Tedius Tuesday Task

Today I knitted all afternoon and finished the 9 inches I had to do on the prayer shawl the group is knitting. A friend invited me over and we knitted together. She was my inspiration and watching her knit kept me motivated to do what I had to do with my project. It was sort of tedius because it wasn't something I'm doing by myself. We're each going to knit 9 inches on the shawl. I was the second knitter and wanted my stitches to be as tight as the person who knitted before me. I had to knit a row and then purl a row and make sure that I didn't drop or add any stitches. Luckily for me, I ended up with the correct number of stitches when I was done with the last row. I handed it in when I went to the PSM meeting tonight and the next person will knit 9 more inches by next week. At the meeting tonight I started another lap blanket with my favorite yarn. I may decide to make it into a prayer shawl instead of the lap blanket. Time will tell which I end up doing. It was nice to be with the group again. We're going to meet next week even though there is a DOM meeting later in the week. We all said how we look forward to Tuesday night so we can get together and knit.

Marvelous Monday

Today was a marvelous Monday. I spent time this morning knitting and this afternoon I met a friend at a local store where we had sale dollars to spend. I bought replacement heads for my Sonicare toothbrush and a lingerie item. She bought 2 purses with her store dollars. After that we went to a nearby place where she had lunch and I had a lemonade. We had interesting conversation while we sat in the restaurant. I arrived home at about 3:45pm and started knitting again. I have to finish 2 more inches for today's knitting and will do 3 more inches tomorrow. I will then have the 9 inches I promised to add to the shawl and can hand it off to another member of the ministry to work on for the next week.
E. brought over a leftover item which I had for supper eliminating the need to cook and to mess up the kitchen.
I'll listen to music tonight while I'm knitting. That will prevent becoming distracted by the plot of a story causing me to make a mistake in my knitting. I would love to talk to someone on the phone later tonight. I may start doing that more often since I can't make my usual nightly phone call anymore. I'll have to "reach out and touch someone" so that they can touch me as I struggle with being more alone than usual.

A Sizzling Sunday

It reached the 90's I'm told, today. When I left for church it was cool and as the day wore on it got warmer. I stayed in today so I only noticed the temperature on my computer. E. came for a visit. I had a nap after she left and had the strangest dream about Mom. I dreamt that I went to visit her where she was staying, but that she couldn't/wouldn't come back home with me. Danny was there as a little boy. She was staying with some people I didn't know. The nap was refreshing because I was up half of the night, so I needed the rest. The dream was sad, but I'm sure it had some therapeutic aspect to it. When I came home from church today I didn't want to watch the usual Sunday morning programs. I didn't even want to listen to the music station. I sat here and thought. What can I or should I do today? Usually on a day like this or in a mood like this my first thought would have been to call Mom to see how she was doing. I couldn't do that today. I was at a lose and felt an emptiness that I'm sure I'll feel again. It's strange, isn't it? Loved ones deaths effect us in different ways as we go through the grieving cycle. I miss a "healthy" Mom who was fun to be with and to do things with. She was my encyclopedia when it came to the crafts we shared an interest in, like painting and knitting and sewing. I do miss her sense of humor and her "take" on the behavior of certain ill behaved family members, my self included. She had a way with words!
Incidently, we mentioned in her obit about the languages she studied. When we were going through boxes in the garage we found a tape giving lessons in Arabic. Can you believe that? She even tried to get a feel for that. She also tried "Irish" which is not easy as I tried it with her. She had many interests and was a very interesting person to talk with. I feel the void.

Saturday Stuff

Did the grocery shopping this morning. I also bought the BD cards for Sept. and Oct. I had a Raincheck for another pair of shoes at half price. I picked up another black pair. You can never have too many pairs of black flats.
I didn't sleep well last night. I was up for most of the night trying to figure out what I'd do with all the "stuff" I've brought back from Mom's. I unpacked one box and found a place for it's contents. There are several more boxes to attack yet. Little by little that will get done. I took a long nap this afternoon to make up for the sleep I didn't get last night. Sandy and Coco didn't bother me while I was napping. They were also napping. They seem to just bother me at night when I'm sleeping.
Tomorrow is church. I will be doing the readings. After church I have a lot of knitting to do and I also want to get out our thank you cards. It's one month today since Mom died.

Friday Busyness

Friday morning was busy because I had errands to run. This afternoon I caught up on some things around the house. I'm still unpacking boxes. Finding a place for the things I want to keep is not an easy task. I'd like to put the desk where the computer table is and get rid of the computer table. That's something I'm not going to be able to do on my own. The time to make the exchange would be before September 5th because I'd only have the monitor and keyboard to remove from the table. After the 5th I'll also have a new printer set up. Since I'm paying someone to set up the printer, I don't want to disturb the whole thing by moving it after that. I hope that I can find a couple of people who can make the exchange for me. I don't want the computer table anymore. There is no storage with that table. It's a nice table, though. Maybe someone else would want it. Perhaps I'll give it to charity.

A Full Thursday With Nice People

E. and I went down to the shore today. We brought some more items home and straightened up what needed to be straightened. I was home for a few hours when a friend called to invite me over. Her brother was visiting. It was a nice evening. Since he lives out of state I haven't seen him very often over the years. We knew each other from high school. While I was there I managed to get 3 rows of knitting done, and my friend's husband secured my rose picture in the frame for me. I hung it up when I came home. It looks good hanging over the desk. Makes me want to get started on another painting soon so that I'll have another to hang up in the living room. All I need is the time. I have the desire.

Spending Time At The Fair

This morning I went to the Hunterdon County 4H Fair. I sat at the table for our quilt guild to sell raffle tickets and other items. There wasn't much activity this morning, but today is the first day of the fair, it was rainy, and more people are expected this evening. Our former president and our current president of the guild were present when I was there. They asked me if I'd reconsider going to the Quilt Guild retreat this fall. A couple of months ago I dropped out of that trip because of pressing concerns at home. I told them that I would reconsider and let them know if I change my mind. I'm not sure about it right now. One good thing about such a weekend is that you are able to get a lot of work done without interruptions. There are no pets to jump on your lap, no doorbells ringing, and not a lot of phone calls to receive or to make. I've taken it under consideration.

Tuesday Meeting Night

The PSM met tonight. We had a brief meeting and then watched the movie which was the last to be presented this summer. It was an early night. One of our members is ill so we're going to make her a prayer shawl by taking turns doing the knitting/purling on the piece one at a time. I've taken it home this week and my assignment is to knit 9 inches.
The movie we watched was an animated movie called "The Legend of The Three Trees". It was a sweet movie with a message for whatever audience watches it.
Tomorrow I'm attending the Hunterdon County 4H Fair for a few hours. I'll be sitting at our Quilt Guild table and selling raffle tickets and a variety of merchandise.
I've been listening to music from the 40's on my car radio. This is the music from my parents era. I've always liked this music but it's especially nice to hear again now. Now that I'm home again I've put on the Singers and Swing channel on the TV. Variety is the spice of life, which is why I don't listen to the same station all the time. Different music suits different moods. I'm in a 40's kind of mood tonight. Soft and mellow music suits tonight's mood. What kind of mood are you in tonight?

Thinking

We did get more rain today. I also managed to get out of the house for part of the afternoon so I wasn't at home "thinking" all day. Now that evening is here, I've occupied my mind with writing emails and making plans for the future. It will be time for bed before I know it and then the "thinking" comes in the form of dreams.
Last night, after writing a blog, I fell asleep with the computer on my lap. I awoke at 2am still sitting in the recliner with the computer on my lap. I had a 5 hour nap.
Sadness is starting to creep in when I'm alone. I guess that I never mentioned in my blog what was the cause of this sadness. My Mother died on July 28th. She was a big part of my life. I was her caretaker. She was my best friend, my biggest fan and my harshest critic at times. I've been so busy that I haven't let thoughts of being without her creep into my mind until recently. There is still a lot to do so I can still keep busy, but some day, the chores we have now will be done and there will be time on my hands. The moments of sadness and "thinking" which have occurred the past few days may overwhelm me. I suppose that I'll have a "good" cry and release some of the emotion and pain that goes with such a loss. Right now I feel like she is still "with me". As long as I have that feeling I can do what I need to do and carry on. Attending church helps, seeing friends helps, and going to the Prayer Shawl Ministry and the Daughters of Mary also gives me some peace.
I know that this is the biggest loss I've had to experience. I'm going to need support to deal with this one. I plan to spend a limited amount of time alone each day until I can deal with the loss on my own.

When Day Is Done

The day is done. Evening has begun. I'm watching the news at the moment and look forward to seeing if there is a Masterpiece Mystery on tonight. They are always very entertaining. If there is nothing "good" on the tube, I'll read for a change. I have to return the book to the library in a few days and can't renew it. "When day is done, and shadows fall, I think of you." Remember that old song? Those are the only words of the song that I remember. Being home alone today I noticed that I thought of family quite often. Tomorrow I will get out inspite of the promise of rainy weather. One day of thinking is enough for awhile.

A Rainy Sunday

It's a rainy Sunday and we need the rain desperately. It seems to have stopped for the time being. I'm sure it's not over for the day yet.
I went to church this morning and didn't want to leave. I get such a good feeling when I'm there. Sometimes it holds over into the rest of the day, but sometimes the feeling is fleeting when the cares of the day press upon you. Today we're doing ok. Since Sunday is a "Day of Rest", I've been resting today and listening to the Golden Oldies. Both cats are sleepy today. Coco just got up for a brief snack and is now looking out the door behind my chair. Sandy is still sawing wood! I'm expecting a call from a friend who wants me to come over today. It's already 3:00pm and I haven't heard from her yet. Yes, I know, "call her" you're saying. Our clocks run on" different time "so I'll just wait until I hear from her.
Rain is in our future for tomorrow also. E. and I have planned to check in on the house. Today is the "Open House". I hope that the day's weather hasn't kept people from going to see the house. Dear St. Joseph, get us a buyer today, please. We will be eternally grateful.

Cleaning Out The Closets

There are 24 less pairs of shoes in my closet. I'm donating them to charity along with some clothing items and other household things. The charity isn't coming for about 3 weeks however, so I have the problem of where to put this stuff until then. There will be room in my closet for what I'm keeping and the closet will be organized. The household items consist of a bread machine and some dishes and pots and pans which haven't been used in over a year. I will also throw away one of the microwave stands I put together 20 years ago. I won't need it for storage anymore which will give me more room in my kitchen. I'm looking forward to getting rid of all this stuff. The cluttered look is not very appealing. After the kitchen and the bedroom are done, I'll go through the bookcase and see what I can eliminate and live without. I'm hoping that I can eventually give the bookcase away because I won't need it anymore. My problem is that I love books and it's hard to part with them. Fiction is easiest to give away. The non-fiction are often a reference for me. I'm not buying any more books if I can help it. A friend of mine told me that the electronic readers are the way to go. You can load thousands of books and the device takes up very little space at all. I guess that that's the wave of the future.

Relief

I've been sitting with my feet up since 7pm. They're finally starting to feel better. I've answered emails and written some.
I called a childhood friend in California tonight at 10:30pm. I left a message on her cell phone. I hope that she returns the call when she gets the message. I haven't spoken to her since sophmore year in high school. We've been friends on fb for awhile. I thought that it was time we had a chat. She had a death in her family recently, also. I just wanted to commiserate with her.

Shop 'Til You Drop!

We went SHOPPING today. I got to the first store at noon and got home from the last store at 7pm. My feet are killing me!!!!! I'm not a shopper. I could have done the entire spree in half the time. My dear friend is a shopper. I asked for a chair in the clothing store so that I could sit while I waited for her. Wouldn't you think that they'd have a chair or 2 in a women's clothing store? What if someone dragged a husband or significant other in there? There would not be too much time spent looking in THAT store. I purchased 6 pairs of shoes. 4 of them are flats (I'm so glad they're in style again), a door mat, a picture frame and 3 tops. We did have a late lunch/ early dinner at Chilli's.
I've been sitting with my swollen feet up for the past hour and drinking iced tea to quench my parched tongue. The relaxing music is playing. I'll probably fall asleep in the recliner in another hour or 2.

Another Day Of Work Done Well

It was another productive day with E. P. and S. We went through many boxes and discarded some things and divided others. I got back home at about 4:00pm. I ate something quickly and had some iced tea. At 5:30pm I called and made an appointment for a pedicure. Luckily, they fit me in. Now I don't have to bother with that tomorrow. The pedicure was a gift from my college roommate for my birthday. I'll use 2 gift cards at a local store tomorrow. I'm hoping to find 1 pair of black flats for the fall and winter and also have enough left on the cards to buy some new lingerie. After shopping, I'll return home and start going through some of the boxes I've brought home. I'd like to get my house in order so I enjoy being at home again.

A Good Day

Today went smoothly. We got alot accomplished. I'm bringing E. down tomorrow and we'll go through some boxes which are packed in the garage. We'll be back later in the day. S. will help us. We'll send P. on an errand while we're checking the boxes. I'm sure he'll be happy to help.
Friday will be a fun day for me. I'll be out and about with a friend.
On Saturday we'll need to prepare the house for Sunday's Open House. I hope that it's a successful one and that we get a buyer that day. Wouldn't that be wonderful? Could we be that lucky? I don't know why not.

A Beautiful August Day

It's another beautiful day. I have a few things left to do today. There are dishes to pack and some Christmas decorations to go. I have my book to read, but haven't done so yet. I also have thank you cards to write, but haven't done that yet either. I've been listening to music and I have to admit, I did fall asleep in the chair for an hour, earlier. I've checked my email and phone messages. When I have the next surge of energy I'll start to box the dishes which shouldn't take very long. There aren't very many of them.
It's so peaceful here today! That is how I like it.

College Friends' Luncheon

Yesterday, some of my college friends and I met at a friend's home for a luncheon. A good time was had by all. I left her home at about 8:00pm, and one friend was still there when I left. It's not often that we can all get together so it's hard to say goodbye when we do.

Getting Rid Of Stuff To Fit Other Stuff

E. and I went down to the house and brought back a car load of things. My dining room looks like a storage space (probably because right now, it is one.) Don't worry, though, I have a plan. I'm going to go through the books I have and see what I can part with, first of all. Then I'll move the bookcase out of the house. Do you know anyone who'd like a bookcase? The small table will be moved from the one room to the kitchen where it will serve as a table for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner. In order to do that move, I'll be giving away a microwave table from the kitchen. In order to do that, I'll be getting rid of some pots I no longer use. Do you know anyone who'd like some pots? I guess that I'll be calling one of the charities nearby. I have a desk and a recliner that will go also. Oh, the space I'm going to have! Then what?

Friday The 13th

From time to time, we have a Friday with this date. Thankfully, it has never been a problem for me. When I had my apartment I lived in #13. I was asked if I was superstitious when I applied to rent. When I said, "No", they told me that was good and that they'd give me apartment 13. I had 16 happy years living there.
I went out this morning to pick up a few things but stayed home for the rest of the day. A couple of friends called to see how I was. It was nice to be thought of with a phone call. I didn't accomplish much today as I wasn't feeling "ship shape". I rested a lot in between making a few phone calls. Finally this afternoon, I shut the AC off and opened the doors. It was nice to have the cooler, fresh air coming into the house. The temps only reached into the 70's today. What a relief from the hot, humid weather we've been having. There are a few things on the agenda for this weekend. I hope that I'm feeling better tomorrow and can be ready to do what needs to be done. Have a good one!

A Wild Goose Chase

Today I went on a wild goose chase. The goose will have to be caught on another day in another place.
My brother finally received his gift from Mom which had been on backorder. He said that he liked it very much.
E. came over for a short visit today. We had some stuff to do together.
I may read tonight because all my knitting is done and there's not much to watch on TV, that I know of, anyway. I'm in the middle of a novel which I'd like to finish. I have another to read when that one's done. There is music on the television right now. I'm listening to the light classical station. I may switch to something else later.

Good Friends Are Golden

A friend and I traveled a couple of hours to visit a family member of hers. Another friend of ours from college met us. We had lunch together. We also visited the spa in the professional building that housed her cousin's office. J. and I decided that the next time we accompany S. to her cousin's, we'd go to have a pedicure while we waited. That sounds like a great idea to me. After visiting with our friend, we traveled back home and before completing our journey we decided to stop and catch a movie. We saw "The Kids Are Alright" with Annette Benning and Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo. It was a different type of movie. I don't know that I'd recommend it to anyone. I enjoyed "Coco and Igor" more and did recommed that one to someone. I just got home about a half hour ago and am all ready for bed, but since I'm wide awake, I'll be staying up for awhile. Tomorrow will be a busy day.

A Waiting Day.

This morning I had a doctor appointment which was rescheduled from this coming November. I'm glad that I got it out of the way. I spent a good portion of the day knitting. I still have about 3 inches more to knit on the block. I made a few necessary phone calls and checked email and snail mail. The two cats were hovering for awhile but are now both asleep. The PSM meets later today. I'm hoping that I don't need to make anymore blocks for our afghan.
Tomorrow I'm going with a friend to her doctor's appointment. We'll have lunch afterward. On Thursday I'll need to take care of some personal business. I can't wait until that is all done. What a relief it will be!

Another Birthday!

Happy Birthday to me! I had a very nice day. My sister took me out to lunch to a restaurant which I had never been to before. We had a nice time. I came home to start knitting one of the blocks that I need to finish for tomorrow. My sister and my sister-in-law both gave me a gift card for the same store. I plan to visit the store and see what I'd like to purchase with their gift. I've had a lot of Happy Birthday wishes which I appreciate. A friend invited me over for supper but I'm already in my night gown so I've decided to stay here, listen to music and continue knitting.

Need A Townhouse?

The house will be listed today. I hope that someone buys it quickly. E. and I went down there today and did some last minute touches. We'll go down again soon to bring some other things up. Now I just have to figure out where to put some of this stuff at my place.
E is taking me out to lunch tomorrow for my BD. That is very nice of her. We'll go to a restaurant that I've never visited before. I'm going to dress for the occasion because it's a milestone BD for me. I will do a couple of errands before we go to lunch. The rest of the day, after lunch, I'll be knitting 2 blue squares for our PSM afghan. I need to have them done by Tuesday afternoon.

Got A Lot Done!

Today I accomplished a lot. I started the day by food shopping. When that was done I made some necessary phone calls. I did some laundry and ran some errands. The only thing on my list which I haven't gotten to yet is cleaning. I WILL get to that yet today. I will also cast on for my knitting project so that tomorrow I can get the block completed. It's been a good day.

A Hectic Week

This was a hectic week. I'm glad it's almost over. There's still much to do, but I feel like the stress is beginning to melt away. Tomorrow I'll clean, food shop and do a few other errands. I also have some phone calls to make. If I start to feel stressed again I'll make room for a nap in the afternoon. I will also make another block for the PSM afghan and the next day do another. The afghan is being put together row by row and when I hand the two I've made in this coming week, we'll have it all done.
P & S are coming up again in 2 weeks. We'll work on Mom's house, getting rid of what we don't need, and taking away things which are portable. I plan to light several candles in church this weekend because we need a miracle so that the house sells fast. We don't want it lingering on the market for months.
Thank you to everyone for all the love and moral support you've given our family. Where would we be without our friends?