Sunday

 I slept in this morning, still recovering from the mystery illness that hit me this week. Fatigue is so difficult to deal with. 

Monday was a normal day: I called the AC company at 8:01am to get someone out here asap. I was quite surprised when the scheduler said, "Hmmm,  how about 9:30?"  And I said ,"Today??!"  Yup.  So I was thrilled. The repair person arrived shortly after 9:30, and within an hour it was all fixed. He cleaned out the clogged pipe which had been causing the leaking, and  a few other things, also inspecting the outside unit. All is good now, and it was only $139. 

That evening shortly before dinnertime I suddenly was hit by a combination terrible headache, nausea, vomiting, coughing, and the worst chills I have had in a couple of years. I could barely stand due to the dizziness. But no fever, no coughing up blood, nothing I could identify as anything I needed to go to urgent care for. (I couldn't have gotten there anyway unless someone drove me, but that didn't seem necessary.) I skipped dinner. I think now it must have been the flu. Figures, since I was, am, going to get the vaccine next week.

So from that evening on until Thursday afternoon I was just ... not right. The fatigue hung on, the shortness of breath, the cough, and the severe headache continued. I basically sat in my chair and watched mindless TV. I continued the antibiotics, and used my migraine meds 2-3 times each day, very unusual for me. I took a covid test, with what I learned was an expired test. However it was negative, and so I ordered a new test kit. Had to throw out 5 tests, all expired; what a waste.

Thursday I was better enough that I asked MissS if she could drive me a few places for various errands, and bless her, she did.  She took the chlorine containers out of my car and dumped both into the pool. She carried the old microwave and loaded it into her car. We went to the landfill to dispose of that. We picked up Missy's meds. We went to Target to get the Delicata squash (which wasn't anywhere else, although I did learn yesterday that Perrine's has them), and I needed contact solution and makeup remover and some other groceries. 

Back at home we rested for awhile and I caught my breath. I asked if she felt okay to try trimming the top of the holly bush in front of the door. She did, and did a hell of a job. The whole house is looking so much better.  

She stayed for dinner, and we watched some TV. I was bushed, and went to bed myself shortly after she went home. I am so thankful for her.

Even better, the "good meds" are kicking in for her, and the "bad meds" have finally mostly left her system. What a relief, what a blessing. She's sounding more like her old self. We both have shared moments of grief over J, but at least we can share the happier times too. 

She has another interview tomorrow, Monday, while still waiting to hear from the place she really does want to work. The only good thing about this extended job search is that many, many others all over the country are struggling to find jobs; it's not just her. She does well in interviews. Fingers crossed. 

Friday we met at the theater at 12:30 to catch the first showing of the new Springsteen bio-pic, Deliver Me from Nowhere. I had read so many conflicting reviews that I was a bit nervous about it. But much to my relief and surprise and delight, I loved it. It was much, much better than I expected, and MissS thought it was good too. We both want to see it again! 

After that she went home, and I drove to Publix and Aldi for a few groceries I'd forgotten the previous day (dog food).  I installed the new hubcap I'd ordered from ebay, which was unbelievably simple. 

Oddly the next morning while I was in the car taking down the sunshade, the rear view mirror fell right off. I panicked. I was thinking Rats!, the mechanic isn't open until Monday, what's that going to cost me, what else can go wrong... I drove to the Meeting, constantly looking up into the mirror and then realizing I needed to use the side mirrors instead.  When I parked there, I sat and looked at the visor and saw that it looked like it might just slide into place. I reached up and tried it, and sure enough it slid right back in its slot.  What!!  Also unbelievably simple. Thank you, God. 

The meeting was great, although my friend -- on whose shoulder I cried last weekend--  well, it was his turn that morning. He was dealing with a crisis with his own son which had just blown up an hour before the meeting. So I got to be the friend this time, and listen, and be encouraging. 

I gave my widow friend an extra hug, and then another friend who is normally incredibly positive and cheerful was also struggling and actually in tears. Several of us were surrounding her with support and love. What a great group.

Back at home I decided I did have the energy to mow the back lawns. Missy sat out there with me, following me when I moved too far away. It took a bit longer because I kept having to stop  and catch my breath, but I was determined to finish it. 

Inside I took a shower and just as I finished, Sis arrived. We caught up a bit, and then she took two of the Delicata squash and she headed home for a nap; she'd mowed the lawn at the beach house that morning. And BIL was mowing at the big house. It was perfect weather, so it was excellent for mowing.

Just as she was leaving, MissS arrived for the afternoon, so it was nice to chat a bit. She and I talked and then cooked dinner and watched the news and some old sitcoms, comedies.  She left just before 8, and I was in bed by 9. I still feel like I'm catching up on my rest.

I've recently started experimenting with the mm gummies, for anxiety. Surprisingly I am finding they do work.  I am only needing a quarter of a gummy, and it kicks in like a glass of wine. I take it about an hour before I go to bed. Soon I am aware that it has helped me relax. 

The first time I tried it, I slept all through the night. But apparently that was beginner's luck-- now I usually do wake up once for a bathroom run, but I sometimes can go right back to sleep. Other times I end up reading on the Kindle for an hour or so.  I'm glad to have these as another option to help with the anxiety.

I don't have a mm license so I am not planning to mention this to any new doc, which I do  feel a bit uncomfortable about. Maybe I will in the future spend the money to see an official mm doc, but I'll give this current supply a trial before deciding if it's worth it.

Next Friday is Halloween, but it's also a speaker meeting at the PofP church again. And the following Friday is the Gratitude dinner, for which I need to bring something, as it's a potluck. I'm thinking of bringing some kind of rolls or bread, something easy. I'm no good at these things. I wish someone would just tell me what they need...

I am glad I don't have plans this week, so I can keep resting.  Seeing family is one thing, but appointments or things like that are bit more challenging.

Still, TYG

Sunday

I've finished the walk with Missy: I insisted she walk with me all the way down to the circle, before I would allow her to turn around. She's not crazy about that. But it's a gorgeous morning. Hard to believe it'll be in the 80s again later. I was planning on mowing this weekend, but I can wait until tomorrow; the back lawns are not growing as quickly as I expected.

I did discover this morning that I am missing the hubcap on my right rear SUV's tire. WTH. How does this happen? Bro suggested I look for a replacement on Amazon.

Last Monday MissS and I took our coupons and went to Great Clips for cuts. Later we stopped by Bro's to briefly chat-- since he was working-- and borrowed the hedge trimmer. Another lovely day. I think that was the day we drove down to a part of the beach where we thought we could walk, but the beaches were still mostly gone. 

Tuesday, the next morning, I was up early and pulled the petunias that were poking up far enough for me to reach. While doing this, not one, not two, but three separate neighbors were out walking and not one spoke to me. Weird.  (This morning for instance, neighbor Chuck was heading to my house as we finished our walk, and while I was nervous about this, I finally recognized him, and we talked a bit.  He was wearing sunglasses and a bandana, so nothing looked familiar.)

Later that morning I tackled the overgrown bushes in front, and then the back yards. I was utterly exhausted by then, and just left all the cut stuff on the lawn. I could hardly catch my breath. I took my shower and put dry clothes on and collapsed in my chair in the living room. I didn't think I'd overdone it, but I did.

I really miss J on the days I trim. He was always so happy to clean up after me. I think of him so often anyway, but on these yardwork days, it's especially tough.

Wednesday morning, I did the bills after discovering once again I had missed the City of DB bill, and then finished pruning out back. (I actually do have more pruning to do, but I have learned I need to go slower.)  Later MissS came over, and together we hauled all of it out to the curb by 12:15.  Good thing, because the yard debris truck came by around 1 to pick it all up.   

MissS went home to recover, and I sat down with Missy for a full-on grooming session while I watched a pretty bad sci-fi movie about the newest Ice Age coming.

I also got to watch Chris as he mowed the lawn again, and did the edging and leaf blowing. What a huge difference all of this makes in the home's appearance.  I'd made some shortbread so I brought that and some chocolate chip cookies out for him. 

Thursday morning early I applied poison to the petunias. We'll see what happens. I don't think I have enough cardboard to re-do the covering of it all.  I cleaned and puttered and did laundry, etc.

Also I went with MissS who had an appt for a jeweler to eval all the jewelry her grandmother sent her.  That was interesting.  She learned that indeed most of it was costume, some better quality than others, but she did accept their offer to buy what was real. None of it was really her taste or style. 

It was also Brenda's birthday so I sent her a text. And then I saw a Facebook post from my one sonJ, commenting that he had survived the seizures and was released from the hospital. I immediately texted him, and fortunately he was in a mood to communicate.

Long story short, he and sonN moved to Hermiston, almost 300 miles from Eugene, this past week. Shortly after arriving sonJ stopped drinking (again) but this time the abrupt withdrawal caused him to start seizing. It was apparently serious enough that the people with him called 911 and he was taken by ambulance to the hospital. He was immediately admitted of course, and was kept overnight, while they tested him for all kinds of things, and did a CT scan of his brain. He was released with an rx for lorazepam, and one for antibiotics for a UTI, and the phone and address of a nearby family practice office to follow up there for his treatment plan. He is trying to stop, bless him. This is the second or third time he has tried stopping on his own.

Of course this is unbelievably scary to a mom who is 3000 miles away. There's absolutely nothing I can do, except pray. And share this info with my AlAnon group for the support.

I reassured him of my worried concern, and I think he knows now that he cannot "just stop". He has a serious addiction happening, and he needs professional help. My poor son.  The town he moved to is just a third the size of Eugene. I cannot understand why they chose this location-- it's in the middle of nowhere and one of the dreariest places I've ever been. I hope his scare really is the bottom this time, and that he can get treatment.

Friday was a very busy day. I made the deviled eggs and an apple cobbler for that night's celebration of Dad's birthday. I picked up my grocery order at WM, and that included a new microwave. (Funnily, I had chosen the exact same brand and size I had before, without knowing it.  Well, it did serve me very well until the digital numbers began dying, making the cooking process much more difficult.)

I brought it in the house and came perilously close to dropping it, but didn't. After the groceries were put away, I cleaned the kitchen, and realized I really didn't like the toaster oven on top of the microwave. But I don't really have any other place for it; temporarily I have it on the counter. I want MissS to remove the screw today  from the wall above the microwave, so I can remove the current hanging poster to a different spot, and then maybe I'll try the toaster there again.

Anyway, at 4:30 I was ready when Bro and SIL arrived to take me and Missy and the goodies up to Sis' house. Apparently MissS and Kit arrived just moments before we did, so poor Sis had 5 people and a small anxious dog walk in all at once. 

It was a good evening, lots of laughter, and lots of wine and champagne, and talking. Dad and Sis were planning on going to the NoKings protest the next morning, so that was fun to hear about. Food was wonderful: grilled chicken, fruit salad, potato salad, the deviled eggs, and then the desserts: a chocolate truffle cake and the apple cobbler I brought. We all sat outside and enjoyed the absolutely perfect weather.

Eventually we all packed up and drove home, I think everyone was home by 8-ish. It took me awhile to calm down enough to sleep.

Saturday morning I went to AlAnon, and shared with one friend before the meeting. He sat with me reassuring me with his son's scares, and finally close to the end of the meeting I did dredge up the voice to share my son's event. After the meeting, several people came to give me support, and apparently this seizure thing is quite common. I don't remember hearing about this before. Sigh. 

After this I picked up a couple of rx's, and went to the bank, and drove back to PO for the filling of the chlorine containers for the pool. At home I could not stay awake, so napped for a half hour.

I wasn't hungry, in fact I felt a bit nauseated. But I ate a piece of toast so I could  take my antibiotic.  And right around 8:00 or so the cats and I leaped up, because we had all heard some very odd noises outside. Willow was already outside, nose to the enclosure screen, staring into the dark. I joined her, and she was apparently just as puzzled as I was; she kept trying to climb up my leg, and giving little squeaks.  The noises continued. I have never heard anything like this. I finally found the "record" app on my phone and got a flashlight too.

I stood out there in the dark with the cat, and the other two cats sitting inside the screen door, all of us fascinated. We all listened for a good half hour all together. I couldn't see anything, ever, although it was clear that whatever it was, was just on the other side of the chain link fence. Nothing tried climbing either the fence or the trees, but the noises continued off and on. There would be periods of silence and I'd give up and go back inside, but then I'd hear them again--  even from inside!  I listened to various sounds on the computer, trying to identify the animal.  

I think-- after trying to record and then send these recordings to MissS and Sis and Bro and learning that none of them could hear these sounds!-- I think it was armadillos, a mama and some babies. 

And this morning I was awakened by a barred owl calling, not far away. First time I've heard it in a very long time, especially through these hurricane windows.

This week I have my pest control guy coming Tuesday. That's it. Gives me the freedom to decide when to mow, and do the hedge trimming.

Okay, gotta get stuff done...

TYG

Sunday

 It's a wonderful cool morning, in the upper 60s!  I have the back door open for the fresh air. It is so nice and cool. Of course it's rained off and on for days, and granted we need it. Which means I'll be mowing again this week, and maybe Chris will do the front again. 

The ever-maddening Mexican petunias are about 5 inches tall again, so I need to get at those-- but that can only be done if it won't rain. I think I also need to put down more cardboard on the edges since that's where the damn things are popping up.

Last Sunday was Shannon's birthday, and Tuesday was MissS' and Kit's. He had the day off, so I donated the gift card to the plan of meeting them for dinner at Outback. (Turns out that's where Shannon ate too, with her brother and mom. Small world.)

Monday MissS came over in the afternoon and then Kit joined us for dinner.  It seemed funny to see them the very next evening for the birthday, but that's how it worked out. Disappointingly, the food was really not up to my expectations: I remembered it from many years ago as being wonderful. But this one was... not. The wine was not good, the burger was undercooked, but I loved the fries. At home I ate the dessert  cheesecake the next day and it was just ... tasteless. (I wondered if it was all my sense of taste??) Anyway, I won't go there again.

MissS opened her presents there, and very embarrassingly I forgot to get Kit a card. He was not having a good evening either, and I felt even worse realizing I'd completely overlooked his birthday. Arggh. Next year I will do better. 

Wednesday morning I had another phone call with Carlos; this involved me then contacting the office where I want to be a patient with the new insurance, and speaking with a sales agent there. Everything's all set: I will call them when I get my insurance cards to schedule an appt with the new PCP. Such a relief. 

I then drove to my current pharmacy and got my rx's, and then got my Covid vaccine. Next month I'll get the flu vax, and in December I'll get the RSV.  Then I'll be up-to-date, and won't be back there again.

Later MissS came over, and ended up staying to "puppy-sit" Missy while  I was picked up by Bro and SIL, to join them and Dad for dinner. It was all good as always-- I got the fish and chips again. It is a huge portion so I took half the fish and fries home. 

I was warned about possible side effects of the vaccine, and sure enough by that night my arm was so sore. I had a tough time sleeping, because I'm a side sleeper, and could not put pressure on the left side at all. It was a long night.

Thursday I woke up not feeling well-- headache-y, no energy, and such a sore arm. MissS and I had discussed getting our hair cut, but I couldn't manage that. However, she got her Covid shot too, and then came over  again to just relax. 

I think that was the day the pool thermometer read 87.6: seemed unlikely, but we both got in and quickly realized it had to be an error. It was just too difficult to stay in, and then sure enough the rain sprinkles started up again, with thunder. So we gave that up. But it seems we won't be getting in the pool again this year!

Friday was a rain day.  The storm woke me around 5am, and it rained until around noon. It stayed grey and gloomy the rest of the day. My pest control guy had to reschedule since he can't do his outdoor stuff if it's raining. I was pretty emotional, as usual since it was a Friday. 

Fortunately I was physically feeling a lot better, and did some baking, and house-cleaning, and spent a lot of time on my embroidery work.  I also checked the bank account, and discovered the Govt had deposited  my SS check already, five days early. Very strange. Better early, than not at all. 

Saturday it was definitely cooler, and looked like rain again. After the meeting, N and I sat outside and talked for an hour or so. We both had issues to discuss privately. Then I did my grocery shopping, and headed home. I think I watched a couple of John Wayne movies, and one with  Randolph Scott; all enjoyable and engrossing. I made ratatouille as I'd planned, but wasn't hungry, so I just put it in the fridge. 

I saw on FB that my one son is apparently back with his partner, the mother of my granddaughter, but he hasn't let me know or texted me. Last night I had a terrible dream, almost a nightmare in fact, about his brother. He was wildly drunk in this dream. Terrible memories.

I guess I'm having a lot of emotions these days.  It's been a year and three weeks since J died. 

My friend in CT texted me that he was in despair: his dearly loved wife died in April, and his mom just died Thursday. I don't know details, but I know he was really struggling.  I wrote the most helpful things I could think of, and reassured him I was here for him. Poor guy. He suggested-- jokingly, I dearly hope-- that we should get together. I kind of gently  downplayed that idea, since of course we are a thousand miles apart, and he didn't mention it again. 

But he keeps mentioning how much he appreciates what I say, and how much our friendship means to him. It makes me a bit uncomfortable. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if he turned out to be an alcoholic! Sigh. I can't help being a bit curious about what he is like now, since the only vague memory I have is from over 50 years ago, but that won't be happening.

Life is so interesting, as Gramma would say. 

This week I have someone coming on Tuesday morning from HD, BIL-approved. He'll be looking at the doors, apparently. 

I want to get my hair cut since I have a coupon, and it's getting a bit longer than I like; I can just drive to Great Clips, about 15 minutes from here. 

And Friday is dinner at Sis' for Dad's birthday. I'm making my deviled eggs, and I have something else planned, too. 

I really so appreciate my quiet life, generally. N and I were talking about how each of our health issues really affect the things we had planned for our lives and now have to re-think. It's sometimes discouraging. But we are both still processing how differently we have to think now. We are both grieving, both struggling with the "unfairness" of it, both missing our partners. With fluctuating energy levels on any given day, life can be so frustrating. It's hard to accept, some days.

But we are still so grateful to be even be here. 

TYG

Sunday

 A windy and warm morning. Showers are predicted. The cats and Missy are inside because it keeps dumping rain showers out of the blue despite the sun. Missy keeps pawing me to go and take her for a walk, but I do not want to get soaked. Maybe when I finish this...

Last night there was a tiny senior Yorkie available on Sophie's Circle. There was no charge for her because of her age-- she just wants a home and apparently is a lap dog who naps a lot.  Oh, how I fell in love again!  So tempting. I ultimately decided Missy might not like that. 

However, this morning when I decided I would put in my application anyway-- she was already gone!  So many people wanted her that I'm sure she'll have no problem finding a good home. I guess that's a good thing. Sigh.

This past week was emotional again. Monday was the day that two of my close friends' husband's died on the same day 2 years ago. Both needed extra support, of course.  Monday my new pillow also arrived-- I'm still adjusting to it, but I love it, and my neck is a lot better.  MissS also came over that afternoon, bringing a Philly cheese steak that Kit had made for her, so she graciously shared it with me. So, so good.

Tuesday my new phone arrived. It is very similar to my previous one, and yet was difficult to set up. I had to email MissS to come over and fix/help, since somewhere in the process of setting it up, I stopped being able to make calls from either one.  I emailed her, and just hoped she got the email. 

I then figured out where the nearest CC store was, just in case, but MissS did come over;  she ended up using her own phone to speak to CC and they walked her/us through the process.  It did work out eventually.

I'm still getting used to it; its screen when I am texting is extremely sensitive. But for a phone made this year it's amazing how many more options and choices I had to make, and am still making, compared to the one made in 2021. I was able to very easily add a ringtone I love (from Only Murders In The Building). And the camera is much, much better. I'm very pleased. 

Wednesday I took my kitty Willow for her annual exam. She is quite healthy, although optimally she could lose about 4 lbs. Yeesh. She weighs the same as Missy!!  The vet gave me permission to decrease the kibble which generally is mostly carbs; I now add a full can of the wet food to the three kitties' bowls each evening. This will give them all more liquid to absorb. It's also more expensive, but what the hell.  I picked up an rx on the way home from that, and that was a full day.

Thursday BIL came over at 11:30 and we talked a bit before Brandon, the guy from the garden window place, arrived. BIL liked him, and asked me at one point (after they'd been discussing financing this), "Do you trust me?",  and of course I do. So I know it'll work out somehow.  I will be getting the garden window replaced, along with the back bathroom door, and the sliders; all will be impact-rated.  That was an intense day, too. (I think I might be the only one on my street with hurricane windows. But with storms worsening, I don't need to worry about this now.)

MissS came over to share her DNA results with me, and do some errands, and we got Sonic for lunch, which was a nice treat. We watched  a few episodes of Lost too; we are on the last season. 

The DNA results are stunning: she had been being  prescribed pretty much all the meds that will not work with her body chemistry, for the past 8 years.  So her docs are now weaning her off the ineffective ones, and she'll start the ones that will work.

In the meantime, her side effects are just staggering. All those ads that speak rapidly of all the possible sides?  She has all of them, and has for about 2 months, which have been worsening for even longer  before that. No wonder she's been so sad, low energy, low motivation, and all the others. Oh, I'd be so angry at my docs if that was me, but at the same time, now she has real hope, knowing which meds  will actually help.  

Friday I had my phone call at 1pm with Carlos after mowing the back lawns.  I had been awakened by my neighbor Jason mowing his lawn, and figured during this break in the weather from all the rain, maybe I better do that too. This time it took only about a half hour, but I sure noticed all the weeding and pruning I still have to do when the sun is out more. The weather will soon be cooler, as well.

The phone call with Carlos was quite enlightening:  After some discussion of which doctors I definitely needed to keep, it turns out there is only one of the final three insurance options which has my three most important docs, and all my meds covered. It's surprisingly a much better price, and as anxious as I am to change the other docs, I am going to do this. I kind of want someone else to look at this, thinking I am not seeing something obvious, but I do trust Carlos-- it's in his best interest to make me a satisfied customer, and he sent all the paperwork for me to review. I've printed it all out, all 19 pages.

Unfortunately my GI and my surgeon are not contracted with this insurance, which I was prepared for, so in addition to finding a new PCP I have to also change those, and possibly a dermatologist. 

I am trying to think of this as a Year of Changes: I will be 70 (HOLY SHIT!!  HOW CAN THAT BE) fairly soon into the new year. Wrapping my head around that number alone is just mind boggling.  

**********************************

"The year 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese Zodiac, beginning on February 17, 2026. This year is known as the "Red Horse" year, symbolizing auspiciousness, and is associated with heightened energy, passion, independence, and intense activity due to the Fire element... 

Key Aspects of the Fire Horse Year

• Energy and Passion: 

  The Fire element amplifies the natural traits of the Horse, bringing a year of high energy, drive, and innovation. 
• Boldness and Action: 

  The year encourages bold moves and taking initiative, though strategic thinking and risk evaluation are advised. 
Community and Support: 
While the Horse is independent, this year highlights the importance of nurturing your network and leaning on trusted people for support. 
Personal Growth: 
2026 is a favorable time for self-investment through learning, developing hobbies, or deepening professional skills. 
Patience and Resilience: 
Not everything will go as planned, so practicing patience, self-kindness, and adaptability will be essential for navigating life's challenges"
***************************************

Okay, so on Friday after this phone call, I had time to navigate some of the paperwork.  I then got a strange text from MissS asking if she could come spend the next night or two with me. Of course I said yes, and also said Bro was picking me up at 5:30 but that if she needed to come over, she was welcome.  I never heard a word back. Nothing. 

I was left with all kinds of anxiety, but trying to focus on the yummy dinner we three then went on to have at Stavros.  We talked about  a lot of things, including politics, and I was also shocked at the size of the defibrillator he recently had placed. It's much larger and heavier than I expected, and I'm just amazed at technology these days.  That defibrillator, plus the DNA testing MissS was able to use, are just such a blessing.

SIL brought me some magazines, and some kitchen goodies, which I really appreciated. And surprisingly, a car full of young people were momentarily waiting in traffic as we three arrived at Bro's car to go home. The young people called out to us, "God bless you! have a wonderful night!" or something similar. I called back, "Thank you, same to you!"  I probably got the words wrong,  but that was the gist. It was so sweet, so unexpected.

Everyone in my family has already gotten their flu and Covid vaccines. Everyone except me and MissS. Hmm. I think I know what we are doing this week.

Saturday morning I was awakened by a terrible nightmare, something I thought had left me after J died. This was the worst one ever. I can't even bear to put down in words what it was about but the visuals are still with me. I got out of bed as fast as I could, to shower and wake up and put those visuals out of my mind. 

My Meeting was just what I needed: my one friend was  standing ready holding a fresh cup of coffee out for me, and it was yummy.  My other friend had an open chair next to him, for me. We three talked for a while before others started to arrive. A fairly new guy sat next to me, seeming more cheerful than he has been in the past, and greeted me enthusiastically.  I actually love his voice-- he sounds so much like J. 😭 

Anyway, the meeting always helps, and hugs from other friends always encourage me.  On the way home, I got the car washed. Sadly, this one too missed the two areas on the SUV that are concerning me-- I've tried three different car washes, and none of them get those areas. I'm not sure what to do. 

Back at home I did a few chores before leaving to meet Sis at Costco. We had a quick visit while shopping, and she seemed even more stressed than I was. Then later MissS came over, and we talked and she decorated my house with my one box of Halloween stuff.  For dinner while watching Lost we heated up the leftover rice, and sliced off a bunch of the chicken I'd picked up at Costco. Today I will be picking off all the meat to pop in the freezer.  I ended up giving all that chicken to MissS and Kit.

Tuesday is MissS' birthday! And Kit's of course. I got a couple of goodies for her, and if Kit is working I'll take her out to dinner. 

Otherwise I have nothing going on until the 17th, Dad's birthday. 

One thing I learned is that I apparently have a snake living under the house. Last Sunday MissS and I were talking, and I was looking out the window, noticing my one hibiscus was shaking a bit, and one stalk was actually rising. It suddenly clicked what was happening: I leaped up and looked out, to see a snake-- not the black racer I'm used to-- winding up one of the branches and then slithering down among the bark-o-mulch. It went under the cement thing that drains water off the porch, and  then slithered out the other side, toward the direction of the garbage can. MissS and I were transfixed. I was trying not to be sick. The idea of it living under my porch is nauseating.

And then on Wednesday I was wandering outside getting the mail, and coming back up my front path, there were two little snakes... moving from the house toward the palms and the grass.  Little ones aren't as frightening, but I was utterly shocked. That snake had laid eggs!! Oh, God. And I just read up on the snakes in this area-- some of them do not lay eggs, but give birth to live young.

Plus I don't know what kind it is. It was dark brown, not black. The disgust and fear I have for snakes is terrifying.  I am now anxiously watching the hibiscus even closer, and checking the bark-o-mulch. I know they are supposed to be good for the garden...  UGH.

Well, now I'm worried all over again!  Damn it, I wish I didn't know it was out there.

I have to stop writing, and get active. 

TYG