Catching Up

So much going on recently, and I've not been keeping up here. Life in some ways has been a bit overwhelming....

Dad has lung cancer. He's in a nursing home setting while undergoing chemo and radiation treatments for the next several weeks. It drives me insane to be so far away, and unable to drive. He and I talk frequently, but I still miss him.

There was a snake in the garage that struck my jeans as I went in. All I could make out was a bit of movement and felt it hit my pants as I went in. I killed the nasty creature with a hoe. Scared the beejubies out of me. Now, I keep the hoe just inside the doorway so I can protect myself. 

I don't know how I can keep them out. The doors to the garage have giant gaps, of several inches, and won't close completely. There's also a hole in one corner, much smaller than the door gaps. I keep the garage clean and organized, no debris or junk. There are gardening tools, my bikes, my son's kayak and paddle. I'm at a loss. I read about using mothballs and antifreeze to keep snakes away. Having a furry beastie, though, means that using those things is a bad idea for her safety.

The gentleman I've dated for the past six months and I broke up, and then made up. He was pushing me to get too serious, too quickly. We're both looking at a permanent, long term relationship. He's just quicker than I am at it. He's a wonderful man, and I just adore him. I can see spending the rest of my life with him, just not yet. He'd like for us to be together seven days a week. 

I'm still learning about myself. Being alone is important to me as I do this. I like myself, my alone time, and having my own space. I've only been on my own for fourteen months. I'm not ready to give up this time that I've never had in life before. Is it selfish to want this for myself? 

Tried to watch the lunar eclipse. Using binoculars, I could make out a bright ball of light which whited out everything. My best bet for future eclipses is to watch them online.

I'm working on the flower beds. There are already flowers blooming, and many more coming up. I purchased spearmint seeds yesterday, and will plant them tomorrow. I made a patio (blind chick style), by taking a huge sheet of cardboard and then covering it with a couple of inches of mulch. Simple, big enough for the patio furniture, and easy on the feet. Doing the same thing along side the house and the fences to keep the weeds out and to make mowing simpler.

Tonight, I'm transplanting my poor, broken ficus tree. It looks sad, having lived in its planter for the past nine years. Hopefully, a larger planter, fresh soil, and a lovely drink of miracle grow will pull it from its doldrums.

Sister-in-laws are planning to visit me this week. I'm excited. I've missed those amazing ladies. Will be making broccoli-cheese soup and brewing spearmint tea in their honor. Hoping for a long visit filled with laughter and enjoyment.

I'm ready for warm temps to settle in. After paying rent, utilities, and picking up a few groceries, all I have left is $13 to last until the end of the month. Lower utility bills will free up some funds, they're currently running about $350 a month. I haven't purchased meat in months, mostly living on peanut butter sandwiches, ramen, and fruit. The spearmint seeds I purchased will supply my tea needs for a long time to come. My friends suggest I go to the food bank, but I have too much pride for that. Just one more month of high bills... I can get through it. 

Warm temperatures mean that my arthritis will ease. I'm ready for that. Today, I'm running the furnace due to temps in the forties and fifties. The next week or so promises to be in the seventies and eighties. I will truly enjoy that.

Still volunteering at the charity book shop. I don't know that I'm much help, but it's nice to visit with the folks who come in. Mainly, I face the books on the shelves. That's pulling all of the books to the front of each shelf evenly so that all of the spines can be read. I cannot see well enough to shelve the books. Using big magnifiers, I can do it for a few minutes before raging headaches begin. Not enough to really help. Mainly, I buy a few books at a quarter or fifty cents each for my guest room.

There's much more, but I'm tired this evening. Will catch up more soon. Enough for now.....