Month from now...

 A month does not seem very far away and that is a date that has tentatively been chosen for "going South". So it is time to cut back on the groceries that will not stand the test of 6 month sitting in a fridge getting closer and closer to being outdated. Heaven knows we are well aware of what being outdated means!

This will be a much easier experience of preparation. The items to pack are minimal compared to years past. A few clothing items, toiletries, meds, craft supplies,T-Mobile hookup, and laptop.

I was surprised to learn that my mail can be put in my apartment by staff. And Keri has told me she will look at any mail that might seem important for one reason or another.

I have my cactus plant with me and staff also said they would water it for me. The cactus is special to me because my middle son, Gary gave it to me for mothers day in 2008. We were full-time RVing at that point and he had purchased one of those very small plants at WalMart so it worked great. I have been taking care of it ever since and there have been several generations since then. 

Enough for now. Stay tuned.

Fall

 Looked it up. The type of Hydrangea I have outside my window should be dead- headed in the fall. Good news! They are truly beautiful and do not require much effort from me.  I am currently seeing a few dead heads. 

I have had a year of many things to take care of and it has come to a normal amount of every day items that happen in most every ones ToDo lists. I was not sure I would ever get here, but here I am and ever so grateful. I set out to simplify my life and simplify I did. I have small, tidy living quarters that I am enjoying every day.

In about a month I will be heading South to enjoy another part of my life in sunny South Texas. I am frequently asked which I prefer but that is asking a question I cannot answer because there are things about each that hold equal appeal. I have friends on both ends that mean so much to me. 

Both places are like small town living. My life would be very different had I stayed in the house. As I looked into the future of that, I knew it was not for me. In a way it is a bit strange. I am somewhat of a loner on one hand and an extrovert on the other. I could see me going not days but weeks and perhaps even months without any human contact if I stayed in the house. The decisions I have made will allow a balance on both ends. If I want to sit at my computer and type out my thoughts on a myriad of subjects, or spend hours putting earrings together, or finding someone who wants to play pool, I can. Or it is easy to seek out someone to visit with if you are leaning in that direction. Uhh, the pool thing is easier in the southern part.😄

Well, it is time for some breakfast!

Grands and greatgrands

My granddaughter Ann, with her husband Anthony and their 3 daughters. Scarlet, Skyler and Nina. Ann is second from left.

Hummers

 I was part of a conversation the other day about humming birds. Jason did some research and found the first to leave and head South are the males, followed by the females, with the youngsters going last. Of course, that brings up many questions. ore research is needed.

My observations about the youngsters are many. They are brave, Mom and Dad would not argue much with wasps, flies, or other things that would try to take over on the feeders, but the youngsters persist. It makes for some interesting encounters.

They also play, "cowboy and Indians". In other words mock battles that look like dancing.

And in discussing the trip south, there are many unknown things. Today I found a post of a friend of mine who lives in Weslaco, Texas. The picture below is what her feeder looks like! I would say that Mom and Dad have made the trip!

Laps

 I have been doing the 7 laps (equals 1 mile) indoors because at my usual walk time it is still dark outdoors. So I should be doing my outdoor walk now but here I sit in front of my computer. Trying to think of something to share with you.

I can see the north side of the hospital from my living room. I know that the hospital provides meals for the prisoners and it gets picked up by the police at 12:15 and 5:15. In the early morning I am too busy to notice. 

I can see life-flight hellecopters when they come and go. Of course I wonder who,what and where whenever I see them. Sometimes I find out later, but most of the time I do not. Last night was a busy night, lots of ambulances arriving and going.  Many police cars coming and going. Jefferson is a small town of approximately 5000 people so this is unusual.

Evergreen is a like a small town within a small town. I am beginning to know everyone. We have about 6 openings right now and I won't get to know the new arrivals until I return in the spring. When a vacancy occurs it can take 1 to 2 months to get it ready for new tenants. As I am going south in October, I will be a stranger to them when I return.

On another subject, I am still making earrings, playing pool, reading or listening to books and other fun things.

Till next time!

One Year Mark

 Today, September 9th, is the one-year anniversary of Butch's death. It feels so strange to put that in a sentence. I suppose,at least partly, because in many ways he is still with me. I feel that he always will be. I get dozens of reminders every day.

It has been a busy year and I think that was a blessing. Idle hands...and minds are the devils workshop. One of my many "theories" is if you do not get enough human contact your thinking can get a bit wonky. In an indirect way, I learned that from my mother.😁 Yup, she was many times on the wonky side. Always interesting,however!

So today is a day whereby Butch will be jumping into my mind more abundantly than normal. He will be very welcome.

Safe Cleaning

 Jason and I went through my Safe this past weekend, discarding things that were outdated, or merely no longer needed. We ran across some sayings that I had kept a long time ago. I am guessing in the 1980's. I have always been a fan of word play and this find brought it out front and center.

I will put them here in no particular order: 

If it doesn't affect your breathing, let it go.

If you cannot change your mind, are you sure you have one?

Purranoia: The fact your cat's up to something.

A guy had to give up drag racing-couldn't run in high heels.

I have never been able to find out precisely what feminism is: I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiates me from a doormat. Rebecca West-1913

A bad spell of wether. 

Cats are smarter than dogs. You can't get eight cats to pull a sled through snow.

Do not meddle in the affairs of cats, for they are subtle and will piss on your computer.

Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things.

If you keep doing what you have always done, you'll keep getting what you've always got. 

Most computer problems are caused by a loose nut between the chair and the keyboard.

I still like all of them!

Choose Wisely

I think you know where I stand.

Take it to heart...

How do you stay married for 60 plus years? This is how!

 

It happens every fall

 My thoughts start heading South every Fall. I am not quite there yet but it isn't far off. After all October follows September right on it's heals. I pare down what I buy for food. I have a container that holds things I plan to take but do not need in the margin. I start making lists. Not as long as they used to be, however still needed.

My main thought in coming to Evergreen Ridge was having a life with few complications and short ToDo lists.  I have achieved that. It leaves time for many things, such as reading, walking, crafting, playing pool, playing cards with friends, and many other fun things. 

We have several openings in this wonderful place I am living in. I asked about that when they were still full and was told it fluctuates. We currently have 6 maybe 7 open units. In our age group the coming and going can happen quickly. Keeping in mind we are an Independent facility. We must be able to take care of all our needs on our own. Another good reason to stay fit as a fiddle. 

Across the street is an assisted living place. I heard yesterday that a person from there is coming here! I asked how that happens and was told they went there first not thinking about the differences. They happened to be a late sleeper. They would not let them sleep in. Must be up for breakfast! I can see the reason for that as they are supposed to keep tabs on the people.  But if you have slept till at least 8 AM most of your life 7 AM breakfast is not on your to-do list. I guess that is another motivation to stay able to do for yourself as long as possible. I also thought of several people in my life. My mother had a business in her home but if you called or came by before 9:00 you were on her blank list. I told her the World turns at 8 ,Mom. She did not believe it. And my husband loved staying in bed in the morning as long as possible. He would have been livid if he had to get up before 8, unless it was to play golf or some other fun event. 

So I walked 2 miles this morning...now if I can stay away from the sugar treats I might be able to stay Idependent.