Today I am going with my realtor back to the condo to list it for sale. And I feel an emotional crash about to happen. It began yesterday with the ants at my desk. Then the two Yahrzeits, one last weekend and one in ten days. I don't know why the ants at my desk upset me so; almost to the point of bringing depression to my door. The Yahrzeits (Literally means a year's time...an observance by Jews for the anniversary of a death) I understand, but ants? Brody's mom thought the ants might be the revenge of the departed peonies. A payback of kind. Good thought. Doesn't take the edge off but an interesting observation. My hands ache; the right one is swollen around the knuckle and burns so I am thinking it is a good thing to see my rheumatologist next week.
So emotionally I am feeling a mood shift coming on. Again, maybe it is the thought of going to the condo for the first time in five weeks and seeing it empty. Putting it on the market really marks a point of closure for me. The Happies I have with the new house seems to be slipping slowly away today. Maybe I need to be in the garden today instead of signing an agreement to list the condo. Working in the yard makes me happy. Walking and getting my FitBit up to 10,000 steps a day...that makes me happy, in an obsessive sort of way. And then I think of poor Hyphen recovering and not being able to enjoy her home and garden this spring and summer. And Autumn and beyond. I don't know that I will return to see her in a therapeutic setting as the thought of "dumping" on her after her traumatic injuries in the auto accident seems hurtful in a way to her that I really can't explain. And if I have a year of work in with another therapist, who I have enjoyed working with thus far, I may not have the energy to re-engage with Hyphen. As we were going to a concert last night again I thought of Hyphen and that she couldn't and wouldn't be able to enjoy the music, the spring night, the gentle spring rain of yesterday in a "normal" sort of way for quite some time. She has instructed another MSW to keep tabs on me, a counselor on campus, but the hole that has been created by her absence is immense. Better I should keep up with The Bird. Also, I miss the ability to connect with Hyphen with email and get a fairly quick and good response from her. I can call The Bird but that takes more energy than an email. And more of a personal interaction that I am not prepared to make right now.
So, emotional setting is in the dumpster right now. I was mad at the cats for urping on the bed yesterday and "forcing" me to throw it in the wash before the stain set. Then coming home from a great concert I had to deal with the bed, putting the bedding in the dryer, making the bed with a fresh set of linens (with the cats help and hinderance of course) and finally eating late and putting myself to bed at midnight, only to awaken five hours later to stiff hands and a practice session with the mandolin at 5:00 a.m.
Mood swings. I gots 'em.
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Alright People
I spent four hours in the side yard cleaning out the ivy and peonies (good riddance) and planted four rose bushes there. Today one more bush will arrive as well as some perennials I wanted. I am planting a small garden in honor of Hyphen. It will be a wrought iron trellis with anemones twining its way up. A minimalist Zen garden. The outside is shaping up and I am having a great time. I don't recall a time when I have been happier and had fewer anxieties. I mean, the fact that I am carrying two mortgages right now isn't putting me over the edge. That is not to say I don't have things I need to work out in therapy; I do. But, in general, I am one happy chickie poo, as JB would say. I am going to the big greenhouse in town today to look/get some annuals as well as checking out the supplies of perennials. I think I need to replace a few bushes out front and I am thinking boxwood. And later tonight I go to a concert with Brody's Mom so the rose and other stuff will just have to be content to spend the night on the porch, exposed to the elements. I should have time Thursday, after the meeting with the realtor, to put my haul in the ground.
EVERYONE: Tell me nicely if you think the front of the house is "too busy". I have a solar bird bath out front and to the side by the smaller of the two bedrooms, hence to be referred to as the Music Room, I have the finch and hummingbird feeders. I also have a "Buddha Cat" by the front door. Two green pots on the steps to hold the pansies I plan to get tonight. In the south side yard I have the rose bushes and will most likely put in a border of moss roses or a a similar type of spreading annual.
Busy or not, the annuals will go in. I need to call Joe to take out two dead bushes, although if the weather is nice I may do it myself.
I sent a short note to Hyphen via my source and hope she has receive the giraffe (she loves giraffes) my friend "Gimpy" and I sent to her. I want Hyphen to know all the work we did leading up to the house was very beneficial and sent me up in a good place, figuratively and literally.
I need Mr. Brad to put heavy duty screens in the window in the house. The cats, especially Simcha the Adorable Monorail Cat, loves to watch the finches and would, I believe, burst through the window to get to them. And when I am out on the porch they all stare at me. Yes, I know I told them they could be on the porch but, well, I lied, as it is not a safe environment and I have enough trouble egressing in the a.m. without them attempting to follow me out. Speaking of Brad, he is stopping by the house to take boxes to the dump and I think he will be surprised by my collection. Still he said he would do it.
And, an addendum. Albert Einstein coiffed my hair this morning. Just so you know.
EVERYONE: Tell me nicely if you think the front of the house is "too busy". I have a solar bird bath out front and to the side by the smaller of the two bedrooms, hence to be referred to as the Music Room, I have the finch and hummingbird feeders. I also have a "Buddha Cat" by the front door. Two green pots on the steps to hold the pansies I plan to get tonight. In the south side yard I have the rose bushes and will most likely put in a border of moss roses or a a similar type of spreading annual.
Busy or not, the annuals will go in. I need to call Joe to take out two dead bushes, although if the weather is nice I may do it myself.
I sent a short note to Hyphen via my source and hope she has receive the giraffe (she loves giraffes) my friend "Gimpy" and I sent to her. I want Hyphen to know all the work we did leading up to the house was very beneficial and sent me up in a good place, figuratively and literally.
I need Mr. Brad to put heavy duty screens in the window in the house. The cats, especially Simcha the Adorable Monorail Cat, loves to watch the finches and would, I believe, burst through the window to get to them. And when I am out on the porch they all stare at me. Yes, I know I told them they could be on the porch but, well, I lied, as it is not a safe environment and I have enough trouble egressing in the a.m. without them attempting to follow me out. Speaking of Brad, he is stopping by the house to take boxes to the dump and I think he will be surprised by my collection. Still he said he would do it.
And, an addendum. Albert Einstein coiffed my hair this morning. Just so you know.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Joy of Joy and miracles of miracles!
Apparently at the news of his dismissal, BJ was able to finish painting the condo and steam clean the floors last night. I guess that was a better option then giving me some of his fee back, as apparently it was all spent. Never again, I say, will I use or recommend him. I doubt Dan will either, son-in-law or not. If you screw up on Dan's watch your are outta here, buddy.
I am getting a tad compulsive about the FitBit. For those of you unfamiliar with the device it tracks your steps, stairs, activity and mileage a day. I had almost walked two miles at work and then spent two hours gardening (not merely puttering but sweating labor) and logged that activity and I had only gone 8,500 steps. I wanted to get up to a 10,000 but I was tired and it was almost 7:00 p.m. when I got done. Ramping up another 1,500 steps would have meant a walk, which would have made me less likely to cook or eat dinner. I called Sophie and she said to cool it. And The Bird said I should be focusing on the coulds and not the shoulds. As in I "could walk 1,500 more steps" but I have done enough for the day and choose to relax. That said I lit the grill and made a fabulous dinner of grilled flank steak with rice and morel mushrooms with ramps and shallots, followed by two Oreo cookies for dessert.
Today, FitBit wise, I walk to the International Center and it will be interesting to see how long of a hike that will be. Tonight is shopping and some planting as the roses are coming, all except one. That will arrive tomorrow. That is why I was "frantically" turning over soil and fertilizing the soil in anticipation of the arrival of the roses. Tonight the peonies go to better homes and I will be done with them. Not overly fond of peonies as them tend to look a mess the more they bloom. Pretty flowers, if you like ants. No, better to have floribunda roses that will bloom all summer. In the fall I will transplant the daffodils and have them in the front of the house. The are kinda randomly clumped together on the south side of the house and would look better lining the sidewalk up to the house. Also last night I tilled a spot for a lilac bush and filled two leaf bags full of ivy vines. Busy, busy, busy.
Alright, I am off to see if Sophie is Soph today or Gastric.
I am getting a tad compulsive about the FitBit. For those of you unfamiliar with the device it tracks your steps, stairs, activity and mileage a day. I had almost walked two miles at work and then spent two hours gardening (not merely puttering but sweating labor) and logged that activity and I had only gone 8,500 steps. I wanted to get up to a 10,000 but I was tired and it was almost 7:00 p.m. when I got done. Ramping up another 1,500 steps would have meant a walk, which would have made me less likely to cook or eat dinner. I called Sophie and she said to cool it. And The Bird said I should be focusing on the coulds and not the shoulds. As in I "could walk 1,500 more steps" but I have done enough for the day and choose to relax. That said I lit the grill and made a fabulous dinner of grilled flank steak with rice and morel mushrooms with ramps and shallots, followed by two Oreo cookies for dessert.
Today, FitBit wise, I walk to the International Center and it will be interesting to see how long of a hike that will be. Tonight is shopping and some planting as the roses are coming, all except one. That will arrive tomorrow. That is why I was "frantically" turning over soil and fertilizing the soil in anticipation of the arrival of the roses. Tonight the peonies go to better homes and I will be done with them. Not overly fond of peonies as them tend to look a mess the more they bloom. Pretty flowers, if you like ants. No, better to have floribunda roses that will bloom all summer. In the fall I will transplant the daffodils and have them in the front of the house. The are kinda randomly clumped together on the south side of the house and would look better lining the sidewalk up to the house. Also last night I tilled a spot for a lilac bush and filled two leaf bags full of ivy vines. Busy, busy, busy.
Alright, I am off to see if Sophie is Soph today or Gastric.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Simcha Monorail Cat
Spoke with Dan this morning and BJ has been fired. Another cat'astrophe averted. So, dude, what's the haps?
Puttering to my heart's delight
Had a decent weekend, after the furnace fiasco. Dan the Man "challenged" me to get a FitBit and I managed to work and walk around over ten miles this weekend. Take That DAN! In between puttering I was sputtering as the painter called and said he was not done with the condo, and he has been working on it for three weekend (and I had already paid him for the work). I told him that was not acceptable as I need to get the condo on the market ASAP. He said he could finish it this coming Saturday. Unacceptable. I called Dan and railed for a bit, as this is his son in law who is (was) doing the painting and said "UNACCEPTABLE" and apparently he called BJ and said UNACCEPTABLE and BJ showed up a few hours later and said they would have it done by tonight. Gotta love Dan and how he can crack that whip. It's not like I have an extra $800 a month to pay for the condo and dues and I would really like to sell it quickly and now is a good time. But I truly doubt it took five coats of paint on the woodwork and they hadn't even started on the bedroom or closets. I said to forget the closets, stop farting around and get it done immediately. I was and still am hot. I took my aggressions out on laundry and a trip to the Ace Hardware and got a few things for the house and worked in the yard for about three hours. My roses are coming this week and I want to get rid of the peonies that have been sprouting, which I have been able to do.
I have Bird today. Hyphen seems to be on the mend but will still be gone for a number of months. After therapy, if I am not too "down" JB (not BJ) and I intend to get some stuff for the house, like a push broom for outside and some pansies, which are hardy little buggers, and a couple of nice pots and soil to set them outside by the front door. Hopefully Joe the Yard Man will stop by tonight and we can discuss the small patio I want in the back yard. Nothing significant, just about a 6x6 patio where the "aromatic" garden was. The aromatic garden consists of crappy soil and marble sized clay bits and the area is totally unsuitable for growing anything but vines and birds. Spread some pea gravel and lay pavers down and have a place for the fire pit and some yard chairs. Sophie's son put together a grill for me yesterday and that contributed to my agitation as when I asked him not to force something and to calm down he did the exact opposite. Hence I took another walk. But I yell ya, three hours in the yard turning over soil and getting ready for the arrival of the rose bushes and I am sore but much more placid that I was. My hands, however, are very stiff and although I did get up early to play the mandolin this morning I had to wear the brace on the left hand and I a, less than happy with the level of playing and pain.
And that, dear reader, was my weekend. Well, not quite. Saw Itzhak Perlman on Saturday, which was a good show, and Sunday had a nice brunch with a few friends. But the agitation caused by BJ as well as Sophie's son was almost enough to drive me to...well, plant more and turn over more soil. I also got another bird feeder and the birds are most happy. Threw some grapes out for the birds and squirrels and decided that it was not the squirrels that have been getting in the trash dumpster but more likely raccoons and I am going to remedy that with a bungee cord.
Off to get another round of Coke.
I have Bird today. Hyphen seems to be on the mend but will still be gone for a number of months. After therapy, if I am not too "down" JB (not BJ) and I intend to get some stuff for the house, like a push broom for outside and some pansies, which are hardy little buggers, and a couple of nice pots and soil to set them outside by the front door. Hopefully Joe the Yard Man will stop by tonight and we can discuss the small patio I want in the back yard. Nothing significant, just about a 6x6 patio where the "aromatic" garden was. The aromatic garden consists of crappy soil and marble sized clay bits and the area is totally unsuitable for growing anything but vines and birds. Spread some pea gravel and lay pavers down and have a place for the fire pit and some yard chairs. Sophie's son put together a grill for me yesterday and that contributed to my agitation as when I asked him not to force something and to calm down he did the exact opposite. Hence I took another walk. But I yell ya, three hours in the yard turning over soil and getting ready for the arrival of the rose bushes and I am sore but much more placid that I was. My hands, however, are very stiff and although I did get up early to play the mandolin this morning I had to wear the brace on the left hand and I a, less than happy with the level of playing and pain.
And that, dear reader, was my weekend. Well, not quite. Saw Itzhak Perlman on Saturday, which was a good show, and Sunday had a nice brunch with a few friends. But the agitation caused by BJ as well as Sophie's son was almost enough to drive me to...well, plant more and turn over more soil. I also got another bird feeder and the birds are most happy. Threw some grapes out for the birds and squirrels and decided that it was not the squirrels that have been getting in the trash dumpster but more likely raccoons and I am going to remedy that with a bungee cord.
Off to get another round of Coke.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Furnace issues
Yes, we gots 'em. New furnace is being installed tomorrow. The current furnace is not cooperating. Seems the "secondary heat exchanger has cracked" and is not repairable. So sans Souci is not so much this week. At least this didn't happen in the dead of winter, but, geezo pete it is cold and casting snow flurries down to the cold ground. So Dan was here today to help arrange the financing. He brought me lunch but to be honest I don't have much of an appetite. Gonna try to eat dinner and relax. The furnace tech was able to do something to the old furnace to get it to run, but it may shut off at any moment. He also left me two space heaters should I need them. They should be here about 9:30. So yet another day off of work at th cost of $3,700. Yee ha.
On a more positive note Simcha spent the day bird watching. I got the boys a small perch for the music room and Simcha watched a pair of gold finches feed and boy did that capture his attention. Was able to get a cardinal feeder for the back and the other two boys sit on the bed and watch the action. It was a lighter moment of the day.
So I think it is time for a Coke and smile, oh, no, that's not right Well, hopefully the furnace upgrade will be finished by noon and I will be able to take my walk, hit Krogers and make a nice dinner.
That's th game plan for tomorrow. Hope your day was better than mine
On a more positive note Simcha spent the day bird watching. I got the boys a small perch for the music room and Simcha watched a pair of gold finches feed and boy did that capture his attention. Was able to get a cardinal feeder for the back and the other two boys sit on the bed and watch the action. It was a lighter moment of the day.
So I think it is time for a Coke and smile, oh, no, that's not right Well, hopefully the furnace upgrade will be finished by noon and I will be able to take my walk, hit Krogers and make a nice dinner.
That's th game plan for tomorrow. Hope your day was better than mine
To steal a line from Green Tuna
Ice, ice, baby. Seems my furnace is out. Oh, yes it is! Came home yesterday and thought I was merely having problems with my thermostat only to learn that was not the case, although I will be replacing the thermostat (bad thermostat, bad!). Consumers Energy did a service call last night, when it was 62 degrees in the house, still warmer than it was outside, but he didn't have the part and voila, it dropped like a rock last night and and to add insult to injury it also snowed a tad (are you fuxing kidding me? April 22nd? Snow?). Now I sit wrapped in fleece in a 59 degree house, still warmer than outside, but we may be approaching homeostasis. The pair of gold finches is at the feeder and they look as cold as I feel. So I sit home and waiting for the part where Comsumers Energy returns with the part and warm the cockles of my heart and home.
I am missing the spring social at work and I feel like I am letting down my trivia team by not being there for them today. But staying home and awaiting Comsumers is my priority. Hey, maybe mittens are in order...but how to write this?
I heard through a 'acquaintance' that Hyphen is doing a little better than we were lead to believe. She is alert enough to be worried about her people. Made me glad I am still one of her people. Looks as if she is soon to be headed to a lengthy rehab, but at least now I have a conduit to inquire as to her state of being and send along encouragement and the occasional giraffe. I remember when I broke my hip some eleven years ago that while other lives go on you still must recuperate and do it by yourself. It gets lonely the longer the recovery time is. Thank goodness I had my buddy and late neighbor Jerry to fetch things for me and make sure I did my exercises. And I remember how overjoyed I was when Gastric and her sister visited me one Saturday morning armed with warm bagels and cream cheese. Not that I can go visit Hyphen, armed with bagels and cream cheese, but at least I feel like the situation is not as dire. I was really heartened to hear that and if Hyphen happens to be able to follow this blog I can assure her she is still needed and wanted, but also that I am doing better then I was doing back in late January when this house had yet to achieve its full potential, as it has now sans heat. Sans Souci sans warmth right now. But the bottom line is the longer the recuperating period is, the more you long for a return to normalcy. Those little routines that comprise the ennui of life.
So, y'all, do the Consumers dance. Make them come sooner rather than later. I need to take my walk, warm my hands up enough to play instruments of music and watch the snow melt off the roofs. I guess, looking on the bright side of the icicle that is, this is not a bad time of year to be without heat. It could have been the dead of winter when folks are all having heating issues and I would be low on the repair list. But still...Please come soon...Shane...come back...Shane!
I am missing the spring social at work and I feel like I am letting down my trivia team by not being there for them today. But staying home and awaiting Comsumers is my priority. Hey, maybe mittens are in order...but how to write this?
I heard through a 'acquaintance' that Hyphen is doing a little better than we were lead to believe. She is alert enough to be worried about her people. Made me glad I am still one of her people. Looks as if she is soon to be headed to a lengthy rehab, but at least now I have a conduit to inquire as to her state of being and send along encouragement and the occasional giraffe. I remember when I broke my hip some eleven years ago that while other lives go on you still must recuperate and do it by yourself. It gets lonely the longer the recovery time is. Thank goodness I had my buddy and late neighbor Jerry to fetch things for me and make sure I did my exercises. And I remember how overjoyed I was when Gastric and her sister visited me one Saturday morning armed with warm bagels and cream cheese. Not that I can go visit Hyphen, armed with bagels and cream cheese, but at least I feel like the situation is not as dire. I was really heartened to hear that and if Hyphen happens to be able to follow this blog I can assure her she is still needed and wanted, but also that I am doing better then I was doing back in late January when this house had yet to achieve its full potential, as it has now sans heat. Sans Souci sans warmth right now. But the bottom line is the longer the recuperating period is, the more you long for a return to normalcy. Those little routines that comprise the ennui of life.
So, y'all, do the Consumers dance. Make them come sooner rather than later. I need to take my walk, warm my hands up enough to play instruments of music and watch the snow melt off the roofs. I guess, looking on the bright side of the icicle that is, this is not a bad time of year to be without heat. It could have been the dead of winter when folks are all having heating issues and I would be low on the repair list. But still...Please come soon...Shane...come back...Shane!
Monday, April 20, 2015
Stealth cat
Magic Plastic Tuna run in
So it is Monday morning and some folks don't want to be here. That said, I had a close encounter with the Magic Plastic Tuna. I was entering the women's rest room and she was preparing to egress when I heard a very loud "thud" sound and that was she throwing a wet wad of hand towel paper into the trash can, missing be that that much. I have never know any one to be so rude, inconsiderate, hostile and unpleasant as she of the Tuna fame. And she seems like such an unhappy person that there is little wonder why she treats most people around here as beneath contempt.
You might have thought the loud thud would have been enough to wake me out of this sleepy state that I am in but NOOOOOOOOOOO! I am on my second Coke, about to get my third. I also almost deleted a file I was working on in my stupor. Luckily my eyes opened at the right time. WHEW!
Meeting with the Bird today and I don't know how I feel about. I wrote Soph a rather angry email on Friday and actually sent it and now I am regretting that decision...somewhat. Hopefully we will kiss (no, not literally) and make up.
Oh, shit...I am off to get an energy drink and hope it doesn't make me too lightheaded
adieu
You might have thought the loud thud would have been enough to wake me out of this sleepy state that I am in but NOOOOOOOOOOO! I am on my second Coke, about to get my third. I also almost deleted a file I was working on in my stupor. Luckily my eyes opened at the right time. WHEW!
Meeting with the Bird today and I don't know how I feel about. I wrote Soph a rather angry email on Friday and actually sent it and now I am regretting that decision...somewhat. Hopefully we will kiss (no, not literally) and make up.
Oh, shit...I am off to get an energy drink and hope it doesn't make me too lightheaded
adieu
A weekend of puttering
And unfortunately I can't relax enough to sleep. Meet with the new therapist today and right now I feel like this lump under the blankets, which is in fact Gonif. Saturday was a lovely day, warm and inviting as a spring day can get. I worked some outside. And I took a long walk and met more of my neighbors. I love living here. It is the perfect house at the right time.
Today, well, actually Sunday, I walked a lot, made a rather elegant brunch and worked more outside. I love to putter and I was getting beds ready, not for a cat, but for roses and lilac bushes. I cut back some existing somewhat brown bushes hoping unto hope that they will spring to life. I am hopeful as it is spring after all, that the miniature Japanese weeping maple will start sprouting leaves. I raked what has passed for a lawn and spread grass seeds in advance of the early evening rain. I actually fell asleep for twenty minutes but have since awoken from that slumber and now I am wired for sound. TV this time of night is minimal. I guess I shouldn't have taken that long walk before dinner. I was so excited that a pair of gold finches came to my new feeder that I went and put a songbird feeder in the back yard, assuming, of course, that the cats would enjoy watching the birds as much as I do. So I will make do with whatever sleep I can get. If I can sleep until 4:30 I will be happy, as it is now after 1:00 a.m. I need to start playing music again and practicing the mandolin and get back my hands. Right now they feel stiff and arthritic but some musical exercises will help lessen the stiffness.
Well, Gonif has decided he needs my attention. So time to try and relax and catch a few winks before I get tiddly.
Today, well, actually Sunday, I walked a lot, made a rather elegant brunch and worked more outside. I love to putter and I was getting beds ready, not for a cat, but for roses and lilac bushes. I cut back some existing somewhat brown bushes hoping unto hope that they will spring to life. I am hopeful as it is spring after all, that the miniature Japanese weeping maple will start sprouting leaves. I raked what has passed for a lawn and spread grass seeds in advance of the early evening rain. I actually fell asleep for twenty minutes but have since awoken from that slumber and now I am wired for sound. TV this time of night is minimal. I guess I shouldn't have taken that long walk before dinner. I was so excited that a pair of gold finches came to my new feeder that I went and put a songbird feeder in the back yard, assuming, of course, that the cats would enjoy watching the birds as much as I do. So I will make do with whatever sleep I can get. If I can sleep until 4:30 I will be happy, as it is now after 1:00 a.m. I need to start playing music again and practicing the mandolin and get back my hands. Right now they feel stiff and arthritic but some musical exercises will help lessen the stiffness.
Well, Gonif has decided he needs my attention. So time to try and relax and catch a few winks before I get tiddly.
 |
| The lump that is Gonif |
Friday, April 17, 2015
Puttering around the house
Sans Souci, y'all!
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
The new chair
Yes, the last piece of new furniture arrived today and I actually was able to not only bring it into the house but also put it together. Here is Master Simcha doing monorail cat on the new chair in the dim light of the living room. I could take you on a photo tour of the house but that will come in time.
Lit the grill again tonight and had a lovely steak and grilled veggies. A lovely...so lovely in fact that I ate at the dining room table with a place mat and cloth napkins. I am really enjoying this home and all it means to me. I wish I could tell Hyphen how happy I am and how she helped me to get to this point. Maybe in a few weeks I will send another card into the void of the postal system...I see the New therapist Monday and I do have a lot to process. A lot of feelings about losing Hyphen at that point in my therapy.
On an up note I did set up the music room today. I can't seem to find my Snark tuners so I had to order a few more. By this weekend I should be playing the guitar and easing into the mandolin. A few weeks of practice and I should be good to go. That said I have a lot to do with the house. I want to put in flowers and spruce up the outside. I also want to walk for an hour a night before dinner. I need to budget my time. Maybe putter in the garden on the weekend or in the morning as it gets lighter every day. This house has made me very happy and when I unload the condo I will be a free spirit.
Anyway, here is Simcha monorailing on the new chair.
Lit the grill again tonight and had a lovely steak and grilled veggies. A lovely...so lovely in fact that I ate at the dining room table with a place mat and cloth napkins. I am really enjoying this home and all it means to me. I wish I could tell Hyphen how happy I am and how she helped me to get to this point. Maybe in a few weeks I will send another card into the void of the postal system...I see the New therapist Monday and I do have a lot to process. A lot of feelings about losing Hyphen at that point in my therapy.
On an up note I did set up the music room today. I can't seem to find my Snark tuners so I had to order a few more. By this weekend I should be playing the guitar and easing into the mandolin. A few weeks of practice and I should be good to go. That said I have a lot to do with the house. I want to put in flowers and spruce up the outside. I also want to walk for an hour a night before dinner. I need to budget my time. Maybe putter in the garden on the weekend or in the morning as it gets lighter every day. This house has made me very happy and when I unload the condo I will be a free spirit.
Anyway, here is Simcha monorailing on the new chair.
Opening Day Open House
It was a perfectly lovely day for an open house, as the weather turned from rain to sun by 3:00 p.m. The grill was lit and so was I. Oh no, not really but I was having fun. I love to entertain. In fact, that is why I bought the house. The realtor gave me a lovely house warming present of vegetable plants to put in my burgeoning garden. And the retired head of technical services has promised me a trip to Van Atta's Greenhouse before long to get perennials. I have a good start but need to have a lot of work done in the back yard. You know a rock garden might be the way to go under my bedroom window. And, joy of joys, a pair of gold finches were eating at my new feeder, replete with Nyjer seed. The word is out and the word is the bird, or something like that. Three new neighbors stopped by, once again making me feel as if I belong and as if I am home. Dr. Ben was there and we set up music lessons again, which I have already delayed by a week. My hands are so stiff from moving and then not playing that I feel like I need the time to: a.) set up the music room and b.) actually practice. Maybe start with a guitar and move to the mandolin once I have my hands warmed up and moving.
As the worm turns, or not, I have my new therapist on my old therapy day, which is Monday. Lessons will also commence on May 4th, which is a Monday. So we shall see how that goes next week. I am anxious to start therapy again. The panic over the house and moving has passed. Now I must deal with the loss of Hyphen for some time and my concerns regarding that loss and then step up to the plate with a new therapist and deal with some old hurts and pains.
Today is a grocery shopping day. Also when I get home I must water the newest plants and fill the solar bird bath. When the sun it out the fountain in the bird bath spurts water. It is way cool. By then when I get home the second to last of the home purchases, a new chair, will be awaiting me. The last home purchase, a hassock, will come tomorrow. The living room will be complete and the house done on the inside. Now if Brad would come back and give me the binder of manuals for all the appliances then I could do a load of wash. Basically I am flying by the seat of my Levi's. In any event tonight I will put away the stuff from the party and get the music room set up and the new chair in place. I think with that ahead of me tonight it may be a good night to order in something. Maybe Mexican. The next two days I have a luncheon to attend on campus and a Union Rep Training session on Thursday. I seem to have lost some weight in the move, which would not hurt my feelings if it continues or if I can maintain. On the last notch of my belt today. I need to find a smaller waist belt. Of course I am only losing weight, it seems, in my waist and butt, and not in the rather large gut I seem to have developed since starting all the medication for being bipolar. My slacks seem to bet getting kinda baggy. Unlike the last time when I lost weight I am going to see if this keeps up before investing in a smaller size.
And so it goes.
As the worm turns, or not, I have my new therapist on my old therapy day, which is Monday. Lessons will also commence on May 4th, which is a Monday. So we shall see how that goes next week. I am anxious to start therapy again. The panic over the house and moving has passed. Now I must deal with the loss of Hyphen for some time and my concerns regarding that loss and then step up to the plate with a new therapist and deal with some old hurts and pains.
Today is a grocery shopping day. Also when I get home I must water the newest plants and fill the solar bird bath. When the sun it out the fountain in the bird bath spurts water. It is way cool. By then when I get home the second to last of the home purchases, a new chair, will be awaiting me. The last home purchase, a hassock, will come tomorrow. The living room will be complete and the house done on the inside. Now if Brad would come back and give me the binder of manuals for all the appliances then I could do a load of wash. Basically I am flying by the seat of my Levi's. In any event tonight I will put away the stuff from the party and get the music room set up and the new chair in place. I think with that ahead of me tonight it may be a good night to order in something. Maybe Mexican. The next two days I have a luncheon to attend on campus and a Union Rep Training session on Thursday. I seem to have lost some weight in the move, which would not hurt my feelings if it continues or if I can maintain. On the last notch of my belt today. I need to find a smaller waist belt. Of course I am only losing weight, it seems, in my waist and butt, and not in the rather large gut I seem to have developed since starting all the medication for being bipolar. My slacks seem to bet getting kinda baggy. Unlike the last time when I lost weight I am going to see if this keeps up before investing in a smaller size.
And so it goes.
Friday, April 10, 2015
Fatigue Redux
Well, in spite of having a lovely new bed, I slept on the couch last night. Sleep, such as it was, was sparse. I am still endeavoring to get used to sleeping in a bed but old habits die hard. This weekend I WILL sleep in the bed and try to sleep in. I have another three day weekend, due in part to the opening day delayed open house on Monday. Yesterday the last touch was added as the wooden blinds went up. Not only do they look nice they give me a lot more privacy. Of course I have to keep them up during the day lest the kitties wreck them. Gonif will play with the twisty rod for hours at a time. Just bopping it. And Simcha is checking out the neighborhood from his perch. Lots to see for cats raised in a third floor walk up. Squirrels for starters. Oh, wait, I still have the new screen doors to add to the house and all the boxes taken out of the garage. I want to be able to put the yard stuff away. And, also, the backyard is getting a slight make-over. Fresh top soil and some patio blocks. A small herb garden to plant and some heirloom vegetables to plant. Also I have five lovely rose bushes coming from Wayside Gardens. I feel a putter coming upon me. I am glad we had some rain yesterday as the bulbs I planted last weekend really perked up. Sunday sounds like a nice day to finish planting the bulbs and ponder perennials to put it. Joe will also try to seed the front lawn and we shall see if that takes or if it merely becomes fodder for the birds. Speaking of birds, Aunt Marilyn is sending me two bird feeders as a housewarming present. I have already seen black capped chickadees in the back yard.
Bottom line. This plac feels like a home. I love the whole house. And all the outside work will give me plenty of puttering to do. Home sweet home.
Tonight Mr. Bill will put together the deck furniture. And I believe that is the last of the building of stuff. And that will be my Friday. Saturday we are going to a spring tea at the Kellogg Center. We went to the autumn harvest tea and had a jolly good time. Of course that will take time from my baseball watching but...the season is young. So young, indeed, that my Tigers are playing 1.000 ball. Okay, so it is only three wins and against a weak team but...hope springs eternal...
And away we go...
Bottom line. This plac feels like a home. I love the whole house. And all the outside work will give me plenty of puttering to do. Home sweet home.
Tonight Mr. Bill will put together the deck furniture. And I believe that is the last of the building of stuff. And that will be my Friday. Saturday we are going to a spring tea at the Kellogg Center. We went to the autumn harvest tea and had a jolly good time. Of course that will take time from my baseball watching but...the season is young. So young, indeed, that my Tigers are playing 1.000 ball. Okay, so it is only three wins and against a weak team but...hope springs eternal...
And away we go...
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Je suis fatigue
I am just so very tired that I can barely keep the old eyes open. I woke up last night at what I thought was 1:45 and couldn't get back to sleep. However it was actually 11:45 and I have been up since. I actually lost two hours of sleep I thought I had. That said, I had two Five Hour Energy shots which did little more than to make me sick to my stomach, like they do. One is usually enough but when you catch yourself nodding off as you stare at computer monitors when the second bottle was needed. Barely ate any lunch. Actually, I have been off my feed for a few weeks, first because of the move and now I just can't seem to work up an appetite. I have gone to my comfort food, a baked potato with butter and season salt. and/or sour cream. Not even noshing like I usually do. I was going to grill tonight but tomorrow seems like a better day. My blinds are being installed tomorrow so I will get a little more privacy then I have had the last few weeks. I don't know how the cats will do with the blinds. Hopefully they don't mangle them or get caught up in the string pulls. Also tonight is a luxurious session of reflexology and that should help me get over the two Energy Shot ickies. Also the landscape guy is coming out tonight to discuss some issues with the backyard and what I want done with it. I'd like so patio blocks by the deck for the fire pit and so we can have a few chairs around the pit. The deck needs to be power washed and treated.
The weather seems to be a little less threatening right now. I indeed might grill but I think I will save it for tomorrow. I have a lovely flank steak marinating and fresh shitake mushrooms as well as asparagus. I could even cook it on the grill on the pink Himalayan salt blocks and no it doesn't make it too salty. It adds a lovely light flavor. So tomorrow while the installer is putting up the wood blinds I can start the grill. Something to look forward to.
So, my hope for tonight is that the ickies go away and I can have a gentle potato and maybe a salad. Grill tomorrow as it is supposed to be warmer and might lend itself better to cooking out of doors. Right now it looks like it could rain any minute, or not. Typical Michigan weather, changing every five minutes. As for thunder storms, Yankel cat is frightened to death of them and usually hides in the bathroom. But then the condos are so old that the rattle with a good crack of thunder. I am hoping we have a little less of that at Sans Souci. I think because I have doubled my square footage the cats aren't fighting as much, Gonif is eating kibble without doing his infamous scarf and barf, Yankel and Simcha have stopped hissing at each out and there is actually enough room for two alpha males. Gonif knows he is the oldest but has no interest in being that alpha male. He just wants to be my baby boy. And Simcha, who had the habit of knocking over the treat tower, even when it was full, is not doing that anymore and seems content with the lay of the land and the amount of treats that are available to him on a daily basis.
Well, five more minutes and I can shut down my computer and get ready to head home to my footsie massage. Maybe get a nap in while she does the esoteric healing. Certainly get a nap in before dinner and before the landscaper comes.
Good day all.
The weather seems to be a little less threatening right now. I indeed might grill but I think I will save it for tomorrow. I have a lovely flank steak marinating and fresh shitake mushrooms as well as asparagus. I could even cook it on the grill on the pink Himalayan salt blocks and no it doesn't make it too salty. It adds a lovely light flavor. So tomorrow while the installer is putting up the wood blinds I can start the grill. Something to look forward to.
So, my hope for tonight is that the ickies go away and I can have a gentle potato and maybe a salad. Grill tomorrow as it is supposed to be warmer and might lend itself better to cooking out of doors. Right now it looks like it could rain any minute, or not. Typical Michigan weather, changing every five minutes. As for thunder storms, Yankel cat is frightened to death of them and usually hides in the bathroom. But then the condos are so old that the rattle with a good crack of thunder. I am hoping we have a little less of that at Sans Souci. I think because I have doubled my square footage the cats aren't fighting as much, Gonif is eating kibble without doing his infamous scarf and barf, Yankel and Simcha have stopped hissing at each out and there is actually enough room for two alpha males. Gonif knows he is the oldest but has no interest in being that alpha male. He just wants to be my baby boy. And Simcha, who had the habit of knocking over the treat tower, even when it was full, is not doing that anymore and seems content with the lay of the land and the amount of treats that are available to him on a daily basis.
Well, five more minutes and I can shut down my computer and get ready to head home to my footsie massage. Maybe get a nap in while she does the esoteric healing. Certainly get a nap in before dinner and before the landscaper comes.
Good day all.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
The Bird is indeed the word
Barb, a.k.a. The Bird, is no Hyphen, but then who is, other than the real deal. In her stead The Bird will do just fine. I had a good session which was essentially a taking of history and me doing a job interview. I am going back in two weeks; I would have gone back next Monday but it is my Open House for a Passover delayed Opening Day. She seemed competent and empathetic. I had a good connection with her. Unlike the the last time, before I acquired Pat the Psychological Foreman. That was hellish going through a number of trials with various therapists before settling on her. She has since retired but her stated goal was to get me out of therapy and on level ground. That said, I stopped seeing her about ten years ago. I felt about three years ago I needed some support again and thanks to a counselor on campus was directed to Hyphen. As Hyphen is about 63 years old and it is anticipated that it will take her at least a year to recover from the accident, I don't know that she will ever practice again. The Bird will do. She does the some of the same type of therapy that Hyphen practiced and is a good psychologist. Also from the Detroit area so we have some common history.
And that said I need some help processing the process of losing Hyphen, even if it is temporary. If she does practice again I feel right now like I would be afraid and ashamed to see her again. In some respects I feel like I was the cause of the accident, even though it was a half assed cab driver's fault. It is the same type of accident that killed my grandmother Dorothy. T-boned, as she was, in Dorothy's case by a Monkey Ward's truck driver who shot through a funeral procession on the 20th of December 1985. I guess I really should share that story with The Bird, as it has re-surfaced as a result of Hyphen's accident. So, again, that said, I need to start a list and history of my own. There, I updated my contacts. The Bird did give me her cell number. Maybe a text would be nice.
Oh, well, Sophie is MIA today due to a headache. I have one as well, stress I suspect. Plumber is coming tonight after work for the garbage disposal issue. The, in lieu of Sophie, JB is taking me grocery shopping. Yes, I have lots of staple food items, but I need some fresh stuff and loads of Coca Cola. Maybe some deli items. But JB is generous with her time and not prone to headaches.
Okay, back to whatever it was I was doing...
And that said I need some help processing the process of losing Hyphen, even if it is temporary. If she does practice again I feel right now like I would be afraid and ashamed to see her again. In some respects I feel like I was the cause of the accident, even though it was a half assed cab driver's fault. It is the same type of accident that killed my grandmother Dorothy. T-boned, as she was, in Dorothy's case by a Monkey Ward's truck driver who shot through a funeral procession on the 20th of December 1985. I guess I really should share that story with The Bird, as it has re-surfaced as a result of Hyphen's accident. So, again, that said, I need to start a list and history of my own. There, I updated my contacts. The Bird did give me her cell number. Maybe a text would be nice.
Oh, well, Sophie is MIA today due to a headache. I have one as well, stress I suspect. Plumber is coming tonight after work for the garbage disposal issue. The, in lieu of Sophie, JB is taking me grocery shopping. Yes, I have lots of staple food items, but I need some fresh stuff and loads of Coca Cola. Maybe some deli items. But JB is generous with her time and not prone to headaches.
Okay, back to whatever it was I was doing...
Monday, April 6, 2015
Aside from
The garbage disposal fubar the Easter-Over dinner was a success. I said a traditional Irish blessing that made Sophie verklempt. I asked also to bless this house to be too small to hold all of my friends. We came close last night, six adults and two kids, who were actually well behaved, unlike the adults. Today I have off as it is the first day of the baseball season as well as my first meeting with the new-hopefully temporary-therapist, whom because of her name we shall dub the Bird. And the bird is the word, eh? As this is a special day I am also having my first luncheon at the house and instead of Chinese food carry out as promise, I am making a frittata with spring veggies and the girls can have English muffins and I will make do with matzo.
So the home is basically broken in, and the final act of housewarming will be a party next Monday for the new baseball season and the new house. I love this house already. It feels more like home than the condo did, especially after the passing of Jerry. The neighbors are nice and the yard is coming together. I could even grill tonight! It is a little warm in the house right now. Supposed to be a warm day. Mayhap I can open a window!
I vacuumed, I set the table and will relax until about noon. Takes about a half hour to make the frittata. I'll make a pot of coffee. 2:30 we will leave for therapy. Then hopefully tonight the disposal will be attended to. Some grout got into the drain and seized the motor. That will be for Mister Brad to pay for as it was and is his grout. Unfortunately he is in Florida and can't attend to ththe matter himself.
Okay, nothing spectacular. No Magic Plastic Tuna alert today. Just baseball, brunch and therapy. I will repeat the Irish blessing I used last night
May you be blessed with sunshine to warm you
A moonbeam to charm you
A sheltering angel so no harm can come to you
Laughter to cheer you
And when you pray heaven hear you
Have a lovely day all.
So the home is basically broken in, and the final act of housewarming will be a party next Monday for the new baseball season and the new house. I love this house already. It feels more like home than the condo did, especially after the passing of Jerry. The neighbors are nice and the yard is coming together. I could even grill tonight! It is a little warm in the house right now. Supposed to be a warm day. Mayhap I can open a window!
I vacuumed, I set the table and will relax until about noon. Takes about a half hour to make the frittata. I'll make a pot of coffee. 2:30 we will leave for therapy. Then hopefully tonight the disposal will be attended to. Some grout got into the drain and seized the motor. That will be for Mister Brad to pay for as it was and is his grout. Unfortunately he is in Florida and can't attend to ththe matter himself.
Okay, nothing spectacular. No Magic Plastic Tuna alert today. Just baseball, brunch and therapy. I will repeat the Irish blessing I used last night
May you be blessed with sunshine to warm you
A moonbeam to charm you
A sheltering angel so no harm can come to you
Laughter to cheer you
And when you pray heaven hear you
Have a lovely day all.
Thursday, April 2, 2015
New Home Owner Blues (in the key of E)
Well, I had plumbers come out Wednesday to replace a four foot section of galvanized pipe in the basement that was wrecking havoc with the kitchen sink. I was anticipating a huge bill. Who knew honest plumbers existed? Who knew? He only charged me for one house call, which was from the night before when he tried to snake the drain only to reach an impasse, and parts and labor came to just under $300. Yessireebob. I also had the back and front yard raked and groomed and made arrangements to have two very large shrubs dispatched at a later date. I took a walk in my new neighborhood and put out new solar lights and took out the old ones. So the front of the house looks much cleaner and nicer. Mrs. Shankland, she of the banging into Sophie's new car, came over last night to tell me a few good neighborly things and compliment me on the work on the outside. She's a pistol alright. Also, last night, when I tried to run the dishwasher, there was no power so right away I called Brad who wisely told me to check the circuit breaker, which was in the off position. A case of the new home owner learning a new trick.
I am seeing the doctor today for a follow-up and I am embarrassed to say I have on what I thought were grey slack but are actually a lighter said of green. And the gray sweater does not match the slacks, and shoes. I feel awkward.
Tomorrow, among other things, is the first night of Passover. So of course I am going to a concert. And have a family type dinner at the new place on Sunday with a number of the people who had helped me so much in the move. A kosher ham and matzoh. Oy! Saturday the painters are coming over for to touch up some spots and help me hang some pictures.
Any while Hyphen recuperates somewhere in the city (at least two months in the hospital and who knows how long in rehab) I have a therapy appointment with a pseudo-hyphen on Monday. I just want a fallback position. Who knows when or if Hyphen will be Hyphen again.
Oh, drat, the Magic Plastic Tuna is here. I must be going.
I am seeing the doctor today for a follow-up and I am embarrassed to say I have on what I thought were grey slack but are actually a lighter said of green. And the gray sweater does not match the slacks, and shoes. I feel awkward.
Tomorrow, among other things, is the first night of Passover. So of course I am going to a concert. And have a family type dinner at the new place on Sunday with a number of the people who had helped me so much in the move. A kosher ham and matzoh. Oy! Saturday the painters are coming over for to touch up some spots and help me hang some pictures.
Any while Hyphen recuperates somewhere in the city (at least two months in the hospital and who knows how long in rehab) I have a therapy appointment with a pseudo-hyphen on Monday. I just want a fallback position. Who knows when or if Hyphen will be Hyphen again.
Oh, drat, the Magic Plastic Tuna is here. I must be going.
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