Blustery PNW...

      This been a blustery PNW these past few days.  When the RAINS come it sounds like I am living and sleeping under a hard pouring shower-head. Washington made the weather news as a heavy prewinter storm rolled in Friday PM.  It will be rolling out tomorrow (Tuesday).  It will be rolling into the midwest in a few days.  The first snow of the season is forecast for northern Minnesota toward the weekend.

 This is known as a "sun break" in the rains.  They happen quite frequently over the winter months.
5 minutes later it is all black and rainy again.

(This is a really lovely scenery photo--I think)








     Sunday afternoon was a time to say inside for me.  A good time to connect with 2 friends back in the midwest.  I called my sister, Katie, in Indianapolis, which is 3 hours ahead of our time.  Also called sister-in-law, Betty, in Park Falls.  It was refreshing to hear of news from those locations, but especially to hear familiar family voices.  Nice.
     Very early this AM I thought I heard the sound of geese flying over.  In Wisconsin that signals their departure to avoid the cold of winter.  Here that signals their return for the milder winter temperatures.  There is a "wet lands" connected to the park.  Last winter flocks of ducks and geese would routinely fly over.  I didn't realize until mid summer that I hadn't heard them for several weeks. I miss hearing them and actually look forward to our "winter" when they will again be an active part of our neighborhood.   When I hear and see the ducks fly over it really quacks me up.

      Late in the morning I took a walk while there was a break in the storm.  That lasted about 20 minutes.  I did view activity across the street from me--a little excitement in the neighborhood.  Preparations for a new mobile manufactured home. I enjoy observing the progress and maybe.....just maybe....take a few pictures.

     Shortly after returning from the walk I heard a small commotion outside.  Taking a look I watched small birds converge on the covered porch railing next door.  It was a small bird gathering.  A gathering of small birds?  OR  a small gathering of birds?  Soon some were taking refuge from the storm on one of the window frames.

 
 Now observe the plants on the porch.  That really bothers me.  They have been there since early August.  That is my neighbor's porch.  Why, you ask, does that bother me?  Because she is a negligent person?  No.  It disturbs me because since they have been there so long I wonder if I put them there and have forgotten that I did.  Yikes.
See, earlier in the summer I DID put some plants on that porch so that they would be out of the sun while I was gone a week's trip.  BUT, I remembered that I put them there and retrieved them when I got home.  NOW, though, I ponder and ponder, "Did I buy them, thinking I would plant them after some trip I took?"  I honestly don't think I did.  Hopefully the lady next door is simply a negligent person.

        I had a lesson with my only piano student this afternoon.  She is cute and is catching on.  Her mom is still waiting to see if she will like the lessons enough to keep on.  I told the girl that if she is having fun taking piano lessons she should tell all her friends at school and maybe they will take lessons, too.  "Yah", she replied, "I can be like a commercial on TV".  Maybe it will work.  

      This has been a good 2 "blustery PNW" days in the life of Grandma G.

      "He [Jesus] got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm."
(Luke 8:24)

The White Car Club.....

      That's it, Folks.  That is the big news.  Grandma G has become a member of the White Car Club!

                                                            It's not new, but it is to me.  
             A 2005 Hyundai Tuscon with lots of miles on it, but should serve me well for a long time.

         I was out for a walk last Sunday evening, when this little fellow caught my eye.  He was parked in the park. (Ha, Ha) in a driveway not far from here.  He had my name written all over him.   After some discussion with the owner and a short drive, I really wanted to get it.  However, I did agonize a number of hours if I could make the purchase possible.  You see the decision.
        Friday, Ted and I went to the banks to finalize the deal.  We shook hands and agreed we both want a good reputation since we both live in the same park and know where each other lives.
        Within a few hours I had new plates to put on the car and an appointment to purchase insurance from a lady who moved here from Indianapolis.  (I am eager to meet her, just to talk Indianapolis.)
         I was then on my way to Fred Meyers for some shopping therapy....groceries, plus checking out the clothing sales.  It was mainly a business stop since I hung up some fliers advertising Grandma G's studio.  Finally.
_____________________________________________________

        A Saturday Grandma G misadventure.....
         On Friday evening I parked my "old" car  about a block away in the visitors parking spaces.  There is room for only one car in my driveway.  I don't normally lock the car, but this time I did since it was a block away.   I went to bed feeling good about the new white SUV in my driveway.   Come Saturday morning I decided to go to water aerobics since I missed all week.  Also decided to drive the SUV.  I proudly got the SUV driver's key and headed out to the club house.  Once there I realized I didn't have the club house key to get in.  No one was in the office since it was the weekend.  Neither were there other latecomers around that could open the door for me.  So I figured I would drive back home to get the club house key.
OOPS.  The house was locked and I didn't bring the key.  OOPS.  The other car that held the other house key was also locked.  OOPS.  I couldn't even make a phone call cause all my stuff was locked in my house. What to do?  What to do?   I hadn't gotten the license plates put on the SUV yet and there was no insurance on it.  Yet the only option was to drive to Debbie's house and hope they were home and still had the spare keys I gave them almost a year ago.
           I didn't want to get out on the road with the SUV yet, but there were no other options.  Fortunately I arrived at Deb's house--a 20 minute drive--without incident or being pulled over.  Sissy was just pulling in with her car.  (She was excited about Gram's new car.)  Once I got in the house Deb was wondering what I was doing there.  Had I come just in time to go to Jake's football game with them?  NOPE.  I'm looking for a key to get into my house.  After some hassle Sissy found the spare key.  Within a few minutes they were both out their door to go into Portland and then Jake's game.   Had I arrived 10-15 minutes later they would have been gone.  OOPS. But it's OK cause they were still home.  They invited me to ride along but I was eager to get back to my little home without any SUV  incidents.  That I did......and stayed in the rest of the day.

          I stayed in partly because we are having an early PNW winter storm.  Translated that means RAIN, RAIN, RAIN, and more RAIN......and in this event.....hard winds.   As long as I didn't have to get out and drive in it, it still isn't as gnarly as an early Northern Wisconsin snow storm.


         It was a productive stay in day.  I found all my shoes that came along from Wisconsin, but were still hidden away in large black plastic bags.   I've been out to stores looking at shoes and boots to find the perfect ones for various weather scenarios.  And also ones that are therapeutic for the neuroma on my right foot.  In Wisconsin one had to prepare for cold, snow and ice.  Here one has to prepare for....RAIN.  Anyway, now my closet floor looks like it could be catering to a centipede.  Also cleaned up the kitchen, washed dishes and the laundry.   The rain is still coming down abundantly, even late into this night.  They say that's what it does out here in the PNW.

      This has been a good 2 "new, used white SUV" days in the life of Grandma G.

      "As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat.  His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool."  (Daniel 7:9)

         

Getting Well....

Well, almost....
        It must be a flu virus....headache, stiff and sore muscles, stomach hurts.  But I got up and going Wednesday morning.  Debbie texted and asked if I wanted to drive to Beaverton with her to drop off a car for servicing around noon.  At a BMW dealership.  Sure, I would go along. The weather was sunny.

  Hopefully, getting out a bit might make me feel better.  Probably would be my only time "visiting" a BMW dealership.  A good way to spend a not feeling good day.

A drive through Portland






     
 In the evening.... I bought my plane ticket.  I did.  But I'm not telling for where or when (though soon).  You'll have to check back to see where my next great adventure will be and with whom.  Woo!  Woo!
       I am excited about Friday!!  Something BIG is happening for me. But I'm not telling


       _____________________________________________

       Thankfully on Thursday I was feeling somewhat better, but not completely.  I spent a quiet yet productive day at home.  Actually passed up going with the Red Hats on their outing.  
A lot of the day was occupied with computer researching work---for insurances, medical record releases, emails, advertising, etc.  (I find I am doing lots of "sit down" work these days.  Need to learn how to take breaks and incorporate stretching and exercising.) There was one fun surprise when I discovered the insurance rep I talked on the phone with here in VC moved here from Indianapolis--my home town.  I am eager to meet her. 
         I did take a walk in the park late afternoon.  The air was warm and the sun bright. There is a forecast of heavy rains coming the next few days. It was refreshing to get out and go walking. I was gratified to meet up and chat with people that I am recognizing and they me.  That makes me feel like a welcome member of the neighborhood.  Some had heard that I was sick and wondered how I am doing.  Nice.
          Then it was time for tea on the deck while I studied the new Medicare packet of info that just arrived in the mail.  It is time to once again be confused and struggle with a decision about supplements.  Sigh.
         I am ready for the winter, though.  The view from my dining table (and work table) is satisfying!





      
Tomorrow is a BIG day for me.  Check back tomorrow and find out what is the latest!!

     This has been a good 2 "not feeling well" days in the life of Grandma G.

      "Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people."  (Matthew 4:23)

Lazy, Lazy, Lazy.....

         Grandma G has been LAZY, LAZY, LAZY......SORRY, SORRY, SORRY......
I wish I could say that a lot has happened,  but I can't.  SORRY..... 

     Friday Zach and Amanda came over to put together a table for my side porch so I have a surface to put things on.  Also did a 2 mile walk before forecasted rain moved in on Saturday
       

Reward after walking: fresh mango, dark chocolate and Yorkshire Gold tea served on the deck......











   Saturday,  after water aerobics, I couldn't decide what to do.  Rain had moved in.  Jake had a football game at 4PM.  Wasn't sure if I wanted to sit in the rain.  Zach and Amanda came over to give me a ride to Freddy's and then onto the game. We got to sit under a roof while the kids played in the rain. All the family was there except for Keys had traveled to England for work.  After the game everyone went separate ways so Deb and I were able to go alone for dinner across the river into Portland.  Finally, we had an opportunity to visit and eat peacefully quiet!
          Sunday was a blustery, windy, autumn PNW day.  After church service I spent most of the afternoon watching Wild America.  It was a  lazy senior time-----until I checked Face Book and read on there the request for prayers for dads of the band, No Excuse.  There was one there for Devin's dad.  Devin's dad?  Devin's? dad?  Why, that's My Son, Burt.  He had surgery?  What for?   I mentally listed all the possibilities.  Must have been an emergency since I hadn't heard anything.   After contacting Burt, he assured me that he is fine.  He had out patient surgery for a torn knee ligament. 
         Suddenly and silently the blustery, windy, autumn PNW weather turned calm and sunny.  Yeah!  Time for a pleasant walk to shake off the laziness---followed by an hour's stretching.  
         Monday was another lazy day.  EXCEPT.....I had seen something that caught my eye while out walking Sunday evening.  NOPE.  NOT a MAN.  Something else.  I even memorized the number to call.  And that I did on Monday.  I met with someone that afternoon.  I had something to talk about when I drove to Deb's in the evening.  She had made chicken soup and invited me over.  So chat we did.  
         I was grateful Deb sent chicken soup home with me.  I felt a bit sick overnight and then into today.  (Some time in the dark of the night I was abruptly wakened by a loud bang, Some thing had fallen,  What?  I was not about to get up and check, but it took a bit for the scare to pass.  Next morning I discovered a small picture had fallen off a wall.)  The soup was just what I needed.  Spent most of the day mentally determining what decision to make about what caught my attention.  And what decision did I make about what?   Well, you'll have to check back in a day or two to find out.  WHAT? 
        And the rest of today.  BBC America had a marathon of Star Trek so Grandma G has been sitting on her duff watching TV.  But, that is OK since I am sick.  Oh, yah.  But Grandma G's duff  is getting sore.  Enough of this stuff.  Tomorrow.  

Gemma mermaid....






       This has been a good 5 lazy days in the life of Grandma G.

       "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'." (Jeremiah 27:11)

I Used to Have This Dream......

      Several times in past years, while living in Park Falls, I would have a recurring dream.  I would see vapor trails from airplanes crisscross the blue sky.  Normally in the north maybe once or twice a day a plane might fly by on its way to major airports.  So, in thinking about the dream, I would wonder if it indicated an air war going on.  Since moving out here I will often see the same scene, only for real, not in a dream.  Now I wonder if the dreams were some sort of "fore-telling" about my future life here in the Pacific Northwest. HMMMMM.......
 



Morning of August 19, 2013

                                       

It is interesting to note that my daughter, Debbie, who has lived here for 14 years used to dance around the house (in Park Falls) at 3 years old and chant, "I want to move to Washington, ton, ton".  We had no experience with the Pacific Northwest at the time.  Her favorite Christmas carol while growing up was (and I think still is) The Holly and the Ivy.  The holly tree and the ivy are abundant out here.  We didn't know that while buried in snow in northern Wisconsin.   HMMMMM..... 

        I had to go back to the foot doctor today for a continuing painful toe and foot.  I am able to walk with it, only a bit painful.  Doctor said it is still the neuroma.  He suggested cortisone shots, but said I didn't have to.  If the pain is tolerable I could (if my choice) just put up with it.  I have shoe inserts.  He said walking wasn't going to do any damage.  So....I have something to think about and decide as time goes on.  As long as I can keep walking I am relieved.  

       Grandson, Zach, 22, has requested piano lessons.  He wants to learn basics of blues and light jazz.  After the doctor visit I went to pick him up today with that in mind.  Unfortunately, 2 days ago he cut his leg quite deep because of an accident while skate boarding.  He wasn't feeling like starting a new quest today.  We did drive around a bit to settle on a place for dinner together.  We found a local restaurant for steaks; enjoyed the food, though the steaks weren't as tasty as we hoped.  But the company was excellent.....even with a painful right leg.  

     This morning, and then again this evening, I totally relished sitting for awhile on my newly furnished deck. 
                  (This is intended to make my Indianapolis sisters jealous....and entice them to come visit.)

     ____________________________________________________________

        And yesterday.....Wednesday?    It started out  maybe yes, maybe no.    Last week I decided I wanted to take part in a senior day trip that featured a ride on a paddle ship, called the Sternwheeler, up the Columbia River, and included sightseeing and lunch. I was number 2 on a waiting list.  I told the lady that I could come even if called shortly before the scheduled departure.  There was no phone call all week, so early Wednesday I was dressed and waiting for that last minute notice that someone had cancelled.  The call never came.  Oh, well.  There will be another time to go. That was all probably just as well since I spent the rest of the day with a headache and achy joints.   

 A visitor came a-calling

A mode of transportation I have not seen before......

(and a rare sighting of the photo phantom)

      This has been a good 2 "a dream fulfilled" days in the life of Grandma G.

      "Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, 'The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same.  God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do'."  (Genesis 41:25)

Family Time.....

             Saturday morning Zach and I drove to Portland airport to pick up Burt who arrived at 8:30.  Zach and I had been up until 1AM Friday night (Sat AM) and Burt had gotten up at 4 AM so I figured we  had 3 hours of sleep overnight. (Burt had 2 "hard working" days of golf and salmon fishing in Medford, OR.) We were all rather tired, but adrenalin carried us through the day. I was excited to have Burt visit from Wisconsin and see my new home. 
             We met up with the Millers to watch Jake play football.  The weather had started out chilly and rainy, but by noon the sun had burned off the clouds and the temperature turned almost hot.
Jake's team lost, but he played a great game.   






Jake, #47.       Zach and Uncle Burt

          After the game we agreed to meet for a late lunch.  Deb had shopping to do with Mick.  I, also, had some shopping----A QUEST.    Just the past 2 days Zach helped me set up "atmosphere" on my back deck, so we could enjoy it over the weekend.  The brightness of the sun in the afternoon is a problem.  I had found a patio furniture umbrella on clearance, but no stand.  I so wanted to have one that day.  Burt spent part of his visit here helping me look for a stand.  This time of year, whatever may have been left over has found its way back to the warehouse.  Turns out we didn't sit on the deck until 7:30PM at which point the sun was not even an issue anymore.  I have my umbrella and now plenty of time to find a suitable stand--some other time.

Burt substituting for an umbrella stand

Back to lunch......at Buffalo Wild Wings

and a Dr. Seuss evergreen tree

Burt, Grandma G, Mick, Zach, Deb, Keys, Jake

AND......WING (WO)MAN.....                      Happy B-day to Bill
                                                                        (with nephew Jude)

        The evening brought 9 of  us together to eat again at my house. (It was Bill's B-day; I told him we would party without him.)  And by 9AM Sunday Zach was driving Burt back to the airport to catch his flight to Wisconsin.  Burt was impressed with my little house and, I think, felt more secure about having his mom live so far away out here in the Pacific Northwest.  

_____________________________________________________________

        And by Sunday Grandma G was plum tuckered out.  After church service I came home, slept for 2 hours then spent 3-11 PM watching a marathon of a new series based on rural British life in the late, 19th century.   

         Monday brought a fresh resolve to get order and routine back into my life----after sleeping in a bit.  I got the laundry done and a 30 minute walk before preparing for my one piano lesson.   I also did do some online research for an upcoming family excursion happening in late October.  More on that in late October.  

          I am excited to have Grandma G's teaching studio set up.  Later Monday evening I sent out information to have advertising post cards made up.  I am ready to start building up my clientele.     

_______________________________________________________________

     Tuesday brought it's own set of adventures.  After 9 AM  water aerobics I stayed for tea and visiting with the ladies.  It was my first occasion.  They all seemed genuinely happy to have me join them.   We chatted about the cost of medical care, computer and telephone fraud and how none of us can eat much sugary foods anymore.  I felt like I was starting to blend in and simply be part of the neighborhood......and a friend. 

Very Nice.

      I went for a 2 mile walk this afternoon before the showers set in.  I still have a goal of becoming part of the elite senior hiking  group, but can't until I can walk 4 miles without strain.  That would cover an "easy" hike.  The group hikes every Tuesday with a shuttle taking them to various locations throughout Washington and Oregon.  I think that before I had the heart oblation done 2 years ago, my heart wasn't up to physical exertion.  So now I am healthy, but not as fit as maybe I could be.  This area of the Pacific Northwest is very conducive to getting fit.  Probably won't be ready for a hike until spring.     

                                 Grandma G's first roses.....

            

         This has been a good 3 "moving forward" days in the life of Grandma G.

     "A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."  (Proverbs 15:30)   

Grandma G's been busy.....

       Grandma G's been busy cleaning and  decorating her house and studio. 
       Son, Burt, is here from Wisconsin for the day.
       Son, Bill's, B-day is today.  We will party without him.  He is probably having fun in San Diego. 
       Come back tomorrow and enjoy more detail.









 This has been a good 2 "decorating the house" days in the life of 
Grandma G.

    "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."  (Proverbs 16:3) 

  

A Challenge Overcome....

My  Emotional Gauge at 8 AM Today:   Tired, Apprehensive, Unsure
     I was scheduled for a root canal "redo" for 9:45 at an endodontist about a 20 minute drive from here.
     I woke up tired, though had a good night's sleep.  The weather was forecast for the temperature to reach into the 90's, so I did something new.  I went for a half hour walk about 8:15. The sun was already shining and the sky blue.  It was still cool enough for a sweatshirt.  That was relaxing for me, though it didn't cure the apprehension.

First flowers in my yard                                                 My favorite bird, the mourning dove.....

         I did leave for the appointment by 9:15.  The car was low on gas; I figured there were plenty of gas stations if I needed to fill up. On the way I was feeling sorry for  myself that I had to do this alone.  But I reflected that it was my choice to move out here and that God was faithful to get me here, so "buck up" and be brave about taking care of myself.   I was still feeling nervous when I got there but I told them I was fine.  When they started with needles of anesthetic and a blue rubber shield over my face, I wasn't so sure.  I could feel my heart beating hard, though not rapidly.  Then with a bunch of cutting away at the rubber covering I was able to breath better and life got much easier.  The doctor and his assistant were great at explaining what was going on and 90 minutes later the procedure was over and I was free to go on my way.  Hopefully with the saving of the tooth and a comfortable mouth in a few days.

What I saw outside the dental complex.....Go, Green Bay, WI Packers!!

      Emotional Gauge at noon:  relaxed. relieved, peaceful:  The procedure was over, I was full of gas (well, not me, the car), Burt had texted--he is coming for the day on Saturday, I was driving home to simply "hang out" in my air conditioned home for the rest of the day.  AHHH....life is good.  

      Back home I rented the movie, Star Trek, Into the Darkness,  passed the afternoon and evening watching that and TV.   

       Today was the 12th anniversary of the attack on the World Trading Towers.  I remember living in Wisconsin and my daughter called from here in Washington for me to turn on the TV.  What a day of shock, grief and strength for our country.  Today we honor the families of the victims and admire the rebuilding that has taken place.   

       This has been a good "challenge overcome" day in the life of Grandma G.

       "When I am afraid I will trust in you.  In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid."

(Psalm 56: 3 & 4)  

         

       

Breakthrough Day......

   Grandson, Zach, came over on Monday to help me with various tasks that are too difficult for me.  He dug holes for my first 2 rose bushes.  This area is the rose capital of America.  This park is full of wonderful rose plants.  Soon I will have my own beautiful roses. 
     We worked a little on setting up the back deck to have "atmosphere"---a ceramic, mosaic bistro table with red chairs, plants and a duck fountain.  I will post pictures when it is all in order later in the week.
      The greatest task he helped me with was formally setting up my teaching studio. There were still several boxes sitting around and everything generally messy.  Where did it all go?   In the bathroom, of course.  My studio is actually intended to be a master bedroom with a very large bathroom.  All that space is great for storage for the time being.  
      I was now ready to greet my first full time student Monday afternoon.  Her mom stayed for the first lesson.  I felt confident that she sensed a professional, serene learning environment.  Hopefully she will recommend me to her friends.  And they to their friends.  And they to their friends.  Well, you get the idea.  

       Wall hanging liked by Zach.  It features famous landmarks of Portland.  He has been to most of these locations.  He, also, has one of these hanging in his bedroom. I didn't know that when I selected this particular hanging for my studio.  I have a basic  "black and white" color scheme.  
        So, Monday, I bounced (sort of) out of bed by 9AM.  Drove over to pick up Zach.  We worked from 10:30 to 3:30.  Drove him the 15 minute ride home.  Had my lesson at 4:30.  Collapsed onto the couch around 5:30. I think I did go for a 30 minute walk.  
       Monday morning was following a "work spurt" on Sunday late afternoon and evening (till midnight) involving laundry, cleaning up the kitchen, dishes, stretching exercises, taking out the garbage.  And that was following a morning at church service and 2 hours exploring grocery selections at one of the local stores.  (I am still amazed and uneducated with all the ethnics food items that are available here.   Northern Wisconsin was mostly cheese, potatoes, hardy veggies, meats and desserts.  Maybe not that sparse, but not this abundant and varied.) 
        Today, after water aerobics, I was totally content to stay inside my little air conditioned home.  The thermometer soared into the low 90's this afternoon.  Every so often I would stand on the porch just to experience the heat and then slide back into the coolness inside.  Tomorrow is suppose to be even hotter.  The interesting weather feature here is that the heat doesn't set in until the afternoon.  Usually the mornings are cool and cloudy, which "burns off" as the hours past.  Late afternoon is the hottest time of the day.   This was a great day to catch up on sorting out a bunch of paperwork and watching a little TV.  

        This has been a good 3 "breakthrough" days in the life of Grandma G.

        "Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or if both will do equally well."  ( Ecclesiastes 11:6)