A busy day.

We stayed home this morning waiting for the moniter to come. It didn't by noon, so when Karen and Danya called and asked if we wanted to go to lunch at Wendy's, we said yes. Danya has finished her teacher training and is here looking for a job. It was good to see her, and I hope she finds something she wants nearby, so we can see her more often. While we were gone, the moniter arrrived, and it was sitting at the front door! We brought it in and set it up this afternoon. It's a nice one, 19 inches diagonally, with a flat screen. Russ is glued to it now, and approves it. We talked to Kaye, and she said she was glad we got it; she couldn't see much on the old one. This afternoon we drove to Carlsbad for a prescription and then went for a walk along the sea wall. It was a beautiful warm day. I took my walker with the seat, so I could rest along the way. Tonight we donated to send six magazines to soldiers in Iraq. I hope it wasn't a scam!

Good Advice

We stayed home all day, because Russ had ordered a new monitor for the north computer and it was to come today. Well, it didn't. I did the washing and Russ pruned the yard, because the supposed gardener was to come. He finally got here after lunch, and he had to listen to a lecture before he could work, about having his men really "garden", not just blow and go. My visiting teacher came about 3:30, and she brought us a seedless watermelon, our first of the season. It was very good, and so was her message, about "unencumbering" our lives and planning our food storage to include what we really use.

Two good visits today.

Charles and Mabel are coming down to visit us today. Russ and I got sandwiches and drinks and ice cream for lunch here at home. They arrived about 11, and we had a nice visit and lunch. Charles is still singing with the So. Ca. Mormon Choir, but he and Mabel decided not to go to Europe with them this summer. They have been with the Choir on many trips there, and it is too tiring at our age. Linda and Rich are in Alaska on a tour now. That's one of the places I have no desire to see. To avoid the home-going traffic later, Charles and Mabel left for home about 2p.m. I think that's a good idea. L.A. traffic can be deadly that time of day. At 4 Karen came for me in her Jaguar, and we went to visit Lorraine Pepper. She and Karen like to go on the same sort of trips, and this time Lorraine and her sister are going on the same boat trip down the Danube that Terry and Karen went on last summer. And Karen and Terry are going on a trip to New England and Canada this fall, the same that Lorraine went on two years ago!

Dinner at Karen and Terry's house.

I just talked to Kaye, and she and Kyle have just got home from the Writer's Com. in Missoula. She said they had a great time., and I'm glad of that. Today we had dinner with Karen and Terry and a friend, Jane Oddou. Jane's husband is in France, seeing to their house there, and Jane stayed here to help her Mother who has cancer. He will be back in a month or two. It was a nice dinner, spareribs barbecued by Terry, and all the fixings made by Karen. We stayed three hours and enjoyed it all. Before going to Karen's we drove down to the ocean for a walk, since the sun was shining brightly, but we couldn't find a parking place anywhere there! All of the people in Carlsbad and Oceanside evidently had the same idea. Instead we did a little shopping, then went to Karen's. Tonight we watched memorials of World War II on TV.

We went to Church this morning, sat by Karen, but we stayed only for Sacrament Meeting. The sermons were on food storage, focusing on starting with a month of most-used foods, and working up to 3 months, and then a year. That is something most people can handle. That way they won't have food spoiling, that they don't usually use. At home we watched two movies, had a snack for lunch, and then dinner later. We did go for a walk around the neighborhood between meals. The temp. got up to 70 degrees for the first time in weeks, but the breeze kept it comfortable. We talked to John Diez, and his college is out for the summer. He is going rafting next week on the Kern river with friends - a real change from teaching kids about computers.

I exspected damage, but none came.!

I went to get my hair done, and no one was at the shop. Soon my operator came, and opened the shop and shampooed my hair. Then two more operators came, and one client; then the boss came, and one more client. That was all, the hour I was there. Not the usual crowd. At home we had lunch, and LuWayne Harris called. He and his son Gabriel and 4 small grandchildren, two of Gabe's and two of his brother's, came over later. They were in town visiting, before Gabe and family left for Hawaii. I said I thought that was lots better than going back to Iraq, and Gabe said he would be in Hawaii a while, then Japan, and then back to Iraq! That's awful to look forward to. Gabe promised he and family would come over once more before leaving. After they left, we went to Karen's and picked up some things, and came home again. we had our dinner and watched our usual Saturday night Brit shows on TV.

This morning we went back to Circuit city and returned the laptop. We didn't look for another there. We will wait until my eyes are better so I can see the smaller writing. Karen said she would bring over her laptop, for me to see if I can use that brand. We went from there to WalMart, where I bought more minutes for my cell phone. That way my husband and I can talk when we are aren't together. From there we went to Burger King and had their fish sandwiches. They are good. We can have our vegetables and salad tonight. We talked to Kaye and she and Kyle have arrived in Missoula for the Writers' Convention. I asked her to say hello for me when she sees Patty Briggs. I'm waiting for her new book to come out.

Today we got the laptop packed up ready to return. That took a while, to remove what we had put on it. Then this afternoon we exchanged closets, and in the process got a pile of clothes ready for the Salvation Army truck that is coming tomorrow. The sun came out this morning while we were busy, so we didn't get out for a walk. It clouded up again after lunch. The gardenia bush is blooming, also the roses, as well as the orchids. I love it when they are all in bloom. I'm happy to be in So. California, even though this is the foggy time of year. When Karen was here for lunch, we talked about other places to live. Danya is facing that decision, depending on where she gets a good offer for a teaching job. She's out looking now, and will be down here soon.

This morning we paid bills and shuffled around our accounts. That wasn't a lot of fun, but it helped us get going. It was still cloudy outside, and that was a little depressing. But we had lunch, and that cheered us up. The sun finally came out in the afternoon, so we went to Tamarack Beach, parked the car, and went for a walk. Would you believe it, we actually walked about 1/4 our old route? Of course I had my elegant walker with me, and I could sit down when I got tired. At home again, we were both tired and sat down and had a nap. But I feel better for having been out in the fresh air and walking again. We'll see tomorrow if I have any stiff muscles!

We went to the Kaiser Clinic in San Marcos to have my hubby's blood test. It's 12 miles over there, and about 10 to the Carlsbad Clinic. The ocean is supposed to have a smelly red tide in today, so that's why we went to San Marcos instead. Also, the technicians are better there. We got back before noon, and Karen, who had been at the gym, came over and had a bite of lunch with us. She had been to her painting class, too. She's so busy. This afternoon we spent watching movies Kaye had brought when she came down. One was an old classic, and we enjoyed two of them, one that Race had put together. He connected the Star War pictures with the current scientific developments. Very interesting. Tonight I read mail order catalogs, trying to find gliders for the old walker, that I had seen once before. I found them and will send for them. That walker is good enough for around the house.

Back to the old routine.

This morning Karen and I went to visit teach Nancy Barnhard. She turned 90 while Karen was gone, and we didn't get to celebrate with her. But her daughter said they had a good time. At home again I did the washing, for the first time since I last fell . Then we went to Home Depot to find replacements for some sprinkler hose that broke on the south side of the house. I tried to buy soap to finish the laundry, but they had only huge containers that all had bleach in them. We had our dinner of pork Karen had given us, with accompaniments we fixed, and then we had our home evening, reading and listening to the CD's of the New Testament. The reader is so good, you can easily understand things.

We went to Church and stayed for just Sacrament Meeting. Karen sat with us. When we got home we got the music playing on the laptop, so that's an improvement. Soon we'll have it all up and working, with Kaye's help, of course. This afternoon we went home teaching, to Ruth Schoppe and Juanita Jensen. It was brief at Juanita's, because her house is all torn up, and we didn't stay long. Ona Willet was ill in bed, so we didn't really see her, were not invited in. We notified the Compassionate Service Leader, Karen, and she will see that someone will care for her. Tomorrow is supposed to be a clear day, and I"ll certainly welcome that. I'm tired of May Gray.

Success at last!

I don't know how he did it, but my dear husband got my blog up for me on the laptop! I'll have to go back later and try to find the path to get here. He has been working at it for about an hour and a half. I had already given up for today. The sun finally broke through the overcast, just about the time he got it. I hope that's a good omen that the search is indeed over, and we can really use this laptop. I hated the idea of giving it up. I got Logan's letter ready to go last night, but the blogs were last at first, just like last weeks'. Maybe I'll get the hang of doing it right before he gets home the last of July!

Tried, but didn't succeed.

I almost got my blog up on the new laptop today, but somehow I lost it, so I'm now back to the old desk model. I did spend most of the day on the laptop, with Kaye's help, but I gave up tonight. We went out for a fish sandwich and intended to come home and have a vegetable and salad, but instead we just had an apple and the last pieces of chocolate cake Karen had sent to me on Sunday. Karen did have a piece when they got home from Italy. I'll try now to get this week's blogs printed right for Logan this time. I have never thanked him properly for the spoon at Christmas time. I'll have to make up for it later.

Laptop,, is it a mistake?

I wrote today's blog and promptly lost it somewhere. So, here goes again. We went back to Circuit City to look at laptops again, this time we invited Karen to go with us. We picked out one, and ordered it. While the people were getting it ready, we went out for a quick lunch. Karen had other errands to run, so she left. We went back and got the laptop and brought it home. We managed to to get on the inter net, but I couldn't do my blog. We gave up for tonight. Kaye had cautioned us about getting this one, but we went ahead anyway. Evidently she was right! we have 14 days to try it out and we can return it. And we may do that!

Karen and Terry are home.

I slept through the alarm clock this morning, so I had just gotten dressed when Karen came over. She told us about their trip to Italy, and lots of the things they did and saw. She was tired, though, and went back home for a nap, after watching us eat breakfast. (She'd had hers earlier.) But she did take home with her a piece of the Mother's Day cake she had ordered from Emily for me. Someday maybe I'll go back to Europe, but in the meantime I can enjoy other peoples' trips, and read about those countries. As I learn more about the internet, I can learn there, too, especially if we go back to buy that laptop! This afternoon we drove to the Carlsbad Kaiser Pharmacy for a prescription, and from there we went along the ocean and stopped at Tamarack Beach. We went for a short walk, about the same distance as we went with Kaye the other day.

This morning we went to San Marcos for Russ' pacemaker clinic. They found that it was in good condition, and it probably won't need a new battery for about 4 years. That's good news. We had thought the sky would be clear as we got inland, but there was fog over there, too. When we got back here, we had about 15 minutes of a weak sun, then more fog. On the way back home we stopped again at Circuit City and looked again at the laptops. This time we both were attracted to a Acer model, a little smaller than the Toshiba and HP we had seen before. After talking it over, we think now we will go back and buy it sometime this week. There's no numeral pad, but there is one we can buy and attach if we want to. Also a case. At home again we had lunch and a rest, and then I paid bills that had piled up on my desk. We watched about 2 hours of news on the TV. Maybe I can learn to get it on the laptop. Karen and Terry got home today, and they are resting up. We'll probably see them tomorrow.

I love cell phones, to keep in touch.,

This morning Kaye packed her bags, and then we had breakfast. Roy came to clean, so we sat in the living room and talked until it was time to leave for Kaye's train. We stopped on the way for a soda, and we got to the Carlsbad Coaster station in time to get her ticket and visit for about 15 minutes before the train arrived. It was hard to say goodbye, but Kaye said she would come down again in a few months. She got on the train and then we drove down to look at the ocean a while, then we got some fresh fruit and veggies and started home. Karen called to say they are back in New York, and they will be back to Oceanside tomorrow. Kaye called from the San Diego airport before the plane left, and then she called again from Seattle as she waited for the plane to Pasco. Kyle met her there, and then she called again as they reached their house. Thank goodness for cell phones. They certainly help ease anxiety about loved ones.

My very nice Mother's Day.

I have had a very nice Mother's Day. Kaye went with us to Sacrament Meeting, and then we three went out to a brunch. After that, we went to see Uncle Al. He is recovered from his hospital stay and angioplasty, and he is getting out again to the meals, etc. at his retirement home. After we left him we went for a walk along the beach in Carlsbad. After that, we came home and had a piece of chocolate cake that Karen had ordered for Mother's day for us. Kaye and her Dad have been working on the router on the computers, and now we are going to barbeque steaks and have our dinner. Kaye will do the steaks on the barbeque that Terry and Karen gave us. Carla called, and Karen sent an e-mail from Venice, Italy. Also, Beth Weiland called, and also LaDel Harris, and Gloria Saltzman.

shopping laptops

It has been three weeks since I broke my nose, and I'm feeling well again. Now I just have to get my strength back . After I got my hair washed this morning, we all went shopping for a laptop computer. I have sort of been looking for one since we got one of the first ones several years ago. They weren't called laptops then, but notebooks. Anyway we narrowed the selection down to two at Circuit City, but we intend to go to another store before actually buying one. The keyboard on these is about the size of the one Race has, and I liked that when I saw it in Bandon last fall.

A good day, without headaches.

We have had a good day. First of all, my headache hasn't returned at all, and it's 7 p.m. However, I have used the walker all day, as we went shopping for shoes and a router for the computers. This is Kaye's laptop I am using now. We had another e-mail from Karen, and they are still enjoying their trip to Italy. They are in Venice now, where they will spend the time, either there or in the towns around there. Then they will come home on Wednesday. The ocean breeze has kept the air from getting hot. I talked to a friend in Fallbrook, and it was 100 degrees there. We are fortunate we left there. Of course we still keep in touch with old friends there, as well as making some here, too.

Kaye likes our fish tacos, too.

We have had a busy day. First of all we went to get prescriptions at the Carlsbad Kaiser Pharmacy. Kaye drove, and all went well. After that we came back to the beach and went for a walk, our first since I broke my rib. (That lasted through my broken nose.) We had brought the large walker, and I got along well. Kaye and her Dad walked farther than I did, but we all enjoyed it. From the beach we drove north to the Oceanside Harbor. We parked and went to a little cafe there and had their fabulous fish tacos. We sat outside, looking out over the boats and water in the harbor. I really enjoyed my first real day out in a month. At home again we rested and then did compter things. Now we'll have a bite of supper and watch some TV, I think.

Customizing my blog.

We have stayed home today, resting up from yesterday. We had waffles made by my husband, and lunch by Kaye, and he put dinner on in the slow cooker. Kaye took my picture and put it on the blog, and she helped me put the titles on the ones I had already written. We changed the colors, too. I like the total effect, and I hope you do, too. I am having a good time using Kaye's laptop computer. I think I'd like to have one maybe someday. I will have to cut my fingernails shorter, though. I keep hitting the wrong keys with them. We did look at some briefly when Danya was here.

First Blog on Kaye's Laptop

Kaye arrived today and we're really enjoying having her here. She arrived at the Carlsbad station just after we did, and then we drove to the Sizzler Restaurant for dinner, and now we are at home. Kaye is teaching me to use her laptop computer, and my fingernails are too long to work well on it. I keep making mistakes. As soon as my headaches let up, I will be back to my usual activities, and the nails will be short again.

Email from Italy

This morning we talked to Kaye, and she's going to wait until she gets here to have her weekly shot. I'm glad, because the trip down here tomorrow will be a hard one for her. To get here she will have two plane rides, a taxi ride, a train ride, and then from the train station to our house with us. She doesn't need to feel awful, too! Karen sent an e-mail from Italy, and they seem to be having a good time. They will be back the day after Kaye leaves. Today we bought a new printer, and next it will be a new computer, I guess.

Went to Church

This morning I was well enough to go to Church for Sacrament Meeting. We came home after that, and I was able to have a reasonably pain-free day. Only this evening it caught up with me. We talked to Kaye and Carla, and also to the Wielands. They may come down again this summer; I hope so. They are a good friends. I tried to call Kendra Gillian, but there was no one home. I'll try again another day. Kaye is busy, but I hope she is able to rest up for the trip down here. It will be a strain.

Hair Washed Four Times

I'm not exactly sure how I am going to transfer this blog writing into a journal to print to send to Logan, but I will try. Also, I want a copy for my records. We'll see how it goes. I haven't done much today, except get my hair washed. It was necessary! I think the operator put shampoo on it three or four times. When we got home we had lunch, and then I had a nap. It will take a while to get all my strength back, but I know it will come, as soon as these darn headaches go away. I'll stop for today, and try to get this in shape to send to Logan.

Fish for Friday

This is Friday, and since I was able to go out in the car yesterday, we decided to do it again today. This time, we went out to lunch for a fish dinner. We had a fish sandwich and a salad, and I got along fine. I used Helen's old walker, because it was easier to put in the car than our new one with the seat. I had no problems with it; I got in and out of the restaurant without trouble. At home again I fell asleep for a while, but woke and helped with folding the laundry and did other little things around the house. I finally feel I am really recovering my strength. Now I don't keep hearing my heart beating in my ears, except with special exertion, and the headaches are easing.

Angel Care Lady

I'm finally getting back to summarizing the almost last two weeks. After the awful night in hospitals ( They sent me to San Diego to Kaiser Hospital after the bleeding stopped) I was released and came home with Karen and and your Dad, who had been up all night with me. We all slept most of the day and the next night. Then on the third day Karen drove us to San Marcos where the packing was taken out of my nose. Since then, I have taken lots of Tylenol to ease headaches, and those are still going on. However, my black eyes are finally disappearing, and the scab has fallen off my nose. But there must still be blood in my eye sockets, because they still hurt, along with the rest of my head. Everyone has been so kind to come to see us and bring flowers and food. Also, we had a lady come from Angel Care, an agency Karen found for us, to help out. Everything is finally going well.

Faceplant

Dear family and friends, I have been out of commission for over a week, so I'll quickly go over the time. The workman on the Pergo flooring left a tool box in the doorway between the family room and the living areas of the house, and I stumbled on it it and mashed my face onto the carpet about 10 p.m. the 21st. We couldn't get the nose bleeding stopped, so called Karen and Terry. They came over, and couldn't do it, so somebody called 911. An ambulance took me to TriCity Hospital, and they couldn't stop it, and Karen called Jane O'Dou and she called our Bishop. He got there about 1:30, gave me a blessing, and the Bleeding stopped! This is our real miracle. Everybody has been so kind, bringing us food and flowers and best wishes.