To look into the early morning night sky is to marvel at and be lost in the vast beauty of what we know as “our Universe.” The waning crescent moon, just rising in the east, anchors thoughts and lends intimacy to the velvet night. As the sky transitions to day, colors soften and my range of vision returns to earth and familiar objects and routines. But the holiness of the night lingers in a corner of my mind and when I shut my eyes I am still and always together with The Universe and “a part from.”
Archive for the ‘1080 30th St Dr’ Category
Intimate Vastness
Posted in 1080 30th St Dr, Reflections, Sense of place, tagged Intimacy, Sky on February 6, 2013 | Leave a Comment »
A Drifty, Wintry Day
Posted in 1080 30th St Dr, Squirrels, winter 2012 on February 10, 2012 | 2 Comments »
Lunch in Crotch of a Tree
Finally usual winter weather in temperatures and cloud cover. Although for that matter, these past two weeks have been more like growing up in New England and living in Moscow, ID, the one winter. Long stretches of grey days that meld into one another.
Watching the squirrels has been entertaining to say the least. They are quite fat as viewers can see.
New Year’s Day 2012
Posted in 1080 30th St Dr, Journaling, Reflections on January 1, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
Perhaps an attempt at regular entries into the journal. I keep up the Labyrinth blog quite well. We’ll see. Blustery weather blew in overnight. Stars out in the morning were soon swept away as low level clouds rushed in from the northwest. The bunnies were sketched out with the wind. Chickens wanted out. Birds blew off the birdfeeders and the fat squirrels hunkered down. A dove and yellow-shafted flicker.
Rich and I walked the upper portion of the Sac and Fox as he does the vestibular exercises to rid the lingering effects of vertigo. I am vibrating at a higher frequency and sending Reiki to various people in need. Very clear “wake-dream” ‘You have an important job to do.” Then something like, “Talk with them.” Then, the powerful knowing was gone. So, OK. Hmmmm. Be open. I am in a different place and the labyrinth and Reiki have helped.
Friends over last night for an indoor New Year’s Eve wiener roast. Not the indiscreet congressman, but the “dog” food.
R to the Fourth Power!
Posted in 1080 30th St Dr, Labyrinth on November 26, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Wind
Posted in 1080 30th St Dr, Autumn, Faith, Hiking, Learning from living on September 29, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Not many creatures like the wind. The bunnies get totally sketched out, the chickens come inside, turkeys vanished and even the English sparrows have given up feeding. One exception is the downy woodpecker hanging on to the swinging suet. Nice color has fallen. An odd day, indeed.
I will say, though, that in late afternoon I decided to walk in the wild, windy woods and what a great time I had! leaves falling, and walnuts, too. Ouch! Deer skittish and ran off. Some nice bucks. I found a delicate feather from perhaps a heron near the creek and then a treasure trove of turkey feathers under the trees where they roost. Such fun picking them up and thinking of the people with whom I plan to share them. On to the eagle nest, which is surprisingly hard to find. On the way back I picked up an owl pellet I will get to Amy for her children. Perhaps the wind blew some of the yucky stuff from me that is sticking from the “mean girl” group and all their issues. I am working so hard at resolution. Too bad that when people themselves are stressed they often turn on another instead of all pulling together.
But the day was a good one. Positive. Productive. Some humor. Thank you Universe.
1080 Labyrinth
Posted in 1080 30th St Dr, Labyrinth, tagged 1080, Labyrinth, Projects on August 2, 2011 | 2 Comments »
View from East Bedroom window, shows the expanse Rich mowed occasionally and the path we had made walking to the magnolia tree. The plan for a more creative use formed from this."
“1080 – Three revolutions,” stated Richard matter-of-factly. So, the labyrinth has taken its name from this astute observation of the relationship of our address and math. Thanks to Richard of Denville.
We moved into our new home March 2010 and watched for the better part of the year how we moved through our spaces. We knew we didn’t want to mow the entire yard – that is a waste to us. But, I do have to say, after a season of mowing that straight up mowing is waaaayyyy easier than doing the curves of the labyrinth!
While in NJ, I studied the Holdford’s Labyrinth. I sent dimensions to Richard and explained how I wanted the magnolia tree to be the focal point. He replied with excellent directions on solving the issues inherent with a large central point. I keep a fairly regular blog about The 1080 Laughing Labyrinth.
I bought lilies from Kramer’s Flower Farm in the autumn after visiting the East and asked friends and gardening family members if they would share plants when they were splitting plants for the fall. The ground out front is clay. Digging after a rain is hard because the soil is heavy and slick. Sticks to your boots. But, I will say that I grow about 3″ because of all the mud clinging to the bottoms of my boots! When the ground is dry it is like cement. So, planting 75+ lilies was not an easy task. I drove myself hard to beat the impending frost and before foot surgery would lay me up. And, I did it!
By winter we scattered seeds weighted down with sand on the snow. The border I simply broadcast the seeds. But within the labyrinth, I carefully followed the marked borders. And, I have to say I did pretty well. This summer I have moved some of the seedlings where they grew into the pathway. But overall, things look good. We must have had enormous quantities of Maximilian Sunflower because they are sprouting like crazy and will be terrific in late summer/early fall bloom.
I registered with The Labyrinth Society and had a modest walk on Labyrinth Day. Now I am planning to connect organizations and people with Sandi Ohlen of Rapid City, SD, who does labyrinth workshops. How cool will that be to have her here with Kim Norby who, with her husband, Thom, makes fabulous pottery?! I’d like to get prairie patterns (our writing business name) designed and on their wares.
The other day I learned that Regis Middle School in Cedar Rapids has a labyrinth. So, after talking with the Principal whom we met
Kristina contemplating the Prairie Woods Labyrinth
in the Black Hills on a cave tour, I walked it. Very sweet place. And, of course, Prairie Woods in Hiawatha, IA, has a lovely labyrinth complete with a deep sounding bell to signify when one enters and leaves the labyrinth. So, that makes three that I know of. I put a query out on FB of others in the area. What I foresee is a workshop with several sponsors and then a progressive tour and walks through local labyrinths – outdoor and indoor ones.
One of my projects. So, one can best keep with with the “1080 Laughing Labyrinth” at this link. So named because the children laugh so much when they do their “contemplative version” of moving through the labyrinth.
Protected: Changeover Week. July 18 – 24, 2010
Posted in 1080 30th St Dr, Astronomy, Friends, summer, Uncategorized on July 18, 2010 |
Week Five – July 11 through July 17
Posted in 1080 30th St Dr, Around Home, family on July 11, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Saturday, July 17 – Yeah! Deck finished! One more major project and then done for a while. Hot, but the car kept Carol Gorman and me cool to and from IC for the Book City Festival. She guided me right in to a great parking place. “I grew up in IC, remember?” And, as we headed down the hill toward the River, I asked/said, “This is the hill that Chelsea and the Green Haired Kid rode down, isn’t it?” How did I know that?
As we entered Shambuagh Auditorium, I heard my name and turned to see Sarah Patterson (joke about her being my daughter from church connections) and the Cutsforths behind us. Earlier this week I mentioned thinking I am invisible. Yeah, right. Especially when during Lamaze days you met up with a family you had taught in the O’Hare airport – the general big part, not the “bound-for-CR part.” Invisible indeed.
Audrey Niffenegger , author of Time Traveler’s Wife, was an interesting speaker.
After her talk
Low key, but with some funny lines. Dressed in black, stunning auburn/Celtic red hair. Skeletons were her passion as a kid and her website has an odd junction of a skeleton and a red-headed “Godiva” (her?). Was trained as a visual artist.
Some quotes/paraphrases: In her new book, Her Fearful Symmetry, The character dies in the first sentence. “That is a speed record even for me.” Quite a fascinating introduction that she read, so I will pick it up.
The intersection of reality and imagination. Must anchor story in a real setting so people identify. And, as Carol and I talked on the way down, meaningful observation to details. Audrey referred to the Newbery Library. Same one where Emma works and where Sarah Nelson will spend time at this summer?
Highgate Cemetery is pretty wild to look at and “enter.” Part of her story.
In graphic novels the artist leaves “spaces” for the reader to supply information and use imagination. Balance a work of art with joy and sadness. Be conscious and present. (Good motto to live by).
When choosing a project think of what experience you can have associated with it. Rich and I do this with writing. What can we do when visiting areas? With a given topic what else is out there of interest?
Six degrees of separation. On the way down, Carol spoke of how she revises and sometimes says, “Oh, the reader does not need to know that.” (Too much detail.) I inserted, like Tolstoy and Anna Karenina? She laughed. Boy we all read these books in high school and the tedious detail. Yikes! But, lovely stories. So, Audrey referenced this exact author and book in her speech. Wow! Was our conversation, “Foreshadowing”?
When asked how she writes, she quipped, “I am Sister Chaos.”
“You get to a different place when you do it slow.” She allows herself to be “taken in a new direction.” Sometimes her writing “got wiggier and wiggier.” Great phrase!
When asked what she is working on now, she shared that she has been on tour for nine months, “So I am working on getting on planes.” 
Carol and I were pretty starved at the end, so we went to a small cafe to eat and talk more. Her courses at Coe College in gender issues, her writing, my love of Idaho, Dan’s work in NYC. Then, at her home, views of the Rose of Sharon Tree. So wonderful to connect again, although too rarely, with such a dear person.
So, this is the end of the first half of summer break. “Change-over” is what we called it at camp. First half campers went home and second half arrived. The rest of the summer takes on a different format and feel. Busy but has been enjoyable so far.
Friday, July 16 – Oh, my did my shoulder ever hurt last night after using the crack filler for the drive because I press on the jug and bend over and the muscles all tighten and stay that way. So, after one ibuprofen and then a second, I took two more. By then I was loopy but could sleep. Cortisone shot and massage, but not in that area as the medicine acts like “meat tenderizer.” So Joan worked the neck, arm and back away from the shot. Let’s hope this and physical therapy work. Slow going. Painted deck with primer. Tomorrow before IC I’ll put on a top coat of paint. Yes, lots to do and now is the time to do things – time and weather in my favor. So, that is the way things are.
IC with Carol G should be fun to see the author of the Time Traveler’s Wife and Jane Smiley.
Hummingbirds sure slurp up the nectar and are not intimidated by the sander or people at all. Carolina Wrens making nest in my Swedish Ivy.
Lilies are happy and I have a picture in mind of the entrance to Sand Ridge . Also, the labyrinth is forming much more clearly in my mind.
Sauna time helps with clearing the mind and with letting ideas take form.
Thursday, July 15 – busy again with house projects. Used the crack filler on drive. wow! does that impact my arm and shoulder. Painted the living room trim. Have decided that friends and chocolate are similar. wonderful, refreshing, exhilarating at times, and too much too often is too much.
Thinking of the labyrinth out front and getting very excited.
Wednesday, July 14 – Wow! A Kansas summer day – strong south winds – but with humidity. Yuck! Worked early on the drive, did sauna – good down time, although I didn’t need to sweat anymore; went to Kramer’s Flower Farm and looked at their fabulous lilies. Came across three “must haves.” Basically, when I do anything I think of people who might enjoy the activity or who just come to mind. i.e. When I pass the sunflowers in the crack on 29th St SE I think of Mom who so enjoyed the sunflowers growing in the patio crack in Kennewick. When, I see the pretty yellow waterlily I think of Anne S. who has a good eye and camera for pictures. Galena brought to mind the Chicklets and things they like, even a funny statue for Rich he would enjoy. Today, Dave explained the names of the lilies and pointed out “Malachai.” Well, I know a little guy named Malachai whose birthday is in two weeks. So, I bought a lily and got it to his mom, who I had at KCC as a student. Then, Dave pointed out a pretty one, saying Sue really liked these when she sees them at Burger King. So, he said, “Steal one.” Well she found them legitimately so she didn’t have to. But, they call the lily, whose real name is “Pardon Me” “Burger King.” I thought of LS who buys a pop and fries there and where I find interesting rocks. She of the vegetarian mode. Then, Dave introduced me to “Cinnamon Roll.” Well, between the two – Burger King and Cinnamon Roll, which is LS favorite food, I think, I decided to get one each.
Her husband, JG, once said, “When I found out she was vegetarian, I thought she ate healthy food.” I replied that was my impression, too. Then, we both learned at different times of course, she loves junky food! Well, this cinnamon roll she can look at and JG can enjoy the Burger King. Well, Pardon Me.
Visited scout camp today. Hot but a great tour!
Tuesday, July 13 – Nicer day for weather. Got ready for staff/board picnic. What a nice group of people came! The kids had fun watching and feeding the chickens and were amazed at how Summer Bunny and Jumping Bean tag-team the digging project. Colton measured the tunnel and figured it goes under the fence. If they dig up, we are in trouble as they will escape. Tamara and Margaret commented about the movie Chicken Run and how we should make Chicken Run II where the chickens and rabbits team up to escape!
Pulled weeds from the cracks in the drive in preparation for sweeping and applying the filler in the cracks.
Physical Therapy working on the shoulder. Mary Beth at Sisters helps to stretch the joint. Gettin’ there.
Monday, July 12 – Oh ennui! Muggy, foggy, like a New England day. A sudden downpour dropped four inches at our house. My poor herb garden is drowned. I did exercise, set up saunas for the next several days, did
P.T. and didn’t cry after from hurting. Then, made pies for tomorrow, organized downstairs and found some wonderful rocks that I didn’t realize were in the boxes from Mom. Oh, well, there will be another time for geology. Wow, I am really tired, though, so I napped, read. Later Rich and I went to the welcoming of Abby ? (didn’t get the last name) of Cultural Allianace at Cedar Ridge Winery. Quite nice.
Rich is disgusted that Sunland area SE near Indian Creek maneuvered to have a dike put in. More water will be sent faster downstream. No care for communal action. It’s all about “me.”
This picture above elicits the poem by Carl Sandburg, “Fog.”
THE fog comes
on little cat feet.
It sits looking
over harbor and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.
Sunday, July 11. Sluggish day. Hard to breathe. No O2 I am sure of it. Slo Mo cleaning, but it is done. The mystery I am reading is too scary for me. Maybe I’ll forgo the rest and get into something less stressful. I would be a good “Cowardly Lion” in Wizard of Oz. Later neighbors with four little kids came by to see the chickens and bunnies. Nice family.
Adele called. This is a hard week. Frank died two years ago on the 8th, his first wife many years ago on the 14th, and Mom three years ago on the 16th. Then, she had to put down her little dog, Lexie, last year in July. A new generation of children is coming along, and remembering our elders is important and more, their lives and how they influenced us.
A sudden rain that last an hour and a half, cleared the air. Hummingbirds and turkeys are back foraging.
While shopping, S. at customer service stopped me and said, “Since it is quiet here, I am going to tell you a story.” Then, she relayed how we know each other going way back to Gayla and Mike Newmeister days! I guess we went to their house to check her out for a sitter. “I hope you passed muster,” I exclaimed, quite embarrassed. “Oh yes.” And, I always think I am so invisible. But, so many people seem to know me and have run into me. Yikes!
I heard the Owl call my name last night. Hmmm. Wasn’t LS But, I recall hearing a thrush a few days before Mom died while up in the incredible mountains of Wyoming. It was almost like that. Or I am imagining because I am thinking of her.
Week Four – July Fourth through the 10th
Posted in 1080 30th St Dr, Around Home, bunnies, Fourth of July, Frank and Mom, Friends, house, Summer Sorties 2010 on July 4, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
success!
July 10 – day dawned nicely. I headed out to Galena, IL, about 8:10. Nice to be on the road. Shopped Poopsies while waiting for Sue Hrobar to come. Something about a long time friend that eases visiting.
How do we get lost in small towns? We had to move the cars after three hours and agreed to meet in the parking lot across the bridge. So, we parted and off we went. Twenty minutes later, I called on the cell phone. “Where are you?” “On the bridge.” “I don’t see you.” “I’m in the shade.” “Near the couple dressed in red?” “No. There is no one else on the bridge.” “Which bridge?” “The footbridge.” “Oh.” Well, we got it figured out, but this is a pattern – city chicks getting “lost” in small towns.” Ha to us! So, off for gelato. Skunked again, so the Great American Popcorn Store got our business, two years running.
July 9 – milder day. Quite off, though. Headache that persisted. Later OK. Reminder – when volunteering to take notes, choose where you sit carefully and stay away from fire! as I eased myself to the floor, notebook in hand, Rev. Tom assured me that he could light the chalice easily. Saying so, I heard a whoosh, “Ohhh!” from several people, and felt Tom flapping at my hair with a quiet, “Ooopps.” Yikes!
Saw the Space shuttle go over. Fun!
July 8 -A fine day and quite busy. I happened upon thirteen free bags of mulch so at 7 a.m. decked in my
Crowd assembles
cool pink wellies and work clothes, I loaded them up and unloaded them before heading off to exercise. Like I haven’t already done that! Cooler today. Nice visit with Sandy T. who I see occasionally at Sisters. She has quite the schedule but finds time to visit, exercise, and care for her aging mother, as well as manage the home and family. Phew!
Off to IC with LS for a down and dirty visit to the New Pi coop and see John’s Grocery for the first time ever. Now, how many times have I driven past and said, “I really want to stop in.” Moral of the story is, DO IT! We went by one of LS former residences in a trailer court. Reminds me of how I used to go with Mom when she wanted to tour Waltham, MA, to see the old haunts. Very nice to have a “shotgun” along, even though we just visited the day before. We have interesting conversations. She certainly has sharp eyes, too. I about drove off the road when she shouted out about a cow she saw. A statue on the back of a truck going north on the Interstate. I was glancing at the flooded fields and had just heard a NPR report on how far a car travels in a few seconds at high speeds – a football field which is 300 feet. I thought we were in danger, but it was only a cow! Good grief and good thing. In spite of the scare, I value her friendship and help especially this past winter-spring. And, today was good to have a friend along.
Afternoon I spread the mulch, cleaned up and rested some. Read the rest of “Midsummer Night’s Dream” so I was up to speed on the plot, language and outcome from our having performed it in high school!
Thought of the Perraults and tried to reach Adele, but she does not have an answering machine. She will see the missed call, though and know I tried to get her. Today is the second anniversary of Frank’s death. Mom’s third anniversary is the 16th and somewhere in here is when Ginny, Frank’s first wife, died. She and Mom were long time friends. I’ll tell the story sometime.
Tonight was opening of Midsummer Night’s Dream. See Facebook for video ofJim Kern talking to Dan with audience in back. Very fun play and I think one of the actresses is the daughter of a couple I had in Lamaze classes back when.
A satisfying day over all, even with the nostalgia.
July 7 – Lots done today – mulch, a professional who looked at my stained glass and said just clean it up. 
No ammonia. Use Sprayway. More plastic crates for my crazy rocks! Then, a respite with LS as we had lunch at Olive Garden, thanks to a coupon from a family; B and N where we bumped into Mary Beth from Sisters. She graciously said I had “earned” the Godiva Chocolate cake. Nice lady! Saw about everyone from B/N I know and who knows Dan. Looked at Wicked and then went to Half Priced Books to get some items. And, guitar strings for LS guitar. Then, home again, home again jiggity jig. Short nap (well, after how many cups of coffee? Let’s not go there) Lots of energy to put down the mulch, which doesn’t go far.
Rich cooked outside to keep heat out of the house and because he wanted to use the Coleman stove. Clouds. Tons of rain in Waterloo area so the Rive will be up. Have to check when it comes up. We have found eight to ten days. Library later. Now checking emails. Next read and sleep. Very humid. Tomorrow IC for a down and dirty trip for a few items and then, the play!
July 6 – Goodness. Gravity really had hold of me today! Even though I accomplished tasks, I took four naps in between these activities. And, I slept each time and did at night, too. Reading A Midsummer Night’s Dream is quite amusing so I am looking forward to the play Thursday. I have yogurt cheese pie ready, some wine, some chips…oh, better get utensils, napkins….OK…. At Sisters Health Club is a “No SAG RAGBRAI contest. Each time we exercise we earn “25 miles” along the route of this year’s RAGBRAI. The first person to reach the eastern terminus wins a prize. People write their names on sticky notes and move them as they earn miles. So, honest one that I am, I just wrote my name on a sticky and placed it at the end. Someone wondered how it was that someone had already got to the end. Mary Beth looked, saw my name, and commented, “Oh, that Manny.” I assured them all that not only do I cheat, but I also lie. A “sister” quipped, “Are you sure about that?” Good jokes there and good people.
Enough with the rain and humidity. We have a hummingbird family that visits the feeder. Cool.
July 5 – Occasionally we would get a day like this in Kansas. Cool temperatures, rain, a close cozy sense that sent me nostalgically home to New England. Strong “Italian” instincts took over and I would make a foray in the grocery store for ricotta, mozzarella, and ingredients for home-made marinara sauce and by the end of the afternoon have a luscious lasagna ready. Today we planted the fabulous prairie plants from the Kramer’s Flower Farm, and four small spruces and some on-sale flowers from Lowes. Then, as the rain started in earnest, we cleaned up, napped, and have done indoor activities.
Now, I think I will adjourn for another nap.
Decked out for the Fourth
But, first, see the pies Nancy made for the Fourth of July. The yogurt cheese pies were favorites all summer at our house. Cool, easy to make and a blast to decorate. I got her started, but she has taken the designs over the top. You go, Nancy!
July 4 – A variable day, today with high winds, clouds. One friend termed this Holiday, “forced socialization.” True that. While I like visiting, sometimes when we only visit on these major Holidays then, it feels awkward.
Meanwhile, more projects getting finished. And, some rest in between. I am tuckered out. Shoulder feels dreadful.
Bunnies have been able to be out each day early. They dig and get covered with sand and within an hour, they are all clean again, stretched out and resting.
Thinking a lot of Mom, Frank and Ginny this week that marks the anniversaries of their deaths. A new generation of Perraults is being born. LeAnn keeps me up to date that way. Would like a trip west, again.
Nancy called to wish us a “Happy Fourth.” She and Brian are off to potlucks and shoot off firecrackers.
Week Three Begins: June 27 through July 3
Posted in 1080 30th St Dr, Cedar Rapids, Friends, Rich, summer, Uncategorized on June 27, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
True Friends
Go to the bottom of each day to read a new day. Last week was “bass ackwards” this is just “awkward” to find the right date!
How wonderful to included in the continuing friendships, to learn about our adult children’s lives and to encourage them as they seek their way.
After breakfast they took off for the day to shop, eat at favorite Zoey’s and just renew bonds. Then, they came to the house and toured. So fun to see them interact as adults but also as the long time friends they are. Stories I didn’t know, like playing with the Brio trains on Grandpa Fellows’ rug and wondering if they should play in Dan’s Spy Center upstairs in the attic at 1511. They signed the table cloth together along the drive.
Watched, “The Fantastic Mr. Fox” a cartoon version of a funny flick with George Clooney’s voice.
Another storm roared in this morning and dropped a lot of rain, again. Then, the wind shifted to the west and the air cleared for the flight out at 12:45 p.m. We had a nice breakfast, did some computer work, hung Grandma Fellows’ rug over the bed to complement the picture by Great-Granny Alcock of New Boston, NH, talked in the cabin and then, off to the airport for a little visiting and the transition to “back to normal.” Napped a bit, took in Sue Kramer’s party, and now back home. Looking at the pictures that Michael’s framed, which are gorgeous! And, more than a little crying as the familiar sense of loss that comes with this transition takes over for a while. It’ll be OK.
Tuesday: What wonderful weather today! north wind, cool, breezy. Washed the front windows from the roof today. Rather cool to do. Appointments – one was getting my credentials in for lane change. The others proved positive, which is a relief. Took the stained glass up to Tina’s who showed me her absolutely fabulous yard with lilies, shrubs, native grasses and forbs, the toad who is rather enormous. She advised on getting it renovated and offered, should the price be too great, to refurbish it. A great visit. After supper Rich and I water proofed the deck. I have tools and paint for the porch, so will get to that and finish the upper story windows.
Finished Glass Castles, Jeannette Walls. An interesting read.
One more day of applying the caustic cream as a first step in ridding actinic kerotosis. Hope it works.
Tuesday, June 29. Another day without rain! Wow! Another two windows finished. Three to go! They are so hard to do because the frames, cracks and crevices have not been cleaned in eons of time and are absolutely filthy. Then, I sanded the porch and deck posts, applied the rest of the sealer and later put primer on the porch and deck posts. Tomorrow on to painting them.
Excellent program on preventing skin cancer and I saw many people I know there. the young doctor is one I had an appointment with, but was able to get into the plastic surgeon first. This doctor said the cream is excellent for pre-cancerous skin conditions. Let’s hope so.
Nancy is back safe and sound and so we begin to transition into parents without kids around, again.
Wednesday: Another gorgeous, sunny,mild day. Lows were in the mid-50s in the early a.m. I kept the house closed and it never got above 68! If this were winter, we’d complain and “freeze.”
Finished the windows! Hooray! Wow! Were they ever a mess. Hanging out the windows I noticed all the gunk that had dripped down from storms, but…I closed my eyes to that and said, “manana” (with the accent mark). And, Wendy, the massage therapist, wisely admonished, “Hire that one out, Marion. Power washers, cherry pickers. Don’t you try to wash the outside yourself.”
I am a mass of bruises from all this silly activity – washing windows, carrying ladders and I also know that the ibuprofen and extra fish oil contribute. Boo to that.
The deck is water sealed and the posts painted. The front porch is underway. My pictures are framed and are “wandering” around the house figuring out where they want to live.
The left shoulder is “getting there” with physical therapy.
OK, now to watch, “The Men Who Stare At Goats.” I guess I like Netflix. Now to get the 21st Century TV and adaptor to watch movies, “on demand” and not in front of a computer screen.
Thursday, July 1
What a whopper!
Another gorgeous day! I painted some of the front porch – quite tedious. Later LS dropped by with the truck and off we went to investigate places that refurbish “stuff.” She has an old bench that is about as shot as can be. But….First it helps to verify that a business exists in the spot listed. The building was empty. Also, give the correct information about where we are going – like the name of the place, the street number….Well, we wandered around and finally ended up at Borst. If she had just said so in the first place….OK, OK. Next to Chadimas which has moved to Higley. Well, the person who could give an estimate was “out to lunch.” Then, to Belkins, on Mt. Vernon Rd, which was closed. For Pete’s Sake! By now we are starved and I cannot get the blood sugar up from earlier in the morning and my shoulder really hurt from therapy and poor sleep last night. OK, OK. Then, Parlour City was WAY TOO LOUD! and I about lost it just coming into the building. The Vietnamese place was closed for vacation. That is how her week has gone. And, since LS wanted to be in control, my suggestions fell by the wayside. But, a good thing, is that we stopped at a garage sale on 29th St Dr. and found a “big ‘ole fish!” So, that became a prop for Rich’s b-day party tonight.
I rested some in the afternoon. Well, not really. Hair appointment and Toyota check up. Then, off to a sale on Red Fox Rd. and I saw a pretty Birdseye maple dresser. I’ll call Friday and see if I can pick it up. Really sweet.
We had just corn for supper as it is just now in. About once in seven or eight years it is ready for R’s B-day. Nice to have a small group over to chat and see the house. Good people, all. I value them.
Back to painting tomorrow.
Friday and Saturday – Wow! Paint…Paint…Paint. Almost done. Ooohhh bruises, paint in my hair, all over me. The end of our really nice weather is upon us. So, we are scrambling to get these projects done. We induleged in Bob Anderson’s “Sixth Glass” ale. Wow! Sock it to us. Early to bed.
Saturday after painting we rested and cleaned up and went to Davises’ for dinner. Nice to catch up with people. They confirmed what we have observed – people may want to have folks over, but so often they just don’t get it done. “You are always so good about inviting people over.” Well, like the Godfather’s pizza ad advocates – ‘Just do it!’ Very nice night.
Can week three of break be over!? Nancy, Tom and Mary called from a rodeo in Bozeman. Lucky ducks.
Recent PostsCategories
Pages
Recent Comments
jenion on From “Words Under The Wo… marionpatterson on Adventures in New Mexico jenion on Adventures in New Mexico marionpatterson on A Drifty, Wintry Day Trevon on A Drifty, Wintry Day Category Cloud
Most Popular
- None
Calendar
Search
Meta
-
Recent Posts
Flickr Photos
More Photos
