Day 91-November 30, 2012

      Storming all night and raining in the morn.  We slept in.  A half hour work out on Iron Man while watching Huell Houser explore a Farallon Island.  I fed fish emulsion to my houseplants and rearranged a bit of furniture.  I marched over to the recorder and assessor's offices to learn what I need to do to complete paperwork for terminating a trust.  The gals were very helpful and I feel like I much better understand what needs to be done.  Fred picked Alexa up from preschool.  She and I had a nice long walk under cloudy skies and rain swollen ruts.  She loves the water.  We helped Grampa load cut brush and haul it to the burn pile.  Alexa liked to help drive the truck.  A satisfying dinner of leftovers led to the cowboy movie "Open Range."  A nice Friday eve.

Day 89 and 90-November 28 and 29, 2012

     GrandMuMMing, I feel like E'lora.  "Help you?" is one of her favorite phrases.  I volunteered to have Alexa for a sleepover since Jenn has a full week of work.  Wednesday morn I enjoyed my morning walk before the rain.  I didn't see my little duck friend at the pond though.  This daily habit feeds my whole being.  Karly enjoys it too.  
     I cleaned our pumpkin then plopped it in the oven to roast.  A gentle rain was falling when I picked up Alexa.  I stopped at the library first, and noted I want to have her with me next time I go there.  The library has always been a favorite place for me.  She took a nice long nap.
     Scrubbing and cleaning to prepare for holiday decorating continues.  I gave up on the shower, but the sink and toilet fixtures look nice and white, and with a pumice stone and razor blade I got rid of most of the hard water build up.  I hope to redo this bathroom that everyone uses before Scott's wedding.
      A break in the rain provided a chance to walk with the stroller and see the cows.  It's a good workout to push that stroller up our dirt road.  I made a pumpkin couscous mixture for our dinner.  Alexa loves to play and splash in the bath.  She ran circles in the living room and kitchen in her Dora the Explorer jammies.  When she's tired, she lays right down with a blanket and her tink after a tender song from "Mama," that's what is sounds like when she says Gramma.  Mommy has a definite long vowel e at the end.
     Thursday morning Grampa made delicious pancakes that Alexa devoured.  I greeted my little duck friend this morning, so glad he was there.  Yesterday and today my weights rejoined my morning walk.  I'd skipped them for a few days after my endo crash.  I wasn't sure about my shoulder, but gratefully, it's ok.  Alexa colored while I cleaned and Grampa added cut brush to the burn pile.  After taking Alexa home, Fred and I did a little Christmas shopping together.  Also 400 pounds of softener salt from Kmart.  We got home before the rain started again.  
     I made pumpkin pies to go with the awesome beef tip roast Fred smoked in the cooker.  I also made potato fritters with the leftover Thanksgiving smashed potatoes.  Yum!  Eddie joined us for dinner.  We started a dumb movie, then all went to bed early.  I've started reading Life of Pi, the movie is out now, but I always prefer to read the book first.  Strong winds blew through the night with some rain, not heavy precipitation though.  It was a night of laying awake thinking too.  I've got lots of ideas to implement in the morn.  
     

Day 87 and 88-November 26 and 27, 2012

     Well, two days of retirement living...  Monday morning I savored time puttering in the garden.  I fed kelp and some Dr. Earth fertilizer, worked it in, then spread some mulch for the coming rain and winter.  I snipped back the wispy asparagus, cut back the stocky dahlias, and harvested the last of the yellow gold tomatoes and some sweet pea pods.  It wasn't work, just play.  The hens are always interested in what I throw into their compound...table scraps or green weeds and plant material.  Most days I get them some.
     I'm trying to clean.  I put away the Thanksgiving mantle tableau.  Some laundry got done.  It just seems two steps forward, one step back.  I did make an absolutely amazing turkey pot pie.  I tried to heart healthy it up a bit from the old family standard recipe from my mom.  I added a bunch of vegetables to start, sauteeing up an onion, adding carrots, cabbage, and spinach, as well as some leftover smashed potatoes for body.  I made the gravy with stock and a bit of flour only, no cream.  I chopped up a few cups of turkey meat.  The Bisquick topping was made with real buttermilk too.  I proceeded to fall off the wagon and eat a bunch of candy as I mindlessly watched "Big Bang."  Oh well, tomorrow's a new day.
     Tuesday began with a vigorous two hour walk with the girls at Wolf Creek canal on Banner Mountain.  Jacque and I then grabbed some free stuff at Ben Franklin, being careful not to be hooked into buying.  We picked up Alexa on our way home.  Alexa took a three hour nap then played outside with Grampa and I.  We walked down the road for exercise and visited the neighbor's cows.  Her vocabulary is growing daily and she loves animals.  When she woke up from her nap, she wanted to watch "Animal Alphabet."  I directed us outside instead.  We also read at least four books, she plops right on my lap.  I framed up the cute turkey picture with matching outfits that I took last week, it's in the hall.  
    These last two days have also been paper pushing for money lending.  The refinance that we began July 3 will probably not go through...  my how Wells Fargo has missed a good opportunity, they just can't seem to communicate internally.  The loan docs prepared for us to sign are not even for what we asked for...  What is that Bible verse?  Ah, near my favorite verse.  It's in Ecclesiastes 5.  "Don't be surprised if you see a poor person being oppressed by the powerful and if justice is being miscarried throughout the land.  For every official is under orders from higher up , and matters of justice get lost in red tape and bureaucracy."  and then on down to my favorite in verse 18...eat, drink, and be merry...  Also, "People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much.  But the rich seldom get a good night's sleep." v. 12.  I'm also reminded, "If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion-how can God's love be in that person?"  1 John 3:17   Bottom line, Fred and I both are reminded of the blessed place and position we have, we don't NEED this change.  I guess the question I need to ask is how does God want me to proceed with what we do have.  Psalm 15 talks about the blessing of lending money without interest.  I guess my question is how can we use what we have without seeking "interest."  I think of Jesus throwing over the tables of the money changers in the temple.  I have such an aversion to this layer of our economy.  I guess that's one reason I've always leaned toward REAL estate, it's real.  Real stewardship of what is before us.  I do know it's not about laying up treasure here on earth!

Day 86-November 25, 2012

     This Sunday morning I went to Sierra Presbyterian and heard the new pastor for the first time.  Inspiring singing and a meaningful message about being a disciple of Jesus.  My church hosts homeless folk through Hospitatlity House.  This is something to consider being a part of, I'll add it to the list.  I sat with sweet Pat Bennett.  
     On my way I bought daphne for Sharon's Christmas present, and one for me.  It's something I've wanted for a long time, and I had a coupon for $10 off.  Photo pick up and more coupon shopping at Walgreens, then home to shampoo and clean our flowery couch.
     Eddie and Fred had a dirt ride with Mike and Johnny.  I enjoyed another walk with Karly as the sun was going down.
I caramelized a pan of onions and peppers to have with tonight's carnitas.  The turkey carcass still needs to be picked, it's sitting in the stock in the outside fridg.  Mark got us some delicious pink lady apples at Apple Hill, two pomegranates too.  I feel good about my continued healthful eating.  My wounds from yesterday are requesting regular ibuprofen today.  

Day 85-November 24, 2012

     The 29th birthday of my middle son.  It was precious to share most of this week with him and his precious Cora, E'lora, and Raj.  I was absolutely delighted to find my cover crop sprouted up in the garden today.  Each of the girls gave us an egg.  I pulled everything out of my pantry cupboards, cleaned and sorted.  The surface of the range is clean, for now.  I need to clean up before I put out xmas.                       On our lovely afternoon bicycle ride around Empire Mine my goal to ride 10 miles was reached.  I also did a classic endo trying to go up a curb, I have the scrapes and sore spots to prove it, a little blood on one knee and the other thigh.  Brenda the Brave was my first and everlasting thought.  I could have cried, but I didn't; I could have quit riding, but I pressed on.  Brenda the Brave is a tribute to me and my values, press on, don't give up, it's your one life.  Eddie made us awesome burgers for dinner, just what I was craving.  See, a delicious BBQ burger makes it all absolutely fine and dandy.  The fellas are motorcycling tomorrow.  I'm still due for more cleaning.  Right now, it's time for bed.

Day 84-November 23, 2012

     This bright sunny morning was great contrast to the quiet of home today.  Fred did chores, I cleaned up about half of the remaining Thanksgiving mess.  I've never been a Black Friday shopper, but I wanted to secure a few bargains today for my tight budget Xmas shopping.  Well, I got my goodies, but spent my savings on LED lights for the front deckrail.  This will be an energy use savings, so it will all work out ok.  
     My thoughts are on granddaughter Megan.  Her 17th birthday is next week, well, almost two weeks, but I wanted to arrange a time with her dad that Gruncle and I could take her to dinner and shop for her gift.  It worked out, "Can we do it tonight?"  
     I found a tick in my neck.  Fred got most of it out, but we went to Eddie for surgery on our way out of town.  He got the head out.  YUCK!!!  It hurts too.  We did errands along the way to pick up Megan including trying on motorcycle helmets at Cycle Gear.  She chose Japanese for her birthday dinner.  The Wasabii Bar and Grill on Greenback near Sunrise Mall was very tasty.  It was delightful to hear her cheerful chatter.  She shared about her experiences of these last few months.  She picked a bag of lemons for us and showed us the lovely tomato plants she had nurtured through the summer.  It was fun to wander the mall on Black Friday eve.  Fred lasted through one store, then waited in the car.  She found a cute Muckluck hat and a Roxy denim tapestry bag, both at good sale prices.  She was looking for boots for her Christmas present, but the perfect ones weren't yet found.  I reminded her there's still lots of time until Christmas.  I want her to know she is loved and cherished.  Making the effort to visit and spend time together shows that, I hope.
     And wouldn't you know my day rounds out with a phone message from Trev.  He's got a new phone, he just wanted to make a Turkey Day connection one day late.  I feel loved and cherished...

Day 83-November 22, 2012

     Thanksgiving Day, gobble gobble.  The roasted twenty pound Butterball took center stage with all of the traditional supporting cast.  I made an apple pie for Colin's birthday cake.  The special birthday plate and candle spent the day on the table for him.  His presents were wrapped in cute Elmo paper.  I added acorn flour to my dinner rolls, they were delicious but dense.  We had healthy sweet potatoes and green beans, I cut back on the butter in the smashed potatoes too.  There were lots of leftover smashed potatoes, hum...
     Well, cooking occupied the majority of my day, although I rode my bike to the post office to mail a sympathy card.  Our friend Art's daughter passed of cancer last week.  She was in her twenties.  I was especially grateful to have AJ and Colin with there families at our table, brother Eddie too.  The poem, "Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace...." rang in my head all through the eve.  I choked back my tears when the precious ones left.  It was truly a blessed day.

Day 82-November 21, 2012

     A rainy early morning pick up of Alexa at Jenn's work.  We picked up rent money and did some early morning shopping before the crowds for our last minute Thanksgiving items and diapers.  She looks so cute with her pink sock hat and purple puffy jacket.  The cuzzy fest began as soon as we got home.  They play together more this visit, working on puzzles and coloring.  They especially enjoyed their stroller ride together up the road.  They grinned at each other and took turns pushing the strollers.  

     GrandMum wanted nap time today too.  Alexa took the longest to settle today, I heard the door stop spring bouncing away and cups stacking and falling.  I read for awhile, then fell asleep.  I heard a baby crying, turns out it was Raj.  It was a nice rest though.  
     I made Tutu's fresh cranberry relish for tomorrow's dinner, but the remaining cooking and prep will wait for tomorrow.  Cora made lovely acorn molasses cookies, or was that on Tuesday?  Anyway, YuM!!!  Fred did birthday present shopping for me after my telephone sleuthing to find the perfect gift, a local map book.  
Jenn, Cora, and I had some nice visiting time when Jenn came to pick up Alexa after work.       
     We did up burritos with the leftover carnitas for supper and watched "The Family Man" with popcorn and spice drops for the evenings entertainment.  

Day 81-November 20, 2012

     Alexa and I walked at Empire with our Tuesday morning walking group.  It's a trudge to push the stroller over rocky and root filled terrain, plus the up hill slog, a very good work out.  We walked for an hour and a half as the day's rain began to gently fall.  
     Cuzzy time at home.  Signing time with Alex and Leah about the farm was popular, as was coloring and bath time.  Both girls laid right down for nap time.  GrandMuM made California rolls, pumpkin pie, and squash soup from my two garden butternuts.  Mike and Jacque joined us for dinner and viewing of the HBO Rolling Stone special.  "Gross Pointe Blank" was the film to wrap up the eve.  It is delightful to have the kids here, I need inspiration for Colin's birthday present...  We'll celebrate on Thanksgiving.

Day 78 and 79 and 80-November 17 to 19, 2012

     My oh my, how the days do fly.  My heart soars like a hawk.  E'lora is asleep, Colin is playing Wii bowling, and Cora and Fred are fiddling with the computer.  Karly and Raj are pork drunk, they got bits from tonight's carnitas.  So now let me go back to Saturday.  
     Alexa and I woke up before 6.  Alexa drifted right back to sleep with tink, I started my day.  Rain and wind caught my attention throughout the night and morn.  It reminds me of the blessing of home, the cozy sanctuary shared with treasured ones.  After I met up with Jenn in town, I gathered bathroom tile ideas at Young's.  Sierra Timberline has inspiring holiday decorations.  I hung out there for about half an hour.  I spent time browsing Houzz, an interior design website, at home.  I began reading Andrew Weil's health suggestions.  I fell off the wagon eating most of a movie box of Butterfingers while I watched a Vince Vaughn movie from the Sundance channel.  I did eat a nourishing salmon salad with fresh garlic for lunch and a wholesome dinner of raw asparagus and other leftovers.
     Sunday morning I did yoga after a delicious walk.  There's nothing like that fresh air after the rain.  I felt like headquarters helping coordinate weather news for Eddie and Fred's travel back over the Sierras in the snow with Eddie's car, no chains, and a motorcycle trailer.  I excitedly finished cleaning the bathroom and getting fresh sheets in place for the kid's arrival.  I sat and read....  I like to sit and read....
     Fred got home, I started cooking up savory pasta sauce, the kids arrived.  We had a delightful afternoon/eve.  Yummy dinner and a Denzel movie, "Safe House."  I'm a homemaker.  I love being a homemaker.  Dessert was Cora's amazing acorn cake, she whipped it up with acorns from her harvest and apples from her larder.  We topped it with blackberry syrup from their summer bounty.  We both love living close to nature and nourishing our loved ones.

     Monday morning we started toyon hunting.  I had found an article in this week's newspaper about a local Thanksgiving.  Toyon Magic Balls, Carmelized Toyon cooked in honey and cinnamon, and Beyond Cranberry Sauce made with toyon because the birds already got the madrone berries.  The conclusion at the end of today's creation is that the berries aren't quite ripe, and the birds will probably get them before we do.  Fred said, "I can taste the Vitamin C."  That made it all worthwhile!  I also created some awfully good carnitas with help from Nephew Christopher.  He made carnitas at Kamp Kerksieck this summer using his coworker's secret ingredient of Coca Cola with the orange juice.  I didn't have any Coke, so I added some of my peach brandy.  I bottled it on Saturday while Alexa was napping and I found it tastes pretty much like my dandelion wine.  I think it's all in the yeast.   On Wednesday I had fiddled with the hydrometer and found that the alcohol content was more than 12%, it was ready to bottle any time.  Maybe it will age well???  The carnitas were great!  Bone in pork shoulder roast, $1.49 a pound.  I'd used some of the brandy in my pasta sauce Sunday night too. I may be on to something.  I also had time to watch a You Tube about growing mushrooms.  I have so many homestead ideas to pursue!
     Fred is nestled, the kids are having fun with Wii, I will cuddle up with a good book.  I will also count blessings.  I'm thankful for a washing machine and dryer.  I appreciate indoor plumbing.  I treasure the warmth of a wood stove fire and I am grateful for the labor of love that stacks the wood high on our deck and in piles, seasoning for our future.  I feel loved.
     

Day 77-November 16, 2012

     My first distraction of the morning was watching Dr. Andrew Weil's episode on the Dr. Oz Show.  I watched it on the computer, his five health essentials.  I bought CoQ10 at Raleys.  I went to Raleys for the three free items one received for spending $20.  I bought a big pork roast for carnitas and then remembered it's pork butt that Christopher used...  I'll need to research that one a bit.  I'm eating mostly vegetables, more fish, and other meat in small amounts.  
     Alexa and I picked up my lipid results at the Doc.  While she napped, I wrote my pleading letter and faxed the information to the health insurance company to reconsider my denial.  My cholesterol was down 38 from my test in March, and my ratio is 3.3.  Less than 4 is good.  Oh, and I dropped two more pounds this week!  Iron Man was my extra exercise today.  Alexa spent most of her time carrying around our huge golf umbrella and writing with a pen.   She mostly kept the writing on paper.  I made Andrew Weil's Curried Cauliflower Soup for our dinner.  Yum!  Homemade naan will taste great with it next time.  We had a lovely dinner together and I sang her to sleep.  I found a Ben Stiller movie, then hit the hay with a huge mess left in the kitchen, a guilty pleasure often indulged when Fred's home.  He just never lets the mess get that big.

Day 76-November 15, 2012

     Phone frustrations with B of A.  At least Wells Fargo isn't the only bank that has trouble functioning efficiently.  A joyous walk with Karly.  Savory tomato soup for Fred and I for lunch.  A therapeutic massage for hubby's tight back.  Then off he went on his mx adventure.  

     I cruised the Penn Valley thrift stores before prayer group, then finished up Thanksgiving grocery shopping at Save-Mart.  Savory leftovers and a chick flick after an Iron Man workout.  I nice evening alone.

Day 75-November 14, 2012

     I love this new speed of life.  Days are full but not frazzled.  Fred and I dug out the ditch on a section of our road and I stacked firewood for my daily extra exercise.  I bopped back by the dollar store for an exchange and darted to the other dollar store looking for Xmas goodies.  I lost track of time and was late picking up Alexa, she was with the leftovers, but not the last one to be picked up.
     She had a long nap so my book club conversation was via the telephone.  I baked a Mama Bertha Oatmeal Date cookie recipe for Fred and Eddie on their Nevada motorcycle adventure.  I cooked up some romas for tomato soup.  Alexa got her shoes muddy exploring the dirt and chickens.  We rounded out the eve at Poco's Tacos for the monthly Sierra Motor Sports club meeting.  My new friend, Pam, is a hoot and a half.

Day 74-November 13, 2012

     I forgot my Tuesday morning walk with the girls.  I forgot it was Tuesday.  Keeping track of the days is the biggest challenge so far of retirement.  Fred was off, so we enjoyed a nice morning walk together.  I put away all of my booty from our shopping excursions with the Fearsome Fabulous First grade Foursome.  I made lunch time rounds at Bell Hill to deposit eggs and other trip stuff.  On the way to pick up Fred at the Ranch, I gift shopped at the Dollar Store.  He and Eddie are packing up for a four day motorcycle trip to Middlegate, Nevada.  
     Back home I roasted four different pans of tomatoes, burning two of them.  The recipe did say watch close at the end.  Oh well, sometimes you pay extra for that special flavor.  I roasted peppers on the BBQ, a tasty casserole resulted.  The peppers and tomatoes were from Saturday's farmer's market.  I hope to have bounty of those two items next year.

Day 72 and 73-November 11 and 12, 2012

Buddies to Berkeley

     Judy arrived to begin our adventure at 7:30.  We picked up Sharon, 26 degrees on the thermometer, then fetched Nancy at her kid's home in Roseville.  First stop, Home Goods in Vacaville.  Potty stop turned into shopping at Old Navy too, then hamburger lunch at Five Guys.  It was a beautiful sunny day.  We pressed on to the shopping district on Fourth Street near Gilman Street.  What fun on the busy street and in the bustling stores.  This place had the feel of neighborhood boutique shopping.  I made some great Christmas gift purchases.  

     Next stop, our historic hotel, The Berkeley Women's Club, a Julie Morgan project completed in 1930.  It is called her "Little Castle."  It felt like we were staying in a mini Hearst Castle.  Judy and I had a room on the 4th floor.  Sharon and Nancy were overlooking the whole bay from their 6th floor window.  On this clear day the view of the Golden Gate Bridge was spectacular.  

     We decided to do some more shopping at the nearby Icky Store, Ikea.  It was Nancy's first visit, always an overwhelming shopping experience.  I think of all the things I wish I'd put in the cart once I get home.  This was a shopping Mecca with a huge theater complex and parking structures.  That many means many dining options.  We chose Buckhorn Grill, a chain restaurant.  I had an awesome tri-tip salad.

     Back at the hotel we explored the two public floors and main garden courtyard.  The ballroom was empty as were most of the rooms.  A theater production of Richard the LIonheart was the only major event, it had an audience of probably about 50.  The indoor pool, the leaded glass windows, the arched concrete ceilings were noteworthy.  This old building has been in continuous use and well maintained, retaining its original art and furnishings, it seems.  The structural elements for seismic strength are another special credit to Julia Morgan.  The wood grain designs formed into the concrete, then stained a dark color, have withstood the test of time.  The tiles and light fixtures, the fireplaces and sculptures, the beautifully maintained garden areas were inspiring, a castle with a warm and homey ambiance.  I was absolutely delighted to stay in such a lovely place.  Each room was $110 with the special deal Sharon got from Living Social.

     The sounds of the city drifted in our open window during the night, but I slept very well.  In the morning we had a lovely continental breakfast in the dining room.  After a driving tour through the Cal campus and up to Lawrence Hall of Science, we stopped at the North Face Outlet on Gilman.  Judy got a cute down vest.  

     Another shopping excursion at Costco and the outlets in Vacaville broke up the drive home.  The back of the car was filled.  A friendly lady in the parking lot said, "Wow, I want to come to your house for Christmas."  The sales were great and the shopping was so fun to do together.  Lots of chuckles and giggles.

     I'm grateful for safe travels and for the delicious BBQ salmon dinner Fred had for me when I got home.  He got a nice massage that put him right to sleep.

Day 71-November 10, 2012

     A cacophony of bird talk accompanied my morning walk with Karly.  It was like they were trying to decide where to go next with so many threatening clouds in the sky.  Or they were describing their adventures in yesterday's storm.  With threatening skies we headed out for a bicycle ride at Bullards Bar.  A stop at Grocery Outlet for more wine and Nevada City Farmer's Market for fresh veggies was the first leg of the journey.  I got three bags full of winter squash, peppers, and potatoes, a flat of romas, heads of lettuce and napa cabbage, all from Riverhill Farm.  I'll be roasting peppers and tomatoes on Tuesday.

     We rode 8 miles with over 1200 feet of elevation gain.  It was overcast and cold, but the rain confined itself to spots on our drive.  The fall colors and carpet of leaves were splendid.  Laurie made a delicious early dinner for us all.  No TV at home, so early to bed with a book again.

Day 70-November 9, 2012

     My day didn't go as I planned, but that is always a welcome twist.  A little bit of snow and hail make it exciting too.  Fred and I both worked in the garden.  Fred worked on chicken watering.  I worked on weeds and overgrown herbs.    I bought bird food and tried to get my blood test results from the doctor.
     Alexa got sick at preschool, so Mom picked her up.  My afternoon is now free.  Ah, needed cleaning.  Some more sorting and organizing in the upstairs extra rooms.  I made a delicious broiled salmon with a Peruvian frozen rice dish from Trader Joes.  I began watching an old favorite movie, "Forrest Gump."  Our TV receiver is acting up, so no more TV for awhile.  Early to bed with a book.  

Day 69-November 8, 2012

       First stop, Grocery Outlet to get a couple of cases of wine  at 20% off.  Next I swooped up Savannah at her folks'.  Our son's fiance has been up here for about a month.  We were on the road before 9:30 to meet up with Scott.  He was in Santa Rosa staying with buddies after interviewing in Alameda for a firefighter/paramedic position.  He has been traveling up and down the state to try to secure a new position up north while working for the fire department in Calexico.  I offered to drive to save him some windshield time.  We met at Tiny Thai in Cotati, just around the corner from his old apartment.  Colin, Cora, and E'lora joined us for a delightful lunch.  "GrandMuM's awesome."  Precious practiced names at the table, Uncle Scott, Aunt Savannah, Chucho, Uncle Eddie.  
     I headed off at 2 to fetch Uncle Eddie from Sacramento airport.  After a Home Goods stop finding one Christmas gift and stemless wine glasses, I got the airport at 5.  He joined us for the crock pot pork dish I'd started in the morning.  I whipped up some tortillas.  Fred had made spinach salad and apple cake.  It's good to have Brother home.

Day 68-November 7, 2012

     First things first, to the lab to have lipid panel for insurance application.  Ah, that tangerine never tasted so good!  I had been fasting for 24 hours, plus being careful about eating and drinking for over week.  I do feel good, and am inspired to place mindful eating as a top priority in my new retirement lifestyle.  
     I deposited myself in line at Arch's smog check station for Xene's test.  She passed, good girl.  Next I was ready for coffee, so I got a free cup at Starbucks.  The quest for a winter jacket for Alexa continued.  
     I arrived an hour early at Summer Thyme to meet retired friends, Nancy and Sally.  I was starving, so I ordered a healthy sweet potato quesadilla.  It was filled with cumin spiced potato, a bit of cheese and cilantro, and tons of finely shredded cabbage.  I thought I'd eat half and finish it off when the girls arrived.  I polished off the whole thing and was satisfied all afternoon.  I began reading a charming gardening book, Eat More Dirt, and chatted on the phone with Auntie Carol about her Europe trip and life.  Sally, Nancy, and I jabbered for an hour when they arrived at 11.  It was delightful.
     I found a perfect purple winter jacket for $5.50.  
     After paper and computer work, I worked a couple of hours in the garden until dark.  The sunset was gorgeous.  I poured a glass of wine and sat on the deck to enjoy it.

Day 67-November 6, 2012

     Election Day.  Jenn called last night and asked me to take Alexa to the doctor today to have a rash checked.  I was delighted to be free to help.  I picked Alexa up at 8, then we joined my retired teacher friends for our weekly walk.  Jacque joined us at Empire Mine too.  Alexa and I kept up with the group about half of the way.  Pushing the stroller isn't easy over all of the rocks and gravel.  The two of us turned back toward the car and stopped to look at trees, I let Alexa push the stroller and walk.  For the last leg of our journey, I carried her in the backpack.  It is so much easier than carrying her in my arms.  We got back to the parking lot just about the same time as the gaggle of ladies.  I loved showing her off to my friends.
     Her doctor appointment was at noon, so we fiddle-farted at Living Well thrift store and Agate.  Alexa ate a lunch of string cheese, crackers, peanuts, and apple at Grampa's desk.  She loved the metal swivel chair.  I'd brought Cheerios, but they were gone in a flash.  All went smooth at the clinic and pharmacy.  Her sensitive skin has a "jock itch" on her cute little bum.  I put her down for her nap without a diaper for some breathing time.  "Uh oh," I heard when the door opened after nap time.  Of course, she'd tinkled.
     We played with the big box, the sheet tent, the chickens, and the porcelain baby doll.  We picked peas in the garden.  She ate two and tried to plant the others.  GrandMuM ate them instead.  I'm fasting for my blood test tomorrow.  Hmmm, hot water or cold water????  I figured a couple of peas would be ok.  I do so enjoy chewing.  We made up the bed in the guest room with fresh sheets together, I tried to teach her to fold towels, but she wasn't interested.    
     Alexa helped me vote.  I still remember sitting at my mom's feet while she voted.  It was in a neighborhood garage.  We walked the few blocks to get there.  Treasured memories.  What she may remember is that GrandMum took away the calendar and pen from my purse that she was writing with when I fetched her back to her mom's work.  She was heartbroken.  Oh well, you can't have everything you want.
     Election results on the TV while I exercised on Iron Man and drank water for the eve.  
      

Days 65 and 66-November 4 and 5, 2012

     These two days were mostly filled the the processing of rental applicants for the little house.  A selection was made and papers are now signed.  Most people live pay check to pay check, and to find stable folk that understand they must pay rent first each month isn't easy.  My heart truly does go out to people, and it's hard to tell them sorry, you weren't selected.  It also makes me grateful for the many blessings I enjoy each day and reminds me the importance of living within our monthly income too.
     For work, I sifted more rocks from the garden both days, two buckets full each day.  I also ate all of the peas on the vines.  Laundry, of course.  More carpet shampooing since Fred spilled a glass of red wine.  I hit some other spots while I was at it.  I sure like that tool.  
     For fun on Sunday, I did a little shopping for wine at Grocery Outlet. I used my Penny's $10 certificate to get a pair of stretch black jeans.  I can wear them like leggings.  I browsed my Better Homes and Garden November issue.  Good inspiration for Thanksgiving.  Then I joined Savannah and her mom with some friends for an hour of wine tasting at Pilot Peak.  Nice conversation, music, snacks, and wine!

Day 64-November 3, 2012

     New trail!  With the bicycles, Matt, Mark, Mike, Fred, and I started up Pioneer Trail where it crosses Lowell Hill Road at Highway 20.  Felicia and Kiko were the shuttle drivers with the meeting spot at the 5 Mile House.  Eighteen and a half miles with 900 feet of elevation, busting through snow, over rocks and roots, between the trees of our beautiful Sierra forest.  Grand adventure!  I'll sleep great tonight.
     We came home to nine messages on the answer machine.  The search for the perfect tenant continues, but today mostly felt like a day off from the chore.  I did answer about nine phone calls before we left this morning.

Day 63-November 2, 2012

     Friday morning home yoga with the normal routines.  Grandgirl Alexa picked up at nap time.  She slept for three hours, the most ever.  Paperwork and rental business.  A spontaneous invitation to our neighbor, Matt, to join us for soup when he brought up his rent check.  It was very nice to chat.  We watched a great movie before bed time, Hillary Swank becoming a lawyer to help her wrongly convicted brother, "Conviction" was the title, I think.

Day 62-November 1, 2012

     The morning time included packing up and sending off of the kids.  I love watching how Cora teaches E'lora about all the things she's interested in.  I watched the two of them folding laundry.  "Help you?" is frequently heard.  Scott whipped up bacon, eggs, and pancakes for Colin, Savannah, and himself.  Fred, Cora, and E'lora had eaten earlier.  I'm not eating much these days trying to get a low cholestrol score on my test next week.  Ugh.  
     Fred, Mark and I had a nice fall bike ride at Empire Mine. "I like the fall, the best of all, when leaves turn brown, and tumble down."  The smell after the rain is splendidly refreshing.
    Prayer group in Sharon's classroom, then dinner at Tom and Serene's for Scott's last night here in town. 

Day 61-October 31, 2012

     "Halloween's coming, Halloween's coming, skeletons will be after you...," sings GrandMuM.  A blessed Halloween with  the cuzzies.  Trick-or-treating downtown in the morning was grand.  It was amazing to see so many preschoolers in one place.  My favorite moment was when E'lora went to Laurie DeMartini with arms opened wide to give her a good-bye hug.  We both almost cried, it was so precious.  The little stinker and the tonka were the cutest costumes to me, well there was that hot dog dad that I thought was pretty funny.  

     Mama Bear and Papa Bear went house hunting in the afternoon.  I took Alexa and Jenn home, then E'lora napped a bit.  After a bowl of soup, we met up with AJ, Jenn, and friends to trick-or-treat in their old neighborhood of Cypress Hill.  We were home by 7:30.  A big day.