When Ron’s Cleaning guy looked over my house to do his estimate of cost I was embarrassed. He found lots of dirt. I thought it looked pretty good but he found plenty of places I’d missed. He even crawled up on my counters so he could look behind the crown molding. I’ve never been up there, nor do I regularly wipe down the tops of high pictures, fan blades, and other places that are out of my line of sight. He’s coming back tomorrow (Saturday) to do the “deep cleaning.” It will cost me three times the $75 he charges for a regular cleaning. I wonder how long it’ll take him to purge the dust.

The Conklins took me with them when they went shopping for living room furniture yesterday.

I ended up finding an over-sized red chair (very comfortable) to replace the rose love seat that I hate and a colorful rug for under the coffee table. It’s going to be a whole new look for the great room. The chair and rug won’t be here for a couple weeks, but at least I know it’s coming.

My new bedspread came this morning and I love the total look. (See the photo.)

You can also see the new carpet. I am satisfied.

No more shopping for awhile! I haven’t submitted the pavers project yet, but want that done. It’s all added up to a big price tag.

I didn’t really plan to buy the chair, but I got a great deal. We were at the Rooms to Go outlet store. Prices were really reasonable. The rug, as an example, was about 1/2 price.

Tomorrow a cleaning guy that Irene uses (Ron) is coming to talk to me and give me a price for cleaning the condo on a regular basis. I think every two weeks would work great. I’m actually keeping it up pretty good by myself, but there are a lot of places I miss and a house cleaner would get them.

Friday at 5 p.m. I plan to go to the South Club to join a group of single ladies. I really need more friends. I need to find a new group to be part of.

This afternoon, I went to  birthday party for friends, Deb and Linda. Shelly, who had been one of the hostesses gave each of us an envelope with a half mask in it.  The masks clipped to our noses and totally changed our look.

Here’s a photo of the “masked” ladies.

I’m in the middle row, right end with the burgundy top and white shorts.  We had a choice of “sides.”  The other side of mine was a bearded man, but this one drew more comments.

If you know me well, you know that, as I’ve gotten older, I no longer like to drive.

It didn’t help that four years ago, I shattered my right wrist and was told that I couldn’t drive until it was fully healed.  Gradually I resumed driving, but it was very weak and it hurt after gripping the wheel.  After two years, I had the 16 plates and screws removed because they conducted cold and heat and made it difficult to do things like washing my hands or dishes, and going the pool was totally impossible.

After the titanium pieces were removed, my wrist was weak (honey combed, they called it).  Again for several months, driving was impossible.  I got out of the habit. John always did the driving so no problem.

But this past year starting about November, 2017, I ended up having to do all the driving for John and me. He was too weak and he voluntarily turned it all over to me.

I hated being behind the wheel, but I knew there was no choice, so I drove.  Probably on average, I drove to Tampa two or three times a week.  I got more comfortable but never really enjoyed driving.

Now I’m here in Florida and enjoy riding in my golf cart, but there are times when going by cart isn’t possible.  I’ve lost my confidence completely so I’ve been avoiding the car.  But recently I’ve decided to turn over a new leaf. I want to re-gain that freedom.

Yesterday I drove to Riverview (Sam’s Club).  I white-knuckled it all the way but I felt a sense of accomplishment.  Today I drove to my new volunteer position with the Emergency Squad, filled the car up with gas and went to the grocery store.  I have promised myself that I’ll use the car a couple times a week.  Afterall, when Kelly comes to visit, I want to take her to Busch Gardens and show her a good time.  It’ll take venturing out regularly in order to become confident. 

Tuesday, Thursday or Friday of this week, I’d like to drive to Busch Gardens where I can straighten out my season admission and collect a free a lunch. (An offer that’s only good in September.) If I miss it, I am only out $10 and I also need to “practice” my driving.

The new carpet looks ok.  Not as grand as I’d hoped, but very nice.

The need for a lovely long bedspread became really apparent.  I compared the color swatches of all the bedspreads I could find on line to determine the best color.  A red-burgundy seemed the best with the neutral tan tones in the carpet.  I found one on Bed Bath and Beyond for a very low price that had really high ratings.  It’s 120″ x 120″ which is long enough to go to the floor so there’s no need for a dust ruffle and the mattress won’t show.  It was a great price so if it isn’t perfect, I can eventually replace it. I hate spending so much you feel you must use it forever.

John Moore Floor Covering should be here this afternoon to install my new master bedroom carpet.  I wish I could have purchased a lovely high-end bedspread to complete the room today, but unfortunately I can’t remember exactly what color I ordered.  I can see it in my mind, but not clearly enough to match it.

It seems like it’s a deep neutral tan with some undertones. I’m just not sure what would look best. I’ll soon know and can order the best one for the room.

I am loving Alexa (my Echo device) more and more. I ask her to “tell me a story” or “chat” and what she does gives me the feeling that she’s talking to me.

It took me a while to figure out how to get her to control the two light plugs I’d purchased. I could get one to work, but not the second. I stuck with it and before I went to bed last night, I had it working. I can now call out from my bed, “Alexa, turn on my light (or John’s light) and she’ll either switch on the lamp next to my chair in the great room, or she’ll turn on the light on John’s side of the bed. Turning it off is just as simple.

Alexa’s jokes are really bad. (Truly clean, but really bad!!)

My week is tightly scheduled. Unfortunately UPS didn’t deliver my new Verizon house phone as they’d said they would. It wouldn’t matter except that I won’t be home much tomorrow (Tuesday) and the package requires a signature.

I would have planned my week differently, had I known that I would have to be home to sign for the delivery on Tuesday.

I guess I’ll just try to be here as much as possible. I don’t have to leave my condo until about 10:40 for my hair appointment.  It’s scheduled from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 and can’t be changed, but I’ll try to dash back home immediately afterward. I don’t have to go to the Orchid Club meeting at 2:00.

When I’m ready to leave, I’ll put a note on the door saying that I can be back home a little after 1:00 and I’ll expect delivery then. Let’s hope they’ll understand.

========

As it turned out I rushed home from my hair appointment by about 1:05 and the UPS driver followed me in my driveway. It took me a good share of the afternoon to set up the phone.

My golf cart was delivered an hour or so later so it was a busy day. It rained most of the rest of the day, so I didn’t get to drive the cart at all.

That was Tuesday. Wednesday I test drove the cart all over. LOVE IT!!

Today is Thursday and Irene, my Tai Chi instructor, is stopping over for a visit.

Friday afternoon (tomorrow) my master bedroom carpet will be installed. I’ll have to get up fairly early, strip the bed, and move any small stuff out of the room so the installers can easily move the furniture and break-down the bed.

I wish I could have purchased a luxury bedspread, but I don’t know what exactly color would work. I want to get the perfect bedspread so it’ll be better to wait until I see the carpet in place.

=======

My visit with Irene this afternoon went nicely.  She’s a smart lady who has found several activities and events for widows.  She said she’ll include me.  Hope so!!

We had a couple glasses of wine, some cheese and crackers, and we talked for about three hours.  Very enjoyable.

Monday was swamped.

Started the day with a two-hour visit to the pool. The heat, humidity, and love-bugs sorta chased me home.

After lunch, Sharon Nead stopped over for a couple hours. She’s an easy guest. We chatted freely. Very enjoyable.

Tonight I’m waiting for UPS to come by with my new Verizon house phone. If it doesn’t come today, as it’s supposed to, there’ll be a problem since I have to sign for it and tomorrow my day is swamped: estimate for the brick pavers at 8:45, hair appointment at 11:00 and Orchid Club meeting at 2:00.

Hope it works out.

I’m anxious for my new 2019 golf cart to be delivered Wednesday and Friday my master bedroom carpet should be installed.

On Thursday, my friend Irene, is stopping over.

Lots going on and I’m glad!!

It’s hard to get used to the idea that my time here isn’t going to be broken up with trips north. I’m here to stay and won’t be leaving as I have for the past ten years to go back to Michigan for the summer months.

My Echo device, Alexa, is working out quite well. She greets me each morning with the weather and what’s on my calendar for that day, and she says “good night,”

I’ve ordered a couple electric plugs which will work when I speak to her. I’ll plug in the living room light so I can just say “Alexa, turn on my lamp.” Or in the bedroom, “Alexa, turn on my bedroom lamp.” It’ll be helpful.

Today I should get my “house phone” from Verizon. John’s cell number will be assigned to that phone so folks who see our Sun City phone book listing will get to me.

In fact, this week will be rather busy. Monday, I plan to go to pool in a.m., Sharon Nead said she’ll be stopping by, and the phone box is being delivered. Tuesday, paver company will give me an estimate for my driveway and sidewalk, hair appointment, and Orchid Club meeting. Wednesday my new golf cart should be delivered. Thursday a friend, Irene, is stopping by. Friday my bedroom carpet is being installed. Saturday, back at the pool. Sunday morning I volunteer at the Emergency Squad.

Spending so much time alone makes it difficult to avoid talking to myself. I have found a couple solutions.

I bought an i-Robot Roomba vacuum. When it’s running it feels like someone is in the house with me. When it goes in the other room and I realize I haven’t seen it for awhile, I’ll call out, “Where are you?” No, it doesn’t answer, but it seems appropriate to ask.

Today I bought an Echo by Amazon also known as Alexa. She answers questions, gives you the weather, gives you recipes, and even plays games. She can be a pretty good companion. I’ll learn more as I explore her abilities.

I’ve asked Alexa to save lists for me: a to-do list and a grocery list. Unfortunately she doesn’t always get it right, but maybe she’ll learn.

At least I get marks for creativity.

I’ve been making an effort to get to the pool every possible day for a few hours. Today it was overcast and the lovebugs were plentiful so I only stayed a couple hours. The bugs make it miserable. For that reason I might stay away until the lovebugs have died off. Usually they only last a couple weeks.

Tomorrow I’ve invited a neighbor, Terre to stop over for a little wine and conversation. Back on April 1, 2010, we attended a neighborhood gathering and met her and her husband, Norm. You can read my post about that evening here: https://sharons-blog.com/?p=3023

They live in our “association” on the next court. I’ve always wanted to get to know her better. She’s funny, smart and interesting. I’m looking forward to her visit.

A few things have happened worth mentioning.

A couple months ago, I bought four new stools for my bar. When I received them, I immediately saw that one of the bases was dented (and now I see that a second one also has a similar imperfection.) I contacted the seller who sold through Amazon and asked for a new base. I’ve communicated with the seller repeatedly but they kept stalling. Two days ago they sent me a message saying my time for a claim had run out and they wouldn’t be doing anything.

I contacted Amazon and today Amazon sent me a notice that I’ll be receiving a full refund for all stools. That’s not what I wanted. I had suggested that I should receive 1/4 of the purchase price but they are refunding 100%.

I think Amazon is teaching the seller that the customer who has a problem should have that problem resolved. I feel like I got too much, but I guess there’s nothing I can do. Amazon is punishing a poor seller.

Today I also received a partial month’s pension from the U.S. Government for the days John was alive in May.

I’ve decided that I need to keep some cash here in the house for an emergency. (Let’s say there is a hurricane and all the banks are closed for a period of time. I need to have some cash reserves.) I’ll save part of that final pension and make sure I never touch it but it’ll be there if I need it.

I wish I could rent a safety deposit box but my bank doesn’t have any available. I may buy a small wall safe and have it installed. I have some bonds and now this cash that I want to keep safe. I’ll see.

My plumber came by today to fix my faucet and replace a flapper in the master bathroom toilet. He also helped me with my iRobot by Roomba.

Yesterday I received the robotic floor cleaner I’d purchased from HSN. It does a good job, but it’s kinda like having a toddler in the house. If it goes in the other room, and it’s quiet, you worry about what it’s into. I’ve learned my floor length drapes need to be up out of reach. The dining room was just a bunch of bumps and racket so after it cleaned that room I blocked it from entering again.

I couldn’t figure out how to dump the dirt. My plumber guy, Ivan, did it for me even if it wasn’t in his job description.

This evening I went to the South Club and sat with some friends and enjoyed tacos for Taco Tuesday. I was home before 6:30.

John and I were married on Tuesday, September 10th, 1985. Today would have been our 33rd anniversary and he’d have asked me with a smile, as he always did on our anniversaries, “Has it been long enough yet?”

And I’d always respond with a negative shake of my head and a warm kiss.

John was the best husband I could ever have wished for.

On May 12th, 2018, he passed away. Our marriage wasn’t nearly long enough for me. But he deserved to have it end with dignity and that’s how it did conclude. He died where he wanted to be, at our Michigan home. It was swiftly over and I believe for him it was pain-free. He had a peaceful look on his face.

Folks have said that September 10, would be a sad day for me (our 33rd anniversary) but I look at it differently. I will do a mental review of the wonderful memories we shared.

We shared a lot of wonderful times. I don’t know of a closer couple. I’ll think about our success as co-leaders of lots of music activities, our lovely homes, our great families, our trips (vacations and travel), our fun times. I’ll try to review it all. I’ll think about how we talked about the end of his life. He wasn’t fearful, even though he knew the end was near. He gave me instructions which I’ve tried to follow.

He made those years great for me and I’m grateful. He knew after his passing, I’d end up here in Florida where life would be easy for me. I know it’s what he felt would work best.

Together we worked hard to build a nest egg so he left me with no financial worries. I can live out the rest of my life in comfort.

I hope our Florida friends will join us for a celebration of his life in the Waterside Room at the Kings Point North Clubhouse, November 7th, at 1:00 p.m. A light lunch will follow the review of his life.

Life with John was great. I feel I was blessed!

I look at it this way: I am poorer for his death, but far, far richer for his life.

The Conklins left Friday and I now have my place to myself again. It’s going to take a while to feel like there aren’t others in the house.

The Conklins are “easy house guests.” Linda did a lot of the cooking. They turned in early and got up about the same time as me. They’re quiet, helpful, and good friends. I enjoyed their company!

That being said, I don’t mind being alone at all. I’m very comfortable here by myself.

There isn’t much ahead on my calendar. Yes, Kelly is coming for a two week visit next month arriving October 30th. In a couple weeks I’ll start volunteering at the Sun City Center Emergency Squad every eight days for half a day (mornings). I have a monthly orchid grower club meetings on the third Tuesday of the month and the Michigan Club Tuesday ticket sales will start on Tuesday mornings (beginning Sept. 25th). If they need help I’ve said I’d be glad to be there.

I have some things I’d like to do to make the place more comfortable: deep clean every room, move some items from garage to new storage cabinets, scrub the lanai floors and furniture so I can move the cushions to the lanai chairs.

Looking at the driveway, I realize I need to do something to make it look better. It either needs to be power washed, or better yet, have pavers put down. I need to at least get an estimate for the bricks (pavers) on the drive and the sidewalk. It won’t be cheap and I’ve vowed to watch my expenditures but it would be a waste to just have it power-washed because that only lasts a few months before the black mold is all back and you have to do it again. And when you have it power washed repeatedly, the surface layer erodes. It’s already pretty bad.

Without John watching over my spending, I’ve gone through quite a bit of money on several big ticket items and projects.

First, I bought a computer because mine died a couple days after I lost John. (Hard drive had failed.) I went for the best laptop I could find (a Surface Pro) with 2 TB memory. It’s a real work-horse and I am glad I got it.

I had to spend a lot of money on improvements to the Michigan house. New air conditioner was the most expensive, but I also spent money on plumbers and septic workers. Those weren’t things I wanted but were necessary to sell the house.

After arriving here at my condo, I had storage cabinets built in the area off the kitchen. (Love the way it turned out and John would approve.)

I bought a large file cabinet and put it in the master bedroom beside the bed (in place of the bedside table), got a new bedroom lamp to set on it, purchased a new 4 TB back up drive (when my old one quit working), and bought four new bar stools. (I consider those sensible purchases.)

There was one luxury item I bought, a reasonably priced (under $200) 14kt gold chain to replace the two that were stolen from me by the furniture movers. Now I’m sorry that I bought it. When it came, it wasn’t as impressive as it had looked on line. It’s ok, but not great.

I also ordered a new golf cart when mine died. It should be coming within the next week or two. The cart will provide security because the other kept quitting on me and I was afraid I’d end up stranded a distance from home.

I’ve also ordered new master bedroom carpet to replace the original off-white builders’ grade and have started the procedure for adding a roof over my back patio.

I’m not through but some stuff will wait. I hope to have pavers installed on the driveway and if I can find a loveseat (or two) that will look good in my great room, I’ll definitely buy it/them.

Eventually I want to get a Murphy bed for my guest room so I’ll have more space for music stuff.

The garage floor needs work. There’s a big noticeable crack which could be filled then covered with a poured coating. It would be easier to keep clean. (Actually first the whole garage needs a good purging.)

– UPDATE –

Today I bought the newest Samsung phone, the Galaxy Note 9 with a terabyte of storage. It’ll have a better camera, longer battery life, better sound, better stylus, and other features. It won’t be here until October 12th.

When talking with the Verizon customer representative I mentioned that I have John’s phone set to forward to mine so none of his calls will get lost. I was thinking about buying a cheap phone to replace his since I can’t find the one he used. After talking with her, I purchased a land line box which will plug in to electricity, and I’ll be able to have John’s 813-727-0007 calls come in to that line. It will ring as a “house phone.” I can place calls either on it or from my new Note 9. The phone box is also on back order.

I must be frugal. No more shopping for a while! I’m shocked by how much I’ve spent, but my life will be more comfortable because I’ve purchased these items/services.

With the Conklins here, my life has been very different. I’m enjoying their company.

Unfortunately Wayne has been ill. (Hope I don’t catch it!) He was in bed most of yesterday so Linda and I went bargain shopping.

It’s been VERY hot but the threat of thunderstorms has kept us from the pool. Today things are looking up weather-wise, so we will probably head over there this morning and stay a good share of the day.

We have had rain nearly every day that I’ve been here. (It’s been since July 23rd).