sorry!!!

I am really sorry it has taken me so long to get to this blog!!!  Don't know why....it just is what it is.

Well...the rain came - and came -- and came...we've had a lot of it.   But we haven't melted yet so I guess it is okay.

Thanksgiving came and went...as usual we gathered at Dian's....skyped  with Susie for a while but the c onnection was bad.....it was good to see her though...and the rest of her family!    Steve did not come down for the feast....they went up to Mt Vernon to Sherrie's brothers house... Brooke and her family came...those kids her's are most  likely the most precious kids on earth!!  I am so proud of her - as well as Greg...they are turning into great parents...

Prior to Thanksgiving,, the fish appeared in the river....there seemed to be more than last year.   They are pretty ugly by the time they get up to our river area...Now we have the ducks again...they seem to like the area we go down too when we want to feed them...This year I have counted 27 of them....mostly males...have counted 7 females...perhaps more will show up before mating season..

Movie!

Last Saturday, Dian and I were going to Sam;s Club...she arrived and asked if I wanted to see a movie...I can't remember the last time I saw a movie and, of course, I said yes.  We went to see Pitch Perfect - and it was!  If you likie a cappellaa music this one is for you....It isn't barbershop but that's okay....it is about college a cappella  singing contests spotlighting male and female groups...We felt so good when it was over.......also a bit disappointed...GO SEE IT!!!


The rain has finally arrived..  we view it with mixed emotions....feels good to have the moisture...just not when it is time to walk the dog!!  I need three arms..one each for the leash, the umbrella and the cane...So...we just get wet...Haven't melted yet - so I guess it is okay...also have been really lucky to be able to go out in the "not raining" moments  once in a while during the day.

Like many of you, I am really sick of the political ads on TV and radio...I now press themute button..Then....People are not shy about expressing their political preferences on Facebook...Most of them I don't agree with - so also annoying.   Got the voters' pamphlet in the mail the other dayand actually read it!  Now ready for my mail-in ballot...Only three more weeks until it will be over and decided......Thank you very much!!!

I apologize for the spelling mistakes....I used spell check, as usual, but couldn't go back and change the errors....when I glide the mouse over the page, I don't get the arrow any more...just a little hand that won't do anything....  so....with that, I think I will sign off...Have a great day!

Fall is Falling1

,,,,and the fish are here...swimming upstream, in spite of a strong current going down river...I wonder if they have the strength to do this...but obviously they do....It is amazing to see all the red - and ugly, with their green snouts...fish in the river.  One could probably walk across the river on their backs - that is if they would stay still for that!  LOL

And...this morning I saw another blue heron at the river's edge....I wait until he takes off because he is so beautiful in flight!  and....there were over 20 ducks further on down the river's edge....who knew I would become a wild-life lover??!!!

I took Fritz to the vet because he was having trouble jumping up and down on/off the bed and couch...he has also been chewing on his legs....all this because he has a loose joint in his left "hip"...it goes in and out and when it is out is when he has the trouble and sort of limps...also when it is out, it hurts and that's why he licks and chews on his legs.   As long as he is eating and drinking normally he said not to worry...that's good news!!  He also got his rabies shot so he is now "good to go".  Next is a much needed trip to the groomer!

This last weekend was a bonanza as far as meals out went....Friday, I went with the "building ladies" to BJ's in Southcenter...It was really good - and really loud - and really busy.   None the less, I enjoyed it!  Saturday Dian picked me up and we went out to the Muckleshoot Casino to meet Jocelyn and a friend of hers (who never showed up)..... We had dinner and played a while...fun - but not lucky this time.  I so enjoy being with my kids!!!!!

Sunday, I went with Jocelyn to Michael's to pick up some stickers and some yarn for a project I am working on....I have finished one scrapbook - about my life - and am now working on one about the kids...I have Marcia done and am now working on Steve...and will do all of them - and their kids in this book/.  Should be pretty neat!

The upcomiing days are pretty empty as far as obligations go....hopefully I will get something done on my huge, long list I keep making....You-all have a great life!  

Almost October Already!!

Hello Again...If you'll recall, the last post lamented that my computer was wonky....well...it surely was and Dian came over and got it right again,,Bless her heart!!  I had added a slew of programs I did not even know about...but all is well now..

I went in for the tests I was supposed to have....first was an echo which showed a small amount of fluid where it shouldn't be as well as a little bit of calcification...which my doctor assures me is controlled by the meds I am taking.  The other was for a carotid (sp?) artery "look-see" which showed about the same thing..so I guess I am good for the  foreseeable future..that's good news!!  A bunch of us decided to try a burger place nearby for dinner ... turned out to be a tavern named "Local 907" and it was comedy night...but someone forgot to tell the comedians.....it definitely was not the place for us - but the food was decent and we had a good time in spite of the bad comedy.

On Saturday afternoon I went to a Sweet Adeline show in Auburn....I had not been to one in a few years.  It was fun to see a lot of people I knew...the problem was that they too had aged - and for some reason I was surprised!!!  It was hard to recognize some of them...we would stand and stare at each other and try to remember the names...when we finally did, it was hugs and laughter...We went to dinner at a Greek/Italian restaurant in Auburn....I chose the Greek 'cause I hadn't had Greek food for ages...now I know why,,,not a fan!!   The chorus putting on the show was celebrating 50 years as a Sweet Adeline chorus...and one of their founding members was celebrating 60 years as a Sweet Adeline....she is now 95 years old and still sharp as a tack.   All in all it was a lot of fun,,,I still miss singing the comradity  (?) of being a Sweet Adeline!!

Oh oh....a fire truck just rolled in....not a good sign...no ambulance yet, so maybe all is well....

Spent some good time with son Steve last week...I wish I had more time with him.  He and Sherrie are on the way to Hawaii as I write.   So jealous!  Happy for them!!!

So...tomorrow is the end of September....The fish are in the river...they are bright red now with ugly green snouts...they have trouble swimming up the river...It is fun to watch them....

The ambulance has arrived - usually it is Medic One with another ambulance to follow if the patient isn't critical....sometimes they all come and go away empty handed....lets hope that is the situation now.

Enjoy October....out weather has been wonderful...hope it continues...

WHAT'S GOING ON??

My computer is acting funny these days....Just when I think my address book is lost, it suddenly appears...Just when I try to post on this blog, I can't.....and yet here I am! I suspect I have done something to cause all this and will throw out the "old lady" excuse and carry on!!!

It is really difficult to believe it is September already...the weather has been fantastic...hardly any rain...It is wonderful to be down by the river watching the ducks and occasional blue heron. Not to mention all the kids wading across the river - yes it really is shallow enough to do that!

August is a big birthday month in our family...Dian, Susie, Brooke and Doug all are August kids..So Marcia had a big BBQ in her back yard up in Monroe...It was fun to be all together again. Susie and her family were here for a couple of weeks and that was special!!

September 9 was Brynlee's first birthday....the celebration was held in a park down by Lake Washington....It happened to be the ONLY day the weather was a bit dicey...but we survived it nicely. She is such a sweetheart....as is her brother, Grayson....and Brooke and Greg are wonderful parents!

Life here at Cedar River Court is humming along quite nicely. I am so glad I live here! I went to dinner with the "ladies" at a fish house down in South center...it was wonderful food. Today they are going to lunch but I am passing on that. Won about $10 at Bingo last night so today is laundry day, for sure!

I have been having weird thumping noises in my head lately. It got to the point I e-mailed my doctor and she said to come in - which I did. Of course, once the appointment was made, the thumping quit- wouldn't you know?! So anyhow....I need to go get an echo gram and another test to check on my neck arteries......so I'll be doing that on next Friday. On Saturday I am going to a Sweet Adeline show - and I am really looking forward to that!

Autumn is here next Saturday = can winter be far behind?? Boy oh boy, time surely doth fly! Take care, everyone and I hope to be back with you sooner next time.

Love this Weather!!!!

Hello!~  I do love this summer weather.  I do not get the heat of the sun because I have a hedge in front of my apartment which gives me lots of shade..  I have spent lots of time (with Fritz, of course) down in the park and by the river. It is so soothing down there....and it isn't too long a walk for me...

...which reminds me...My back pain has been reduced considerably.  It has to be the acupuncture, right? Whatever....It still hurts some times..but it is a pain I can tolerate and control with over-the-counter pain meds.    Such a relief!

Earlier this month we had a nice visit with my grandson Scott and his family.   It was so good to see them...their kids have grown a lot!!!   We got together at Jocelyn's on Seafair Sunday.  We could see the tail end of the Blue Angels from her back porch and that was fun!

Then on Saturday, Jeff and the kids arrived from New Hampshire...so good to see them!!!  It had been a long time!!Couldn't believe how tall the kids have grown....shouldn't be surprised I guess since their dad is a very tall fellow.  Susie arrives on Thursday....Jeff leaves the following Tuesday and  Susie and the kids go home on Friday, the 24th.....Whew!!!

Today is Dian's birthday....we will be honoring that occasion tonight at The Outback...yum!!!!

Then on Saturday the 18th it will be Susie's and Doug's (Marcia's husband) birthday...so we are going up to Monroe for a BBQ....such fun to be together with the family.

Life is good these days...the pain has gotten better...I love my apartment....I have lots of friends here...and my family always keeps in touch!!!!

I am almost finished with my first scrapbook.....it's all about me and my life...the next one will be about the kids!!

Enjoy the summer!!!!

Good Morning!!  Guess this post won't have a title...can't figure out what happened this time/.....so what else is new?!

We are finally getting some decent weather...might get up to the mid-70's today...whoo  hooo!!!!  It is so nice down by the river..I love watching the ducks..especially the babies...there are now only 6 left of the 12 first spotted...they grow so fast..when they are allowed to by their predators...

The 4th was quiet around here...there was a "BBQ" in the social room...there were hot dogs and various other stuff brought by the residents....I finally came up with chocolate chip cookies that I purchased at Trader Joe's some time back.   (Actually I purchased the refrigerated dough and baked them yesterday morning...)  Anyhow....that was nice and took up the whole afternoon. I watched the Seattle firework show and I must say it was magnificent!! I don't know if it was better than ever because I now have a larger screen or it was actually better....I enjoyed it, if you haven't figured that out..:-)

I keep thinking today is Monday....it's actually Thursday....this old brain is getting addled!!

My scrapbook is coming along nicely...I am going to have to do two...One for  me and Mort and one for the kids....I won't be able to use all the pictures so those unused will have to go back into the albums...which will take a lot longer than it took to get them out...

I went to the acupuncturist here in Renton, a few weeks back...I do believe it is doing some good...Problem is that it seems to wear off after time...I go again Monday...and will talk to the guy about it...The back pain has definitely eased up....still hard to get out of bed though..  I guess this has been going on long enough to call it "chronic pain", huh !! ??   Whatever, I don't like it!

I woke up obscenely early this morning...so I had better get going and do something besides sitting at this computer!

It's Here!!!Finally!!!  Summer weather...about time wouldn't you say?   I am very lucky that my apartment is usually in the shade so it doesn't heat up like most of the other ones do...

Things have been quiet lately...Looking forward to Jocelyn's return  home from Germany on  the 22nd...  Susie and her family will be here in mid-August...we are all really excited about that.

I finally bit the bullet and walked down to the farmers' market here in Renton on Tuesday.  I have received coupons to use there for fresh fruits and vegetables...$4 each,,,because I am a "senior"....It is  about 5-6 blocks each way and I should not have tried it.  Next time I will call the shuttle!   Tired legs and weak knees are plaguing me now...Believe me...It is difficult to adjust to this getting old business!,,,Anyhow..  I was able to buy 3 pints of raspberries, 1 tomato, a couple zucchini squash, a stalk of broccoli and a small cauliflower for  a mere 88 cents!  Not bad, is it?!!!  We also get delivery here in the building of stuff from Safeway that is day-old...like bread products, some green salads and several  other bakery things...

Went down to the pinochle game on Tuesday...I just don't seem to enjoy it as much as I used to....they play on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon  - once a week is plenty for me.

Took Fritz to the "beauty parlor" yesterday....They did a great job and all excess hair is gone...they left  his fluffy tail tho'.  Hopefully he is cooler now in the summer heat.  He is so darned cute with a haircut. Strangers don't believe he is a Pomeranian tho'...

Better go now....have a good summer!!

I'm Baaaack!

I was having trouble posting my updates - and thus didn't get published...I couldn't  find the "publish" button - the "save" button...but I have found them now and we are back in business...

It has been over a month since we last spoke...and now can you believe it is almost August???   We were all excited to welcome Jocelyn home from Germany,,,hopefully she will stay for a while!!  I have really missed her!  She is now busy working on her house...tearing up carpet....staining her back porch...erecting her gazebo....along with snuggling her two incredible grand babies!!  I don't remember my kids being that cute...but I am sure they were...it has been so long ago that the memory fails me sometimes.

My back pain has eased up a lot...especially after two acupuncture treatments from the guy here in Renton...Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover this so I am going to only go back when I need it desperately.   I still have the ache but it has finally gotten to a place where I can live with it.   About time!  It has been a long haul!

I enjoyed the Olympic Opening Ceremonies last night.    It was nothing like the last time...but it was typically British!  (which it should have been!)    I love the games....I am glued to the TV a lot!  What amused me the most was when the Queen actually got into a helicopter and they made it seem like she jumped out to make a grand entrance into the stadium...I laughed a lot at that one!  But the "old girl"  was there to open the games,.,,along with her family...

Wow...here it is almost noon and I haven't had breakfast yet.  I hope the weather stays nice for us...the annual rubber duckie race is tomorrow afternoon down at the river...it is an amazing sight!  They sell little rubber ducks to the folks, and which ever duck that wins the race wins some sort of a prize.   Proceeds to charity of course.  By the time they all get to our area of the river it is quite a sight, believe me!!

I had better get going...I will try to post oftener now, that I have the new format figured out!!

Is Summer Over???

As I look outside at the rain coming down, I must wonder if summer is over yet!!!!!  I am sure it isn't but one does wonder sometimes!

It has been busy the last week or so....Marcia returned home from a visit with Jocelyn in Germany...she had a wonderful time - it was the trip of a lifetime!!  They were able to go down to Rome...a real treat!    I am looking forward to seeing all of her pictures!

Grandson Brandon graduated from Interlake High School on Wednesday evening...Brooke picked me up and we went over to the Meydenbaur center in Bellevue for the event...It was great to see him so tall and grown up....that beautiful little baby boy I watched be born!!  Nigel's mother and her husband  were here for the ceremony and that was really special.  They leave today to return home to Wales after being here for a month or so...

Wednesday was also grandson Henry's birthday back in New Hampshire....12 years old already!!!  an official "tween"...Watched him being born also!!

I am coming along quite nicely with my scrapbook...thanks to my friend Sharon...She has a definite artistic touch...she doesn't just glue in a bunch of pictures...they all have to be "framed" and go on a background sheet and everything has to "go" together and be identified....She has an unending supply of stickers, cutting tools, papers....whatever I need that I don't have...and she is most generous!!

Sunday will be Brandon's graduation party...I am looking forward to that for sure...potluck barbecue..and all the family together - along with Brandon's friends, I am sure..

Better get going here....almost noon and haven't had breakfast yet....Enjoy you days...I do!!

I LOVE Spring!

Hello again!   Yesterday was a perfect spring day....nice and warm....and the baby ducks are "out" down at the river...such fun to watch...and a nice shady spot to sit in while watching the river race by as well as the ducks...Not long ago I saw a whole lot of white things in the river....looked like cotton balls.....and...it was stuff coming off the cotton trees which line the Cedar River....quite a sight...

I have been going to the acupuncturist for my back problems...and  I do believe it is working.  I found a fellow here in Renton and saw him yesterday,...I liked him a lot,.....when he was finished with the needles in my hands, arms, feet and legs....none in my back...he then put in little teeny tiny "posts" in each ear.  He says the ears provide a good map to your body - and I am to leave them in   .   Strange,  huh?  All I know is that the pain is considerably less and my energy level has shot up/...Hurray for alternative medicine!

We bid goodbye to Marcia as she set off to Germany to be with Jocelyn for 10 days....I don't think anyone else was more excited about a trip than she.   She arrived safely and is having a wonderful time.  She'll come home the 17th.

Dian & Nigel's youngest son is graduating high school this year...so hard to believe he is old enough for that! His other Grandmother and her husband have come from Wales for the ceremony.   They arrived a couple weeks ago and they leave shortly after the graduation ceremony...which is on the 20th.....They have had a wonderful time - a cruise to Alaska thrilled the daylights out of them....and they have done a considerable amount of shopping too.

Then on the 24th Dian and Nigel are having graduation party for him...which should be fun time.

On Friday the 8th, we paused to remember that it has been 5 years since we lost Mort....It hit us all pretty hard....where did the time go?  The 24th would have been our 57th  wedding anniversary...now THAT really blows my mind!  Tempus Fugits, as my dad used to say!!

I keep thinking that I \will not have much to say, every time I sit down to write this...but, as usual...I am the same old blabbermouth as always....

It's Spring!!!

Hooray!   I am so happy it is spring and we are finally getting some decent weather!!  (Of course this morning it is raining....no surprise...but it is sorta warm!)

The baby ducks are finally out down at the river.  There are about a dozen or so - and they are sure fun to watch.  Momma duck has her hands full, that's for sure.  She mostly has to shoo the males away from her brood...they like the tasty morsel the baby ducks are...and. of course, keeping track of them is a huge job since they move so quickly and are so tiny....love it!!

I have been going to acupuncture for the last few weeks.  I think it is starting to work, tho' Lord knows how it does...I am going to look in to an acupuncturist here in  Renton where I can take the Hyde Shuttle and not have to inconvenience my friends who drive me to Columbia City.     I am seeing improvement in my ability to get out of bed in the morning - which is BIG!!..so...I will keep it up for at least another month...It is $20 a session which I can handle okay....

We have had two dogs die here in the building.   Both were very, very old...and very, very sweet.  It is almost like a friend has passed...

The scrapboking is going well...but slow.   I am now working on pages about me in my youth...I  now also have more supplies and,hopefully, I will be able to progress more on my own.   I couldn't believe all the "scrapping" stuff Sharon has...she has completed 13 books!  One dedicated to her dog!  I love my dog but surely don't have enough to fill a book!  Besides, he isn't the only dog I have had in my life...She has given me a ton of ideas and is very generous with her supplies...and talent.  Come to find out she is an artist and has sold several of her oil paintings...(Yes, she has a book on that too!)

Better get going...gonna get my hair cut at 1PM and it is nearly noon and I haven't had breakfast yet....Enjoy Spring!!~

Happy Mothers' Day!

Happy Mothers' Day!!

I swear...every time I decide to write on here, they have changed the format again....I had at least two paragraphs done and then hit a key (I don't know which one) and it all went away...Hopefully it didn't publish!!

We have been having some nice weather lately....supposed to get up to 80 tomorrow...whew!!  Love it!

My friend here in the building, is an avid scrapbooker....She does beautiful books!  She volunteered to help me organize the dozen photo albums I have and make some "books"  with the ;pictures...I went through the albums - talk about a trip down memory lane!! Such fun!  so...today I am going up to her place and hope to get a good start on this project....I don't think she knows what she is in for!   I'll keep you posted,,,

This afternoon Brooke and her two babies take off for Germany to be with her mom....I don't envy her plane ride with a two year old and an eight month old - it's a ten hour ride!She'll be fine, I know....she did it last year  with just one baby and pregnant....Those kids are absolutely beautiful!!!and...they have outstanding personalities (she said proudly!)

I am still struggling with my stupid back problems....I have been to 4 different physical therapists an while the last one was wonderful with the back massages, they barely lasted the week and I can't keep going back forever...so.....I am going to try acupuncture at  the "Community Acupuncture Project Columbia City"  One of my friends volunteered to drive me up there - and I am going tomorrow afternoon (Monday)  Of course Medicare doesn't pay for this so I scrambled around to find a place I could sort of afford...this place has a sliding scale and you pay what you can afford....I like that!

I'm still loving my "new" apartment arrangement....It stays "picked up" for a long time...and Fritz is behaving well now that I put him out the minute I get out of bed...I also extend the walks until he does his "business"  (Too much info??)

Tomorrow - Mothers' Day - we are gathering at Dian's for brunch....I am looking forward  to that!  You-all have a great day - and week - and even month....

I'm Confused!

I signed in to the blog today and low and behold, they announce there are many changes which will allow me to more successfully blog.....I don't understand....I just want to write a new post! Which I guess I am doing now! :-) Anyhow....I am so excited because I have a whole new look to my apartment....Dian and Marcia came down Sunday and: cleaned my carpet...tossed the pink chair (Fritz thought it was his personal bathroom...as well as behind the chair) tossed the big cabinet holding my TV equipment; brought the love seat from across the hall (which I traded for a stereo I was no longer using); moved the computer to a space in the kitchen; moved the TV to the opposite wall; cleaned the bathroom and kitchen!! I am still so excited! I must be more vigilant about taking Fritz out - that's for sure!! It smells better in here....that's for sure!! WHAT IN THE WORLD WOULD I DO WITHOUT MY KIDS?????? In other news...back is still hurting but I am standing it better now....Only when I get up in the morning is it really bad. Otherwise I am just fine, health-wise... Jocelyn came home for about 10 days this month...It was so good to have her here again. She is doing just fine in Germany....and will be home in July sometime. Brooke and the kids are going over there next month and Marcia is going in June....I am so excited for Marcia...she never in a million years thought she would be able to do that! It is almost noon and I have yet to have breakfast...better get goin' here! See you later...

Happy Easter!

Wow..here it is again. Seems like yesterday that it was Easter...or was that Christmas??? At any rate...Spring is sprung and it actually might be quite nice out for the weekend..I hope so...the rain is tiring me out!!

I have been going to physical therapy for my back...the problem - along with the predictable arthritis, is tense muscles...in places I didn't even know I had muscles..So I have been getting massages along with some gentle exercises to strengthen my legs so I don't use my back to do the things my legs should do...It has really helped a lot...I have not been taking any pain meds for the last couple of weeks...tho' I am tempted today...

One thing I am supposed to do is walk more...so I have walked down to my bank which is about 5-6 blocks away. As long as I have my cane, I am doing very well at that.

I donated my car to the Make a Wish foundation...it had gotten to the point where repairs were more than I coud handle....It is a strange feeling to not have a car available to me...lots of people have said I could just call them when I needed to go somewhere...and I have found places nearby where I could get my hair cut and my nails done (two essentials in every woman's life!) I transferred all my prescriptions to be received by mail...so....I decided I would go ahead and get them all at once and then as I run out I will have what I need...well....my bathroom looks like crazy pharmacy!!! I get 3 month supply of everything...Nice not to have to trek up to Safeway every time I run out of something.

Our big family news is that Jocelyn is here from Germany for 10 days....It is so good to have her here!!!Last night we went out to the Mukleshoot casino...It was fun...I only lost $20....and the best part of that place is that they have an incredible Ice Cream shop,,,big, generous servings of every flavor known to man. Yum!!!

Gotta go now....will talk again soon....

April Fool's!!!!

Good Morning! There is actually blue sky and fluffy white clouds outside....according the the weather experts that will not last - but I'll take anything I can get...Sure has been a wet one this Spring.

Last week I had an endoscopy..I have been having problems swallowing my food...guess I have GERD...so they opened up the esophagus and discovered a hiatal hernia...so I looked it up on WEB MD...seems that most of us have that condition.and don't even know it. My swallowing ha improved, somewhat, but I have to remember to chew - and chew - and chew!! Throat is still a bit sore - but that's to be expected since they shoved a camera device down it to see what was the matter...Fortunately I was under and didn't feel a thing!

My Access experience has been somewhat traumatic...on volunteer days I was spending 8 hours (4 hours on the bus and four hour volunteering. I decided that I would resign from volunteering. It was taking a whole day to come down from the stress of the ride...I am sorry to do that but I can't keep stressing!~!!

Our big family news is that Jocelyn will be home from Germany for 10 days. It will be a whirlwind visit for her...but great to have her here again..

Physical Therapy has actually helped my back...between the light exercises to strengthen my balance and the wonderful massage on those tense back muscles...I will have only one more session and then I am released WHOOO HOO!!

It is almost noonb and I have yet to eat breaksfast...been on the computer all morning...aftr going through the immense Sunday paper!

Rides

I have discovered that the clue to getting my rides is to call them as early as I can - i.e. 3 days before I need them...so I now mark my calendar to remind me to do that...
So far, so good.

My meds all came on Monday...my bathroom counter looks like a pharmacy now!! I arranged to have them all come whether I needed them or not....once I have established what I take, I can re-order as needed...

Walked up to the Dollar Store (about 3 blocks or so) and got stuff to make a device I am supposed to use for P\T...two tennis balls and some tape...tape the balls together and put them behind my back and roll up and down a wall - using my legs instead of my back...supposed to strengthen my legs. Also discovered a beauty school in that complex so got myself a hair cut and went into the Subway shop and got a sandwich. Home again to take Fritz out....and my feet complained all evening into the night. (Neuropothy)

So...that's it for now...It is somewhat pitiful that a bunch of pills and sore feet make up the excitement in my life!! Oh well....it is still good to be alive, so no real complaints!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Are you wearing green today??? I'm not..my sole green shirt has stains on it so It's off to the salvage bag. so...what's going on in my life after the last post..quite a lot, I think!

I finally got my Access pass.... The first time I took a ride I thought I would never get back home! For my 3 PM appointment my ride came around quarter to ten. This appointment was in Seattle, mind you - not clear up in Bellingham or somewhere - I was the only passenger and we arrived at the Tukwila transfer station and I transferred to another bus...still the only passenger....picked up a new person....then a round=about trip and finally arrived at the Polyclinic at2:30!!..Then I waited for the bus which was to come between 3:30 and 4.....it did...I was the second passenger and we picked up another one at the "addiction and rehab center" - which I never even knew was there...Off we went round and round...finally ended up on the West Seattle Bridge because passenger #3 lived there...okay...back across the bridge and another somewhat harrowing trip through Seattle and ended up right behind the SE Seattle Senior Center at the apartments there..dropped off #2 and while backing out, the van clipped a parked car. The driver did get out and looked to see if there was any damage and determined there was no damage...then it was my turn....and I got home at 6:45!!!! I could not believe it! so...yesterday it was time to go again...It was my first day back to volunteer..so they picked me up about 10:30...and we went to the SE Bellevue Park & Ride.. to pick someone up....and...wonder of wonders got on the freeway. The driver didn't get off at the right place to get me where I needed to go..and I questioned him about this but he had to pick up another passenger...in China Town and then got right to my place...and I only was a half hour early so that was okay..then the ride home came when it was supposed to (between 4:30 and 5), and we arrived at the Tukwila station for another soul....I got home about 6:30 - sort of in time for a cold meal of corned beef and cabbage they were having down in the social room. So that trip wasn't nearly as bad as the first one...still...I had best plan to take the entire day whenever I need it. Not so sure I like it...but it's what I need to get around so I'd better suck it up and get used to it.!

I have finally found a physical therapist who is making my back feel better....she is massaging my back muscles which were really tight. The massage lasts several days before I start to ache again. She also tapes my back tight - thus I stand up straighter! To get to the PT I use a senior service called Hyde Shuttle....free....but it only goes around Renton so I can't use it for my Dr. appointments....

I have been having trouble swallowing things..so need to go for an Endoscopy on the 26Th...guess my esophagus has swelling. I won't have to rely on Access then...they put me out so Dian will take me. Not really looking forward to that.

Since getting to the pharmacy is now difficult, I decided to get my meds by mail...so signing up for that. They send my prescriptions one at a time...90 day supply...I cant figure out why they do it this way.. I wish they would hurry and send my sleeping pills quickly.....maybe on Monday...the first ones they sent was for the nasal spray I have been using for constant runny nose...it is great stuff but 90 day supply is 9 little bottles of the stuff. I now have a dozen...I hope I live long enough to use them up! I am sure this will straighten itself out in time and I will be pleased with this service.

Well...better get Fritz out for his afternoon walk....sky is blue so better get at it..it was snowing this morning ...talk to you later...

Good bye car...

Yep...the car has gotten to the point where it is more than I want (or can)to pay for the repairs...I finally gave in when it quit on me three times before I got out of the parking lot...don't need that stress! Dian and Chris came over and Chris got it going and away they went. It is now at his (Jocelyn's) place and I have given up my coveted parking spot...:-(


I am now in the midst of a huge pity party mourning the loss of that part of my independence! However...I KNOW things could be worse - and all in all I am pretty lucky to even be here to tell the story!! Tomorrow I go to Harborview Hospital for my "Mobility assessment" for approval to ride the Access bus...:I will take my cane and try to be not too mobile...If I don't get that approval, I'm in a bit of a pickle since the shuttle I use to get to PT doesn't go out of the Renton area...and all my docs are in Seattle...as is my volunteering...We shall see....this process has surely been going on a long ti8me, seems to me!!

My Grandson Henry is here from New Hampshire - and I will finally be able to see him this afternoon. I understand I may not even recognize him he has grown so tall....

IT is nearly 1 PM and I haven't had breakfast yet....guess I had better get going, huh?!! Enjoy your day!

Belated Valentine Greetings!!!!

Valentine's day isn't a holiday high on my list of important holiday. In fact...we had a valentine party on the day and I consumed way toomuch sugar...and I really paid for that the next day...without getting too graphic...mucho trots!! 'nuf said!!!

Got my car running and once in a while the radio pops on and the windshield wipers work once in a while...Can get meto the store if needed. I checked out the Hyde shuttle and have yused it 4 time already. It is okay...they pick me up way to early but there when I need to go home. It's handy!! Still waiting for my acceptance to Access.
P T is going well...I love the massage and the moist hot pads....Then she taped me up and boy oh boy that seems to do the ttrick..I have two more sessions approved....I didn't know we had muscles in small places ... it is hard to learn to relax them when you don't know where they are!!

I had a lady come in and clean my floors,k vacume the rug, and clean the bathroom. So glad to have that done.

Birthdays in February are quite a few....Nigel on the 13th, Chris is the 15th and Maggie is the 24th.... We are all looking forward to having Henry come out from New Hampshire on the 23rd....He will be here about 10 days or so.It has been a long time since we have seen him!!

Well, thebuzer has gone off to tell memy clothes are done in the dryer....so I better get going,.....enjoy!!

February, already!!

Good Grief! Where did January go??? It was a busy month, that's for sure...and one with a few problems!!

The biggest problem right now iS my car...It has starter problems, light problems, windshield wiper problems and the radio doesn't work! I think the best thing to do is too "part it out" and finally stop driving....Lordy, Lordy...that is certainly a tough decision!!I have applied to Access to get permission to ride their vans...but you have to be fairly severely disabled to get approval....One would think that being 81 years old would qualify me - wouldn't you? Once I get that approval I can resume my volunteering which I really want to do. I have found a "Hyde Shuttle" that will take me places around here....and, of course, my kids are ready (sometimes) willing, (always) and able (usually) to haul me around to doctor appointments and such..

I saw my doctor a week or so ago and she sent me to get an ultra-sound on my aorta of all things. She thought I had an aneurysm on it....but, fortunately, that turned out not to be so. I also have been having trouble swallowing so she sent me for a "barium swallow"...ugh!! Not pleasant!! so now I need to see a gastroenterologist too see what is going on with that! Brother!!! She also said I needed to go back to the "Back" doctor- so I did that yesterday....and it is back to PT for me...this time for tight muscle type stuff.. believe me, this is seriously interfering with my social life!!!! (such as it is :-) )

Jocelyn took off for Germany on Sunday for another 6 months.. She is pretty excited about that excerpt for the fact that she will be leaving her two precious grand-babies. She will return in early April for 10 days and be back home permanently in mid-July. She landed safely and is happy to see her friends again...and is back to work! What an opportunity this is for her!!

Well I had best get to gettin' I will try to post more often..Take care,everyone!

Snow!!!!

I do NOT enjoy the snow!!! I agree that it is beautiful.....I don't like not being able to get around safely....The "pundits" gave us a lot of hype that we would probably be buried in the stuff...then there were blue skies yesterday so I actually started up the car and went to get my meds at the pharmacy....Glad I did...it is probably 4 to 5 inches this morning!! I peeked out the window and noticed that the walkways were clear around the building, so I hitched up Fritz and gave it a try....He is not much of a fan of the snow any more than I am...so it was a quick trip...Needless to say we arrived home safe and sound....we'll give it another try around noon or so..

I had a magnificent birthday on the 7Th!!Seemed like there were more phone calls than in the past...Dian came and cleaned my apartment and we went to dinner (all of us here in Seattle area) and then off to the casino....where I actually came home with more than I brought!! I just love getting together with my family!!!

I have a friend here in the building, who has the same birthday....she's a year younger than I am...she had me up to her apartment for some celebratory wine and wonderful conversation on Tuesday...then played CLR (a simple dice game) on Thursday and won 3 pots which gave me enough quarters to wash a ton of laundry..Friday I went to lunch with the building ladies and played scrabble that night (didn't win that, but did come in 2nd)....Saturday Jocelyn treated me to a trip to the nail salon where I got my nails done, Brooke got a pedicure, and Joce got a mani-pedi..Then we went to Wal Mart and I stocked up on groceries....so I don't need anything during this snow business...and then to dinner....A nice day, that's for sure.

I have taken a leave from my volunteering job...my car's lights are hay-wire..and I come home when it is dark - don't want sketchy lights when it is dark!! I am seriously thinking about getting rid of the vehicle and rely on Access for my transportation..if I get accepted by Access that is....It takes a long time....I sent in the first questionnaire over a week ago and haven't received the second, more detailed one yet. The next step after that is a trip to Harborview for a physical to determine if I am actually disabled....I really don't think I am...unless you count being old being disabled. So...we shall see!!

Enjoy the snow.....I will as long as I don't have to go out in it!!!!

Happy New Year!

Who'da thunk it? That I would see 2012???? Well - here I am..fairly fit and healthy ready to take on a new year!!! My back issues are still here...but I seem to be able to tolerate them better...Getting out of bed is still a huge problem - but fortunately getting INTO bed isn't...LOL.....I am glad the holidays are over...however...this holiday season was wonderful - and fairly stressless....

New Year's Eve was dinner at Jocelyn's house...she was baby-sitting her grandkids (another "who'da thunk it!) so Marcia came down and took me over there. We had baby back ribs which were wonderful/ Marcia was busy making cupcakes for a friend's birthday....she is getting quite accomplished at the cake decorating and baking thing. I wish she could open her own bakery!! Or be able to work in one to learn the ropes. My favorite this time were the chocolate-Irish Creme ones!!

Jocelyn brought me home and I went down to the building New Year party...they were playing CLR (a dice game) and I won three pots....I now have enough quarters to do ALL my laundry...now I need to get the gumption to go down the hall and DO IT!

Yesterday (New Year's day) I went over to Dian's to go down to Idlywild park and watch Nigel and Chris participate in the Polar Bear thing to go into the water, They are crazy! There was a large crowd of them....some in string bikinis! it was a cvold and windy day, for gosh sakes! This was a fund raiser for Special Olympics. Nigel raised over $300...one guy pledged 50cents for every second he stayed in the water....he lasted 46 seconds - the last to come out.....Chris was the first to come out..pehaps he lasted 2 seconds! It was fun to watch - and a good cause!!

I got home in time to go down and watch the Seahawks lose in their last game...Had a nice visit from my friend across the hall who came over to look at the incredible calendar Jocelyn made for us for Christmas....It is nice to have friends again!! This morning while walking Fritz, I heard another friend yelling at me from the 4th floor inviting me up to visit...of course we went. I share a birthday with her - which is fun.

So...next big deal is my birthday Saturday....Don't know what we'll be doing. When they asked me what I wanted to do - I replied "I want to eat a good steak!".,..so guess that will be happening! (Wouldn't mind a lobster tail thrown in...tee hee!)

Got to take down the decorations from my door - so better get at it!