Quiet time

I know just what you mean. Even though most of my day is spent alone, in the basement, I treasure that quiet time with that first cup of coffee. No music, but this is the time I can sit in my nightie and check my e-mail and the blogs. I, too, put on a Christmas cd yesterday, and will probably play more over the next few days. I've always treasured my moments of solitude for psyhic, internal renewal, but now I spend so much time alone that I also find joy in just walking through the mall--especially this time of year. I guess I'm still trying to find that balance. I'm always glad to hear that you both are getting out socially. I dread the next few months when we are, somewhat, forced to stay inside because of the weather. A couple of my volunteer commitments are ending soon, and I won't even have that excuse to get out of the house. When I first retired, I would get so "antsy" that I would take a book, and go and sit in the local Starbucks for an hour or so. I may start that again. I know my friend Shirley will always go for coffee with me, but sometimes it's the solitude I crave.

Shirley is a fairly competent 76 year old who has chosen to live an an assisted living facility near Concordia Hospital. She has her own apartment, but has opted for communal meals rather than cooking for herself. She is fairly happy but, the number of residents with emerging dementia is driving her crazy, and she just has to get away once in awhile. She still drives her own car, but will let me drive if we go anywhere. I'm being fairly careful about how much time we spend together, as I think she might become too dependant on my presence, but still enjoy getting together with her once in awhile.

Saw another new doctor Friday, and he has agreed to take me on as a patient. He examined me and expressed confidence that the lump in my breast was nothing to worry about. But he also assured me that he would get the results of the diagnostic mammogram I had in September and, if there was any question, refer me to a specialist. So I have another appt with him for mid-January. He also gave me a seasonal flu shot, so now both arms hurt. The appt is for shortly after my tooth is pulled--yes--the insurance permission finally arrived and that whole thing is a go.

Have little girls for supper tonight, and a pot roast ready to get going. It's almost going to be a "clean out the fridge" meal. The last of the fresh veggies--carrots and a turnip--for "pip'n'squeek", and apple crisp to use up the apples I bought in October. I'm still in the habit of making sure that it's a good meal from the days before children, when it might be the only good meal Amber had all week. Spoke to Loren yesterday. He has the children for the next week, but has to work, so he's taking all half days for the week, working in the mornings and trying to get home in time for lunch. I hadn't thought about it, but Jeremy is now 12, and has taken a babysitting course, so leaving them alone for awhile is quite legal. Loren said that he has left them a couple of times for a little while in the evening, and feels that everything will be fine.

I, too, got a very nice card from Kris and Sandy--one of only two I received from "real" people. Maybe I would get more if I sent some out? Ya' think!?

Beth, are you still planning to make a fish for the Ravenesque banner? I hope so. The ladies have asked after you. We have decided to make them free standing and pin them on with broach pins, so you could put it together and just mail it to me.