The Journey 10/01/2022 - 12/31/2022

01/15/2023.  I 

01/14/2023.  I 

01/13/2023.  I 

01/12/2023.  I 

01/11/2023.  I 

01/10/2023.  It finally stopped raining.   There were loud thunderstorms ⛈️ the morning. The husband took me for a nice walk 🥾 around the ‘hood & then we shopped at Costco (steps = 4.4K).   I finally cleaned up some of my e-mails.  We had some kind of a raptor 🦅 visiting our backyard today near our cameras.   I received notice that Santa Cruz County is refunding my late fee 🎉🎊 & I updated the FF web site.

01/09/2023.  The husband & I finally got into our back shed.   That required crawling thru the window  (the husband), disassembling the lock using drills, screwdrivers 🪛, and tin snips.    We finally had to remove the door 🚪 from its hinges.    Unfortunately, there’s a termite infestation going on 😬😬😬.

I did some banking & some financial reconciliation.   I also talked to my cousin who’s farming our land.   His wife has been through some really rough times.   She’s very young and in shape & she had a stroke.   Her 2 carotid arteries were very plugged.    The good news is that she was seen by a specialist at Stanford who is literally the best of the best!  I didn’t sleep well last night.

01/08/2023.  I updated the FF web site.   There were a lot of changes.   The husband took me for a great hike in the hills (steps = 8.1K).   These days it’s important to get out there in between storms. 

01/07/2023.  I attended the Bows & Beaus meeting.   I had a nice shower 🧼🚿 & saw my wonderful hair dresser 💇🏻‍♀️.    I planned to go to Wal-Mart afterwards, but there was a gale outside. I received my receipt from the Santa Cruz homeowner, & I hope my check follows soon 🔜 🙏!   I FT’d with my sister, & niece & great-niece who were visiting her.    My niece is still not feeling well; she’s having difficulty breathing ☹️ & is having to use an inhaler for relief.   I shopped at Wal-Mart specifically to buy ice cube 🧊 trays to make ice for my morning cereal.  I researched them previously and I’m pleased with my purchase.   They are making ice in the freezer right now 🎊🎉!

01/06/2023.  I continued to research & to try solutions to fix the GE water dispenser issue, to no avail, & made an appointment with GE for service.   The husband took me for a lovely hike in the hills (steps = 6.8K).  I took a lot of pictures of the creeks, filled with rapidly running water 💦 & posted them on FB.

01/05/2023.  The rain & wind stopped this afternoon & the husband took me for a nice walk today around the ‘hood (steps = 5.5K).   We saw 3 downed trees on our walk.    The creek that was dry a few weeks ago has a loT of water running now & that is great!  I was notified that my letter was delivered today to the Santa Cruz homeowners.   I’m hoping that the money will soon follow.  

We had a meeting today with a financial person that we’ve known from the past & it went well.   I attempted to change the refrigerator filter.    With the new filter, no water was coming out & the refrigerator was making a loud noise.   I searched on-line for solutions & tried many of them, to no avail.   Will try again tomorrow.   I updated the FF web site.

01/04/2023.  We had our weekly “Zoom” meeting with our sister / sister-in-law”.   I studied the Plus calls for club tonight,   However, “do not travel” alerts ‼️ are being issued.   It is raining 🌧️ heavily & the wind 💨 is blowing fiercely.    The husband asked that I stay home & so I did.

01/03/2023.  We got ready for the cleaning folks including unpacking my suitcase 🧳 from our Christmas trip.   I had a nice shower 🚿🧼 & the house looks great.  I washed the cleaning supplies & throw rugs.  The problem with the FF web site is fixed 🎊🎉.    The letter that I sent to the property tax owners was rejected because there was no one there by that name.   I prepared new letters addressed to the Santa Cruz home & brought them to the post office to send certified mail with a return receipt.  I also installed four more Bows & Beaus class signs in various places around Los Altos.

01/02/2023.  The husband & I shopped at TJ’s.  I updated the FF web site.   It’s wonky again 🤪 & I took a screen shot & e-mailed to the sites’ admin.   I watered all the indoor plants & FT’d with my sister.   I ate 13 pieces of chocolate tonight 😩😩😩!   I also did some work for a Bows & Beaus in advertising for our class & replying to messages about the class!   I listed the class in City Spark too!

01/01/2023.  Happy New Year 2023 🎉🎊🥳🎆🎆🎆!  We got a respite from the rain 🌧️ ☔️ today!   The husband took me for a great hike in the hills (steps = 9.9K).  I said all my prayers 🙏.   I took down all the Christmas 🎄 decor & packed it away, including wheeling out the tree 🌲😅!   I also copied the letter to the folks for whom I inadvertently paid their property taxes & mailed it.   Their certified letter is scheduled to be delivered on the 3rd.  I also did a search on those people to get additional phone & e-mail information.  I sorted more magazines from my piles.

12/31/2022.  I’m quite worried about one of my cousins & had a long conversation with her daughter regarding the situation.   My friend came over with a nice present 🎁 for us of oranges 🍊, limes, & avocados 🥑, yum 😋!  We had a nice visit!

12/30/2022.  We gathered up some donations, I took pictures of them & brought them to Goodwill.   Meanwhile, the husband discovered that the lock to one of our sheds is broken.  We’re going to have to crawl through the window AGAIN to fix it 🤪🤪🤪!  Also, during the torrential downpour, he discovered a leak near one of the skylights.   It’s not very serious, just another thing that needs repair!

The husband removed all the stuff that I’d piled in the downstairs closet, sorted the magazines & told me to go through them.   I went through a big pile today.

12/29/2022.  The husband took me for a nice walk 🥾 today. (steps = 6K).  We wanted to walk on the Stanford  dish trail, but no parking spots were available. I finalized the letters regarding my property tax oopsie, took them to the post office, and mailed them certified mail, return receipt required.  I finished the last one of my year-end actions.  I washed the beautiful new towels that my sister gave me for Christmas 🎄 & updated the FF web site.

12/28/2022.  The husband took me for a nice walk around the ‘hood (steps = 9.6K) & I said my prayers 🙏.   We shopped at Costco.   I talked to the county & discovered that the property tax bill problem was my fault!   I prepared two letters that will hopefully 🤞🤞🤞 remedy this.  I FT’d with my sister.  She advised me not to worry too much about the property tax issue.  I updated the FF web site.

12/27/2022.  It rained a lot today.  I completed most of my year-end actions.   In doing so, I discovered a BIG problem with a property tax bill & contacted the county.    They will get back to me tomorrow.

12/26/2022.  We had breakfast at our hotel, checked out, filled the car with gas at Costco, and drove home.      On the way, we stopped to get the husband some “Chic-fil-a” & TJ’s.   I washed clothes & shopped quickly at Wal-Mart for Xmas gift bags.   They were out.   We are happy to see our kitties & they are happy to see us too!

12/25/2022.  Merry Christmas 🎄✝️!   We had breakfast at the hotel 🏨, then went to the nieces to open presents 🎁.   We got there at 10:15am.   The husband was VERY upset with me because we were late.   However, we were in plenty of time.  My sister didn’t arrive until after 11:15!    After opening presents, we returned to the hotel for a nap & then back to the niece’s for dinner.   She cooked her usual chicken Marsala which everyone loves.  There were fruit and salad dishes too.   One of her dear friends & I had a great time eating raw frosting 🧁.   We had 2 rounds, & her daughter joined us for round 2🤣🤣🤣.   Then all my cousins & their children who live in the area visited.  It was great fun to see them all.   By this time there were 23 people there & a lot of noise & the husband was overwhelmed.   We did leave fairly early.

12/24/2022.  We went over to my sisters to drop off the See’s candy & fennel Taralli for her party tonight.  The husband took me for a hike 🥾 up the hill (steps = 10.7K).  I shopped at “White House / Black Market” & bought a pair of jeans 👖  on sale!   I took a nap 😴   & Then we returned to my sisters house for the party.   The food was delicious 😋.   Afterwards, there was a raucous White Elephant party, great fun!

12/23/2022.  I got up early, had a nice shower 🚿🧼, and packed.   We got underway about 1:00 pm.   I drove & the husband navigated.  We were able to avoid much of the traffic by using alternate routes recommended by “Waze”.   We checked into our hotel, then went over to my sisters for a pizza 🍕 dinner. We all got to visit with her new kitty, “Missy”.   Missy was quite scared, understandably so.

12/22/2022.  I sorted through a lot of bills and got them organized.  It took many hours!    I also sent out our Christmas 🎄 greeting attaching the husband’s “Christmas Critters” very cute video.   The video delighted a number of recipients.

12/21/2022.  We had our end of the year review with our CPA to determine strategies.  Bay City appliances came & fixed our dishwasher.    We are not sure what is wrong, but it’s currently working 🎉🎊!

12/20/2022.  I purchased 6 more Tarallinis from Crossroads International Market.  I got ready for our cleaners and had a nice shower 🚿  🧼.   Our cat sitter came over to review the routine & finally our fabulous plumber 👨🏻‍🔧 arrived.   We now have hot water 💧 💦🎉🎊 from the kitchen faucet.    Hopefully tomorrow, Bay City Appliance Service can repair our dishwasher!

12/19/2022.  I had a wonderful hike 🥾 at Rancho with my friend (steps = 11.8K) and we had coffee ☕️  at Peet’s.   I shopped at TJ’s and had a video appointment with my primary care physician 👨🏻‍⚕️. Dr. Souvignier.   He is great!

12/18/2022.  I got up early to buy See’s candy for my sister, & of course some treats for the husband & I. I had a nice shower 🚿🧼, & visited my wonderful hairdresser 💇🏻‍♀️.   I watered all the plants & washed clothes.

12/17/2022.  The husband & I ventured out to Costco, the Saturday before Christmas 🤪.  He got gas ⛽️ in his car, and then we shopped.  I finally found some cranberries 🎉🎊, and we both got Christmas gifts 🎁.   Afterwards, I shopped at TJ’s and Wal-Mart & now our shopping is mostly done ✔️.

12/16/2022.  I finally heard from our plumber 👨🏻‍🔧 & have an appointment with him on Tuesday 🎊🎉!  I installed our club’s sign too.

12/15/2022.  We are unable to get hot water 💦 from our kitchen sink, but our dishwasher, which does have hot water broke 🙁!   I watched a lot of YouTube videos & brought out the manual.   We were unable to fix it.   I will contact the appliance repair person tomorrow.

12/14/2022.  The husband took me for a nice walk in the hills today (steps = 7K).   My cousin called & we had a nice conversation; her lovely husband is unfortunately suffering from Alzheimer’s & she is having some health concerns too.   We had a “Zoom” meeting with my sister-in-law/sister.   The yard signs 🪧 arrived today & they are great!   I had a nice shower 🚿🧼, studied the Plus calls & attended Club.   I brought the signs and we passed out 9 of the 30 yard signs 🪧!

12/13/2022.  I shopped at Wal-Mart, Trader Joe’s, and the Crossroads International Market.  Then I had a VERY unpleasant conversation with my brother-in-law who joined in a conversation that I was having with my sister.  It brought up all the memories of our HORRIBLE family trip to Kauai. I also made some business calls.

12/12/2022.  I had a wonderful hike with my friend at the Stanford dish (steps = 12.3K).   Then we had coffee ☕️ at Peet’s.  The husband & I shopped at Costco too.

12/11/2022.  I watered all the indoor plants today & we got a lot of wondrous rain 🌧☔️ !

12/10/2022.   I attended the SCVSDA meeting from 10 am - 3:30 pm.    I also paid  the property taxes.  In the late afternoon we visited our friends.  They set out a lot of hor-d’oeuvres for us:  cheeses, salami, fruit, veggies, dips, and candy.   Their house is so lovely & I really enjoy their company.   She gave us an amaryllis too!  The Kohler part arrived today 🎊🎉 and I found a pet sitter too!

12/09/2022.  Comcast visited & determined that I didn’t have our channels set to Hi Def & there was nothing wrong with the box.  I made hotel reservations for the holiday.  I’ve not yet found a cat sitter.  I updated the FF website.

12/08/2022.  The husband took me for a short walk around the hood and we shopped at TJ’s.   I made some business calls 📞.   I called Comcast again because our TV controller is still acting up & they are coming tomorrow.   The club president & I spent 2 1/2 hours working on the yard signs 🪧 & I ordered them.

12/07/2022.  I called Kohler today & they are sending out a new hose replacement for the kitchen faucet.   I updated the FF web site for January 6.We had a “Zoom” call 📞 with our sister /sister-in-law.   Afterwards, I called Comcast because our set top box is not working correctly.   The technician seemed to fix it.   Then she told me I could get an iPhone 📱 14 plus for $400.   A call to them the next day proved that was NOT true.    Once again, I’m disappointed 😔.   I attended club and we graduated 11 new students 🎊🎉👩🏻‍🎓.   The Comcast TV 📺 box is not working.  I called again & they’re sending a technician tomorrow.

12/06/2022.  Our cleaning folks came today & the house looks great.   After the left, the husband noticed a puddle of water under our kitchen sink.  Further investigation showed that the hot water was flowing out rapidly & I was unable to turn it off using the shut off valves.  As luck would have it our plumber had a cancellation.    He replaced both shut off valves but diagnosed the problem as being inside the faucet itself.   It took a while to mop up the water.

12/05/2022.  We had more glorious rain today 🌨 ☔️ ! I finished my financial project, scanned it in & uploaded it.   I washed clothes.   My sister and brother-in-law sent KiKi over the rainbow 🌈 bridge today.  I sent her some pictures I had.  We are all very sad 😢.  

12/04/2022.  I attended round dance class, the two step.   That went very well.   Unfortunately, our teacher taught us four complicated rumba & cha steps in 1/2 hour.   It didn’t stick.   I watered all the plants & worked on my financial project.  

12/03/2022.  We had more glorious rain 🌧 ☔️ again!   I attended our club’s meeting, had a nice shower 🚿 🧼 & saw my wonderful hairdresser 💇🏻‍♀️ .   I worked on my financial,project.

 12/02/2022.  I worked on some Bows and Beaus items and FT'd with my sister.   I got started on the end of the year financial planning. 

12/01/2022.  We had some glorious rain today 🌦️🌂!  Today was "lost day"  First we went to Loyola School to retrieve the coat that I'd left after dancing yesterday.  Then I had an appointment with Dr. Vaughan, went to Costco to get gas and shop.  About 5 minutes into shopping, I discovered that my glasses were missing.  They aren't important but the special glasses holder I made is.  I looked everywhere at Costco, at Costco gas, and visited Dr. Vaughan's office.  They were no where to be found.  Meanwhile, I also had the husband look at home.  I came home and manufactured another glass holder.  That required a trip to Michael's to purchase a "tube cord crimp".  I got 4.4K steps in with all that walking around.

11/30/2022.  I had a wonderful lunch with my girlfriend at Hobees.  We  had a  "Zoom" meeting with our sister / sister-in-law.  I had a nice shower 🚿🧼, studied the Plus calls, and danced at Club.

11/29/2022.  I shopped at Safeway to get the rye bread and salad dressing.  The husband and I shopped at Costco & I went to Stanford  for my blood draw.

11/28/2022.  I hiked with two of my friends at Rancho San Antonio.  We had coffee ☕ at Peet's, then I shopped at TJ's.

11/27/2022.  The husband took me for a nice walk in the hills (steps= 7.6 K).   I washed clothes and watered all the indoor plants & updated the FF web site.

11/26/2022.  The husband & I shopped at both Costco & TJ’s.

11/25/2022.  I called T mobile again & could not get any deals on an iPhone Pro.    Still struggling with spending $900 for a phone I don’t need!   I’m only buying it for the camera!

11/24/2022.  Happy Thanksgiving 🍁🍂!   Because of my illness we are spending it alone.   I remembered all the wonderful Thanksgivings of my past  “those were the days my friend, we thought they’d  ever end, we’d sing and dance forever and a day”.   Our niece FT’d us & that was lovely.  A lot of people texted me with Thanksgiving greetings.  Otherwise it was very quiet.

11/23/2022.  Sick.   We had a Zoom meeting with our sister / sister-in-law.  I prepared our Thanksgiving day greeting and sent it out

11/22/2022.  Sick.  I got the house ready for the cleaning folks.   They haven’t been here in 4 weeks so we really needed them.   The house looks great.  Afterwards, I washed the throw rugs & cleaning supplies.  

11/21/2022.  Sick, missing 🥾 hiking. 

11/20/2022.  Sick.  I washed clothes and watered all the plants. 

11/19/2022.  The husband took me for a nice walk in the hills (steps = 7K).   I’m coming down with something!  Sick, missing dancing!

11/18/2022.  The husband took me for a short and nice walk in the hills (steps = 4K).  I updated the FF web site.

11/17/2022.  I updated the yard signs & the Fifth Wednesday poster for square dancing.  I did some business also.

11/16/2022.  The husband took me for a walk in the hills (steps = 4.8K).   I studied the Plus calls, and had a nice shower 🚿🧼.   I attended square dance early to fulfill my duties as a “Square Head”.  I did not get home until 10 pm, so I was quite tired 🥱!

11/15/2022.  The husband took me for a nice hike out at Shoreline Park.   It was a beautiful, clear day with lots of birds all around (steps = 6.3K).   I updated the yard signs & sent them out.  

11/14/2022.  I hiked 🥾 with the group today at Rancho San Antonio (steps = 13.4K).   We had coffee ☕️ at Peets & I shopped at TJ’s.   I FT’d with my sister.   This was a very good day😀!

11/13/2022.  I attended round dance lessons with my partner.   I washed clothes and watered all the indoor plants.  I watched the much advertised, two hour premiere of “Yellowstone”.   That show is a kick!

11/12/2022.  Happy birthday to our nephew!   I attended a SCVSDA meeting for 4 1/2 hours, had a nice shower 🧼🚿, & visited my wonderful  hairdresser 💇🏻‍♀️ .   I shopped at TJ’s .  The husband attended another book 📕 sale & found some treasures.  

11/11/2022.  The husband took me for a nice hike 🥾in the hills (steps = 7.3 K).  I made some changes to the FF web site.  I also FT’d with my sister.  The husband attended a book sale but didn’t find much.

11/10/2022.  I did major updates to the FF web site.  I called T-Mobile again & they couldn’t give me any great deals on an iPhone.   I’ll wait until the next version is released then I’ll buy this version.

11/09/2022.  The husband took me for a nice hike in the hills (steps with dancing = 8.1K).   We had a “Zoom” meeting with our sister /sister-in-law.  I studied the Plus calls and attended Club.   I forced myself to go and then I had a great time!

11/08/2022.  Happy heavenly birthday Mom 🥳🎁🎂💐🎈🎊🎉!   I made her a  birthday collage for Facebook. I had a nice shower 🚿🧼 & got ready for the cleaning folks.   Unfortunately, they postponed their visit.  I filled out my ballot & voted 🗳!

11/07/2022.  I hiked with the group at Pichetti winery (steps = 12.6K).   It was a perfect & beautiful day with crisp fall weather, clear skies & beautiful views.  We had coffee ☕️ at Peets.    I called T mobile about getting a new iPhone 📱. I also researched signage for our 2023 class signs.  I FT’d my sister.

11/06/2022.  The husband & I shopped at TJ’s and drove around looking at political sign placement (a project for the club). I had a nice shower 🧼🚿, washed clothes, and watered all the indoor plants.

11/05/2022.  I attended the club meeting.

11/04/2022.  We both felt sick because of our Omicron procedure yesterday.   I updated the FF web site & darned 7 socks 🧦 that had holes in the toes.  Once I got going it was pretty easy.   I used a plastic Easter egg as a darning egg 😂!   It worked great 👍!  The husband & I lit 🔥 the gas fireplace too so it’ll be nice & toasty!

11/03/2022.  The husband and I had a nice walk in the hills (miles = 2.8).   Then we went over for our Omicron procedure.   Afterwards we had a great yogurt at YogurtLand 🍦😋.   I mostly had yogurt chips, chocolate chips, & sprinkles & just a bit of yogurt 🤣🤣🤣!  I FT’d my sister.  I updated the FF website.

11/02/2022.  The husband & I shopped at Costco, then had a Zoom  meeting with our sister / sister-in-law. Unfortunately, she & the husband had a bit of a tiff.  Afterwards, we hiked, I studied the Plus calls & attended club (steps=  8.8K).   Dancing was great fun 🤩!

11/01/2022.  Welcome to November 🍂🍁!  I updated the FF website.

10/31/2022.  Happy Halloween 🎃👻!  I hiked with the group today, we did the PG&E trail at Rancho (steps = 12.4K).   We had coffee ☕️ at Peet’s & our friend shared a delicious Turron from Spain.   It’s made with almonds, honey, egg whites, & sugar! 

I shopped at TJ’s.   When trick-or-treating started, we hid.  I didn’t want unnecessary exposure to Covid-19. 

10/30/2022.  I had a nice shower 🧼🚿 and attended round dancing.   We did well.   There’s a few steps that I don’t understand.   I washed clothes and watered all the indoor plants & the phaeleonopsis.  (Steps = 5.8K).   I decided that I’m addicted to naps and watching TV 🥺!

10/29/2022.  The husband took me for a nice walk in the hills steps = 7.1K.  I cleaned up my e-mails.

10/28/2022.  I went downtown to select a pair of glasses frames & did find one that I liked.  I am very impressed with the service I received at this optometry clinic "Eye Lite Optometry".  I bought a "Dutch Crunch" roll at Safeway and walked around town.  Meanwhile, the husband lost the tip of this hearing aid down in his ear canal.   After looking for an appointment at a CVS "Minute Clinic" and finding none, he finally went to urgent care 🏥.  He waited for 1 1/2 hours for a procedure that took less than a minute!  My geocaching partner says that the system is broken, and I believe that he is right.

10/27/2022.  The husband took me for a nice hike in the hills (steps = 7K). 

I watched a TV show about elders and took away some wise ideas 💡:  use each quarter in your life to prepare for the next one & share your gifts 🎁!  My gifts are I’m fun, joyful, talkative, computer savvy, & love to  make Swarovski angels.

10/26/2022.  I studied the PLUS calls and attended Club.  I dressed up in my witches costume with my lighted earrings & everyone said I looked great!  We had a Zoom meeting with our sister/sister-in-law.

10/25/2022.  I had a nice shower 🧼🚿 & finished getting ready for the cleaning folks.  I had an appointment with the fabulous Dr. Vaughan.    He found an in grown hair in my nose 👃 that was creating problems & he removed it!   In the waiting room, we also experienced a 5.1 earthquake centered in San Jose, the first big one in a long time.  Afterwards, I filled up my car 🚗 with gas ⛽️ at Costco & shopped there.  I also washed the throw rugs and rags used by the cleaning folks & I FT’d with my sister.  

10/24/2022.  The husband took me for a great hike 🥾 in the hills (steps = 9K) .  Afterwards we had our flu “procedure”.  I watered all the plants , washed clothes & updated the FF website.

10/23/2022.  The husband took me for a nice hike 🥾 in the hills (steps = 8K).   We had a great round dance lesson too.   I FT’d with my sister & scheduled our COVID 19 boosters.   I just found out that a friend of my friend has a very serious blood disorder 😰.

10/22/2022.  I had a nice shower 🚿🧼 & saw my wonderful hairdresser 💇🏻‍♀️ today.   I also had her cut my hair.  Later I watered the phalaenopsis.

10/21/2022.  My friend & I geo-cached; we found 3 out of 5 geocaches, very fun (steps = 17.3K). Unfortunately, he felt very unwell at the end.   I shopped at TJ’s.

10/20/2022.  The husband took me for another great hike 🥾in the hills (steps = 8.2K).   We trimmed the Nandina & tied it up so it isn’t hanging over the water fountain’s ⛲️ basin.   I had a FT call with our Club’s president to clear up some concerns.  We had a great meeting!

10/19/2022.  We had our weekly Zoom meeting with our sister / sister-in-law.  I had a nice shower 🚿🧼, studied the Plus calls & attended club.   It was fun, except our substitute caller was very hard to understand & the last tip that I danced was awful!

10/18/2022.  The husband & I shopped at the Sports Basement.  He bought a new vest (grey of course) & I bought a new pair or Brooks running shoes 👟. Afterwards he had some food at “Chic-Fil-A” & took me to the Dollar Tree for shopping.  I started on my taxes.

10/17/2022.  Three of us hiked 🥾 at Rancho San Antonio (steps = 14.4K), then had coffee ☕️ at Peet’s.  I shopped at TJ’s.   When I got home, I ate way too much ☹️!  I remade my reservations at Yellowstone & FT’d my sister.  

10/16/2022.  The husband took me for a nice walk in the hills (steps = 9.9K).  I had a nice shower 🚿🧼, & attended round dance class.  I washed clothes & watered all the indoor plants.  I made our reservations for Sonoma in July 2023.

10/15/2022.  I attended a very interesting seminar on marketing square dancing. 

10/14/2022.  The husband took me for a nice hike 🥾in the hills (steps = 7.3K).  I updated the FF web site & made an appointment for our flu shots.   It was very difficult to get an appointment as the drug stores & PAMF were booking way out!

10/13/2022.  The husband & I shopped at Safeway & Costco.   Safeway is very expensive 💸!  I cleaned out some old newspapers.

10/12/2022.   I fell out of bed this morning, bumping my head 😳. The husband took me for a nice walk in the hills & we “Zoom’d” with our sister /sister-in-law.  I studied the Plus calls & attended club (steps = 9.6K).  I FT’d with my sister.

10/11/2022.   I helped our neighbor turn off his water 💦. I watered the plants, had a nice shower 🚿🧼, & got the house ready for our cleaners.  The house looks great.   Afterwards, I washed the throw rugs & cleaning supplies.

10/10/2022.  I hiked 🥾 with our group today at Fremont Older Open Space Preserve (steps = 12.5K). When I backed out of my space, I scraped up the car 🚗 😢.  We had coffee ☕️ at Peet’s and one of our hiking partners announced that he has a new grandson!  We were all thrilled about that.   I took donations to Goodwill, then over-ate both almonds & chocolate 🍫!  I filled up the two basins of our water fountain ⛲️ & reset my Apple Watch in an attempt to get the update to work.  

10/09/2022.  The husband took me for a nice hike 🥾 in the hills (steps = 11.4K).  I had a nice shower 🚿🧼 & attended round dance class.   I finished decorating & packing up the Halloween 🎃👻 / Thanksgiving 🍁🍁🍁🌽 containers.  I watered the indoor plants & washed clothes.

10/08/2022.  I continued the Halloween 🎃👻 / Thanksgiving 🍁🍁🍁🌽 decorations & I  FT’d with my sister to show her; she showed me theirs.  My brother-in-law loves to decorate their exterior & adds new items every year!  I updated the FF web site for November.  

10/07/2022.  I  geocached with my partner in a preserve off Arastradero Rd. (Steps = 12.5K).   We found 3 out of 4 geocaches that we hunted.  I shopped at TJ’s & Wal-Mart & did some additional Halloween 🎃👻 / Thanksgiving 🍁🍁🍁🌽 decorating.  I updated the FF web site & the Bows & Beaus poster. 

10/06/2022.  I  updated the FF web site & updated the flyer for the November 5th Wednesday dance, several times.  I FT’d with my sister & began the Halloween 🎃👻 / Thanksgiving 🍁🍁🍁 🌽 decorating. It’s been 6 years (2016) since I used these decorations.   I’m about 75% done.

10/05/2022.  The husband took me for a wonderful walk in the hills (steps = 9.5K).   We Had a Zoom call with our sister / sister-in-law, I studied the Plus calls & attended club.  I updated the FF web site.  

The administrator of the site fixed several problems that besieged me for months.   It looks great now!

10/04/2022.  The husband dropped me off at Indepedence Auto for  some auto maintenance.   We shopped at Costco  & I picked up my car.

10/03/2022.  I  hiked 🥾 with my group;  there were only 3 of us there (steps = 15.5K).   We had coffee ☕️ at Pete’s, & I banked & shopped at TJ’s.    I ordered cat food & made some administrative calls.

10/02/2022.  I attended round dance & square dance class.   My friend & I drove together to square dance class.  Those two events were pretty exhausting.   

10/01/2022.  I  attended the club meeting & my logo won the contest 🏆.   However, I’m not sure it will be used.   The husband & I dropped off our shredding and toured that area in Sunnyvale.  Google is building at least 3 new & huge new buildings.  I had a nice shower 🧼🚿 & saw my wonderful hairdresser 💇🏻‍♀️, & dropped off a return at Kohl’s.  I washed clothes too.

The Journey 07-01-2022 -09-30-0222

10/31/2022.  I 

10/30/2022.  I 

10/29/2022.  I 

10/27/2022.  I 

10/26/2022.  I 

10/28/2022.  I 

10/27/2022.  I 

10/26/2022.  I  

10/28/2022.  I 

10/27/2022.  I 

10/26/2022.  I  

10/25/2022.  I had a nice shower 🧼🚿 & finished getting ready for the cleaning folks.  I had an appointment with the fabulous Dr. Vaughan.    He found an in grown hair in my nose 👃 that was creating problems & he removed it!   In the waiting room, we also experienced a 5.1 earthquake centered in San Jose, the first big one in a long time.  Afterwards, I filled up my car 🚗 with gas ⛽️ at Costco & shopped there.  I also washed the throw rugs and rags used by the cleaning folks & I FT’d with my sister.  

10/24/2022.  The husband took me for a great hike 🥾 in the hills (steps = 9K) .  Afterwards w3 had our flu “procedure”.  I watered all the plants , washed clothes & updated the FF website.

10/23/2022.  The husband took me for a nice hike 🥾 in the hills (steps = 8K).   We had a great round dance lesson too.   I FT’d with my sister & scheduled our COVID 19 boosters.   I just found out that a friend of my friend has a very serious blood disorder 😰.

10/22/2022.  I had a nice shower 🚿🧼 & saw my wonderful hairdresser 💇🏻‍♀️ today.   I also had her cut my hair.  Later I watered the phalaenopsis.

10/21/2022.  My friend & I geo-cached; we found 3 out of 5 geocaches, very fun (steps = 17.3K). Unfortunately, he felt very unwell at the end.   I shopped at TJ’s.

10/20/2022.  The husband took me for another great hike 🥾in the hills (steps = 8.2K).   We trimmed the Nandina & tied it up so it isn’t hanging over the water fountain’s ⛲️ basin.   I had a FT call with our Club’s president to clear up some concerns.  We had a great meeting!

10/19/2022.  We had our weekly Zoom meeting with our sister / sister-in-law.  I had a nice shower 🚿🧼, studied the Plus calls & attended club.   It was fun, except our substitute caller was very hard to understand & the last tip that I danced was awful!

10/18/2022.  The husband & I shopped at the Sports Basement.  He bought a new vest (grey of course) & I bought a new pair or Brooks running shoes 👟. Afterwards he had some food at “Chic-Fil-A” & took me to the Dollar Tree for shopping.  I started on my taxes.

10/17/2022.  Three of us hiked 🥾 at Rancho San Antonio (steps = 14.4K), then had coffee ☕️ at Peet’s.  I shopped at TJ’s.   When I got home, I ate way too much ☹️!  I remade my reservations at Yellowstone & FT’d my sister.  

10/16/2022.  The husband took me for a nice walk in the hills (steps = 9.9K).  I had a nice shower 🚿🧼, & attended round dance class.  I washed clothes & watered all the indoor plants.  I made our reservations for Sonoma in July 2023.

10/15/2022.  I attended a very interesting seminar on marketing square dancing. 

10/14/2022.  The husband took me for a nice hike 🥾in the hills (steps = 7.3K).  I updated the FF web site & made an appointment for our flu shots.   It was very difficult to get an appointment as the drug stores & PAMF were booking way out!

10/13/2022.  The husband & I shopped at Safeway & Costco.   Safeway is very expensive 💸!  I cleaned out some old newspapers.

10/12/2022.   I fell out of bed this morning, bumping my head 😳. The husband took me for a nice walk in the hills & we “Zoom’d” with our sister /sister-in-law.  I studied the Plus calls & attended club (steps = 9.6K).  I FT’d with my sister.

10/11/2022.   I helped our neighbor turn off his water 💦. I watered the plants, had a nice shower 🚿🧼, & got the house ready for our cleaners.  The house looks great.   Afterwards, I washed the throw rugs & cleaning supplies.

10/10/2022.  I hiked 🥾 with our group today at Fremont Older Open Space Preserve (steps = 12.5K). When I backed out of my space, I scraped up the car 🚗 😢.  We had coffee ☕️ at Peet’s and one of our hiking partners announced that he has a new grandson!  We were all thrilled about that.   I took donations to Goodwill, then over-ate both almonds & chocolate 🍫!  I filled up the two basins of our water fountain ⛲️ & reset my Apple Watch in an attempt to get the update to work.  

10/09/2022.  The husband took me for a nice hike 🥾 in the hills (steps = 11.4K).  I had a nice shower 🚿🧼 & attended round dance class.   I finished decorating & packing up the Halloween 🎃👻 / Thanksgiving 🍁🍁🍁🌽 containers.  I watered the indoor plants & washed clothes.

10/08/2022.  I continued the Halloween 🎃👻 / Thanksgiving 🍁🍁🍁🌽 decorations & I  FT’d with my sister to show her; she showed me theirs.  My brother-in-law loves to decorate their exterior & adds new items every year!  I updated the FF web site for November.  

10/07/2022.  I  geocached with my partner in a preserve off Arastradero Rd. (Steps = 12.5K).   We found 3 out of 4 geocaches that we hunted.  I shopped at TJ’s & Wal-Mart & did some additional Halloween 🎃👻 / Thanksgiving 🍁🍁🍁🌽 decorating.  I updated the FF web site & the Bows & Beaus poster. 

10/06/2022.  I  updated the FF web site & updated the flyer for the November 5th Wednesday dance, several times.  I FT’d with my sister & began the Halloween 🎃👻 / Thanksgiving 🍁🍁🍁 🌽 decorating. It’s been 6 years (2016) since I used these decorations.   I’m about 75% done.

10/05/2022.  The husband took me for a wonderful walk in the hills (steps = 9.5K).   We Had a Zoom call with our sister / sister-in-law, I studied the Plus calls & attended club.  I updated the FF web site.  

The administrator of the site fixed several problems that besieged me for months.   It looks great now!

10/04/2022.  The husband dropped me off at Indepedence Auto for  some auto maintenance.   We shopped at Costco  & I picked up my car.

10/03/2022.  I  hiked 🥾 with my group;  there were only 3 of us there (steps = 15.5K).   We had coffee ☕️ at Pete’s, & I banked & shopped at TJ’s.    I ordered cat food & made some administrative calls.

10/02/2022.  I attended round dance & square dance class.   My friend & I drove together to square dance class.  Those two events were pretty exhausting.   

10/01/2022.  I  attended the club meeting & my logo won the contest 🏆.   However, I’m not sure it will be used.   The husband & I dropped off our shredding and toured that area in Sunnyvale.  Google is building at least 3 new & huge new buildings.  I had a nice shower 🧼🚿 & saw my wonderful hairdresser 💇🏻‍♀️, & dropped off a return at Kohl’s.  I washed clothes too.

09/30/2022.  I geocached with my partner at Los Trancos Open Space Preserve in Palo Alto (steps =3.6K).   Unfortunately, we couldn’t get signals on our mobiles so we were only able to locate 1 geo-cache.   I updated the FF website.  

09/29/2022.  Our wonderful cleaners came today, 2 hours earlier than expected 😲!   We made it work.   I watered the plants & washed the throw rugs & supplies they used.  I shopped at TJ’s & FT’d with my sister. The husband created a great video on our opossum sightings!   I updated the FF web site.

09/28/2022.  The husband took me for a lovely hike in the hills (steps = 11.5K, with dancing).   I had a lovely shower 🚿🧼, studied the Plus calls, & attended club.   I was very late!   Our caller complemented me on my dancing 🏆🥇, a lovely surprise!

09/27/2022.  I  had a nice walk with my brother-in-law & continued up the hill (steps = 15.5K).   I packed, left,  & stopped for gas on the way home.   I was happy to see the husband & Pebbles & Cassie.   I napped, unpacked, & washed clothes.

09/26/2022.  I 

09/25/2022.  I  

09/24/2022.  I 

09/23/2022.  I  

09/22/2022.  I 

09/21/2022.  I  

09/20/2022.  I 

09/19/2022.  I 

09/18/2022.  We received serious rain 🌧 today🥳🎉🎊!  I shopped at Safeway, the husband & I did a bit of yard work, and we went for a ride in the hills.  I washed clothes & watered plants.   His special “pop-up” birthday card arrived & he really liked it!

09/17/2022.  The husband took us for a small walk to check out the tree trimming done by the San Francisco Public Utility Commission (SFPUC) in Palo Alto.  We honestly couldn’t see any real “chopping” of trees. Los Altos is having a hissy because of some trees that will be trimmed along the bike path.   It appears to us that there’s hysteria over nothing!

09/16/2022.  I  geocached at Rancho San Antonio with my geo-caching partner & we found 4 caches.   This was amazing because neither of us had cell phone reception (steps = 11.8K)!

09/15/2022.  We had a lovely lunch at the Alpine Inn with our friends.   I helped another friend with some computer problems. The husband & I watched “Resident Alien” 👽; it was ok, but not as good as usual because the “closed captioning wasn’t working.   

09/14/2022.  I studied the Plus calls & danced at club.   I continue to collect pineapple guavas and brought many pounds of them to club.

09/13/2022.  I had a nice shower 🚿🧼, watered the plants & prepared for the cleaning folks. The house looks great!  I shopped at TJ’s for salad fixing & washed the supplies used by the cleaners.  I cleaned out my coffee container & soaked the very grimy dish rack.

09/12/2022.  Happy special birthday 🎉🎂🎊🎈🥳🎁🥰 to my husband!  I hiked with our gang this morning & everyone was there (steps = 14.8K).  We celebrated his birthday at Michael’s in Shoreline, his favorite place.   He liked the card & presents 🎁 I left for him.   Lots of folks on FB wished him happy birthday 🎈 too!  He took me to Petco to stock up on food for the kitties. I filled up one of the 2 water fountain basins.   It’s pineapple guava season so I collect them every evening.  The squirrels have unfortunately discovered them too,

09/11/2022.  Today us the 21st anniversary of the 9/11/2001 attacks.   I attended round dance lessons with my partner & shopped at 4 stores for cards for the husband’s special birthday tomorrow!   I washed clothes & watered the phalaenopsis.  

09/10/2022.  I took myself for a nice walk in the hills (steps = 8.9K) & stopped off to visit my 92 year old friend.   We had a great visit.   I saw my wonderful hairdresser 💇🏻‍♀️ too & FT’d with my sister.  

09/09/2022.  I contacted AT&T today & finally got the husband’s phone 📱 unlocked & working with our new carrier.   The husband & I shopped at Costco today, picked figs, & brought them to a friend.    We watched the movie “Don’t Look Up”, an excellent movie 🎥!  It was much cooler ❄️ today, thankfully!

09/08/2022.  I was on the phone today with AT&T attempting to get the husband’s phone unlocked so I could switch him to the new carrier.  No luck.  The agent assured me that she would text or e-mail me the case # and she never did 😤😤😤!  We had a 3 way call with our cousin to narrow down some details about our trip to Yellowstone & to her house next fall!  It sounds like it will be a great trip!

09/07/2022.  It was very hot 🥵 again today.  The news is calling it a “flash heat” & that is true.  That is exactly how one of my plants looks😭!  I shopped at TJ’s because I was completely out of salad 🥗 fixings.  We “Zoom’d” with our sister / sister-in-law & I watered the indoor plants, which were days overdue.  I studied the Plus calls & decided not to attend club due to the extreme heat 🥵.  I activated one of our phones 📱 on the new phone plan & the Netflix account.   I need to contact AT&T to unlock the other phone!

09/06/2022.  Happy 53rd Anniversary to my sister & brother-in-law 👰🏻‍♀️🤵🏻‍♂️🥂🍾!  I updated the FF website, the club logo, & cleaned up some e-mail.    It was stifling hot 🥵 again today, 104 degrees!   I FT’d with my sister too!  My wonderful Logitech wireless mouse broke 😭😭😭. 

09/05/2022.  We cancelled our usual hike today due to the heat.  My results from the MRI were released & everything appears to be stable 🎊🎉🥳🙏!  It was EXTREMELY hot 🥵 today, 105!  We basically hid out inside.   I washed clothes, updated the FF website & the Bows & Beaus icon.  I FT’d with my sister.  

09/04/2022.  I attended round dance class with my partner & shopped at Safeway on the way home.  I bought the husband lots of dairy free ice cream 🍨!  I watered the phaeleonopsis.

09/03/2022.  Happy Birthday 🎉🎂🎁🎊 to my sister!   I created a nice card with “Il Volo” singing to her,  I also FT’d with her & sang Happy Birthday.   She is sad, of course, because she just lost her best friend of over 50 years.   I attended the club meeting, revised & sent more club logos, and updated the FF site for October.  

09/02/2022.  The husband took me for a great hike in the hills (steps = 8.3K).  I updated the FF web site.  

09/01/2022.  Welcome to September!  Today was my big MRI that I’ve been dreading 😬.   It actually was easier than I anticipated.    The MRI machine that I was supposed to use was broken, so a VERY handsome, tall, African American & nice man escorted me to the machine in another building.   I had him hold my hand too😅😅😅!  This MRI machine was open & the operator communicated with me at least once every 5 minutes to let me know the progress. The fact that it was open & that the operator kept communicating with me made all the difference!  I said prayers 🙏, but wasn’t able to make it through my whole list.   Afterwards, my friend visited & we picked figs & oranges 🍊 for her.  The husband & I watched “Resident Alien 👽 “.  I like that series.  I updated the FF web site.

08/31/2022.  I’m skipping dancing tonight both because I’m sad & because it’s clear down in San Jose with heavy commute traffic.  We “Zoom’d” with our sister / sister-in-law.   The husband took me to Petco to buy cat food & we stopped at Walgreens for milk 🥛.  Later we visited T-Mobile to switch over plans.  However, I discovered that there’s a $35 activation fee per phone 📱 if we did it there & no charge if I did it on-line so I came home.   We did learn about the plan offerings.   After many attempts on the T-Mobile site, calls, & chats with  T-Mobile, I finally succeeded in doing it 🎉🎊🥳!  I FT’d with my sister.

08/30/2022.  Our dear friend passed away today at 6:09 am.   We are all heartbroken 😔.  The cleaners came today so I was able to keep busy.  I had a shower 🚿🧼, watered the plants, & got things ready.   The house looks nice.  I washed the supplies used by the cleaners, cleaned up e-mails &  updated the FF web site.

08/29/2022.  I hiked with my friends at Overlook Trail in Saratoga (steps = 13K).  Unfortunately, there’s some very bad news about our friend who is very sick & at Stanford.   Her condition has worsened.   We had coffee ☕️ at Peet’s & our other friend joined us there.  I banked & shopped at TJ’s, forgetting milk 🥛 in the process.  The husband & I shopped at Costco.   I prayed 🙏 a lot for my friend today.

08/28/2022.  The husband took me for a short walk in Los Altos Hills (steps = 6.5K).  I had a nice shower 🧼🚿 & attended round dance class.   I’m really enjoying this class because I know the steps and can concentrate on the nuances of the moves. I FT’d with my sister, washed clothes, & watered the phalaeonopsis.   The water softener drain line is still dripping.   The next time I have a plumber out, I’ll have them remove the flexible tubing, with a vacuum cleaner or snake, clean out the drain line.   

08/27/2022.  Chris & Larry, the water softener folks arrived again to address the drip.    I now understand what is happening.  The husband & I and another couple  had a lovely lunch at Dinah’s.    It was a very pleasant day.   I watered the indoor plants, cleaned up e-mails, & watched the last episode of “Beforeigners”.  

08/26/2022.  I geo-cached with my partner right outside the Alpine Inn (steps = 8.1K).   The husband & I ate there yesterday!  I found Beforeigners on-line & watched 5 episodes from Season 2.   It’s a great show!

08/25/2022.  The husband & I ate at the Alpine Inn.   The food there is delicious.  The husband ran into a friend that he worked with on the bicycling  committee & they enjoyed catching up. My friend visited & we picked a lot of figs from our trees for her.

08/24/2022.  The husband took me for a walk on the Walter Stegner trail.  It was challenging and great (steps = 10.8K).  We had. “Zoom” call with our sister /sister-in-law.   I studied the Plus calls, had a shower 🚿🧼 & attended the club dance.  I danced well this week 🎊🎉!  I updated the FF website.

08/23/2022.  The husband & I walked in the hills today (steps =6.9K) & I said prayers.  I updated the FF website.

08/22/2022.  I walked with our hiking group today at Coal Mine Ridge Nature Preserve in Portola Valley (steps= 15.5K, 6.8 miles).   It was wonderful.   Since I fall behind, I also said a lot of prayers 🙏.  My friend & I had a delicious yogurt 🍦 at Wild Berry Yogurt &I brought one home for the husband.  Chris from the water softener company arrived to check out the dripping sound.  He said it was totally normal & that that is the drain line.   It is so regular that I have a hard time believing that! I shopped at TJ’s, and jet washed and filled the two water features ⛲️.   The husband & I watched resident alien 👽; I like the show, but I’m not sure 🤔 that he does. I FT’d with my sister.

08/21/2022.   We were both pretty tired today, so we mainly rested.   The husband & I picked up my hair gel from Walgreens & I fretted about the dripping sound that is apparently being made by the water softener.  I FT’d with my brother-in-law, to see if he might know what the device was in the wall from which the dripping sound is emanating, but he did not know.  

08/20/2022.  I watered all my indoor plants & washed clothes.  I updated the FF web site.  I  noticed a dripping sound when I was in the craft room & we traced it to pipes in the wall on the other side. Obviously, it is being caused somehow by the new water softener system & is very concerning to me!

08/19/2022.  I geo-cached with my partner today.   We hunted for 4 geo-caches & found 2.  (Steps = 9K).  I FT’d with my sister & helped her set up a gmail account on several devices.  I updated the FF web site.

08/18/2022.  The husband took me for a walk in Los Altos Hills (steps = 7.8K).   I said my prayers 🙏.   We also shopped at Costco.  I FT’d my sister.   She told me not to worry about the water softener system;  it’s a done ✅ deal!  We also talked about her dear friend who is suffering from both cancer & a tumor on her pituitary gland.   She can’t see now 😢😢😢!  I updated the FF web site.   Our trail cameras 🎥 caught a darling skunk 🦨 !  He /she came right up & investigated the camera, so adorable!

08/17/2022.  The City Water Filter folks arrived & installed the new water softening system.  We Zoomed with our sister /sister-in-law.  I studied the Plus calls & attended club.   It was great fun, but I didn’t square dance the best tonight.  My partner & I round danced well!  I’m concerned about the water softener system that it might not have been the best choice.

08/16/2022.   I had a nice shower 🚿🧼, watered the indoor plants & got ready for the cleaning people .  They did a great job.   I washed the throw rugs & cleaning supplies.  Somehow DoorDash signed me up for a membership.   I got that stopped 🛑 in a hurry after all the fraudulent problems one of my family members is suffering.    I ordered our soft water 💦 conditioner to be installed tomorrow.  

08/15/2022.  I walked with our group at Rancho (steps = 14.3K).   We had coffee at Peets & I shopped at TJ’s.

08/14/2022.  The husband took me for a nice walk around the ‘hood.   (Steps = 8.6K). I had a nice shower 🚿🧼 & attended round dance lessons with my partner.  We are really learning a lot because we already know the steps & are now absorbing the nuances.  I watered the phalaeonopsis, the indoor plants, and washed clothes.  I ordered hair care products also.

08/13/2022.  Happy birthday 🎂🎈 to my niece.  I set the husband up with the app so he can control the 2 backyard remote cameras.

08/12/2022.  I geocached with my partner at Arastradero Preserve (steps = 12.3K).  We found 7 geocaches, 💯 % of those that my partner identified.  I didn’t get home until 4 pm and the husband, understandably, was not happy.  I created & submitted three more club logo entries.

08/11/2022.  I talked to my sister.  She is having a wonderful time in Montana with Dales’s family.   I returned the cat food & created & submitted 2 more entries for the club logo.  

08/10/2022.  My niece called & we had a nice conversation. I studied the Plus calls & danced with the club.

08/09/2022.  I re-did the FF movie. 

08/08/2022.  Our hiking 🥾 group hiked the Quarry in Saratoga (steps = 11K).   We had coffee at my favorite place, the Big Basin cafe.   Near us an older gentleman fell and scraped both knees and his elbow badly.   We all helped him with his wounds. I shopped at TJ’s on the way home.   I FT’d with my sister; she may not get the $12K returned after all 😥😥😥.   Her friend is VERY sick.   The doctors initially thought it was a stroke and now believe it’s a malignant tumor affecting her pituitary gland.   That is what may be causing her electrolytes to be so imbalanced too.   I put together a movie for FF.

08/07/2022.  The husband took me for a nice hike 🥾in the hills (steps = 9.7K with round dancing). I had a nice shower 🚿🧼, then I round danced with my partner and we did very well.  We are taking the beginning Rumba & Cha.  We know all the steps so this is a great way to learn the nuances.  We are both finding it very helpful.  I washed clothes & submitted an updated logo to the club.

08/06/2022.  I  attended our club’s meeting this morning.  I watered all the inside plants also & continued to create club logos.

08/05/2022.  The husband took me for a nice walk 👟 around the ‘hood (steps = 8.2K).   Late last night I discovered that Spokeo had charged me $24.95, in addition to the $ .95 to get my sister’s scammer’s phone # 🤬🤬🤬.  I spent a lot of time today chatting with Spokeo & speaking with Palpal.   I have a case opened with PayPal.  I created some logos for our square dancing club to enter in the contest.  I wished my brother-in-law Happy Birthday 🎊🎉🥳🎂.

08/04/2022.  The husband & I drove to Costco  to get gas  ⛽️ & shop.  I gave Carnival 🍊 iron & fed him. I decided to recreate the Quicken file, because I wan’t sure that I had done it correctly.   All went well. 

08/03/2022.  The husband took me for a nice walk around the ‘hood (steps = 12.1K with dancing). I also said prayers 🙏✝️.    One of my sister’s friends is very sick with cancer. I finished flooding Carnival, the orange 🍊 tree, & will fertilize it tomorrow.  We had our weekly zoom call with our sister /sister-in-law & I also FT’d with my sister.   I paid a few bills, had a nice shower 🚿🧼, and studied the Plus calls.  I attended square dance class & also round danced with my partner.  I’m so grateful 🥹 that he likes to dance with me!

08/02/2022.  We slept in today 🥱.  I updated the FF web site.   I also called Quicken & the representative helped me with a few issues.   I’m still wondering 💭 if I should go all the way back to the original Quicken file that I restored. & do the restoration again.   I’m not 100% confident that I did it correctly.  I also researched optometrists 👓.  I flooded Carnival, the orange 🍊 tree in preparation for feeding him.  

08/01/2022.  I hiked at Rancho with most of our group today (steps = 13.4K).   Only two of us were available for coffee ☕️ at Peets.   I shopped at TJ’s.  Afterward I visited my friend to help her  set up a project with Quicken.  Amazingly, my sister is going to have the money returned because the bank 🏦 stopped the fraudulent with transfer 2🎉🎊🥳!  I FT’d with my sister & brother-in-law.   Unfortunately, the conversation with my brother-in-law left me with hurt feelings…..he said that my sister didn’t call me when the scam went down because of ongoing family issues with the Hawaii trio..  he also doesn’t feel like anyone but his youngest son should get any credit for helping them.  Note that I spent hours on the phone & computer making reports to the FBI, etc.   Note to self: don’t let the SOB’s ruin your day!   See nice article below.    I noticed that 2 of my Quicken accounts only had data going back to 2021 instead of 2015.  I spent a few hours retrieving the data from backups and restoring it. 

 I also watched the last three episodes of “The Split”, a great show on BBC.  It stars one of my favorite actresses,Nicola Walker.

https://johncousins-68418.medium.com/illegitimi-non-carborundum-7215236ad589

Illegitimi non carborundum

This is a great quote in fake latin that says “Don’t let the bastards get you down.”

It originated early in World War II in British Army Intelligence. The mock latin phrase was adopted by US Army General “Vinegar” Joe Stilwell as his motto during World War II.

Its another great way of saying, Let It Go. Don’t poison your own experience more than you have to.

You will continue to suffer if you have an emotional reaction to everything that is said to you. True power is sitting back and observing things with logic. True power is restraint. If words control you that means everyone else can control you. Breathe and allow things to pass.

Sitting quietly for twenty minutes focusing on the in and out of deep breathing is a way to practice gaining emotional distance from our noisy thoughts. The pause between experience and our reaction makes all the difference in how we conduct our lives.

Don’t Over React

A caution on the flip side: don’t lash out and counter punch.

The best fighter is never angry. 
― Lao Tzu

Our natural immediate reaction is to push back and protect ourselves. That can lead to saying hurtful things in the heat of the moment that we later wish we hadn’t. This poisons relationships. You can’t unring a bell.

Let things cool off before responding. Take a pause for the cause.

You can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube.

This is not a new or novel idea and was known as a trap to the ancients. Classical logic and rhetoric are concerned with persuasion through constructing and communicating proper and correct arguments. Logical fallacies identify a group of faulty arguments to be aware of so we don’t fall into the trap of using them or falling for them.

One of the most famous is the “argumentum ad hominem” or ad hominem for short. Ad hominem is Latin for “to the person”. It represents a pitfall in which an argument is countered by attacking the character, motive, or other attribute of the person making the argument rather than attacking the substance of the argument itself.

Argument and diversity of opinions can be beneficial if used properly. Positions need to be fluid and responsive to new information. Strong opinions weakly held. Everyone involved must be willing to change their mind. Argue for clarity, not to win.

07/31/2022.  The husband took me for a nice walk around the ‘hood (steps = 12.1K, with round dancing.   My partner & I are really enjoying the round dance class.  It’s a beginner class and we feel that we can pick up the nuances that we missed in previous classes.  I stopped on the way home to get the kitties 🐈‍⬛ more food.  

07/30/2022.  I had a nice shower 🚿🧼 & got my hair done by my wonderful hairdresser 💇🏻‍♀️.   I returned to America’s Tire at 4 pm to have the other tire 🛞 installed.   The wait was over 1 hour 🙁 & I’m not good at waiting.  I washed clothes.

07/29/2022.  My partner & I geocached up in Palo Alto hills.   We found 5 geocaches 🎉🎊!   Unfortunately, we got lost on the way home & had a tour of the Palo Alto & Woodside hills 🤣🤣🤣 (steps = 10.8K).  I went to my 5:15 appointment at Americas Tires.  They predicted an hour wait, so the husband picked me up so we could pick up the order at Kohl’s.   Americas Tire called to say that one of the tire ordered was incorrect.  I told them to install the one that arrived  & to order the correct one; they scheduled that for tomorrow. After that, I shopped at Costco.   At the end of all that, I was exhausted 🥱!  My husband & I had a long conversation with our nephew to discuss my sister’s unfortunate scam.  

07/28/2022.  The husband took me for a long walk (steps = 10.5K).    The husband & I ate at the Alpine Inn.  We were supposed to go with our friends, but she was exposed to COVID!  We did get her some banana pudding, because she loves that!  Later, I found out my sister was scammed out of a large sum of money.   We are all very upset 😭 😭😭 .  The husband & I purchased some weed stop at Ace Hardware & we installed it behind the back garage.  I filled out a form on her behalf to report this to the FBI.   I fear that the money is gone since she wired it to someone’s bank account.

07/27/2022.  The husband took me for a small walk.   I had a nice shower, studied the Plus calls & attended Club.  My round dance partner & I danced well. (Steps =  7.5K).  

07/26/2022.  The husband took me for a walk around the ‘hood (steps = 8.2) K.  I forgot all about my appointment at America’s Tire 🛞 .   I drove over there, but they were just swamped;  they said it would be at least 7:30 pm until they could get to me, a 3 1/2 hour wait.  I wrote out a bill and  cleaned up my emails.  I ordered a new cover for my IPad too!

07/25/2022.  I  walked with my friends at Rancho San Antonio today (steps = 15.4K).  We had coffee ☕️ at Peet’s coffee & I shopped at TJ’s.   The husband & I went to the post office 🏤 & then to the Italian American cafe to get him a “Godfather” sandwich.    I FT’d with my sister & brother-in-law.  I sent a nice note to my nephew who is upset that I’m upset at him.   It will be a LOT harder to make amends with my niece due to her actions towards us in Kauai.  

07/24/2022.  I took a day off from walking today.  I watered all the indoor plants and the phalaeonopsis.  I attended round dance class with my partner;  although it was just beginning class, I learned a lot.   We knew all the cues, but I liked her explanation of them.

07/23/2022.  The husband took me for a walk in the hills today (steps = 10.3K).   The squirrels are eating my tomatoes 🍅 again 🤬🤬🤬!   I didn’t go out to the garden yesterday to pick a green one so they got it!   I washed clothes & had a nice shower 🚿🧼.  

07/22/2022.  The husband & I walked around the ‘hood again (steps = 7.9K). We shopped at TJ’s & I visited America’s Tires to order new tires for my rear wheels.   I brought the husband home a “Carne Asada” burrito 🌯 from Super Tacos El Conrro and he was happy.   I got some tortilla chips 😋.   I’m very sad today about the Kauai trip & how us elders felt so marginalized.   I’ve contacted the firm that did our trust to get my will altered.  

07/21/2022.  We walked 7.8K steps today in our walk around the ‘hood.  I called our cell phone provider, got a different plan with 4 GB of data each for $10 less.  I FT’d with my sister.

07/20/2022.  The husband took me for a nice walk around the hood (steps = 11.8K).  We investigated the lock on the back shed and determined the screws we needed for repair.  We called our sister / sister-in-law.  The husband relayed to her the detailed, sad, story of our trip to Hawaii.   We headed over to True Value to get the screws.  The lock repair wet to easy, we were both shocked!  I visited with my wonderful neighbor.  He gave me a tour of his garden, and I gave him a tour of ours.  We watched another episode of "The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch".   I washed our new clothes.

07/19/2022.  The husband took me for a walk around the 'hood (steps = 8.2K).  The cleaners came today and our house looks great!  My sister called me today.  I told her that I'm still very upset about the trip.  I washed all the supplies used by the cleaners. I had a long session with my firend and spiritual mentor and she helped me a lot.

07/18/2022.  I walked with the group at Rancho (steps = 16.5K) and we had coffee at Peet's coffee.  My neighbor came over to return the key and I told him all abour our miserable, sad time in Kauai.  The husband and I shopped at Costco.  I washed clothes and unpacked.

07/17/2022.  We shopped at TJ's to get food.  My sister wanted to FT.  I told her about the horrible time we had in Hawaii.  She says that I'm stresssing her.   

07/16/2022.  It's return to home day 🎉🎊🥳.  We had to be out of the house at 10:00 am so the husband and I wandered around near the Lihue airport. We looked out at Nawiliwili harbor then to the outlook for the Menehune Fish Pond.  We had a very comfortable flight home.  We had a long wait for our baggage to arrive. 

07/15/2022.  We went for a walk, hung around the house as usual 😭 and waited for the group to come home with tales of their days adventures.  I feel very left out.

07/14/2022.  We went for a walk, and prepared to renew our vows on the beach.  My sister & brother-in-law took us out to a lovely restaurant and the we renewed our vows on Poipu beach.  We got to see the Hawaiian green turtles emerge after the ceremony.  They weight 40-50 pounds and are at least 50 years old.  Docents guard them all night long.  

07/13/2022.  We went over to a beach on the other side of the island.  Unfortunately, my snorkel gear wouldn't fit because the new thongs I bought rubbed my feet raw.  My youngest nephew, sister, and I came home early. 

07/12/2022.  We went for a walk.  We waited for the group to come home with tales of their days adventures.  I feel very left out.

07/11/2022.  My sister, I and my husband took a helicopter flight around the island.  While it was beautiful, we all got pretty nauseated.  The pilot swooped up and down, and up and down.  At the end, we could hardly wait for the helicopter to land.  Afterwards, the sister and I shopped at Costco. 

07/10/2022.  The rest of the family arrived this morning, pretty exhausted from their ordeal.  

07/09/2022.  We left for Kauaii today.  The flight went well. It was a long wait for our baggage to arrive. Unfortunately, we had to wait in line for 2 hours to get our car.  The rest of the family's flight was delayed in taking off and now they have to stay in Oahu for the night.

07/08/2022.   I started packing, checked the plants, updated the list for our cat-sitter and prepared for Hawaii.

07/07/2022.  I had a nice shower 🧼🚿 and prepared for the cleaners.  The cleaners came & the house looks great.   I watered all the plants and washed 2 loads of clothes.  I updated “Where’s  the Dance” for the Bows & Beaus new format.

07/06/2022.  I updated the FF web site, we Zoom’d with our sister / sister-in-law, and I FT’d with my sister.  I added the new round dance classes both to “SD- Bayarea” and to “Where’s the Dance”.   The “Where’s the Dance” site is a bit challenging to navigate.

07/05/2022.  The husband took me for a walk around the ‘hood (steps = 5.7K) & I said my prayers 🙏.  One of the 50 pound test weight fishing lines broke that was holding up a plant.   I replaced the three lines with 6, just in case.  I shopped at Wal-mart & Ace Hardware because my old toilet plunger broke.   The 2nd new one seems to work well (cost $20 🤪)!

07/04/2022.  The husband took me for a walk around the ‘hood (steps = 6.1K) & I said my prayers 🙏.   responded to some of the folks who responded to our holiday greeting.  I watered all the indoor plants.

07/03/2022.  I updated the Kauai schedule again.  The husband & I shopped at Costco.  I also sent out our of July holiday greetings.  I updated the FF web site to reflect August.  I watered the phalaenopsis.

07/02/2022.  I had my hair done by my wonderful hairdresser 💇🏻‍♀️.   I washed clothes. My sister & I FT’d to update the Kauai schedule & I sent it out.   This is going to be one very expensive trip!

07/01/2022.  Welcome to July!  The friend with cancer got better news & there is every reason for hope!  The husband & I shopped at TJ’s today; we were all out of bananas 🍌 .   Our friend visited so I could pick her oranges 🍊 from Carnival and give her the unopened bottle of Champagne 🍾!

The Journey 4/1/2022 - 6/30/2022

 

06/30/2022.  The husband took me for a small walk today to test my knee.  It appears to be better.   My sister let me know that her good friend’s cancer has metastasized 😭😭😭.   We are both so sad.   She will visit her oncologist tomorrow.

06/29/2022.  We talked to our sister / sister-in-law.   I studied the Plus calls & attended Club.   Unfortunately,  my  knee hurt 😞 & I left early.   My sister informed me that my niece and great niece have contracted COVID😩!    We are all hoping they test negative before our trip!

06/27/2022.  The husband & I had a wonderful lunch with friends at the Alpine Inn.  Afterwards I adjusted  one of the fountain pumps to reduce the water bubbling flow.   It was bouncing outside the fountain.   I also did some gardening.  

06/26/2022.  The husband took me for a walk around the ‘hood (steps=9.3K).  I veered off and said all my prayers 🙏🙏🙏!  I washed clothes, first time in a few weeks & there was a lot to do!   I did a small repair of our irrigation system:  one of the ends kept popping out, so I replaced it.  I did a small update to the FF web site.  

06/25/2022.  I had an SCVSDA meeting from 10:30 to 1:00 pm.   I watered all the phalaenopsis.   It’s really been too hot 🥵 to walk! I updated the Hawaii agenda.

06/24/2022.  I attend Katydid’s dance to help celebrate Jim Osborne’s 76th birthday & his 47th year as a caller!  He’s a great caller, one of my favorites!  I updated the Hawaii agenda several times.   I talked to an acquaintance on the way home.  

06/23/2022.  I had a nice shower 🚿🧼.  I watered all the indoor plants and our wonderful cleaners came.  We also had them clean the garage and afterwards the husband and I did even more garage cleaning.  I washed all the rags used by the cleaners and our throw rugs.  I also talked to my cousin who let me know about the passing of our other cousin. I prepared a Hawaii agenda & distributed it.

06/22/2022.  My sister called me to let me know that one of our cousins passed of a heart attack.  Another one of my cousins also called me about this.  I studied the Plus calls and attended club tonight.  I'm still not feeling the best through. 

06/21/2022. I talked to our nephew today about our tickets 🎫.   We got everything straightened out.  I had a lovely shower 🚿🧼.  Our friends visited so that I could get their Outlook working.   Unfortunately, I didn’t succeed, but we had a wonderful visit!   I FT’d with my sister.  It was 102 degrees 🥵🥵🥵 here today, as hot as El Dorado Hills!   We watched Skinwalker Ranch & some Air Disaster movies 🎥 (just before our flight ✈️ 😂😂😂😂!

06/20/2022.  I watered all the indoor plants & updated the FF website.

06/19/2022.  I visited my square dancing friends;  I brought her some garden pots & some blackberry clippings & she gave me some sorrel.  Afterwards, I visited my other friend and brought her the necklace I made from her left over beads.  She really loved it.

06/18/2022.  Today is infusion day, 7:15 am 🤪!   I got there early and was out by 9 am .   I stopped at Safeway for Vanilla frosting as a treat.   When I got home, I ate half the can, then rested the rest of the day.

 06/17/2022.  My friend came over at noon 🕛  and we had Chef Chu’s take out 😋😋😋   We visited until 7 pm, sharing lots of stories from our time together!

06/16/2022.  The husband took me for a lovely walk around the ‘hood (steps = 7.3K) & I said my prayers 🙏.   There are so many people & things to pray 🙏 about too both for thanks giving and for help!   I had the gardener move another plant for me & I went to Stanford for a blood draw 🩸.  That was unpleasant; I apparently moved my arm during the procedure & the phlebotomist 👩🏻‍⚕️ had to call for help 🥺.  The husband made delicious 😋 tofu chili for dinner & I cleaned up my e-mail.  I also updated the FF web site.  I talked to my sister several times today.   They lost all phone, TV, and internet due to a cut cable somewhere.  I updated the FF website.

06/15/2022.  We Zoom’d with our sister / sister-in-law today, I studied the Plus calls,had a nice shower 🚿 🧼, and talked with my sister.  I danced with the club.

06/14/2022.  We had a wonderful lunch with our friends at Gourmet Haus Staudt in Redwood City.   It was marvelous & delicious 😋.   One of the friends will be returning to Austria 🇦🇹 this week. We filled up the husband’s car with gas ⛽️ at Costco.   I attended square dancing at El Camino Reelers, great fun 🤩.   It was quite warm again today.  The husband & I watched “The Secrets of Skinwalker Ranch” tonight, also very amusing.

06/13/2022.  I hiked with our group at Rancho San Antonio (steps = 15.9K, 7.2 miles).   I also banked and shopped at TJ’s.  I washed clothes.

06/12/2022.  I packed & drove home.   Thankfully, traffic was backed up only in one spot.   I stopped for gas ⛽️ at Costco ($6.30 per gallon).   I’m mostly unpacked & updated the FF web site.   Our ant 🐜 infestation continues ☹️ .  I watered the phaeleonopsis & updated the FF website.

06/11/2022.  My cousin, niece, and I went for a long walk and had breakfast (9.3 miles, with dancing at the wedding).  We attended the wedding, I was the designated driver.   Unfortunately, I hit a steel pole while backing out of my space at the hotel 🏨 and fortunately damage is minimal.   The wedding was magnificent, held in a country club in Monterey.   Everything was absolutely first class:  amazing food, an open bar, and live band.   The best part was seeing so many cousins and getting to meet the groom’s family.  I didn’t get back to my hotel 🏨 room until after midnight!

06/10/2022.  It is very hot 🥵 today, with temperatures over 100 degrees where we live.I  packed and left  for Monterey.   Traffic was VERY heavy most of the way there.   We had a lovely dinner and met a wonderful couple who was seated right next to us. 

06/09/2022.  I had a lovely shower 🚿🧼 and watered all the plants.   Our wonderful house cleaners came & the house looks very nice.  I shopped in my closet, tried on various outfits for the wedding 💒 and with the help of my sister, cousin, and niece chose something to wear.  I made an Angel for the bride and groom 🤵🏻‍♂️ 👰🏻‍♀️ and prepared their card. I also updated the FF web site for July.

06/08/2022.  The husband & I shopped at Costco in Redwood City so I could get gas ⛽️, price = $5.99 per gallon prior to my trip to Monterey.   I studied my square dancing calls, and arrived early for “squarehead” duty.  I also round danced with my round dance partner.  

06/07/2022.  I rested today following the vaccine 💉.

06/06/2022.  Our hiking group hiked at Villa Montalvo & we had coffee ☕️ at the Big Basin Cafe in Saratoga.  That is such a wonderful place with delicious coffee!   Later, our friend from Austria 🇦🇹 visited & we were able to straighten out his business issue with Constant Contact 👍👍👍!.  Both of us got our COVID 🦠 booster # 4 💉 at the local CVS pharmacy.

06/05/2022.  The husband took me for a walk in the hills today on a new path (steps = 7.6K, 3 miles.  It definitely wasn’t our favorite path (DNR = Do Not Repeat 🔁)!  I washed clothes & FT’d with my sister.  I also showed our new cat sitter the instructions.  I lost 😠 our alarm system manual, and after much prayer 🙏 & searches, I found it 🎊🎉🥳!

06/04/2022.  I saw my wonderful hairdresser 💇🏻‍♀️ today.  I also got a quote from a second company to replace our water softening system.

06/03/2022.  I geocached with my partner at Fremont Older Open Space disctrict (steps = 13.8K, 6 miles).   There were some pretty tough climbs!   Then I shopped at Michael’s for some beads to complete my friend’s necklace & at Safeway for bananas 🍌 & rye bread 🍞.    I made her necklace, texted her a picture & she likes it.   I spoke with my sister several times times today.  She is doing OK following the loss of her dear friend.

06/02/2022.  The husband took me for a great hike in the hills, on one of his newly discovered paths (steps = 6.5K, 2.7 miles),  My wonderful gardeners came today, moved plants, & fixed broken drip lines.   I did major upgrades to the FF website.  My sister let me know that her dear friend passed away at 9:00 pm today 😢.  

06/ 01/2022. Happy June!   I took the earrings over to my friends house & she liked them very much.   I studied the Plus calls & danced tonight with the club.  I FT’d with my sister; she is very sad because her friend is now in a coma.  

05/31/2022.  I had a nice shower 🚿🧼.  Our friend from Sweden visited.   We got a new map of the hills pathways so we won’t get lost again.   We stopped at the Italian deli & the husband ordered a “Godfather” sandwich.  I scored day old Dutch crunch rolls!   I washed clothes & sorted through a bunch of old newspapers.  

05/30/2022.   It’s Memorial Day 🇺🇸.   In the pre-pandemic era, I would join the observance in South San Francisco at the National Cemetery.  However, we are still being very conservative.  The husband took me for another hike today in the hills.   We were exploring new paths and accidently walked 5.2 miles.  I said all my prayers 🙏🙏🙏 & a special decade of the rosary 📿 for my sister’s friend.

05/29/2022.  I husband took me for a walk in the hills, 2.7 miles & I said all my prayers 🙏🙏🙏.   My sisters friend is very, very ill and I said a decade of the rosary 📿 just for her.

05/28/2022.  The husband & I shopped at TJ’s and Costco today.   We also stopped in at Summerwinds to try to find some Campanala  plants, but they didn’t have any in stock.  We had a Zoom meeting with our sister / sister-in-law.   Eating did not go well today 😢!  I investigated water softeners.

05/27/2022.   Terminix called to let me know that their tech was out sick yesterday & we rescheduled their appointment.   I called Kohler to replace the faucet valve stem assembly.   They are shipping it.   I also called to verify that I have the least costly health insurance & I do.  I FT’d with my sister.

05/26/2022.  I had a nice shower 🚿🧼, checked all the plants & watered as needed.   The cleaners came & the house looks great!  Our wonderful plumber came, installed a new garbage disposal, fixed the broken kitchen faucet, and diagnosed our water problem (the water softener needs replacing).  I washed all the supplies used by the cleaners.   I also made my friend the pair of earrings she requested using beads from her necklace..   In the process, I lost a small bead, looked everywhere for it and was unable to locate it🙁.    I updated the FF web site.  Terminix stood me up 😤😤😤!

05/25/2022.  I had a nice shower 🚿🧼, studied the Plus calls & danced with the club. I arrived early because our round dance cuer taught some steps.   I left earlier because I was exhausted.    The husband & I watched “Skinwalker Ranch” & he made me some corn 🌽😋!

05/24/2022.  I hiked around the ‘hood with my husband & we shopped at Costco.  In the evening, I studied the Plus calls and danced at ECR.  I saw my good friend there too! (Steps = 6.4K).  

05/23/2022.  I hiked with my friends at Don Edwards park (steps = 15K).   We met at the refuge center, but the trails were closed due to a big construction broke the that is underway.  Then we moved to another trailhead at the park and hiked from there.   We had coffee ☕️ & treats at Paneras.  I stopped the bed 🛌 & washed all my sheets.   I picked up my prescription at Safeway & then discovered that it is expires in a year …. So not happy😠!   I FT’d with my sister & then we conferenced in our cousin.  This cousin is having some medical 🏥 problems, & we read & analyzed some results she received.  I did another load of wash.

05/22/2022.  I watered all the indoor plants, including the phaeleonopsis.  The husband & I had a long conversation with our friend who is recovering from hip surgery.   She is increasingly improving.  I filled both water fountain basins, which were low.  I had a nice shower 🚿🧼.

05/21/2022.  I updated the FF web site.  The husband made tofu vegetables 😋😋😋!im having bites all over the place😫!

05/20/2022.  I straightened out the IRS issue today 🎉🥳🎊!  I went to pick up my prescription 🏥 & it wasn’t ready.   I’ll try again on Monday.   I shopped at the Home Depot & procured the garbage disposal, a 3 way light, & a new lavender plant.  I FT’d with my sister;  very unfortunately, our friend had cancer, hopefully very curable!

05/19/2022.  I got up early and spent 3 hours contacting the IRS.  I still didn't get my problem solved.  The husband took me for a walk up in the hills (7K steps, 2.8 miles).  I said all my prayers 🙏too!  The husband & I watched a silly movie, 13 minutes, about a monster tornado.

05/18/2022.  I updated the FF web site.  We talked with our sister / sister-in-law.  In the evening, the husband and I watched "The Secrets of Skinwalker Ranch".    I also called the IRS, but will need to call a different group of people tomorrow.  She said the best time to call is early in the morning, 7 am.  I cleaned up my e-mail.

05/17/2022.  My friend came over with her  necklace.  She lost the matching earrings and wants me to take it apart to re-create the earrings for her.   I finished organizing the anniversary photos and sent them out to everyone who attended our party.  I updated the FF web site.

05/16/2022.  I hiked with my friends at Rancho San Antonio (steps =18.1K, 8.6 miles).  We had coffee ☕️ at Peet’s,   I banked & shopped at TJ’s.  I watered the phalaeonopsis, weeded outside, and tried to get the stains out of the pavers (didn’t succeed).   I washed clothes and downloaded all the pics from our anniversary party 👰🏻‍♀️🤵🏻‍♂️🥂🍾.  

05/15/2022.  I texted my neighbor & sure enough their Comcast is completely down too.   It all came back up around 11 am.   I helped count ballots for the top 10 callers.  There were 6 of us and everything was double checked very carefully.  I FT’d with my sister and froze the remainder of the 2 cakes 🎂.   Of course, I ate the remaining 2 roses 😋😋😋.  I updated the FF web site.  

05/14/2022.  It’s party day 👰🏻‍♀️🤵🏻‍♂️🥂🍾!   The husband set out all the tables & chairs.   We had a wonderful time & the group was small enough that we could spend time visiting.  At the end of the day, we were both exhausted 🥱!  Then, our internet, phone, and TV failed.  I spent hours on the phone 📞 & chatting with Comcast to no avail 😫😫😫😤!

05/13/2022.  The husband took me for a lovely hike in the hills today (8.7K steps, 3.8 miles.  I picked up the cakes at Costco and some adult food for the kitties at Petco.  I updated the FF web site for June.

05/12/2022.  I watered all the plants.   The cleaning folks came today and the house looks great.  I did a bit of gardening & washed & dried the throw  rugs & cleaning rags.  The husband and I watch another Skinwalker Ranch episode.  I FT'd with my sister.  She attended an Eric Church concert and said it was fabulous!

05/11/2022.  We had a Zoom meeting with our sister / sister-in-law.  I had a nice shower 🚿🧼 and attended club.  It was great fun!  

05/10/2022.  Happy 25th wedding anniversary to us 🤵‍♂️👰‍♀️🍾🥳🎊🎉!  We had a nice day:  we exchanged cards, had a hike in the hills (steps = 8.3K), and got Randy a burrito at his favorite place!  I watched our wedding video.   Later  we watched Skinwalker Ranch, always interesting.   I updated the FF web site.

05/09/2022.  I hiked with the group at Ranch San Antonio:  steps = 15.8K, miles = 6.9.  I shopped at Rite-Aid and TJ's.   Then then the husband and I shopped at Costco's to order our cakes for Saturday.   I created & posted posted our anniversary picture & updated the FF web site.

Mother goat at Rancho

05/08/2022.  Happy Mother's Day.  I miss my Mom 😢 today .  I sent out "Happy Mother's Day texts to quite a few family members and friends.  I watered all the inside plants, including the phaeleonopsis, fertilized the orange tree, trimmed the bird of paradise plants, and dug out the cherry tree sprouts.  I washed two loads of clothes.  

05/07/2022.  I saw my wonderful hairdresser 💇🏻‍♀️ today, bought party supplies at Diddams, & shopped at TJ’s.  I made a Mother’s Day card for my Mom.  I confirmed that the mortgage has been paid!

05/06/2022.  I updated the FF web site.  

05/05/2022.  I went to the bank 🏦 & paid off my mortgage.   I also sent out the rest of the invitations for our 25th mini wedding anniversary celebration 🍾.   My wonderful gardener moved one gardenia plant and planted a new one.  Eating habits = 🙁.

05/04/2022.  The husband took me for a walk around the ‘hood.   We collected some “valuables” from a discard bag that was out on the street (steps = 5.2K).  I studied the Plus calls & attended Club. Eating habits = 🙂!

05/03/2022.  The husband took me for a walk around the ‘hood (steps = 5.2K).  I saw my wonderful dentist 🦷🪥 for a cleaning. He’s always interested in my latest hiking adventure.  I also shopped at TJ’s & whitened my teeth 🦷.   I studied the Plus calls & danced at ECR tonight.   It was so great to see all my friends there ❤️! Eating habits = 🙂!

05/02/2022.  I hiked with my friends at Wunderlich In Woodside (steps = 16.2k, 6 miles).  We had coffee at the Red Berry Coffee Bar in Los Altos.  I drove to Woodside, so I had all my hiking buddies as a captive audience and had them tour the yard!   In Los Altos, I stopped at the Italian delicatessen and brought the husband home a “Godfather” sandwich 🥪.    He liked that a lot!  I updated the FF web site.

05/01/2022.  Happy May 1st!  I watered the indoor plants, had a nice shower 🚿🧼, & washed clothes.   I FT’d with my sister, & updated the FF web site.  I studied the Plus calls but did not attend Quads;  I found a bump on my leg that frightened me, thinking it was a tick bite.   The husband doesn’t think so.  Eating habits today = 🙂!

04/30/2022.  The husband & I walked over to our friends’ house to return his 1,000 piece puzzle 🧩.   We had a nice visit (steps = 4.5K).   I updated the FF web site with a new picture requested by one of our bands & watered the phalaeonopsis.  I updated the 3 flyers for Caper Cutters.  My plans to change my eating habits didn’t progress today 😢!

04/29/2022.  I geo-cached with my partner today at Rhus Ridge Road (6.3 miles, 14.4Ksteps), a tough climb to the top.  We found only one geo cache, that was the solution to a puzzle from our last hike at Rhus Ridge.   I was disappointed 😔 that we didn’t find more.  I also prepared 3 flyers for Caper Cutters, a square dance club in San Francisco.

04/28/2022.  I ran multiple errands today & had a doctor's appointment:  shopped at Wal-mart, saw my  WONDERFUL Dr. Vaughan 🤗🤗🤗, filled up gas at Costo, shopped at Costco, and attended Interlocked to collect more TopTen Caller votes.  I updated the TopTen caller spreadsheet in advance of my attendance.  Without walking anywhere special, I logged 5.1K steps (2.4 miles).  

Roses from our garden

Philadelphus Mock Orange, very fragrant!

04/27/2022.  I studied the Plus calls and attended dance and I danced well.  I also helped our club president to track down a contact he needed.

04/26/2022.  Our wonderful cleaners came today, a few hours early.  Fortunately, we were ready. I had a nice shower 🚿🧼 &  the house looks great!   I washed the rags & throw rugs & another load of clothes.  The tomato 🍅 plants are looking fine also!

Delicious Tofu chili for dinner 😋

04/25/2022.  I met my friends for a walk at Rancho San Antonio (steps - 15.3K, 8.31 miles).  It was a beautiful day.  Afterwards, we had coffee at Peet's and I shopped at TJ's.  I watered all the inside plants and planted my 18 tomato 🍅 plants 🥳🎉.  I'd been postponing this for a while so it was great to get it done.  I washed my overalls & did a minor update to the FF website

Poppies at Rancho

        These baby lambs were bleating; we have no idea why!

"Wedding" rose in our garden (this was blooming during our wedding on May 10th)

Proof!

  

04/24/2022.  The husband took me for a nice walk around the ‘hood (steps = 7.3K, 3.2 miles with dancing).  I repotted two phaeleonopsis, and I’m not sure either one with revive!  I washed some new articles that I ordered.  

Roses in the 'hood

04/23/2022.  I took myself for a walk in the hills (steps = 9.7K, 4.2 miles) & said all my prayers.  I stopped by to say hello to my 91 year old friend & he’s India visiting his brother until June!  I wish him many blessings.  I said my prayers 🙏, then the husband & I shopped at Costco.  I bought a large gardenia for our garden.  I FT’d with my sister & cooked some artichokes for dinner.

Views from the hills

Flowers in the hills

 

Our azaela

04/22/2022.  The Pacific Access Elevator repair person came to inspect our elevation.  He said it looks brand new: no adjustment of any kind needed!  The husband and I drove to Los Altos vet to pick up Cassie's meds and then we shopped at TJ's.  I did a tiny bit of gardening, cutting the growth around the fig trees and the redwood tree.

04/21/2022. The husband & I did an errand & shopped at Costco.  I updated the FF web site.

04/20/2022.  We talked to our sister / sister-in-law, I had a shower 🚿🧼, studied the Plus calls & danced at club.   It was great fun!

"Wedding bouquet" roses

Scented geraniums & strawberry plant

1,000 piece crossword puzzle worked by the husband in 2 days!

Pebbles bathing Cassie

Pebbles bathing Cassie

Cassie bathing Pebbles

04/19/2022.  I took my van in for an inspection:  result:  it appears to be brand new!  I talked to my sister and conducted some business.

04/18/2022.  I hiked with my friends at Rancho San Antonio (steps =14.9K, over 6 miles).    We had coffee at Peets and I shopped at TJ’s.   I made a lot of  phone calls to arrange appointments and washed clothes👚👖. 

Gopher

Baby goat

Wild turkey with tail feathers unfurled

Climbing rose from our garden

04/17/2022.  We scurried around to clean up a bit.  Our guests arrived and I picked up the meal from Chef Chu's, so good 😋😋😋.  For dessert we had carrot cake from Draeger's, just delicious.  I had 3 pieces!

The niece's bunny cake, a tradition!

Draegar's carrot cake

    

The husband took me for a lovely walk around the 'hood (steps = 7.2K).  I also said my prayers 🙏.

Our Kangaroo paws

Our Azalea

Our Azalea

04/16/2022.  I had a nice shower  🧼🚿 & saw my wonderful hairdresser 💇🏻‍♀️!  I FT’d with my sister.   She’s hosting Easter 🐣 at her house tomorrow,  I cooked the two artichokes and ate one; it was delicious 😋!  I sent our our Easter / Passover / Springtime 🐰🐣🌷greetings. I ordered our meals for tomorrow from Chef Chu’s for pickup at 12:15.  Just after midnight, my "no desserts during Lent" ended and I ate 3/4 of the can of frosting purchased just for this occasion!

Fruit and quince blossoms from our yard

Quince

 

Orange blossoms

04/15/2022.  I FT’d with my sister & decided to get carrot 🥕 cake for dessert 🍰for Easter.  The husband & I did some financial transactions that required visiting two banks 🏦.    The husband took me over to Draegar’s Market to select the carrot cake.   It looks delicious 😋 !

04/14/2022.  My friend took me out to a wonderful lunch at Hobbes 😋😋😋!   The husband took me to DeMartini’s so I could buy artichokes;  I also bought half a papaya to prepare for our Hawaii 🏝🐬🐠🪸🐳  visit!  The husband  took me for a walk around the ‘hood (steps = 8.3K) & I said my prayers 🙏.  I worked a financial issue.

04/13/2022.  The husband & I shopped at Costco and then had a Zoom meeting with our sister / sister-in-law.   I had a nice shower 🚿 🧼, studied the Plus calls & attended class.  I danced well 👍.

04/12/2022.  I had 3 doctor’s appointments & tests today 🤪!   My bone density test shows an improvement and my wonderful doctor 👩🏻‍⚕️ still wants me to do 2 more reclast infusions.  I also had a wart frozen off.   I updated the FF web site and washed clothes.  The husband made tofu chili too 😋😋😋!

The Stanford campus

04/11/2022.  I hiked with my friends at Rancho San Antonio and we got lost (steps =  18.3K, miles = 8.1!).   It misted the entire way & I fell on the trail (no injuries 🙏🙏🙏).  I shopped at TJ’s and then the cleaners came.   The house looks great.  The husband made delicious 😋tofu chili for dinner!

04/10/2022 .  I FT’d with my sister, had a nice shower 🚿🧼 and studied the Plus calls.   I attended Quads, great fun, even though it wasn’t my best dancing.  I watered the phaeleonopsis and all the indoor plants.

Cassie & Pebbles snuggled up on a chair

04/09/2022.  My wonderful cousin drove all the way from Vacaville to visit me.   I gave her a tour of the yard and then we had lunch at Hobbes 😋😋😋!  Afterwards, I went to Sunnyvale to get cat food, & shopped at the Safeway next to Petco.

Hobees, notice the plate of butter for me, all of which I ate!

04/08/2022.  Happy birthday to me 🎁🥳🎈🎉🎂🎊! I had a great day today.  My partner and I geo-cached in Los Altos hills and found 3 geo-caches (steps = 8.9K).  Then he bought frozen yogurt for me & I brought one home for the husband.  I received lots of FB birthday wishes & texts.  My niece sent me a movie with everyone singing happy birthday to me, including Tazzy 🐶!  I shopped for tomato plants at Ace Hardware and Summerwinds Nursery and brought home a lot of plants. My friend visited me and will take me to lunch for my birthday!   I received many great birthday cards and a birthday gift 🎁!

Geocache # 1, hidden inside a bone!   Worse, the bone was nestled in a site full of poison ☠️ oak!

 

Poison oak surrounds the geo-cache, yikes!

Geocache # 3, Geocache # 2 was muggled (we found the hook with no geocache attached.

Interesting looking log

Wildflowers

Monkey pod wildflowers

Los Altos quarry and lake

04/07/2022.  I cleaned up to get ready for the cleaners.  We Zoomed with our sister / sister-in-law. Unfortunately, the cleaners cancelled 😢 because their car broke down.   I updated the FF web site, a major update.  I did a lot of financial transactions and paid all the property tax bills.

04/06/2022.  The husband took me for a nice walk around the ‘hood (steps = 11.5K, with dancing).   I had a shower 🚿🧼, studied the Plus calls, and attended class.   We  finally got the right paperwork signed for taxes.   

Flowers in the 'hood

Pebbles

Cassie

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04/05/2022.  Happy Birthday to my friend.  I shopped at TJ's, visited my friend and toured her lovely garden.  I washed clothes and watered my indoor plants.

My friend's wisteria, very fragrant

My friend's cherry tree

Garden in the 'hood full of amazing tulips

 

Beautiful California poppies in the same 'hood

Dinner

04/04/2022.  The husband had his procedure today & it all went well.  Afterwards, we went to "In 'N Out" burger to have a chocolate milkshake & French fries  🍟 to celebrate.  While I was at the medical facility I tested the Zoom ability for my meeting next Tuesday  It worked just fine.

Madrone tree blooms

Pebbles sleeping

04/03/2022.  I had a lovely final hike up in El Dorado Hills (steps = 13.5K).  I packed and drove home, stopping for gas ⛽ at Costco in Fremont.  When I got home, I did some paperwork and sent it off.  I also watered my phaeleonopsis.  I updated the FF web site with a new poster and changed the logo.

These are the Mother and Father geese and their 6 goslings that my brother-in-law escorted to safety yesterday.

Final views of Folsom Lake

Wildflowers

Dad's Clivia in beautiful bloom

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04/02/2022. My brother-in-law walked this morning and he and another woman escorted a Mother & Father goose and six goslings across a very busy road. The drivers that they stopped honked their horns and gave them a thumbs up 👍. They will grow up in the large ponds there. 

I attended the service for my dear cousin.  It was absolutely beautiful and over 100 people attended.  He was so loved.  His son, my second cousin hosted all the people at his house at a wonderful reception.  Due to COVID I did not attend.

04/01/2022.  Happy April Fools' Day 🃏!  I sent my family a text saying that the Hawaii trip was cancelled; it had a lot of  them going for quite a while 🤣🤣🤣.  My brother-in-law took me for a wonderful hike and I continued up the hill (steps = 11.4K).

My youngest nephew came over to visit and my sister made sandwiches and a salad.  We had a lovely visit and discussed bit chain technology.  My nephew, nephew-in-law, and Tazzy also came over to visit.

I risked possible encounters with rattlesnakes to take these pictures .... couldn't resist!

Roses from my sister's garden