New Year

Can not believe it is almost 2021.  Christmas was very nice.  Will post tomorrow on the new year.  Happy New Years everyone.  Good Bye 2020!!!!!

 

Looking back

Been watching a lot of "outdoor"..."off the grid"..."wild life" type TV shows lately.  I wish that Ron and I had tried that in our youth.  We always talked about owning a "Guest Type Ranch"  place and just never got there.  Later I always said we would probably come back in our next life as an animal on a ranch.

I know that Ron would have loved that...living off the grid, well, with a few modern things.  I know that we would have been able to do that.  Him with his knowledge and me not the princess type gal, working together side by side.

Doing a lot of hiking, exploring, work (probably hard work), but together.  I'm not so sure our kids would have loved it.

As they say, do it now, don't wait until you are too old and can't.

PRE-CHRISTMAS

 Well, this will be a different Christmas...in Illinois instead of Arizona, weather (not much different this year), missing family and friends, and seem to be missing Ron more this year than in the past.

Shopping is all done, however, I am a bit sad that I did not get Christmas cards mailed out this year.  I intend to do a facebook and text card to all, however I have found that I enjoy getting letters, cards.  We are so used to instant gradifications that no one writes letters now.  A dear friend of mine and me are now writing to each other and it is exciting getting those letters.

It's the same thing with cell phones.  In that far past nothing (well most things) was so urgent that you had to leave a message or get in touch with someone instantly.  Than message machines were kind of cool in that you could at least let them know you called and why.  Now, where ever you are you are available.  I have to agree that that instant gradification is nice and emergencies are handled.  We feel lost when we do not have that phone on us.  And computers and TVs along with the phones are constant without breaks and are very addictive.

Oh well...........three more days to Christmas....the day of blessings and hopes filled and to look forward to in the future.

Good Updates

 Talked to Matt's in Arizona and got the regular update, however the best news is that Brody, who is autistic, is now starting to talk!  He loves watching various videos and games on the I-Pad and Phone and hums or will say some of the words but nothing really intentional.  He is so smart and knows exactly what is going on but just not totally verbal.

He is doing the on-line learning, which has to be a little difficult for teachers and parents, and seems to be more and more attentive.  Now he is participating more and actually saying words that are appropriate like when Matt comes home from work he will say Hi Daddy, or hi and good by and he is counting and saying ABCs. Can't wait to hear Hi Nana!

I know, how old is he?  However this is a big accomplishment and we are all so pleased and excited.  Brandon, Brody's big brother, is his biggest fan and is constantly encouraging him.

AND.....Jocelyn just got her hair cut to donate it to Wigs for Kids.  She loves her long hair and it was a difficult decision for her.  However, she now has such a cute hair cut shoulder length.  I hope this could become a yearly holiday present from her...wouldn't that be neat?

Joe is very close to getting his driving license.  Can you believe he is old enough?  Before lone he will be our errand runner.  I have ridden with him and he is very cautious and safe.  At first I thought I might be scared but he is a very good driver.  He has been taking driving lessons during the day and night and has passed his test.  So now, let's hope he is able to get his license with all this lock down stuff going on.

Another dusting of snow this morning...Temperatures will be in the high 20's at night and 40's during the day.  Be careful what you say, but, I was expecting more this time of the year.  I have a feeling that January and February might be a bear! 

Well, that's all for now...should have taken a photo of the snow, it is all melted now.

New Type of Machine

 Going to try to put a photo on this one.  Been a while since I have done that.

Mower, weed eater, clippers, etc. normal equipment for me and now....a snow blower.  We did get our first snow fall on Monday, and it looked beautiful!!!!  However, by the afternoon it had all melted and instead of snow we got a lot of rain.

It (the snow blower) looks a bit intimidating, but with instructions it appears to be basic.  Well, we'll see!

Yes I Did

 

APPLE BUTTER!

It was soooooo easy.  After cutting the apples and instruction of what to put in from Jennifer (fill slow cooker with cut apples (peel on, core out) and 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 2 1/2 T of pumpkin spice, 1/4 salt, 1/2 t of vanilla) and cook on low for at least 10-12 hours.  Blend with an immersion blender till smooth (yes the rind will be so cooked it will blend nicely), put in jar(s) and refrigerate.

I originally put in 1/2 cup of sugar and had to add a bit more to taste...depends on the apples I believe.

SOOO proud of myself, I must say a cook, I am not, so this is definitely a plus for me!

The NEW way

 I know I am old in so many ways.  Right now during the holidays is a definite reality.  Why go out to the stores.  You can do everything on line now.  AND, in many ways it is actually cheaper.  You review options, order and pay for it, and it can be shipped free...delivered to your door and you don't have to leave your house, let along your chair.

I like to go to the store.  Walk around and literally "touch" everything, try on clothing, shoes, etc.  Interaction with sales people and the cashiers.  I agreed with the very impersonal self checking  is saving money for the company.  BUT, I also agree that I do not work there and do not really want to replace a cashier and do my own check out, put in paper or plastic, etc.  And 8 times out of 10 everything works perfect, however that one time is usually a night mare.

I worry that all of the changes, due to the pandamic, etc. is making us more isolated than ever.  Do not interact with human beings, use the machines, stay at home.  ISOLATION.  

On well, here's one of my favorite sayings:  It is what it is!

Weather/Dogs

First day here in Illinois I do not want to go outside to walk the dogs.  It says the temperature is at 40 degrees, Very windy and still wet from last night's rain.  The dogs didn't want to go either, however, Jennifer took them out this morning.  I find that we can let them out after they get up without leashes as they want to go and get back in the house.  

60's

60 in Arizona is a bit chilly, but a nice change....60 in Illinois is actually a bit warm....?????

Adjusting

Yes it is an adjustment...moving anywhere.  However, I have gone to extreme heat to potential extreme cold for me.  AND, there are so many that I am missing.  Also, thank goodness for GPS!

As I drink my morning coffee, looking out over the upper deck I miss walking with my coffee on the patio and yard in AZ.  However, I have been so busy.  Unpacking boxes, even tho they are all marked it is still a chore finding everything.  I also am moving boxes from one spot to another and than back again.  I just have to slow down and realize that it will all get done, just not at one day/time.  Finding out what is needed and what is not takes some time.

 As I am adjusting, so is Gizmo.  He doesn't have his doggie door so he and Olive (Jen's dog) and I are doing a lot of walking.  It's chilly and Gizmo hasn't yet understood that the quicker you do your business the quicker we can go back inside.  Hopefully he will have learned this by the time snow flies.  Soon he won't just have a leash he will have a little coat and probably boots...I will have to video his first walking in the boots!

Well, need to get to those boxes!!

Good Bye and Hello

Even though I (and family) gathered to celebrate and wave bye to my brother-in-law, Roscoe, I got to really say hello to my sister who is now in a memory center.  I have not seen her since March and have been sending cards to her.   With this Covid 19 mess, I was so afraid I would not be able to see her.  It was so good to see, hug and give her love face to face. I believe it was good for her to see and be with family as well.

Of course there are fewer times now in life when families gather and funerals are one of them.  It was good to see extended families and old friends.  

In our case, Roscoe was just a down to earth, good person.  I truly believe there is no one that could or would have had a bad thing to say about him.  He was a pillar of our family and the community, not a politician or someone involved with every aspect of the community.  Just a solid member of society.  He was a mentor to so many, especially family members.  He definitely had a life to be celebrated and will be missed in our lives.

 

Sad

 We definitely can all agree that 2020 has not been the best of years for any of us.  This year our family have lost many members.  I have lost a sister and brother-in-law.  In-laws have lost members of their families as well.  

My sister (Peggy)  had been fighting various illnesses for quite a few years.  She was the youngest of eight and was outrageously crazy funny.  She had a lot of hard parts in her life, however, she became a very beloved nurse and found the love of her life.  Her death was not a surprise, yet even knowing the time was slipping away we are never really prepared for death.

My brother-in-law (Roscoe) was more of a brother than an in-law.  I always said that if you would look in the dictionary (I refer to the dictionary a lot when a lot of young ones probably have never held or looked in one) under good, Christian man, you would find a photo of Roscoe.  He was also more of a father figure and my kids thought of him as a grandfather.  I did not get back to Indiana to see him before he died.  However, I talked to him on the phone a lot and felt his pain through our conversations.  He was tired and fighting the body's aging process and I know that God definitely was there for him.

When you are young and your whole life is ahead of you, death is not a thought.  I often wondered what older people were thinking about....I'm old and death is closer...how much longer will I live...when will I die.....those types of thoughts.  Being my age now I know that those thoughts do enter your thinking.  You are continuing thinking back on the years and things you did, people you have met...the good and the bad in your lifetime.

The one thing I heard once and have repeated many times:  "Thank God for your past, good or bad, because it had gotten you to where you are today..." 

Update

House is coming along great.  We have found one major problem, closet space.  There is a huge garage so will definitely have to put in some cabinets to put some overflow items.    Was thinking on having a garage sale with all the extras, however we have decided it is just too much work at this time so lot of items to be donated.

Not a fan of Goodwill lately.  I hear they do a lot of good but I also see that their prices have gone up, really high in some locations, and everything (Everything) they sell has been given to them.  I understand that it is still a business and they have expenses, however their business is not to get rich.

Wow, just looked outside.  It is raining and blowing and the leaves are coming out of the sky as if they were snow flakes.  I have traded the Arizona dust for leaves.

Well, need to get back to the boxes.

Feelings

I had a very good friend tell me that  by moving I have left a hole in their heart.  I didn't think about that earlier but it is true.  You think about that when someone dies, but moving away from family and friends does the same thing, both ways.  Yes, we are all just a call and text away from each other but it just isn't the same.

There for a while I thought I was not a people person.  Someone that needs that interaction.  I realize now that that is not me. Maybe at times you just want to be alone.  However, overall, I love interacting with people.  As they say "...she knows no strangers..."  I can talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime...that is if I really want to.  And, some of the things I say...usually in a question, compliment, answer or statement.  While walking the dogs I always acknowledge other walkers, bikers, etc.  But, I am definitely going to need to get out there and meet. 

Illinois/Moving In

Moving is not shown as FUN in the dictionary!!!!

My grandson, Joseph, had three of his friends help unload the trailer and truck.  They were great...very nice, respective and fun young men.

 Now it's putting everything where it goes and weeding thru two house full of well, almost everything.  definitely going  to take time and patience.

Our dogs, Olive and Gizmo are getting along and have become buddies.  They love all the smells while walking

Illinois:

GREEN!  I have been walking the dogs three-four times a day.  The neighborhood is really, really nice.  A couple of blocks to a lake, nice walking paths and streets and I love the houses and trees and yards and fall decorations.  Temperature is a bit chilly at night but up in the mid to high 70's.  I know, the snow hasn't started yet and I will deal with that at that time.  Got to get used to the area and the streets/roads but I have seen a lot of little areas that I can't wait to just walk around.  So far neighbors are very friendly and I can't wait to meet them little by little.

Oh, those that know me know that I am a patio/outdoor person.  I LOVE my patio.  I am basically in the basement, the bedroom is the front of the house with a dividing wall making  the living room is to the back with a walk out patio (above is the main floor deck) which is basically covered and it's paved.  Can't wait for spring and starting a raised garden and plants.

More to come

Trip From AZ to IL

 Wow...U-Haul.  On August 26th I reserved a 26' truck and a car dolly.  I sold sooooo many things for this to work.  The night (NIGHT) before I was to pick up the truck I get a notice there is a problem  I did not see this message until really early on the 30th, when I was scheduled to pick up.  They sent me to Maricopa to pick up a 20' truck.  When I got there it was not available because it was broken.  Was supposedly noted on the main U-Haul "traffic" center.  So ended up getting the truck at the U-Haul center on Gilbert Rd.  Had to rescheduled twice the Two Men and a Truck packers that morning.  After having them load the truck I had to cancel the car dolly and rent a trailer to pull behind the truck.  The packers were now gone and my son and I loaded it.

Next morning I pick up son-in-law at airport, fill up the vehicles, yes, the truck and car because now I have to drive the car and double the gas cost.

I'm sure you can tell by reading this that U-Haul is definitely on "the" list.  The personnel were actually just trying to help me and I do think it is their system that is broken.

Trip was good except for a flat tire in Missouri on the trailer.

So, left AZ on Thursday, October 1st and got into Mundelein, IL on Saturday evening, October 3rd.

WOW, It's been a long time

Hello,

Wow, it's been a long time since I have posted.  Did not realize how long.  And, it's been a wild time frame as well.

Last year was my year of cancer.  Breast cancer in 2003 was a cake walk compared to this one.  Esophageal Cancer...located in the esophagus and stomach.  Lots of tests, chemo, "major" surgery and radiation.  Needless to say, I basically lived in my recliner and in lots of pain and discomfort.  I had wonderful care.  I was very ill at ease dealing with MD Anderson (after our experience with my husband Ron) but everyone there were wonderful.  There is always that one person or one department but 99% were great.

And, I am very blessed to have so many friends that were there for me.   I feel so badly for those who have no family/friends and are basically all alone in this world or have them that can not or just aren't there for them.  Very lucky I am.  I am still not 100% and I realize that I never will be.  As I age, as others, more aches and pains appear along with the after effects of the cancer.

Jennifer, my daughter, gave up  a year and a half of her life to stay with me here in Arizona from Illinois.  She closed down her house, left her family (making trips back and forth) and took care of me.  I have been so lucky to have her as my daughter.  It has made me sad that she had to do this but very proud that I have a daughter that would do this.

Matt and his family were also there for me as well.  They live here in Arizona, however they have two little ones that have special needs and are stretched thin.  They picked up the slack till Jennifer got here and when she was gone, and whenever asked or needed.

  I am about to take a giant step/adventure in my life this year.  I am selling my house and moving to Illinois, in with Jennifer and her family.  I know!!!  Really big step and an extremely hard one to make.  Not the moving in with family, but giving up my home and friends and leaving my son and family here so far away.  However, I do believe that I am going to become a "Snow Bird" now.  As Ron used to say, the best of both worlds...go where/when the weather is the best.

The magnitude of this decision really hit when the "for sale" sign went up. A new, big adventure at the age of 73! It has been a great feeling thinning out all the extra stuff I have accumulated over the years.  It's like a really big house cleaning only not just the floors and windows.  So much stuff that you don't ever use or need for that matter and most is setting around gathering dust or packed away in cabinets or closets.   You come into this world with nothing and you go out with nothing and you can't take it with you. 

Hopefully I can get back into blogging especially with the changes coming up.