Winding Down

Despite the fact that I've been shopping like a mad woman (for what seems like forever), I'm not really that keen on it. I suppose I could have let Jo talk me into all sorts of things from EA, however, it would have cost a fortune which goes against my grain--thus, I shopped. Normally I describe myself as frugal, yet just yesterday I realized what I really am is thrifty. I like that word, don't you? No wonder I like thrift shops so much! Mostly what I like to do is not spend more than is prudent. Thrifty, frugal, prudent--yikes where is this leading????

Here's where it's leading.....because the table is no longer under the chandelier, and to put one over the table may prove difficult, I'd decided on two lamps for the buffet flanking the vertically hung mirror. On Tuesday after the Polasek (surprisingly busy), I headed to Marshalls etc. on that side of town. Bringing home two lamps, I tested them out on Bruce. One was very funky, lucite balls for the stand with a brilliant orange shade. Cute. Bruce was not convinced. Because I have so many straight lines I thought the balls would not only be a nice contrast to the brick shaped wall, but a reflective surface as well. Sadly, I'd not thought of the two lamp option at that point, purchasing only one. This, my friends, led me on a chase for a second one, only at the opposite end of town. I was trying to combine some returns with a new purchase, but it was not to be. Or, it could have been, except I was having trouble convincing myself to drive back across town yet again. Which then led me to stop about midway at Lightstyles on Lake Ivanhoe. I think I've found my lamp, yes, only one, however they assured me they can order a second. The aforementioned lamp unfortunately costs three times as much as the Tuesday lamp. Clever readers that you are have realized that if I'd been frugal, I'd have just kept driving. Thrifty is what I am. Now, if only I'd found some used ones....

Before beginning the shopping marathon , Richard, the upholsterer came to the house, picking up one of the chairs to begin the transformation. According to this site Wise Geek, what I unknowingly purchased were slipper chairs. Now, don't you just love that name? I now am the proud owner of not only the "Groovy Chair", which has been in my office now for several years (now moved to LR), but two "Slipper Chairs." Cool names for things always pleases me. I think we're going to be pleased with the results.

While chatting with Mr. Richard, I asked him what sort of sewing machine he used. His answer: a 1910 Singer. Count me surprised. Because of all this busyness I'd not had time to unpack the little Singer I'd brought home from Mom Peck's house. Here it is:It smells quite musty but I suspect it runs like a champ. Plugging it in, I clicked on the light, and it worked perfectly. All sorts of presser feet are included, as well as an old-fashioned buttonholer. The last time I remember using a Singer machine was way back in 8th grade Home Ec class when the teacher told me I'd never learn to sew. I'm not sure if she was challenging me or what, but obviously she did not know what she was talking about. I digress....The manual, copyrighted 1941 is in excellent shape, with only a few pages unbound. While I ate my supper last evening I read the instructions realizing how little sewing has changed in many, many years. Sure, there are high tech machines now, but basically they all run pretty much the same. Of course, you knew I couldn't let something like this go by without a little history lesson now didn't you? TaDa! Singer

One task I've yet to complete is hemming the curtains which will have to wait until next week because this weekend I'm heading here:Amazing how they spelled it Lake Wailes which goes to show you that you can't believe everything you read, except for Camera Crazy; you can believe every word I write! This is one of the reasons Bruce just had to stay home last weekend, missing the wedding. My fault. Well, Darden played it's part, but you get my drift. As I type he's back in California, returning around midnight tonight. A new town+new audience+hope=sales? I'm still hovering just in the black this year--maybe this will be my tipping point?

Turns out a younger version of Mr. Peck was also in California this week. Sunday evening Matt flew out to LA for work, meaning he was coast to coast--literally. Sunday before we left Treasure Island, we walked on the beach for a bit. Blustery, gray, and chilly, it was beautiful in a different sort of way. Sand between your toes is a great feeling when it's not roasting hot, even more so on the beautiful Gulf shore.
Next stop for Matthew--the Pacific. I should have told him the story of when we moved out there in 1977. I remember my first time seeing the Pacific ocean with Matt on my hip. When I put his little baby feet down into the water he climbed back up me like a monkey climbing a tree! Man, was it cold, even in August!

While he was here we made time to visit with Liza and her adorable new baby:
Ever since she was born in mid-January, Matt had been looking forward to seeing his best friend's little girl; we were not disappointed. Delightful in every way, her wake up stretching was particularly precious.

A picture perfect day in Orlando is calling me outdoors to enjoy it just now...

I Did It!

Speech number one is in the books folks. I felt bad for those who forgot theirs in the middle, asking to start over, but generally people did very well. One of those who forgot, and actually asked to sit down, did the dying scene from Million Dollar Baby. As you can imagine it lost its' emotional punch. On the other hand, one of the girls did this monologue from Network, she's acted before, and it was clearly evident. A girl that I practiced with before class did the voice-over from the beginning of Trainspotting, an old favorite of Matts'.

Speaking of Matt,he is visiting Paris as I type--our man on the continent. His camera cable remained in his flat in London, meaning I'll be waiting until Sunday to see what he saw.

One of the things that I miss most about my job is interacting with older women. In our culture old people are often dismissed unless they are family. I learned so much about living from my patients. Not all of them were interesting, hardly needs to be said, but the vast majority had something fascinating to say--or at least I thought so. Patients used to tell me the most amazing intimate details of their lives. Now, I know what you are thinking. Yes, it is true, I'm pretty open about my life, allowing them to open up to me. It bears repeating that just because someone has aged doesn't mean they aren't still cool. It just means that they've had lots longer to hone that skill. As well, everyone wants to share their story as is evidenced by the popularity of blogs. We are all looking for an audience.

Because I sometimes grocery shop in the morning I see these long lines of elderly people waiting for their ride back to the high-rises downtown. It's usually a Monday, or Friday happening--mostly all women. I don't know if that is because they are widows, or that they don't trust their "man" to do the shopping. In any case, it is quite a sight.

The Paper is Done!

I've finally written the paper for Humanities--I usually enjoy writing, I don't know why I put it off for so long. I am becoming a typical college student, putting things off until the last minute. As well, my grades are becoming more typical with any hopes I had for an A in algebra vanishing with the results of my last test--a 73! All of what I studied for in geology I got right on the test yesterday, however, he asked some questions that I did not study for, consequently, I got them wrong. It was a 50 question fill-in-the blank test, I missed enough to get an 83. All in all, a disappointing day at school yesterday. This is one semester I can hardly wait to finish!

Although I don't like dreary days, yesterday's dreariness finally led to much needed rain. Throughout the night it rained and apparently we had a power surge. What that meant to me was that the paper I started yesterday vanished--all 500 words. It was probably just as well as it wasn't very good. Hopefully, the new one is.

I saw this blooming plant at the rainforest on Saturday. Last summer, before I was hospitalized, I bought ten of them at a local nursery. They sat in their pots for weeks as our household was turned upside down with me being in bed for six weeks. When Greta came and stayed with me, she offered to plant them because she is such a sweetheart. Finally, Bruce, and Bill, planted them, and they add much needed color to our landscape. I had no idea that they bloomed ; I hope ours does soon.

Update on the homeless man beaten by children--made up story. Our paper today reveals he was too drunk to know what happened; I feel sorry for the children he accused and their parents. We'll see what the next installment brings. They also saw fit to put Lisa Nowak and her gear on the front page, using up about 1/3 of space that should be devoted to more serious issues. When will they learn?

The day is still young and I believe I may go shopping for some shoes to cover my afflicted feet; I'm sure you already knew my camera will be going with me.

Dark Day for Seminole Fans

Saw this disgusting building while doing errands. It's not enough that they won football, but now basketball as well. We'll never hear the end of this!

I wish I had worn makeup when I went grocery shopping yesterday afternoon. As regular readers know, I am a weakling and I avoid those kinds of tasks until I can't any longer. Anyway, I ran into at least five people I know well. I chatted with some, some I just said hi to; they all know I'm sick, but usually I take precautions to cover it up. Not so yesterday. It must have been the outfit but several said I looked thinner. Now some people like to hear that sort of thing; I am not among them; I have lost the muscle tone in my arms and legs but it is so darn hot in Florida, I have to wear shorts, and short sleeves shirts or I'll melt. This afternoon it was 86 degrees--the AC was turned on.

Good news--I didn't leave algebra in tears after the test. I really have no idea what I got, but at least I knew generally how to do the majority of the problems. I tried to get the prof to scale down the amount of problems, but the kids want a lot so they can miss more. I usually feel the pressure of time with so many, but I managed ok today. One more chapter test in there in two weeks and then the final--yippee, I've almost made it.