Summer is Going Fast

Life is going fast!  Not just summer.  I miss (a little bit) hot summers, at least a few weeks of heat.  It's so unpredictable, being hot one day and then cooling down a little and getting just too cool to sit outside.  The last time I took the girls swimming, just Kate and Carly this time, I had to keep giving them hints to cut our visit short because I was so cold.  We didn't get there until 4:00, and there was no sunshine on the pool itself, and there was also a breeze.  I took all the towels we brought and wrapped up in them and still was cool.  The only good thing is that with no air conditioning, my power bills are lower than usual.

So what else has happened?  

Yesterday, we had eight for Mah Jongg!  That's the biggest group we've had in a long time.  We played 4 games, and 2 of them were wall games, and the other two I didn't win.  I felt like it was a joker-free day for me, but it was still fun.  I got caught daydreaming - or whatever it is I do - twice - when I have to be brought back to the action.  

Wildfires and the smoke index are on everyone's minds, with the terrible forest fires around Spokane and in Canada.  So sad.  I really haven't had any trouble breathing when I go out or noticed the air quality that much, but I've not been outside that much.

I finished Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris.  It really is a good book, and in spite of the subject, I enjoyed it as much as her other book, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, and would recommend them.  

The Credence book was nothing like I thought, and I lasted only a couple of chapters.  It's much too long to suffer through.  

I've been listening the last few days to Hello, Beautiful by Ann Napolitano.

Here's a nice review by Kirkus.  I had forgotten she wrote Dear Edward in 2020 - another one I enjoyed reading.  

The three downloads on Libby right now are Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll, Honor by Thrifty Unagar and Little Girl Lost by Cheryl Bradshaw.  Sometimes I wonder where I get these recommendations.  I read about 2 chapters of the first one and decided I'm not that interested in serial killers, so I'll start one of the other ones today and see.  I have a bunch on hold from the library and so many lists of have-to reads that I feel like I'll always have something good to read.  

I'll be busy this weekend through next week, as the WinBins are off on another jaunt.  This time it's a 3-day soccer tournament in San Diego followed by several days of Disney adventures.  Elise and I will visit Gus every day and feed and play with him while lucky Woodrow gets to go to another doggy vacation.  We'll water the flowers and the garden if it doesn't rain and keep an eye on things.  I wish I could say I wouldn't fret and worry, but that wouldn't be true.  I'll have to plan some distractions.

I had a fun phone call with my cousin Carol this week, and it was so nice to talk with her.  We're battling with the USPS over getting a shirt Emily left in Andalusia mailed back.  Hopefully, the third try will be the charm.  

I spent a couple of hours with Ryan and Emily Sunday afternoon, trying to tie up loose ends before their trip, updating my calendar, and getting help from Ryan with some of my computer questions.  They know what they're doing, and I don't any more, so those instructions and fixes come fast and hard, and my brain gets overloaded.  I think I have things more like I want them and can enjoy this nice smaller computer.  

I had to visit my bank Monday, which is a very rare occurrence.  I have two places in my life that I give money to that don't take credit card payments.  I knew I was getting low on checks but kept forgetting to order more.  The haircut place, I can give cash to if I think ahead, but the insurance people from Mike's last job, PCCA, want only a check every month.  I ordered a box of checks last week, but they won't be mailed in time, so I had to go in and get counter checks.  I can't remember the last time I got any of those and had forgotten what they were called.  I also don't think I had to pay a dollar apiece for them at the time either, but they are nicely printed with the correct information.  

I've taken no pictures lately, so I'll go and pull up a few August 5th ones through the years.

2025

Girls were on their way to visit their South Dakota grandparents and all the other relatives.

2024

Back when they were both playing soccer.

2023

I was getting some help on my refrigerator cleaning on that day in 2023.  Graysen had her cute short haircut after donating her hair to Locks of Love, I think, or one of the charities that make wigs for children with cancer or other medical conditions.  

2022

In South Dakota again, this time at their cousin Logan's wedding to Hannah.

2021

A peek through my dining room window at Layla and Bowie, looking extremely guilty!

2020

COVID isolation days.  I spent a lot of time on my balcony, missing my family.

2019

Summer fun!  A slime-making kit that we survived and a dance camp at Mount Si Recreation. 

2018

Kate getting ready to start preschool at Rooster Valley.

2017

So little.  Ages 2 and 4.  How I miss those sweet babies.

2016

Mike entertaining the girls in spite of feeling terrible.  We just didn't know how few days we had with him.

2015

Before we moved to WA.  There's a baby on the edge of that quilt!  An almost-3

-month-old baby.

A night at Mount Si Park.  I could hardly believe my luck at having plans to move there coming true.

2014

I think this is a visit to Snoqualmie.  It's hard to pick just one pic.

2013

Mama's favorite time of day with her cat Stella/Molly.  She had just turned 90 years old.

We were just living for pictures of this girl and Face Time and videos - anything we could get.

2012

I was all into quilting and baby sewing and wondering if the baby-to-be was a boy or a girl. 

2011

I can't seem to get pictures from my photo album, so I'll just have to find one from the blog.  This is the Texas vine Mike bought me when I was in Lubbock for his appendectomy.  We were doing a lot of yard work and getting the house ready to sell.  

2010

Smocking classes, gardening, trips to Lubbock. Working.  Taking care of Mama's needs.  Living a good life!

2009

Sweet Darby and Sheepie!

That's as close as I can come to August memories for 17 years.  What a good life and good times.  I've been so lucky. 

Trees and Summer Skies

 No one appreciates a nice day weatherwise more than people who live in a rainy climate.   I generally enjoy cozy days and gray skies, but it does make you appreciate bright sparkly days.  Today was one of them.  Noreen and I walked around a whole block that was really about the size of two blocks.  Our goal was to just walk across the street and see if there was a bench to sit on to soak up the sun, and there was, but it seemed a waste to get that far - crossing the street - and not have a real walk.

I'm sorry I didn't take any pictures, but I doubt I would have found any I could use.  We passed by a day nursery where a bunch of toddlers were either on the slide or sitting in one of those big push carts, ready for a field trip, it looks like.  They were sitting there so patiently, and some of them waved at us.  A few steps later, we were able to peek in the big plate-glass windows and see one of the playrooms where we were once again observed and spoken to.  We took our first right and walked down Center Street to our street and turned right again.  We were then back at the apartment complex, and we decided to forego the park and sit on Noreen's porch since we still had a few things that needed discussing.  

We didn't see any passers-by to greet and only a couple of dog walkers up at the corner.  We had a big discussion about the sky and how beautiful it was and admired the pretty baskets hanging on the house on the corner, and I decided to take my one picture of the day.  

I spent a good bit of time cleaning the inside of the car this morning and got 3 out of 4 sections done before the heat made me go in and cool off.  I went back later and was starting on the front section when a familiar face popped up and someone hugged mem which is highly unusual.  What a nice surprise.  Emily forgot she had walked to work this morning and had to walk home.  I made her linger and talk a while since I haven't seen much of her lately.  It's a hard time for her, having girls growing up so fast and opening the new clinic.  It's really taken a toll, and there's not much I can do to help.  I did keep her black jacket to work on getting the cat hair and lint off of.  Their house is impossible to live in without being covered with Gus's beautiful gray and white fur.

I finally allowed her to leave and drove her home to get a few more minutes of her time!  When Ryan came out, she made fun of me to him about finding a tiny paintbrush in my car and told him I was detailing my car.  I'm not sure anyone could go that far, but it looks way better than it did.  I'm waiting for Elise to take me to the car wash to get it washed and vacuumed.  I'm maybe a little too proud of that job.  It's been years of having no energy and sleeping too much and just not able to do things I used to do, and I can't say I've turned the corner, but something is happening to make me feel better and give me the incentive to get things done,  I hope it lasts.

Gray has finished her third day of camp and will be home Friday.  I hope she's having a good time.  Kate is choosing to do absolutely nothing but read all day and just be lazy.  I'm hoping she will come swimming tomorrow and maybe even go to MJ with me.  

Elise and I took the car in for the car wash and vacuuming.  I didn't realize vacuuming was so expensive.  Next time, I'll just do it myself.  It was a nice drive.  Just before the railroad track going into Snoqualmie, we saw a little group of elk, just by themselves in a vacant lot.  I only got one picture but looks like there were two babies at least and a few adults.  I guess those are babies.

We don't get out too much at dusk, so it was a nice drive and something different to see Mount Si in a different light.  

Now my car is shiny and clean for a few days, until it rains again.  I'm pretty proud of getting it cleaned up.  I miss the days of washing it myself, but not too much!

Things Even I Can Do

 This is just a strange thing to write about, but I'm ending the day on such a high and only because I had success in a few things.

I've never thought I was particularly good in one thing - maybe above average in a few things through the years but not now.  Now that I'm just a few months from my 80s, I see more and more things fall by the wayside.  Not always because of loss of knowledge or forgetfulness but for lack of interest or practice.  One thing I don't think I'll ever get tired of is learning though.  Sometimes I look at my computer aimlessly, but usually I'm following one link to another and trying to find out more and more about a particular subject.  One thing leads to another, and I sometimes waste a good part of my day just reading.  

I never liked cooking, although I did plenty of it and turned out a few good dishes in my lifetime, but in the last 5 or so years, I just cannot have any success.  First, I don't feel like standing for long times and often just get tired and have to take a break and forget what I'm doing.  Or I miss something.  Or think I remember how an old recipe tasted and thinking it will be the same.  My last thing that made me shake my head was rice.  I know how to make rice.  I know to rinse it.  I know the proportions.  I know exactly how long to cook it and then let it rest.  The one thing I failed at was ignoring the timer.  I knew when I heard it that I had a few minutes to finish up what I was doing, but something got in the way, and after 30+ minutes, I found my rice with a thick crust on the bottom and the smells of something 3 seconds from burning.  Disgusting!  I was already tired, and that didn't make me happy.  

I guess I'll just cook less and more simply.  

I did make chicken parmesan yesterday that Elise admired so much she wanted to know exactly how I made it so she could copy it.  Except for the Ruffles potato chips.  It's a simple dish that I've made for years, and it involves marinating chicken breasts briefly in Italian salad dressing and then dredging them in dry bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese, seasoning and cooking.  Few things could be that simple.  I checked the pantry and refrigerator (I thought) and had everything I needed, but when I started to put it together, I realized that box of bread crumbs that's ALWAYS in the same place in the cabinet was no longer there.  I had about 4 boxes of salt up there and 2 cans of Pam, but no bread crumbs.  And no bread.  I was walking around and muttering and just about to go next door and beg for something to use.  Then I found a handful of croutons - almost enough - and remembered the girls had a bag of Ruffles in their snack cabinet.  I very happily crushed those and used them without any problem except not leaving off enough salt.  Anyway, Elise loved them but asked for the recipe without Ruffles.  So I did have that success yesterday.

And today was our vacuum cleaner satisfaction.  Elise does the majority of vacuuming, and the last time she vacuumed, the cleaner was "spitting stuff back out."  Ugh.  I do hate finding the place it's stopped up, but today I had to face it.  Neither of us wanted to do it, so we were both ready to be grumpy about it, but I went first and got the well-worn 12+-year-old instruction manual, and she took off the front and was staring at it.  She admitted she did want to learn about it, and that was a good sign that I didn't have to do it all by myself.  We got the roller part cleaned of cat hair, and then I showed her how to push a long brush through one part and see if there was a clog at the bottom.  We were so thrilled to find it and find out it was easy to get out.  She's been bugging me to get a new filter, and I was thinking I could just wash the old one and it would outlive the vacuum cleaner.  So I did all that, she cleaned the plastic parts, and I washed the roller.  Then I checked Amazon and found that it would cost me all of $17 to buy 3 complete sets of filters plus two HEPA filters,  I have high hopes for the longevity of the old Shark.  We are so proud of ourselves.  We're thinking we might make a little business of cleaning vacuum cleaners for lazy people like us.  

I was on a roll and decided to work on my bathroom sink drain that's been slow for weeks.  I had done some home remedies, but I couldn't see that it made all that much difference.  I didn't want to use anything harsh because of hurting pipes, so I decided to do a Google search.  My old friend.  I found the nicest man who had a YouTube video entitled Things Even I Can Do.  He can even make pork chops, it seems!

What a nice guy to spell out how simple it would be to clean it with a little narrow brush - but I didn't have one thin enough to get in there.  Then he very clearly explained how to take that stopper thing out.  I knew you could do it, but it's always looked scary to me.  And under the counter, which is dark and low.  But I felt under there and found the screw and actually got that thing off without a wrench.  I won't even talk about the gunk that was causing the slowness, but it was definitely time to come out.  I may have bragged to Elise a little too much since she wouldn't look to see what I found.  Then I put that stopper thing back in.  It was much harder than taking it out.  I had to jiggle and push and almost stand on my head, but when I got it back in, it worked!  It even fit snugly and held water, which it had had a lot of trouble with lately.  

And that wasn't enough.  These are the other things I did today.

I tried cleaning Elise's drain, which wasn't even stopped up, but it was a more modern faucet, and I couldn't reach it easily.  

I had washed the windows of the car with my E-cloths, so I used one to clean our mirrors and and shine up our sinks. 

I couldn't figure out how to do a screenshot on my computer, so I figured out how to use the Snip feature and grab a picture (in the post above on the E-cloths).  

I listened to and understood 3 ways to pivot in a game of Mah Jongg that made sense. 

I checked my bank balance and saw that I've made it through July okay.  Having the power bill $50 cheaper helped.  

I got up a spot on the carpet in the hall in 5 minutes that we've been staring at and complaining about for 2 months.  

Filled out my ballot for the August 4th Primary.  

Two things I didn't do were make an appointment to get my hair cut and get to sleep before midnight - but I did have a good nap during the afternoon.  

And We're Back to Monday

 I'm sitting here on the front porch in my happy place with my new little computer, my phone, two notebooks, and my big novel beside me  - plus a glass of Bloom on ice, orange flavor.  It's the perfect pick-me-up for all this hard work of wasting time today.  

It's been quiet today with no girls visiting me.  I haven't heard from Kate, even though Gray is at camp this week.  I'll have to find out how she spent her day.  I know she is at DMW class right now.  Maybe they'll walk by and I can ask her. 

Here are a few pictures from yesterday afternoon before Gray left.  They left earlier than I expected, so I didn't get to text her before she left, but they did stop by for a quick hug on the way to camp.  

I guess I won't get any pictures or news during the week, but I bet she's having a great time.  She loves camp and is hoping to run into the girls she enjoyed so much last summer.  

I've signed up for Mah Jongg tomorrow and Thursday.  If Kate wants to hang out, I think she would enjoy going with me tomorrow and seeing a real game progress.  Thursday is my regular day, so no one expects anything from me at home.  

For my only signs of life today, I did a half load of laundry and washed the car windows inside and out - except for the front windshield, which I can't reach.  We aren't allowed to use the community water faucets near our garages for car washing, so we have to go to a car wash.  Elise was planning to go today and vacuum it thoroughly.  She put that off, but we do have clean windows, and hopefully it will get done tomorrow.  We have to make ourselves do things, unfortunately.  There is little sense of urgency here.  I have to also go by two post offices and try to track down a package that seems to have gotten lost in the last couple of weeks.  I'm not looking forward to that, but it can't be procrastinated long.

Speaking of cleaning windows, one of the best things I've bought this past year is a set of E-cloths.  I really didn't believe the hype on how well they work until I tried them, and it's just amazing.  I don't know how they work and don't really care, but I have not used any cleaner on my windows and mirrors in months.  You wet the thicker cloth and wipe across the surface thoroughly without scrubbing or anything.  Then you dry with the thinner cloth - which looks like a glasses-cleaning cloth.  Somehow, it gets sparkly clean with no streaks whatsoever.  I have 3 big windows across the front of my apartment, and I can have them all cleaned - the bottom half anyway - in less than 10 minutes - without using any cleaner.  

After seeing how many types of microfiber cloths are available out there, this is obviously nothing new, but it is to me.  I hardly find anything that excites me about housework, but now I like cleaning windows!

I finished my Emma K. Lion Diaries and will look for the 2nd volume.  I did a little reading on Credence, but I realized I had received an audio download I had requested, and that takes precedent since it's due first.  Anything concerning wartime is not something I jump into readily, but when I saw the author was the one who wrote the Tattooist of Auschwitz, I figured I had to give it a try.  I loved that book.  While not glossing over the horrors of that time, the story was more about human nature and how people can make a difference even in the worst of times.  This new book is Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris.  I have to be in a certain mood to read it, because these things are not always easy to hear. 

 

Learning a new computer is slow-going, but while I've been here on the porch, I've had so many conversations and waves and admirations of Bowie who is sitting beside me in the other rocker.  I think every dog who passes by is familiar with one of the cats, and they will always get those ears up and start staring at the windows of the rockers.  So funny.  Wuffie will go right out on the sidewalk and try to interact with them - which doesn't always have a good ending.  

I had a nice conversation with my new friend Julia who was strolling her little granddaughter past.  Another young mother wanted to know the names of the cats and teach her little boy their names.  The cats will love that next time.  I guess.  The hummingbirds are out buzzing around, and the flowers look good.  It's just a good way to end Monday, although I miss my girls.  

My phone died some time ago, so I need to go charge it.  I may have missed some important texts and am in trouble for it.  

New Computer Excitement

 I think I mentioned that the girls and I killed my computer lately.  It's not completely dead, but it's misbehaving so much that I can't manage it any more.  So I quickly got another one, this time a smaller, less awkward size.  I love having a big screen, but I find out I do just fine with a normal size screen.  And it's always good to clean up and have a fresh start. 

July has been busy and alternately hot and cool.  We've had a little smoke haze the last few days from terrible fires in Canada and here in the US.  Makes me really sad.  

My favorite thing has been the swimming afternoons.  It's a bit of a deal to get us all there, although it's on a few steps away.  This week they've left sunscreen at home, so they ended up using some of my tinted moisturizer with a little SPF listed.  No one got too much sun and had tons of fun. Both days, I left my keys at home, forgetting that the key to the bathrooms is on my keychain.  It wasn't hard for me to go through the office and open the outside door though, so no harm done there.  I'm not even sure that outside door was locked.  

Graysen didn't get to go on Friday because of a birthday party, but Kate took Eiri with her.  They met up with Zoe who goes every day with her grandmother, she says.  Eiri's mom, Daisha came and spent some time sitting with me, even though Eiri didn't want her there.  So funny.  Daisha admits she is the ultimate helicopter parent, but she is so much fun and a joy to be around.  The three girls had the pool to themselves - surprisingly - for a couple of hours.  They alternated playing on the floats and diving for jewels to getting out and having snacks and jumping in the hot tub.  The energy!  And they got along so well.  Eiri and Kate are both no-nonsense kiddos, and you'd thing they didn't like each other sometimes, but they just understand each other so well!  Same with Carly who went with both girls earlier in the week.  I love these little groups.  The sisters get a little tired of being together constantly and enjoy some variety.  I haven't edited the pictures, but here's a sampling.

Fjrst trip with Carley.  The girls got in, and Carley walked over and joined us.

Second trip - 3-1/2 hours.  Eiri, Zoe, and Kate.

I haven't seen much of my biggest girl since she's had a bunch of things to do - soccer, a birthday party, and an afternoon at a lake with friends.  Then this weekend it's packing for camp.  We did get this picture of the chaperone she chose to take.  

After all the drama with the braces last week, this photo appeared in my memories.  I'd love so much to have another afternoon with this girl at this age.  So precious to me.

The rest of the week has been just getting done what I can and wanted to.  I think I had another few instances of remembering that I can't cook any more - if I ever could.  I hope I remember not to try two different thigs at the same time any more.  Somehow things did work out, and we had a nice oreo pie that was perfect for these hot afternoons.  I sent the WinBins a Mexican casserole and a pineapple cake, which they raved about - but they would rave about anything!  

I got a morning with Noreen for us to catch up.  With her busy schedule of PT and healing and my time with the girls and MJ we just have been missing seeing each other.  I guess we should be glad to have some busyness in our lives.  She thinks she's about ready to join me at the pool when we have our next warm spell with any number of little boys!  

Mah Jongg was fun Thursday with me, Sharon, Lori, and Nancy.  Nancy's granddaughter zoomed in on our first game with a video of her new engagement ring, so that added some excitement.  Lori won a couple of games and Sharon one.  Nancy had a good excuse for not winning with all those wedding plans in her head, but I had none.  I managed to be within a tile or two of MJ every time, so that's all that counts with me.  We didn't play for money, so I didn't have to spend all my quarters!  

Lori got her own set and sent us a picture of that and her new mat.  It's exciting to be able to play at home when you can't get enough partners.  We were joking about how we have these exciting new toys, and no one at home cares!  Elise pretends to care.  Ha. 

 This coming week will be cloudy and not pool weather, so Kate and I might get in some practice.  I use the pink set for playing because it's cute, but the characters in the traditional set are easier to see and recognize.  I'm enjoying this little practice board, not because I especially need it, but I think it's cute, and that's what it's all about.  

Our group is all for getting the best bargains, but I am seeing some beautiful hand-painted tiles with the colors I like.  I could never justify $250 for a set of tiles unless someone I know expresses an interest in playing with them.  

Reading:  I've been out of the reading mood for a while now, but I see it coming back. 

 I'm not sure who recommended The Unselected Diaries of Emma M. Lion, Volume I of XII, but I did find it - a very thin mint green paperback written in - guess what? - diary style.  So every page wasn't even a full page of print.  I dutifully packed it in the swim bag and pulled it out, but I can't say I read more than 4 pages.  I was either distracted or bored with it or, the last day, having problems with my eyes burning.  But somehow I plowed on through it and enjoyed the last half enough that I'm kind of thinking about looking for Volume II.  

I am enjoying my bookmark that turned up today in one of my dresser drawers.  I think it was a leftover from Christmas stockings for the girls. Win for me!

I had another one in my hold list the last time I went to the library, and it's just the opposite - 536 pages.   It's Credence by Penelope Douglas. It started off okay.  I enjoy the writing, but I think it's going to get deeper than moving to a beautiful isolated place in Colorado with amazing views, and that's when I'll have to see if I want to continue.  

No plans for next week except to see what Kate might like to do and play MJ once or twice.  I'm loving the nice weather and haven't been warm enough to bring out the fan, even on the 101-degree day.