January 16, 2011 Beginning a new year of.....??

Here is it Jan 16th already but the good news is I'm doing my new goals.

But today getting ready for six days of pet sitting starting tomorrow. First thing I pack?...ah yes, my selection of library books to take with me. I only have 48 books checked out and I can't take them all. Most of the books are non-fiction. I could have read a few by the time I put these into order by date and then by what I must cover these six days. Six books for six days? That's what President Kennedy always took with him. But some books I just need to register in my 'Books Read' or copy the most valuable lesson I learned from each book. Maybe I'll list what I'm taking if I find the time.

Yesterday was a preview-spring day in San Ramon, California. Daryl and I went for a photo taking walk in Central Park. Family's, children, dogs, Grandparents actually sitting on the ground on a blanket having a picnic with grandchildren. Not any wind, so I thought, but a young man managed to get his kite up into the air - briefly. A woman sitting on cement wall reading a book. And I did get a good photo of her. (I must learn how to put photos on here) Two girls on a teeter taughter, older, maybe teens on skates. One adult woman on skates in the parking lot by her self. Oh so much going on. I'll have to check my photos.

The city just put in a new playground area with bright painted objects for the children to play on, slides, swings etc. And they were being well used and enjoyed.

Outstanding color of the park.....GREEN. Winter is always green in California.

I found it much easier to walk without a heavy coat on and didn't carry anything but my camera.

From the park we stopped to drop off a couple of DVD's. And to see if anything new that I had on hold came in. Seems there is always something there for me. Last time I picked up my books a woman came up beside me and looked for her hold and then she started to walk off with ONE BOOK....I had to speak up and I asked her "How do you do that? One Book?" She smiled and said 'Self Control". Then a few minutes later another lady came up on the other side of me. Me, I'm still pulling out the books that have the white slip sticking up with my name on it. She was pulling out book after book......I said to her, "Oh, good. I'm not feeling so guilty." She said "that is good we find so many we enjoy. Don't ever feel guilty feel thankfull".

I thought that so interesting, one lady with ONE book and then another lady with arms loaded with books, just like me. I wish I was an artist and could have drawn a cartoon of the event.

Time to stop and get back to packing. Beside books I take a project to work on. Just have to gather it together as I know what that is.

Oct 24 2010 Sunday

So much for photos. I think people who work computers well receive special blessings from a Saint that I haven't found yet. Maybe Saint Abby from NCIS.

Wanted to share the Danville Artist Street Fair from yesterday with photos but ....they disappeared.

Today was quiet except for Peppermint over attentiveness this morning. Not sure if it was because of the rain or that he knows I'll be leaving again.

The Fair yesterday was so much fun. The big white tents, talking to the dealers, all the people with dogs, children dressed up for Halloween, merchants handing out trick or treats to the children, the over cast sky, And dogs, dogs, dogs......All well mannered and behaved.

Never got tired during the walk as so much to see and people to talk to. Only thing I saw that I would have bought if not so expensive was a frog reading a book.

October 20,'10 Walk

Wanted to go for a walk yesterday. First thought of Central Park. But we always go there. Then I thought about the small Dublin cemetery. So I asked Daryl if he would like to go and he said yes. We stopped at Cost Plus in Pleasanton first. They are having a big sale. Besides I just like to walk through that store and see all their unusual items. I did end up buying a wind catcher....round top and long strands of bright colored thin ribbons. It is now hanging in the tree outside my bed room window. The wind is playing with it. Daryl found a witch and some other small items.

Then on over to the Cemetery. Trees not changing color very fast this year. Large OLD tress in this Cemetery. I walked the flat path and since we seem to come here more often names are beginning to be familiar. Some graves do get visitors as there where gifts not just of flowers but pumpkins. That made me smile. If graves are visited there are still people close who remember them.

As we left I turned an gave a last look and said I'll be back.

The cemetery, to me, was a much more quiet and restful walk and visit than the large perfect park.

The weather was comfortable as it was not too hot nor too cold. But not really a fall feeling yet. I suddenly felt like a Root beer Float. Daryl said 'Wendy's'.....yep. So we stopped and went in and enjoyed a peaceful Float. Not crowed, just a few people.

Then I mentioned stopping at a Thrift Store. Not that I was looking for anything but just fun to look. Went to the one in Danville as their prices are more reasonable and they seem to have more variety of items. I did find a Tape of Duets by Frank Sinatra. And only one dollar. So my day was complete. Daryl found some books and other small items.

So this was a lovely October Day for a Walk and Shop.

Foggy Saturday Morning 9/18/10 in Concord

Yesterday is blank. Didn't feel well all day. Did go to Anna's Attic. We get there a half hour before they open and watch the people arrive. They always get out of their cars and walk up to the window and look inside, then try the front door but they don't open until ten am. Some people come to drop items off, they are let in.

Stopped at the Dollar store as this one is nicer than ours. Picked up some more 4x6 cards for my photo books that I have started as an art project. I tell you about that later. I brought some with me so I could make one to take with me to St Charles. They are my inspiration.

Traded beds with Mark last night and slept better. In fact feeling really good this morning. The fog has brought cooler air as I don't do too good in hot days. He got up early with Gordon and Bella so I slept in until seven.

Had found a book at library that I thought was a Agatha Christy mystery but it was just Agatha in the title, "Agatha Raisin and the Terrible Tourist" by MC Beaton. English lady detective so close. It is 5x7 paperback and LARGE PRINT. A comfortable book to hold and read. Went to bed early last night and read half of it. Not one I would recommend but just an easy read.

Yesterday at Anna's Attic found a book, but not the purse I was looking for, "Poems of Joy", poems of inspiration and lovely paintings.

Now today my object is to work on projects I brought. Making the book I mentioned already and addressing and put into the mail.....a card to Chris' new granddaughter, and a card to Chris' son and daughter in law and a birthday to my sister, Lari. Lari keeps telling me she is going to jump out of an airplane on her upcoming 89th birthday and asking if I will do that too. NOOOOO way!!!!

And I want to finish this book and I have four more to read and I can drop them off at Clayton Library before I leave here.

Also today is first day of a 100 day project from the internet on how to make goals work. More about that later.

I think of September as my New Year and love enjoying the whole month as being mine. But this year it is just going too fast. I don't feel in control of it. It is sweeping me along.

Three jobs this month....Taylors', my friend Chris, and next week my friend Jill in St Charles. ALL three are my favorites. So I am not complaining.

Oh, heard from Chris yesterday and it was raining in Seattle. Don't know why she was surprised as it always rains in Washington. smile Also heard from John David in Alaska as I wrote and asked him about weather up there this time of year and he said it was "nippy" as fall was fast approaching. It was August in 1993 that I was in Alaska on 17 day cruise and the weather was perfect.

Not to work.....I'll be back.....

On the job in Concord.....September 16, 2010

Mark woke me up this morning at four am. He just has to turn on the light in my bedroom and that is a gentle awaking. I enjoy waking up slow. Need to be at work at six am. Had coffee and left over brownie from last night. Last sweet for a while. The scales threw a few bad numbers last few days.

Received a call from the Pet Sitting agency with a job from client I sat for last spring. October 8 through Oct 11th. I'll be back by then from St. Charles. I called her back at five this morning and said I could do this.

Chris and Lee were up when Mark and I got here at 5:55 AM. Chris has a new hair do and it is beautiful. Lee was reading the morning paper. Chris had sticky notes every where and I love that. Appreciate too much information than not enough. Chris is so efficient. Gordon had greeted us when we rang the bell with his happy bark. Bella was right there too waiting to investigate us and all things we brought. Cats are so different from anyone else. Pepper came in the house before we left home and checked to see what was going on and then left when we did.

Chris said they had planned on picking up their daughter and son in law as they are going on this trip along with Chris' brother and his wife. But Chris said Rachal called to say they would just meet them at airport as they had four suitcases. This for a ten day cruise to Alaska.

They left as planned at six thirty. I unpacked, sheets and put on our beds, books I brought to read two novels and 2 non fiction, and set up lap top. Went outside....the pool is clear as glass too bad I don't swim. I enjoy sitting by pool anyway.

At nine thirty drove over to Anna's Attic....thrift store. Looking for a purse for trip to St Charles next week. Wanted an outside zipper pocket, zipper main section, and over the head strap. They had lots of purses but not that one. She said to come back tomorrow as they get things in every day. I did find a cap like I wanted in case it is cold back in the mid west. It has San Francisco on it....but...it is a carpenters union label. But the cap is black and fits perfectly. I got it.

Stopped at Lucky's grocery store and got food for next three days. Frozen pot pies, a bag of bananas for $1.49, some fresh veggies to snack on, a fried chicken, bread and baloney for sandwiches, milk, cereal, think that was about all....oh, cranberry juice.

Got back and Gordon was all happy to see us and wiggled all over as he gets a treat when his family goes away and comes back. Bella came and checked us out again and walked off with her tail straight up in the air. Now they are taking a nap and so is Mark. I'm ready for nap also. the Hills are so beautiful here and look so close. Well, they are close. And I can see a few while skinny clouds in the sky approaching . I'll check in later after nap....

Prime Time Day....fun for seniors

With the little time and extra effort on me that made a difference yesterday at Prime Time. I walked in the door and the guy who greets you (the father of Billys friend) saw me and said first thing.....we are having meat loaf today. Ha ha I complained so much in the past about the food and said I loved American Food like Meatloaf....the squeaky wheel gets the attention.

I had decided before I got there to change my seating. You can sit anywhere you want. Eight to a table and beautifully decorated. I'd enclose photo if I knew how. This was the once a month Happy Birthday for Septembers BD's. Fourteen of us.

Stopped by the refreshment table for coffee. They have fresh fruit and sweets and coffee, tea.

The table I first saw was with these two gentlemen and I stopped and said, "Have you been sitting here since last spring?" They always sit in the same place and always look the same. They smiled and said 'Yes". Anyway they invited me to share their table so I did. I asked where they were born, what month was their BD, and they were friendly. I said my BD was in September and I came to the party to celebrate. The one gentleman leaned forward and asked me "How old are you?" Age gives you privileges. I told him 81. He thought I looked pretty good for that age and that he was 79.

Then a young man who is a caretaker for one of the regulars that come here stopped by. I've talked to him before. He is from the Philippine Is. Has a college degree in accounting. His brother sponsored him to get into this country. He is a delight to talk to. I had encouraged him the first time we met to keep a journal. And we have talked about this each time we met. He says he does keep one now. He has lived in other countries. Sorry I can't remember the one he just mentioned as it was in Europe but not one I could image anyone wanting to go live in. I'll ask again when I see him again. Any way he sat down next to me and the two other gentlemen and we all talked light talk. He inquired if I ever ask people what church you belong to. As I do talk to strangers. I said no. I don't feel any one church is the 'only' church. All religions offer something and God just happens to have a different name. He smiled and said he felt that way too. So we talked for a while about that.

He really impresses me. Always dressed casual but well groomed. He moves around the room and talks to others. So friendly. Not sure what age but probably forty. Older I get the harder it is to guess anyones age. smile. These caretakers who come with their companions are well trained I learned. They know CPR, and know how to be a practical nurse. Also cook. He is always interesting to talk to. Not just because his life is interesting but he shows interest and asks questions. So anyway another caretaker, a young woman, and her ward joined our table.

Changing tables yesterday was a good idea. I had always sit with Elvira Lynn and when she was no longer coming I just stayed at the same table. And the same people were very nice and we all knew each other so didn't seem to need to look for others. Or no reason to change tables. But change is good once in a while.

Saw Candy and she told me the St Raymond church had started up the five dollar Friday night Fish Fries up again. She is so friendly. She had fallen and had a bad bruise on her face. Also stopped and talk to Bobbie, she was in the Grandmothers club and good friend of Elvira. Saw and chatted with others. Visited the Free table. Some books but small print so I have lost interest in some books. Did pick up two frames, 4x6. I did pick up the Sept 2010 issue of Sunset. Gave it to Mark. Got my Blood Pressure and the nurse said how good it was. 115/67 and Pulse 76 So I guess I'm still alive.

The two gentlemen got up and said they had the job of putting water on all the tables just before the food was served. One pushes the cart and the other places the water.

The food was served at twelve. There was no entertainment yesterday. The Meatloaf and mashed potatoes with gravy was delicious and then for dessert Angel Food Cake with ice cream and one beautiful Strawberry on top.

The tables all have fresh flowers on them and at the end the birthday people were give them to take home. Usually a number is drawn 1 through 8 and the winning number gets the flowers.

You of course picked me up which I appreciate. But I may see about taking the bus this winter. If I keep going.

First Day of Summer

June 21, 2010 First Day of Summer.

Instead of being deep into a book I'm starting to clear out my clothes closets. Yes, there are two. And both full. I love just wearing the one and same thing day in and day out so why do I have closets full of clothes I don't wear? My book collection is still in the lead of the clothes. More books than clothes.

Shakespeare was so right when he said "Parting is such sweet sorrow...." even of old clothes. Each as a memory. When I was a child I remember Summer meant getting a big box out of the side closet and it was like getting a whole new wardrobe. Oh what fun and my Mother somehow made it all so special. Summer clothes came out at the end of school and winter cloths came out before school started. Who ever heard of buying new clothes every season.

Summers were spent at Indian Lake, Ohio. Most of the time I was with my Uncle Randolph and Great-grandmother Nanny. Some week ends my Grandmother and her husband, Joe, came up and some times my Mother and Step-father, Chester would visit. My Uncle owned the cottage. It had four rooms, three bedroom and one kitchen, the front porches were our living rooms. all the same size and no ceilings. With no ceilings sometimes my Grandmother, Audrey, would take a roll of toilet paper and in the dark at night throw it over into the next room just to be funny. You like pillow fights....try a toilet paper fight between adults and a child. Which reminds me there was only one electric light hanging down from the ceiling in the center of the four rooms. Also the cooking stove was made of Iron, a flat top stove my great grandmother was in charge of. There were four openings you could lift out the round top holed to put more firewood into or a chunk of coal to make heat to cook with. When we first get to the cottage Nanny, my great grandmother, would tell me to go gather wood to start the fire from a woods next door.

Oh, the very first thing when we arrived in town of Lake View, Ohio, (it was 50 miles from our home) where our cottage was located, we stopped at the ice plant and picked up ice to put into the big ice box that set on the back porch of the cottage. There we put food to keep cool. There were signs in those days you put out where the ice man could see them and depending which way you turned the sign you could get 25, 50, or a 100 lbs of ice delivered right into your ice box. This was true at home not just the cottage.

In summer that was so much fun for all kids, me included. The ice wagon was pulled by a horse. When the ice man stopped we would wait until he chopped the ice into size that was wanted and take it into the house and then we could run up to the wagon and pick up the broken pieces of ice to eat. Summer was a time of fun. Outdoor fun mostly.





Two large porches stretching across the front and back of the cottage. An enclosed outside toilet was located on the back porch. I remember when you sit down on the seat it would flush and keep flushing until you got up again. I never like that toilet. Plus there just might be a spider in a corner.

Another thing about this cottage, by the way it had a name printed on the front, PLEASANT HOURS. And they were always pleasant hours. I was always sick all winter, but the cottage was magic, don't remember ever, ever being sick when there.

The cottage had the worse tasting drinking water in the world.....like rotten eggs mixed with iron. Or was it sulfur?

The two porches were screen in. This was mosquito country. Both porches had large wooden
swings. I could lay across and put my foot on the chain and push to make the swing move back and forth and read my comic books.

Uncle Randolph and I would hunt night crawlers after a rain out in the mud with a big lantern. They lay next to each other. Randolph would grab one and I'd get the other one. Great for fishing bate the next day.



At noon every day a LOUD siren would go off. The fire department was a volunteer group. And this was their siren. I guess they were testing every day. But only at noon.

Wish Daryl was home as I think maybe I should start over and put more order to this rambling.

I'm new at this and just wanted to get my thoughts down before I forget again. If I have to put everything into order I probably never write here at all.

If anyone has suggestions for me I'm open.......