Name Three Things - 2022

[Winchester]

It's a hard decision to make. I haven't used a dealership mechanic in a long time, only for Hyundai recalls that come around. Les ("our" mechanic) is a sweetheart and he will not cost us an arm and a leg for work. He graduated with Rick and, when I did zoning, I helped him out with a problem, which saved him some money). I trust him with the cars. He no longer does some jobs anymore; hence the other mechanic working with the tranny on Clarence; he's the one who put the new engine in him several years ago.

Clarence is a 2001 (21 years old now), with 150,000 miles on him. For a car, he's pretty old. For a PT Cruiser, he's ancient. And yet....I just can't turn him over to the junk yard. I just can't. I don't think Dear Richard is particularly amused by the whole thing, but Clarence is mine and the money that I spend on him is mine, too. And Clarence is my weak spot. When they told me about the transmission, I flinched. He asked, "Do you want to think about it?" And I said, "No. It needs to be done." And that was that. I do love that car. I guess I figure that, sooner or later, he'll be "new" again!

We've been looking at cars as well, and trading the Hyundai Tucson in. But wow, the prices are ridiculous and we're not sure we want to go there. We haven't had a car payment in forever (well, since I paid Clarence off!) and we really hate the thought of those monthly payments again.

As for Geoffrey, what a little stinker! I'm so glad he's feeling better and wanting to play and cuddle. But geez, he had you worried!

 

[catapault]

gilmargl You just wrote that all he has at your house are clothes and books. I think I remember that somewhere upthread you mentioned you have a key to his apartment.

I'm thinking that right now would be a good time to empty his presence out of YOUR apartment. While he is still in hospital it would be an excellent time to box up his books and his clothes and take them to HIS apartment.

 

[maggiedemi]

One even called me on the phone!! I went to high school with her.. so I guess I have to go. I will only stay about an half hour or so

A girl you went to high school with lives in the same building?

 

[artiemom]

A girl you went to high school with lives in the same building?

Yes, we also hung out together our last Sumer before we started working. I got her a job where I was working part-time after school... So, we hung out 50 years ago!! Small World.

Winchester The mechanic where I am going, has a good reputation in the city. The shop Has been around for 60 years.

My friend's partner is trying to get me to have a second opinion at their mechanics... he used to go to this one, switched because of his prices, and did not feel his work was that great. My friend has only gone to her mechanic.

From what I have disc covered there are 3 really good mechanics in my city. This guy is one of the ones mentioned.

You know, you hear so much. I am not in a position to go running around for this. I do not want to take any more chances.. I am kind of surprised that the axle issues were not noticed earlier. Do I trust them?? I have no reason not to....
Also, his receptionist lives in my building. He does work on the Priests cars.. so.. it is a crap shoot.

I already put a deposit down on the parts. I am going forward.

I really should have gotten a new car last year.. but with Covid and such.. it was a crazy time...

Just pouring my thoughts out..
Thanks anyone for listening and any advice.

 

[vansX2]

Cleaned the 2 litter boxes this afternoon. Then went in to town to check on artwork being framed. Lastly topped of the gas tank 9.4 gallons came to over $ 45.00 . I'm glad gas tank was more than 1/2 full before refilling.

 

[Winchester]

Lastly topped of the gas tank 9.4 gallons came to over $ 45.00 . I'm glad gas tank was more than 1/2 full before refilling.

vansX2 I know! Rick put $65 worth of gas in his truck. And it was only a little over 3/4 full when he was done. Oy!

artiemom I asked the mechanic if he wanted a deposit on the Cruiser. "Nope," he said. "I know where you live. And besides, I've got Clarence! You'll pay up!"

• Breakfast for the girls, emptied the dishwasher, and am sitting back here with my coffee.
• We have to hit Lowes for water softener salt.
• If it doesn't rain, going outside to pick up our never-ending supply of branches.

 

[gilmargl]

gilmargl You just wrote that all he has at your house are clothes and books. I think I remember that somewhere upthread you mentioned you have a key to his apartment.

I'm thinking that right now would be a good time to empty his presence out of YOUR apartment. While he is still in hospital it would be an excellent time to box up his books and his clothes and take them to HIS apartment.

That's a good idea but only on paper ! I'm not going to break the law and enter his apartment. He is not stupid and, when things get nasty he'll no doubt get legal advice. I have been having doubts about things he told me about his previous woman friend. According to his version - she was schizophrenic and dangerous. I have never met her but I often wonder whether, in his mind, he's turning me into a half-wit in order to explain my strange behavior, not wanting to look after him, when he's so little trouble.

Today I spoke to his nephew who seems to understand my position. He wanted me to phone my partner's brother when I was next at the hospital so that the brothers could talk to one another. (One has Parkinson's and cannot dial, and my partner cannot use a mobile at all). I said I wasn't likely to go back to the hospital again. His outdoor clothes are there so he can be transported. Hopefully he now has sufficient nightwear so that he will be accepted in a care home at least for a limited time. We ageed to wait and see what happens.

Last night I had a red-alert on my Corona-Warn App. Evidently, all those who were at my grandson's apartment last Saturday have been alerted. But, none of us have corona! We believe that someone in the house was found to be positive so we have all been contacted.
Took a quick test again today, just to make sure I am not a spreader before picking up this secondhand kitchen table and 2 chairs.

It just about fitted in my small VW-Polo with all the seats folded down! I am very pleased with it!

Did the weekly shopping
Received a parcel containing a small milk saucepan (for my hot chocolate) and some black cooking utensils to replace the rather well-used wooden spoons and orange, pink and blue ladles and such which I'm at last throwing out!

Tomorrow will start with a trip to the ferals - as I have to substitute for someone in hospital. And then it's the weekend again! NO COMMENT!

 

[catapault]

gilmargl Does his apartment building have a janitor? If yes, box up his belongings, tape up the boxes securely, and hand them over to the janitor. Janitors usually have a master key to all the apartments and could put the boxes in the apartment.

 

[Tobermory]

I love the table and chairs, gilmargl ! What a find! And they look perfect in that spot. I hope everything you’re doing in your place is providing a lift to your spirits.

Winchester have you tried various drugs for your migraines? I had them for years and it seemed like I tried everything. I even ended up in the ER a couple of times because the pain was so bad. I finally was able to control them somewhat with a combo of naproxen at the beginning and Amerge as the pain worsened.

I’ve pulled together everything I think I’ll need for my overnight stay at the sleep study center. I have difficulty picturing how well I’m going to sleep with leads all over my head and body (and no cats), but apparently they’ll be able to tell if I have sleep apnea. I’m supposed to check in at 7:45 this evening.

I made some of those yummy chocolate shortbread cookies we love so much.

It was such a beautiful day: sunny and 60s. We saw deer and turkeys (the males were showing off) and jackrabbits on our walk this morning, and there are daffodils, forsythia, and redbud blooming everywhere. Gorgeous.

 

[MonaLyssa33]

I worked today, then I had my pottery class where I glazed some of my pieces and picked up the ones that were done (see below), and a third thing would be... I plan on reading before bed later.

Here's my favorite thing I've made so far. There is one part of the glaze that I didn't really like, but it isn't a big part of it so it's okay.

The outside of this bowl turned out weird and it was the same glaze that caused the thing I hated about the pot above.

 

[artiemom]

Wow!! so many people to compliment!
gilmargl I LOVE your table and chairs... just what I need.. Glad you have a fresh start to your house..

Tobermory Good luck with the sleep study.. I will be interested in hearing about it. I know I have sleep apnea, but refuse to get tested for it.

MonaLyssa33 Your ceramics are beautiful.. never mind the glitch.. they are gorgeous...

Have to;
*regular morning stuff
*out for errands
* newspaper meeting this afternoon
*decide on supper.. nothing good in the dining room.

 

[Mia6]

washed some throws

getting a much-needed haircut

my new helper starts Monday! It's been 8 months

 

[Winchester]

gilmargl Love the table and chairs! Perfect fit!
Tobermory Good luck with your sleep study. Rick had one several years ago. He thought he wouldn't be able to fall asleep, but he had no trouble. Best of luck to you.
MonaLyssa33 I like your pottery! I used to do ceramics, but ever made the actual piece. It was all painting, glazing, firing, etc.
Mia6 Yay! You're getting a helper again! I hope she (he?) will be the best helper ever!

Tobermory I have been to two neurologist and a migraine specialist. Doctors are hesitant for me to use migraine meds because of all the allergies to meds that I have. The migraine specialist refused to treat me or offer any kind of help because I didn't have them often enough for her to help me. She only treats people who have migraines 13 days or more of the month. The one med that really helped my migraines, Excedrin for Migraines, is no longer being made. That was amazing and a true migraine help. I was heartbroken when they stopped making it. It really, really worked. So when I get a migraine, I just go about my day anyway, dealing with it. When it's really bad and my head explodes, that's when I hit the bed for however long it takes.

There's not much going on today.

• Drinking my coffee now and will do some computer stuff for a while.
• I'd like to work on some housecleaning today.
• I thought I was going to bake cookies for Rick's mom today. But we just got word from the home that they have six patients with Covid, so they've quarantined the place. Yet again. We can't take the cookies to her anyway. And we can't get the Kindle, which is frustrating for her.
• Read, whether in the house or the Shed, I haven't decided yet. A friend stopped by with a huge bag of books!

 

[catapault]

Painting is still an on-going thing

The upstairs balcony is mostly put back together. Books from lower landing - six Chewys cartons worth - are now in the first floor bathroom. Need to move the three bookcases up a half flight of stairs and into the dining room so the painter can start work down there.

Painter has been having lunch with us. I was talking about tacos. He fishes. We spoke about fish tacos, which none of us have had. So for lunch today - that's right, fish tacos. This morning I made a coleslaw with finely sliced cabbage, finely cut scallions, cut up cilantro. That will go in the corn tortillas (heated in cast iron frying pans) with tillapia (cut up after cooking) on top. Mildly seasoned fish for Himself, spicier for me and the painter.

For sides I made a fresh salsa verde with tomatillos, and a "salad" of black beans, corn, diced red onion and sweet red pepper, and Goya sazon.

Haven't been counting but that's enough for this morning, don't you think?

 

[Mia6]

Painting is still an on-going thing

View attachment 414009​

The upstairs balcony is mostly put back together. Books from lower landing - six Chewys cartons worth - are now in the first floor bathroom. Need to move the three bookcases up a half flight of stairs and into the dining room so the painter can start work down there.

Painter has been having lunch with us. I was talking about tacos. He fishes. We spoke about fish tacos, which none of us have had. So for lunch today - that's right, fish tacos. This morning I made a coleslaw with finely sliced cabbage, finely cut scallions, cut up cilantro. That will go in the corn tortillas (heated in cast iron frying pans) with tillapia (cut up after cooking) on top. Mildly seasoned fish for Himself, spicier for me and the painter.

For sides I made a fresh salsa verde with tomatillos, and a "salad" of black beans, corn, diced red onion and sweet red pepper, and Goya sazon.

Haven't been counting but that's enough for this morning, don't you think?

That sounds amazing!

 

[Mia6]

Winchester Thank you, Pam. I hope so as well. Excedrin Migraine was Tylenol, Aspirin, and Caffeine Maybe take 2 Tylenol, one Aspirin, and your High Octane Pepsi and see if it helps?

More laundry

dishes

rest from hair cut yesterday, I had about 5 inches cut off. It's now a little over chine length in the front and sides,
and razor cut in the back. Feels so much better

 

[catapault]

Mia6 We knew the walls were getting shabby but had not realized that they were THAT shabby. It has been a long slog but when the painter is done (7 or more likely 8 days later, possibly Monday but maybe Tuesday) it is going to be very nice.

This morning I already have a load of laundry in the clothes washer.
The oven is heating for the cookies I prepared yesterday before going to bed.
Need to scoop the litter pan.
Some more books to bring up from the lower landing, then bring that bookcase upstairs.
Go to Shoprite and Wal-Mart, then detour to farm and feed for a dozen eggs.
Start rehanging family photos on the upper stairwell. It's a very good thing I took a picture of the layout before I took them down.

 

[gilmargl]

gilmargl Does his apartment building have a janitor? If yes, box up his belongings, tape up the boxes securely, and hand them over to the janitor. Janitors usually have a master key to all the apartments and could put the boxes in the apartment.

No, there's no janitor, caretaker or anyone responsible. The four apartments are each privately owned. Three are owner-occupied, he is renting the fourth. I don't think the present residents will recognise me as it's been such a long time and I was never permanently present.

Today, the sun shone and temperatures rose. It's still around freezing point at night but, out of the wind, you don't need a jacket once the sun is high in the sky.
Did a bit of shopping with my daughter this morning - bought a few more small storage jars for such things as nuts and raisins.
Bought more wild-bird seed!!
Spent the afternoon in my garden (what a luxury!). I intended simply putting together the outside storage box. Winter storms had whipped off the lid and I'd put clay pots and large stones inside it to prevent more damage. I had to wash it inside and out before I could refill it with the cushions for outdoor furniture, my cycling helmet, basket, lock and pump for my bike.
While hosing the box down I noticed that my poor garden pond was looking very sorry for itself. Taking a closer look before removing some of the dead leaves and filling it up, I was surprised to see the marsh buttercups in all their glory. After years of neglect, they are still putting on an amazing spring show of colour!

I found violets, periwinkle, daffodils, narcissi and even a few hyacinths in bloom. My plot of land is not big so, with a bit of luck, I may be able to get it back into shape. I am hoping my SIL will finally dig up the roots of all the trees which have fallen down during storms or have had to be felled. It is a waste of time digging and planting, when the job of removing all the tree-roots with a mini excavator will cause so much havoc and no doubt the terrace will need to be relaid afterwards.

The garden birds were making such a noise while I was working outside that I decided they were hungry and my presence was preventing them from getting to the feeder. I tidied up my tools came indoors and watched them as they showered seeds onto the wood pigeon patiently waiting under the bird feeder. No wonder I am always having to buy bird seed!

Tomorrow, if the weather stays warm, I will again keep cooking and eating time to a minimum. and continue with my attack on ivy and brambles!

 

[Tobermory]

Good luck with the sleep study.. I will be interested in hearing about it. I know I have sleep apnea, but refuse to get tested for it.

It was quite an interesting experience! I should have taken a picture of myself with all of those wires coming out of my head. I told my husband I probably looked like Medusa! Wires everywhere, not only all over my head and face, but also my shoulders, above my collarbone, and on my legs. Amazing that I could sleep at all, but I managed. The room had it all: Sleep number bed, TV, WiFi, private bathroom.

Winchester I hate that they haven’t found anything for your migraines. Such horrible things. One of my favorites (not) was Topamax which is actually an anti-seizure med that has shown some effectiveness with migraines. I tried, but it didn’t really help and I stopped it when I was having to pull over to the side of the road and vomit out of the door on my way to work. Fun times.

I’m helping a neighbor with an emergency preparedness manual for our neighborhood, and I spent the morning editing a portion of it.

It was cinnamon French toast morning. I’ve been experimenting with different brands since I haven’t had the energy to make my own lately.

And now it’s off to do laundry!

 

[Winchester]

Mia6 Tobermory I can't take any OTC meds, due to an allergy that cropped up several years ago. My face starts to swell and the last time, my tongue swelled up as well. That one scared me. It's either something in the coating or in the filling of the pills, capsules, etc. No Advil, Aleve, Tylenol, even Halls Lozenges. No aspirin. Nothing. I doubt I'd even be able to take Excedrin at this point, even if it was still being made. I've been to allergists about it (two, in fact) and all they said was, "Well, don't take any OTC pain meds!" At this point, I haven't taken any OTC pain meds in well over 5 years. And it's hard because doctors aren't real happy about prescribing pain meds because of the possibility of getting addicted. At least none of the doctors that I see. So when I get a migraine, I'm just kind of stuck with it til it goes away or at least starts to lessen. An icy Coke will help sometimes. But frankly, it sucks. Oh, and the medication that I was using for years (years!) for high blood pressure also started to cause the swelling. My doctor had to find a med that I could take and that was a real challenge. I felt like a guinea pig. Some of them didn't work that well and that caused issues with my blood pressure, too. And that is my book for today!

Anyway, there's not much going on today:

• Breakfast for the girls, emptied the dishwasher, and enjoyed my coffee
• Sorted laundry and the first of two loads is in the washer
• Will change bed sheets when Rick gets up
• I am washing light globes and shades today. Rick will take them down, I'll wash and dry them, then he'll put them back up.

Dear Richard and I had a bit of a "discussion" yesterday. When I told him that I wanted to wash light globes, he said, "Well, I guess I'll be going for a walk!" And that's not fair. He lives here, too, and he's retired, too. So yes, I expect some help and I don't think it's too much to ask. Friday, when I was vacuuming, I moved the piano out from the wall. By myself. While he walked past me. I was not amused. I ended up throwing my back out and hurting my knee. Pianos are heavy. He saw me, but he said that I've always moved furniture around by myself. And that's true. But I can't do it alone anymore. I need some help. And that's my whine for today.