Thursday's Doings

Even though I woke up relatively early on Wednesday (after approximately 3 hours of sleep, I may add), and I didn't take an afternoon nap (although I felt a bit sleepy around 5:00 p.m. and rested a bit), I didn't fall asleep again till 3:30 a.m., this morning.  So, I gave myself permission to sleep in this morning, and slept till 11:00 a.m.   Dancer woke me up, actually, asking, "Meow?  You still sleeping, Mummy?  Meow?  What about my breakfast?  Meow?"  As if there wasn't a big bowl of dry food sitting out for him should he be hungry!  Of course, he spent the rest of the morning and afternoon sleeping, after having had his brunch!  Spoilt cat!

I had my coffee and then, replied to my blog comments and commented on a few other blogs I read on a regular basis.  I don't have a blog list posted on a side bar on my blog; I've seen other people do that, but I haven't quite figured out how to do that, yet.  It might be something I'll do one of these days, assuming it is OK with all of you for me to do so.

My daughter texted me a little after noon to say she's at the DMV to get a replacement driver's license.  She had renewed her driver's license, online, earlier, and it was supposed to have been mailed to my home, since she trusts it being delivered here more than to her apartment, because she is constantly having other people's mail delivered in her box and she's afraid her mail might get delivered to someone else who might not turn it into the management office!  We were expecting it to be delivered around the beginning of July, but it never arrived.  When I went to see my financial planner and mentioned it to her in passing, she cautioned me to have daughter put a credit freeze in case her license was stolen and someone tried to steal her identity and open credit in her name!  That frightened me, and it frightened my daughter, too.  She went to the DMV a week or so ago, but was told that they had given out all the numbers for people to be helped that day, and the next available appointment at that particular office was in 3 month's time!  The long lines and delays at our DMV offices in our state have been in the news, lately; people are waiting for 5-6 hours, even with appointments, and there was a call for an audit, which was voted down by the state legislature!  Daughter was rather put out by that, as she had been told by a co-worker that the DMV will help anyone who was in line before 4:00 p.m. - maybe they did that, earlier, before it got so back logged.  But, anyway, daughter managed to get an appointment for today at a different DMV location.

So, when she texted to say she was at the DMV, I turned on the altar lights and said a prayer for her to be able to get her license renewal done without any problems or difficulties.  Then, I texted daughter to let her know what I did.  She always laughs at me for doing this, but I consider it as insurance!  Anyway, she called me back, within the hour, with good news all around!  Apparently, the new license had been mailed to my address, but, since I wasn't home to receive it (I guess you have to sign for it?) they had returned it to the post office.  The mail carrier is supposed to leave a note saying there is a piece of mail waiting at the post office, but, if one was left, I never received that, either!  So, of course, I didn't know to go to the post office to collect the mailed license!  And, since no one came to pick it up, they destroyed it!  That was the first bit of good news - it was destroyed!  What a blessing that it wasn't mis-delivered or stolen and there is no one out there trying to steal her identity and ruin her credit!

There were more blessings: they are going to reissue a new driver's license and they didn't charge her for it, again; it should arrive in 10-15 days she was told and this time, I'll be home to receive the mail - I'll keep an eye out for the mail carrier, from next week!  In the meantime, they gave daughter a temporary license, so she can drive me to the colonoscopy, next week, if needed!  Plus, she was in and out within the hour!  Yay!  She said she was so relieved that everything went so well and I reminded her that I had turned on the altar lights.  I said it might be coincidence, as she always says, but it might have helped, too.  You just don't know, do you?  I said a heartfelt thank you as I turned off the altar lights and I told daughter to say a thank you, as well, at the altar I had set up at her apartment.  As far as I am concerned, it was an answered prayer that she will get her replacement license without any problems or difficulties.

In the meantime, I cleaned the ceiling fan and light fixture in my bedroom.  As I said, it had been cleaned a few months ago (can't remember when, exactly, but probably when the smoke alarm battery was replaced?), so it wasn't very dusty:

Before Cleaning

But I wiped the fan blades and the bulbs and lamp shades with disinfectant wipes.  I decided that the shades didn't need to be taken down and washed, this time around; might do that, the next time I clean the fan.

After Cleaning

Then, I stripped the bed and washed everything, including the mattress cover.  I sprayed the mattress with flea spray, just in case.  I considered turning it around, but decided not to.   Later, once the mattress cover and sheets were dry, I remade the bed; I put back the same sheets as they have a white background (with small lilac dots), which makes it easier to see any unwelcomed specks!  The other set of sheets is darker with a larger pattern; not as easy to see any specks.

I had thought of going shopping in the afternoon or early evening, today, but I didn't feel quite up to it.  So, I decided to rest and postponed the shopping until tomorrow afternoon.  Instead, I wrote most of this blog post and watched some news on TV.

Later, I watered the front garden - today, I didn't get anything on my white skirt, even after walking up to the front door and back!  I was so happy!  However, I did put the skirt and blouse and the socks I was wearing to wash, along with the dust covers on the family room sofas.  Then, I lint rollered the sofa cushions and covered them with another set of dust sheets. 

My daughter flew out to Seattle, this evening (she just texted to say her plan just landed).  Her flight was supposed to leave at 7:30 p.m., but it was delayed till 9:00 p.m.  She will be met at the Seattle airport by two of her friends who are flying out from down here, and another friend who lives in Tacoma will pick them up and take them to her apartment.  Two of these girls are daughter's friends since middle school and one is a friend since high school.  She is looking forward to her "girls' weekend"; she will return to Berkeley on Sunday, go to work on Monday, and fly down here on Monday night to be with me while I have my endoscopy/colonoscopy. 

Friend R called in the evening and we chatted a bit.  I asked her if she'd like to attend the meditation session tomorrow, and she said it depends on when she gets off work; she'll call me when she gets home.

Today, I am grateful for:
- Daughter's visit to the DMV went off well
- Her new license was destroyed and not stolen!
- Daughter had a safe flight to Seattle
- I didn't get anything on my skirt when I watered the front garden
- Keeping up with the laundry and the cleaning


Thursday's To Do List:
- Change and launder sofa dust covers - DONE
- Change and launder bed sheets - DONE
- Shopping - flea spray, baking soda, vacuum cleaner bags - FRIDAY
- Clean the ceiling fan and light fixture in the bedroom - DONE
- Vacuum? - FRIDAY
- Water the front garden - DONE

Friday's To Do List:
- Doctor's appointment at 11:00 a.m. (have to be there at 10:45 a.m., I was told; will need to leave here by 9:30 a.m)
- Shop for flea spray, vacuum cleaner bags, baking soda
- Put away laundry
- Have M spray the garden, again
- Attend Friday evening meditation session
- Vacuum

How was your day?  What have you planned for Friday? 

Wednesday: Service Pins and Doctor's Appointments

I tried to go to bed "early" - I was in bed by 2:00 a.m.  I had already said my nightly prayers, but I said more prayers in bed.  I meditated.  I cuddled Dancer,  I got out of bed and turned off the ceiling fan and turned on the stand fan.  I went back to bed.  I turned over.  I adjusted my pillows.  I turned over, again.  The last time I looked at the clock, it was 3:30 a.m.  The first alarm went off at 6:30 a.m.; I turned it off and slept another 10 minutes until the second alarm went off.  Then, I got up.

Had a cup of coffee, texted my daughter, got washed and dressed and left the house  by 7:15 a.m.   I got downtown a little after 8:00 a.m.  The meeting had started by the time I reached the auditorium, but that was OK.  The director was giving his welcome speech and department update, which went on till about 8:30 a.m.  It was followed by someone else doing another presentation about his division's recent achievements.  The service pins were awarded only after that.  There was someone who received his 40 years of service pin.  And then, it was my turn.  I received my pin and was congratulated by the director, two deputy directors, the head of our personnel section, and my division head.  Then, even though the meeting was still going on, I left.

I walked over to the next building, where the retirement office was located, to ask a couple of questions that I had about the paperwork that I have yet to submit.  After that, I drove home.  I was home by 10:30 a.m., in good time to have breakfast - a rice cake, spread with some cream cheese and a little bit of apricot jam.

I replied to blog comments and checked emails, etc. and just took it easy until about noon.  Then, I left for my doctor's appointment with the radiation oncologist.  It was scheduled for 1:30 a.m., but, I left a little after noon because traffic can be so uncertain.  I didn't want to feel rushed.  But, traffic wasn't bad until I reached downtown.  As a result, I was at the doctor's office around 12:45 p.m.  Which was OK, because I didn't mind waiting.  The office was nice and cool, there was a TV and fish tank in the waiting room, and I had taken some knitting with me.  I watched the fish and knitted, and ignored the TV.

I'm sure they called me in before my appointed time.  I was weighed and my blood pressure, etc. were checked and all were good.  The results from the blood tests my primary care physician had ordered had come in and the radiation oncologist said they looked fine; but I'll go over them in detail with my primary care physician when I see her on Friday.  The only area of concern were the results from the bone density scan, but I've already discussed them with the oncologist and we will discuss them further when I next see him.

On my way home, I stopped by the smaller Armenian grocery store and bought another loaf of their very delicious bread ($1.50) and some white champagne grapes ($.99/lb = $1.36); not exactly bread and wine, but I don't drink wine or anything alcoholic, so it's my equivalent!

Bread and Champagne Grapes

 
I spent a total of $2.86 at the store:

Receipt

This, too, will be added to the August Week 2 groceries total, at the end of the week.

I had some of the bread with seeni sambol, which is another type of spicy onion relish.  This bread reminds me so much of the type of bread we used to have when I was growing up!  Then, I had some of the grapes.  I also put two eggs to hard boil for egg salad, for later.

I rested in the afternoon and wrote most of this post while I did so.  I felt a little sleepy, around 5:00 p.m., but I didn't want to take a nap.  Fortunately, Aunt C called to tell me that she and cousin N were back from their trip to France.  We chatted for a bit and then, I made myself a cup of tea and watched the evening news.  No such thing as a "slow news day", these days.

I had planned to put water to the front garden, but cousin P called and left a message and then, I called her back and by the time we finished our conversation, it was already dusk; I prefer to water the front when it is still light (just in case the fleas are out!)  I did turn on the sprinklers at the back, though. 

Later, I cleaned the dressing table and mirror.  I tossed some old lip balm and old lotion and a few other things.  There's more to toss, but I got tired!   

Today, I am grateful for:
- Receiving my service pin in recognition of my 35 years of service
- Good blood test results
- A good visit with the radiation oncologist
- A safe drive to my appointments and back
- Fresh bread and sweet grapes

Wednesday's To Do List:
- Attend the staff meeting/receive my service pin - DONE
- Go to the doctor's appointment in the afternoon - DONE
- Clean my bedroom

• dresser & mirror - DONE
• ceiling fan & light fixture - Thursday

- Water the front garden and back - DID the back; will do the front on Thursday

- Do the dishes - Not done yet

- Clean the litter box - Not done yet

Thursday's To Do List:
- Change and launder sofa dust covers
- Change and launder bed sheets
- Shopping - flea spray, baking soda, vacuum cleaner bags
- Clean the ceiling fan and light fixture in the bedroom
- Vacuum? 
- Water the front garden

How was your Wednesday?  How long do you keep old lotions and shampoo, etc.?

Cleaning and Knitting on Tuesday

Last night, in an attempt to try and adjust my sleep patterns, I went to bed at 1:30 a.m. (as opposed to 3:30 a.m.).  Then, I proceeded to toss and turn until 3:30 a.m., anyway!  Sigh.  I turned off the alarms that I had set to go off at 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and slept until 9:00 a.m.  What can I say?

Hopefully, I can fall asleep earlier, tonight, because, I need to wake up fairly early tomorrow morning!  I am supposed to attend a department-wide meeting which starts at 8:00 a.m., at the office (coffee and muffins, etc. at 7:30 a.m.), tomorrow morning, during which I will receive my 35 years of service pin!  Maybe I should just tell them I won't be able to make it and I'll pick up the pin from the office, later, on my way home from one of my doctor's appointments!  One of which is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon!

This morning was still cool - only 78F inside the house!  I had a cup of coffee and replied to blog comments.  Then, I revised my To Do List.  I had forgotten to list the Tuesday evening knitting group and putting gas to the car, and we all know what happens when I forget to list something!

Also, one of the things I had listed was "Clean my bedroom", which consists of several smaller steps.  I listed those steps because I needed to remind myself that it is not just one single action; it is a series of smaller actions, and, therefore, will take more time than I tend to allocate!

Basically, I am deep cleaning my bedroom as it hasn't been deep cleaned all year.  Oh, I've dusted surfaces and wiped down mirrors and had the ceiling fan cleaned a few months ago and vacuumed from time to time, but when was the last time I wiped down the walls or dusted the tops of the books I keep on the wall mounted shelves?  I started the cleaning yesterday - I wiped down the window sill, first with damp paper towels to remove most of the dust, and then, with a disinfectant wipe for good measure!  Then, I wiped the top of the chest of drawers, where I have a mini altar set up.

Today, I wiped down the headboard and the nightstand.  We used to call them bedside tables, when I was growing up.  I always see pictures of nightstands with hardly anything on them in magazines and such, but mine has a collection of stuff: the power strip that things are plugged into, the telephone, the clock radio (that was a gift from where I used to work back in 1982, it has a snooze function that I enjoy very much), a battery operated alarm clock (just in case the electricity goes off in the night and that messes up the clock radio that runs on electricity; it has happened, occasionally, although, I suppose oversleeping is not such a problem now that I am retired; and, yes, I know, I should just use the alarm function of my cell phone, as my daughter keeps telling me...I haven't got there, yet), the table lamp, a box of tissues, a couple of pens, and my purse!

Nightstand/Bedside Table

I keep my purse at hand, in case there is an earthquake in the night and the electricity goes off - I can locate it by touch (I also keep a flash light under my pillow - which reminds me, I need to check the batteries!).  I remember when the Northridge earthquake struck in 1994, around 4:30 a.m., we were without power and it was so dark!  I was so glad my daughter was sleeping next to me (she was 10 months old at the time) - I just grabbed her and went to check on my mother who was in the next room and we crouched over the baby to protect her - she slept right through it!  LOL!  I know they say to take cover under a table, but the only table big enough for us was the dining table, and we could hear everything falling and breaking in the kitchen and the living room (the family room wasn't built, back then) and we didn't want to leave the bedroom until the shaking stopped!  It was just a little bit scary!  So, I keep my purse close to me at night, just in case I need to grab it and go (car keys and house keys are in it, as well as my wallet and medications, etc.)

Then, I took down the three framed pictures I have on the wall and dusted the frames.  Then. covered a broom with an old kitchen towel I keep for cleaning purposes and "swept" my walls!  I need to vacuum the ceiling, too, but that will be for another day, not today.  Next, I took everything off the two wall mounted shelves and damp-wiped the shelves and dusted everything, including the tops of the books I store on the shelves, and put them back.  And, of course, because I am doing this somewhat backwards (should have wiped down the walls, first), I had to dust the top of the chest of drawers, again!  LOL!

Then, I had to take a break, because, I was getting a little tired, it was getting hot and I didn't have the fan on because I didn't want the dust to be flying all over while I was trying to clean, and the dust mask I was wearing (due to my asthma), was making me feel even hotter.  It took me about 45 minutes to clean all that.

What was left at that point were the disaster zones known as my desk and the dressing table top! They were both piled high with stuff!  I was not brave enough to take a before picture!

But, after I took a break and ate an omelette with a ground beef and spicy onion ("katta sambol") filling, and took my medications, etc., I spent another hour or so, and cleaned the desk.  Much of what was piled on it were bags of knitting yarn and unfinished knitting projects!  I dumped them all in the 3rd bedroom, which is also known as The Dump!  The Dump is a scary place where bags of stuff go to languish!  There are still a few papers in boxes on the desk that need sorting through, but, that can be done, another day.  For today, what was important was to tidy and dust the top of the desk!  Again, after I wiped off the desk with a damp paper towel, I wiped it with a disinfectant wipe.  Just in case!

The Cleaned Desk

The big round covered blue and white dish has paper hexagons from one of the quilts I am making.

I even found my big pair of paper-cutting scissors:

Paper-cutting Scissors

I had written a P on them to distinguish them from the fabric cutting scissors (which have been similarly identified with "F"), because they look very similar and I was tired of getting them mixed up.

Then, I took another break to have some pineapple, check emails, watch news, and have a cup of tea.  The radiation oncologist's office called to remind me of tomorrow's appointment and I confirmed it.  After that, it was time to shower and get dressed to go to the Tuesday evening knitting class at the library!  I thought I had better go today because I forgot to go last week (after visiting aunt C), and next Tuesday I will be preparing for the colonoscopy and wouldn't want to go anywhere!

I live in a primarily Hispanic neighborhood, so I was not surprised to find that the knitting group consisted of Hispanic ladies.  There were nine ladies besides myself and one lady had brought her special needs son with her.  One of the ladies works in the library and I knew her from seeing her there.  She, and one other lady, spoke English; the rest spoke only Spanish.  In fact, they all thought I was Hispanic, too, and seemed surprised that I was not and didn't speak Spanish!  LOL.

They were a friendly group of ladies who offered me bean burritos and those red licorice candy twists (I declined both, as I am not fond of either) and said they will teach me Spanish!  Some were knitting, some were crocheting, and one was doing needlepoint.  So, it is basically a needle crafts group.  I took along my hats for the American Heart Association project to work on and knitted a hat while I was there.  They all seemed impressed by the fact that I didn't need to look at my knitting (I wasn't doing a very complicated pattern).  They call it a class because a couple of the ladies are experienced knitters/crocheters and offer their help, if needed.  Before I left, I was asked (by one of the two ladies who spoke English) if I could teach them how to knit the hats; one lady showed me a hat she had made, but she made it on a circular knitting loom.  The class meets from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  I stayed till almost 7:00 p.m. and left, because I had finished knitting one hat from start to finish.

Someone handed out bags with some items inside and gave me one, too:

Bag of Gifts

I was told to take it home, so I did!

Cosmetics

Shampoo, conditioner, nail polish, and lipstick!  I will share with my daughter, when she comes home, next week.

I enjoyed attending the group, if only for the air conditioning, and seeing what everyone else was making, but, I don't know if I will go on a weekly basis.  Part of my wanting to join the group was for social contact and it is hard to join in the conversation when you can't speak the language.  But, I might go again, week after next and give it another try.  Who knows?  Maybe I'll learn Spanish while I knit!

After I left the library, I put gas to the car ($3.36/gal; I spent $32.75) and then, went to the dollar store.  I had a list of items I wanted to buy, including a new mop, two rolls of duct tape, a lint roller (I would have bought more, but they only had one!), a package of 8 clothes hangers, a package of night light bulbs (4 bulbs to the package), a package of rubber gloves, and two tubes of toothpaste.  I also bought two packets of crackers, a jar of apricot jam, some bananas ($.49/lb = $.71) and two 6-oz. containers of yogurt ($.50@).  I spent a total of $1457, with taxes on the non-food items.  The food items came to  $4.71 and I will add that to my August grocery spending for Week 2. 

There was a moment of panic after I checked out of the store because I couldn't find my car keys!  I looked in the purse and then, told the cashier I must have dropped my keys inside the store and asked if I could leave my purchases with her while I went in to search.  But she saw them dangling from my shopping cart and pointed it out to me!  Oh, thank goodness!  I do have a spare set of keys in my purse (after once locking myself out of the old car!), but I didn't want to leave the keys in the store for someone else to find!

Came home and saw that there were two messages on the answering machine.  Cousin P and friend R had called while I was out, so I called them both back.  They had called to check on me, so I chatted to them for a bit.  Then, had dinner and video chatted with daughter for a bit.

Today, I am grateful for:
- Another relatively cool day
- Getting some cleaning done
- Finding my car keys dangling from the cart and not lost, after all
- The knitting group experience and free gift of cosmetics
- Phone calls from cousin and friend; video chatting with daughter


Tuesday's To Do List:
- Put away the laundry - DONE
- Bring the trash cans in - DONE
- Clean my bedroom

• windowsill - DONE on Monday
• top of chest of drawers - DONE on Monday
• clean picture frames - DONE
• wipe down walls/remove cobwebs - DONE
• 2 shelves - DONE (removed everything, wiped, replaced)
• nightstand - DONE
• headboard - DONE
• desk - DONE
• dresser & mirror
• mirror on door - DONE
• ceiling fan & light fixture

- Do some shopping/dollar store - DONE
- Put gas to the car - DONE
- Attend knitting group at library - DONE
- Water the front garden & back - WEDNESDAY

It was too late to water the garden by the time I got home, around 8:30 p.m.  So, will do that, tomorrow.

Wednesday's To Do List:
- Attend the staff meeting/receive my service pin
- Go to the doctor's appointment in the afternoon
- Clean my bedroom

• dresser & mirror
• ceiling fan & light fixture

- Water the front garden and back

- Do the dishes

- Clean the litter box

How was your day?  Do you list an single task, such as "clean the bedroom", treat it as one item among many and wonder why it takes so long to do, or do you break it down to all the various components and realize that's why it takes so long?  What do you keep on your nightstand/bedside table?

Much Cooler on Monday

It has been a cooler day, today!  It was almost cold at 78F inside the house, when I woke up!  LOL!  I turned off the fan and went back to sleep for a bit longer, just because I could!  This is what retirement is all about!  LOL!

It was still below 80F when I woke up for the second time.  I had my coffee and went online for a bit and I didn't need to turn on the fan, at all, until around 2:00 p.m.!

I put away the laundry from yesterday, washed the crocheted blanket and the wool shawl I drape along the back of the living room love seat (to hide the cat-scratched upholstery!), washed the knitted sweaters, and the jackets.  These are the jackets I had worn to the office on a regular basis, that I hadn't put away before the flea infestation.   One of them, a red jacket, said "dry clean only", but I don't dry clean anything, so I washed it, anyway!  It seems to have survived the wash, OK; I'll see how it fits once it has dried!

For brunch, I cut up the pineapple I had bought, last week, which I had kept out on the counter to get ripe; yesterday, I noticed that it was quite ripe.

Fresh Pineapple

I used the tip of my vegetable peeler to dig out all the "eyes", cut it lengthwise, and sprinkled the pieces with freshly ground black pepper.  That is how we used to eat pineapple, when I was growing up - sprinkled with salt and pepper.

Brunch

It wasn't a very big pineapple; the plate is a side plate, about 6 1/2 inches in diameter.  I put the top of the pineapple in some water to see if it will grow for me (the last one I tried growing simply rotted!)  I am thinking of maybe buying another pineapple before the sale ends, tomorrow.

In the afternoon, I stripped daughter's bed and washed her bed sheets.  She has a twin size day bed which pulls out into a king size bed (or whatever two twin beds make, when side by side), with two foam mattresses.   Each mattress comes with its own mattress cover, but I also put a fitted sheet as an additional mattress cover.  So, basically, each mattress has two fitted sheets (daughter doesn't like to use the flat sheets).   I do this so that I don't have to wash the mattress cover, itself.   Today, I pulled out both sets of fitted sheets off each mattress and sprayed the mattress covers with flea spray.  Ideally, I should remove and wash them, too, but I don't think I can manage to put the mattresses back into them by myself.  Daughter agreed that spraying them should be sufficient.  Then, I remade her bed with sheets from the linen closet, and covered the whole thing with a flat sheet.  I am hoping the flat sheet will keep the top fitted sheet on the top mattress protected, but, I've a feeling I might wash the top fitted sheet and put a new sheet before daughter's next visit home (she's coming back, next week, to be here when I have my endoscopy/colonoscopy). 

I had thought that there was another quilt on daughter's bed to be washed, but, I was thrilled to find that I had already washed it!  Woo hoo!  What this means is, I have now washed all the quilts and blankets we used during the winter and which were on the beds when I discovered we had fleas!  Everything, other than the drapes, curtains, bed skirts and mattress covers have now been washed!  The drapes, etc., have all been sprayed and, I think that is sufficient.  Taking down the drapes and washing them is for another day, maybe in September!  In fact, as I mentioned to one of my friends, yesterday, the drapes are so old, they might disintegrate in the washer if I tried to wash them!  LOL.  I will continue to wash the sofa dust sheets and my bed sheets every 4 days or so for the next couple of weeks, but that is a more manageable laundry schedule!  To celebrate being caught up on the laundry backlog, I washed the three empty laundry baskets!

Today, after I put away the dishes that were drying in the dish drainer, I scrubbed both sides of the kitchen sink.  I usually keep the dish drainer in one side of the sink, so that side gets scrubbed only now and then.  Afterwards, I filled one side with a bleach and water solution and I let the dish drainer soak in it.  I regularly scrub the dish drainer, but, it is white and, sometimes, there are stains that don't go away.  The bleach water solution removed all the stains and that's another job crossed off my list!

I also dusted the living room, again.  I hadn't planned to do that, but, I am glad I did.

Obviously, the pineapple I had for brunch wasn't quite enough for lunch, as well as breakfast!  When I went to make my evening tea, a little after 6 o'clock, I felt hungry!  So, while the tea brewed, I decided to have a late lunch/early dinner (linner?) and had the leftovers from last night's dinner (rice with beef and broccoli).  Then, had my tea.  Most probably, I'll get hungry again, before bedtime!  I will have a yogurt, then, or a rice cake and peanut butter (my late-night snack, last night!)

After tea, I took the trash cans to the curb.  I wore my long white skirt over my pair of shorts, and a white blouse over the tank top I was wearing, and white socks with my sandals!  Before I came inside, I carefully inspected my skirt and saw there were two tiny specks!  So, I quickly got out of the clothes I wore out and hand-rinsed the blouse, the skirt, and the socks!  I didn't want to leave them in the laundry basket, as they were! 

Later, I called friend R to check if she got her plumbing done and we chatted for a bit.

In between all those things, I watched news on TV, played some games on the computer, read a few blogs and relaxed.

Today, I am grateful for:
- The cooler temperatures!
- Getting caught up with the laundry!  Just knowing it is all done is a relief!
- Texting with my daughter
- Chatting with my friend
- Computer games!

Monday's To Do List:
- Put away the laundry - DONE
- Wash the crocheted blanket - DONE
- Wash the sweaters - DONE
- Wash the jackets - DONE
- Wash the quilt  - I HAVE ALREADY WASHED THEM ALL!
- Take the trash cans out - DONE
- Do some shopping? - TUESDAY
- Scrub the sink and dish drainer - DONE
- Clean my bedroom - STARTED
- Water the indoor plants - DONE

Tuesday's To Do List:
- Put away the laundry
- Bring the trash cans in
- Clean my bedroom
- Do some shopping
- Put gas to the car
- Water the front garden & back

Sunday -

I woke up at 9:00 a.m. (after going to sleep at 3:30 a.m.) when the first alarm went off , but went back to sleep to wait for the second alarm which was set to go off at 9:30 a.m.  Dancer's plaintive meowing woke me up around 9:15 a.m.; he was wanting his breakfast!  Yes, he is a spoilt kitty!  So, I got up, turned off the nightlight and the fan, turned on the altar lights, turned off the porch lights, and fed the kitties - Dancer and the garden cats, too.  Did I mention spoilt kitties?

Then, I spoke with daughter who called to wish me a good morning, had a cup of coffee, and eased into my day, reading and commenting on a few blogs.  I commented on some of the blogs I regularly read and comment on and on a couple of blogs I've mostly read, but not commented on regularly before.  I'll consider that as part of my "participate in the blogging community" segment of my monthly balanced life goals.  Later, I spoke with neighbor T who called for our Sunday chat

It was another warm day.  Mid-90s (95F), outside, but "only" 86F inside (yesterday, it had been 88F inside).  Tomorrow will be our coolest day this week, at only 90F, according to the forecast.  After that, we will warm up again, to the upper 90s/low 100s by the weekend! 

Yesterday, I felt a little overwhelmed.  I needed to do more house cleaning, the laundry was never ending, I discovered two fleas, it was hot, and I didn't have the energy to do all that needed to be done.

Today, I felt a little better.  I procrastinated as long as I dared to, playing online, reading my library book, phoning my friends, etc., but, eventually, I vacuumed the house in the afternoon, and nothing jumped onto my long, pale lilac skirt!  (I wore my reading glasses while I vacuumed and checked my skirt every few minutes!).  After which I tossed the new vacuum cleaner bag and took a shower to cool off!  Then, I rested a bit and had a yogurt for brunch.  Later, after tea, I changed my bed sheets and put new sheets, then, laundered the sheets that had been on the bed.  They are hanging up to dry.  I also laundered the kitchen rug and the old towels I put on the floor for Dancer to sleep on. 

There's another quilt and blanket to wash and then, daughter's bed sheets.  But, after that, the washing of the quilts and blankets will be over and they will be stored until needed in the fall and winter.  Then, all the laundry that will need to be done will be the bed sheets, the sofa dust sheets, and my regular laundry!  Oh, and two hand knitted sweaters that have to be washed by hand and rolled in towels and spread out flat to dry! 

I called friend A to check on her and her husband (he will be undergoing surgery for prostate cancer, next week).  I also called friend R to see if the plumber came to fix her kitchen sink; she said he stopped by but said he'll come again, tomorrow, to do the actual work. 

For dinner, I cooked some broccoli that is starting to turn yellow and added the last of the beef steak, cut into thin slices, to make a sort of broccoli and beef dish and cooked some rice to go with it:

Dinner: Broccoli, Beef, and Rice 

There's enough leftover for another meal, which I'll have for dinner, tomorrow.  After that, I won't eat anymore beef or broccoli until after my colonoscopy.  I have another head of broccoli, turning yellow in my fridge - I might have to cook it and freeze it.


Today, I am grateful for:
- A very slightly cooler day
- Getting the vacuuming done
- Chatting on the phone with friends
- Not feeling quite as overwhelmed
- Being able to get the laundry done


Sunday's To Do List:
- VACUUM! - DONE!
- Put away the laundry - DONE
- Change my bed sheets - DONE
- Launder bed sheets - DONE

- Launder rugs and old towels - DONE

Monday's To Do List:
- Put away the laundry
- Wash the crocheted blanket
- Wash the quilt
- Take the trash cans out
- Do some shopping?
- Clean my bedroom

How was your Sunday?  What have you planned for Monday?  Are you getting tired of reading all about my laundry?

Saturday: Still Too Hot to Trot

It was supposed to have been cooler, today, but it was still hot!  I have been seated in front of the fan, most of the day, not wanting to move, let alone vacuum!  Dancer has been trying to keep cool under the laundry rack:

Cool Cat!

Friend R called in the morning; apparently she is having some plumbing problems (leaky kitchen sink), so she's waiting on the plumber to come.  She hadn't noticed the leak (no water on the kitchen floor), but the tenants in the apartment below her had complained to the management and they had contacted her.  She said she called me because she needed to tell someone and her children (back in Sri Lanka) would be sleeping due to the time difference.  So, I commiserated with her and we chatted a bit; I asked if she was OK for lunch and she said, yes.  We rang off after promising to call again, later.

I put away the laundry from yesterday and did three more loads, including the dust sheets from the family room sofas as part of the ongoing war against the fleas.  I should probably remove the sofa cushion covers and wash them, too.  In the next go around.

My washing machine was purchased back in 1992; it is still going strong!  The turning knob for the wash cycle dial is broken and I turn it with my fingers; sometimes, the machine stops midway through the cycle and I need to open and close the door to get it started, again (there is a plastic pin on the inside of the door that triggers the washer mechanism to start), or, occasionally, poke at the mechanism with a chopstick I keep nearby to get it going;  and, every now and then, I need to do a second spin cycle to remove all the water from the clothes (especially when I do big loads).  But it is still handling all the laundry I keep throwing at it!

The afternoon was too hot to do anything, other than laundry and doing a blog post!  That's my excuse for not vacuuming, although I really need to vacuum, tomorrow.  I did finish cleaning my bathroom and I dusted the dining room.  The dishes were washed, too, and the kitchen counters and stove top wiped.  I took the recycling to the big bin outside, combed Dancer, and will do his litter box before I go to bed.

In between, I watched various programs on TV, mostly cooking shows, and I read a little.

Today, I am grateful for:
- Being the type of friend my friends feel OK to call when they need a sympathetic ear.
- My washing machine - still going after 26 years!
- Fans to help me stay cool
- Electricity to run the appliances
- Texting and video chatting with my daughter

Saturday's To Do List:
- Finish cleaning the bathroom - DONE
- Vacuum
- More laundry - DONE (3 loads)
- Paperwork
- Dishes - DONE
- Dust dining room - DONE
- Wipe kitchen counters & stove top - DONE

Sunday's To Do List:
- VACUUM!
- Put away the laundry
- Change my bed sheets
- Launder bed sheets

I have other things I would like to do, but I am not going to list them all and overwhelm myself.  The vacuuming and changing the bed sheets will be the two main tasks

How was your Saturday?  Did you have a good day?

Card Making/Scrapbooking Supplies

Susan, who makes some of the most beautiful cards I've ever seen, was asking about my card making supplies, the other day.  I am an occasional card maker, doing so only as and when I need a card for a birthday or a shower, etc.  For the most part, I use leftover scrapbooking material for my card making and, when I sit down to make a card, these are the two containers I take out, because they contain the majority of my card making supplies:

Containers of Card Making Supplies

The clear plastic box contains card stock, scrapbooking papers, stencils, some stickers, and the package of pens (some of which have dried up, I noticed, the other day).  The round box holds all the pairs of scissors, some embellishments, glue, etc.

Containers and their contents

The various pairs of scissors, including two pairs of daughter's safety scissors (blue as well as pink!).  Most of them are decorative edge scissors.  Sorry about the glare from the window (even with the drapes drawn); the plastic bags in the foreground contain assorted sequins, the card of rhinestones, and a bag of "gold" rings (bought years ago):

The Equipment and Embellishments

Everything fits into the box, but, I do have to dig around to find what I need:

Everything Back in the Box

Other embellishments, such as buttons and lace, are stored with my sewing supplies, and are pulled out as needed; fabric flowers are stored separately in a bag with wreath making supplies (I have an empty drawer in a stack of plastic drawers that I plan to put them in, one day).

The cardstock and scrapbooking papers, and the colored pens:

Papers and Pens

I try to keep the different things separated by type, so all the stencils are in a plastic sleeve:

Stencils

It does mean that I have to pull everything out, when I want to find a particular stencil, but that's fine with me. 

Most of the stickers are in a bag, too:

Stickers

I also keep some of my papers separated for ease of use.  All the Christmas themed paper are in one plastic sleeve:

Christmas Themed Papers

All the larger pieces of patterned papers are in their own sleeve:

Larger Pieces of Patterned Paper

All the bits and pieces of patterned paper leftovers are in one plastic sleeve (top sleeve in photo, below), all the bits and pieces of solid colored cardstock leftovers are in another (middle sleeve in photo, below), and there is also a bag of assorted bits of papers I had bought for $1 from a specialty paper store I had visited when I accompanied daughter on a field trip, when she was in high school (bottom bag in photo, below):

Smaller Pieces of Papers

Yes, all the papers fit into the box:

All Back in the Box

And the lid can be closed:

All Contained!

Everything is sorted and organized by type, but, everything gets pulled out of the sleeves when I need to find the items I want for a particular project, and then, the table gets messy!  Maybe, one day, I might organize things by color, but that's for later on, when I have more time to sit and really fine tune my organizing!  For now, I am just glad that things are somewhat sorted and contained.

I have some additional cardstock, scrapbooking papers, and stickers stored on a shelf in the spare bedroom:

Additional Supplies

They include some scrapbook pages from which daughter removed the pictures because she needed them for scrapbooks she needed to do as high school assignments for her AP Spanish and AP English classes.  It is my intention to do them over and put back into my scrapbook albums; yet another "when I am retired and have the time" project!  LOL!

I haven't scrapbooked sinced daughter turned sixteen.  We started taking pictures with our digital cameras and cell phones around that time; daughter wouldn't print out the pictures for me and I couldn't figure out how to do it, myself.  That's when I decided to make cards to use up the scrapbooking supplies.

I used to buy scrapbook papers and stickers, etc., when they went on sale, often for $.10 for the 8" x 11" and $.20 for the 12" x 12" papers.  Once I bought a 100 sheet packet of 12 x 12 paper for $3.00.    At those prices, it was hard to resist!  I have promised myself that I will not buy anymore scrapbooking/card making supplies till all this stock is used up!  Most probably, I will donate some of it, especially the stickers, one of these days (when I get around to really going through and organizing stuff).  Until then, they take up about one linear foot of space on that shelf.          

So, that is my stash of scrapbooking-turned-card making supplies!    What about you?  Do you scrapbook or make cards?  Do you have a big stash of supplies?