Starting the next batch of LAB

Tuesday

Till it warmed up outside, I sewed binding onto my handbag. The sides were fraying out, but the binding took care of it. Then I watered the plants at home. I called the post office, but no one had turned keys in to them. I read e-mail while looking for the next thing (i.e. got sidetracked).

I washed half a cup of rice for making another batch of LAB. I put out gopher stakes. These are louder than the others. I watered holes and killed a gopher who climbed out of one. I went to the garden. I put netting on the peppers, because there were so many little peppers dotting the ground. I don't know what's getting after them. I repaired a leak in one of the lines. I pulled some weeds and found radishes growing.

I made breakfast and ate it. Saronna messaged me that her kids were asleep and she didn't want to wake them up, so no playing today. I sat in the sun for a bit, then read e-mail. I stopped at Michelles house to pick up the freeze-dried herbs and dropped off a game. I went walking at the gym with Tonja. I came home, read more and had some steak for supper.

I listened to a podcast: it was discovered that airplanes are essentially hyperbaric oxygen chambers and could be used to help oxygenate blood of Covid patients, but Fauci and others hid that information. 90% of world's health problems can be solved or attenuated with a pressure vessel.

As I listened, I collated sewing photos to help me pick the next sewing project. Then I posted to my blog, and made tea. We watched 3 episodes of Cheers. I went back to reading on the internet, then went to bed.

Terri and Chuck left today

Monday

I got up almost on time. I got dressed and watered the plants inside and outside the house. I found baby gopher caught in some netting on the back porch. I gave it some clover while I thought over what to do. He didn't eat it. But as I held him, he disentangled himself. He clutched my arm while I walked to the empty lot, and nudged him into a gopher hole.

Then I watered plants at the garden. I brought home all the little peppers that some varmint had plucked from the plants but had not eaten. When I got home, I started parsing supplements.

Then I went to Terri's house. She invited me in to look for any spots she had missed. I found a few spots, especially in the fridge. Then the inspectors came. They looked around. But before they finished, they had Chuck sign the papers. (Maybe because I was there and they know my work?).

Terri and I carried some of her stuff that won't fit in their cars to my house. She had 4 eggs leftover, so I offered to hardboil them. Then I realized Chris had 4 such eggs already. So I gave her Chris' 4 boiled eggs, and I boiled hers. I picked some basil, mint and lettuce for her to take along on the trip. We talked, then Chuck called and she left to meet him at the gas station.

I contacted Jamie to see if she wanted any of the food. I put what I didn't want in a cooler. I continued to work on supplements until she came over. She took the cooler and some stuff for the swap shop. I gave her the keys to the swap shop. We agreed to meet at the apt at 1:30.

I made and ate breakfast while listening to interviews. Chris came home for lunch. He pulled out the bread machine. I pulled out some frozen whey to thaw for the bread. He showed me a pic from the gym where the water heater was in place. He didn't know if it was up and running.

I went to the apt at 1:30. Jamie showed me some spots on the upholstery. She brought in her carpet cleaner and used the upholstery attachment. But it didn't get them out.

Then the inspectors showed up. They looked around, took pics, and checked off the numbers on each item in the apartment. The older man was very complimentary about our work. Needless to say, we passed. I signed the papers, and we left. We continued to chat in the parking lot. I saw the inspectors leave. We went home. I came back to spray the furniture and take pics. I was going to wait, but it took too long to dry so I went home.

At 3:30 I went to the gym. I went walking with the ladies, three of them. Then I went back to the apt to take 'after' pics. The stains were still there. I dropped off the keys with Housing, then went home. I jotted notes for my blog, read e-mail, and then mowed the back yard and what Chuck couldn't do with the riding mower.

At 7, I put on my swimsuit and went to the pool. It was cold, but no worse than usual. The new normal. I swam the first 20 minutes in silence, then Heather got in and our conversation made the rest of the time go much faster. When I got home, I put on dry clothes. I posted to my blog, then made tea. I texted Jamie to see if she have found the swap shop keys. But she hadn't. Chris and I watched episodes of Cheers. Then I read my book until my eyes got tired. Then I went to bed and wondered why I couldn't sleep.

Freeze-drying herbs

Sunday

I slept in a little. I watered the plants at home, then went to swap shop, took a quick look and locked it. I got the mail, then went to the garden. I picked a bunch of mint for freeze-drying. When I got home, I made cheese sticks. I shucked the mint leaves while it baked. I tried to print sheet music, but it did not come out well. I think the roller needs cleaning.

I made and ate breakfast. I heard Chris talking to Michele before the game. She said the second weekend in October not good for his mom, so how about having the wedding on the 3rd weekend?

I got dressed for church. I went to the chapel. Chuck and Terri were just arriving. He carried my trombone in for me. I talked to the chaplain's assistant. He found the hymns in the hymnal. I was afraid they needed to be put on the screen up front.

I umpacked my trombone. One of the chaplain's little boys wanted to try out my trombone, so I let him blow on the mouthpiece. His slightly younger brother tried, but was not able to do it. I sat by Michelle in the second row. The chaplain's boys decided to sit with her. We had praise songs on the overhead, which I could not sing. Then the chaplain gave his sermon. Afterward, I played “What a friend we have in Jesus” for Terri and “I'll Fly Away” for Chuck. The congregation seemed to like both. After that, we chatted. I gave Terri what was left of the seed crackers and cheese sticks that I brought for snack. They make good travel food.

I came home, and checked e-mail. I changed clothes, then jotted notes for my blog. I wrote up yesterday. I harvested a big bag of basil. I stripped the leaves from the stems and washed them, spun them dry and put them in a bag. I made a little muffin and goat cheese sandwich with a basil leaf for Michelle.

I packed my sauna bag and went to the gym. I gave her the muffin sandwich and the empty goat milk jar. I also gave her bags of basil and mint to freeze-dry. We worked out, then sat in the sauna and talked. I told her Terri had prayed with Kincie for healing and her pain stopped.

I went by Michelle's house later to get two more bottles of goat milk. I took them home and put them in my fridge. I walked down to Terri's house. She gave me some cleaners that she is done with and the containers for the cheese sticks and seed crackers. Then we sat on the floor and had a nice chat. Later she walked me home and we talked more about praying in tongues and praying for healing.

I sat down to write my blog post, then made tea and we watched Ghost Busters: Afterlife, courtesy of Netflix. I read e-mail for a bit, then went to bed.

* This photo was actually taken last Sunday. Saronna was not able to attend today. *

Helping with the cleaning

Saturday

I got up late. I watered plants here at home and then at the garden. I noted more gopher activity near the tomatoes and potatoes. I put in another solar stake. Something ate my peas and left a shredded pod.

When I got home, I made a batch of seed crackers for church. Then Chris gave me a coconut oil massage. We each took a shower. I read e-mail till I got a text from Terri. Chuck came over to look at the wood I had for shelves. He said it was not good enough. So we went to the swap shop. There were two odd shelves leaning on a wall. We took them to my house and cut them to size. I suggested we cut up the old podium for shelving, but he said it would take too long.

After hydrating and loading some cleaing supplies in my handbag, I went to Terri's house. I cleaned spots on walls with a magic eraser. I also washed the blinds, windows and tracks around the house. I left her some ammonia to soak her stove grills. She gave me extra food from their fridge.

When I got home, I read e-mail and watched parts of videos. Chris made steak, so I had steak and backyard salad for supper. Then I put on a swim suit and went to the pool.

It was really cold, but I made myself get in and start swimming. Later Michelle showed up. She just sat on the side with her feet in the water. She talked about the bar last night and how only the ladies showed up.

At 8, we left the pool area and I took my clock with me. We talked for a bit in the parking lot, but I was freezing. I went home to change. I wrote my blog post and heated tea. We watched two episodes of Cheers. Then we made the bed with clean sheets. I read my book while sitting against a heating pad. At 11, I went to bed.

Time for more ink

Friday

I got up late. Chris was already over at Chuck and Terri's, helping them load stuff on a trailer. I watered plants at home, then at the garden. I walked to Terri's house to see how it was going. They were just finishing up. She gave me a bag from her freezer. I took it home and walked back. The guys finished loading the trailer. Chuck and Terri headed out and we walked home.

I made and ate breakfast while Chris showered and had lunch. I finished the shopping list. He packed the cooler and we went to Tooele. We shopped at the usual places plus the dollar store and the one next door. Neither had what I wanted.

When we got back to base, we stopped to get the mail, then unpacked the food at home. I read e-mail for awhile, then opened the package with new ink cartridges. I put one in and wrestled with the desktop computer to get it booted up. I found and copied I'll Fly Away, which is Chuck's favorite hymn. I was able to make it full page size with the software on the desktop. But it was still hard to read.

I ate leftovers for supper, then put on my suit and went to the pool. It was as cold or colder than ever. I brought the big clock and watched it after every lap. They did not tell me when to get out. I got out when I decided it was time - 7:57. I dried off and went home.

I changed clothes, then downloaded pics from my phone and cropped them. I listened to a podcast. Then I made tea and we watched Cheers. Afterward, I listened to more of the podcast, and finally went to bed.

The Talent Show

Thursday

I got up at 7:45 and took a keto test. It was slight to moderate. I got to the kitchen at 8. I took some bromelain. I looked into freezing eggs and freeze-drying eggs. Raw eggs should be frozen before being freeze-dried.

I watched a video on the collapse of the world. The geopolitical strategist said the baby boomers will all retire soon, and that means not only will we now pay for their medical care and retirement, we have to do it without their income capital. However, we have millennials, which other countries don't. So their labor markets are collapsing. China will not survive as they are now. But they are unable to change because the people are afraid to tell the leader the truth if it conflicts with what he wants. There will be a debt crisis in most other countries because they borrowed when the dollar was weak. Most countries have a shrinking demographic. I made and ate breakfast, and watched The Highwire. I went walking by myself at the gym, then met Terri at the swap shop. She and Chuck donated several items. I chatted with Terri then went home. I listened to more videos while rehydrating. I ate some steak, and made a salad.

I put on a dress, picked up a quilt and my trombone, and got in Chris' car. He drove us to the church just off post. Mrs. Pace was there so we asked her where to go. She had us follow one of her kids to the fellowship hall. Chairs were set up in a semicircle. Deb showed me where to hang up my quilt. I looked at Randy's stuff which was on the next table. He had built two rifles, bullets, some chain mail, and arrows. Not to mention a lined cloak for his wife.

For an hour, Deb's husband introduced talent show performers. Groups of kids danced. Some played instruments or sang. There were two comedy acts, a reading, and a demonstration of braiding hair. Saronna and I played last. The violinist said she'd only been playing a few years, which made me wonder how many years I've been playing. It comes out to about 50!

I felt a little light-headed and guess it was the dress I was wearing. I looked at table items, primarily art work. I talked to Michelle. I got lots of compliments. We walked by the dessert table and picked up some fruit. Finally people were putting up the tables and chairs, so we went home.

I changed clothes and we watched the last two episodes of Cheers season 9. Then I read e-mail, and posted to my blog, before going to bed.

* Sadly all the pics of us actually playing were fuzzy. *

Rain makes the pool even chillier

Wednesday

I got up to start coffee morning. I took a break to water plants at home and at the garden, then resumed coffee morning. Chuck came over to mow the yard. Afterward, he let me know when he was done. I checked e-mail, and read a book for half an hour.

I did some tapping during meditation and tried praying in tongues again. But it sounded more like an Asian man telling a story. Then I cleaned the bathrooms and kitchen, vacuumed, and mopped floors. Finally I took a shower.

I read some e-mail: The Red Cross sells most of the blood it collects to companies that use the plasma to make expensive and profitable drugs. Cilantro extract is for mobilizing heavy metals, and chlorella is for binding them for excretion.

I went walking with the ladies at the gym. I talked to Michelle for a bit. I dropped by the swap shop and left two kitchen trash cans there. I read e-mail and listened to podcasts. Chris came home with fresh basil wrapped in a wet paper towel from his assistant. I thanked her on Facebook and offered her some mint.

Chris left for Mass. As I continued to read e-mail, it rained, and hard, too. I decided not to go to the pool. Chris came home after church and said the rain stopped and he could hear people at the pool. I figured it was pretty chilly after the rain so I still didn't go.

I heated a jar of goat milk and made cheese. But I wasn't stirring it and some burned to the bottom of the pot. I tried to skim off the cream, but it fell over and I had a lot to clean up, even after I just cleaned this afternoon.

I worked on my blog. I made tea. We watched 4 episodes of Cheers. Afterward, Chris led me to bed and later we slept. We woke up after midnight to shut off computers and phones.

Praying in tongues

Tuesday

I got up before 8. I got dressed and opened the garage door so Chuck could borrow our mower. I also moved my car to Chris' spot. I started watering the house plants. Chuck came over and drove the mower to his house. I went to the garden to water, feed, and pick. I pruned some plants so they will bear sooner.

When I got home, I could see Chuck mowing his yard. Then he started mowing mine. I went out to greet him. He suggested I rake all the gopher mounds while he finished up some stuff at home, then he would finish my yard. Figuring he'd be back in an hour, I told him to leave the mower right where it was.

I dispersed and raked all the mounds. My wrists hurt and my hands were raw. Chuck did not come back. I read e-mail until breakfast time, then made and ate breakfast. Chris came home for lunch and went back to work. Michelle stopped by with the items I had given her to freeze-dry. The ice cream was most interesting.

I took my trombone and went to Saronna's house. We played our piece for the talent show, then some fun pieces from a book of old hits. Then I went to the gym to walk with Terri. No one else showed up. We agreed to meet again at 5 for a discussion of praying in tongues.

I went home. I talked to Jamie, then drove to Housing to set up a time for inspection on the apartment. I asked for Terrie's inspection time, then texted it to her. I wrote mine on the calendar in the hall.

At 5, I went to Terrie's house. We discussed praying in tongues and she demonstrated. I didn't understand a word, but it sounded like a real language. She had me pray and put her hands on me so I could receive the gift of tongues as well. It took an hour and a half, and I wasn't able to do it. Then I went home for supper. Chuck came over to move the mower so the sprinklers wouldn't hit it, but by then Chris was moving it.

I picked lettuce, added stuff from the garden, and stuff from the fridge. After eating, I listened to Mike Adams, then worked on my blog. I made tea, practiced my piece, then watched Cheers with Chris. Later I read a book until bed time.

* Freeze-dried chocolate ice cream *

Don't argue with the garrison manager's wife

Monday

I watered plants at home, then at the garden. I was going to make seed crackers, but I only had one egg left. I contacted Northern Tool company to buy the extra solar panel. I had to go through customer service to pay for it. That took longer than it should have. CJ came by with 2 dozen eggs. I paid her, then whipped up a batch of seed crackers and put them in the oven for an hour.

I went to the apartment to clean for 50 minutes, then came home after noon, just behind Chris. He made his lunch while I made breakfast. I put the stove hood filter from the apartment in hot ammonia water and ate breakfast while it soaked. I deleted a bunch of e-mail, then rinsed off the filter and most of the grease came off. Now why didn't it do that when I soaked it for four days at the apartment?

At 2, I went back to the apartment to clean. I worked on the last set of blinds. I quit halfway to go to a 3pm meeting, which was a re-quote. They didn't answer the door, so I went back to the apartment to get my phone. I looked over house with Jamie, then had to rush off to go walking with Terri at the gym. Jamie gave them magic erasers and dusting heads on poles so they could clean stuff themselves and have us requote after that.

I got home before 4:30. I might have read e-mail. Then I went to the apartment at 5 to finish the blinds and vacuum. I left at 6:40 for home. I had a few bites of steak, then put on my suit and went to the pool.

I placed my large clock on a chair near the shallow end of the pool. Then I laid my other stuff on a lounge by the deep end. Hardly anyone was there. I got in and started swimming. Jenni came and got in halfway. Michelle came with her mother and her kids. The kids got in and swam around.

The lifeguard gave us a 5 minute warning at 7:45. I told him the garrison manager said we could swim till 8. He said the colonel was on his side. I swam until he called time at 7:50, then took my time getting out of the pool. Still we were walking out the gate before 8. We chatted and went home. I told Chris what happened and he called the colonel, who said he sided with Chris.

I ate some raw pea pods, changed clothes, and jotted notes for my blog. I made tea and we watched two episodes of Cheers. Then I read a book, fell asleep, and woke up after midnight to go to bed.

Some people can do their own cleaning

Sunday

I watered the plants at home, then went to the garden. There were no more very hungry caterpillars. I picked kale and mint to try in the freeze dryer, then went home. I cleaned up the mint and took it and other stuff to Michelle's house. She was going to try it in her new freeze dryer.

When I got home, I vacuumed the carpet near my computer and accidentally caught one of the hanging earbuds and the whole thing wrapped itself around the beater bar before I could shut it off. Chris helped me unwrap it. They were toast.

I made and ate breakfast. I got an e-mail from a man who wants a reevaluation of cleaning his house. I got dressed for church, and took muffins and my trombone out to the car. I went to the chapel. The chaplain's wife was there! I greeted her and the boys and the dog. I set up my trombone in the front pew. Saronna came and set up her string bass.

When the service started, praise songs were played on the screen overhead. But few could sing them. Then we had the sermon, and finally we got to play hymns. It was Sebastian's last day so no piano next week.

We had a pretty good turnout and I was afraid the muffins would run out. But there were some left for me to take home. When I got home, I texted with Jamie, to see when we could get to that guy's house. I read e-mail, and searched online for printer ink. I ordered the cheapest one.

At 5, I went to gym, and worked out with Michelle. Mickie talked to me for a bit, then I sat in the sauna with Michelle. I got home about 7, and talked to Jamie. She told me to go by myself. So I went to David's house. Looking around, I verified that he was cleaning to standard. I told him he didn't need us. He showed me how he took his stove door apart to clean inside. We chatted for awhile. I looked at all the boxes he had left. I texted Terri and she got the two tall boxes she needed for her lamps.

When I got home, I made tea. We watched four episodes of Cheers. Then I read e-mail until bedtime.

The very hungry catapillars

Saturday

I got up a little late. I watered the plants at home and at the garden. I noticed the tops of the potato plants were chewed off. I found large tomato worms eating the stems. I brought them home and took their pic. I posted it on the community page so others will know to check their gardens.

I made a sample zippered pouch for the class, Chris gave me a coconut oil massage. I took a shower then made and ate breakfast. I selected fabrics for the class. I took pics of what the touch screen on the new sewing machine would look like if the LCD screen worked. Chris went to the office and printed it out for me.

I loaded the machines in the car and drove to the chapel. Chris met me there and carried them in. As I was setting up, Faye called. She was worried about the estate ledger. I wasn't able to give Faye the time and attention she needed. Tonja arrived and helped me set up. Then Saronna and her family came. I texted Jenni and then she showed up.

The kids picked out their fabric right away. They wanted the panel print that I got from the lady in the RV park. That's not what I brought it for, but since I don't like it, it was ok with me. They both wanted the eagle on their zippered pouch so I went home and got the rest of the bolt. Tonja said she could make curtains out of it.

She and I helped the kids make their pouches. Mr. Clark worked on the cloak for Saronna. Jenni made a scrubber. Rebecca and Rowan came. They worked on jewelry, I think. I brought three machines and Tonja brought one. So we had four, but only really used three.

When they were done, they helped me pack up and carry the machines to the car. I went home to hydrate. Chris was roasting bacon in the oven. Then I went to the company house. Kayla was dropped off by her mom. She helped me finish up the house in about 45 minutes We didn't mop because the mop bucket was at another house.

I dropped her off at her house and gave her $10. Then I went home. I finished folding the laundry for Chris and he put steaks in the oven. I jotted notes for my blog. I made a salad and ate some steak. Then I put on a suit and went to the pool.

It had been raining on and off all day so the pool was cold like creek water. And there was a layer of extracold water on top. But three of us got in. I was the only one that swam around, though. I had the clock propped up so we could see it.

At 7:55 we got out. I dried off and walked to my car, talking to Michelle. After a bit of a chat, we went home. The steak was still on the stove. I ate some more because it was soooo good, then cut it off the bone and put it in a container in the fridge. I wrote my blog post and made tea. I practiced our piece for the talent show. Then we watched episodes of Cheers. I nearly fell asleep.

Afterward, we made the bed with fresh sheets and put away laundry. Then I sat down to catch up on e-mail, and went to bed late.

Melanie's big sale

Friday

I got up after 7:30. Chris had left long ago to work out with the colonel. Chris came home while I was getting dressed. I checked my phone for messages. Then I went to the company house to get the laundry started. They had pulled the stove out as I requested. Sheets were already in the dryer and there was another load lying on the floor. So I put it in the washer and went to the garden.

After watering and feeding the garden, I went home. Chris was off exploring Dugway boundaries with the colonel on off-highway vehicles. I watered and fed the home plants. I put on an interview and deleted a bunch of e-mail, unsubscribing as I went. There are literally so many e-mails that I don't have time to read, that it hurts my wrist to delete them all.

I went back to the company house to move the sheets from the washer to the dryer. Then I went to the apartment to get my cleaning supplies. While there, I noted that the burner bowls and stove hood filter were still not clean. So when I got home, I got out a big tub to soak them in. I whipped up a batch of muffins and baked them in the oven.

I listened to an interview with a scientist who says the answer to the nitrogen problem is not as bad as they say, plus it can be addressed by changing the cow's diet and collecting their urine. Plus excess nitrogen is a local problem and should be addressed with laws that only apply to those specific areas, not the entire country. I made and ate breakfast. I worked for half an hour at the apartment. I put hot ammonia water in a big tub and soaked the burner bowls and filter in it. Then I went to the company house and worked for another half hour. I went home about 2, hoping Chris would be there, but he wasn't.

I sorted zippers in my sewing room. I didn't realize I had so many, and so many kinds. I put some aside for the class. When Chris got home, he packed the cooler and we went to Tooele, listening to the book on tape.

We went to the usual places. Melanie's was having a big sale and I spent over $200. After shopping at Macey's, we went to Harbor Freight for sonic gopher stakes for the colonel. We picked up 10 for him and 2 for us. Then we went home.

After putting food away, I ate a quick supper, and went to the pool. It was cold, but Heather got in and swam. Jenni and Michelle just stood in the shallow end. I brought the clock I bought at the thrift shop, and propped it on a chair so we could see the time.

Just as we were getting out, Chris arrived, wanting me to go with him to take the gopher chasers to the colonel. But I insisted we go home so I could change. He waited in his car for me to quickly change into dry clothes. Then we went up the hill. The colonel was trimming his bushes. We chatted with his family, then finally came home at 9. I was chilly. I jotted notes for my blog, then made tea. We watched Cheers. I nearly went to bed, but checked one thing online - then got hooked and was on until midnight.

MWR trip to Salt Lake City

Thursday

I got up before 7:30. I watered the plants at home and at the garden. When I came home, I found a swap shop key inside the screen door. I ate something, and packed a cooler. I posted the sewing project to Facebook. My wrists hurt badly so I took an Aleve. I put a bottle of water and one of kombucha in the cooler. I also took a wrap in case of air conditioning.

I picked up Terri on my way to the gym. We got out and headed to the door, but then the van drove up. So we got in. Rebecca and her son came and then Jenni arrived. We each had to sign a waiver before the van could take off.

It was a long trip. We talked among ourselves and got to know Rebecca. My wrists hurt from cleaning and Terri prayed over them. We rode to an Asian store south of SLC.

It was not the store I intended but I was able to get kimchi and natto there. I put what I could in the cooler and took out the water bottle. It was cold and felt good against my right wrist. Then we went to The Container Store. It was very interesting, but they did not have the large silicon ice cube tray that I wanted. Terri and I checked out then looked in the mall for the food court. We found Jenni sitting right outside the container store but could not find Rebecca. There was an information sign, but it just showed ads and QR codes. Not very informative.

Finally we heard Rebecca was at the van so we walked through the container store to get there. We got in and rode to Chinatown Supermarket. This was the right one. There were restaurants galore and of course, the grocery store. Three of us bought kimbap and sat on a couch in the hallway to eat. Then we shopped in the grocery part. I did not find sugar cane or pomegranates.

Finally we met at the van and went to a huge thrift shop. I found a large clock for $3 that might be ok for the pool. We each found something, then paid and met at the van. Our last stop was a WalMart. That's where I found the large ice cube tray. When we left the store, a stretch limo was parked outside. I suggested we have our pic taken with it, then post it on Dugway24/7 and say see what a great time we had on our MWR trip!

After our stops, Brittany drove us back to base. It seemed to take a long time without a book on tape to listen to. But we chatted off and on. When we were back at the gym, Terri and I got in my car and I took her home. I ate most of the jackfruit that I bought. Then I went to see Tonja at the swap shop to give her the key. We talked a little and she gave me a bathing suit that she thought would fit me.

I went home to wait for the family meeting, but 6:30 came and went. So I called Karen but her phone hung up on me. Then I called Kurt. That went through,so I asked him to call Faye and William. Then the family meeting began. Mostly it was Karen and Faye talking but it was good that we all knew what was going on and what needed to happen to settle the estate.

After the call, I checked some e-mail, then sat down to write my blog post. Chris was at a meeting in Tooele (two-EL-ah). He came home around 10. It was too late to watch TV. I finished up e-mail then went to bed.

Internet out

Wednesday

I woke up hearing Chris get ready for work (after working out with the colonel). I waited until he left, then got up. I watered first and planted some sprouted garlic. I filled in some gopher holes, then washed the sprouting container. I watered and fed the garden, and pulled some weeds. I closed the garden gate, which someone has left open every morning this week.

I prepared for Coffee morning. After exercising, tapping and meditating, I cleaned the bathrooms and took a shower. I put hot water in the kitchen sink to soak some silverware, then went to the inspection. They found a few spots which we wiped up. The house passed and I signed the papers.

I returned the keys to Housing on my way home. I prepared a payment to Jamie for the part of the cleaning that she did. I cleaned the kitchen, and jotted notes for my blog. Something happened to the cursor and I could no longer insert characters. I deleted a bunch of e-mail, then closed my blog window and reopened it. Then It worked like normal.

I worked on finding a sewing project for this Saturday. I looked in my sewing room to see if I had the right materials. I also tried sewing on chalkboard fabric and it worked fine without any special feet.

I went to see Jamie. I took her her share of the money. We talked about adding options for people who can't afford to pay someone to clean everything. Karen called, so I sat my car and talked to her. She wanted to have a meeting with all four of us siblings. Then I drove home and called Faye to discuss it with her.

I picked lettuce and greens, made a salad, and ate it. I put on a suit and went to the pool. It felt quite cold, but I got in anyway. I swam around and spoke with Jenni and Heather until time to get out. There was no electricity at the gym.

I went home and changed clothes. Chris was still at the burn training. I worked on my blog, but did not have internet so I couldn't post it. I accessed e-mail on my phone. I listened to This Week with Mary and Polly and laid on the PEMF mat. In the middle of it, Chris came home and said the internet had been back up for half an hour. It was pretty late, so we just talked for a bit. Then he helped me up and he went to bed. I read e-mail for awhile, then retired myself.

Power out

Tuesday

I got up before 8. The electricity was off. I realized that when I tried to vacuum the bedroom. I watered and fed the plants around the house and yard. Then I went to the garden to do the same thing. When I got home, I watered gopher holes and tried to get the dirt back in the ground. I emptied the dishwasher.

I went to the apartment to work on the kitchen, but it was too dark. So I dusted the furniture and cleaned three sets of blinds. It took me half an hour each. Then I realized I could hear the AC running. So the power was back on.

I went home for breakfast. I heard a strange noise as soon as I walked in the house. I found vacuum running in the bedroom. I dropped my purse on the bed while I swept the room. Then I made and ate breakfast.

When it was time to leave, I couldn't find my purse, till I remembered finding the vacuum. Then I went to 613 for a walk-thru. I wiped up a few spots. Jamie did not show up so I went to her house. She had forgotten.

We talked and then I went home for my trombone. I went to Saronna's house and we played our favorite piece. Then Sebastien came. The three of us played hymns together. I took him home, and then got my walking shoes and went to the gym.

I walked with Terri, then called Jamie to meet me on Pronghorn. We toured that house that the movers had just left, then went to my house to discuss the price. Jamie and Shana left, and I had a bite to eat while tuning into the Zoom call for the quilt guild. Chris came home from work, had a bite to eat and went to the Townhall.

I left the zoom call just before 6, and went to the meeting which was in the school auditorium. I sat by Michelle. I stayed afterward to talk, but not as long as Chris did. I drove home, and called William to wish him a Happy Birthday. I also talked to Karen. Chris came home, finally. By the time I finished my phone call, it was after 9. We watched two episodes of Cheers. I read e-mail until after 11, then went to bed.

No time to call William

Monday

I got up around 7:30, just as Chris was coming back from working out with the colonel. I watered the plants inside and out. Then I went to the garden to water and feed those plants. Jenni showed up to see her garden. I hadn't seen her in a month so we stood and chatted a while. Then I finished up and went home.

I had a few minutes to read e-mail. A lady texted me about a bolt of fabric she was selling. So I went over to the RV park. I gave her $30 for the 14 yd bolt. We chatted for awhile, then I went to the apartment to clean. I was there for 90 minutes, but spent half an hour talking to Faye. Then I went home for breakfast.

During breakfast, Michelle texted me. Then I went to the apt to meet Jamie and Shana. Shana cleans too, and was there to offer advice. We talked for awhile, then they went to the commissary. I cleaned for half an hour then went to Saronna's house to get a key.

She took me to a house that needs a quote and opened the door. I went in to look around to estimate how long it will take to clean. After I finished, Jamie and Shana arrived. They looked around, too, including the front and back yard. We discussed pricing. Then we walked outside and talked more. Finally we walked down the street to see stuff that was sitting by the curb.

We agreed to go to the swap shop. I let Saronna know that we were leaving. I got a text from Terri asked me where I was. It was 4pm and I completely missed walking with the ladies. I met Jamie and Shana at the swap shop and opened the door. They brought stuff in, but I left because I was thirsty. When I got home, Faye called. She wants to hire a lawyer to finish the estate and to sell the property. She also told me about the water leak in her house. And she reminded me that it was William's birthday.

Chris came home from work and changed clothes. We went to the community club for the community neighborhood meeting. CSM Rawls lead the meeting and wrote ideas and dates on a large piece of paper. I wanted to leave so I could get some pool time, but people kept talking to me and then it was too late.

We went home. It was too late to call William with birthday wishes. I ate some of the eye of round roast that Chris had in the oven all day. I also made a salad and worked on my blog.

We watched a few episodes of Cheers and stopped just before 10pm. I looked up Northcott Soar fabric, which is what I bought. It comes in panels and doesn't have much of a color palette. It didn't look any better online than in person.

Old McDonald had sonic stakes

Sunday

I got up just before 8:30, and checked e-mail. I learned about benefits of infrared light on melatonin. I learned about the 5 kinds of candles you can make ate home. I wished that could be a craft project, but the melting takes too long.

I watered here and away. I wrapped two wooden dowels with copper wire and put one in a flowerbed and the other in a tomato pot. I put in sonic stakes and dispersed gopher mounds.

Then I wrote a song: Old MacDonald had sonic stakes, EIEIO, every 30 seconds, a sound it makes, EIEIO. With a buzz buzz here and a buzz buzz there, here a buzz, there a buzz, everywhere a buzz buzz, Old MacDonald had sonic stakes, and he watched the gophers go.

I texted with Kurt who was at the reunion. It was well attended. Then I washed myself off, and made breakfast. I ate, got dressed, then took my trombone and cheese snacks to the chapel.

Saronna was there with her string bass. The young man was playing piano. The chaplain was there with the kids and the dog. A few other people came, and then the service started. Sgt King played two praise songs on the overhead. Then the chaplain gave his sermon. Saronna and I played two hymns. We had Communion. After some chatting, I found myself last in line to leave. I offered the remaining cheese to the chaplain but he said he couldn't eat it. And no cheese for the therapy dog, so I took it home.

I changed clothes, then went over to Terri's to see the book case. We took it to the swap shop. Chuck drew a diagram of how to build shelving out of crate plywood. I went home, read e-mail. Diane called and we had a nice chat. I texted Michelle, then went to meet her at the gym. She talked to me the whole time I was working out. Then after the gym closed, we sat outside and talked for another 2.5 hours. I went home, got something to eat, and made tea. We watched four episodes of Cheers. Then I read e-mail until I went to bed.

Rain

Saturday

I woke up with my back hurting. I puttered around, then put on some arnica cream and got dressed. I worked on my blog post about yesterday. I watered the plants at home, then went to the garden to water those. I also picked some kale leaves for later.

When I got home, I walked to the post office. It was good for my back, and I got to chat with the clerk. Then I picked up my packages and walked home. I read email until Chris was ready. He gave me a coconut oil massage. Afterward, he took a shower, and then I did. He started laundry while I made and ate breakfast. I read e-mail as I ate.

Around 2:30, I went to the apartment to get started on the cleaning. I put a container of hot ammonia water inside the stove to soak the filter and burner bowl. Deb called to ask if I would be in their talent show with Saronna. I said yes.

I cleaned what I could at the apartment, then went to the house on Mustang Run to get the step stool and the small handvac. Later Jamie came over. She moved the fridge and stove so I could clean behind them. When I got home, I figured that I worked 3 out of the 3.5 hours I had been there.

When I got home, I had leftover steak for supper. I listened to episode 9 of some health summit. I was going to get dressed for the pool, but I looked outside and it looked stormy. So I picked lettuce and made a salad. Then the rain hit. Jamie called, and came over to get my apt key. She opened the external storage unit, but nothing was in there.

I worked on today's write-up. I made tea and practiced my trombone. I ate some blueberries with whipped goat cream. We watched four episodes of Cheers. I stayed up late to read e-mail, then went to bed.

A hidden open tab?

Friday

I got up after 8. I made up a gallon of liquid detergent. It took a long time because the lumps in the borax would not break up. I had to use the handle of a fly swatter.

Then I listened to a podcast while making up supplements. She said massage is contraindicated for people with blood clots. 1000 professional athletes have had a heart attack and 800 died in the last year or so.

I watered all my plants at home. Then Michelle called and said the piano tuner was ready to go to the colonel's house. So I went to Michelle's house and he followed me up the hill. I unlocked the side door and we went in. The cats greeted us. While he tuned the piano (with an app), I sat on the couch and read. I was interrupted intermittently by texts.

Afterwards, he followed me back to Michelle's house. I proceeded to the garden. I fed the plants there and pulled some weeds. I planted a sonic stake and picked some greens for supper. On my way home, I stopped at the post office, but there was no mail.

I made and ate breakfast while reading e-mail. I had to reboot. I started watching a video monologue, then heard a Youtube video start playing. I could not find any open tab to stop it. I figured it would stop at the end of the video, but it just queued up the next one. Chris came back from the office. He could not find an open tab that was playing it either. Finally I restarted my computer and it didn't come back.

Chris packed the cooler and we went to Tooele. We shopped at Luckey's and Melanie's. When we got to Macey's, we ran into Tonja and her husband. I told her about Terri having a freezer to sell.

After we shopped and went home, I ate some leftover steak while reading e-mail. I called Northern Tool and told them the solar panel kit only came with a solar panel. She promised to send a new kit.

I put on my suit and went to the pool. It seemed quite cold to me and it took me a minute or two to get in. But I did. Another couple came, but it was too cold for them. A family came and played in the shallow baby pool where it was warmer. Then Heather got in. All too soon the lifeguard gave us the 5 minute warning. We swam around a bit, then got out and toweled off, chatting the whole time. But when I got home it wasn't yet 8. I was not happy. Maybe that's why they don't install a clock.

I changed into nightgown. I picked lettuce and greens for a salad. I worked on my blog. I made tea and we watched four episodes of Cheers. It was almost 11, so I just went to bed.

Speed piano tuning

Thursday

I woke up early and only dozed off a little after that. Chris went to work. I got up at 7:30. It was a little chilly and wet from rain, so I worked online for an hour. I read that high iron levels are associated with diabetes, Alzheimer's and early death. I looked online for a blood spot test for measuring my ferritin levels.

Michelle texted me about piano tuning, and I texted the colonel's wife to see if tomorrow morning was a good time. I watered the plants around the house. I went to the garden, but there wasn't much to do except pull weeds since it had rained.

Then I went to the colonel's house. His wife gave me a key and a check for piano tuning tomorrow. He was working out on a bike. I chatted with her for awhile, then drove to the swap shop to drop off stuff in my trunk and went home.

I got a drink and put the apartment keys on my key ring. I went to the Mustang Run house to get my cleaning supplies. I stayed for 15 minutes, long enough to clean the screen door and scrub a toilet. Then I dropped off a DVD at the library, and went to the swap shop again to drop off a fan for Tonja to use.

I came home and made breakfast while listening to The Highwire. It wasn't particularly informative today. I read e-mail at the same time. Chris came home late for lunch. At 3:30 I went to the gym to walk with Terri. Tiffany told us a new woman wanted to walk with us sometime and we said she was welcome any time. I signed up and paid for the trip to Salt Lake City next Thursday.

I drove home. I texted Michelle and she said they'd be showing up at 4:30 to tune my piano. So I had some tea and e-mail. Then she showed up with the piano tuner. While he tuned, she and I talked. I gave her a taste of my whipped goat cream, and latest batch of goat cheese.

Then Terri texted that Chuck was on his way to borrow the mower. So I went out and moved my car and opened the garage door. He arrived just after that. We conversed. He told me about buying and selling stock options. Then he drove the mower over to his house. I warned him against speeding;)

I talked with Michelle and the piano tuner until he finished. Neither one of them would watch a show about speed piano tuning. I thought of it because he tuned 7 pianos today and will do another 7 tomorrow. I gave the fee to Michelle and they went to dinner.

Chris came home with a pizza and cooked two steaks in the oven for me. I made a salad from stuff in the yard and garden. I ate it with the steak and a little bit of cold rice. Then I went to the swap shop to meet Tonja and lock the swap shop.

She had decorated the door, which was really cool. She said business is really picking up. People were there most of the time she had it open. I looked around myself and found some round yarn looms that might be good for a class. We chatted in the parking lot, then went our separate ways.

When I got home, I worked on my blog post for today and yesterday. I watched a video on how to make a 100 hour candle with Crisco. He plans to use it to heat a small greenhouse.

I made tea and we watched 4 episodes of Cheers. I played the piano and decided it sounded better, even though I thought it sounded fine before. I tried to catch up on e-mail - an impossible task, and went to bed.

Inspection: theirs and mine

Wednesday

I got up at 7:30, thinking it was earlier. I got started on coffee morning. I got a call from someone moving out next week who wanted their house cleaned. I said I would come by this afternoon to take a look. I watered all the plants inside and out. I took the netting off of the tower garden so the tomato flowers could get pollinated. I put the garden off for later (but later never came).

I did my meditation and tapping. I tapped for the chaplain's wife. I cleaned the bathrooms and kitchen and washed the dishes. I did a little sweeping, then took my shower. Chris came home late for lunch. He had a package from the post office. It contained 6 sonic stakes. I put one in the front flowerbed where mice and gophers live.

At 2:30 I went to the house up for inspection. Jamie had signed for it, but asked me to handle the inspection since she was out of town. I cleaned the front door, and various other spots as I noticed them. The inspectors showed up before 3, looked around and took pics. Then they had me sign off on it. By 3, I was done.

I went to Housing to drop off the keys and garage door opener. I asked if as many people were moving in as were moving out and she said yes. Whew! Then I went home to get hydrated. I went to the gym to meet Terri and we walked around the indoor track. We talked to Brittany and Tiffany about the MWR trip to Salt Lake City next Thursday.

I went to the wrong place, then drove across post to the right place, but could not remember his house number. But he was waiting with his front door open so I parked there. He showed me around his house, I looked in all the usual trouble spots. He said he could clean the toilets and stove. But overall, his house was pretty clean. I couldn't check the ceiling fans because they were pretty high. Even with a step ladder, I might not be able to reach them. I told him I had to check with Jamie before I quoted him a price.

I went home. I called Jamie but she was busy. I went to the current house on Mustang and cleaned for an hour, wiping doors and shelves and mopping. Then I went home, where I read some e-mail. Finally I was able to talk to Jamie about the house I saw today and finishing our other houses.

Then it was time for the pool, but the sky looked dark and foreboding. So I stayed in to catch up on e-mail. Chris came home from work and made himself a burrito for supper. After a while, I worked on my blog and then made tea. We watched 4 episodes of Cheers. Then I read e-mail until after 11, and went to bed.

A baby gopher

Tuesday

I woke up while Chris was getting ready for work. I put a towel over my eyes and went back to sleep. I got up around 7:30. It was in the 50's outside, so I read e-mail for an hour. Then I watered plants outside and in. I watered a hole until the gopher came up and I 'rocked' it to sleep.

I went to the garden to water and fertilize. I used what was in the 5 gallon bucket. I pulled some weeds, too. Then I went to the Mustang Run house to clean. I worked on the stove, baseboards, and toilet rings.

Three hours later I went home for breakfast. Then I took my trombone over to Saronna's house. We played our favorite song. Then Sebastien arrived. So we played through four hymns. Afterward, he asked for a ride home, so I packed up, cleaned out my front seat, and took him home.

I went home to get my phone to text Terri about walking. Then I met her at the gym. Michelle was there, too. We walked and talked around the track on the second level of the gymnasium. Michelle is currently persuing an exciting job and Terri told us she is leaving. On the way home, I stopped by the library. Melissa had gotten the next book in the series for me. I also got the next season of Cheers.

I went home for supper. I picked lettuce and dandelion to make a salad. Michelle texted me about her freeze-dryer. I worked on my blog post. I whipped up a batch of cheese sticks and threw them in the oven. I mowed with the electric mower around the edges of the yard. I stopped in time to get the cheese squares out of the oven. Then I finished mowing the back yard. I had to pause once because a tiny gopher was crawling in the grass and I didn't want to run over it. So I picked it up and took it to Chris. He said to put it in the empty lot. I wish I had taken a pic of it.

I put the mower away. I came in and ate the crispy edges of the cheese, then put the rest in a container in the fridge. I finished my blog post, then heated tea. We watched four episodes of Cheers season 8. I fell asleep on the couch, but Chris woke me up before he went to bed.

* I wish i had taken a pic of the baby gopher. *

Taking on another domicile to clean

Monday

I woke up early and tried to go back to sleep. I got up about 7:30, after Chris left. It was a little cool out, but I put on my bathing suit and a pair of shorts. I watered all the plants at home. I replanted the peppers from the pot into the flowerbed. I put batteries in the gopher repeller and stuck it in back of the house, where it won't get mowed over. I got a call for a quote. I put my dried herbs in bags and labeled them.

I went to the garden to water and fertilize. I pulled a bunch of weeds. Then the kids from the CDC showed up. I was skimpily dressed, so I went home. I got a drink and changed clothes, then went to the apartments.

I was early, but so were the inspection people. I brought a cleaning contract and everybody signed it. The resident paid me in cash, which I put into an envelop with the keys. She also gave me a bundle for the swap shop, which I put in my trunk.

When I got home, I drank some whey, then went to the most recent house on Mustang Run. Jamie had pulled out the stove and fridge so I could clean behind them. So I did that first. I cleaned until noon, which was an hour and a half, minus a few minutes talking to Jamie.

When I got home, I made and ate breakfast. I started watching This Week with Mary and Polly. Chris came home for lunch and asked for bread. So I started a loaf of bread in the machine.

I read e-mail for awhile, then went back to cleaning. I did another hour, then went walking with Terri at the gym. I cleaned again, until 5:30. I met Steve at April's house. He let me tour her place to come up with a quote for cleaning. Then I cleaned again until almost 6:30. I had finished the kitchen and done some windows, tracks, and baseboards.

Back at home, I made and ate a salad, then put on my bathing suit. While Chris roasted brussels sprouts, I went to the pool, passing by the new and old water heaters sitting out in the parking lot. The new one was bigger than the old one. When I got to the pool, it was full of young soldiers. Heather was reading. The water was cold (76), but I was able to get in anyway. Later Heather joined me in swimming around. Swimming is more fun with someone to talk to.

After the soldiers left, I wondered what time it was. We swam some more, then asked for the time. It was 7:58. I got out and dried off. I chatted with the lifeguards, then went home. I changed into dry clothes. I put some pumice sticks in the car for tomorrow. I ate brussels sprouts while working on my blog. I heated tea and we watched Cheers. I wanted to go to bed, but got caught up in reading e-mail, so went to bed only 10 minutes early.

Lunch with Terri and Chuck

Sunday

I got up about 7:40. My hands hurt. I didn't know if it was from overwork, or eating the wrong things. I held off on watering the plants. I checked e-mail. I suggested to Michelle and Terri that we gather at the chapel and sing hymns since there will be no church.

Later I watered the plants at home, then the ones at the garden. I went by the Mustang Run house to drop off cleaning supplies. Then I went to the shoppette to get gas. When I got home, I checked my phone and Facebook for messages. I listened to an interview. I whipped up a batch of seed crackers and then made breakfast.

I put on a dress, picked up my trombone and headed to the chapel. I unlocked the door and went inside, putting my instrument up front. Then I laid on the couch in back until I heard people. Terri and Chuck came in. We conversed and then Simon showed up. So the four of us sang hymns for 45 minutes. We also prayed for the chaplain's wife.

Simon left and Terri invited me over for lunch, consisting of curry and green twisty noodles. I went home to change clothes and get ready. Then I walked to their house. I brought some of the seed crackers with me since I had forgotten to bring them to church. We sat at their table and had a nice lunch. Then Chuck went to the chapel for choir practice. A little later he called to say the chapel needed to be unlocked. So Terri drove me over there and I unlocked it.

She and I sat and talked in her livingroom until Chuck came back. I was really tired but stayed to chat a little longer. He gave me a battery-powered sonic gopher repeller. I walked home and tried to take a nap, but just as I was nodding off, the phone rang. I wanted to yell “Can't you see that I'm trying to sleep?”. I assume it was Michelle 'cause there was a text from her asking when I was going to the gym. She wanted my goat milk jars. So I emptied the last one into another jar and put the jars on my porch.

Then I went to the gym. I chatted with Mickie a bit, then did the usual circuit workouts for arms, legs, and core and went home. Chris texted to say he had landed at SLC and was on his way home. I picked lettuce and made a salad. I ate while watching an interview. I paused it to work on my blog.

Chris came home. I asked him if John proposed to Michele, and Chris said Michele had figured it out earlier and said yes. So we are going to be in-laws!

I heated tea (which I made at breakfast time). We watched 3 or 4 episodes of Cheers. I got really sleepy and went to bed. But Chris followed me and I had to give him some attention before going to sleep.

Chuck mowed my yard

Saturday I got up around 7. I took a few minutes to get ready, then texted Terri that Chuck could come over to mow. I went outside to water and discovered that the grass was wet. Chuck did come over, and brought a container of gasoline, which he put in the mower. But the grass was so wet that he decided to come back at 10. I spent most of that time raking gopher mounds, and picking up sticks. Then I went to the garden to care for the plants, then went to a Mustang Run house to get my cleaning supplies. I dropped them off at the company house. When I got back, I opened the garage, then started reading e-mail. Chuck came back and fired up the mower. He mowed the yard, skipping a few places that would better be done with a small push mower. He had to stop to flatten mounds that arose after I cleared the yard. And there were a few that I missed. After he finished, I closed the garage. I took the new sewing machine through a diagnostic to check or reset the LCD screen. But it didn't solve the problem. It was still too dim. I went through bags of fabric strips to get some for class. I also pulled some backing fabrics. I made and ate breakfast around noon. I got a text from Meredith saying she was sick and could not help me clean today. I read some e-mail, then put the sewing supplies in my car. I drove to the chapel and began to carry stuff in. Terri came and helped me. I set up one machine and Tonja showed up. Terri showed us a quilt that she had mostly quilted, but not bound. As we were talking, Diane's husband came with a patch he needed sewn on his uniform. Since we were just talking and not sewing, I used a seam ripper to take off the old patch. I basted the new one in place, then sewed it down with a machine. Terri had to leave, and Tonja helped me pack up and carry stuff to my car. I went home to get ready, then went to the company house. I spent two hours cleaning and throwing out the dead mice. Ugh. The mouse in the sticky trap was still alive. When I got home, I had a few bites of supper. I got a text that church was canceled because the chaplain's wife was back in the hospital. I texted a few people that might not know. Then I put on my suit and went to the pool. The water was cold, but there were visitors playing in it. If it was 75 yesterday, it was lower today. And yet, I got in. I swam half laps, trying to stay out of people's way. I was kind of glad when the life guard called time. I toweled off and went home. I changed into dry clothes. I picked greens for a salad, then went to deliver the uniform shirt to Diane's husband. He was practically next door to the house we cleaned. I punched in the garage code, and went in. Using my new magic eraser, I cleaned some spots that the inspection team noted. I guess when they go to replace the hanging blind and see that it is clean, they will have to conclude that someone broke in and cleaned. Back at home, I finished my salad. I watched episodes of the latest summits. I worked on my blog. It took a long time, and finally I had to pause the interview in order to concentrate on my blog. Then I composed the July cleaning invoice and went to bed soon after.

Experimenting with butter and cheese

Friday

I woke up, having slept pretty well. I watered the plants at home. I noted that the tomato in the box was getting too much water. I went to the company house and started sheets in the washer. Then I went to the garden. Gene and Emily pulled up behind me.

I noticed a leak in my watering system. Gene fixed the leak. Emily gave me some brussels sprouts and an egg plant. I offered them mint.

I went home. I worked outside. I killed a gopher, but missed it's mate. I moved the hose to run along the fence. Then I went back to the company house to put the sheets in dryer and towels in the washer.

I watched an interview, and then some sewing videos, looking for my next project. I started breakfast, then went to the company house to put the towels in the dryer, and ammonia in the tub. When I got home, I finished eating breakfast. I watched more sewing videos and some goat butter videos.

I took the milk out of the fridge. I scraped off as much cream as I could, but it wasn't much. Some I put in a NutraBullet to try to make butter, but I could only run it 1 minute at a time to avoid burning out the motor. I heated the rest of the goat milk on the stove. I posted a potholder class for tomorrow on Facebook.

At 3:30 I went walking with Terri at the gym. I brought her a piece of seed cracker and she brought me a check for the groceries she bought yesterday. We walked for about 40 minutes. Afterward, we stopped at the front desk to ask about signing up for a shopping trip later this month, but the man knew nothing about it.

When I got home, I heated the milk again, and put lemon juice in. It curdled and I filtered the curds out, leaving behind the whey. I mixed a few things into the cheese to make it more flavorful.

I put on my suit and went to the pool. Heather was there, and had lots of good things to say about her family camping trip. About 7:20 she had to leave. I put my toe in the water and it was cold. The lifeguard estimated it to be 75. Amazingly, I got in anyway. My body adjusted to the cold and I swam the usual laps until time was called. I got out and toweled off. I walked to the parking lot. Grace came running over to tell me she was moving to Florida and did I know anyone who needed to buy a washer and dryer. I encouraged her to put it on the Dugway 24/7 Facebook page.

After a bit of chatting, I went home and changed into my night gown. I picked lettuce and made a salad. I also ate some cooked veggies. I texted with Chris. I heard rain, but never thought to roll up my car windows. I tried to work on my blog while watching news videos.

I looked for solutions to the dim LCD screen online. Then I finished up my blog post. I read a little more e-mail, then went to bed.

The ladies shopping trip

Thursday

I got up at 7:45, thinking it was 8:45 and I had to be somewhere by 9. I raced around to get ready, then saw the actual time on the stove - 7:45. I took a breath, then watered all the plants at home. I put on shoes to go to the garden. Just then the gopher guy showed up. I greeted him and went to the garden. While I was there, Mrs. Pace's kids walked by. When I finished, one of the boys said his mom needed to talk to me. But I had to leave.

I went to the house we cleaned in the last two days. The man drove up and handed me money. I handed him the receipt, thinking we should both sign it, but he didn't seem to care about that. He started loading garage stuff in his truck. Jamie arrived and I gave her $150. The inspection team came and asked if they could go through the house. He said yes, so we all went in through the garage. They looked all over, and noted a spot in the closet and a spot on the vertical blinds. I got a wet cloth and tried to wipe both, but with little efficacy. But they didn't seem to care. Anyway, paperwork was signed and he and I left.

I went home. I put out the garbage and the recycling. Then I called Terri and told her I was ready to go. Then I changed my shoes and filled a water bottle and made a shopping list. I ate a snack bar. I put my purse and cooler outside. I found some fencing and cut a piece off to make a tomato cage. I stopped when she drove up and got in her car.

We headed to Tooele, chatting all the way. We stopped at Luckeys where she realized she didn't have her wallet, and then Melanie's. She enjoyed looking around. One of the clerks told us about having $1500 stolen from her purse. I clutched mine a little tighter for the rest of the day.

We went to Macey's, and then to the dollar store. Then we went to Wal-Mart, and finally the thrift store. There, I saw a Brother 8200, which is exactly what I have. It did not have the embroidery module with it. The stitches were good, but the touchscreen was so dark, that you could only see very faint lines under good lighting, but not enough to read. It also came with a lot of feet, which didn't fit. I figured only someone who already had such a machine could use it. So for $25 I bought it. The young man carried it out to Terri's car.

On the way home, we stopped at the cheese shop, but it was closed. As always. Terri had forgotten her wallet, so her husband took her ID up to the guards station. So when we got to base, they allowed her to go through. She dropped me off at my house and helped me carry my purchases in. I had gotten a lot of extra supplies in case of supply chain issues. I gave her some lettuce from my tower garden.

I put most of the food away. I started listening to The Highwire. Terri texted that her husband wanted to come see our mower. So I opened the garage door. I had told her that he could use our mower on his lawn if he mowed mine too. When he came, he was pleased with it. I gave him our gas can. Since the mower was almost out of gas, he offered to fill it with the money she owed me for groceries.

They left. I went back to The Highwire and eating out of the fridge. I got texts asking for the large metal cabinet in the swap shop. I replied that it was to replace the bookcase, so not for 'sale'. At 7 I went to the post office to get our mail and lock up the swap shop. Tonja was there and showed me how the black cabinet was not ideal for use as a book case, but they tried to fix it up. We talked more in the parking lot.

I went home. Michelle texted me that she had news to share and could we go for a walk? So she came over, but the weather got stormy so we just sat and talked. I showed her a pic of Chris in his costume for this gaming weekend. Then we chatted for hours in the livingroom. We prayed for Kincie. Finally she could see that I was tired and she went home.

I worked on my blog and on hydrating. It was quarter after 11 when I finished. Then I went to bed.

* My blooming pineapple plant *

No more heated pool

Wednesday

I got up before 7:30 thinking it must be later. I watered the plants at home, noting that the usual bundle of something had again appeared in the top of the tower garden. There is no way it could have blown in because it is covered in netting. Something is deliberately putting it there.

I went to the garden to water and fertilize and check the peas. All seemed to be in order. I went home to make coffee and to meditate and tap. Then I started cleaning the bathrooms and kitchen. My vacuum was at one of the houses so I did not sweep any carpets today.

Casey texted asking if he could bring me goat milk. So I went over to Michelle's house bringing two empty milk jars. Casey gave me two full ones. I paid him. He showed me the plants Michelle bought for the empty lot. Then I went home and put the jars in my fridge.

I put egg shells on cookie sheets in the oven to toast. After washing all the dishes sitting around, I went to the same house as yesterday. Jamie was there and we figured we had done 9 out of 13 hours. So we resolved to do 2 more each.

I worked on kitchen cabinets for an hour, then went to the gym to walk with Terri. We discussed going to Tooele tomorrow. Then I went back to cleaning. It took us a little over 2 hours to finish. I moved my cleaning stuff over to the next house while she mopped the floors. Then I went home. I realized the oven was still on, but low enough that the egg shells were not burnt.

I responded to texts on my phone, then called Jamie for her input. While I was talking, I was also checking e-mail and saw one that said the hot water heater at the gym was being replaced so there would be no hot showers or hot water in the pool for the next three weeks.

I wrote out a receipt for the money we get paid tomorrow. I put on my bathing suit and went to the pool. It was cold (86). I swam around and talked to Gene until the lifeguards called time. Then we both got out and toweled off. I went home and changed into dry clothes.

I gathered the toasted egg shells into two baggies. Michelle asked to borrow my pitchfork, so I took it over there. Luke was visiting. The three of us went for a walk. Then we chatted in her livingroom. She was clearly still upset about not getting along with Jordan. I tried to steer the conversation to other topics. Finally around 10:30 she realized I was tired, and I drove home.

I worked on my blog. I checked my phone for messages from Chris and there were none. I thought about reading e-mail, but it was nearly 11 and I was exhausted. Still, I checked a few things before going to bed.

* Every morning this pile of ??? appears in the tower garden and on the front porch. *