New Zealand and feet
Jun. 23rd, 2025 06:33 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
susandennisFeet first. No pain last night. Whew. I discovered that my Merrells, the clogs, are ok to walk in if I wear socks so that's what I did yesterday. We didn't walk a lot but some and it was fine. I didn't get the sharp pains in my feet. I have now bought what feels like a million pairs of shoes online. I will, likely, return most of them, but, hopefully, I'll find one or two that don't hurt and aren't butt ugly. I did find a couple of possibles that looked very promising but their return policy either sucked or looked suspicious, so, no. Oddly, Zappos had nothing.
Today we'll be going to at least two shoe stores, so that might yield something.
Scott and Julie arrived yesterday in fine form. The Timber Ridge guest suite situation worked fine. There are two guest rooms on this side of the complex. My brother stayed in one that was nice and roomy. The other one, turns out, is not and that's the one Scott and Julie are in. It's a small room that is perfectly adequate and, since they haven't seen the other one, they are quite happy there. But, note to self, get 1301 and not 1300 next time.
We went to downtown Issaquah last night and ate at Jak's Steak House. Reddit says that it is not nearly as good as it used to be and, to be fair, a lot of people never thought it was good but I sure did. And, judging by the crowds and our experience, it has not deteriorated one bit. We got a lovely table by the big windows so they could watch the goings on in town. Our food was really good and there was lots of it and there was not even the tiniest bit to take home as leftovers.
Then we walked two blocks over and took Julie to her first ever Dollar Tree visit. She was entranced. It was fun.
Today, they want to go to North Bend. I love how they now get on the internet and scope out their choices. Scott wants pants from Columbia, they both want shoes from Skechers and the ride to North Bend is so pretty. We'll be back here in time for dinner, if not earlier.
They are the easiest people in the world to be around. I love having them here. They brought me THREE jigsaw puzzles! And wonderful high end hand cream - 3 different kinds.
Now I need to pop into the shower. We're meeting for breakfast before our adventures.
Today we'll be going to at least two shoe stores, so that might yield something.
Scott and Julie arrived yesterday in fine form. The Timber Ridge guest suite situation worked fine. There are two guest rooms on this side of the complex. My brother stayed in one that was nice and roomy. The other one, turns out, is not and that's the one Scott and Julie are in. It's a small room that is perfectly adequate and, since they haven't seen the other one, they are quite happy there. But, note to self, get 1301 and not 1300 next time.
We went to downtown Issaquah last night and ate at Jak's Steak House. Reddit says that it is not nearly as good as it used to be and, to be fair, a lot of people never thought it was good but I sure did. And, judging by the crowds and our experience, it has not deteriorated one bit. We got a lovely table by the big windows so they could watch the goings on in town. Our food was really good and there was lots of it and there was not even the tiniest bit to take home as leftovers.
Then we walked two blocks over and took Julie to her first ever Dollar Tree visit. She was entranced. It was fun.
Today, they want to go to North Bend. I love how they now get on the internet and scope out their choices. Scott wants pants from Columbia, they both want shoes from Skechers and the ride to North Bend is so pretty. We'll be back here in time for dinner, if not earlier.
They are the easiest people in the world to be around. I love having them here. They brought me THREE jigsaw puzzles! And wonderful high end hand cream - 3 different kinds.
Now I need to pop into the shower. We're meeting for breakfast before our adventures.
(no subject)
Jun. 22nd, 2025 07:10 amsusandennisDr. Google says I have metatarsalgia. And that it's not fatal so, whew! But, ouch.
I've been fighting foot pain, cramps and toe issues for years and years and years. Periodically, I throw out all my shoes and try new ones. It never works but I have learned not to throw out shoes. I have one of those pop up mesh bins that lives in my storage unit and is full of shoes. Among them are the two pair of shoes I bought a couple of years ago at the orthopedic shoe store. I quit wearing them because they were clunky. One, a clog was hard to walk in for long distances and the other, a New Balance sneaker, was just like wearing a huge ugly boat. BUT I did not throw out either of those pair.
Yesterday, I dug out these two pair of not-at-all-acceptable shoes and put one on and OMG, my feet felt like 80% better instantly - just having them on my feet, not even walking! Fuck you, ugly shoes. I took all the shoes in my closet and put them into the old shoe bin in the storage unit. I was able to walk downstairs and get my dinner without pain so victory. Ugly but victorious.
Last night I only woke up once with foot pain. Big improvement.
I'll wear these two pair of horrible shoes until the new ones come in.
Also now I know for sure what good (for me) shoes feel like and if they don't feel like these two ugly pair, then they do not make the cut.
Scott and Julie arrive today. They are going out to the airport to pick up a rental car. When they leave here, they are driving to Oregon and Idaho and Salt Lake City in this rental car. They expect to be here about 2.
I went back to making dolls yesterday. It was like coming home to an old friend. I have a nice little inventory so my missing 4 days of making won't decimate the giving shelf's supply.
Ooops! I forgot her heart!! I need to fix that immediately.
Yesterday's Mariner game was an afternoon game in Chicago. I did not have video, of course, but even listening to it was hot. First they lost the home plate umpire. Then a Mariner pitcher was helped off the field. It was just too fucking hot. Today is more of the same. Ugh.
I saw a weather map yesterday of the United States. Not too many spots were habitable. Ours was one of them. Thank you, weather. It is cool and rainy this morning. Lovely.
I've been fighting foot pain, cramps and toe issues for years and years and years. Periodically, I throw out all my shoes and try new ones. It never works but I have learned not to throw out shoes. I have one of those pop up mesh bins that lives in my storage unit and is full of shoes. Among them are the two pair of shoes I bought a couple of years ago at the orthopedic shoe store. I quit wearing them because they were clunky. One, a clog was hard to walk in for long distances and the other, a New Balance sneaker, was just like wearing a huge ugly boat. BUT I did not throw out either of those pair.
Yesterday, I dug out these two pair of not-at-all-acceptable shoes and put one on and OMG, my feet felt like 80% better instantly - just having them on my feet, not even walking! Fuck you, ugly shoes. I took all the shoes in my closet and put them into the old shoe bin in the storage unit. I was able to walk downstairs and get my dinner without pain so victory. Ugly but victorious.
Last night I only woke up once with foot pain. Big improvement.
I'll wear these two pair of horrible shoes until the new ones come in.
Also now I know for sure what good (for me) shoes feel like and if they don't feel like these two ugly pair, then they do not make the cut.
Scott and Julie arrive today. They are going out to the airport to pick up a rental car. When they leave here, they are driving to Oregon and Idaho and Salt Lake City in this rental car. They expect to be here about 2.
I went back to making dolls yesterday. It was like coming home to an old friend. I have a nice little inventory so my missing 4 days of making won't decimate the giving shelf's supply.
Ooops! I forgot her heart!! I need to fix that immediately.
Yesterday's Mariner game was an afternoon game in Chicago. I did not have video, of course, but even listening to it was hot. First they lost the home plate umpire. Then a Mariner pitcher was helped off the field. It was just too fucking hot. Today is more of the same. Ugh.
I saw a weather map yesterday of the United States. Not too many spots were habitable. Ours was one of them. Thank you, weather. It is cool and rainy this morning. Lovely.
Barking Dogs
Jun. 21st, 2025 01:38 pmsusandennisI have vivid memories of my cousin falling into a big chair moaning 'my dogs are barkin'!! For some reason I thought that expression was just hilarious. Today my feet are not laughing. I've been wearing questionable shoes. Shoes that might not have enough support but a are cute (and cheap). And my feet are suffering. One of them kept me awake part of last night. There's a sharp pain in the middle of my feet near my toes. It was just constant last night. They were ok during volleyball but then mostly that are just lightly touching the ground during play. I'm held up by the water.
But I just walked downstairs to get the mail and I could barely get back home and I'm wearing my best shoes with arch supports and socks. And still they really hurt when I got up here.
At the mailbox, I got a check for $250 - the escrow from my condo closing. I sat down here, deposited the check, and then used Gemini to find shoes without laces for seniors with arch support and a big toe box. I have to say that Gemini did a good job. I proceeded to buy 3 pair - one from Orthofeet, one from Kuru and one from Vivonic. I may not keep any or I may keep all of them. I gotta do something. Cause my dogs are barkin'!
But I just walked downstairs to get the mail and I could barely get back home and I'm wearing my best shoes with arch supports and socks. And still they really hurt when I got up here.
At the mailbox, I got a check for $250 - the escrow from my condo closing. I sat down here, deposited the check, and then used Gemini to find shoes without laces for seniors with arch support and a big toe box. I have to say that Gemini did a good job. I proceeded to buy 3 pair - one from Orthofeet, one from Kuru and one from Vivonic. I may not keep any or I may keep all of them. I gotta do something. Cause my dogs are barkin'!
Saturday morning
Jun. 21st, 2025 09:30 amsusandennisVolleyball was excellent. We had 8 players, one new one who was excellent and the problem people were absent. A good time was had by the rest of us.
The poor Susan Dennis looking for a job, still has not figured out what her email address is. I guess the good news is that all these places responding to her are safe from hiring an idiot.
Today, after elbow coffee, there will be laundry. Somehow I missed a turn and there's so much I might need two loads! Scott and Julie have already said they need a load done when they get here so maybe I'll do most and toss in the rest with theirs.
For the first time this week, I do not have any items to take to UPS for return. Not only that, I do not have anything I've ordered yet to arrive. I'm all caught up!
I finished the pride robots/monsters. I ran out of the purple yarn after 50 of them so I figured that was a good place to stop. I used mini skeins that I bought at Hobby Lobby. While I hate shopping there because of their politics, I will if it's the only option for what I want which, in this case, it was. But it did tickle my fuck you bone to buy yarn to celebrate PRIDE there. $29 made 50 of them. Not too shabby.
Now it's back to dolls.
The menus for next week are good enough. Scott and Julie will be here for 3 dinners. And we have 3 dinner options - the buffet, the dining room and the cafe. We'll try them all. Breakfast is free with their guest room so we'll do that, too. And, lunch, if we need it. Tomorrow they will get here about 2ish and nothing will be open at Timber Ridge so we'll go out.
The first time Scott visited (long before he met Julie) it was 1995. I wanted to take him to an old fashioned small town 4th of July parade. So we went to Baimbridge Island on the ferry and saw their parade. It stuck on his brain like glue and he's talked about it ever since. We've thought of going back but just never worked it into one of their visits. Today, that gets fixed. He and Julie are headed over there today. No parade but they do have a farmers market and Julies LOVES American farmers markets. So excellent.
Time to get dressed. Ingrid often attends elbow coffee in her nightgown and robe but I, personally, think it's a little more respectful to get dressed before going.
The poor Susan Dennis looking for a job, still has not figured out what her email address is. I guess the good news is that all these places responding to her are safe from hiring an idiot.
Today, after elbow coffee, there will be laundry. Somehow I missed a turn and there's so much I might need two loads! Scott and Julie have already said they need a load done when they get here so maybe I'll do most and toss in the rest with theirs.
For the first time this week, I do not have any items to take to UPS for return. Not only that, I do not have anything I've ordered yet to arrive. I'm all caught up!
I finished the pride robots/monsters. I ran out of the purple yarn after 50 of them so I figured that was a good place to stop. I used mini skeins that I bought at Hobby Lobby. While I hate shopping there because of their politics, I will if it's the only option for what I want which, in this case, it was. But it did tickle my fuck you bone to buy yarn to celebrate PRIDE there. $29 made 50 of them. Not too shabby.
Now it's back to dolls.
The menus for next week are good enough. Scott and Julie will be here for 3 dinners. And we have 3 dinner options - the buffet, the dining room and the cafe. We'll try them all. Breakfast is free with their guest room so we'll do that, too. And, lunch, if we need it. Tomorrow they will get here about 2ish and nothing will be open at Timber Ridge so we'll go out.
The first time Scott visited (long before he met Julie) it was 1995. I wanted to take him to an old fashioned small town 4th of July parade. So we went to Baimbridge Island on the ferry and saw their parade. It stuck on his brain like glue and he's talked about it ever since. We've thought of going back but just never worked it into one of their visits. Today, that gets fixed. He and Julie are headed over there today. No parade but they do have a farmers market and Julies LOVES American farmers markets. So excellent.
Time to get dressed. Ingrid often attends elbow coffee in her nightgown and robe but I, personally, think it's a little more respectful to get dressed before going.
Menu Day
Jun. 21st, 2025 06:08 amsusandennisThis was Friday's entry.... which... again... I forgot to hit 'post'!
Today's menus are of greater importance than usual. There's the looming meal allowance. This week, they have a pork chop at dinner that is soooooo good. Ordinarily, I'd order a couple of extras for the freezer. BUT if next week's menu looks very good, then maybe not. Scott and Julie will arrive Sunday and stay until Thursday so we will be using up the meal allowance that way if the menu is good. If it sucks, then I might pile on the pork chops and the three of us will go out.
Of course, it does not matter one bit if I go over and (did I mention this last week) they now have a new thing where you can donate any spare meal money you have left over to the Issaquah Food Bank.
But, still, to me, menus matter and I want to see next week's. They put it out (in the mail room cubbies) about now so I can go get mine any time. They also put the menus online but, frustratingly, not until Sunday or next week.
Hazel came over last night to chat. When John is down or cabby about something, she really wants/needs conversation with other people. I know Joan always wants company so I'm not sure why I get picked. She's a lovely sweet person, Hazel but not at all interesting. 95% of the stuff she says, I have heard before and didn't care about them either. Anyway John did come home from the hospital Wednesday and now he has a back issue and they are going to the doctor tomorrow.
I listen politely and offer nothing, I learned my lesson on Myrna. I am not their care giver and they are not my responsibility.
I treated myself to a nice set of covered bowls last week. When they arrived, I loved them! Yesterday, I used several to make pickles and another salad. And then I popped them into the dishwasher. Now they are not so much bowls as sculptures. I went back to Amazon to carefully read the web page. It says nothing about dishwasher. Nothing - not in the reviews, not in the questions, not in the texts. Fuck. So. I found another set of nice, covered bowls which were clearly labeled safe for dishwasher. And now, it's back to UPS for the 4th time this week. Sigh.
But it is a lovely cloudy day so no fighting the sun and an easy trip.
I have yarn for about 4 more Pride monsters/robots and then it will be back to dolls. If the inventory holds up a bit, I might work up some Halloween prototypes. Martha is all over Halloween so she's agreed to judge. I'm aiming for one - like the bunnies - that I'll make a bunch of. But then for sure back to the dolls. I do have enough inventory to hold me over for the days Scott and Julie are here.
Ok, time to get dressed and get on with the day.
Today's menus are of greater importance than usual. There's the looming meal allowance. This week, they have a pork chop at dinner that is soooooo good. Ordinarily, I'd order a couple of extras for the freezer. BUT if next week's menu looks very good, then maybe not. Scott and Julie will arrive Sunday and stay until Thursday so we will be using up the meal allowance that way if the menu is good. If it sucks, then I might pile on the pork chops and the three of us will go out.
Of course, it does not matter one bit if I go over and (did I mention this last week) they now have a new thing where you can donate any spare meal money you have left over to the Issaquah Food Bank.
But, still, to me, menus matter and I want to see next week's. They put it out (in the mail room cubbies) about now so I can go get mine any time. They also put the menus online but, frustratingly, not until Sunday or next week.
Hazel came over last night to chat. When John is down or cabby about something, she really wants/needs conversation with other people. I know Joan always wants company so I'm not sure why I get picked. She's a lovely sweet person, Hazel but not at all interesting. 95% of the stuff she says, I have heard before and didn't care about them either. Anyway John did come home from the hospital Wednesday and now he has a back issue and they are going to the doctor tomorrow.
I listen politely and offer nothing, I learned my lesson on Myrna. I am not their care giver and they are not my responsibility.
I treated myself to a nice set of covered bowls last week. When they arrived, I loved them! Yesterday, I used several to make pickles and another salad. And then I popped them into the dishwasher. Now they are not so much bowls as sculptures. I went back to Amazon to carefully read the web page. It says nothing about dishwasher. Nothing - not in the reviews, not in the questions, not in the texts. Fuck. So. I found another set of nice, covered bowls which were clearly labeled safe for dishwasher. And now, it's back to UPS for the 4th time this week. Sigh.
But it is a lovely cloudy day so no fighting the sun and an easy trip.
I have yarn for about 4 more Pride monsters/robots and then it will be back to dolls. If the inventory holds up a bit, I might work up some Halloween prototypes. Martha is all over Halloween so she's agreed to judge. I'm aiming for one - like the bunnies - that I'll make a bunch of. But then for sure back to the dolls. I do have enough inventory to hold me over for the days Scott and Julie are here.
Ok, time to get dressed and get on with the day.
Taxi day??
Jun. 19th, 2025 08:19 amsusandennisI was wrong yesterday so today I'm not speculating. Hazel came in about 9 and asked if I'd take her to the hospital again. Turns out her son and his wife were not making her happy 'they are telling me what to do and it's not what I want'. It was fine. She told me to drop her off at the door and go. I quizzed her a million times about what she was going to do when she got inside the door and she had it figured out. Plus, she said, that with her walker and her visitor badge, if she stopped for so much as a second, someone swooped in and begged her to let them help her. She felt perfectly safe and unafraid so I left her at the door.
When I opened my apartment door to go pick up dinner, there was a sticky that said 'safely home. thank you!' I have no idea if it's just her or both of them. I know she'll come back if she needs anything so it's not on me to worry about what I should be doing for her. So I don't.
I stumbled on the perfect jacket on Women Within. Normally, when I find something there, I order it through Amazon but this jacket wasn't on Amazon and I wanted it and I had some coupons. It was $58 total (tax, shipping, dealer prep, whatever). For some reason, the order was invisible. It's still not listed on my order history. I never got an order number. They use caterpillars for shipping so it takes forfreakinever to get stuff. But it finally arrived yesterday and it's even better than I thought it would be. Love the look, love the weight, nice details... except. It's 2 sizes too big. I mean really really too big. It looks like I stole a lady linebacker's jacket. So I got onto their chat and after some frustrating back and forth, I finally was able to get them to find the order without the order number. They don't do exchanges. You send it back and they issue you a store credit and then you buy the size you want. EXCEPT the jacket is now listed for $95. The CSR said they would charge me the same as I paid before. We shall see. At least the return is Happy Returns which is easy peasy - my UPS store and a QR code. Happily, I have no use for the jacket until Fall which is probably when I will get it.
Meanwhile, I bet Google Maps would tell me but I'm guessing I've made more trips that UPS store in the year and a half that I've lived here than to the Timber Ridge mailroom. They are lovely people and do not mock me for being in there every day but still. I'll go back there today.
For about a month or more, both my ankles were swollen like a fat old lady (which, of course, I am). And, also, my feet got fatter. Not longer, just fatter. No reason. But, the other day, I noticed they were back to normal size. And they've stayed that way. So weird. Just a bout of swollen, I guess.
Oh and I got a letter yesterday. The last of my Seattle doctors has flown the coop. My doctors were part of a kind of medical coop called The Polyclinic. Which, in its heyday was fabulous. They were very patient oriented and it showed all over the place. One time they fucked up my flue shot and I sent a note to the head patient person explaining the issue and OMG, I finally had to tell them to stop calling to apologize. All was forgiven.
Then they got bought out by Big Medical and the walls started crumbling. My eye doctor went first. She was replaced by a guy who routinely pissed me off. Then my lung doctor went. But he left a nurse practitioner who was fabulous. Then she left. The next lung doctor was fine. My doctor of record was wonderful. I was quite fond of him for all of the dozen years we met annually. He left this past month. And now the new lung doctor has gone. Also, I think they are even changing the name. A new era. Without me.
Ok. Time to get dressed and hang a bit to see if Hazel needs me, then off to UPS for my now daily visit.
When I opened my apartment door to go pick up dinner, there was a sticky that said 'safely home. thank you!' I have no idea if it's just her or both of them. I know she'll come back if she needs anything so it's not on me to worry about what I should be doing for her. So I don't.
I stumbled on the perfect jacket on Women Within. Normally, when I find something there, I order it through Amazon but this jacket wasn't on Amazon and I wanted it and I had some coupons. It was $58 total (tax, shipping, dealer prep, whatever). For some reason, the order was invisible. It's still not listed on my order history. I never got an order number. They use caterpillars for shipping so it takes forfreakinever to get stuff. But it finally arrived yesterday and it's even better than I thought it would be. Love the look, love the weight, nice details... except. It's 2 sizes too big. I mean really really too big. It looks like I stole a lady linebacker's jacket. So I got onto their chat and after some frustrating back and forth, I finally was able to get them to find the order without the order number. They don't do exchanges. You send it back and they issue you a store credit and then you buy the size you want. EXCEPT the jacket is now listed for $95. The CSR said they would charge me the same as I paid before. We shall see. At least the return is Happy Returns which is easy peasy - my UPS store and a QR code. Happily, I have no use for the jacket until Fall which is probably when I will get it.
Meanwhile, I bet Google Maps would tell me but I'm guessing I've made more trips that UPS store in the year and a half that I've lived here than to the Timber Ridge mailroom. They are lovely people and do not mock me for being in there every day but still. I'll go back there today.
For about a month or more, both my ankles were swollen like a fat old lady (which, of course, I am). And, also, my feet got fatter. Not longer, just fatter. No reason. But, the other day, I noticed they were back to normal size. And they've stayed that way. So weird. Just a bout of swollen, I guess.
Oh and I got a letter yesterday. The last of my Seattle doctors has flown the coop. My doctors were part of a kind of medical coop called The Polyclinic. Which, in its heyday was fabulous. They were very patient oriented and it showed all over the place. One time they fucked up my flue shot and I sent a note to the head patient person explaining the issue and OMG, I finally had to tell them to stop calling to apologize. All was forgiven.
Then they got bought out by Big Medical and the walls started crumbling. My eye doctor went first. She was replaced by a guy who routinely pissed me off. Then my lung doctor went. But he left a nurse practitioner who was fabulous. Then she left. The next lung doctor was fine. My doctor of record was wonderful. I was quite fond of him for all of the dozen years we met annually. He left this past month. And now the new lung doctor has gone. Also, I think they are even changing the name. A new era. Without me.
Ok. Time to get dressed and hang a bit to see if Hazel needs me, then off to UPS for my now daily visit.
Maybe free
Jun. 18th, 2025 08:27 amsusandennisI spent most of yesterday assuming today I'd be Hazel's hospital taxi. This was not a good thought. I hate the drive and I'm not wild on her dependence on me. She has two grown sons and one grown daughter in law who live nearby... But, finally last night about 8, she came in to give me an update. They were still testing stuff with John but his spirits were good. Her son brought her home and her daughter in law escorted her up to her door. And they were going to be her hospital taxi today. So, whew.
She's kind of a mess. Not in a pearl clutching way but more in a confused and also severely diminished eyesight kind of way. This has also pointed that out to her. "I never used a cellphone because why? John's always there and he does it. Bad move." But, it is nice to know (for me, her sons, her husband and her) that she is in a place with options if she needs them.
So today is mine. Thank you. There is a Food and Beverage committee meeting this afternoon. The first since they fired the long time chef and hired a new one. Should be interesting.
I put in a work order the other day because the door to my apartment squeaks so loudly that I was afraid of complaints from downtown every time I opened the door. I had WD-40'd the hinges and nada. But, turns out, I just needed a professional. Yesterday, Jorge (who is one of the nicest guys) came and did just what I did but did it way better because now I can sneak out in the dead of night and no one will ever know. I love not owning my home!!
I think after Scott and Julie leave next week, I'll go back to dolls. I should be about out of Pride yarn by then anyway. And nearly out of Pride month.
She's kind of a mess. Not in a pearl clutching way but more in a confused and also severely diminished eyesight kind of way. This has also pointed that out to her. "I never used a cellphone because why? John's always there and he does it. Bad move." But, it is nice to know (for me, her sons, her husband and her) that she is in a place with options if she needs them.
So today is mine. Thank you. There is a Food and Beverage committee meeting this afternoon. The first since they fired the long time chef and hired a new one. Should be interesting.
I put in a work order the other day because the door to my apartment squeaks so loudly that I was afraid of complaints from downtown every time I opened the door. I had WD-40'd the hinges and nada. But, turns out, I just needed a professional. Yesterday, Jorge (who is one of the nicest guys) came and did just what I did but did it way better because now I can sneak out in the dead of night and no one will ever know. I love not owning my home!!
I think after Scott and Julie leave next week, I'll go back to dolls. I should be about out of Pride yarn by then anyway. And nearly out of Pride month.
Interuptus
Jun. 17th, 2025 01:28 pmsusandennisVolleyball was really good this morning. We had a good crowd of fun players and lots of laughs. Then, home to breakfast and coffee. I was nearly finished with both when Hazel came in with a face that was in total distress. She said John and fallen in the shower and they had just taken him away and could I please take her to the hospital.
Turns out, thankfully, he had not fallen but had come close and nearly lost conciseness. The parametics said it was likely dehydration. She wasn't entirely sure which hospital and her son could not get to her until after 11 (this was 8:30). So we made a plan. We found out the hospital. I grabbed my shit, she grabbed hers, we got her and her walker into the car and off we went.
She was not frantic just worried to bits. I was really glad she had gotten me instead of trying to figure it out on her own, Plus, I had zippity on for this morning so not a problem.
The hospital was the same one that I took Myrna to all those times so at least not a black hole. It's an easy-ish trip until you get close and then it's a nightmare. But we made it And found easy parking and got right in to John who was awake and alert and not frantic. Now they were thinking heart. I stayed until Hazel had talked to their son to find out he was on the way. Then I came home. Now I am in the elbow while my house cleaner does her magic.
Hazel did call a few minutes ago to say that they were keeping John overnight and Keith (son) would get her home. (Whew on not having to go again. I'm over that drive.)
So that's my excitement du jour. I did remember, on my way home, to pop into UPS with my Amazon return. Go Me.
Turns out, thankfully, he had not fallen but had come close and nearly lost conciseness. The parametics said it was likely dehydration. She wasn't entirely sure which hospital and her son could not get to her until after 11 (this was 8:30). So we made a plan. We found out the hospital. I grabbed my shit, she grabbed hers, we got her and her walker into the car and off we went.
She was not frantic just worried to bits. I was really glad she had gotten me instead of trying to figure it out on her own, Plus, I had zippity on for this morning so not a problem.
The hospital was the same one that I took Myrna to all those times so at least not a black hole. It's an easy-ish trip until you get close and then it's a nightmare. But we made it And found easy parking and got right in to John who was awake and alert and not frantic. Now they were thinking heart. I stayed until Hazel had talked to their son to find out he was on the way. Then I came home. Now I am in the elbow while my house cleaner does her magic.
Hazel did call a few minutes ago to say that they were keeping John overnight and Keith (son) would get her home. (Whew on not having to go again. I'm over that drive.)
So that's my excitement du jour. I did remember, on my way home, to pop into UPS with my Amazon return. Go Me.
Monday
Jun. 16th, 2025 07:43 amsusandennisFriday night, Ethel asked me if I wanted wine or water 'or we have some tonic and lime' and pointed to glasses set up that looked delicious and refreshing so I opted for tonic and lime. And now, of course, I'm hooked. I do enjoy a good gin and tonics but I like most alcohol, while I enjoy the taste, I do not enjoy the effects. Plus who needs the extra calories anyway? For some reason it never occurred to me to just leave out the gin. So tonic and lime is my new, refreshing, Summer beverage.
I went out yesterday to buy some tonic and to make an Amazon return and then remembered, after I had left, that the UPS shop was closed for father's day. So I still have that errand to do. But, still no hurry.
There are workers out on the patio this morning but they are working very quietly :) There are several tables set up for eating so someone must be having a lunch or dinner out there today. Tis the season. My friend, Steve, gathers folks for dinners on Thursdays out there. I can watch from my table. I keep thinking I'll join them sometime but on Thursdays I usually find a million reasons why I'd rather not. Starting with... eating outside?? I've never understood the allure. It's way cooler and more pleasant in here and... no bugs.
I have nothing on the agenda today. So that's probably what I will do. More Clarksons Farm and more Pride dolls. I need to build up an inventory for when I'm not knitting next week. My New Zealand friends arrive on Sunday.
Even with nothing on the agenda, it would be good if I got dressed.
I went out yesterday to buy some tonic and to make an Amazon return and then remembered, after I had left, that the UPS shop was closed for father's day. So I still have that errand to do. But, still no hurry.
There are workers out on the patio this morning but they are working very quietly :) There are several tables set up for eating so someone must be having a lunch or dinner out there today. Tis the season. My friend, Steve, gathers folks for dinners on Thursdays out there. I can watch from my table. I keep thinking I'll join them sometime but on Thursdays I usually find a million reasons why I'd rather not. Starting with... eating outside?? I've never understood the allure. It's way cooler and more pleasant in here and... no bugs.
I have nothing on the agenda today. So that's probably what I will do. More Clarksons Farm and more Pride dolls. I need to build up an inventory for when I'm not knitting next week. My New Zealand friends arrive on Sunday.
Even with nothing on the agenda, it would be good if I got dressed.
Sunday
Jun. 15th, 2025 07:45 amsusandennisTurns out that last night's dinner was kind of a tradition for the two couples. Ethel and Gary, who live here, have Seattle Symphony tickets with Jan and Dick, who don't live here... yet. Dick and Jan come over and have dinner as guests of Ethel and Gary and then Dick (the only one of the four who still drives at night), drives them to the concert.
So last night, they added me and Beth Box into the mix. Beth was another friend of Myrna's (and of both couples) who moved in here about six months after I did. So the six of us had a delightful dinner. They closed the dining room ('staffing shortage' again) so we all got dinners to go and had it in Ethel and Gary's apartment which was just lovely.
Dick and Jan did finally get their house on the market and had an offer in 3 days and are closing the first week in July so they will be moving into Myrna's apartment very soon.
Today is baseball, knitting, and laundry. I might go out. I have an Amazon return and I'd like a couple of things at the grocery BUT nothing really that can't wait so maybe not. Next week has plenty of opportunities for stuff like that.
Julio has this toy that he is addicted to. It needs to be charged and I forgot to charge it last night and it's just run out of juice and he's having a hard time dealing with it. For the last 5 minutes, he's just been lying there staring at it. He gets all anxious when I plug it into the charger. But, it looks like that's going to have to happen. Sorry, buddy.
Oh, good, he just went into the bedroom. Time to plug it in.
So last night, they added me and Beth Box into the mix. Beth was another friend of Myrna's (and of both couples) who moved in here about six months after I did. So the six of us had a delightful dinner. They closed the dining room ('staffing shortage' again) so we all got dinners to go and had it in Ethel and Gary's apartment which was just lovely.
Dick and Jan did finally get their house on the market and had an offer in 3 days and are closing the first week in July so they will be moving into Myrna's apartment very soon.
Today is baseball, knitting, and laundry. I might go out. I have an Amazon return and I'd like a couple of things at the grocery BUT nothing really that can't wait so maybe not. Next week has plenty of opportunities for stuff like that.
Julio has this toy that he is addicted to. It needs to be charged and I forgot to charge it last night and it's just run out of juice and he's having a hard time dealing with it. For the last 5 minutes, he's just been lying there staring at it. He gets all anxious when I plug it into the charger. But, it looks like that's going to have to happen. Sorry, buddy.
Oh, good, he just went into the bedroom. Time to plug it in.
Saturday
Jun. 14th, 2025 08:49 amsusandennisProtests, graduations, COVID - they all got together and decimated our volleyball turnout. But four of us lamely tried for an hour. It was ok. It would have been more fun had not the asshole been one of the four and he decided to leave after 30 minutes. Four worked. Three didn't. We gave up.
Elbow coffee is still an hour away.
The other day when I was at Trader Joes, I got some heirloom tomatoes, an onion and some Persian cukes and yesterday I chopped them all up into biggish pieces, added salt and pepper and a little balsamic dressing and popped it into the fridge. Dinner from the buffet was turkey and dressing and mashed potatoes and I added my chopped concoction and OMG was it all delicious. PLUS there is enough left of everything for another entire meal and then some.
But it won't be tonight. I got a text from Ethel asking me if I could join her and Gary and Jan and Dick for dinner tonight! YOU BETCHA!! They are all the best friends of Myrna. Gary plays volleyball with us (and was one of the four this morning) and Ethel is his wife and they are both delightful. Jan and Dick are the couple planning to move into Myrna's apartment. All four of them have been so kind to me and are just fun, nice, people. I'm delighted to be their fifth wheel. Plus, I want an update of the moving situation. And they are early birds so dinner will be at 4:45 which suits me just perfectly.
Periodically, I check on my cousin's house in Oklahoma City. BUT Google hasn't updated the street view since before he died. And, of course, the real estate sites have no info. I'm sure the people who bought it will tear it down or already have. So I keep checking. This morning I got the bright idea to check Reddit. Yep, there is an OKC sub so I posted an ask for someone who's driving by to snap a photo. I already got a response from some who who says they work very near there and can do it! Very cool.
My New Zealand friends sent me a video this morning of a bear and two cubs crossing the road in front of them on their way west to Whistler. I do love that they saw them. Love that she was fast enough to whip out her phone and capture the video but most of all I am so grateful to live in a time when that is not only possible, it's normal!! (the video not the bears)
Ok, now I need to get dressed. Ingrid may go to elbow coffee in her nightgown and robe but not me.
Elbow coffee is still an hour away.
The other day when I was at Trader Joes, I got some heirloom tomatoes, an onion and some Persian cukes and yesterday I chopped them all up into biggish pieces, added salt and pepper and a little balsamic dressing and popped it into the fridge. Dinner from the buffet was turkey and dressing and mashed potatoes and I added my chopped concoction and OMG was it all delicious. PLUS there is enough left of everything for another entire meal and then some.
But it won't be tonight. I got a text from Ethel asking me if I could join her and Gary and Jan and Dick for dinner tonight! YOU BETCHA!! They are all the best friends of Myrna. Gary plays volleyball with us (and was one of the four this morning) and Ethel is his wife and they are both delightful. Jan and Dick are the couple planning to move into Myrna's apartment. All four of them have been so kind to me and are just fun, nice, people. I'm delighted to be their fifth wheel. Plus, I want an update of the moving situation. And they are early birds so dinner will be at 4:45 which suits me just perfectly.
Periodically, I check on my cousin's house in Oklahoma City. BUT Google hasn't updated the street view since before he died. And, of course, the real estate sites have no info. I'm sure the people who bought it will tear it down or already have. So I keep checking. This morning I got the bright idea to check Reddit. Yep, there is an OKC sub so I posted an ask for someone who's driving by to snap a photo. I already got a response from some who who says they work very near there and can do it! Very cool.
My New Zealand friends sent me a video this morning of a bear and two cubs crossing the road in front of them on their way west to Whistler. I do love that they saw them. Love that she was fast enough to whip out her phone and capture the video but most of all I am so grateful to live in a time when that is not only possible, it's normal!! (the video not the bears)
Ok, now I need to get dressed. Ingrid may go to elbow coffee in her nightgown and robe but not me.
I won the war but there will probably be PTSD
Jun. 13th, 2025 08:44 amsusandennisMy morning started with Ingrid screaming from her balcony. She was dressed in a lovely short see thru nightgown howling down at the workers below (who probably don't speak English) "It's 6:30 in the morning!!! Why are you working??? Who do you work for?? I'm going to tell the director right now. Be Quiet."
I am sure that the director got an email from Ingrid. I'm pretty sure she gets one every day from from her.
My finance guy's assistant sent me some extra docs. He, so rightly, assumed I wanted Transfer of Beneficiaries (TOD) and how I wanted it set up. Then he also assumed I wanted my brother to have full access to the new accounts so he had that all ready to sign. I'd actually forgotten about both these things so I was delighted. BUT, no DocuSign. ARUGH.
I printed out the page I needed and then the printer and internet severed their connection (no clue who said what to whom). I had to sign and then scan to send back to the assistant and on to my brother. But, when it came time to scan, all I got was sad faces everywhere. If you complete all 37 steps in the right order with your mouth set just so, hooking the printer to the internet is a breeze. Miss one step or move your gaze elsewhere and you are fucked and you have to start from the beginning. Oh, and one part of the process is restarting the router which, of course, takes for frickin' ever to come back.
After buckets of blood, sweat and tears, I finally got it going again. One was 9 pages. I figured the only thing he needed was the first page. Soooooo wrong. So I had to do it all over again. THEN I had to find someone to witness my signature.
I considered ringing Ingrid's doorbell "since you are up anyway..." but figured my dying before the documents were done would be silly. So I went down to the front desk where the receptionist was happy to do it. Then I scanned all the pages in and sent them off. Whew. Done.
When I went to my doctor last January, I bitched about my runny nose. She told me Flonase or irrigation. I tried Flonaise (I have no idea how to spell it and don't care) for a month - nothing. Irrigation is to clear up stuffed up noses, so I went with an allergy pill which worked fine for six months then a couple of weeks ago, it just said 'nope, i'm done' and my nose started running away again. Dr. Google and Amazon list remedies and solutions for 'stop runny nose' that are for clearing out stuffed noses. WTF? So first I did the irrigation. I hate doing it. The first 2 seconds are really uncomfortable. The rest isn't but it's so messy. But, damn, if it didn't work! So then I ordered up some spray that is supposed to help between irrigations. It comes today.
I'm going to be shocked to learn that my doctor, Dr. Google and Amazon are all right and I was wrong. But I checked the filter on my gizmo and ordered a new one. I don't fancy a brain worm. (I've been watching so much Clarkson's Farm, and listening to Peter Grainger novels, that I now have a British accent - at least in my fingertips.)
Today's agenda includes cat food. These two are eating me out of house and home. Amazon is bringing new wet and dry food on Tuesday but their current supply of dry food ain't going to make it. At least the sun isn't out.
Then it will be the usual knitting and farming and baseball later.
I am sure that the director got an email from Ingrid. I'm pretty sure she gets one every day from from her.
My finance guy's assistant sent me some extra docs. He, so rightly, assumed I wanted Transfer of Beneficiaries (TOD) and how I wanted it set up. Then he also assumed I wanted my brother to have full access to the new accounts so he had that all ready to sign. I'd actually forgotten about both these things so I was delighted. BUT, no DocuSign. ARUGH.
I printed out the page I needed and then the printer and internet severed their connection (no clue who said what to whom). I had to sign and then scan to send back to the assistant and on to my brother. But, when it came time to scan, all I got was sad faces everywhere. If you complete all 37 steps in the right order with your mouth set just so, hooking the printer to the internet is a breeze. Miss one step or move your gaze elsewhere and you are fucked and you have to start from the beginning. Oh, and one part of the process is restarting the router which, of course, takes for frickin' ever to come back.
After buckets of blood, sweat and tears, I finally got it going again. One was 9 pages. I figured the only thing he needed was the first page. Soooooo wrong. So I had to do it all over again. THEN I had to find someone to witness my signature.
I considered ringing Ingrid's doorbell "since you are up anyway..." but figured my dying before the documents were done would be silly. So I went down to the front desk where the receptionist was happy to do it. Then I scanned all the pages in and sent them off. Whew. Done.
When I went to my doctor last January, I bitched about my runny nose. She told me Flonase or irrigation. I tried Flonaise (I have no idea how to spell it and don't care) for a month - nothing. Irrigation is to clear up stuffed up noses, so I went with an allergy pill which worked fine for six months then a couple of weeks ago, it just said 'nope, i'm done' and my nose started running away again. Dr. Google and Amazon list remedies and solutions for 'stop runny nose' that are for clearing out stuffed noses. WTF? So first I did the irrigation. I hate doing it. The first 2 seconds are really uncomfortable. The rest isn't but it's so messy. But, damn, if it didn't work! So then I ordered up some spray that is supposed to help between irrigations. It comes today.
I'm going to be shocked to learn that my doctor, Dr. Google and Amazon are all right and I was wrong. But I checked the filter on my gizmo and ordered a new one. I don't fancy a brain worm. (I've been watching so much Clarkson's Farm, and listening to Peter Grainger novels, that I now have a British accent - at least in my fingertips.)
Today's agenda includes cat food. These two are eating me out of house and home. Amazon is bringing new wet and dry food on Tuesday but their current supply of dry food ain't going to make it. At least the sun isn't out.
Then it will be the usual knitting and farming and baseball later.
Thursday
Jun. 12th, 2025 09:15 amsusandennisJust got word that Aqua Yoga resumes on July 7! Turns out, I really miss it so I'm delighted. Volleyball was good this morning so the pool hiatus is now well and truly over. Whew.
I've now made 26 Pride Monsters. There are two out on the shelf but they won't be there long. I have yarn for probably 20 more and then I'll go back to curly headed dolls. I do want to come up with a Halloween offering and I have two potentials in mind. I need to make them up and then run them by the final arbitrator: Martha.
I learned to knit when I was 6 so I've been fiddling with yarn for 70 years and last week, I came across the most genius tip ever. I've always rolled balls of yarn and tucked the ends into the last few windings. This kind of works except sometimes it does not and always, finding the ends is a bitch.
Then, last week, I saw this on Bluesky. I cannot even find the post now. I'd dearly love to thank the author. These clips are perfect. They do not snag the yarn, they mold to the curve of the ball exactly. They do not let go of the yarn and you always know where the end is. I'm a little bit pissed that I didn't know about it years ago but I'm delighted with it now.
Today the sun is behind clouds and oh the relief of having it hidden! I'm going to celebrate by going out and doing my Amazon returns and maybe stopping at Trader Joes. Or Safeway.
I've now made 26 Pride Monsters. There are two out on the shelf but they won't be there long. I have yarn for probably 20 more and then I'll go back to curly headed dolls. I do want to come up with a Halloween offering and I have two potentials in mind. I need to make them up and then run them by the final arbitrator: Martha.
I learned to knit when I was 6 so I've been fiddling with yarn for 70 years and last week, I came across the most genius tip ever. I've always rolled balls of yarn and tucked the ends into the last few windings. This kind of works except sometimes it does not and always, finding the ends is a bitch.
Then, last week, I saw this on Bluesky. I cannot even find the post now. I'd dearly love to thank the author. These clips are perfect. They do not snag the yarn, they mold to the curve of the ball exactly. They do not let go of the yarn and you always know where the end is. I'm a little bit pissed that I didn't know about it years ago but I'm delighted with it now.
Today the sun is behind clouds and oh the relief of having it hidden! I'm going to celebrate by going out and doing my Amazon returns and maybe stopping at Trader Joes. Or Safeway.
I hear trouble brewing
Jun. 11th, 2025 07:20 amsusandennisJust below my window, for the past two mornings, guys have been working on some project. They are starting about 7 am. There is noise and conversation. Fine by me BUT... they are also just below Ingrid's window. And Ingrid does not believe anyone should make any noise that she can hear before oh, I don't know, 10 or 11 am. Plus, Ingrid lives to bitch to management. I'm guessing the emails are flying already.
This morning, my finance guy is going to call to discuss options for investing my money. It's a dance we do. He recommends and I say fine but first he has to defend his recommendation. I do not need the defense. But, apparently he does. I'm used to it by now - all finance guys are the same this way. As long as he does not try to explain dollar cost averaging, I'm fine. "that sounds fine. I totally agree. that sounds like an excellent plan, thank you. yes, that's perfect. ok. sure." Then we're good for at least a year probably. He and his assistant are VERY good about emails but some things, apparently, need voice consent. It might have to do with crossing state lines. Missouri. He keeps meaningless chit chat to a bare minimum and responds immediately to anything I ask. I inherited him from my cousin and I'm very grateful.
That's really my only agenda item today. It's baseball getaway day. The Phillies play at 10 and the Mariners at noon. Both teams were leading their divisions for a good while but now can't seem to quit losing. At least last night's game featured lots of the Phanatic which was fun.
Julio turns 3 tomorrow.
Ok, so the finance call happened early! He had said 9 or 10 but turns out he meant that in his time, not mine. which is fine and dandy. I'm happy to have it over with. All decisions are made. Docusigns are coming in now. Yeah for electronic signing!
And while I'm waiting for the last doc to sign, I even went into my Google IMPORTANT stuff folder and updated my doc of details. My father kept this for years. Typed out on his typewriter. A list of where his money was, his and mom's and all his children's and grandchildren's addresses, dates of birth and social security numbers and a few other important bits of info. When he died, it was my Bible. My original copy was in shattered bits by the time his estate was settled. I tried to keep my Daddy's List plain and simple and up to date. And, now it is.
And my last doc is signed. Woot! I think I'll go down to the mail room and clean out my mailbox of all the letters from Neptune and the brochures from cruise lines. Also, so oddly, postcards from gutter replacement outfits.
Then it will be time for the first pitch.
This morning, my finance guy is going to call to discuss options for investing my money. It's a dance we do. He recommends and I say fine but first he has to defend his recommendation. I do not need the defense. But, apparently he does. I'm used to it by now - all finance guys are the same this way. As long as he does not try to explain dollar cost averaging, I'm fine. "that sounds fine. I totally agree. that sounds like an excellent plan, thank you. yes, that's perfect. ok. sure." Then we're good for at least a year probably. He and his assistant are VERY good about emails but some things, apparently, need voice consent. It might have to do with crossing state lines. Missouri. He keeps meaningless chit chat to a bare minimum and responds immediately to anything I ask. I inherited him from my cousin and I'm very grateful.
That's really my only agenda item today. It's baseball getaway day. The Phillies play at 10 and the Mariners at noon. Both teams were leading their divisions for a good while but now can't seem to quit losing. At least last night's game featured lots of the Phanatic which was fun.
Julio turns 3 tomorrow.
Ok, so the finance call happened early! He had said 9 or 10 but turns out he meant that in his time, not mine. which is fine and dandy. I'm happy to have it over with. All decisions are made. Docusigns are coming in now. Yeah for electronic signing!
And while I'm waiting for the last doc to sign, I even went into my Google IMPORTANT stuff folder and updated my doc of details. My father kept this for years. Typed out on his typewriter. A list of where his money was, his and mom's and all his children's and grandchildren's addresses, dates of birth and social security numbers and a few other important bits of info. When he died, it was my Bible. My original copy was in shattered bits by the time his estate was settled. I tried to keep my Daddy's List plain and simple and up to date. And, now it is.
And my last doc is signed. Woot! I think I'll go down to the mail room and clean out my mailbox of all the letters from Neptune and the brochures from cruise lines. Also, so oddly, postcards from gutter replacement outfits.
Then it will be time for the first pitch.