Mid-January Update

So far in the middle of January, we are having bitter cold temperatures.  Because of that, our heating bill has gone up even though we are using our fireplace and bundling up as much as we can.  I am not a snow bunny, I am more of a hot house flower (B says that).  But if I have a choice, I will take snow over below zero temps.  I am patiently waiting for Spring.

I went to the eye doctor on Tuesday and set up my cataract surgery for February.  He asked which one I wanted to start with. I said whichever is the worst and he said they are both the same.  So I opted for the left first and then two weeks after that, the right one will be done.  If everything goes the way B's did, the insurance will cover them both. In order to really check my cataracts, they had to dilate my eyes.  They said it would take a couple of hours to clear up.  It took five!  After that appointment, I went to my doctor's office to have the nurse give me my monthly B12 shot.  He said I looked a little off balance.  I explained about the eye drops and he smiled and said he had seen it before in other patients.

B wanted to take me to Applebee's after my appointments as the kids got us a gift card for Christmas.  I said great!  I was looking forward to mozzarella sticks.  Funny thing when we got there B had to lead me in as I was still a bit unsteady and then I couldn't read the menu because of the eye drops.  The gift card covered the whole dinner so no spend there.

The kitchen faucet which has been dripping off and on for two weeks finally drove me to the end of my patience so we picked up a new one and B is going to install it this weekend.

B took the car in for an oil change but since that is covered under warranty, no spend there.

Nothng exciting just the day to day things that keep life interesting.
 

Friday Funny

 

A look back and a look forward...

Politically, 2024 was awful in so many ways and that's all I will say about it.

It seems like when one reaches a certain age, health moves into the forefront of everything. So this year, one of my goals is to focus on my health.  To be honest, I have a tendency to put off what is best for my health to concentrate on the health of others in the family.  Case in point...I have cataracts. A result of age for most of us.  For the past year, my doctor has been telling me I need to have the surgery.  As usual, I put it off explaining that B needs to have his done first and mine are not that bad.  Well, now they are.  My eyesight is getting so I am having trouble reading as well as seeing at a distance.  Not being able to read is a no brainer on the surgery.  Reading is my primary pasttime and having difficulties cannot continue.  So on the 14th of this month, I sit down with the doctor and work out when I will do this.

The holidays did a number on my credit card to the point that I could actually hear it screaming when I took it out of my wallet.  So, like last January, I will be taking a credit card vacation.  In 2024 I was able to take my credit card vacation all the way thru March.  This year my goal is to get at least to April without using it.

I don't keep track of the books I read as I have found that tracking the number of books I read makes the joy of reading tedious for me.  I simply have a pile of books I want to read on the table by my chair and add more when the spirit strikes me.

In 2024, I started a goal of having no spend days at least twice a week.  Imagine my surprise to find that we can go almost 4 days a week as no spend.  This year my goal is to have at least 3 no spend days a week.

B and I decided that for traveling in 2025, we wanted to explore more of the Upper Peninsula.  There are many places we have never been to.  So we thought what better way to plan some short trips but to explore the place we call home.

I have gotten all my past times for 2025 organized.  I have crocheting to do with yarn that I already have in my stash.  I work on blankets for our local animal shelter.  I also have a number of crosstitch projects that need to be done as well as some quilting projects.  I won't be buying anything new until I take care of the projects and materials I already have.  My family also got me some jigsaw puzzles for Christmas.  I find working on those to be relaxing as well as good exercise for this ol brain.  The only problem is that my cat, Al, has a tendency to walk on the table where the puzzle is and shoot the pieces across the room.  B came up with a great idea.  He measured the top of the card table, cut a piece of plywood, taped the edges (no slivers) and now when I am not working on the puzzle, the plywood sits on top.  Al can walk on it but no pieces to shoot into the room.

I am still decluttering on a weekly basis.  I usually put things out for the kids to look at and decide if they want something.  If not, it gets donated.  I have also become very mindful of anything I might bring into the house from my excursions to flea markets and antique malls.

We have been doing a lot of shopping in our own freezer and pantry.  We will be watching for sales and bargains to do some refilling.

I have chosen my words for 2025: self, letting go, family.  

These are my goals for 2025 so far.  One never knows will happen in the future especially when a certain someone is in charge of the government at the end of the month.

Monday Musings

 This morning as I started my day as I usually do with prayer, tea and journaling, I came across a question from one of my readings.  It resonated with me because one of my words for 2025 is "self".  Taking the time to focus on what I can do for me as well as for others.  My journal writing this morning focused on this question. However, I will not share that here but thought I would share the question with you.  Perhaps it is something you have thought about already or could move you to think about it.

"Are you living the life you want or simply the life that is happening to you?

Blessings for the new year to all of you.

Friday Funny