Celebrating The Traditional Twelve Days of Christmas

"Okay, Christmas is over!"  you say.  I get it, they started the ads before Halloween and if you hear one Jingle Bell Rock one more time your ears will begin to bleed.  I really do get it.  There is however just one pesky detail...

If, and only if, you believe in the birth of Christ then Dec. 25 is the first day (of Christmas) and as anyone who's sung the song can tell you, there are twelve days of Christmas.  In many cultures it is actually the twelfth day that is considered Christmas.  That is the day that Christ was presented at the temple and recognized by good old what's his name as the Messiah.  Now, that may be way too religious for a whole lot of ya, but I have a couple reasons of my own for going traditional.

First, the days following the 25th have always been the ones where all the running around is over.  You get to play with your toys, visit with family and friends, and school's not back until at least the 2nd.  You get to breathe a bit.  Since I've taken this all a little more seriously, I realize that these are the days when one little tiny baby was the wonder of the world.  I remember falling in love with a one day old, it is not to be skipped over.  I for one, want these days to step back from the frenzy that Madison Avenue started and has taken on a life of its own...no, take some time to fall in love again.  Enjoy the holidays, bask in the love of family and friends that we seem to only take out for this special occasion.  Don't be in such a hurry to put away the Christmas spirit.

For another thing, it has pissed me off, for as long as I can remember, that this holiest of days has been hijacked by companies that want to sell me CARS to give as gifts and other ridiculous notions...arrrrg.  More practically, I haven't finished (or necessarily started) my Christmas cards, shipping gifts and I just got the decorations up.  So there, I'm just getting started and if you know me - even a little bit - you know that I am not letting the big businesses hijack my holidays, so if you are done - good for you!  You can save my card for next year, and in that case, I'm early for a change.  Merry Christmas!

The Holidays

Someone should have warned me
surely other people knew
that these days are full of landmines
from the people that I knew

Shopping misses someone
cooking misses two
decorating hoards of people
that should be here too

The richness of the memories
the scents that grace my home
are more than meloncholy
they're living good and true

What meaning I assign it
the tears that slip away
are really all about
the people and the day

It's fantastic that I loved you
I can't imagine any other way
my life could be so rich now
(unless you hadn't gone away)

I'm building a whole new experience
another good and true
but over half the richness is the memory of you.

Merry Christmas, where ever you may be <3

Christmas Is Coming

The earth is white, as far as the eye can see.  I am warm, safe and dry.  The calendar says that Christmas is coming but I barely see it on the horizon.  This will be the first Christmas I've spent without any family, or friends for that matter.  It will be unique.

I've decided to observe the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas, which starts on the 25th.  That makes me not late in sending out my gifts and cards after the first of the year. 

I'm not certain how I'll spend the day...perhaps writing cards to loved ones, perhaps watching It's A Wonderful Life and other appropriate movies (assuming I can find them)  I also may assemble the fire pit I received last year which remains in a box on my porch.  However I end up spending the day, I am thoughtful of all the love in my life though the people be far away.

Learning to enjoy yourself, by yourself may be the lesson of the day...but don't worry because I will make the turkey, and you're welcome to join me. 

A Plague of Wire

As the settling in continues, in fits and starts, one thing that has emerged are the obsolete wires to former electronic.  Electronics which are now toast.  The saver in me wants to hold on to them "just in case..."  Just in case what?  If I should need a new something or other, which I certainly hope that I don't, we all know that it would require a new improved chord.  A port designed by an entire electronics division not to accept any pre-existent wires that you might have.  Oh, you think I'm being dramatic?

Let's look at the evidence.  A simple phone wire (okay two - 6' and 25'), two Ethernet cables also of differing lengths, 4 little adapters for dsl/phone lines, a cable whose origin escapes me, a weird one with a figure 8 attachment, three different chords with different circumference attachments, and wall chargers from my electric toothbrush, the blender and who knows what else.  You know those round ones might be from the cameras...the label maker? an electric tea kettle?  the phones?

The fact of the matter is that if I dare to part with a single one of those suckers an appliance will turn up in some unpacked box...aye...if I even dare to put them away (as if I had a place for them)... would I ever remember where I tucked them? 

I know, you wish this was your biggest problem.  Well, I wish it was my biggest problem - but it's not.  It's just the only one I'm willing to share at the moment.

Walking On the Moon

Sometimes I feel like I've fallen into a black hole or left the planet (I guess those both constitute leaving the planet).  Anyway, today I feel like that - no particular reason except maybe because I don't have anyone to play with at the moment.  I know, I know, I moved a thousand miles away...

As the holidays fast approach, I have been working towards getting the house ready for company.  To this end, boxes are beginning to disappear and I hung some art and photos.  It really warmed my heart to see so many loved one's faces and the house is feeling more like home everyday.  Nonetheless, I have to accept the reality that I probably won't have an Open House this year.  I was really hoping to get to know some people a little better, as well as making some memories in this house.  ah well...

If you are a fan of the Neil Armstrong and the first moonwalk (No, not Michael Jackson's dance steps young'uns) you know the whole ..one step for mankind bit, but did you notice that he is very much alone - as am I, so perhaps I am walking on the moon. 

Sleepless In The Springs

I didn't get to sleep at all last night, I can tell that it's not because I'm worried because I ran out of things to think about.  When I worry, I never run out of new scenarios to concern myself with.  I could say it's from pain, but frankly, I'm kind of use to that so even though I exhausted my remedies I remained awake, though resting in bed - more or less comfortable, whatever.  Anyway, I have a few pet ideas that I take out to think about when I can't sleep.  These are questions that have no obvious answer or no correct answer.

For example:  What is the perfect amount of money to win in the lottery?  Research has shown that lottery winners to the majority, end up in the same proportional financial position they were in before they won.  This means that if they carried a 35% debt load before they won, they will after-leaving them in a much more difficult position because they do not have the earning power associated with their winnings.  The winners that did not end up in this position all had one thing in common.  They all had a plan for their winnings including how they were going to handle the charities that besieged them after winning.  This is the research that parented my question, and it was my favorite mental toy until this summer, when I actually solved it -for me.

Needless to say, I think my idea is brilliant and it should be because I've been thinking about it for almost twenty years.  Don't fret,I won't make you wait that long for my answer, and it isn't 42 (just in case you're a Hitch hiker's Guide to the Galaxy folk).  My answer is $142 million.  Now to some of you that may seem quite high, to greedy folk it may seem quite modest.  If you follow the lottery you know that it often exceeds this amount, it doesn't matter because I rarely buy a ticket, I just want to be prepared so I'm not one of those winners that ends up deeper in debt (I shudder at the thought).

My calculation goes like this:  The day I win the lottery, I inform all those I know and love that I have won the lottery and being the generous person that I am, I want to pay off all of their debts, including the mortgage on their homes and autos, etc.  The debts must all have preexisted my winning the lottery.  I will also pay the taxes on the financial gift they are receiving so as of one month after the lottery, they all have their income to spend as they will and I will not bail anyone out beyond these funds.  That's final by the way, if you know me, you know that I can hold a line and that is my line.  The only exception to this rule are the people I know who are homeless, they just get a house, median priced in their community (yeah, I'll furnish it).  As for the charities, I've already selected the ones that I support and that's the end of that. 

As for myself, well I will be buying four houses, one in New York by my family, one in Santa Monica which is my happy place, one in Colorado where I feel good and one in an undisclosed location that I have always loved but don't want any intruders to my paradise.

For me, the next part is my absolute favorite, if you've ever seen the television show Highway to Heaven, where Michael Landon and another guy travel the country and solve one person's problems in each episode.  That's my plan, though I don't expect to spend a half hour on each person.  I'm thinking, a check up from the neck up for each, and a friend (being me) who is willing to help them do whatever they need to fix their life.  It's such a cool idea, I don't mind if Michael Landon had the job first.  I can deal with it.

Now that this issue has been resolved, I just need to win the lottery, which means that I have to start buying tickets...hmm.  Oh well, it will happen if it will happen.  In the meantime, I needed a new nearly unsolvable problem to occupy my mind while I'm not sleeping (and usually in pain).  The new issue is just as individual in it's solution so I guess I'll share that idea with you in a future writing.

It's Too Weird

One of the features of my blog is that it counts how many people visit my site and where they are when they do so.  Tonight, I was feeling like I shouldn't bother writing one anymore since it is truly a one sided relationship which was okay while I was traveling, but since I am stationary, well, I'd like to hear from you too.  Then I checked my stats:
1059 people visited my site this month.  30 from Germany, 28 from the Netherlands, and one blogger lists my blog as a good blog to visit.  How weird is that?  I just don't understand it, but then again, I might just as well as enjoy it.  Finally, one guy who visits me 28 times a month(?) I don't post that often, but anyway, he has a get rich quick scheme that just cannot fail.  You heard it here first...I guess I'll keep posting.

A Light Dusting

The view is oh so gentle with a light dusting of snow upon it.  I have been waiting for this for days.  I don't know why, I just really wanted it to snow.  It has really turned into winter now that the freezing temperatures persist in daylight.  They are predicting that next Wednesday it will warm up a little, we shall see.

I have been somewhat reflective these past few days...I have been thinking about how much it has cost me to keep the word disabled out of my self-description...too much I think, now.  It is the opposite of the power of positive thinking...when there is a cost to evading a negative truth.  I don't know what to make of it really, and I'm not sure what the purpose is of me realizing it now, but true to my blog's name, I did realize it later and I've learned to pay attention to these understandings-even if I've already paid the price.  So be it.

I had the Internet installed in the house, as expected.  They had to wire the house from the pole since the former tenant had pirated off the neighbor...perhaps I should go introduce myself to this hospitable person?  Hmm...an interesting thought.

I got baptised on Sunday, somewhat anti-climatic since God's been invited into every cell of my being for a very long time, still, I guess it was special in a very peaceful way.  For me, I guess it was more a confirmation of my beliefs, perhaps that is just a Roman Catholic hangover....I can't support the distinctions religious people make about which flavor of Christian you are.  For a long time now, it seems to me that God went through a lot of trouble making us all unique to insist that we be the same.  I know, you don't want to hear about it, still, it makes me wonder.

I suppose that I should start preparing for the holidays, I don't think I will though.  The decorations and ornaments (of which I have many) are all in the back of the shed since I expected to be unpacked by now...perhaps I'll aim for next Christmas?  My time would probably be better spent finding an organization that helps people off the streets while the weather is life-threatening to them?  More than likely, I will do what I have been doing, keeping warm, safe, and dry while I slowly unpack that box that is in my way.  That's really why I wanted the snow, to force me to deal with the inside of my house, instead I got a light dusting...inside and out.

Coming Together

Okay, after a not so great Thanksgiving,all my fault-of course...well, not really, I guess I'll just explain.  As previously stated, I had plans to join my neighbor and her four generations however, on Thanksgiving morning I discovered that Coco had the runs all over the carpet and the floor.  

That dog will bark if the wind changes direction, but for this he is silent?  I did not kill him or beat him, but threatened to do both as I kicked him out into the backyard.  Ay yi yi.  So of course I cleaned it up, and up.  I did know better than to have my tea before I started. 

Afterwards, I let him back in, fed the beast and proceeded to make my contributions to the meal.  As easy as string bean casserole is to make, by the time it came out of the oven my foot was shot for the day.  Ouch!  Her son came over and picked up the casserole and after they ate, Bev delivered two heaping plates to me.  I was so sore that I was nauseous and declined her company while I ate, because in fact, I ate two bites and went to bed.

Sadly, not only did I miss out on a great meal and good company, as well as the opportunity to make new friends (which I could really use) I also offended my friend.  Not my usual style, but what are ya gonna do?  So, today I went over and apologized profusely, and gave Coco the dead eye upon my return. We shall see if the friendship survives the last minute cancellation...

In the meantime, through the generosity of family and friends, I now have a laptop-YEAH, and the Internet will be hooked up on Dec.2 another YEAH.  So, as it goes, I am creeping back towards the 21st Century. 

I sure hope your holiday was better than mine, even if I do have pretty great left overs.

The First Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is my favorite day of the year.  This year is the first time I will spend Thanksgiving without my friends or family about.  Certainly it is easy to feel sorry for myself but truth be told, I am fine.  After all the trials and tribulations about getting myself settled here, I have a lot to be thankful for.
So many people have been kind and generous to me following the fire, and from time to time some treasure shows up in my mailbox that makes my life just that much better.  I am looking forward to replacing this and that, but in the meantime, I have been unpacking things that I haven't seen in a couple of years, all of which I liked to begin with, so in a sense everyday is just a little like Christmas.  Although I may have to consciously decide to have this attitude, it is the one I prefer.

Shortly after moving here, I decided that the best way I could meet people is by joining a church (since I don't work or attend a school).  I selected the church that is closest to my house, and since it has a 6:00 service on Sunday afternoons, I figured that would work for me.  After attending for more than a month, the pastor told me that, "We should have a conversation."  I was not looking forward to this.  I have very definite beliefs about God, and as you probably know, I was never a church goer-even as a child.  I had gotten in trouble for asking the wrong questions during religious instruction so I learned to keep my opinions to myself, and left the church as soon as I could, so you can imagine my reluctance to have a one on one with this pastor.

Anyway, the meeting was set up and I went, intending to say as little as possible and "yeah, yeah" whenever necessary.  When I arrived, I was handed a booklet that describes what the church believes and what is required of members.  You can imagine my surprise when I read exactly what I believed on their forms!  It's true, there is a church that believes what I believe, and God has lined me up with it.  So, much to my own surprise, I am being baptized on Sunday-which will make me a member of this church.  Does that make me the church lady?  We'll have to ask Dana Carvey to know for sure.

So, this Thanksgiving I have one more thing to be thankful for.  I hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!  I will be joining my neighbor across the street for dinner and feel just a little like a Pilgrim being welcomed by the natives.  Enjoy and I hope to speak with you soon!

Oops

I accidentally deleted today's post. Tomorrow's another day...good night.

Reign Of Leaves

Mightier than a gentle breeze
Gentler than a mighty wind
The leaves rained down
Covering every surface in a layer of muted colors and me

I pause to note that perhaps there is one leaf upon me for each goodbye I have said this year
And I brush them away lightly
The sun is warm and the chimes sing a simple song
I am receptive to its unformed melody

How to capture this gentle wildness?
Perhaps not
Perhaps it is as fleeting as the leaves that lingered awhile
Their shade is gone
Now they blanket the Earth
I shall not remove them

Yes, I Really Did

There are so many things that you just don't admit, much less post on your blog, that I have nothing to talk about this week.  If you asked me if I did that, I'd have to admit that,"yes, I did that..." with a vague look over your shoulder...unless of course, it was fun, and then, it wasn't me.  So what can I tell you?
This week, a seventy three year old woman and her forty six year old son moved a desk for me.  How pitiful is that?  You can only guess, but I know first hand.  The final result is that the library is now complete, which is really nice, actually.  If you're looking for me, that's probably where I'll be, unless of course, I actually put my laundry away-hey, it could happen.

In the meantime, it snowed about six inches yesterday.  It was so beautiful.  The trees still have their leaves, so it was very impressive even though the trees did not appreciate it.  Coco and Fluffy didn't care for it either.  It was really fun to watch Coco though.  He went out the back door, stepped in the snow and turned back around to come inside again.  He seemed to actually think that he wouldn't go out to pee until it was gone.  His thought bubbles were very easy to compose.  When I finally tired of opening the door for him, I walked him to the grass (less than six feet out the door) and he realized that the world made sense again.  It's not easy being him.

Today, the snow melted off of just about everywhere.  The roads were completely clear and it was safe to go get groceries again.  It isn't really fair of me to portray my life as so mundane, okay, so maybe it is, but it doesn't seem appropriate to tell you all that Coco has had a bad reaction to some kibble which resulted in gas so bad that it would remove wall paper.  I ended up making him chicken and rice, which he loves.  Do I have to admit that I am now cooking for my dog?  Yes, I did that...

Turning 100

In case you're wondering, I have no idea why I am up so late that it is early...no matter, I am days late postins so it is as good a time as any...in honor of my 100th post, I am composing by candlelight. It's not much of a celebration, but it suits me just fine.
We have had our first freeze, so I guess I should figure a way to get the rest of my stuff off of the back porch and into the house. I don't want to make any rash decisions at such a late hour, but it is kind of a no brainer. The fact that I still have stuff outside is the product of multiple factors: to begin with, I didn't know where I wanted it, then I decided that since I hadn't seen my stuff in about two years that I'd enjoy rediscovering each item, sort of like a gigantic Christmas where everything I got was something I already loved (you know I didn't take what I didn't love), and finally,there is the simple reality that I really can't move all this stuff myself.
I have gotten really good at staying below my pain threshold, I am finally learning to live with this I guess and it is easier to live with here, as I have mentioned before.
Since I have been feeling a little better, I am missing other things more. While it is nice to have more than a singular focus, it is hard to be this alone.
I never really thought about it before, but I have always been surrounded by loved ones, and I suppose, over time, I will be once again. In the meantime, rest assured that I miss you very much! In the meantime, it's so late that my Blackberry is falling asleep.

Contrary Days

These days have been a contrast of extremes, time and energy, money and resources among others.  I have a strict policy about complaining, so I won't - but that's the only reason why not....some good things have happened but, as Queen of the Sore Foot Society, I don't have to tell you about it when I am in such a cranky mood.  In fact, the only reason I am posting today is because I haven't posted all week and the weather is supposed to encourage me to stay home this weekend.  So, on that note, I will dedicate myself to my other on-line activities while I still have computer time left...

Log Jam

Unpacking has been such an adventure...some things in there I haven't seen in over three years {Really? Really!}  It seems that it was packed when I lived on Ontario Street, shifted into the garage on Verdugo, then went into storage...a long journey to Colorado Springs.  You might suggest that if I haven't used it in that long that I don't need it, well you'd be wrong :D  It has been touching to unpack, and some things have taken my breath away.

So, what's the problem?  The problem is that I have unpacked everything that can be put away before the desks are put in place, and I can't move the desks by myself....I guess I'll be getting assistance somehow, but in the meantime, I am at a log jam which gives me the perfect excuse to stop unpacking and enjoy the beautiful weather and landscape.  It's a tough job but someone has to do it.  Luckily, I am such a newbie that I enjoy the view from my back porch especially since I've got a hitch in my giddy up (I like that expression better than "my foot hurts")  So, if you're looking for me, you'll know where to find me.

Prosperity Cracked

No sunrise
No sunset
Just the gradual shifting of light

Chunks of clouds
Swim through my tea
As the heat warms my hands

Nothing is wrong
Nothing is right
But prosperity cracked today

A shift, more than attitude
Detectable in headlines
And political stalemate

Nothing is right
Nothing is wrong
But prosperity cracked today

mid-shift

In the continuing saga that is my life, I have begun changing addresses here there and everywhere...it is so special.  I sent out an email to family and friends to send me their addresses...exactly 3 people responded.  I guess I don't need to send out any holiday greetings this year...I don't know, perhaps they didn't believe me when I said that I don't have any one's address anymore? So far, I only have to send three people my address, cause I can't tell anyone else.  Do I sound bitter?  I'm not really, I am out of sorts because the teacher's credit union changed their terms when I moved out of state.  This has put me in a state, especially since I spoke with them in person, and by phone.  They didn't even send me a notice, since I'm out of state...I am so pissed off at them, I really wish I hadn't gotten my new checks printed.  In the end, it may not matter, I may just drop the whole thing and go local (no, not loco).

The house is really starting to come together.  There are still half unpacked boxes in every room, that is my next mission: Cardboard Be Gone!  I would like to use my magic wand for this...yes, I did actually find my magic wand but I did not find the Fairy Dust that activates it.  I haven't tried to use it yet, since I don't have more Fairy Dust, it may only have one or two uses left in it, if it still works at all and I didn't want to be frivolous with it, so I will have to get back to you.  Do you think regular dust will work?  How about dust that has crossed the Continental Divide? Inquiring minds need to know...

We had record rains yesterday, four inches in less than 24 hours.  I was warm and safe and dry so I barely noticed.  This is almost the eighth weather record to be set since I've been living here...should I warn the neighbors?  ( I just cracked myself up, here in the library computer center).

Suffice it to say, that I am hanging in there, UMe Credit Union sucks and I'll talk to you next week :D

News and the Whether

For some reason, my cellphone has stopped allowing me to go on the Internet.  Oh, I am still allowed it's just that it goes to sleep before it is loaded.  I guess I need to take it into the shop, but I'm afraid the answer is that I dropped it once to often...another couple of days of this and I'm sure I'll get brave and take it in.  Then again, maybe I'll just have the Internet installed in the house and let the phone have a well earned rest.  I've been dragging my feet about getting new service at the house. 

In the meantime, as Queen of the Sore Foot Society, I have granted myself a day off from unpacking.  We'll see if I actually get the clothes off of my bed before I go to sleep tonight.  Just kidding...maybe :D  In truth, the place is starting to come together.  The living room looks good, I actually found the two lamps that never made it into the Verdugo house, that was exciting.  I also found some other objects that have been in boxes for a total of three and a half years (storage plus the Verdugo garage).  It was more than a little comforting to find these things after the loss of the fire.  It kind of took the sting out of it, and besides, I'd just have to find a place to put it.  Of course, I still miss my laptop and of all things, my black sweater- which evidently, went with everything.  Oh well.

I am preparing to have a yard sale to get rid of the stuff that doesn't fit this house.  I can't see any reason to store it further.  And to answer your question, yes, I am using all three desks...though at the moment two of them are supporting boxes that I haven't unpacked yet...it's a process.

unpacking some more

Coming Back To Myself

Today, amongst the dregs of three boxes on the dining table, I quite suddenly felt just like myself. I don't know if I finally slipped out of overdrive or came out of shock but it is good to be back.

I have named the squirrel, Creedy McGreedy, for obvious reasons and continue to unpack. I haven't seen this stuff in so long that each box is lik Christmas, unless of course, I have no idea where it came from.
I must say that I find myself remembering certain students and colleuges. Not to mention family and friends who have contributed to the items that grace my life.

A See Of Cardboard and other mundane facts of moving

This week both PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) arrived. Of course the guy couldn't get one in the driveway, while the guy in LA could put it in an envelope...nonetheless, they were unpacked leaving cardboard as far as the eye could see. The furniture is largely installed, except for one desk which has too many boxes on it to contend with. It was a special kind of heaven to Sleep in my very own bed...AHhhhh

Jack and Sue drove up from Santa Fe to help me unpack and assisted with uNloading the books. Who would believe that theY're over seventy? Certainly not me, because I witnessed the filling of three six foot bookcases and one three foot. The only reason we didn't finish the fourth six footer is because we couldn't find the books.

This single event made such a difference in the quatnity of boxes that I have begun finding things that I forgot I owned. Though someone is going to have to explain why I have four boxes that say Goodwill, two boxes that say yard sale and three boxes that belong to one of ny brothers? Most curious to me is the gigantic piece of artwork by Michael Heidzer, that I never wnated, don't own and has now folled me hAlfway across the country at my own expense. I swear I handed this to it's owner before I left. How the heck did it end up with me yst again? I'd laugh about it but I'm too sore from the books.

I do have a new friend by order of a very tame squirreL that loves peanuts and cannot explain the Heidzer either (or if he could he was too busy laughing to explain)

I'd Rathter Be A Four Than An Eight

This week has gone by so fast that it's hard to know where to start.  I emptied my storage compartment here in Colorado Springs and it is so nice to have some of my things around me.  I have unpacked as much of that stuff as I can without furniture, which is expected to arrive on Saturday.  To say that I am excited is a gross understatement.  While that sounds so good, I need to keep in mind that I have two pods to unpack, thankfully, the Warford's are coming in to help me.  I still think we're going to need some muscle to get the couch and loveseat in.

I have made a friend here, Rosa, and she is happy to help me learn my way around town.  Yesterday we went to Kmart and got some area rugs for the hardwood floors which, in this case, I say are softwood floors since Coco's nails leave a trail in the wood.  I was told by a local guy to installs these floors that if I give them a coat of waterbased polyuretherene (which he couldn't remember the name of) I won't have that problem anymore.  I expect to look into this in the very near future.

Since being here I have enjoyed a reduced pain level.  Usually, I start my day around a 6 (of 10) and stay around an 8 for most of the day.  I do my level best not to push it past a 9, or pay the consequences, but here in Colorado Springs, I wake up at a 4 and level out at a 6 or 7.  It is very easy to understand why I was so set on moving here and why I am so glad to finally be getting settled in.

When the PODS arrive, I expect to be dedicated to getting them unloaded and all of my possessions settled in.  I know that I have a computer in there, but I don't have any Internet service established as of yet so I guess I will post again when I have more to say than "I continue to unpack."

A New Resident Of Colorado

Today I found out that I got the house I wanted here in Colorado Springs.  The only thing I don't like about it is that I can't pronounce the street name, but I'll learn.  It's a three bedroom one bath about six blocks from Aunt Joan/Jean's house, so at least I know the area some.  I'll go sign the papers this evening and order up my PODS first thing, I can hardly wait.

My mind is filled with the details of moving in and I won't bore you with them, but I will say that when I report next week, I should be a little more settled though I don't expect to have my furniture for a couple of weeks.

The weather here in Colorado Springs is very different than what I am use to.  The mornings are cool and comfortable, and by noon it warms up.  Late afternoons bring the promise of rain and by early evening, the rain has come and gone.  As the evening wears on, it cools off and is quite comfortable.  I can handle hot weather for four hours a day :D

I Can See clearly Now

The highlight of this week is replacing my glasses, which makes composing this post much easier. Next week, I get the sunglasses version and I could hardly be more excited.

For the first time in my life I actually felt like an adult as I decided to take a pass on a house I could have gotten which only met most of my needs. It was a good decision but that means that I continue to look for the right house. I heard Grandma Summer's voice inside my head reminding me that the day you have to live with second best is the moment you accept it. So With ancestral guidance, I carry on

The Search Continues

As I continue looking for a place, I am learning more and more about my new city. In this case, Iam rather a slow learner,, but to the extent that I can get around, I am and it is rather pleasant though slow. I look forward to securing a residence in the very near future. Thanks for checking in :D

Third Time's A Charm?

Okay, this is my last attempt to post with my Blackberry. I am in Colorado and glad of it. I have met some great people at the city's scariest motel, which shall remain namless. I look forward to reporting my progress from an actual keyboad, nent week.

Independence

As I think about the past week, I find that it all leads to the coming week.  I suppose that means this week was spent in preparation.  I made curtains for the van, which should keep me cooler and provide some privacy for the contents of the van, besides that, they look kind of cool.  I picked up this fabric in a thrift store in Los Alamos.  I wasn't very excited about it since Lorraine and I had gone to Michael Levin's in downtown LA and gotten the perfect fabric and all the notions so that I could sew them while I was house sitting in Santa Fe.  Losing new things in the fire had a particular sting, but I got the fabric because it wasn't terrible and the price was right.  Now I find that they look pretty cool and I can't even remember what the other fabric looked like, so I guess I'm moving on.

I have gotten a new copy of my licence, registration and all my bank cards.  I am still waiting on the title to the van and one insurance card, but they will come when they come.  All in all, I feel somewhat restored.  It will be some time before I can replace some things like my glasses and my laptop, but I can't say that I'm very concerned about it.  I have managed to get by without them for the past month and I expect that I'll get by for as long as I need to.  I do miss reading, but I have drugstore cheaters (as we call them) and the work well enough for the time being.  For the most part, I find my arms are long enough to get the point of focus I need to make things legible.

Tomorrow is Independence Day, the holiday that always makes me think of my father.  He used to wake us up with John Phillips Sousa's, Da da da nant da, da nant da da da nant (cymbal crash).  This is much easier to sing than to type...but I'm smiling.  It occurs to me that independence is a false concept.  Truly independent people are actually mutually dependent, as was our country in the beginning.  If not for the assistance of France, we would not have achieved independence from England.  This fact is little noted in all the rhetoric of the day and history, but it was certainly true.  Our Independence required assistance, and I have recent experience to confirm that my own independence is predicated on the love and support of family and friends across the country.   I suspect that this is true for all of us, and that though we believe ourselves to be self-reliant, and more or less self-supporting, the truth is that we both support and receive support from others.  I believe this is as it should be, and in earnest, I am beyond grateful to those that support my Independence! 

In celebration of our nation's Independence tomorrow, I will sing all of the appropriate songs.  I will not be going to the local festivities because it is too damn hot, and I generally don't have enough foot to make it to the end, so I'll watch the fireworks on tv and call it good.  It's just as well because I have a procedure Tuesday at five am (yes, believe it) and so an early night is in order anyway.

Finally, after the van is checked out mechanically on Wednesday, I intend to head out once again to Colorado Springs.  Hopefully, this time things will go much more smoothly and nothing will burst into flames, an experience I am depending on being "once in a lifetime,"

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday, and find yourself moved to remember all the people that make our independence possible.

The Way I Go

This week has been a week of reflection, in large part because I got to stop and catch my breath.  On Monday, I got my first sympathetic spinal block in over a year, a treatment that reduces my pain by half  (Sounds scary doesn't it!).  It was such a relief to be comparably comfortable that I could actually think...uninterrupted, if you will.  I don't usually write about pain, it isn't interesting to me, and I suspect it isn't to you either, but lately it has occurred to me that leaving it out completely is lying, in a certain sense. 

In the beginning, I invented a code to portray my condition with a sense of humor...my personal preference for all unpleasant truths, but I never did put it up and now it is moot, since the images collected for this purpose are lost.  In the meantime, unless someone knows me very well there is no way for them to detect how I am actually doing, and some think I am making the whole thing up.  Well, why wouldn't they?  In a certain way, I prefer to be mysterious than pitied, more than that, I prefer to be understood.  That is only possible if I tell the whole story...something that I resist until it is part of my past. So, I intend to include something about it in future posts...perhaps I will find a humorous way to present this yet.

I have also not posted anything about another life changing event... a fire, so here goes....

I was on my way to Colorado Springs with my last load from Los Angeles.  The Volkswagen van I had borrowed from Brian and Stacey in Santa Fe was bigger than my own and was loaded as full as you can imagine while leaving one open bench seat for the cat and the dog.  As usual, I had stopped in Tuscon to visit and rest for a few days and had just headed out for a night drive since I had no ac. 

About an hour into the drive, the low battery light came on.  I know a bit about cars and such so I'm thinking, "Low battery?  That means the alternator isn't recharging.  I don't need a rest stop, I need a repair stop..."  Fluffy, who generally hides begins talking to me so I tip the rear view mirror to see if she's stuck or what and see a flame shooting out the rear.  Now, I'm thinking, "What does a low battery light have to do with flames?" as I pull onto the shoulder.  "Flames?  I have to get out of here!"  I grabbed my cell phone to call 911, dialing as I walked around the van.  I opened the sliding door, told Fluffy to get in her carrier, clipped Coco to his leash and stepped away with one in each hand and the phone crooked to my ear.

Just then, I realized...my purse...oh no!  With an animal in each hand there was no hand free to go back.  It was probably a good thing I didn't have a free hand because it took all of my self control to not go back.  By the time the fire department got there, the van was fully involved in flames and the entire load was a loss.  The police eventually came, and gave me a ride to the nearest truck stop where my friend from Tuscon, picked me up...the rest is, as they say, history.

On a completely different topic, I now have readers in 26 countries...who knew?  You are in good company my friend

Walking in L.A.

As promised, I am back in Los Angeles at the home of Jim and Lorraine Stewart.  When I left last month, I wasn't expecting to be back so soon, but a fire changed all that and so here I am.  As it turns out, since I now have medical coverage (BIG YEAH) I was able to get my first treatment in over a year. For the first time in way too long, I am able to walk in L.A,  Yeah, my feet still hurt, but not as badly and not in the same way, so it's a happy day for me.

Tomorrow I go get my identity back at the Department of Motor Vehicles, as well as my registration, title and handicapped parking permit, so you know that's just going to be a whole bunch of fun.  My plans for the next couple of weeks are evolving.  I am taking it one task at a time, so I'll have to let you know how it all works out in my next post.

The Winds Of Change

The wind has been blowing here in Santa Fe since before I arrived, sometimes at night, it blows through the trees and sounds just like the ocean.  It is an interesting experience to feel that lull while half asleep and realize that I am over a thousand miles from the ocean.

As I look forward to the next week, it is with some reluctance that I anticipate heading back to Los Angeles.  I need to get my licence, which can only be done in person., among other things.  The notion of driving from Santa Fe to Los Angeles without air conditioning is not attractive to me.  It sounds like there's some night driving in my future.  Oh well...at least I can go see the ocean.

House Sitting

I am currently house sitting in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  It's a beautiful house and it's really a pleasure to be here.  At other times, I have felt that it was a little too isolated, but this time I am really enjoying the privacy.  My life has been so traumatic lately, it's nice to have the time and space to process it.

Between one thing and the other, I barely had time to react let alone process.  Now, I find things coming out, falling into place and moving on to the next aspect.

I have received three care packages this week.  Each one contained items unique and wondrous.  I have the items spread over the dining room table and I just linger in looking at them and feeling the love sent with them.  It is a good time to have time and space.

Next week Jack and Sue return.  I am welcome to stay, but I suspect that I will head out to take care of replacing some of the items lost in the fire.  Time will tell..

Through The Trees

Looking through the trees, I see more trees
Different trees for sure
Evergreens, cottonwoods, oak and others

Among the trees
a glimpse of fencing
stumps, and boulders

The wind gives it movement
but really it is quite stable
through the trees

Among the Ashes

Found among the ashes, a very part of me...
thought long gone and left with the debris.
It was green and lovely, an apple given in love
now it is black and golden,
a piece of the divine

Can I wear this history
is it part of me now
or just a jaded memory
that should be kept in shroud?

I think that I will wear it
a merging of then and now
a black apple for the teacher
that's learning where and how.

House Sitting

This week, thinks settled down to a dull roar.  Which is to say that not much changed, I just got a little calmer about the whole thing.  My calmer mental state could be ascribed to two separate realizations: 1) I don't have to replace everything that I lost. and 2) I am now unencumbered by former enterprises.  It may be true that I decide to recreate what I had, but it is more likely that I will do it smarter and simpler.  One thing is for sure, I will not be doing anything any time soon, so I might as well just relax about the whole thing.  Did you buy that?  I think I did...

Jack and Sue have departed for their vacation and I am watching the house and their dog.  It is a pleasant way to pass some time and gives me a chance to muddle through the quagmire of my thoughts and plans.  I expect to be here until the middle of June, and what I'll do after that remains to be seen.

If you have no idea what has been going on with me, than that means a couple of things: 1) we haven't spoken in the last two weeks 2) you are not friends with me on Facebook, and 3) you need to call me so we can catch up :D

I hope all who serve and protect us felt the love this Memorial Day, because I for one, certainly enjoyed being an American <3

Oh, What A Week

This week was a true test of my stamina and fortitude.  In the end, I am where I was intending to be, but the chain of events took on a life of their own.  I could tell you about it, but then I'd have to kill you and you know my position on violence so let's just save it for another day.

Tuscon was wonderful, and my friends there are tried and true.  It was a real pleasure to spend some time with them and not be in such a hurry.  Now that I am in Santa Fe, with my good friends there, I am touched by their kindness, generosity, and patience with me.

Sue has gifted me with a complete set of oil paints, as well as an easel and I expect to try my hand with it while I house sit in this lovely locale.  Frankly, I could use the rest and the weather is wonderful so I expect to produce at least one picture while I learn how to clean my paintbrushes properly :D

Happy Anniversary?

A year ago today, I (the collective I, that is) finished putting my house in storage and commenced traveling in search of affordable housing, preferably with a lot more going for it than that.  On the first anniversary of this noble quest, quite a lot has changed.

Carin really started the whole thing.  You may not know that Carin came down and cranked out the garage in preparation for the yard sale and move.  She spent a weekend sorting, packing, labeling and taping.  She was truly impressive.  When I attempted to pay her, she refused and secured a commitment to be my first stop on detailed and researched quest. 

After a wonderful visit, she sat me down and told me that she thought I was making a big mistake by going from one place right into another and that I should, instead, visit each of my brothers and sisters as well as my nieces and nephews.  She convincingly described it as a chance of a lifetime.  I listened, but inside my head I thought, sure...yeah right.  In the morning, I admitted that she had a point and so began this year of visiting, traveling and exploring.  I actually did get to see all of my siblings, and nieces and nephews, and I explored living in the areas where they reside among other destinations previously selected.

I was more often surprised than pleased with the realities of living in a particular place, but finally determined that Colorado Springs is the destination for me.  This decision did not make the transition any easier and over the last couple of months, I have transferred a goodly amount of my possessions from storage in Los Angeles to storage in the Springs.  Along the way I have gotten to spend quite a bit of time with Aunt Joan Helm, aka Aunt Jean.

Understandably, I was deeply saddened at her passing and still hope to make it back for her burial on Thursday.  This does push my schedule up a bit, but if I can pull it off, I will.  Afterwards, I will be returning to Santa Fe to house sit for the Warford's, and of course, visiting a bit on either end.

Slow As Molasses

I tried to title this post as Inch By Inch only to discover that I had used it before, which leads me to believe that I have been this slow before, which leads me to believe that I am slow as molasses.  That may not be interesting to you, but since I have spent this entire day trying to get anything done, it's nice to know that I have overcome this type of inertia before...

I am supposedly loading Brian's van for its return to him in Santa Fe but I have only succeeded in halfway doing half the things I need to.  At some point, the halves should line up into wholes and I will actually have accomplished something.  Time will tell.

I intent to leave Monday night, and arrive in Tuscon sometime Tuesday.  I read that six planets are visible along the horizon looking south east at about daylight using binoculars, which I have.   I'm kind of excited to park south east at some rest stop in the middle of nowhere and see what I can see.

In December, I saw the eclipse of the full moon, that was very cool (didn't I post something about that, I wonder, if I didn't, I'll add it today) anyway, I'll take some pictures if I see anything wonderful and share with you later.

This was my first Mother's Day without Mom.  It felt kind of like my first California Christmas, I knew it was a special day, it just didn't feel right.  I ate a corned beef sandwich in her honor, she would have loved it.

To all my friends and family who are mothers, Happy Mother's Day to you!  To all my friends and family who are not mothers, do the dishes and some laundry - it's probably your turn anyway...

Closing the Chapter

As I''m sure you know, Osama bin Laden was killed today.  It is troubling to me to feel such relief at the death of another human, but I am relieved and perhaps even a little hopeful that this chapter will close without a last ditch effort by remaining zelots.

Anyway, yesterday I got a free massage and boy did I need it.  Some people commented that I seemed more like myself than I have in a very long time. I just know that it knocked me out and I slept well for a change.

This week I will be leaving Los Angeles for Santa Fe where I will visit first and house sit second, until the middle of June.  I am not exactly looking forward to the transition, but I will enjoy the change of scenery and of course seeing other friends.

Kath and Fleming have settled into Sisters, Oregon and they would love for me to come for a visit, but that's for another place in time.  In the meantime, I get to figure out how to get all of my stuff into Brian's van and how to thank the Stewarts for all of their loving kindness this past month in particular.

Queen of the Sore Foot Society

I have crowned myself queen.  It seems appropriate to me that I do so.  I find the title of Queen of the Sore Foot Society much more interesting than just about any other way I can refer to this phase of my life-and I do hope that it is just a phase.

Today is Easter, Happy Easter to you!  I was expected at Sarah and Tim's for the occasion and I was looking forward to it, but as it turns out, I phoned in my regrets an hour or so ago.  It is not that I am so miserable today, it is that I recognize the signals that anything I do today is just going to piss my foot off, so I best do not very much at all.  This was a difficult lesson for me to learn, but I get it now. So, when it is best to just sit the day out, I do so, as Queen this is permissible.  Now I just need some minions at my beck and call...If you are interested in applying for the position, you will find me curled up next to the cat. 

Recharging My Battery?

It's hard to know if any one's noticed, but I did not post yesterday as usual.  I got a little wrapped up in a Facebook political debate amongst my cousins and posting slipped my mind.  This morning, my laptop was dead, as was my phone and camera battery.  It seemed particularly poignant since I am a little run down myself.  On the eve of my birthday, it seems that I am in need of a recharge in many ways.  My former husband used to make a joke about that, and I smiled in memory of it and him.  Life is funny sometimes...

To get my new year off to a good start, I did my laundry and organized my papers among other mundane tasks that make a life a little simpler.  Now that the day is done, it seems just right to bring my blog up to date as well.

I remain in Los Angeles, at Lorraine and Jim Stewart's and I haven't made many plans.  I have turned down some pleasant invitations, but I really don't want to do anything.  I am not really interested in this birthday.  You probably know that, usually, my birthday is nearly my favorite day of the year, second only to Christmas but this year...well, I have been non-plussed about Christmas before, perhaps it's just my birthday's turn to be unremarkable, perhaps I am finally feeling my age.  I have always wondered about some people not caring that much to celebrate their birthday's.  Anyway, I am more interested in other things.

I have been working on selecting my supplemental medical insurance to Medicare.  Anyone who has been through this knows that it is no simple task, so I gave myself permission not to be upset about how confusing it is.  At this point I have narrowed it down to six providers and over the next couple of days I expect to get it to one.  It will be an excellent gift to myself to have medical insurance again and who knows, maybe I'll get excited about that.  My twenty year old self is whispering to me that I am now most certainly old, when medical insurance is more exciting than my birthday - but what did the twenty year old me know about what was really important anyway?  She was too busy dancing. :D

Just Another Sunday

Well, it's been another week, and I'd love to tell you about it, but then I'd have to kill you.  No reason, I just like that expression :D  This week finds me still in Los Angeles, with a couple of business items still on the calendar.  It would seem that some people would very much like me to stay and are not encouraging me to leave at all, so I'll stay at least a week longer.

The van heard that I got my tax return and tried to claim it, but when the repairs on a vehicle exceed its value, well, it's time for a new vehicle and so I have begun my search for a new used car.  At this moment, I am enjoying the use of Brian's Wanagon (of Brian and Stacey).  That is the actual name of the thing.  It drives nicely, smells slightly of desert sage and has slightly more interior space than the areostar.  You know that extra space got immediately absorbed by something, right? Don't ask me what, as Erma Bombeck first pointed out to me, nature abhores a vacuum...except in my wallet where it appears to reoccur without warning.

It's Not An Aura

This week I heard two scientists present the evidence that humans have an electromagnetic field around their bodies, something metaphysics have claimed for years. But, before You get too excited, they also clearly stated that "It's not an aura" so, I guess we'll just have to wait and see what face saving term they will use for a concept we've been working with for a very long time.
I feel good about this documentation, I like measurable results too...I just don't care for the ours is serious and yours is silly that came with it.
In the meantime, I have finally figured out how to post from my Blackberry, I still can't spellcheck though...perhaps next time.

Among the Missing

As I conclude my business in Los Angeles, and prepare to leave once again, it occurs to me that I have lost many things along the way.  In the interest of, perhaps, getting some of them back and preserving some marriages let me report that some of the main items that seem to have disappeared over my travels are socks and bras.  Now I am not surprised about the socks part.  I put them on and take them off any number of times during the day...but the bras part, well, I just don't get it. So if one turns up at your house, don't accuse your husband of an indiscretion, just mail it back to me.  If I receive one that I don't recognize, I'll dutifully let you know.

This week I did, finally, write the story of Grandma's roses, inspired by Sue Hopkins reporting that her and Andrew's cutting has budded thus establishing its survival of the transplant.  I hope to hear that the other plants are also showing signs of life.

In the meantime, it pleases me to report that I miss Colorado and am looking forward to returning.  I will probably be back again this week to save myself thousands of dollars by bringing a fully loaded van back instead of having it shipped.  I have a few small pieces of business to complete before I go, so assuming that my foot cooperates even a little bit, I should be headed back sometime this week.  Good thing I like to drive...

No Great Shakes

This week, there's not a lot to report.  I remain in Los Angeles at the Stewart's.  The news of such a disastrous earthquake in Japan is sobering to say the least.  News of major earthquakes on the Ring of Fire are always frightening since we share that address on the planet.  Remembering that the nuclear power plant in San Onofre is built on a known fault makes me wonder more than ever how such a thing was allowed to happen? Back in the day, I participated in the protests to prevent that from opening...clearly, to no avail but in light of the catastrophe in Japan-well, let's just say it adds to my reasons for relocating from this area.


At the moment, I am enjoying the hospitality of dear friends and am working my way through the boxes that came out of the POD last week.  I need to reduce my things to a single load in the van, which isn't easy considering that I had already pared it down before it went into the POD.  When I focus on the reduction of storage expenses, it's easier to part with things that aren't new and can be replaced for less than storing it right now.  So, I will work my way through it and call it good. My progress is slow, but it adds up after a while.

A Gentleman and A Scholar

This week was significant for many reasons.  I finally reduced my storage by one POD (as long as "I" means Jim Stewart doing all the work and Debbie doing all the selling).  I completed my deposition (as long as completed doesn't include reading and signing off on the thing).  Lorraine and Jim took me out to a celebration dinner for this. (Thanks and YUM)

Today, I went to the memorial service for Jack Popejoy.  If you're not from the Los Angeles area you would need to know that Jack was a local AM newscaster on the all news channel.  He covered the earthquakes and any and every emergency in the area.  He was a calm person and presented the news in a balanced and informative way, which is very nearly a lost art in my mind.  He also happened to be the mate to a friend of mine, so I spent most holidays in their company and got to know him in a different way than most of his followers on the radio.  He was a nice person, witty, helpful, pleasant and a good listener.  I'll miss him.  It was an honor and a privilege to know him.

In the meantime, I got a flat yesterday so tomorrow I get to buy a new tire.  I just got tires in October but there you have it...oh well, the van won't run with three.  I will be in LA (by popular demand) until next weekend.  Frankly, I need the time to compact my stuff for transport in the van - and as much as my body likes Colorado, I need a little TLC to get me through the next phase of this transition.

Old Home Week?

It's good to be back...only smellier...okay, so it didn't take long for me to get use to the clean air in Colorado, and it took even less time to get use to no traffic.  Rush hour traffic in Colorado Springs is equivalent to traffic in Los Angeles at four thirty in the morning, but it is good to be back.  I've only managed to visit with a couple of friends, but I did get my taxes filed so I can call it a successful week.

I have a busy week ahead of me, my storage POD is being delivered and I need to unload and reload it into the van.  Sound like fun? Oh yeah! I am really looking forward to seeing some of my things again.  I'd like to pretend that I know what's in there, but I don't.  I've spent some time thinking about it too.  The only thing I remember is thinking "Do I really have to get another POD?" then I saw that one of my kitchen chairs was still in the house and said, "Yes, I do." so now I am getting back one kitchen chair and whatever else was left in the house after two PODS had already been filled.  I suspect the van will look like something out of the Beverly Hillbillies when all is said and done.

My friend is having a yard sale on Saturday so I can conveniently dispose of anything that doesn't fit or doesn't make the cut.  I refuse to think about how much I've spent storing things that may not even make the trip with me, well maybe just a little...happily, I have family and friends to assist me in both doing the work and distracting myself from the wasted money.  I'll let you know how it all works out.

Where Did Sunday Go?

Sorry about not posting yesterday, I don't even know how that happened...oh, well...Today, I am preparing to leave Colorado Springs and it's daunting...to start with, I didn't find a place so I'll be coming back to temporary digs and I won't be bringing the great big truck...the best laid plans of mice and me often go astray...yeah, yeah, yeah.

Okay, new plan: I'm putting anything I can do without into storage here in Colorado Springs so that I'll have room in the van to bring all that I can from my smallest POD back with me.  This really should be interesting, but I doubt you'd want to hear about it.  So, right after I finish this post I'll make my first run over to storage.  It's good to have a day to do something that use to take me two hours, but such is life.

Tomorrow afternoon I'll head out to Santa Fe, visit with the Warfords for a couple of days and carry on to Tuscon, and should arrive in LA on Friday or Saturday so my next post should be from LA, wish me well :D

Tick Tock

This week I got the date of my third, and supposedly final, deposition set for March 11 in Pasadena, CA.  Which means that I'll leave Colorado on or about March 1,and be in LA on the 5th or 6th.

I expect to line up a house here before I go so that I can bring my stuff back with me in a great big truck.  It is more logistics than I've done in a long time and probably why I am still awake.

I thought about three paragraph since I wrote the last sentence, but I guess I'll just close by saying that I really hope the house I saw today is the one I get and that a whole truckload of details fall into place really, really smoothly. 

Holy Cow, It's Sunday

Today was such a beautiful day!  Too bad it started with an exploding dog.  Coco was sick as dog, oh yeah, he is a dog...but still now I know what they mean.  They mean get out your mop and ammonia cause you're sure gonna need it!

So, as beautiful as it was today, I didn't do much besides dog duty...not my favorite by a long shot but at least I was able to tie him up outside for a while and know that he wasn't freezing.  My new friends here at Spruce Lodge took turns walking him for me, but they let me do the clean up for the most part (thanks Mike).  It was a special day.

As for the rest of this week, I know you'll think I'm making this up, but David Toso died.  That's Brad's cousin- whose wife helped me find the house.  Will you people please quit dying...really, I'm a little shell shocked already. I'm trying to be funny, but I don't know if it translates and anyway it's not a funny topic.  Moving on...

I will be giving my last deposition (should be anyway) on March 11 in LA so I expect to head west on March 1, see the Warfords, then Wallaces and then the Stewarts.  I am a fortunate women to have so many people willing to put me up between legs of this trip. 
I expect to stay in LA for the month of March, having many loved ones to visit, and return here for April-at least, that's the plan...we know how these plans tend to morph...hope all is well with you.

Inch By Inch

This week went a little slowly, but well in general.  The weather was quite cold so I did the best thing that I could, nothing.  Believe it or not, I actually watched television...some of you know that is extremely out of character for me. 

I have settled in to the Spruce Lodge for the month of February, and I am glad I did.  I really needed some continuity for a change.  I've met a number of people from contacts I made at the health and Wellness Fair, and I have a new friend to have a cup of tea with.  So it's going slowly but surely.

I suppose that I should add the loss of Jack Popejoy.  If you're from the greater LA area you know him as that silver voice on talk radio.  Frankly, it's a little too fresh to talk about.  I hope you're all weathering the weather where you are.

A Quiet Sunday

It's been a quiet Sunday and I know it's hard to believe, but I don't really have anything to say today.  For the sake of honoring your visit, I'll tell you a little about the Wellness Fair. 

I was quite tempted to title this "The Wellness Fair Was Swell" because my feet are still swollen 24 hours later, but I decided not to...I met a couple of doctors who believed they could help me, based on a ten second discussion (do I sound skeptical?), but we'll see about that on another day.

They weather was beautiful yesterday, high fifties and sunny, really lovely.  Today, it's about thirty degrees cooler so I will continue sitting here in my sweats and playing computer games with my feet up.  All is swell :D

Just Catching Up

When I arrived in Colorado Springs, it was the vernal equinox, a full moon, and a full eclipse.  A combination someone on the radio called a first in 183 years-I decided to take his word for it.  I don't know that these events were to commemorate my arrival exactly, but I took it as a good omen that highly beautiful things would happen to me while I was here. I took a bunch of pictures of it through the trees at Aunt Joan/Jean's house and I don't know if you'll be able to see it, but it sure was impressive.

On the same radio station, I heard an announcement for the third annual Colorado Springs Health and Wellness Fair, and I said, "That's for me!" I am so excited, I can hardly explain it.  It bodes well for me to be able to get an overview of the resources in this community before I have even settled in.  It's next Saturday, so I'll have to let you know how it turns out.

In the meantime, I found a weekly rents lodge in my price range that accepts the dog and the cat and I will start checking out the houses my realtor sent me, and chances are very good that I will find something that I can afford and enjoy while I learn my way around town.  I'm sure there will be more of that to come.

Another Happy Haircut

Today I am in Santa Fe.  I took a quick trip down to see the Warford's since I missed them at Christmas and we had a little Christmas of our own.  It was such a joy to see Susie, her bouncy beautiful self, on the mend after all the chemo and radiation.  Nothing could have been a better gift, for either of us.  In addition, I went to see my favorite hairdresser, Pearl of Pearl's Place, in Los Alamos and boy did I ever need it.  I also got to catch up with Suzy K and her two kids, who have each grown nearly six inches since October.  Must be something in the water :D

I needed a little break from Colorado, though I am looking for a house.  It's a little weird staying with Aunt Joan/Jean.  She has made me very welcome, but I am more used to being around many people and the world got a little small for me.  I will be back there on Saturday next, and it will be good to be back.  I do look forward to making some friends, I guess I need to be a little more patient.  After all, it is winter, not the most social time of year.

I now have a realtor, Kay Brown, who actually listened to my needs and has found a number of places in my price range.  This is a total change from Los Angeles where I couldn't afford a garage in Pacomia.  All of the houses that I'm looking at are bank owned foreclosures and under $80,000.  I don't know how fast or slow this will go, but I'm happy to be making progress at all.

I received confirmation that as of Feb. 1 I have Medicare.  Yeah!  I have quite a bit of research to learn all of the ins and outs of coverage including Part D which is drugs.  The idea of my medications being covered in whole or in part makes my heart (and wallet) sing. You can be sure I will be looking into that soon!

Back In The Saddle

As of right now, I am back online. Yeah!  I really missed the internet...more than I expected to.  It turns out that the local provider is qwest so now I have an email through them as well.  I haven't decided whether or not I'm going to switch over yet.  At the moment I have a lot tied to that att address and as far as I'm concerned, I have played enough with set ups for one day.  I imagine that converting my cell phone, this blog and my business cards will take more patience than I have left today.  It's good to know that I have a conversion to look forward to.

In the meantime, it snowed yesterday and the world looks all bright and clean.  I love that about a snowfall.  I am happy to report that I have no reason to drive today, so it's all good!

I do have some catching up to do with my email, so I will go do that.  I expect to post again on Sunday, thanks for stopping by.

Happy New Year from Starbucks

This is my second time to this Starbucks, and my second post from this Starbucks.  Coincidence? I think not...I expected to connect from the library today but as it turns out, the library is closed on Sunday.  When I was here in October, I sat in the parking lot and composed my post from there, but today Starbucks seemed a better idea.

The holidays were very quiet here in Colorado Springs, which is easy to understand since I only know one person in the entire area (Aunt Joan/Jean) and she has neither television nor Internet.  We used the time to get to know each other a little better and eat whatever didn't eat us first.  Actually, I've lost a few pounds since being here (yeah) I just liked the sound of that sentence.

It snowed a couple of days ago.  It is rather ironic that two days after unloading the van for the first time since May, the van needed ballast to make it through the snow.  Oh well, I guess a pair or two of snow tires are in my future.  I don't know how I'm going to explain it to my budget...it will work itself out I suppose.

It is hard to overstate how happy I am that it is a  new year.  2010 was the most difficult year I've had since 1979, and I haven't decided which of them was worse, but I am happy to have survived once again.

Colorado Springs is agreeing with my foot (feet) which is not to say that I'm all better, just that on the whole it is more tolerable.  Compared to Los Angeles, I am half as miserable :) and even though it is the reason I selected this city, it still surprises me a bit.  I find it very easy to adapt to being less miserable...

Coco and Fluffy are extremely happy here, from the moment I pulled into Aunt Joan/Jean's driveway.  They took to her immediately, which is perfect since she took to them as well. All in all, we have a mutual admiration society going.  I'd call that a very good start to the new year!

Speaking of which, I'd like to wish you all a very Happy, Health and Prosperous New Year!  I'll post again, probably from my regular table at Starbucks (can you call it your regular table if you've only been there twice?) next Sunday.  I'll let you know when I figure out how to get the Internet into the house.