Thursday, May 19, 2016

Thursday-11am

Good Morning!
Well, last time I had pictures galore and this time I have forgotten to take hardly any--LOL!  The geese walked by a few minutes ago, but by the time I got the cell phone out they had already glided past.  Same with Little Buddy, who showed up late yesterday afternoon...while Miss Karma was awake.  He was scrambling to stuff as many sunflower seeds in his cheeks as he could before the big cat got too close.  (Seems aware that danger lives inside now.)  The pair of grouse were wandering along by the garages a couple days ago...but some dog walkers came by and they were on their way.  There's a lot more foot traffic on the walkway now with the nicer weather, so the critter spottings are fewer and briefer.  Putting out a bit of sunflower seeds now and then seems to assure the occasional visitor.  :)
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This is my favorite writing and computer stuff spot.
Karma is either glued to the patio when it's warm enough to open the door... 


...or snoozing in her chair next to me at the kitchen table (should call my office--LOL!).
Before I forget...the roses were crispy-dead in a week.  They may look just saggy, but they were dry as a bone...
...and most had not ever opened. 
Leah complained to the company.  They sounded quite concerned and offered a replacement or credit (note--not a refund, but at least it was something).  Leah sent pictures of both bouquets.  So, if my anonymous gifter wishes to complain you could try another bouquet.  Please--send it to yourself!  I would love to think of such kindness being rewarded by a spectacular flower display like the first one I got last year.  I think Leah opted to get the store credit and wait for a while to try again when there's no holiday--just a random day.  Anyways, the company was really good about it.  I'll let you know when we use the credit.
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McFamily was here on Saturday.  I knew Leah planned to pick up a few things on sale for me from CashWise and drop them off, but the whole family went, picked up lunch, and came over to visit for a while.  Sweet!  On the QT I asked if it would be okay to watch a little more of the new nature show Ian has been glued to when he comes to Gramma's.  Yup!  So I asked Ian if he wanted to watch some more "Africa"?  He ran to the little recliner, climbed up, and sat facing the TV with a big grin on his face.  He does love his nature shows!  (So does Gramma.)
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Leah ended up needing to change from Monday to Friday for crafts this week (so will probably shift next week to a different day, too, rather than come so close together on Monday again).  We're going to start on Christmas card stamping next.   
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Tuesday was the first day for the library outreach program and I got to see Pam again!!  Been such a long time!  She even came over briefly to see my apartment, too...was so impressed and happy for me.  So nice to see her.  After this it will be the volunteer, so we got in several hugs that day.  From now on they will be coming on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.
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I checked out one book that Pam brought with for me.  
We had connected via email before they came on Tuesday and Pam still knew where I had left off with Anne Tyler and the Lilian Jackson Braun Cat Who books.  I like to read an author in chronological order even if they are unrelated stories.  It's fun to see how they have progressed as an author, you know?
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The trouble is that the next two of the Cat Who series are inter-library loans and, now that I am part of a building's outreach and not my own personal outreach like I was at West Winds, the system works differently.  Before Pam could call me and tell me a book was in and drop it off.  Now they only come out on the two days a month.  Inter-library loans are regulated by the other libraries and have a shorter time limit on them.  So say the book came in right after they had been here and has a one week limit--it would be due back before they could even get it to me.  And if it is due back before they come back--there are fines from the other libraries.  Bummer.
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They came in carting a whole table of books, DVDs, and audiobooks for people to look through.  I guess that is how they usually do it.  You can put in a request and that works great if it is from their library, but not if they don't carry it.  Whole different system.  And they mostly bring in large print books.  (Not that I don't mind a larger print, mind you--LOL!)  But it's just a little different.
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Speaking of changes...
I was just informed last time Leah was here that she has been being the guinea pig (for us and their friends) with this new google cell phone system called Project Fi and that I will be getting a different smart phone.  They're going to order me a used one because the new phones are like $600!!  (I had no idea how expensive cell phones have become because I usually get Dagan or Leah's old ones.)  Anyways, I guess this phone can use other systems (Sprint, Verison, etc) so that I could maybe get better reception and it's less than $35 a month for me because I don't use up much gigs (or whatever it is) so would be on the lowest plan.  And when you use less you get credit back towards the next month.  ??  Do I sound like I know what I'm talking about or what?  LOL!  Hey!  I'd just be glad to be able to use my phone and not have to stand right next to the patio door some days.  ;)  Sounds like a new phone company might be happening in June.
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For any of you who might care about such things (like moi)...
today is the first ever National Notebook Day!
You can click here for more information.  :)
So now we know about National Fountain Pen Day and National Notebook Day--LOL!
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I know I am feeling lots better when I wake myself up giggling!  That happened yesterday and I realized it had been a long time since I woke myself up because I was laughing.  Ahhh!  Nice!  Even Caroline said the same thing Leah did--that I seem more awake and alive than I have for some time. 
True!  True!  
*she said, giggling*
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It's 76 degrees with blue skies and white clouds.  Karma has fallen asleep next to the patio screen while hoping to see the Canadian geese waddle past again.  It is now lunchtime on this beautiful day so I'll say bye for now.  Hope you have an intriguing day filled with wonder.  :):)
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"No matter where life takes you the place that you stand at any given moment is holy ground. Love hard, and love wide and love long and you will find the goodness in it."
Susan Vreeland

20 comments:

Intense Guy said...

Flowers must be a tricky bunch. A flower I gave my mom at Christmas is still blooming... and the Mother's day ones are gone.

Maybe with that new smartphone, you can get books to read on it? (Actually I know you can...)

Tracey FK said...

I read that book last year... It was pretty good... Will be interested to see if you enjoy it... Send I g an email with a pic for you.. In fact sending it before I even get out of bed because I am sick of half starting emails and letters and never finishing them! Driving myself nuts lol

DJan said...

Sounds like you and Miss Karma are doing just fine. It's so nice to hear that you are waking yourself with giggles!! :-)

Anonymous said...

After all the crud you went through, it must be wonderful to wake up giggling!!

Serena Lewis said...

It was good that the store offered replacement flowers or a store credit. Still a shame they wilted so badly though.

My kids always loved watching the nature shows too. So cool that Ian loves them too.

I hope you like the new smart phone....YES, they are quite expensive now. I guess, they are basically like mini-computers nowadays, even the camera quality has come along in leaps and bounds. I love my Samsung Galaxy Note 5 smartphone and just don't use my point-and-shoot camera any more.

I never knew there was a National Notebook or Fountain Pen day. Must note it for next year. :)

What a great way to wake up...giggling!

LOVE the quote!

Enjoy the rest of your week, my friend. xo

Far Side of Fifty said...

You are sounding like your old self again! :)

Lady Fi said...

Awww - isn't Karma adorable?

TexWisGirl said...

i am glad you are doing better. :)

My name is Erika. said...

I still can't get over how many things wander by your windows. Also, I loved both of those books. In order or not, though I get you about reading in order. Enjoy them, and happy weekend. :) Erika

Krisha said...

So happy to hear your feeling better these days!

Thank you for visiting my blog and for the lovely comment. I would get a lot more of everything done if I stayed off you tube........but it holds so much inspiration......or so I tell myself.....LOL!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Victoria said...

HI kindred..love your desk area..beautiful! And Karma is so peaceful resting..so sweet! Lovely florals!Wonderful post!
Wishing you a fantastic wkd
Victoria

Deb J. in Utah said...

Hi Rita - sounds like you have had a pretty good week. My daughter sent me flowers from flowers.com one time and just like yours, they did not open and were dry within a few days. I felt so bad. The book sounds like one I would like. I will have to look for it. I am wondering if you have ever read,"Dewey the Library Cat?" I bought it at a used book sale a few years back, but have yet to read it. Still on my "to read" list. Enjoy the coming weekend and as always, regards to Karma and McFamily.

Carol said...

SO HAPPY TO HEAR YOU ARE FEELING BETTER!!!! ♥ I need to get a new cellphone and I'm hoping one of the kids have an old one that I can switch over to!!! They are just too darn expensive! We are seeing fewer 3333333333333333333333333 opps the cat sat on the key board. I was saying we are seeing fewer birds around now but then I'm not putting out as much feed either. I do put out one suet feeder and we are seeing more Woodpeckers than usual for the warmer season. They are so entertaining as they fight for the right to the feeder and just watching them as the eat. It's like a gymnastic performance . :) HOpe you continue to feel well!!!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

I always love those adorable pictures of karma :)

Feral Turtle said...

Those Canadian geese can be quite messy....if you know what I mean! Looks like Karma has really settled into her new home. How wonderful that a little one loves nature shows. He is one smart cookie. Our phones cost us $85 each per month. I can hardly wait until the American cell companies break into the Canadian markets. Perhaps we will get a better rate....and service. Nice to hear you are feeling better Rita!

andi filante said...

I had a coworker who read the "Cat Who" books...I've never tried them myself. I've been reading up a storm lately tho. I can't seem to keep my nose out of the books! We've been chilly here for so long, and now the last couple days it's been mid-80s! One extreme or the other I suppose. Karma looks happy. My damn cat is still hanging around. =D

-andi

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I thought I had left you a comment days ago, but for some reason, I don't see it here. I am delighted that the rose company gave Leah a credit, even if it wasn't a refund. Better than nothing, I believe.

I know why I don't own a cell phone. The cost would be prohibitive to buy one, then even more each month on top of my monthly landline charges. I read somewhere that google's plan is for two years and there are heavy penalties if you get out before then. Not sure it's true with this new plan, but there is another one before this one that I am sure is true.

Too bad about the inter library loan system. And late fees can add up quickly, especially if you have more than one book out.

Hope you are having a great week.

Sherry Ellis said...

If I was Karma, I'd probably be parked by the door, too. You have some interesting wildlife there!

Anonymous said...

reading your update, just made me smile.
giggle.
I'm glad you share life with us.

Harvest Moon by Hand said...

I had a similar challenge with flowers I ordered from the same company. The photos online look stunning...and quite different from the ones that are received, unfortunately. The petals on mine were turning brown relatively quickly.

That's a great idea to put out seeds for animal and bird visitors. How exciting to be able to see such a diversity of wildlife so close to your windows.