Fished UVA scarf

 I ate one of Hildrith roll for breakfast but the other one burned so I three it away. I finished the scarf last night. I am going to take a picture of me with it around my neck.

Rick is going to Wegman’s to buy food for Christmas. I brought my gifts upstairs and pu them in Rick’s office. I am cleaning out my office and trying to put everything it’s place.

“ a place for everything and everything in it.’s place”

I still have my pajamas on. 

Christmas gets a 

bit messy but it is fun messy. 

I put a puzzle in Gus’s birthday box. His birthday is December 30. Right after Christmas. Later today I go to University hospital to do Radiation. 

I put the collection of birds on the mantle.

I just added this image.

Rick left. I am still in my pajamas.  I am reading about Richard Harrington who started the Central Virginia Writing Project which I want to read about right now.

 

I could. Not do Radiator Theapy

 It was my fault 🤦‍♀️. I could not hold my arm in the right position. The right shoulder still hurts a bit. I was suppose to hold my hands folded above my head. They said I would have to hold it still for fifteen minutes. It hurt too much. I did it for awhile but then I had to get up. I am going to return tomorrow. The office is close to our house. Right now my face itches. Rick is eating his soup for lunch. I ate cheese and crackers. I am always eating cheese and crackers. 

The weather is cool but. It cold. I put on a coat when we went to the doctor’s office. I am crocheting a hat. Rick brought me a crochet kit to do with Bess on her next visit. 

I am reading a book, SHARPEN YOUR MEMORY. 

The book has 99 suggestions

Nadia wrote a long email about writing when you are depressed. 😔 

Rick is an exceptional husband.

I am suppose to go to the senior lunch tomorrow but I will miss it. 

Feet problems continue

 I had trouble sleeping last night because of my feet. 

I finally took Tylenol after rubbing them with back scratcher. I am going to eat bananas and egg fried which I watched someone make on Utube. 

Right now I have the Business channel on. I think the man being interview has a wig on. He is a Georgia tech professor before worked for Federal government. He is talking about who will be the next chair  of  The Federal reserve.

 I think the picture behind him is an Apple, it is grey and round. 

Tom Periello a. Ounced he will run for the senate

 Last night we went to Random row for the announcement. 

I am watching the announcement of the year by Time  magazine. The Architects  of AI.

The editor in chief is making announcement. 

I am going to try and use it.

My Goal

 My goal is to write a proposal and then pick out ten pictures  to hang in the piedmont place gallery.

Today I go to Virginia tech to see Joseph play his violin in a group orchestra concert. The book I am reading is all about taking care of your eyes.

I am having trouble see and trouble hearing. I am also a having trouble walking.

Today is the next day.

I am learning about blinking. It is important  to blink so your eyes get watered and also so your eye muscles get exercise. 

Rain but not snow

 Snow was predicted but we have only a constant rain. I am sitting on the sofa and I-can hear it pounding on the roof and porch. I ate cereal and blueberries for breakfast and bites of cheese from the monastery.

Yesterday, Was a successful day, the highlight being a party with watercolor friends. I brought home tiny birds and a box of watercolor paints. I took an avocado salad and brought a small amount home which I finished at dinner. I sat with Caroline and Bunny Creesy. It was old lady fun. My gift was a 

Necklace  I found in my drawer. I won it years ago at a Bar function. I arrived early and helped put table clothes on the tables. We had 25?? In attendance. 

I felt tired when I was there. There was lots of camaraderie with lots of food and the gifts made it fun. On the way home I shopped at Barnes and Noble and Michael’s. I brought two Christmas gifts with my gift cards and five wooden boards to paint on at Michael’s .

Yesterday was Thanksfiving

 We all went to the Turkey Trot.

Tucker and his family all ran. Catherine Bradley, Eliza ran and David Quinn walked. Rick and I watched. It was fun looking at expressions on faces. 

Of courses the first person to come in were young men. Maybe from UVA. A woman eventually comes in. The results might be in the newspaper. We came home. My son Tucker cooked the turkey. It took him at least three hours. We ate about f o’clock.

Catherine and Eliza came too. 

Wonderful, they all came through so I have memories of a fantastic day.

Music playing in the backround

 As usual I am trying to e organized. The music is anxiety music. I do not like it: Just pounding of drum. Yesterday I went to a Jaba event. There was music playing and singing by all the old people.

I am not sure I belonged, I am not sure whether you have to pay dues. Then I went to the senior lunch and listened to a man talk about his oil painting which were hung around the room. They were expensive, but very impressive .

It is Almost bedtime. I am using the massage machine so I sleep better. Rick just went upstairs. He made delicious omelets for dinner served with French fries. We both ate an ice cream sandwich. I read a letter from Nadia which I will read again in the morning.

It is Monday morning.

 I ate bananas and cherries for breakfast which I ate often growing up. I took my coffee to Rick’s office and said Hello. I had a night full of horrible dreams. I should be tired since I slept little. We are having daylight savings time so it is dark early.

Yesterday we were at Eliza’s house at 8  15

We took her to church. Sam gave the sermon but I could not hear it well. I am going to Costco this morning for a hearing aid.

After church we drove to Tip Top restaurant. It was packed. Next we went to      . Our final destination was I Hop. International House of Pancakes. I ate Creapes. Rick ate the senior special. Eliza ate pancakes weigh blueberries and bacon and scrambled eggs 🥚. 

Walker called an said their family was watching Joseph at the sculling exhibition at the reservoir. She met several friends there. I hope she thinks about doing sculling. We stayed and watched a long time. Walker and his family were there. Bally was selling tee shirts and sweat shirts. We took Eliza home and then we came home. Rick went to the BHSC. I rested. We watched TV after we ate Jersey Mike sandwiches. 🥪 

We are going to go to the movies

 I am dressed, almost, I need to put on my pants. I am sitting by the window. It is very hot here but pleasant. I just ate some nuts. I ate noodles for lunch. I see apples in front of me. I brought two home from the BHSC. They have them by the exercise room. Downstairs they cost &1dollar. Rick is at a meeting with Matt,Murray they are talking about the space they bought together. Bruce Murray died. She was marries to Matt’s brother.👶 

I am getting ready for a visit with my California family. They are coming for Thanksgiving.

I go to help at the polls

 Today is voting day. I will help at the polls in half an hour. I am supporting the Democrats. I like Abagail Spanberger who will become our next governor. The first in Virginia. It is perfect weather for voting. There will be cookies and treats there and probably water. I sat in the jacuzzi before I changed from my pajamas. Rick is at the doctor’s and then doing volunteer Bork for the Shaamdoah Park Trust. 

I took our Ha.oween decoration down but out. Eighbbor’s Bill is still up.i have the foot masagger on. Every night I get tinglyfeet. I have two painting for the next exhibit at the Senior Center.our exhibit is not do until the Spring.

Tucker and family come for Thanksgiving. Everyone will do the Turkey Trot.

Bradley and Eliza walked the. Monticello trail yesterday. They help at  Habitat forHummanity..

Reading old blogs.

 I want to keep a better sequence of what I write on this blog but it is difficult since we do so many different things. I am at the BHSC sitting at Rackets drinking an iced cold drink with coffee and brown sugar. I did the running machine and exercised my legs. Last night I could not sleep my legs and feet hurt so much. I took sleeping pills and Tylenol. I think the Tylenol helped. When I get home the first thing I want to do is write down all the pills I take for the meeting tomorrow at Jabba. Three young girls close to me are doing their homework. Two huge tennis players are looking at their phones. One is talking on his. I like sitting here. I usually swim but it is too cold so I exercised. Here come Rick. I am now watching the World Series. Tora to Blue Jays vs Los Angelos Dodgers. The Blue Jays just had a home run and the score is 2vs 1. 

I sat by the foot meager and am hopping I will sleep better tonight. The add is Serena Williams and wight loss. I exercised at the BHSC on the running nachine ad leg exercises.now, Shohonei is at the bat. He is Japanese and does not speak English. 

At ice WonderFarm and Vineyards

 We are going to breakfast. I painted a picture of a bluebird and Gold finch.

We had pizza last night at the wine tasting place. The first night we had steak at the restaurant. We have the TV on the today show.

Yesterday we drove in to Bristol. Half Tennessee and half Virginia.

We went to an antique store. I spent & 25 dollars. I need to look at magazine more so I appreciate southern living. 

Reading A Walk In the Woods

 I am home from Senior Lunch. I brought home two books, one by Tony Morrison, the other religious 

The speaker was a man who just opened a book store close to the Quirk hotel on Main Street. The woman who cooked the meal opened a baking shop. I want to go to both. The Doctor called me and ask how I was doing. I was a bit dizzy this morning and thought about staying home but decided I needed to around people. The event nourished my mind and made me want to read more. The speaker talked about why we read. Is it because we want to hear what the author is telling us or because we want to think about our opinions while we are reading. Theeb sun is shining through the window. This is why I like to sit here. R is going to return at five and we are going to Monticello for another talk.

Had Surgert Yesterday

 Our day started when we left the house about 

8:50. It was confusing when we got to the hospital parking lot. There were several. We got to Building C and took the elevator but made the wrong turn. But, we finally got to the correct room and were introduced to a person who took down lots of information and put a badge on my wrist. Later an other wrist bracelet was put on. I am still wearing that bracelet. I had one on my left wrist which they took off after surgery. The wrist bracelets help the. Nurses and surgeons keep track of patients. 

I am in bed now drinking coffee that Rick brought me. 

I am going to eat egg bites and then continue to use this blog. 

I ate two egg bits and three pieces of es of Jelly toast and five almonds with sugar.

I sent address to Gus.

I am still tired and want to rest. I had surgery and the nurse told me to rest.

Many people saw me yesterday and they sent me home with a blue folder so I know what to do.

I have not yet decided about the Senior lunch tomorrow,

I just read a note from Rotary. They want coats.  Efore Rick leaves tomorrow, I will find some. It is a gorgeous day. I have not been out side but have looked out the window.

I will write mor later.

Emily Dickerson wrote poetry but then hid it. 

Spent the day with my grandaughter

 I had a stupendous day with Eliza. It started with a trip to the library where we they had a half price book sale. We both bought books and I also bought music tapes. We had lunch at the I Dian restaurant and then went for a swim at BHSC. She is a good swimmer and fun to be with. She can laugh and play like a little girl.

We came here to see grandpa who was cutting the grass. I showed her lots of pictures. I wanted her to see the one I had of her and grandpa. She painted a picture and I hope she finishes it later. 

One of the books I bought was a journal about sleep. 

I am going to put o. Neispoan.

Just Reading emails and catching up

 I made a plan to go to the library on Saturday with Eliza and then for a swim.

I ate cheese crackers and the end of the fancy cheese cake and drank coffee. I also ate two pieces of jelly toast with key lime jelly from Florida. 

I cleaned out the car. It was full because stuff from yesterday when I went to Costco and Dollar store yesterday.

I have a book beside me I want to read, I found it in our book case.

My goal is to send package to Joe, my brother who ask me to get him pajamas. 

I just came up from downstairs.

We had a discussion about whether R will go to the post office with the package for Joe. He will but reluctantly. 

I found. Book downstairs wit poems and picture I am going to try and paint..

I read about Senior center but do not really want to join.

I want to enter a painting in Small Works but do not know how.

How do I price it.?

I am sleepy. I have several books around me, a writing book, a book with paintings I could do and 

Have hearing tested

 I will have my hearing tested at Costco at 10am.

Next I go to see Bess preform her gymnastics. Then I drive to Crozet to take Eliza Swimming. 

Right now I am watching TV. She is offering a reward for Nicolas Merado who i have never heard of . FBI oust three officials. 

Yesterday we all went to church together

 Josh Bascom gave a good sermon about money and neighborhoods.

He said Jesus talked about money over 100 times in the New Testament. I am going to look it up. 

After church we went to Tip Top restaurant for breakfast. I had scrambled eggs and ham with tomatoes instead of potatoes.

Catherine Bradley, my daughter is now selling real estate.

She came to our house at 8 am this morning. We had a long talk., well she did most of the talking.

Rick showed me a  thank he got from one of his exercise friends. I ate the donuts I bought at the Farmer’s market on Saturday.

I cooked my scallops for a snack. I am also eating the plums Catherine gave me. I will meet Eliza for a swim tomorrow. 

We are going to the movies

 I go to the doctor at 1:15. The doctor is an orthopedic doctor on Pan-tops. We both woke up early. I tried to go ack to sleep but instead woke up. I came downstairs and cooked half of the scallops we bought in Irvington when we visited Rick’s sister Marty. They were tasty. Usually they are cooked wrapped in bacon but I just fried them in Butter. 

It looks like rain. I am sitting in the family room. I sat in the jacuzzi and looked at the blowing trees and dark clouds. I have a cup of coffee in front of me. I am still hungry.  I just cooked grits in the microwave. It is quick cook. I added blueberries but it still does not taste good.

Later I will write Eliza and Catherine-about our trip to Iceland. 

I bought a book called Mindfulness JournAl. My goal in life is to be mindful. This is a first step. i tried to sleep. Now,  I am going to work on an oil pastel.

Still Waiting

 I began another post. Our trip on the Viking Mars was sucesssful I should have written in a notebook and took pictures. Walker drove us to Cville airport.Bess was with him. We took a plane to Chicago and the to Reykjavik, Iceland. We have discussed the pronunciation several times.

I am using my new ipad

 I bought a new iPad today. It was expensive but I hope it works well. The man who helped was extremely pleasant and helped me a lot. I am at home trying to get used to it. I will write more later. 

I have been using it several days now. It is Wednesday. I had to take it back yesterday because it was not moving back and forth when I touched it. A nice young man helped me and now it is okey. 

I painted Monday with the Art Guild. Today I went through my old paintings and improved  on them. Peg suggested we paint everyday and I am going to try and do this often. 

I am going to go to BHSC and swim when Rick goes to exercise. 

After the movie “Elenor the Great

 The movie was about an old lady my age. She wore pink curlers in a lot of the scenes.

Should I rewrite what I just wrote??

This is a good time to write. I am alone with my winter house coat on sitting on the green corduroy sofa. Rick cook a good breakfast of an egg on a roll. I ate every bit of it slowly. He likes to cook now which is a relief to me. 

I am trying hard to learn more about meditation so anything I see I think I should read I collect it.

I am also trying to write more and to paint more. 

I read yesterday’s post, the Newsprint copy. Rick reads it everyday. 

I read about Jane Goodall.

The new pope Luke and his Press conference.

The Jews and Harvard controversy. 

The daughter is the movie last night was taking writing at NYU.

Church safety all over the country.

I am writing to improve myself and to think 🤔 better. That is my goal. 

Waiting for train

 We are sitting in the waiting room of Amtrak.  We woke up at 4:30 and went to the explorers lounge and heard an explanation of our ship, the Viking Mars travel into NYC and past the Statue of Liberty.

It was dark and we could not see anything but it became lighter and in two hours we were able to see the skyline and even the Statue of Liberty in the distance. We went back to our room and waited till about 7:30. It was announced we could go to the first floor of the ship and wait some more. Everyone was give. Tags earlier to put on our suitcases. Ours was black. We sat in this waiting area for another hour waiting for our tag numbers to be called. Many other tags numbers were called until finally they called black 4 which meant we could go to our suit cases and pick them up. We did this with many other people from the ship. We pulled them to where out passports were checked and the down a long hall to an outside street. We waited in another line for a taxie.  There were many others in the line. A security person helped us get into the taxi. The taxie driver brought us to the railroad station and we are here. 

I will close here. Ecause I cannot see any writing.

Sunday after church

 We heard a sermon about fear. What am I afraid of. 

I am afraid of falling,  I am afraid of loosing family. 

And I am afraid of dying? Will I be alone? I wrote my obituary so Walker does not have to write it. It was therapeutic since it helped me concentrate on what I had done with my life. 

Right now I just finished breakfast; leftover Jersey Mike sandwich and chicken from Pop eye which was awful.  I feel full. 

What picture should I add?  I am goin meet family at pool later today. We talked to Tucker, Cole and Gus on the way home. They have a new girl puppy, Ruby.

Yea it came through 

Swimming with Eliza

 Yesterday I took Eliza and her friend swimming at BHSC pool.

She began doing the walk around pool which I think they liked. I did it too. It is relaxing. My grandson Tucker surprised me when he said hello, he was sitting in a chair behind me. He was reading a book. He was going to take a tennis lesson from Ralph then he was going to do a clinic in the afternoon.

Walker was there playing tennis but came to the pool and we talked. We talked about his sister. He is very angry with her. I want to talk more about this with him. I am hungry and am going to get something to eat and finish later. 

I ate a bowel of Squash. I bought the farmer’s market that Walker and Bess took me to on Saturday. where did I meet them. We went in his car. Maybe at a tennis match. I cannot remember. I was going to go back to slle but I stayed her looking at a magazine and catching up with the internet. 

I am reading about Ivy Garden Center. Rick thought about buying this building. 

rick turns 81 tomorrow

 He just went to the BHSC to exercise. He is having back problems. He went to the doctor yesterday. She was a Physician’s assistant. she did not help much. We both sat in the jacuzzi this morning.  Next, we ate breakfast. Rick cooked sausage, bacon and an egg on a bun. He used some of the Monastery cheese. 

I am reading a book, “Painless writing.”

I want my writing to be clearer and grammatically correct. Right now ow I am sitting on the sofa. I sit here often. I still have my night gown on. I have three but I wear this one the most.

I looked at Linda Abby’s web page. She is an artist friend. I went to her reception Thursday night at Greencroft. She had 17 paintings of Italy. She teaches a class about painting loose. 

Home from a visit with Marty and Dick Wilson

 We drove three hours each way to Kilmarnock. They live in a cottage in Westminster Canterbury. They've a cottage. marty is in health care. We took them to lunch at the Office, a restaurant close by. i ate a salad which was delicious. Rick ate fried shrimp. He gave me several pieces. We talked about family.

Marty had a flowered blouse  on that she told us she bought at TJ Max.

I did not have my hearing aid on and tried to listen intently. They both seem satisfied with there situation. Marty had a brace on her arm. They both used walkers. 

We are at Skyland

 I am sitting by the picture window, I ate the sandwich I bought at Yoders. It was delicious but I left a bit for later. I am dressed in the beige sweater I bought at Twice is Nice. It is a bit big. Rick does not like it. I am looking at the rock formation in front of me. The rocks are covered with moss. There are sprouts of green and ferns in between  the moss. The trees are grey  but they are covered with moss. I wish I knew the names of the   trees,  I will look it up. I looked up trees but could not distinguish one from the other. Eliza told me wants to take Environmental Science next year.  I wonder why Rick is taking so long. I took a short nap on the sofa and also bought a chocolate muffin. What is the difference between a muffin and a cupcake? The only thing I have not done is draw although I did paint

part of a bird. 

I am home from the Dentist

 Bess will spend the night so will their dog Louie. Rick just scolded me because I left the light on downstairs. The rain has stopped. We had a loud thunderstorm today. I made an appointment for March. Amy cleaned my teeth. Dr. Whynot checked them. A y told me to us sensadine tooth paste. On the way home I stopped at Twice Is Nice and bought two shirts to take to Iceland. 

I stillhear thunder but it in the distance. 

I picked some of our flowers this morning. This morning I was reading a diary from 1996. We traveled to California to a law meeting and then toured California and Navada. I ate cheese and crackers for lunch. I hope I have enough food for Bess. Walker is going to bring  Louie here at 4pm. 

The rain has stopped. I learned that you create VOICE in writing by using the word I

i this, I that. 

i had the TV on bought did not want to listen to and hear depressing news. The prominent story is about the flood in Texas. 

Anne marie and Hank are here

They went to church. i think they go every day. 

It is Saturday morning. They ate gone.  Went to ST. thomas Aquinas Church with them. We attended the 8:30 mass. Therewere five priests on the altar.

We sat in the front. I should read the lesson for today. I’m could not hear the serman e even though I had my hearing aid in. We walked arond the feont of the church. hank found a small area were small children could play. He talked about setting one up in their church. I told him I had books I would give him so we came to the house and i found some religious books and other books I gave him. 

We met rick for breakfast at Crepes. Rick and I shared. We talked a lot and then they were on the road and we came home.

I am very tired. I tried to nap. I want to meet Eliza soon. I want to take her to the Crozet parade but she does not want to go. 

Tucker is going to Philadelphia with his young church group for a few days. 

We are in Anapolis

 Joseph is now at the Navel  Academy. He will be here for-one week at a Stem Camp. We took a tour of the academy in a golf cart. Joseph came with us. We had lunch-and then took him to the entrance.

We ate lunch at a picnic table. 

Rick is reading the news. We are staying at a-fancy hotel on the water with lots of views. We spent two hours on a large sail boat seeing the views of boats, houses and the Bay Bridge.  I drank two bottles of alcoholic sodas which made me very tired.

Painting Rocks

 Eliza and I are on the deck painting rocks. It is very quiet and relaxing. She is very intent. I need to take lessons from her. She made a stunning dish from the kit. I am painting a rock, following instructions from Monet, no, Degas. Eliza does not want me to take her picture.

Tucker sent pictures of Gus and Cole. They are doing the Dipsea today. 

The sermon was about the Holy Spirit. The teachings are often about the Holy Spirit. I was just reading about the Impressionist. Light was very important to them. They would paint the same scene in different light. I should do this. 

I hear the birds chirping. Eliza is looking at the book intently. I do not want to finish my painting until she is finished. 

Tomorrow we take Joseph to the navel Academy. He will do a stem workshop for a week. We invited Eliza but she said she is worried Joseph would not want her togo. I do not want her to be alone. 

Yesterday, I picker her u about 11am and we went to the Farmer’s market. I bought one dozen of very fresh eggs. I gave them to Walker. 

We also bought vegetables an she bought a huge loaf of bread. I saw my friend Frances Lee who I have not seen in years. Walker and his family came over so I got to give him his Father’s Day ptesent.

The Morning after Two Graduations

 I just looked at all the pictures I took last night. I only got one of David in his cap and gown. I stood in front of the procession as they entered the room but it was crowded and he went to fast. 

Rick just made me a delicious egg, bacon and cheese sandwich. i ate it and now I feel full. I am sitting on the sofa in our family room. We are still in the process of having it painted. 

I finally

figured out what to do. Now, I can write. rick went up stairs. I still feel very tired but I feel full. i drank two cups of coffee. 

I re read Eliza’s paragraph and the poem that inspired her. I am impressed that she wrote the poem on the wall downtown on the mall. I cannot remember the name of the wall. 

Attended a performance at North Branch School

 I was at the school about 11:30. Bradley came to the car door. We sat on the front porch together and talked then Went in and had front row seats. The kids made music with the bells and then sang. Eliza was part of the group that sang. Some of the kids did a short talk they made up themselves. Eliza had an essay and a picture of her at the democracy wall on the downtown wall. It was impressive. I hope she makes me a copy.the talks were philosophical. They discussed their past and their future. I am still learning. 

Attended concert at Western

 I attended the concert at Western and watched Joseph and Tucker preform with the orchestra. tucker also played in a threesome.

The last pieces were excellent. I should look up the names of the artists who composed the pieces.

I sat with Hallie and Walker. Walker picked me up at 5pm. We drove to their house and then to western. They ate in walker’s classroom which is filled with historical pictures. He is now teaching Government and one law class. 

Trying to make my blog work better

 I have called for help from Apple.

They were very polite but did Understand too much about how to explain. I am am going to add a picture. Walker will come at 5pm and take me to the concert. 

It is still raining

4

 I am going to sit in the jacuzzi even though there is a drizzle. Tonight we go to an orchestra  concert. We missed the individual performances the teacher has for our grandchildren on Sundays. They preform individually. The performance tonight is the whole orchastra

I am trying to keep organized. I went to the doctor’s yesterday. Dr. Pinkerton. I am going to read all my instructions when I get out of the jacuzzi. It is too early to call right now. Rick has not returned from the gym. He will come in the house any minute.  I am drinking coffee. I am knitting a blanket for Eliza. I will try and take a picture.I took a picture but it did not work. 

We jave a new pope

 I watched the TV all cay yesterday. The new pope brew up in chicago. We keep seeing pictures of the cathedral and also Villa ova where he went to college. He was a missionary in Peru. I still cannot send pictures. Maybe I will go to Best Buy and learn about this computer. i think I will call Joe. 

Still Black Smoke

 I have watched TV and knitted all morning. I made Waldorf Salad and just finished eating one half bowel. The Cardinals have not yet made a decision. When I woke up they showed Black Smoke. Rick is outside working in the garden by the garage. I just went out to get my notebook for Nadia’s class. It is 12 or 12:30. 

I am almost finished the first half of my blue blanket. I would like to take a picture of it but still do not yet know how the camera works. I will try later.

Eliza gave me a lovely Crewl picture which she designed herself. I have framed it in the black frame My Holkam grandchildren’s picture was in. It is on the mantle. I also worked on Eliza’s scrapbook which I want to give her for her graduation from North Branch.

We watched Erin Burnett often. She is in Rome  watching what has happened there. Yesterday when I watched Tucker play tennis I read The Leonardo DaVinci book . It inspired me and will make me work harder at everything.  He painted the Sistine Chapel where all the cardinals are sitting right no trying to decide who will be the next pope.

The Day After my 83rd Birthday

 I am sitting on the sofa with the TV on. I ate all the leftovers from yesterday’s breakfast at Night Watch. I feel full. I am going to try on all the gifts Rick gave me, a nightgown, slipin pants and a bathing suit.

We went to visit Walker's family and my grandchildren gave me two homemade birthday card and an apple slicer. We went to the Band Fair for North Branch at Cardinal Winery and Eliza gave me a beautiful sewing that she made and my daughter gave me a slew of books. I put them on the table down stairs and will decide later which ones

I want to read.

Cleaning out Art supplies

 I am sitting on my green sofa. I tried to finish a bird painting but was unsuccessful so I began cleaning out my paint brushes. I have thee categories: large fluff brushes, regular sizes and tiny brushes. I have two categories in front of me. I am suppose to take some leftovers to my next meeting to give away.

I just ate a dish of tomato soup while Rick ate a sandwich. I also read a newspaper obituary about a sociologist who taught at Columbia University. I learned quite a bit about how sociologist think. He wrote several books, many about poor people and what they think about. 

I also read an article about whether Catholics in Oklahoma can open a charter school and have the state government pay for it. The question will go to the supreme court on Wednesday. Walker wrote about Charter schools when he was in law school.

I have not been able to put pictures on my blog recently. i am going to try right now ow. 

I am having trouble putting pictures on blogger because they all are vidios. I pushed a button when I took them and they turn into videos instead of pictures.

Great Easter

 We attended church at Saint Paul’s then came home.

Rick ordered sandwiches. We ate and talked, swam in the pond. Joseph took the rowboat out. band Eliza took the canoe out. Joseph is now doing. Res at Western. 

Only Bess looked for eggs at church. But there was a big turn out of kids. 

I picked up Eliza at North Branch. We did a long circular drive home. She is taking horse back riding lessons. She showed me the farm. We came home because there was no school. We paint ed rocks using a kit I bought at Barnes and Noble. Eliza was very methodical and thoughtful.

Catherine came as we were talking and she did a rock too. I want to look for more smooth rocks. 

The pope died yesterday morning after saying mass at the Vatican. He was 88. This is the most important news. Rick and I are going to watch tennis, eat lunch and the. I go to the Arthritis doctor. Tonight we go to Farmington for a Hospital dinner.

Weekend with grandkids

They came over about noon. I went shopping the night before and had plenty of food. Mac a d cheese, small bagels and hot pockets. 

I had several art projects from. Michaels. Beth has good powers of concentration. They are still here and I will take them to their house tomorrow after my hair cut. Dave from Saloon R just called and I made an appointment. For tomorrow at 1pm.

Tucker jumped in the lake. We all watched. 

We went to BJ’s for dinner. rick and I ate chicken parmagnen , Tucker ate a hamburger Joseph ate individual pizza and Bess ate Mac and cheese. We talked about sports. 

Trip to Ivy on the Bukingham Railroad

 We had a joyful relaxing trip with our daughter and grandchildren, David Quinn and Eliza, a delicious lunch and chocolate cake for dessert. We were back in Staunton by 1:30.

I have been going through old pictures. I am going to make an album for Eliza for her graduation.

Trump is on the TV

 He is going to raise tariffs on all cars to 25% tonight. Only in America. He wants everything made in America, he never stops talking. He is standing in front of an American flag.

I spent a long time signing up for a pavilion on Memorial Day weekend for a family birthday party for Tucker and me. Now we see the news people sitting on chairs on the lawn. I do not know if they will be able to ask questions. He moves to the right and then thee left

34% on China imports 25% on Japan 

Stock Futures fall sharply as Trump speaks.

He announces 10% on all goods that come into America. He calls it liberation Day. He will sign papers soon. Now audience is standing up. He calls it an economic trade rule. he has his desk on the front lawn. The news people are all watching. 

Trump signs sweeping new global tariffs.   There are flags everywhere. Now Dana Dash is talking Trump is returning inside.

Most of the Republican Party is going along with his decision to raise tariffs

I spent a long time at the hair dressers

5o’clock.News. Tapper: the goal is for Americans to have more jobs. businesses will come back to America.

 Ow Kaitlin Collin’s is giving a summary of his speech. Expansive Global tarrifs. 

The reservation at. I t Springs is cancelled. Catherine B will start to work that day.

April14

 workman are downstairs putting in new air conditioner. I have been avoiding them. Mostly sitting in Rick’s office. Now I am in my bed. I hear them. Soon I will drive to Western Albemarle HS to pick up Tucker for tennis. I did not sleep well so I slept in Tucker’s old bed room. I woke up early and watched the early news. Now I cannot remember what the main story’s was about. Well one story is a thief snuck into the Pa. Governor’s house and vandalized it. I called my brother Joe and we talked about it. I also talked about Easter.

We are going  to Saint’s Paul’s Ivy because they have an Easter egg hunt.

We are going to have our children and grandchildren for lunch. Rick ordered everything from Food Of all Nations. He went out and brought me chick fillet which I have eaten. Well I ate the fries and three pieces of chicken. 

Watching Tucker play Tennis

 I come here on Tuesday. Lots of other families are watching too. I just got a hot chocolate which I will take with me. I picked up Tucker by Ivy Gas station across from the building we used to own. Tucker is on the far court. He has played a lot today instead of exercising. 

Rick and I had barbecue at Gordonsville. We went to the antique art store. Two friends have paintings there.  It takes lots of control to play tennis. 

We watched March Madness with Walker and family

 I spent the afternoon noon with Bess. I find art projects for my grandchildren at Barnes and Noble. Bess started the flower press one.

We have to spend two weeks before we take them out of the press. We explored the work room and found Easter decorations. She made an Easter tree and put it on the table in our front hall. Earlier we sat on our new dock. Joseph wanted to try out our row boat. This boat was Rick’s when he was growing up.

Right now I am sitting on a chair in the hall by the workout room. I just talked to my friend Gerry. She is gong to hit the tennis ball with her friend Rob. We talked about the book she wrote about her father. 🧓 

Last  night we watched Texas Tech play Florida. Florida won. It was an exciting ending. 

This morning we went to church. Paul gave a sermon about Hamlet. the gospel was about the Parodical  Son. He mentioned that a bit at the end. He flaked about several things nd I had trouble following it. He did not really tell the story of Hamlet but did use the famous quote: “ to be or not to be.”

I like to sit in the library room. Rick got perturbed when he could not find me.  He went to find Rob Jeronick. We met his friend on our last cruise in Florida.

Jeronnick. 

The Cleaners are upstairs

 I hear the vacuum. I am sitting in our guest room. I see there car out the window. 

I am very dissatisfied with this iPad. It misses letters all the time. When I first woke up I wrote in my Storyworth. 

Rick and I have had a disagreement about the train excursion. Our daughter bought the tickets. rick did not want to go. He wanted to wait and see what Walker’s plans were. Catherine wrote a long complaining letter. Rick read it and said he will go. It helps me to look at Pictures so I know exactly where I am in life. 

Rick is going to buy Tucker a fishing rod for his birthday. He might be doing that right now. 

I am also trying to locate a pamphlet I found for helping children get ready for college. I want to give it to Eliza. 

Yulma’s sister is just leaving. They were here about one hour and 50 minutes. I hear someone closing the garage door. Today she had one young woman and one older woman helping her. They drive a Honda van. 

They might be eating their lunch. No, she is turning th large silver van around in the driveway. I am going to go upstairs and evaluate what they did. I pay them one hundred dollars per visit. 

Astronauts will land soon

 I am sitting in front of the TV. The astronauts are in their suits with hand folded. They are returning home after a nine month delay. Parachutes deploy ahead of Spacex splashdown. The first mother is part of the crew. 

We are looking at pictures of clouds and parachutes.

They are slowly pushing the capsule to the boat that is waiting for the  capsule and crew. The news people are talking to each other. 

The waiting ship looks very complicated. The doctor will ask them questions about how they are feeling and what reentre into the atmosphere was like. Did anyone bump their head. 

What is it like to be away from family for so long? I tried to take picture. 

 

 

Saint Patrick’s day

 I have been watching the NYC Saint Patrick’s day Parade for hours. Most of the people in NYC are Irish decent. They stay there. The children go to Catholic schools, high schools and colleges. The adults belong to societies that have ancestral heritages in the counties they are from. The marching bands, high school and colleges. They wear green clothes and twirl green flags. They wear Irish knit sweaters. 

This is an eye opening experience for me. The Catholic War Veterans had a sign. Homer would be proud.

Organizing my Blogger and my life

 Nadia is offering one of her writing classes for $43 dollars.

Should I take it? Part of me wants to, part of me says it is too much.

They are showing pictures of Dianna Ross on TV. I thought she died. I get confused when I see too much TV. There are too many pictures to remember. They are imprinted on my mind.

Now it is Jimmy Fallon. I thought he had quit. I do not know who some of the entertainers are. Now they showed a bus that smashed into home I drive past all the time. 

They are going to increase the cost of having your trash collected in Cville. We pay our own.

It is suppose to rain and snow this afternoon.

We are going to pick up David and take him to his Birthday dinner at Vavacci. We are also going to pick up Tucker and drop him off at BHSC for tennis. 

Today is Ash Wednesday and we should go to church and receive ashes. I think I will turn on the Catholic Channel

Jenna bush is with a group of teachers who ate collecting books for poor kids. We have a group that does that here. I should be part of that group. 

Rick keeps talking about Savannah looking bad. I think she is just aging. 

Went to the dentist

 This morning Rick drove me to Dr. Krese’s office for a cleaning. It is a very depressing experience since you sit in the chair lying on your  back and the dentist pokes around in your mouth. It is very uncomfortable. 

Now I Amat the BHSC above the basketball. Court, at one of the long white tables. I hear kids below doing the climbing wall. Rick is above me in the exercise room on the bike. I walked for ten minutes on the walking machine and also did several of the machines before I came down stairs. The man sitting on the chairs is watching tennis. Women’s UVA team are number One in the nation.

I checked the schedule on the internet. They will play here at the end of the March.

We are going to eat lunch

 We had an interesting morning. We drew pictures of when we were five. I remember taking care of my younger siblings. And receiving a yellow sweater from Mrs. Davaney. It had small Pearles on it. It was the first real gift I ever received. 

I remember jumping rope. I am having trouble with this iPad. Right now I am In the dinning hall. It is difficult to work with. 

I will drive home with Virginia Josey. 

We had a communion service. I am impressed with Amanda. She does everything  and more. I do not like putting all the material around. They put up tables. And we sat around the table. I took some pictures. 

Serious problem with jeep

 Rick just came back from Ivy. The problem with. Y car is more serious than we thought. We will wait and see for now.

I go to Woman’s retreat today at 2pm.

Virginia Hosey is going to drive. We will meet her at church. 

I woke up and sat in the jacuzzi. It was cold. I feel bad since Rick had cleaned it and turned on the heater yesterday so I could sit it last night

We watched TV. 

President Trump is shaking up the news. He appointed Elon Musk as head of DOGE.

Department of Government Efficiency.

Rick went up to take a nap. I am partially pack for today.

I have four

 art projects started.

I am knitting a blanket for Gus.

I am crocheting a scarf for me.

I am painting a picture of a flower and have a picture of the mountains waiting. 

I am sitting on my sofa.

I need to write Virginia Hosey a letter.

Later in the day

I am at Roslyn Center. Virginia Drove, 

Anne also came. I am in my room. I took a short nap and now need to go to the first meeting.

I will take my iPad and writing tablet and see what tomorrows

 I will  is going to happen next. We eat at 6 pm. 

jeep is at Ivy

 A light kept going on in my car and yesterday when I was taking Tucker home from tennis we kept hearing a bell, a bong. 

After stopping at Ivy gas station I kept driving to Walker’s house and eventually got home. This morning Rick too the Jeep to Ivy Gas Station. Scott the owner said he will look at it.

Rick will take me to church tomorrow so I can attend the Woman’s retreat.

At the Last Lecture

 We are cruising into Jacksonville. I brought my crocheting with me to do while I listen. Rick made connection with the lecturer. Her sister lives in Charlottesville. 

We are all part of the DNA data base of FBI

Women’s history is about making the invisible woman visible. 

Picture is of women On the poach of the McDonald House. 

The Catholic Church gives them money to come.

Tells about her history and relationship to McDonalds and Scotland. 

Her theme is Objects  can reveal the story of the past. 

Martha Ballard. Look up her book. 

Sadie Palmer waters is the woman the lecture is about. 

Life is short Art is long.

Found framed miniature paintings. Found her grave with stone with her body carved. 

Her husband is wealthy in oil and trade. They lived in wealth neighborhood. Shows her house. Episcopalian.and her art school she shows picture of school. Looks up  information and  finds her  I iTunes painting. Portrait of Sadie. By Francis davis Millet.

She is holding a pink rose. Talks about Millet . He has an artist colony in England, the cotswalls.

Famous artist, writers.

   Male dominated world. She shows house. Good friend with Sadie’s teacher.

They paint “the nude.” She goes to men’s art class with only men. She is also paints with illumination. 

Now we are going to learn about how to disembark. No later until 3 o’cock in the morning.

Keep your eyes always on your luggage.

Must be out of your state room at 7:30. Taxis park by monument.

At first lecture

 The lecturer is talking about the new ships. We are on the Eagle. I do not have my booking number so I cannot connect to the portal yet. Sometimes too much food is served. 

We are a flag ship and must follow health and safety rules. Always connected to Coast Guide. Toilet sounds powerful but please do not put anything in toilet except tissue paper. Three older women just came in.  Now, Chris is explaining announcements. There is a table with descriptions of excursions. We have two drivers with us for all excursions. There is water onboard the bus. 

Dr. Mary MacOgden. Very knowledgeable. —she is wearing high, high heels, a bright orange blouse. Snap shots of what we are going to learn this week.

She loves all things southern. Professor in history, daughter went to navel academy. Husband is also in military. We are on the ship. We will also tender. Saint John’s very old. We will see and be in lakes. River flows north. Home to many American Indian tribes. It has a Spanish foot print. 

3500 lakes in the watershed. Estuary where there is brackish water. It is dredged by Army Corps of Engineers. 30 pump stations. Seminole have six reservations. Tribes have billions of dollars. 

Fight between black and red tribes. 

1711 is when the Spanish settle.Timacuas, extremely tall people.

Tattooed themselves.

Found3500 canoes one thousand year old. 

Peat moss bogs, found bodies. 

Mound culture. Shell mounds. 

First  sanctuary city was Saint Augistene.

Northerners wanted to see odd wild life,

27th state to enter the Union.

Amelia Island

 Fun Day,!We woke up early and ate breakfast. I ate qieche and a waffle and a crispy slice of bacon.

Rightnow I am in the 2nd floor meeting room. Chris is setting up the microphone. 

We are going to play “name that tune”.

 

We took the trolley and this afternoon a boat to Cumberland Island. Only thirty seven people live on this island.

Today we Cruise thee river

 We just were part of a moving ceremony where all the Veterans on board were given accolades and a flag pin. I was impressed. They played lots of patriotic songs and the cruise director read parts of speacher made by a minister. 

Rick sat close to me. They want to. Ethan’s to talk to each other and tell war stories. They served chocolate covered strawberries and mimosas, orange juice with wine, champagne and a red drink. I ate one strawberry and a cookie. I wrote post cards and sent a text message to families. I Brought my crocheting with me.