LOVE ME - LOVE ME NOT

OK, I'm still laughing. I got up late - went to bed at 2:00 a.m. when I finally gave up entering pictures on my Facebook page. So I got my coffee later than normal and returned to the puzzle table. Maria comes in a little later so I get an update on a doctors appointment today. They did not give her any more blood. That's why she went. Something was wrong. Plus they took her off iron. Just keep plugging. We worked and finished the puzzle.

Kiki came up to visit and let me know that I don't tell her she's beautiful like I do to Doris. WHAT? That's not my forte. Is it my job to butter up the women? I couldn't help it. I burst out laughing. I always call her "darrrling (Billy Crystal style)" and give her a side hug. Bur she is my age. Doris is old enough to be my mother. OK, so I flirt with most of the women. That is how I used to sell shoes — with flattery, smiles, winks and compliments. Now I'm trying to sale a degree of happiness and joy. Kiki obviously feels like she is not getting her fair share of love. But I always call you darrrling, give you a hug, invite you to the movies, go to eat with you, smile at you (and everyone everyone else - shush!). The more she went on about it the more I laughed. You could pass me my cue cards like Doris does. She doesn't do that. What was I suppose to say — you never look good? Slap my face. That would have turned the room to ice. So I poured on the sugar dipped in syrup and honey. The room was dripping and I kept pouring it on until she turned red. The more I turned it on the more Maria laughed, pulled up her pant legs and mentioned she was going to get her deep waders on because it was getting so deep in here. I ended with I have enough love to go around. Don't get jealous. I guess I'm God's gift to old women. What a laugh. I doubt I have ever been much of a gift. I won't change a thing. But I may pour on the syrup a little thicker. She may have to beg to get me to back off. Take it easy, I'm Joking!!!

HIT WITH EVERYTHING

It was a weather day. Our area was hit with just about everything you can think of. I was awaken in the night by the wind and rain pounding on my bedroom window. That's rare. Washington rain usually comes straight down and in a light mist. Nit even really umbrella weather. Then I hear on the news we had hail, snow and even an earthquake. Were was I? I didn't fell anything. When they talk about snow that rarely means here. So that I didn't expect to experience. But the earthquake. Others said they felt it. I suspect they felt it by the power of suggestion. I do know it was cold and windy. Felt it. I hadn't listened to the weather report before crossing to my car for the chiropractic appointment. Wow. I wondered who turned down the thermostate?

The newsletter took more time today than it should have. First, I can't spell (you may have noticed), second changes were made every time I sent a correction, third additions were made when I was done and lastly I had a lengthy talk with Rita and her husband about the Sunset Manor state of affairs. Great people, but I would not be surprised if this government mentality l leadership doesn't drive them out soon.

Anyway, I enjoyed some time on the puzzle table. The last thing to work on is the steam engine of an old train. Looks cool but it is all black and grays. I can't spend much time at once. It drives me crazy. I went and visited with the domino players. They always want me to join them, but once drawn in I will be expected to play everyday and put up with the bickering and accusations. That is not my thing. I left at their first argument. Between Maria and Chas I am surprised they haven't started throwing the dominos at each other. Chas threatened to quit. Every game around here needs a referee. I am not applying.

NOT AGAIN

I am slightly annoyed. OK, a lot annoyed. There is little doubt that Sunset Manor has relationship problems. Not everyone is as kind as they should be. Rude and harsh things are said to new comers. Men must deal with hungry women (looking for men). You need a strong will to wiggle your way in. There will be no invitation. You must make your own way. Sounds like some churches I have attended. But this is ridiculus. They are concerned about harmony at our lovely home, but the head office knocks a hole in nearly every idea that might pull us together.
Last winter we wanted to paint Christmas scenes on the many large windows along the water side drive of our place. We are often told this is our home and we should be proud of it. Well, we are. But we would like it to be "our" home. I had designed a plan for a cartoon type drawing covering seven windows. They were concerned it would block the view for the residents. I changed the plan to eight smaller windows on the second floor of the smaller building. Paint was too messy. WHAT! These are not children. There are a good half dozen artists and double the number of crafters who have been doing this all their lives. They know how to protect a floor and clean up after themselves. They were concerned that is might have religious conotations. It didn't. The final answer was no. NO! No further reasons except it would be too messy. I guess we had better take pointed sissors away from the children too.
Micro management is a terrible thing. I know it is an easier thing for a corporation to "just say no" (can I blame Nancy Reagan?) and that residence peace and happiness are not the primary issue, but it would be nice to be treated as adults.
Now we have been approved for a Christmas Bazaar, but cannot use our own building. Admittedly parking is a problem, but not impossible. A rental space is beyond our ability. They have graciously offered a very small space in another building that will hold about half our participants. I guess we have no choice. Yeah! I know. we will live but we will complain.

I finished my book "The Curse of Cain" a fictionalized account of the attempt on Abe Lincoln's life. Glad to be done. In case you didn't know, he was shot not kidnapped. Some guy names Tarleton actually did the shooting and managed to get John Wilkes Booth blamed. I didn't know that. What I didn't understand was in the epilogue it was noted that there was no Tarleton - he was made up. Then how could he have shot Lincoln. Fiction is so confusing.

WHERE HAVE I BEEN

I'm Back. Friday just disappeared. Who knows where. Maybe a black hole. I finally made contact with Maria on Saturday. A friend told me she was in her apartment. If she was sleeping, I did not want to wake her, but I pounded loudly anyway. I knew that if I didn't connect soon she was would wonder if we were still friends. She had been sleeping and came to the door in a sweatshirt, pajama bottoms and hair very wild. She invited me in so we visited for quite awhile. The doctors have no idea what is causing her blood loss - no leaks anywhere. Fairly sure she is just not producing sufficient blood. Again, they don't know why. They took her off iron and now she is tired all the time. Her bones are becoming more brittle and she needs to be careful about falling. She will not use a cane and thinks she can do everything she did last year. I have no idea when she thinks she will be getting old, but her friends think it is now. She disagrees and no one argues with Maria. It will turn into an argument and if she loses or does not back down she will ignore you for weeks. Yes, she holds a grudge. I try to find the right time and way to confront her as gently as I can. She was open this day and we talked about slowing down.

She plans portions of my life for her and others benefit. I have a van that seats seven. That makes me very popular, plus I like to go places and do things. She has planned a trip to Skaget County for the tulip festive. I am happy to do it, but there will be a little bit of walking if we stop at one of the gardens. Two passengers need walkers or canes. Maria needs a cane but may not take it. I think I'll take mine as a back up. I needed it when my back was out several months ago. I enjoy all these women (my Harem, some call it). Most are old enough to be my mother. 92 year old Janet is a blast. She goes back to volunteering next Saturday with Hospice. She loves caring for the old people. She does not know that she is one - and really, she isn't.

Anyway, Maria goes back for more tests on the 31st. She has told them she will not take some of the test they recommended. She will argue about it until she gets there on the date, but will change her mind - always does.

I'm not a big college basketball fan, but love the NCAA tournament. I'm always a fan of the underdog. Watched nearly four games and read my historical fiction novel during breaks. Almost done now. Kind of exciting! Anxious to find out if Abe Lincoln is kidnapped or killed. Very suspenseful.

Went to church this morning at the little neighborhood church about 1 1/2 blocks away. Always a small attendance at the first service, but they can sing. So loud I think I should start wearing ear plugs. It is also very inspirational. After the service I offered the original of my colored pencil drawing titled "Beloved." It is 4'x2' and a view of Christ from heaven so you see the crown on the top of His head, the out stretched arms with curled hands appearing to encoumpus those below him - his mother and John are looking into his eyes on the left and a Roman soldier on the right has his back turned away representing those who reach out to receive Christ and those who reject. I'm happy it will be on display next weekend.

WORRIED

I'm worried about Maria. She went to see the doctor yesterday. I hope she learned something or got something resolved. She has some minimal memory issues. She is beginning to lose balance. She is losing blood and they don't know where it is going or how it is getting out. Most likely she is just not producing enough. She also has begun itching so bad she can hardly stand it. I have called her and knocked on her door. I know she doesn't always carry her phone. She got a new one and doesn't like it and has trouble using it at times. So she turns it off and leaves it in her room. Why don't they make a simple phone for those of us who only want to make calls and get messages. What a strange thing to want a phone to do. No one here wants games, internet connection, to take photos, and definitely not to text. That's a mystery. Why would you type unknown abbreviations that have to be interpreted at the other end. The telegraph is gone, smoke signals are out and Mr. Bell gave us this wonderful invention that lets to talk to people in a completely different place. Yes, we like that it is wireless and we can carry it with us, even if we have to remember to charge it. But that's enough for most of us. We don't resent that others want every imaginable toy included and I might even join the band wagon when it starts my coffee before I get up. But we do resent paying for 150 options and "aps" (whatever they are) for things we do not and never will use. It's suppose to be a PHONE.

Back to Maria. I don't know if she is in her room sleeping, gone, or can't hear. A couple of others have made contact. I know she's around. It is 10:45 p.m. and I just got in and could see her apartment light on. It's too late to call, but I will try again tomorrow. I am praying for her. I am concerned.

I sat with the grandkids tonight. 4:30-10:30. Chris coaches soccer and was out of town with the team and Rhonda was at work. This may become a weekly event. Grace and Morgan were bouncing off the walls. I even fed them real food - nothing processed and they ate their vegetables. I can't blame it on the sugar, unless? No, mom would not hype them up on sugar just because I was coming over. Unthinkable! So why did I just think it? Nonsense.

Morgan was flinging around a steal bar he was using as a sword and nearly took my head off (well, not that close - a little exaggeration to keep up the interest). I got that put away and he was bouncing off the walls (exaggeration again to hold interest) when he flipped over the sofa, caught the portable heater with his foot and knocked it hard over on it's face (not exaggeration). It immediately stopped working. And that was a big deal as they heat with a pellet stove and were using the heater as the sole source of heat until they could get more pellets. They are presently out. I dinked around with that heater and it seemed to reset itself when I unplugged and then replugged it in the socket. However, it kept cutting out. Fortunately the house is well insulated and was holding the heat rather well, but unless Chris comes home with pellets it is going to be cold tomorrow. I'm glad I could run back to my little apartment. Why was I more interested in art and "creating" instead of following my dad and three brothers into learning to fix things. I know - I hated that stuff. And mow I pay the price.

AND THE MUSIC PLAYS ON

Ir was a beautifully warm day. Almost summer. Maria complained about the cold all the way to and from the bread pick up. She didn't like the way I parked and asked me to move. She was unhappy about where we placed the bread for packing. She was unhappy that I stayed to clean up the racks. I feel like I'm married and not to the woman I did marry, my wife was great. When we left after coffee at the home and passed the office she commented she never sees the manager in the office. I reminded her that Wednesday the manager was at the other property. Well, I never see her here when she is suppose to be here. I told her I do and reported she was seeing a doctor later today to get some help for the stress she is having a hard time dealing with because of all the complainers Then I backed away lest she try to bite my head off. She could leave, that would improve things. Ah, the familiar ring of joy. NOT!

Needed nap today. I don't know the right term for it but I awoke about 1:30 am with my feet jumping and driving me nuts. couldn't stop them. I hate it when my feet have a mind of their own. If one member offends you, cut it off. I don't think so.

Needed just a few groceries and my food card covered it. That meant I had enough to buy the light magenta ink cartridge I needed. I needed to print some photos I corrected for some people around here. However, I cannot find one of the photos I am to repair. Yikes! What did I do with it? Where is it? I hate it when I put things in a safe place. I can never find them. Why didn't I leave it in the pile on my desk. I always find things in that pile file.

GREAT DAY

The Food Bank delivers bread and sweets to us each Tuesday. The quantity corresponds to their resources. Lots of sweets today, very little bread. Someone needs to be in the commons to receive the bread. I usually try to help. Last week I headed over to the other building about 9:00 am. They were already here. So I left to be there at 8:45 today, just in case. I was the only one in the coffee room at that time and the coffee ready. I don;t usually come that early. I skipped breakfast to be there. They use to come between 9:30 and 10:00. Today they were here at 8:55. Doris had just walked into the room and Harlow was on his way down. His room is just above the entrance to the parking garage. The truck backs up to that door so he knows when they are here. When he steps out of the elevator he says They're here! We jump and are on the run. They mostly had sweets today (Yeah!), Most were cinnamon roles (double YEAH!). It's going to be a good week. There wasn't much bread but I'll get that at Orowheat tomorrow.

Dixie came in pushing her walker and began to ask questions about an antique photo she bought at a thrift store. She brought the photo down and it was a panoramic format 4'x1'. We got magnifying glasses and searched for clues to it's age. It was circa 1940 and a photo of a huge crew of Union Pacific at a rail yard. We do not know what rail yard it is. The photographer is Bill Shipler from Salt Lake City. The family business began 1890 and continues today. The photo was taken by Bill #3. They all go by Bill. Except for Bill #1 the rest have William as a middle name.

I can find some history on the family and the business but not the photograph. The Utah Historical Society has over 63,000 of the Shiplers photos and the largest portion of the collection is the work of #3. He photographed the development of Salt Lake City and has 1000's of the businesses. Our best guess is that it was taken in SLC. There are 2-3 hundred people. 99% are wearing hats. 5% wear ties. 60% have bib overalls. Those stats are a wild guess, but it sounds good. With the table filled with history buffs, the discussion took me to my roots where my father worked in Omaha for Union Pacific. I have a similar era photo of dad and his crew. Wouldn't you know it, the damage on the photo cuts right through dads face. Sad.

Shipler took many railroad photos but the majority were of Oregon Short Railroad. Never heard of it in all the 29 nine years I lived in that state. Of course, I never looked. Think that might be a problem?