First Day of November

 After staying up so late last night, I slept until way too late this morning.  Noreen was checking to see if Helen and I wanted to go over for a visit, and we eventually got ourselves over there for a fun morning.  It's so nice to just let down our hair and talk honestly about things that worry us and make us laugh and learn from each other.  I'm so lucky to have them so near.  I always regret not taking any pictures when I go places, because Noreen had a little snack tray set out with interesting - not candy - snacks, which were very welcome.  Apples and pretzel bites and nuts and a nice Costco mix with a little bite to some of the pieces.  

These!

So now it's home and back to reality.  I have to do all the laundry that I've put off during the week and clean up my sewing table.  I'm looking at making my dining room table area a more sewing-friendly spot without moving too much furniture.  I know from experience that I need to think things through a little longer before I start any of that.

I have a new stove.  Imagine being excited about the bottom-of-the-line apartment stove!

It's shiny though and a big step up from the even older white one that was replaced.  The oven works well and is spotless.  I even put a mat on the bottom floor to catch any spills.  Not that I cook much stuff that spills over any more.  Noreen got a smooth-top when hers was replaced.  I guess that's what they're called.  I was expecting that but not disappointed not to have one.  I like that there's a pressure point on the burners that turn them off when you accidentally leave it own.  That seems to be the most important thing for me.  Naturally, we're expected to look up manuals on line, so I don't know how that works.  I don't even know what kind of stove it is.  

I was thinking about how many stoves we've had from our lifetime of renting and owning homes and moving so much.  I can think of 18 for sure, and I've never really cared.  I did develop a preference for gas, but I'm okay with whatever works.  

So now I have a stainless kitchen - refrigerator, stove (partially), microwave, sink, and dishwasher.  I'm a slave to smudges and streaks now!  When Elise and I walk into the kitchen, we're startled by that black hulk lurking there.

I also got new wide-slat wooden blinds to replace the old yellowing plastic things that bent every time a cat tried to peek out.  I hope they don't try to do anything to these.  It does make a big difference.  Kyle, our talented and friendly maintenance guy turned on the pilot light on the fireplace, checked our heating elements, and fixed a shower leak.  I think he was glad to have so much so keep him busy inside on a rainy day.  He's just always cheerful though.  

My lease is up next spring, and I have to see if there is anything affordable here, as my rent will go up faster than my Social Security.  I've lived here almost 11 years and love the location and the layout of the rooms, the front porch, the closeness to the kids and schools and Y and downtown, but we need a 3-bedroom, and I'm not sure there's going to be one available.  I dread looking at new places and cannot even imagine going to a place far enough away that the girls can't just run over when they want to.  

Another thing to worry about is my medical insurance.  Dental insurance is okay, but my Medicare Advantage Plan is not contracting with my two doctors I see regularly.  I have to decide whether I want to chance insurance companies or change doctors.  Changing insurance companies seems to be easier once I figure out what I need.  I'm getting recommendations and will ask my doctor what she thinks their office has better results with.  I have an appointment with an advisor at the senior center on November 19th, but that's getting close to the deadline, and I'm trying to educate myself on the thing I understand little and care less about - except that I'm protected and can afford it.

I'm going to tackle that sewing table right after lunch while I wash clothes, so we'll see how that goes.  I hear there are soccer games somewhere far away, so I won't be tempted to take out my blanket and chair and go watch.  It's nice to have a day stretching before me to do what I want.  

I keep seeing old Halloween pictures popping up in my memory albums, so I might transfer some here to make me smile and remember.  

2013

There was a beautiful owl costume that Emily made herself, but I don't have a picture of it.

A sweet friend, Brian, serenading Graysen and his twins after their owl and piggie costumes came off! 

2014

The year Mike was in the hospital for lung surgery, and Emily was newly pregnant with Katherine.

Also, Graysen was not feeling the whole costume thing, especially the ears.

2015

I wasn't here for any trick-or-treating and don't have any pictures, so it might not have happened.

There was a new watermelon though.

I had made Graysen a tiny Cinderella dress that I think she loved.  She put it on and watched the movie.  When Prince Charming bowed to Cinderella, she curtsied!  

2016

It was a rough fall without Mike, and costumes were whatever was already in the house.  Kathy and Alan's red cape, a gingham skirt I made the night before, and leftover dance costumes for a sleepy baby.

2017

Rooster Valley Halloweeen Parade

I guess trick-or-treating in the same costumes.

2018

I think the family was out of town on Halloween, or we just don't have pictures.  There was a Paw Patrol costume and then plane pictures.

2019

Another Rooster Valley Carnival and Parade.  

Kate and bestie McKenna.

2020

Covid Halloween

2021

Some years, lots of pictures.  Coming out of COVID restrictions but still masked.

2022

Lots of pumpkin carving and decorating.

Harry Potter trio at Proliance.

2023

Featuring Woodrow

2024

The year of Ryan's creation - the thunderstorm ceiling.  And a miserable night for trick-or-treating.

2025

This is all I have!!  I know they must have had costumes of some sort, but I have no pictures.  I can probably find some later.  

That was a lot of time but so many memories. From baby watermelons to the Avengers.  I sent Gray the photo of her and Kate dressed like cats, and she said, "We were so young!"  Yes.  Yes, they were, and are still my babies! So many good times.