Making spirits bright

Posted on December 22, 2023 | 5 comments

Again, up with a 6 a.m. alarm on Friday morning. The dentist office called yesterday to say that my crown was there and if I could come on Friday at 8:30, they could put it in, before Christmas. Sure.

Remember, this is the crown pretty much designed by the dentist’s retired dad. He wasn’t there to put it in, but his son, my dentist, said he would fill him in at dinner tonight. His dad had asked about me. It appears his dad and I have forged a mutual admiration society. I was totally impressed with his knowledge and use of all the technology in the office. Dentistry has sure changed over the decades that I’ve been having work done.

After cheerful salutations and good wishes, I was off to my next stop–the dry cleaners. I had dropped off a red silk blouse there last week and was now dropping off the guest room bedspread. My problem was that I didn’t have the receipt for the blouse as it is in my car, my car which is at the repair shop until after Christmas.

The dry cleaner is such a sweetie. He knows me and always has the tag for my incoming order filled out before I’m hardly in the door, and if I’m picking up, the article is usually waiting for me if he sees me coming across the parking lot. He also had a lint roller for me as a Christmas bonus. Merry Christmas.

Across the parking lot to the library to pick up books on hold as well as shop the shelves of new releases. I found a new book that I had not heard of so took it along with my two holds. I can self-check the books but did stop at the desk before leaving to wish the staff Merry Christmas. More good cheer and good wishes from this wonderful staff of librarians who have maintained their cheerful spirits through two years of pandemic and then two years of remodeling.

On to the credit union, arriving just five minutes before their late opening on Fridays. The line outside was short and we all agreed it wouldn’t be like this next Friday–last banking day of 2023, the Friday before a 3-day closure, and payday. Once the doors opened, my wait was very short and the teller gave me a candy cane along with my money and her good wishes for the holidays.

Every where I went on the Friday before Christmas I found cheerful people, doing good work, enjoying themselves, and wishing us all a Merry Christmas. May your excursions be likewise.

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A second breakfast?

Posted on December 19, 2023 | 3 comments

We were up with an alarm at 6 a.m. on Tuesday morning, a time that I don’t like on a cold, rainy December morning. My car had to go to the mechanic’s at 7:30. Well, close to 7:30. Not having to get to a place of employment, I don’t get the car in as early as I once did.

So, why is the Subaru back at the shop? I hear a squeaky whirring sound when I back it out of the garage. Since I don’t do a lot of backing beyond that garage departure every day, I don’t think too much about it, but I figured it needed to be looked at. Terry could hear it from the back door as I left last week. “Call Snapps, get an appointment. Get it checked out.”

Not much time for a leisurely breakfast. Terry made coffee after we fed the cats (one of the main reasons we get up at 6, but today they weren’t even too excited about an early feeding time) and I made a quick breakfast for me–half a bagel and a mocha. It’s Tuesday so it’s leftover pancakes for Terry.

Brushed my teeth and got dressed. No makeup but I did comb my hair. I’m sure the mechanic’s shop personnel must think me some crazed woman who hears things no one else can so I try to present a less-crazed appearance when I go in. Backing out the garage at 7:45, and guess what? I don’t hear the squeaky whirring sound.

Terry picked me up and we did our semi-weekly shopping at Target on the way home. I usually don’t like to be at Target so early because they don’t have cashiers until 10, but this week they have HOLIDAY hours, opening at 7 a.m, closing at midnight. Stocking is going at a mad pace AND there was a cashier on line, just waiting for us when we rolled our heavily-laden cart (which had no squeaks) into her lane.

Back home, bags unloaded, I decided it was time for another breakfast. Do you ever do that? Have a second breakfast? I made another mocha as there is plenty of coffee in the carafe. Toasted a wonderful piece of ciabatta (if you follow me on Facebook, then you’ve been privy to that amazing ciabatta from Whole Foods), and enjoyed a quiet time since Terry was in another part of the house and the cats had all gone back to bed on this rainy morning.

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The season continues

Posted on December 18, 2023 | 2 comments

Sunday was a most wonderful day…

Terry and I, as on most Sundays, spent the morning at church, and if you are on my Facebook feed then you saw some pictures of the lovely worship we enjoyed.

The sanctuary is beautifully and lovingly decorated by church members for the season. Because of the very simple design of the building, decorations are kept at a minimum yet still festive for the season. This week saw the addition of poinsettias lining the center aisle and filling in a spot on the altar space.

There wasn’t too much empty space on the altar as there is already the advent candle and Christmas tree and this Sunday there was string quartet there. The quartet played beautiful music throughout the service, joined by the choir and the organist for some pieces. The room filled with holy music that thrilled us all.

Last minute I was asked to greet at the entrance. I love that assignment as it gives me a look into everyone’s face. I can smile, say hello, ask about their week, their family, their health, as I hand them a bulletin. I get to speak to people I might only otherwise smile and wave to across the aisle.

Terry had arrived even earlier than I as he sings in the choir and they were in full form for all the holiday music. Our music director spoke a few weeks ago about how he loves the choir members and their dedication. He talks with other church music leaders, and they are always surprised to learn that for such a small congregation we still have a good sized choir. It does dwindle down on some Sundays due to travel and other obligations that the choir members have. They are all elderly, too, so there is the health issue. One of the oldest choir members has been away since before Thanksgiving, first traveling to New York City and then spending 10 days in a hospital there with double-pneumonia. He’s back in town but not allowed much activity.

The word for this third advent Sunday was joy and that was the lesson I had prepared for the children’s message. Actually, I had prepared it for a Sunday in November and we had no children in the service that day. I tucked it away and let the education chairperson know I was available for a Sunday in December should she need anyone. Yes, could I do December 17? The lesson was prepared so I said yes and yesterday we had nine children in service. It filled us all with joy.

People are always so kind after the service and tell me how much they, even as adults, enjoyed the message. They praise my ability to bring the lesson to life and apply it to life. It’s not me. Oh, yes, I am the instrument God uses, just like the choir and the musicians, but it is God’s word, God’s direction, God’s message for just a time like this.

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The joys of a quiet Saturday morning

Posted on December 16, 2023 | 6 comments

Thank you, dear Readers, who came by and read Friday’s post and then so lovingly left your comments and own feelings about this getting tired, trying to do what we once did, and the artful forms of aging. I appreciate you all.

It is Saturday morning here in Central California. A beautiful morning. Cold but sunny and clear. Temperatures are in the mid-30s. Our heater is set to come on at 4 a.m. now so the house is warm and cozy when we wake. We tried to hang on and stay in bed this morning, but the cats really wanted us up to feed them so we gave in and did so around 6:30. We felt privileged to linger that long. Being so dark in the mornings helps, but the cats eventually know they are hungry.

I did rake leaves Friday afternoon and found the front yard very dry. We’ve not had rain and we are allowed only one day a week to water–Saturdays–so I’m running the sprinklers while writing this.

I had a black kitten on my lap for awhile, snuggling and cuddling and purring. It was very wonderful and makes up for all the work the cats create. Down the hall and around the corner, Terry is in the kitchen making his usual Saturday pancakes. If our granddaughter was visiting, she would share in this culinary treat, but it’s just Terry today. I’m not a pancake eater, but he loves them and makes enough to have a few more on Tuesdays. It’s Tuesdays With Pancakes at our house.

What will I do with the rest of the day? I’m taking it very slow and easy. There are some plans jangling around in my head, and I know I’m not leaving the house. I try to never go out on Saturdays, leaving that day for those who have worked all week and have but a short time to run errands or enjoy a lunch at a restaurant. I always said, while working and running those Saturday errands, that when I retired I would not be in anyone’s way on a weekend when I had the whole week to do my shopping.

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Still more activity as the year wraps up

Posted on December 15, 2023 | 9 comments

Here we are, mid-December, the holiday season in full force. Parties and cards and good food and music everywhere. The last day of school for our local districts. The local colleges have had finals and closed their doors. Our granddaughter has a few more days next week to finish out her first semester of high school. She’s a bit grumbly as her brother, in middle school and in a different district, finishes today.

Had I kept with my original plans, today would be my last day at Columbia, delivering the bears. But a week ago I decided I could not do all that along with other tasks at hand. I’m so glad I listened to that inner-voice and changed the plans, something very hard for me to do. Once I set my schedule, put the dates and times on the calendar, psyche myself up, I always carry through. Well, almost always.

Perhaps I am finally giving in to the “old age” thing, realizing I CANNOT do it all as I did only a few years ago. It’s not just the physical energy, which is a huge piece, but also the emotional energy that it takes to make the connections at the high levels in which I’ve always engaged. I need more downtime between the encounters.

I found myself spending time on Thursday really connecting and talking with people with whom I came in contact as I completed a list of errands. I knew I had TIME and didn’t have to rush to another commitment. Oh, except my last stop of the day, to order our Christmas dinner and pick up lunch for Terry. The cafe owner and I both had expectations on our time. Her to take orders, plan, and prepare food. Me to get lunch to my dear husband who had been at home all morning taking care of household tasks.

Three weeks away from school. There will be activities to fill the days, like going to see our kids, getting my hair done, oh, and maybe raking the leaves that have fallen faster and faster.

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Bear delivery day

Posted on December 13, 2023 | 7 comments

The Wednesday before Winter Break…that must mean The Teddy Bear will be read to the first graders. In years past I would be back on Friday, after lunch, only 90 minutes before the final bell for the year, to give each first grader a stuffed bear. This year I will be handing each first grader their bear as I finish reading the book.

I’m telling you all this, today, before I leave for school, while I am still filled with optimism and energy. It may be awhile before you hear from me again. The rest of the week has lots to do beyond my school obligations. The air here is bad as we’ve not had rain. My throat is scratchy but with a Claritin D I think I can make it.

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This week

Posted on December 12, 2023 | 3 comments

It’s Tuesday and I feel like I’ve done a week’s work already, but it’s all good, wonderful things that I truly love.

Sunday was the second Advent candle to be lit. Terry and I did that. Terry sang in the choir. I did some “business” with that committee I am so reluctantly chairing. Committee members, though, did “seem” to be on the same page, but I fear there is more “commotion” coming. Checks and documents signed. I heaved a big sigh and went home.

Monday started early–5:30 am.–as I had a meeting at 8:30 for the group in which I volunteer as school reader. There were many of us there and so much good cheer and happiness as we are all doing what we love–helping small children. I had to leave early as I had another chore to finish before heading downtown for Ladies Who Lunch.

Because we had chosen an upscale downtown restaurant for our December Ladies Who Lunch, a restaurant that does not take lunch reservations, fills quickly with the Who’s Who in Fresno, and opens at 11, we needed to be there when they open the door to get our table for 10. Yes TEN. I don’t know if we’ve ever had that many for lunch.

Two invitations had been extended to friends of friends (and who had connections to all of us) and they accepted. It was a joyous time. We laughed, shared, commiserated, caught up, and had a delicious lunch at our high end restaurant that gave us impeccable service.

Oh, did I mention, this almost-100 year old establishment is owned by the husband of one of our very dear teacher friends who is not part of the Ladies Who Lunch but knows us all? Her husband came out at the end of our long lunch to see if we were all doing okay and express his wife’s greetings.

I took home half of a New York pastrami sandwich and onion rings for Terry to enjoy for his dinner while I had a bowl of soup. We watched episode one of Season 1 of Annika which Terry had picked up at the library earlier in the day. I was in bed and asleep by 8 pm. It was, indeed, a long and wonderful day.

Click here for a link to our lunch-time photo. There are nine of us in the photo as our non-retired friend hadn’t arrived as she had to teach until after 11:30. We took another picture at the table after she arrived but I’ve not received a copy of it yet.

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That time of the year

Posted on December 9, 2023 | 6 comments

Terry and I are lighting the advent candle at church on Sunday. It’s the beginning of an extremely full week.

Frosty mornings…certainly feels like winter in the San Joaquin Valley. Low 30s in the mornings, mid 50s in the afternoon, even when the sun comes out. No rain, though, in sight.

Because we are allowed to water our yards once a week, on Saturdays, I turned on the front yard sprinklers this morning. Along with doing a few loads of laundry, and a bit of bookkeeping for that committee that I would really like to quit.

I made a decision Friday morning about next week’s schedule. I looked at all I have going on and decided that I just could not do storytelling on Thursday for the second graders. I let those teachers know I would not be there and would read the scheduled book in January when we return from winter break. The first graders will get their story on Wednesday as scheduled, but I will deliver the Teddy bears that day rather than returning on Friday, right before the students leave on winter break, as I have done the previous nine years.

All the other resiliency coaches in the district hand out the bears on the same day as when they read the story, but I was asked, 10 years ago by the teachers, to come right before the students left for winter break to create less chaos. Those teachers are all gone and the current staff is quite happy to have me do it any way I want.

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Question for the audience

Posted on December 7, 2023 | 11 comments

What do you do when people make bad decisions, decisions you recommended against, and then ask you to help bail them out?

My answer to the question is–don’t ask me to fix what I told you wouldn’t work and shouldn’t be done.

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A new crown

Posted on December 5, 2023 | 14 comments

When I was at the dentist office a couple of weeks ago for my six month checkup and cleaning, the dentist found a crack in one of my fillings and felt it was time to do something about it.

Now, I must let you know, my mouth is full of dental work. I have fillings, crowns, root canals, and a bridge. The bulk of the work was done in my 20s and 30s, therefore, it’s been around a long time. Some of it has been replaced, and today, it was time to replace the cracked filling with a crown.

When I arrived at the office I was told that I would be seeing the dentist’s dad, also a dentist, who was in helping out on a really busy day. I was quite agreeable as his son is an excellent dentist with whom I am highly impressed. I figured it ran in the family. I was right.

The senior Dr. Nahigian is probably about my age, and is retired, but keeps his hand in by filling in at his old office and at his son’s practice. He used all sorts of new technology to check my tooth and then prepare it for a crown. His original plan had been to remove the old filling, which was cracked, and replace it, but the tooth didn’t have enough shell left for that, so the crown.

When I commented on how much dental work I have had done, he commented on the high quality of the work and the reason that so little of it has had to be replaced.

“You’ve had some good dentists in your lifetime.”

Yes, I have, and I feel fortunate. I have had good dental insurance, too, to pay for the work.

The equipment that has come along in recent years makes having dental work much less painful or uncomfortable. Dr. Nahigian Sr., asked me a couple of times about stopping to rest before the next step, but I was very comfortable, pain-free, and ready to keep going. At the end, he told me I was a very good patient. I complimented him on his excellent technique and told him I would report my satisfaction to his son.

And, that’s what I did as I left the office. Dr. Nahigian Jr. was at the reception desk so I told him how well his dad had done and how pleased I was to have met him and could see from where he got his skill and intelligence. And good looks!

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