Tess, Treasure and I drove to Westport yesterday to see our favorite vet. I was hysterical, the dogs thought it was a nice day for a drive. Tess was sedated and David looked at her larynx (no sign of paralysis or any growths) and x-rayed her lungs (which were "hard" but just old dog lungs). He says she doesn't have what we thought she did, instead he's guessing she might have a fungal infection called blastomycosis. Oh swell. Could my dog have a simple limp? Oh no, we have to go for an infection that costs $200 worth of urinalysis to diagnose. I was terribly relieved and cried a lot. Today I'm trying to collect $200 worth of urine from a most uncooperative dog. I collected 1/2 a teaspoon this morning, called Westport to see if it was enough and they said no, they need about 2 tablespoons. Yikes, see you next week, folks. I'll keep trying but man is Tess not helpful. I had hoped to get the sample to them today to hasten diagnosis. oh well.
Meanwhile I went to the gym every morning with Carol--we had a lot of catching up to do. Walking on a treadmill is different from walking on the streets of Washington. No sore knees, no shin splints. I have lost a total of 14 pounds but seem to be stuck. Gee, I wonder if the raspberry jam from Marylou has anything to do with that? Man oh man is that stuff delicious!
Tomorrow I'm due t meet Julie in Keene for coffee. If we believe the weather predictors we won't be able to drive there but I'm optimistic. Apparently we're getting maybe 3 inches of snow or maybe 10 inches of snow. or maybe rain. but no, snow. It's snowing right now but it's not the big flakes I expected. Temp is 35 so that doesn't make sense.
I still don't have water in my house. No news on that front, nor do I expect any change in that for a few weeks probably. We still have about a foot of snow on the ground. OK, so maybe it won't be a few weeks, but a couple at least. I'm going to RI for Easter--should I just go there now, where water comes out of the faucets? No, I like being at home.
Friday, March 31, 2017
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Long time gone
Things are back to (more or less) normal for me now. I just got home from Washington (DC) where I spent 5 days with the Holts. We had a grand time but man oh man did we walk a lot. I thought I'd be in better shape but I blame my sore knees and feet on the shoes I took. I thought they'd be good walking shoes but I think I was wrong. Anyway we walked. and walked. and walked. They live in the Watergate, which isn't far from Georgetown and the Metro stop and Whole Foods, but you do have to walk to all of those places.
We went to museums. My favorite? By far the Newseum. They have great exhibits and films, and just my luck are featuring a big exhibit on rock and politics. Oh so many fantastic things to see and watch! Springsteen's draft card. Film on concerts. Clapton's guitar. Ahhh, I basked in it. We went to the Botanical Garden, an art gallery, Georgetown for dinner, the Kennedy Center for a concert, the Museum of Natural History to the butterfly room, Rush's very impressive office at AAAS, Whole Foods a couple of times, the FDR and MLK memorials, the cherry blossoms, and more. It was good with lots of visiting. And some resting.
I almost missed my flight coming home this morning, as only I would do. I was waiting at the wrong gate until I heard my name on the intercom telling me to go to the right gate. Ahhhh, to be me. The flight was fine, as was the flight going down. I got home this afternoon, retrieved the retrievers and am settled in now. Tess is all right but the kennel owner reports that she was coughing up small amounts of blood so I called the vet and will take her in on Thursday. He said they will probably knock her out, maybe there's a mass by her larynx. So the surgery I was not planning on may happen anyway. Oh what the hell, it's only money.
Going to the gym with Carol in the morning. That will be nice. Life goes on.
We went to museums. My favorite? By far the Newseum. They have great exhibits and films, and just my luck are featuring a big exhibit on rock and politics. Oh so many fantastic things to see and watch! Springsteen's draft card. Film on concerts. Clapton's guitar. Ahhh, I basked in it. We went to the Botanical Garden, an art gallery, Georgetown for dinner, the Kennedy Center for a concert, the Museum of Natural History to the butterfly room, Rush's very impressive office at AAAS, Whole Foods a couple of times, the FDR and MLK memorials, the cherry blossoms, and more. It was good with lots of visiting. And some resting.
I almost missed my flight coming home this morning, as only I would do. I was waiting at the wrong gate until I heard my name on the intercom telling me to go to the right gate. Ahhhh, to be me. The flight was fine, as was the flight going down. I got home this afternoon, retrieved the retrievers and am settled in now. Tess is all right but the kennel owner reports that she was coughing up small amounts of blood so I called the vet and will take her in on Thursday. He said they will probably knock her out, maybe there's a mass by her larynx. So the surgery I was not planning on may happen anyway. Oh what the hell, it's only money.
Going to the gym with Carol in the morning. That will be nice. Life goes on.
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Can it be? Oh yes, it's on its way
So much like early (very early) spring today! It was -8 in the morning but up to 38 in the incredibly bright and warm sunshine this afternoon. I love this weather.
The plumber returned, replaced the pressure tank but oh no! the pump still won't come up to pressure. I diagnosed the problem, at least I think I did: the line between the house and the well is frozen (and frozen GOOD). The pump won't pull water from the well but the line going to the well has water in it so the well is probably not dry. What difference does it make, really? I don't have water and won't for a long, long time. I think it was a perfect storm while I was in RI--bare ground, subzero temps, no water moving through the lines. I just hope the line hasn't burst, that's all I need. Anyway I have generous and wonderful friends and have easy access to water.
Went to the gym yesterday and today with Carol, that was nice. Yesterday I went to Plattsburgh for lunch with Barb and taking care of a few errands. Today I took a shower at Carol's then visited for a bit over coffee, very nice. They have one of the best views in the Adks for sure--panorama of the Silver Lake Mtn. bluffs. Really spectacular. After that I went to the dump, then stopped for a short visit at P&J's, then came home and was industrious. I swept and started tidying up the living room (hosting book group tomorrow), did 2 loads of laundry at the Holts (got to use my freshly re-wired dryer for the first time in a long, long time), visited with a friend who was here to check on his camp, finished the book group book, which I really enjoyed (The Flood Girls). Now I'm in for the night and can only eat lean protein and fruit for the rest of the night because a friend brought me delicious cookies and I ate 2 of them. I gained a couple of pounds this week. I think I got too cocky, deciding I didn't need to count or measure, I "just know" how many points foods are. NOT. So now it's back to recording everything I eat, which is just fine and works.
Tomorrow I'll finish the laundry and cook a corned beef dinner in the crock pot for book group. yum.
It was a stellar day. A banner day. A wonderful day. But I still have to vacuum and dust.
Tess is not better but not worse so I guess she'll survive kenneling. I just worry about how difficult it might be for the kennelers to deal with her. Early morning seems to be her worst time, maybe they won't have to deal with her then.
The plumber returned, replaced the pressure tank but oh no! the pump still won't come up to pressure. I diagnosed the problem, at least I think I did: the line between the house and the well is frozen (and frozen GOOD). The pump won't pull water from the well but the line going to the well has water in it so the well is probably not dry. What difference does it make, really? I don't have water and won't for a long, long time. I think it was a perfect storm while I was in RI--bare ground, subzero temps, no water moving through the lines. I just hope the line hasn't burst, that's all I need. Anyway I have generous and wonderful friends and have easy access to water.
Went to the gym yesterday and today with Carol, that was nice. Yesterday I went to Plattsburgh for lunch with Barb and taking care of a few errands. Today I took a shower at Carol's then visited for a bit over coffee, very nice. They have one of the best views in the Adks for sure--panorama of the Silver Lake Mtn. bluffs. Really spectacular. After that I went to the dump, then stopped for a short visit at P&J's, then came home and was industrious. I swept and started tidying up the living room (hosting book group tomorrow), did 2 loads of laundry at the Holts (got to use my freshly re-wired dryer for the first time in a long, long time), visited with a friend who was here to check on his camp, finished the book group book, which I really enjoyed (The Flood Girls). Now I'm in for the night and can only eat lean protein and fruit for the rest of the night because a friend brought me delicious cookies and I ate 2 of them. I gained a couple of pounds this week. I think I got too cocky, deciding I didn't need to count or measure, I "just know" how many points foods are. NOT. So now it's back to recording everything I eat, which is just fine and works.
Tomorrow I'll finish the laundry and cook a corned beef dinner in the crock pot for book group. yum.
It was a stellar day. A banner day. A wonderful day. But I still have to vacuum and dust.
Tess is not better but not worse so I guess she'll survive kenneling. I just worry about how difficult it might be for the kennelers to deal with her. Early morning seems to be her worst time, maybe they won't have to deal with her then.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Lucky girl, very lucky girl
All hell has broken loose here in the North Country, but I'm just fine. We had a huge and extended storm yesterday and last night and ended up with at least 33 inches of snow. I still have electricity and phone (let's not forget television) but no running water. A girl can't have everything, after all. My plow man came and shoveled around my car so I now have mobility and the ability to get water from the neighbors. I've talked to my mother twice, my friends about 4 times and have been emailing everyone I can think of. It's wonderful, truly wonderful to realize how many people are interested in my welfare. I feel lucky.
I went to RI last week, arrived there Thursday afternoon to spend time with Liza and Mark and to celebrate Liza's birthday. We missed the birthday by a day--I came home on Monday, her birthday to avoid traveling in the storm. That was a wise, wise move on my part and I am relieved. We celebrated her birthday Sunday and she was fine with that.
While I was there it was cold and snowy. They got about 6", which is their equivalent of our 33" I think. Mark and I didn't get to the beach because it was too cold and windy for me. Mostly we just spent time in the living room visiting. That's what I went there to do, happy coincidence. My mother is fine, just fine. She's very healthy and is in good mental shape as well. She's old, and she feels old and she minds feeling old.
It was cold at home while I was away, below zero so the outlet pipe for my sump pump and gray water froze. This led to much flooding when the sump pump emptied the water in the cellar on to the floor of the laundry room, into the back of the house, blah blah blah. Nice to see water flow uphill, right? Meanwhile the pump runs just fine but won't come up to pressure. I had a plumber come yesterday (poor man, bad roads, very bad roads). He fixed the sump pump problem and diagnosed my water as an old broken pressure tank. Hopefully that will be replaced tomorrow (not today, roads are closed). Once again I am relying on the water of neighbors.
I feel happy and fortunate this afternoon (quite different from my moods of the morning) and know that all will work out.
Meanwhile my old dog Tess is not doing well. I took her to the vet, she's been diagnosed with laryngeal paralysis, which for now is merely an inconvenience causing her to cough and gag a lot. Eventually her larynx will close unless she has surgery, which will not happen. The surgery is expensive and complicated and I don't see the point of putting a 14-year-old dog through that. She and I have had an excellent life together. It will be sad, very sad when the end comes but when we get dogs we know this will come. Oh yes, easy to say. Harder to face.
The other dog, Miss Treasure is just fine but boy oh boy did she have a problem finding a place to potty this morning before I shoveled. She said yes, she could pee in deep snow but it would be impossible to poop in that. Oh the poor dear was so fussed! Finally the plow man came and made a huge, huge poop path for her, what a relief. She and Tess went for a long walk. I finished shoveling out the car and moved it. I was afraid I'd have to go to Plattsburgh today to do some banking but for some reason my Social Sec. money came early this month (how did they know?) so I can be homebound. Except I'll go to P&J's for water this afternoon. I've checked in with them and they're fine but had no television so were frustrated by that.
I went to the gym with Carol yesterday, that was a treat. Skipped today but we're planning on being there tomorrow. I was supposed to have lunch with Julie today but since neither of us could get to Plattsburgh that didn't happen. Tomorrow I hope to spend the day watching the plumber install a new pressure tank. HOPE to. Friday I'm having lunch with Barb and will do grocery shopping in Plattsburgh. Book group is Sunday at my house and I think I'll cook corned beef and cabbage, an easy dinner. We're reading The Flood Girls, which Marylou said was depressing but Lin and I are enjoying it's dark humor. Yes it's a sad story but it's nicely told.
Life is exciting in it's own small way. I'm home, I'm happy and all is well.
I went to RI last week, arrived there Thursday afternoon to spend time with Liza and Mark and to celebrate Liza's birthday. We missed the birthday by a day--I came home on Monday, her birthday to avoid traveling in the storm. That was a wise, wise move on my part and I am relieved. We celebrated her birthday Sunday and she was fine with that.
While I was there it was cold and snowy. They got about 6", which is their equivalent of our 33" I think. Mark and I didn't get to the beach because it was too cold and windy for me. Mostly we just spent time in the living room visiting. That's what I went there to do, happy coincidence. My mother is fine, just fine. She's very healthy and is in good mental shape as well. She's old, and she feels old and she minds feeling old.
It was cold at home while I was away, below zero so the outlet pipe for my sump pump and gray water froze. This led to much flooding when the sump pump emptied the water in the cellar on to the floor of the laundry room, into the back of the house, blah blah blah. Nice to see water flow uphill, right? Meanwhile the pump runs just fine but won't come up to pressure. I had a plumber come yesterday (poor man, bad roads, very bad roads). He fixed the sump pump problem and diagnosed my water as an old broken pressure tank. Hopefully that will be replaced tomorrow (not today, roads are closed). Once again I am relying on the water of neighbors.
I feel happy and fortunate this afternoon (quite different from my moods of the morning) and know that all will work out.
Meanwhile my old dog Tess is not doing well. I took her to the vet, she's been diagnosed with laryngeal paralysis, which for now is merely an inconvenience causing her to cough and gag a lot. Eventually her larynx will close unless she has surgery, which will not happen. The surgery is expensive and complicated and I don't see the point of putting a 14-year-old dog through that. She and I have had an excellent life together. It will be sad, very sad when the end comes but when we get dogs we know this will come. Oh yes, easy to say. Harder to face.
The other dog, Miss Treasure is just fine but boy oh boy did she have a problem finding a place to potty this morning before I shoveled. She said yes, she could pee in deep snow but it would be impossible to poop in that. Oh the poor dear was so fussed! Finally the plow man came and made a huge, huge poop path for her, what a relief. She and Tess went for a long walk. I finished shoveling out the car and moved it. I was afraid I'd have to go to Plattsburgh today to do some banking but for some reason my Social Sec. money came early this month (how did they know?) so I can be homebound. Except I'll go to P&J's for water this afternoon. I've checked in with them and they're fine but had no television so were frustrated by that.
I went to the gym with Carol yesterday, that was a treat. Skipped today but we're planning on being there tomorrow. I was supposed to have lunch with Julie today but since neither of us could get to Plattsburgh that didn't happen. Tomorrow I hope to spend the day watching the plumber install a new pressure tank. HOPE to. Friday I'm having lunch with Barb and will do grocery shopping in Plattsburgh. Book group is Sunday at my house and I think I'll cook corned beef and cabbage, an easy dinner. We're reading The Flood Girls, which Marylou said was depressing but Lin and I are enjoying it's dark humor. Yes it's a sad story but it's nicely told.
Life is exciting in it's own small way. I'm home, I'm happy and all is well.
Saturday, March 04, 2017
Snow on ice
Temp this morning=0 High for the day=12 Predicted wind chills= -25
I have no idea what the actual wind chill was at any point today but I have a hard time believing it was -25. Yes, it was windy and cold this morning and my bare hands hurt hurt hurt when I picked up the paper on my way to the gym at 7:45. Anyway now it's 3 degrees and the sun has moved over so my living room is cooling down quickly. At least I have a good fire going and lots of firewood to feed to it.
I went to Burlington on Thursday to have my car worked on (diagnosis: DIRT packed into the wheels, causing extreme vibration). It took a long time because I had a part replaced while they were cleaning out the dirt but I rewarded myself with a trip to Barnes & Noble, where I was extremely good and only bought 4 used books plus notecards for my mother for a total of $25. Oh what I could have spent...
Yesterday I had lunch with my dear friend Fred. We had an excellent conversation and covered lots of things, most of which were relevant to our present lives. Wills, inheritance, health, weather, getting old. OK, that doesn't sound very cheery or pleasant but it was nice and helpful to me. Not the part about the weather, that wasn't helpful--there was an icy wind whipping along yesterday. It died down a bit in the afternoon but came up again overnight. Now there's a stiff icy wind but it's not blowing -25 worth.
I went to the gym 6 days this week, good for me! Going again tomorrow morning, then will try to get there every day until Thursday, when I drive to Rhode Island to celebrate my mother's 91st birthday. One thing Fred and I agreed heartily on was that, when you have a 91-year-old loved one every day is a gift. Oh I never thought I would sound so corny but I do feel that way. Any time now is good and special. OK, maybe not so special, but a treat. My mother is exceptionally well with no major health problems but she had an "incident" recently that was sobering and scary for me. She's just fine but we do need to do something to make it easier for her to take a shower or bath. And what will I do if I'm living here when I am old(er) and less mobile? Well now there's something I can worry about. Anticipatory anxiety. oh let's not do that.
I have no idea what the actual wind chill was at any point today but I have a hard time believing it was -25. Yes, it was windy and cold this morning and my bare hands hurt hurt hurt when I picked up the paper on my way to the gym at 7:45. Anyway now it's 3 degrees and the sun has moved over so my living room is cooling down quickly. At least I have a good fire going and lots of firewood to feed to it.
I went to Burlington on Thursday to have my car worked on (diagnosis: DIRT packed into the wheels, causing extreme vibration). It took a long time because I had a part replaced while they were cleaning out the dirt but I rewarded myself with a trip to Barnes & Noble, where I was extremely good and only bought 4 used books plus notecards for my mother for a total of $25. Oh what I could have spent...
Yesterday I had lunch with my dear friend Fred. We had an excellent conversation and covered lots of things, most of which were relevant to our present lives. Wills, inheritance, health, weather, getting old. OK, that doesn't sound very cheery or pleasant but it was nice and helpful to me. Not the part about the weather, that wasn't helpful--there was an icy wind whipping along yesterday. It died down a bit in the afternoon but came up again overnight. Now there's a stiff icy wind but it's not blowing -25 worth.
I went to the gym 6 days this week, good for me! Going again tomorrow morning, then will try to get there every day until Thursday, when I drive to Rhode Island to celebrate my mother's 91st birthday. One thing Fred and I agreed heartily on was that, when you have a 91-year-old loved one every day is a gift. Oh I never thought I would sound so corny but I do feel that way. Any time now is good and special. OK, maybe not so special, but a treat. My mother is exceptionally well with no major health problems but she had an "incident" recently that was sobering and scary for me. She's just fine but we do need to do something to make it easier for her to take a shower or bath. And what will I do if I'm living here when I am old(er) and less mobile? Well now there's something I can worry about. Anticipatory anxiety. oh let's not do that.
Wednesday, March 01, 2017
Rain on the snow
It rained hard this morning, is raining again now. It's so nifty when it rains on snow, there is a sweeping mist off the ground. I love this effect. We still have snow here in Hawkeye but there's not much anywhere else, and there is also bare ground in spots in Hawkeye. Not in my yard, but elsewhere. And my deck is nearly bare.
I've had a busy time but things have certainly quieted down. Monday I didn't go to the gym but Carol and I walked to camp to check on the buildings. No trees down, all buildings still standing. It was a brisk walk in the crunchy snow, then we went to the Holts for dinner. That was nice. It was also nice to have company to walk home with in the dark. An easy thing alone, but a treat to have company.
Yesterday I hit the gym in the morning then went to Saranac Lake for an eye appointment. All is well with my eyes, my macular degeneration is no worse. This was a huge deal for me, a big relief. I do not want to be blind! Vision in one eye is slightly worse so I got to order myself new glasses. I only buy cheap glasses, online, and they don't last as long as the good ones but they're easy to get. and cheap.
I had a quiet afternoon--not bored, really, but sort of wondering what to do with myself. I almost started work on a basket for my friend's grandchild but lost that thought. I went through some paperwork, paid bills, wrote a letter. Not the most exiting time but it was pleasant. I went to bed early last night then woke at midnight and got up. Managed to get back to sleep and then slept until 8:00. Unheard of! Not only did I oversleep but Wednesday is the day I call my mother by 7:30 in the morning. I never even thought of calling her until she called me at 8:30 to see if everything was OK with me. We agreed that there's not much she can do if I'm NOT OK, but that day hopefully will not come in her lifetime. We talked a long time, all is well.
I went to Plattsburgh for my weekly lunch with Julie. That was fine but it was strange that I didn't have many errands to run in town. It was a quick trip, now I'm home watching it rain. Off to Burlington tomorrow for a car appointment. Worried about the car, hoping for an easy (inexpensive) solution to its vibrations. First I'll meet Carol at the gym at 6:30. I skipped today which is sort of embarrassing. Do I really only go there when she does? No, I've been there without her but not often.
Is it spring yet? It's 50 outside. I didn't remember to say "Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit" when I woke up this morning. My father's rule was that it had to be the first thing you say on March 1st for good luck. I did say it, just later, and Pat said it too so let's hope we'll have good luck this year.
Oh, FedEx just came to deliver the 30 pounds of dog food that I order online each month. Last month he left it on North Shore Lane, which really pissed me off because I had to slog through deep snow and carry the package up the hill to my car. Yay for him this month he found my house. Very exciting for the dogs, just a relief for me because I'm almost out of dog food.
I've had a busy time but things have certainly quieted down. Monday I didn't go to the gym but Carol and I walked to camp to check on the buildings. No trees down, all buildings still standing. It was a brisk walk in the crunchy snow, then we went to the Holts for dinner. That was nice. It was also nice to have company to walk home with in the dark. An easy thing alone, but a treat to have company.
Yesterday I hit the gym in the morning then went to Saranac Lake for an eye appointment. All is well with my eyes, my macular degeneration is no worse. This was a huge deal for me, a big relief. I do not want to be blind! Vision in one eye is slightly worse so I got to order myself new glasses. I only buy cheap glasses, online, and they don't last as long as the good ones but they're easy to get. and cheap.
I had a quiet afternoon--not bored, really, but sort of wondering what to do with myself. I almost started work on a basket for my friend's grandchild but lost that thought. I went through some paperwork, paid bills, wrote a letter. Not the most exiting time but it was pleasant. I went to bed early last night then woke at midnight and got up. Managed to get back to sleep and then slept until 8:00. Unheard of! Not only did I oversleep but Wednesday is the day I call my mother by 7:30 in the morning. I never even thought of calling her until she called me at 8:30 to see if everything was OK with me. We agreed that there's not much she can do if I'm NOT OK, but that day hopefully will not come in her lifetime. We talked a long time, all is well.
I went to Plattsburgh for my weekly lunch with Julie. That was fine but it was strange that I didn't have many errands to run in town. It was a quick trip, now I'm home watching it rain. Off to Burlington tomorrow for a car appointment. Worried about the car, hoping for an easy (inexpensive) solution to its vibrations. First I'll meet Carol at the gym at 6:30. I skipped today which is sort of embarrassing. Do I really only go there when she does? No, I've been there without her but not often.
Is it spring yet? It's 50 outside. I didn't remember to say "Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit" when I woke up this morning. My father's rule was that it had to be the first thing you say on March 1st for good luck. I did say it, just later, and Pat said it too so let's hope we'll have good luck this year.
Oh, FedEx just came to deliver the 30 pounds of dog food that I order online each month. Last month he left it on North Shore Lane, which really pissed me off because I had to slog through deep snow and carry the package up the hill to my car. Yay for him this month he found my house. Very exciting for the dogs, just a relief for me because I'm almost out of dog food.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Back to winter
Yesterday it was 60 in Hawkeye, this morning it's 24. We had sunshine yesterday, then pouring rain with thunder, then finally at least 3 inches of heavy snow. VERY heavy snow. Trees are drooping, branches and boughs breaking off. The snow on my car this morning was like concrete because it all started as ice then was covered with heavy snow, which all froze. It took a while to uncover the car but I managed fine and got to the gym this morning, spent 40 minutes on the treadmill and had a good visit with my friend.
It's been a bush weekend. This was the weekend of The Burn. Joe arrived on Thursday, as did the Holts and their company. Friday was lunch in Plattsburgh with P&J, Joe and Bill--always a treat. Friday night was dinner with the Holts--again always a treat. Yesterday I went to AuSable in the morning for book group groceries for tonight, then I went to the burn. It was pretty, as it always is, something hypnotic about a big fire, right? This year the ground was pretty much bare and it was warm, very warm. It wasn't until late afternoon that the rain started. What a downpour! Just amazing for the end of February. I went to the Holts for dinner, walked down in my mud boots as it started to snow then came home with wet feet because the snow was so much deeper, and had to duck under many drooping boughs along the road. Dramatic and beautiful effect.
This morning I met my friend at the gym--we'd skipped yesterday so had much to catch up on. I think tomorrow we'll meet at my house in the afternoon and do some walking around here before having dinner with Annie and her company. Tonight is book group and I've been trying to come up with a book that's available cheaply or widely at libraries. I think I may have found one, The flood girls, by Richard Fifield (who was born in 1975, yikes, oh my big yikes). We'll see how that goes over. Book group is at Marylou's new house, which is very exciting and wonderful.
Boy my woods look like and Ideals magazine. Does anyone else remember Ideals? No, probably not.
It's great to have March arrive but this weather has us all confused. It was so much like April last week, just wonderful spring-like conditions but the cruelty of weather reality wasn't far away. Here we are, back in winter but with knowing that spring will indeed arrive. Wow.
The Burn
Working the burn
It's been a bush weekend. This was the weekend of The Burn. Joe arrived on Thursday, as did the Holts and their company. Friday was lunch in Plattsburgh with P&J, Joe and Bill--always a treat. Friday night was dinner with the Holts--again always a treat. Yesterday I went to AuSable in the morning for book group groceries for tonight, then I went to the burn. It was pretty, as it always is, something hypnotic about a big fire, right? This year the ground was pretty much bare and it was warm, very warm. It wasn't until late afternoon that the rain started. What a downpour! Just amazing for the end of February. I went to the Holts for dinner, walked down in my mud boots as it started to snow then came home with wet feet because the snow was so much deeper, and had to duck under many drooping boughs along the road. Dramatic and beautiful effect.
This morning I met my friend at the gym--we'd skipped yesterday so had much to catch up on. I think tomorrow we'll meet at my house in the afternoon and do some walking around here before having dinner with Annie and her company. Tonight is book group and I've been trying to come up with a book that's available cheaply or widely at libraries. I think I may have found one, The flood girls, by Richard Fifield (who was born in 1975, yikes, oh my big yikes). We'll see how that goes over. Book group is at Marylou's new house, which is very exciting and wonderful.
Boy my woods look like and Ideals magazine. Does anyone else remember Ideals? No, probably not.
It's great to have March arrive but this weather has us all confused. It was so much like April last week, just wonderful spring-like conditions but the cruelty of weather reality wasn't far away. Here we are, back in winter but with knowing that spring will indeed arrive. Wow.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Spring? No, it can't be
It sure feels like spring out there but we have weeks and weeks to go before it could really be spring. Temps have been in the high 30's and well into the 40's and the sun is warm, much warmer. I leave for the gym in the morning around 6 and it's getting LIGHT out these days. I get to see the earliest sign of a sunrise as I pass by Taylor Pond. It's great.
Yes I'm still hitting the gym in the mornings. It's going well, not so much in terms of how much weight I'm losing but I have a good time visiting with my friend while we treadmill together. I'm increasing my speed (marginally) and the incline (again marginally) and I can feel a difference in the "workout" I'm getting. If it weren't an overused term I'd label it a "so-called workout." I did figure out how to adjust the tension on the rowing machine so maybe I'll branch out and include that. Tomorrow we're hitting the pavement with plans to walk outside around AuSable for a change.
I had lunch in Elizabethtown yesterday. That was a long drive but it was nice to see a different friend. Tomorrow I'm having lunch in Plattsburgh--I have some errands that can't be done in E'town and was all set to attend to them yesterday, since we were originally scheduled to eat in Plattsburgh but oops, my friend had a meeting in Willsboro so we ate nearer there in E'town. So I still have some big city errands to take care of.
I had a good weekend but didn't do much. I gymmed both days. Saturday morning was dump time. Sunday I cleaned some of the house because friends were coming from Albany. They did come, did some hiking then went to their camp down the road. Then they stopped by my house (without coming in--what??? you mean I cleaned the house and only I will appreciate that?) and we went to the pizza place in AuSable for dinner and a nice visit. I managed to stay within my WW points that day even with my personal pizza.
Monday I ended up in Lake Placid at the laundromat (too much driving!). I had bedding to wash and needed a few groceries so off I went. It was more crowded than I like but still no lines, no waiting at the 'mat. I'm getting to be a real pro at commercial laundry-ing. Needless to say Donny hasn't come back to fix the electrical panel and that's OK. No big deal.
This will be a busy weekend, it's the weekend of The Burn. Joe arrives tomorrow. The Holts arrive tomorrow. Friday is lunch in Plattsburgh. Saturday is the burning of the brush pile. It's supposed to rain and be very warm for that. Rain, not snow. Warm, warm days but then it's supposed to cool off but only into the 30's. I'm waiting for the return of winter, I know it's coming.
Yes I'm still hitting the gym in the mornings. It's going well, not so much in terms of how much weight I'm losing but I have a good time visiting with my friend while we treadmill together. I'm increasing my speed (marginally) and the incline (again marginally) and I can feel a difference in the "workout" I'm getting. If it weren't an overused term I'd label it a "so-called workout." I did figure out how to adjust the tension on the rowing machine so maybe I'll branch out and include that. Tomorrow we're hitting the pavement with plans to walk outside around AuSable for a change.
I had lunch in Elizabethtown yesterday. That was a long drive but it was nice to see a different friend. Tomorrow I'm having lunch in Plattsburgh--I have some errands that can't be done in E'town and was all set to attend to them yesterday, since we were originally scheduled to eat in Plattsburgh but oops, my friend had a meeting in Willsboro so we ate nearer there in E'town. So I still have some big city errands to take care of.
I had a good weekend but didn't do much. I gymmed both days. Saturday morning was dump time. Sunday I cleaned some of the house because friends were coming from Albany. They did come, did some hiking then went to their camp down the road. Then they stopped by my house (without coming in--what??? you mean I cleaned the house and only I will appreciate that?) and we went to the pizza place in AuSable for dinner and a nice visit. I managed to stay within my WW points that day even with my personal pizza.
Monday I ended up in Lake Placid at the laundromat (too much driving!). I had bedding to wash and needed a few groceries so off I went. It was more crowded than I like but still no lines, no waiting at the 'mat. I'm getting to be a real pro at commercial laundry-ing. Needless to say Donny hasn't come back to fix the electrical panel and that's OK. No big deal.
This will be a busy weekend, it's the weekend of The Burn. Joe arrives tomorrow. The Holts arrive tomorrow. Friday is lunch in Plattsburgh. Saturday is the burning of the brush pile. It's supposed to rain and be very warm for that. Rain, not snow. Warm, warm days but then it's supposed to cool off but only into the 30's. I'm waiting for the return of winter, I know it's coming.
Friday, February 17, 2017
What? More snow?
It just snowed and snowed. We have at least 2 feet on the ground now and the snow is white. So very white. We had sunshine today for the first time in well, I don't know how long but it sure felt like a week or so. Anyway it snowed 2 more inches of fluff last night after Donny plowed. His plowing is getting more and more cursory, I think maybe he's tired of it. I no longer move my car so he can do the whole parking area by the house, I think maybe I'm tired of it. There is still a large space, parking for 3 or 4 so it's fine.
Yesterday I met Carol at the gym (I actually got there first, a first) and we had a good time. No one else there, not Dave who is often there before we are. We talk around him mostly, sometimes we include him in the conversation but he's not really that interested in what we're talking about. Besides, he thinks the media is being so very unfair to Mr. Trump.
Carol is using the elliptical and she makes it look almost appealing so I may move on to that soon. I'm only using the treadmill, with a few minutes on the rowing machine these days but I'm actually starting to want more. Wow, cannot believe I'm feeling that.
Yesterday I took my laundry to Lake Placid, there's a nice laundromat there. After that I went to see the ice palace in Saranac Lake but I'm so spoiled that I only like going there if no one else is around. Yesterday there was a busload of schoolchildren from Westport running around screaming and having totally too much fun so I didn't even get out of the car. I'll either go next week or not again who knows. It's supposed to be very warm with temps in the 40's and that will bring a rapid end to the ice palace. It's not as big this year, they only had 6 days to build it. It's impressive as always, just not THAT impressive.
Today was a slower day, I did go to AuSable but that was in the morning and I skipped the gym (no Carol today, she's on the road). I actually deposited money in my savings account there (this is a new trend) and picked up some things for Jim (including a birthday bottle from Joe) and got yet a few more groceries. Stopped at P&J's on the way home but didn't stay long. Came home, did a little shoveling and brought in firewood. Then what? Not much. I did fill out the form I need to submit for a discount on my school taxes, now I just have to take that and some other paperwork to Town Hall. Can't do that until Monday.
It was a truly beautiful day though a bit chilly. That surprised me because it was in the 20's with such bright sun and that's usually my favorite kind of winter day. I always brag about the "crystal clear winter days in the 20's with warm sunshine." That's what it was but maybe I'm getting older because it didn't feel as wonderful as I expected. rats.
Yesterday I met Carol at the gym (I actually got there first, a first) and we had a good time. No one else there, not Dave who is often there before we are. We talk around him mostly, sometimes we include him in the conversation but he's not really that interested in what we're talking about. Besides, he thinks the media is being so very unfair to Mr. Trump.
Carol is using the elliptical and she makes it look almost appealing so I may move on to that soon. I'm only using the treadmill, with a few minutes on the rowing machine these days but I'm actually starting to want more. Wow, cannot believe I'm feeling that.
Yesterday I took my laundry to Lake Placid, there's a nice laundromat there. After that I went to see the ice palace in Saranac Lake but I'm so spoiled that I only like going there if no one else is around. Yesterday there was a busload of schoolchildren from Westport running around screaming and having totally too much fun so I didn't even get out of the car. I'll either go next week or not again who knows. It's supposed to be very warm with temps in the 40's and that will bring a rapid end to the ice palace. It's not as big this year, they only had 6 days to build it. It's impressive as always, just not THAT impressive.
Today was a slower day, I did go to AuSable but that was in the morning and I skipped the gym (no Carol today, she's on the road). I actually deposited money in my savings account there (this is a new trend) and picked up some things for Jim (including a birthday bottle from Joe) and got yet a few more groceries. Stopped at P&J's on the way home but didn't stay long. Came home, did a little shoveling and brought in firewood. Then what? Not much. I did fill out the form I need to submit for a discount on my school taxes, now I just have to take that and some other paperwork to Town Hall. Can't do that until Monday.
It was a truly beautiful day though a bit chilly. That surprised me because it was in the 20's with such bright sun and that's usually my favorite kind of winter day. I always brag about the "crystal clear winter days in the 20's with warm sunshine." That's what it was but maybe I'm getting older because it didn't feel as wonderful as I expected. rats.
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Snowy time
We had our big storm this week, it snowed Sunday night and Monday. We ended up with at least a foot of snow, probably more but I didn't measure it. Donny plowed twice. Nothing much went on on Monday, places were closed. I did go to the convenience store for deli turkey (boy is that low in points). Mostly I stoked the stove and hung out inside but I did visit with P&J.
Tuesday was a busy day. Met Carol at the gym at 6:30, had a good time there. Went to Plattsburgh in the morning for a hair cut. Ran some errands including groceries and bank, then had lunch with Julie. Since we'd just seen each other on Saturday we didn't have a huge volume of talking but we did have some important things to share. She's off to Florida for a few days (if she actually did go, of course she was having doubts) so I won't be having coffee in Keene this weekend.
Today I met Carol at the gym early (6:00 instead of 6:30). That went well, as it always does. I came home, called my mother who is blue very blue because it's WINTER. She gets that way every winter but snaps out of it in March. March isn't far away. Wow, only 2 weeks!
I came home from the gym and watched the rest of the Westminster show. I wasn't as interested in it this year, there just weren't the stunning dogs that I'm used to watching. I wasn't impressed by the German shepherd but then no one asked me about Best in Show. None of the dogs I picked even won their groups.
I went back to AuSable to take care of some things (bank, grocery store and paid my gym membership). Stopped at the town hall but couldn't be helped by the secretary there. Got a phone number of the person who can help me, though so I'll follow up with that.
Now I'm spending the afternoon being quiet and stoking the stove. Not much going on. It's snowing again/still. We'll get 3 inches. or maybe 5 inches. but could be 8 inches. I used to be more fixated on weather forecasts but retirement sure does bring a shift in what concerns me.
Tomorrow I think I'll go to Saranac Lake to see the ice palace then maybe hit a laundromat in Lake Placid. I don't have a dryer but will at some point, Donny told me he's got my panel and will be by one night this week. as if.
Valentine's Day view from my living room.
Tuesday was a busy day. Met Carol at the gym at 6:30, had a good time there. Went to Plattsburgh in the morning for a hair cut. Ran some errands including groceries and bank, then had lunch with Julie. Since we'd just seen each other on Saturday we didn't have a huge volume of talking but we did have some important things to share. She's off to Florida for a few days (if she actually did go, of course she was having doubts) so I won't be having coffee in Keene this weekend.
Today I met Carol at the gym early (6:00 instead of 6:30). That went well, as it always does. I came home, called my mother who is blue very blue because it's WINTER. She gets that way every winter but snaps out of it in March. March isn't far away. Wow, only 2 weeks!
I came home from the gym and watched the rest of the Westminster show. I wasn't as interested in it this year, there just weren't the stunning dogs that I'm used to watching. I wasn't impressed by the German shepherd but then no one asked me about Best in Show. None of the dogs I picked even won their groups.
I went back to AuSable to take care of some things (bank, grocery store and paid my gym membership). Stopped at the town hall but couldn't be helped by the secretary there. Got a phone number of the person who can help me, though so I'll follow up with that.
Now I'm spending the afternoon being quiet and stoking the stove. Not much going on. It's snowing again/still. We'll get 3 inches. or maybe 5 inches. but could be 8 inches. I used to be more fixated on weather forecasts but retirement sure does bring a shift in what concerns me.
Tomorrow I think I'll go to Saranac Lake to see the ice palace then maybe hit a laundromat in Lake Placid. I don't have a dryer but will at some point, Donny told me he's got my panel and will be by one night this week. as if.
Friday, February 10, 2017
Ccccccold morning
It's not really THAT cold, but the house is not warm because it's so windy. Temp this morning was -2, now it's up to 1. I wasn't conscientious about the fire so the living room got down to 57 and is slow to respond to the hot fire I now have. I'd forgotten what it's like to wear warm clothes, I've been relaxing in t-shirts and bare feet for too long. Not today.
It was a good week. I had a successful time at the doctor's, my cholesterol and glucose levels have improved since my last visit--thank you, treadmill and Weight Watchers. The doctor was thrilled--we all love positive reinforcement, don't we? so I liked seeing him.
I went to the gym on Weds. morning and again on Thursday, met Carol there and had a good time. yes, a good time. I don't overdo it for sure but I get enough exercise at my pace. I've increased the incline instead of speed. I don't want to risk having an asthma attack so I just plod along like a workhorse. It works.
Last night I had dinner with the Ruders and Carol and it was a lot of fun. A cold night but their house is warm. They're good friends and I didn't eat too much (but maybe drank a glass too many of the great wine)(and the Manhattan didn't help but boy was it delicious).
Today I'm going to the movies with Lin & Ralph, we're going to Lion after lunch in Plattsburgh. Should be fun.
I need to get to the dump one of these days but it doesn't seem to work out. "My" dump is only open until noon tomorrow and I'm meeting Julie at 10 in Keene so that won't work. Hmmm Maybe I'll g on Monday instead, that's the next time my dump is open. Must be I don't have a lot to report if doing to the dump is what I write about.
It was a good week. I had a successful time at the doctor's, my cholesterol and glucose levels have improved since my last visit--thank you, treadmill and Weight Watchers. The doctor was thrilled--we all love positive reinforcement, don't we? so I liked seeing him.
I went to the gym on Weds. morning and again on Thursday, met Carol there and had a good time. yes, a good time. I don't overdo it for sure but I get enough exercise at my pace. I've increased the incline instead of speed. I don't want to risk having an asthma attack so I just plod along like a workhorse. It works.
Last night I had dinner with the Ruders and Carol and it was a lot of fun. A cold night but their house is warm. They're good friends and I didn't eat too much (but maybe drank a glass too many of the great wine)(and the Manhattan didn't help but boy was it delicious).
Today I'm going to the movies with Lin & Ralph, we're going to Lion after lunch in Plattsburgh. Should be fun.
I need to get to the dump one of these days but it doesn't seem to work out. "My" dump is only open until noon tomorrow and I'm meeting Julie at 10 in Keene so that won't work. Hmmm Maybe I'll g on Monday instead, that's the next time my dump is open. Must be I don't have a lot to report if doing to the dump is what I write about.
Monday, February 06, 2017
Oops
So much for my efforts at posting often. I keep thinking I have nothing to report but then time goes by and I see from my calendar that there are things I could write about.
Last week was pretty busy, too many (3) trips to Plattsburgh. Gym at 6:30 Monday morning then a trip to Platts. to have blood drawn. Gym at 6:30 Tuesday then a trip to Platts. for lunch with Barb. Quiet day Weds., did some sorting of Conversationists' papers. 50 years worth of correspondence, news items and newsletters. Eye appointment in Plattsburgh Thursday, just a follow-up to my lasering last month. Dinner at the Holts following cocktails with Duncan, David and John. That was a treat, all of it. Gym Friday morning and coffee with Annie. Coffee in Keene with Julie for 2 hours Sat. morning. Dinner with D, D and JK at the Blue Heron always a treat. Visits with the 3 of them various times. They are SO CUTE! Right now I'm waiting for D&D (JK went back to Calif. yesterday) to come to wash their dishes and visit.
Rush chopped a hole in the ice so we know it's about a foot thick so far. David and John went out onto the lake and took some beautiful pictures. The men climbed Silver Lake Mtn with resulting gorgeous images. I don't have any interest in climbing anything in the winter (or, apparently in the summer). The report that it's beautiful in the woods and at the tops of these mountains but the climb is tricky and icy in spots. No, thank you, not for me.
I watched the first half of the Super Bowl but stupidly went to bed after halftime because how could New England win at that point? Guess I missed the best of the game but it doesn't really matter much to me.
Went to the gym this morning around 7, one other person there so we chatted and I stayed 40 minutes, egged on by his presence. I'll take inspiration in any form. Then I went to Redford to buy Jim B's birthday present (chewing tobaccy). I do enjoy driving, listening to music. My current music crush is Eric Clapton (making a repeat appearance). Lots of his music. He is great.
This week has some busy times and some quiet times. Tomorrow is Jim's birthday (82) and I'll visit with them. Wednesday is gym, doctor, lunch (Julie). Thursday is quiet. Friday may be movies with Lin (Lion). I have a wall calendar and love to see things written on it. That's a throwback to my working days, when I kept 3 calendars.
We've been having snow every night, got about 2" of powder last night. Very pretty. There's more than a foot on the ground now, temps are OK. 7 this morning, now up to 17. I guess we'll have a storm later this week--snow tomorrow and warmer temps on Weds. with maybe some rain. ugh. rain.
Last week was pretty busy, too many (3) trips to Plattsburgh. Gym at 6:30 Monday morning then a trip to Platts. to have blood drawn. Gym at 6:30 Tuesday then a trip to Platts. for lunch with Barb. Quiet day Weds., did some sorting of Conversationists' papers. 50 years worth of correspondence, news items and newsletters. Eye appointment in Plattsburgh Thursday, just a follow-up to my lasering last month. Dinner at the Holts following cocktails with Duncan, David and John. That was a treat, all of it. Gym Friday morning and coffee with Annie. Coffee in Keene with Julie for 2 hours Sat. morning. Dinner with D, D and JK at the Blue Heron always a treat. Visits with the 3 of them various times. They are SO CUTE! Right now I'm waiting for D&D (JK went back to Calif. yesterday) to come to wash their dishes and visit.
Rush chopped a hole in the ice so we know it's about a foot thick so far. David and John went out onto the lake and took some beautiful pictures. The men climbed Silver Lake Mtn with resulting gorgeous images. I don't have any interest in climbing anything in the winter (or, apparently in the summer). The report that it's beautiful in the woods and at the tops of these mountains but the climb is tricky and icy in spots. No, thank you, not for me.
I watched the first half of the Super Bowl but stupidly went to bed after halftime because how could New England win at that point? Guess I missed the best of the game but it doesn't really matter much to me.
Went to the gym this morning around 7, one other person there so we chatted and I stayed 40 minutes, egged on by his presence. I'll take inspiration in any form. Then I went to Redford to buy Jim B's birthday present (chewing tobaccy). I do enjoy driving, listening to music. My current music crush is Eric Clapton (making a repeat appearance). Lots of his music. He is great.
This week has some busy times and some quiet times. Tomorrow is Jim's birthday (82) and I'll visit with them. Wednesday is gym, doctor, lunch (Julie). Thursday is quiet. Friday may be movies with Lin (Lion). I have a wall calendar and love to see things written on it. That's a throwback to my working days, when I kept 3 calendars.
We've been having snow every night, got about 2" of powder last night. Very pretty. There's more than a foot on the ground now, temps are OK. 7 this morning, now up to 17. I guess we'll have a storm later this week--snow tomorrow and warmer temps on Weds. with maybe some rain. ugh. rain.
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Sunday afternoon
So let's see...I don't think I did a lot yesterday, but I know I went to the dump and I saw P&J. Oh, I did some laundry and sorted through some clothes. Nothing fits me that didn't before I started Weight Watchers, but that will come I'm sure. I seem to have a lot of pairs of sweatpants and pants with elastic waists. Oh, yes, clothes for what Ken called "Biggies."
I spent time today sorting through 50 years' worth of papers of our shore owners' association. I ended up with 3 boxes of correspondence, newsletters, minutes and newspaper clippings. For some reason it never occurred to me to put these papers in the empty file cabinet I have upstairs. The file cabinet was full of papers from our sawmill (which we sold in 1987) and records of various of my ex-husband's exploits. I gleefully emptied it a few years ago and sent everything to the dump. Oh that was liberating. Now I have 4 drawers to fill with papers that are more relevant to MY life. Good for me, but now all I have to carry the stuff upstairs. There's another box of papers in the master bedroom for me to go through and file but today I'm quite pleased with what I accomplished.
Tomorrow morning I'll meet Carol at the gym at 6:30, then maybe I'll go to Plattsburgh to have blood drawn. It's the week before my appointment with my "regular" doctor and he reports on all sorts of things, including mostly my cholesterol levels. Thank you, Rogers genes, I have issues with cholesterol. Anyway it's a fasting blood test so I like to go in the early morning but that never works well with my lunch dates so I make a special trip usually. Since I'll be up (UP!) and about tomorrow morning I may as well do it then. This is a lot of writing about a stupid routine blood test. Must be I don't have much else to report on.
It's a little colder now but still in the 20's. And gray, still gray. The sun was out for a little while early this afternoon but it's been spitting snow for most of the day. We're into that time when it snows a little every day and all of a sudden we have 6 inches of new snow. It's supposed to get colder this week but nothing below zero. What would we expect? It's almost February. It's been too warm for too long.
I spent time today sorting through 50 years' worth of papers of our shore owners' association. I ended up with 3 boxes of correspondence, newsletters, minutes and newspaper clippings. For some reason it never occurred to me to put these papers in the empty file cabinet I have upstairs. The file cabinet was full of papers from our sawmill (which we sold in 1987) and records of various of my ex-husband's exploits. I gleefully emptied it a few years ago and sent everything to the dump. Oh that was liberating. Now I have 4 drawers to fill with papers that are more relevant to MY life. Good for me, but now all I have to carry the stuff upstairs. There's another box of papers in the master bedroom for me to go through and file but today I'm quite pleased with what I accomplished.
Tomorrow morning I'll meet Carol at the gym at 6:30, then maybe I'll go to Plattsburgh to have blood drawn. It's the week before my appointment with my "regular" doctor and he reports on all sorts of things, including mostly my cholesterol levels. Thank you, Rogers genes, I have issues with cholesterol. Anyway it's a fasting blood test so I like to go in the early morning but that never works well with my lunch dates so I make a special trip usually. Since I'll be up (UP!) and about tomorrow morning I may as well do it then. This is a lot of writing about a stupid routine blood test. Must be I don't have much else to report on.
It's a little colder now but still in the 20's. And gray, still gray. The sun was out for a little while early this afternoon but it's been spitting snow for most of the day. We're into that time when it snows a little every day and all of a sudden we have 6 inches of new snow. It's supposed to get colder this week but nothing below zero. What would we expect? It's almost February. It's been too warm for too long.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Breaker Breaker come in please
Hot water, she has hot water. The problem was not the water heater at all, instead it was the breaker, which shorted out. Yikes, that is very scary. That makes 2 breakers like that. Don came today and switched the dryer breaker so now I have 50 gallons of hot water but no dryer. This it temporary and was just to get me hot water right away. What's up with rotten breakers? He said the wiring is good (thank you Eddie Zelinski) but the breakers are old and not the good kind. I'm so excited, he's going to replace the panel and the breakers. YAY! I'll have heat at the back of the house again, that's just a bonus in all of this. I'm happy it wasn't the heater but am very nervous about the breakers. There aren't many in that box, maybe 4 or 5 (well, 2 fewer now). Mostly I'm really excited to have someone working on my house.
I met Carol at the gym Weds. morning at 6:30 and we treadmilled for 40 minutes easily. It sure is nice to have a gym buddy, we talk our way through the walking. It's great. I went this morning by myself and watched TV for the half hour I treadmilled. Oh I'm good, I'm good. I'm doing WW conscientiously. Tomorrow I'll weigh in, hoping for another 2 pounds lost this week but I'll take what I get. My clothes sure don't fit me any better so I still have a long way to go. No, the answer is not to buy bigger clothes, I've done that in the past.
Lin called this morning, wanted to go to the movies but I couldn't leave the house this afternoon, waiting for Don. Instead she came over and we had a nice visit. I got antsy in the afternoon, Don didn't come until 4. Of course it didn't take him long to figure out and solve the problem so that was grand.
We're having snow these days. Predictions are for 6-12 inches in the infamous higher elevations (sometimes that's us) and the western slopes of the mountains (that's us). So far we've only had a couple of inches today. It's supposed to snow all weekend so we may get 4-6 inches, that would be my guess. That's fine with me, I know the friends who are coming next week want a lot of snow so this will please them.
Tomorrow I'll hit the dump and do some laundry, hopefully I'll see Pat & Jim. I wanted to go there this afternoon but couldn't leave the house. Lin and I may go to the movies, or not. Oh I do love this life.
Time to do the dishes. Using water from the tap. Hot water.
I met Carol at the gym Weds. morning at 6:30 and we treadmilled for 40 minutes easily. It sure is nice to have a gym buddy, we talk our way through the walking. It's great. I went this morning by myself and watched TV for the half hour I treadmilled. Oh I'm good, I'm good. I'm doing WW conscientiously. Tomorrow I'll weigh in, hoping for another 2 pounds lost this week but I'll take what I get. My clothes sure don't fit me any better so I still have a long way to go. No, the answer is not to buy bigger clothes, I've done that in the past.
Lin called this morning, wanted to go to the movies but I couldn't leave the house this afternoon, waiting for Don. Instead she came over and we had a nice visit. I got antsy in the afternoon, Don didn't come until 4. Of course it didn't take him long to figure out and solve the problem so that was grand.
We're having snow these days. Predictions are for 6-12 inches in the infamous higher elevations (sometimes that's us) and the western slopes of the mountains (that's us). So far we've only had a couple of inches today. It's supposed to snow all weekend so we may get 4-6 inches, that would be my guess. That's fine with me, I know the friends who are coming next week want a lot of snow so this will please them.
Tomorrow I'll hit the dump and do some laundry, hopefully I'll see Pat & Jim. I wanted to go there this afternoon but couldn't leave the house. Lin and I may go to the movies, or not. Oh I do love this life.
Time to do the dishes. Using water from the tap. Hot water.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Storm: CHECK
The storm came. It started with ice, just enough ice to keep me at home this morning instead of meeting Carol at the gym. I was up at 5, then dozed on the couch until my mother called to check on me. She was having a storm too but hers was a wind storm with a little rain. She's very nervous about wind--her house is in the woods, surrounded by trees and she worries endlessly about having a tree (or two) fall on her house. I guess I could worry about this too but I elect not to.
Anyway I didn't go to the gym in the morning but I did go in the afternoon by myself. I had a couple of things to mail and I wanted some gym time so I drove to AuSable. The roads were nasty, only barely plowed but I got there without incident. I treadmilled for half an hour or so, read a book while I walked. Large print is definitely easier to read but this was a regular print book so I struggled a little bit but managed to read OK. It was wonderful to have the place to myself.
I got behind a snow plow on the way home, picked it up just outside of town. That meant 25 mph for 13 miles but that was OK, it was nice to have a freshly plowed lane to drive in and I was listening to early Neil Young and was going slowly enough to let the dogs hang their heads out the windows. It was fine. When I got home Donny came to plow my driveway (YAY) and I talked to him about hot water (the lack of it, anyway). He's coming on Thursday to see what's up with my water heater. I had called him but he was snowmobiling in Yellowstone, I didn't know when he came back. duh. A phone call, a simple phone call, Elizabeth, that's all it takes. Anyway I'm pretty pleased with myself for asking for his help. I know it's not so much "help" when you're paying someone to fix something but I have this major problem with asking for anything. I'm afraid I see it as a sign of weakness and failure, the need for other people. Well I know I need other people in my life, and I know all too well that I can't take good care of my house, but I just hate asking people for things. Perhaps I could move past this?
Tomorrow I'm meeting Carol at the gym again at 6:30. Will call my mother when I get home from that, then will go to Plattsburgh for lunch with Julie. We ended up with maybe 6" of snow, it's very pretty out there. I actually shoveled a path to the steps on my deck. Easy shoveling.
Anyway I didn't go to the gym in the morning but I did go in the afternoon by myself. I had a couple of things to mail and I wanted some gym time so I drove to AuSable. The roads were nasty, only barely plowed but I got there without incident. I treadmilled for half an hour or so, read a book while I walked. Large print is definitely easier to read but this was a regular print book so I struggled a little bit but managed to read OK. It was wonderful to have the place to myself.
I got behind a snow plow on the way home, picked it up just outside of town. That meant 25 mph for 13 miles but that was OK, it was nice to have a freshly plowed lane to drive in and I was listening to early Neil Young and was going slowly enough to let the dogs hang their heads out the windows. It was fine. When I got home Donny came to plow my driveway (YAY) and I talked to him about hot water (the lack of it, anyway). He's coming on Thursday to see what's up with my water heater. I had called him but he was snowmobiling in Yellowstone, I didn't know when he came back. duh. A phone call, a simple phone call, Elizabeth, that's all it takes. Anyway I'm pretty pleased with myself for asking for his help. I know it's not so much "help" when you're paying someone to fix something but I have this major problem with asking for anything. I'm afraid I see it as a sign of weakness and failure, the need for other people. Well I know I need other people in my life, and I know all too well that I can't take good care of my house, but I just hate asking people for things. Perhaps I could move past this?
Tomorrow I'm meeting Carol at the gym again at 6:30. Will call my mother when I get home from that, then will go to Plattsburgh for lunch with Julie. We ended up with maybe 6" of snow, it's very pretty out there. I actually shoveled a path to the steps on my deck. Easy shoveling.
Monday, January 23, 2017
Storm's a-comin' so WATCH OUT
It's been warm, very warm in the 30's for at least a week (though it feels longer)(maybe it is)(I've lost track) and tonight and tomorrow we're supposed to have a big storm. They're predicting 6-8 inches of heavy wet snow. As we know, all snow is wet so this is not a shocker. Heavy, though, is a drag to shovel and plod through. Temps are supposed to continue to be in the 30's and maybe there will be sleet instead of snow. or not. we don't know. Anyway I postponed my doctor's appointment (post-laser follow up) because I knew in my heart of hearts that I wouldn't want to be driving to Plattsburgh tomorrow morning at 7. I did that for 30 years. I don't mind driving to Plattsburgh once in a while but I sure don't need to do that on bad roads at 7 a.m. any more.
I went to the fitness center again this morning, good for me! I met my friend Carol there at 6:30 and we treadmilled and talked for about an hour. She walks at a perfectly respectable speed, I do not. I walk slowly, very slowly, but it beats sitting on my couch watching TV all morning. We're supposed to meet again tomorrow morning but my attendance will depend on the roads and the weather. There was some black ice this morning, mostly in P&J's driveway, where I slipped and landed SMACK! on my butt. No harm, no foul. Just will be sore tomorrow I bet.
I went to Plattsburgh this morning, had to get meds, do the bank and get some groceries. I'm doing Weight Watchers (successfully) so bought tons of fruit and vegetables for zero points. I do like WW, it's an excellent way for me to monitor what I eat and do some serious portion control. It's easy to do at home, I'm so lucky to be here every day.
The dogs are fine. The birds are very active--they get that way before a storm. They empty the feeder at least once a day and I need a bigger feeder. I have chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, blue jays and an occasional finch. I had a redpoll the other day. I hear a pileated woodpecker often. One year I had a barred owl sitting by the bird feeder for days on end. Earlier this year I had those turkeys at the feeder. Mostly it's a pretty bland bunch of birds I have this year.
I've stocked up on firewood in the house. I have lots of food and supplies. I'm not worried about a snow storm.
I went to the fitness center again this morning, good for me! I met my friend Carol there at 6:30 and we treadmilled and talked for about an hour. She walks at a perfectly respectable speed, I do not. I walk slowly, very slowly, but it beats sitting on my couch watching TV all morning. We're supposed to meet again tomorrow morning but my attendance will depend on the roads and the weather. There was some black ice this morning, mostly in P&J's driveway, where I slipped and landed SMACK! on my butt. No harm, no foul. Just will be sore tomorrow I bet.
I went to Plattsburgh this morning, had to get meds, do the bank and get some groceries. I'm doing Weight Watchers (successfully) so bought tons of fruit and vegetables for zero points. I do like WW, it's an excellent way for me to monitor what I eat and do some serious portion control. It's easy to do at home, I'm so lucky to be here every day.
The dogs are fine. The birds are very active--they get that way before a storm. They empty the feeder at least once a day and I need a bigger feeder. I have chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, blue jays and an occasional finch. I had a redpoll the other day. I hear a pileated woodpecker often. One year I had a barred owl sitting by the bird feeder for days on end. Earlier this year I had those turkeys at the feeder. Mostly it's a pretty bland bunch of birds I have this year.
I've stocked up on firewood in the house. I have lots of food and supplies. I'm not worried about a snow storm.
Friday, January 20, 2017
January 20th, NOTHING on TV
I just want to watch the local news but there's some parade going on and some big fuss about something else. AUGH!!! I didn't watch the inauguration. I watched an Eric Clapton concert that I recorded last year (I could watch that a zillion times), then watched the Blues Brothers movie. That, OK, I don't need to see again. I went to the post office in AuSable to send out the last of Christmas, so it's over, all over.
What I did that was really great today was meet a friend at the fitness center in AuSable at 6:45 this morning and walk on a treadmill for more than half an hour. The 2 other people there were using treadmills at a much faster speed, but I felt good doing what I did. I liked it and only my knees were sore. I can't go very fast because of my asthma but that may change as time goes by. It was nice this morning though I didn't want to get up. My friend is there at 6:30, she works in Lake Placid and goes before work so that's the time to be there with her. That's fine, I like getting up early, but boy is it dark on the roads at 6:15.
It's too warm here, temp now is 30, with a high today of 36. As much as I suffer when it's -10 I'd rather have something akin to normal January weather. There's barely any snow, which again makes me nervous. Snow cover is important--it insulates septic systems and melts into great ground water in my well. No big snow on the horizon, either, maybe a few inches next week.
I have no great or deep philosophical observations about today. I'm afraid of what will happen in the next 4 years, but like my friends the Holts I have just the smallest amount of hope and optimism that something good might happen. Something small, maybe, but something. Let's hope.
What I did that was really great today was meet a friend at the fitness center in AuSable at 6:45 this morning and walk on a treadmill for more than half an hour. The 2 other people there were using treadmills at a much faster speed, but I felt good doing what I did. I liked it and only my knees were sore. I can't go very fast because of my asthma but that may change as time goes by. It was nice this morning though I didn't want to get up. My friend is there at 6:30, she works in Lake Placid and goes before work so that's the time to be there with her. That's fine, I like getting up early, but boy is it dark on the roads at 6:15.
It's too warm here, temp now is 30, with a high today of 36. As much as I suffer when it's -10 I'd rather have something akin to normal January weather. There's barely any snow, which again makes me nervous. Snow cover is important--it insulates septic systems and melts into great ground water in my well. No big snow on the horizon, either, maybe a few inches next week.
I have no great or deep philosophical observations about today. I'm afraid of what will happen in the next 4 years, but like my friends the Holts I have just the smallest amount of hope and optimism that something good might happen. Something small, maybe, but something. Let's hope.
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Way, way pretty sight
It's warm today, 32, which feels too good. Let's get on with this winter, please, so I can get used to it and move on. It's supposed to be warm all week and that's just strange.
Yesterday I went to AuSable and signed up for the fitness center there. Yikes, this is serious. I met a wonderful woman New Years Eve and she goes to the fitness center so we thought maybe we could be gym buddies. So asked her how long she spends there when she goes. "Oh, I do about half an hour of cardio, then 15 minutes of something else." Oh. My. I was thinking of an easy 20 minutes on the treadmill. Well maybe she'll actually help me do something that might make a difference. At any rate, I'm hoping to take advantage of this and make my $40 a month investment actually be worth it. AuSable is 13 miles from my house so it's not too far--not far enough for me to say "it's such a long drive." Most people would suggest that I could just walk IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD (yes, Joe, you're right), but since I'm not doing that I thought I'd try this. Why do something that's free if you can pay for it?
Tomorrow I go to Plattsburgh for a car appointment. Today I go to Plattsburgh for lunch with Julie. I'll stop at the dump on the way. I'll buy lemons in town, I like lemons in my water at night (we all have our oddities). It's pretty certain that I'll get more than lemons at the grocery store.
Life is good. Very good.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Still not hot, yet
I don't fully understand why I allow myself to live like this, over and over. I still don't have hot water, the breaker for the water heater made a terrible noise so I shut it off and walked away. So it's been days. I shower and do laundry at the Holts, I cook water to wash the dishes, I wash my face in cold water (that's what Paul Newman did anyway, even when he had access to hot water, so let's pretend that's a beauty secret). I'm waiting for...for what? well, for my money to come, first of all. I could call someone and set it up but who would I call? I'm going to talk to Marylou about electricians in the area, maybe she'll have a magic answer for me, someone wonderful and available. Oh wait, if they're wonderful they're not available. I have to solve this problem within the next 2 weeks because the Holts are coming at the first of next month and I refuse to shower at their house while they're in residence. I do have my limits.
It was a pretty quiet week for the most part. Two trips to Plattsburgh, two dump runs and one day spent in Hawkeye and only Hawkeye. I had lunch with Julie and lunch with Barb this week, went to a meeting of the cemetery association (where I declined an offer to be trustee). I've been gently and gradually cleaning the house--book group meets here tomorrow night. Today was a day off, though, and after going to the dump I went to Keene to meet Julie. We spent most of the day visiting, first over coffee, then we decided we were hungry so went out for lunch. We do know how to entertain each other and always laugh a lot. Even in the face of our trials and tribulations (of which she has plenty and I have a mere few).
The cat is in residence but limits his prowling to the upstairs. We've made progress--he looked me in the eye yesterday, then walked (not ran) away. He's made the connection between the Old Woman and food so he's much more tolerant of me. He wants nothing to do with the dogs but they are fascinated by his presence, and especially his food, which passes by them every day as I take it upstairs. Oh they want that canned food! I can't find him in the master bedroom but make him come out into the open to eat, moving the dish closer to the stairs every now & then.
It was -5 this morning and my house just would not warm up. Well duh I forgot to turn the heat in the kitchen back on. I'd shut off the heat during our 40-degree days this week. It rained and rained then froze and froze. Lots of thick ice in driveways and on lawns now but my plow man has sanded at least twice here so my driveway is good for walking and carrying firewood across. Whew.
Tomorrow I'll vacuum and clean the bathroom and make some treats for dessert (probably) and finish the book group book. I think I'm still in denial about what happens to this country on January 20th. I prefer to ignore the whole thing.
It was a pretty quiet week for the most part. Two trips to Plattsburgh, two dump runs and one day spent in Hawkeye and only Hawkeye. I had lunch with Julie and lunch with Barb this week, went to a meeting of the cemetery association (where I declined an offer to be trustee). I've been gently and gradually cleaning the house--book group meets here tomorrow night. Today was a day off, though, and after going to the dump I went to Keene to meet Julie. We spent most of the day visiting, first over coffee, then we decided we were hungry so went out for lunch. We do know how to entertain each other and always laugh a lot. Even in the face of our trials and tribulations (of which she has plenty and I have a mere few).
The cat is in residence but limits his prowling to the upstairs. We've made progress--he looked me in the eye yesterday, then walked (not ran) away. He's made the connection between the Old Woman and food so he's much more tolerant of me. He wants nothing to do with the dogs but they are fascinated by his presence, and especially his food, which passes by them every day as I take it upstairs. Oh they want that canned food! I can't find him in the master bedroom but make him come out into the open to eat, moving the dish closer to the stairs every now & then.
It was -5 this morning and my house just would not warm up. Well duh I forgot to turn the heat in the kitchen back on. I'd shut off the heat during our 40-degree days this week. It rained and rained then froze and froze. Lots of thick ice in driveways and on lawns now but my plow man has sanded at least twice here so my driveway is good for walking and carrying firewood across. Whew.
Tomorrow I'll vacuum and clean the bathroom and make some treats for dessert (probably) and finish the book group book. I think I'm still in denial about what happens to this country on January 20th. I prefer to ignore the whole thing.
Thursday, January 12, 2017
The Curse of 58OHR
Boy there's always something going on with this house--now it's the hot water. There isn't any. I thought it was the hot water heater (that's redundant, unless there's a cold water heater) but then I shut off the breaker for the heater and when I turned it back on it made the most awful crackling noise, so maybe it's the breaker. There's another breaker that doesn't work in that panel (the 220 panel) so this may be a bigger problem. But I think that would be a cheaper problem to fix than buying and installing a new heater. But what do I know? Anyway I have to ask around to find an electrician. I've got a plumber now but don't know an electrician to call. Soon I suppose I'll need a roofer. And a contractor. And what? Someone for everything. Oh I love being a homeowner, especially in an owner-built home.
Anyway, not having hot water isn't the worst thing--not having WATER is worse and that's not my problem right now. Whew!
I haven't been doing a lot lately, though I did go to Plattsburgh twice this week. I went on Tuesday for a haircut, grocery shopping and mostly to have lunch with Barb. Yesterday I went to have lunch with Julie. Today I'm not going anywhere, I hope. It's shower and laundry day at the Holts. I have a few loads of wash to do and will take a nice hot shower down there.
The big news at 58OHR is the arrival of a cat. Here kitty kitty. I went to Julie's on Saturday and picked up Loppy, a huge male black cat. Poor Loppy, he is not very happy here. He went from the cat carrier to the kitchen cupboard and sat in a muffin tin for a few hours. I finally dragged him out of there and carried his rigor-like body upstairs. Now he lives there. I feed him there and his liter box is there and he has shown himself twice, briefly, very briefly. He does not like the dogs, who are fascinated by him (which is why he doesn't like them I'm sure) and he's not very fond of me. I made a huge mistake by not blocking off the master bedroom, so he has hiding places galore. I can't find him in that room. It's no longer a bedroom, has been a storage unit for years now. Boxes, plastic tubs, suitcases, tools, Christmas stuff, 3 bureaus, books, clothes--lots and lots of stuff. And many places, apparently, for a huge black cat to hide. Will he ever come downstairs voluntarily? Who knows, but he's a very nice and gentle cat. We'll work something out.
Anyway, not having hot water isn't the worst thing--not having WATER is worse and that's not my problem right now. Whew!
I haven't been doing a lot lately, though I did go to Plattsburgh twice this week. I went on Tuesday for a haircut, grocery shopping and mostly to have lunch with Barb. Yesterday I went to have lunch with Julie. Today I'm not going anywhere, I hope. It's shower and laundry day at the Holts. I have a few loads of wash to do and will take a nice hot shower down there.
The big news at 58OHR is the arrival of a cat. Here kitty kitty. I went to Julie's on Saturday and picked up Loppy, a huge male black cat. Poor Loppy, he is not very happy here. He went from the cat carrier to the kitchen cupboard and sat in a muffin tin for a few hours. I finally dragged him out of there and carried his rigor-like body upstairs. Now he lives there. I feed him there and his liter box is there and he has shown himself twice, briefly, very briefly. He does not like the dogs, who are fascinated by him (which is why he doesn't like them I'm sure) and he's not very fond of me. I made a huge mistake by not blocking off the master bedroom, so he has hiding places galore. I can't find him in that room. It's no longer a bedroom, has been a storage unit for years now. Boxes, plastic tubs, suitcases, tools, Christmas stuff, 3 bureaus, books, clothes--lots and lots of stuff. And many places, apparently, for a huge black cat to hide. Will he ever come downstairs voluntarily? Who knows, but he's a very nice and gentle cat. We'll work something out.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)