Always pack a minimum of one extra pair of undies

This just came up in a discussion with my daughters awhile back…they were relating in a group text how they always remember to follow the rule that I taught them when packing for family vacations.

I was in Des Moines Sunday and Monday for dr appointments and an ultrasound Monday. Because I retired from Iowa, I still carry the group health insurance from the county and because any dr appointments or treatments, other than emergency, that I might have in Missouri are out of network, I choose to drive back to Iowa to theoretically save money. So, laying flat on my back on the ultra sound table Monday I kept turning my head to see what was on the screen (and for the record, I have no idea whatsoever interpreting what I’m seeing). When she was finished with me, I sat up on the table and thought…wow….I’m dizzy. But I walked out into the waiting room to wait for my doctor appointment. I wondered if I was dehydrated so I leaned over at the drinking fountain in a main hallway of this large clinic and vertigo hit like a hammer. As I gripped the water fountain I was able to wedge myself between the fountain and the cutout in the wall to remain upright until somebody who looked medical walked by. I was wedged in so tight that everytime I took a breath, the water fountain turned on.

Finally I was pried out of the cubby, placed in a wheel chair and wheeled into Urgent Care where I received two shots and relaxation that we only dream of. I called my friend, Suzy, who works nearby to rescue me. No way I could drive back to KC. We had a makeshift slumber party. I did a pharmaceutical slumber and she watched over me. Thank you, Suzy. The next morning I was thrilled that I had packed 1 extra pair of undies for my trip! Oh. And nothing serious going on with me…just some leg vein issues from my mostly unhealthy life style when I was young!

Until next time….

You little bastard…

I realized this week that I was premature in naming Rex! I realize that I did not really think through the adoption of a teenage cat when there are 4 grandparent age cats in the house. Evenings are no longer peaceful, winding down hours in the day. It is the time of day Rex….known now as You Little Bastard….loses control of all discipline.

This is Rex taking a breather before he launches another battle

This is one of his victims

At least the grandfathers are getting a little exercise running up and down the steps and leaping onto tables and developing arm strength batting You little bastard when he just won’t stop. I’m now carrying a spray water bottle and jumping up and down off the couch and developing a healthy trigger finger. I’ve been here before but then there were 5 teenage/young adult cats who could each hold their own. It will be ok….I mean, he’s a cat….how long could it possibly take to train him. Hahahahaha.

Until next time…..

Please stop me if I’ve mentioned this before…

OMG how many times this has come out of my mouth lately!

It just reminds me how precious the days are as I move closer to the winter of my life. I’ve gone through the other season at such a rapid pace, I don’t remember most of them.

The seasons, when you are a child, mean nothing…children adapt and find play whatever season they are experiencing.

Spring…young adulthood…everything is fresh and new and possible. I remember hearing people say fall was their favorite time of year…..WHAT? Fall….when everything is dying and freezing and winter is coming?

Summer….ahhhh, summer…in particular my late 30s, 40s and early 50s. I loved summer….vacation….fun…friends…the sun!

But somewhere in my 50s I started loving fall…we lived on a couple acres of timber and color and leaves on the ground. Cleaning up….burning leaves, the smell of a leaf fire….the sound of the rural fire department’s siren….some of you will know what I’m talking about 😍.

Now I live in a place where fall lasts a little longer. This view from my living room window has been catching my eye several times a day.

Its November 1st and I can still enjoy this beauty.

I’m in the fall of my life…I’m not too busy to stop and just take it in. I’m figuring out what is important and what is not important. I’m finally witnessing the beauty of life “nearly” everyday.

Until next time…..