Halloween, October 31, 2007

It is just now getting dark and it is Halloween Night. I have a small amount of chocolate just in case I have visitors but don't expect any. I will just have to eat it myself. That is why I only buy what I like. It has been several years since I have entertained any trick or treaters at my door. The last time was here in Virginia while I still had my house on Beacon Hill. My dear friend, Marte, had come for a visit and we had decided to decorate the house and ourselves. We spread those fake cobwebs all over the porch entrance along with a bag of black spiders. Then we donned multi-colored wigs over our white hair. We blacked out a few front teeth and outlined our facial wrinkles with black crayon. I must admit it was very frightening. Some little neighbor children came to the door but fled in fear when we appeared with our basket of candy. That is the last time.

We have been taking it easy all day today since I had my left wrist injected yesterday with steroids. It seems my joint has deteriorated in less than a year. My choices are to continue to receive the injections which are the worst pain and torture one can imagine or to have a new joint made surgically. I have elected the latter for this coming spring. My hands are too important to me to risk the discomfort and crippling pain of arthritis. I have to go back this week for another shot since it seems I have some tendinitis as well.

I slept last night though for the first time in a long while without pain. I wore the splint to bed and too two motrin for pain. Bash and I didn't arise until after 8 a.m. It felt very good to not be awakened in the night with pain in my hand.

I am still dealing with being an absentee owner of a house. A few problems have come up and I am finding it very challenging dealing with them from a distance. I have been an absentee owner twice before in my life and never really had any serious problems. I think it is because I didn't have much time to spend in the house before I had to leave for the south.

Thanksgiving promises to be a lovely day for my friend Judi and for me. We are making a dinner together that will consist of fresh turkey, chestnut stuffing, homemade cranberry relish, scalloped oysters and pumpkin pie.

The day after Bash and I are going to the beach for two days before rolling into Tampa for the winter.

Enjoy the fall wherever you are. We are partially releived of the draught conditions here in VA. The oak trees are beautiful. Weather crisp at night and warm during the days.

Blessed Be>

Monday, October 29, 2007

We are under freeze warning tonight. It is actually about time. Usually happens in October here in Virginia. Thanks be to God and my Hartford Angels, my heat is back on after being off for who knows how long. It was working when I left but the other day when my brother-in-law went to turn it up to paint, it wasn't working. I didn't shut anything off so I guess it will always be a mystery. I did experience flooding of one of my small basements though. the one with the hotwater heater and cold water pressure tank was flooded and my number one angel dug ditches in the yard to divert the rain water. The pump wasn't working and it turned out the water had gone over the top of the casing and shorted out the wires to the pump. I felt totally helpless and questioned why was I here when I felt I should have been up there. I am still not sure. My friends from Tampa have asked me to stay with them while they endure the challenge of cancer. I plan to go there in November but don't really know how long I will stay. I have found a place for my coach in NC. I may just drive back there, leave it and head for my little house in New York. I know I won't like the cold weather but the house is cozy. What an about face? Who would ever dream I would be talking about going north in the winter. More to follow on that.

I hope to go to Lake San Marino to visit with my sister and bro-in-law over Christmas. I will miss my many friends who winter there. But the good news is, if I decide to go in 2009, my place will be saved. Since buying the house, I have had many expenses that have drained the coffers. I plan to look for seasonal part time work in the Tampa area while I am there. There are many options open to me thanks to my good health and ability to travel.

I discovered that my coolant level in the MH was down each day I checked it. I felt I should have it checked by a Cummins garage. That was done and rather than a loose hose connection which I was hoping for, it is the more serious leaky head gasket which requires several days of repair, lots of money and Bash and I moving out. I have a warranty which I purchased. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will cover the job. So I am here in Virginia until after the repair, maybe the 9th or 10th of Nov. I plan to spend Thanksgiving with my dear friend, Judi in NC before going on to Tampa.

Photo is truly a "dance with stars".

Actually, this is nice since it is giving me more time to spend with my VA friends and family. So that is the latest in the continuing saga of the Donna Dog and Pony Show. When the Universe rains down on me from all quarters as it is right now, I continue to ask "Why??" No answers are coming yet but I guess time will tell as it always does. Time doesn't keep secrets forever.

May you be blessed with happiness, love, health and unbounded joy -

Trying something new

Friday, October 26, 2007

Happy Birthday to Joseph! Oh dear and faithful readers of this blog, thank you. I have been stressed nearly to the max for the last month or so. It seems the challenges continue. I came to VA reluctantly (since I didn't really want to leave my little house) knowing I had to check my body out and close some doors. I have been to numerous doctors, two to go actually - a dermatologist and a hand doctor. My left thumb and wrist have been growling at me for several months. I had the thumb checked a year ago and injected. The pain miraculously (oh those steroids) disappeared only to come back with a vengance and extending into my wrist rendering my left hand almost useless. Those of you who know of my past work probably realize how much energy was funneled through that faithful left hand from others. Those of us who work in the lower energies of others generally suffer from some hand or wrist malady. Well, back to being in VA. It has been good to see my VA family. I spent sometime with my VT grandson and watched the Corp of Cadets parade on a gorgeous fall day in Blacksburg. I will get to see my granddaughter go on her first date, Homecoming dance at Patrick Henry this sat. night. She is a senior and a Hanover Scholar. I am very pleased with these two children. I will be staying with them at their home for a week while Bearfoot is in the care of the Cummins Atlantic people south of Richmond. It seems that I have a leak in the head gasket. It has to be removed and replaced. Not a simple procedure especially in an MH. The engine is under my bed. You can imagine, they will have to protect the entire coach inside from grease and oil. Please offer prayers that my insurance will cover this very expensive repair. I don't understand it since the mechanics all tell me what a nice clean engine I have and how it shows it has been cared for. Duh!!! So why is a head gasket worn out at only 31k miles?? I need to find out. Gene, if you are reading this, please email me with your thoughts. I certainly have not had the best luck with these machines. Maybe it is time to retreat and retire to my little cottage in the Adirondack foothills. I still have to be in Tampa to have the 30 day purchase warranty work done that they never got to do last spring. That appt. has been postponed later in Nov. After that, I will stay with my friends in Tampa who are in need of support and comfort right now. Good news is we have received at least 4" of rain in the last couple of days. It is exciting. You should have heard the thirsty birds singing the first day. I don't think any of us can realize the ramifications of this drought on the critters. I declined the botoxin injections for the first time in 9 years of receiving them every 3 mos. I pray my eyes will continue to improve as time goes on. It is kinda odd knowing as I do that stress is a huge contributor to this disease. Sooooo what is happening here? I think this stress I am going through now as bad as it sounds is something I deal with, it is the relationship stress and financial stress that seems to affect me the most. Don't get me wrong, I am quite lonely in my present state and certainly poorer than I have been in many many years but I feel confident in my Creator's care for me. Let me see if I can find a picture or two to post here before I check out. I have to buy the internet here at this park so have been only using it on a limited basis.Enjoy the pics of Virginia Tech and the video of the Highty Tighties.

October 9, 2007

Hey there, it is almost time for Sebastian and me to fly away south with the numberous Canadian Geese we see every day. I have mixed feelings about leaving since I haven't had a chance to stay in my house yet. I hope to sleep there at least once before I leave but the propane company hasn't delivered any fuel yet. It has been very warm here until today. Now it is rainy and getting colder. Bash and I are cozy in the MH. Tomorrow I will move the coach down to my house. I have tire trouble so must stop and get it repaired on the way. Luckily there is someone nearby who can fix it.

The little house looks really "cottagey" (don't know if that is a word). But it looks like somewhere one would like to live if you like small places. I like the colors I've chosen and my antiques look good there. I wish I could stay here for the winter but I need to be in Tampa by Nov. 5th for an appointment. Lots of catching up to do in Virginia before I go further south. Been sampling the fresh macs and the cider donuts which are abundant this time of year. The leaves are beautiful and subdued from the dry weather. I just realized yesterday that I had to find someone to plow the snow in my driveway this winter. Funny what you forget when you have been gone for 20 years.

I went out to the mall today and bought those little essentials every home needs - dishrack, drainer, paper towel holder, towel bar, towels, hot mitts etc. etc. When I think back to the number of homes I have set up since I was eighteen, I can't believe it. But even though I have been through this process many times, it is still fun. Actually, it has been like Christmas finding the things in the boxes that I wrapped up 4 years ago. Many things I thought I had sold or given away. I still have way too many things. My sis and I are talking about a lawn sale in the spring.

Had lunch in Salem, NY today at Steinbrinners where they make homemade chocolates. They have a delightful Cafe there as well. I lunched with my daughter-in-law and her grandmother who is 90 years old. We've been trying to do this all summer.
I need to take some pics for you all. I have been too busy with the move.

Lots of RV's on the roads south - just like the flocks of ducks and geese.

Expect miracles!

October 3, 2007

Much has happened since I last posted. I did close on the little house. I have painted the entire inside with much needed help from my bro-in-law who is an excellent painter. I rented a very large truck and tow dolly for my car in Richmond, VA, drove down with a friend in one day. The next day we packed up the truck totally full with the help of my daughter, son-in-law and a friend. The next day we left with the truck and car in tow for Hartford, NY. Got in Monday night at 8:30 p.m. Unpacked the truck the next day all day and again this morning. We then returned the truck to a Penske garage in Glens Falls today. My sister, bless her, washed all my windows and cleaned while we were in Richmond. I am fortunate to have a loving family. Bashey was also well cared for while I was away. Now I am unpacking boxes. After 4 years, it is like Christmas for me. I had forgotten the lovely things I have. Most of the things I have are gifted to me from others so there is a story with each. But I have too much bedding, too many towels in the wrong color and lots of stuff to sell in the Spring. My sister and I are planning a yard sale at my house since I have a large yard with excellent road exposure. Others are interested in joining us so it will be a big sale. Some of my children are taking some of the overflow things I have.

I have way too many paintings too. There is an active art community here in the area. I hope to get involved next spring. Maybe by then I will have some new ones done. My children have most of my best work as it is. That is as it should be though. Although I sure could use the money from sales.

I will post some pics next time. I just haven't had a chance to download the camera card on the computer. Off to bed only to get up and begin the unpacking again.

Be well, be in the loving Light of God and Expect Miracles.