Cleaning, Packing, Unpacking, and Still Time-tracking

That sums up my day.

Cleaning because I've neglected it lately and Jeff's sister is coming to visit. 

Packing because we are driving to North Carolina on Monday to visit Jeff's other sister.

Unpacking because I'm re-arranging a few things as I dust and wanted to put out a Thai Buddha on a living room table. 

Time-Tracking because I want to complete the week. I am tracking on a spreadsheet on my laptop. It would be easier to manually record the information, but much harder to review. On the pc, I can highlight different colors to get a better picture of how I spend my time. It's going pretty well. I had to backtrack for a few hours on  Monday, but otherwise, I'm doing a decent job keeping up. 

Homebody as Winter Arrives

It's been a quiet weekend. I try to avoid errands on the weekends, especially in the Christmas season. I'm also trying not to spend too much money, and the weather has been cold, so I'm happy to stay home.

I cleaned, did a lot of laundry, cooked, made a shopping list for our Christmas meals, unpacked and organized, and read. 

I had been so obsessed with this move, the expense, and issues with our Norwalk condo--how could I have been so naive to think it would sell quickly--that I almost forgot that this is our first holiday season in our beautiful new home. Cause for celebration.

It will be just the three of us this Christmas, and that's good. We can get started on new traditions. 

Jace and I had a wonderful walk yesterday afternoon. It was sunny, about 50 degrees and the wind that seems to have been plaguing us for weeks was absent. I insisted we walk on the trails and boardwalk, even though Jace made it a shorter walk than I would have liked. It was the best walk in weeks. 

I like to call today the darkest day of the year rather than the shortest one. Everyday will be lighter from now on. Another thing worth celebrating.

Three Weeks and a Day

It's hard to believe. I feel like we've been here longer. 

Last Saturday we returned to Connecticut. We stayed with our friend Jen and her Westie Katie; it was great to visit with them. I also caught up with Cynthia.

I finished packing up the things we left in Connecticut,. hired my neighbor to clean, got a quote for carpet and hardwood floor cleaning, met with a realtor, reviewed a listing agreement, and managed to leave one of Jeff's canes at Jen's. 

It was so nice to come back here. To our new home home on Wednesday. Our new bedroom nightstands arrived--my brother Jim returned this weekend and obligingly assembled them for us. Our kitchen set arrived on Thursday. 

I returned to Schultz's Crabhouse for their famous sour beef and another time for their crabcake. We tried a new restaurant for Chinese takeout. We're slowly becoming familiar with people and the area. 

Eight Nights Here

It's been a blur.  Among ongoing unpacking, we had to replace our cell phones. The sound in my phone died unless I used the speaker. Jim came back yesterday and had already offered to hang pictures and hang with Jace while we furniture shopped. 

Well, we went to the phone store instead and were there for three-and-a-half hours. We had to wait for 45 minutes before our "appointment" started.  The good news is that we got new phones at a great price, saving us money every month. Jeff even got a watch. 

It's been a pattern. Everything we had to do was complicated. 

I keep reminding myself that we're making progress. It's slow and frustrating, but it's something.

Greetings from Essex, Maryland

Tomorrow will be a week from our official move-in date. At this time (6:58 PM) last Friday, Jeff and I were on the road somewhere in New Jersey. 

Last Friday was a long day even though the movers were great. I ended up leaving some things in Norwalk. I wasn't happy about that, but I couldn't have gotten out of the house in time to meet the movers at 8 AM the next morning. It was 2 when Jeff and I hit the road. We hit a lot of traffic, went through an area without hotel availability, and snagged the last room at a place in Bel Air, Maryland around 8 PM.

Since Saturday morning, it's been unpacking. And unpacking. And still more unpacking. I have the same challenge one of my neighbor described: we have so much room in our new kitchens compared to our old places. It's hard to decide where to put things (first world problems.) Having little furniture is also a challenge. Some of our clothes are hanging in the closet; some are stuffed in boxes. 

Everything is taking longer than I imagined. 

Now, for the positive. 

We had our new bed delivered Wednesday. 

Today, we bought a kitchen set (table and four chairs) to be delivered in almost three weeks.

Our neighbors have been welcoming and helpful. .

Jace and I are enjoying the trails here. 

I keep repeating, "I can't believe I live here." It's beautiful.

Last Night to Cook

I hate using disposable plates, utensils, and napkins. I hate contributing to more things in a landfill. 

I figured I would use disposable on our last night or two here and our first night or two in Essex. But I underestimated how soon I would to want to give up cooking. The prepping and the cleanup take up too much valuable time. I reluctantly brought out the disposables last week. Many are recyclable, so I feel obligated to clean them, but it's not saving much time, and I'm still generating crap. 

Yesterday was supposed to be the last night to cook. Instead, we ate a late lunch--so we had a salad for dinner. Tonight I cooked the crabcakes--the last from Connecticut with green beans, carrots, and shallots. 

Spent the day doing laundry, running errands, packing, and frankly, fighting with tape dispensers. 

It will be an early night.

In Other News

The packing and decluttering continues. I hired two people to pack up dishes, glasswork, and miscellaneous including our Mets paraphernalia (how sad, that reminds me of the Mets.)

My brother Jim also came; he was a big help. Much more in the next few days.

What's Going On?

Yesterday was Jeff's birthday. It was low-key; we went to O'Neill's in Sono for lunch. We were too full for a regular dinner. We had a salad and chocolate mousse cake. More cake tonight and more left.

I spent the morning setting up an electric/gas account and condominium payments. I had to go to the physical bank to change my address to buy checks because one organization required a voided check.

Then I started packing.

We also had visits with our nephew Matt yesterday and our friend/neighbor Cynthia today.

It's scary, having so much to do. One week left. 

Now, back to work. 

Update: Moving, Stress, Another Walk-Thru, and An Anniversary

Jeff and I have been married 37 years today. With all of the moving to-dos, expenses, and stress, we're not up to a big celebration. We were going to go out to dinner, but I was leaning to getting takeout. Then Jeff suggested lunch. It was a late one. We had a new mattress and box spring delivered and were the last of the jobs. 

In the middle of the mattress delivery, I quickly vacuumed the floor--years of dog hair and dust. Hmm, dog hair and dust. Could be a cologne on Wednesday. 

Anyway, it was drizzly when we finally headed out around 2:45, and we wanted to take Jace.  As we were waiting for the mattress, I researched dog friendly Norwalk restaurants that had covered outdoor dining areas. I selected Tavern on 7. It's basically a sports bar, but had some interesting specials. Unfortunately, they were out of the special I really wanted, shrimp bisque. A good lunch, but loud being right on Route 7. Our take-out dinner entree (I didn't want to cook today) and dessert were mediocre. 

People are telling me I'm going to miss Norwalk when we go. Right now, I'm pretty jaded with/by Norwalk Of course, it's more the people I'll miss. I've spent over half of my life here in Norwalk, in this condo. I hope I will find some fond memories.

We're driving down to Maryland tomorrow. Friday will be our second walk-thru of our condo. I'm packing some basic supplies in my car--what I can fit. It will be our first time seeing it empty.

We changed our moving date from September 25th to October 2. That gives us another week;  I hope it will be enough. 

First Week in September

Has it only been a week?

Jeff and I bought a Sleep Number king bed on Monday. It's a splurge, but I think it will be well worth it. 

Tuesday, I drove Jeff to the dentist. It had been a while, but he had a good check-up. I took the opportunity to take Jace to Bruce Park for the last time. We also got our favorite crab cakes from  Bon Ton for the last time and a steak sandwich from Greenwich Prime, yes for the last time.

We went out to lunch with friends Elaine and Marti, not for the last time. At least, we'll try for another lunch.

The rest of the week was spent on shopping, cleaning, and not enough packing. 

There's so much more to do. 

Has It Been a Week?

Sometimes time can mess with you. 

It's been a week since we closed on our condo in Maryland.

But here we are in Connecticut. Everyone asks if I'm packing. Yeah, but I also have the daily chores and errands. Most recently, I've been reviewing moving companies and contracts. I think we're okay in that area. 

So much work to do. I alternate between being overwhelmed and being confident. 

Thursday I gave myself two to-dos. I did them and felt good about it. I need to be more ambitious. 

Two Condos!

As of Friday, August 22nd, Jeff and I are owners of two condominiums. It won't be for long. At least we hope not. 

We're figuring out what we have to do when. It won't be fun, but I can't wait till it's over. Jeff's mother once said something like it's an escalator, take it, and you'll get there. 

Back Again

I don't know why I haven't posted. I've been busy, but that doesn't cut it. 

We have big news. We bought a condo in Essex, Maryland! It wasn't either of the two we had already seen. It's in the same complex as one that we were considering, but it's so much nicer than the first. 

We close next Tuesday. We're nowhere near ready to move yet. I haven't done as much packing as I would have liked. I've been dealing with banks and other financial institutions and reading condominium documents.  

My work is cut out for me. 

Frustrating Day

I drove Jeff to physical therapy only to find that his insurance will not cover PT in a hospital setting. The office said they called to let us know, but we didn't get a message. 

It is cold--it feels like March. Yesterday morning, the temps were in the forties, but at least it warmed up to the 70s. Today it started and stayed in the fifties with wind. Tomorrow, we're expecting a nor'easter. This is the lead-in to Memorial Day 2025. Ugh.

I took a large plastic container downstairs to our storage bin and brought up two three suitcases, a box of extra pieces of  wood flooring and a large bag. One suitcase was so old, the handle fell off. It was so heavy, I had to take half the things out to carry it upstairs and out to the trash.   

I also accidentally set the dryer cycle for no heat and had to run it again.

At least the Mets won, ending their three game losing streak. 

More Catching Up with a Side of Miscellanea

It's been a lot. 

I'm not sure why I haven't been writing. I've barely journaled either. Keeping myself incommunicado. Keeping my thoughts to myself. But it's counterproductive. Journaling helps keep me grounded. At least, I journaled today; I need to get back into the habit.

Our trip to Delaware was...disappointing. I had hoped to find several good housing options for us. Instead, we found only one. Reviewing the condo documents, we discovered another problem. The place is just not dog-friendly. 

We need to look further. We've been invited again to visit friends in the Baltimore area and look from there. We just have to figure our a schedule--they're away now.

I brought up three large plastic boxes from our storage bin in the basemen, including two boxes of Halloween costumes, props, and accessories. I threw out some old make-up, but I packed up the rest for Goodwill. The bags are in the back seat of my car: I was afraid I would forget about them if I put them in the trunk. 

I set up some PT appointments for Jeff, but need to reschedule two of them. It's another week before he starts. Only Jace and I have medical appointments this week.

I went to the gym one day this week. I did back, chest, leg, and ab exercises. I exercised at home most other days. I went to the hotel gym once in Newark. Jace and I didn't do much walking around the hotel. I guess Jace didn't like the neighborhood. He did enjoy walking the green at UD. Jace was a big hit, especially with the ladies. As usual.

Had another expensive week with unexpected car repairs .I needed a headlight bulb replacement, a new battery, and windshield wiper blades. At least I don't have a car payment to worry about. 

Finally got into a bit of a cleaning mode today. The feeling doesn't last long, so I have to act on it. 

It's only a good start if I continue.

Catching Up

I remember checking this blog last Sunday, realizing I hadn't posted in a week. Still, didn't post on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday.

Why not? I don't know: I was too lazy, too tired, too whatever. 

Last week was an expensive one. I picked up a few prescriptions for Jeff totaling over $300. I hope it's that high because he just changed insurance programs and has to meet a new deductible. We knew one prescription was expensive, but $300 was a surprise. 

What I thought was a slow tire leak ended up with me needing three new tires. At least I took care of that now and not during our upcoming visit to Delaware.(More on that later.)

I went to the dentist. I just needed cleaning--I take good care of my teeth. Preventive maintenance is well worth the cost, but it's still another bill for the week.

I found a place to repair the antique cinnabar lamps we inherited from Jeff's grandparents by way of his sister. I started looking for lamp shades back in December and had trouble with that, before finding I also needed some parts of the lamps repaired. That will cost around $200.

Then there's grocery shopping; I bought many things to avoid tariff increases. But I don't want to keep depressing myself, so I'll just stop here.

A Cold Vernal Equinox and Random Thoughts

Yesterday--the first day of spring was foggy, damp, raw, and cold. It felt like winter was giving us the finger. But I'm thankful that Jace and I got a nice afternoon outside on Wednesday.  

Jeff and I went out to lunch twice this week--which is very unusual. It was Sedona Tap House for St. Patrick's Day and Tengda Asian Bistro today with our friends Elaine and Marti. Jace wasn't happy with us for leaving him. He is spoiled.

Feeling overwhelmed--again--with all the things I have to do. Recently I've taken to worrying when I wake up to pee sometime in the early morning hours. Lately, I've been worrying about things related to moving. 

Our decluttering efforts have been going well. As Jeff reminds me, we're not downsizing--we'll be moving into a larger place. We still have too much stuff. We've been working on clearing out our storage bin. We still have three large storage boxes to go through. Two are of Halloween costumes. That surprised me: I thought we only had one. Oh well, easy enough to get rid of that stuff. 

Jeff's been on a low sodium diet for four years. We had to give up some of our go-to meals. I especially missed rotisserie chicken. Our regular store's chicken has 20 percent sodium. I recently discovered that Stew Leonard's chickens have only 4 percent sodium. Made my day. I bought two Stew's chickens yesterday. We had chicken for dinner and I'll be making broth tomorrow.

It's going to be a homebody this weekend. Cleaning, making broth, going through emails and paperwork. And I'll be starting out behind the eight ball because I left a few dishes in the sink. I better get a good night's sleep.

Tuesday Topics

I started yesterday feeling good about where I was in my pre-Thanksgiving cleaning. Then I drove Jeff to an acupuncture appointment.at 10 that was supposed to have been re-scheduled. The doctor was out of town all week. I guess I never recovered from that. Later I did run some errands, but barely started work in the kitchen.

Today, after I cared for the birds, I finished cleaning the kitchen, started cleaning the second bedroom, and picked up our Thanksgiving meal and a few fruits and veggies. I'm back to feeling good about my progress. 

I'm surprised at how many houses are already decorated for Christmas. I even saw a decorated Christmas tree in a window the other night. Maybe it's because Thanksgiving is so late this year. It's still too early for me to decorate for Christmas.

I actually found myself thinking about getting pine cones for a Thanksgiving centerpiece. I blame the New York Times.

Vanderpump Rules, as we know it. is gone. The show will be recast with all new people. I shouldn't be surprised, but I really am. I expected a mini-season at least. I just read that Schwartz & Sandy's is closing, so it's been in my thoughts. Maybe a final VPR post?

Two days until Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Countdown

Thanksgiving is only a week away. How did that happen?

I've been distracted from my pre-Thanksgiving cleaning by decluttering and cleaning up after Jace's accidents. But I got back to it this week. 

I'm proud of myself today. I completed the toughest part of the Thanksgiving cleaning. I dusted the dining area, vacuumed before I rolled up the rug, dry and wet mopped the floors, and laid down another rug. I also cleaned our small hallway (dusted, dry and wet mopped.) Jeff calls it the Egyptian wing because that's where we display our papyri and other souvenirs. 

I've ordered Thanksgiving dinner from Whole Foods, planned a simple appetizer. I'm not as organized as I was last year, but I will pull it off.

One Down, ? to Go

I went to Goodwill yesterday, with three liquor store boxes, two small boxes, and an extra-large trash bag filled with things uncluttered. We donated small items that didn't have a lot of meaning to us, books, picture frames, boxes, candles, jewelry, a vase. I don't remember more clearly, even though I packed it all. 

It was a real eye-opener to realize that we culled all these things from a cursory look at things displayed in the living room and primary bedroom and cleaning two drawers. I've got quite a job ahead of me. 

I've been looking at Baltimore area real estate listings online and asked my friend Annette to check out the neighborhood of a beautiful condo in Essex. Well, Annette went to see the condo and raved about it. She says we'll never find anything better; I should fly down to look at it. 

I was tempted, but it was just too much, too soon. But I feel that the time is getting closer.