A Bit of Adventure and a Smidgen of Bravery

Today was a bit of adventure.  It was the first time I went out shopping with my electric wheelchair.

Now, it might not seem like a big deal to some; but, I am usually with someone, have my manual chair, and my own car.

First, I went to have a bagel for brunch with a wonderful lady. Then, we buzzed over to a craft store.  After visiting and looking at stuff, it was time from my friend to go.  But, I wasn't done yet.

I needed to go to the pet store and pick up some soft doggy food.  My furry companion is having dental surgery tomorrow.  Actually, he is having his teeth cleaned.  Some are likely to fall out; still others may need extracting.  He will definitely not feel up to his hard nuggets for a bit.

When I rolled into the store, a nice worker asked what I was looking for, and walked with me to get what I needed.  When I made the purchase, the clerk was kind enough to put the cans in the backpack on the back of my chair.

Of course, Hastings bookstore and coffee shop was right next door.  Well, I knew I would have to wait a bit for the senior bus to come get me.  So I went and got a peach/mango smoothie to pass the time.  Yum!  I probably haven't had that flavor for a couple of years.

I did have to wait quite a while for the wheelchair accessible ride.  During the lunch hour, they are booked solid.  It was a nice day, so I got some vitamin D, while watching people come and go.

I did feel rather conspicuous.  But, I had my smoothie and my Kindle, so I was good.  I felt a bit brave too.  It wasn't like going to Bible study, where I know everyone.  It wasn't even like going to the hospital or the doctor.  I was by myself, just sitting there, while strangers walked past.  I am sure I got a few looks, and probably some unheard comments.  However, I went shopping with my electric wheelchair.

I was very glad to be home and put my feet up.  But, I did something I have never done before.  Yes!  It was all good.

Unconditional Love

If we are lucky, we have family that love us unconditionally.  In other words, even at our worst, they still love us, even if they don't like us very much at certain times.

Who do you know that loves you like none other?

Do they possess any of these qualities:

• Greets you, every time you walk through the door, as if they haven't seen you in next to forever.
• Wants to hang out with you all day, even if you are crabby.
• Quick to forgive.
• Stays constantly by your side, especially when you are sick or sad.
• Fasts, until he/she knows you are home safe and sound.
• Adjusts to your abilities or schedules, without complaint.
• Is sad, when you can't be together.

I have a friend like that. He is my constant companion. He and his little cohort in mischief are often in the same room I occupy.  When, I have my feet up, this is not an uncommon site:

Oi!!

Oi!  It is cold outside!  It's not quite like winter.  But, it reminds you that it is coming!

Ugh!  Where did the summer go?  I wait for at least 6 months, each day looking forward to the warm weather; and, it is almost gone.

Sunday, I wore layers, including a winter sweater.  This morning, I turned on the heater,  and turned up my electric blanket, even though I was dressed in flannel.

We have had around 2 inches of rain, in the last week.  My joints felt this last night.

I try not to complain.  But, I must say, my body is not looking forward to the winter months.

Project 1 and Project 2

When they were small, I read Dr. Seuss books to my kids.  My daughter especially loved them.  I read to her, until my voice gave out, all the time.

Do you remember Thing 1 and Thing 2?  You couldn't tell them apart, except for their shirts.

Well, I thought of them this morning.  I am working on Project 1 and Project 2. Right now, I tell them apart by the color.

Show me a picture, you say?

Not yet.

When I am done, I will be glad to share, assuming they turn out.

Meanwhile, I miss days of posting because I am working on Project 1 and Project 2, while watching Netflix, listening to books, listening to audio Bible lessons, and playing games on my Kindle. Often, I am doing 2 things at once.  Sometimes, I have to quit, because my eyes are just too tired.

I do wish I could crochet as fast as my sister.  I think I would be done by now and on to Project 3.

The Eyes Have It!

Today was a wee expensive. But,  it was well worth it.

A few weeks ago, we assume the cat knocked Steven's glasses off the table.  By the time they were discovered, he found them beyond repair.  It was time for both of us to have an eye exam anyway, so I made the appointment.

For Steven, it meant contacts, so he could see TODAY.  I will order his glasses tomorrow.

Contacts weren't part of the original plan. But, I didn't need a new prescription, and he shouldn't be driving half blind, so it worked out.  He is very pleased.  It will make marching band much easier this year. (He's a band geek.  This is a very important detail.)

For myself, the appointment today was more for my peace of mind.  My sister was diagnosed with macular degeneration last year. My aunt has been struggling with this stealer of vision for years.  An avid reader, it makes me sad to see my aunt struggle to read, while trying to do everything medically possible to keep what vision she still has left.

Since this disease tends to run in families, it is something to watch for. Although doctors are not absolutely positive it will help prevent the onset of eye disease, people who are getting older should take vitamins that are specifically beneficial to the eyes:  Ocuvite or ICaps.

If the vitamins do help stave off the onset of eye disease, it is a very small price to pay to save vision.  Even if they are still uncertain as to the total benefit, I know it can't hurt.

For now, other than the need for glasses, my eyes are healthy.  I thank God for that.

"Meet Me in St. Louis"

Today, I took a trip to St. Louis, MO.  While it was a very intense journey, and I had incentive to go there, it wasn't a very pleasant journey, at times. Once undertake n, the journey had to be completed.

People were in danger; others were in pain.  Some people, along the way, did their best to do the right thing; meanwhile, others were just plain bad.

At times, I had to stop and take a rest from traveling.  Sometimes, I was so focused on the trip, and the people I met along the way, I couldn't stop.

Thankfully, I reached the end of my journey, before the wee hours of the morning.

I Read a Book!

Learned Something

Strike: Definition: to tear down the set of a musical or play.

Also:  It can take hours!
 
            Power tools come in handy