Finally Friday

A report from the follies of us.  We have made it through another day without a disaster.  Undercounter lights fully installed.  Above cabinet lights and decorations are mostly in place. The smart plug has a code on the back to help add it to Google home.  That is on top of the cabinets.  So one more trip up the step ladder to get that scanned.  I'll swap the light's place at that time.

More and more of the counter top is being emptied of the little projects.  The guest bath closet was organized yesterday.  That allowed me to clear out a large amount of the items in the utility closet, also.  That is what settling in is about, it is getting things in a place that makes sense for our lifestyle.  Not the lifestyle of the rich and famous but old and what is our life ahead.  Will I really maybe paint a bit again?  Will we maybe go camping sort of again?  Who knows but we can have a few things in place in case we decide do more than sit at home.

This place is starting to feel like home as familiar things start appearing.  Two of the smart plugs still are mad at me but I just don't care.  They have no idea what they are missing.  We have not found Hubby's backpack.  It is lost.  Along with his earbuds.  Lord only knows what else was in the bag.  Does not matter.  It's just stuff.  Hubby is still here and that is all that matters.

I have cooked meals two nights in a row.  That tells you how much we have accomplished.  I need to do laundry tomorrow.  That will take up about 4 hours of sitting in the laundry room.  Hubby is sort of encouraging me to go ahead and get a washer and dryer.  We'll see.  Right now I do not want to have to think that much.

Other than the fact that we have been having thunderstorms every few days not much news from Austin.  Y'all take care.

Janice

Tuesday Two Step

After all the excitement on Saturday with the TV falling over on Hubby, we have stayed pretty low key.  Have temporarily put some lights up in the utility closet.  I may have used clothes pins to attach to the wire shelving...  It works and now we can see what we are digging for in the little freezer.  That really helps. 

Under cabinet lights are about ready to be installed in the kitchen area.  Having to get a slightly longer USB-c to USB -c connector that will arrive on Thursday.  The new switch for the Dyson vacuum has been delayed at the Kyle, TX, Amazon distribution center.  The last package that was delayed from that center never showed up at our place.  Just checked orders and two additional orders are at our mailbox hub.  Guess I may have to get out after a bit and go get those things before someone decides to send them back!

Today was grocery pickup day.  The online ordering, adding as Hubby and I remember items, and the simplicity of picking up the items is so helpful.  With our being in an apartment, there is no parking in the garage, opening a door and being in our home.  This particular apartment is on the fourth floor at the end of the hall away from the elevator.  Of course, stairs are just a few steps away but, no.  That is not going to happen no matter how many people 15 and 20 years younger tell us it would be better for our health.  I personally think the falling risk is greater than the health benefits.

Digressing from the requirements of getting groceries from our car to the apartment.  We park almost directly below our apartment.  While having a winch assembly might seem like a nice shortcut, it would probably be about as useful as climbing 4 flights of stairs with groceries.  Our handy little cart shown here in the hall utility room is used to transport the plastic tubs with lids to the car.  All get loaded into the car and travel the .75 mile to the grocery store.  Paper bags of groceries are placed in the tubs, return to apartment, cover tubs, load onto the cart, and return to the 4th floor via the elevator.

The distance is a bit further than in our previous apartment.  We, also, do not have cover when we are loading and unloading the car.  That was the one thing we miss, covered parking.  We will get over it.  The distance to get into the building is only about 30 steps so we never get too soaked.  Anyway, that is some of what apartment life is being like for us.

I have snapped a few photos of the main part of our apartment.  Of course Hubby might disagree  as I have not included photos of his ham shack/guest bedroom.  I apologize for the blurry as my hands are a bit shaky tonight.  Just another of some of the new little challenges.

Entry hall, ham shack to the right.  Another Goodwill box.

Living area with clutter of projects on kitchen cabinet.  Will they ever all get done?

Dining area with Hubby making apple butter.  That will be good!  Our bedroom door at left.

Looking across the living area and our nests.

  

Most of the bedroom and bath.  You may have noticed we have lots of windows.  The bedroom windows face east of northeast.  Really bright in the morning.  Room darkening curtains have been added.  

On this side of the apartment which includes the balcony we overlook a school playground.  It is fun to watch the kids at play.  It is a private school.  Males wear shorts and pants.  The girls wear short skirts.  I am told the girls are required to wear shorts or leggings beneath the skirts.  Whatever.

That is about all for now.  You folks out there, take care.  Know you are loved and are important to me.

Janice

The Week Continues!

 Of course the week continues.  I have finally had to admit that this move and settling in is being a struggle.  A simple task can turn into a 3 - 5 hour ordeal.  I was changing out an extension cord to our coffee center.  The simple task was going really good.  While I was replacing the cords it became apparent dusting the china cupboard needed dusting.  I would rearrange Granny's fan and the other items and dust while doing this.  I was on a single step stool getting my little, easy project done.  Suddenly a terrible crashing sound filled the room.

Nope, Granny's fan was still in place.  Then I hear Hubby yelling for help.  His chosen project was to roll out the TV cabinet.  He would then connect the speaker system.  Something had gone terribly wrong as two of the wheels were collapsed.  Hubby was holding the 50+ inch flat screen at about a 45 degree angle.  His face planted in the middle.  OMG.  The videos, CD, books, et al were spilled onto the floor.  And to complicate it even more all the wires for internet, antenna, router, et al were still attached to the TV.

Hubby needed help to first hold the TV.  I grabbed my end.  That freed one of Hubby's hands to begin unhooking the array of wires from the TV.  Once detached we had to find a place to sit the TV down.  Remember all that stuff was spilled onto the floor.  Finally able to set the TV in a secure location we looked at each other in bewilderment.  Obviously there had been a variety of four letter words flying about from my mouth.  Hubby had said his preferred swear word . . . many times.

Assessment of the situation gave us a plan of action.  Remove the spilled items.  Tilt the stand to a fixed position on its back.  Place books, you know the ones that has spilled onto the floor, under each end of the stand so Hubby can remove the remaining wheels.  We would put the stand on furniture glides so it could be moved without damaging the floor.  Plan in place and in action.  Hubby removing wheels, me finding places for the books stored in the unit.

The plan B, C, or whatever was successful.  We lifted the TV to its place on the now wheeless stand.  Hubby began the work of reattaching all the cables, etc.  He even was able to accomplish the initial project of attaching the sound system to the TV.  I busied myself finishing my project of the power cords and dusting furniture.  After dealing with the chaos the spilled objects were replaced to their former locations.  It was now between 4 and 5 hours from the initial crashing sounds.  Old people do not move quickly. 

Neither of us had the energy left to prep a meal.  DJ the granddog was to spend the night with us.  We needed to drive across town to get her.  So make this work for our good.  To go food was ordered from Outback to be picked up on our return trip.  A meal of steak, baked potato and a salad was what Hubby deserved after winning the battle of the attacking TV and stand.  A glass of wine finished the day.                                                                                                                                                                                   Sunday morning after the early morning walk for DJ Hubby made a profound statement.  "I am not touching the TV today."  I think it will not happen for a loooonnnnngggg time.

TV stand on glides.  White hose out of place.

Hubby and DJ resting.

Take care out there.

Janice

PS:  Hubby just touched the TV.  He cleaned his cheek mark off the display. No human, animal, or device was harmed during the work.  ; )

This Week!

Electronics and machines have sort of dominated this week.  Smart plugs, computers, weather stations, smart lights, internet outage, and other stuff have just not been co-operative.  Several devices require 2.4 Ghz and our Spectrum supplied router is dual band that will not let most devices see anything but 5 Ghz.  Spectrum app has no place for me to be able to select the band to which a device needs to connect.  The "chat" box does not get it.  Online help has thus far not been able to advise.  And the Spectrum app continues to note the modem is having connectivity issues.  Noooo Kidding!  We are all having connectivity issues.

Our little Robbie the Robot gave up his/her/their last sweep in a loud whining sound.  Nothing could coax them back to giving a suck.  A new Shark robot was purchased. Beginning Friday Hubby downloaded the app and began attempting to attach the Shark to our internet.  Calls to and from Shark customer service lasted over a period of about 5 days.  It was finally established the wifi was not working.  Shark would send a new unit.  No return of the first unit.  Do whatever we want to do with it. 

Since the robot was not going to clean our apartment I pulled out the reliable Dyson DB26.  I vacuumed  our bedroom, window sills, bath, and closet.  As we had already done several projects by that time so I knew it was time for me to stop for that day.  The next morning I pulled out the vacuum to finish the job.  I pushed the on switch which immediately popped up rendering the vacuum useless.  More attempts gave the same result.  

It is possible I needed to clean the filters.  So all filters were pulled and washed.  There would be no vacuuming till the filters dried the next day.  Hubby returned home from coffee with some friends.  He pulled out the contact cleaner spray and was able to get the vacuum to stay running.  Well, till the spray would dry.  By the time the filters were dry the vacuum was still not working.  The robot could at least be used without being able to program it but Hubby wasn't keen on that.

Today I found a switch for the Dyson.  It arrives on Tuesday. Only FedEx and the shipping gods know when the robot will arrive.  Currently the spare bedroom/ham shack/office has tubs of stuff in the middle of the floor.  We discussed the situation and decided stuff could just stay where it is until we can get some vacuum running.  

The week did have a lot of good things happen, too.  Blackout curtains were purchased and Hubby installed.  The picture hanging system is installed.  Several pictures have found their new home's walls.  Hubby replaced is computer that has been a challenge since its touch screen quit working.  The therapist that I have been visiting weekly for almost six months said she thought she could release me in a couple of weeks.  So lots of good stuff.  

Friday night we joined Son and the last two grandsons still living in state for dinner.  Icing on the week.

Son, #4 Grandson, hat and hair of #3 Grandson, Hubby, almost me.

One side of living area with piles of 'where do these go?' items.

Dining area.

Time to Settle Into the New Place

 After months of looking, planning, and even packing March 6 had movers come into our little one bedroom apartment.  One of the guys said, "She has stuff crammed in every little place".  The four guys spent about 8 hours packing our place.  That was totally different than the full house move we made in 2013.  These guys were newbies.  The ones in Missouri, much more experienced.  There was more to move in Missouri.  Two men and one woman had it packed in less than 8 hours.  Experience makes a difference.

The bottom line is I still have too much stuff.  We did make numerous trips to Salvation Army and Goodwill.  Since neither of us were being allowed to climb ladders, numerous things required the assistance of Son, Grandsons #3 and #4 to finish the tasks.  Finally, on April 8 the La Frontera apartment keys were turned over to the manager.  Another chapter complete.

The La Frontera location was ideal for the years of helping with grandchildren.  None of the FAB kids had drivers license at the time we moved.  The oldest was not even a teenager.  We did our share of pickups, taking forgotten lunches, carting to soccer practice, dog sitting, swim meets, soccer games, track meets, football games, lacrosse games, etc., etc., etc.  Now only two of the kids even live in Texas.  Grandson #3 graduates from high school in about one month.  He has his own vehicle and takes #4 to different places.  Grandpa still does pickup duty on Tuesday and Thursday cause #4 chooses not to have a drivers permit.  And he loves spending time with Grandpa.

With all that being said, now it is time to settle into the new digs.  I know it has been over a month so what has taken so long?  I'll just give a bullet list of the whys.

• March 6, moved and slept at new place.
• March 7-9 Unpacked about 40+ boxes
• March 10-13 In Dallas area for Sister #1's memorial service.
• Out of state cousins in required extra days
• Service was live streamed for Sister's Facebook tribe.
• March 13-19 Flew to Florida to spend Spring Break with FAB family.
• Beach time
• Shopping with DIL
• Celebrate a Grandson #3's friend's birthday
• Eating out a lot!
• Lots of fresh seafood
• Ate fish caught by grandsons that a restaurant prepared.  Yummy
• Naps!
• March 19-20 Returned to Dallas
• 19th evening celebrated Sister #4's and Baby BIL's 45th wedding anniversary with them.
• 20th returned to Austin apartment and unpacked about 20 boxes that afternoon and evening.
• March 21-27 Unpacking, unpacking, arranging, arranging.
• I had a lot of stuff that would only fit in certain places.
• We had two new wire shelves for additional storage in guest closet and balcony storage closet. 
• Every shelf, cabinet, and closet were filled but not really organized.
• Some how we managed to do laundry from 10 days of travel at our old apt.
• March 28 started at about 6 AM/
• Stopped by the old place and transferred clothing into the dryer.
• Stopped at grocery store to picked up food.
• Arrived at airport around 8:30 AM to retrieve Cousin for her 10 day visit.
• Breakfast and return to new apartment.
• Hubby goes for dental appointment and doctors refuse service.  UGH
• Pick up DJ the granddog for 5 day doggie sitting.
• Take numerous valium, not really.
• March 29-April 6
• Ride around 3 different days looking at all the beautiful bluebonnets.
• Bluebonnet loop
• Eat at Bluebonnet Cafe
• Share meals with Son and family.
• All gather for the help from family to clear old apartment.
• Tour LBJ Presidential Library
• Watch March Madness basketball tournament
• Figure out how to get a service.
• Watched 4 games over two days
• Watch movies and TV at home as weather is cold and rainy
• 80 for Brady
• Binged NCIS
• Binged Perry Mason
• Put together a puzzle
• Discussing the world situation
• No naps
• April 6 8 AM leave for airport for Cousin's return trip home.
• Spent remainder of day catching up on laundry in our apartment building's laundry room.
• Lots of towels and bedding
• Lots of old people clothing!
• still no nap
• April 7
• Last clean of old apartment
• Found more items that need to be taken off walls.
• Holy crap, we have too much stuff.
• April 8
• Why is there still more stuff here?
• Oh, it is cleaning stuff.
• Turned in keys.
• Headed to IHop of food.
• It is surely time for a nap!
• April 9 was brunch with Son and DIL to celebrate Easter
• Wonderful food on patio in gorgeous weather!
• Had leftovers for another meal
• April 10 was time to get Jeep inspected and licensed for another year
• Hubby spent all morning dealing with Jeep
• I did some more arranging
• Sat down to computer to check on orders and an issue.
• Fell asleep.

That is why is is finally time to begin to really settle into our new apartment.  I wonder if we shall ever find Hubby's lost backpack.  And a few other items.

DJ naps while I put together a cart for kitchen

Hubby picking up DJ poop in the bluebonnet field.

A unique wall in the LBJ Presidential Library

Old apartment

We plan to take our time getting things in place.  I may actually feel like posting more frequently.  If I can stay awake long enough.

Take care,

Janice