I’m sure not complaining. He comes over mostly in the evenings. We watch sports (hockey, football, baseball and collector car sales.) Our conversations are varied. Sometimes he explains his projects or details of his jobs. We talk about our pasts and enjoy getting acquainted. Wednesdays (8-10 pm) are reserved for Jay Ungar and Molly Mason concerts. He’s brought Tess, his dog, along a couple of times. Tess and Sophie are getting used to each other. Sophie wants to play. Tess ignores her.

Usually we get a carryout from the South Clubhouse or go out for dinner, but yesterday I got a rotisserie chicken, baked sweet potatoes, and prepped some carrots. It was a decent meal.

Ken and I have been spending lots of time together. I certainly don’t want to commit to a long-term relationship but at the same time, I know I’m having a great time! He’s sweet and old fashioned. We have some different political viewpoints but he isn’t argumentative. I ignore the differences just as I did with John.

A year and two months ago, when I spent time with Ken, I definitely didn’t like the idea of “dating” a guy who would be gone over the holidays when most of the fun stuff here goes on. But I’ve changed my attitude.

I am enjoying Ken so much. Yes, I’ll miss holiday parties (especially New Years Eve) but it would be perfect if I can convince Kelly to come and visit. And even if I’m alone, I have decided that being alone is better than being with someone just to be with someone. With Ken I truly enjoy being with him. And maybe Ken will surprise me with more time over the party season.

We’ll see. It’s a long way off. Maybe we’ll go our separate ways by then but I hope not.

I’m determined to lose weight. Yes, I’m hungry a lot of the time but it’ll get easier as I adjust.

I have been sticking to certain vows:

1. Keep my food “points” consumption to 21 or under.
2. Move more. I even bought a FitBit Inspire 2 wrist step tracker.
3. Exercise at least a little.

I’m wearing my FitBit all the time. I would like a goal of at least 5,000 steps to start with.

The main effect of the pandemic for many of us has been weight gain. I am one who gained a lot!! I’m ashamed of my body. Yes, it’s getting older but no excuse to be so heavy!!

I followed the old Weight Watchers plan about 2002 and lost 20+ pounds. I’m determined to do it again. Yes, Weight Watchers has a new plan but I have the tools for the old one and since it worked for me, I’ll try it again. I started Saturday (for practice) and started journaling my food points yesterday. I’m using the weight I showed Saturday as my base weight and so far I’ve lost over a pound.

Today I ordered a high tech pedometer which will arrive this afternoon. I need to move more. I think I’ll start by taking Sophie for a short walk and then increase it. She’ll love it and I need it!

I told Ken I’m dieting. At least I’ve made the announcement so I’ll be more apt to follow the restrictions of the diet.

I can’t complain at all. I have a great life.

I have been more active as the pandemic restrictions have been lifted. I’m playing “in person” euchre Thursdays, and maybe I’ll add Mondays.

I have a special guy in my life, Ken. He’s been super sweet. Lots of time together and long conversations. He brought me an orchid the other day. We have had dinners, TV watching, sunset, and he’s very attentive.

Because of his job, he’s going to be gone a great deal of the year. I will miss him over the holidays most. Somehow I’m finding that the past year has conditioned me to be alone. It isn’t so bad.

It’s not like i’m looking for or want marriage. But a guy who wants to be with me is great and Ken is living up to everything I could hope for.