days_unfolding

Woke up a little after 7 AM. Got in the shower early and got my makeup on for our holiday celebration this morning at work.

The White Elephant gift exchange was fun. I "stole" a bobble-head of Jane Austen, which would be great for my library room, and wound up with it. That got me wondering if there are bobble-heads of other famous authors. There are on eBay! I foresee a collection.

I emailed in sick for a half-day because I was dizzy and took a nap. Slept for an extra hour than I had intended.

My singing lesson was amazing. We were doing warmups when she told me to imagine that I was a stereotype of an opera singer singing Wagner. And my voice completely opened up! It had some power to it! We were practicing Christmas carols because I didn't have anything that I needed to practice, and she told me to sing with that voice. So I did. She said, "You found your voice!" She is worth every penny that I pay her. I've learned more with her than I did with several teachers before her.

Fed us all. I want to go to bed soon so that I get up early and get to the post office.

Got up a little after 7 AM. Went back to sleep after the dogs came in. Overslept. It's dark and gloomy out. Raining.

I'm quietly writing documentation for our new ticketing system at work. I like writing documentation because I used to do that as a living!

The snow is off of the roof of the garage!

I'm trying to decide whether to wear my Christmas sweatshirt and jeans for the flight out. Or for the Christmas Eve Loop expedition.

I don't know what to do about my snow boots for the trip. The snow will have melted before I leave, but I don't know about when I get back. I might have some ankle boots with a good tread on them.

For some reason, Oliver and Lily are picking at their food. They’re young, so I’m not so worried, but am wondering what’s going on. The dogs ate their food. Bella and Gracie are now fighting over the duck toy :) Hmm, I have new dish detergent, and I'm wondering if that's why Oliver and Lily aren't eating. It doesn't smell right?

I think that I’m going to give up on getting Christmas lights up and save them for next year. Too much is going on.

I'm wondering if I should try BritBox when I get back. On the other hand, I don't watch TV much and haven't made it through all of The Big Bang Theory yet. Maybe I should wait to catch up on my TV watching.

I need to figure out how to get from Michigan Avenue to the Loop in Chicago. I guess take it over the river and then head west? I'm got my Chicago friends on Facebook working on it.

Hmm. The weather forecasters are saying a "wintry mix". I wonder if I should skip the post office tonight. Yeah, it does look like a "wintry mix". Ugh.

Had a good session with my therapist. She thinks that I should contact a lawyer NOW to deal with the trust. I'm going to go through the info tonight and figure out how much money is missing between the last account balance I got and now. Spoiler alert: it's a lot. I'm going to contact some estate planning attorneys to whom I've talk to see if they know someone who would take my case. (She asked me if there was anything else, but I said, "Isn't that enough?" She laughed.)

Scrambled to get the stuff ready to mail. I'm still iffy about the weather, but I'll go out and see how it is.

Oliver must have seen my entry about wanting a lap cat because he's curled up on my lap right now.

I think that I will go to the Post Office on Saturday instead. I’m tired and hungry. And the beasts are hungry too. Fed us all. I think that I was right about the dish soap because I rinsed the cat dishes without soap, and Oliver and Lily chowed down. I need to get different dish soap for them. Preferably without a smell. Or let the dogs “clean” the dishes. They do a good job.

Zara is lying on the heat vent, so I need to get her new heated bed set up. It's getting warmer, but it also has memory foam in it. (I got the top of the line for my girl!)

I’ve got the new travel laptop open. It’s a rose-gold color and pretty. (It was the cheapest color, so I guess that others didn’t like it.) I’m cleaning the kitchen while it’s doing its update. I've got it set up. Did I say that it's a really, really nice laptop?

I was creating a grocery list while I waited for the laptop to finish updating, when I realized in a panic that I didn't get any wrapping paper for the gift exchange at work tomorrow. So I added a gift bag and tissue paper to the Walmart order, and expedited the order. BUT I FORGOT TO GET SODA! I'll have to submit another order.

Anyway, I'm going to post. (I'm still on the new laptop.) I'll go to sleep after the Walmart order gets here.

Added: I was wrong about the amount of money in the trust. It matched the last valuation. Good because I don't want to deal with it right now.

Bella and Gracie got the chicken toy out of its wrapper and are fighting over it! I'm glad that they will have a Merry Christmas!

The dogs decimated the cat feather wand toys. Sigh. I need to go to PetSmart to get more. I checked Amazon, but they will get here the day that I leave. I ordered some toys for delivery from PetSmart.

Uhhh. No buses on Christmas Eve. I'd have to leave on the 23rd, and get up early to drop the pets off the same day. But I'd need to book the hotel for one more day. I decided that was too complicated, and I'll deal with that in the morning. No, I got it straightened out. I can work on my printables in the hotel. Plus, I got a room with a runway view at the Hilton O'Hare. There are restaurants there, so I can eat. I might pack some food too.

Got up a little after 7 AM. Nothing like a cold, wet dog nose in the middle of your back to get you up. Gracie’s good :) Bella stole Gracie’s donut. Little snot. I’m going back to sleep for a while. Dozed lightly. Oliver was in the room, and he went next to my face, purring. I had to move my head in order to breathe!

I need to pick up Christmas wrapping paper for the "White Elephant" gift exchange at work on Friday. Maybe I'll go to Dollar Tree and see if they have a gift bag and tissue paper.

I'm thinking that I want to go back to Firenze (Florence) to see the Uffizi Gallery (I missed it when I was sick on the tour), the Arno, Michelangelo's tomb, and some other sites. I'd also want Italian lessons. But it won't be next year.

Crud. I need new printer cartridges too (910). Need to go to Walmart. Oh! I can't go to the post office tonight because I have piano class! Have to go tomorrow. Maybe I'll go to the post office to mail my dad's card, and Walmart is across the street.

Hmm. Someone on Facebook mentioned an apartment complex (Elements on Main) that's pet friendly, not too expensive, and close to the hospital and shopping. That might be an idea for when I get older and can't cope with the house. It has an elevator too and covered parking. They have two bedroom apartments.

Hmm. It just occurred to me that I could take the "L" into downtown Chicago on Christmas Eve to look at the shop windows. (I'll be at the hotel at O'Hare.)

I do need another sleep study. They're going to contact me about a home sleep apnea test. They did, and it's on January 9th. I'll have to return the equipment the next day.

Ugh. Arthritis-y. I can't come up with a pattern for when it's worse. Changes in weather? It's warming up.

I think that I’m going to stay home tonight. I need to let the dogs out and feed the critters and myself after class. Plus I got the new travel laptop, so I need to set it up. I’ll go to the post office tomorrow.

Piano class went well. I have problems coordinating both hands at the same time. One song was driving me crazy, but when I went back to it to play for the teacher, it went okay.

That jerk Oliver ran into Zara’s room when I brought her food and water. But that solves a problem what to do with him when I bring the recycling out.

Fed us all. Started a load of laundry. Got the recycling out.

I looked into replacement keys for my "home" laptop, and it looks like I'd have to replace the whole bottom of the laptop. I might have a tech do that then.

I really want to go to sleep, but I want to finish my load of laundry first. I guess that I'll post and do some Christmas cards and packaging stuff up while I wait.

The local schools are having a remote day tomorrow. Maybe I'll wait until lunchtime to brush off the cars.

Crud. I forgot to order food. I’ll do so after I get up.

Ugh. -3F/-19C with a low of -7F/-22C. Yep, it’s cold.

Woke up a little after 2 AM. I was going to go back to sleep, but I wondered if I woke up because I needed to pee, so I got up and did so.

Woke up a little after 7 AM. Gracie was trying to get me up, and I was pulling the covers over my head. It’s 0F/-18C, and the dogs came in quickly.

Rob Reiner and his wife were killed. That made me gasp. Horrible. That shook me up.

Ugh. I really want to go back to sleep, but I should shower so that I can brush off the cars at lunchtime. I finally did shower and have my Christmas sweatshirt on.

Gracie: Oliver is on your lap!!! Yes, Gracie, I know. He has a right to be there. Oliver is now walking on my keyboard, knocking stuff down, and being annoying.

I think that I'm going to have to be dug out before I can brush off the cars. I'll contact the snow guy. He said that he'll be there shortly. The dogs got out when the guys were done, but they helped me catch them.

Brushed off the Honda. I didn’t get the Kia because my hands were cold.

Busy day at work. I'm just getting started on the things that I need to get done. Meetings otherwise.

My car got stuck trying to get it out. No caroling today. I took the time to brush off the Kia because I’m sitting waiting for AAA. The guy called by AAA was very helpful and pulled me out. He dug around the car so that I can get it out tomorrow. But I’m dubious about going anywhere tomorrow.

I need to let the dogs out (done). Fed us all. I've just about had it with today. I want to go to sleep soon.

Gracie got manic a little before 7 AM, so I got up. The roads are not plowed yet. The dogs are bounding through the snow.

I should check into my cruise. I need to do that tonight.

Got the dogs in without a hassle. But someone knocked down the cat food, and Bella has a can. Sigh.

I'm cozy in my sweats. Got my makeup on because there's a meeting with the new grandboss this morning, only to find that my primary colleague is out and I need to host a conflicting meeting. Oh well.

No nap today. I have a meeting at 11 and one at 1, so not enough time for a nap. (I worry about oversleeping.) Oh! My 11:00 got moved! I dozed a little but started coughing. Gracie was resting in the crook of my legs and wasn't happy when I got up.

I'm reading some documents linked from my meeting about "vocational awe," the idea that librarianship is not just a job, but a "calling". Apparently librarianship was originally associated with churches. There is a strong belief that librarians will do whatever is needed no matter what. And that's not fair.

Ordered some new-to-me hats, scarves, and gloves from Poshmark. Cozy is the theme right now.

There was someone standing in front of my mailbox. I went outside to see what was going on, but the guy had left by then. That makes me a little nervous.

I'm exchanging emails with the vet at which I'm boarding the cats. They said that they got them in. Good.

Petalura had a cotton top with stars on it that I like, but it’s $100. As it turns out, it’s out of stock. I did ask them to email me when it’s back in stock, but still, that’s one way to keep me from spending money. (Very pretty top though.)

I definitely have a pop singer’s type of voice. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” was a lot easier than my choir songs, even if Mariah Carey’s notes jump all over the place. I seem to have had a breakthrough with high notes too. Cool!

Fed the beasts. I’m making myself some Greek soup (eaten).

I saw a Facebook ad for becoming an LGBTQ+ coach. I don’t think that I’m together enough to do that, but it’s a nice goal.

Woke up at 7:45 AM.

Read about the flooding in Washington state. I hope that

man_of_snows is okay.

Gracie doesn’t want to come in. Sigh. Now Bella ran back out.

My grandboss was cool about the fact that I won't make it to her place tonight.

Finally got the dogs in. I ordered more donuts--for the dogs. My life is getting terminally weird :)

Well that sucks. One of our member libraries laid people off right before Christmas. And it's a Catholic school too!

Why am I tired again? I got a ton of sleep last night! (It's dark and gloomy again though.)

Nap time for Gracie. The futon in the guest bedroom is now hers. (It's next to my home office, so she can also keep an eye on what I'm doing.) This house is secretly run by dogs, much to the cats' chagrin.

I took myself off of Dial-A-Carol for Saturday because snow. I'm not sure what to do about Sunday. It'll be really cold, but I do have a warm coat. And it's big so I can layer a sweater. Nylons under my pants? Do I have long underwear? Need to check. I think so.

I'm seeing ads on Facebook for thermal pants and leggings, and none of them are for petites. Sigh. Found some on Amazon. Got some in navy blue to go with the "Snow Day" sweater. I should wear the sweater on Saturday!

I have a taste for a steak and mashed potatoes (and a vegetable. Brussels sprouts?) Maybe order them tomorrow? I hate to make someone go out in the snow tonight. I'd have to get three or four steaks, but I could freeze the rest. I'll get extra mashed potatoes (instant) and veggies so that I can have a steak when the spirit moves me. That makes me think of my mom because she liked to make steak.

Bella is tired too. We’re the Sleepy Family. And yes, it’s very gray out. Had a nice nap with the dogs snuggled up to me.

Got my groceries, including the all-important dog bribe of donuts.

Need to wash my cardigan. The jeans, black-and-white striped top, and cardigan are a nice "I want to look decent but not fancy" outfit.

Got my wool socks. They would be good for the cold on Sunday.

My mom's trust contacted me about the final distribution of the funds. Hello, I don't want a check coming when I'm out of town. It'll be a big check. God, I hate those people. Their communication skills are abysmal.

I saw Chanel Coco body oil. I love the scent of Coco, and checked the price. $136. No. Anyone know where I could get cheaper body oil? I’ll check Amazon. I found one much cheaper with a rose, jasmine, and sandalwood scent. That sounds lovely. They also had a sandalwood and vanilla one that I also ordered. I love that combination.

Got the dogs back in. The snow is coming down at a good clip.

I clipped a recipe for lentil meatloaf that I want to try. You can make it ahead of time too and freeze it. I’m in the mood for cooking. Which means that I need to clean the kitchen.

I want to find the music for “All I Want for Christmas Is You” because that’s a common request for Dial-A-Carol. I’ll send it to my singing teacher for my lesson tomorrow (done).

Yeah, they’re saying a -28F/-33C wind chill at 7 AM on Sunday. Hmm, that’s when the dogs go out. I don’t want “pupsicles”.

I want to get into bed early and read. I'm still reading the bio of James I of the UK.

Ugh. 0F/-18C. I’m bringing out an extra blanket. (My house is old and a little drafty.)

Woke up at 6 AM. I’m fighting the urge to go back to sleep. I need to drop off the fecal samples at the vet.

Hmm. The fecal sample from Zara seems old. I guess that I’ll wait until lunchtime to see if she produces another one. So I can go back to sleep. Got the dogs in. Now I’ll nap. Napped and overslept. Squeezed a shower in.

My eyes are stinging for some reason. I'd go out sick for work, but I'm "on call" for tickets and don't want to dump work on my backup.

Approved the quote from the electrician for the garage. I'm going to be broke very soon. They are going to do the work on January 7th.

Tears were rolling down from my eyes while I was at the computer, so I don’t want to try to drive. I’m going to lie down for a while. Overslept my nap, but my eyes feel better.

I'm switching to winter mode. It's 24 F/-4C, and I caught myself thinking, "Hey, it's warm!" (Well, compared to last night anyway.)

Enrolled in Long-Term Care. I could afford only $50,000 worth of coverage, but that's $50,000 more than I currently have.

Got Gracie in finally. Fed the beasties.

On Facebook, there was a video with half-dressed male firefighters carrying rescue dogs. Something for everyone:)

My eyelids were bright red. I guess that’s why my eyes were stinging.

My singing lesson went well. My voice is sounding a lot better. I’m feeling fairly comfortable with my solo. I found pointing at the notes on the “hard” song helps a lot.

I couldn’t have gotten to the vet at lunchtime anyway. There was a water main break and the road was blocked off.

I don’t feel like starting anything new now, so I think that I’ll go to bed soon.

I was looking at

holiday_wishes. I don't need anything, but it would be nice to get a surprise present. (I don't get Christmas presents anymore because my mom, aunt, and uncle have died, and my dad doesn't give presents for reasons known only to him.) I thought that I might ask for toys and treats for the fur faces. I created an Amazon wish list for them, and I need to gather pictures of them.

Woke up at 7 AM. The cats did not leave me fecal samples. Sigh.

Took Oliver and Lily to the vet for their checkup and shots. It's really cold out, so I brought a blanket to put over their carriers. Lily had an ear infection, but otherwise, they checked out fine. Oh, and they said that Oliver and Lily were at good weights. I thought that Oliver was a bit chunky, but they said that he was just a big cat.

I think that I'm going to get a combination long-term care and life insurance policy, offered by my work. I don't need the life insurance, but long-term care would be nice to have. The question is how much I can afford.

I'm tired. I didn't get my lunchtime nap because the vet appointment took so long. I'd nap after my boss's retirement party, but the sleep doctor said to not take evening naps and just go to bed early, so I guess that I'll go to bed early.

I'm telling Gracie that it's okay that the cats don't want to play with her, and we're all about consent. She is not convinced.

Got my new (well, I got it a while ago, but haven't used it yet) space heater/fan working. It seems to work well.

I got the estimate for the electrical work on the garage, and holy cow, expensive. But they seem to know what they're doing.

Went to my grandboss’ retirement party. It was wall-to-wall people. I got about a few seconds of a hug with her and she told me to eat. So I did and sat with a kind of a fringe group outside the party room. Then I left.

Fed the critters and the dogs are now outside. I want to post and then go to bed. I'm wiped out.

Hmm. I've been mulling over adopting another older cat. There is one at the local Humane Society who is four years old, 18 pounds (!), and a lap cat. And he's lived with dogs. I kind of miss having a lap cat. Mimi was one, but Oliver, Lily, and Zara are not. But I wouldn't adopt one until after my trip if at all. NO MORE DOGS!!! I have my hands full with the two of them!

Woke up a little before 7 AM. I want to go back to sleep, but I have to wait until the dogs come in. The dogs came in earlier than I expected, although Gracie stood near the doorway for a while with the warm air coming out, so I’ll get an hour nap. I had a Munchie Bone out to try to get Gracie to come in, and Bella snatched it!

Overslept my nap a little.

My grandboss is having an Open House on Thursday, so I won't go to the Wind concert. The question is whether I go to the choral concert on Sunday.

I need to get my new heater set up in my home office. It's supposed to be a high of 18F/-8C tomorrow!

I gave Bella and Gracie some old food that Bella was refusing to eat because I'm low on the puppy food that they've been eating. (Bella has gained weight, so I need to get her on other food.) Gracie started to eat it, so Bella pushed her way in and started eating it! Jealousy!

Cranky cats. Oliver and Lily are squabbling.

I really want to take a nap, but I have 1) piano class, 2) litter box cleaning so that I can get a stool sample from the cats, and 3) getting the recycling out. And my sleep doctor told me not to take naps in the evening, but to go to bed early instead. And I do need to get up early to get the stool samples. Oh, and 4) get the clothes together for the Open House tomorrow.

Piano went well. My fingers are getting used to the keys again. I worried about Zara because she wasn’t checking out what I was doing, only to find that she was sleeping behind me while I was playing! She came over at the end of the class.

I got my Land’s End sweats (hmm, I could wear them until I change for the Open House tomorrow) and Zara’s heated bed.

I need to figure out how I can get the recycling bin out because I’ll have to drag it through 10 inches of snow. And the pickup people want us to shovel a spot for the bins. Ugh. I don’t know how I can dig out a spot for the recycling in the dark, so I’m going to give up for tonight. I can dig out a path and spot on the weekend when I can get out during the day.

OY. I let Bella and Gracie out, and Gracie was barking non-stop at a recycling bin (or at least, that was my only guess as to what she was barking at. So I got Bella in, and started trying to bribe Gracie with a hot dog so that I could grab her. She was too wily. I kept at it for a long time, but eventually went in and ate dinner. Then I opened the door, and she was almost ready to come in, and Bella burst out! I got Bella in with a hot dog (she'll do anything for a hot dog), and tempted Gracie with a donut. She was interested, and I got her to come on the porch. I opened the door and threw the donut in. It worked; Gracie came in. Whew. (Some neighbors across the street go to bed at 9 PM, and it was almost 9, so I was really stressing.)

Other people on the street got their recycling bin out, so I could have done so, but I was busy chasing Gracie.

Then I looked for the bag with the fecal sample vials, only to find that they fell out of the pocket of my purse, and the dogs did something with them. I was about ready to cry at this point. But then it occurred to me that I could use plastic baggies for the samples. Bella had left a nice sample outside, so I went out with a baggie, got hers, and put it in the refrigerator (ick). Now all I need to do is clean litter boxes to make it easy to get samples from the cats. I decided to sit and post and calm down a little first. Oh, and I need to sort out clothes for the shindig tomorrow.

Today is the World AIDS Day. I'm thinking of the friends that were lost to AIDS.

Hmm. Someone on Facebook mentioned knee scooters. I looked at some on Amazon, but they're kind of expensive and large.

The dogs don’t want to come in and it’s cold (18F/-8C). I got Bella in. Gracie still doesn’t want to come in. I finally got Gracie to come in. Man, dogs.

My boss said that it was okay to take the 23rd off so that I can drop the dogs and cats off at separate places.

The electrician came and is working on a quote. Oliver ran down in the basement and made things difficult. (I did find my snow boots though, so I can return the new ones.)

We're supposed to get more snow this afternoon. I exchanged emails with my choir director, and she said to use my judgement on whether to come to rehearsal tonight. That's nice. So I'll wait and see. (I need to brush the first batch of snow off of my car at lunchtime. Done.) She wants us to wear a holiday shirt or sweater for caroling the following week, so I ordered a red sweatshirt on Amazon with some Christmas trees and the words "Merry and Bright".

People on Facebook are encouraging me to get a wheelchair at O'Hare. Maybe I should.

Oh, the snow guy didn't clear the driveway-to-be area too. I'll need to talk to him more about what I want. Cleared off the car for the first time.

Ugh. Now the forecasters are saying snow from 3-5 inches/8 cm-13cm. Ack! Not looking promising for getting to rehearsal. I'm privately rooting for more snow because I don't want to go out in the cold tonight. I want to cuddle in bed and take a nap.

I think that I will get the knee scooter just to have it in case I need it. It might be helpful for the cruise, even if I use a wheelchair at the airport. You can check them. I got a (purple!) "all-terrain" one in case I need to go over cobblestones. I'm into purple right now.

Speaking of my knee, I’ve been going upstairs with my bad knee first (hanging on to the railing) to strengthen my knee muscles.

Gracie finally came in after close to an hour. And promptly pooped inside, so we need to work on the potty training. I get why she might not have wanted to go out in the cold, but still....

Someone on Facebook said that it is very slippery in Lincoln, which is almost due west of us. We usually get what they get. The snow is coming down at a pretty good clip, plus I’m on two side streets, so I told my choir director that I’m not coming to rehearsal.

I got my King Charles watercolors cards.

Fed us all. Nap time soon.

Oh totally cool. I belong to a Facebook group for women sponsored by AARP. Someone from Illinois introduced herself, and someone else said to let her know if she was in the Champaign-Urbana area because they have local gatherings. So I messaged the C-U person, and I’m probably going to lunch with them next week. And the person to whom I messaged has a dad who was originally from Lithuania! Cool!

I’m trying to take a nap and the dogs are kissing me, play-fighting, and pushing me off the bed. And now barking. Bella lay down on me, all 48 pounds of her. Well, I wanted dogs…I suppose a video of me trying to sleep with the dogs carrying on would be funny. After all that, I couldn’t sleep. I think that Plan B is to get ready for bed and go to bed early.

It’s sleeting, so skipping rehearsal was a good call. Yeah, someone local posted on Facebook two hours ago: “Roads are slick [and] buses are sliding”.

I saw a Facebook ad for a posture-correcting bra (Forme Bra). My posture is lousy and I get backaches, so I thought that I'd try it. It's expensive as hell, but if it works, it would be worth it.

Bella, Gracie, and Oliver are yawning. (I don't know where Lily is and Zara is in her room.) I think that it's hibernation time.

I found a heated cat bed that I like. It also has memory foam. That would be great for Zara.

Cool. We can leave work at 2 today.

I’m running out of toilet paper, so I need to run to the local grocery store tonight.

Fed us all.

The electrician called me back and we have an appointment for Monday.

I finished what I was working on, so I won't need to log into work this weekend. Excellent!

I was thinking about what

susandennis said about doing the day before Thanksgiving the easy way. I have nowhere to go and no food to make. I'll have a nice dinner tomorrow at the local high school. My Christmas shopping is done (just the things for the local children's home). The only thing on my agenda (besides working on the house) is putting up Christmas lights, and I want to do that. And I'm thankful.

Okay, I lied. I still need to get a couple of things for the pets, mostly the heated bed for Zara. Oliver and Lily are getting the bird feeder/window bed. I need to decide whether to get them a cat wheel. And the dogs are getting the new fence. I looked at some fancy dog beds, but Bella likes to sleep under the bed for reasons known only to her and Gracie sleeps on my bed, so why waste money? I'll get them a few toys.

Hmm. I saw a used leather chair and ottoman that I like for the library/music room. I need to clear space to be able get it in there. Could I get it in the car? I also found a washable rug that I like.

Hmm. Apparently, I can still order tulips. (Mine were taken by the porch pirate.) No, it's too late.

Took a nap. Took the dogs outside, but the fence guys were still there. The front gates were in, but the back gate was not. It’s too dark to tell if they got it in.

I found a couple of rolls of toilet paper, so I don’t need to go out tonight. I’ll submit a grocery order for Friday.

Attended the piano class. It went okay. My piano teacher got a new piano. That reminds me that I want a player piano when I finally get the living room together.

Fed us all. Started laundry. Put my clothes in the dryer. I need to stay up until my pajamas are dry.

The fence guys did finish the fence. I'll let Bella out without a leash later. I'll let Gracie out, trailing a leash at first, tomorrow. Presumably that will go well and I'll be able to let Gracie off leash completely. I'll take a picture of the fence tomorrow.

Got up a little after 7. Took the dogs out, and the fence guys were already there waiting to start. I think that I’ll put my clothes in the dryer and go back to sleep for a little while. Ugh, Bella is barking. Maybe not.

Shit. I dropped a DayQuil. I cleaned the floor off and still haven’t found it.

The dogs are calmer. I guess that they’ve decided that the guys working on the fence are okay. Oops, Bella just barked.

I looked for King Charles' watercolors because I like them. He sells reproductions on Highgrove's Web site, but too expensive for me! I could afford some note cards.

Norwegian didn't find my blazer. Suckage. I'll order a new-to-me one on eBay (done). I also ordered a gray cowl-neck top to wear with my gray pants.

I forgot to mention that when Gracie was at the vet the other day, the vet was really taken with her. He said, "Oh! Her ears." (She does have cute ears.) Then he asked me how I was able to get anything done with her around. I said that I didn't!

Do I want to see the Illinois Wind Symphony in December? I like the sound of woodwinds. It's only $10.

I have a call out about boarding the pets. Fingers crossed. I haven't gotten the drinks-WiFi package yet for the Mexico cruise (late December), but I'll wait until I'm sure that I have a place for the pets. The drinks-WiFi package is expensive, but I want it. I might even have one alcoholic drink. I have a taste for a Mai Tai. (But no, I won't drink my way through the cruise.)

I also called the electrician about the garage.

I think that I night have to do some work for work this weekend. I need to get farther on what I'm working on.

Holy cow. 5 - 6 inches of snow on Saturday?!? A good time to stay home.

Had my makeup voice lesson. I still am congested, but we got some practice done, but ended early. I’m getting a handle on my solo. I’m a little worried about Zara because she didn’t come over to say “Hi” and seems a little lethargic. But she’s been eating. She came out when I fed her.

Fed us all. Bella peed on the bathroom floor, sigh. I'll be glad when the fence is up and things can get back to normal.

I usually get some toys for a local children's home. They had an Amazon list, so I ordered some things to be delivered to them. But doing it that way kind of loses something.

It's a little late to gather garbage. I'm just going to go to sleep soon. The fence guys will be here early again.

Gracie was bugging Oliver. He jumped on the table and knocked down his food. Bella stole a can. A quiet morning at home.

Oliver really scratched me up today. First, he was on my lap rolling around, and he lost his balance and scratched a bleeding gash in my leg. Then, when I had just gotten out of the shower, he jumped on my back but couldn't get his footing because I had no clothes on, and he slid down my back with claws outstretched. I yelled bloody (and it was) murder and told him to leave the bathroom. Surprisingly, he did.

I have a lot of freaking stuff to do at work today (she said as she distracts herself by adding to the rolling post). And I'm coughing up a storm.

I couldn't sleep over lunch. It didn't help that Gracie was licking my face.

The fence guy came to check the site out and do some measurements. They'll be here to replace the fence on Monday morning.

I just canceled my singing lesson because I can't stop coughing. It'll be nice to lie down.

I'm going to need more cold medicine. I think that I'll throw myself together tomorrow and go get some though because I'll need to show an ID. I'll wear a mask because I'm coughing.

Okay, I signed up for three Dial-A-Carol slots.

Lay down after work. Slept until almost 10 PM. TMI: had to change my clothes due to an accident. Put on pajamas. Took the dogs out and slipped and fell on the mud.

Fed the cats. That little shit Oliver will abandon his food to eat Lily’s. I’ll feed the dogs in a minute (done, and fed myself). I need to feed the cats and Gracie again before going to sleep. I'll do so and go to bed.

I donated a little money to the local organization that runs Meals on Wheels. I think that I want to volunteer with them after I retire. Who knows, I might need their services someday. Hmm, I asked Google why Meals on Wheels is better than a frozen meal, and it basically said that Meals on Wheels also provides a social interaction. (It also mentioned shopping and preparation of frozen food, but I can have food delivered and putting food in the microwave is no big deal.)

Overslept and got up at 7:30 AM. At least, I'm well-rested.

Very busy at work trying to get things done before my vacation.

The garage guy came by, and apparently I need to really slam the door to get it to latch. He said that's because the weatherstripping is new. So when I get back, I can start putting stuff in there.

My dad actually emailed me because I haven't been in touch for a while. Usually I'm the one who contacts him. He said that I shouldn’t go to the Caribbean because of hurricanes, and I said that I’m sure that the ship will reroute if necessary.

Piano class went well. My fingers are starting to remember, but I still hesitate at the end of a line. Huh. The arthritis in my fingers wasn’t bothering me while was playing, but now that I’ve stopped, it’s twinging. Playing piano is probably good for it.

I just read an article that air travel might be cut by 10% starting Friday due to the shortage of air traffic controllers. My flight is on Saturday. Shit.

My meds have been filled at the pharmacy, so I'll pick them up tomorrow.

Got the recycling out. I checked my cable organizer (I keep cables in it just for travel), and I don’t have a USBA to USBC cable for the flight to charge my phone on the plane, so I ordered one. Glad that I checked. (I think that it was one of the cables that the dogs chewed up, sigh.) Sorted the mail that piled up. I got a donation letter from the Alzheimer’s Association, and I should probably donate because it runs in my family.

Got one of the cheap pairs of my Zenni glasses and one for outside wear. The cheap pair has a plain brown frame, and it looks pretty good on me. I’ll have to remember it for future glasses.

I had wanted to do some packing tonight, but it got late. I should get to bed at a decent hour and get a good night’s sleep because I have a lot to do tomorrow.

It looks like I'll be singing "Carol of the Bells" solo in choir. I need to scramble to practice it.

I did wake up at 4 AM. Ate breakfast, but I want to go back to bed. Got up at 7:45. I decided not to take a shower because I need to stay awake at lunchtime because we have a presentation in the afternoon.

Work is kind of a zoo with people changing last-minute stuff on the presentation. My boss said that it's "a miracle" that everything comes together.

I'm feeling arthritis-y.

I haven't heard from my pet sitter, so I think that I'm going to ask if the boarding place can take Zara and Lily too. Then I also won't have to finish cleaning, although I'd like to have the place neat before I go so that I don't come back to a mess. This actually sounds like a better plan (though Zara and Lily won't be happy).

The presentation went well. I contributed a picture of Gracie for our question slide, and people said that she was cute. Speaking of which, I was able to successfully shut all the critters out of my home office during the presentation!

Choir rehearsal went well and was kind of fun. Fed us all when I got home. I'm freaking tired.

I ordered two more pairs of cheap Zenni glasses for inside the house.

Overslept and woke up at 8:30 AM. I'll shower at lunch time.

The joint is jumping at work. I'm not going to be able to take a shower at lunch time, so I'll jump in after work. (I have a singing lesson tonight.)

Ate lunch and fed the critters. Now I'm in a Zoom meeting.

Someone needed a space heater on Buy Nothing, so I'm giving away one of mine. Every little bit helps....I'll put it on my porch on Saturday, which should also provide incentive to clean up the porch!

While I was outside with Bella and Gracie, I tripped and fell down hard on my knee, and I want to lie down with it up. I have a lot to get done at work, though, so I’ll log on later tonight or tomorrow. Living down with a pillow underneath it felt good.

People keep recommending to use pine horse bedding pellets as cat litter because it’s cheap. I’ll try that after I get back from my trip. We have lots of litter boxes!

Had my singing lesson. We worked on some of the possible solo parts. The fall also banged up my neck and shoulder, and you could hear it in my singing. I need to practice the the solo more. Oh, and I forgot that my teacher lives in New Orleans! Cool!

I didn’t get candy for Halloween because 1) I got only a couple of Trick or Treaters last year, 2) I don’t know how I’d manage Bella, Gracie, and Oliver, and 3) there’s junk on my porch. I left the front and porch lights off. Maybe next year. Hmm, I could get Halloween decorations cheap after the holiday?

Fed us all. Submitted a Walmart order. Everything that hit the ground today hurts, so I took some acetaminophen and will use some Aspercreme and will go to sleep to rest my battered body soon.

For some reason, I was remembering that my mom’s friends Art and Pete dared me to eat a Gaines Burger (in the 60s and 70s, it was a moist dog food shaped like a hamburger patty). And I ate it!

I saw a Facebook post about someone wanting to be a “grocery buddy”. One of the people responding said that she had cancer and a 15-year-old son and her husband left for Tennessee. I’m wondering if I should help her. I also found the address of a local Little Free Pantry. Damn government shutdown.

Overslept and woke up at 8:30 AM. I really want to take a nap at lunch, but I have a meeting at which I'm taking minutes after lunch, so I'll take my shower instead. (I worry about oversleeping my nap.) Maybe I could nap after work.

My shower was attended by Oliver, Lily, Bella, and Gracie, so it was a full house. Gracie sniffed my butt right before I got into the shower. Dogs gotta dog.

I had non-stop meetings, so I didn't get a chance to contact the garage guy about the garage door.

My glasses fell out of my pocket and Gracie destroyed them. Again. I guess that I need to get really cheap glasses (no Transition lenses) for inside the house. That way, if Gracie destroys them, it won’t cost me megabucks. I can wear more expensive glasses outside. I ordered a pair of really cheap glasses for inside (plus I had points, so most of the cost was expedited shipping) plus a pair of “outside” glasses. I wanted to get two pairs of the cheap glasses, but they didn’t have a way to do that! I’ll order another pair later. Now it’s nap time.

Crashed out hard and slept for three hours. The dogs crashed out too. Usually they stir when I wake up, but I shut off the alarm and looked at my phone, and they didn’t stir until I sat all the way up.

My left arm really hurts. I think that it's tendinitis. I thought about going to the doctor, but I've had it before, and they'll just tell me not to use it and to take over-the-counter pain meds. I did find some Aspercreme that doesn't have a child-proof cap, and that seems to help a little.

Fed us all. (Oliver says, "About time!") Now I'm going back to bed.

Oh, I forgot to mention that the garage door won't lock. Sigh. I need to call the garage guy about it. Right now, the garage is empty, but it's annoying that the wind opens the door.

I was unable to get the child-proof (make that adult-proof) cap on the Icy Hot off. They know that people with arthritis might use it, so why do they make it so hard to open? So I did without. It took me a while to fall asleep because my arm hurt.

Woke up with my alarm at 8 AM. Dozed for about 15 minutes.

I want to nap over lunch, so I'll take my shower after work.

Ordered a bunch of dog treats. I need the bribe for Bella to come in! I'll need to get more for Gracie after the fence is put up!

Yay, I got my slides done at work. Now I’m off until Thursday.

I’m looking for another eye cream because the one that I’ve been using is freaking expensive. I’m trying Rodan and Fields, which still isn’t cheap but is cheaper. If I like it, maybe I’ll try their moisturizer.

Home Depot has a really cushy chair with an ottoman that I kind of like for the library/music room. And they have a really cushy-looking mattress. I’ll have to check them out. I saw a Beautyrest mattress in the Beautyrest online store that I like, but I'll need to check their return policy if I buy it online. I think that a new mattress will be my Christmas present to myself. I like plush mattresses, and my mom’s mattress is very firm.

Fed us all. Now I’m gathering the garbage but taking breaks because I’m tired. Done. It's raining. Got some stuff off of the porch. Now I'll post, feed the beasts again, and go to sleep.

I woke up at 6, hit Snooze for a while until Gracie thought that was enough, and took the dogs out. I decided to go back to sleep for a while. Woke up at 7:45. Checked my calendar, and I have meetings before and after lunch, so I need to take my shower now.

I asked my boss if I could take Wednesday off because I have a hair appointment in the afternoon, and she said, "Yes".

Things are heating up at work. I hope that I get everything done. Somehow I wound up with the most slides for a Zoom meeting that we're having next week.

I was NOT amused that someone (probably Gracie) chewed through the strap of my purse! I knotted it up and left, but I'll need a new purse.

Choir went well. I stayed late to try out for a solo part. There were two people who were really, really good, so they should get parts. As for me, I'll see.

I decided that I needed Ben Gay or equivalent more than I needed my smoothie, so I went straight to the grocery store after choir. I got Icy Hot with lidocaine, which should cover all the bases. My arm is driving me crazy. The result of the massage didn't last long. I also decided that I wanted bagels for breakfast. I might get the smoothie on Wednesday, when I'll be off.

I'm feeling stronger though than I did last week. Nothing from the doctor, although someone called from her office on Friday but didn't leave a message.

Anyway, I need to feed the beasts and crash.

I was looking at Coldwater Creek's All-Season Jacket because I could use something like that, but holy cow, it's over $200! Maybe I could find one on eBay. Yep, took 5 minutes and found it for half-price. I also bought some navy pants to wear with my navy-and-white striped top and a white linen blazer to wear while boarding the ship.

I joined Bumble’s BFF site. I sent a like to someone named Melissa who has some of the same interests that I have, but I couldn’t figure out how to send a message. There’s someone in Bloomington, but she wants retired friends. Oh well.

Whoa. Dizzy spell. Maybe I should lie down. I emailed in sick for the morning, but I’ll make it in for the afternoon. I’m up, but I think that I need a shower before I take the dogs out. Feeling shaky. Finally got myself together and got the dogs out.

Crud. I have stuff to do at work, but I'm feeling lethargic. I really want to go back to bed, but I have a singing lesson after work and I skipped last week, so I better not skip this week. Okay, got my act together. I keep needing to go downstairs and pee though. Getting older is the pits.

Oliver is sleeping on the chair upstairs like a little angel. Appearances can be deceiving!

Oh shit. I peed a little going down to the bathroom. Arthritis in my hands. I hate getting older.

I’m going to go to bed after my singing lesson and feeding the beasts again.

Gracie pulled me down the front stairs and I fell hard. I gave up and told my singing teacher that I won’t make it. This week really sucks. I’m going to eat, post, feed the beasts, and go to bed.

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Entries tagged with work

White Elephant Gift Exchange

A Dark and Rainy Day

Everything's Booked for My Trip

Stuck Car Day

Vocational Awe

Let It Snow?

TGIF

Another Vet Visit/Retirement Party

Well, I Said That I Wanted Dogs....

New Local Friends?

Fence Work Day 3

Fence Work Day 2

Oliver Is a Little Shit

Things Are Moving Along

Presentation and Choir Day

Ouch. Happy Halloween!

So Tired

A Gray and Rainy Day

Choir Night

Sucky Day