Bagging the tree and bringing it back

Saturday

I got up around 8. I went through the morning routine. I looked up Myst IV hints to find out what I was not getting about the game last night. Jenni called and we decided to go shopping at 10. I ate some nuts and a banana.

She rang the door bell and I left with her. She drove us to Lehi. We started communicating with Michelle who was already out somewhere at a gym. We decided to start at the Costco there. Michelle said she was on her way so recommended that we hit Hobby Lobby until she arrived.

So Jenni and I went to Hobby Lobby. We asked where the trees were and then walked over there. There was one tree, 12 feet tall, bearing a tag saying it was the last one. So I guarded it while Jenni went to get a salesperson. Well, one walked by me, so I asked him. And he said there were 4 in the back. He said it was $1200 marked down to $300. Then he went back to get one.

That's when Michelle showed up. She was blown away by the tree! She went on and on about how she never thought we would find a good one and will never doubt me again. Ha! So we stayed in the area, picking out 75% off Christmas stuff. A lady brought us a tag that said to present to the cashier for the tree.

We looked at other stuff. Jenni went to look for one thing and Michelle and I looked at fabric. I even chose a few. Just when I needed a clerk to cut, one showed up. Then we went up front to check out. Michelle went first, then Jenni, and finally I bought the fabric and the tree. A man rolled it out in two big boxes. Jenni opened her car and he shoved them in.

We all went next door to Smith's, a grocery store. We got stuff from the deli and sat at a table to eat and talk. Then Michelle headed home, while Jenni and I bought some pomegranates (10 for $10) before finding a dollar store. I got impatient, but eventually we checked out of there and headed back to base. It was a long trip.

She pulled up in front of the chapel. I called Chris but his phone didn't answer. She called her husband and he came over. She backed her car up to the front doors and he got the boxes out and carried them in to the narthex. Then he went home and Jenni took me home.

Chris was folding laundry and starting supper. I went to the company house to put the door rug back in place and remove a plastic bag left behind. When I got back, I jotted notes for my blog while Chris made cauliflower steaks and mushrooms.

I read e-mail and listened to The Great Taking. I worked on my blog. I made tea and we watched two episodes of Psych. Chris went to bed and I stayed up to hear the rest of The Great Taking. Basically, the financial system is rigged so that all collateral will end up in the hands of the 1% of the 1%. The UCC has been quietly changed to render everything collateral – or something like that. With that thought, I went to bed.

Hot time in the sauna

Friday

I got up around 8. I took supplements and checked e-mail. William called to tell me about a serger he found at the thrift store. I went to the company house to throw the first load in the dryer and start the towels and pillow cases. I dressed the bed in the master bedroom.

I went home. I parsed out a weeks-worth of supplements and read e-mail. I went back to the company house to put the second load in the dryer. I went home and made breakfast. I took pics of hints for Myst IV.

After eating, Michelle texted me to come to the sauna because it was finally hot. Someone had kept the timer going for two hours and now it had reached 180. Well, I told her I was going to Tooele with Chris. But then Chris said I should go to the sauna if that's what I wanted to do.

Just then, Jenni called to say she was coming over to get the wreath case in my trunk. So I packed my sauna bag and waited for her. After she came by, I went to the gym and got in the sauna. But Michelle wasn't there. The meter said it was 190 but I stayed in for 10 or 15 minutes and didn't sweat. So I got out and called Michelle. She said she'd be by in a few minutes. So I waited until I cooled off, and I went in again. This time I sweated. When I got too hot, I got out and got dressed. That is when she showed up with her daughter. So we talked for a bit and I went home.

I added to the grocery list while Chris packed the cooler. Then we went to Tooele and listened to the book on CD. We shopped at the usual places. I talked to Melanie and Dale. We went back to base. We shopped at the commissary, then went home and unpacked.

The sun was setting so I ran over to the company house to finish up as best I could. I dressed the last bed. I cleaned the bathrooms and kitchen. I swept and mopped the main traffic ways. Then I scrubbed the doormat and left it on the washing machine to dry. I guess I'll have to go back.

I locked the door and drove home. Chris had ground beef and rice waiting for me. It was quite good. As I ate, I jotted notes for my blog.

Around 8, I got ready for game night. I poured tea into a bottle. I got the zucchini that Jenni gave me, and an empty container to put it in. I also took a container of cheese squares. I went to Michelle's house. She put the 'zucchini' in her Vitamix to shred it. But the vegetable had seeds like a pumpkin. So it was a gourd of some kind. The plan is to pickle it. Then I sat back on the couch and played Myst IV. I had notes on my phone, which only got me so far. But I figured out some stuff on my own. There was a power blip that ended the game and everything it was running on. So Casey spent some time getting it all back up. Thankfully I did not have to completely restart. I played until 11, then prepared to leave with the 'slaw'. A fun time was had by all. When I got home, Chris was in bed. I turned out all the lights, intending to see by the glare of his monitor, but it was off. So maybe there was a second power blip?

Looking for a tree

Thursday

I got up before 7:30, in the dark. I followed the schedule I wrote down before I went on vacation. I made up 6 days of breakfast mix. I texted back and forth with Jenni and Michelle about buying a Christmas tree for the chapel. Chris approved it, but we couldn't not find a place with 12 foot trees in stock. Jenni said trees might be marked down on Saturday. I called William, but the ones he recommended were outside my price range.

I read some e-mail, then made breakfast. I listened to The Highwire. Chris came home for lunch. He didn't like the way the lawyer asked a question, so made me pause it to listen to his opinion on how the people I listen to are liars.

He went back to work and I finished listening. I listened to some other stuff. I went to the company house to get the laundry started, then went walking with Michelle. I went home, then over to Jessica's house to see what she left behind. Went home to message her. Jenni called from the swap shop and we talked.

I went back to the company house to start the next load. But the first load hadn't run. I guess I forgot to press the button after setting all the dials. Sigh. On the way home, I stopped at the swap shop to see Jenni. She gave me a bag to keep for her and a book of clarinet music for the Baptist hymnal.

When I got home, I put the last steak in the oven. I made a small salad from leaves of plants growing around the house. After eating, I listened to several interviews. I worked on my blog.

Then I made tea and we watched two episodes of Psych. Chris went to bed and I stayed up to listen to James Corbett. I also listened to part of a meditation, then turned the computer off and went to bed.

Getting back into the swing of things

Wednesday

I got up at 7:30. I prepared for coffee morning even though it was still dark out. I poured water in the Berkey. I put on the Christmas music line-up. I read by the HappyLight. I meditated and tapped. I carried two bags of not-so-frozen watermelon to the fridge freezer. I cleaned the bathrooms and then the kitchen.

Chris came home for lunch while I was washing dishes. I vacuumed, then took a shower and got dressed. After he left, I mopped the kitchen floor. I made fertilized water. I watered the tower garden and turned it. I watered all the other plants. I sprayed the wreath on the door. I cleaned out my computer bag. I cleaned out piles of papers and such.

I texted Michelle to workout this afternoon. Later Jenni texted me about walking so I invited her to come after the workout. I had a bite to eat, then went to the gym. I did the leg and obliques circuits. I called Michelle and she came over. I did the arm machines while she told me how wonderfully work was going. Then Jenni joined us and we went upstairs to walk.

Afterwards, Jenni gave us each a card and a small gift. Then we all went home. I put on last week's episode of The Highwire. I listened to it while sitting against the PEMF mat. But I had to pause it when Chris came home early. He changed clothes and read e-mail, then went to Mass. I finished The Highwire and put on something by Mike Adams. Chris came home and made himself supper. I listened while deleting as much extraneous e-mail as I could find.

Then I paused it to work on my blog. I made tea and practiced my trombone. We watched two episodes of Psych. Soon Chris went to bed. I stayed up to work on a pile of e-mail.

When the cow comes home

Tuesday

When I could see that it was too late to get any sleep, I got up and used the bathroom. That awakened Chris and he got up too. I washed up and got dressed. I packed the last few things in either the suitcase or the carry-on or my fanny pack, depending on how available I needed them to be. Then we read e-mail until time to go.

I grabbed my carry-on and headed to the elevator. Chris was nowhere to be seen when it arrived, so I rode it to the lobby and sent it back to the 4th floor for him. I waited by the desk. When he arrived, the bus driver helped us load the luggage in the courtesy van. Then he drove us to the airport and dropped us off at the Delta entrance.

We went in and stood in line. The check-in desk hadn't opened yet. Our line (Sky Priority) was short, but the other line was very long. We had to wait for service but then were soon on our way to Security. We passed that with no incident and walked to the gate where we sat and read books until boarding call.

We got on the plane and read again until take-off. My ears did better on this flight. The small plane had no movie screens and they turned down the lights. We read by overhead light. I kept checking out the window for sunrise but it never happened.

We landed in Detroit. The landing was hard on my ears. We ran from one concourse, under the tarmac, to another concourse. The next plane was already boarding and I feared for our luggage. But according to the pilot, take-off was delayed for late luggage. Probably ours.

We watched shows on the individual screens. My ears adjusted with a bit of yawning. We were served a meal and drinks. I finished a movie from the flight 10 days ago, and watched episodes of Criminal Minds, pulling the eye shades down during the gory scenes. I was in the middle of the 4th one when we landed. I left my headphones plugged in until the line of people started walking off the plane. Then I unplugged and followed Chris into the airport. We stopped at the restrooms, and proceeded to Baggage Claim. I kept watch on three carousels until our baggage showed up on the first one. We rolled our luggage out the door and through the parking garage and lot to his car. He loaded most in the trunk and the big suitcase in the back seat. Then we headed home.

We stopped once to get my ID out of my roll-on, then listened to an entire CD of the book on CD from the library. I think I did sleep for a little bit on the way. But I woke up at the front gate.

We stopped at the post office for a pile of mail, then headed home to unpack. I had a splitting headache. Last time I got a headache that bad, I ended up with a respiratory illness. So I rinsed my sinuses and swabbed my ears. I unpacked my suitcase and carry-on. It took awhile because my suitcase was stuffed with purchases and gifts, plus pillows and clothing and fabric.

The farmer texted us, wanting to deliver the butchered cow. We told him ok, not sure whee to put it. I made and ate breakfast. I went to the library to return Psych and get the next season. When I got back, I laid down in the bedroom and eventually fell asleep. I slept right through the bovine delivery.

When I got up, Chris showed me the boxes in the garage which would not fit in the freezer. I texted with Michelle and she said her husband was in town and could pick up a freezer at Home Depot. I looked it up and there was one available for $219. She asked him to bring one home. I checked the ice pile in the back yard and it was half melted so we must have had some warm days.

Chris made steaks and rice noodles. I opened the mail, and recycled what I could. We ate some for supper. I worked on my blog. I worked on e-mail. At 8, I made tea and we watched season 7 of Psych, the first two episodes. Afterward, we plugged in the new small freezer and filled it with the leftover beef. Then Chris went to bed and I stayed up to find the charging dock for the mp3 headphones, and tie up a few loose ends.

Christmas with Faye and the gang

Monday

I got up around 8. I got ready for the day. I made and ate breakfast so I could pack what was left over. I spent the next hour or so packing my carry-on and suitcase. After rolling all my clothes into the smallest bundles possible, I actually got all my purchases into the suitcase (in addiction to most of what came out of my suitcase).

Then I cleaned in the kitchen, wiping counters and the stove. I looked for a broom but could not find one. I found a vacuum, but it did not do well on the kitchen floor. I had to use the crevice tool to pick up crumbs. It did better on the carpet however. I emptied the cup multiple times.

Chris topped of the Highlander and packed our luggage in the Olds. He drove to Faye's house while I crocheted. Faye met us and he and she moved the luggage to her van. We talked about where was best to park the Olds.

Chris sat in the livingroom while Faye and I discussed how to set the table and chairs for eating. Then we put out the leftovers from church yesterday, which was plenty. She had a canned ham, which Chris helped me open and slice. I ate and Chris ate and Patrick came in later.

Faye went to pick up Kevin's dad at the home. When she brought him in a wheelchair, it would not fit through the door to the kitchen, so Chris held him steady standing up while Kevin folded the chair to get it in. Then Kevin's dad sat at the table. Faye put some food on his plate but he was more interested in listening to our conversations. William came over and had a bite to eat and talked with us.

When Chris mentioned that we should go to the airport, Faye took him back to the home. When she got back, we got in her van. Kevin and William came out to say goodbye. Then I crocheted as Faye drove us to the hotel by the airport. Again, we forgot to pay her for having the car inspected. Sigh.

Chris and I lugged our baggage to the hotel room. We got settled and read e-mail for awhile. I worked on my blog. I read e-mail until almost 9. Then we went to bed and cuddled. He fell asleep while I listened to my mind chatter all night.

Brass quintet on Christmas Eve

Sunday

I got up at 8:30 according to the clock in the bedroom. I washed up and got dressed. I took supplements and brushed. I read e-mail until 9:30. Then Chris said we didn't have to leave until 9:45 so I made and ate breakfast.

Then we drove to the church. We arrived before Faye. I stood in the fellowship hall and talked to Floyd as the kids came to dress for the pageant. Faye showed up and started getting food ready for after church. So I stayed to help if I could and we missed the pageant. Then we sat in the sanctuary for the rest of the service, but it didn't last very long and church was over at 11:30. Although, they do tack stuff on the end so it was 11:50 till I left the pew.

I talked to some people, then went to help Faye who was replenishing things as they ran low. She had apple slices, assorted veggies, crackers, cheeses, olives, etc. Finally it seemed people were done, so we started putting it away. We didn't get out until 2.

We followed Faye home. She gave us the keys to the Olds and we went to the inspection place to pick it up. I drove it to the nearest gas station and filled the tank. Then we found a place to turn around and headed to Chester.

I read e-mail while Chris did laundry and made some soup. I got in touch with Jamie and she said something is going around. Later we changed clothes for Christmas Eve. We headed back to the church. I took Dad's trombone into the fellowship hall and unpacked it. I talked to Bobby who was in charge of the brass quartet for a bit. He had a bunch of songs lined up for a 15 minutes slot. I thought it was too much, and it was, because the choir still had to practice as well as the bell ringers. So we ended up cutting it short.

After that ended, we picked up candles and sat in the sanctuary. There were readings and carols. The bell choir did 3 numbers. The vocal choir sang. A lady played flute on most hymns, but I could hardly hear her. At the end, the lights were turned down and we lit candles and sang Silent Night. It was nice.

Afterward, I talked to Jeff in the hall as I packed up my trombone. Faye and Chris joined in. I learned that all valve instruments have the same fingerings because the tubing relationships are the same.

Eventually we wished each other a Merry Christmas and headed out. Faye went home with the trombone and I went back to Chester with Chris. I finished listening to New World Next Year while crocheting, then worked on my blog. I made tea and got ready for bed.

Mayberry

Saturday

I had a restless night. We got up around 8:30. I took a shower, then Scott took his, then Chris took one. The house only has one bathroom. Myra made oatmeal and hard boiled eggs. I made my usual breakfast mix and ate an egg as well. We talked around the kitchen table.

Then we all got in the Highlander and went into town to see the statue of Andy and Opie. We also walked up and down the main street, passing Snappy Lunch and Floyd's barber shop. We stopped in a two fabric shops and I bought myself a little treat. I also found garland at a good price :)

Then we went up to the Blueridge Parkway to see a scenic spot. But the haze got in the way. Still, it was nice up there and it was interesting to see all the little yard sale -type places on the way up – not that we stopped.

Back at their house, Myra got out cut veggies and we had a meal as we continued to talk. It was nice to hear how well Chris and Scott got along. Around 5 we said goodbye and headed back.

As we drove, I crocheted, but soon finished the skein. The scarf/shawl was thicker than I wanted it, and I wondered if I could make a u shape in the middle by pulling out some rows and putting in shorter ones. I wondered in the dark as Chris drove.

After 4 hours, we pulled into the Damour's driveway. I grabbed my stuff and went in while Chris brought the luggage. He did a load of laundry as I practiced my trombone. I could not find my computer glasses anywhere, so used the craft pair to write the blog posts for Thursday and Friday. I deleted hundreds of e-mails.

I made tea and worked on my blog after finding my spectacles. I read e-mail until it was after bedtime, then did my evening routine and hit the hay. Chris joined me and we cuddled for warmth until the hot flashes set in. Then I fell asleep.

Carolina Peddlers and Mt Airy

Friday

The alarm went off at 7. After a bit, we got up and showered and dressed. I meant to practice, but there was no time. I packed my breakfast foods but did not pack my laptop since there would be no time to use it. Chris took the luggage out to the Highlander. We headed to Lumberton, and I crocheted all the way.

We arrived at Carolina Peddlers at noon. Linda and Mary were waiting for me. We greeted each other and stood on the sidewalk talking. It was mildly cold. Then we went inside and continued to visit as we walked around and looked at the items for sale.

The warehouse was divided up into booths. But no one manned them. Some were themed, some had crafts, some antiques, and some had yard sale items. They were very interesting to look at, but the prices seemed high and Christmas stuff was not marked down.

Then we walked next door to the dollar store. I found some garland there. We shopped and we checked out. Then we went to Pier 41 for lunch. It is a seafood place. And it was good, but not great.

Afterwards, we went back to Carolina Peddlers where Mary's car was. The three of us exchanged gifts. I gave Linda a bag for Silvia, but it wasn't as full. We hugged goodbye. Then headed to Mt. Airy.

It was our second 3 hour trip of the day. It was 7pm when we arrived at Myra'shouse. They hadn't been home long, having just arrived 2 hours earlier. She had chicken soup on the stove, so we had a bite to eat. We talked into the evening, then went to bed.

** Mary doesn't like her picture taken (although neither does Chris) so she took this pic of Chris and me and Linda. **

Neighbor party

Thursday

I am not sure when I got up. My watch and laptop are on Mountain time. The clock in the edroom and Faye's car are on Daylight Savings time. My phone and most clocks around, are on Eastern time. So I am never sure what time it is.

I did the usual morning stuff. I read e-mail. I called Faye to come pick me up so Chris can get me at the end of the day. I played Christmas tunes on the trombone. I read more e-mail and listened to several interviews: Spike proteins can cause a lack of production of new nerve cells in the hippocampus which leads to Alzheimers and other neurodiseases. It aids in indoctrination. Alzheimers in Germany went up 30% from 2019 to 2021. We need neurogenesis to reverse it. Oxytocin is one way to start neurogenesis.

At 11 I got dressed and made breakfast. Faye came over. I put on my shoes. Then she drove me back to her house. We got the Oldsmobile started. It needed gas, and the drive way was blocked. So we took her car to Cosco and filled two cartons with gas. Then we went back to the house. The car blocking the driveway was gone. She put gas in the tank and I started the car. After a bit, I turned it off. We went to Allen's Tires to check the route. They said they could get it inspected tomorrow. So we went back. I drove the Olds to the inspection place and left them the keys.

Then we went to Quilter's Corners. They had moved to a larger space. I looked around and talked to the lady at the desk. Then we saw the dogs in the back. Someone was socializing them to be seeing eye dogs. I made a note to tell Kevin and Patrick.

Then Faye took me home. She dropped me off and went to pick up Patrick. I sat on the front porch with Kevin and crocheted. When she got back, Patrick and Kevin went next door for the drop-in party. I kept crocheting, waiting for Faye. Finally, getting cold, I went inside to look for her. She was chatting with the contractor lady. So I joined in. Eventually, we left so she could finish her work.

We went next door and met the couple, and some of our neighbors whom I hadn't met before. The man looked like Alec Baldwin, although it took me hours for my brain to come with the name. We mingled and had some refreshments. At 6:45 I called Chris to come get me. Then we talked a little longer, said goodbye and went back to the house.

The contractors were gone. I crocheted waiting for Chris. He showed up, exchanged a few words, and took me to the Damour house. He heated up the last pork chop while I looked up Alec Baldwin. I thought he had played Batman, but he played The Shadow.

I ate my supper and listened to part of an interview. I made tea and we watched the last two episodes of Psych season 6. Then I got ready for bed, but stayed up reading e-mail.

Shopping

Wednesday

I got up long after daylight. I took supplements, brushed, showered, and dressed. I cleaned in the bathroom and around the house. I practiced my trombone while Chris took his shower.

I called Faye. I made and ate breakfast. Then Chris drove me over to her house. We arrived around noon. Chris went back almost immediately. Faye showed me her kitchen, which has new paint, countertops, dishwasher and sink. It was still not done, however.

We went shopping. We looked at fridges and couches, stuff at Goodwill, Party City for musical confetti and Christmas M-n-M's. Also WalMart and dollar stores. No luck. Well, we did find other stuff. Like the neck pillow / eye shades at Goodwill.

We'd been out until dark, so she drove me back to Chester. Chris had supper waiting for me: chicken stew and rice noodles. I ate as I read e-mail. I worked on my blog, then made tea. We watched two episodes of Psych. Chris read a book in bed until I finished something online. Then I got ready for bed and did my yoga stretches. Then it was light's out.

Haircut

Tuesday

I got up early, thinking it was later. Chris was lying on the couch. I did the usual to get ready for the day. Michele got up and had breakfast. I read e-mail. At 10 I ate breakfast and was ready to go to see Faye. I called and we talked. Michele was talking to Chris and I suggested we go see Faye. Then she wanted breakfast. But it was short and I barely had time to clean the counter top and the microwave.

It was after noon when we arrived. We talked with Faye and Kevin in the living room while the contractors worked in the kitchen. Kevin went out and bought lunch for himself and Faye. We continued to talk. She asked about a lamp that the Damours gave Mom years ago. We talked with William on the phone and he said he would come over after work.

Michele left for home before 3. Faye and I tried to start the Olds, intending to take it for inspection, but it wouldn't start. She told Kevin to ask William to charge the battery. Then we went to Great Clips for a haircut.

Since the wait time was 89 minutes, she headed to the pharmacy. But her prescription was sent to her previous pharmacy and we had to drive across town. We tried to be back in time, but got caught in traffic. We called William and he said there was no one at the house when he stopped by. At least Faye got her meds.

We went to Great Clips and I was the last one. After waiting for a minute, I got called back. the last lady cut my hair and we had a nice chat. I paid her and Faye book me home to Chris.

He heated pork and rice for me for supper. I ate while reading e-mail and listening to videos on Telegram. Then I worked on my blog and made a cup of tea. We watched two episodes of Psych, then went to bed.

Michele comes for a visit

Monday

We got up at 9 local. I felt much better having slept in a different bed. I took morning supplements and brushed my teeth. I got dressed and set Faye's machine on a desk near the kitchen. Chris found me some pins and I proceeded to pin a backing on one of the pillow tops. I bumped up against the tension knob of the machine and it fell off. I put it back on but it did not work. I thought it was threaded strangely, but found out it needed to be in order to make up for the tension. I wrestled with it to get it to sew through the layers of upholstery fabric. When done, I checked it to make sure the stitching was ok. Michele called to say she was on her way. I called Faye to tell her. I called William to see if he wanted to stop by later and see Michele at Faye's house.

I pinned and sewed the second pillow top. Then we headed out to Faye's house, but turned around to get the gifts. Then we drove to her house using 288. We arrived after noon and spoke with Faye until Michele arrived and joined the party. Then we all went to Cava for lunch. Faye insisted on paying. We had to eat at two different tables.

After lunch we went back to the house. Chris went back to Chester. Faye and Michele and I talked for hours. Kevin joined in now and then. It got dark and then I got in Michele's car and we went to see Chris. He was cooking porkchops for supper. They were really good. I also had some breakfast mix.

While he and Michele talked, I cleaned the stained glass light fixture over the table. Chris helped me by rinsing sponges to get all the soap off. It had been really greasy. Later, I went through a box of stuff from my childhood and Michele read my report cards. I had brought Dad;s trombone, so I played Christmas songs on it. Michele laid down. I made tea and we watched one episode of Psych.

Then Chris went to bed and soon so did I. I could not find my nightgown but Chris offered to keep me warm.

Talking to people I haven't seen in a long time

Sunday

When I woke up, it was 7:30 local time. I had a hard time getting out of bed because my back hurt. I wonder If this is how Cecily feels every morning when she gets up. I walked up and down the hall trying to get my back to relax. I rubbed it with arnica cream. I took morning supplements and walked some more. I jotted notes for my blog, then walked some more. Chris rubbed my back with magnesium spray.

I sat down to read e-mail which took my mind off of my back. Later I washed up and got dressed for church. Chris used his phone to get WAZE, and we took the Highlander to church. We couldn't find the blue Cadillac and wondered if the Highlander replaced it.

Faye arrived just after we did. I was surprised not to see the old white building that pre-dated pretty much everything in the area. We went inside and greeted people I haven't seen in years. We helped Alice bring in food from her car. Then we sat down in the sanctuary, noting our row had the # 9 on it.

I didn't need a bulletin to follow the service because there was a monitor at the front of the church which showed everything we needed to see or say or sing. We did a song called The 12 Days of Christmas with a Christian theme. Because we were row 9, we had to stand up and sing “9 something somethings” when it came up. The sermon was titled “Are you a Mary or a Martha at Christmas?”. After the service, I congratulated the row that sang “5 books of law”. Awesome job.

We all moved into the fellowship hall for a potluck meal. However, it didn't look much like a potluck because someone made huge tin pans of chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn pudding. There were some other smaller dishes, especially in the dessert section. We sat at a far table. All the tables were adorned with nativity scenes, most of which belonged to Faye. We had a nice chat with Larry and the others at our table. Eventually people came around to collect the table decorations and table cloths. Then I got to talk to Bobby, and then to Kevin. Finally we left.

Faye had already gone, in order to take someone home on her way home. We met her back at the house formerly known as Dad's. She showed us the kitchen and den which are being renovated. We talked about colors and other decisions. Then she showed me the positional beds that they got when the water bed didn't do well in the move. On a remote, they raise, lower and vibrate! They also connect to the internet and track your biometrics as you sleep. I didn't like that idea.

Faye let me take her sewing machine. It was raining when we left. We stopped at Food Lion for distilled water, coconut milk, and bananas. Then we proceeded back to Chester, having trouble seeing the road markings. I called Michele who said they are coming tomorrow. Then Myra called, but the call dropped several times. So when we got to the house, I called her back and we had a nice chat and made plans to visit.

I fixed the breakfast that I didn't get, and jotted notes for my blog. Then we watched two episodes of Psych. I checked on e-mail, then we went to bed in the smaller bedroom.

Flying hurts my ears

Saturday

Chris got up at 4 and took a shower and I tried to orient myself after lying half-awake since 9:30 trying to sleep.. I washed up and got dressed. I packed my laptop and we headed downstairs to check out. Then we went to the car. I sat inside, still not fully awake, while he scraped ice off of the windows.

From there, we went to the airport and parked. We dragged our luggage inside the terminal and up and down escalators. We found a manned counter and checked our bags. Then we headed to security. The line was REALLY long, but since we had pre-check clearance, we were in a very short line. So short that I forgot to drink the last of the water in the bottle. But when my carry-on came out, the bottle was still there and some water still in it.

We walked quickly to our gate, just so we could sit and wait. We boarded near the front of the line since we had front row seats. As in First Class. But it wasn't much different from all the other rows Maybe a little wider. We waited for take-off time, then again at the runway for de-icing. And then, we were on our way, in the dark.

I had the window cover up and I put on music while Chris watched a movie. I watched the sun rise as we flew toward it. We were provided breakfast consisting of quiche and croissant and fruit. I gave Chris my croissant. Eventually I watched a movie, Greek Wedding III, or something like that. When it was over, I started another one, but did not get to finish it before we landed in Atlanta.

It was a lot warmer in Atlanta at noon than at SLC at 6am. My left ear hurt because of the pressure difference. We went to our next gate and got on our laptops for the layover. I ate some cheese squares.

We boarded the next plane and waited for the others to board. There were no movie screens, so we read books. After the plane took off, I continued reading, and through the landing. I also chewed gum. But again, my left ear did not reach equilibrium. After we landed, we went to Baggage Claim. I called Faye before and after. Then we waited outside till she could drive around to pick us up. We put our luggage in her van and climbed in.

She drove us to the Damour's house in Chester. She stayed a while to talk. She is having the kitchen redone so can't use it. Then she left. Chris found leftovers in the fridge and heated them for supper. It took awhile because not all the burners work and the oven is broken. We ate in front of our laptops. I read Telegram messages and e-mail. I laid down for a bit but sleep wouldn't come. So I broke out the supplement box. I took some oral supplements, and put on some patches. Then I made chamomile tea using the smallest burner that worked. Chris loaded Psych on the TV. We watched 2 episodes and I dozed off once. So I did my stretches and went to bed.

And the packing begins

Friday

I got up around 8. I took supplements, then brushed and swished. I rotated the tower garden. I worked on the pillow blocks. I went outside to dissolve the frost on my windshield. Since Summer texted that she wasn't going to open the swap shop this morning, I stopped there to lock it. I also went to Mikeala's apartment to drop off the cookies. Then I went to the chapel.

I unlocked the doors and set up in the fellowship hall. I worked on the pillow blocks until Saronna's kids showed up. Then I sat and waited for questions. But they had a hard time getting started because they would rather listen to the adults converse. Casey came with a motherboard for a rocket. At least, that's what it looked like. He and I checked answers to see if they were right and they were. I went back to working on the pillow squares. Then they packed up and went home. So I locked up and went home.

I worked on the blocks, trying to get the corners right. Chris went to the office. Then I pulled out a suitcase and a carry-on. I started packing. I went by my list at first. Then I went in the kitchen and started making breakfast and packing the elements as I went. Some were liquid so I had to substitute. Some had no substitute. Chris came back from the office and started doing laundry.

After eating a late breakfast, I started packing clothes and gifts and snacks. Finally I was down to the pillow tops. Chris said he had room in his carry-on. I was able to get them trimmed, and rimmed with the lace. I got the backs ready to go, then packed them in his bag.

I texted Keli to come get the key to the chapel and she did. I also gave her the swing book. Now she can practice on the chapel piano. It was almost 5. I packed up my computer and grabbed an extra handbag. Chris packed his laptop, and we rolled our stuff out to his car. We left the house and stopped at the post office for the mail – a Christmas card.

Then we drove to a hotel near the airport in SLC, listening to the book on CD. Chris checked in and then we moved our luggage to the hotel room. He set up his laptop, then went in the bathroom for a long time. I set up the extra handbag and fanny pack with what I most needed in the airport and packed the other handbag. Everything ready to go. Chris came out and I looked around for a place to put my laptop, but there wasn't one. I don't know why hotel rooms are only set up for one laptop. Chris took his laptop and sat in bed, so I set mine on the desk and finished listening to The Highwire from yesterday. Then I took the time to write a lengthy blog post and post for yesterday. Chris turned in for the night (such as it was). I stayed up a little later, trying to catch up on e-mail from the last few busy days.

I went to bed at 9:30, with my mp3 headphones. But the power soon ran out and then they wee just expensive earplugs. It was noisy at first, but things quieted down, still I could not sleep and it was a long time till Chris' alarm went off at 4.

Baking, plus playing at LDS party

Thursday

I got up before 8. I followed the morning routine, fertilizing the plants. I gathered supplement patches for the trip. I looked up trail mix. I finished using the Kaatsu device which is now charged.

I got a batch of trail mix ready and a recipe of oatmeal cookies. But there was no time to bake. I ran over to Revonna's house for the signing. When she arrived, we all went in her house. She had money and I had the contract and we all signed. Then the Housing ladies went to her new apartment. But she stood in the driveway talking to me. Then we both went over to see it.

While we were there, Chris called me, needing a tape measure. So I agreed to go home and find one. But Revonna said there was one in her car, so I took that one and met him at home. I helped him measure all the bigger rooms in our house. He wrote the numbers down on a diagram of the floor plan. Then he went back to work.

I made banana oatmeal cookies, two batches of trail mix (burned the second one), and cheese squares. I read some e-mail and saw Jessica post stuff she was getting rid of. I ran over there to snag the wheelbarrow.

I made breakfast and watched The Highwire. But before it ended, I got a call from Jessica. Her house did not pass inspection and she needed to sign it over to the cleaning team so they could leave. So I grabbed a contract and ran over. I was shown which parts did not pass. I made a list. I quoted her $100 and she agreed. So I filled out the contract and we all signed it. I put the money in an envelop and added a key. I also wrote down her garage code. I went home. I put the trail mix in jars. I posted that the swap shop would be unlocked. I wanted to give Ginger her pants, and take some trail mix to Shannon before 3, but I could not get a hold of them in time. I went to the swap shop and unlocked the door and turned on the lights.

I went to the gym to meet Shawn, the gym manager. I thought we were just having a discussion, but he did a full assessment, with health questions, measurements, resting and working heart rate, etc. He tried to talk me into working out more. The discussion went on until 4:30, then he promised to write me an exercise plan, and I left.

I met Ginger at the commissary and gave her the pants and trail mix. I took cookies for Mikeala, but she was out sick. Then I went up the hill and gave a jar of trail mix to Shannon. I took trail mix to Melissa at the library. Then I got a text from Revonna about going to the swap shop.; So I went there and waited. I called Jamie to see if she wanted to clean Jessica's house. Then Revonna and Jerry showed up with donations. They also looked around and found stuff. At least Revonna did. I helped her carry stuff out to her car. Then I went home.

Jamie came over to get the key and the list of things to do. Then Chris called from the LDS Christmas party and said Saronna was there and planning on playing. So I said I'd be over later. I heated and ate the last of the turkey soup. Then I dressed up like I did for Winterfest. I drove to the church with my trombone, music, and a present for Saronna.

I walked into the big room, expecting the program to have started. But they were finishing up eating. I sat with Saronna. Michelle and Chris came over. The little kids did a manger scene. Very cute. Christina sang. Then Saronna and I were up. But there was no music stand. Karen went to get one. Then we played God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. A few other people played. Then we sang and it was over. Chris stayed to help put chairs away. The colonel vacuumed the floor. I talked to Tiffany. Then Chris took my trombone home and I drove myself. I almost got searched at the gate because he told his security team to tag me for the random search. But then they relented.

When I got home, he told me what he'd done. We changed clothes. We watched an episode of Psych. He went to bed and I stayed up to write my blog.

Busy day followed by an impromptu game night

Wednesday

I got up around 7:40. I turned the tower garden and harvested ice. Most of them were frozen on top and bottom but liquid inside. It was 20 degrees out so I don't know why they were frozen through.

I prepared for coffee morning with special exercises and Christmas music. After meditating and tapping, I cleaned the bathrooms and started on the kitchen. I saw Jamie out in the yard so I checked my phone. She had sent me her hours for 644 and a price for yardwork. I calculated her share of 644 and prepared an envelope. She came to the door and I gave it to her. We talked about gophers.

Chris came home for lunch. I finished the kitchen and did the vacuuming. Then I took my shower and got dressed. I went to the apartment and picked up my vacuum and cleaners. I brought it home. I saw Saronna had messaged about playing this afternoon so I threw my trombone in the back seat. I went back to the apartment for the shampooer. I cleaned it out and wrapped the cord. When I opened the door to wheel it out, I saw a stain on the carpet under the door. So, I soaped up the stain and ran the carpet cleaner again. Then I took it home.

I took it out of my trunk then added the pants to be hemmed. I went back to the apartment and the inspectors were there. We went in and they did their thing. I mentioned that I could not open the windows so didn't do all the sills. But Connie got two open so I cleaned as best I could with the wash cloth I had.

After the inspection, I went to Saronna's house. Her girls were home sick. We played some Christmas songs for Thursday. Then she had to go to the school for Wilhelm. I went to Jenni's house to water the plants. I brought her mail in and saw that there was a misdelivered card.. After going to Housing to turn in the apt key, I went to the post office to turn in the card.

Then I went to the chapel to measure and cut the ends of the pants for Ginger. I left the door unlocked for Keli. The weather wasn't back, so I went to the gas station to fill up, Revonna texted about the quote, so I drove over to her house. She said the door was open so I went in and looked around till she arrived. She told me all the problems she'd had with the house and moving. I gave her a quote for $400. We agreed to meet at the inspection tomorrow at 10.

Michelle wanted to meet at 5, so I went to the gym and waited a few minutes. She arrived talking on the phone. She wanted to walk and talk, and I was too tired to lift weights. So we walked. We talked after she hung up, and stopped when she got another call.

I went home, exhausted. I laid down but could not sleep. I opened the coconut from last week and ate the inside. I worked on my blog. I worked on Ginger's pants. It was difficult fabric to work with, kind of a flimsy knit.

I went to Michelle's house for early game night. I had enough clues to fix the power grid. Then there was an earthquake and when my character woke up, I was in the water and it was night time. I roamed up and down the little strip but could not get anywhere. Finally I gave up. I talked with Michelle and Casey for awhile, thinking to go home earlier than usual. But it was till 11 when I left.

I checked e-mail, then jotted notes for my blog and went to bed.

No heat in the swap shop

Tuesday

I got up after 8, doing some mental programming. I did the usual morning things, like watering the tower garden. I harvested some ice. I made more of all three mixes needed for seed crackers.

I worked on the pillow tops until Ginger came over wearing a pair of pants to be hemmed. We talked as I pinned the hems and she repeatedly wanted them lowered. Saronna called during the process to say 3 of her kids were sick so we couldn't play today. And I got a text from Keli about opening the chapel tomorrow.

After I finished with Ginger and she left, I headed to the apartment. I got in 15 minutes of carpet shampooing before I had to go to inspection at 644. When I arrived, Jamie was mopping the floor in the utility room. Gasp! As she finished up and headed to the shed, I greeted the inspectors. They took pics outside and then we went inside. I saw the floor in the den needed mopping (again?). The inspector only pointed out one spot, but I assured her that we would re-mop the whole thing. She also found a spot on the countertop, so I washed the whole area. I mentioned the heating unit set-up and then the head of Housing came and looked at it.

During the inspection, Christine called from the swap shop to say there was no heat. So after the signing of the papers, I went over there to take a small portable heater that I had bought on Ebay for my bathroom to see if it worked. And it did. I asked her about kid puzzles which Keli texted about, and she said she'd take some to the library.

So then I went to the apartment, but Jamie wasn't there. I called and she came right over. She took the red thing with her (later to be identified as a tire stand), and stuff from the storage unit. There was the smallest wet/dry vac I have ever seen. We tested it out and it seemed powerful. She said I should keep it in case we needed it.

She left and I stayed to clean some more, mostly shampooing. Then I went home for a late breakfast. After 3 I went back to the house to see if the work was done. And yes, the floor looked good and all the little things had been taken. So I went back to the apartment. I called Michelle to see if she would shove furniture around for me. I cleaned the hard floors until she arrived. Then she talked about her job while I vacuumed and shampooed. She moved the furniture as needed and was a big help. Then she left for a meeting.

I finished shampooing and took down the shower curtain. Revonna texted about having a sign-over on Thursday morning. I took more cleaning stuff home with me. Jamie was raking my leaves. But I only stopped long enough to pick up the house key for 644 and return it to Housing. While I was there, I scheduled an inspection for apt 112 for tomorrow afternoon.

When I got back, I talked to her, let her know what was going on. I showed her my pile of ice. Then I let her continue while I went into the garage to tape up one open end of the TV box and to stuff the other open end with styrofoam. I did not have enough.

It got dark. I went into the kitchen and Chris came home. He made his supper and pulled out the turkey soup for me. I told him about the swap shop having no heat and maybe the yoga room next door didn't either.

Then I made and ate a salad, then the soup. I worked on the pillow tops, added mitered borders to one and getting the next one ready. I worked on my blog and made tea. We watched two episodes of Psych. I looked up some of the guest stars. I read some e-mail then worked on the pillow tops until I started making mistakes. Then I did my stretches and went to bed.

Still working on pillows and the apartment

Monday

I got up after 8. After getting myself ready for the day, I started jotting down my routine in case I forget it by the time we get back from Christmas vacation. I tried to harvest ice, but, inexplicably, it wasn't completely frozen.

I trimmed the pillow blocks. They were too small, so I cut some strips to go around. I took a pic and sent it to Cecily for approval. Then I read some e-mail.

At 10 I headed to the apartment. I finished the kitchen, and scrubbed the bathroom, and the windows. I could not open 4 of them so those sills did not get cleaned.

At 12:30 I left to go home for breakfast. Chris was still having lunch, but soon went back to work. I ate and read e-mail. I toyed with the idea of ordering a Spinwave, but I think the price will go lower if I wait.

At 3 I went to the library to get the next season of Psych. Keli asked me how to empty the vacuum cleaner bag. I showed her. We talked about other things and I fielded a call from Jamie. Then I went to Gary's office with my two posters and we talked about that. He said a meme contest would be a good idea.

I went to the apartment to scrub baseboards and vacuum the rug. Around 5:30 I packed up and came home. I figured out that I had spent 11 hours on it already. So I bid too low. I went home and heated a bowl of turkey soup. Chris came home and made cauliflower steaks.

After eating, I took him to 644 to see the heater set-up. We surprised Jamie who was still there cleaning. She showed him how it was plugged in. He said it wasn't up to code.

After awhile, we left. When we got back, I turned off the led lights clipped to the tower garden. I made a small salad. I worked on my blog. I made tea. We watched the first two episodes of Psych season 6. Chris went to bed but I stayed up later.

Intermittant power outages

Sunday

I got up after 8:30, not having heard the alarms. I got ready for the day. I watered the tower garden and other plants. I went out and harvested ice.

I finished the second pillow panel and pressed both panels. The total measurement Iwas 14”, and should have been 14.5. I wondered if I should add a border before making them into pillows. The power went off taking the internet with it. So I spent too much time cropping and organizing sewing photos on my laptop.

When it came on, I read e-mail until time for breakfast. I made and ate breakfast then got ready for church. I took some seed crackers along for snack. Josh was there from Tooele Calvary. He helped sing the opening songs. Then the chaplain gave the sermon.

Afterward, I wanted to talk to Summer, but got caught up in talking to Josh and the chaplain. The chapel looked so good with all the Christmas decorations. It will be a shame to take them down in January.

I went home and changed my clothes. I went to 644 to talk to Jamie. Then we went to the apt. After she left, I put boards from shed in my car and the TV box with styrofoam in it. I figured it would be pretty insulating when full of styrofoam.

I drove home with the box hanging out of my back door. I put it in the garage. I refilled the pans for ice and went to Jenni's house to water her plants, which involved refilling the water bulbs. I went back to the apartment and picked up stuff for the swap shop. I ran into Mikeala, then dropped the stuff off before going home.

I ate two bowls of turkey soup and made a small salad. I watched videos from e-mail and Telegram messages. I worked on my blog. I made tea and we watched two episodes of Psych. After that, he went to bed and I stayed up.

Decorating the chapel

Saturday

I got up after 8. I got ready for the day and went to the company house to get the laundry started. The master bedroom had not been slept in so I didn't need to clean the bathroom. I started the washing machine and went home.

My pans of water were frozen so I placed the ice slabs in back of the bathroom wall where the sun doesn't shine. I refilled them. I unplugged my electronic sewing machine and put an electric one in its place in case of power blips. I worked on a second pillow top. The electric one did not work as well.

At 10:30, I paused to go to the company house and throw the laundry into the dryer. There had been a power blip, but the washer had completed its job. I went home and asked Chris for a massage. He complied. Then he took his shower and I took mine. I went to the kitchen to make up a week's worth of supplements. Chris was also in the kitchen making turkey soup. After the supplements, I made breakfast and ate it.

Around 2 I was ready to go clean. But Jamie was working on my yard, so we spoke for awhile. Then she left and I went to the company house to make the bed, clean the house and mop the floors.

While I was mopping, Michelle called to say they needed to get into the chapel to decorate it. I had thought the chaplain was with them. So I drove over quickly and unlocked the door then went back to the house. But now the key would not open the door. I tried the back door. No luck. I went back to the front door and used the other key. It had trouble too, but did eventually open it.

I finished mopping and went back to the chapel to help decorate. They were having trouble getting the tree up. The wiring was a mess and so were the decorations. Michelle and a man were working on getting the sections of the tree together. Eventually she had to call the chaplain to get the locks to the chapel sheds open. We found more decorations in there. She said we should replace the tree next year.

While she and other decorated the main tree, I decorated one of the small fake trees up near the altar. Another lady decorated one on the other side and Summer did the garland down the sides of the chapel. We hung two wreaths at the back.

Eventually everyone finished their project and went home. Michelle and I tried to make a little scene with trees and a lamb, but there was no separate lamb in the manger scene. So we locked the sheds and went home.

Chris had a big pot of turkey soup on the stove. I ladled a bowl and ate it while reading e-mail. Then I had another bowl. After that, I collected greens from around the house and made a small salad. I continued to read e-mail, then worked on my blog.

I whipped up a batch of seed crackers, then made tea and we watched two episodes of Psych. Afterward, we made the bed and I went back to reading while he went to sleep.

Math Morning used for measuring and cutting

Friday

I got up after 8 because I hadn't slept well. I dragged myself out of bed to do the usual morning things, like water the tower garden. Chris asked me if I had made the pillows for his mother. The ones she asked for a year ago? Yikes. So I took that project bag with me to Math Morning.

It was pretty cold and windy outside. I ran up to the chapel and unlocked it. I set up in the fellowship hall. I wasn't expected anyone because Saronna and her family had to go to a doctor's appt. I took the materials out of the project bag. I separated the sheets of paper because there were two different sizes of templates. I cut some three inch strips, then subcut them into the patch sizes. I did enough white for one pillow. I wasn't sure what the coloring was going to be for the others, but they also used 3 inch strips so I cut those strips too. IT was easier than working at home.

At 10:30 I locked up and went home. I checked Facebook in case anyone had commented on Math Morning, but no one had. I remembered sending my m-i-l a pic of 8 different colorations. I searched the desktop computer first and then my laptop. Finally I searched e-mail. When I found it, the message told me which one she picked and it was easier than what I had thought. Then I went to my overflowing sewing room to continue working.

I cut out enough blue pieces to make one top. I sewed the pieces in trapezoidal strips. When Ironing, the white seemed to stick to the bottom of the iron, even though I was using a #4 setting. So I got a press cloth.

I sewed some strip sets together and then Chris came home from the office to make lunch. I hadn't realized how late it was. I abandoned the project in order to make and eat breakfast. Then I quickly made a grocery list. Around 2 we went to Tooele, listening to the book on CD. Again, it was cold and super chilly when we got out of the car. I ran into the store. We shopped and I hurried to Melanies while Chris checked out. I bought a few things there and talked to them. Chris came inside after getting some books from the game store. I checked out and we left together. We proceeded to Macey's and then went back to base. We stopped at the commissary and then went home.

After putting the groceries away, he made his supper. I looked at a video of Myst IV and photographed some hints. Then I heated the rest of the beef for supper and made a salad from the tower garden and surrounding plants (with a little help from the grocery store).

I read e-mail and Telegram messages. I worked on my blog. I tried eating some frozen cheese squares. They seemed ok. I put the last three muffins aside for Michelle. I finished watched New World Next Week.

It was 8:30 when I got ready for Game Night. I went to her house and gave her the muffins and a strainer that she asked to borrow. The game Myst IV was up. I went through the opening sequences, then explored the room. Atrus asked me to mind the amplitude and such so I did, not very successfully. But it didn't matter since the machine had a few small explosions and Atrus gave me a bunch of instructions and left. Which he was going to do anyway so...

I looked around, read a clue from my phone, and found an elevator going down. At the bottom, I explored a bunch of bridges and rooms. I found a lot, but none of it helped in following his instructions. I had to read another clue or two. I found a control panel and had to figure out how it worked. And I did. But getting the right amount of power to the water wheel seemed impossible because when I gave it 4 units, it wasn't enough and when I gave it 5 units, it was too much. But then I noticed the time was after 11, so I thanked them and went home and to bed.

Winterfest

Thursday

I got up at 8, having slept pretty well. I think I have been sleeping better all week. I played my trombone, then did the usual morning stuff. I read e-mail a little too long. I went cleaning at 644. I did the hanging blinds, baseboards, utility room, and swept upstairs.

When I got back, I put on The Highwire and made breakfast. I watched for awhile, then paused it to get some fruit. That's when Chris came home for lunch. So I plugged in my headphones for the rest.

Afterward, I prepared for Winterfest by making a list of everything I meant to bring. I made copies of the triskele strips. I also packed music and a light on a stand from the garage. I had to hunt down a light bulb for it. I moved everything to my car.

I read a few more Telegram messages, then went to the Community Club. They showed me the new space allocated for the band. It was nice. They also gave me a table for my craft, which apparently no one knew I was bringing. Then I went to the chapel for markers and scissors. I left the door unlocked for Keli to get the keyboard.

I went home to change into red and black. Then I went to the club to set up the craft table. I also set up my trombone. Then I waited for the others to show up. Keli and her husband came in with stands, and then the keyboard. We plugged it in and set up the amp. Saronna came with her bass and an amp.

Then we waited for the tree-lighting ceremony to finish. It might have started late. We played a song here and there to warm up. But then, there was an influx of people. So we played our list of songs. It went well except I didn't give Saronna enough time on the last song to turn on the amp. So we played it again. People clapped. It was nice. I got some good comments later.

So then I sat with Isadora at the craft table. Sadly people were not much interested in the craft. A few came and colored strips, but gave up. The colonel's wife finished her daughter's project and I finished one. Mostly, I talked to people. Especially afterward with Gary and Terry and Stirling. There is interest in a Saturday evening sewing class.

It was 8:30 or later till we left. Chris helped me carry stuff to my car. I stopped at the swap shop to unlock it for Summer tomorrow. Then I went home and unloaded my car. I ate some zucchini relish and a grapefruit before settling down to write up the events of the day.

I posted for Math Morning and we watched two episodes of Psych, which ended after 11. Then we went to bed.

** We had a Grinch-themed event. Here I am with the mayor of Whoville. **

Now that Jenni is gone...

Wednesday

I got up at 8, and did the usual. I watered and fertilized. I made coffee, and exercised, meditated and tapped. I cleaned the bathrooms and kitchen. Chris came home for lunch, and went back to work. I mopped the floor, and sent some texts.

I went to the gym to work out. The new manager encouraged me to sign up for some kind of health review next week. I chatted with the desk people and then did my workout. No one was in the weight rooms. And the main gym was closed, setting up for an awards ceremony tomorrow.

I meant to go clean 644A afterwards, but I instinctively headed home, so I went to the apartment which was on the way. I cleaned in the kitchen for 3 hours, finishing the fridge and stove and underneath and behind them. I found more baggies and rolls of tinfoil.

At 5:35 I went home. Chris was there, just leaving for Mass. I sat and deleted a bunch of e-mail, then went to Jenni's house to fertilize her plants. When I got back, I turned on my PEMF mat. I refilled a water jug and put on an audio while I jotted notes for my blog.

Then I sat against the PEMF mat on and off listening to videos. Chris came home with a pizza. I worked on my blog. We watched two episodes of Psych. He went to bed but I stayed up till 11.

Cleaning here and there

Tuesday

I got up before 8. I did the usual morning routing. I forgot to turn the tower garden. I listened to something while I made many cuts of folded tin foil to sharpen my scissors.

I went cleaning at 9:15 at the apartment I went through the stuff left behind and put some aside for me I picked up garbage. I started cleaning the kitchen. I filled the vegetable bin with ammonia water and put the hood filters and burner bowls in it. I sequestered it in the oven so I wouldn't have to smell it.

Saronna came over about 10:30. She went through the stuff and the food and took some things and all the food. She helped me move the microwave from the top of the fridge to the stand so I could clean it. Her little boy came along. She loaded the bags into the wagon and they headed for the commissary.

I quit at 11:15 and went to the house. I spent an hour cleaning the fridge. I took pics of some things left behind. I went home to make breakfast. I ate while reading e-mail. Chris came home briefly with packages from the post office.

At 2, I went to Saronna's house to play music. We picked two hymns for Sunday. I showed her the pic of stuff leftover from the house and she chose 4 of the items. We practiced something and had to quit because her daughter called from school. I gave her a ride to the school then went to the library. I gave them some yarn for a project they were going to do. Then I went to the house to clean again. I placed her four items in a bag.

I vacuumed the tracks on the sliding glass door and the livingroom window. I spent a lot of time on the windows and storm door. I also brushed all the baseboards with a broom and swept the floors. I left at 5:15.

I went home, stopping at Saronna's house to drop off the 4 items. I practiced my trombone. I changed the batteries in the light that clips onto the stand. (I think it is for a sewing machine). I put beef in the oven and made a salad, adding tiny tomatoes. Chris came home and made his supper. I looked at things online. Jenni asked me to water her plants while she is gone. So I went over to see them. We conversed about the plants and decorating the church, etc. She wants someone to record the band playing for Winterfest so she can see it.

When I got home, I worked on my blog, then we watched two episodes of Psych. Chris went to bed and I stayed up to look up actors and what I might remember them from.

It could have been worse

Monday

I got up at 7:30. I called Alex for the time of the sign-over. He said he left a message but my phone did not tell me about it. I did the usual morning stuff. I mended a black sock with white embroidery floss – all I could find. I watered the plants and wreath. I read some e-mail, and wrote three Christmas cards.

I went to Housing for more cleaning contracts, then to Anca's house to deliver the dress. I also went to the post office to get packages. I went to the house and it was 44 degrees. The heat was off and the sliding glass door was open. I fiddled with the thermostat to no avail. I cleaned for an hour. I went to the sign-over with a contract. He did not have cash so he had to go to the ATM. Then we finished the process. He needed more time to load his car so I told him to go ahead and I left it unlocked.

I met Jamie back at 644. She had the heat on. There was an outlet near the furnace and you could only power one of the two. She changed it from outlet to furnace. She looked through the fridge and took stuff home. I went home for lunch. I made breakfast and watched a video that said Matthew 17 vs 21 is missing. I checked in my old bible and yes it was missing. But a check of the internet said it was decided because some codexes didn't include it.

I went back to the house at 2, thinking Saronna would meet me then. But she didn't come. I didn't know where my phone was so I couldn't call her. I cleaned the cabinets and worked on the sliding glass door. Then around 3:30 she came over, leaving her kids at the nearby park. She filled a bag and took it out to her wagon. It took several such trips. We talked as she went through the fridge and I wiped out drawers. Then we exited through the garage. I encouraged her to take the bubble wand and wrapping paper that was there.

We talked again, and then she and her kids left. ( I found out later that they stopped and had a picnic from the food she got.) I went back to cleaning until 4:30. I decided to quit and take the rest of the food.

I went to the apartment to see how that turned out. The occupant was gone. He had left all the lights on and the doors unlocked. There was food in the fridge and cleaning stuff and a few other things. I picked up a silicon muffin pan and something called 'dry malt'. Since I did not have the key with me, I could not lock it. I went home.

For supper I ate some of the food from the house fridge, cooking it well. I examined the list of ingredients on two of the bottles. One was out of date. I also made a salad. Chris came home from work late. We conversed. Then he did his thing while I listened to This Weed with Mary and Polly.

I paused it at 6:50 and grabbed my trombone and went to the chapel. I unlocked it and let everyone in. I turned on the lights and set up stands. Sophia helped. Then the band played through all our Christmas music. We spent extra time on O Tannenbaum since we hadn't played it before. Then we talked about amps and stands and lighting for Thursday. And we were done.

I went home and put up the trombone. I worked on my blog. I made tea. We watched two episodes of Psych. I looked up some of the guest stars. Then Chris went to bed and I stayed up later to watch an interview.

We got game!

Sunday

I got up at 8:20, realizing that my watch had stopped. I got a new battery from the battery box, but it didn't work either. So I got a second one and it worked, leaving only one for next time. I mended a sock.

I checked the water on the back porch. It still wasn't frozen and there were bird prints in the snow. So I guess they are drinking it. I have heard some people can't boil water. Well, I can't seem to freeze it.

I got dressed and took the frozen banana oatmeal cookies to the ACS building. It was locked so I started driving away. Then I saw Mikeala walking up. So I re-parked and we went into the building. She talked about not having enough refrigerated storage so I offered her space in one of the empty house fridges. We talked and hugged and I went home.

I looked at recipes for flaxseed muffins to see what spices were appropriate and in what ratio I beat some eggs and ground flax seed. I peeled a frozen banana and heated the honey. After it was all blended and in the oven, I looked at bake times for mini muffins. Then I forgot about the muffins and read e-mail. I finally pulled them out and melted butter over the tops.

I listened to part of a talk on hormones most people need more of. Chris went in the kitchen and cooked eggs in a pan. I played through all my Winterfest music. I made breakfast and ate it while reading e-mail. I got dressed for church and took the muffins, the trombone, and the banners. When I got to the chapel, only the chaplain was there. I showed him the banner, the altar cloth and the matching pulpit cloth. We talked. Other people came in. I went up front to get ready. Then he started the service with some Christmas songs.

For the sermon, he talked about Luke being a disciple of Paul, and how carefully the books of the Bible were chosen from all the books being written at the time. He asked for people to read aloud and 5 people did. Then he said a prayer and ended the service. I asked if we could play, and he was apologetic and said yes of course. So Saronna and I played carols from our book of duets while people sang. But it just didn't work out.

Afterward, people talked and had muffins. The chaplain talked about decorating the chapel. Jenni agreed to help him locate the decorations tomorrow. Jenni and I put the altar cloth and matching pulpit cloth up. I hunted down a pole to hang the banner on, but there was no cord to go across the ends.

I headed home, stopping to lock the swap shop. I changed clothes. I put a baggie of cheese squares in the freezer and ate the ones that wouldn't fit. I got out my serger and had trouble re-threading it. Then I serged the bottom of Anca's dress. I sat down to let her know and got caught up in e-mail. Faye called to talk about meeting us at the airport in Richmond. And needing a sticker for the old car.

Then I made a salad for supper as the family game got started. I didn't remember much from where we left off. But enough of it came back that I could participate. We interviewed witnesses and tracked down the maker of the surgical tools. Some of us gave testimony in court. Then we were going to visit a ghost town, but John ended the game there, probably because we were about to walk into a complicated situation.

I read e-mail. I worked on my blog. I made tea and we watched two episodes of Psych. Then Chris went to bed and I finished the hormone interview.

A very busy day

Saturday

I got up after 8. I took supplements, then brushed and swished. I got dressed. I tried to mend a sock, but ended up having to take all the stitches out. Michele called and we talked about holiday plans. I went to the company house to get the laundry started. It was clear that someone had thrown out the big empty boxes and moved or removed stuff that had been on the kitchen counters. But, there was some stuff still in the master bedroom so I guess they haven't left for the holidays.

I went home. I watered the plants and jotted notes for my blog. I checked the water in the pans. It was not quite frozen and the temp was 35. Sigh. I watched videos of playing the end of Myst III. He used the ending choice that I figured out too late. I got to see how that turned out. And then I proceeded to the first video explaining Myst IV.

I went back to the company house to throw the laundry in the dryer. I also made the bed. Then I went home and Chris gave me a coconut oil massage. We both took showers, and I made breakfast. I read e-mail as I ate. Then I went into the garage to look for more garland and lights. I found both green and shiny stuff. I put it in my trunk along with the sewing bag; Chris got a big box down and I pulled sets of hangers from it. Finally, with my trunk full, I went to the chapel.

I moved all the bags inside and unlocked the doors. I set up one sewing machine. I cut out two white stars and sewed them together with a yellow zigzag stitch. I left an opening at the bottom for the star to sit on some thing like a stick.

Saronna's kids arrived just before Isadora. Jenny came and so did Anca with her bundle of kids. Luckily, only one of them wanted to make a tree. So, ALL the hangers got used. Some used the garland lights, which were not 9 feet long unless you include the bare cord with the battery compartment on the end. Some used strings of lights that I had from years ago. They were strings of 100, which seemed like too much, but I couldn't just cut one in half. ALL the garland got used, including what was on my two sample trees. And most of the extra stuff. Thankfully Saronna brought some garland too. Sadly, some people had to mix different kinds of garland which wasn't as nice. But I just couldn't find the right stuff in town.

After they were done, I worked with Anca on her brand new dress which got chewed by their pet. I ended up cutting off the bottom and offering to serge the edge. I worked with Wilhelm on sewing a star for him. Then we all cleaned up because it looked like a Christmas tree exploded everywhere. The tinsel was particularly hard to get up.

They all went home. I went to the company house to fold the laundry and hang the towels. I wiped the kitchen and bathrooms. I broomed the floor and emptied the trash. The floor needed mopping, but it was getting dark and the lights were inadequate. And I was tired.

So I headed home, stopping at the post office. I was expecting a package, but I got a yellow slip of paper instead, and the desk was closed. When I got home, I sat to read e-mail and check Facebook. There was a message asking if someone could open the swap shop. So I sent a quick reply and ran down and did that.

Chris made cauliflower steaks for supper. I had some of that and some beef. The beef was dry so I added an avocado. Then I picked some greens from the tower garden, added tiny tomatoes just turning ripe, and made a salad.

I read articles and watched videos of Christmas crafts. Then I worked on my blog. I made tea and we watched two episodes of Psych. Afterward, we dressed the bed in clean sheets. Chris went to bed and I stayed up to read e-mail.