Today was warm (into the 70s) and sunny, though it started out in the low 40s. After I left Gordon's office this morning I brought the car home & switched to the bicycle to go to the library. I'm so glad I did. It's really nice to ride on a sunny warm day. I know I don't go far, but it's good when your transportation is also fun & good for you!
Riding was good for another reason. It helped me be more alert & awake. Last night was very late & I am tired. The wind in my face had a good effect on my sleepiness. I may end up going to bed a bit early tonight, though.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
A late evening I guess
It seems Gordon has three patients to admit to the hospital tonight. Plus one he admitted earlier in the day (but the work has been one on that one). I offered to accompany him to the hospital, and was warned it may be a very late night. It takes about an hour to admit a patient.
So I rushed to get a simple supper & have already washed the dishes associated with the making. I also made the sandwiches for tomorrow's lunch, and wrote a check and deposit that I will take care of in the morning. While he walks Casper I will set up the coffee maker. I want to have everything ready, so when we get back there won't be anything hanging that has to be done tonight. But he will have to go back to his office to complete a couple of charts and go through today's mail. He can't leave charts for morning or run the risk of 1) not remembering important details that should be in it from the patient's visit and 2) be so pushed for time in the morning that he starts the day already way behind. So, it'll be a late night.
I like going with him when I can. We get to talk a bit on the way over and the way back -- a little "visiting time" that we don't always get. Also, I just think when you're driving late at night & tired, it's not bad to have someone else with you.
So I rushed to get a simple supper & have already washed the dishes associated with the making. I also made the sandwiches for tomorrow's lunch, and wrote a check and deposit that I will take care of in the morning. While he walks Casper I will set up the coffee maker. I want to have everything ready, so when we get back there won't be anything hanging that has to be done tonight. But he will have to go back to his office to complete a couple of charts and go through today's mail. He can't leave charts for morning or run the risk of 1) not remembering important details that should be in it from the patient's visit and 2) be so pushed for time in the morning that he starts the day already way behind. So, it'll be a late night.
I like going with him when I can. We get to talk a bit on the way over and the way back -- a little "visiting time" that we don't always get. Also, I just think when you're driving late at night & tired, it's not bad to have someone else with you.
Not a biking day
Today I wimped out & decided not to bike to work. This morning was windy & rainy with predictions of more of the same -- storms & high winds were predicted. So I decided I'd drive instead. It did rain & wind off & on until late afternoon, sometimes pretty hard rain and strong wind. Now, of course, it's sunny and nearly 70º when the prediction had been only high 50s or maybe 60.
If I'm really organized tomorrow maybe I can park the car at home after being at Gordon's office in the morning & ride my bike to the library. That will be if we've decided we don't need me to pick up take-out boxes of the church's German Dinner tomorrow. We'd really rather eat in than take out, but it usually depends on when Gordon can leave the office. We'll play it by ear.
I can't wait until the weather is reliable enough for us to plan our garden. I have basil, mustard, lettuce & tomatoes sprouting in containers in the house. I don't think lettuce does well transplanted, but it's fine with me to grow some inside & some outside. I still have to turn the garden over again & work harder on getting last year's weeds out of it before planting. I want the soil to at least start out without weeds!
Our "green mommies" are coming to clean Saturday morning & for the first time it's a Saturday when I'm not scheduled to work. That means I'll have to find someplace to be for a few hours while they clean. That shouldn't be too hard. If I find I don't have any errands to run that will take that long, I can always go to the library and read or work on the computer.
If I'm really organized tomorrow maybe I can park the car at home after being at Gordon's office in the morning & ride my bike to the library. That will be if we've decided we don't need me to pick up take-out boxes of the church's German Dinner tomorrow. We'd really rather eat in than take out, but it usually depends on when Gordon can leave the office. We'll play it by ear.
I can't wait until the weather is reliable enough for us to plan our garden. I have basil, mustard, lettuce & tomatoes sprouting in containers in the house. I don't think lettuce does well transplanted, but it's fine with me to grow some inside & some outside. I still have to turn the garden over again & work harder on getting last year's weeds out of it before planting. I want the soil to at least start out without weeds!
Our "green mommies" are coming to clean Saturday morning & for the first time it's a Saturday when I'm not scheduled to work. That means I'll have to find someplace to be for a few hours while they clean. That shouldn't be too hard. If I find I don't have any errands to run that will take that long, I can always go to the library and read or work on the computer.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A Sunny Tuesday
As was yesterday, today is sunny, which fools one into thinking it's warm as well. Yesterday there was a frost and it was about 33º or 34º Fortunately, there was no wind, so it didn't feel quite that cold. This morning it was in the upper 30s and didn't frost here.
Today is a bicycle day for me. Mon, Wed & Fri I generally don't ride the bike to the library as I first go to Curves, then the bank, the post office and then Gordon's medical office before heading to the library. Between the distance, and the timing, it would be much harder to go on the bike. I would have less time to be at the medical office. So, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the Saturdays I work at the library I try to ride. Yesterday I did bring the car home between office & library and walked. It's really faster to ride the bike than walk, but walking is good too.
Today I'm starting to record Spanish I tapes to help our newest NY/HELPer who doesn't have Spanish. We will be meeting on Sunday & I'm hoping to have a CD of at least the first 10 lessons or more which I hope will help her out. Pimsleur has a very good Spanish program based on listen and repeat with minimal English in the lesson. It doesn't worry about parts of speach or grammar as such, but tries to teach language as we first learned it -- by listening and then speaking.
I am finding that the last lingering pain from what seems to be a tight tendon is nearly gone. This started (on the good side) as I recovered from my broken pelvis and probably is due to compensation. But now it's nearly gone, which is great. Riding the bike (or even the exercise bike) helps a lot. Just walking around helps too.
I am determined that today will be a good day. Yesterday at the library was a bit "strange" as people came in with strange questions, too many $20 bills to pay very small fines, in the evening jumped from computer to computer. One boy lost his library card (dropped under the computer he was using); another lost his cell phone & when we tried calling it he gave us the wrong number! It was just a strange day. Today is bright and sunny and I'm determined it will be a good day.
Today is a bicycle day for me. Mon, Wed & Fri I generally don't ride the bike to the library as I first go to Curves, then the bank, the post office and then Gordon's medical office before heading to the library. Between the distance, and the timing, it would be much harder to go on the bike. I would have less time to be at the medical office. So, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the Saturdays I work at the library I try to ride. Yesterday I did bring the car home between office & library and walked. It's really faster to ride the bike than walk, but walking is good too.
Today I'm starting to record Spanish I tapes to help our newest NY/HELPer who doesn't have Spanish. We will be meeting on Sunday & I'm hoping to have a CD of at least the first 10 lessons or more which I hope will help her out. Pimsleur has a very good Spanish program based on listen and repeat with minimal English in the lesson. It doesn't worry about parts of speach or grammar as such, but tries to teach language as we first learned it -- by listening and then speaking.
I am finding that the last lingering pain from what seems to be a tight tendon is nearly gone. This started (on the good side) as I recovered from my broken pelvis and probably is due to compensation. But now it's nearly gone, which is great. Riding the bike (or even the exercise bike) helps a lot. Just walking around helps too.
I am determined that today will be a good day. Yesterday at the library was a bit "strange" as people came in with strange questions, too many $20 bills to pay very small fines, in the evening jumped from computer to computer. One boy lost his library card (dropped under the computer he was using); another lost his cell phone & when we tried calling it he gave us the wrong number! It was just a strange day. Today is bright and sunny and I'm determined it will be a good day.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mothers Day
Mothers Day dawned much too chilly (and it's supposed to frost tonight!), but it was bright and not raining. We went to our church's Mothers Day Family Breakfast which was lovely and well attended, and delicious. Our pastor's sermon was on Mothers Day - "Isn't Mother another name for God's love?"
On Mothers Day we all have something in common. Even those who are not mothers have had mothers.
Mothers Day can be bitter-sweet at times. There are good times and good memories of being honored or pampered as a mother. Then there are memories of a mother no longer here, and perhaps not appreciated as much as she should have been at times. I think those times were in the minority, but sometimes it's hard to remember. Every life has good times and bad and it's best to remember and honor more of the good and dwell less on the bad.
My Mothers Day was a good one, even though Gordon was on call. He got home fairly early in the afternoon, which was good. Barb called mid-afternoon and we had a lovely, if short, talk (Ella had other ideas about Mommie on the phone I guess). Kim called later in the evening (her afternoon) and we had a very enjoyable talk as well. My presents (not that Mothers Day is really about presents, but they frequently come) included a gift certificate to Buckwheats Florist & Garden Center from Barb, Dan & the girls and a set of 8 drinking glasses (sometimes called tumblers) from Gordon. It's been hard to find anything smaller than 18 oz or so, but he managed. We've broken so many glasses we really needed more to have matching ones.
On Mothers Day we all have something in common. Even those who are not mothers have had mothers.
Mothers Day can be bitter-sweet at times. There are good times and good memories of being honored or pampered as a mother. Then there are memories of a mother no longer here, and perhaps not appreciated as much as she should have been at times. I think those times were in the minority, but sometimes it's hard to remember. Every life has good times and bad and it's best to remember and honor more of the good and dwell less on the bad.
My Mothers Day was a good one, even though Gordon was on call. He got home fairly early in the afternoon, which was good. Barb called mid-afternoon and we had a lovely, if short, talk (Ella had other ideas about Mommie on the phone I guess). Kim called later in the evening (her afternoon) and we had a very enjoyable talk as well. My presents (not that Mothers Day is really about presents, but they frequently come) included a gift certificate to Buckwheats Florist & Garden Center from Barb, Dan & the girls and a set of 8 drinking glasses (sometimes called tumblers) from Gordon. It's been hard to find anything smaller than 18 oz or so, but he managed. We've broken so many glasses we really needed more to have matching ones.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Successful Basket Auction
Successful for the Friends of the Library. Neither my boss, Sue, nor I won any of the baskets. But it's still a good worthy cause to donate money to. There were about 68 or 72 baskets donated and some very very nice ones in the bunch.
This morning started out sunny and somewhat warm, even got close to 65º then turned dark & threatening. Then the sun came out again. It was like that off and on much of the day. By the time we closed the library at 2pm the sky to the west was very dark and threatening and the wind was getting strong. I went to the supermarket quickly to pick up a few things. As I got out of the car I had to hang onto the door it was so windy. By the time I came out again it was sunny, though there were raindrops on the car. The temp had started to go down and now after dinner it's in the 50s, but feels colder due to the wind. We're under a high wind warning until midnight or 2AM & I heard the fire radio reporting downed trees & power lines in nearby towns.
With all of that, it's still been a nice day. I successfully made some beans & rice for dinner (success means it turned out well) which we served wrapped in a tortilla. Now I need to learn to make tortillas. But for now, buying corn tortillas will have to do. Apple crisp made by using my new apple peeler corer (a birthday present from my girls) topped the dinner.
With luck we won't lose power due to the wind, or any of our trees in the back yard.
This morning started out sunny and somewhat warm, even got close to 65º then turned dark & threatening. Then the sun came out again. It was like that off and on much of the day. By the time we closed the library at 2pm the sky to the west was very dark and threatening and the wind was getting strong. I went to the supermarket quickly to pick up a few things. As I got out of the car I had to hang onto the door it was so windy. By the time I came out again it was sunny, though there were raindrops on the car. The temp had started to go down and now after dinner it's in the 50s, but feels colder due to the wind. We're under a high wind warning until midnight or 2AM & I heard the fire radio reporting downed trees & power lines in nearby towns.
With all of that, it's still been a nice day. I successfully made some beans & rice for dinner (success means it turned out well) which we served wrapped in a tortilla. Now I need to learn to make tortillas. But for now, buying corn tortillas will have to do. Apple crisp made by using my new apple peeler corer (a birthday present from my girls) topped the dinner.
With luck we won't lose power due to the wind, or any of our trees in the back yard.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Friday and a Full Moon
Even if people weren't acting the way they were this week, I'd know it was a full moon. In the middle of the night the moon was shining brightly in our bedroom window. It comes in the window that looks out over our garden & driveway, so it doesn't fall on our bed, but does light up the window.
It was a surprisingly nice and sunny morning, warmer than I expected it to be, which is a good thing. Now, in mid afternoon it's starting to get cloudy & perhaps we'll get the rain that was predicted, but it's been up to 70º so I have no complaints.
This week there have been a lot of books going out for inter-library loan, or coming in from other libraries for our patrons, so I've had a good look at all sorts of books. When I find one I just want to sit & read, I put it on hold for myself or put it on my "wish list" for later. I do wish I either had more time to read, or read faster. Oh well, I read what I can.
The Friends of the Library are having their annual basket auction tomorrow & there have been some beautiful baskets come in. I plan to get out there briefly and ask someone to watch my tickets for me in case I win anything. I have won some nice baskets some years, and other years it's strictly a donation to a good cause. Either way is okay.
It was a surprisingly nice and sunny morning, warmer than I expected it to be, which is a good thing. Now, in mid afternoon it's starting to get cloudy & perhaps we'll get the rain that was predicted, but it's been up to 70º so I have no complaints.
This week there have been a lot of books going out for inter-library loan, or coming in from other libraries for our patrons, so I've had a good look at all sorts of books. When I find one I just want to sit & read, I put it on hold for myself or put it on my "wish list" for later. I do wish I either had more time to read, or read faster. Oh well, I read what I can.
The Friends of the Library are having their annual basket auction tomorrow & there have been some beautiful baskets come in. I plan to get out there briefly and ask someone to watch my tickets for me in case I win anything. I have won some nice baskets some years, and other years it's strictly a donation to a good cause. Either way is okay.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
A Not-So Bad Day
This afternoon proved to be better brighter and warmer. The misty rain stopped & the sun came out, and even if it was a bit wan it warmed things up.
I'm looking into a couple of books for Maggie's 6th birthday. It's fun looking at children's books & reading various reviews to see if they're the right age-range and what the reviewer's think about them. Our library director recommended the School Library Journal as a good place to look and their age ranges are better than Amazon or other sources.
I'm looking into a couple of books for Maggie's 6th birthday. It's fun looking at children's books & reading various reviews to see if they're the right age-range and what the reviewer's think about them. Our library director recommended the School Library Journal as a good place to look and their age ranges are better than Amazon or other sources.
A dreary morning weather-wise
Just because the weather is dreary, it doesn't mean the day will be. The darkness of the sky brings out the green in the yard (& the weeds growing so well in the as-yet unplanted garden as well!). The trees also look brighter this morning in contrast to the atmosphere.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Afternoon of Baking
I'm not sure why, but while I was mixing up, kneading, raising & baking bread today, the phone rang several times and someone came to the door. Some Wednesday afternoons are very quiet, whether or not I am making bread, but not today. I hope it comes out all right. It looks like it's overproofed a bit. It's a new recipe, makes 3, rather than 2, loaves & I'm working on getting it right. It tastes good anyway, but I really want it to LOOK good too. Silly me.
I also cut the first rhubarb of the season & made some strawberry rhubarb compote. Yum!
Had I realized it was not going to rain today, as was predicted yesterday, I would have done a wash & hung it out this morning, instead of doing it this afternoon & having to use the dryer. On the other hand, then it would have been out when the men came to clean out our gutters. That would not have been a pretty sight! So, I guess things turned out for the best. That's always good & you can never tell except by looking back on it.
I also cut the first rhubarb of the season & made some strawberry rhubarb compote. Yum!
Had I realized it was not going to rain today, as was predicted yesterday, I would have done a wash & hung it out this morning, instead of doing it this afternoon & having to use the dryer. On the other hand, then it would have been out when the men came to clean out our gutters. That would not have been a pretty sight! So, I guess things turned out for the best. That's always good & you can never tell except by looking back on it.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Cinco de Mayo
Today was not rainy as originally predicted, so riding my bike to work was a very pleasant thing to do. My pannier generally has my rain pants in it just in case it rains before I get back home.
It was a busy, and somewhat strange, day at the library. We keep thinking it's because the full moon is coming that people act the way they do. Whatever the reason, it does keep life interesting, which has to be a good thing.
I find it bothers me a bit that people seem to be so worried about my riding my bike. I am doing fine, have no trouble with my balance, or any other ill effects from my accident on black ice in November. In fact, biking helps my good leg, which has been just a bit stiff (over compensation?). People are always admonishing me to be careful riding. That's good advice, and I'm glad they care, but it's said in a way that leaves me thinking they doubt my ability to ride my bike safely.
I'm glad Spring is coming along nicely. The leaves are almost all the way out now. Also the lettuce & basil I planted in pots in the house have started to come up. Today I started some tomatoes I bought. It's a package of pre-planted seeds that need watering & caring for until they are large enough to transplant. I haven't done tomato seeds for a while, so we'll see how this works.
Since I don't seem to have the time to read my Bible lesson before Wed evening's Bible Study, I brought home the Bible on tape & am listening to the book of Exodus. We are doing a chapter each week.
All in all, a good day.
It was a busy, and somewhat strange, day at the library. We keep thinking it's because the full moon is coming that people act the way they do. Whatever the reason, it does keep life interesting, which has to be a good thing.
I find it bothers me a bit that people seem to be so worried about my riding my bike. I am doing fine, have no trouble with my balance, or any other ill effects from my accident on black ice in November. In fact, biking helps my good leg, which has been just a bit stiff (over compensation?). People are always admonishing me to be careful riding. That's good advice, and I'm glad they care, but it's said in a way that leaves me thinking they doubt my ability to ride my bike safely.
I'm glad Spring is coming along nicely. The leaves are almost all the way out now. Also the lettuce & basil I planted in pots in the house have started to come up. Today I started some tomatoes I bought. It's a package of pre-planted seeds that need watering & caring for until they are large enough to transplant. I haven't done tomato seeds for a while, so we'll see how this works.
Since I don't seem to have the time to read my Bible lesson before Wed evening's Bible Study, I brought home the Bible on tape & am listening to the book of Exodus. We are doing a chapter each week.
All in all, a good day.
Musings of a Grandmother
Yesterday I posted this. Then I decided I'd give it it's own page.
I'm not sure what a "grandmother" should look like or feel like. My grandmother was quite old when I was born and when I knew her. I don't feel "old." I have seen grandmothers who look quite young. I don't look quite young. I am just me (I remember saying that as a child, usually when someone was trying to decide who I looked like & I insisted I looked like me!).
The reasons for my musings? Well, first I have been a grandmother for nearly 6 years, & while I like it when Maggie, my oldest granddaughter, calls me "Grandma GG" or just "GG" I'm still getting used to being a grandmother.
Also, today as I turn 66 I wonder. What should I feel like at 66? I surely don't know. I don't feel much different from when we moved to Arcade when I was 38, though I know I am different. I look different -- my face is older, my hair is working toward gray, and I guess I can't do quite all of what I could then, or at least not as fast. But really, I just don't feel that much different. I still walk, ride my bike, go to Curves and exercise 3 times a week. I would like to exercise more, but at least I am continuing to do it. I work two jobs, both part-time, though between the two, it probably amounts to full time work.
I admit to getting "older" but certainly not be being "old." I have seen some people my age, and some even younger, who seem to be and act old. I look at them and know that I am not like that, not yet, and maybe not ever.
As long as I can keep a positive attitude, most of the time, and learn something new every day, most of the time, I don't think I'll feel "old." That is what I intend to do.
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