Testing The Waters

Lucerne, CA

Now that I've been widowed for over four years, I've begun pushing myself into doing things outside my comfort zone. Taking short road trips (by myself) is one step.

Lucerne is a(nother) small town I just love. Its not a fancy place, but is a lovely hamlet along the north shore of Clear Lake. I definitely want to explore the area further...

Does Anyone Even Blog Anymore?

Me, just yesterday

Yes, its been awhile. Not much has changed in all this time... still retired, same house. Same, same, same... except...

... and this is where I decided to self edit. I believe I'm ready to begin blogging anew, and this post was just a tad too personal!

Sorry about that!

PJ and the Nativity Scene

We lost the Baby Jesus from our tiny Nativity Scene years ago.

I chose to replace Him with a teensy Santa Claus. I feel it apropos to both my own celebration, and the typical modern American holiday.

Grandson PJ feels that Santa residing in the manger is just not right, so he periodically hides the little bearded elf.

Recent Conversations Overheard At My House...

idea stolen from Sylvana


So, I'm working out on the property and feel the need to call my daughter.
"Hey Smurfette, its mom... did you see that baby deer leg about 50' from your door?"
"Mom, that's not a deer leg, its a goat leg!"
{silence}... "Oh, okay..."


The grandson loves to pop out of nowhere and try to scare me.
"Jesus PJ, don't do that! You'll give grandma a heart attack! What would you do then?"
"I'd get a hammer!"
"Why would you get a hammer?"
"To make sure you're dead!"


PJ is aware his PapaDon was cremated, knows that is my wish too, and claims he wants the same.
"Grandma, you know how I want to be cremated too?"
"Yes???"
"Well I have a question... what kind of cream do they use?"
"Oh honey, they don't use cream. They put you in a box and shove you in an oven."
{unbelieving stare and silence ensues.}
"Its okay honey, they make sure you're dead first."
"Do they use a hammer?"

Dog Tired

Mojo

About a month ago, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. The doctor ordered some lab work, and on May 29 I was also diagnosed with high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.

Although I had no symptoms, this didn't come as a surprise. My Murray family has had the same troubles for over 160 years. Two of my three younger siblings already had all three diseases!

The new medications have truly made me dog tired (for now,) but I'm hearing that things get better.

Diet-wise, the only big change has been that I'm forced to eat more frequently. I'm not a dessert person, thank goodness, so avoiding sugar is no big deal.

I get exercise working out on my property, but have added some fast walking to my daily routine.

I'm reading up on the subject, and trying to familiarize myself with new terms. I'm getting prepared for my next doctor's appointment, where I'll hopefully get myself a prescription for a tester. So, other than being tired, this hasn't yet become a big lifestyle change!

Oh, and the puppy pictured above? He's my grandson's 6th birthday present!

Its been a long time...

debris piles

Fire season is once again looming. I've been lucky enough to have a friend cut down a few trees, limb up others, and attack the underlying brush.

This has left lots of debris piles strewn across my property.

Originally, I was going to use my little wood chipper (barely visible in front of the barn,) but quickly found its just not able to do this much work. (Neither am I.)

The debris pile in the rear of the above photo is about 8' tall, and there are many more piles surrounding the house which are equally as high.

So... I ordered a debris bin, which should be here a week from Monday.

The last time I ordered a bin, was when my husband and I decided to clean out the junk the previous owner had left in and around the barn.

A day or so before retrieval, he decided we should take down the old light fixtures and throw them in too. He cut himself badly doing this, and I had to take him down to the local hospital for stitches. (He ignored my warning to wear gloves.)

After getting home, he ripped off his bandages declaring air was good for the wound. Wrong!

Several days later, he began feeling ill.

A few days later, I had to call 9-1-1.

He died of septic shock.

You can believe I always wear my gloves, as well as safety glasses, when I do anything "handymannish."

Anyway... I'm keeping busy, but wanted to wish a Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there!

Merry Christmas!

me & my brother, a looooooong time ago

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday!