"Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.
I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one. "
~John Lennon


Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Weather Report

Good Day, fellow bloggers. What's up with this weather? Today is starting out to be perfect spring weather. Which is fine, except it is now summer. Cool enough to spare the a/c yet comfortable enough to be outdoors without sweaty armpits. Yay. Enjoy your day wherever you are.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

When Less Is More

Looking back on my adult life, I try to remember the times I was most satisfied. Some of those times were when I did not have many possessions. Like the time we were "camping" out in a house after moving to Virginia from California and the moving truck was not going to be there for another week.
I remember looking around the spacious living room and smiling, thinking to myself that I would like to keep it like this and not have all the furniture and belongings, that it was easier to keep clean and it was relaxing for the family not to have so much stuff.

At other times I would sell everything except sentimental things and move somewhere and start over. I would vow to keep it simple and then as time went on I would find just the right chair or table and eventually have a house full of furniture.

The latest adventure of two back to back floods in my basement apartment forced me to see every single thing I own except items on top shelves in the apartment, moved and temporarily stored in my  garage, then the barest essentials eventually being brought back into the apartment. As I sit at my computer I look around and smile at the empty spaces. I have decided to call it my minimalistic lifestyle and have a clean, uncluttered look. Two big chairs, a small table, a side table, a file cabinet and a table for my computer and printers. That is the living room. Simple and comfortable. In the bedroom: Bed, wrought iron shelves for sweaters and shoes, smaller wrought iron shelves for more shoes, and a long bookcase that fits into closet for the clothes.

I am realizing the dream I had so many years ago of less furniture and fewer belongings. Am I turning into a, well, what is the word for a female monk?

Friday, July 18, 2014

Major Plumbing Work

All pipes to my apartment are being replaced.

Plumber at work in water closet.

Under kitchen sink after they cut away bottom shelf.

Isn't this interesting????

Lola, the cat, is locked in bedroom again but she is doing well. I go to the center today and to the lodge meeting tonight. Life goes on as usual.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

Those of us who live on two intersecting streets got together for a fourth of July weekend potluck Sunday evening. We were going to gather in the park but due to heat and humidity, we opted instead to meet at the parish center at the Catholic Church. Some attend that church; some don't. What we do all have in common is the pleasure in meeting our neighbors. We all brought something to share and we were ages 2 through 94, and as we were leaving we all agreed that we want to do this again, soon.

Saturday, July 5, 2014

People's Secrets

There are lots of things I don't do well, but one that I can do well is keep a secret. Through my life anyone who gets to know me learns that I am trustworthy. Just as it is not in me to take something that does not belong to me, I do not divulge something someone shares with me in confidence. I don't go out of my way to encourage people spilling their guts or opening up to me, but when it happens I am aware of my place as confidant and respectful of the information being shared with me.

What is it about humans, in particular women, that lifts a load a bit when we have a friend to share some hurt or even a joy. Sometimes someone has surprised me with a big sigh and told me something from the depths of their heart that I didn't know what to say or do, but just be present. Knowing when something is not about me and holding my judgment or advice to allow someone to trust me has been a lifelong experience. Trust is a huge issue for me. Maybe for a post some other day.


Ewww, Mildew

Landlord is removing drywall in two rooms and will have to move out stove and get way back in cabinets in kitchen. I can tell the landlord does not want my apartment to flood ever again, we are on the same page. He has an excellent plumber here taking care of pipes and has new sump pump installed and paid to have new carpet installed.

I decided not to bring the rest of the furniture back into the apartment. Going to live minimalistic lifestyle.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Happy Fourth of July

This flag symbolizes freedom for Americans. The hatred people spew over which political party is the best cannot detract from the one thing we all share: Freedom. We are glad to live where there is freedom, but there are some who would take it away to have their own agenda. I can only speak for myself, and I am grateful to live in the USA where we all have choices and ability to make decisions without stifling other people's rights for the same freedom. Whether or not we vote the same way, we share the same space and make the best of what we do have. I hope I don't live long enough to see that change. This is a special day in our country. Much more than watching fireworks. May the spark of pride in what our country stands for be reignited in each of our hearts so we may preserve the valuable principles this country was built upon.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Salmon Fishing

Have you been salmon fishing? I haven't, but now I would like to. I just watched a terrific DVD called Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt, and one of my favorites, Kristin Scott Thomas. Of course, I will not be salmon fishing in Yemen, but now salmon fishing is on my bucket list.

Finding just the right movie at just the right time doesn't happen very often, but this time it happened for me. Who else has seen this movie? If not, I recommend you watch it. Highly recommend it.