When I got up this morning, in addition to making coffee, I went through my usual routine: cleaned up Sophie’s overnight poops, fed Sophie, exchanged soiled puppy pads for clean ones, picked up Sophie’s toys, started a load of laundry (puppy pads) and sat down with my coffee so Sophie could nap on my lap. Yup, Sophie is a little work, but she’s worth it.

When she’s on my lap, we discuss the state of the Union, I explain to her what will be going on today, and I beg her to stop licking me. (Today the house will be sprayed for bugs.)

Without her to motivate me, I bet I’d plunk down and stay put all day.

I’d miss the exciting conversations and the warm feeling of having her lay on me.

It was hot and muggy but I had nothing planned so I intended to get a few things done.

Wayfair had delivered the bedside table to match my dresser and chest but I was hoping Mark could open it and get it in place. Since he’s been ill, I checked on the weight of the stand and figured I could handle 44 pounds. I successfully opened the box and it looked ok. When I got it out of the box I found that the drawer won’t open. Obviously it has to open but maybe something is intentionally in place to stop it. I figure I’ll wait until Mark can check it out. The old bedside stand can go in my closet in place of a white plastic drawer unit. So for now the new stand is waiting to be put in place. Externally it looks fine.

Another on-line order came today, a jewelry cabinet that hangs on the back of the bedroom door. It is in a perfect location and huge. There’s a lock, places for chains, for earrings, bracelets, rings, and drawers for pendants and pins. It has led lights and a mirror on the front. Very attractive and it holds all the jewelry that I wear with room to spare. I’m glad I bought it. I had to install Command press-ons to anchor the bottom so it wouldn’t bang when I close the bedroom door. I love that I won’t have knotted chains and I can see everything to select what is best for my outfit.

Today I also bought a new San Marco bracelet.

John had bought me one many years ago and I loved it but it was lost after a Michigan Club Snowball. I looked everywhere and checked with all the lost and founds but it never turned up. So I’ve been watching for one at a good price. I found one today and bought it. I am sure I’ll love it.

So today I accomplished quite a bit but not what I’d hoped. I’d wanted to get the laundry done, and get my nightstand in place. Neither thing is accomplished. (And I really need to at least wash my Emergency Squad uniform.)

I am really pleased with the organization of my jewelry and looking forward to my new bracelet.

If Mark can’t come over this week to help me out, I think I’ll take the back off the nightstand and see what’s keeping the drawer from closing.

I’ve been re-reading my blog and came across an August 23, 2018, post which included a list of “projects” I wanted to tackle immediately. (I had only been here in Florida for a month.)

It said:

Soon (after August, 2018)

Replace carpet in MBR
Cover over the back patio & eavestroughs
Brick the driveway & sidewalk
Power wash lanai/deck
Clean out garage and organize & fix garage floor
Get a small step stool for closet
Attic clean-out

Within a year

Landscape
Replace doors on kitchen cabinets and build in bar area
Storm shutters or replace windows with hurricane resistant
New stainless range and dishwasher to match refrigerator
New front load dryer and matching washer
Replace loveseats
Replace garage screen with electric
Buy new guest bedroom furniture
Buy new master BR furniture
Small freezer for garage

That’s 17 items I wanted to complete within a year.

==============

What’s Not done

Brick the driveway & sidewalk
Power wash lanai/deck
Clean out garage and organize & fix garage floor
Attic clean-out
Re-do Landscape
Replace doors on kitchen cabinets and build in bar area
Storm shutters or replace windows with hurricane resistant
New front load dryer and matching washer
Replace loveseats (Did replace one but one still needs replacement)
Replace garage screen with electric
Buy new guest bedroom furniture

After being here a while I changed my priorities. The washer and dryer are still working fine so I have used them and I’m not anxious to get new. The kitchen cabinets don’t bother me enough to replace them. I haven’t been able to find a loveseat for the area near the sliders but I did get a chair to replace the other loveseat. I found that eavestroughs aren’t necessary. I’m not sure I want to replace the garage screen because I realize I need a new garage door opener first. The new opener has become a priority and it’s on my handy man’s list to do.

I want to replace the guest bedroom furniture with a Murphy bed but I need to be sure I have someone who can assemble it. Right now, because of illness, my handy man is unreliable and I fear I’ll buy it and then it won’t be put together.

The power washing of the lanai roof, the cleanout of the garage, and the organizing of the attic are items that are on my handy man’s things to do list. These items need to be done before the pavers and repair of the garage floor can be scheduled.

I can see that my handy man’s illness is slowing down some of the stuff that I want done. I like him so it’s tough to force the issue.

Storm shutters and/or replacement windows should be tackled. I’ve just put them off because other things seemed more important but since they don’t involve my handy man

Re-doing my landscape needs to wait until after the driveway pavers are in.

I may need to get another handy man and get the list organized so I can get things done in order. I know he counts on me for a good share of his income but I need to proceed.

I gave myself a few days of R&R. Today I’m trying to get some stuff done around here.

Laundry is in the washer.
Old night stand has been cleared out so Mark (who is coming tomorrow) can move in the new one.
Dishes have been washed.
Plants have been watered.

Tomorrow my plan is to have Mark do some small jobs for me:

Place night stand which was delivered this a.m.
Put shelf in cabinet in storage room
Fix bulb In lamp base
Mount new bulletin board
Break down boxes
Clean air purifier
and if there’s time, work on my brakes.

We had a fun visit but it’s time for her to leave.

Plan was to spend the morning at the pool before she would be picked up for her flight out but the weather was iffy so we had lunch and she left.

At least I hope she’ll be back in December.

Kelly got here on Thursday (a week ago today). We’ve been enjoying our time together. Lots of pool time, shopping, eating out, cart rides. She’s an easy house guest.