Sunday, December 31, 2006
The End
This year has brought many changes.Finally I can sit back and reminisce with a pomegranate martini. Becoming a diabetic was a big one. Next on my list would be adjusting to this new computer. I still cannot upload my pictures. Things I had set up, are not set up anymore. Information seems to be missing. The computer seems to be fighting me, so I have become acquainted with spider solitaire while I calm down. My eldest is done with school for now and on his way to Key West. While it has be challenging at times this year, I would not change anything and I certainly have not been bored. Okay maybe the diabetic thing, but some good has come from that too. Like I am eating better, still exercising. So I am technically healthy now.
So here's to health and 2006!
Pomegranate Martini
- 1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice
- 2 oz. vodka
- 1 oz. Cointreau liquor
- Cup of ice
- Squeeze of lemon
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Getting ready
My new computer still is not set up for e-mail. I'd like to upload my pictures for posts. I have kept posts and will get them up soon.
Meanwhile planning continues for the Graduation party. The date, menu and guest list are set. Now it's just a matter of getting the house ready. I tend to get stressed when entertaining for more than four guests.
Friday, December 29, 2006
FYE
Final business day of the fiscal year means it is time to take care of the rest of taxes. Being slight of funds the start of the new year means the things will be lean.
The needed tires for my car and a new vacuum will have to wait. My priorities may be a bit mis-ordered, but the Graduation party is coming first.
Living on a sort of fixed income is getting more challenging. Insurance costs have gone up and so has just about everything else. But at least all the bills are paid.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Connecting
The day was spent getting used to and assessing what is missing on my new PC.
I used Skype to make a call to my cousin in Canada. Apparently you can still call for free until the end of the year. Usually I write a brief update in the Christmas card, but with my mind focused on graduation, I neglected to do so. So she did not know that my step-father had died. It was great to talk to her. We reminisced when we were young and how we have become like our parents, talking about medical family history, who is doing what, "boring?"
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
New Computer
My new computer is in place. It's great to be back online. Hopefully soon I'll be able to access the posts I have done off line.
Getting adjusted to a new OS is interesting. It is strange what we become accustomed to and it will take me a few days to adjust. Plus some of my programs are not available. I hope that everything works out soon and I go back to autopilot when on my PC.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Day after Christmas
No after Christmas shopping for me. Besides we do not need much, maybe just some cards and wrapping paper. Maybe next year will be different
It's a day of organizing our finances. Starting to gather the papers for income tax and hopefully pull off information needed on the old computer.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Christmas Day
It was a relaxing day. I like to invite people who would be alone on this day of celebration. So I invited my brother and sister. He declined, she accepted. It was a simple dinner. I like to let dinner cook itself and not tend to pots on the stove. WE went to visit my sister-in-law and her sons. It was nice to get out of the house for a bit.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Christmas Eve
I could relax today and just get ready for Christmas Eve. Everything that needed to be done is done. No last minute wrapping.
The evening was fraught with drama. My eldest saying he did not like family gatherings. Two were missing this year, Tata and my nephew who just left for eight years in the Navy.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Time to make....
Time to make the cheesecake so it will be ready for tomorrow. I have to pick up rolls for Christmas Eve dinner since they were so loved at Thanksgiving. Busy day.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Testing ....
The doctor called with the results of my tests. Great news!!! My A1c was 5.5 Wow! The bad news according to my doctor was my cholesterol it was 218. According to my standards, that is great news. From my last visits years ago it was 243 and had gone up to 262. (those results were measured against the old standards for high cholesterol.) So it is down, I really do not want to be taking tons of medications.
Four days before Christmas and the tree is finally decorated. Gathering the guys to do the decorating was challenging. This will be the last time that my eldest will be here for the “chore.” So much for sentiment, the guys were into speed decorating, preferring to get back to their computer games.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
What still needs to be done?
Checked my list and made to do lists for Christmas. So much to do, so little time. Deadlines are like that. But this is a good deadline. Still I am thinking of trimming back for next year.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Finally!!!
The tree finally makes its way into the house. My first annual exam in years produced some positive information. My weight is down four pounds since my last visit. Drawing blood from me proved to be challenging.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Happy Birthday to me
My birthday Started off with me being in a foul mood. The Christmas tree is not up yet. At lunch I celebrated with a Margarita. I received wonderful toasty Smartwool socks to keep my feet warm. The have been cold since I started on the medication back in September. My eldest built me a new computer. It is combo birthday Christmas gift.
Monday, December 11, 2006
- December 18 updates
Monday 12/11
Recovering from the weekend.
Tuesday 12/12
Shopping making sure I have everything for the Santa cookies.
Wednesday 12/13
Our tree has arrived.
Thursday 12/14
Getting chores done so I can focus on the cookies.
Friday 12/15
It begins ... Cookie weekend.
Saturday 12/16
My youngest helps with decorate the cookies.
Sunday 12/17
Precious first born has returned home from college for the last time as I put the finishing touches on the Santa cookies.
Monday 12/18 I'm hoping the tree gets put up before my birthday.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Last Trip
We say good bye to the small village of Potsdam, most likely for the last time.
The Adirondacks on the way home provided us with wonderful vistas.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Graduation
We arrive at the university for the Graduation Recognition. There are 66 undergrads, 14 Master’s and one PhD. Candidates. Dinner was buffet style. We ate then the presentation of the candidates took place.
I was pleasantly pleased and beaming with pride to see my precious first born as a accomplished young man filled with great promise for his future. Yes, he does have a job. We celebrated with James Bond movie and margaritas with dinner.
I was pleasantly pleased and beaming with pride to see my precious first born as a accomplished young man filled with great promise for his future. Yes, he does have a job. We celebrated with James Bond movie and margaritas with dinner.
Friday, December 08, 2006
On the Road
We depart before noon with girlfriend in tow. We have plans to have dinner in Cromwell, Ontario. As we cross the border, the cute young Canadian border guard asks, "What is the purpose of our visit?"
“Dinner."
"Enjoy your visit."
"He has nice gloves.” my youngest states.
“Do you want me to turn around and ask him where he got them?” I inquire. I would not mind going back to see that attractive young man.
“No, I’m hungry.”
“Fine,” I try not to let my disappointment show.
Dinner was wonderful. When we returned to the United States, The US border guard was a bit older, but thankfully had a sense of humor.
"Where do you live?"
"Um, Connecticut. I don't know why I say um, I know where I live."
"Um, I don't know. The purpose of your visit to Canada?"
"To have dinner."
"It must be a pretty good restaurant to come all the way from Connecticut to eat there."
I blush. " It is, we also came up for my son's graduation in Potsdam."
He smiles. "Are you bringing anything back?"
"Just full stomachs."
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Repeating Actions
I packed his bag three times. One I packed, he unpacked. I repacked, then he added. Finally I packed the bag and gave it to my sister. Our middle one is off to camp this weekend while we go up for graduation.
It is a wonder that anything gets accomplished.
It is a wonder that anything gets accomplished.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Anticipation
Excitement fills my heart as I get ready for this weekend. My excitement cannot be contained. I have my middle son packed for his weekend at camp so I can focus on my packing. Perhaps it is a blessing that my computer is acting up.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Lists
'Tis the season for lists. These are some of my lists: to do, packing, shopping, grocery. I'd be lost without them and things would fall through the cracks. This time of year, budgeting my time is essential. I was also asked to write a wish list. Little time to stop and think, contemplating my navel would be really nice right now, but there is not time.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
12·3
Getting things done slowly, but surely, perhaps not fast enough though. Graduation is coming up fast and so is Christmas. Making sure everything that needs to get done, is getting done. At least I will have a three day break this coming weekend and will be able to pull out my camera again.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Tired and sore
Battles make you weary, but standing your ground is a must. If you do not, you will be over taken. It was a battle regarding betrayed trust and faith. I won today's battle.
In additon, the pain in my back is back. Sleep beckons. Tomorrow is another day, and there is much to be done.
Friday, December 01, 2006
65°
It is December for heavens sake, but I have enjoyed the temperate weather. Ever since I started taking medication, my feet have gotten cold, so I can only imagine how cold the will be once winter truly arrives. I was asked about what would I like for a gift... wool socks perhaps? And no, not that itchy stuff.
The storm has blown through without to much damage. We never lost power and no tornado. So back to work on Christmas. Only 24 days left.
