Saturday, January 30, 2016

GETTING OUT AND ABOUT


Hope you are all having a wonderful day.  I am feeling better these days especially because I can finally leave the house.  I don't feel like a prisoner anymore.

And where did I go yesterday?  To the doctor for a bloodtest.  Unfortunately, I found there was a problem with my insurance.  My post-work policy has not kicked in and I had to pay for the entire visit.  Fortunately I had the money to do so.  And to top it off, they thought I was there for a visit and charged me $40 more than I was supposed to pay.  After waiting an hour, they finally figured out that I just had to go in and get some blood drawn and leave.  The girl at the desk apologized over and over.  But I was enjoying watching the TV show they had on so I didn't really care.

The tech had a really hard time drawing the blood.  She tried my arm, she tried my hand.  Nothing.  My doctor (Barbara) came along, looked in the door, said hello to me, and asked what was going on.  The tech said she couldn't find a vein.  Barbara saw I was getting upset and sent the tech away.  She tried to get blood from me.  The first vein she tried didn't work either.  She was finally able to get it where the tech tried the first time.  The tech was just in the wrong place -- had to move a little to the side.  I was so glad to get that over with.  My stomach was in knots by the time they were done and it usually doesn't bother me at all.

After that I went to Rite Aid to get something for breakfast.  It was a fasting blood test so I was starved by this time.  While I was there I saw some things I could use as door prizes for the Friendship Feast we are having at church in a couple of weeks.  And we had saved up enough points that my whole purchase was free.  That was great!  Plus we still have some points left.

Last night Joe and I attacked one of the counters in the kitchen.  How do two people gain so much stuff?  We took everything off and Joe scubbed the counter.  Then we put things back.  So much of it was junk that we just threw away.  Other stuff was put away where it belonged.  And still other things (like herbs) were put into little jars that Joe gave me and are stacked neatly.  There's just a little more to do to finish the kitchen.  Then it's off to the next room.  It gives me a feeling of satisfaction to see the house starting to come together.  I think as the days get longer and the weather gets nicer I will get more energy.

Last night Joe got a call from one of the people at church.  She knew of a family that needed food.  They are completely out.  We have a food pantry for people in emergencies so she called us to get them some help.  We are going off to meet them this morning and help them out.  

Then we are heading over to the avenue to get Joe a haircut and to get my glasses fixed.  I fell asleep wearing them the other night.  I must have pulled them off in my sleep and rolled on them because I woke up laying on them and the one earpiece was completely broken off.  Fortunately I have my old pair which I can use while they are being fixed.  I have a feeling I will have to buy a whole new pair.

A busy day today and I have to get a move on so we are not late meeting the people at church.

Have a good day, everyone.  Warm temperatures are heading our way.

Kathy

 

Thursday, January 28, 2016

FEELING BETTER

My headache finally went away.  Well, for the most part.  At least I am functioning now.  It is not fun when they come and fortunately they are few and far between.

The temperatures are up and the snow is melting.  That is good news to me.  Here's the back yard with the incredible shrinking snow.  These are taken through the screen window so they might be a little hard to see.

Monday:  The snow is still piled high.

Monday:  The bench has a fluffy white pillow about 15-18 inches high.

Tuesday:  The snow is going.  You can see the top of the table and the trash cans.

Tuesday:  That white pillow on the bench isn't quite as high.  And I can see the top of my snowflake stake.

Wednesday:  Things continue to melt.  The bench is almost clear.  The entire snowflake is showing.  I can see the table and trash cans.
 I have been worried about the stray cat I feed.  I haven't seen him at all and I haven't been able to get into the back yard to feed him.  But the other day I finally saw footprints in the snow.


I was able to put some food on the top step (the only clear space I could get to) and noticed last night that some food was missing.  Whether my red cat or another stray cat got it, I don't know but at least I'm feeding someone.

The front of the house is looking better too.



 I was able to get out for the first time today.  I met my friend, Donna, and we went to the Super China Buffet for lunch.  We had such a good time talking and catching up with each other.  The food was good too.



After we ate we took a look through Rainbow, a women's clothing store.  They were having a giant sale.  Donna looked at boots, but didn't buy anything.  I got a pretty long gray skirt for $3.  I figure even if it doesn't fit I will put it in the clothes closet at church for that price.

I dropped Donna off and then headed for the library.  I had plastic bags to give them and Pumpkin's favorite toy tiger that I forgot to give Debbie when she took him to his new home.  She said she would head over there after work to make sure he got it.  I took about half an hour to stop and talk with everyone and get caught up on things.

I forgot to get anything out for dinner, so Joe has called out for pizza and wings.  We are waiting for them to show up.  I'm not at all hungry so I think most of it will be saved for tomorrow.

I'll end with some pretty sunsets we've had lately. 

Monday's 5 p.m. picture

Tuesday's 5 p.m. picture

Wednesday's 5 p.m. picture
Have a good night everyone!

Kathy

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

BLAH!

I have been fighting a migraine for a couple of days.  It's winning.  I will be back soon -- maybe tomorrow.  Sorry I haven't gotten to your blogs, but I will.  Promise.

Kathy

Monday, January 25, 2016

MARIANNE STORIES #15

My friend Marianne's mother died several years ago from breast cancer, but she still speaks of her often.  Mrs. B must have been quite a woman.  Here is one of Marianne's stories of her mom.

May 10
Mom used to say:"Girls, remember that you come from a long line of strong and independent women." And "Barbie is not the standard to which you should aspire" when my sisters wanted Barbie Dolls and she said no to the requests. And "You don't need a man to define you." I heard this one more than my 4 younger sisters because they all married and I never did. 

Mom never wanted me to feel as though I was incomplete. Finally, "Marianne, if things had turned out differently for you and you married and had children, think about all the joyful interactions and relationships you would not have been able to form with the children in the library. Your own would have to come first. You have a lot of love to give, and God saw fit to have you share that love this way." 

For all of those important lessons at crucial times in life, for all of the understanding, for all of the sacrifice, for showing us how to live with joy and honor, for showing us what it meant to be a strong and independent woman capable of dealing with whatever life throws at us, and for much more, I thank you Mom, every day. I am the woman I am because of you! Miss you every day!

Sunday, January 24, 2016

THE DAY AFTER



We made it through the storm.  Today is the day after.  It all looks so pretty.  But it's cold.  Joe went out with the other neighbors on the block to dig out some cars.  He came back in cold, but smiling.  It's good to see other people.

As you can gather there was no service today at church.  I don't know how anyone would have gotten there.  But we ended up talking with some of our friends from church on the phone.  So that was good.

Thought I would show you some more pictures of the snow from today.  It is going up into the 40s this week so hopefully it won't last too long.

The yard, table and trash cans.  Do you see the icicle in the window?

Here's a closer picture of it.




This is my next-door neighbor's yard/

This wall is three feet high

Will my neighbors ever get out of their parking spaces?  On the other hand, our walkway is perfectly clear.


My 5 o'clock photo will show you how nice it was today.  So hard to believe it was a blizzard yesterday.


Had roasted chicken, rice and broccoli for dinner.  Other than that didn't do much today.  Tomorrow I will get back to my routine.  I hope.

Kathy

Saturday, January 23, 2016

JONAS HAS COME AND HE WON'T GO AWAY!




It's here!  The snow began falling last night around 7 p.m. and it is expected to stop somewhere around 7 a.m. tomorrow.  Yes, over 24 hours of snow.

I finally found my charger for my camera.  It's been missing for a week and I have missed taking pictures so badly.  So here are some pictures of the snow for you.


The snow is halfway up the tires of my neighbor's car.
 

My car is the third from the left.  I don't know how I'm going to get it off of the lot.  Fortunately I don't have to for a couple of days.
 

Another picture from in front of my house.
 

No one is going anywhere soon.
 

This is taken through the screen on the kitchen window.  you can see the table and the two trash cans.
 

Ice on the upper part of the window.
 

The snow looks so pretty on the holly tree.  But look how the snow has drifted up to the second story of the building in back.
 

It just goes on and on,
 

Just the tip of the two foot snowflake post is showing.  The solar one is almost covered too.
 

This is a four foot fence.  Uh.. yeah.
 
Church has been cancelled for tomorrow.  There is no public transportation running and it will take us hours to dig out our cars.  If you can't walk there, you're not getting there.  Even the airport and Amtrak are closed.

I am watching "Undercover Boss" and cleaning up the stuff on the living room floor.  I don't know how things pile up so quickly.  But I'm making great headway.  At least it's a productive day. 

A group of kids came and cleaned off the sidewalk for $10.  They are coming back tomorrow morning to do it again.  Later one of the neighbor guys came and did it again.  At least neither Joe nor I have to do it.

My fireplace is doing double duty these days.  It's chilly in the living room.


I have my crackling wood candle burning and it smells so good in here.

I'm making flounder fillets, honey biscuits and steamed mixed veggies for dinner.  And I'm hungry now so I'm looking forward to it.

Stay safe and warm, everyone.  Don't take any chances trying to go someplace.

Kathy

Friday, January 22, 2016

A ROCKWELL FRIDAY -- BEFORE THE SHOT

I got a great Norman Rockwell calendar from my drug store this year and thought I would share some of the pictures with you.  I love Rockwell.  When my mom was in art school, he was one of her instructors.  How cool is that!

Here's the picture for January.  You see it a lot in doctor's offices.  At least I did while I was growing up.


1958
Before the Shot

The boy verifying the doctor's credentials whimsically captures the confirmation many people desire moments before a procedure at the doctor's office.  There was great debate in the Rockwell family over how much of the boy's fanny should show.  Some argued more while others argued less.  After considerable thought, Norman Rockwell lowered the pants to their present position which avoided controversy without sacrificing humor.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

WOW, I LEFT THE HOUSE AND LOOK WHAT HAPPENED


I don't have any pictures to show you, so thought I'd post this pretty winter picture.  Do you see how cold it looks?  Well that's how it's feeling.  The temperature this morning was 21*F (-6*C) with a wind chill of -1*F (-18*C).  A little chilly.  Tomorrow is supposed to be a little warmer though.  Wind chill is only 10*F (-12*C).  We are predicted to have a major snow storm on Friday and Saturday with 12 to 18 inches of snow.  The only good thing about that is that I'm retired and don't have to go to work.

I had my oncologist appointment today.  I was actually happy to go to see other people and talk to them.  I was making good time when I heard what sounded like something hit the side of my car.  I looked in the mirror, saw nothing and went on.  A few minutes later the low tire pressure light went on.  *sigh*  I've had that happen before.  I called Joe and told him to cancel his doctor's appointment because I thought I had a flat.  When I pulled into the parking lot at the hospital I took a look at the tires and they all seemed OK.

Aria Health Cancer Center

It was really busy at the Cancer Center.  It appeared that there weren't enough employees to take care of all the patients.  I took a seat and waited for awhile.  Then they called my name.  I went up to the desk and the receptionist said they did not have a referral for me.  My doctor's office had sent it over yesterday.  I had to go outside to call them.  The girl said she had sent it to over but it appears the Cancer Center had changed their ID number.  When I gave my doctor's office the new number it went right through and I was taken in right away.

When I saw my doctor I told him I needed good news from him because of the car and the referral.  So he gave me a good report.  The only thing wrong is my weight.  I gained 8 pounds in 2 weeks.  So he is assuming my thyroid medicine needs to be tweaked again.  Otherwise, all my levels were good.

The tires still looked OK when I got back to the parking lot, so I drove to my mechanic to have him look at them.  I wasn't the only one there.  Three people came in after me and said their low tire pressure light was on.  Cold weather will do that to tires.  If it hadn't been for the noise I heard, I wouldn't have even gone.  But it was a good thing I did because there was an 8 inch roofing nail in the tire.  They were able to remove it, patch the tire and reinflate it.  I love those guys.

We provide tires in Philadelphia, PA!
Ron, Ken and Charlie
I went to Wawa and got some hoagies for lunch and then took a nap.  A nice long one.

So that's what happens when I venture out and see other humans.  Wonder what will happen when I go to the library tomorrow to renew my books.  Hmm...

Now off to bed so I can get stuff done tomorrow.


And try to stay warm.

Kathy

Monday, January 18, 2016

FIRST SNOW OF THE SEASON


This was the view out of the back window after I came home from church.  It was bitterly cold going to church yesterday.  Even though I was wearing my winter coat, it wasn't warm enough.  I was glad my car had heat in it!

I ended up doing one of my favorite things in the afternoon.  I made a big bowl of popcorn, a mug of hot chocolate, and watched the snow fall.  Ahh!

I gave Debbie and Rusty a ride home from church.  Actually I dropped them off at Wendy's and went to the drive-in line to get something for lunch.  I sat there for 20 minutes and the line still wasn't moving.  The car in back of me pulled out of line and drove away and I followed.  There were two cars at the window and the car in front of me couldn't get anyone to take their order.  That's ridiculous!  I hope Debbie and Rusty got better service inside.

I have lost the charger for my camera battery.  I had it last week, but now it is nowhere to be found.  The battery is almost dead.  It started flashing as I was taping the message yesterday morning.  I am tearing apart the living room today to find it.  I know it is in that room, but where is anyone's guess.  At least I know it isn't on the coffee table because I took everything off of it last night, threw out a lot of trash and recycling, and put the good stuff back on the table.  There is so much more to do, but that's for another month.  Today I will pick up all the stuff on the floor and go under the sofa.  Maybe it's hiding there?

I wore one of the four necklaces Joe gave me for Christmas.  I can't decide which one I like best.  I think the one I'm wearing at the moment is my favorite.  I absolutely adore this heart one.  It's so sparkly and pretty.  I got a lot of compliments on it.


Today Genny came up to me and asked if I thought she and I could put together a potluck lunch for after church on Valentine's Day.  What a great idea!  We spoke with our elder, Bud, and he thought it was good too.  So we're on.  I was told I have to bring my world famous potato salad.  *sigh*  Everyone always wants me to bring it and it's so much work to make 5 lbs. of potato salad.  But I will.  I think this will be fun.

I was also shown what the Church Secretary job I volunteered to do would include.  What a huge job!  I had no idea!  No one has gone through the files for years.  Everything has to be redone and old things shredded and recycled.  Drawers and drawers of files.  Then there are the bookcases.  And to find out if the office equipment works.  At least there's not a time limit and I can do it an hour a week if I want.  I'm going to wait until it gets a little warmer and do one drawer at a time.  Once that get's done I can move on to the desk and bookcases.  It would be nice to have a clean office for our new pastor.  But what a job!

I was the only member free at the end of the service so I was also asked to help count the money and sign off on the form.  Whew!  I was busy!  At least Debbie jumped in and cleaned up the food and coffee.  That was so kind of her.

So back to sleep for a couple of hours and then to start the day.  I had a nightmare that woke me up so I had to do something to shake it off before I went back to sleep.  I dreamed that I was in Nazi Germany and was in an apartment with some Jewish friends having dinner when SS men broke into the place and dragged my friends off to a concentration camp and then told me to leave as they started destroying their possessions.  Why would I dream that?  Joe keeps watching the program "Nazi Hunters" so maybe it's going into my subconscious.

Anyway, have a lovely day everyone.


Kathy

MARIANNE STORIES #14

All of my friend Marianne's posts between the last one and this one are from when she had treatments for her thyroid and the horrible time she went through physically.  She was in isolation for quite awhile because of the radioactivity from the treatment.  And she became quite sick.  But she never lost her sense of humor.  When she finally was allowed out of isolation, her father returned home and at this point she took him to get his hair cut.

May 9
Waiting in my car for Pop outside the barbershop, I noticed an elderly gentleman walking toward the side of my car carrying a large plastic jar of mints. He leaned toward the partially opened window and asked, "Are you Marianne?" I answered yes, but got my nail file ready in case I had to use it. 

"Roll down your window." 

"Why?" 

"Just roll it down. I want to thank you for bringing Pop in today." With that he offered me mints. I told him only 1. 

"Only one? Have more. Open it. Once you taste it you will wish you had more." 

"Thank you, but only one." I put it in my mouth to be polite. He tipped the container over to drop several more on my car seat. 

"Have more. A nice girl like you should always have something sweet. Thanks for bringing Pop around to my shop today. He can't get here unless you bring him. You really are a nice girl!" 

After that, I felt bad about the metal nail file in my hand! LOL!

Sunday, January 17, 2016

SATURDAY


My life is settling into a kind of routine.  I am finding that after a productive day I am unable to do anything for two or three days except sleep.  This is not good but that's the way it is.  I slept until 10:30 again today.  I feel as if half of the day is gone by then.  By the time I take my medicine and wait an hour until I can eat, breakfast ends up being at noon.

Last night our new next-door neighbor came over and returned our containers that we gave him with our soup.  And... they were filled with turkey noodle soup that he had made for us!  Joe had some for brunch today and said it was delicious.  I'm going to have the rest for lunch tomorrow after church.

I got my colored pencils in the mail today.  I found them on Amazon and I'm delighted.  I now have 64 colors.  It's made by Crayola and just like a 64 box of crayons except they are pencils.  It even has a sharpener on the back of the box like the crayons do.


I love the coloring books Joe got for me.  I finished another picture tonight.


I put on my January nail polish today.  It's called Hallie and is one of the polishes I got from my Julep box.  As I said on facebook, it's not quite green, not quite blue, not quite aqua and not quite turquoise.  It's an odd color but I like it.


I guess you've all heard the great news about Pastor Saeed and four other captives being freed today.  I am so happy for them.  It must be surreal right not.  

I have to go get ready for church tomorrow.  As always, Sunday is a busy day.


Kathy

Friday, January 15, 2016

ANOTHER PHOTO FRIDAY

After a very busy day yesterday I did NOTHING today.  I slept a lot but that's about it.  I woke up feeling lousy.  I think I may be catching Joe's upper respiratory infection.  I was supposed to go to the pension board today, but called and told them I was sick.  I was coughing so hard that I had trouble talking.  The lady I talked to was so nice and said everyone there was taking their turns being sick too.  She is going to mail information to me and I just have to mail it back to them to get my pension started.  I will have to go down there in a couple of months to sign final papers, but at least we can get things started.

Besides that I just slept most of the day.  I think I overdid it yesterday when I was feeling good.  But hopefully I will feel better tomorrow to get things done.

I really have nothing to tell you today, so I will show you my picture for Photo Friday.  Philadelphia is an old city, but the neighborhoods are of differing ages.  Bridesburg, where I live, was settled in the early 19th century.  The houses here reflect that.  This is a picture I took of some old row houses a couple of blocks from where I live.  I also live in a row house, but there are no porches in my block.  There are all different styles of a row house.  Thought you would like to see these.


Some people would find it difficult to live so closely with their neighbors, but we just think it is normal.  I would find it strange to live in a house in the country.  It is amazing how versatile people are.

See you tomorrow.

Kathy 

Thursday, January 14, 2016

A BUSY DAY

I woke up early today and found myself full of energy.  Where did that come from?  I decided to take advantage of that and get some things done around the house.  Now don't get me wrong, there is a LOT to do and I have sectioned things off in such a way that it will take me most of this year to get everything cleaned up.  But I did get a lot done and that makes me feel so good!

I had to go to Rite Aid to pick up my medicine.  While I was there I saw that my favorite iced tea was on sale and the sugar free that Joe drinks was on sale also.  So I got that.  Maybe it was that caffeine that gave me the energy.  Hmm....  I know it made my heart pound since I'm not used to it.  I rarely drink caffeine.

I did a lot of work in the kitchen.  The first thing I did was the table and chairs.  Here's the before (don't faint):

And here's the after:


Quite a difference, wouldn't you say?  Well that's what happens when you get sick and haven't done a deep cleaning in about a year.

I also washed the windows and changed the curtains.


I scrubbed the stove and fan hood.  I even got into every crevice and did the knobs and handle.  It's so pretty now.


Still a lot to go, but I'm so happy with everything I got done.

In the living room I finally got rid of all the Christmas stuff.   Instead of a little Christmas tree on the table by the window,  I have the orchid the people at work gave me when I left.


I took down the Christmas lights in the window, undecorated the little tree in the flower pot and took the wreath off of the front door.  I put my giant snowflake and some candles in the window.  (Sorry about the reflection of the lights across the street in the window.  I can never get rid of that.)



And finally the snowman pillow is on the sofa.


I found some of the paperwork I need for tomorrow, but not all.  So I have to get up pretty early tomorrow and clean off the tables in the living room.  It's a big job.

I am so very tired right now.  I have to go to sleep.  I am falling asleep sitting up.  Another busy day tomorrow.  Good night.



Kathy