Saturday, September 30, 2017

GARDEN TOUR

I went on a garden tour with my friend H today.  It was a neighborhood garden tour.  It was sweet seeing these gardens.  The first garden was a front entry way garden.  I think we both were surprised that the garden was so small.

We did see a wonderful garden that was tiered and had two really tall chairs so the owners could see the view over the trees.  We also saw two gardens at two homes that you could walk over the fence.  They both had kids and the kids went back and forth.  They had some interesting "art" plants on their fence.


I really liked this idea of framing plants.


They also had a fairy door at the base of their tree.

It was a fun tour and a fun day with H.

Until tomorrow...

Friday, September 29, 2017

STARTING OVER

Today I  started my foster/adoption search again.  The last foster/adoption situation has been an education.  I can take all that knowledge and use it this time.

I went down and looked at the book of profiles of kids that need to be adopted.  That book makes my heart cry.  All those kids that need families.

After going down and looking at the book, I know I am ready to start the process again.

Until tomorrow...

Thursday, September 28, 2017

NEW POLICE CHIEF

Today is my brother's birthday.  Happy Birthday!!

I went to my block captains meeting for neighborhood watch captains.  It was an interesting meeting because the new police chief was the speaker.  He was so authentic and personable.  I liked to hear his take on how he wants to run the police community.

Until tomorrow...

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

AMERICAN MADE





I went to see a preview of the Tom Cruise movie American Made tonight.  The movie was not like I thought it was going to be.  It was funnier than I thought it was going to be.  It had an actual story.

The funniest line was a clip of Jimmy Carter giving a speech saying "For the first time in the history of our country a majority of our people believe that the next five years will be worse than the past five years."

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.  Thanks to my friend M for going with me.

Until tomorrow...

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

UPDATE ON HAPPI

I spoke to the vet today about Happi. Happi has been having problems walking more than two blocks. She lays down as if she is tired but I think she is in pain.

The doctor thinks I should continue the medicine for some time longer and see how she does.  I am going to give her more time to rest.

Until tomorrow...

Monday, September 25, 2017

PUTTING IN DRANO

I have a slow moving drain.  My shower started having a slow puddle in the bottom of the shower.  It started before I went on vacation in August.  I put some Drano down and it got better.
 
Then two days ago it got bad again.  I would take a shower and the water would fill up in the bottom of the shower.  Today I put more Drano down the drain.  A whole bunch.  I am hoping this will work for awhile.  Unfortunately, I think there will be a phone call to a plumber in my future but I am going to hold off until it gets worse.

Until tomorrow...

Sunday, September 24, 2017

STREET FAIR AND DINNER

To round out the weekend of fun, I went to a street fair.  I met up with my second cousin, his husband, my friends H and M and all their friends.  It was super fun hanging out with everyone on such a sunny day. 

Then I went home and fed the dogs, got ready and went out to dinner with my second cousin, his husband and some more of his friends.  The weekend just didn't want to end!

It was a fun-filled, action-packed weekend.  I haven't had so much fun and so much action in a long time. 

Until tomorrow...

Saturday, September 23, 2017

WENT CLUB HOPPING WITH MY SECOND COUSIN

Turns out my father's brother-in-law's sister's son was in town for the weekend. We haven't seen each other for about 40 years. I think he was a little nervous to hang out with me after all these years but it turned out great. We met at a bar where he was with some of his friends. Then we went to another bar. Both bars were super crowded and hot. I mean sweaty hot.
It was super fun and we all got along. We made plans to meet up tomorrow at the street fair.

This is two nights of staying out late for me.  Living the dream!!

Until tomorrow...

Friday, September 22, 2017

NEIGHBORHOOD PARTY

I went to a neighborhood house party tonight. This is a big weekend in my area so there are parties and fairs. My neighbor's house party had at least 100 people, almost all guys. I like to show up and represent for the neighborhood and for the women.

I ran into two friends and had a great time hanging out with them all night. They were so sweet when they walked me home to make sure I got home safe. They were brought up right.

Until tomorrow...

Thursday, September 21, 2017

SAMOSAS

I love samosas.  I love them when they are crispy.  The crispier the better.



What is a samosa, you ask?  It is a fried or baked dish with a savory filling.  I eat the vegan samosas that have spiced potatoes and peas in them.  Other samosas can have onions, lentils, macaroni, noodles, cheese, minced lamb or minced beef.  They are made in a triangular shape and served with a green Indian chutney.  

It is one of my favorite things to eat.  I buy them frozen at the store but they are better when I get them freshly made.

Today I met a friend for Indian street food and I had three samosas.  They were so delicious.  Nice and crispy.

Until tomorrow...

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

A VISIT WITH A FRIEND

Today a friend who used to live around the corner came to visit with her little girl. It was great to see them both. Her daughter is just over one year and she was fun to play with.  I just wish I had more things for a one year old to do at my house. She had a good time carrying my sneaker around and pulling out my DVD collection. She also found a book of dog photos and looked at each photo and barked at the dog. That kept her occupied for some time.

They are going back to the East Coast soon. I hope to see them in a few months and go to their home soon.

Until tomorrow...

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

TAKING A CHANCE

Today I am feeling much better.  I have energy and I am mostly pain-free.  I got up and went to work with a smile on my face.

I was in such a good mood I decided to take a few chances.  I wrote an assessment about the presentation I gave last week.  I felt it didn't go as well as I wanted it to go so I wrote an assessment to my client. Then I asked for her feedback.

Then I sent marketing emails to contacts letting them know I am a consultant.  I figure the worst they will do is ignore me and the best is they ask for more information.  Two minutes of my time could get me a new client.  Who knows??

Today was a day of taking chances.

Until tomorrow...

Monday, September 18, 2017

TIRED

Today I just feel out of steam.  This is one of the toughest parts of rheumatoid arthritis for me.  I woke up with aches and pains all over but I just could not shake the fog I had all day.  It is a fog and a fatigue that is indescribable.  Sort of like treading through water all day.  My eye lids won't stay open because I am so tired.  All this after having a full nights sleep.  Plus my hips, elbows, neck, back and head ache.  All I can manage is to lay on the couch.  I am cold.  I try to watch TV but I fall asleep.  Talking on the phone is too much activity.

I am going to sleep.

Until tomorrow...

Sunday, September 17, 2017

HOW DIFFERENT LIFE WAS 40 YEARS AGO

I connected with an old friend today.  The friend was like a relative when I was growing up.  I called her mother "Aunt" and she called my mother "Aunt".  I still have a hard time not calling her mother "aunt".

We were kids who spent the night at each others houses having sleepovers.  We swam in their pool.  They had a two story house and I remember running up and down the stairs.  We had a ranch so we had no stairs, oh, and no pool.  So their house was always so much fun.  Plus she was a twin, a fraternal twin, and that was so fascinating to me! 

It was interesting hearing how different her life has become and all the things she has done.  If you had asked me 40 years ago what she would have become, it would not have been what she has done.  I am sure she would say the same about me.  We had a great time catching up.

Until tomorrow...


Saturday, September 16, 2017

CATCHING UP WITH FRIENDS

Some friends invited me to stop by and see them this evening.  We got to talking and next thing I knew I was there for 3 and 1/2 hours.  We had not seen each other for many months and had a lot to catch up on. One of the guys had a horrible life threatening health situation and I heard the whole story.  He is a miracle!  Hearing his story makes me thankful to be alive.

I gave them an update on my stuff and we made plans for a future date.

Until tomorrow...

Friday, September 15, 2017

DELICIOUS DINNER

My friend H called me to see if I wanted to get together for dinner.  I said YES!  He made vegan chili, corn bread and kale salad.  I quickly whipped up some banana snicker doodles. 

We had a delicious dinner. The chili had just right amount of spice and heat for me. The corn bread was moist and helped cool down the chili. The kale salad helped give the meal some crunch.  Then sweet cookies for dessert.

It was so wonderful to have a great evening with a friend and awesome food.

Until tomorrow...

Thursday, September 14, 2017

A WEIGHT HAS BEEN LIFTED

The last step to ending my previous foster/adopt situation happened today.  Although my foster/adopt child has been gone from my home for two months, the child's belongings have been stored at my home during this time.  It has been painful to see the items everyday.  Every time I go in my garage to get in my car, do laundry, get the mail or throw out the trash.

Last week I called the social worker and gave them a deadline of this Friday to have the items out of my home.  I need to move on.

As of today the social worker picked up the items and I have my garage back again.  I have my exercise area back again.  I have 1/8th of my garage again.

A weight has been lifted and I am a much happier person now.

Until tomorrow...

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

IT WAS "FAIR"

Today I gave a presentation to some staff at a client's. I was prepared. I had all my supporting documents.

I began my presentation. I started my first sentence and someone asked a question. How can you have a question when I have barely finished the first sentence?

My big mistake was that I passed out the handouts at the beginning of the presentation. While everyone was sitting down, a few folks began reading the handouts so as I began speaking they had questions about the information I had not reviewed with the group yet. Those folks who had not read ahead were trying to figure out where these questions were coming from. Meanwhile I was just trying to get through the material so everyone would be on the same page.

The presentation was "fine" according to a participant. Not the rousing accolade I was looking for but with that rocky start I guess I should be happy with "fine".

Lesson learned: don't pass out the handouts until the end or when I am covering that section.

Until tomorrow...

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

GOOD DENTAL REPORT

I went to the dentist today to get my teeth cleaned.  It was good news.  I have no cavities and no cracked teeth.

My new dentist has a program for people with no insurance that I signed up for.  I pay a set price and that price covers two cleanings and x-rays for one year.  Then if I have other dental work it gives me 20% off.

Getting a good dental report is the best!

Until tomorrow...

Monday, September 11, 2017

THUNDER AND LIGHTENING

Tonight I am typing on my computer on battery power.  There is a crazy lightening and thunder storm going on outside.  The lightening and thunder is loud the dogs are barking; they never bark at thunder and lightening.  Then the rain is coming down in huge rain drops.  This is really weird for this time of the year.

I got the flashlights out and cleaned things up just in case the electricity went out.  Last thing I want is dirty dishes sitting out in a hot kitchen with no electricity.

Until tomorrow...

Sunday, September 10, 2017

DISJOINTED

I started watching a show on Netflix called Disjointed.  It stars Kathy Bates.  I love Kathy Bates ever since Misery and Dolores Claiborne.

Disjointed will not be for everyone.  It is about a lady and her son who own a marijuana dispensary.  Kathy Bates plays a lady who has been a marijuana activist for 30 years.   Her son went to college and got an MBA and returns to work with her now that marijuana has become legal in the state.

I think it is entertaining.  It is not emmy award winning material but it is funny sometimes.  The episodes are 30 minutes and I like that about Netflix shows. They have these short episodes so you can watch an episode without having to commit an hour.

Until tomorrow...

Saturday, September 9, 2017

FLAGGING WITH FRIENDS

I went to a flagging event today.  Flagging is where folks spin flags to music.  They are usually tie dyed pieces of silk.  It is a fun event.  There is a DJ and folks bring their picnic lunch.

I went with the intention of taking photos.  I brought a picnic lunch and a blanket.  Once I got there I ran into a few friends and had such a good time catching up that I didn't take any photos.  I just talked and ate my lunch.  It was a lovely day in the park.

Until tomorrow...

Friday, September 8, 2017

GOOD NEWS FOR HAPPI

The vet called and said Happis blood and urinalysis came back and everything looks great.  There is one test pending but all indications are that it will come back negative.

The diagnosis remains that Happi is in pain so we are sticking with pain management for two weeks with limited movement.  Then reassess how she is doing then.

This is good news!

Now I look down and Lucky has been chewing on her foot. She has chewed the pad on one of her feet. Now she is limping. It is too late to call the vet so I found the cone of shame and put it around her head. She is not thrilled about having a cone on her head and has decided she does not want to sleep.  It will be a long night.

Until tomorrow...

Thursday, September 7, 2017

HAPPI DIAGNOSIS AND ULTRASOUND UPDATE

I took Happi to the vet today to get checked out. She has been acting weird for the past week. At first I thought she was hot from the 105 degree heat we were having. Then it got cooler (85 degrees) and she was still acting weird. 

By weird here is what I mean: she wants to go for a walk. We go outside and she walks about 15 yards then she stops. We walk about 10 yards then she stops. Sometimes she stops to sniff. Sometimes to pee or poo but sometimes she just stops.  Then she walks a few more yards and she sits down.  Then she walks a few more yards and she lays down. After we go far enough for her to poo, she wants to go back home. Part way there she lies down and I have to carry her home.  We get home and I give her a painkiller and she goes to sleep. She feels better by the time I go to sleep and she goes out one last time.

The Vet checked her heart rate and some other stuff.  He took some blood and pee.  He wanted to check and see if she had a urinary tract infection again. I don't think she does but he wanted to check since she has a history of UTIs. 

His pending diagnosis is pain.  He feels that she is in so much pain that she can't walk far.  Happi wants to walk but she can't walk so she lays down.   The solution is to keep her from walking too far for a few days and give her pain pills and anti-inflammatory medication.  After two weeks of this combination, we check back in and see how she is doing.  After a few days, I can let her go for short walks if she wants to.  We get the results of the blood and urine test on Monday.

Update on my ultrasound: I finally got the results of my ultrasound.  Everything is fine.  I have a wonderful heart and ventricles and all the parts of my heart.  Both Happi and I have strong hearts!!  Yahoo!

Until tomorrow...

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

BETTER WEATHER

The weather is finally back to normal and I am happy. 

I am worried that there is something wrong with Happi.  I thought she was affected by the super hot weather but now that the weather is cooler, she is still acting weird.  When I take her for a walk, she lays down part way through the walk.  I am taking her to the vet tomorrow just to get her checked out. 

My neighbors invited me over for some talk and dessert.  It was nice to catch up and hang out.  We haven't seen each other for about a month and so much has happened.  They are great friends and very supportive.  I brought them some spices that I got at Rohoboth Beach. 

Until tomorrow...

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

BETTER WEATHER FOR A RALLY

It is not so hot but still in the 80's.   The house was so hot from the weekend and from there being no breeze, it was still 80 degrees in the house.  Today I opened all the windows and put fans by all the open windows to get a "breeze" going.  That finally cooled the house down.

In the evening I went to a DACA Rally.  I didn't stay for the march.  I am not sure Happi is okay.  I thought I better get home.  I think this heat really has been hard on Happi.   

Until tomorrow...

Monday, September 4, 2017

HAZE

There is a thick over the sky. "They" say it is from the fires.  Who are they? You know, the people in the know.  There are fires all over the West Coast although none near where I live.  If it weren't for the haze it would be a nice day. It is about 75 degrees outside.  But then there is this eerie haze. It is a bit depressing and sad. I think of all the people who have lot their homes and the beautiful land that is burning.

I want to go do something but I just don't seem to have the desire. The air is so dense and thick sitting outside is out of the question. 

I watched Doctor Strange this morning and then I watched The Smurfs Village, Pixels and and Storks.  

The weather cleared up a bit in the afternoon and I got to sit outside for a bit and finish my book.  

Just a slow day.  Happy Labor Day!

Until tomorrow...

Saturday, September 2, 2017

I DIDN'T THINK IT COULD GET HOTTER



101 degees was not the hottest it got.  It is just miserable.  The dogs are miserable. I can't walk them. See the temperature inside?  That is the cool part of the house!  Upstairs it was 99 degrees inside.  There is no air conditioning because it never gets this hot.  The dogs are waking me in the middle of the night to go outside and it is in the 80s.  Happi had me take her out at 2 am and then she laid down outside.  She doesn't understand that just because the weather feels good doesn't mean you should be outside.  There are raccoons and skunks and coyotes thinking the same thing!  My friend's dog got sprayed a few nights ago.  I do not need that!

Today I went downstairs and got on the bed with both dogs and watched movies most of the day.  I barbecued a veggie burger and ate pasta salad for dinner.   I watched over the two days: Amazing Spider-man 2, Hacksaw Ridge, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, John Wick 2, Going in Style. What else is there to do when you can't move around in the oppressive heat?  If I didn't have dogs I could go to the movies or to Target or to a museum.  But I can't leave the babies for too long in this heat.  The longest I left was to go to the grocery store to get more supplies.  More ice cream and burger buns.

Until tomorrow...

Friday, September 1, 2017

VERY VERY HOT

Okay it is hot here.  Very very hot.  So hot the dogs are not happy.  So hot I don't want to cook inside.  So hot I can't hold my computer.  So hot I sweat just sitting still.





I made pasta salad for the weekend.  It is going to be hot so I figure this will be a thing to have for meals.




I had an interesting thing happen.  My friend Natalie passed away a few years ago and I posted it on my blog.  I don't usually put people's names in my blog but I didn't think she would mind me posting her full name after she passed.  Today I had someone contact me thought my blog who knew Natalie years ago.  She told me enough facts that I knew it was true.  I called her and we spoke.  She had not known Natalie had passed.  It had been awhile since I thought of Natalie and it was good to think of her and think of the good times.  May you rest in peace, Natalie.

Until tomorrow...