Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Tuesday

I am pleasantly stuffed with home made pizza.  Even tried making the crust in the bread machine, which didn't turn out too bad.  I like the crust crisper than what I ended up with, though.

My truck is parked on the street, and it is trying to snow.  I think I'll tempt fate and leave it out there.  I do have a broom in the back now, so I can brush it off.

 
I rather like this way of looking at a new year.


Sounds like a good idea to me!


Kasey left her new watch here.  Pretty fancy, huh?  It was a Christmas present from Lila.

Monday, December 30, 2013

Monday

Fairly uneventful shopping trip to Ridleys.  I think I will be having zucchini fritters this week.  I didn't plan on that, but when I shut the tailgate on the pickup, I heard something crunch.  When I got home, I discovered one of the zucchini had been caught under the tailgate and was pretty much pulverized.   I think I need to write a recipe book- "Cooking with Duene", or maybe "The Klutz in the Kitchen".

 
 
I found these amusing cartoons on the Internet yesterday.  I thought they were appropriate for New Year's. 

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Sunday

I've lived here seven months, and discovered today that my oven has a light!  There is a little black switch on the black surface of the back console.  Duh!  I've never noticed it before. 

*************************
The Yahoo weather report on my computer says visibility is 10 miles.  I've always wondered how they figure that when the mountains all around us are standing there sharp and clear. 
 
 
 
This sounds like a great idea to me!  Does anyone who makes a New Year Resolution actually keep it?  And most resolutions seem to involve getting into shape and losing weight.  I haven't made a New Year's Resolution in years, maybe never.  That way, I don't have to feel guilty about not keeping it. 
 
*********************
 
I have a list ready to take to Ridley's today.  Barrie brought me milk a couple days ago, but there are things I really need, so might as well get it over with.  A trip to Ridley's is not something I enjoy.
 
I have thrown out most of the candy and snacks from the Care box someone sent to all the residents here.  It's pretty bad.  There are five or six pairs of lightweight gloves in the box.  Then Barrie and Kasey gave me some gloves for Christmas because I didn't have any.  I need to put the gloves in a dresser drawer, because they are slowly disappearing.  Kat enjoys chasing them around and throwing them up in the air.



Friday, December 27, 2013

Friday

Kasey is with me today.  She came early, I was just waking up.  She had a piece of cherry pie for breakfast.  And I didn't give it to her - her Mom did! Then she ate an egg and biscuit.

I just baked some bread pudding.  Maybe we'll have that for lunch, and more cherry pie for supper!

 
 
In spite of the schoolteacher blood running through my veins, I allow her to vegetate in front of the iPad, watching cartoons.  Maybe we'll do something educational later, like play Black Jack.

 
Spur likes this view of the world.

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Thursday

The first order of the day yesterday was to bake a pie.  Check.

 
Is this what a pie crust is supposed to look like?   It didn't look like this in the recipe book!

**********************
 
We told Kasey she could choose our Christmas Dinner.  So we had biscuits and gravy today.  Personally, I liked her choice.  We also had cherry pie and ice cream.  Believe it or not, I managed to pull that mess of dough together and make a good pie. 
 
The recipe said "do not handle dough too much."  Believe me, I handled it a lot.  I manhandled it!
 
 
 Kasey loves to play with my "Bluebird of Happiness" and wanted to take it home.  When she opened this, she squealed "A bluebird of my very own.


 

When she opened the next box and found the baby bird, she danced around in a circle.


Then she opened the magnifying glass - "A magnifying glass of my very own!"

I had two glasses at the house and brought both of them here.  It's a pretty safe bet an item will be a good gift if your granddaughter wants to take yours home.  It was a wonderful day.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Tuesday

This place is just too busy.  Last night they delivered this BIG box to my room.  It is from the Church of Christ, I think.  It is full of snacks, treats, lotions, socks and gloves.  How nice!

 
Kasey is here this morning, and she unloaded everything so we could see what was in it.  There was some fragrant body spray in there, so now we both smell like orchids.

Barrie brought me some gift wrap, my plant fertilizer, some mail, and the dark glasses I have been looking for.  She went to Alco, but Kasey can't go with her today.  Secretive stuff.



They just delivered a plate of cookies to my door.  Kasey wonders if I'm going to share them with her!

Kasey and I just took a vote.  We want pizza for Christmas dinner!

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Sunday

Pleasant surprise today.  I turned on the TV just to see if anything was on.  And I found the Denver game is on!  Payton Manning just threw a touchdown pass that broke the record for one season. The only football I've seen here has been college ball. I guess I better pay closer attention. I already missed three quarters of the game.

**********************
 
The elusive blue eraser was taken off the kitchen counter yesterday.  Today, it showed up in Kat's food dish. Some people have the "elf on the shelf".  I have the "cat on the counter".
 
 
Several years ago, I decided I was going to buy myself a new TV for a Christmas present,  This is what was left on my front porch.  Sorry, Santa, but I had no desire for a mountain bike.  I never did get a new TV that year.
 
 
 
 

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Saturday

All the things I took out from under the stove and refrigerator have disappeared.  I made the mistake of leaving them on the kitchen counter.  Kat must have been so happy to see all her goodies. I did find two erasers, a chain, and a pencil, and put them in a safe place.

 
I kind of OD'd on Christmas movies last night.  I watched both "A Christmas Story" and "Christmas with the Kranks",

I always wonder what becomes of child actors.  The little boy who played Ralphie in the movie went on to do some more acting and became a producer.  And the little boy who froze his tongue to the flag pole went on to became a porn star.

You can visit the original house from the movie in Cleveland. It was sold on eBay in 2004 for $150,000. Collector Brian Jones bought the house and restored it to its movie glory and stocked it up with some of the original props from the film, including Randy's snowsuit and the leg lamp in the window.  There is also a museum and a gift shop.  You too could have a leg lamp in your living room window!

************************
 

Barrie called Thursday to see how I was feeling.  She had gotten sick after she got home from Rock Springs, and was sick all day Thursday.  She was afraid it might have been food poisoning, but we ate the exact same things, and I felt fine.  Yesterday and today I have felt a little bum - just tired and achy, so maybe we both got the flue.  But I haven't felt nearly as badly as she did. 
 

Friday, December 20, 2013

Friday

Disaster in housekeeping yesterday.  Mandy showed up at my door yesterday morning, with Xiao Ling, who was  in tears.  I had asked Xiao Ling to wash the quilt that was on my bed (bright colors), and it faded a little bit on the sheets and pillow cases.  Xiao Ling was so upset.  I guess she expected me to yell at her, but Mandy and I got her calmed down, and I gave her a big hug.  She was smiling when she left, so why do I feel like I kicked a puppy?

I don't even have white sheets.  They are flannel and printed with bears and pine trees, so the little bit of color on them can hardly be noticed.

Kevin, head of housekeeping, showed up looking for Mandy, and he moved both the stove and refrigerator out for me.  There were all my missing erasers and pencils, and a Tylenol.  Thanks, Kat!  You are such an invaluable companion. 



They worked all day shoveling snow off the roof of the new apartments, and it snowed a little again last night.  I don't understand why they let most of the summer go by before they even started construction.  Maybe they were waiting until irrigation was over for the summer and the water was turned off in the ditch.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Thursday

Barrie, Kasey, Spur and I made a "quick" trip to Rock Springs yesterday to have my eye checked.  Everything is fine, and I won't be going back until Jan 11 when I have the cataract removed from my left eye.  Of course the high spot of the whole trip was stopping at the café in Farson.  Barrie and I splurged - we had jumbo shrimp.  And it was delicious!  Wish that place delivered!

************************
 
 
This was the art room at Rendezvous Pointe yesterday.  Yes, there are actually five people crammed in there among the Angle Tree gifts.  I didn't stay for lunch, but the entire place was full of people for the big Christmas Dinner.  I saw a lot of people I would have enjoyed visiting with, but had to get on the road to Rock Springs.
 
*************************
 
I got a phone call from the Casper Star Tribune this morning.  They want to do a story on the Marlatt Brothers baseball team.  (my dad and his father and all the brothers.  The guy who is doing the story actually got my name from "Old Picture of the Day" - where I had sent a picture of the team.  I directed him to my PBase Gallery, where there are more pictures.  Also gave him my brother's number.  Bill may remember more of the old stories than I do.
 
*************************
The new apartments resemble an ant hill that has been stepped in this morning.  It looks like at least 20 men working on the roof, and a crane lifting big pieces of something up to be put into place.  There is another smaller crew sweeping snow off the part where the roof is on.  It snowed a couple inches again last night.
 
 

 

 



Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Tuesday

I have no idea what happened to my blog yesterday - - I just spaced it out and didn't think about posting.  How can I forget things I need to do when I don't have anything to do?
 
**************************
 
Claire F. came to visit the other day.  I think she is here almost every day for Harold.  I always enjoy visiting with her so much.  We go back a long ways, back when I was a fabricholic, and she sold me yards of material.  Also, I taught  her girls in first grade.
 
 
**********************
 
I did some more exploring in the bookshelves in the Heritage Room today.  There are hundreds of books here!  I'm pretty happy to be able to read real books again.
 
 
 
Barrie and Kasey came by this afternoon, and KC brought her "Green Eggs and Ham" book to read to me.  I'm glad she loves to read.
 
You will have to use your imagination here.  I have a short video of Kasey reading to me, but Blogger won't upload it.
 



Sunday, December 15, 2013

Sunday

I'm attempting to download Microsoft Office Pro from the Internet.  It didn't work the first time, or at least I couldn't figure out where it was.  I bought the program on EBay.  I have a link to the place to download it, and the product key so I can use it.  I've bought programs like this in the past, and it's a great way to purchase a computer program.  Simple to do, but I couldn't find where it was saved the first time.  Back to the drawing board.

*********************** 
 
 
Two new gadgets for the kitchen, NON ELECTRIC!  The can opener is sharp, and easy to turn.  The knife sharpener works great!  I think these things go dull and gummed up so gradually we don't notice.
 
******************
 
Yesterday I went down to get my mail, and went into the Heritage Room.  They have huge bookcases in there (and also in the area down the hall from me.)  I've never browsed through the books before, because they were so hard to read.  But I found a good book and brought it back to my apartment.  With my "new" eye, I am able to read it with no problem!  The only problem is, the page doesn't turn when I press the side of the book, like my Kindle does! 
 
******************
 
Ahhh - download was successful, I entered the Key Code, and Microsoft Office is now installing.
 


Saturday, December 14, 2013

Saturday

I thought I would have to get reading glasses for the computer and for reading and maybe art work.  Now I'm not so sure.  My "new" eye seems to handle close up work easily.  That would be almost too good to be true.  I've worn glasses since I was nine years old.  It will take me a while to learn to quit looking for them when I wake up in the morning!

***********************
 


I don't have any new photos, so I looked back through the files at pictures I had taken in December in past years.  Wow!  KC looks like such a baby here in 2008.  Kat's personality had already developed by then.  She didn't like anybody.

Kat did like her new bed.

*********************
 
I'm heading down the hall to do my laundry.   Some of the residents here want washers and dryers in the new apartments.  Not me!  I don't want to give up the space for them.  Housekeeping here takes care of laundering my sheets and towels, so I don't have that much laundry.  I don't have to put money in the machines, and I don't have to sit with it.  Why would I want them in my apartment?


Friday, December 13, 2013

Friday

My eye is even better today.  One of the stern instructions for after surgery was not to stoop over.  Good grief!  That's not possible.  Barrie filled the Kat's dishes so I don't have to bend over and get them from the floor.  But how do you keep from stooping over?? When you drop a spoon on the floor, you bend over to pick it up without thinking.

The bright light bothers my eye a little, so I have the drapes closed.

 
Spur went with us to Rock Springs.  He is a very good traveler and sat in the pickup and waited for us.  He rode in the back with KC, and crawled up in her lap to take a nap.

************************
 
I let myself be talked into going down to the Heritage Room again yesterday for the Thursday afternoon "visiting".  There were only five of us, and they are all deaf and can't hear each other.  Sometimes I think we're on America's Funniest Home Videos, or Candid Camera.


Thursday, December 12, 2013

Thursday

 I should be listening to Christmas music, but am listening to my Jim Croce  playlist on my iPod.

My eyes are working together much better this morning.  The vision in my right eye is so sharp and clear, and the left one is just kind of there.  But they are tracking together. Last night on the drive home, I told Barrie I wished she would choose which highway she was going to drive on, because she kept drifting off to the side on the one we seemed to be on.  And I met more than twice the number of headlights than she did.  I finally gave up and put the patch back on the right eye.

The left eye won't be done until January. 

**********************
 
But the big news is, my son-in-law, Paul, has just been sworn is as a new District Court Judge in Colorado.

 
 


The Honorable Paul R. Dunkelman.

Paul and Tracy


Proud!



Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Wednesday

Surgery went well, at leas that's what they say.  I'd type more, but I see two keyboards and don't know which to use!  I'm expecting my left and right eyes to work together tomorrow1!

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Tuesday

I have been assured that the cataract surgery is a go tomorrow.  If they try to send me back home for some reason, I will tear their waiting room apart.  I have all my ducks in a row.  After all the specialists and machines I have seen, the ophthalmologist was the only one who had concerns about my heart.  If my heart stops during surgery, he will never forgive me!

**********************
 
Barrie was talking about the dogs out at Susie's, and one of the big dogs she has to walk every day is a Mastiff.  She nicknamed him "Hooch".  I had forgotten all about the movie "Turner and Hooch".  I checked on Amazon, and sure enough they had it.  So I watched it last night.  What a great movie!
 
  
***********************
It looks like construction has come to a halt on the new apartments.  Today there was a big truck outside my window, and they were unloading big crates labeled "Sunset Precast Stone Veneer".  I checked the company on the Internet, and it looks like it must the stone facing for the outside of the building.
 
 
If you don't like reading about what people cook, you can stop here!  But I am always excited when I make something that is actually edible!  I had planned on making a BLT sandwich, but instead, I found this recipe for BLT pizza. It was soooo good!
 


Monday, December 9, 2013

Monday

It was about 20° below zero last night, and the wind is blowing snow off the roof again.  Can't even see the other wing of Sublette Center at times.  So nice to be indoors looking out.

 
I've seen several photos of cats and Christmas trees lately.  This is not a new picture, but a good one. Both KC and Kat were much younger!

*******************
 
I have debated buying an electric can opener, but I think I have talked myself out of it.  Why?  I've had several over the years, and never had one I liked very well.  So I as long as I can turn the crank, I will be using an old fashioned can opener.  Maybe I'll buy a new one of those, as I think the blade must be really dull after all these years.
 
***********************
 
I am really missing watching the NFR this year.  I can't get it here.  I can at least keep up with the results on the Internet.  If I can see the TV well enough to enjoy it, I might consider getting Dish Net again.  Or maybe not.



Sunday, December 8, 2013

Sunday -- Meet Spur

 
Barrie has been looking for a Blue Heeler puppy ever since she had to put Jarvi down.  Meet Spur!  She just got him yesterday, and brought him here before she even took him home.  Someone knocked on my door, and when I opened it, Kasey stood there, with a big grin and a wriggly puppy.  He is 12 weeks old, and came from Richies. 
 
Nice pup - not shy, and not too rambunctious.  He gets along great with kids.  Kat didn't appear while he was here, so I don't know how he is with cats.  He probably got beat up by Shorty when they went home!
 
Barrie worked at the Boulder Veterinary Clinic yesterday.  Kasey and the pup were with her all day, Spur in a kennel, and KC on the computer. 
 
°
 
And after a full day, Spur needed a nap. Like most pups, he just conked out where he was and in what looks like an uncomfortable position. 
 
********************
 
A couple weeks ago, Barrie picked up a stray dog off the street and took him to Julie.  Kasey was with her.  To make a long story short, Kasey left with a new cat, her very own.  Barrie should have know better than to take KC in there. His name is Clyde, and he is supposed to be killing mice in the basement, which is where he sleeps at night.  Barrie even likes him, and she claims to hate cats!
 
***************
 
It's a good day to be indoors.  It's 9° and the snow is blowing off the roof.


Friday, December 6, 2013

Friday

I just got back from the liquor store.  It was up to 2°, but the sun was warm.  The pickup hadn't been started since Wednesday, and it started right up in spite of 20° below zero for two nights.  I guess it's not that much different from the house, because the garage was not heated.  Good old truck!

Took a while to get back to my apartment when I got here.  My neighbor, Mary, who is 97 and 3 ft. something, was getting her mail, and her mailbox is at the very top.  After I helped Mary get her mail, I walked with her slowly back toward the apartment.  Betty Jo was at the dining room door.  She had let go of her walker and was trying to hang the menu up on the bulletin board.  She had taken it down to have a copy made, and couldn't get it back up.  She is so tottery, so I put the menu up for her, and got her back with her walker. 

 
I probably post this photograph every year, but it's so appropriate for winter.  I took this when I was still using a 35mm camera and slide film.  She was by the Air Force facility on the Boulder Road. 

 

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Thursday

It's official - - winter is really here.  It was 20° below zero last night.  It's nice and cozy in my apartment, and frost on the windows.

 
Tracy sent me this little tree for my apartment.  When I unpacked it, I thought it was the most realistic tree I ever saw.  When I read the paper that came with it, I discovered it is a real tree!  It needs to be watered.  I set it up yesterday and watered it.  Today the branches are relaxing and plumping up, and I can smell it.  It is balsam, and smells wonderful. 

****************
 
The apartment was cleaned today, and I asked the housekeeper to write her name down for me.  I know I have not been pronouncing it right.  Her name is Xiao Ling Li.  Her first name is pronounced like "Show" (rhymes with now).  I'm glad I am finally able to pronounce her name correctly.
 
*******************
 
I'm afraid I've been caught again.  I promised neighbor Nancy I would bring the movie "The Legend of Earl Durand" for the discussion group to watch today. The movie was filmed in Pinedale, in the 70's, I think.   
 


Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Wednesday

 If you doubt that Christmas is coming, take a look in the art room at Rendezvous Pointe.  This is where the presents for the "Angle Tree" are stored, and this is just a small amount of what will be in here before they are distributed to the kids.  Beth tells us that we may have to be moved out of our art room.  Certainly can't complain about giving up our space for a cause like this.

*************************
 
 
The blue thing in the cat food dish is a piece of poster tack.  I use this for an eraser on my pencil drawings, The problem is, Kat loves these and always steals them.  Tracy gave Kat a piece if it on purpose when she was here, and I haven't seen it since.  Until yesterday, when it mysteriously appeared in her food dish.  She likes to put things in her food dish. 
 
 
Wow!  surprise from Ridley's when I went to buy groceries yesterday.  I like to always have celery on hand, but hate having to buy a large head of it.  It keeps forever, but I always ended up throwing a bunch out because I didn't get it used.  Ridley's had a container of sliced celery and you could buy as much as you wanted.  Yay!
 


Monday, December 2, 2013

Monday

I am the master of procrastination, something that has always been out of character for me.  I've spent a lifetime getting things done before the deadline.  I guess I worked well under pressure.  Now I find myself putting off anything and everything that can wait until tomorrow! 
 
I just sloshed the coffee over the rim of my coffee cup and wiped the bottom of the cup with my shirt tail.  I am sitting here smiling at the dirty dishes in the sink.  I just took something out of the freezer that I won't know what it is until the frost melts.  That's not procrastination, that's being slovenly!!  I do, however have my bed made and am dressed.
 
*********************
 
 
I bought another kitchen gadget.  I have wanted one of these jar/bottle openers for a long time, and as my hands are beginning to feel their age, I ordered one last week.  It mounts under the cabinet. 
 
*****************************
 
I'm still doing a little housecleaning every day on my computer, deleting some files and organizing others.  I found these two photos I took on one of my numerous trips over South Pass the winter my Mom got sick.
 

 
 
 


Saturday, November 30, 2013

Saturday

Had a great breakfast this morning at the Wrangler with Barrie and Benny. What a wonderful start to a beautiful Saturday.  Snow is predicted for tomorrow.

**********************
 
The pictures I posted yesterday of Shoshoni looked pretty depressing, but I tend to photograph old things.  There are parts of Shoshoni that look pretty good.  They have some senior housing, a couple of nice parks, and of course there is the little old Presbyterian Church, which is beautiful.
 
 
The minister and his family lived in a house right next to the church.  Their daughter was my age, and we went through school together.  The minister's wife used to play the piano in the high school gym for our school dances.
 
 
********************
I bought something that maybe isn't good for me.  I used to love to take naps on the couch years ago, when I was still working.  That is one of the things I planned to do when I retired, but for some reason, I have never started taking naps.  Last week I bought a throw for the couch, a soft fuzzy blanket.  For some reason, I all of a sudden have an urge to nap on the couch!



Friday, November 29, 2013

Friday

Now playing on my radio, "I Want You to Love Me Like My Dog".

I am not in favor of excessive government control, but can't our government step in and outlaw Black Friday?  People run amuck!!

*********************
 
Every now and then I go through files on my computer and try to get rid of some things.  Kind of like cleaning my closet.  I got stuck going through old photos, and am always fascinated with the photos I took in my old home town, Shoshoni, several years ago.  I decided to post some of them.
 

This is what's left of the Derby Dining Room and Bar.  I used to work here.  There was an old unused gambling  room off the bar.  Nick kept a mattress in there for drunks, sheepherders, or someone who just needed a place to sleep.  They are pretty sure that is where the fire started.  Even though the Derby wasn't open, someone got in and evidently was smoking in bed.

 
This is the front of the Derby and the east side of Main Street.  There used to be a restaurant there, a pool hall, a movie theater, and the hotel on the end.  The Yellowstone Drug Store was on the ground floor of the hotel.
 
 
And this is Sid's store.  Part of the store was originally the restaurant, and part of it was the movie theater, so the floor sloped.  Part of it was two stories, and had narrow hallways with no exit.  So eventually, the fire marshal shut it down.  The store was full of merchandise for many years.  Sid's son eventually started to haul things out and sell them from a wagon parked in the street.  I bet it's not empty yet. 
 
 
I used to know the people who lived here.
 
 
This motel sign was on the edge of town.  Missing a lot of light bulbs.  I like how they spelled "singel", and wonder what "IR" means.
 
*********************
 
About the pie I posted a photo of yesterday.  It may look like I dropped it getting it out of the oven, but it tasted really good!
 


Thursday, November 28, 2013

Thursday

 
Sara Lee, where are you when I need you?

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Wednesday

The fire alarm is going off, and I am cooking.  I think that's just a coincidence.

The fire drills here are unique, to say the least.  I think the purpose is to just make sure the alarms are working.  Our instructions are to stay in our apartments, and if we really do need to leave the building, they will come get us.  I spent too many years running kids through fire alarm drills at school, and I always have the urge to get up and find a line to join.

**********************
 
 
I still don't know who this cowboy is.  It is from a photo I took years ago at the Winter Carnival.  This guy was standing on a snowbank talking to Stan M., and I snapped his picture.  I did a pencil drawing, and more recently, a watercolor.  Several people told me they thought it was Tim Baxley, but I showed these to Barb P., and she says it's not.  Anybody recognize him?
 
**********************
 
I've given up on the parsley I planted in my windowsill.  Very few of the seeds sprouted, so now I overplanted with chives.  Seems to me the basil is growing very slowly.  The planter is in a south window, and gets plenty of sun.  


Monday, November 25, 2013

Monday

I try to walk some every day.  The walk down the hallway to check my mail is nice, but today the office delivered my mail to my door because I got a package.  So I guess I will just have to walk for the sake of walking.  There is an exercise bike just down the hall, but I hate the things.

I got my "new" laptop out today to install some programs.  Laptops tend to wear out.  Well, all computers do.  I decided to find something as a backup with Windows 7 while I was still able to.  No way am I going to fight with Windows 8.  Been there, done that, and returned the computer.

I've decided I will install Microsoft Office 2007.  I have purchased Office 2010 twice on EBay.  The first one, EBay pulled the auction for some reason, and the second one, the seller returned my money.  And I'm not paying retail price for it.  Office 2013 is out, and I thought maybe I could find 2010 at a bargain. 

 


I worked on a pencil drawing of this beautiful little girl last week, but I sure didn't do her justice. 

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Saturday Schedule

I hope I don't get into the habit of this schedule!  I couldn't stay awake last night, so I went to bed really early (for me).  After a good night's sleep, I woke up at 3:30.  I got up at 4:00, fixed some steak and eggs with fried potatoes, and a pot of coffee, and read for a while.  I went back to bed about 7:00, went sound asleep, and woke up at 10:00 and washed the breakfast dishes. 

******************
 
When I walked down to check my mail yesterday, two women were sitting in the lobby visiting.  I decided to be sociable and sat to visit with them.  Well, chalk another one up to experience.  I found out the girl who cleans my apartment is worthless.  I must be missing something.  I think she is great.  And the guy who drives the bus from Rendezvous Pointe is terrible, and always late,  and the housekeepers do a terrible job of cleaning the apartments and are lazy.  There was more, but I forget what, exactly.  There must be something wrong with me that I don't notice these things.  Next time I check my mail, I think I will have a reason to get back to my apartment fast.
 
*******************
 
I tried to kill my little windowsill herb garden.  It was below zero, and I left the planter between the drape and the window glass.  The basil was laying flat, but it recovered.  Tough little guys.
 

 
Every year after the first big snow, I would get this book out to read to kids.  The book is Alfalfa Hill, and the illustrations are in pen and ink.  This artist is one of my favorites, and once in a while I will look him up on the Internet just to see more of his work.