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Hi Paula,I love RaeAnne's books but with this one she must have been on a "use words I have never used before kick" I had to look up 7 words .lol But you know I usually do audio books and these have not been recorded, so maybe it is just my reading lol. So thank you for all of us.
I got my new gas range today it is so clean and shiny I don't want to cook on it ;>) I got a Samsung, it matches my fridge. It has an oval burner in the middle , it will be great for my griddle to make pancake or for my big canning pot. I also like that you can remover the whole burner to clean them and that will make it so much easier to clean the stove top too. The propane company we use wanted $250.00 to convert the burners . I was lucky I talked to a friend of mine who just moved into a new home and had to convert her range too, she said her Brother-in-law converted hers .So she called him and he did ours for only $100.I felt better giving the money to him because I knew he was out of a job and could use it. She and her B-I-L both worked for the Ford dealership here in Townsend for over 20 years and it closed last summer. Bad time for her right after they bought the new house.
How are you feeling? Better I hope ! Love Lola
Lola wrote: "Hi Paula,I love RaeAnne's books but with this one she must have been on a "use words I have never used before kick" I had to look up 7 words .lol But you know I usually do audio books and these h..."
Hi Lola, I have Range 'envy', I've always wanted one but never had a kitchen big ebough. Enjoy. xx
Paula wrote: "Lesley wrote: "Paula wrote: "Hi, Melinda, it's great to hear from you! It's great to "rediscover" your wardrobe, right? I'm long overdue to de-clutter my guest room closet and clean out the one in ..."Hi Paula, hope you managed to watch another episode of A Discovery of Witches.
Although I enjoy the series, I also sometimes find The Outlander book heavy going & have to go back & re-read parts but I thought that was because I tend to scim read books unless the have quiet a lot of factual content.
Another thing I find with Diana G's books is that there is so long between books that I have to reread the last one before I can read the new one. I suppose that's because she puts so much factual content into a story of fiction.
Have you read Lucinda Riley's Seven Sister's series, this is another one that I'm enjoying but she only publishes one book in the series each year.
Love Lesley x
Lola wrote: "Hi Paula,
I love RaeAnne's books but with this one she must have been on a "use words I have never used before kick" I had to look up 7 words .lol But you know I usually do audio books and these h..."
Oh, Lola, you have given me fuel with which to nag my husband!
1. We have needed a new oven for 7 - yes, 7 - years. As I've mentioned, the bottom oven doesn't work at all, the top oven is 50 degrees off - sometimes, but not always (which is actually worse) - and the two in-the-wall ovens together were installed in 1983 when the house was built. They're embedded in custom cabinetry, which means they can't be replaced, because their size is no longer made. On top of that, both ovens are so small, even with the top rack out, neither will hold a whole turkey or a standing rib roast. I bought a half-sheet pan right before Christmas - like on Christmas Eve - and it won't fit in the oven. Period. I laughed so hard - my husband said, "I thought women instinctively understood size, like what fits in what" - and I leave the rest to your imagination. He smirks at me every time he sees that pan in the cabinet. I didn't return it because it has a cookie/cooling rack that fits on it so it's useful - just not for baking. And I was too embarrassed to tell the people at Kohl's customer service that "my rack was too big". LOLOLOLOL
2. We have a glass stovetop that I hate. It's so easy to clean but so easy to damage, and the grease trap is so deep I can't reach the bottom to clean it.
3. We have been wanting to put propane in and convert our fireplace - and eventually buy a "new" gas stove and oven combo. We've mapped out the reconfiguration of the kitchen but have never had the money to get the work done. We hope this will be our year.
The same day I read your comment about "burbling" I saw it used in an article online. I'd never seen it before that day. Weird. Maybe it's a trend.
My back has now healed, except for a little stiffness when I sit too long at the computer, or when I'm reading and get carried away, and even though my Fitbit & my Apple watch are set with reminders to stand up and move, if I'm absorbed in a writing project or a book, they are really, really easy to ignore. And today is my "writing day" - the day I've waited for all week - so all bets are off. I have found that when I'm not writing something technical, like a grant narrative, I tend not to move; but if I'm writing something in sections - a scene, or a section of a grant application - getting up and moving a bit in between can help break up the project and freshen a tired brain. The problem is when I'm at home and I take a break - and then the dog wants out, the cats get in a fight, the laundry timer goes off, I notice two weeks worth of dust on the TV stand - those distractions keep me from getting back to work too easily and then, if I'm fiction-writing, my muse has wandered off. :-)
I hope you have a great weekend, gazing lovingly at your new stove. I have stove envy. And now Ray is going to wonder why I'm giving him the stink eye when he comes home. LOL.
I love RaeAnne's books but with this one she must have been on a "use words I have never used before kick" I had to look up 7 words .lol But you know I usually do audio books and these h..."
Oh, Lola, you have given me fuel with which to nag my husband!
1. We have needed a new oven for 7 - yes, 7 - years. As I've mentioned, the bottom oven doesn't work at all, the top oven is 50 degrees off - sometimes, but not always (which is actually worse) - and the two in-the-wall ovens together were installed in 1983 when the house was built. They're embedded in custom cabinetry, which means they can't be replaced, because their size is no longer made. On top of that, both ovens are so small, even with the top rack out, neither will hold a whole turkey or a standing rib roast. I bought a half-sheet pan right before Christmas - like on Christmas Eve - and it won't fit in the oven. Period. I laughed so hard - my husband said, "I thought women instinctively understood size, like what fits in what" - and I leave the rest to your imagination. He smirks at me every time he sees that pan in the cabinet. I didn't return it because it has a cookie/cooling rack that fits on it so it's useful - just not for baking. And I was too embarrassed to tell the people at Kohl's customer service that "my rack was too big". LOLOLOLOL
2. We have a glass stovetop that I hate. It's so easy to clean but so easy to damage, and the grease trap is so deep I can't reach the bottom to clean it.
3. We have been wanting to put propane in and convert our fireplace - and eventually buy a "new" gas stove and oven combo. We've mapped out the reconfiguration of the kitchen but have never had the money to get the work done. We hope this will be our year.
The same day I read your comment about "burbling" I saw it used in an article online. I'd never seen it before that day. Weird. Maybe it's a trend.
My back has now healed, except for a little stiffness when I sit too long at the computer, or when I'm reading and get carried away, and even though my Fitbit & my Apple watch are set with reminders to stand up and move, if I'm absorbed in a writing project or a book, they are really, really easy to ignore. And today is my "writing day" - the day I've waited for all week - so all bets are off. I have found that when I'm not writing something technical, like a grant narrative, I tend not to move; but if I'm writing something in sections - a scene, or a section of a grant application - getting up and moving a bit in between can help break up the project and freshen a tired brain. The problem is when I'm at home and I take a break - and then the dog wants out, the cats get in a fight, the laundry timer goes off, I notice two weeks worth of dust on the TV stand - those distractions keep me from getting back to work too easily and then, if I'm fiction-writing, my muse has wandered off. :-)
I hope you have a great weekend, gazing lovingly at your new stove. I have stove envy. And now Ray is going to wonder why I'm giving him the stink eye when he comes home. LOL.
Lesley wrote: "Paula wrote: "Lesley wrote: "Paula wrote: "Hi, Melinda, it's great to hear from you! It's great to "rediscover" your wardrobe, right? I'm long overdue to de-clutter my guest room closet and clean o..."
Hi, Lesley - I'm in SundanceNow heaven, because I binged on four episodes of A Discovery of Witches Wednesday evening and I swear, it gets better and better and better. I am literally enthralled and have to stop myself. While there are differences in some of the content, 90% of them make sense, and the acting is so stunning it makes me feel like I'm living the book. Also, the scenes of Oxford take me back and make me crave another trip across the pond - I would love for Ray to see where all of those scenes take place. It's the third "book pilgrimage" I've done - I went to Forks, WA, when we lived up there to see where Twilight was filmed, even though I wasn't all that crazy about the books or the movies (still watched them, mainly for Carlisle). I went to Portland and Seattle to see a couple of places mentioned in Fifty Shades, just for kicks, since we were in the area. But the trip to Oxford was the most stunning, absorbing ever - because I love that series like no other.
My next pilgrimage, I hope, will be back to England and Scotland with Ray. England for the obvious - ancestry and my favorite book series of all time; Scotland for ancestry and Outlander. And some day, Florence - because two other favorite series, by Sylvain Reynard (the Gabriel trilogy and the Florentine Series), transported me to Italy in a way no other story has. It's another place I need to walk in the steps of a wonderful author.
I do think that many of the best authors - who do their research and write meticulously - take a long time to produce the next installment in a series, and it can feel like forever. It was two years between the second and third book in the All Souls Trilogy, and at least 18 months between books 1 and 2. And three years since the spin-off, "Time's Convert". It is so worth the wait when writing is as transformational. And if it is, I don't mind re-reading while I wait. I think I read A Discovery of Witches at least 8 times while I waited for Shadow of Night, and I've read it twice since.
And, now that I'm trying to write a book of my own, I can say with conviction that writing is just damn hard.
One thing I've noticed, especially in the past year, is that a lot of authors have escalated "production" and are cranking out book after book after book, sometimes just a month or two apart. And, unfortunately, it shows. I see so many typographical errors that the proofing suffers. I find repetitive uses of description and words (especially in physical character descriptions and sex - there are only so many ways to describe a thing, after all!) When sequels are piled one on the other, sometimes the characters themselves become much less memorable, and over time, readers turn off. It's happened to me again, just recently - an author that I truly enjoy has tripled her book output and the work is sloppy. The plot, characters, and actions COULD be great - but the finer points of writing suffer and I find myself skimming more and more, finding typos and feeling sad that a better, more thorough process would have made a significant difference. I believe what's driving it is marketing pressure - the sheer volume of books published every month in the romance genre is staggering. Authors who want to make a living - especially those who are self-published - are told they have to keep pumping out stories to keep their readers satisfied. I disagree. I'd rather wait than read something that, in the end, didn't stay with me long after I closed the book.
Wow, I am rambling. Too much coffee on this Friday, I-don't-have-to-work day I haven't read the series you mentioned, but I will look it up. I just downloaded another Jill Shalvis "Heartbreaker Bay" novel and am looking forward to it; I'm ready for a Hallmark-style romance this weekend.
Take care, keep warm, keep reading, and keep us posted!
Hi, Lesley - I'm in SundanceNow heaven, because I binged on four episodes of A Discovery of Witches Wednesday evening and I swear, it gets better and better and better. I am literally enthralled and have to stop myself. While there are differences in some of the content, 90% of them make sense, and the acting is so stunning it makes me feel like I'm living the book. Also, the scenes of Oxford take me back and make me crave another trip across the pond - I would love for Ray to see where all of those scenes take place. It's the third "book pilgrimage" I've done - I went to Forks, WA, when we lived up there to see where Twilight was filmed, even though I wasn't all that crazy about the books or the movies (still watched them, mainly for Carlisle). I went to Portland and Seattle to see a couple of places mentioned in Fifty Shades, just for kicks, since we were in the area. But the trip to Oxford was the most stunning, absorbing ever - because I love that series like no other.
My next pilgrimage, I hope, will be back to England and Scotland with Ray. England for the obvious - ancestry and my favorite book series of all time; Scotland for ancestry and Outlander. And some day, Florence - because two other favorite series, by Sylvain Reynard (the Gabriel trilogy and the Florentine Series), transported me to Italy in a way no other story has. It's another place I need to walk in the steps of a wonderful author.
I do think that many of the best authors - who do their research and write meticulously - take a long time to produce the next installment in a series, and it can feel like forever. It was two years between the second and third book in the All Souls Trilogy, and at least 18 months between books 1 and 2. And three years since the spin-off, "Time's Convert". It is so worth the wait when writing is as transformational. And if it is, I don't mind re-reading while I wait. I think I read A Discovery of Witches at least 8 times while I waited for Shadow of Night, and I've read it twice since.
And, now that I'm trying to write a book of my own, I can say with conviction that writing is just damn hard.
One thing I've noticed, especially in the past year, is that a lot of authors have escalated "production" and are cranking out book after book after book, sometimes just a month or two apart. And, unfortunately, it shows. I see so many typographical errors that the proofing suffers. I find repetitive uses of description and words (especially in physical character descriptions and sex - there are only so many ways to describe a thing, after all!) When sequels are piled one on the other, sometimes the characters themselves become much less memorable, and over time, readers turn off. It's happened to me again, just recently - an author that I truly enjoy has tripled her book output and the work is sloppy. The plot, characters, and actions COULD be great - but the finer points of writing suffer and I find myself skimming more and more, finding typos and feeling sad that a better, more thorough process would have made a significant difference. I believe what's driving it is marketing pressure - the sheer volume of books published every month in the romance genre is staggering. Authors who want to make a living - especially those who are self-published - are told they have to keep pumping out stories to keep their readers satisfied. I disagree. I'd rather wait than read something that, in the end, didn't stay with me long after I closed the book.
Wow, I am rambling. Too much coffee on this Friday, I-don't-have-to-work day I haven't read the series you mentioned, but I will look it up. I just downloaded another Jill Shalvis "Heartbreaker Bay" novel and am looking forward to it; I'm ready for a Hallmark-style romance this weekend.
Take care, keep warm, keep reading, and keep us posted!
Ladies -- I will be out of town after today, until next Wednesday. Ray is off for a stretch after an incredibly long. difficult work week. It's our 29th anniversary weekend so we are going over to our favorite place on the coast and retreat from the craziness. I also hope to pen a chapter or two. I'm writing the "turning point" and I'm excited about that. Now if the muse will cooperate...
Take care, everyone, and let us all know you're okay when you can.
P
Take care, everyone, and let us all know you're okay when you can.
P
Congratulations to you and Ray on your Wedding Anniversary. Enjoy your time together. xx
Both You and Ray have a wonderful trip and congrats on 29 years, Wolf and I have a few years on you this Nov . we will be married 49 years. Tell Ray I am sorry for the stove envy lol. My old stove was driving me crazy with one day the oven worked then the next not. I was afraid that the gas could leak or explode. I have never cooked on a glass top stove but Jen loves hers. Me I have always like gas, I like being able to control the heat level fast.Have fun ! Love Lola
Lola wrote: "Hi Paula,I love RaeAnne's books but with this one she must have been on a "use words I have never used before kick" I had to look up 7 words .lol But you know I usually do audio books and these h..."
Hey Sis,
So glad to here you finally got the new stove. I love my gas stovetop. I grew up with gas appliances in the house and when we moved to WA we only had electric. Hated them. When mine finally died a couple months ago my son Daniel, who works for Lowes, got me a used one that looks brand new for $30.00 off of Craig's list. He delivers and installs them all the time so he knew what he was doing. My place was already set up for gas so we switched with the new stove. I wanted to get a one unit range with stove and oven but Dave said he would have to totally remove the counter section and redo the cabinets to make it work so I am happy with what I have for now. It seemed so silly since my oven is crap and a new range is cheaper than buying a new wall insert oven. They are so expensive even with Daniel's discount. He said he would watch for someone upgrading their kitchen and find me a replacement if he can. I am just thankful for what I have at the moment. I lived too long in motels cooking off a hotplate to complain about little things like that.
I hope you and Wolf are doing well. We are about the same. Taking it a day at a time. Any more word on Jen and her family? I hope they change their plans so you can stay close. I guess we have to respect their wishes but it sure is hard some times.
Love you.
Linda M.
Paula wrote: "Ladies -- I will be out of town after today, until next Wednesday. Ray is off for a stretch after an incredibly long. difficult work week. It's our 29th anniversary weekend so we are going over to ..."Congratulations on 29 years. Hope your getaway is wonderful. Dave and I will have 32 years in June.
I had to laugh when you spoke of buying the oven pans. I bought two at a sale at Christmas time thinking how wonderful it would to be able to make more cookies at one time. When I go home and discovered they were too big I was so disappointed. Stupid Oven. lol I kept mine as well. I can use them for other things and they were a great price. I dream of a new larger oven. Someday it will come. Just thankful for what I have at this point.
Let me know when you need proof readers for your book, I will be more than happy to help out in any way.
Love ya,
Linda M.
Hi Sis,You should see me, any little thing gets on my stove and I am right there with a damp paper towel wiping it up ! lol I don't think there is any way to change Jen's mind so we are in the " Let go and Let God" state of mind.
We had a monster snow storm come through yesterday, felt like we were in a snow globe ! It supposed to get in the 40's today so I am sure most of it will be gone by tomorrow. I have been crocheting on my afghans for the vet hospital in Helena , I hope I have enough made to give next Christmas.
Nothing much else happening here. Love You, Lola
Congrats on the anniversary, Paula. Hope you had a great time!I can't wait til it warms up a bit over here! The windchill right now is -24 and I am at work hoping my car starts later when I go home. My road hasn't been plowed yet either. I am feeling better after catching the stomach virus going around my son's daycare over the weekend and falling after shoveling my driveway on monday. UGH!
Hope everyone else is doing good!
Brandi
Linda wrote: "Paula wrote: "Ladies -- I will be out of town after today, until next Wednesday. Ray is off for a stretch after an incredibly long. difficult work week. It's our 29th anniversary weekend so we are ..."
Hi there - we enjoyed ourselves so much we ended up staying an extra day. We were able to book one of our very favorite rooms on the property - with two rooms separated by a pass-through fireplace, two large sliding glass doors with spectacular ocean views, and an enormous bathroom with a rain shower and a soaking tub. Pure bliss. We shopped, walked, talked, and had some much-needed alone time without distractions.
The writing....well, that didn't go as planned. I got mired in a chapter that I thought was heading in the right direction--and then realized that 1) the scenes within it aren't "coherent" - they don't hang together the way they should. 2) Some action in that chapter happens too soon for the rest of the story...I got ahead of myself. All of these things can be fixed--scenes can be moved around easily in the software program I use to write. But I swear, I spent hours on hours on hours and felt like it was harder than it should have been to get 2000 decent words down. Especially since there will be a lot of changes in the next round. *sigh*
I'm fighting this harder than I should be, but at least I recognize it and know what I need to do. I have to take a step back and go back to my outline (and timeline); tweak a few things, and pretty much draw myself a map showing me how to get where I need to go to finish this draft. I overthink EVERYTHING. In life, and in writing.
When the time comes for alpha readers, beta readers, and proof-readers, I will send out a call for volunteers - the more the merrier!
Thank you so much for offering. It means a lot to me. Without the support of my husband, my editor, and my friends in this group, I don't think I could do this.
Writing is such a personal thing, it's sometimes downright scary. At one point in the last few days, I felt like I was failing at it, and I actually had a full-blown anxiety attack. In retrospect, it seems ridiculous; after all, this isn't life or death by any means. But at the time? It was a quick trip to Crazytown. I took a walk, took a nap, and managed to get back to it after I let things settle.
Laters!
P
Hi there - we enjoyed ourselves so much we ended up staying an extra day. We were able to book one of our very favorite rooms on the property - with two rooms separated by a pass-through fireplace, two large sliding glass doors with spectacular ocean views, and an enormous bathroom with a rain shower and a soaking tub. Pure bliss. We shopped, walked, talked, and had some much-needed alone time without distractions.
The writing....well, that didn't go as planned. I got mired in a chapter that I thought was heading in the right direction--and then realized that 1) the scenes within it aren't "coherent" - they don't hang together the way they should. 2) Some action in that chapter happens too soon for the rest of the story...I got ahead of myself. All of these things can be fixed--scenes can be moved around easily in the software program I use to write. But I swear, I spent hours on hours on hours and felt like it was harder than it should have been to get 2000 decent words down. Especially since there will be a lot of changes in the next round. *sigh*
I'm fighting this harder than I should be, but at least I recognize it and know what I need to do. I have to take a step back and go back to my outline (and timeline); tweak a few things, and pretty much draw myself a map showing me how to get where I need to go to finish this draft. I overthink EVERYTHING. In life, and in writing.
When the time comes for alpha readers, beta readers, and proof-readers, I will send out a call for volunteers - the more the merrier!
Thank you so much for offering. It means a lot to me. Without the support of my husband, my editor, and my friends in this group, I don't think I could do this.
Writing is such a personal thing, it's sometimes downright scary. At one point in the last few days, I felt like I was failing at it, and I actually had a full-blown anxiety attack. In retrospect, it seems ridiculous; after all, this isn't life or death by any means. But at the time? It was a quick trip to Crazytown. I took a walk, took a nap, and managed to get back to it after I let things settle.
Laters!
P
Brandi wrote: "Congrats on the anniversary, Paula. Hope you had a great time!
I can't wait til it warms up a bit over here! The windchill right now is -24 and I am at work hoping my car starts later when I go ho..."
Oh, Brandi, I feel for you in those cold temperatures. I've only been in the deep freeze a few times - in Montana and in Colorado - and once in Virginia, where it was so cold on the mountain that the bottom of our skis iced over on the lift between runs. People had frostbite, it was so bad. Also in Virginia--twice--we had the frozen pipes in the wall and our house flooded when they thawed out. I hope the system passes through quickly.
It's unseasonably warm in our little valley town this week. Rain moves in tomorrow and hangs out through the weekend. And next week Ray & I are road-tripping up to Montana -- so I will definitely feel the winter by the time we arrive.
Hope that stomach bug is all gone now. Our granddaughter is on her 5th ear infection in a row - they're sending her to an ENT specialist next week. She's missed so much school -- but every time she goes back, she catches something else. It's especially bad in kindergarten and the early childhood grades.
Stay warm and be well. Let us know how it goes!
P
I can't wait til it warms up a bit over here! The windchill right now is -24 and I am at work hoping my car starts later when I go ho..."
Oh, Brandi, I feel for you in those cold temperatures. I've only been in the deep freeze a few times - in Montana and in Colorado - and once in Virginia, where it was so cold on the mountain that the bottom of our skis iced over on the lift between runs. People had frostbite, it was so bad. Also in Virginia--twice--we had the frozen pipes in the wall and our house flooded when they thawed out. I hope the system passes through quickly.
It's unseasonably warm in our little valley town this week. Rain moves in tomorrow and hangs out through the weekend. And next week Ray & I are road-tripping up to Montana -- so I will definitely feel the winter by the time we arrive.
Hope that stomach bug is all gone now. Our granddaughter is on her 5th ear infection in a row - they're sending her to an ENT specialist next week. She's missed so much school -- but every time she goes back, she catches something else. It's especially bad in kindergarten and the early childhood grades.
Stay warm and be well. Let us know how it goes!
P
Paula wrote: "Linda wrote: "Paula wrote: "Ladies -- I will be out of town after today, until next Wednesday. Ray is off for a stretch after an incredibly long. difficult work week. It's our 29th anniversary week..."I am so happy you had such a lovely getaway. Sometimes just a change in venue and a lack of responsibility can change your whole outlook on life in general.
I completely understand what you mean by overthinking things and "going to crazy town." I swear I can put myself into situations that cause me to have a panic attack by just thinking too much about the wrong things. My imagination is way more frightening that reality most of the time. One more thing to work on in therapy. I am going once a week now. I get too far off track if I don't go regularly. I am able to think more clearly there, possibly because it is a SAFE place. I realize fear has controlled my actions for most of my life and I need to learn how to deal with the past and move forward with confidence and assurance of my capability to reach the place of acceptance of who I am and how I got here. But most of all, with peace that I can reach a better place and remain there.
Fear is a horrible thing. And I believe when it is instilled in you as a young child by trusted adults it can be enough to shake you to your very core at any given time. It floored me when I reached that point and I am slowly working my way out of the deep, dark pit it left me in. I am so thankful for my friends here who have supported me through some of the roughest time of my life and I will love and cherish each and everyone of you for as long as I have breath in me. You were truly instrumental in saving my life literally. Your encouragement and heartfelt support lifted me up in times I just wanted to fade into the woodwork or worse. I am eternally grateful.
I am looking forward to reading your work when it is time. All you need to do is ask.
Be good to yourself and take a step back when you need to.
Love and prayers
Linda M.
Hey Paula,You have a reader with me ! Glad you had a good trip ! I am so looking forward to spring ! This has been a warmer winter but very overcast and dark. Depression is always worse in the winter, so I picture spring in my mind, oh the first smell of my lilacs !!!!!!! I am getting into my garden planning. Seeing what seeds I need to order. And still on my decluttering , did my bakers rack yesterday. I love it but with all that metal decorations it is a booger to clean. But I did it yes! Gotta get ready to head into Helena ,running out of food lol the only thing that would get me out in this cold. Prayers to all the people in the mid-west ,stay home and warm ! Love Lola
Linda wrote: "Paula wrote: "Linda wrote: "Paula wrote: "Ladies -- I will be out of town after today, until next Wednesday. Ray is off for a stretch after an incredibly long. difficult work week. It's our 29th an..."
You are spot-on about the cumulative effects of fear. I've realized recently that fear has taken over some aspects of my life. Not all of them, certainly, because I'm still a bit of a thrill-seeker and I take pride -- sometimes -- in doing what scares me. I get that because I was SO, SO overprotected as an only child.
Since I lost my job - and this year, since I turned 65 - I've become afraid of lots of aspects of life I never worried about before. I realize that I'm afraid of things I can't even name. And they are things that even my husband, who's always so supportive, just can't understand.
I bought a book this weekend called, "You are Here: An Owner's Manual for Dangerous Minds" - by Jenny Lawson. It's a very honest book from the perspective of a writer who suffers from depression, anxiety, and fear - and has since childhood. It is so uplifting and thought-provoking I knew instantly that this author gets it" as no one else can. It's a really easy read - a series of poems, essays, drawings (you can color them - I bought new pencils) - and I'm excited to dig in, a page at a time, when I'm feeling vulnerable. She wrote one book before this that I haven't read - but both books are NYT best-sellers - so if this one is as good as it seems to be, I'll probably scoop up the other one.
Sometimes it's overwhelming, but I've realized over the past few days - in a new way - that if we don't take ownership of fixing ourselves (with help, love, and support), no one is going to stand up for us. It is so hard to admit that your mind is a scary place, that you think differently, feel differently, and react differently than other people. But the awesome thing - and the thing that gets me through some days, one hour at a time, is that these issues are FAR more common than we think. In that case, we are not alone in this struggle, and can learn from the journeys of others.
Take heart, my friend.
P
You are spot-on about the cumulative effects of fear. I've realized recently that fear has taken over some aspects of my life. Not all of them, certainly, because I'm still a bit of a thrill-seeker and I take pride -- sometimes -- in doing what scares me. I get that because I was SO, SO overprotected as an only child.
Since I lost my job - and this year, since I turned 65 - I've become afraid of lots of aspects of life I never worried about before. I realize that I'm afraid of things I can't even name. And they are things that even my husband, who's always so supportive, just can't understand.
I bought a book this weekend called, "You are Here: An Owner's Manual for Dangerous Minds" - by Jenny Lawson. It's a very honest book from the perspective of a writer who suffers from depression, anxiety, and fear - and has since childhood. It is so uplifting and thought-provoking I knew instantly that this author gets it" as no one else can. It's a really easy read - a series of poems, essays, drawings (you can color them - I bought new pencils) - and I'm excited to dig in, a page at a time, when I'm feeling vulnerable. She wrote one book before this that I haven't read - but both books are NYT best-sellers - so if this one is as good as it seems to be, I'll probably scoop up the other one.
Sometimes it's overwhelming, but I've realized over the past few days - in a new way - that if we don't take ownership of fixing ourselves (with help, love, and support), no one is going to stand up for us. It is so hard to admit that your mind is a scary place, that you think differently, feel differently, and react differently than other people. But the awesome thing - and the thing that gets me through some days, one hour at a time, is that these issues are FAR more common than we think. In that case, we are not alone in this struggle, and can learn from the journeys of others.
Take heart, my friend.
P
Lola wrote: "Hey Paula,
You have a reader with me ! Glad you had a good trip ! I am so looking forward to spring ! This has been a warmer winter but very overcast and dark. Depression is always worse in the wi..."
Hi there! Next Wednesday, we leave for Montana. The first night we're staying in Idaho Falls, then on Thursday night in West Yellowstone so that we can take off on another (hopefully easier) snowmobile trip out and back to Old Faithful. After that, we'll drive up to Big Sky, where we're staying at the Huntley Lodge and be there until the 14th. We start the drive back on the 15th, stay the night in Reno, and finish the drive home on the 16th.
I don't know where Big Sky is in relation to where you are, but between now and then we need to figure out how and when to get together.
Believe it or not, it's 68 degrees here today. The rain - heavy rain and wind - moves in tomorrow and lasts through Sunday, then it will turn to snow at and above 1000 feet on Monday - just in time for Ray to be on call at the hospital. That's at is at around 1900 feet - our home is just above the Ukiah Valley at around 650 feet above sea level. They usually close the pass between here and the hospital where Ray works, so I may not see him again until Tuesday. I will be holed up, writing and reading and hoping the power doesn't go out.
We have daffodils blooming in the planter boxes...but not for long.
My thoughts go out to those experiencing the -50's and -60's - I can't even fathom those wind chills. To all our friends in the deep freeze, stay safe.
P
You have a reader with me ! Glad you had a good trip ! I am so looking forward to spring ! This has been a warmer winter but very overcast and dark. Depression is always worse in the wi..."
Hi there! Next Wednesday, we leave for Montana. The first night we're staying in Idaho Falls, then on Thursday night in West Yellowstone so that we can take off on another (hopefully easier) snowmobile trip out and back to Old Faithful. After that, we'll drive up to Big Sky, where we're staying at the Huntley Lodge and be there until the 14th. We start the drive back on the 15th, stay the night in Reno, and finish the drive home on the 16th.
I don't know where Big Sky is in relation to where you are, but between now and then we need to figure out how and when to get together.
Believe it or not, it's 68 degrees here today. The rain - heavy rain and wind - moves in tomorrow and lasts through Sunday, then it will turn to snow at and above 1000 feet on Monday - just in time for Ray to be on call at the hospital. That's at is at around 1900 feet - our home is just above the Ukiah Valley at around 650 feet above sea level. They usually close the pass between here and the hospital where Ray works, so I may not see him again until Tuesday. I will be holed up, writing and reading and hoping the power doesn't go out.
We have daffodils blooming in the planter boxes...but not for long.
My thoughts go out to those experiencing the -50's and -60's - I can't even fathom those wind chills. To all our friends in the deep freeze, stay safe.
P
Hey Paula,I know what you mean ,sometimes I lay in bed trying to go to sleep and the fears of growing old try to pop in. My mantra is "can you do anything to change it No, so what good does it do you to worry ?" None ! I am staying healthy ,eating right & exercising. I go in for my mamo and my yearly health screening, so I am doing all I can. It is going to be strange going in for my mamo this year !
Love Lola
Hey Paula,We are about 100 miles from Big Sky. My phone number is 1-406-4657569. Why don't we try for the 13 th Wen., you can pick the place & time. I am so excited ! Wolf was wondering what Ray does ,I know he works at a Hospital but can't remember what he does. See you soon giggle giggle ! Love Lola
Lola wrote: "Hey Paula,
We are about 100 miles from Big Sky. My phone number is 1-406-4657569. Why don't we try for the 13 th Wen., you can pick the place & time. I am so excited ! Wolf was wondering what Ray ..."
Hi again -- Ray is a nurse anesthetist at the hospital. We met in Virginia while I was going for my bachelor's in nursing and he was in his first semester of anesthesia school. We both had to pass an advanced anatomy and physiology class to stay in our programs, and there was only one professor who taught it - a guy who declared his academic purpose in life to "weed out the unworthy." The failure rate in his class was extraordinary. He took pride in it. He was also untouchable because he had tenure. So a few students in his Monday-Wednesday class banded together as a study group in an effort to defeat him - and we did. Everyone passed - I broke the curve and made an A. Most satisfying grade I ever received. After the class - we stayed in touch. The rest is history. :-)
We are about 100 miles from Big Sky. My phone number is 1-406-4657569. Why don't we try for the 13 th Wen., you can pick the place & time. I am so excited ! Wolf was wondering what Ray ..."
Hi again -- Ray is a nurse anesthetist at the hospital. We met in Virginia while I was going for my bachelor's in nursing and he was in his first semester of anesthesia school. We both had to pass an advanced anatomy and physiology class to stay in our programs, and there was only one professor who taught it - a guy who declared his academic purpose in life to "weed out the unworthy." The failure rate in his class was extraordinary. He took pride in it. He was also untouchable because he had tenure. So a few students in his Monday-Wednesday class banded together as a study group in an effort to defeat him - and we did. Everyone passed - I broke the curve and made an A. Most satisfying grade I ever received. After the class - we stayed in touch. The rest is history. :-)
Hello everyone,Hope you all are surviving the crazy weather wherever you are. We are 20 ft above sea level and it is snowing like crazy and is forecast to keep doing so until Tuesday. I spent a few years living in Spokane, WA so I am no stranger to snowy weather but I don't trust the driving skills of the lowlanders around here so I will be staying home the next few days. My son drives a delivery truck for Lowes and he said he got gas this morning, got on the freeway to start deliveries and saw one crash and a car roll into a ditch within an hour. He went back to the store, called all of his clients and told them they would not be getting their deliveries today. People don't slow down and maintain a safe driving distance no matter the weather around here. It's just nuts. It snows so rarely they just don't know what to do. They will probably cancel school tomorrow because of the novelty of the weather and lack of preparedness.
It is so funny because Lucy, my Border-Aussie, hates it. She will not go out in it. Dave got so mad at her tonight because she went out on the deck stopped, did her tinkle, and came back in. lol, there was no way she was going any further. She is really spoiled. I am not going to complain about our weather when it has been so bad on the other side of the nation. I feel so bad for the folks there who are experiencing such harsh cold conditions.
I have not been reading much lately. My medication change has me wanting to sleep a lot so when I sit down to read I doze off.
Hopefully, my body will get used to the change soon and I won't become drowsy.
I hope you all are well and staying warm and dry.
Love and hugs,
Linda M
I have h==
It’s forecast to snow here as well...only an inch, but it’s rare in the valley. If it snows they will close the pass between home and the hospital where Ray works. He’s on call today and never gets home until around 11 pm on those days, so I may not see him until tomorrow. As long as I have candies, red wine and books I’ll be fine.
I’m supposed to be cleaning and packing for our Montana road trip...but I’m having anxiety issues today. Big ones. Honestly...I don’t have a good feeling about this road trip. I want to see Montana, meet Lola, go to Yellowstone, and get some writing done. Maybe go tubing on the hill. But skiing? My body says...maybe not. I used to love it, and maybe I’ll manage...but I haven’t been AFRAID to ski since my first year out. It will hurt Ray if I don’t try. So...anxiety and dread it is, for now. Have I tried telling him how I feel? Multiple times. Does he get it? Yes. But at the same time, does he blow it off? Yes. The next two weeks will tell ...
I’m supposed to be cleaning and packing for our Montana road trip...but I’m having anxiety issues today. Big ones. Honestly...I don’t have a good feeling about this road trip. I want to see Montana, meet Lola, go to Yellowstone, and get some writing done. Maybe go tubing on the hill. But skiing? My body says...maybe not. I used to love it, and maybe I’ll manage...but I haven’t been AFRAID to ski since my first year out. It will hurt Ray if I don’t try. So...anxiety and dread it is, for now. Have I tried telling him how I feel? Multiple times. Does he get it? Yes. But at the same time, does he blow it off? Yes. The next two weeks will tell ...
Hey Paula, I am sorry you are having these bad feelings. Do not worry about me, if you are worried I always say listen to your guide . I believe we have people on the other side who guide us, I mostly listen ,when I haven't I wish I had. If it was me I would ask "Wolf if he wants me to go with him? If he says yes ,then, "I'm sorry but I will not be skiing , my mind & body are telling me no."... Now in my later years I am feeling all those missteps I took when I was younger. Maybe offer a snow mobile ride or snow shoeing . Love Lola
Hi Linda,We are getting snow too and it has been below zero for the last 2 days. So we have not stepped outside at all ! Thank goodness we went shopping last week.
I hope you get use to the meds soon. Wolf was going through some of the same things with his insulin ,not sleepy of course ,but getting the amount under control . So cheerful thoughts they got his under control . Love Lola
Paula wrote: "It’s forecast to snow here as well...only an inch, but it’s rare in the valley. If it snows they will close the pass between home and the hospital where Ray works. He’s on call today and never gets..."I'm so sorry about the panic attacks. They can be brutal. My husband doesn't understand the magnitude of their power over me. The brain is truly a complicated thing. I pray we both will someday be able to overpower this force that keeps us hostage and steals moments of peace and joy. My medication is helpful but I have a long road to travel to reach wholeness. I am praying for you to find your path as well. I chatted online with my brother in Hawaii today. I made some progress in the issue of childhood memories. My therapist said it could be painful, and it was, but I think it will help bring about healing as well. Hold on to your faith and remember you are loved unconditionally both by your heavenly father and those of us who love you here on earth. Psalm 46 gets me through a lot of bad days. There is one whos power is greater than fear and He is my strength..💞💞🙏
Paula ,If you read this I think the weather is against us, Wolf doesn't want to drive because of the storm we have coming. Sorry ! Love Ya Lola
Lola wrote: "Paula ,
If you read this I think the weather is against us, Wolf doesn't want to drive because of the storm we have coming. Sorry ! Love Ya Lola"
Hi, Lola -- We've been watching conditions too, and while we have "all season" tires and all-wheel drive, he's reluctant to drive off the Big Sky property - the roads on the way up here last Friday were slippery, and it was only lightly snowing.
I'm sorry too. I doubt if we'll get this chance again. It's been a disappointing week here so far - I can't ski because of my foot, so it feels like I'm kinda trapped up here -- it's hard to watch everyone have so much fun while I limp around the hotel feeling sorry for myself. That's an unusual, uncomfortable feeling for me. I'm usually pretty adaptable and independent, and just roll with the punches. But, there's a lot going on back in Virginia that's stressful, too, and it's distracting me. The day we left Ukiah, our granddaughter was diagnosed with a mild heart condition, and my daughter got terribly ill with the flu - so it's been a highly emotional week.
Sensing that, Ray treated me to a nice spa treatment today that helped me relax and calm down a bit.
Obviously, there are many things we can't control - not the weather, not the heart problem, and not the flu - so all we can do is try to have patience and know that things will get better. Take care and stay safe,
Paula
If you read this I think the weather is against us, Wolf doesn't want to drive because of the storm we have coming. Sorry ! Love Ya Lola"
Hi, Lola -- We've been watching conditions too, and while we have "all season" tires and all-wheel drive, he's reluctant to drive off the Big Sky property - the roads on the way up here last Friday were slippery, and it was only lightly snowing.
I'm sorry too. I doubt if we'll get this chance again. It's been a disappointing week here so far - I can't ski because of my foot, so it feels like I'm kinda trapped up here -- it's hard to watch everyone have so much fun while I limp around the hotel feeling sorry for myself. That's an unusual, uncomfortable feeling for me. I'm usually pretty adaptable and independent, and just roll with the punches. But, there's a lot going on back in Virginia that's stressful, too, and it's distracting me. The day we left Ukiah, our granddaughter was diagnosed with a mild heart condition, and my daughter got terribly ill with the flu - so it's been a highly emotional week.
Sensing that, Ray treated me to a nice spa treatment today that helped me relax and calm down a bit.
Obviously, there are many things we can't control - not the weather, not the heart problem, and not the flu - so all we can do is try to have patience and know that things will get better. Take care and stay safe,
Paula
Hi Paula,I am sorry about everything ! Winter in Montana can be very hard to deal with, I get the winter blues about this time of year ,when I am tired of the snow , cold and clouds. Thank goodness Spring is soon . What happened to your foot?
I know you want to be in Virginia ,I don't care how old they get our Children are our Children. Jina wrote me that Heather is doing really bad , I sent in a prayer request , that poor young girl needs all our good wishes.
Speaking about Virginia what' s up the politicians there. I thought only Montana got that crazy ! But I don't think they knew the stupid stuff they did as kids would come back to bite them in the ass.
Let us know you get home ok. Love Lola
Lola wrote: "Hi Paula,I am sorry about everything ! Winter in Montana can be very hard to deal with, I get the winter blues about this time of year ,when I am tired of the snow , cold and clouds. Thank goodnes..."
Lola,
Thanks for telling us about Heather. Jina and the girls have been on my mind. Sorry you and Paula had weather interfere. I am trying to get my Library Catalog back. The computer program crashed and the backup has a corrupt program line so I am redoing it . This is making me look at the books and is making it easier to decide what to keep. I will add Heather , Jina and the whole family to our prayer list. Hope you and Wolf stay warm and safe.
Paula wrote: "Lola wrote: "Paula ,If you read this I think the weather is against us, Wolf doesn't want to drive because of the storm we have coming. Sorry ! Love Ya Lola"
Hi, Lola -- We've been watching condi..."
Paula,
It is hard to realize we have little control over a lot . I will add your daughter and granddaughter to our prayer list as well. Have a safe journey home.
Melinda
Hi all,
To answer Lola’s question about my foot, shortly before we left for our road trip to MT, I was cleaning out some clutter in our guest bedroom and getting out the luggage we keep in the closet back there, and while trying to keep one of my cats out of the room, managed to break a toe. The first 48 hours were the worst but it’s still painful to put (and keep) shoes on of any kind — much less a ski boot. I limped around Yellowstone last Friday, and am still limping around the resort. There’s lots of walking required to get anywhere so I’m racking up steps on my Fitbit like mad...but I can’t even try to ski with my foot in this condition.
And yes, I wasn’t exactly excited to ski - I think I said “terrified” before the toe incident - but now that we’re here, I feel like a total misfit. I remember how much I used to love it, and how much it means to Ray for us to ski together...and I realize how few chances we may have to do this again. It’s been a ridiculously stressful, weepy week, and Ray and I have had some intense...INTENSE...issues around all this.
Honestly, so much has “hit home” recently I feel lost and confused. And old. And so disappointed with myself for messing up what was supposed to be a joyful, exciting mountain adventure. Add the worries about family and the recent death of an old friend and it’s been a rugged ten days all the way around.
I know I still have much to be grateful for. I know there are many whose lives are far more stressful and complex than my own. So honestly I even feel guilty about feeling depressed over all this.
Ray doesn’t have any conference sessions until late this afternoon and with the storm we are going to take it easy until then. He will probably go out and ski — he’s an expert — and I’ll curl up by one of the fireplaces and read. As always, things will hopefully work out as they should.
I hope you all have a safe and healthy rest of the week. We hit the road home early Saturday. Will check in again along the way.
P
To answer Lola’s question about my foot, shortly before we left for our road trip to MT, I was cleaning out some clutter in our guest bedroom and getting out the luggage we keep in the closet back there, and while trying to keep one of my cats out of the room, managed to break a toe. The first 48 hours were the worst but it’s still painful to put (and keep) shoes on of any kind — much less a ski boot. I limped around Yellowstone last Friday, and am still limping around the resort. There’s lots of walking required to get anywhere so I’m racking up steps on my Fitbit like mad...but I can’t even try to ski with my foot in this condition.
And yes, I wasn’t exactly excited to ski - I think I said “terrified” before the toe incident - but now that we’re here, I feel like a total misfit. I remember how much I used to love it, and how much it means to Ray for us to ski together...and I realize how few chances we may have to do this again. It’s been a ridiculously stressful, weepy week, and Ray and I have had some intense...INTENSE...issues around all this.
Honestly, so much has “hit home” recently I feel lost and confused. And old. And so disappointed with myself for messing up what was supposed to be a joyful, exciting mountain adventure. Add the worries about family and the recent death of an old friend and it’s been a rugged ten days all the way around.
I know I still have much to be grateful for. I know there are many whose lives are far more stressful and complex than my own. So honestly I even feel guilty about feeling depressed over all this.
Ray doesn’t have any conference sessions until late this afternoon and with the storm we are going to take it easy until then. He will probably go out and ski — he’s an expert — and I’ll curl up by one of the fireplaces and read. As always, things will hopefully work out as they should.
I hope you all have a safe and healthy rest of the week. We hit the road home early Saturday. Will check in again along the way.
P
Paula wrote: "Hi all,To answer Lola’s question about my foot, shortly before we left for our road trip to MT, I was cleaning out some clutter in our guest bedroom and getting out the luggage we keep in the clos..."
Paula, You are in the 'wars' at the moment. There is a saying 'It never rains but it pours' and that seems to be how life is treating you at this time. We never seem to be in the right place when family need us. All you can do is try & support your daughter & granddaughter long distance by offering verbal or video support. At least with technology you can see each other. It won't be satisfactory for your 'Mum' brain & heart but it's better than nothing until such time as you can make the journey again. Keep talking to us, we are here for you so you can at least release some of your tensions & worries.
Jina & her family also seem to be going through a continuing time of stress, we can only pray for them all. Love & hugs to all xx
Hey Paula, Just checking to see if you got home safe we had some storms come thru. Love Lola
Hi, Lola! We got home late last night after deciding to extend our trip home slightly - we took a different route so we could see more of the country and we took a lot of secondary roads rather than interstate highways. It was beautiful and fun but also exhausting. I felt like I'd walked the entire way home by this morning.
We crossed the Cascades in Oregon over some sketchy, snowy terrain but - wow - it was gorgeous. We encountered lots of snow in Idaho and Oregon but no major storms - just heavy snow showers, mostly above 4000 feet. We spent the first night in Bend, a place we've heard a lot about and wanted to see; then we crossed Oregon to Crescent City, California - another favorite stopover. There were over 100 sea lions parked on the jetty where we stopped to have supper and I got some adorable video for Layla (our granddaughter).
Thank goodness I didn't have to work today. I was so tired and sore from so many hours in the car I showered, unpacked, caught up on email and then crashed for almost three hours. Ray is in the same shape - but he had to work this morning and feels like a zombie this evening.
As always, we loved our time in Montana and Yellowstone and almost hated to leave such beautiful country. But I will say that it felt good to have a sunny day back in the upper 40's and low 50's. It dumped several inches of rain while we were gone - and I'd rather see snow than rain any day. I bet you're ready to see some spring bulbs pop through the surface. My daffodils are blooming in the back yard - that was a welcome sight.
Take care - and I hope everyone else is hanging in there. I don't have to work until Thursday this week and I think it will take me that long to recover from "vacation"!
xo
P
We crossed the Cascades in Oregon over some sketchy, snowy terrain but - wow - it was gorgeous. We encountered lots of snow in Idaho and Oregon but no major storms - just heavy snow showers, mostly above 4000 feet. We spent the first night in Bend, a place we've heard a lot about and wanted to see; then we crossed Oregon to Crescent City, California - another favorite stopover. There were over 100 sea lions parked on the jetty where we stopped to have supper and I got some adorable video for Layla (our granddaughter).
Thank goodness I didn't have to work today. I was so tired and sore from so many hours in the car I showered, unpacked, caught up on email and then crashed for almost three hours. Ray is in the same shape - but he had to work this morning and feels like a zombie this evening.
As always, we loved our time in Montana and Yellowstone and almost hated to leave such beautiful country. But I will say that it felt good to have a sunny day back in the upper 40's and low 50's. It dumped several inches of rain while we were gone - and I'd rather see snow than rain any day. I bet you're ready to see some spring bulbs pop through the surface. My daffodils are blooming in the back yard - that was a welcome sight.
Take care - and I hope everyone else is hanging in there. I don't have to work until Thursday this week and I think it will take me that long to recover from "vacation"!
xo
P
Paula wrote: "Hi, Lola! We got home late last night after deciding to extend our trip home slightly - we took a different route so we could see more of the country and we took a lot of secondary roads rather tha..."Paula, so pleased you both had a wonderful time & I hope you have come home, although tired, felling better about yourself & current life situations. Relax if you can until work on Thursday. Love & hugs xx
Hi Paula ,Glad to hear you got home safe if not sound lol ! Any news about Layla's heart, I have been keeping her in my prayers.
I love this part of the country we live in but I am ready for some of those wildflowers and my lilacs !
Hi Lesley,
How is everything across the pond? It has been cold & snowy here. I hope the roads are clear because we need to make a run into Helena tomorrow, running low of everything I can't order on line.
Everyone take care ! Love Lola
Hi, Lesley and Lola -
Lesley, I came home feeling a bit better - the sun is out and that always helps. And even though I couldn't write while I was there, I felt like I could move in that direction again - so I'm hoping to squeeze in some writing time by the end of the week. I'm still catching up on things like groceries and laundry - and email from work, trying to remember what I was working on before I left.
Lola - Layla sees the specialist again in a month. She has no symptoms associated with her heart problem. As a nurse, my mind reminds me that many people have heart murmurs that are never detected, and this particular problem - mitral valve prolapse - isn't serious at her age. But the shock hasn't worn off and I feel for my daughter, who has been through so much in the last few weeks. As soon as I can, I'm going out to see them. Maybe even go with her to her next appointment with the specialist. Seeing them would do me so much good...and thank you so, so much for your prayers. I don't know what I'd do without the love and support of this powerful little group of women.
xo
P
Lesley, I came home feeling a bit better - the sun is out and that always helps. And even though I couldn't write while I was there, I felt like I could move in that direction again - so I'm hoping to squeeze in some writing time by the end of the week. I'm still catching up on things like groceries and laundry - and email from work, trying to remember what I was working on before I left.
Lola - Layla sees the specialist again in a month. She has no symptoms associated with her heart problem. As a nurse, my mind reminds me that many people have heart murmurs that are never detected, and this particular problem - mitral valve prolapse - isn't serious at her age. But the shock hasn't worn off and I feel for my daughter, who has been through so much in the last few weeks. As soon as I can, I'm going out to see them. Maybe even go with her to her next appointment with the specialist. Seeing them would do me so much good...and thank you so, so much for your prayers. I don't know what I'd do without the love and support of this powerful little group of women.
xo
P
Lola wrote: "Hi Paula ,Glad to hear you got home safe if not sound lol ! Any news about Layla's heart, I have been keeping her in my prayers.
I love this part of the country we live in but I am ready for so..."
Hi Lola,
We are having very mixed weather here at the moment. This week it's cold but mild for the time of year. Snowdrops & crocuses are out. I' sure we will suffere with the weather at some point we usually do. More than likely we will have a poor summer but will have to wait and see.
Apart from the life goes on as normal, no highs or lows though which is good for now.
Love from Lesley x
Paula wrote: "Hi, Lesley and Lola -Lesley, I came home feeling a bit better - the sun is out and that always helps. And even though I couldn't write while I was there, I felt like I could move in that directio..."
Hi, Paula,
I am glad you had a lovely trip and arrived home safely. It may have gotten off to a bumpy start but sounds like you enjoyed yourself in spite of it.
I will keep Layla in my prayers. If it helps in any way my mom had a heart murmur with no issues and she was 82 when she passed. I know it can be an issue for some but at least it was discovered at an early age and she can be monitored from here on out. I know you are aware of these facts but when it comes to our children knowing the possibilities is not always a positive for us. I think we tend to look at the worst scenario first and worry because of it. We also tend to keep our worries to ourselves for fear of alarming our loved ones. Feel free to vent away with me at any time. You will feel better if you let it out. You should know by now there is nothing but support here.
Love you, my friend. Message or call me any time you feel the need.
🙏💞
Paula wrote: "Hi, Lola! We got home late last night after deciding to extend our trip home slightly - we took a different route so we could see more of the country and we took a lot of secondary roads rather tha..."Hi, Paula,
I just reread this post and somehow missed the part where you went to bend. 😆 Bend is less than 20 miles N of where my dad lives in Redmond, Oregon. I love it there. Dad thinks it is too far to go for shopping but I manage to get him to give in on days when he is feeling up to it. I hope you were able to sight see a little. I love going up to "Sisters" as my dad calls it. The little town nestled in the Two Sisters Mountain Range. Dave and I went there the last time we were there together.
Hope all is well with you.
🙏💞 Linda
Hi, Linda! We did take a little time to look around and definitely want to go back. I'd never been to central Oregon and always wanted to see more of that state. Sadly, there was no time for shopping, but hopefully we can plan a longer stay another time.
Hey Ladies,Well I did a doozy today ! We went to Helena to shop , I made it through all the snowy and I do mean SNOWY parking lots. Then got home across the icy driveway and made it up the big deck staircase to the kitchen. I put down the box of groceries I was carrying turn around and my feet went out from underneath me from the snow on my boots ,I landed on my left knee and the left side of my back hit the cabinet . Thank Goodness I still have some of the pain pills from my surgery and Arnica Gel to keep the swelling down, I am glad I pick up some yarn to keep me crocheting and not going crazy I don't do good sitting down for long.
I had better take a pill ant hit the hay , more tomorrow ! Love Lola
Lola wrote: "Hey Ladies,Well I did a doozy today ! We went to Helena to shop , I made it through all the snowy and I do mean SNOWY parking lots. Then got home across the icy driveway and made it up the big de..."
Oh, Lola I'm so sorry. Please take care of yourself so you may heal properly. I will keep you in my prayers.
Love you🙏💞
Lola wrote: "Hey Ladies,Well I did a doozy today ! We went to Helena to shop , I made it through all the snowy and I do mean SNOWY parking lots. Then got home across the icy driveway and made it up the big de..."
Hi Lola, That sounds the type of thing that would happen to me. Please take it steady & look after yourself. Hope you feel better soon. Love & hugs xx
I am so thankful for all your good wishes and the pain pills have really helped ! I will keep in touch. Love Lola
Lola,glad that you are feeling better today. I slipped with my toothbrush and hurt my gum and it is swollen so warm salt water , and the water prick for three days and it is better. The swelling is almost gone. I was brushing my teeth and lost my balance. this is not as bad as you or Paula but I could not understand why it hurt until i thought about it.
Paula,
I was born with a Heart murmur . It is only detected now if I become severely dehydrated. so your grand daughter will be fine with follow up visits. Sometimes knowing more information only makes you go to worst case which I tend to do with medical issues. the thing to remember is that medical things are improving as they find out more and discover ways to counter the problem.
Lesley,
Hope you are having a good weekend.
Love,
Melinda
Hey Paula ,Are you near the floods ? I saw you are near the Russian River which flooded . Let me know ! Love Lola
Hi Lola,
We were under flood warnings for a couple of days and the road leading out of our neighborhood — and our town — was closed for a few hours, but we have not been in any danger or under any evacuation warnings. That is not to say that there isn’t water In places we don’t usually see it, and the rivers are in whitewater mode right now, but our property is elevated well above the river so we fared very well. We are grateful. This is historic level flooding.
We were under flood warnings for a couple of days and the road leading out of our neighborhood — and our town — was closed for a few hours, but we have not been in any danger or under any evacuation warnings. That is not to say that there isn’t water In places we don’t usually see it, and the rivers are in whitewater mode right now, but our property is elevated well above the river so we fared very well. We are grateful. This is historic level flooding.
Hi, Lesley - I LOVE Outlander. I'm 'way behind, though - I have 23 episodes on my DVR right now. Ray isn't a big fan of it - he can't keep up with the dialect and gets frustrated with it.
Oddly enough, I couldn't get into the book series - I didn't enjoy Diana G's prose and felt like I couldn't connect with the characters, so I stopped before I finished book 1. I may try again, though. It's an amazing work of historical fiction.
I'm going to treat myself to another episode of A Discovery of Witches tonight.
Paula