Welcome August

I'm glad that July is over. 

Let's start with our nation's 250th birthday. It was bittersweet because Trump has been trying to undermine our  constitutional freedoms. 

July brought two heat waves with temperatures in the 100s. In one heat wave, we also had bad air days from Canadian wildfires (which Trump used as an excuse to impose new tariffs on Canada. Ugh.)

I had another bout of colitis. It lasted a few weeks; it's enervating, frustrating, and uncomfortable at best.

The worst of the month is that I was almost scammed. I was vulnerable because we had issues with our anti-virus protection on our computers. I don't want to write much about it; it's embarrassing and infuriating. I made mistakes and missed some red flags. The bottom line, I didn't send them any money, and they didn't gain access to my bank accounts or credit cards. 

On a more positive note, we got grab bars installed in our bathrooms and I got hearing aids. Annette took me up to Havre de Grace for an afternoon. We went on a perfect summer day, went to shops, an artist collective, and antique mall before we enjoyed lunch on the water. I hired a high school neighbor to walk Jace, so I didn't have to worry about him. It was relaxing and fun.

Thursday Thoughts

Haven't posted for a long time. Recently, the backup laptop that I've been using got infected with a virus. That's just the latest excuse.

We have a big item to check off our to-do list: we got grab bars installed in both our bathrooms. I had started research back in February but dropped the ball. Now it's done, and I'm happy with the results. 

We're under another heat dome. Dubious bonus: smoke from wildfires is overtaking the area. 

Bruce, our neighbor across the hall, had a stroke and will be transferred to permanent nursing care. He has a two-year-old dog JJ. Neighbors have been pitching in to help care for him. One neighbor who's been watching him went to the beach for the weekend. Another is watching JJ now, but she needs help walking him. That's me (and Jace.) We've only been on one walk so far, and I was just needed for moral support. That's good. 

JJ has been through a lot this year. Earlier, his technical owner died suddenly from a heart attack. Bruce was JJ's primary caregiver even then. I'm not sure what's going to happen with him. It makes me appreciate that the wills Jeff and I are making have a provision for Jace's care if something happens to us first. 

I've been thinking a lot about Bruce. I remember how he helped me walk/climb over the snow and ice after the January storm. He also helped shovel out my car. He would be happy to know that his neighbors are caring for JJ. 

Closing Out April

It seems like just the other day that I wrote a post closing out March. And here we are. 

This year I'm going to agree with  TS Eliot. Jeff's sister Melissa died on the 15th.Cancer. I'm so glad we got to see her in March. We spent more time with her than we expected so that was a bonus. 

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The weather has been crazy: 90s to 50s to freeze warnings. Parts of the country are still experiencing heavy snowstorms. We've broken the climate. 

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On a more positive note, Jeff, Jace and I returned to Bowley's after Jace's vet appointment. We had drinks and listened to a two-man band. It was relaxing and fun, and we plan to go back. 

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Hoping to get organized and get some of those little annoying things done this weekend. 

Spring is Here!

Today is the March (or Spring or Vernal) Equinox--very welcome after a cold and snowy winter. It didn't feel springlike when Jace and went for a walk this morning with temperatures in the 30s. As we approach the official start of spring at 10:46 AM, it's warming up. It's now 50 degrees. 

I've been looking forward to this spring--our first in Maryland. We'll have more time and opportunities to explore all that the area offers. 

Almost Spring

We've been blessed with several days of warm weather with temperatures ranging from the mid 60s to the low 70s. The sun was strong the last few days--almost all of the snow piles were gone and the ground was finally starting to dry out. 

That's all over now. I knew the 70-degree weather wouldn't last, but I didn't expect it to end in snow. It's not snowing at the moment, but snow is expected to mix with rain over the next several hours. Ugh. We've had more than enough snow this winter. 

I had been seeing more wildlife in the area: the red fox that lives by the pool house, cardinals, a crane or heron, and a Northern Pintail duck. I was intrigued by the pintail; I met a bird-watcher on the trail here and he identified it for me. I've also been watching the emergence of shoots and buds. Yesterday, I saw my first daffodils. I'm excited about what spring will bring.

March Miscellanea

 I always look forward to March--it feels good to get out of February. It's been a hard winter. Snow from the January storm took a month to (mostly) dissipate. There are still small patches and large snowplowed piles. But, at the end of February, I began to catch a whiff of spring and hear birdsong. In the final weekend, temperatures rose to the high 50s. Jace and I returned to the trails and the boardwalk.

That didn't last, of course. The following Monday, it snowed for several hours and left a coating on the ground. Luckily, that snow dissipated quickly. I'm waiting for the 70s predicted for a few days next week.  

Jeff and I have tried a few more restaurants. One was a breakfast and lunch place with good steak sandwiches. We also went out for a good seafood dinner with friends. We have many other places to discover. 

We watched some of the Olympics in February. I'm most interested in figure skating. I saw the men's and the ice dancing competitions, but somehow missed the women's and the pairs. Oh well. Now, some of our other shows have returned, such as Matlock and Ghosts. 

We also rediscovered Nancy Drew--a series that we had started to watch on the CW back in 2019. We had seen most of the first season, but the show went on hiatus or the timeslot changed, and we never got back to it. We found it on HBO Max recently and watched the first two of four seasons. TV Nancy is not much like the Nancy Drew I've read. In the premiere, she's having sex with Ned (now called Nick) and he's black. Nancy's mysteries also involve the supernatural: ghosts, witches, wraiths, and the like. 

Most of our days revolve around medical appointments. Jeff has physical and speech therapy each week. We've also scheduled other medical appointments. Plus it's tax season. I spent most of last week stressing about getting the tax documents together. I got them to the accountant on the 28th.

Then there's still unpacking and organizing. I got a lead for someone who can install wooden bookshelves in our dining room. I haven't figured out exactly what I want, but it's a start. 

Frugality, Food Waste, and Other Friday Thoughts

Looking at yesterday's grocery bill, I feel like a dismal failure at frugality. Most of my items were produce related. I also bought a few pantry items. I can't help that food prices are high, and frugality isn't always focused on squeezing every last dime.

The things that appeal to me most about frugality are avoiding waste. 

Food waste is one priority. I sometimes buy too much produce or lunchmeat. I need to plan around what I buy, instead of just grabbing anything that looks good. I also have to be realistic as I read interesting recipes or see fun things as I walk the grocery aisles. Will I actually make that dish?

I'm getting better at using vegetables before they get too old and finding new recipes that use multiple items. That also helps with the age-old problem of what to have for dinner.

Buying used is another way to reduce waste. We're buying a dining room table and chairs as well as a coffee table from our downstairs neighbor when she moves. Another neighbor is taking me to a good thrift store. I hope I'm lucky.

Jeff and I are going out to lunch tomorrow for Valentine's Day. We usually don't go out on this holiday, but it's going to warm up to the 50s, and we haven't been out in a while. I was undecided at first, but now I'm looking forward to it. 

I'm longing for spring, but knew it's still far off. Nothing like multiple snow piles to remind you it's winter. 

A Little Can Be Enough

On Sunday, I was feeling sorry for myself. I wrote in my journal that I wasn't happy with my life. Then I wrote that I'd have to remake my life into something that will make me happy. I ended with "Think about that!" 

The next day, things started looking better. Walking Jace, I felt something in the air--a little warmth. It was still cold, but it was sunny, and there was no wind. After weeks with temperatures below freezing, everyone's excited for some warmth and melting. We'll gladly take the mud and mush. 

I had a good day today with this song was going through my head. I'm happy with my accomplishments--I got a decent amount of work done (paperwork, unpacking, cleaning.) I also want to Jeff's speech therapy session with him; it gave me a lot to think about.  

A Catch-Up Post

It's been a busy ten days. Deep snow in Maryland and Connecticut complicated our lives. The highways were great driving to and from Connecticut (Wednesday and Saturday, respectively.) Getting out of the condo here and parking in Norwalk were our biggest challenges, thanks to ubiquitous snow piles and icy patches. 

We are no longer Norwalk property owners. I had a few things to do before we met with our attorney on Thursday. Despite a few glitches, everything worked out. After we signed the papers, I ran errands. Then, I got takeout from Little Kitchen, our favorite Chinese restaurant in the area. We enjoyed our favorites: Sauteed Sliced Chicken with Hot Peppers and Crispy Spinach and Dry Sauteed Shredded Beef Szechuan Style, as well a Bean Curd with Vegetables Country Style for Jen who graciously hosted us again. We already miss Little Kitchen.

We vegged on Friday, and I finished Badlands. On Saturday, we drove back. There had been talk of more snow, plus I couldn't wait to get home. 

This week has been a blur of medical appointments and paperwork. Today, I stocked up on food in case the predicted snow amounts to more than an inch. I also picked up a welcome mat and some baskets we've needed. Now, I can really focus on our new home.

Tuesday Topics

We got a lot of snow over Saturday and Sunday. The official total closest to us is 9 inches in Middle River. 

Unfortunately, our new condo management is very bad at snow removal. And their office is still closed. I know this is a rare heavy snow event in the Baltimore area, but damn, it's not like we're in Mississippi or somewhere else in the Deep South where cities don't even have snowplows.

The parking lot is decently plowed but needs more work. All the walkways need to be cleared. It's especially frustrating because Jeff and I are planning to drive to Connecticut tomorrow to finalize our condo sale and take care of some other business. There's no way I can get Jeff or anyone using a walker or cane to the car.

Thank goodness for our friendly and helpful neighbors. One couple on the first floor shoveled from their patio to the street and will widen that path. They lent me a cart to take our luggage downstairs through their unit. Two neighbors will help Jeff get into the car. I appreciate their help but am disappointed that I need to rely on them and not the management company that we are paying. 

On top of all that, there is the potential for another snow event next weekend. Jeff and I may have to cut our trip short. We'll see.

The Dread Before the Storm

Forecasts are dire and the weather media seems to relish the worsening reports. 

In our first winter in Essex, we've experienced the coldest December in twenty years. Now, this weekend may bring the biggest snowstorm in 20. Bad timing for us, or maybe a neighbor was right when she said I brought the cold from Connecticut. 

I ran most of my errands yesterday, including the second grocery run of the week. I missed a few things when I went shopping on Monday. Plus, I figured I should stock up--I won't be driving anywhere until at least Monday. The best errand was going to the Essex Library. I got a library card and three books. 

I admit I'm worried about losing power and being unable to cook. I'm used to having a gas stovetop. It could be lots of peanut butter sandwiches. Good thing we love peanut butter. 

Catch-up Post: Snow, Celebrations, and Holiday Prep

We had our first measurable snowfall last Saturday night--two to three inches. Previously we had only experienced flurries. Funny, my friend insisted it doesn't snow here. Well, this has been the coldest December in 20 years.

Our building had a bite and sip holiday party last Friday. My salmon spread was a big hit. Jeff and I enjoyed ourselves. After about an hour, we brought Jace downstairs to join us. Talk about a big hit--he was quite charming. 

On Monday, I went to a celebration of life for my cousin's husband. There were many people there--I only knew two beside my cousins. It was very cold, but Sunday's snowstorm didn't cause any problems. I was happy I could attend. It truly was a celebration of Tom's life. 

As I mentioned in an earlier post, we didn't do much in the way of Christmas decorating, but I can still see Christmas things I love around the living room. 

I'm going to cook this Christmas. I wasn't happy with the Whole Foods Thanksgiving meal and catering options for two or four are limited. I'm making filet mignon for Christmas Eve with scalloped potatoes, sauteed spinach, baby bella mushrooms, and crescent rolls. Jeff bought a Christmas pudding for dessert. I also have cheese with cranberries as an appetizer as well as soups. 

I'll make Christmas breakfast on Christmas Day. I haven't decided on dinner yet, but I want something easy. 

Three Birthday Lunches and a Sun-shower

In the last eight days, I've been on three birthday lunches. The first was with Jeff, his sister and her husband. We went to Rive Bistro, a restaurant I've been meaning to visit for a long time. 

Next, it was Jeff and me. We went to the Goose. Today my brother and his girlfriend took us to Sedona Tap House.. 

I could get used to this. But alas, a birthday is just once a year.  

Although I enjoyed our meal at the Goose, I was very disappointed on my birthday. It was also Jace's birthday. Okay, we don't know his real birthday. I learned from asking about Lola's birthday that when stray dogs are taken to a vet, the day of the visit becomes the birthday. We picked a date for Lola's birthday. We liked that Jace and I had the same bday. 

It was cold and damp on our birthday with temperatures topping out around 52. I had hoped for a warm day when we could eat outside. Well, we didn't get out with Jace then, so we owe him a restaurant meal. 

We finally saw some sun today. In fact, when I took Jace out this afternoon, we walked in a sun-shower. I sang parts of this song. I love sun-showers, but it's odd to find them after a nor'easter. But the weather is screwed now. At least there are no sharnados ...yet. 

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. 

Two Weeks

I clicked on this site and saw the last title, "A Month Away," and thought it hasn't been that long. Just two weeks. 

Last week was bad, and the week before it had its own issues. Jeff was in a lot of pain last week; it was hard for him to even walk around our apartment. We cancelled all his appointments even the physical therapy that he needed; just walking from the car to the PT office would have wiped him out. At least he's feeling better--his normal level of pain. It sucks to have a normal level of pain on an everyday basis. He got back to PT yesterday and goes again tomorrow. We booked PT sessions through March. 

About two weeks ago, I felt like I had too many things that I needed to manage. It was if I were juggling and was losing some of the balls in the air. I pulled out a notebook and made a to-do list. Nothing earthshaking here--I just wanted to have everything in one place rather than scattered across my planner. I had nine "to-dos" and was thinking about how/when to do them. 

I quickly realized that I had forgotten two vital items: income tax prep, and health insurance research (Jeff is losing his Cobra coverage in April.) I added two more items. Over the last two weeks, I crossed off five items. That's not good, but not too bad considering. 

Anyway, time to make a new list. A new priority: my grandniece Daphne will be one in two-and-a-half ways. I'm buying her (and my other grandniece Ella) a book my cousin Deb wrote. I also have a copy of Go, Dog, Go! for Daphne. One of my favorite Cooper family photos is one of Daphne's father Kurt with his grandfather who is reading Go, Dog, Go! Unfortunately, that photo is in storage now. Recently, I've been displaying fewer photos, and put several good ones away. Oh well, I need to continue with my decluttering anyway.  

Bad news from the New Canaan Nature Center: the black vulture Mort has died. It might have been the Avian Flu. Mort was easygoing, vocal, and always hungry. Sad: NCNC just lost Ralph in February.

It's not all bad things recently. We had a week of nice weather. First the winds died down, and then it warmed up. Countdown to spring is progressing. We made it to March and are watching the Mets. This weekend we spring forward.

I went to a program on Rails to Whistlestops and made a contact with a Housatonic Railroad historian. This helped me get back into my Merwinsville work after a slow February. I'm also back in a good exercise routine. It helps with the stress and keeps me going. 

A Month Away

I checked the dates. Spring begins on March 20. It's just one month away, and I'll be counting the days. 

It hasn't been a snowy winter here--our biggest snowfall was four inches. The flurries that we're getting now are part of an originally predicted snowfall of 14 inches. Flurries are a relief.

While the snow's been light, the temperatures have been bitterly cold. At least I don't have to wait a month for relief. Temperatures will rise to the 40s beginning Sunday. Maybe I can lose a layer of clothing when I go outside.

Rails to Whistlestops

Tonight I attended a slide show presentation, Rails to Whistlestops about railroad stations in Southern Connecticut and what happened to them by Sue Del Bianco. Here's a flyer. 

Sue had a good selection of photographs and stories. She asked me to speak about Merwinsville. 

It was a horrible night to be out, bitterly cold. But at least it was still light as we were driving up to Bridgeport. That really helped. 

It was nice to get back to thinking about 19th century railroads and have a new contact with similar interests.

Wet Weather

It feels like it's always snowing. I know that isn't true. Didn't it snow/rain three times this week? And three times the week before that?

There are hints of more snow to come later this week--possibly a lot more. 

Not even two-thirds through winter. How am I going to hold on? The Mets play their first spring training game next week. Maybe that will help. 

Monday Blahs

We had chili yesterday, a Super Bowl tradition for us. Unfortunately, it didn't agree with me. I didn't sleep well either. 

I dressed for the gym this morning, but didn't go. I just wasn't up for it. Instead I did some stretching here, ran some errands, and took Jace to Sherwood Island. It's a state park; the parking lot is well plowed, and many of the walking paths are clear of snow.  I don't remember when we were last there. We walked for about 35 minutes, which is much longer than we've been walking around the neighborhood. There are too many uncleared spots around here especially after four inches of snow Saturday night. And...there's potential for two more snow events this week.

I have a case of the blahs or many cabin fever. Haven't even made it halfway through February.

More Snow..and Cooking

It's snowing tonight for the third time this week. We got off easy the last two times--only about two inches. It doesn't look like we'll get off easy again. The latest forecast is five to eight inches. We'll see. At least, I don't have to go anywhere tomorrow, except to take Jace out. 

Speaking of Jace, he's had a rough week; he had diarrhea twice. I took him to the vet today and got him some medicine. I'm so glad I bought more chicken yesterday. I made chicken and rice for him and chicken parmesan for Jeff and me. 

I also made bison and black been chili for tomorrow. It's one of Jeff's traditions to have chili for the Super Bowl. 

As for me, I'm looking forward to the Puppy Bowl.