Reorganizing and Settling In

Picked this bloom off the Ambassador Tea Rose. It must be 5 inches across. Very lush and fragrant. 2 more buds in sight.


Yesterday I rearranged the west side of the bedroom. Repositioned the bed away from the window wall to make way for some shelves under the window and balance the room. It's looking damn good in here.

Decided on shelving for the laundry room that will make the most of the additional storage space available in there. I will extend the shelves above the washer/dryer to wrap around the room (at eye level). Depending upon how that works it might just solve the problem of storage for the kitchen appliances in a way that doesn't break the bank.

New Approach

So here it is, the last week of June, my 2nd month back in California. Would you look at this forecast. Today has started out cool and overcast, a complete contrast to the cool and sunny mornings of last week. I can remember a 4th of July in Arizona where the temperature ranged from 102-104. I can also remember a 4th of July in Vancouver when it was in the 90s. I guess I did not need that air conditioner I moved with me.


Peggy and I have entered into a competition today. We are going to set some production standards and act as if our job depends upon achieving them. Accountability at 2 p.m.

Heavily Considering

A drive to Lagoon Creek for harvesting some driftwood and walking the dogs on a beautiful beach. Now my decision making is slowed by the comfort lunch I just ate. Those Curried Beans are fantastic and taste even better than they did yesterday.

Drove to Crescent City and found their WalMart. Confirmed they carry the Chlortabs and bought some. Took pics of the Lighthouse, Fishing Gear at the Marina, Beach flowers at Lagoon Creek. Stopped and watched the baby elk for awhile. Dogs seemed to enjoy the outing and so did I.

You'd Never Know It

This is summer along the North Coast of California. Fortunately I am used to the cool weather and as long as the sun makes an appearance for a minute or two each day I can be satisfied.



Day is starting out overcast and seemingly cool but the forecast is probably correct. Anxious to see that sun come out. No particular plans for the day but I'll probably spend an hour or so pulling weeds and tidying up* the front and back yards.

*Code for picking up the dog poop

Sun is Now Gone

Cloud layer moved in from the Northwest and cooled things down for a few days. We'll still get into the 60s but without that bright sun that's so cheerful.

Medical procedures today and a trip to Safeway for Dogfood. The dogs each had a handful of steamed green beans with the last of their kibble. Keeps them from snacking on the foliage in the yard.

Today I plan to build some sparrow nesting places with my 2 empty coffee cans. Pictures to follow.

And Yet Another Sunny Morning

Woke up to a TV that stayed on all night long. Bad Girl!!! The programmin I watched last night might have made that worthwhile. Need to locate the remote or replace it. Beautiful Sunny morning with a clear sky. Such a positive start to the day.

Shopped last night for the staples and basics I need to make sure my nutrition is sound and adequate. I'm assembling a binder to share with the Dietician on July 3rd.

Looking for a suitable social outlet for myself. Artist's Guild? Photography Class or club? Catholic Church Affiliation? Knitting group? Nutrition class? Plenty of options available.

Gorgeous Sunny Morning

Could not believe the Sun this morning. Temp is still in the 60s but the sky is clear of clouds and the Sun has made its Royal appearance.

No decisions yet on how I will spend this day. Could drive to Trinidad for the Fish Festival but it will be crowded and parking could be a problem plus the dogs will have to go as well. May well be worth it for the photo ops though.

No complaints about my life here. Busy settling in to a routine.

Strange ?!?!? Dreams

This time I was back living in the house on Metler Court and the neighbor (Stokes) was cleaning up their yard and threw dead and dying desert turtles over the Ivy Fence onto my sidewalk. Clumps of flesh that looked like masses of snakes or worms wriggled to get my attention. Now where in the world does something like that come from???

It has been 20 years since I lived there. The Stokes weren't at all like that. And Desert Turles, of all things, in the S.F. Bay Area?

Strange Dreams

Moving trucks came back into my life in last night's dream. I suspect the message was to get this place looking less as if I had just moved in. I've been piddling my time in the garden and it can wait. What needs attention NOW is the downstairs. The remainder of those boxes harbor a few things I miss and want.

Happy Birthday Carole, wherever you are

I pause to reflect on Carole's life (and death). With this diagnosis of Hyperinsulinemia I prefer to do it right. Diet and exercise will get my full and mindful attention. Perhaps some nutritional support is highly indicated. I will go with the 60 day trial of the WOMEN TO WOMEN solution but only after consultin with the N.P. now monitoring my health.

A trip to Costco with restraint in mind. Combine it with an outing for the dogs and it could make for a great day for all 3 of us. OOOPS, restraint was non existent but I did stick with the diabetic meal plan while purchasing the meat and veggies. Bought a small Juicer to experiment with making my own Vegetable Juice.

Began the Metformin today to see what effect that might have on my blood Insulin Level.

Brilliancy Rock Rose, Brookside Cranesbill, English Tea Rose are all repotted and decorating the right side of the front yard.

Let's see if I can get through some of those boxes today and get some decisions made about the stuff I really DO NOT need.

Now That I Have a New Bank

Everything is wonderful, right??? Well, I have plenty of cash to take care of current obligations BUT I can't get the Debit Card to work. Even after changing the PIN it did not work, so I guess I have to wait 24 hours and try again. Rather than write checks or withdraw cash I will give it a day and see what happens. There really isn't anything I need today that can't wait until tomorrow.

On Thursday I will make the trip to Costco and get some photo paper and my prescription.

The Kitchen Comes Together

Butler Pantry gets delivered today. This will take care of all Food Storage issues for now. Next step is to order the wallpaper and get it up in the kitchen and dining room areas.

Doctor's appointment today. Followup on blood tests and the plan of attack for the medical issues. Diagnosis is: Hyperinsulinemia (sp). Need to watch the carbs!

I see the need for an Official Monthly Spending Plan. Keep a tight rein on those $ coming in. Savings goal is replacement windows and/or a Road Trip to Indiana!

No Running Around Avoiding Responsibility

Sticking close to home today to see how much luck I can have getting a few things done.

Pine planter
Lattice for the Pink Bower
Clean and organize all 3 bathrooms
Tidy up the kitchen and dining room
Make the best use of the time available today

And One for Today

This a young elk from the herd at Stone Lagoon. I drove up there to see what's to see at Big Lagoon. Wonderful beach up there.

A Few Shots from Yesterday

I had fun watching a couple of young men practicing rock climbing.


At Houda Point I caught this view of surfers near the giant sea rocks.

At the Luffenholtz Beach Trail parking spot I caught a bumblebee gathering pollen.

And in Trinidad I found a small Catholic Church to attend on a day that might produce a sunset.

Here are a few of the photos I took yesterday. It was a relaxing two hours spent away from the burdens of life. Once home I concentrated on photo processing then had a surprise drop in visit from an old acquaintance, Noel R. We'll have to get together for some sociability soon.

Scouting Sunset Photo Sites

Around 10 a.m. I drove north to Westhaven and stopped at Moonstone Beach, Houda Point, Luffenholtz Creek and Trinidad taking 100+ pictures as I looked for great Sunset Locales. I like this one best for the foreground of Trinidad Head, Harbor and town. Plus there's a comfortable bench overlooking the scene and it's within 10 miles from here. Now for the perfect (or even just a good) sunset.

Fasting Blood Tests

Out of here by 8 a.m. for lab tests at Mad River Hospital. Let's dispel that notion of pre-diabetes and see where I stand on cholesterol.

The day started with a clear blue sky and sun. Quite beautiful and tempting. Should I take a drive somewhere? I have an errand to run in Eureka and will take the dogs and find a place where I can walk them safely with no fear of loose dogs.

Otherwise a day like all others. Unpack some boxes and make decisions on whether the stuff fits in with Simple Living or just clutters the environment.

quick update

Business wise I am right on schedule. No unpaid bills. Problems resolved.

Home Improvement wise there's still a lot to be done. Getting ALL the boxes unpacked and organized into a reasonable attempt at Simple Living. Plumbing upgrades in the guest bathroom, vents in all 3 bathrooms, light fixture in the master bedroom, rot repair on the plywood fascia or trim around the windows front and back, eventual window replacement, repair and maintenance of the garage doors, landscaping front and back.

I do 'feel' I have a handle on it.

Today I have 2 errands and a nap in my future. (I awoke at 7:30 a.m. which is late for me but still feel the need for at least a power nap.)

Another 4 a.m. Awakening

At least it is quiet this time of the morning and being refreshed I am not resistant to whatever my mind thinks is important to accomplish. Yesterday I managed to 'waste' the day when I chose to take a nap rather than drive into Eureka to run a necessary errand. By the time I got to town SSA was closed. The good thing is that the dogs got their fresh kibble and won't have to eat canned chicken breast for a 2nd day. ;-)

Spent some time last night reflecting on the past 40 years. I can hardly believe the changes in my life as Karin has grown into a fine woman. Her generosity and intellect always uplift me.

So, for today, I really must seriously focus on finalizing the organization of the master bedroom. This is my sanctuary. It should be the most comfortable room of the house and right now it is NOT meeting that criteria.

4 a.m.

Cold, swollen hands, twittering birds and Minnie crawling under the covers woke me this morning. After 1.5 hours of PC time, massaging the hands, going through a box I can lay down again until the sun comes out.

Looks as if the sun has no intention of coming out this morning so I got up anyway when the dogs asked to go out. They are such sissies. Already back in bed.

Time for a shower then I'll hit the path to ORGANIZATION. Can't stop it so I might as well get with it.

5 a.m.

The Recycling truck came through and woke me up. Let the dogs out and made sure they had food and water before I fixed coffee and ate breakfast. Put a lot of time into my daily nutritional plan and analysis. I want to get this right and stay healthy.

Plan today includes a trip to SSA to turn in my W-4V. I might stop somewhere and look but not buy. I'm sure I could build a simple bird feeder from something on hand like a milk carton. The important thing is to get them coming not to impress them with a 'bird palace'.

Change of Address for Costco. Also did some shopping and got all I needed for a couple of weeks for just $70. Costco does have a place in my budget when I watch what I buy. Bought a wonderful looking roast chicken for this weeks meals and also bought stuffed salmon for a bit of variety.

Forgot to stop at Walgreens for the Hummingbird Feeder but I did find the Dept of Motor Vehicles and am now ready to renew the CA D.L.

Cultivate the front yard for planting hummingbird attractors and stop by the hardware store to check out the bird feeders. Build the decorative pine planter for in front of the fence. Unpack at least 2 more boxes today.

Got the shopping done then didn't feel like building the planter. Sunday should be a beautiful day for that. I did get the building materials I needed. Haven't found a bird feeder yet.

Slept in until 7:30 a.m. Goal today is a beautifully organized bedroom with the 'headboard' attached to the wall, closet shelving put together, last wardrobe box unpacked and put away. No more tip toeing around unopened boxes. If I can't find a place for the stuff I can always donate or repurpose it.

Sad to report I did not accomplish my daily goal. It will get done when it gets done then I'll take a picture to prove it.

Found THE perfect gift for Karin's 40th Birthday and bought it for delivery on June 10th.

A day I can be proud of: 6 boxes unpacked and put away. Found the 2nd tool box and sorted through it for useable tools only. Found the Stud Finder for jobs around the house. Coffeemaker and red cups and toaster finally showed up. Learned some packing lessons this move that I hope I never have to implement.

Set a few errands for tomorrow that won't overtax my delicate constitution yet will help me to feel productive.

The Nursery yesterday turned out to be interesting but I did not buy anything at all. I saw some lovely specimen roses and peonies to consider as quick fixes but couldn't come up with a ground cover or color spot idea that suits me. Perhaps time and research will reveal a plan.

Today is maintenance: myself, the townhouse, the dogs.

While away the hours when I should be going through the boxes.

Check out that Nursery on Janes Rd for color spots for the front yard. I am slowly planting the left half of the yard with an eye to paving the right half and using containers for my gardening in that area.

First order of business: Address, Phone and Direct Deposit changes with Social Security. Accomplished by 8 a.m. *****

Second order of business: Bank account closures. Accomplished by 7 a.m. *****

Third order of business: Fix myself a REAL breakfast

Sketch out a plan for the day that will make me feel productive.

I am settling in. Life has changed somewhat. The whole dog walk routine has disappeared and the dogs haven't seemed to notice although Min does have a fixation on the leash and gets excited when she sees it. I should probably find a safe place to walk the dogs so the memory sticks with them. We all seem to be getting plenty of exercise from the stairs and my weight has actually dropped 5 pounds unexpectedly.

Yesterday the foxglove and jasmine got planted at the lattice. Today I will untie the jasmine from its support stakes and see if I can train it up the lattice. It will all come together in no time. It is so pleasant to see something growing out front.

2 major errands today: Bank and Social Security. A bit of yard cleanup, front and back and then concentrate on inside. Perhaps this is a good day to install the Medicine Cabinet I bought for the Master Bath. There is also the Medicine Cabinet downstairs but I might need someone with upper body strength to install it. Too bad there's not a handy man around the place.