May 30, 2020

It has been mostly quiet here at 2114.  We did get a grocery delivery.  Hubby washed the Jeep.  The soft top is worn out so a new one will arrive next week.  That means online shopping was in the mix. 

I have no words of wisdom as cities in our nation are burning.  With persons of color dying in police encounters about 6 times the number of whites.  Selling cigarettes with paying taxes, possibly passing a bogus $20 bill, jogging through a neighborhood should not be a death sentence.  Unfortunately some groups choose to use violence in response.  Living with the idea that the color of one's skin in the wrong person's mind puts a target on one's back.  I can see how that pressure could erupt in a violent manor.  I have that kind of fuse in me.

No words as Covid continues to spread and claim lives.  Our nephew in California had quintuple bypass surgery on April 28.  He was alone in the hospital with only health professionals.  May 5 he was released to home with at home PT.  Yesterday he received his PT person had tested positive for Covid.  Immediately tests were given to him, wife and son.  Today while I am writing the post the tests came back negative.  Nephew said the PT had always worn a mask and gloves.  Looks like the preventative measures worked for nephew et al.  The question becomes where the PT person was initially exposed.

Latest Texas stats for testing vs. positive results lands at 6% which is not fluctuating much.  I have been following for the last two weeks.  6% basically says to me that 1 in 17 people are infected.  I am not sure at what ratio I want to see that before venturing out to eat at a restaurant.  Any thoughts?

Enough for hard thinking.  I'll just share a few random photos from the patio one early morning.

White winged dove greets the sun.

Even the mundane become a thing of beauty in the morning light.   I noticed the sun over the angel hanging on the wire of the patio fence.  I wanted to capture the sun behind her head.  Sun and my recent surgery did not want to position in alignment with my vision.  Oh, well.  In an instant alignment changes and a few snaps.  Sun through angel wing!  This photo is SOC.

Wishing you all good health and peace.

Janice

May 29, 2020

Two days ago our little patio had to be cleared of a few things.  Actually management ask all things be removed as there are to be repairs, wall washing and new paint.  Son and # 1 GS (grandson) came to do the lifting.   "Mom, do not even thing about picking up that pot!"  Yes, sir!  So my job was to direct.

Patio umbrella needed just to be removed and carried to Goodwill.  It had broken again and Hubby did not want to mess with repairing yet again.  #1GS smiled broadly and said I can use my truck and take it for you, Grandma!   I grabbed a couple more items and that all went to the pickup, too.

As a fountain in Springfield

As a planter in Springfield

Son was moving small garden statues, boxes of rocks, etc into our apartment as well as gathering pots onto one side of the patio.   # 1 GS was taking the liner out out of the fountain.  One move and the entire pot fell into about 4 or 5 large pieces.  It was slightly at the time it was purchased at a bargain basement price.  I had reinforced the area of the crack initially and re-patched it twice since then.  Often times held together with a sturdy strap.  It was about 20 years old.  #1 GS was horrified when it fell apart.  I told him its history.  Looks you got your money's worth out of it.  Now I am having fun conjuring up a way to use containers I already have to make another fountain.

The other thrilling thing about the pot breaking was #1 GS was excited about loading more stuff in his new truck!  Gotta love youth.  As an aside about this guy, he won the Defensive MVP award last night.  The awards 'banquet' was a Zoom meeting with only the food we had in our houses. 👵 

Son and # 1 GS had the project done in no time.  There are numerous items gracing our living area that originally lived on the patio.  We drag our chair and love seat out each morning to enjoy the early morning sounds.  The birds keep looking for the fountain.  So I am not the only one missing the soothing sound of flowing water.

Hubby and I decided to rethink the patio arrangement.  The objective is to gain a bit more room to move around.  We decided on a rectangular shaped umbrella.  The new umbrella will allow the bistro table to set closer to the patio fence.    Eventually we may eliminate the round soft side planter.  It was purchased when the area outside our patio was bare soil.  We used it for vegetable gardening attempts.  We learned several things that did not work.  The petunias seem to like the area!

I'll finish this post on a totally different subject, my recovery from Nissen Fundoplication surgery.  My voice continues to remain strong.  I have not used any asthma inhalers in a week.  Minimal nasal spray use and no issue with post nasal drip.  The primary symptoms that caused the health journey over the last year appear to be almost completely resolved.  Friends and family have noticed the significant change in my voice.  The purpose of the surgery appears to be a true success story.

The only things left as I see it are these two.  The physical recovery from all the messing around in my abdomen with the instruments.  The second is the stomach adjusting to the re-enforced junction to the esophagus.  The new junction and size of stomach challenge me to be very aware of the size of bites, the frequency of bites and most certainly the moisture content of foods.  I have been successful some days and not so successful other days.  All is going well above expectations!!!!!

That's the news from Round Rock, TX, at this one particular address.  One late addition, Hubby has a torn rotator cuff.  I am beginning to think old age might have a few challenges!

Take care, 

Janice

May 27, 2020

In May, 1962, my Aunt Sissy was visiting from California.  On this date, a Sunday, shortly after noon dinner time the phone rang.  #1 Sis was in labor and moving fast.  All the adults and maybe even my baby sis headed for the hospital.  No social distancing or privacy in those days.  I was to clean up the kitchen while everyone else awaited the new arrival.  Oh, thank goodness it was a girl.  Daddy was so excited the very next morning he went to the jewelry store and purchased a baby ring for the newest star of the family. 

And what a cute curly redhead she was.  She was a momma's  or maybe daddy at times.  Did not want any thing to do with her Granny.  Granny was determined and soon learned of #1 Niece's love of cats.   Luckily our neighbor had a couple of outdoor felines.  All Granny had to do was hold out her hands and ask, "do you want to go see the kitties?".  #1 N would lean into Granny's arms.   If there were no kitties to be found #1 N demanded to be returned to her Mom.

By the 2 year level #1N and Granny were great friends.  #1N lived with Granny and Grandad for a few years after she graduated highschool.  Granny had started sewing for #1N before she was walking.  During the time #1N lived with the folks she had to be careful not to mention an outfit she thought was cute.  Within days Granny would have it made to a perfect fit.  #1N and Granny were great friends to the end of Granny's life.

The red hair and curls just kept staying curly and red.   Of course as the teen years arrived so did the need for Farrah Fawcett look.  Then came the 1980's and whatever that look was.  Others may have needed permanents to get the curly look but not #1Niece!

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By the mid 1990's the look was straight and long.  Even now still working in the same job she started after highschool, the hair is still red.  I do not ask if there is a little liquid help cause she is still beautiful as ever.  In that job she is now considered indispensable.  Manager and executive assistant.  She and her husband had one set of twin boys.  They graduated university last spring.  They were in the top 10 of their schools.  Now they are working on PhDs.  Love this accomplished, sweet woman.  

While I showed photos of #2 Niece had interactions with #2 Sis there is no such thing with #1 Niece.  No, sir re bob.  # 1 Niece will not come closer than 20 ft to # 1 Sister.  Like her Granny, this girl is a stickler for the rules.

Ya'll all take care. 

Janice 

May 26, 2020

Several of the last few mornings since I returned home I have enjoyed the early morning sounds on my patio.  No one can come any where near the limited social distancing requirement.  Many times I see no one other than the occasional dog walker on the sidewalk.

Our little fountain provides a soothing trickle sound.  The coos of the many white winged doves add to the music of nature.  The view to the northeast allows me to see about 10 miles (16 KM).  The view with distant sights brings a feeling of release.  Release from concerns, release from confinement, just a release.  Whether there are storm clouds or bright sunshine the feeling of being with nature is healing.

Yesterday morning Hubby joined me as he has other mornings.  The previous night's storm front had brought temps down from the highs of 97 F (36 C) earlier in the week to 65 F (18 C) yesterday morning.  With the slight breeze snuggling together on our little love seat felt so good.  To have the arm of my best friend across my shoulder and to lean into his massive chest, well that is about as good as it gets.  We sat quietly for several minutes.  Listening to the sounds of the holiday morning. 

Hubby tapped my shoulder and nodded to the patio floor.  There was a squirrel between our feet.  Before I could get my cell camera going the squirrel had moved off the patio.  It scampered across the stones, jumping the path and into a nearby shrub.  I was able to only catch this glimpse of the creature.

We felt so blessed to be in the middle of a retail and business area and still be able to be with nature.  It makes recovering from surgery so much easier.  It makes living in shutdown for Covid easier.  Would I love to feel my son's hug, to go to a grandson's graduation, have sister time?  Sure.  But I think I'll take this and just soak it into my soul.

Last evening Hubby prepared a pork chop for himself for his dinner.  The smell was so tantalizing.   I can only drink so much protein shake and protein waters.  The wonderful broths are great.  But the smell was soooo good.  Hubby then did this.  That is mashed potatoes, mashed green beans and a gravy from the pork chop drippings.  You know he is just the very best man for and to me.  I spent almost an hour eating this amount of food.  I savored every bite. 

Lots of flavor not much chewing!

Yesterday ended with my Facebook post of the percent of additional tests performed in the last 6 days and the percentile of that number that were positive.   There was 21.6% increase in tests.  The percent of positives was 6.1%.  That last number was down .6% with hospitalized being down 2.3%.  Those numbers are surely important to see just how well the reopening of business is going.  I choose to look forward in hope.  With that I say good day and see you tomorrow.

Live long and prosper,
Janice

May 25, 2020

Today is Memorial day.  The US of A honors those soldiers killed in service to the country on this day.  Hubby's uncle was in the service in WWI.  He died not in action but in a hospital from the Spanish Flu pandemic. As many photos as I have scanned there are none of that 18 year man child. 

Hubby's mom always spoke fondly of him.  How she adored him.  She was only 4 when he left for the service.  His mother had died and MIL was the first child from the second wife.  The document to the right hangs in our living room.  It is from France thanking the soldiers of the US for helping gain their freedom. 

As for memorials and remembering the fallen, the nations of the militaries of the world do that.  I can think of all the innocents killed during wars and hate champagnes.  A family sitting at table, asleep in their beds or just visiting a beach in Nice, France.  To be slain for one person's need for power or glory.  For a group of like minded people that think they are superior and should rule the world.  Or kill all who are not to the standards set by that group. 

Many folks minds may jump to Nazis.  They were neither the first nor, unfortunately, the last to kill the "others".   On the Military History Now website it is noted there are records on carved stone having military battles circa 2500 BCE.  Even further back is speculated between city/states.  What is it in we humans that we want to kill or subjugate other humans? 

On this Memorial Day Covid 19 continues to ravage its way around world.   Much like the flu outbreak in the 1916-1920 once ravaged the world.  I honor the memory of Uncle Harold.  But even more, I pray to the universe, to the Creator that scientists can find that bit if DNA that causes humans to kill humans.  Find it and destroy that DNA.

Peace,
Janice

May 24, 2020

Napping on Granny's sofa.

The baby girl in these photos was born on this date 57 years ago.  She is the youngest of my two older sisters' six children.  The first four were all boys.  That was a system shock for my family.  Four daughters and no brothers.  Daddy had no brothers.  Mom had 6 brothers but we only spent much time with two of them.

#1 Sis had broken the boy run the year before with the birth of her daughter.  #4 Sis and I rejoiced.  No more stinky boys.  Then #2 Sis had this little lady 362 days later.  When #2 niece was only a few months old #2 Sis's family move to a house across the street from Mom and Dad's.  Of course #4 Sis and I were still at home.  We played with this baby girl so very much.

Nieces and nephews are special creatures in our lives.  We are still young enough to have the energy to keep up with them.  Unlike being a grandparent with a bit less energy.  We may be old enough to have jobs to do some spoiling.  I was able to do that in a few short years.

#2 Sis and her family moved to Oklahoma less than two years after moving across from Mom and Dad.  My mom never forgave my sister for "taking her grandkids away from her."  My wise Granny C., Mom's mom, told Mom to quit acting like that.  The family has to go where the work is for the family.  Mom never accepted that answer with #2 Sis nor #1 Sis when she moved to Oregon.  Nor me when I moved to Missouri.    Till her dying day she would tell total strangers how we moved her grandbabies away from her.

The distance did not make a big difference in a lot of ways.  Mom and Dad put thousands of miles on autos going to football and basketball games to see the grandkids play and perform.  One of the things my #2 niece always remembered was Mom singing a little song from "Guys and Dolls", I Love You a Bushel and a Peck.  This morning #2 Sis had a small gift for #2 Niece.  It was a music box that played that song.  Our little #2 Niece cried at the memory.

May 23, 2020

Saturday morning I woke by 5 AM.  That was 5 hours straight hours of sleep.  Not really time to get up so I fell back to sleep.  I was awakened by Robbie announcing they would begin smart cleaning.  Once they were in the bedroom I noticed they had stopped.  With my app I was able to restart Robbie.  I think they get their wheels or brushes caught on something and just need a reset.  By 6:30 we were both up and moving.  Robbie is definitely faster than I am at this point. 

Robbie had finished the bedroom and I guided them to the bathroom.  Closing the door to the bedroom and opening the closet door, Robbie did their thing.  Once that area was completed I sent Robbie on the way back to the living area to complete the vacuuming.  I counted out my pills for the week then took my daily pills.  Too much, too quickly and it was no comfortable.  Still working on the best way to swallow and the best amount of liquid to carry the pills.  This will get figured out and soon!

A few other stand up chores, heat a cup of coffee and rest.  When I sat down in the recliner these beauties greeted me.  The early morning sun was just peeking over the nearby buildings.  Nothing like tulips sitting in sunshine to help one relax.

Hubby has been up for some time now.  He brought me a tablespoon of ice cream.  that went down just fine in about 4 bites.  He then prepared himself a wonderfully smelling breakfast.  I take a small sip of my flavored, protein enriched water.  Now he is watching grilling shows with all sorts of delicious looking foods.  I take another sip of the pineapple flavored water.

It will be at least 6 weeks before I can enjoy a grilled steak.  Please, no more torture, change channels!  Maybe I'll get Hubby to heat up one of the broths Son brought yesterday.  That sounds really good. 

I have no idea what the rest of the day will bring.  I am thinking a nap for sure!  And more bird watching when I am not napping.  I got a kick out of these sibling blue jays on the railing last week.

Looking at sibling like what is your problem?

I do not know, it just fells good to do this.

Mom, they are almost touching me!!!

Whiner.

Finally I can enjoy some alone time!

Ya'll all stay safe ad healthy.

Peace and love,
Janice

May 22, 2020

Received a notice there was a delivery.  Hubby asked what I had ordered.  Nothing.  He went to the hub and returned with a box.  As usual, I had fallen asleep in the recliner.  He awoke me to see tulips.  I told him where to find additional vases.  Hubby sat about being a florist.  He could do this in his spare time I think!

Yes, my sweet DIL sent these from the entire FAB family.  Later in the day Son brought three different types of broth.  Hubby had, also, made a vegetable broth.  Another young couple asked what they could bring.  I might suggest they bring Hubby some ribs.  Because he had his ear surgery.  There is probably 15 stitches in his ear as about 1.5" (3.8 cm) had flesh removed.  The ear is not bothering him.  The shoulder still is causing some pain even with the  kinesiology tape.  He says the tape does make the pain better.  We'll put new tape on tonight.

I am back to sleep for now.  No, it is not a drug sleep as I  am only taking Tylenol for the discomfort.  It is probably anesthesia side effects.  So for today,  be safe out there among the people.

Peace, love and good health.

Janice

May 21, 2020

That look on the left is me.  Maybe 6 hours after surgery.  Made it fine.  Don't know why I ever doubted.  Probably because I am human. 

Dr. Wade requested a x-ray swallow test the same day following the surgery.  That would be a check to make certain everything would go down correctly.   In addition he wanted me to stay overnight to see how food would settle in my tummy.  I was not being allowed to have anything to drink until the test was completed.  Finally about 6 PM the nurse came to say the test would not happen till the next morning. 

While I was on an IV which was keeping me hydrated, my mouth felt as if it were full of cotton balls.  After checking with Dr. Wade, I was allowed limited quantities of ice chips.  At that point ice chips were as welcome as a steak!  Which I cannot have for probably 2 months!

On Thursday morning I was the first one up for the x-ray.  The tech and doctor apologized multiple times that I had to wait.  No biggie, I was not going anywhere anyway.  Test completed and told all was great.  Yeah, I had passed another test.  One step closed to being back home.  Back to my room and I was allowed to order food.  Something warm sounded so good.  Cream of wheat it was with a cup of coffee.

Three things I learned quickly. 

1. Small bites, like 1/2 teaspoon goes down the easiest.  
2. Burping is just part of the process for a few weeks.  
3. Stomach is smaller than before surgery.  

Hubby had come up around 8 AM.  He brought a charger for my phone.  He was not allowed to enter the hospital.  He took the charger to the emergency room and it made it up to my room eventually.  Hubby returned home to await my call that I was released.  That would probably be between 2 - 3 PM.

Once the meal was complete and orders for release were received I wasted no time.  I pulled the sack out of the closet and changed into my PJs that I had worn to the hospital.  Ouch.  The waist bands were directly on top of 4 of the 5 incisions used for the surgery.  Adjusted up a bit and I was ready to go. I sat down and was asleep in a few minutes.  Jessie the nurse awoke me to sign release papers.  Hubby called and with in 20 minutes I was climbing in Icie.

The walk from Icie to the apartment felt like the longest walk I had taken in quite some time.  No time was wasted getting in the recliner and back to sleep.  The first instruction on the recovery list was rest for the first few days.  Not a problem.  No lifting, no bending, no turning or twisting, no leaning over.  Don't even think about anything using tummy muscles for at least a week or two.  Good cause it is very uncomfortable to do that!

There were calls and check ins from friends and family all over the States.  It really feels good to be surrounded by so much care and love.  Just writing about it now brings a warmth throughout my entire being.  Guess that is all for Thursday, May 21.

Peace, love and good health,
Janice

May 19, 2020

Yesterday Hubby had the pleasure of having a Basel cell removed from his left ear.  Last year he had two removed on his right ear.  The nicks in the ears have him looking a bit like an elf.  Just so pleased there is treatment for this type of cancer these days.  His grandfather lost a large section of his left jaw to skin cancer in the 1940's.  Hubby is doing much better today.

Tomorrow morning I check into the hospital at 5:30 AM.  Today I did all the stuff that I wanted to do in prep.  Laundry, clean sheets, recycling bins emptied, trash put out for pickup.  All those things that make it a bit nicer to come home.  Robbie did their part by vacuuming and mopping.  Last of all as I will be on a total full liquid diet for two weeks, I ate whatever sounded good.  I have been doing that for a couple of weeks.  Yes, I am up a few pounds.  Wonder how fast the lbs. will come off with nothing but liquids for 2 weeks?

That is about all for now.  See you on the other side of surgery!

Peace, love and good health,
Janice

Young blue jay sunning on the railing.

May 20, 2020

This post is being written a few days before the actual surgery day.  I have never been a person to be anxious about events, surgeries or things of that type.  Now driving down the road between a bunch of semi trucks will cause high anxiety if I am not careful.  But even being in charge of an event, giving speeches before large groups, nope no anxiety.  Probably because I am not a worrier by nature.  I rest in the arms of the Creator believing the best is what will be the outcome.  But ....

For some reason I am terribly anxious about this upcoming surgery.  Maybe it is because it has hit so many delays.  Delays like vacations.  Three different doctors were on vacations in December, January and March.  Those vacations delayed visits that allowed me to move to the next step in the process.  Delay like a family emergency.  The first surgeon had a family emergency that delayed the February visit until sometime in April.  I finally decided to change surgeons in late February.  The second  surgeon went on a week vacation with his children during spring break.  Delay by a world wide pandemic.  Yes, before I could even see the second surgeon Covid lockdowns became the rule.

In addition to the delays the symptoms of the acid reflux have continued to worsen.  Even with the asthma treatments, double doses of PPR, my breathing is again accompanied by wheezing.  My laryngitis gets worse each day.  Usually I could speak in the mornings loudly enough that hubby could hear me from his chair.  Today I am using hand signals to tell him something.  Or texts.  Yes, I fear that something else will delay the surgery.  Or that the surgery will not correct the problem.  Or I will die.

Dying without being able to tell the people I love how much they mean to me.  Dying without hugging my son, my DIL, my grandkids, my sisters, my friends one more time.  Dying too soon.  I am not fearful of death itself, just not getting to say good bye.

I spoke to my three sisters in private about the anxiety today.  They as usual helped me with encouraging words.  They, too, prior to certain surgeries had felt anxious.  Youngest suggested I write a letter to my family telling them how I feel about them.  Leave it with someone with instructions to destroy if I live.  Send it if I die.

So this post is for all my blogger friends.  You each one over the course of the last 8 years have added such joy to my life.  You have allowed me to 'see' places around this magnificent globe.  You have challenged my thoughts.  You have made me laugh, cry and dream.  From YAM in Scotland to Wren wherever she lights!  From Furry Gnome and Cheryl-Lynn in Canada to Chevrefeuille and Mara in The Netherlands and Georgia in Italy.  Lord only knows where Hamish the Forest Bather is today.  Jen, Ginny (Lemon Drop Pie), Ada, Magical Mystical Teacher, Retirement pastels, Gretchen (Second Blooming) folks on all the different photo and writing memes have all helped me and others in this life journey.  Each adding their individual puzzle piece to this glorious universe.  Thank you and keep up all that good work.

The surgery has a 99% success rate.  Or at least that is what I choose to believe.  The blogsphere? Those I chose to pal around with are 100% wonderful.

Peace, love and continued good health during this pandemic.
Janice

May 9, 2020

Lower right is a two person rock.

Holding down the umbrella.

You know how there is one project that just continues to need tweaking?  Yeah, we all have at least one in our lives.  One of mine/ours is the box of rocks.  We all know by now I pick up rocks from different places I visit.  Hubby's parents picked up rocks on their camping trip from Missouri to Alaska and back home.  Those rocks were given to our son.  Most all rocks have been fist size and smaller.  There are a few that require a couple of folks to lift.  Yes, seriously.  I moved these from Missouri 6+ years ago.  I left several tons in the old back yard.

Surrounding the cloth edges of the planter.

Son and Youngest Nephew had to graciously carried all those rocks from the moving van to the patio.  Thank goodness it was not too far.  I mean, who moves this many rocks anyway.


In 2010 a very close friend hosted a rehearsal dinner.  Here is a photo of the centerpiece that inspired my box of rocks.  That is how I could manage all the little rocks that we had collected since the early days of marriage.  I think it was later that year that Hubby built me a similar box just a larger size.  Derned if I can find a photo of the original box.   I used it with flowers in a vase as the centerpiece for a table I decorated for a large banquet.  Afterwards the box sat on my coffee table at home.

When we relocated to the smaller apartment in 2013 the box of rocks was put aside for a while.  Eventually we purchased Plexiglas and placed it over the top of the box.  It then took up residence on our patio.  Last year we discovered the wood was beginning to rot.  Hubby to the rescue again.  He really is handy to have around.  A visit to either Home Depot or Lowe's, either within 3/4 mile of us, resulted in a box of polywood.  That product is made from wood shaving and recycled plastic.  It does not rot.  Rocks arranged, sealant tape applied to box and Plexiglas and we were good to go back on the patio.

During my recent patio spring clean I noticed water.  Water inside the box of rocks.  Ugh.  The sealant tape was no longer sealing.  Plexiglas removed.  Box of rocks turned over and left to dry out for a few days.  Hubby suggested thicker Plexiglas.  I check the price for size we would need.  > $100.  It is a bunch of rocks.  They can get wet for that price.  Let's just use what we have with some silicone caulking for the sealant.  While you are at it, attach that set of legs you, Hubby, found at the trash shoot one day.  You would not believe the stuff folks throw away.  And we are maybe 1/2 mile from a Salvation Army collection center, but I digress.

I piddled arranging and gluing the rocks in place.  Adding a plastic butterfly Mom painted, two metal dragonflies, reindeer moss, sand from the Gulf of Mexico Coast and shells from the Atlantic seaboard.  Last was the small piece of driftwood from the Oregon coast from our 1971 trip.  There were rocks from that 1971 trip and two from the 2018 Oregon trip glued to the driftwood.

Sealant spread on the edges.  Plexiglas installed and weights along the edges to hold in place until the sealant dried.  Another ribbon of sealant along the vertical edge and this was the result.  At home on the patio.  We have had about 3 storms since placing it on the patio.  No leaks so far!  Score another good job for Hubby.

Son stopped by to leave DJ for a visit a few days before the project was finished.  He started remembering places where some of the rocks were picked up on family vacations.  That made the effort even more worth while. 

Guess this is one of the advantages of a lock down.  Time to work on that one or maybe two projects that just will not go away, time and again.

If you are ever near the corner of I 35 and State 45 in Round Rock, TX, stop in for a cuppa.  We'll talk rocks.  As an aside, it is sort of ironic I live in a town named "Round Rock" in honor of a single rock.  A rock marking a safe place to cross the creek.

Well, thanks so much for stopping by for a brief visit.  Your visit means a lot.  Now, ya'll all stay safe and healthy.  We're doing our best to stay healthy.  Peace and love.

Janice

May 17, 2020

Well, now I am a statistic.  In order to complete my pre-admission forms I had to have a Covid -19 swab.  Not comfortable but lasted only 5 seconds in each nostril and it was done.  One more Texan tested.  Once that was complete we headed to get some take out breakfast.  It was 11 AM and Panera Bread was open for drive thru.  Mmmm, cinnamon crunch bagels, a breakfast sandwich and yummy hazelnut coffee filled Icie (our car) with the best smells.  Next stop, San Gabriel River park.

We sat in Icie with the windows down and watched the people enjoying the park.  Seemed most were practicing social distancing outside their own group.  Of about 100 folks we observed while enjoying the view about 2 were wearing masks.  We had our masks with us as required for the Covid drive thru testing.  But eating and masks, well, that does not work.

We wound our way through come country roads on the way home.  There were wheat and corn fields.  The wheat is ripe and ready for harvest.  The corn stalks have set ears that are silking.  In a few places the rich, black sandy loam was visible.  Unfortunately it appeared a housing developement was being laid out in the fertile soil.  As a former farm girl it tears me up to see good farm land paved over with cement and houses.

Once home we settled into our lounge chairs.  I read a few articles and caught up on missed blog posts.  Clicking over to facebook brought a pleasant surprise.  A friend up in Hubby's home town in Missouri was going through his mother's possessions.  He took a photo of something he thought important/interesting for my Hubby.

 Yes, of great interest.  That was Hubby's dad's ad in the local newspaper.  Dad A. had been doing his radio repairs for the community from their home.  Now the repair shop would be located in the Aurora downtown area.  Hubby had just turned 9 years old that same month.  Hubby will be 80 that month this year.  A 79 year old newspaper reminder of Hubby's roots.  Gotta love that 3 digit phone number.  And no address needed for Wiley Tire & Home Supply.  Cause in a small town everyone knows where Wiley's is located.

I have been wondering if the people of The Greatest Generation complied with the wartime laws like blackout times.  Wikipedia says initially, no.  The cities along the seaboards said it would be detrimental to the tourism industry.  As a result, submarines used the city lights to locate the silhouettes of ships. 

"The result was a disastrous loss of shipping, dubbed by German submariners as the "Second Happy Time".^[   

Putting $$ first ended up costing even more in the loss of merchant ships.  Guess each generation has to learn its own lessons. 

Ya'll all stay healthy, peaceful and know this person loves you.

Janice