Keeping Up Appearances

I must admit when I stay home so much I can really look tacky.  I have on my watering clothes which is my oldest levis and ragged shirts.  I rarely worry about hair or makeup.  I look like Gravel Gertie from the Dick Tracy comics.

While posting the  blog about my SBA friend I had a memory of something that happened in 2004 or 2005 in the Sacramento office.  Bruce, the one behind me in this picture with the white t shirt was also working in the Sacramento office and we were both group leaders in the same area of the large building.  We would occasionally discuss certain aspects of what we were doing.

This one day as we approached the sign out desk we were squabbling in disagreement about something and the girl behind the desk said, "Wow, it is a good thing you two are not married."

I said, "Married!  Bruce is 15 years younger than I am."  She said, "Wow, you would never know that."

Bruce said, "Hey, I don't know what to think about that."  I said, "I do."

Yes, when I was working I did try to keep up appearances and put on my make up and comb my hair, etc.  I must do a better job of that.  Carole reminds me that it is the first thing she does every day whether she is going any place or not.  

I usually head outside and water everything and from then on I am just doing my thing all day and rarely glance in the mirror.  I have lived alone for a loooooong time.  I must do better, occasionally I do have to run to a neighbor or have in a repair man, but who cares, really?

I was giggling with Jeanne the other day as I was telling her that Sadie sometimes looks me up and down with a disapproving look, as if she is judging me.  I mean really, when you think your dog is judging you, that is really paranoid.  She said, "She is probably thinking, "Are you going to feed me or not?"  Yes, she is probably right, that is about all Sadie thinks about, eating.  Me, too.

So I'm Paranoid? What's New?

Yesterday afternoon I panicked. I smelled a strange smell, was it gas?  It seemed in the area near the front door -- was it outside?  Stepped out, no, it was not outside.  Was it the water heater?

I couldn't hear the burner on the water heater.  I couldn't see the pilot light.  Was it out?  I remembered when Linda was here and that had happened.  She had had to call home to find out what to do.  I had never checked it myself.  When I first moved here it had definitely gone out and my neighbor also came and lit it, he has moved.  He thought I needed a new water heater.  Then one of the guys from church who had worked on those water heaters came over and did something and said it would be fine.  That was 15 years ago.  It could go out any time, it was now 20 years old or more.

What to do, who to call?  Greg from church would come but it is supper time and he lives a bit away.  I did get down and take off the cover and tried to peer inside.  I definitely could not see the light.

There were no neighbors near but I saw the red car across the street.  John or Marcy or both must just have come up for the weekend.  I hated to bother them so soon.  I called P G & E instead.  They said I only had electricity from them and I should call a plumber.  I just had the plumber on Wed and it cost $100.  I walked across the street.

"Is John here?" I asked, when Marcy opened the door.  He was, and he would come and look even though he had had his knee replaced and he could not kneel on it.

John is a former engineer and was also a teacher.  He was the right one to call.  He showed me how to touch the pipe to see if it was warm.  It was, slightly.  I had not used the washer, dishwasher or shower all day.  He did not hear the burner either.  He asked if I had a flashlight.  I went to where I usually keep them, not there?  Where?  Eventually I found them, I had moved them, why do I do that?


He patiently showed me where to look for the flame.  It was lit.  Who knew it would be waaaaay back on the right side and you could only see it from a certain angle with your head close to the ground?   You had to look diagonally.


He explained all the different knobs and exactly what to do.  He explained the yellow lever on the side and when to use it.  He had me put the two covers back on to be sure I knew how.  He took a lot of time and was very patient.


Then he asked for a pencil and paper and drew pictures and wrote in very legible print all the instructions.  Rarely I have ever seen such patience.  I remembered how exasperated the computer guy used to get when I would ask a question instead of listening.  I listened and tried very hard not to interrupt.


I actually think I could handle lighting it myself.  I would definitely need to use that match holder I have (but never use) or get long matches.  Need to have them near just in case.  Need to put my flashlights back where I remember keeping them always.  Need to get new batteries for the one.  Need to post this description of what to do on the back of the water heater closet door.  Need to clean out the dust around the water heater.


Need to figure out how to thank John.  I doubt he eats cookies.  I had told him about the propane explosion we had down the street while they were gone.  I did tell him about the water heater explosion of my friend.  I did not tell him about the propane explosions I had been reading about recently.  Yes, I am paranoid.  He explained how the lever kicks in if the pilot goes out and gas should not be escaping and that if there is a real leak, I can always open doors and windows and turn off the yellow lever.


Later that night I see the room deodorizer, on the table by the window, poof out a large spray.  I had turned it up the other day on high and forgot to turn it back.  Was that the strange smell--I walked nearer, I think so, it was a new can of a smell I had not tried before.  I must get one that does not smell like gas...

Bill, An SBA Friend, Passes Away

Today I received the sad news from Susan of New Mexico that her husband Bill had passed away.  Bill had been an SBA loan officer with me on about 3 or more Disaster Services, in Texas and Sacramento. In 2001 all of us that were staying together had Sunday barbecue suppers together.  The hotel owners let us use their kitchen and dining area...we became quite well acquainted.

Standing on the left is our friend Tony, also from New Mexico, he still sends great uplifting emails.

That first year we worked Bill and I were the two "Top Reservists" and received $50 quick cash awards.  He was also the one who encouraged me to submit for a higher pay grade.  Some of the guys had been former SBA employees, I had come from the non-government banking world.  He said he had heard me and he knew I was worth it.  I applied with the help of a car partner, "a brainy guy" who knew just how I should write it and I did get it!

Bill was also my car partner on one disaster and he was quite a tease.  I remember one time as we stopped to get gas he said that I had never taken my turn at checking the tires.  The SBA guys were quite vocal about 'equal opportunity' and all that.  I turned to him and said quite insistently, "I am not going to check the tires!"  And he just laughed.  The guys did like to tease me, and one of them said one time, "it was just so easy."  I was evidently very gullible.

Bill was a special friend and when his wife visited in Sacramento he made sure we met and had lunch together.  They had such a lovely relationship.  When he had a stroke some time ago she sent the devastating news.  He was sure he would recover fully and worked hard at it.  It is very sad to hear of his passing.  Bill was probably more fit and healthy than any of us seniors.  He watched what he ate and always walked on his noon break.  He had been a model in years past and in the winter he was a ski instructor.  Life is not fair!

Bill was one of the "good guys"--his family and friends will miss him greatly.

What's New?

My days are filled with scanning pictures and completing my San Diego Scene booklet--my life from 1956 to 1980 and my nights are filled with audio books and the series "Grand Hotel"--a Spanish foreign film.

Grand Hotel is a series that was done in 2011 in Spain about a Grand Hotel in Spain at the beginning of the 20th century.  I enjoy stories about the class distinction in Europe such as 'Upstairs, Downstairs" and "Downton Abby".  in Grand Hotel it is somewhat the same plus everyone are such liars, always trying to be something they are not or get something that is not theirs or avoid the consequence of their bad choices.  Of course, they eventually get caught in their lies--usually--but it is great fun watching the action.  Love the two main stars who actually try to be good but also have to deceive to continue their detective work on all the bad things done to those they love.

Why do I write my life history?   Because I believe in family history and documentation.  But I find it is so hard to remember exactly what happened when, where and why if I didn't write it down and my journal writing was sporadic and so often I recorded what was troubling me rather than the fun activities, thank heaven there are movies and pictures for a lot of that.  It is interesting that I have ended up with letters back from both Richard's Mom and mine so there is the information there and of course, I did do a Christmas letter usually every year that keeps me on track.  Still I find it hard to stick to my "story" and not tell someone else's story (my children) and tell it wrong, stories that are not mine to tell.  Of course, Richard will have to be satisfied with the story I tell, but here again often when something happened and exactly why is not always firm in my mind.  He rarely forgot anything.  Lucky for me I forget a lot of the not so pleasant to remember so that is good.

I have also been trying to get what family stories and pictures I have on to the "Memories" section of Family Search.  They are doing a great job with that and it is very interesting to go in there and see what others have submitted as well.  This week I discovered my grandfather Martin E Anderson was the architect and builder of the Malad, Id tabernacle as well as the Blackfoot, Id and Brigham City, Ut and I actually sought out their pictures of the internet.  Very beautiful buildings.  For some reason we do not know as much about Dad's side of the family as we do Mom's.

I just finished Nicholas Sparks latest book "The Longest Ride".  I have read all his books so sometimes I can predict a little what is going to happen but he pretty much keeps us guessing.  I enjoyed it and it is already in the works for a movie.  It is amazing what a story teller he is.

The latest gothic novel of Joyce Carol Oates I finally zapped back (I do the audio books from "Library to Go" on my tablet.  I usually love her books but it was just too much and too long and I do not like myth type books anyway.

Anyway the summer is going so fast, I can't believe we are almost in to August!!!  I have had so much congestion this summer I have spent a lot of it indoors with the humidifier on!  That is not how summer is supposed to be spent, I have not gone to the lake at all except to look at the swimming area which is smaller this year than ever it seems!

Looks like my garage door is finally in the works so I may be able to keep my car from getting to dirty in the next month.  Now I have to find someone to come and treat my three bad firs...just one thing after another.  When I called into my phone company about my bad phone the lady just kept going on and on about how old I was, she must not know anyone in their 80's that is still able to take care of themselves.

Fun great grands and grands this week...

Eden doing some crib shopping.

Brynn and Molly from Nevada

Sarah, the California girl

Blasts from the Past

Greeting Cards--

I have been sorting saved greeting cards and letters and now have 4 large shoe boxes and a hat box full of packets.  Next time I feel lonely I will just need to grab a shoebox or a packet and I can enjoy all the kind and loving messages from children, grandchildren, friends, relatives and my husband over the years!  I knew I was saving them for some reason.

When my mother died I received my greeting cards back from her and some letters from the children which I mostly have put in their 'take this' box.  But a couple of envelopes that were missed is two letters that Maria wrote her "Gramma Anderson" when she was 7 or 8.  On the front of the envelope she writes it is from your 'groovy Granddaughter' and it is written to 'Gramma Anderson (the groovy one)'   (The phrase 'groovy' is so 40's I am curious where that came up--from a Barbie doll? or was it 'back' in the early 70's'?  On the back she has several messages 'Open here' 'Hurry' 'right now' and a special message for the post office-- 'post office ladie I'm talking to my Gramma'--so Cute.

Lake Almanor Trivia--

Another thing I came across is some trivia about Lake Almanor when it was being developed in the 50's. The smooth beach we love so much at Rec I was evidently filled with tree stumps at one time.   Ed Kalt was employed by Mr. Clifford, the developer, to dynamite the stumps. " He had just finished for the day but had one stick of dynamite left so he stuck it under a stump and set it off.  It was successfully blown out and Ed drove off in his pickup to report to Mr. Clifford.

While sitting on the porch the two watched a car come tearing up and park in front while the driver slammed out and approached furiously.  He inquired who had been blasting stumps and Mr. Clifford said, as a matter of fact, it was Ed.  The irate man said, "Well, that last stump came through my roof and is now sitting in my bathtub!"

The bandshell we love so much was moved back a little this year and has additional flat cement to cater to all the dancers at the Sunday night concerts in the summer.

The article goes on "Gene Lytle commented that the biggest change he had observed in the years he has been here is in the Music and Arts Program.  He was involved with Gordon Minor when the first Sunday evening concerts were presented in the park.  Gordon had a banjo band that Gene participated in.  Gene acted as MC for these early programs.  Local talent provided free programs and during these concerts, Fran Smith, Dolores Richards, and others collected donations to build a bandshell.  The bandshell was built in 1987 with funds donated by LACC residents.  $40,000 was raised during these efforts for the present bandshell.

Meagan and Eden

Like Mother, Like Daughter beautiful smiles!

Grandchildren Having Summer Fun!

Jacob and friends at the beach!

Jimmy is the golfer!

Lea and her friends entering high school this fall!!

Cute picture of Sarah and her cousin? viewing the San Diego Temple.

Jacob spent a week at BYU at soccer camp and his Mom caught this pix when he returned to the beach again.  Love this pix.

 .

A Good Day!

Today was a good day, even if it was too hot!  Talked to James this morning, he is back East, and then Mitch called and he was on his way up!

I fed him a big breakfast and then he washed his clothes and took a long nap, he had driven in the night from Big Creek (near Fresno).  My only regret is that I did not take a picture, he looks so buff!!!

We looked at the trees I need to have cut, they are a little bigger than he has approval to do, but that is what he is doing for the Forest Service, he is a Faller.  That is a high paying job on the non-government payroll but a dangerous business.  I think he is really enjoying his time there, he took back his music and game stuff and clothes with him, he will be there through November!

Mitch did a couple of handyman things for me, we had Chicken tacos and then he folded his clothes, loaded his car with all his things and then he was off again, planning on stopping in Tahoe to see Matt.

After I left I read an email from an old friend and that reminded me of something on my blog and I went in and watched the grandchildren singing at Richard's funeral.  They were so good, amazing that on such short notice, they did so well.

And then I listened to James' talk and it was wonderful as was Bob Wells.  It was really a lovely funeral and I am so glad I can go back and listen again, I am sure I did not remember much from that day.

Then I noticed a call from our RS president and I called her back.  She wanted to make sure I was sincere about wanting to leave teaching in RS.  I have such a hard time because my throat gets so dry, etc.  I realized I have been teaching for 60 years though and I think that is quite enough so I eagerly told her YES!.  She didn't want me to feel they did not want me...

Yea, that means I do not need to order the HDMI connection as I will not need to show anymore videos at RS now.  That is good.

Matt called looking for Mitch, he says he has a new girlfriend he really likes and he is bringing her up to meet me.  Now that is good news!

Saga of the Spider

Yesterday I noticed this big spider in the rafter above the patio door but I let it be.  I have always liked to see the big webs that they spin.

However, this morning Sadie wanted out before it was light and since I was wearing my undies I did not turn on the light when I went out onto the deck to grab her leash line.

Yuuuuk, I walked full on into a web!!!  I quickly ruffled my hair to get it out and stepped back into the house and turned on the light.

The poor spider was hanging on to a lifeline and doing all kinds of gyrations trying to get his balance.  But at least he was not in my hair!

I watched him (her?) pull himself together and then straddle one remaining line up to the rafter. Question of the day, should I kill him or what.

Actually, no, I read they build their webs around the porch lights because they catch the insects there!!  And that is a good thing.  I will just leave the light on for a bit tonight (as I did last night for Sadie enjoyed sitting in the cool for a bit in the dark) and hope he (she) catches some more insects that fly around the light every night!  Evidently if I had waited until it was light the web would probably have already have been gone.

While I was reading about spiders I watched a very interesting video.  A man had a brown recluse in one jar and a wolf spider in the other.  He was going to see who would kill who.  He had already tried it with the recluse and a black widow and the black widow died first but the recluse died, too.  He said he would let the winner go.

I watched the video and almost as soon as he dumped the spiders together the wolf spider attacked and they were in a ball skirmishing for a loooong time.  Then finally the recluse died and the wolf spider licked his fangs and walked away!!  The man let him go free as he said he would.  I think spiders are interesting creatures so I also watched the video on the 10 deadliest--yikes--luckily they are mostly living somewhere else.

PS - I went back the next day to look at the spider and a few remains of his web is there with about 10 white flies it had caught but he was not seen.  I wonder if he did not survive his rude bumping into after all.  Sad.

Then four nights after our initial encounter there he is again with a large, large web that leaves room for me to walk out on the deck without disturbing it!!!  Honest!!!!

About five hours later 2:30 AM I look again when I get up to go to the bathroom and it is all gone, except for a few strings up high--now that is one neat spider.  I read they spin a web for the dark and then take it all away for day--what a lot of work.  Naturally I will keep my eye out for him (her?).

Keeping Up with Grandchildren

Amy and Sarah off to the Beach in clever bike situation.

Gorgeous pix of Melissa in N C!

Eden and Matt at Balboa Park

Masseys at Balboa Park!

Meagan and Eden hiking near their home.

Senior Moments

Having Senior Moments can be dangerous--like leaving the burner going under the frypan, or forgetting you have water running in the tub.  It can also be wasteful, like forgetting you didn't turn the front hose off and it is all going in the ditch.  It can also be expensive, like not noticing that a certain bill had not arrived and so it was not paid through your Credit Union!!

That happened today.  I called them, they assured me it was mailed on June 10, and we had received a notice from LACC to not leave mail in our boxes over night.  I never do, but occasionally I may be gone and pick it up late.  Does someone in the club really want to steal our mail???


At any rate I have a double check system and I finally (a day late) noticed a certain bill had not been paid and saw that it was not secured in it's folder.  I immediately entered it for Golden to pay and called the company.  They waived the fee but set up an email notice for me, I guess another reminder is needful.  I should do that on all my bills.  Most of them go directly to Golden1 and they send me a notice, I should probably set them all up that way before I get even more scatterbrained than I already am...


The joys of aging, it just goes on and on.  Surely had a good nap today, though, that is getting to be a regular and sometimes, two.  Sadie likes it, she usually has to nap alone.


I found that Popcorn Flix has some interesting movies.  I watched "The Odyssey" Part 1 and 2 on two different nights .  I had tried to read the book because it is a classic but I just could not wade through it.  I didn't think the movie was too impressive either but I have now seen it and know what it is all about.


I have also found MGo has new movies a lot cheaper than my Dish Service.  I finally saw "Philomena" and glad I did.  Very sad, and very illuminating as to the frailties of human beings and how much we need to love more and be more compassionate and kind--everyone.


I recently read (audio) the John Grisham sequel to "A Time to Kill"--very worthwhile.  Currently I am reading (audio) Maya Angelou's "Letters to My Daughters".  She has strange stories to tell to give her lessons but she does have a way with words and I like to listen to her voice.


I have read all of Gillian Flynn's current thrillers, now.  She has a way with the macabre, for sure.


The Brooks family was in church Sunday and are moving from Reno to Bozeman to a log house with 20 acres backed up to 200,000 Fed Land.  They are the owners of Oxcai and are doing amazingly well but they are really a lovely family.  They sold their place here in 4 days!!!  With all the furniture!!!  I am sure it was stupendous.  He will fly into Reno once a week to check on their worldwide enterprise.  His mother started the company 15-20 years ago, very smart family!

Instagram Updates!

Keira learns to hold Eden--so cute.

Lea and a friend at Especially for Youth!

The cousins are back from camps and spending time with friends at the beach!

Little sisters get to tag-along!

More Pictures from the Scout Trip in Catalina!!

I only posted ones I could see the grandchildren in---

Jacob, sleeping in the blue hoodie!

Jacob, sitting with red tie.

Jimmy.

Jacob and Jimmy watching at the end of table.

And is this gambling or what????

Jacob, getting ready to scuba???

James trying to stay awake?

Canoeing...

Looks like they had a fun trip--Jacob woke up to bison passing by him--wonder if they experienced the boars???  Our family spent a week camping out and cooking the fish we caught here when our children were young.  The boars actually snouted all over our backpacks and ate our food and the bison rolled right on by us every night.  Fantastic place to camp.  We were on a hillside overlooking the bay.

Exciting News!

Maria just reserved a week at the Carlsbad Inn for my birthday in January!!  What fun, that way I won't bother anyone but will be able to see everyone--and get out of the cold and snow for a bit.  And she said they will fly me down or pay for my drive.  Maybe I will just drive to Sac or Reno and fly from there--we will see.  Thanks, kids!  I do plan on staying up here this winter but that will be a lovely respite and celebration.

A Little Color...

I suppose anyone would wonder why I make such a fuss over such a meager garden.  It is because with the soil and tree roots I have very low expectations so when I have anything bloom, it is a big deal!

The one sure things is these yellow lilies, they are about to pop.  They have full sun and are in a pot by themselves--they are happy.

This is something new I bought on sale at Martins--it is actually going to bloom!

Uusually this is first bloom the deer pop off, so far, so good.

And even a second one this year the deer have missed.

The lilies are starting!

They do look a little scant this year, I really wonder if the deer ate some of the buds...

Catching up

I am doing a good job of putting things on my Google+ but my blog is getting neglected!!!

Things I am wondering about today--

Why does that little squirrel eat all the petunias on the back deck?  They are sprayed with repellent.
How much will it cost to have the 3 rotten firs cut down?
Why do the cedars look like they have been scorched by fire?  Low snowfall this year?
When did the deer chomp in to the lilac bush?
Will they get the lilies, too?
What is the Blue Jay doing under the front stairs so often?
Why are there so many webs this year?
What is causing my eyes to burn, my nose to run and my throat to itch when I water in the morning?
Why did I have to have two naps today?
When will the Door Company get back to me with quotes on the garage door?
What would be interesting to eat--instead of the sameo, sameo all the time??
Why can't I get pix from Instagram to Picasa?
Why doesn't Sadie bark when her leash gets caught on the fir tree?
Why do the bats leave droppings on the hood of my car?
Why is my Samsung tablet acting touchy?
What does that grey handle I found on my kitchen floor belong to?????
Why does the printer always have to be turned off and on before it prints--that is a new thing????

Good things I have noticed lately--

Using Coconut Oil for lotion on my arms and legs and body (instead of lotion) stops the itching, yea!!
I watch a lot less TV since I downgraded my options, it's a good thing.
I have read a lot (or listened to a lot) of books this month.
I love the quiet of the house, I do not have to be listening to something all the time.
I have some of the most beautiful children, grandchildren and great grandchildren that I have ever seen!
We have very loving, kind people at the branch.
We have excellent teachers at the branch and a lot of musical talent.
I am enjoying finishing the first part of "The San Diego Scene"--wonder who would want to read it.
I really have had a fantastic life with many wonderful memories, but it does not make for exciting reading.
My journals and memory books are a Godsend to me at this time of my life when my memory has dimmed.
The moths are about gone, gone, gone!
My home stays cool even when it is hot outside if I shut the windows early in the morning.
The humidifier has really kept me from being all congested.
The pictures are uploading to Picasa--only to my Picasa Web-not to my Desktop Picasa!

Great Grandchildren on the 4th of July--All Six of Them!

Keira and Eden ready for a swim at Scripps Ranch!

Meagan and Matt spotlight Eden for the 4th of July at Scripps Ranch!

The Stewart Family goes to Carlsbad for the 4th of July!

What Is Happening with the Grandchildren?

 Jacob and Jimmy headed to Scout Camp on Catalina Island!!!

 

Last week Lea headed to Santa Barbara with friends for Especially for Youth!

Amy continues to get more and more buff!!!  You go girl, I envy you your stamina and drive!!

Melissa rents a darling new apartment in Asheville, North Carolina.

 Looking good, Melissa!

 Keira all pretty in pink!

I did it myself!