Leap Day

Interesting facts about Feb. 29:

In Ireland, today is considered a permissible day for women to propose to men because of a deal St. Bridget made with St. Patrick “to bring some balance to the traditional roles of men and women.”

In some other European countries, if a man refuses a lass’ proposal, he must award the “jilted woman” a meal, a gift or “buy her a dozen gloves to cover up her ringless fingers.

Don’t get married in Greece today. It’s considered unlucky.

Your chances of being born on February 29 are about 1 in 1,461 and about 4 million-5 million people around the world only celebrate their birthdays every four years.

The day can cause problems for people with the 2/29 birthday because many online systems don’t recognize it. Most “leaplings” choose to celebrate on either February 28 or March 1. However, many states make them wait until March 1 to be considered “legal” to purchase alcohol or tobacco or to obtain drivers’ licenses.

If I'm still around in 2016 to see another Leap Day, I'll be in my mid 70's. 

I finally pieced together all my  school blog posts that I thought I could use, and cut and pasted then onto the main first draft of my book.  Now I'll edit and edit again as I decide what stays in and what gets put where.  Going to make a folder of pictures I want to use too.  All fun stuff.  I really need, though, to pace myself. I spent entirely too much time on this laptop yesterday.  Like over 8 hours.  I might as well be working again.  No. What am I saying?!

I never take my retirement for granted. I love love love that I can get up when I want, dress how I want, eat when I want, and settle down in front of the computer to surf around and see what's new.  I was made for this lifestyle.  Ha!

I was thinking about the title for this book when I realized 'Be True to your School' was already a book title. And I was right.  Bob Greene wrote his in 1987.  He  had kept a diary in 1964 when he was a teenager and he used these notes to put together a very interesting read.  I checked it out at the library yesterday and started it last night.   I'm lovin' it!  I also checked out "Fraternity: A journey in search of Five Presidents" that he wrote when he inteviewed Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, and Bush.  It's also easy reading and I was hooked from page 1.

Another book I picked up was written by him and his sister called 'To our Children's Children'. It's a book of questions to answer when compiling your family history.  A small book, easy to use, and I intend to start that project TODAY.  The more projects I have going, the happier I am.  I've been thinking for some time on how to write a novel and what to write about but a solid story line hasn't formatted in my head just yet.  I've got a couple of ideas to play around with but writing my family history is just the perfect fit for me right now. I intend to join ancestry.com in a couple of months and that will lead me down any number of roads, I'm sure.

Last night I watched a two-hour special on PBS about the Amish.  What a good show that was.  I love PBS.  It gives television a good name.

I was all ready to get up and see white stuff on the ground but so far, it's bypassed this area.  Fine with me.  I didn't ride my bike yesterday as it was too dang cold out there but the sun is trying to shine a bit so I think I'll stop right here and now and get myself out there for 20 minutes or so before I talk myself out of it.  Sammy is sleeping but I'll try to get him out for a walk later too.

Can hardly believe tomorrow is March and that we're approaching the third anniversary of my dad passing away. (April 30)
Just saw this on Facebook and thought it was a great shot....

Dealing with computers

I do love computers but my, they can challenge the left side of your brain.  Or is it the right?  Whatever. I know it's a good thing that I continue to try to win dominance over this invention that came upon the scene when I was in the prime of my life, but there are days it makes me weary.

Once I converted to digital cameras (I was intimidated at first), I was making a nuisance of myself emailing pictures to everyone in my address book. Many folks still had dial-up and they were none too happy with the photos I sent clogging up their ability to get online.  Once I decided to try and share pictures via a blog, it took some doing to learn the mechanics.  Mainly because all the terminology was foreign to me.

Google kept confusing me by wanting email address info and I ended up with three or four addresses in my attempt to satisfy their needs. Now, when I want to log on to this blog or the alumni blog, I have to make sure I'm not signed in on my google mail account. If I am, they don't recognize me and tell me I need to make a new blog.  It's a boring story and I won't go there.  I have the same problem when I log onto YouTube.  I've tried to backtrack and correct or delete certain names but it's no use.  In various places I'm known as cedarrose61, cedarrose59, kuhnkid, pthsreunions, and sumajoje.  Sigh..... it's a good thing this is all written down in  "real paper" notes or I'd never know who I was.

Just went out to get the mail.  Now I have a stomach ache. Damn electric bill! I know I should try to keep the heat off more and just bundle up--but I DON'T WANT TO!   When I'm cold, I'm cranky and my bones ache. I do turn it off when I go to bed or leave the house for a few hours.  I am definitely noticing that my money isn't stretching as well as it used to.  I filled up the gas tank yesterday ($53) and the cable people raised their rates so now that's up to $105. The power bill (which covers sewer, water, garbage, and electricity) was $181.  AARP medical is going up too, I hear, so that will be close to $200 eventually.

I've been making an  attempt to not use my Visa card as I've vowed to pay it off every month when the bill comes.  Thankfully, it was less than $9 when it arrived a few days ago and that made me happy.  I can also rest assured that my rent and phone bill will stay at the same rate. (thanks to Mary)

I splurge on Hit 5 and sometimes Mega tickets as it's my one chance to get rich, but on the whole, I spend frugally, shopping at thrift stores a lot of the time.  I could always do better at the grocery store, of course.  Shopping at large markets is a huge temptation to those of us with a sweet tooth.  Every aisle beckons me--and heaven help me if I shop while hungry.

The postal service seems to get a big chunk of my money these days too.  I like mailing letters, cards, postcards and gifts.  As I look over my numbers for this month, the monthly bills have taken my entire social security check.  All of it!  Which means I'm ever so thankful for my Edward Jones monthly income.  No sense worrying about it.  It is what it is and to be honest, I am very thankful that my life is as worry free and comfortable as it is.  It all comes down to health, in the end anyhow.

Still.....there are days when I wish I could buy a new car or truck, fly to Reno, spend money at the beauty shop, buy nicer clothes, invest in fancy TVs and computer equipment, hire a maid...okay, I'm getting silly now.

Hmmm... a lady just stopped in front of my house and took a picture.  I know she's not taking a picture of my house, though; it just looked like it.  The couple next door (he's coast guard) are getting transferred to Alaska so they're putting the house on the market.  At least I assume that's what's happening. I thought she had said they were going to rent it out to another coast guard couple.  At any rate, I'll have new neighbors later this year, I suppose.

Yesterday I rode my bike about 25 minutes up and down the street.  Boy, was it cold.  I should go out there now but the temp. gauge says 39 and I'm just not up to it.  Have been editing my book most of the morning.  I got to thinking about the title and realized there is another book out there (by Bob Greene) with the title I wanted to use so I'll have to rethink on that one.

Jenni is still on vacation so the kids don't come until Thursday after school.  Sammy will come tomorrow morning, however. Every morning I log on to Facebook hoping to see new pictures. Sometimes the cartoons or pics posted tickle my funny bone. This one was my favorite today....
Dog at Vet

Well, back to work....

Why is this so hard?

I can usually find what I want on a computer search but for some reason, I can't seem to locate a good map place.  I want to look, for example, at a map of Wa. State or Or State.  Something you can study without having to squint or do a lot of manuvering around.

Even trying to find a large wall map to buy is kind of difficult. I guess because I don't want to pay $20 and up.  Anybody know of a fun website?  Maybe something for kids even?  I've tried google maps but I think I need to study how to search a little better. I'd also like a good US map.  I have an road atlas but I want something else.

I'd love to take a winter drive (not snowy or icy or rainy weather) to the ocean.  It means an  hour and a half to Sekiu which "I think" is the closest I could get.  Am I wrong?  I just want to beach comb a bit, take pictures, have lunch, come home.  Oh, and I don't want to drive.   I want somebody to take me. But I'd gladly pay gas.  (and that's huge these days!)  I just filled up my tank for $53.

Any takers?

I spent most of today editing my book. Finally called it quits and hopped on my outdoor bike for 20 minutes+.  Darn cold out there too!  Gonna go make some homemade chicken noodle soup now and maybe watch The Waltons or Little House.

The Oscars

I enjoyed the Oscars for the most part.  Always gets a little tedious having to sit through the speeches of people we've never heard of while they thank their spouses, children, parents, and the gang back at the office. They should eliminate all that hoo-haw and use the time instead to feature clips of old movies and movie stars. Looking over the gowns is fun but having the interviewer with the microphone continually say: Who are you wearing?  gets stale.  But then, they need their time in the sun too, I guess.

I'm watching a clip on Lisa Hartman, the nun, right now. Would love to see the documentary "God is the bigger Elvis" but it's going to show on HBO and I can't afford HBO.  Maybe I'll rent it later when it shows up on the market.  Actually, I wouldn't mind seeing a whole lot of those shorts but I'm not sure where you would go to watch them.  Maybe I'll research that.

I thought Angelina was gorgeous. Brad is gorgeous too but can't he do something with that hair?! I'm happy Meryl won. She's obviously loved by many.  Kind of a shame Viola Davis couldn't win too.  I haven't seen The Artist so I'll reserve judgement on that.  It was probably the deserved winner, though, because some of the nominees it was running against were very ho hum flicks.  I'm anxious to see Iron Lady and Hugo.

Jean dujardin probably deserved best actor too since those running against him were "just okay" in my opinion. Was glad Octavia Spencer won for best supporting actress but I was also pulling for Melissa McCarthy.  The other nominees for that category were also topnotich. Any could have won.

Can't say the same for best supporting actor, though. Nick Nolte looks like he's had a tough life and I was pretty sure he wasn't going to win. Was nice to see Christopher Plummer finally get an Oscar. He deserved one for Sound of Music too.

I loved the Cirque du Soleil presentation but the memorials fell a little flat, I thought. They're usually much more stirring.  Billy Crystal was wonderful, the idiot who spilled urn contents on Ryan Seacrest on the red carpet should be condemned!  Some people are way too eager for attention and need to be reeled in.  Like Jennifer Lopez!  Good grief!  As if she doesn't get enough press already.  Women who bare their bosom in front of millions can be described in four words--I'm stuck on myself!

Always amazes me how they can never find good songs to nominate. Every year they fall flat.  Only win that made me sneer out loud was Woody Allen's win for Best Screenplay. That movie put me to sleep. One of the Oscar websites online today are listing the best and worst dresses. As usual, they're mostly wrong.  Ha Ha  They listed Stacy Kreibler (George's date) as one of the worst while I think she was one of the best.  They also listed Rooney Mara (Girl with the dragon tattoo) as one of the best while I believe she was one of the worst.  And so was her hair!  And believe me....I know bad hair when I see it. Like every morning in the mirror.

You know what else I liked?  Ellen deGeneres' JC Penney commercials.  They cracked me up.  I see Penneys is going for JCP now.  Kind of like Kentucky Fried Chicken turning into KFC.

Well, guess I'll make a quick post office run down to the corner grocery.  Had a light dusting of snow overnight and they're predicting more later on.  I hope not.

Getting back home is WONDERFUL

Yesterday Hunter helped me switch the two beds into separate rooms.  Gave him a chance to use my electric drill to attach one of the headboards to the frame.  So glad he's willing because getting down on the ground to do those chores with tools and screws is way more than my body can handle these days. By the time I washed the sheets, made up the two beds, moved the houseplants, and did other little adjustments here and there, I was ready to drop.

I didn't think I overdid it but apparently I did because I went to bed at 9:30 exhausted and aching from head to toe.  After two hours of moaning, I got up and took a couple of iboprofen and reminded myself yet again that I cannot continue to do as much as I think I can. Will I never learn?!

I left for Port Townsend this morning at 10:30.  First stop was to visit Joan Buhler who lent me some old PTH graduation momentos to scan in for the book I'm working on.  I sure am having fun with it too. I can't judge how many pages it will be yet. I'm maybe a third of the way through but intend to go back and insert several pictures.

I may do some research and try to figure out how to self-publish having a paperback bound cover this time instead of wire coil. I do like the coil, however, as it lets you browse the book easier.  I think I'd be better off using a publisher online as their fees are cheaper than having a local printer do it.  I could be wrong on that point but I'll find out.  The cheaper I can get it printed, the lower the price I can charge to readers. I'm aiming for $12-$15.  I'll have to look up my figures to see what it cost me for my other books.  I know my profit didn't amount to much but then I wasn't looking to get rich so I was fine with it. Anyhow, it's keeping me busy and that's what I like.

After leaving Joan's, I headed over to my cousin Lee Arey's house as I had a framed Wally Exum picture I wanted to give him and Elaine of the Presbyterian Church in PT.  Lee's daughter, Michelle, was there visiting from South Dakota.  Or did she say North?  I forget.  Lee's brother, Bill, was also there so I had them pose for a picture.

My sister wasn't home when I stopped in there so I drove through McDonalds to grab a quick cheeseburger before heading to the Episcopal Church for Harry Gauthier's funeral.  Drove downtown and looked around inside Don's Pharmacy to see what was new.  That was kind of fun.  Picked up a little gift for Hunter and a copy of the Leader.

Church was full.  Saw a few mill people.  Service was way too long but then when you don't go to church on a regular basis (like never) I guess God figured I had it coming.  Still..... I was in there two hours!  But...you're worth it Harry.

I stopped in at the Unitarian Church for a book sale they were putting on.  Bought three.  One on quilts, short stories by Ernest Hemingway and collected short stories by Alice Munro.  Stopped in at my sister's a second time and she loaded me up with all kinds of fun presents.  Like this stained glass peacock, which I hung as soon as I got home.

As I was going through town, I remembered an open house the Legion was having to show the homeless shelter in the basement.  Since I hadn't been in that basement for years, I thought I would take a look.  One room had couches and a tv, another had a kitchen, restrooms, and sleeping areas.

I stopped at my brother's place on the way home to pick up an antique quilt my sister-in-law had completed for Mary Gaboury's daughter. (It will be a 40th birthday gift).  It was made by Mary's grandmother in Arkansas.

My last stop was at Ramblewood Camp near the casino where Jenni and her friends were staying for a scrapbook retreat.  What a great time they were having. Jenni went there on Thursday and will return home tomorrow.  She said she was kind of depressed about having to leave because it was so relaxing.

 Jenni organized this camp retreat and is pictured here in the red shirt.

As she walked me back to my car, I had her take a picture of me by this big old tree.  The wind blew like crazy all day so my hair only looked good from my garage to Joan's house when I first climbed out of the car.  I thought for sure if I posed by a great big tree that I'd look small and petite. Ha!  That isn't ever going to happen, I suspect.

Tomorrow I plan to take it easy around here. Don't really have any chores that need doing so I'll spend some time editing my book and loafing in front of the tv as I await the Oscars. I did set up my sewing machine in the back bedroom since there's a single bed in there now instead of the larger double bed. I just may finish some mending tasks.

Watching movies & rearranging

Except for Ken Branagh in My Life With Marilyn, I've seen all the movies that the list of best supporting actors have been in.  Sometimes I wonder who exactly decides on these nominations. I'll have to look that up.  I suspect the choices are sometimes just because the guy is getting up there in years and has been around forever.  Of the four I've watched, I didn't think any were all that special. They were okay. Just not Oscar material.  But that's just my opinion, of course, and what do I know?

I think Plummer will probably get the nod but I've been fond of Nick Nolte since his '76 role in Rich Man, Poor Man.  Loved that show! The two movies I got from Red Box were Warrior and Beginners. I'd give them C's.

I posted on my Leader blog yesterday but that was about all I got accomplished. Hunter finished up our Fifties puzzle. I hate to take it apart; it's so much fun to look at.

It's 9 a.m. and I just drove the 3 miles over to Albertsons to return my two movies. Looked over their selections but couldn't find any I was really anxious to see right now.  I'll wait until the Oscars are done and more movies go to video.

Decided I wanted a change in my decor (what else is new?) so I'm taking the two beds apart and switching them to new bedrooms. Thought I'd try sleeping on the double bed again to see if it helps me feel any better in the morning,  Since the single bed will be set up in the spare bedroom now, I think I might set up my sewing machine and "stuff" at the same time. I wasn't going to sew for a while but already I'm finding some mending I need to do and some projects I might want to play around with.  I guess I can write, sew, knit,, read, exercise, and research genealogy all at the same time.  I am super woman, after all.  hee hee

Got a text message from Mary saying they'd arrived in Costa Rica. Her email read:

Hola!  Made it here to Costa Rica.  Flights were great.  Customs were a breeze and a taxi outside took us straight to our hotel.  Beautiful gardens.  Cool birds chirping.   Its dark so we'll explore in the morning.  We are two hours ahead.  Two pics she sent....

I'm counting on Hunter to help me after school take the bed apart and switch them.  I probably won't have the energy today but next week maybe?....I want to move my bookcases from the hallway

over to this living room wall where I'd take down the quilts (made by Lill) and move them to the hallway entrance wall. Catie is coming over at the end of March to pick up the brown loveseat below so my front room will open up a lot more.

I'm also thinking I might change my bedroom wall and put up different pictures. I'll take down these...

and either replace them with this....

or maybe my PT pics in the kitchen....

Just noticed those damn pigeons pigging out on my bird seed again. What's the solution anyway? I don't want to feed pigeons and crows. I want little birds.  Seed switch maybe? 

Sammy noticed I had the sliding glass door ajar to get a picture and he went roaring out there to tell them to get lost.  They took off fast and he came back in the house satisified that his work there was done.   Ha!

Well, washer just turned off so time to work on the laundry and get back to editing.

Better now...

Well, the phantom bug crawls on my lower leg continued throughout the day but finally lessened in early evening, much to my delight.  I guess I'm just going to have to accept the fact that my body will continue to cause me grief in one form or another from here until the day I'm allowed to leave.  And those of you who read my blog will have to resign yourself to those times when I have a need to share whatever is going on at the time.  When you live alone and don't have "a real live person" to bounce stuff off of, you have to find an outlet elsewhere.  My blog (or daily journal as it's become) is my way to communicate. A whole lot of the details I write here are boring, silly, stupid, unusual, and nutty but it still gives me a place to refer back to when I'm trying to remember what went on when.

Today I'm going to spend most of the day writing.  I have editing to do on my book, a letter to write, this blog to finish, and I need to start a piece for my Leader blog too.  Interesting letter from my half sister in Penn. yesterday. I had asked her about how her days are spent and what her activities consist of as she serves her prison sentence.

I'm looking forward to the Oscars on Sunday.  I've managed to watch a few more movies than usual thanks to Red Box, Netflix, Amazon.com, and my trips to the movie theatre.  This morning I looked up what is available on Red Box and noticed a few of the movies on my list. Hugo and J. Edgar are coming on Feb. 28th. Red Box is a good way to see the flicks too.  Only cost $1.30 on your debit or credit card.  I needed to make a quick Albertsons run this morning for yogurt and bananas so I stopped at their two Red Boxes to browse. 

Found two that the lead stars are up for best supporting actor--Nick Nolte in Warrior and Christopher Plummer in Beginners. Looking forward to watching both of them later today/tonight.  Hard to tell who is going to win best supporting this year as they're all pretty good.  My guess is Christopher Plummer and George Clooney will probably win for The Descendants.  Best actress might go to Meryl Streep, of course, but Michelle Williams or Viola Davis could snag it as well. 

I haven't seen The Artist (and will wait for it to come out on video as it doesn't interest me that much) but I'm guessing it could win.  The Descendants could also win, I suppose.  Movies I wish I had seen beforehand but will have to watch later include Albert Nobbs, Tinker Tailer Solder Spy, Hugo, and Iron Lady.

My 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle on The Fifties will be finished up today.  Man, but that was a fun one! I'm leaving the last of it for Hunter this afternoon since he's put so much effort into the completion.

Laughed out loud at Modern Family last night.  My favorite (he makes me laugh EVERY WEEK) is Eric Stonestreet, the chubby gay partner.  I also love Sofia Vergara and her son, Rico Rodriquez.  My favorite part last night was him on the floor with the tupperware bowl he'd located.  ha ha ha ha

Well, the Port Angeles gunman took his own life yesterday. Lot of excitement in town.  Comments at the grocery store where I'd made a quick run for a mega ticket were not mixed at all.  A guy came in saying the shooter had just committed suicide. Everyone said Good!

Here's a video I received from Pete Schweitzer in Vancouver, WA ... Interesting.....

February blahs

Well, I'm thankful I'm not experiencing a lot of pain.  I don't do pain well. But.....I certainly could feel better than I do this a.m.  Last night while sitting in my recliner, minding my own business as I knitted away while watching PBS, I noticed I kept trying to itch my shin.  Kept feeling like a bug was crawling up my leg.  Nothing there.  This morning it started in again.  Just one spot right below my right knee. It's driving me crazy.  Googling it brought up everything from stress (no, it ain't that!) to psoriasis, diabetes, restless leg syndrome, bed bugs, nerve damage...the list was endless.

I remember being bothered with this before. It never lasted long and I never did know what caused it. One time it was during menopause and everything that could act up on my body did so!  Course the doctor thought I was a dingbat.  You're never really taken seriously when you're a woman, you're getting old, and you're fat.  I suppose it's probably nerve related since I've been dealing with numb fingers off and on for a few weeks now.  And sciatica that flares up, eases, and flares again. 

I've had a few headaches this week as well.  Figured it was sinus related and everyone knows you just have to buck up and deal with it best you can.  My ears are ringing right now too but there's no reason why the tinnitis can't get involved in this game.  And that's what it is, you know.  A game.  Some levels are more tolerable than others.  I'll take the tinnitis over the headache anytime.  And I'll take the damn itchy crawling buggy skin over sciatica too! 

No sense going to the doctor.  Or doctors, as our world has become now.  Unless you have something really horrible that will show up on film or in blood tests (GOD FORBID!) they all pretty much let things run its course or let you research yourself on Google.  I did make an appt yesterday  with a new doctor.   Couldn't get my first two choices recommended by my daughter because THEY AREN'T TAKING NEW PATIENTS!  Not that I was surprised. Pickin's are kinda scarce on the peninsula. I'll go in April and hopefully, find her bedside manner a tad more helpful than the others I've encountered the last two years.  I'm keeping my expectations low and have resigned myself to keep looking until I find that doctor I like.

I'm not expecting Dr. Welby (my age is showing) but for the amount of money taken out of my checking account each month for medical premiums (Medicare and AARP) I do expect a little bit more than what I've been getting so far.  And I'm not even caring if they're not licensed doctors.  The two who wouldn't take patients yesterday don't even have MD after their name.

Well, mail lady just arrived so guess I'll walk outside while the sun is shining and see what garbage she left me.  Let's guess....I say a flyer for coupons and catalogs I'll never order out of.  Be right back....

Okay. I spoke too soon. I got a flyer for coupons, a Current catalog (which I'll at least look thru) and A LETTER.  Yep.  An actual letter.  Should be an interesting one too.  It's from my half sister in prison back east.  Ha!  How many people can brag about that kind of mail!

I discovered something new about my Pandora music channel via my Roku gadget Joe gave me for Christmas.  I had keyed in channels for favorite artists.  My list included Johnny Cash, Randy Travis, Waylon Jennings, Frank Sinatra, Doo wop music, Roger Williams, Percy Faith, Iris Dement, the Eagles, Bob Dylan, and Elvis.  The music that comes over each channel is all artists that sound or play the type of music of the artist you've keyed in.  Not just that one particular singer. What I didn't realize was that I can click on "mix" and all my favorites come up in random order.  What a wonderful atmosphere I can have playing through the house each day via my telelvision.  And no commercials either!

Yesterday I ran outside with my camera to try and get a video of geese flying overhead.  They were honking to beat the band.  I wasn't quick enough, though. They have a "meeting place" here in the neighborhood--a softball field between the airport and fairgrounds. Maybe I'll get a shot of them with my camera one of these days.  Maybe even today. I was meaning to drive up that direction anyhow to see if I could figure out where that elusive gunman was holed up.  The paper said an apartment house on 16th St.  Think I'll go do that now and return to this in a bit.

Back again...Well, that was interesting.  I drove over towards Jenni's house and thought I'd stop in to see how her packing is going for the scrapbook retreat she's going to this weekend.  I suppose I could have gone around the block and come in a different way but I decided to come on home.  The guy they have cornered on 16th street is apparently right in that block.  You wouldn't believe the interest it generated.  One guy had a camera on a tripod (newspaper I suppose) and others were filming with their cell phones. Cop cars, ambulance, lookie loos everywhere.  I was craning my neck too but opted to keep going as I'm sure the video will show up on PDN's website.

Guess I'll get to work on my book now.  I spend my time on the laptop during the morning and at the jigsaw in the afternoon.  What a life!

Today my mother is 86.  I last saw her when she was 77.  The time before that she was 51. The time before that she was 26.  It's doubtful we'll meet again.  Always makes you wonder, though, if you'll live to be about the same age as your folks or go sooner.  Dad was 86 when he died.  I'll be that age in 18 years. Somehow I can't imagine living in 2030--especially when I've done nothing but complain about my body since the 1990's.  Okay.  the 1980's.  Ha Ha

Here's a video by John Prine. I'm surprised it's taken me so long to find his music. I adore him.

Changed it back again

Linda didn't like the new blog look and once I tried to sign onto it this morning and couldn't figure out where, I decided I didn't care for it either.  I liked some parts of it but I guess I'll stick with this format for a while.

Mighty gray and wet out there but then it is February, after all.  I did get on my bike yesterday and rode around the neighborhood for about 20 minutes.  It was much easier than the indoor bike.  Jenni, Hunter, Sammy, and I all went for a short walk too.  Here they are coming through the trees.

I worked on my jigsaw puzzle yesterday afternoon. It's really one of the best puzzles I've played around with for a long time.  Challenging yet fun and has everybody in it from the Everly Brothers to Elvis to Beaver Cleaver to Jack Webb.

I also worked on editing my book a couple of hours.  Sometimes it's hard to sit down and get going on it but once I do, I find it very enjoyable and the time passes quickly.  It's 8:45 a.m. right now and I've been up for 2-1/2 hours already.  I think I probably should have stayed in bed a bit longer as I've been yawning up a storm for the last half hour.  Maybe I'll take a quick spin on the bike while the rain has stopped.  One thing's for sure. I have to get up and away from this laptop.  Even if it's just to sit in my recliner and take a quick nap.

I watched Bridesmaids last night. Rented it over the tv via amazon.com.  Absolutely loved it!  I laughed out loud several times.  Sometimes I'm fascinated with what makes me laugh these days.  It's usually something totally inappropriate. I wonder if I've always been like that.  I think so.

Okay.  Short post for today.   More later.

Trying out a new template design

Was browsing around on the blogger site yesterday and came upon some new blog designs to try out. At the top left,you can click on flipcard, classic, mosiac, sidebar, magazine, etc.  Something different.

I watched this video that someone posted on Facebook the other day about the early signs of Alzheimers. This one talked about people who have sleeping problems.  That's just great.  I went to bed after Downton Abbey last night, read for a few minutes, and was yawning like crazy so I turned out the light a little after 11.  I guess I fell asleep but am sure curious why I tossed and turned from about 2:30 to 4.  I was wide awake and almost got up.  Luckily, whatever it was left and I finally slept from 4 until 7:30.

One of the disadvantages of living alone is that you can't always see parts of your body that you want to take a good look at.  I never really want to look at any part of my body but you still have to keep an eye on moles.  I thought I'd try using my camera feature that lets you take your own photo.  Took me 30 tries to get my back focused good enough for a decent shot.  Then I downloaded the photos onto my old computer so I could crop and enlarge the exact ones I wanted.  I put three of them on my thumbdrive so I can take a second set of pictures in a few months to see if there's any change.

I also noticed bruises on my arms in some of the pictures.  Very odd because I can't see bruises anywhere when I look at my skin.  I wonder if it was just an exposure thingie.  At any rate, there's nothing like seeing your naked body on the computer screen to put you in the mood for dieting and exercise.  I guess posing for porn movies is out of the question to earn a little extra income in my retirement years.  Ha!

Am going for a walk with Jenni and Sammy today.  I'll also try to get on the exercise bike for a while. I wasn't particularly successful with it yesterday.  It wasn't the stiff knees so much as the sciatica and cramping that developed.  I'm thinking my outdoor bike might be a better choice--and I'd prefer that anyhow.

Sure was sorry to see Downton Abbey come to an end last night. I assume they'll pick up the storyline in the next season. They better.  Was interesting to see the behind the scenes filming too.  Tonight I'll probably tape 'The Voice' and watch 'American Pickers'.  That was all I could find that I wanted to see.

Not too terribly much on my agenda today.  Will work on editing my book project and spend a little time sorting through photos on my hard drive to try and get them in folders so I can find them when I need them.  Going to make a couple phone calls and see if I can't find another doctor too. Am prepared to have an uphill battle but we'll see.

Sunday around the house

Trying something new....let me know if you hate it.


I've started and stopped this blog a couple times already this morning.  Start to type something and then decide nahhhh....that's even more boring than usual.  I'd probably be ahead of the game to just walk away and not write anything but I've still got coffee in the cup and I don't feel like doing dishes or any of the other little chores awaiting me.  Like exercise.  Yeah, that's probably it in a nutshell...I don't want to exercise.  So what else is new?  But I'm going to...do or die!  I'm going to. Today's the day.  Wonder how many times I've said that in the last few decades. Too many to count.  Ha!

I've got my Pandora music channel playing over the TV set.  Johnny Cash right now.  I think I'll finish up here, load the dishwasher, get on the exercise bike, and then settle in again to start editing my book.

Notes from my obit bios volume:

Jim Croce:  Jan 10,1943-Sept. 20, 1973
Jim and four members of his band were on a small chartered airplane when it clipped a pecan tree on takeoff. After his death, sales of his music tripled and his signature songs became mainstays of classic rock stations--Bad Bad Leroy Brown, Don't mess around with Jim.....Sadly, he never lived to enjoy this popularity. He's buried in Frazer, PA.

Bill Haley: July 6, 1925-Feb. 9, 1981  Bill is probably the true father of rock music with his song Rock around the clock. He died in his sleep of a heart attack at home in Harlingen, TX. He was cremated and his ashes remain with his family.  (Harlingen, by the way, is where an old teacher of mine now lives..Mary McMinn--She's had a couple of strokes and is failing but she's heading towards age 96 come April 1st.

Just looked over the TV lineup for tonight and looks like two things worth tuning into....The Amazing Race and Downton Abbey.

My accountant daughter did my taxes yesterday and says I'll get a few hundred back this year.  YAY! Now I don't need to feel guilty about that needlepoint picture I recently took to the frame shop for stretching and framing.  I try to frame things myself when I can but sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and let the pros have the business.




You can watch other videos of these cute kids on YouTube. They're really something.

Okay...off to the kitchen to clean up the joint and jump onto that exercise bike.  I do have a James Patterson audio book I can put on to keep me company.

Computer aggravations

I've definitely got a love/hate relationship with this computer.  I love it most of the time but when it "acts up" for no apparent reason and I find myself in panic mode trying to get it back, I hate that I've allowed it to have this power over me.

Yesterday I managed to get my tape transfer gadget connected to my laptop so I could hear music but I couldn't locate the area to play around with the music and separate each song into their own cuts, etc.  I finally gave up and thought I'd try again today.  I booted up the computer this morning and discovered I had no sound.  I did everything I could possibly think of to remedy it and finally decided on a lark to disable the tape gadget program because that was the only new thing I could think of that might have made a difference.

It could very well be that didn't have a thing to do with it but since my sound returned, I'm assuming it was related. Wish I could remember if the kids were on Youtube at all yesterday because if they were and they had sound, then I know the tape program wasn't the issue.  I'm not going to worry about it now.  I have to move on.

Looked over the tv lineup for Saturday and found little of interest.  I'll probably tape Gaither Gospel Music and Grand Ole Opry and I might tape 'Female Lockup' on the TLC this afternoon.  Some of those jail programs are interesting.  Especially when you know someone in lockup. My half sister back east is awaiting trial for murder.  Yep!  I'm finding that fact very interesting indeed.

Another show I've been watching on The Learning Channel is 'My 600-lb life'.  Very sad but totally engrossing too.  And amazing to see the transformations that occur a year or more later.  This is a good show to educate those of us who have an eating disorder. (that's what I'm calling mine)

A few days ago I happened to drive by the Masonic Hall in downtown Port Angeles and I saw a ton of cars and trucks parked in areas all around the block.  I knew immediately what was going on as I've seen this everytime The Gun & Knife Show opens up.  I keep thinking I need to go inside one of these times just to see what the attraction is--and to see all the people it's attracted.  It might be the ideal place to find a fella.  ha ha ha

Got my AARP Magazine this week and read they were recommending 'The Hunger Games' for adult reading.  The series is actually aimed at a younger audience but AARP thought adults would enjoy them too.  I agree. I read it and intend to read the next book in the series.  My granddaughter loves the stories and has been encouraging me to read them all.

A couple days ago I decided it was time to do a really icky job and clean the sink drain in the bathroom.  The water has been running real slow even though I used Drano.  I don't know why I was so long getting to the job. I think I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get the workings back on track again.  Anyhow, I cleaned it out using rubber gloves and an old toothbrush and now my drains are running fast.  Funny the things that bring a sense of accomplishment these days.

I had the twins for dinner a couple nights back and Hunter asked me afterwards if I had salted the green beans. So glad he asked because I hadn't but I thought they were too salty as well.  I took a second look at the can and made a mental note to not buy that brand again.  It was a store label but I can't remember now if it was Walmart, Safeway, or Albertsons.  I'm going to have to look next time I'm out and about in the canned vegetable aisles.  I'm thinking Walmart.

I've actually been trying to buy food with no salt or reduced salt in an effort to change the way I eat. You can eliminate salt from your diet but it takes a whole lot of work if you want to eliminate all of it because salt is in everything.  If I can eliminate sweets, white flour, white sugar, and bread I'd be on my way.  But alas, just typing those words makes me want to go make some homemade doughnuts. Ha ha

Well, I was going to post a video on here but now my right click on my mouse doesn't seem to want to operate.  There must be a message here somewhere.  Think I'll grab my umbrella and make a trek out to the mailbox and see if there's anything interesting awaiting me.  Sure is coming down hard today. Good excuse to lay low.

Settling in now

The morning has slipped by quickly.  Seems to happen a lot these days.  I finally figured out how to hook up my "tape gadget" and I was able to listen to a tape using the earphones.  Unfortunately, though, that's as far as I got.  It's going to be baby steps trying to figure out how to get the music onto my laptop.  Sooner or later....I hope.

I started cleaning out various files on my hard drive and came across all the blogs I had written on the Leader for "Be true to your school".  As I looked over the material, I saw I had almost 36,000 words on 78 separate posts. They covered two years and I think I've found my next project.

I started sorting them by topic (teachers, alumni, sports, cheerleaders, yearbook, etc.) and if I can figure out how I want to tie it all together, I'm going to put together my next book.  I've got a whole lot of editing to do as I can't use everything but......I think what I can use is sufficient for a fun read.  Will probably take me a while but this is how I keep busy.

Time for lunch....tuna sandwich I think.  I did have a glass of rootbeer yesterday and the day before and I suspect that might have contributed to my leg cramp this morning.  I've been thinking there was a link between soft drinks and my cramps.

Seems like I've been having cramps all my life.  ha ha ha ha ha  (if you get my drift)  Silly me.

What should I do today?

Since I didn't feel like doing up the dishes last night (didn't even feel like loading them into the dishwasher to hide them away), guess what my first job was this morning.  They're half done now; I go in there in spurts and wash a few more. Down to one pan and the silverware.  Then my day is free and clear.  I'm leaning towards sorting pictures on my laptop (a never ending chore as I keep adding more and more stuff) or just settling in to do some writing.

I ought to try again to hook up my tape transferring gadget I got for Xmas. I thought putting the disc in would be the least of my troubles but seems I have to go to a website first and read up on how the disc works.  It doesn't just d/l onto my hard drive. I apparently have to put it on a thumbdrive or another disc. I think.  Aggravates me that things can't be simple and easy anymore.

Heard on the news this morning that the post office now feels 45 cents isn't enough for a first class stamp so they want 50 cents.  Seems to me they should fire their accountants and get someone in there who knows how to read a spreadsheet and interpret numbers.  I also think it's probably time for the government to get out of the business and hand the reins over to private enterprise.  I could figure out lots of ways to save money at the post office.

For one thing, we don't need 6-day service. And we don't need to eliminate Saturday delivery only. Make mail delivery a two or three day event. My mailbox is filled up with a ton of catalogs and flyers and other junk that go straight to the recycle bin.  Yesterday I mailed a birthday gift across the country and the box was not heavy.  It cost me $11.  I also mailed a large manila envelope to Seattle (again, not heavy) and it cost over $4.  Add that to the two birthday cards I mailed first class and you get an idea of how much that little stop cost me.

I'd probably buy more online and in catalogs if the shipping costs weren't so out of line.  I wanted to get a pen I saw on tv but the charge for shipping it was a flat fee covering the heavier and bigger items they wanted you to buy as well.  No way was I paying $10 or $12 to have a pen delivered.

Woke up at 4 a.m. with a calf cramp.  I was in the middle of a dream and as usual, it was a strange one.  Kay Dudleston (who is the younger sister of a woman I graduated with--and who I know better than Kay herself) was in this 1920's flapper outfit with a band on her head and she looked really cute. I saw her on the steps of the high school near the door that leads over to the annex and I stopped to talk to her. I asked her where she lived now and she said "down by the river."  Then I started to get a cramp and I told her to please help me, I'm going to fall down as my leg hurts.  I fell down and woke up.    Yeah, I haven't got too much to yak about on my blog today.  ha ha

As much as I hate the thought of searching yet again, I think I'm going to start hunting for another doctor. Just haven't been satisfied with the one I have. Too much indifference and you can only tolerate that for a certain length of time before you realize a change is necessary.   I think I've been going to her for about a year and half and everytime I leave the office, I wonder why I continue to make another appointment.  Because it's a damn hassle to find another doctor, that's why!  Many won't take new patients so you're forced to settle.  At least you are in this town. With what I pay for medical insurance, though, I think I'll continue to look around until I find someone suitable. 

I don't think I'm being too picky either.  Actually, I'm fairly easy going and wouldn't consider myself a difficult patient.  I do feel, however, that I have a right to feel I'm being looked after without this feeling I generally have as I leave the office. I'd even settle for a physcian's asst or a nurse practicitioner.  Now I have to figure out how to find somebody.  Sigh.....

Okay. Back to the kitchen to finish off those dishes.

Funny video I got from Les Walden

Da Do Run Run

I've been playing scrabble on Facebook with Hunter (who is beating me) and on his last entry (diuron)
he told me he saw that word in a Harry Potter book. I need to tell him that I already knew that word from a song by the Crystals.  Or at least a word similar to it.   ha ha ha ha ha ha

It's  early but already my day has gotten off to a kind of icky poo start.  I pulled out the trash bin from the side of the house to put it near the back fence so I'd remember to put it out before going to bed. Pickup is every two weeks on early Friday morning but I don't always have to pull the recycle bin out too as it can often go for a month. They're large garbage cans.  Anyhow, I did all this in my pajamas and slippers in the pouring down rain. Decided since I was already out there, I might as well rummage around in the garbage for something I thought maybe I threw away by accident.  Nothing like working your way through wet soggy garbage before you've even had your coffee. 

And I never did find the item.  I've searched the kitchen twice looking for the black rubber seal I took off the blender yesterday.  I even reached around inside the garbage disposal and up under the rubber seal of that (really icky!).  Very puzzling where that seal went but I'm not giving up!  As if all this wasn't enough, I had to clean the bottom of my tennis shoe with a wire brush because caked on dog poop was there.  (another icky poo)  Of course I didn't realize it until I walked around the house. Now I have to vacuum. 

I really need to think about shampooing the carpets too.  At least the living room. I keep a lot of long runners covering the main walkways but winter nights always seems to make you notice the dirt spots. I do have a shampooer so maybe I'll put that on my to-do list.  If I limit myself to the living room and main walk areas, I think I can manage.

And the reason I was walking around outside when I stepped in dog poo was to take a couple shots of my tulips that are sprouting.

I spent a couple hours at the library yesterday looking at 1960 issues of the PT Leader on microfilm. Found this clipping, among other things.....  (click to enlarge)

Well, the dryer just turned off so I guess I'll fold the laundry and see to that vacuuming task.  Have to make a quick post office run too but thankfully, just to the corner grocery store substation.  I posted on my Leader blog yesterday but the picture I included hasn't been put on there yet. Shows some manly men at our 25th reunion at the house on Rose Street. (1986)

www.ptleader.com

blogs--Town Kid--The Rose St. House

And thinking of my step-mom, Marcella, today. It was her birthday.

Lazy day....sorta...

It was one of those days where I couldn't seem to get myself going. I couldn't think of anything to write about so went off in various directions trying to settle in. Maybe I'll do better tomorrow.  Since the library opens at 10 a.m. everyday now, I decided to take a run up there and look at microfilm of old Leaders.  I browsed through 1960, taking little notes of this and that to share with Linda P later on.  I sat there for two hours. Couldn't believe it.

I also was looking for a book on maps.  What I want is a map of the U.S. and I can't seem to find what I'm looking for.  Even the librarians were of little help.  I went online to search for wall maps but the cheapest was $20 and I didn't want it that bad.  I searched through the books at Serenity House and Goodwill to no avail.  Kind of odd, I thought. You wouldn't think a US map was that obscure.

I think it was my day to have futile searches, though.  I also went to several places looking for needlepoint material and thread and patterns.  Couldn't find a thing. Even at Joanne's (which says a whole lot about their stocking abilities)  They had plastic stitch and cross stitch and a lot of yarn but no needlepoint.  I only wanted something simple to practice on to see how I liked it.

I had a Subway gift card from Xmas so I stopped there to buy lunch.  Picked up a turkey breast sub sandwich and had half of it toasted.  Will have the second half for lunch tomorrow.  All my stops were in the rain so I was kind of chilled by the time I got home.  I've been a little tired all day so I curled up in the recliner to watch a movie from amazon.

Decided on "Tree of Life" since it's nominated for an Oscar. Starred Brad Pitt and Sean Penn.  Way over my head with its artsy fartsy theme.  I liked it okay but there's no way it will win and I wouldn't recommend it unless you're in the mood for a movie that you have to try and interpret. I think I'll rent Hangover II and Bridesmaids next. I know I can figure those out.

I sure am sick of hearing about Whitney Houston.  Yes, it was sad she died young. Yes, it's "a tad mysterious" how she died but ....... lots of people with addiction problems die everyday.  The media seems to thrive on deaths of celebrities.  The coverage overload makes me wonder just how satisfying their jobs are on a daily basis.  Enough already.  There's a lot of news all around the world. Report on it and spare us the details of the rich and famous who the majority of us couldn't care less about!

Gag me with a spoon!  (as a Valley Girl would say)

I taped the Grammys and watched them last night.  Loved Adele (as everyone else did) and thought Bruno Mars was pretty darn good too. Normally I like Paul McCartney but I didn't like his chosen music this time. Some of the performers were trying to outdo Lady Gaga.  It's probably my age.

I didn't care for Taylor Swift and found her coyness annoying when she got a standing ovation and seemed ever so surprised. Tony Bennett and Carrie Underwood were pretty good as were Aldean and Clarkson. Rhianna didn't impress and can't say that Foo Fighters or Cold Play made me want to run out and buy their music.  Too much showing off overall.

Well, I guess  I've complained about enough subjects for now.  Think I'll heat up a bowl of stew, and wait for Bill O'Reilly to come on so I can complain about him too.  I like him most of the time but he does have a tendency to make everything about him.

Into Sequim

Went to the opthamologist today. She said my glasses need a new prescription and my eye problems are related to the fact I could use an eyelid tuck and lift. Or something like that.  I've always had downward slanted eyes but they've gotten even more slanted with age and my tears aren't going where they're supposed to go which is contributing to the dry eye and allergy discomfort of pain and itchiness and watering. 

I "think" medicare and AARP will pay for this, especially since it's not considered cosmetic.  I suppose I'll get it done in a few weeks.  She did give me a couple of tiny samples for eye drops (which I'll use) but I didn't get the presciption filled as it was $133!  I don't have drug insurance and refuse to pay that. She also said not to get new glasses until my operation is over with as your vision changes.  Damn! It's always something.  Sure hope I get a tax refund this year...but I'm not holding my breath.  Oh well, you can't take it with you, as they say.

I picked up Charlotte who will be 87 this week and we went to Ihop for breakfast.  I ordered off the senior menu although it didn't seem that much cheaper than the regular lineup.  Also disgusted me that coffee didn't come with the meal.  They wanted $2.19 a cup!  Guess who just had water.  If restaurant owners want more business, they need to bend a little.  I don't expect free food but it certainly wouldn't kill them to offer coffee to those ordering off the menu.  Especially when the cheapest item is $7.  Yes, I know I sound cheap but I'm really not.  When you live on a fixed income, you have to think twice about what you're laying your money down for.

Charlotte's neighbor (who used to be my neighbor as well) gave me this Wally Exum sketch of the Presbyterian Church in PT.  It's even framed and I was happy to get it. Belonged to yet another neighbor who is now in a nursing home in Sequim.  I made a couple more stops after breakfast and then drove to Jenni's to pick up the dog. 

I've been tired all afternoon for some reason. My eyes are uncomfortable too but I suppose that could be the drops they put in when I got there.  Think I'll hit the sack early tonight and start my day tomorrow all fresh and perky.

I watched a quilting disc that my sister gave me and it made me want to pull out all my sewing equipment again.  I'm in that stage where I want to start new projects but I can't quite figure out what.  I found a sack of frames for cross stitch so I pulled out my pattern books for that.  Then I was given a really cool needlepoint picture so I thought...maybe I'll try my hand at that.  But I've got two projects undone by my chair now. One crochet and one knitting so I need to get them done first.

Maybe I'll concentrate on my writing tomorrow.  Like dieting, you just have to DO IT!

I ordered a couple of movies to be streamed in over the tv using my amazon account. Wanted to see Woody Allen's movie "Midnight in Paris" since it was nominated. It put me to sleep. Totally boring and the lead star, Owen Wilson, acted all the way through exactly like Woody Allen.  Talked and moved just like him.  What a waste of money.

Last night I watched Moneyball with Brad Pitt.  That was much better.  I'm going to watch Tree of Life this week so I will have seen half a dozen of the movies up for an Oscar at the end of February. Really wish I had gone to see Hugo but I'll wait for the video on The Artist and War Horse.  Of the ones I've seen so far, I think The Help was the best movie.

Well, Wheel of Fortune is coming on so guess I'll get on my pajamas and settle in for the night.

Later in the day....

Whew.....I need a break.  Just got my jammies on even though it's only 4:30 in the afternoon.  I seldom have drop-in company anyway.  Or should I say I hardly EVER have drop-in company.  Everybody's home on their computer or in front of their tv or out living their life.  Ha!  I actually don't have many pals in Port Angeles but that's my fault.  I haven't made much of an effort to get out and about.  I'll have to think on that one.

I stuck with it all afternoon and finished sewing up the borders on my three quilts.  They're all stacked in the bedroom with (I think) maybe three baby quilts as well.  I really need to find recipients for my quilts but I'm reluctant to gift them to anybody who sews.  I've never been real secure and confident about my handiwork.  My kids have already said they don't want any more cross stitch.  ha ha

I did make the decision to put my sewing on the back burner for a while.  I moved my sewing table, sewing machine, ironing board, material bins and all my equipment to the back bedroom. (the catch all)  Put the card table in the corner that has the jigsaw puzzle in process, and I must say, the kitchen does look a whole lot uncluttered.

I still want to work on some applique patterns but I'm gonna wait a few weeks (or even months) and see if I can't get some writing projects underway.  I've been thinking about it for a while now and need to focus.  Writing on my blogs keeps the energy flowing in that direction but I'm starting to use them as an excuse to get out of other things I keep meaning to concentrate on.  It's become very comfortable to just sit down and chat on a daily basis.  And I'll continue to do that because it's my way of connecting with the world.

My socializing has changed over the years, but then I think a lot of people socialize differently in this techy world today. When you don't have to leave the house to go to work, it's very easy to rely on the computer to keep you connected. I don't twitter and texting is still kinda hard for me but I post on Facebook every once in a while and I log on daily or sometimes several times a day just to see if there  are any new pictures or events going on.  I imagine there's still a lot to Facebook I haven't discovered yet. 

I used to play certain games on pogo but those have kind of been put on the back burner for the most part. I was playing scrabble on Facebook  but got discouraged with the 2-word dictionary they used. When aa is a valid word, the fun is kinda gone.  I'm playing with my grandson now, however.  I also have a scrabble computer game I used to play on a daily basis but for whatever reason, I've gotten out of the habit.

Well, think I'll turn off the laptop for a while and entertain myself in front of the boob tube.

I also know I need to start searching for new and interesting things online. There's a ton of fun stuff undiscovered.

Sunday morning

                                                                               Yeah, this is me!
Woke up with a dang blasted cramp in my calf this morning. Right in the middle of a very strange dream too!  Can't help but wonder if I didn't bring it on myself because I ate a banana right before pulling the covers over me last night.  I didn't think I was thinking about leg cramps, though; I just saw the banana and it looked pretty tasty so I ate it. (story of my life)

I just finished breakfast and have got my easy listening music tuned in on the tv set via Pandora. I've programmed in half a dozen channels on Pandora and I generally fire it up first thing in the morning---after I listen to the news stories and realize yet again that most of them irritate me or I've already heard about the subject twice before!  Like Whitney Houston.

I choose my background music depending on my activity at the time (or the mood I'm in). If I'm writing or working a crossword puzzle, I need easy listening like Frank Sinatra or Roger Williams.  Other times I might choose doo-wop from the fifties, Johnny Cash, Waylon, Dylan, or Iris Dement.  The volume often gets cranked up a ways too. Good thing I don't live in an apartment.

My to-do list for today includes washing dishes and cleaning the refrigerator shelves. Isn't that exciting? I'll get to them as soon as I finish up this post.  Once that chore is completed, I'll listen to the last cassette of the audio book I managed to get  hooked on (The Sunday Wife). I've got three quilts sewn together but have to finish up the edges this week.

Nothing fancy; just using up material scraps.

I've been putting off moving my laptop into the living room and working with it while seated at my recliner.  For whatever reason, it intimidated me to take it out of this office.  Not sure why. Probably just because I'm dorky that way!  Anyhow, I unplugged it and carted it to the tv table near my chair. Easy as pie and I'll never know for sure why I was timid about it. Partly, I suppose, because I don't understand the concept of how it can work without being plugged in.  Even as I type those words, I realize how silly it is.  I've carried around portable devices most of my life so what's the big deal?

I've  missed the last two episodes of Southland and couldn't find them listed as repeats anywhere so I searched online and finally found them at a TNT website.  You  had to be a paying member of the club to view so I browsed around some more and found it on Amazon. Still cost me $1.99 but I wanted to see the show enough to go ahead and put it on my card. I'll just have to pay closer attention when I'm taping from now on and not pick the WRONG channel to record.

I also looked over the movies available on Amazon to stream in for $3.99 and I think I'm going to go ahead and rent them throughout this month.  I checked out each movie on IMDB to see what it was about, the rating it got, and the reviews.  My list is long, though, so I may have to stretch out my movie-watching over three months or more. I found 17 movies I wanted to see and that's about $70 worth.  I'll think about it.

Gees, but this room heats up fast when I have the heater on.  Gets too warm and then I have to get up and turn off the thermastat.  Before I know it, I'm cold again. Perhaps a blanket around my legs would solve the problem.  Duh.....

I got a message on my last blog post from the lady who bought our pink house and she shared her blog of the remodel work they've done.  FASCINATING!  If she says okay, I'll post her link on here.  Looking at her photos propelled me into searching for a couple of old newspaper articles I had saved about two other families that had bought homes we lived in beforehand.  I should have known better to go on that hunt.
Okay.... the link to the pink house (now the yellow house) is: http://pattonoldhouse.blogspot.com/

Once I started, I couldn't stop and I came upon a notebook FULL of newspaper clippings, photos, memorabilia, etc. that I really need to get in some kind of order.  I'm thinking maybe I should just make it a project and scan everything in.  Oh Lord!  What am I saying?!  I've got so much....little tidbits I found interesting on this and that, a ton of mill articles, car accidents, murders, retirements, deaths, remember when photos...it's endless.  Interesting and fun for me but probably of little interest to my kids once they came across it and had to dispose of my personal "stuff." 

Yeah, I'd best decide what I want to do with my memories.  Putting everything on disk sounds like a plan but ohhhhhh....so much work.  I'll think on it.  Came across a box of old magazines and newspapers too.  Just can't bear to dispose of them.  Old Life magazines, a couple Nat'l Geographic, old comics, Hit Parader, a love magazine from the 50's, old TV guides, People.

I wouldn't consider myself a hoarder as my collection is confined to one box that I can still lift but sooner or later, I'm going to have to come to some kind of decision on what to do with my little treasures.  This is how I keep myself busy in my retirement years.  Okay. I've proscratinated to the point where it's gonna be noon before I know it. Time to get that kitchen in order.

Made a big pan of stew last night so at least I don't have to cook.  Tomorrow morning is an eye doctor appt. early in Sequim, and breakfast with a friend at Ihop. That is the extent of the activities on my weekly calendar unless you count "take out the trash" and "return library books".   Next week (the 25th) looks even worse--attend a funeral in Port Townsend.  Sigh........

The kids remember the pink house

Sometimes it’s kind of hard to think of a topic for my Leader blog, but sooner or later, something comes to mind. I’m writing about places I’ve lived and this week the subject is ‘The Pink House.’  We lived there from 1975 to 1986 and my kids all consider it “the home of their childhood.” Since you can only post one picture on the Leader blog, I thought I’d link that blog with this one today so I can share some photos I took during our time on 20^th & San Juan Avenue in Port Townsend.

When I asked the kids for a memory they have of the house, some things were listed by all of them.  Like having to stack wood, caring for the goats, and making a fort in the attic loft of the shop off the back porch.  Below are pictures I took during our years at that address. (you can click on photos to enlarge)

 I made the kids pose in front of the house. This was probably early 80's.

 the goat barn and chicken house as seen from the upstairs window in the 1970's. My aunt and uncle's house can be seen up the road on the right. (19th & Haines)

 the pink house as viewed from the hill on the golf course

 We had a large garden. That old garage was used for hay storage until it got to the point where we needed to have it torn down. The kids liked to play in there and Jenni remembers making bird nests with the hay using mud. She also remembers that if she had to collect eggs and 'Banana Splits' was coming on TV, she'd break the eggs so she didn't have to stop and clean them.  Her TV was very important, I guess.

 Tonka trucks were played with near the burn barrel. Apparently we weren't worried about the danger.

 the goat corral during a snowy period one winter

 I think our hose must have had a leak in it.

 The kids all remembered making a fort in the loft of this old shop building.  Jenni recalled watching her older sisters and cousins climb onto the roof blindfolded.  I wonder where I was.

 I decided to paint the shop shortly after John and I split up.

 One of Joe's memories was when Lindsey installed a new septic tank in the yard.  I remember it too. The kitchen sink stunk for weeks before we could afford to hire the backhoe.

 The backyard never had beautiful grass.  Just animals and kids and toys and stuff...

 Jenni remembered having a hard time getting kids to agree to come over for a sleepover because the house was cold and you couldn't crawl out of the sleeping bags until the wood stoves were made up. We eventually bought a big barrel wood stove with a glass window in the front so you could see the fire burning.  I don't miss the mess and smoke of heating with wood.

 This area was transformed into a work of art once John got his garden planted here.

 My brother and sister-in-law arrived on their bicycles in the 70's having pedaled clear across the U.S.

 That's the little wood burner we had in the kitchen. The bathroom door is behind Lill. I have to laugh when I see the way I decorated. (my tastes haven't changed much either)  Jenni recalls the linoleum floor was in terrible shape and the dog used to take bites out of it. She said I repaired the holes with green contact paper that I'd cut in shapes like hearts and circles.  Ha!  Sounds like something I'd do.

Mary recalled that the key to the back door was kept on a nail behind the shop door.  More than once, the shop door was locked when they'd get home from school so they'd have to crawl through the bathroom window to get in the house.  Gees, but I was a lousy mother!

 Always interesting to look at the background of kitchens you had in years past. Joe remembers that we were always canning. Actually, it was probably John canning and me helping a little. He was a Kansas farmboy and always more enthused about putting up preserves than I was. I still have that red bowl in the foreground and those measuring cups hanging by the sink. The flowers on the right were probably an anniversary gift as we were married Jan. 4th and Jenni's birthday is Jan. 20. Unfortunately, we separated less than two months after this picture was taken.

This garden next to the golf course had a name but I can't remember what it was. Maybe Victory? We always referred to it as the Hippie Garden. There was always activity going on over there. One day they were cutting the grass with a power mower and they hit a rock which shot over and hit my door like a bullet. A couple of inches higher and it would have broke the window. Could have been a nasty accident if kids had been playing in the frontyard.

We sold the house in 1986 for $21,900. I've heard the whole place is remodeled now and we'd never recognize it.  I remember when Haugens came in to see the kitchen when we lived there. They didn't recognize it either.  I guess most places change sooner or later.