I haven’t been sleeping well. Because I love to read in bed (or watch TV) I got in the habbit of going to bed early (about 8pm). I hope to fall asleep before about 11. But lately I find I twist and turn until 1am or even later. I need to change the pattern.

I used to think reading helped get me relax, but recently I’ve been considering reading a problem. A lot of my books are exciting and I find I don’t want to leave the tale.

Another problem is when I must get up early. Every eight days I work at the Squad, also when I have meetings or my bi-weekly cleaning lady comes, I must set an early alarm. Those frequent times are enough that I can’t create a regular pattern. Last night I was in bed about 9:30 but I only got a little over four hours of sleep before I had to wake up for Cathy, my cleaning lady.

TV sometimes helps. The one TV program I like to watch, Naked and Afraid, sometimes lulls me to sleep. I have seen most of the episodes, so when I get sleepy, I just shut it off or fall asleep while it’s on.

Our country responded beautifully to the health crisis we were faced with. Most folks adhered to the CDC instructions. Other countries are still in the midst of a lot of deaths. Our vaccinations made the difference. Most knowledgeable folks got their shots. I’ve now had two innoculations and two boosters. And I will go for more when it’s suggested. If 100% of the folks listened, we’d be even safer.

Four years ago today, John and I were on a train heading back to Michigan from Florida. It was really hard on John. The train took us as far as Flint. They had a horrid job getting John off the train because he couldn’t walk and the aisle was too narrow to have a guy on each side of him. No skinny wheel chair was available. When he finally got off and we were in the limo to take us the last lap home, I could tell he was failing fast! I suggested that we take him to the hospital, but he wanted to be home (he knew the end as very close).

When we got home he could still speak (and he gave me the door code to get the garage door to go up). The limo driver and the nurse (an RN) who’d taveled with us walked him from the car. He collapsed in the garage. I put my arms around him and helped lower him to the garage floor. The nurse had started CPR immediately. Very soon the ambulance crew arrived and all worked to resuscitate him but he was never conscious. I think he died when he collapsed.

He was declared dead at 12:30 a.m. on May 12th. That’s what the death certificate says. I am certain that he died on the 11th. Today is May 11th.

I’m finding it more and more difficult to do what’s necessary here in Kings Point. Maybe I should consider an assisted living place, or maybe I should hire someone to come in a couple days a week to do the stuff I can’t do. I hate doing laundry (carrying the basket to the garage.) I need to sweep the lanai and get my grill working. These are easy jobs but becoming difficult for me.

I’m going to watch for someone who would help.

I remember the helper I hired in Michigan (Becca) who worked hard and made packing so much easier. Someone like her would sure be awesome.

I am out of umph!! I really don’t care if I go anywhere or do anything. I love staying home with Sophie.

Example: Tuesday there’s a senior dance. I don’t really want to go. Saturday is the Kentucky Derby party and that’s enough. Even if Ken goes, I doubt that I’ll have a “good time.”

I’d rather try the Karaoke again rather than the dance. Even though I can’t say I had a good time last week when I went to Karaoke, I think there’s a better chance for fun. Or Euchre in Kings Point. I had fun going to Euchre and I’d probably enjoy it again if I went.

I don’t want to depend on the Senior Dances because they’ve been discouraging.

When we get a thunder storm in Florida, it’s not like a Michigan rain. It’ll come down by the bucket full.

Right now is one of those times. I’d planned to play bingo tonight at 5:00 but the storm changed my mind. It might rain until 8:00 or 9:00 according to the forecast and I don’t feel like venturing out in it. I have ample food to eat so I’m all set. I will watch the rain come down while staying warm and comfy. Sophie likes me being here. And I like spending time with her.

If I really feel like bingo, there’s a game tomorrow night.

The upcoming Michigan Club Kentucky Derby Party may not have all the previous features. There just aren’t enough volunteers so we may not be able to bet on the horses.

It seems that during the pandemic, we all got used to staying inside, away from other folks. Before Covid, volunteering had been fun and social, but now you can’t get anyone to offer their time.

I had problems getting workers for the pizza party. The Kentucky Derby Party has had an even rougher time.

It’s like we’re all happy doing our own thing. We don’t need to mix and mingle.

I know I feel that way. Right now I’m vowing to give up my officer’s position for the Michigan Club. I don’t want to be involved any longer. I’m tired!!!!

This morning I saw a bug on the kitchen floor. He was about dead but not quite so I quickly got down on my butt to get him. Problem occurred when I wanted to get up. No matter how I positioned myself, I couldn’t push myself up. I worked on it for quite a while before I finally managed. My right wrist (the one I broke and had two surgeries) just isn’t much good in situations like that.

I know the time is coming that I won’t be successful. I need to be careful about putting myself in that position. If I can grab something to help elevate myself, I’m usually ok, but this morning I didn’t have anything around that I could use to push or pull myself up.

I heard about a lady who fell and broke her shoulder. She was on the floor for several days. I could always yell out to Alexa to call someone, but it would take an extreme situation for me to do that. I’m too proud.

By accepting the presidency of Nantucket V, I’ve become more active. (Which is good.) I should leave the house more and I don’t need to waste time watching game shows. (Although I can think of worse things to do.)

I am behind with my housework but I still have time to get everything arranged. I vow that I will get my place organized. Kelly should never inherit a mess.

So I’ll work to fix things. I especially need to finish arranging my closets and the storage area.

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Tuesday:

I’m determindly working on the closet. I still need to find places to hide extras.

We have spent the past two plus years with Covid-10.

Our lives have been involved with masks, and other protective directives. Now most have passed and we’re back to the “good life.”