Kasia – thereisnosanityclause

Mourning or Missing

Today is the 10th anniversary of my Mom’s passing.

I miss her; truly I do. As my Mom had dementia, the last five years of her life were my mourning period. My brother and I took turns every other night taking care of her, and I don’t think there wasn’t a night that I was there that I didn’t cry. Mom was herself for one week after she suffered a subdural hematoma, but then dementia took her away. She could communicate in Polish on occasion, but talking was minimal. The birthday before she passed away, I was up with Mom overnight. Her birthday was four days before mine. On my birthday, I got up quietly to get dressed for work, and as I turned away from the closet, she looked over to me and said,” Good morning.” It was the sweetest birthday gift she ever gave me.

People commented to me about not crying at her funeral. I said it was a celebration of her life-her entire life pre-dementia. We were genuinely glad she was done with her struggle. Physically she hung in there for five long years. It was time for her body to go catch up with her mind in a better place.

Life has gone on and I miss Mom. There are many times I can feel her wagging her finger at me and telling me “I told you.” She never got a chance to see me retired. She never got to come here and see where we live now. She knew my Zushie girl but didn’t get to know my Kasia that well.

At this ten year mark, I’m missing Mom. I don’t think that’ll ever change. I am grateful for the life she led. I just hope I can catch up with her eventually.

Another Year…

So here we are in 2022.

What’s changed? Vaccinated and boostered, we went to my brother-in-law’s funeral the week before Christmas. Vaccinated and boostered, we went to my sister-in-laws’ for Christmas. What am I doing now? Tomorrow I am going to my local CVS for a PCR test. **sigh** Jim is waiting for home delivery of a state of New Jersey test.

I really am just fed up. I can’t work due to variants and my medical history.I have no trouble with staying away from people. What gets me are the people who give no consideration to folks like me in their sixties, who can’t fight disease as easily as a thirty-something.

So Kasia and Jim and I are here together, thankful for another year together. I just wish it wasn’t so difficult.

I wish you and yours a HEALTHY and happy 2022.

Oh,by the way, the picture of Kasia, as of tonight is false advertising. Tomorrow, however, we have eight to twelve inches of snow forecast….just sayin’.😉

One Shot, Two Shot

I hadn’t taken the time to write a post for a while, as I eventually was Quarantined/Covid beat.

Oh, don’t get me wrong.

We stayed in our bubble, we wore our masks, we used our hand sanitizer. There came the time, though, where I hit a brick wall. I had to pull myself together in order to just exist. Jim and I both got our shots, thanks to me getting crazy on vaccine finder.org.

Now, it’s the summer season again coming up, but we both aren’t well. Sleep has been an issue and I think I can’t sleep at times because I know Jim needs to get some sleep. I am afraid of waking him up. When a partner/spouse has health issues, your mind never shuts off. Worry always takes you by the hand. I came to appreciate Jim even more during the time we quarantined. When health issues come up, I can’t fathom the idea of life without him. So I’m up and worrying, to make sure I don’t disturb his sleep.

We had Kasia as the third of our bubble, and I am sure she was with us to make sure we kept our sanity. I am so sure there were times she looked at the both of us and shook her head.

Now, I am back, trying to get back into life, wearing my mask when needed, and still taking precautions when needed. Like millions of other vaccinated Americans, I have stuck a big toe in the pool of life again, and if you’re fully vaccinated, why don’t you join me? The water is fine.

Long Ago…

…in a galaxy 94 miles away from where I am now, Jim and I said our vows 17 years ago on the 31st of August.

We have gone through ups, downs and bumps, but we are still here. Perhaps the fact that we were late bloomers at 42 and 48, and maybe we assumed that maturity would see us through, but what ever it was, my vote being love, we are still standing at the seventeen year mark. I have often said that it has gotten to the point where I can’t remember life without Jim and Zush, and later Zush and Kasia joining us. I think it’s a good thing.

So happy anniversary to the former bagel baker. I love you and am looking forward to the golden years that we might actually participate in down the road.

Here @ Undisclosed Location

It’s a beautiful day here, if you discount the “gazillion” percent humidity. Allegedly we are due for thunderstorms this afternoon or tonight. In the meanwhile I am taking part of the long standing tradition of moving the sprinkler periodically across the lawn.

The heat is kicking our lawns’ butt, so I convinced Jim to put the sprinkler out, with assurances that I would stay on top of it and move it periodically. Hell, my job during summer vacation, other than walking with my trainer, Kasia, is watering flowers and vegetables. Lawns? No big leap for women-kind there.

You don’t mind it when you manage to snag an occasional sunset like the one above. It makes it all worthwhile.

Too Damn Hot!

Boy, how I wish that we had some clouds in the sky right now.

Like most of the eastern part of America, we are in the oven for a few days now. Yes, I know it’s July, but when the heat index reads 115, well, I’d like to talk to those who don’t believe in global warming.

You know it’s hot out when even the bay water looks like it could be stock for soup! Yet some folks who have their vacation now are ON the beach. How they can actually stand the heat is beyond me. There are more heat advisories than you can shake a stick at, but just seeing that hot sand?**shaking my head**

Kasia and I walk early in the morning on the shadiest street. Once we take care of business, she’ll turn and look at me as to say,” Air-conditioning…NOW!” I can’t say I blame her.

Here’s hoping for cooler weather and that you are staying cool too!

We Love Our Mailperson

..for Beth our Mailperson. Back in the city, our male Mailmen weren’t too nice to her. As a result she’d bark at them all the time. What a difference a small village makes.

Beth comes up slowly with the truck, especially in the summer, as she knows I have her out there. She goes slow so Kasia won’t get frightened. It’s really incredible. Before Beth comes to our house, she goes down a block on the other side of the street. Kas will bark once to let me know to get her ready. I bring her out and Beth rewards her with a biscuit.

Nice to have an animal friendly mail server! It’s deeply appreciated.

The End of the Month

It’s Memorial Day Weekend, and officially, today is Memorial Day. I always preferred to acknowledge it on the 30th of May, which was the first ” Decoration Day”. Either way, I have taken thought of those who served and still do serve, and thank them for their service. It is hard to want to celebrate this in the Washington Area today, as the American Vice-President is leading the ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery. The “President” of the United States is in Japan, where he gave an award to the winner of a Sumo wrestling competition last night. All I have to say is….wow.

Tomorrow marks the last week of the month, work-wise, and I have school through the rest of the week. It’s hard for me to believe time has gone so quickly and summer vacation is around the corner. Here in “Amity”, our population is bursting at the seams. I will get through the summer, and wait patiently with Kasia, for our quiet time, which is after Labor Day.

Here’s hoping that you honored the Veteran in your life today, and enjoy the start of the summer months.

In the Wee Small Hours…

Well, I am up. It is, indeed, in the wee small hours of the morning.

I hate it when I can’t sleep. While working on this behavior modification, usually I am pretty shot and sleep well. Tonight, er, rather, this morning, well, it is a different story.

I am usually pretty good and stopping caffeine at a decent hour so it doesn’t keep me up. I also like to exercise early enough so I am not trying to fall asleep with my physical and mental engines running. Today just doesn’t seem to want me to sleep. After a while of staring at the ceiling, I check my watch out and figure that I might as well get up.

The newest glitch is that the pollen is starting. I am starting to get a cough that just makes me nuts. I always used to pride myself in knowing my sinus post-nasal drip cough, but this new cough makes me sound like I smoke a pack of Pall Mall cigarettes daily. The wheeze is terrible. My physician says to go the Claritin D-Mucinex route, but it really is not working for this night-time cough. There is nothing like working to improve your physical state, but your entire body isn’t behind you 100 percent.

Well, I’ll stay up for now, and recruit Kasia, aka, my personal trainer, to walk just a wee bit further to make her Mom more tired. Perhaps that’s what’s needed. It’ll be good just to get a few hours of decent sleep.

Tricking My Metabolism

It is Thursday and it has been nice being home with Jim and not being two ships, passing in the midday, as it were. We got a bit accomplished, and with the fiasco of last night’s dinner out as the exception, it’s been pretty good.

I have found the time to tweak my foods this week. By that I mean slipping a nonfat yogurt in when I think my body was looking for carbs. It has been a week for more salad, and I am surprised at how easily my body is adapting to it.

Kasia has been keeping me on my toes also. It’s incredible that the longer walk has her looking for it, that is, walking more frequently. That has been a plus for the both of us.

Of course, to spite my Claritin -D and Mucinex input, I always get to appreciate the new things in bloom that are gorgeous. How the lilacs bring me back to Mays past. It is also a reminder that Jim’s birthday is coming up, along with Mother’s Day.

I made it through Easter pretty well, and if I keep mixing up my walking, with biking and the like, I should hopefully be ok in May. Actually, I’ll find out on Tuesday, which is the next dietician’s appointment.

“Weighting”Time

What a good way to get exercise-GARDEN! It seems as though spring would never get here. If it only weren’t frustrating, at least this year for us.

We had gotten plants last year from a local farmer and our veggie output was awesome. As I said to Jim, our kiss of death works, because this year, it looks like the farmer is either not farming, or hopefully nothing serious, but no plants there. Bummer!

Now, about last years friend, and this year’s nemesis, the gerber daisies. I bought four, as where we were, they only had four. Bought a red, yellow, fuchsia and orange. Don’t you know, the yellow and fuchsia got shock from being transplanted?

**Sigh**

It’s nice. This time last year I had no stamina for gardening like I used to. This year I was out there and it felt good. Now, if I can fix my gerber daisy situation, I’ll feel great.

The weather was great today. Kasia and I had some quality walking time that we both enjoyed.

So it was a day to reap the benefits of feeling and being fifteen pounds lighter. No, I am not stopping: fifteen is the current number. It is worthwhile to feel as if I am getting back in the land of the living.

Springtime Sunday

It is a gorgeous day today, and it is Easter Sunday to boot. Kasia and I have already had one longer walk and as soon as I post this, we’ll have walk number two.

Jim is already out, as he likes to do a really fast walk, and Kasia and I tend to move too slow for him. I am getting her out for the second walk because we have to go up and see Jim’s family that is ninety miles northwest of us. I want to get Kasia nice and tired out, and it will also benefit me, as I’d get the exercise too!

Enjoy the day and make the most of it.

Savor every moment!

A Long “Weigh”to Go

The allure of the water is deceiving. You figure you are at the ocean, bay or whatever. What do you forget about?

POLLEN.

I have been doing longer walks with Kasia trying to burn up the calories. Now the problem is I have a pocket full of Kleenex I have to deal with while handling Kasia and her paraphernalia.

Sure, the flowers are a beautiful sight, and I always appreciate the view of them after the snow of winter.

I try to be good to my body with as much holistic medicine as I can get ahold of during allergy season. I figure that to throw chemicals down my throat isn’t really the relief I am looking for: as a matter of fact, I feel it is an invitation for y0ur body to start trouble where it currently may not have trouble. While I am doing the calorie counting, I feel more in tune with my body than I have in the past couple of years. So, for example, when I am congested, I use a saline wash to clean my nose out. That simple act puts the YOU in user friendly.

Well, speaking of walks, it’s time for my buddy/training partner, Kasia, and I to go and get some fresh air in our lungs and hang out together. We’ll hopefully enjoy it and come back worn out.

School’s Out…

…for spring break.

The last few weeks, having sporadically taught sixth grade, I felt like I was in Florida with the students during spring break.

You see, for fourth thru sixth grade, swimming is compulsory in gym. After all, Cape May is on the Atlantic Coastline. I remember whenI started here, I thought that it was an awesome idea, and that it makes a lot of sense. When I would go with the students to their gym class, the pool looks so inviting..The rough part? The humidity in the pool area makes me feel like Florida in July.

Although I will miss the students for a little bit, I do admit that it will be nice to sleep in once in a while for the next few days, and more importantly, spending quality time with Jim and Kasia.
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“Weighting” for Good Health

It was a beautiful day today, albeit colder thanks to the current winter storm hitting the midwest. For example, I’m wearing polar fleece over a sweatshirt as I type this. Will it stop my weight-loss mission?No way.

Our local hospital,in conjunction with our registered dietician and a few other physicians and nurses, ran a healthy eating program at a country-club located in our vicinity.The program started at 6PM and at 5:30PM, they offered us healthy choices for dinner. There were various salads with light dressings that were very tasty. I had the spring mix with sliced Granny Smith apples and walnut halves that was really good. Jim also opted for this choice. They offered hummus and sliced veggies and dip in addition to fresh cut fruit. The offerings were cantaloupe,pineapple,honeydew and grapes.

It was a 1 1/2 hour program and definitely worth the time and attention. Now, if I can shake this cold?

I’ll feel great!

Weighting for ….

the rain to stop, so I can take Kasia for a walk.

Fortunately, I had work today which had me moving. I had special education for kindergarten, along with second and third grades. Meanwhile, back at home…

…my buddy,Kasia, waited patiently for me to get home. It’s funny, but she seems to know that she graduated from dog/ daughter to personal trainer. We all are moving so much more than we did from this past fall and winter, and it is reflected in us feeling a little bit better, mentally. I genuinely believe that is half the battle.

There are plenty of beautiful things to look at here during a walk, including this picture of the daffodils I saw before the rain. It makes you appreciate being here by the bay.

Let’s not forget my pretty girl Kasia.

But in the meantime, tomorrow we are going food shopping for the week. It will be the first time we will be trying fresh fish. You have to remember that we weren’t fish people, outside of tuna.We always seemed to go for seafood, such as scallops or shrimp. I admit that I was the one holding us back a bit, but I have gotten used to it now. I know it is better for us in the long run, and my body feels better a bit just in the first month of calorie counting. We are looking forward to trying the new recipes that the dietician found for us, in addition to kicking back and getting our batteries recharged.

Have a great weekend. Thanks for reading!

Oatmeal Day

it’s a down pouring day here to the point where Kasia and I did backstroke during our morning walk. Well, maybe it felt that way.☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️

The warmth of the house, it’s so funny, to come in on a down-pouring 55 degree day.The folks who claim there is no global warming, well, I’d like to know what 🌎 they live on.

Winter Storm Me

So I am sitting at the breakfast bar,having some cocoa, and wondering how many more crazy named storms are coming up with courtesy of the weather channel.

💨🌬⛄️☃️❄️☃️⛄️🌬💨

Fortunately, I am riding this winter out.Tomorrow we are going up in temperature a little. Unlike my buds who are coming back from their tropical trips, Kas and I cuddle up until Jim gets back in from work. I try to get her busy,so this way, we both get a little exercise.

Now temperatures and rain are allegedly happening in tomorrow’s weather . I guess that means spring is here…lol

Figuring It Out

So here I am, a few days later, still trying to get enough room for pictures back on the blog.

Kasia and I are hanging in, as the weather turns her into Dorothy Hamill and me a nervous Nellie that I might fall.

In the meantime, I hope I can figure this out.

Old Year

My girl Kasia has been putting up with mom’s holiday blues.

The weather has been dreary and it is always hard to see one less chair at the table. Yet she occasionally checks in with me to say”How is your knee, Momma?”

She sits with me on the pitch,keeping me company before falling asleep in the sun.

I vent to her and the wag of the tail does more for me than therapy ever would. I can only pray I luck out with her for many more years to come.

The Pause that Refreshes

Kasia is resting, because she’s knows Momma’s birthday is tomorrow.

We’re going to take a pause for a day, and just make sure I rest up, because Jim and I’ll have 4 guests tomorrow.

Yes, Luca’s opened his mouth, because he’s in disbelief that I am going to be THAT old. With his brother Matt, and their parents, we’re going to try NOT to need the fire department over, to help put my candles out.

See you Sunday!

That Kind of Day….again

Seaside pictures are what I love totally, regardless of weather.

It is raining again and getting windy. Good weather for walking with Kasia and working my prayers for my buds who need them, including us too. Any port in a storm,as the saying goes.

On the other hand, my Christmas cactus has rebloomed ,and along with a pointsetta, my front bay window is cheery, regardless of weather.

So it’s out we go for our walk, and we’ll be working our beads in the wind..

Hold a good thought for someone, or even say a prayer:you never know who needs it.

6am

..,,and we’re up.

( Not really)

After a night of coughing I wish we could both get a few more hours sleep. The soundest sleeper here?

Diligent at her post by day, Sleeping Beauty at night!

Day Two

The swelling is somewhat down a little, am following doctor’s orders, but my knee is still talking to me. Oh well, healing takes a while in your late fifties.

Kasia is trying to put her HobblesMCGee down a little, because she knows I’m not feeling that well. So we are bed buddies, moping around hoping we feel better soon.

No Good Deed….

So I was coming up the street from a neighbor’s house and a funny thing happened to me on the way from the forum…..I tripped on a downed tree branch and fell flat on on of my two knee replacements.

Kasia, to her credit, stayed right with me. The last thing I really needed was that fall. It is bad enough I am paranoid about titanium coming out of my knee. Now I have a blown up knee that the ortho called in a script for, and a bit of ice too.

Gee…hope this doesn’t keep up like this or I’ll go bananas.

Pleasant Surprises

I had breakfast with thisi little munchkin and his brother and parents this morning.

My friend, Bella and her husband, Ivo, invited Jim, Kasia and myself over for homemade waffles this morning.We were pleasantly surprised, so we got ourselves over. Matti announced that I was there for dinner. At four, we make allowances but did tell him it was breakfast ,not dinner.

It’s not often we get a chance to socialize, and Ivo and Bella are the kindest people.

Sometimes, it’s amazing to get pleasantly surprised,especially by our younger neighbors.It was a wonderful start to the day.

Memory Lane

We took a road trip today, Jim, Kasia and myself. We had somethings that needed attention. Then, we took a detour.

I don’t know how many of you know that Jim made a living for a long time making bagels. In fact, he helped someone learn how to make bagels in New Jersey. We went there today and found out that he is in business twenty-five years this year. It was like old home week for Jim.

We grabbed something to eat and went on our way. It was a little bizarre for Jim to realize the amount of time that had passed, but , you know what?Always nice to take a trip down memory lane.

The Kindness of Neighbors

My buddy, Rita, is 81 years old.She is my neighbor directly across the street.

When I hang with Rita, I feel like I’m home. It’s good having an old school neighbor. They call it as they see it and 99.9% of the time they are right.

She has come to love Kasia in her own way. I love her for that. A few times Rita and I talk about stuff and she has refreshed the common sense in my head.

Meanwhile, I am drinking a hot cup of tea with a miniature cinnamon bun she bought me down from a spot up north that we both enjoy.

Thank God for good friends!

The Big One

Today, my youngest Godchild is officially one year old. ” Holy Cow”‘,Luca would say. How fast has time flown.

From this little guy in a walker to a one year old with a Barcelona soccer ball.

My standing allegiance has to be to his big brother, Matti, aka Mr. Taffy, as I have seen all his 4 years.

When I came in this afternoon to take these shots, Matti had informed me that the soccer ball was Luca’s. Evidently boundaries had been set…😂

In the meanwhile, mom Bella supervised the birthday boy who had his biscuit in one hand while trying to commandeer Matti’s LEGO’s in the other. A busy afternoon was had by all indeed, except for Kasia.

In honor of his first birthday, she supervised Luca and even let him pet her headache few times gently.

Happy birthday dearest Luca. I was surprised and honored to be your Godmother, and I hope we’ll be in each other’s lives for a long time to come. Jim, Kasia, and I love you to bits!

Sto lat!

Gangs all here

My sister- in- law is hiking so Mom is spending the weekend with us.

We went to 10am Mass and then took her to see her pal Joe, who is 95. Did I mention my mother-in-law is 99?

Joe is shown here in an earlier blip with Joe.

Our friend , Georgine, came over and we had a really nice chat.

Kasia , of course, added laughs.

In all we are blessed.

Booked up

It is funny. I have discovered that what ever stage of life you are in, when you think you are free to do something, you always find out that somehow, you are already booked up for something else. Chances are good that you knew nothing about it until the last minute.

I would guess that would be why, when we are actually free ,we tend to look at each other as to say” Now what?” In this current state of heat, there’s not too much we feel like doing.

Even our walks with Kasia are somewhat abbreviated. She goes outside and takes care of business and then give a collective”Ahhh” when we come back in.

I think our entire family is ready for a cool snap.

Where Does The Time Go?

Friends of mine are lamenting their now empty nests this September, as all their children are educated and gone.

For us, just Jim, me and Kasia, we say the same thing. Where did summer go? We had Jim on day work and for us, it’s almost like a normal 7-3 life. Today the tables are turned, and Jim goes back to a later shift, leaving Kasia and I to fend for ourselves.

Granted we had a worrying summer, health wise, between my Mother-in-law and myself. I am not completely in the clear yet. Now, we have to adapt to our September dance. It’ll just be a matter of time before I am back in the classroom too. So I get to savor every walk and minute with Kasia, as I realize how short life is.

Hopefully I’ll get through the next few years, and we’ll be able to travel and actually ** gulp** retire.

A girl can dream, right?

Beating Heat

Kasia and I are hiding inside in the air, as the real feel temperature is 100 degrees.

The Gerbers are trying their best to also hang in there.

Kasia.and I found a concert that was playing on the AXIS channel. It was callled Hungarian Rhapsody- Queen live in Bucharest, With this disclaimer, Queen was always one of my favorite groups. Their music brings memories of happy times for me.

The concert ran for an hour, and it’s amazing, after years of sitting at outside concerts, getting bit and the like, well, old age gets me to stay in air-conditioning and enjoying it.

Songs like Radio Gaga, Bohemian Rhapsody, We are the Champions: these were just a few of the hits they played. Freddie Mercury even learned a song in Hungarian and the crowd went wild.

What a pleasure to find a surprise like this on a Wednesday afternoon.

Golden Days of August

Kasia and I have been taking a hit with the humidity down here. We walked almost three quarters of a mile this morning, and when we were done, it looked as if we both took a swim in the bay.

Flowers are hanging in, as long as you remember to water them. Some, despite this, bite the bullet. I brought this one Gerber in to enjoy it before it got worn down by the heat.

Anyhow, Kas and I patiently are waiting for October, or the first 60 degree day. It’s guaranteed we’ll be dancing in our walk when it happens.

This is My Day

Notice the picture of the living room. Windows are open and all the bay air is circulating out the house.Kasia and I had good long walks this morning and are looking forward to some more today.

I know God answers prayers in His own time, so I just want to say thanks,

Going Through the Motions

Summer is taking its’ toll.

Our tomatoes were happy until the rains hit. I have gone swimming once so far. The highlight has been my Gerber daisies hanging in there, thanks to advice and some fertilizer.

I’m thankful I have my good friends to check in with and occasionally hang with. Kasia and I keep walking, making up for lost mileage in the boot. I have to admit that this summer has me worn out. Sure, there’s air conditioning but I can’t wait for a good night’s sleep with air conditioning off and windows open.

This is the second summer Kasia has been without her sister.

Sometimes I think, in her own way, she misses Zush as much as I do.We would all have ice in our water when we needed to cool off, and I miss putting towels down to make sure they were not too sloppy. It is true: you always miss what’s gone.

Long Day’s Journey

We are resting tonight in anticipation of seeing Jim’s Mom tomorrow.

Today’s photo is one of Jim’s Mom with Jim and Kasia. We askedMom for permission to name Kasia.

Jim’s Mom is of Polish decent. Her name, translated from English, would be Kasia..We didn’t want her offended, and she was so taken by Kasia, that she readily agreed and was pleased. Our favorite girl in heaven, Zosia, translated into English, is Sophie. Mom had a sister, Sophie, and Zush always made her smile.

So tomorrow we will go and see her, and hope for the best. We look forward to when we can bring Kasia to see her again.

Never a Dull Moment

We are taking a ride to the city pretty soon. Jim’s Mom is in the hospital

So, even though you think you are done with road trips, here I am , trying to get stuff together to keep us moving. Driving back to the city in this heat, and after sleeping poorly last night, well, let’s just say I am packing my rosary too.

Kasia has been fed, and my friend will check in on her in a few hours.

Please say some prayers or send out some good karma for Jim’s Mom.

Thanks.😘

Long Day’s Journey

Kasha and I are fed up with the heat.

We don’t walk a long distance, especially because I am still in the boot for my broken foot.

When we come back in, I swear that we are both sweating.

If at all possible, I think we both would fast forward to October: in short, we’re both beat.

Off the Grid

Here are some of today’s sights from the Hobbles McGee and Kasia tour.

I am having a full week, so it really is imperative that I manage to spend some time with my buddy, Kasia.

I’m hoping by next week that MAYBE , if I am lucky, I’ll be out of the boot. It’ll probably take a year for my foot to dry up, because the humidity has been crappy.Hopefully , we can start walking a little while longer every time. It’s been rough with the boot. Kasia is usually ready to turn around and head for home. Zush used to walk forever. Kasia and I have to get with the program!

This is a picture of a dragonfly we saw in the yard coming back home.

Have a good day, dear reader. Stay cool!

Taking a Breather

Although it was a pretty day today, the humidity was so bad that, after coming in from Kasia’s walks today, I’d swear that even my eyebrows were sweating. I was hoping for a little cooler weather, but it was not to be.

Kasia has hung in there with my foot in the boot during our walks. I know she’d like to go a little further. I try to walk her in the shade to make thing easier on pads on her feet. When we both manage to get back in, I think we both look at each other and just pass out from the heat.

Try to stay cool, dear readers, and hydrate in this heat. Keep everyone in your family, including fur children, in the shade.

Breezy Monday

There was enough breeze, albeit warm, to sit on our back deck and have no mosquito interruptions.

We came out after dinner and after seeing the wind moving tree leaves around, we figured we’d see what we are missing.

Kas is all sprawled out, taking in the air.Today was the first day that the two of us resumed taking our walks as we did pre-company.Ever respectful, she sees my broken foot in the boot and tries to give me slack.

We had a great day!

Happy Friday the 13th

Here’s Nurse Kasia.

Nurse ,you say.

Yes….since yesterday afternoon, when I walked 4 houses down the street, going up to thank someone being nice and giving me a pleasant surprise. So I walked up 3 of 4 stairs with no railing. When I stepped on the 3rd step with my left foot, my ankle twisted. Fortunately , Jim was near-by.

I went to urgent care, and was diagnosed with a bad sprain… until 5:45pm. The Physician’s Assistant called me to inform me that the doctor at the hospital read my x-ray and I have an avulsion fracture in my left foot.

No anti- inflammatories, no booze… just a girl, her boot and some ice and Tylenol.

Swell…….

Hot,Hot,Hot

You probably think the weather here is nice….

Sure, if you like humidity at the major urban congested city level.

My hydrangea is hanging in by a wing and a prayer. Some of the other flowers look as if they need a trip to ICU.We had two nice nights of comfortable sleeping. Now, as of 4:45pm, the humidity could be a zillion, for all Kasia and I care.

Come on October!

We are still hanging out….

…that’s me and Kasia, that is. Idiots with fireworks are still at it. It should be illegal, as it’s so dry here and it only takes one spark

So in honor of the holiday we’re watching James Cagney in Yankee Doodle on Turner Classic Movies.Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

A Gift From Zush

My girl left me for heaven one year ago today.

She sent me a gift from heaven to mark the occasion.

If you peer through the window, you will see “LB”, or Little Birdie. It is a fledgling blue jay who somehow has ended up on our porch. He came into our lives Sunday and has been in various positions on the porch bench. The shot above is Kasia checking in with her baby brother…lol.

The mother and father, I assume, have their nest in the front of our house.They have been back on numerous occasions during the day to check on LB and I have seen the Mom feed LB a worm or two.

I know, eventually, as all “kids” do, LB will leave the nest. Until then, thanks, Zush, for sending a little heart saver to us.

Pain plus 363

I know that although my heart is heavy, I love both my girls, and always will.

They ALWAYS hung together, except at the vet- not Kasia’s favorite spot. This is one of my favorite pictures I took out back with them. My Zush was always willing to humor me for a picture; Kas, not so much.

This was the best pseudo-selfie of Kasia and me. This shot I took when I first was attempting selfies.

This is one of my favorite Zush shots: I took it in my back yard. We were coming back from a good walk.

And baby Zush, 6 months old, on the day we became her pack.💜🐕😘

Both gals hanging out at our neighbor’s yard, working on treats.

So there you are. My heartache tempered by some memories close to my heart.

Pain plus 362.

For the past three hundred and sixty-two days, I have been making strides with Kasia, who Jim and I refer to as the queen. She knows she has the rule of the house.

Yet my heart sinks daily as the memory of my Zushie is never far out of my mind. Three hundred and sixty-two sunrises and sunsets that I haven’t had her here with me. Fireworks throughout the year that I haven’t had to worry about calming her down.

I have some comfort that she is with my Mom, but it is still so hard.

I don’t even take Kasia down to the bay, as she doesn’t love it quite the way Zush did. I find it quite ironic that we moved down here because she could go and swim her hearts’ content in the bay, and now she is gone.

So please forgive me if I am not quite myself the next few days.

My heart hurts.

Change of Sheets

Today after work, I did the wash and did the switch over. Good bye to polar fleece sheets, hello to the cotton ones.

Sad.

I walk around and look at Kasia’s face and know she is wondering when Momma will be around for a while. It seems that she’d like to be in air-conditioning because that means Mom would be home.
She loves to be upside down when I give her a belly rub after our walk, and school cuts into that time. She isn’t pleased.

Then, as I switched the sheets for the season, I remembered the last time that I did this Zush- girl was still here.

I know things change, times change, but for just some more time with my girls I’d have such a full heart and one not so heavy.

Getting Lower Daily.

It is one month and three days until Zushie’s first anniversary.

Oh how I miss my Bestie!

I miss walking the beach with her; she loved that & swimming.
Kasia can’t be bothered.She prefers to run into the water, chase seagulls and that’s it.

When we were in the city, all Zush and I would do is walk and hike and walk and hike and, well, you get the idea.Half the time I think Kasia went along with us in order to hang with her pack, and that was it.

Zosia was my comfort. We both prayed together, or should I say, she stayed near-by me when I prayed.I remember when Pope Francis was on television, she watched me and listened to the television too.I really believed that she felt what I was feeling.She was the most sympathetic and empathetic girl.

I am waiting patiently to go through life, and pray that I’ll be able to meet up with her at the Rainbow Bridge.

The Beat Goes On…

We are still hanging in here.

Don’t tell anyone, but Kasia and I snuck out for a little walk. I felt bad for her, as she needed a good brushing. We took a short walk. The sunshine was somewhat cool. It still was nice to get fresh air in the lungs. The problem with that, though, is it made me cough more.

I am waiting for another diagnosis, as it seems that like the winter that wouldn’t leave, my hacking wants to plant roots and dig in.

God, I hope not!

Here’s Nurse Kasia ❤️

Best Furry Nurse

I must have done something right almost 9 years ago.

Although I was secretly concerned I was screwing up my Zusher’s life, I went ahead and got her a sister.

Kasia, being part chow, well, let’s just say although she knew her place in line, she always walked to the beat of a different drummer. When Zush had left me forever, I thought,” Where am I going to get the quiet comfort I got from Zush?”

I adopted Kasia, figuring she’d have a great roll model in Zush.

Well, now with both of us sick, someone is showing us that she graduated from Zushie’s nursing school. Kas understands we are not well, and stays right by my foot as if she needed to take my pulse. Sure, I still make her meals, but there is a lot of down time on my end. It’s as if she knows that Momma will be up and around soon.

Zush would be so proud of you, Kasia.

A Rocking Saturday Night

I am typing this at my desk as “Black Swan” with Natalie Portman plays on the television.

Our Kasia is in the kitchen laying down and Jim is trying to catch a quick nap.

This is far from a normal Saturday night.

After going to Urgent Care at the call of the covering doctor **who just happened to be the same doctor I saw at the beginning of the week** in order to get a x-ray to rule out pneumonia or acute bronchitis, I now have three steroids that have to be taken daily. Two are inhalers, for my bronchitis and one is just steroids, one time a day.

I truly abhor steroids. I know they help, but they just don’t seem to go with my body.

Two hours sleep a night? Oh yeah, I signed up for it. Adult acne? Yup, checked that block too. I have reread the prescribing sheet with the medicine information on it and the only satisfaction I get is knowing that there are only six more days of the pill form to put up with. My body is ready to throw a bon voyage party for it. Did I mention the five minutes I convinced myself I was starting to get shingles on the left side of my face? Calling “Phantom of the Opera”.

The highlight of the day was watching some good movies on the television, and I may try to read a bit later on. Thus wraps up our vacation week from work. With all the medicine I am dealing with, I decided not to take any jobs this week to really get this crap out of my system.

I just hope that it will be long enough to clear out, and not any longer.

If it doesn’t, I’ll be going officially off the tracks.

Well……

Call me wrong, but we finally got snow here. It got here around 5:30, and of course schools were closed here today. Snow is due to run until 2 am tomorrow morning.

The bay looked pretty angry when we passed it;precipitation was only rain then. I seriously thought they closed the schools because why?

So this is how I am leaving it before the power blows out. We’ll see if I am in work at 8 in the morning…stay tuned…

Good night from me and Kasia.

Once,Twice….

….three times a Nor’easter.

According to my back deck being in “alignment ” with the Weather Channel, it would appear that undisclosed location is going to make me pull the ark back out. No problem.

It’s quiet and peaceful ,albeit wet.

After all, flowers can use the water…..

Kasia knows we’ll be walking tomorrow…..

And the two of us are safe and dry.

Kasia and I had two good walks today and snuck one last one in the drizzle. Now our bellies are full, and one of us is 💤 sleeping. I still have some work to do.

If you are in its’ path, please be careful and stay safe.

It’s Raining, Again……

It started like this when Kasia and I were out this morning. We didn’t quite complete a half mile because we both looked at each other and mutually decided to head home.

It turns out we had good timing. About five minutes after getting back in, this was our view from the front window. It was comforting to be in a nice,warm, dry house. After breakfast, with dishes done and sitting down, I looked out the back door and this was our new visitor.

Sleet had joined the party. It’s like what else? Oh, did I mention snow flurries 15 minutes ago? There is never a dull moment here at Undisclosed…..

Stay warm and dry, friends! Be safe!

Summer in the City

Kasia spent a good part of the day relaxing, or should I say on bed rest.

She aggravated her back paw again, so I have unfortunately realized that we walked a little too much last week.

We took advantage of the summer -like temperatures we had here today. She spent a good bit of the afternoon in the sun on our back deck.

When we had gone out this morning, I looked by our gate and saw that my spring bulbs are coming up. No wonder why the two of us weren’t up for a long” hot” walk. We saw a lot of folks out in their shirtsleeves today. I didn’t want to take a chance got a quick drop in temperatures if they are coming down the pike. Kasia just agreed with me to take a pass today.

We’ll see what tomorrow brings.

Happy St. Valentine’s Day

It’s St. Valentine’s day and I am hoping all of you had a wonderful day and great evening. Kasia and I are here and we are a little tired, as the weather was pretty good today, so we gals did over a mile walking today.

Jim has to work tonight but we will make up St.Valentine’s day on his day off.Technically,though, every day is St.Valentine’s day when you are married.

Momma and Daughter Time

It’s a quiet Monday night so what’s Momma and Kasia to do?

Why,put on the Westminster Kennel Club of course.

Kasia has shown no interest at being a sibling again, so I have been window researching breeds as she shows interest in anything but the dogs that I am calling out to her.I am chuckling to myself as I type this.I could almost read the thoughts coming from her head….”Over my dead body, Momma.”

I wonder about the sponsorship of this dog show, as most of the commercials are for Purina Pro Plan. In these days of kibble recall on dog food,I guess Purina feels invincible as far as customers go.

My buddy is ready for bed, so we are ready to go.Tomorrow night is best in show. That should be interesting.

A Damn Good Day

Today I was with third graders.

They each were grouped into four, and worked on reports about breeds of dogs.

I walked through the class, monitoring their work, and naturally, I stopped and talked to the four boys working on Golden Retrievers. As I talked with them, the lead teacher said they should take advantage of my ” expertise “.

It was a pleasure to talk of both Zush and Kasia. I showed the boys pictures of them both, and it brought a smile to my heart. The boys were genuinely interested and laughed at some of their stories. It gave me the opportunity to think if Zush as still being with me. I wished I had Kasia with me to sit by my side.

What a blessed day!

February

It’s going to be a rough St. Valentine’s Day around here, since one of my Valentines’ is going to be celebrating in heaven this year. Kasia, I admit, will soak up all the ❤️ love- no doubt about it. Sometimes, though, I feel she misses Zush as much as I do.

Since Zush passed, I just have no heart for holidays. I usually did. Please don’t get me wrong: Kasia gets love every day. Holidays, though, well,it seems to be just another day. My heart just aches as I write this and think about it.

Thank God February is a short month.

Full Moon

Tonight, there’s a full moon in the night sky: I took a picture while waiting for Kasia to come in from the yard.

My girl has come a long way . Don’t get me wrong: she still barks, but as she gets accustomed to folks in the neighborhood, she sits so politely. She actually takes a dog biscuit from the hand of Beth, our postal person. With Zush, that was no problem. I never thought I would see Kasia sociable.

Miracles do happen.

Med Story….the Saga Continues

After a few days of immersing myself into Zicam cold stopping-cold shortening world of remedies, I am slowly working my way up the food chain again. I would be remiss if I forget to mention I used the neti pot to wash my sinuses out, also.

A big part of my recovery is thanks to my nurse, Kasia Girl. My buddy kept me company and made Mom get out and walk to get things moving. The weather seems to be the prime factor in keeping me from crawling up to 100%. We are taking one step at a time, or in Kasia’s case, 2 steps at a time. Our neighbor Dot came over and brought home made orzo chicken soup; crusty bread and chocolate chip cookies.

How can you not get better?

Oh Those Golden Years….

I’m lamenting the fact that I used to, knock wood, feel good in the winter.

Since the cataract surgery in December, it seems that I had one round with the flu, as did Jim. The flu ran its’ course, closely followed by respiratory illness. When you think you’re done, then yours truly comes down with the mother of all head colds. Above are my new best friends; after all , there is only so much I can take.

Hopefully, my next post will have a little less tissues in my pocket as I type this post. By the way, shout out to my buddy Juls who pulled me up, via long distance. That’s what sisters are for. Also, shout out to my girl Kasia🐕, nurse extraordinary. As my buddy Kathy told me- they want you to get them out!

Here’s hoping!

So, You Want to live at the Shore?

Sure, it’s easy off season and the blizzards hit. Let’s start off with the two weeks of trash and recyclables due to get finally picked up tomorrow.

Ah, but then comes the fun part…

Thank God, it is not for us but our neighbor, who had a broken pipe running from his heater through his house. Jim walked Kasia last night and heard water running. First he though it was ours. As he got by our neighbors, he heard a lot of water. He brought Kasia back in, called our neighbor from his cell, and as a result, the south Jersey version of Servicepro to clear things out post flood are here.

The neighbor showed up this morning, and the cleaning company has a fleet of trucks out to clear things up. I’ll bet that he wished he had a property management service to look at his property and monitor it through the winter.

As for us, we are ok…I am retiring to the land of the living.Walked Kasia this morning and will go out a little later too. Ginger ale and crackers are the only two I can trust right now, so maybe I am working my way back up the food chain.I miss Momma walks with Kas.

So What Else?

It’s four days before Christmas and one day before my birthday.

What’s happening?

My nephew, Greg, has not gotten his birthday card delivered yet. This is most distressing because I put it in the mail a few days early.**Holding my head as it aches while I think about this.**

Jim is on the edge of getting what I had. I know he has a sore throat already, and this does not make for good things here.

Kasia pulled me walking today and so my left shoulder is aching.

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE, I woke up this morning and have two feet on the floor.

My hair got cut for the holiday and she did a great job.

My eyes are doing well**knock wood** and I am handling the drops pretty well.

I am still coughing, but not too much.

I’m back…did you miss me?

Last Squints

Getting my eyeful of life, as it were. You know, smiling with Kasia

When she sneaks on our bed, it’s hard not to smile, especially she looks so comfortable!

I’m making us dinner, being so aware of watching what I am making. It’s all how the eye perceived the pallet.

Grateful for the visions I have been blessed with, and praying for a good outcome for Tuesday.

💚 from Kasia’s Mom<<<<
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One of Those Days

I really wish I could have posed like Kasia did for this picture..

I got a day off today, only to have to go back to the ophthalmologist to have my eyes measured again for the surgery. I understand the surgeon wanted to double check my numbers, but an hour and a half round trip tires you out.

Then, neighborhood drama was going on and drama,well, I just don’t have the stomach for it anymore, so I just kept shaking my head while trying to be polite.

I can’t wait for everything to be done so I can get back to normal. A busy schedule is just not fun in retirement.

Gobble…..

Well, it’s Monday night of Thanksgiving week.

Kasia is curled up on her bed, Jim is in his back room playing guitar, and I am resting my ankle while watching The Voice. This week has everyone hopping trying to get ready for Thanksgiving.

This is a quick word to let you know, dear Reader, that I am always thankful for you.

Happy Thanksgiving. Here’s hoping you enjoy the holiday and stay safe,

Hobbles McGee

Greetings from Sick Bay.

Just to keep Kasia company, I ,too,am hobbling a bit.

My guess, and the vet’s diagnosis, is that the littlest of girls pulled something in a leg, and woke up Thursday morning with a severe case of the hobbles.

In the meantime, from dodging the millions of acorns that fall down here, my ankle has awakened last year’s case of tendonopothy, according to my Orthopedist this morning:

It’ll be light off my feet this weekend, probably just potty walks for Kas and me for her company.
After all: what are Best Buddies for…..

Memories

OCTOBER’S PARTY by George Cooper

October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came –
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.”

The above verse of this poem was drummed into my head in third grade, or maybe fourth, by my teacher, and, for some reason, it has always stayed in my head.

There are many changes that occur in this time of year. Zush is no longer with me, my friend Kathy’s Mom has passed away, school has started up again and it’s the last semester for my nephew Gregory. Kasia is now almost 9 years old.

My father would always tell me how much he hated autumn. I always thought this was strange coming from a man whose birthday was smack dab in the middle of October. As 58 comes heading my way, I get it, Dad.There are no guarantees that the same trees will have leaves next year, or the same people will still be in our lives.It was Dad’s own bittersweet way of letting me know that nothing is forever, and the concept of death made him rather mellow. I am sure he is happy now with my Mom in heaven.

In the meanwhile, Kasia and I will help Jim rake our leaves down here.

Halftime Score ; Mar- 0 Kindergarteners- 5,000,000

It was rough telling this sweet face that Momma had to go to work today.

Yes, indeed. I had returned to the scene of my first kindergarten job, albeit a different room. I had about 25 boys and girls in the class and when you haven’t dealt with the wee folk for a while, well, let’s just say this. I came home and napped: they wore me out. I also learned a new kindergarten trick. Don’t wear loafers when they want you to play with them in the sandbox. HAH!

Another day awaits tomorrow, so it’s off to bed for me, waiting for another offensive launch by the 4-5 year old brigade. Hope I remember my helmet and crayons…lol.

Coming a Quarter Cycle

It was a hard day today.

The fifth will be three months that my Zusher left me. Today at our Church , they blessed the animals in honor of St.Francis of Assisi. It was the first time Zush wouldn’t be there, and I couldn’t have that. I brought her ashes with me and the priest was quite sympathetic.

In my mind, and in my heart, my Zusher had her final blessing. Kasia, along with around thirty Other got their annual blessing.

We decided to make it a family day and keep on by going for a walk down by the lighthouse. It was nice with minimal tourists and tons of Monarch butterflies.

It was a good way to start a new month. We ALL were together.

Drawing to a Close

As September draws to a close, my time at physical therapy is also ending as of tomorrow.

It’s not that I am not appreciative of the exercises learned or of the pain endured to get my shoulder right again, but I’ll be sleeping a little later when it normally would have been a physical therapy day. Getting up that early brought flashbacks back to getting ready for work when we were in the city. I am hoping that I’d don’t need physical therapy again for a long while.

Kasia and I have been walking steadily more and more as the winds pick up and cold fronts come through. We are not getting any seasonal color change in the trees yet, but we walk to a point where I can brush her coat out and make way for her winter coat to come in.

I have shut some of the windows for the night.The only thing left is to find my autumn nightshirt for bed.

Good night!

A Cluttered Desk , A Cluttered Mind

For those of you who read my posts and have worked with me, you could attest to the amount of things that were on my desk. Things were necessary for work, but of course I had my plants, a seven inch cut out of Queen Elizabeth II, a coffee maker , pictures of my Zush and Kasia hung up on file cabinet amidst office memos and so on..

Fast forward two and one-half years into semi-retirement. My desk is an empty sewing cabinet. My MacBook Pro holds a place of honor, as does a Penn State Christmas ball from one of my besties,Kathy. Then, after Zush left me, it became a partial shrine to her.Her paw print I made last year, the paw print the pet crematory gave me when she passed away, in addition to a ton of her pictures.

Being not truly retired, but occasionally working, there are papers and mail that come in and usually sit atop my desk until I get to the point where I just can’t take it anymore. I’ll be curious to see how long this will hold out.

Adult Beverages

It’s the end of a long week. The 5:30 a.m. wake-up call doesn’t help much on physical therapy days. We said it was time to go out for a cocktail and dinner.

We came back to the spot where we came during the week in summer as it would be quieter in September. I know Kasia wasn’t happy: she ate and was walked before we left. Time for us to kick back.

Have a good weekend!

Working through the Pain

I had physical therapy this morning and, as usual I came home beat!

Rather than resting when I got home, I took Kasia for a walk down to the bay. Maybe it’s the current state of distress in Florida that drew me down, but whatever it was, off we went.

It was a very pretty day. I was pleasantly surprised by the cool air. As Kasia was on limited walks when she sprained her back paw, I decided it was time to stretch out legs. It was of no surprise that it was a long walk for us both. It is funny, because with Zush, walking was always at the drop of a hat. I guess Kasia has become too comfortable in the house, and we both need to get and keep moving. The pictures in this post are a few of the sights we passed today. Have a good weekend and send prayers and good thoughts to those in harm’s way due to Mother Nature this weekend.

Bittersweet- The Next Part….

It was a little hard, and the color came out a little faded, but above is my favorite of our wedding portraits, for obvious reasons. It was taken 15 years ago tomorrow, the 31st of August.

What I would give to have those 15 years back.

We have had our ups and our downs ,good days and bad days, and our heartache. Somehow, Jim and I are still here, getting up every day, putting one foot in front of the other. Anyone who has been in a long term relationship knows of which I speak.

In the quiet moments though, we miss our Zosia. How aching is it to look at this picture and know she’s gone. She was the best therapist we both had; listening and loving unconditionally. Yes, I know: she’ll always “be” with us, but it’s just not the same.

Well, our Kasia is still with us. Unlike Zusher, she listens and barks, er, talks back. We go forward tomorrow hand in hand, and with four paws next to us.

They Know I’m Down Here….

The Philadelphia Phillies are playing tonight. I haven’t been their big fan for a while. Now, with the arrival of Rhys Hoskins on the team, well, I am sitting here watching the game .

It’s a little bittersweet for me. I had noticed that it is “Bark in the Park.” A lot of minor league teams would have fundraisers for Pup Agencies like SPCA or Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue. When I was in the city, I always wanted to take Zush. Now that I am almost 100 miles away, the Phillies finally had one.

Maybe next year, Kasia!

Company

Jim’s Mom is coming to spend some time with us.

My Mother-in-law is 98 years old and we really don’t get to see enough of her, because we are out of the city. She loves Kasia, especially since we asked her blessing to name her that. Her name is Catherine, which in Polish translates to Kasia. She was flattered that we’d have our pretty girl sharing her name, although she goes by the English version, Catherine. The two of them had gotten closer, and I know she enjoys seeing her.

She hasn’t been here since Zush left us: the two of them used to be good buddies. T’ll be interesting to see her reaction to us being without our Zush girl.

Jim leaves Friday morning to pick up his Mom. We are hoping she enjoys her stay with us.

Singing in the Rain

If you read my post yesterday, you saw my question if anybody knew any rain dances to get some rain going down here to get the heat down. We had a good thundershower this morning about 2 a.m. and I know the time because Kasia was up pacing the floor.

Here is a picture of the little girl in action, pacing as I write this. Zush used to handle the rain and thunderstorms well. Kasia, from day one, abhorred fireworks and storms. We would know if one of the two were coming three hours prior, as that’s when she’d start pacing. I don’t drug or thundershirt her: I merely give her love and attention and she’s good.

We were out this afternoon and coming home, you could see the clouds forming across the bay. According to my phone, the barometric pressure was going down, so between that and my weather predicting sinuses, I knew the rain was coming.

So thanks, especially to my buddy Peggy, for all the rain dance help. You rock!☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️☔️

Cool as a Cucumber

Oh, for October!

I have been patting myself on the back for scheduling my colonoscopy on one of the hottest days of the year. It gave me a day out of the heat.Today, I got my legs back under me, so to speak, and got Kasia back on her schedule, including limited walks, especially in this heat.

I mentioned to a neighbor or two that I wished I knew a good rain dance or two to cool us down. If you know of anything, let me know, ok?

Swim Fin and a Prayer

I tried to get to our public pool down here today to do some water walking for my knees.

We pay a small fee for a seasonal access to the pool and it is in good shape and well-kept.

One of my BFF’s, Kathi, has been schooling me one exercises for my knees. She suggested water walking as a good way to get back into working out. Actually, today was an ideal day at the pool: the water was like bath water due to the hot weather we have been putting up with.

The pool is very nice and has benches you can sit on, and grassy areas for beach chairs. It is fenced in and allows privacy from neighbors, especially renters, in the area.

I managed to get done all my walking in an hour, as the dark clouds for the current thunderstorm that we are having. The bay was getting pretty dark, and I was happy to be going home,

Kasia was waiting for me and I know she is terrified of thunder, so we are up close and personal tonight.

Have a good weekend.

Long Time No Hear

Facebook does crazy things.

Everyone who reads the blog post or sees the post knows my Zusher is gone. A good deal of my posts deal with Zush, Kasia or both of my girls.

You know how you “friend” people on Facebook. You know how some people can read your Facebook page. You really don’t account for everyone who accesses your page. As a blogger, I appreciate the folks who read the blog.

I got a sympathy card for Zosia’s passing today. I was out front getting the mail and I looked at the return address. One of my neighbors here used to live there, but I really know no one in that town. Here, it turns out it was a relative who I haven’t seen since 1967.

She probably read it on Facebook. Go figure.

Summer Heat

It’s pretty bad when Kasia and I get up to walk at 7am and the humidity here is already 90%.

Blech.

I guess we have officially hit the summer doldrums.

It’s really been hard with Zush gone from us and Kasia and I left to fend for ourselves.To add insult to injury, Kasia is still recuperating from her bad sprain on her rear paw. Potty walks only until the end of August is really getting her crazy.We haven’t even really been to the bay in 4 weeks.

I just will have to keep up content and hope the first cold snap comes really soon!

Company’s Gone

Jim’s sister and her husband had left us and now, I get to try to get the house back to normal.

Honestly, I loved having the company. The ride on the bay was a nice surprise. There is a lot to be said for bay breezes. Of course, I made sure my sunscreen was on before we left.

Jim is out now, trying to shift gears while walking at Higbee Beach. I finished a load of wash and took Kasia for a walk. Just another quiet Sunday night.

Have a good week.

Company’s Coming

I haven’t been on top of blogging for the past day of two, Jim’s oldest sister, Joanna and my brother-in-law, Earl are here for a visit.

We’ve been busy.

We had a buddy, Bonnie, over to play cards last night. This morning we went to our local street fair: it was the first time our guests had ever been there for it.

On the spur of the moment, we all spent the afternoon on the Cape May Lewes ferry for some sightseeing and dinner.

I even managed to see a lighthouse or two.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, my good girl guarded the house.

Life is good.

Moving on….

Here is the first solo selfie of Momma and Kasia. Personally, I think Kasia was just getting into it because I shaded her eyes when I took this.

Kasia used to, kind of, smile when Zush, Kasia and I used to go out walking. I am happy to see she still has it.

With one month under our belt as as duo, I hope she can keep it.

After Station Identification……

We are kicking back tonight.

It’s funny, as Jim works day work during the summer and now we share the nights together with Kasia.

We have the Major League Network on so Jim watches baseball.It is on in the background as I am listening to a podcast with three chefs from my favorite and currently only Food Network show I love, which is Cutthroat Kitchen.Tomorrow night they are airing two new episodes back to back. I am really glad, because there has been a draught of the episodes on television.

I used to watch a lot of Food Network, but it seems to me that there are now shows on that channel where they have given everyone from the 1990’s television who is now “adult” a cooking show. Really? Sorry, but not my cup of tea. I am laughing, because after I wrote this, Antonia LaFasio, Jet Tila, and Richard Blais are discussing this very topic.They have farmed off a lot of the good shows, leaving me the Cooking Network to see Iron Chef and Food Network to see Alton Brown and Cutthroat Kitchen.

It’s funny, because I started with a subscription to Martha Stewart Living and outgrew that. I don’t know if I will be leaving Food Network for baseball on the television and in my other ear, a podcast called ” Starved for Attention”, by Richard Blais.

I have another year or two on my subscription. We’ll see.

Three Weeks and Counting….

This photo is about five years old. My girls, together, in the back of the old house down here at Undisclosed Location.

Oh to have that time back. It’s three weeks today that my Zosia left me for heaven, and the pain is just like it was this afternoon. I really miss my girl, and I find it hard not to refer to Kasia without slipping into ” my girls.” Jim’s niece sent us a second sympathy card and a willow statue of an angel holding a puppy. Just when you think waterworks are temporarily dried up, well, no such luck.

Meanwhile, I give Kasia tons of love, especially getting her through her sprained back paw. She misses her sister, and just came over to me to see what I was typing… lol. She has really become adhered to me, although if we are out and she smells, senses or hears Jim, well, Jim is her boyfriend.

We are getting along, somewhat sadly, like a car with three wheels. That is why we are walking now, so the three of us can get used to a 3 family member dynamic.

We’ll keep you posted.

Channeling Zush

When it’s 91 degrees and feels like 99 degrees, it was time to try to cool off.

Kasia got a bath outside. I really, really was not looking forward to it.

I remember at our home in Philly, I had to get Jim to help me. Not fun.

You’ll notice that Kasia is not really a big sun fan. For me , sun is one thing , but heat sucks. I explained what I was going to do, and then I almost fainted.

Kasia SAT down. Just like Zush used to do. I cast my eyes up to heaven and thanked Zush for her help with her sister.

Here’s a shot of a towel-dried Kasia, trying to put the whole thing behind her.

…until next time.

Just Another Monday, Minus One

… except my Zush has left the building a week ago. 💔💔💔💔

Life goes on, and unfortunately so does the late spring heat.

The heat just seems to linger like a really low cloud over the bay. There was no way to enjoy it except for being in a car with air conditioning. The breeze, although the weather channel claimed it was a seven mile an hour wind… well, perhaps they should say it’s over the ocean, not bay.

Kasia and I sneak out early for our walk. When we go out in the afternoon, we walk a little faster than we used to. The problem is in this heat, we come crawling back. Fortunately, we had the air-conditioning on, so we are getting a little better.

Life goes on…..

Kasia and Momma

Kasia and I are getting our act together, as a duo after our trio for 8 years with Zush.

One thing that I can’t turn Kasia into is the photogenic dog Zush was. Zush would always stop and let me take her picture- no questions asked. Kasia is a different person.

Kasia will stop but she will never quite pose for me.

Ok.

Maybe hell will freeze over.

Resuming Life

We went out to dinner and I brought my doggie bag home. Kasia, now, is the beneficiary. How things have changed in a week.

My heart is heavy, but we are keeping on.

I miss you, Zush and will love you forever.

Holes

Kasia and I are having hard times missing our Zush.

Above is a shot of Zushie’s bed. I would always give Kasia hell, telling her it’s her sister’s bed, she doesn’t feel well, and she has her own bed she should use.

Now, no one is on it. The last few days Zush was drooling on the corner, so I put it outside so the sun would dry it out. It’s back in the house, but like all the other things Zush used, it’s either not being used and/ or missing Zush herself. It is so hard just getting visually acclimated to the house again. Kasia and I look at each other and it’s like we can read each other’s mind.

For the first time in 8 years, Kasia went on a road trip with us, which was weird. The whole concept of a second dog was to keep the one dog company. Now we feel sorry for her and took her with us to Lowes.

It’s going to be a really long healing process.

A New Life

There is no life without Zusher: she will always be with me .

It’s not fair to Kasia so today is day one of the era of Kas. Kind of like the end of the Romanoff dynasty and the start of a big red world.

I can only pray things turn out as well. Pray for both of us: we’ll need it!

They’re Back

This morning, while it was still early, I got the girls out for their walk.

Oh my!

What a change from yesterday.

I picked a random plate, but….

Not only Pennsylvania, but other plates not normally here from New Jersey, Virginia, New York, Delaware, even South Carolina and Florida…the tourists are back. Walking the girls, the tourists with “their” dogs are making their rounds and it’s pretty sad when you have to remind them of the leash law and picking up after your pup, as Kasia is barking to beat the band and ready to chew up their dog off leash. It’s ok, tourist, I have another shoulder to replace the one my dog is aggravating because you can’t follow the law.

I do not miss packing up for a few days down here, only to have to pack up a traveling road show again in a few days. I can only shake my head when thinking back on those days, our lack of sleep from getting up early to get us back into the city, and am thankful they are firmly behind us.

On the flip side, we, including Zush, were all younger, and things were a little easier, but hey, at least we are all together and taking it all in stride.

No Movies, but…

With Kasia pretty much wanting to go her own way, I wasn’t able to take any video of Zush in the water this morning.

Zusher, being ever accommodating, let me get a still of her with her legs in the water. One thing I have to admit is Zush does know Momma. If I ask Kasia to let Momma get a shot, she’ll purposely look the other way!

Never mind that Kasia’s strap is over Zush, she made it a point to turn the other way!

Kasia does realize Zush is sick, but the sister dynamic is still there, and they both love each other!

Happy Easter 2017

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday.

Jim and I will be up for early Mass, and after breakfast he’ll be off to see his family and his buddy from high school. My plans are to stay here, as Zosia, at this point, doesn’t handle separation really well, and she needs to be home. It’s my job as Mom to be with her and Kasia and we will be celebrating here. I don’t know if this is a “Bucket List” Easter for Zosia or not, but I hope to make it the best that we can. It goes without saying that I’ll be praying all day tomorrow for both the girls, but especially Zush. Please keep a good thought for me and the girls: I know it’ll be a rough day.

Enjoy your day, especially if you are with family and friends.

Be safe.

Spring is Here…

Based on my Xyzal prescription, which usually announces my itchy nose of spring.

I am hoping to go out this weekend and get myself some Easter flowers, so I can add them to my bulbs in my pots outside. I came up with this idea after watching Kasia kick up the bulbs I planted two years ago. Above is a picture of my tulips. I bought them because next to Easter lilies, it was my Dad’d favorite Easter flower. I usually get white or pink hyacinth, in remembrance of my Mom.

It’ll be a quiet Easter for me, for I’ll be here with Zush and Kasia, and we’ll all be together . That is all that matters!

They call the wind, uh….windy……

…although if you listen to the weather channel, they would talk about the knot speed of wind, and when they do that , I always talk back to them and just say W-I-N-D-Y….Being out of the city, home of row houses and tall office buildings, when you are down here at the bay, the wind finds anyway it can to come and get you.

The girls and I are on abbreviated walks because the wind is just so biting.I am sure we’ll make up for it when the weather gets nicer.In the mean time, the three of us spend some time in the yard.

It’s incredible when you are out in the cold, because the sun lures you into thinking that it’s warm out, but it’s not. It’s ok, although. We are glad that everyone isn’t down yet. It’s still our little corner of the world, and Zush still enjoys getting out, Kasia still wants to explore everything, and life is good.

A Good Day

Here is the official Mom and Zush 15th birthday selfie. I am so happy that we made it this far.

I like this picture in that their noses almost touch and with the leashes, it looks like a birthday heart.

Zush started the day with shepherd’s pie, which she shared with Kasia. Sisterly love from Zush is a daily occurrence.

And now, with thanks to heaven, we are ready for bed. I just want to all of you who sent good wishes for Zosia’s birthday.

We are, indeed, all blessed.

My Baby Zush

My Zosia is no longer a baby.

Today, 22nd of February, marks her 15th birthday. FIFTEEN! Where does the time go?

She has gotten slower, as most of us do as we get older. It is funny that I am older, too, and can appreciate what she is going through. We have good days and some bad days, and as most pet parents would say, what we would give to get them back to their youth.

Zush was a baby when she was in our wedding picture, and Jim and I cherish the memories we have with our girl. I was speaking to my former boss today and we talked about how the average life span for a pup like Zosia would be ten years old. I know she owes us nothing. I know I owe her every moment she has shared with me. The countless walks we have had together, my talks with her when she looks at me with those big Hires Root Beer eyes and keeps my secrets close to her. When I had ankle surgery, she would come up on my bed and lay next to me and give me comfort just by sleeping near me. The kindness she showed her “kid sister” Kasia, when she first joined our household was tremendous.I could go on and on and on…but there you have it.

Happy fifteen years to my Zosia, my Bestie.I cherish every second I have with you and love you for all you have taught me.

You are my sunshine!

Sing along with Zush

Here’s tonight’s photo of my Zosia. She is “singing to me”, and good mom that I am, I taped it. As with my mother, I know one day I’d wish I still could hear it.

Kasia has been pretty good: I hate to say it, because it’s like looking for trouble. She seems to be getting what’s happening to Zush, and ,dare I say, bows a little to her big sister.

We walked a little bit this afternoon: I usually let Zush lead the way. I look at it as her bucket list. Some days, we don’t go far. Other times, Zush wants the bay.

Nothing like being a spoiling Mom.

February Malaise

With occasional barks from Kasia in the bedroom, it’s kind of quiet here.

I have television on, but my mind is with Zush. We both are kind of beat.

It is a gloomy day here. It’s the kind of day that history usually leads us to believe is better spent in bed. As Zush is still quiet and resting, I figure I’ll hold off on our walk till the area of 4pm. We did almost a mile this morning, so we won’t be quite as intense on this one. Still, it is pleasant to go out in the winter solitude, with hardly any cars around to choke us with exhaust as we walk. By the time we get back, it’ll be dinner and we’ll get ready for the night.

Kasia has been extremely good: I can’t help but wonder if she picks up on what’s going on. I do believe animals sense things. We’ll appreciate the coziness of this weather and the evening. After all, isn’t that what girls do?

Respect for Elders

It’s been a rainy, gloomy day here, and I think the only one without any aches is Kasia. You see this picture of Zush I just posted. She’s laying on rugs by the windows. In the meantime, I am sitting in a chair with a heating pad on my lower back.

And Princess Kasia, you ask?

Here she is on her sister’s bed. Zush and I just kind of looked at her and sighed.

Damn kids today…lol

Comfort and Joy

We have had a long day today, as far as the girls and I go.

Zusher is nestled in front of the tree and from all of us, to you, gentle reader, we want to thank you for following the blog, and wish for you the happiest and healthiest of 2017!

The Zusher

Here’s my buddy Zush, who was hanging around me while I was clipping coupons. It was a backward thing, because we actually went grocery shopping this morning. I was just trying to tidy up and put the recycles out and figured I might as well clip coupons. I share them with my neighbor across the street. I still get the “city”paper, whereas she gets the Jersey paper, so usually swapping between the two of us works.

Zush is hanging in there. I try not to walk her as much as we used to, but she likes to go out and sniff her” tree” mail, and see if anyone was there she knew. One thing about being down here is we have a lot of wildlife, so I let the girls sniff to their hearts’ content. She still has an appetite for anything but her dry food. I had to laugh, because I had just said to Jim that she’ll starve Tuesday when I am at the polls all day and Jim has to work.The words just left me and I heard a noise, turned around, and saw Zush eating her dry food. I guess when she’s hungry enough, she’ll eat.Kasia still eats the kibble, but has learned giving me ” those eyes” will give her a food upgrade too!

Talk about playing me like a violin!

That Kind of Day

The expression on Zush’s face says it all.

It’s been that kind of day. I managed to get the girls out before leaving for the doctor this morning. I got through the appointment and also got a pneumonia shot, to boot.Now, I have to work on the tendonopothy in my foot, because the pain in the foot today was pretty damn bad.

So, as of 8pm, Kasia is asleep in our bedroom, Zush and I are vegging out in the living room, waiting for a decent hour to go to sleep.Hopefully, things will start picking up for us.

Pup Update

Thanks to all of you for your prayers and good mojo that you have passed onto me from yesterday’s blog. The photo you see above is Zush taken this afternoon.Yesterday’s trauma has passed somewhat, and although I am the police mom, the girls are once more existing together.

Kasia has been outdoors in the yard for more time in the past day since she came to live with us almost seven years ago. Tone of voice still has a little edge in it, because we want her to get that what she did was wrong. The two girls are hanging out together within a few inches of each other.We are just going to take it one day at a time.

Jeez…

Take 5 days of antibiotics, they said.

It should be cleared up, they said.

Well, it has,… kind of.

Week number two of cellulitis and there’s on a half inch of red on each side of my knee incision.The antibiotics are done. I am still not right. Yeah, I know, if you know me you might say I’ve never been right.

There’s never been three more miserable folks; me, Zush and Kasia. Walking is highly underrated:sickness, well…let’s just say I can’t wait to get well.

Lazy Day

The girls and I just weren’t feeling it today.Yes, we did go swimming yesterday but it they went again today, Id have to give two baths and that just wasn’t happening.

We walked some and tried to catch up with Kale, Zush’s boyfriend.Unfortunately he wasn’t around, so we just walked around taking in the fresh air and sunshine. I think I need to have a really GOOD night’s sleep,and maybe my energy level will jump up. This “tired” nonsense is a little too much.

We’ll lay low tonight,and hopefully,tomorrow will be a livelier day.

Beach Baby

My morning was dedicated to getting the girls, in particular my Zush, to the bay to swim.

For those of you who joined us late in my posts, Zush loves to swim, and is pretty much the reason why we moved here, in addition to the bay.

Kasia was with us, but chasing seagulls is her pastime. God forbid she gets a paw wet. We walked along the beach after we’re done,and then when we got back home, Zush got a nice warm bath from me.

I hope to get them in a few more times before school starts.

Roomba,Anyone?

My husband likes to call our two-week old Roomba our “third dog.”

I don’t think so.

If you look at the picture above,the Roomba is on a small rug under Zush’s new bed.

This is how Kasia usually sleeps or rests.Zush is pretty much the same, but usually on her new bed.Hah! Now I have to sequester them, and I , like them,wait patiently for the Roomba to finish it’s job.

Many people have seen the videos of the cat on Roomba on You Tube. On behalf of Zusher and Kasia, we’ll happily guarantee that you’ll never see them riding on a Roomba.

Momentarily a Party of Three

There was a drop in the humidity and a slight breeze, so I didn’t have to work to hard to coax Zush to join us in a walk today.

She’s hanging in there, and as normal on a. Zush walk as we can, slow is the name of the game.

Unless you count the run back home, when both of the girls were ready to come on in…I love them both to pieces!

Walking with Mom

Today, in this heat, I was shocked to see Zush ready to go out for a walk.

She went out, took care of business, turned and looked at me as to say ,”OK mom I’ve done my job let me go back in the house.”

I let her go back into the house .I unleashed her and she went back into the air conditioning .I kept Kasia on a leash and decided the two of us would go for a morning walk .It wasn’t really all that bad yet heat wise and we did almost a mile.

So I guess this is strengthening my bond with Kasia. It’s just my heart hurts not bringing my BFF Zush.

Kasia happily sits for Mom-a new adventure.

Take That, Fit Bit!

When I awoke this morning, I got a treat.

A front moved through, and there was a breeze.

Well,as of 4:08PM, I have 13,800 steps.Despite the loss of the 5,000 steps yesterday,I managed to make it past 10,000.That was a little bit of a struggle, but I did it.

It came as a great surprise when I met up with a neighbor this morning after Mass, and we took Kasia with us for a three mile walk.We really breezed through it, even though I had guilt that I left Zush at home: I didn’t feel right leaving her back but I want her to be ok, so we are taking basic walks so she can take care of business.I am selfish and I want her around for as long as possible. Windows were open, fans were on, and I left her a treat, so she was good.

Now all I have to do is go shopping for new fit bit batteries to keep in the refrigerator….

Ugh!

It’s kind of a rule of thumb that if we get up through the night, we let the dogs out to….uh, water the flowers. Usually it’s not an issue.

Until tonight, when Kasia came in smelling like Eau de Stink,er,Skunk.It’s easy to forget we don’t live in the city, and the smell of skunk , uh, rubs it in, if you forgive the pun.

Mom always said I’d have one just like me.Thanks,Mom.

Yawn

I went to bed last night around 9:30pm.

I am up since 2 am.

What the hell?

Those little thoughts that won’t let you sleep. Trying to put something on to make you fall asleep. I didn’t want to take anything to make me drowsy. I figure by the time I went to back to sleep, it would be time for me to get up and make today a really long day.

I don’t know if it is the possible cold front coming through, or the alleged rain and snow mix that is forecasted for Friday.Sometimes they say all your scars in your body act up and make you” feel” the weather. I know, there are a million old wives tales.

It’s frustrating when the husband is sleeping, Zush is sleeping, I come in here to type the blog and put the television on and Kasia is sleeping.

Doesn’t Mom get a break? Just wondering.

Making up for lost time

My girls know Mom is working.

Zush, who is ALWAYS by my side, has been giving me the”…and you’re not going anywhere, right, mom?” look and sticking to me even more than Velcro ever could.

It is weird that once again, I have to reschedule my week. At least with this job I manage to get weekends off,for what that’s worth.After all, laundry and vacumning have got to get sone sometime. But somethings are always the same. I savor the time with my fur girls! Kasia misses me a little, but as usual, she always waits for Jim to come home.Oh well, one out of two isn’t bad,

And They Call It Puppy Love….

My Zush has a boyfriend, or at least she thinks she does.She calls out hello in dog-ese every time we walk by!

The young man in question, and to me he looks between 3 and 6 years old. We don’t know his name, but he is a brindle coated pibble mastiff mix. I feel bad, as the owners have the collar on him where he gets zapped if he goes out of the yard. Today, as Zush walked away, I saw the poor baby jump a little and whimper for trying to sniff where Zush was. It is so sweet, as they both greet each other when they see each other. Kasia tried to get in on the action, but this guy is the apple of Zush’s eye.

Nice to have her happy!

Merry Christmas

Here are my holiday selfies

  Mom and Kasia
  My Zosia mom and me.

Jim and yours truly

We are wishing a kindness to people and animals.

Merry Christmas and a Healty 2016.🌲

Leaf me alone

I really loved this shot.As I was climbing up with the girls I found the leaf like this. Pretty awesome!

Today is Halloween

Zush is in her traditional jesters collar, and to put devil ears on Kasia was wrong in so many ways, although she is a devil most of the time in public.

We hope your Halloween is fun and safe! Please keep candy from the pups,as they don’t know it’s bad for them!

Pumpkin

We are going to see our friend Max and his Mom Norina tonight.

They were good to us the other night and had us over for homemade minestrone and I felt bad: usually I like to bring something with me, like an appetizer or desert.

They are getting ready to shut down their summer cottage for the year, so I thought of pumpkin bread! I had a recipe which incorporates mashed ripe banana with it, so that’s what I went with. I figured I would make one for us too, and I incorporated chocolate chips with it. I probably will take a piece to them to see how they’d it.

I give Zush a little canned pumpkin with some protein as a snack and she woofs it down. The only one not embracing pumpkin is Kasia.

Three out of four family members isn’t bad.

Good Mojo

If you remember from a prior post, our friends lost their gal, Lola, to kidney failure.

Now, all of a sudden, my Zush is “slightly damp” on her butt, so it goes without saying, we have a vet appointment tomorrow afternoon. I even managed the required pee sample to bring with us.

Here’s a shot of Zush going along to run after squirrels with Kasia.

Prayers and good vibes for my gal greatly appreciated!💜😘mm m

Equal Time

I did a post the other day about the reason my heart keeps beating…my Zush.

In all fairness, I have to post about the other reason it ticks, and that is my Kasia.

Kasia is a golden retriever and chow mix.This spring she turns six.Since we adopted her, she has put a little spring back in Zush’s step.The chow in her has made life with her crazy: we never had a dog that barks until we had Kasia come to live with us.She was hard to walk out with people, but the chow in her made her very protective.When it is just me and Jim and Zush alone in the house, she is nothing but a love muffin.The picture inserted above is one of Kasia, as I typed this, she came up on my leg to get her belly rub.Mind you, she still barks at folks going by, but as she gets older,she becomes a little more sedate.

She’s still my Kasia and she is a Sweetie!

Keep it clean!

I came home from work tonight to find out our Zush got her bandage off. Jim let me know, and as Dr./Nurse Mom, it’s my job to clean her up. I washed the area and cleaned it up, put Neosporin on it and tried self stick adhesive bandage over non stick gauze.**fingers crossed**

Kasia is keeping her sister on her toes, as it’s Halloween week, Kasia doesn’t care for kids.They probably teased or hurt her when she was younger, but kids are running up and down the street looking at Halloween decorations. Zush is just being a puppy: the pain-killer makes her feel that good. In the meantime, Kasia is ready to pull me into the street to get away from kids.

In the grand scheme of things, keep the prayers coming.They are appreciated by all of us.Trust us, we are sending them back up for you!

Quiet

So the past two weeks have finally come to an end, and mercifully, we all are at Undisclosed .

Shingleman is gently snoring away, and Zush , Kasia and I are enjoying the quiet. I don’t know when the next time we’ll be down, so the energy I’ll try to suck back while we are here is going to have tide me through for a bit. I know,as usual, I’ll savor every second.

Have a good Saturday!

Laying low

The girls and I are laying low.

It was a long day for me,unraveling lifestyle tweaks with the doctor. A lot of time spent on and waiting for trains. Nothing like being out in the cold to wear you out.

Being out seeing folks going through various stages of illness makes me appreciate the fact that I am not in a hospital and am home watching Grace Kelly while the girls veg out and I am waiting for the dryer to finish.

Life is good.

So since I’m here…

…as I am at ” the Undisclosed Location”,this is “Lighthouse Challenge” weekend, a yearly event in New Jersey. I haven’t had a chance to participate the past few years due to my old knees. Hell, I was lucky that I was walking, let alone climbing stairs with bad knees.

Guess what? Because I am here this weekend, I went over to the Cape May lighthouse and climbed it with Jim.Don’t ask me how many steps there were-there were many. However, the knees feel ok, and that’s good. I thought since they are almost 6 months old( as of this coming Tuesday),what a better coming out party? Nice to know I lived to tell the tale.The wind was so gusty-the weather channel said we had 25-35 knot winds and the ocean was truly alive. It was an awesome experience.

It was kind of weird today,as we did a lot of different things and as of 9:55pm tonite( now), we are just getting settled in for the night, as it were. It’s kind of odd, as we are a pretty sedate couple. Yet today? We ran around like 30 year olds…lol.

On the way from the lighthouse, we stopped at a NJ Audubon Society trail and ran across an old farm, complete with pumpkins that probably had been forgotten. Long story short-we ended up with 4 small pumpkins to come home with us. The girls had their share of walks so they too are beat. I had managed to score some “real” authentic dog bones from the Amish in Reading terminal, so both of them had been working on it furiously. It was funny, because Kasia never had a real bone before. She kind of laid back until she saw how Zush was handling the bone. It was cute to watch.

Here’s hoping for a good Sunday and a peaceful week for everybody.

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