It's A Shiny Day

Lenten Gratitude--Day 8

Today I am grateful that the sun is out, 

the wind is down and even at 19 degrees, 

it wasn't too awfully cold while I filled up my car gas tank.

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It was stated in the news that Livingston County is the richest county in Michigan.  Which makes me ponder on why I am living in this County. I knew within three months of moving here that doctor, dental, medical, etc. rates where higher than the County I had just come from.  Gas prices always seem to be a bit higher here also.  Home prices certainly are.

The crime rate is extremely low, which is a good thing.  We have a population of 190,00 in this County.  96.8% White, 0.6% Black, 0.9% Asian, 1% Hispanic.  Which may explain the low crime rate. (That sounds racist, doesn't it?).  Well, truth is, as truth is.

I have lived here 12 years and I have seen perhaps a half dozen Blacks.  Of those half-dozen, five are either doctor's or attorneys, working at the U of M in Ann Arbor.  I saw a black lady in Wal-Mart last week and it sort of startled me.  I guess I have become accustomed to living in a "white" world.

Before I moved here, I lived in Saginaw and before that, I worked in Flint.  The population of white to black in those two areas is about 60-40.  We all moved around together and thought nothing of it.

Wouldn't it feel strange to be in a big Wal-Mart store and be the only person of your race?  She didn't appear to be uncomfortable, but was in a hurry.  The Wal-Mart is just one mile off the expressway--perhaps she came from the expressway and just ran in for a few items?  I don't know, but I saw other's reactions and they seemed taken aback too.  It is that unusual, in this County.  Anyway, she was behind me in the "20 or less" check-out lane and I told her to go ahead of me,  She had a lovely smile and said, "Thank You."

Where is this going?  I have no clue.  I live in the richest County in Michigan and it is 96.8% white, the crime rate is very low and I wonder if that has anything to do with it..  (There I go again.  Sounding like a racist!)
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Today I went to the Food Bank.  What a disappointment.  Perhaps because it is late in the month?  They had no ground beef--in fact they had very little meat at all.  I did get a can of beef with juice that Pearl told me she got last month and it was very good.  I also got an onion, a potato and some baby carrots.  I will put them and the beef all together and come up with something like stew.  I came up to the scales with only 21 pounds of stuff.  I am allowed 60#.  Although I never get that much.

I went up the road a bit to the gas station and filled up my car--only $20.00.  It used to cost $40.00, so I am liking the low(er) gas prices.

Then, I was going on up the road to Wal-Mart, but...I just didn't have it in me.  My stomach has been iffy for the last two days.  My neck, shoulder and arm are paining me life crazy and my back hurts.  So, I just came home, put stuff away and sat down in my chair with my hot Rice Sock over my shoulder.

I have been sleeping so well.  The doc recommended 5 mg Melatonin, a natural hormone that our bodies lose as we age.  I take it at bedtime and it really works great.  However, I have been waking up with the bad neck and shoulder ache.  Time to try a different pillow, I guess.

Dar came over this morning--at 9:30!!!  She liked my doctor!!!  She hasn't gone to a male doctor for years because she doesn't trust men and she doesn't like to be touched, by anyone, but especially men.  She is still concerned with the cyst or whatever it is in her groin.  He didn't think it was serious enough to do surgery on it and cautioned her that surgery might make things worse.  It is probably caused by adhesion's that she has from previous surgeries.  So, he is going to contact the surgeon she had gone to, and research a bit before he decides if it might just be better to go in and aspirate it.

He did get her scheduled for her colonoscopy and blood work.  She didn't quite take him into her confidence yet about her mental issues--she said, "I have to trust him more."  I wondered how it was beneficial to go to a doctor if you DIDN'T tell him everything, but then...that's Dar.

Today, Ginger was very happy with the peanuts I put out for her and Smokey and Baby Boo.  I did see them, but only got a photo of Ginger.

More Records Broken

Day 7 of Lenten Gratitude.

I am grateful that the tank of gas 

I put in my car on December 29, 2014

has lasted almost two months.

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It is becoming an old story--even for this woman who likes winter.  It's like a record, playing the same thing over and over.  "A record low temperature in Michigan again today.  Wind gusts of 35 miles per hour expected."

I was pondering last night, "what if the weather kept on like this until April?  What would we all do?" 

The only reason we can stand this kind of weather is because we BELIEVE that spring will come again--that tulips and daffodils will again bloom in our gardens--that a warm zephyr will once again caress our cheek.  

Will we complain in July when record high temperatures hit?  Of course we will!!!

At least with my Ott floor lamp over my head many hours a day, I no longer suffer from S.A.D.  February used to be a killer for me.  I was deeply depressed most of the month.  Not any more.
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So tomorrow I have to go to the Food Bank and then up to the gas station.  No one is here to offer to stand out in the bone chilling winds to fill my car up with gas.  It is not good to have barely any gas in your car in these low temperatures.  If there is the least bit of moisture in the gas lines, it WILL freeze.  Then I have to go to Wal-Mart and use my $16.00 worth of food assistance to get stuff to go with what I get at the Food bank to make meals.  I am down to $53.13 in my checking account.  Gas will cost me nearly $40.00.

Can March 3rd, Social Security day be coming any time soon?  YES IT CAN!! Thank You, God!!

I am inside today crocheting slippers.  :-)  "I'll think about tomorrow, tomorrow!" 

Slow and Quiet

Day 6 of my Lenten Gratitude

I am grateful for heat, electricity and bright sunshine

Slow and quiet--What else can be expected of a day when the awaking temperature was MINUS 17 and the high temperature is Plus 10--above zero?  To look outside, it looks like a nice warm day--the sunshine is so bright and warm coming in the windows.

I did some laundry, bedspread, sheets and jammies.  Cleaned up a bit--I still haven't figured out how one person can make such a mess in this house.  She tends to leave dishes sitting in the sink when the dishwasher is only three feet away!

Worked on my slippers I am making for next Christmas.  The pattern isn't all that difficult, but the way it is written is.  I have made one pair of slippers THREE TIMES and I think I finally have it figured out.  Lordy!!  I have done more "frogging" (rip it, rip it) than I have crocheting.

I spent some time praying, specifically for people I know or people of people I know.  Pearl had her BENIGN vaginal polyp removed today at noon.

I thought Dar had the day off, but her car has been gone all day, so far.  She was supposed to call me last Thursday, after she went to (my) the doctor for the first time, but she hasn't called.  She probably hated him because he didn't pooh-pooh her.

A neighbor up in Byron wanted to know how to get a hold of Bethie.  He lives across the road from the house where she grew up.  Someone is remodeling the house and found a letter from 1939 and he wanted to let Bethie know.  I sent her an e-mail to tell her, with his phone number.  I hope that letter is something exciting and she has inherited a million dollars stored away in an unknown bank account.

I put a lot of "stuff" out in the squirrel feeder yesterday--stale donuts, stale crackers, dried cranberries, corn and peanuts, and today, Smokey and Ginger stopped by a couple of time.  I looked out and there was Baby Boo (tiny red squirrel) on the porch floor eating whatever they threw out of the feeder.  Lots of birds lately, but no Gold Finches.  I haven't seen any in months.

I did not watch the Oscar's last night--haven't in a couple of years.  It has all become so political.  Why the award recipient can't just get up on stage, thank their parents, their agent, director and perhaps God and then say Thank You and leave, is beyond me.  Now, they have to give a dissertation about their agenda and causes.  Who gives a rat's patootie! 

Most of the actors I still recognize have aged to the point where they look almost scary--thinking of John Travolta or the women are either bone skinny, dressed in see-through gowns or are so fat and stuffed into their gowns they look ridiculous.  I swear to you, I saw a photo of Oprah and her push-up bra had her boobs flowing way up just short of her chin.  Attractive!  NOT!

However, last night Downton Abbey was marvelous.  Ladies dressed and acting like--ladies!  Shocking!  I can't believe this year's season ends next Sunday.  Why don't they have it showing for 3 months?  Now we have to wait until next January for the 6th season.  I love this show, 

because.....

I called to make an appointment to go to the Food Bank, Wednesday morning.

I expect tomorrow will be much the same as today.  There is something comforting in that fact.

Our Sweet Friend

Balisha/Pat.  

http://simplybalisha.blogspot.com/

She is where she wants to be and looking forward to her next journey.

"God be with you, 'til we meet again."

I Am Not Missing

I forgot that it's Friday and I usually post every day except the weekends.

Not much today.  It was 25 degrees below zero this morning.  I was so grateful that my car started because I had to make an emergency run to deposit some $$ in my checking account.  While I was out, I decided to get some Diet Pepsi, so that I won't have to go out until way next week.

The low gas gauge on my car is lit, so I guess I won't be traveling too far until March 3rd when my SS comes in.  Oh--yes--I also got my car washed, so I expect that all the doors will be frozen, but at least my car looks nice without all the salt and slush on it.

I woke up this morning with a bit of swelling and soreness in my jaw--right below where my tooth was excavated, the core built up and temporary put on for my crown work.  I think it is just from where I got the Novocaine--she had to give me a double shot because that dang toothie didn't want to numb.  The tooth is not hurting.

I called my orthopaedic surgeon to get a refill on my Amoxicillan for all the dental work coming up.  I have to take it because, if I got an infection, it would settle in my hips and that would not be good.

Karen called me, as she didn't have school today because of the cold--most schools in the area are closed.  There was no reason for her call--she just wanted to chat.    She asked me about my tooth and I told her.  The conversation went sort of like this:

"Mom, can I help you with that bill?"

"Nope.  I got it.  My new insurance will pay five hundred toward it.  I had a credit with the dentist for one hundred twenty dollars and they gave me a ten percent senior discount of one hundred twenty three and I can handle the rest."

"How much is left for you to pay?"

"Four hundred and sixty three.  Instead of sending them thirty dollars every month for credit for any dental work I need, I will just send them fifty and have it paid off in eight months.  "

"Well, let me help you with that.  What is the name of your dentist.  Isn't she up in Howell?"

"I can't remember her name. "

"Mom!"

"Hey--I got it just fine.  Remember I told you they cut my gas bill to forty a month and my light bill to forty five.  I have enough now to get along."

"Oh, Mom!"

"Hey.  Keep your money.  I might need a loan if something has to repaired on my car.  Now, what are you going to do today to have fun on your day off?"

I have a couple of really wonderful children.  Actually, I have four children and two are wonderful.  Two outta four ain't a bad percentage!!

The Winter of Our Discontent.

The minute I made my decision not to go to the Old Gal Pals lunch today, I felt such a sense of relief.  I'm sure I would have made the drive okay, but....#1:  I wasn't really in the mood and #2: I wasn't really in the mood.  My car was born and raised in Wisconsin.  It even has a cord to plug-in overnight to keep the engine warm--I've never used it, but they did when it lived in Wisconsin.  I have never, ever had my car not start in sub zero weather.  She has lived outside all her 17 years and I suppose she is used to it.

I drove her Saturday, Sunday, Monday and yesterday--in very cold conditions and she ran pretty well.  So I am sure she would run nicely today.  But then--I got into the "what if" mode of thinking.  I drive through the middle of no where to get up to The Farm or to the lunches.  What if, a hose blew and the care overheated and stopped while I was on one of those roads?  I'd either have to walk to the nearest house or wait until some farmer came along to help.  I'd have to call a tow truck to come pick up the car--can you imagine what that would cost?  So--I stayed home today and I am happy about it.  If I am not at the lunch, they can discuss me and that will give them something to do.

Other than missing a visit with my little sis.  We were going to play a couple of games and I was looking forward to it.  I imagine her house would be pretty cold.  She is one of those who loves the hardwood floors, slate tile in the kitchen, high ceilings.  Those kind of rooms feel cold to me every season.  I like carpeting on my floors.  Right now, it's 8 below and I'm sitting here with bare feet and quite comfortable.

Isn't it weird how home styles change?  I remember when we had wood floors--only the people with money had beautifully carpeted rooms back in the '40's and '50's.  I can remember how thrilled my mother was when they finally could afford to have the living room carpeted and the bedrooms.  Heavenly!!!  

However, I had already married and left home and was living in a little house with tile on all the floors, single pane picture windows that froze inside, halfway up the window and any bed that was shoved up next to the wall, had frozen blankets on that side.

Now, everyone is jacking the ceilings up to 15 feet plus, putting in hard floors and other hard surfaces.  They like the open floor plans.  You couldn't shut up and unused room if you wanted to.    Their rooms echo and are cold feeling.  If they have a fireplace it runs constantly and most have little ceramic heaters placed in every room.  And they wonder why their heating bills and electricity bills are sky high.

When this country runs out of oil and gas gets to be $$$$, people will start building smaller homes.  Cozy will then be the style.

Oh well.  Whatever.
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 Today--I puttered.  I pulled everything out from under the kitchen sink.  Threw away nearly empty bottles of cleaner, washed the vases I store under there, got everything organized and back together.  20 minutes, tops.  Then I put a new filter in the furnace and cleaned out the humidifier and put in a new filter.  Another 20 minutes, tops.  The new filters will get me through until spring.  I need to mop the kitchen floor, but that will have to wait until--well--some other day.  I also need to pull out the refrigerator and clean behind and under it.  I haven't done this in 5 years!!!  I bet I'll even find Fred's dog, Tootz fur still under there.

I did three loads of laundry, cleaned up the bathroom, relaxed watching my Soap and took supper out of the freezer to thaw.

As usual, Merle came down at 10:00 to haul my garbage pail from the porch to the street and then at 2:00 he came back, brought up the pail and my mail.  I have not stuck my nose outside all day--except to thank him.

We used to get Alberta Clippers, snow and cold.  Now we have advanced to the Siberian Express, more snow and colder, cold.  That curious jet stream just loves to dive further south than it ever has.  Such fun.

It is starting to snow a bit and once again, tonight, we are expecting record setting low temperatures.  I don't care!  My pipes are all wrapped with heat tape.  I have excellent insulation in the floor, roof and walls.  I have double pane windows with the Argon gas in between the panes.  I have a new furnace that keeps it a cozy 73 in here during the day and it was a shiny day.

I live a charmed life!!

YAY!! My World is Once Again Bright

Yay!!  My Sally pal is back on FB and also blogging.  I never thought anything was wrong with her, I thought it was her daughter or grand daughter, and I knew she would be devastated and unable to write about it.  Yet, My Pal Sal was the one in the ER and then hospital--with no phone.  I admit, I went a bit over board amok, because I get that way when someone I know is missing.  If you ever want to know how to search obituaries from Florida, or how to go on friends, of friends, of friends Timeline on FB to see if anyone has posted any news, just ask.  I know all the angles!!
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So today I went for a practice run for my Coronation!  I am getting my Crown on March 11.  I do believe it will be diamond encrusted for the cost of the thing!!!  BUT my new Medicare Advantage Insurance plan will pay $500.00 toward it and I already had $120.00 at the dentist, so instead of sending in money every month to built up credit, I will send in money each month to pay for my crown.  I won't have to build up credit with my dentist anymore because my insurance includes two free cleanings, one x-ray and one dental check-up each year.

Egads!!  The drilling that goes on to get the filling out and the tooth shaped and then re-built for the crown.  Two hours in the chair ANd tonight, my Tinnitus is really loud because all that loud drilling noise exacerbated the problem.  BUT  in a couple of weeks, I will have two teeth, next to each, other crowned, with crowns above them and---I AM GOING TO EAT POPCORN ONCE AGAIN!!!  I need three more, but those will come next year or two--if I live long enough.  If I don't--I am going to Heaven with at least 5 really strong, good toothies!!
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I am NOT going to the Old Gals luncheon tomorrow and so will miss a visit to my sister's.  We are going to have record setting low temperatures.  My old car runs a bit ragged in this cold weather and I do not want to take the chance of having my car break down while I am out driving in Butt Fu  Boonies with no cell phone and waiting in below zero temps for help to happen along.
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Ash Wednesday.   I do not get ashes on my forehead, although I think it would be cool to do so.  I do not give up anything for Lent.  Instead, I try to take on something new to do each day.  Like notes to people or an encouraging e-mail or something to make someone smile.  My biggest thing this year will be to get to church every Sunday.  I have become a lazy church person and haven't been since last Mother's Day.  Shame upon my little head!!!

Actually, I did try to give up something for Lent.  When I was in the ninth grade a friend asked me what I was going to give up for Lent.  I replied, "Algebra!"  Unfortunately, the Algebra teacher overheard my comment and was none to happy.  My Mother heard about it and although she tried to look stern, she got to laughing so hard that she couldn't carry off the scolding.

Life is good!!