Early Easter Morning

I sent Carole a picture of my Easter frock.  Ha I haven't worn a dress for so long, I cannot remember when.  But I wore the sweater with purple in it for Easter, although it may get too warm as it has been up in the 80s.

Meagan sent over this picture that had popped up on her phone.  I remember that vacation so well with Meagan at Park City.  It was a beautiful night for pictures at Temple Square.

The fountain is in the sun all the time so I put the water fountain back in for Easter.  Problem is it shoots all the water out so fast you have to keep refilling the water, but it is fun.

 

A Surprising Turn of Events

It is beautiful weather in San Diego and I am loving the springtime.  However, I have been troubled for some time and not satisfied with my circumstances and not sure what to do about them.   

We had such a challenge looking for a place for me to rent in the San Diego area.  Finding something suitable for Sadie and I, that we could afford, and was a reasonable place to live for an 87 old lady who has a dog.

Quite miraculously this place was found in Rancho Bernardo, where I had not even thought of living, and it was perfect.  So much light in the home, newly remodeled with a large covered patio and mature landscaping that had gardeners!  Even a fireplace!  And the real plus was that my furniture fit perfectly, room for every thing and to top it all off, room for all my books!!!!   Photo albums and etc I was putting online, etc.  It was a perfect location, very quiet and yet so close to everything I would ever want to go to.  I even found great medical just 10 minutes away.  My children were all within 20 to 30 minutes away.  Meagan and her family were just living down the freeway close enough to visit often. The ward was close and people had been wonderful to me.

So why was I not happy, why was it so troubling to me, why was was it stressing me out?  I was praying fervently for answers as to whether to renew the rental and if I didn't, where to go and why was I not satisfied with my situation?

And then one morning last week it was as clear to me as a bell.  Go back to Utah and live at Treeo where Jeanne is.  I could not believe the answer.  I never wanted to go back to Utah.  I loved living in San Diego after 21 years away.  It was perfect here.  I never wanted to live in a Senior Living Place, did I?  I don't think I ever did.  I loved my independence, my own home and yard.  This place was so perfect, why wasn't it right?  What was missing?  When I told my son later, he immediately said, "People".   Yes, I did not want to be alone anymore, did I.  I wanted to be able to see and talk to people and yet I did not want to live in my children's homes and I had all my stuff I wanted to take with me.  And then I realized I did not want to run a house anymore, it takes too much of my time, too much thought.  Why did I think I wanted to do that.  I really did not want to have to cook anymore.  I loved it when I was working for SBA and was living in a hotel where I was serviced.  And wouldn't it be fun to have one of my sisters in the same place and yet I could still have my own stuff? 

It all seemed absolutely correct, why had I not chosen this before?  I was so ceertain of the answer, I immediately called Treeo and was given a Ryan to talk to.  I asked all the questions and he gave me all the answers.  I then texted Linda and blew her away with my latest thoughts.  She was surprised but offered to go up with me to check it out.  I texted her back that I did not need to do that.  I was familiar enough with it and I knew it was the right thing to do. 

The next day Ryan called and gave me a virtual tour of the place and showed me rooms I could choose to live in on the first floor and have a doggie door and fenced area for Sadie, our own little patio.  Could he hold it to the end of June?  Not sure but asked and came back with the answer and arrangements to do so.  

Linda was concerned I was making my mind up too fast.  I texted Maria at 5 am and she came over and had lunch and I showed her the plans and, etc.  Both of them really thought it was a good idea, actually.  The same day James and Camber came over to take Kelsi to a track meet in Poway and me with them to watch.  I shared the news with them and they thought it was a great idea, too.  Although I must admit there was the thought that I had been neglected too much?  I assured them that was not the case at all.  Meagan was in Hawaii but I told her to call me as soon as she arrived home.  She also was blown away by the decision and was disappointed to see me go but, too, could see the sensibility behind the decision. The fuarniture I could not take was being spoken for, and I began moving items I could not take to one side of the garage.  And my mind was so at ease. 

Thank you, Lord, for helping direct my life, once again.

SBA Shirt 2003

After a Disaster was over there was usually a contest for designing the insignia for the shirt you could purchase as a memento of your experience on that disaster.  This was the one where I saw so much of Maryland and fell in love with the area.  The shirt was way to large and so I got rid of it but wanted to keep this memento.

This is the one I came home from in the winter time and my furnace had just gone out and I had a four feet high and wide solid berm in front of my house.

One of the elders in the ward brought over his machine and shovel and dug me out.  The next day he had a crash in his snowmobile and had a traumatic brain injury.  It took him months and years of recovery and learning to talk and walk again, totally changed his life.  He had to sell his airplane, changed the way they lived, sell restaurants he owned, etc.  But he remains a beautiful and humble man, whom I always loved hearing about their latest travels from.  Usually his wife or brother drove.  I do not think he could ever drive again.

 

New Bundle of Joy

 Khamsin Rye Alaoui-Valko 7 lb 14 oz  19.5  In 

Mitch Valko and Bahia Alaoui are the proud parents.  They are living in Bremerton, WA and Mitch is a park ranger!!!

In the Hot Tub at Rancho Santa Fe

Meagan sent over this old picture of  when I was staying at James' home in Rancho Bernardo and Keira and Eden were in the hot tub with me.  

Sarah In Town and Came to Lunch

Sarah and her niece Kate came to town for a Carlsbad neighbor shower that was given in her honor.  Linda said they stayed for about 2 or more hours and it was very enjoyable on Thursday, the 20th.  Meagan and I did not drive all the way over.  Concern over Covid and I just do not do well at night anymore, either.   And Linda said they would come for lunch.  So I met them at Fish District on Friday at Carmel Mountain.  Meagan was not able to come.  Linda has plans for a summer gathering of San Diego people who are unable to travel to the Wedding in South Jordan on March 5th.

It was fun learning all the exciting news.  They will be living in Pleasant Grove in a home that is being renovated!!!  They will live in the basement and rent out the upper floor.  Sarah will continue with her Cosmetology and possibly work as an assistant as well.  Ethan will be finishing his education in Construction or whatever it is called to be a Contractor.

I gave her a Wedding Card and White candle to go with the White Egyptian towels I sent for their wedding gift.  It was a very fun visit.  Darling girls.

Four Generation Picture and we are all the same size (approximately),

 

Sarah, 5th Granddaughter; Linda, Daughter; Kate, lst Great Granddaughter, Me 

 I  won't be wearing those pants to lunch anymore!

The Eczema Puzzle

 In the last several years my face has been more sensitive to cancer, keratosis, dermatitis, eczema, etc.  Dealing with it all has been a nightmare and I have had more than one dermatologist depending on where I was living at the moment.

A couple of months ago I was dealing with possible cancer which turned out to be acitinic keratosis and I met a new dermatologist in Rancho Bernardo.  It cleared up.

A couple weeks ago eczema flared up after eating about 5 of Costco Cream Cheese Danish (they are so wonderful but never again) over a two week period.  I figured it was all the dairy and wheat that I have a problem with.

This week it flared up even more and the itch is driving me crazy.

Since I have been doing Keto this last week I have now resolved that it is probably the heavy cream usage.  I at first blamed it on the Aussie Mousse I was trying but now I am realizing I just cannot have any dairy.  I switched to almond milk a couple years or so ago.  I probably should switch to coconut oil for my butter, too. It is always a time consuming challenge chasing down what it is that is causing my problem at the time.  And, of course, you always suspect stress...

I have always had bad allergies but finding out just what it is has always been a challenge...so I will go to coconut milk, etc. and see if my eczema goes away!!  UGH!

Yes, the brown spots are from all the sun, heard that before.  There was all the sun sitting around the Glendive pool but the most sun was crewing on a sailboat for about three years when I came to San Diego to teach school in 56!!!!  

Update: Feb 21, 2021

The itch is gone.  I have been using Aveeno Eczema Therapy and the redness is almost completely gone.  I have been using Coconut Milk and Cream instead of Cream.  I gave the last quart I bought to Meagan to make ice cream.  On the 20th I had some cream left from the old bottle and finished it off.  So far the eczema is not coming back.  We will see.  If it was not created by too much cream, it will have been the Aussie Gel (from a tree) that I used for one week.  We will see if it stays away.

The Stealing of Flags

Saturday morning when I was sitting on the edge of my bed and facing my window and making a text message call I noticed my flag was missing from my pole and only the corners were left.  In the next moment I saw that my neighbor's flag across the street was no longer flying.

I quickly brought in the flag pole and called my neighbor John to see if he knew his flag was missing.

What I have learned since.  There has been a number of yard flag stealing in Rancho Bernardo and North Park that we know of.  No one has an idea of who is doing it.  Police flags such as BLM have also been taken.

They could have taken my whole pole and not cut my flag as they did, if they wanted a whole flag.  They could have taken my neighbor's flag without taking the lanyard etc.  

This is considered a hate crime nationally.  My house is on the corner and there is a street light so it was easy for them to see what they were doing which is why they maybe did not take the flag at the end of the cul de sac.  

Is it just teen agers cruising on a Friday night making mischief or is it something more sinister?  The police said they have no clue.

Sadie did sit up at one point in the middle of the night and yet did not want to go out like she usually does, so she must have heard them.  I heard nothing even though the flag post is only about 12 feet from my bedroom.

Update: Feb 21, 2021

It did hit the news and a couple who had cameras showed the culprits.  They looked like adults in hoodies.  They have not caught the culprits or have an explanation of why.  The neighbor to John gave him a new flag but it was not the size needed and so John gave it to me.  I love seeing my flag waving again.

Puzzle Mastered!!

 Except for the Word puzzle I gave up on a few years ago, this was the most difficult puzzle I have every done!!!  No matter what anyone says, it feels like a great accomplishment when you can eyes the piece you need and it fits perfectly.  I hate to dismantle this one, it took so long to put together.  

Since I have this craft table in my kitchen it was often just a few minutes at a time as I was passing to the garage or waiting for something to bake, etc. that I worked on this but I really enjoyed every minute.  I have always loved solving mysteries.

New Great Grandchild Soon

 Mitch and Bahia and loving their new digs in Northern California and expecting in March!!

Sarah is Engaged

 

Sara Michelle and Ethan Thomas are getting married in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple in South Jordan, Utah on March 5, 2021 and having a reception at The Azalea in South Jordan that evening.

I will not be going, it will be a very hectic, fast pace trip and involvement and I do not choose to be an old lady who needs any attention.  I want all the attention on them and the process.  I will enjoy seeing all the pictures and hearing about.  There are lots of family up there and lots of family traveling from San Diego area.

Ethan was at Linda's home several times while I was living there.  They appear very happy and enjoy each other's company very much.  They will continue their education and live in Pleasant Grove.

 

Lunch with Linda and Maria

 Both Maria and Linda had time today so we had lunch at the Fish District again.  Maria said there are two in the area and she did not realize it and went to one in Carmel Valley first.  It is actually the only place I have wanted to go to for months now.  Really love their dishes.  Today on my taco were two pieces of cod, so good.

I always enjoy being with my daughters, they always have so much to share with each other and we get lots of talking in.  I am really enjoying being able to do something with them each week!!!

Linda has decided we should use my patio for the shower for Sarah on the 20th,  Covid restrictions are in place and it is a large covered patio, so will be easy to do.

Gift from Linda

 I have really been enjoying my new cd player. My other one had issues. I am loving playing all my good music and dancing all over. Birthday present!

Matt Brought Dinner

 Matt called the other day and said he would take me to lunch if I would make him some Goodie Bars (Matrimony Bars) so I did and he brought me Fish and Chips from Fish District Sunday night. I should have taken the picture, they were so good!

Matt looks good and is taking good care of himself, exercising, etc. Has a construction job and a girlfriend who sounds really neat. She does dermabrasion for a career! 

New Haircut from Cierra

 New haircut from Cierra. She moved to Escondido and her baby is 18 months old already. She has an individual room so is doing business.

I got really panicking when I plugged in her address and it said 39 minutes! I had forgotten I had put in my phone to do it without freeways to Linda's house and did not change it. I could not figure out which way the freeway was so I had to plug that in. When I came home I pulled up a map of Rancho Bernardo and really oriented myself on where I live and directions etc, it is so confusing!

Happy Birthday Again!

This was a bad picture not even capturing the target cake that the Masseys brought over.  It was a Gluten free chocolate cake with white frosting and sprinkles.  I had the Pepperidge lemon cake and two kinds of ice cream.  So even tho it was getting near supper time we had had as much cake and ice cream as we wanted to celebrate my birthday.  It was fun!  

They also gave me a Hummingbird feeder!!  What a perfect gift.  I love watching the humming birds in the bottlebrush tree, now I can see them from my living room.
 

Carole in Hospital with Covid

They were together at Christmas and then for a birthday party for Len, who is deceased, and then Jon's family, Chris, Dave and Carole all came down wth the Covid.  I think Carole showed the symptoms last.  Dave had it bad cuz of his asthma. 

 They were tested last week and came back positive and Carole was told by her doctor it could get worse around the 8th or 9th day and she wanted her to come in for an infusion.  Carole somehow missed the call with the time and so missed it.

 She sounded terrible when I talked to her on Thursday and she got worse from there.  She said last night was really bad.  She went to ER around noon on Saturday the 24th and they have her on steroids, fluids, and nausea medicine and keeping her over night.  She said the nausea was the worst but she also has a horrible cough, whenever I talk to her. Her oxygen level was ok.  They wondered earlier if she had a way to measure that at home.

One of the things I was told was that if you have covid you should not get the vaccine until 90 days after recovery.  Yet today I read that a lady had covid in December and got the vaccine  this week and died so lots of rumors and there is not enough vaccine.

I have not been able to get an appointment yet and neither has Marilyn.  Jeanne had hers a few weeks ago.

Carole did not come home from the hospital until January 28th and she came home with oxygen tank and way to measure it.  It got down to 85 in the hospital, she is to keep it above 92.  She is also on blood thinner because of the heart flutter they detected and that helps to prevent strokes.  Someone is coming on Monday for two hours to give her help on how to take care of herself, etc.  

They think that Sage contacted the virus first from someone in school and she was quarantined and only attended about 4 days of school in January.

Thanksgiving News

I am so impressed with the videos the Masseys put on You Tube.  This one has Keira as the anchor woman and it is good.

Evidently Matt is the director and producer and they are well done with some real edgy news of the day plus lots of  humor.

 

Classical Stretch on PBS

I think II have found a exercise program I can commit to.  I have been recording for a long time this program on PBS station.  The lady is Miranda Esmonde-White and it is only 22 minutes and the purpose is get the body mobile and strong.  Just what I need.  

I am starting with #1 and have 60 classes recorded or you can buy from PBS for around $65 and use cds.  I am glad I recorded.  I feel better all ready.

 And I have the proper gear to wear which makes you feel more like exercising than just being in your pajamas.  I bought this outfit about 2 years ago when I thought I was going to start going to exercise classes provided by my health insurance.  Linda took me shopping and I tried on quite a few before I found one that fit right.  At the time I did not realize I should be zipping the jacket shut but it does work better that way and shows all those bulges you want to get rid of.

So we will see if I can keep up with it and get feeling good.  She swears she has only done this each day for 30 years and that you do not need to put hours in the gym to stay in good shape.  She is now 66 and has been the coach for many athletes and dancers over the years.

Happy Birthday 88 years!!!!!

I had an extended celebration this year.  Linda took me to lunch on Wednesday, bearing gifts and giving me a trial run to my haircutter's new place in Escondido, then I had my good Dr. apt on Thursday and had lunch with Maria, and fun gifts have been coming in from Amazon from her, plus she gave me fresh medjool dates and walnuts plus the recipe for a date shake and Friday Camber and James took me to lunch after bringing beautiful plants for my home.

Meanwhile I had birthday greetings on Facebook, Messenger, Messages, Instagram so it was a fun birthday even though if I am in San Diego for the winter we usually have a party.

Maria said to take a picture and it is good to mark the day so here it  is to mark 88 years of which I probably remember the first 8 the best!!!!

When Linda asked what I wanted I said the Pepperidge Lemon layer cake.  I only recently discovered this little gem but I have bought the coconut layer one for years...if hungry for cake these are really great.

Call from Stewart House twice, once here and then latter from the children and sang Happy Birthday each time.  Maria and her crew called on my tablet and sang while serving Birthday Cake Michael had made that day!

 

One thing James did before he left  my house is to get my key to grasp and let me have a fire in the fireplace.  My minister Bro. Williams had been so kind to find one that fit and brought it over along with a lighter and worked very hard to hook it on and then teach me how to do it.

Unfortunately I was not able to get it to grasp on the nexxt day or ever after.  James showed me how to slant it and get a good grasp by being gentle till it really latched.  

Then the second problem had to be solved.  My hand is not strong enough to turn it with just one hand while the other one is holding the fire torch.  So the first time I used a paper towel and lit it but this makes too big of a mess to vacuum up later.  Now I have one of my little candles that I use to light and then use my salad tongs to pull it out of the fire.  Life is so complicated when you are old and alone but never give up!!!!

Good Health News

Today I met with Dr. Rod Serry and after reviewing the latest tests plus all he received from Scripps he does not feel we need to do anything yet.  YEA!

If I start having more symptoms I should call, otherwise I will get tests again in June and go from there!!!  He said the stenosis is about the same as it was last June but he does not want to wait any longer than 6 months to test again.

He said to keep doing what I am doing.  Actually I think I should be doing more walking and dancing. 

However, if I am going to live longer than 2 years I need to start looking for cheaper housing.

Maria sent over a list in Carlsbad to start on.....

He also explained that in the last 10 years or so they have determined that the statins help prevent heart attack and stroke and lesson the plaque.  Even without thinking about the numbers...definitely I should have been taking for this reason with my familial heart disease.  

Inauguration Day

 

Today will go down as one of the best inaugural days we have had.  I thought President Biden's talk was the best I have heard since Kennedy.  He was very well prepared and seemed sincere and determined to put across a message of We, not I, and his determination to be the President of all the people.  I was very impressed. If only, the positivity and comradery can keep going.

Lady Gaga's singing of the National Anthem was the best I have ever heard, I think.  And Amanda Gorman, the poet laureate wrote and spoke an incredible poem about these times.  Just amazing. 

Whoever was responsible for the planning and carrying out of the day did a really great job.

Of course, it was very disappointing when he signed 17 bills changing a lot of the good that Trump did and reverting to Obama days, so despite the speech it is all about politics and paying back who he owes a favor to, politics not America needs... again. So sad. 

  

Mitchie, a New Friend

 Charli wanted her Mom to send both Marilyn and I some of her "not needed anymore" comfort stuffed animals, "because we are all alone."  Nico immediately loved it and named it Mitchie!!  Thanks,Charli!!!

New Primary Doctor and Statins

On 12/8/2020 I met my new Primary Doctor at Arch Health.  He is older and has worked other places.  He is a little gruff but very preceptive.  We talked about what I wanted from him. He had already looked at the records Dr. Serry has but I had not brought him any except very little information from Dr. Vaccarri, my Scripps Doctor.

Actually I have to have a Primary Doctor and he knows that but other than my aortic valve problem which is for Dr. Serry to take care of, I told him I want to build up my immune system, take care of any UTI's I get and find out about the Chronic Kidney Failure that is now listed on my charts.  He wants me to come in January after having blood and urine tests and we would talk about all that.  He said it means I have rust in my plumbing ???

Update, I met with him after the tests and sugar looks ok, CKF not a problem, but he talked me into trying statins again, can't use the expense excuse.  It is the generic of Crestor, only $9.62 a month with Good RX coupon at Sav-On and wants me to go for 3 months and see how it does.  He swears it will help my plaque.  However, I read later that statins have never been tested on people over 75 so, you know, is it really too late for that?  Also, I had a current UTI, why was I not aware?  I think I was so committed to finishing my puzzle, I was not paying attention.  Dumb me.  I like that he gave me 3 pills a day and called for a call back to check again.  He is thorough.   

Beautiful Sunset even in Rancho Bernardo!!!

I usually take my walk with Sadie between 4 and 5 and I think it was closer to 5 this evening.  I could not believe the gorgeous sky even out here.  Next day Meagan had pictures that were almost the same as they were down at the bay.  And Carole Warburton in Utah had almost the same except her picture had a little yellow in it.  Wonder what was going on in the world that we were treated with this beautiful sunset!!!
 

High Tide at Bathroom Rock

 Maria sent a picture of the high tide at Bathrub Rock today, that is where we walked to and climbed up on to throw John's ashes into the sea.  This was a favorite place for him to come with his surfing friends.  It is at Torrey Pines State Park.

Four Generation Pictures with the Stewart Family

Linda and the Stewarts came over today and we did 4 Generation Pictures.

Linda, Kristi, and I look quite a bit alike, I think!!!

Molly

Brynn

Kate

Ryan

 

Original. Cards from Keira and Eden

 

No Stuffed Nose in the Morning!!!!

 Another gift I got from Ethan was aromatherapy and one of them was Peppermint and it does wonders for my breathing.  My nose is not all dry and stuffed in the morning.  I love it!!!!