Things are moving along. I can’t complain.

Still concerned about reporting taxes. I called our CPA and she said, “Don’t worry.” She doesn’t realize how little I can provide her this year. Everything is disorganized.

I’m adjusting to my volunteer commitment at the Emergency Squad every eight days. It starts a little early. (I’m there at 7 a.m.) but I’m out at noon.

Sophie’s potty training is showing hope. She does ok when I leave her. She still misses her puppy pad over night with her little logs, but it’s not bad and at least she’s using the pad for her piddle. I’m hoping I can eventually put my two area rugs back down in the great room, and I can unknot the drapes that are floor length. I just don’t want her to ruin something.

I played euchre three times in a week (two times at the Moose and once at KP), but took a break last night. I think I’ll go tomorrow.

Friday Evie and I will go to the race track in Tampa. Should be a fun day.

Today the single group is having a catered dinner and movie at the Kings Point North Clubhouse. Tomorrow my cleaning guy is coming about noon. Tomorrow night, if I’m in the mood, I can go to Bingo. Sunday is our regular breakfast at Fiore’s. Monday I have an appointment to have the pressure checked in my eyes and there’s a sportsman’s club meeting. Wednesday is my Squad day and in the afternoon, the final street party will be held featuring Elvis. Friday Evie is driving us to Tampa Downs for horse racing (and a lovely buffet) with the Sportsman’s Club. When we get back to Kings Point, from 4-6 pm, the community garage sale will be held and Saturday a.m. the sale’s leftovers will be available. Of course, if I feel up to it, Monday and Thursday I can go to the Ruskin Moose for euchre or go to the North Clubhouse on Tuesday to play. (Looking at my schedule, I’ll probably go Tuesday and maybe Thursday.)

I still need to finish my tax information for my CPA and write up a financial summary of the Michigan Club Pizza Party.

I’ve been leaving Sophie more than I should. Her housebreaking is coming long slowly. She uses her puppy pads for her piddles but I do find her poop where it shouldn’t be. She plays hard all day, but likes to be held in the evenings.

After more than 30 years away from the game, I tried the Kings Point Euchre Club last night. There were about 80-90 sharp folks who were friendly, non-judgmental and fun. I’m sure I’ll go back.

The $1 fee was returned to us as prizes and I won one of them.

I ended up splitting the boobie prize for the evening’s lowest total (41) so I won 50 cents. I had lousy cards but that happens.

The one thing I liked was that there were more guys than gals. True, all seemed to be married, but at least I interacted with men!! I’m not looking for a guy, but it was nice to exchange jokes with them, and talk about non-girly topics.

If I like it enough, I can even go to the Moose Club in Ruskin on Monday and/or Thursday afternoons. It costs $2.50. That might work out better because than the Tuesday KP club ends kinda late (after 9 pm). The Moose starts at 1:00 (but it was recommended to arrive about 12:30 and I’d guess I’d be done before 4:00.)

I may have found my niche or at least a place where I fit in solo.

I love dancing, but that takes being part of a couple. Going to Busch Gardens is fun but a long drive. Dinner alone is awkward. Last night’s card game was closeby. (I drove my golf cart). It’s cheap, and mentally challenging.

I really need to brush off the mental cobwebs. With advanced players, it takes moving to a thinking level which I haven’t used for years and years. Hopefully I’m not too old to get it back. We’ll see.

I am lazy and lethargic. I don’t feel ill, but I don’t have much incentive to go out.

Part of the reason is Sophie. She loves to be in my lap. I love it when she curls up with me and sleeps but it’s easy to have the hours pass.

I am having second thoughts about the Emergency Squad and it’s bothering me. I feel more lonely there than I do at home. It’s basically been suggested that I don’t talk about my problems/life. Ok, I’ll try it for another couple of weeks, but unless things change, I think I’ll resign.

The folks at the squad are nice, but it’s apparent that someone has complained that I am “sharing” too much about my “sad” situation and they’d prefer that the “customers” not hear about our problems. I can understand their reasoning, but I need more support. I don’t feel that sad, but I do feel that lonely.

I guess I felt that at least some folks who are in the same situation would appreciate knowing that others who are in same boat would like to be friends. That’s what I need… friends. Where do I find them?

I’ll see how my association with the Squad works out, but I need something else.

After spending more than I should have to buy my tiny dog, admittedly I had second thoughts. Why did I get her? Why had I tied myself down?

My house isn’t nearly as attractive. My white floor-length drapes are looped up so Sophie can’t play with them, my pretty rugs (white long pile and hand-woven wool) have been rolled up and stored away so she won’t potty on them, and I keep several doors closed or blocked so her accidents are limited to the tile in the great room and kitchen.

But gradually she seems to be catching on. Most mornings her doggy droppings are on her puppy pads. She still has accidents but she’s beginning to understand what is expected. Eventually I hope I can put the rugs back and let the drapes go back to the floor.

We’re establishing a routine. When she gets up at about 8:00 she wants to play. I feed her and then she romps and runs around and around until she’s worn out. She then comes to me and begs to be lifted onto my lap where she curls up and sleeps for at least an hour. I don’t mind being tied down while she’s resting. We do the same thing late in the afternoon after dinner. She snoozes on my lap until it’s time for bed. Yup, I’m raising a lazy lap dog but that’s what I want.

What about my “Why did I get her?” question. No longer can I imagine my life without her. I’m so glad she’s mine. She showers me with love and affection. We’re a good pair and she’s excellent company.