I’ve just started having my nails manicured. I love the look but I found I could no longer get the clasps on necklaces to open and then fit them through the tiny loops. Putting on jewelry took forever. There were times when I just changed my choice so I could clasp it.

A few weeks ago I also bought a wheeled walker with a seat.

I want to continue to go to Busch Gardens and to places like a Christmas tour where walking is a must. I knew doing it would be a struggle. I bought the cart and now I feel more free. Kelly may want to stop and sit a bit too. I know if I had all the time in the world, I could do it, provided there were seats occasionally but this way I’m not depended on things being provided for me.

I still wish I had the electric cart I got for John, but this will be easier to manage. I remember how difficult it was to get the cart’s pieces in in the car. They were heavy. Together, we could lift them, but alone I’d have problems.

I want my body to last another 20 years. I need to recognize it’s limitations. Maybe if I use some of these “aids” I can function like I used to.

I recognize there’s little comparison between a magnetic necklace clasp and a wheeled walker, but they are both items I’m only using because I’m getting older.

I’m in a rut. I am a lousy cook and don’t like doing it. Occasionally I’ll make a batch of sloppy joes or maybe my chicken glop but I am not creative and my choices have been narrowing and narrowing.

I do best with frozen meals so I have my freezer stocked with Marie Callender’s chicken pot pies, Blakes shepherd pies, pizzas, ground sirloin patties, and a few Lean Cuisine dinners. I don’t starve but it’s not the healthiest diet. I need to eat more salads (and love them) but every time I buy lettuce, it turns brown before I use it up.

Recently I’ve added Cheerios cereal to my food list. I think I might get some other cereals too. That way I’m enjoying vitamin enriched food plus milk.

For breakfast I prefer two slices of raisin toast with lots of butter.

I need to lose at least 20 pounds. Watching what I eat isn’t working. I need to structure my diet so I can shed the weight.

I spent big money to buy some diet pills. I took them for three days and felt crappy. I found out the diet pills “cleanse” and this isn’t a good time to upset my digestive system. I will wait until after Kelly goes back to California and then try again. They might work when I’m not trying to do so much.

This week my new storm-rated windows will be installed. I will be stuck here Thursday and Friday. (I hope they are finished by 5pm on Friday when the Nantucket V Christmas Party starts.)

A week from today (Saturday) will be a day for my cleaning guy. I guess the window replacement job won’t destroy my place but I can’t be sure until it happens. Cleaning guy, Ron, will make it sparkle. Then I want the windows cleaned when Kelly and Dave come three weeks from today!

I’ve been having problems with my Simplisafe Security System. Come to find out my seven year old system it was no longer working correctly and the key pad wasn’t even functioning. I purchased a whole new system. They gave me a good deal and I was happy.

But because it malfunctioned and the sheriff was notified, I was fined $75 for a false alarm. I paid it. The sheriff did come unnecessarily.

With the new system in place I was comfortable but this morning I found that there was another false alarm. This time it happened because one of the door sensors didn’t stick to the frame and therefore the door was shown as opened. The alarm went off and I was called but I was sleeping soundly and didn’t hear the phone. If the police came, I didn’t answer the door. I still expect I’ll be fined $100.

I don’t think I’ll set the alarm until I’m sure there won’t be another alarm.

I was so tired last night that I slept right through the call that is always placed before they call the police. (I’d been awake since 4:30 a.m. so I was exhausted.)

I had my physical this week and my doctor recommended a prescription which “might” help my back. Instead it made me feel yucky. I’ve quit using it. Ibuprofen works better without the side effects. I know losing weight would help so I am going to try more exercise in hopes of reducing. I’m on a new weight loss plan. My goal is to lose about 20 pounds.

The weather today and yesterday has been lovely. At least 80 degrees. According to Accuweather, Wednesday it’ll be even nicer than today but tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday probably it’ll be a little cooler.

Last night I thought I had the start of a cold and I didn’t feel very good today but better now.

Took it easy and lazed around. Still tired.