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.

Retail Stealing

This is going to probably end up being a "complain" blog.

As I am working in the retail world now I am "amazed" how often people steal.  In going thru the restocking and alignment of products on shelves I find all sort of things thrown back among the products in opened packages with the product gone.

I am also amazed at how in the world they get these things out of the packages without anyone seeing them do it.  I can't get them out at home with a knife or scissors.  Also to have the nerve to steal let alone it just isn't right. 

Oh and don't think it is just young people stealing.  Thiefs grow up.  Not everyone who has stolen in their youth grows "out of it".  To some it becomes a way of life I believe.

Just had to put this down.  So annoyed when I find those empty packages.

Surprise Visit

I hadn't planned on traveling in 1918.  However, when my oldest grandson, Joseph, is graduating into 9th grade, into Illinois' Stevenson High School,  AND I receive a ticket to go.....Illinois here I come.

I cannot believe Joseph is in high school.  I remember his birth, I remember him following Ron around like a little duckling following his mama. He was my inspiration to fight breast cancer.   So many memories of a little boy.  I have to admit that during and after the ceremony my eyes were not dry and I had lots of thoughts of Ron as well. It was wonderful watching him and his buddies finding each other for photos afterwards.  I can't wait to frame the one of the two of us.  In three years it will be Jocelyn going into high school and plus one more year Joseph graduating from high school!

Next was the preparation of the party.  20 high schoolers!!  The lots of food fortunately was just enough (growing boys).  Lots of energy and very polite.  It was a very fun night and needless to say very tiring.  No problem going to sleep for all of us and we were able to sleep in a little the next day too.

NOW, visiting time.  Always things to do and getting up to date with family.  Second time here in Deerfield and getting back to remembering how to get around.  Enjoying the kids is the icing on the cake.  And of course, it is always great being with Jennifer.

Going down to Indiana to visit with siblings and family for a weekend.  Even though I saw them all last year it is always great to be with them.

Time will fly by and before you know it I will be back in Arizona. 

April 2018

Seems I am blogging year to year versus month to month and especially not day to day.  I thought I would be able to do just that.  However, life does seem to get in the way.  Even in retirement time flies by very fast. 

As for blogging.  I have not decided what blogging is exactly.  Is it a diary....to keep everyone up on my happenings...to just keep in touch...to really put down thoughts, maybe some too personal.

AND keeping up with it.  It would seem that everyone has a few moments each day to type an entry.  However, I am finding there are times I just don't want to.  And, all of a sudden a year has passed by.

I love checking in on Jennifer's blog.  She is such a good writer...putting down thoughts in a way that everyone can relate.  I keep telling her she should write...I hope she does down the road.

Lots of changes over the past few years.  I am still working part-time.  My grand babies aren't babies any more.  Still at the same home. (Note:  after checking selling and renting I would be paying the same if not more monies...so why sell and move!)

Have had family visiting this year and really enjoyed that.  Arizona is so very different from Indiana and I love to show it off, especially to those who have never been here.

I do feel that this is the year that I NEED:  need to become more involved and join in other activities.  (I just learned how to play pickle ball and need to now just go and play it)...need to get back in my studio and work on being creative...definitely get out and walk/hike the mornings.  So many others.

It is hard to realize that I am now over 70 years old.  I look in the mirror and yep it's me, but when I look out my eyes I do not feel old.  I think that is a good thing.  I am truly blessed with good health, especially with the family genes I have.  All of a sudden you realize that most of your lifetime is gone.  And whether you lived it or not, now is the time to really live.  I have seen many postings about "eat that cake...take that dare...live, live, live" and I now understand what they mean.  It is definitely hard to stop the worrying about others, especially your love ones...almost impossible.  But it is true, worrying gets you nowhere.  Always look up, at the bright things and know that tomorrow is another day and is always a new beginning.

Wow, I think I started preaching there.  See what I mean about blogs?

Well, I believe I have started 2018 out pretty good and look forward to the rest of the year.  Maybe I won't wait until 2019 to post again.