And so March begins...

 

March Goes On

 Monday, the temperature got to 64 degrees....heavenly!  So I opened all the windows to enjoy the fresh air.  B and I decided since it was a nice day out, we should start to spring clean.  It always makes me feel better when I can spring clean after the house has been shut up all winter.  So we decided to start with the spare bedroom.  We moved furniture, vacuumed everything to an inch of its life and B even carpet cleaned the rugs.  We took note of the fact that we will have to repaint the ceiling but decided to wait until it got a lot warmer to do it as it would dry faster. It took us most of Monday but at the end we felt so much better standing in a room that just gave an air of spring.

Tuesday was a day for B to run errands so I stayed home and did some organizing in closets-the one in the spare bedroom as well as the one in our room.

On Wednesday, we started on spring cleaning our room.  This would take more time as it is the largest bedroom.  We decided to do half and finish the other half on Thursday.  As we did in the other room, we vacuumed, moved furniture and B carpet cleaned the rug.  Unlike Monday, the temperature was only in the high 30s so we needed to turn a fan on to help the rug to dry.  But even though that took longer, we were able to get into the bedroom that night.  We finished up the bedroom on Thursday with B noticing that the baseboards need to be replaced.  He said it was no big deal and that he could do that on the weekend.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the snow started thawing on the road which has led to muddy ditches and potholes you could fit a car into.  Since we live in a valley, B has started to keep an eye on the runoff coming from the hills down the road from us.  It starts in the spring and usually turns our driveway into a lake.  A couple of times it has flooded our basement so B got the sump pump ready and has been checking on the runoff daily.

Friday, we went to the used book sale at our local library.  Sales of books go to the library fund which is a good cause.  I donate books that I have read to the library so it is not strange to see some of them in the sale. B very rarely buys a book but he knows that books are my happy place and brings me whenever I ask. I bought 8 books and spent $14.  Not bad. Next, we went to Lowe's and purchased baseboards for the bedroom as well as a new welcome mat for the front door.  We also priced flooring and toilets as we will be replacing those things this summer.  Since it was Friday and a no meat day during Lent, B suggested he buy us lunch at Red Lobster.  We had a very good lunch of shrimp and linguini and were able to bring half home for dinner later.
The rain which had been coming down when we left the house had stopped and the sun had come out, so we went to the local thrift store and dropped off donations we had in the back of the car before heading home.  When we got to our road, we saw that the county was grating the ruts and filling in the giant potholes which made out car very happy.

And just when you think spring is finally coming, we woke up to snow this morning.  Not a lot of snow but enough to make you feel disappointed before your morning coffee.

I need Spring!

P.S.  Just a little side note to Maebeme: I read your blog everyday but for some reason (which I haven't figured out yet), my computer won't let me comment.

Finishing Up February

 Had my monthly B12 shot and my annual visit to my hpt specialist.  Everything is pretty much the same so I guess that is a good thing.

Left eye cataract surgery went well. Everything about the surgery went well except for when they went to put in the iv for anesthesia.  It seems I have veins that are so small they had to use an infant needle.  Even then it took six pokes to get it in.  My hands and arms are covered with bruises.   I am seeing improvement in distance sight and can't wait to see how distance sight is with right eye done.
I started eye drops in right eye the following Sunday in preparation for Cataract surgery #2 which was on the 26th.  The problem with my veins and the iv came up again but this time it only took 2 pokes so not so much bruising.  I am noticing that my distance sight in both eyes is improving by the day.  It makes me happy that I finally got this done.  I will still need glasses for close work but I have no problem with that.

B and I have been working on a plan to refill pantry and freezer now that groceries are still high.

I ordered Paczkis today from the local bakery for Fat Tuesday on 3/4 and B will pick those up that morning.

We had a wonderful warm up for 2 days with temps in the 40s and 50s. We loved it but knew it was just the UP teasing us.  We are now getting 2 snowstorms back to back today.

March is coming in "like a lion" so I hope it goes out "like a lamb" because I have had enough of winter.

March comes in like a lamb

 We had, it seems, the last blizzard of our winter on 2/28 & 2/29.  This has been such a strange winter in the UP.  We have set record breaking high temperatures as well as record breaking low amounts of snow.  Many of our sled dog, snowmobile and skiing events have been canceled this year because of lack of snow.  A great many businesses that thrive on our winter tourism are also hurting.  The weather people are calling this "The Lost Winter".  Personally, B and I like the "Lost Winter" and hope it turns up again next year.  Our temperatures have been in the high 40s and low 50s.  Saturday 3/3, we made it to 59!  Wow!  This has definitely lifted my spirits.  As you can probably tell, B and I are not winter people.

Unfortunately, my oldest son and dil, who live in Reno, NV are getting the weather we usually get.  Since Friday, they have gotten 2-4 feet of snow.  My son is not happy since he has to shovel it.  I tol him he should get a snowblower but he says this is a rare occurence and will probably not happen again.  I said that I thought Mother Nature was trying to tell him to get the snowblower anyway.  He laughed.  My grandpuppy, Buster is loving the snow.  They had to shovel a path front the back door to the yard so he could go out.  He loves it!  They sent us a video of him jumping, running and having a great time in the snow.  I am happy someone likes it.

Buster enjoying the snow in Reno

 

Health issues are plaguing B and I.  I had a bone density scan last week and they found osteoporosis in both hips and my spine-more pills for that.  B has to have his other eye cataract surgery done this spring and then it is my turn to get mine done.  It is hell to get old (as my fil used to always say).

We got our taxes done and were happy to get a refund, which has already come in.  We didn't get anything from the state of Michigan but then again we didn't have to pay either which is just fine.

With so many changes going on with Medicare, BXBS and Tricare, we have been having problems getting our medications.  So we have decided to just go thru our local pharmacy.  The costs are not bad (knock on wood) and we are able to get the medications and refills in a timely manner.

I am so looking forward to Spring.  I am jealous of those of you who can open your windows, have blooming flowers and can sit outside.  Hopefully, I will have that soon.
 

Al waiting for spring and the birds and squirrels at the feeders here at home