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It was cold today. It hovered around 20 degrees all day and there was a cold wind out of the northwest. Danny doesn’t seem to mind. He fur is thick and warm. Once in a while, he shakes it to fluff it up against the cold. I don’t put his coat on unless it gets down to about 15 or if it is raining or snowing. I put it on to keep him dry.
I talked to my aunt today. My cousin was visiting her from upstate NY. She is a teacher and will be layed off in June. She worked hard to get her teaching degree and her master’s degree. She loves teaching and this is very upsetting to her. She feels as I do that the economy will get worse before it gets better. The great depression lasted over 10 years. We may be in for the long haul. The stimulus package is an enormous spending package for entitlements and nothing to stimulate jobs or spending to get the economy going.
I didn’t do much today. I did some laundry and looked some stuff up about Medicare. It’s all so complicated. I have no clue as to what to do.
I watched my movie tonight. It was Spiderman 3. I didn’t get to see it in the theatre. It’s one Ted and I would have gone to together. I think of him all the time. Sometimes it doesn’t seem possible that this all happened.
News from the Vorlon Wife.
Never a dull moment in the Vorlon neighborhood. I heard someone outside my sunporch window call for someone to help her. I look out the window and there was a lady and a bunch of neighborhood children. I went out the door and there was a van with the door open right in front of my walkway. There was no one in it. I looked around the corner and saw the lady going down the street across the way. She was still calling for someone to help her and she was surrounded by the neighbors across the way and the neighborhood children. I started to return to my house when the police arrived in back of the van. They asked if it were mine. I said “No.” and told them the lady was calling for help and went around the corner. I pointed where she went. Two more police cars pulled up. One on my street and one around the corner.
I saw a young man from down the street walk over and look and then one of the children ran over to him so I called to him and asked what was going on. He said the lady told the police her husband had a hammer and said he was going to kill her. Just then, the couple walked arm in arm back to their car. The young man and I looked at each other in wonder and he indicated he couldn’t believe it. We both kind of laughed and went into our houses.
I hope the lady is all right and the man didn’t smooth things over for the police. They were an older couple. One never knows.
The holly berries brighten a winter day. This photo was taken by Ted in January 2005.
I went out to do some errands this morning and took Danny with me. We stopped at the Vets to get his flea medicine and then at the library to return my DVD. I got two more for the weekend.
Walking Danny was tricky today. A lot of neighbors did not clear their sidewalks and they were ice covered. My side of the street was not too bad as it gets the sun and most was melted. The other side however was a mess as it has a northern exposure. I’m glad I shoveled a path out of my back door and the garage.
I wasn’t hungry so I had some soup for dinner. I must have tired myself out because I fell asleep on the sofa and didn’t go to do my walking or to Bible Study. I was dressed to go but just didn’t feel like going out.
I took Danny out in the back yard. He likes eating the snow. At least I hope that’s what he’s eating. He ate his dinner and went to bed. I’m ready to join him.
News from the Vorlon Wife.
I awoke to two inches of snow and started shoveling a path out of the driveway and just enough outside to the garage to get the car out. It is on the north side so must be dealt with or if it freezes it will be icy until who knows when.
I had a busy day but not much got done on the home front. I went to the chiropractor in the morning. My back is feeling much better. I went to the bank upon leaving the chiropractors. I change my clothes and got ready for the Business Networking Group. I walked Danny before I went.
I substituted for a lady from Comcast. I had to present and ad for her. After the luncheon meeting, I stopped at the shopping center in Millville. I have a gift card for Kohl’s but didn’t see anything I wanted. I looked in a couple other stores but didn’t see anything there either. On to PetSmart. I got some Teenie Greenies for Danny and some doggy jerky made of lamb. He likes the greenies but I haven’t tried the jerky yet. Both are flexible and chewy. He doesn’t like anything hard.
Danny was waiting to be walked when I got home. I gobbled down a quick dinner and went to the school for my laps around the building. My friends weren’t there tonight and I walked with a lady named Janice. We walked at the same pace. It was her first night. She was very nice and I enjoyed walking with her.
Danny, of course was waiting when I go home but I waited before taking him out. I take him at 8:00 and then he is good for the night. He goes up to bed after he comes in.
I’ll read some more of my book then turn in myself.
News from the Vorlon Wife.
I didn’t do much today besides walking Danny. Each time I took him out, I had to wash his feet. It had snowed and salt was on the road along with dirty black water. He also got snow packed up into his paws and I had to brush it out.
I did send off a resume but I’m not sure I really want the job. We’ll see if they want to talk to me and then take it from there.
News from the Vorlon Wife.
I woke up at 4:30 and went back to sleep. I awoke again at 6:15, thought about getting up and by the time I got up it was 7:45. I must have fallen back to sleep but it seemed like I just closed my eyes for a couple minutes. I guess I needed the rest.
I fixed a white wire shelf in the basement storage room that had a broken plastic clip that fastened it to the wall. I replaced the clip and gave a good whack to get it in place and not only did the replacement clip break but so did the one on the other side. The plastic disintegrates over the years and the clips break. I have a bag of clips but some are as old as the original. Others are almost as old. I went through the bag breaking off the brittle clips until I found two that were not brittle. I also placed the end of the shelf on a supporting board that was already on the wall at the proper height. While I had things moved out of the way, I donned my dust mask and swept up the dust, old disintegrated dried flowers, and old foam packing peanuts that were all over the floor. I stacked the boxes in the room neatly and threw out things that were old and of no use. I found several items for a yard sale and put them aside.
After I walked Danny and had my lunch, I rested for the balance of the afternoon. I walked Danny again at 4:00 pm, had dinner and met my friends at the school for our walk.
News from the Vorlon Wife.
We had a missionary at church this morning. She used to go to the church that Ted and I went to before going to the Baptist Church. She had been away in India doing her missionary work and did not know Ted had passed away. She was shocked to learn about Ted. Ted and I had supported her in her mission work when we were at the church. She is with another church now, too.
Only two of us went out to lunch today. There were supposed to be three but Joan B. doesn’t drive. I had to get home to let Danny out before meeting them at the restaurant so I told her to catch a ride with Joan H. Joan H. looked around the church for Joan B. and didn’t see her so she thought she had gone with me. When I got to the restaurant, Joan H. was there without Joan B. Joan H. went back to the church for her but someone else had taken her home. Sometimes things get mixed up.
News from the Vorlon Wife.
Today, I got out the bow saw and cut down a shrub that is overgrown and in the way of an emerald green abvoritae. I cut back my butterfly bush while I was at it. I put the trimmings out at the curb by the middle tree but the wind blew them closer to the driveway. I’ll have to weight them down with some branches that fell in the back yard.
I made some chili today. I used ground turkey. Although I like ground turkey for meat loaf, the chili is just not the same. It’s is better than Bush’s chili that I tried a couple weeks ago. Yuk!
I watched my movie tonight. It was the Brother’s Grimm. I also watched Rainman on PBS. They are the only channel I can get that shows movies without commercials. They took the other two away. Someone told me I‘d get them back when they switch over to digital. I hope so.
I started reading another of my books that I got at the Library sale. James A. Michener’s Chesapeake. I am on the first chapter and I am enjoying it. Now to get back to it.
News from the Vorlon Wife.
It was nice day weather wise. It probably reached 40 degrees. I have been bummed out though. Last night, at Bible Study, I heard the people talking about someone who had died and was so young. The I heard them talking about the young man’s father and the description sounded like someone I know. I asked who they were talking about and it was the person I knew from Nature Club. His son was 20 years old and crashed into a tree with his car. There were no witnesses so they don’t know what happened to him.
I walked down the street to the funeral home to see the family. It was heart breaking. The boy’s mother told me he didn’t want to go with the family to Wal-Mart but instead wanted to visit his girlfriend. It was his first girlfriend and he was happy to go to see her. It’s so hard when you don’t know the how or why.
I was greeted at the door by the Funeral Home owner and his son. I have known both of them since coming to Vineland. They said, “I bet you walked.” They know I do a lot of walking. They used to see Ted and I jogging. Now I walk with Danny.
I am going to Nature Club tonight. I really do not like going out at night anymore. I like when I get there but I don’t like getting home late and then being keyed up and unable to go to sleep.
I’d better get ready to go.
News from the Vorlon Wife.
African Violet taken by Ted 12/25/2004
The violet was part of a planter given to me by my good friend Dottie when my mother passed away. The plants in the planter have long gone but I have some new violets blooming on my sunprorch. Nothing is blooming outside. The ground is frozen. In 1991, I did have a crocus bloom on January 21. Looks like they will be late this year. Although it has warmed up a little, another cold snap is on the way.
Bible Study lasted longer than I had anticipated. When I go out at night, it takes awhile for me to get sleepy. I feel wide-awake and it’s almost 11 o’clock.
I got the fish tank cleaned today and also fixed the bubble tube. It was clogged with algae.
I went to the school to walk before going to Bible Study. I walked 12 laps or 1.87 miles. I walked slower tonight and less mileage. I had already put in a few miles with Danny.
News from the Vorlon Wife.
I must have tired myself out eating. I went to the Red Hat Luncheon today. It was at a Chinese Buffet. I filled my plate up twice and then went back for a couple cookies and a big bowl of soft serve ice cream.
I have felt tired ever since and am still full. I had a glass of water for dinner. I didn’t go for my walk at the school because I felt too tired.
I went to the Chiropractor this morning and my back is feeling a lot better. I still have some soreness but there is much improvement.
I will go to bed early and hope I feel refreshed in the morning. Maybe it was the late night last night. After I go home from Toastmaster’s, I read until almost midnight. That is probably why I am so tired.
News from the Vorlon Wife.
I crossed a few more items off my list. I have three items left; Groom the dog, clean the fish tank and clean the air cleaner. I also need to make a new list and pile more items on it.
I was cleaning the storage area in the basement where I store my Christmas decorations. I thought I’d stack them neatly and have more room. I was wrong. I can’t believe I have so much in Christmas Décor.
I have on an old pair of khaki’s and a sweatshirt. I decided to take Danny for a quick walk at lunchtime and did not bother to put on warmer clothes. I make a quick walk up the block and on the way back, I got stopped by my neighbor who likes to talk for long periods of time. She saw the sign was gone off my house and she was so happy. She thought it was sold. The sign was taken away by some kids and thrown on the pile of branches waiting for the city to take them away. Anyway, Danny and I almost froze to death while she talked on and on. I was chilled to the bone and Danny snuggled under my throw blanket for the rest of the afternoon. I warmed up after a nice hot bath.
I went to the Toastmaster’s meeting. We had a small turn out. The meeting was switched to Tuesday instead of Wednesday so some of the members had other meetings tonight. Our regular meeting place in Ocean City has been closed since December. It’s supposed to open in February. We enjoyed the meeting in spite of the small turn out.
News from the Vorlon Wife.
I awoke to snow on the grass and shrubs but not on the roads. The opposite of the other morning. It seems the city must have salted in the early hours before dawn. Maybe they had a new salt truck. The salt was spread all over the roads, and the sidewalks. I had to wash Danny’s feet after his walks.
I did some work with the computer today. I down loaded my Turbo Tax program and updated my EZ pass.
I don’t have much else to report.
News from the Vorlon Wife.
Well, it’s snowing. We had a light dusting this morning; it was on the streets and sidewalks but not on the trees and bushes. It melted my noon. When I took Danny out this evening, it was snowing and now it is on the grass and bushes as well as the streets and sidewalks. I didn’t know we were to get more snow. I thought this morning was the end of it.
I had lunch with my friends from church. I had the Lasagna. It was good and I brought some home for tomorrow’s lunch or dinner.
I saw a little mole or vole in the yard yesterday. I scared it as I was walking in from the garage. It’s a good thing Danny wasn’t with me; he would have made a dinner of it. It was black and had a short little tail. It was a little larger than a mouse. I don’t know what it was doing out in the open in the cold. It was only about 8 degrees at the time. I had never seen one in the yard before and I lived here 27 years.
Sometimes we get some interesting creatures here.
News from the Vorlon Wife.
It was four degrees when I took Danny out this morning. Somehow, it felt warmer than yesterday did at twelve. There was no wind. It makes a big difference. He didn’t like me putting on his coat. He tried to get away from it. I put it on him anyway. He stuck his nose in the door around 9:30 so I put him on the back porch on his lead. He likes to sit out there and watch everything. I was working in the kitchen so I could keep on eye on him. He didn’t scratch at the door but I brought him back in, as I didn’t put his coat on. He wanted to go out on the porch a few times today.
I took the movies back and got another on. Last night, I watched “Murder on the Orient Express” and fell asleep at the end. It seemed like everyone on the train was the murderer but I didn’t find out if they all did it or if it got down to one. I didn’t know how to go to the end of the DVD so I took it back today, as it was due. I got “Whale Rider” to watch tonight. I remembered it had a good review and it was good.
I made a To Do List and crossed a couple things off. I took the plastic wood and filled in the frame where the contractor had put the brace. I also sewed my new gloves. Yesterday, when I took them off, the little finger had a whole in it. It looked like the stitching had come undone. I hate having to repair brand new clothing items. I got them for myself as a Christmas present. What a bummer. They are Totes Brand. They should not have come apart like that. I have gloves that are ten years old that I have sewn a few times. They are nice warm gloves but are on their last legs.
I am reading one of the books I got from the library sale. It’s the Rockford Files. Every time I pick it up, I hear the theme music playing in my head. It’s time to get back to it.
News from the Vorlon Wife.
This large fungi is growing in the west yard. A black beech tree was taken down several years ago and the roots are still remaining. This is an interesting fungi. Ted always liked to take photos of nature's wonders.
It was cold today but tomorrow and Saturday will be worse. It is 17 degrees now and it’s supposed to go down to 7 the last I heard. Danny doesn’t mind the cold. I let his fur grow long and he just loves being outside. He dog friend down the street is a Siberian Husky named Frosty. Frosty is all white with blue eyes. He just loves this weather. He wants to play with Danny when we walk by but Danny doesn’t like him. Danny is getting better. He sniffs Frosty a few seconds before he growls and barks at him. He used to go straight to growl and bark.
I tried to balance my checkbook today but am off a few dollars. I need to go over it some more to find the mistake. The bank has more money than I do so that’s good.
I didn’t go to Bible Study tonight because my back has bothered me all day. The Doctor is back from his vacation tomorrow. I hope he can fit me in.
News from the Vorlon Wife.
I went to the Business Networking meeting today. I filled in for Melissa, my real estate lady. Her son was sick. She also works for the local weekly newspaper. I did a little 30 ad for her at the meeting about the newspaper.
I didn't go to the school for my walk because my back is bothering me. My chiroprator is on vacation so I'll have to wait until Friday to see whats going on. Sometimes my back bothers me when it's time to get a new matress. The matress is not that old but who knows. They don't make them very well. I don't think Ted and I were ever satisfies with how long or should I say short our matresses lasted.
News from the Vorlon Wife.
I didn’t do much today. I took down some more decorations and it looks so dreary. I called my friend and she is having more problems than I am. She is on a fixed income and her 401K is down the tubes. Her daughter is having problems and her sister recently became a widow. Everyone is worried about the future. Rich and poor are losing their savings.
A man on Fox News this morning lost 5 million dollars to that investment crook. He said he is more fortunate than others are because he still has most of his assets. He is not happy the guy is out on bail and spending the money that was stolen. The money is also being used to pay the lawyers. He hope he goes to jail for a long time.
I talked to Alex next door at lunchtime. We had a few laughs in spite of the downturn in the neighborhood. His neighbor on the other side had his sale sign stolen, too. Only his totally disappeared. I haven’t seen it in my travels with Danny. It was a much sturdier sign than mine was. It had a wooden post. They must have worked hard to get that out.
Well, lets hope tomorrow is brighter.
News from the Vorlon Wife.
I took the wreaths off the windows and doors this morning. I put my Christmas Village in their boxes along with the model train. I still have the tree to do. I will put the Christmas decorations in the storage bin and clean out the storage closet in the basement.
I went to do my walking at the school. I did 16 laps, which equals 2.52 miles. I went at a fast pace until my ankle started to bother me so I slowed down. I had been passing every body and when I slowed down, the caught up and passed me.
My friends were not there. I walked by myself.
It’s going to be cold the remained or the week. It is 25 degrees now but by Saturday, it will be 12. The forecast keeps getting warmer. This morning had a low of 7 for Saturday but tonight it was up to 12. We shall see.
News from the Vorlon Wife.
I had lunch with my friends from church. I had the French Toast. It was the first time I had lunch and was not overstuffed. Usually, I am not hungry for dinner but today, I had my lamb stew. I woke Danny up and now he is here to sit on my lap. He is still rather sleepy. I’d better get him back into bed. I watched Masterpiece and it was two hours long. Last week it was either one hour or I turned it off half way through.
News from the Vorlon Wife.
There's not much to report on today. I went to the Acme to get some milk and a couple other things. I went to the library to take back my movies and get some new ones. There's not much worthwhile on TV and I hate the commercial interruptions.
Terri called this morning to go to a Zumba dance class but I was headachy and didn't feel like doing any fast paced movements. Maybe I'll go next Sat. We'll see.
I had wanted to go to see the Model Railroad Open House but I just hate going by myself. Ted and I went years ago when the exhibit was over near Atlantic City. The place they were renting was sold and they had to move. It took a couple years to get the layouts set up again. They only have the open house on weekends in Dec. and Jan. Tomorrow is the last day. I'll see how I feel then.
News from the Vorlon Wife.
I didn’t do much today. I went to the chiropractor. My back has been sore and needed another treatment. It feels better. I hope it stays that way.
I watched the second movie I got from the Library. They have to go back tomorrow. I feel asleep through most of it until Danny woke me up grrring at me. He wanted to jump up with me. He talks to me in woofs, grrrs, whines, and groans. I have no idea what he wants. I have to guess whether he’s hungry, needs to go out, wants to play, or just wants attention.
I watched the final episode of Stargate and now I’ll do some reading.
News from the Vorlon Wife.
No, they are not up yet. Ted took this in February, 2005.
Right now, the leaves are out of the ground so it won't be long.
I'm rather tired today. I didn't sleep well last night and woke up with a slight headache. I'm just going to go right to bed.
I went walking again tonight at the school. My friend Terri wasn’t there but her friend Mary Beth was. I walked with her. I did 16 laps which was equal to 2.25 miles. It took about 45 minutes.
I went to the administration building to fill out an application for substitute secretarial work. After completing the application, I was given some paper work to have my fingerprints taken. The cost for this will be over $70.00 that goes to the state and another $7.50 fee for the firm doing the fingerprinting. This is done before you know whether you will get the job. I felt rather discouraged. I don’t have that kind of money to waste.
The company web page is back up. It too had been lost during the migration.
News from the Vorlon Wife.
The blog is back up. I made a couple entries in Word which I will post but felt discouraged when I couldn't get my blog or email going. It is my link to the outside world. I felt so isolated. I got all ready to go to Toastmaster's tonight but it is raining and 33 degrees. The temp. will fall shortly and the roads glaze over so I have decided not to go. I am turning into a wimp. Ted would always go. Nothing stopped him. He always had a positive attitude and just went forward. I have become more cautious. If I ran into a problem, I would be on my own. Who would I call? Who could help me? The road to Toastmaster's is dark and lonely. It is 2 hours from my brothers. I can of course call on friends but it's not the same as having Ted with me.
The washer was delivered today. I have done 3 loads so far and another one to go. The wash piled up waiting for the new washer to be delivered.
I got some sad news today. One of my friends is getting a divorce. They had problems in the past but I thought they had gotten through them. One never knows when life will throw you a curve shattering all your hopes, dreams and plans.
I met with my friend Terri on Saturday. She invited me to walk with her last night. It turns out that there is a walking program for ladies at one of the middle schools. We walk the halls of the school. They have a chart to calculate the mileage with the number of laps you do. I did 14 laps so it was 2.2 miles. I walked with Terri and her friend. They walk 3 times a week at 6pm. The best part is that it's free. There was a big turnout last night. Everyone wanting to get in shape as part of their New Year's Resolution.
January 1, 2009
It was a quiet day today. When I walked Danny, not a creature was stirring. People were inside perhaps watching football and the parades. I made a To Do List and got some things done. Still more to do. There always is.
I made some rice and heated up some Bush’s Chili. It was yuk. I like the concoction I made with the Salsa much better. It will be the way to go next time. I like chili on a cold day.
My washing machine is about finished. It was not agitating properly. I’ll go to the Appliance Dealer and find out what they want for a used washer. Sears has a nice Kenmore for $375 so I’ll compare the used one with it.
June and I might go to a movie tomorrow. It depends on how early I get started and how it goes with getting the washer.
January 2, 2009
I’m having technical difficulties last night and today. My web site is being upgraded so not I or anyone else can access it. I am also having problems with Outlook. I was on the phone with Comcast this morning. I can use my email through Comcast but not tedkarol.com
I went to the appliance store to look at and price the used washing machines. They had 2 GE and 2 Whirlpool for between $145 and $200. They were older and not large enough for king size sheets. I took a look at their new washers and found a Whirlpool for the same price as Sears Kenmore. I decided to get it. It will be delivered Tuesday and they will take the old one away. I thought I’d do business with a local businessperson rather than a large chain store. I like the service the appliance store gives as we have used them over the past 20 years and they have been reliable.
My friend Terri called this morning. I’ll be having lunch with her tomorrow at Larry’s. I called June and canceled the movies for today as it was snowing and the weather channel predicted an ice storm. It didn’t amount to much but Danny didn’t like the snow when I took him out. He never seemed to mind it before. He kept tugging to get back to the house. Maybe the snowflakes were hard and stinging his eyes, I don’t know.
I hope my web site is up tomorrow. I’ll have a lot of entries to catch up on.
News from the Vorlon Wife.