through our walk that she realized she had forgot to bring the receiving blanket she covers them with and wanted to take her own jacket off to cover them! “Babies are cold, Grama. I gotta cover them.” Sweet? Yes, but not practical. I deserve an award for the double stepping and distracting I did to dissuade her from that idea.
Em got a sliver under the right thumbnail this morning. What a scream came out of her mouth. She would not let me look at it. I had to hold her tight, with her kicking and screaming, and then hold her hand still – a feat at which I was not totally successful – in order to get a decent glance at it. I’ll be the first to admit I am not good with slivers. I can handle blood. I can handle soothing a child in an ER getting stitches. I can handle vomit and diarrhea. I cannot handle slivers. When Tony got slivers, his dad took them out. Since Em wanted nothing to do with me touching it, it was OK that I am sliver-challenged. I just talked to Michele who said Em has done nothing but complain about her booboo since she got home and that she was going to work on getting it out after Em got out of the tub. Good luck, Michele!!
Update - Tony just called to say that the sliver is out and boy is it long. They let Em play in her bath until she was all wrinkly and then told her it was a nail cutting day (apparently this is a ritual every once in a while). At the second attempt to cut the nail on the affected thumb, Michele got hold of the sliver just as Em pulled back and out it came.
God I hate to cook. After a challenging day with Ember, the very last thing I wanted to do was cook. Ron had been out all day working at Pine Lake and was tired, more tired than I, so if we were not making reservations for dinner (ha!), I had to make it. I could have gone real sour about the whole thing for I tend to get irked when I assume traditional female roles just because I am female, and when I divorced Patrick, I swore to myself that if I ever married again, which was very far my mind at the time, the man I married would have to understand and accept that I do not cook. But I chose not to go sour and by the time supper was ready, I was fine. Gotta pick one’s battles and tonight was not a night to complain about cooking. Another night will do. :--)
Gas prices - I just filled up at Cumberland and regular unleaded was $3.939 a gallon. Sunoco is $3.979 a gallon. 6.396 gallons of gas cost me $25.13.
Today’s weather - It was a nasty cold day with no sun. I think the temp never got above 52 degrees and as the day progressed, the wind picked up.
Life changes - I am 58 years old and still feel the same aversion to slivers in little fingers as I did 25 years ago when my son was 2 years old. So some things don’t change!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Out of Sorts
Today was a very out-of-sorts day. I wasn’t feeling 100% emotionally or physically. I had Ember today and pretty much let her play by herself. She got a couple of piggybacks and one story – which she didn’t want to hear anyway – and of course a good breakfast and lunch, but other than some cuddling, we did a lot less interaction than usual. When she asked for TV, I let her watch it. That never lasts long. She gets bored with most kid programs other than Word World! She loves that PBS program.
Judy came down today. She interacted more with Em than usual, so I was given a guilt-free break.
Sometimes I just don’t want to live in Greenville any more. Ron would not be happy anywhere else so selling, if it was even possible in this economy, is out of the question. I miss being right in the midst of the Capital District. I miss being 10 minutes from a Target and a good grocery store. I miss being 15 minutes from Ember instead of 45. I just miss my home. I’m tired of thinking ahead to the “next trip to the city” so as to combine errands in an effort to save time and money.
On the flip side, I am only 45 minutes from home. This is beautiful country, with the peaks of the Catskills just a turn of the head away. Ron is here, which is the most important – the only reason – to live in Greenville.
So I’m down in the dumps about living in Greenville.
Today’s weather – It was not nice. Temps were only in the mid-50s. It was cloudy all day. It started to rain on the trip down from Em’s and hasn’t stopped.
Life changes - Life is always changing and what goes round comes round, so the life I've known in the past will one day return.
Judy came down today. She interacted more with Em than usual, so I was given a guilt-free break.
Sometimes I just don’t want to live in Greenville any more. Ron would not be happy anywhere else so selling, if it was even possible in this economy, is out of the question. I miss being right in the midst of the Capital District. I miss being 10 minutes from a Target and a good grocery store. I miss being 15 minutes from Ember instead of 45. I just miss my home. I’m tired of thinking ahead to the “next trip to the city” so as to combine errands in an effort to save time and money.
On the flip side, I am only 45 minutes from home. This is beautiful country, with the peaks of the Catskills just a turn of the head away. Ron is here, which is the most important – the only reason – to live in Greenville.
So I’m down in the dumps about living in Greenville.
Today’s weather – It was not nice. Temps were only in the mid-50s. It was cloudy all day. It started to rain on the trip down from Em’s and hasn’t stopped.
Life changes - Life is always changing and what goes round comes round, so the life I've known in the past will one day return.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Day With Ember - Yesterday
Ember, Ember, Ember. She was quite the 2-year-old yesterday. She was excited and wanting to “Dwive the car, Grama,” and was very sweet and amenable to the errands I had to do. I picked up the boxes of my stuff at the Keyes Avenue house. They had been found in the attic, right where I said they were. We also stopped at Aileen’s for half an hour. Aileen is not well. She’s now over 80 and is fading. I’m afraid she won’t last another year. Ember was very charming and quiet, especially for her, so our visit wasn’t a bother for Aileen.
Em’s accommodating spirit ran out when we got the park. She was way too much a typical 2-year-old, and Grandma wasn’t in the mood. It all turned out OK because it has to. I’m the adult. She’s the child.
Tony was home from work about 3:15, early for him. It was a nice surprise to leave and get home before rush hour traffic.
Ron was home from camp when I got home yesterday. I missed him. It was good to get and give our hugs and kisses. He was tired and he was dirty. There’s no running water in the camp and four days of washing his armpits just doesn’t cut through the slight odor.
In looking through the boxes last night I found everything I thought had been lost to fate: things from Tony’s babyhood, including his christening outfit and his first pair of shoes; his childhood books; sheet and books of music from when I had a piano; text books from my college days; general paperbacks. Going through the boxes brought back nice memories that did not make me sad.
Today – Wednesday – I’ve not done much. Laundry’s been caught up and I ran to recycling with Ron’s old printer. All that’s left to do is fold clean clothes. Ron has Elks tonight so I’m off the hook for dinner. :--)
Gas prices – Sunoco in town was $3.999 yesterday morning when I left town to go to Em’s. It was $4.039 when I returned 8 hours later.
Today’s weather – It is a gorgeous day. It’s sunny with a bright blue sky. The temp is in the mid-70s and there is a light breeze.
Life changes - Yes, life does change, and life also brings changes, but today was pretty much a day with neither.
Em’s accommodating spirit ran out when we got the park. She was way too much a typical 2-year-old, and Grandma wasn’t in the mood. It all turned out OK because it has to. I’m the adult. She’s the child.
Tony was home from work about 3:15, early for him. It was a nice surprise to leave and get home before rush hour traffic.
Ron was home from camp when I got home yesterday. I missed him. It was good to get and give our hugs and kisses. He was tired and he was dirty. There’s no running water in the camp and four days of washing his armpits just doesn’t cut through the slight odor.
In looking through the boxes last night I found everything I thought had been lost to fate: things from Tony’s babyhood, including his christening outfit and his first pair of shoes; his childhood books; sheet and books of music from when I had a piano; text books from my college days; general paperbacks. Going through the boxes brought back nice memories that did not make me sad.
Today – Wednesday – I’ve not done much. Laundry’s been caught up and I ran to recycling with Ron’s old printer. All that’s left to do is fold clean clothes. Ron has Elks tonight so I’m off the hook for dinner. :--)
Gas prices – Sunoco in town was $3.999 yesterday morning when I left town to go to Em’s. It was $4.039 when I returned 8 hours later.
Today’s weather – It is a gorgeous day. It’s sunny with a bright blue sky. The temp is in the mid-70s and there is a light breeze.
Life changes - Yes, life does change, and life also brings changes, but today was pretty much a day with neither.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Just Another Monday
It is not a nice day in Upstate New York. It is overcast. It is cold. It is a day to stay home, drink tea and read a good book. Hmmmmmmm.. sounds like a plan!
I was wide awake at 6 this morning and thought about staying in bed dozing but realized I felt more like starting the chores I wanted to get done so I got up. What did I do? I cleaned our bedroom. I don’t clean it often. It’s upstairs. Who sees it? It’s a darkish room because one window has the AC in it and the other window faces north. I never really notice how dusty everything is until the dust is gone. Wowwww.. I should clean it more often. It looks terrific, especially now that the hallway is painted, cleaned and furniture rearranged.
I also dusted and vacuumed the first floor. Did a load of laundry. Took newspapers to recycling. Got mail from post office. Went to Just A Buck to get Em a new ball (Pudge burst her other one) and some pads of paper. Just A Buck is such a great store. Everything is just a buck – literally – unless it’s 2 for a buck.
Back home again I continued with chores, handled a couple of phone calls and worked on the crossword puzzle. I used to be good at crosswords but it’s a aptitude that fades from lack of exercise, and mine has faded big time.
Now I’m blogging and playing Pogo games. I could iron, but from the looks of the weather, I doubt I’ll need my cotton pants and tops any time soon. Besides, I deserve some time off.
Ron comes home from camp tomorrow. Yeahhhhhhhh!! Today I am missing him big time. I forgot to mention yesterday that he got me a Mom’s day card. It was very romantic and pretty much made me feel like a million dollars.
Tomorrow I have Ember. I can’t wait. Every day with her is like a circus. She’s THAT entertaining.
I got an email from Stephanie, Patrick’s second wife, which said that when cleaning out the attic of the house on Keyes Avenue she found the boxes of things that we thought were missing. Well, Patrick and Stephanie thought they were missing. I knew they had to be in the house somewhere. I’m looking forward with much anticipation to looking at the contents. I’m pretty sure they contain books from Tony’s childhood as well as clothes made by my mother for Tim & Susan who were babies a long time ago (Tim is almost 45; Susan is almost 42). Tony wore some of the clothes, and I had wanted them for Ember. That didn’t happen but maybe Michele and Tony will have another child.
Today’s weather – It’s really sucky! It’s gray, windy and cold. I’m dressed in sweatpants, a long-sleeved undershirt and a heavy sweatshirt plus I’ve got the heater on here in the computer room.
Life lessons – They say all good things come to those who wait. The implication is that patience is a virtue and hang in long enough and you'll get it, whatever it is. Sometimes we have no choice but to wait. So I waited, hoping the boxes with family keepsakes would be found.. and they were. Life is good.
I was wide awake at 6 this morning and thought about staying in bed dozing but realized I felt more like starting the chores I wanted to get done so I got up. What did I do? I cleaned our bedroom. I don’t clean it often. It’s upstairs. Who sees it? It’s a darkish room because one window has the AC in it and the other window faces north. I never really notice how dusty everything is until the dust is gone. Wowwww.. I should clean it more often. It looks terrific, especially now that the hallway is painted, cleaned and furniture rearranged.
I also dusted and vacuumed the first floor. Did a load of laundry. Took newspapers to recycling. Got mail from post office. Went to Just A Buck to get Em a new ball (Pudge burst her other one) and some pads of paper. Just A Buck is such a great store. Everything is just a buck – literally – unless it’s 2 for a buck.
Back home again I continued with chores, handled a couple of phone calls and worked on the crossword puzzle. I used to be good at crosswords but it’s a aptitude that fades from lack of exercise, and mine has faded big time.
Now I’m blogging and playing Pogo games. I could iron, but from the looks of the weather, I doubt I’ll need my cotton pants and tops any time soon. Besides, I deserve some time off.
Ron comes home from camp tomorrow. Yeahhhhhhhh!! Today I am missing him big time. I forgot to mention yesterday that he got me a Mom’s day card. It was very romantic and pretty much made me feel like a million dollars.
Tomorrow I have Ember. I can’t wait. Every day with her is like a circus. She’s THAT entertaining.
I got an email from Stephanie, Patrick’s second wife, which said that when cleaning out the attic of the house on Keyes Avenue she found the boxes of things that we thought were missing. Well, Patrick and Stephanie thought they were missing. I knew they had to be in the house somewhere. I’m looking forward with much anticipation to looking at the contents. I’m pretty sure they contain books from Tony’s childhood as well as clothes made by my mother for Tim & Susan who were babies a long time ago (Tim is almost 45; Susan is almost 42). Tony wore some of the clothes, and I had wanted them for Ember. That didn’t happen but maybe Michele and Tony will have another child.
Today’s weather – It’s really sucky! It’s gray, windy and cold. I’m dressed in sweatpants, a long-sleeved undershirt and a heavy sweatshirt plus I’ve got the heater on here in the computer room.
Life lessons – They say all good things come to those who wait. The implication is that patience is a virtue and hang in long enough and you'll get it, whatever it is. Sometimes we have no choice but to wait. So I waited, hoping the boxes with family keepsakes would be found.. and they were. Life is good.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
It's Mother's Day
Today is Mother’s Day. I had a most unexpected surprise. Tony called to say, “Happy Mother’s Day,” and asked if they could come down for a visit. Could they? Of course!!! I was sooo happy. The past few years, Tony has only called to wish me a Happy Mom’s Day, but being I am his mom, I want to see him, and this year I got to.
When they arrived, Em cried out, “I’m here Gramma,” as if I had been waiting just for her. Of course, she was right: Her and Tony and Michele. My family.
As frustrating as it has been for me to be Tony’s mom since he reached the age of 16 or 17 and our communication broke down, the frustration has not diminished how much I like him as a person and love him as my son. He is a good person. He is a kind and loving man. He has done the right things in life to establish himself as a responsible, reliable person.
One of the many good things about Tony is that he’s a first-rate father. He has wanted to be a dad since he was high school age. As a teenager, he was always good with children younger than he, and when he reached the age of 16 or 17, he started talking about having kids when he got married. He loved his daughter from the moment he knew Michele was pregnant. I will forever hold in my mind and heart the image of him carrying Ember in his arms from the delivery room and presenting her to us.
I am also very glad that he was smart enough – and maybe listened to my counsel over his teenage years that a baby deserves to be wanted and planned for and brought into the world to an intact, loving family – to wait to conceive the child he wanted so much until he and Michele were married. Actually, they had wanted to wait five years after being married to have, but sometimes nature has her own way and Em was born 2-1/2 years into their marriage.
So I am a happy Mom and Grandma today. Below are four pictures. The first one is Tony holding Ember in his arms on March 27, 2006, less than an hour after her birth. The other three pics were taken today.
Price of Gas – GASP!!! Regular unleaded hit an all-time high of $3.879 at Sunoco and Cumberland Farms today.
Today’s weather – It is a nice day. The temp was already 62 degrees when I got up at 9 AM (yes, I slept in!). The sun is shining and the sky is beautiful blue. There is a bit of a breeze, though, so a sweater is needed unless right in the sunshine.
Life changes – What more of a change is there to see than my son holding his new-born daughter and then his daughter two years later playing in a sandbox at my house? I remember Tony’s birth as if it were today. I fell in love with my child and I believe that Tony rightfully feels the same way about his child.
When they arrived, Em cried out, “I’m here Gramma,” as if I had been waiting just for her. Of course, she was right: Her and Tony and Michele. My family.
As frustrating as it has been for me to be Tony’s mom since he reached the age of 16 or 17 and our communication broke down, the frustration has not diminished how much I like him as a person and love him as my son. He is a good person. He is a kind and loving man. He has done the right things in life to establish himself as a responsible, reliable person.
One of the many good things about Tony is that he’s a first-rate father. He has wanted to be a dad since he was high school age. As a teenager, he was always good with children younger than he, and when he reached the age of 16 or 17, he started talking about having kids when he got married. He loved his daughter from the moment he knew Michele was pregnant. I will forever hold in my mind and heart the image of him carrying Ember in his arms from the delivery room and presenting her to us.
I am also very glad that he was smart enough – and maybe listened to my counsel over his teenage years that a baby deserves to be wanted and planned for and brought into the world to an intact, loving family – to wait to conceive the child he wanted so much until he and Michele were married. Actually, they had wanted to wait five years after being married to have, but sometimes nature has her own way and Em was born 2-1/2 years into their marriage.
So I am a happy Mom and Grandma today. Below are four pictures. The first one is Tony holding Ember in his arms on March 27, 2006, less than an hour after her birth. The other three pics were taken today.
Price of Gas – GASP!!! Regular unleaded hit an all-time high of $3.879 at Sunoco and Cumberland Farms today.
Today’s weather – It is a nice day. The temp was already 62 degrees when I got up at 9 AM (yes, I slept in!). The sun is shining and the sky is beautiful blue. There is a bit of a breeze, though, so a sweater is needed unless right in the sunshine.
Life changes – What more of a change is there to see than my son holding his new-born daughter and then his daughter two years later playing in a sandbox at my house? I remember Tony’s birth as if it were today. I fell in love with my child and I believe that Tony rightfully feels the same way about his child.
Mom's Day at Grandma's
My son Tony with his daughter Ember, March 27, 2006, less than an hour after Ember's birth.
Two-year-old Ember playing in the sandbox in my backyard.
Tony and Pudge, their dog, in my backyard.
Michele in my backyard. (She would be unhappy if she knew I had published her picture here.)
Saturday, May 10, 2008
I'm Pooped!
It’s been a busy two days. I’m pooped. Yesterday I painted for a couple of hours in the morning. After cleaning paint brushes and doing a bit of straightening, I cleaned myself up and drove to Delmar to Peter Harris to return two things I had purchased the previous day. I love driving my pretty little red car, and got a lot of driving in yesterday because after Peter Harris, I hopped on the Thruway and went to Catskill to pick up the prize Ron won from the dealership from where he purchased his truck. The prize was no biggy. It was the tool set – a miniature tool set that fits in a container about 8x4 inches.
Last night I did a few emails but went downstairs early to knit, read, watch TV and eventually to fall asleep on the couch. Though I slept about 2 hours on the couch, I went to bed at 11:30 and slept very well all night.
Up early today, I was painting by 8 AM. Today was the day to finish everything, and I did!! All is painted. Floors have been cleaned, including washing. Furniture has been rearranged, and I even brought upstairs the spider plant Ron’s been wanting to give away. All-in-all, I worked over six hours today and am sore but I’m enjoying the results.
One of the things I accomplished today in finishing the hallway was relocating Ron’s computer and hooking up his new printer. It gave me a bit of a problem but eventually it printed from all programs he uses.
Tomorrow may be Mom’s Day, but I want to do a good cleaning in our bedroom, and then I’ll take the rest of the day off.
Ron called last night to say good-night. It’s surprising he can get a signal. Of course, he has to walk up a hill, turn to the east and maybe even pray! LOL I’m not missing him yet. I like being alone in the house when I focuse on a specific project, such as finishing the upstairs. And today is only the second day he’s been gone. I usually get lonesome for him on day 3.
Today’s weather – The temp reached into the low 60s but it was breezy and the sun came and went. It was warm enough to sit on the swing in the afternoon, but I wore a sweatshirt.
Life changes – One thing that has remained the same with me is my satisfaction in finishing a project that I’ve enjoyed doing. I feel so good walking upstairs and seeing the hallway come into view. I like the color of the walls. I like the way I’ve rearranged the furniture. It’s all good!
Last night I did a few emails but went downstairs early to knit, read, watch TV and eventually to fall asleep on the couch. Though I slept about 2 hours on the couch, I went to bed at 11:30 and slept very well all night.
Up early today, I was painting by 8 AM. Today was the day to finish everything, and I did!! All is painted. Floors have been cleaned, including washing. Furniture has been rearranged, and I even brought upstairs the spider plant Ron’s been wanting to give away. All-in-all, I worked over six hours today and am sore but I’m enjoying the results.
One of the things I accomplished today in finishing the hallway was relocating Ron’s computer and hooking up his new printer. It gave me a bit of a problem but eventually it printed from all programs he uses.
Tomorrow may be Mom’s Day, but I want to do a good cleaning in our bedroom, and then I’ll take the rest of the day off.
Ron called last night to say good-night. It’s surprising he can get a signal. Of course, he has to walk up a hill, turn to the east and maybe even pray! LOL I’m not missing him yet. I like being alone in the house when I focuse on a specific project, such as finishing the upstairs. And today is only the second day he’s been gone. I usually get lonesome for him on day 3.
Today’s weather – The temp reached into the low 60s but it was breezy and the sun came and went. It was warm enough to sit on the swing in the afternoon, but I wore a sweatshirt.
Life changes – One thing that has remained the same with me is my satisfaction in finishing a project that I’ve enjoyed doing. I feel so good walking upstairs and seeing the hallway come into view. I like the color of the walls. I like the way I’ve rearranged the furniture. It’s all good!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Just Some Pictures
Em running after the ball. I love this picture. Toddler arms pumping. Hands fisted.
Backyard. Apple tree is almost in full bloom.
Backyard. So green.
The kittens at 6 weeks (a guess at their age.)
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Today was a busy day today. I got home from being "up north" about 7 o’clock.
I had Ember today. She's a pip, that's for sure. So much fun but always pushing the buttons. She didn't want to take a nap. "I don't want to take a nap, Grama." She got out of her toddler bed 5 or 6 times before she got the message that Grandma has more stamina than she. I would have put her back to bed 20 times if that's what it took. Each time I walked her back to her bed, she said over and over, "I don't want to take a nap, Gramma. I don't want to take a nap, Gramma. I don't want to take a nap, Gramma. " I'm waiting for the day when she asks if I'm deaf! LOL
After Tony came home from work, I went clothes shopping instead of coming straight home. Albany has a ton of good stores and since I was up there, it made sense. I started, and ended, at my favorite store, Peter Harris. As their ads state, they’ve got brand names at deeply discounted prices. The brand names range from Jones New York to Denim & Co. of QVC fame. I got a lot of good things at really good prices. I think I'm ready for my Texas trip and the rest of the summer.
Ron's at the Elks Club tonight so I came home and nuked leftover lasagna for supper. No salad; no veggies. Easy, quick and good.
The root canal dentist office called to cancel tomorrow's appointment. It seems the dentist is in the hospital. I'm fine with the cancellation. Now I have only one dental appointment.
Gas prices – Sunoco in town is up to $3.799 a gallon for regular. Cumberland was $3.759.
Today’s weather – It was a pretty nice day. The sun was out this morning. The temp reached high 60s. It got breezy and cloudy in the afternoon, but it was still warm enough to run around without a jacket.
Life changes - I used to buy most of my work clothes at Peter Harris. Dresses, suits, skirts, slacks, blouses and sweaters. Now I barely glance at them. I go right to casual sportswear looking for things that I can wear to a local restaurant without being overdressed. I used to spend a fortune on nice clothes for work. Now I spend very little on casual clothing that suits my new life style.
I had Ember today. She's a pip, that's for sure. So much fun but always pushing the buttons. She didn't want to take a nap. "I don't want to take a nap, Grama." She got out of her toddler bed 5 or 6 times before she got the message that Grandma has more stamina than she. I would have put her back to bed 20 times if that's what it took. Each time I walked her back to her bed, she said over and over, "I don't want to take a nap, Gramma. I don't want to take a nap, Gramma. I don't want to take a nap, Gramma. " I'm waiting for the day when she asks if I'm deaf! LOL
After Tony came home from work, I went clothes shopping instead of coming straight home. Albany has a ton of good stores and since I was up there, it made sense. I started, and ended, at my favorite store, Peter Harris. As their ads state, they’ve got brand names at deeply discounted prices. The brand names range from Jones New York to Denim & Co. of QVC fame. I got a lot of good things at really good prices. I think I'm ready for my Texas trip and the rest of the summer.
Ron's at the Elks Club tonight so I came home and nuked leftover lasagna for supper. No salad; no veggies. Easy, quick and good.
The root canal dentist office called to cancel tomorrow's appointment. It seems the dentist is in the hospital. I'm fine with the cancellation. Now I have only one dental appointment.
Gas prices – Sunoco in town is up to $3.799 a gallon for regular. Cumberland was $3.759.
Today’s weather – It was a pretty nice day. The sun was out this morning. The temp reached high 60s. It got breezy and cloudy in the afternoon, but it was still warm enough to run around without a jacket.
Life changes - I used to buy most of my work clothes at Peter Harris. Dresses, suits, skirts, slacks, blouses and sweaters. Now I barely glance at them. I go right to casual sportswear looking for things that I can wear to a local restaurant without being overdressed. I used to spend a fortune on nice clothes for work. Now I spend very little on casual clothing that suits my new life style.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Nice Day Today
Ron had a doc appointment with his oncologist. I state again that I don't know why he has to go to him. The referral, given three years ago after Ron's surgery to remove the cancerous tumor from a urterer, seems outdated to me. The oncologist did nothing back then. There was no chemo; no radiation. There are just appointments every four months and blood work.
After the early-morning doc appointment, we made a quick, and inexpensive, trip to BJs and then hopped over to the GE appliance terminal to pick up a washer and dryer for a customer of Ron's. The trip home via extreme back roads from the Guilderland Center pick-up warehouse seemed to take forever.
It was a nice day weather-wise, and once we got home, I did laundry and hung some of it on the line to dry. I also washed my pretty little car. She looks so shiny and new again.
The kittens, as seen in pictures below, are growing like weeds. I shot them nursing but then a couple of hours later, two of them were sitting in the food bowls eating the crunchy foodies we put out for the adult cats. This is good. When Abby takes them this weekend, I can honestly tell her they can eat solid food.
Ron is making an apple cake to take to camp. It makes me think of Christmas, the usual time of year he makes the cakes to give away to the girls at the bank, the people at the insurance company, etc. It is soooo good. I wish he could leave a couple of pieces home with me, but he will take it intact.
Ron leaves for camp Friday. Camp is on the Stillwater Reservoir in the middle of the Adirondacks. It's a Mother's Day weekend tradition for "the guys" to go up and do spring cleaning in and around the building.
Gas prices - Cumberland Farms in Greenville is $3.779 per gallon.
Today's weather - The local temp got to be about 72, but the clouds came and went, and dropped rain now and then, and the wind got pretty stiff this afternoon, so overall it was a bit chilly. Chilly... lol... that's a relative term. 72 even with clouds and a breeze in the middle of January would be a heat wave!
Life changes - Just like babies, the feral kittens are maturing, outgrowing the need for momma's milk and moving on the good stuff. The minute something is born, it starts to grow up. We can't freeze time.
After the early-morning doc appointment, we made a quick, and inexpensive, trip to BJs and then hopped over to the GE appliance terminal to pick up a washer and dryer for a customer of Ron's. The trip home via extreme back roads from the Guilderland Center pick-up warehouse seemed to take forever.
It was a nice day weather-wise, and once we got home, I did laundry and hung some of it on the line to dry. I also washed my pretty little car. She looks so shiny and new again.
The kittens, as seen in pictures below, are growing like weeds. I shot them nursing but then a couple of hours later, two of them were sitting in the food bowls eating the crunchy foodies we put out for the adult cats. This is good. When Abby takes them this weekend, I can honestly tell her they can eat solid food.
Ron is making an apple cake to take to camp. It makes me think of Christmas, the usual time of year he makes the cakes to give away to the girls at the bank, the people at the insurance company, etc. It is soooo good. I wish he could leave a couple of pieces home with me, but he will take it intact.
Ron leaves for camp Friday. Camp is on the Stillwater Reservoir in the middle of the Adirondacks. It's a Mother's Day weekend tradition for "the guys" to go up and do spring cleaning in and around the building.
Gas prices - Cumberland Farms in Greenville is $3.779 per gallon.
Today's weather - The local temp got to be about 72, but the clouds came and went, and dropped rain now and then, and the wind got pretty stiff this afternoon, so overall it was a bit chilly. Chilly... lol... that's a relative term. 72 even with clouds and a breeze in the middle of January would be a heat wave!
Life changes - Just like babies, the feral kittens are maturing, outgrowing the need for momma's milk and moving on the good stuff. The minute something is born, it starts to grow up. We can't freeze time.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Ron's Birthday
Today is Ron’s birthday. He is 71 years old, an age I admit sounds old to me. Heck, 68 sounded old, which is the age he was when we met. His age was something that almost kept us apart. I sat on his introductory email (we met through Yahoo.com personals) for a couple of days before deciding that while 12 years difference is a lot, age can have little to do with one’s longevity, interests in life, activity level and overall enjoyment of being alive. After all, Lee died when he was 54. Patrick died when he was 56. I can’t wrap my mind around the idea that if I had remained married to Patrick for just four more years, I would have been a widow at the age of 55.
I wouldn’t change one thing of the past two years. Ron’s getting older, and so am I. Ron’s health has deteriorated just slightly, and so has mine. With what I know about life, even with the age difference and Ron’s health issues, I would not put money on me outliving him.
With no effort at all, I can imagine me living in the apartment I left when I moved here to marry Ron. I liked the apartment. I liked my life. I was happy and content. But I am happier and a better person for meeting and marrying Ron.
I got him a new printer to replace the one that broke last month. As soon as I finish up the hallway, I’ll hook it up for him. A little bit later this afternoon I have to put together the three lasagnas I’m baking here and bring to Elsie’s for dinner. I love lasagna!!!
Today’s weather: It’s a brighter shade of gray out there, which isn’t saying much. ::sigh:: It’s also cold. I think the temp is pushing 50, but again, it’s a damp, raw cold, without the rain.
Life changes – Life sure goes by quickly as the percentage each day is of being alive is smaller and smaller the longer we are alive.
I wouldn’t change one thing of the past two years. Ron’s getting older, and so am I. Ron’s health has deteriorated just slightly, and so has mine. With what I know about life, even with the age difference and Ron’s health issues, I would not put money on me outliving him.
With no effort at all, I can imagine me living in the apartment I left when I moved here to marry Ron. I liked the apartment. I liked my life. I was happy and content. But I am happier and a better person for meeting and marrying Ron.
I got him a new printer to replace the one that broke last month. As soon as I finish up the hallway, I’ll hook it up for him. A little bit later this afternoon I have to put together the three lasagnas I’m baking here and bring to Elsie’s for dinner. I love lasagna!!!
Today’s weather: It’s a brighter shade of gray out there, which isn’t saying much. ::sigh:: It’s also cold. I think the temp is pushing 50, but again, it’s a damp, raw cold, without the rain.
Life changes – Life sure goes by quickly as the percentage each day is of being alive is smaller and smaller the longer we are alive.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Pictures of Ember's Overnight Visit
Though the weather wasn't very good, Ember got a chance to play in her new sandbox.
Her imagination isn't limited. The small basket over her head was her hat for the moment, and was big enough to allow a juice box in.
Ember's Visit
It’s been a busy three days. One of the reasons I started this blog was to write a little something, or more, most days so I would have a place to go to find out how I spend my time. I haven’t written since Wednesday, and I can’t remember much about Thursday. I remember that at noon time I was sitting on the swing knitting when it came to me that I was going to make a beef stew for supper and had wanted it to cook all day in the crockpot. Obviously at noon the day is half over so cooked it on high. It was wonderful.
Friday I picked Em at her house about 8:30 and brought her down for an overnight. Tony, who had been on vacation all week, wanted a day to play his Xbox game so asked if I’d take her.
I love having Em here. We had a good time, though the weather was not the best. We were able to go outside for about 45 minutes Friday, and she played in the sandbox. All three of us went out for pizza at Sophia’s for supper. Em is so cute and playful with other people that they are drawn to her. She loved the attention.
Today was cold and rainy; downright raw. We never left the house, but nonetheless, had a good time playing. I took a few pictures while she was here. None of them are particularly great, but will am putting up a couple because I like to look back and see pictures.
Ron went to Colonie today to help teach fly fishing. He was gone from 9ish until after 4. He had a good time, but came home very tired. Right now he’s down at Cunningham’s entering information into the record about the burial that occurred today.
And that’s it for me. I’m going to relax by playing a few Pogo games and then head downstairs to be with my sweetie.
Today’s weather – It sucked!! Cold, rainy, raw.
Life changes – Sometimes when I can’t remember something simple, like what I did two days ago, I wonder if my life has changed so much that it’s either too busy or too boring for my mind to retain personal information. I hope my life is too busy. Boring can wait until I’m in that rocking chair nursing memories from when I was 20.
Friday I picked Em at her house about 8:30 and brought her down for an overnight. Tony, who had been on vacation all week, wanted a day to play his Xbox game so asked if I’d take her.
I love having Em here. We had a good time, though the weather was not the best. We were able to go outside for about 45 minutes Friday, and she played in the sandbox. All three of us went out for pizza at Sophia’s for supper. Em is so cute and playful with other people that they are drawn to her. She loved the attention.
Today was cold and rainy; downright raw. We never left the house, but nonetheless, had a good time playing. I took a few pictures while she was here. None of them are particularly great, but will am putting up a couple because I like to look back and see pictures.
Ron went to Colonie today to help teach fly fishing. He was gone from 9ish until after 4. He had a good time, but came home very tired. Right now he’s down at Cunningham’s entering information into the record about the burial that occurred today.
And that’s it for me. I’m going to relax by playing a few Pogo games and then head downstairs to be with my sweetie.
Today’s weather – It sucked!! Cold, rainy, raw.
Life changes – Sometimes when I can’t remember something simple, like what I did two days ago, I wonder if my life has changed so much that it’s either too busy or too boring for my mind to retain personal information. I hope my life is too busy. Boring can wait until I’m in that rocking chair nursing memories from when I was 20.
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