Stargazer

Darkness and Light

When people complain about the constant rain/cloudiness of the Pacific Northwest, I simply smile. It is relatively rare to have complete grayness all day here and we get much less precipitation than many believe. But some would rather always focus on the negatives; I work at not doing so. Some days it IS hard work. 

On my walk, I snapped this photo; as I've mentioned before, many only look at the clouds and don't appreciate the sun and blue sky. I see both--that's why I carry an umbrella while wearing my prescription sunglasses. 

Mari loves finding the sunny spots in the house. 

So does Carol whom I'm cat sitting this weekend at her own place, five minutes away. She's a pretty kitty too although Mari hates her. When the two of them were living here, it was a nightmare. 

Older Daughter wanted to know if I could meet Little Guy and her at a local nursery to look at/for plants. Of course! There were so many tempting flowers and other things there. While we were waiting in line for her to pay for her purchases, including an orange rhody that LG picked out, I spotted these and thought they were hilarious and worthy of photo immortality. :) Have I mentioned my sometimes inappropriate sense of humor?

When it isn't sunny, we have to look elsewhere for our source of light. A baby's smile is the ultimate mood lifter! In other happy news, watching my mom sweep out her garage yesterday was amazing; a month ago I thought she would be in Hospice. As for my own medical news, the UTI is resolving nicely and I'm feeling normal. John is enjoying San Diego, a beautiful city with nearly perfect weather. However, as he and I suspected, the project car needs work--something about front wheel bearing issues and valve adjustments, difficult on a mid-engine vehicle. So, it's up in the air when they'll be back and how that journey will go. A metaphor for everything in life? Who knows. 

 

 

 

"Adventures"

This morning (early!), I woke up and thought "Oh, oh." Then I got up and added, "OH, NO!" Every woman of my age who has ever had a bladder infection recognizes the signs immediately. It was freaky to see pink urine and uncomfortable enough that I figured I'd better visit the doctor. Which ended up being Franciscan Prompt (HA HA) Care--a two and a half hour wait to find out...I have a bladder infection. If only they would trust me enough to prescribe the medication, which turned out to be very bitter pills. Those things leave such a vile taste in my mouth! Highlights of those two hours: assuming that the elderly lady who shuffled in was in her eighties when she was a year younger than me, laughing when the nurse asked me if I were an athlete since my pulse was 57, and chatting with the very personable doctor. Otherwise, it was a real waste of a day. John's on the other hand...

The guys started their "adventure" at 4:30 a.m. and they ended up waiting for an hour here because of a fatal accident on that stretch of I-5 in Oregon. He couldn't figure out what the red dashes and minuses meant but knew they weren't good. 

They did make it through the Siskiyous in spite of this nasty forecast. 

Regarding a different kind of adventure, my friend knitted these booties for our impending arrival. When I gave them to Younger Daughter, she rushed home to write a thank you note. She didn't show much emotion (typical of her), but I think she was very touched. 

John urged me to go outside to look at the waxing crescent moon and Mars; I didn't want to because it's cold out there! But it did give me perspective on the breadth of the universe and how small many (not all) of my worries and fears are. 

I just have to accept this fact. 

 

Nothing Nowhere Never

The title is a play on words since John and I watched "Everything Everywhere All at Once" last night. I've been telling everyone that viewers either love it or hate it and now have to admit that I was wrong. John and I neither loved the film nor hated it; there were a few scenes where we glanced at each other in bemused shock and places where we laughed, but generally it was a crazy imaginative take on some simple messages regarding variables in decision making, the subjective definition of "success," being present for those you love, respecting their needs and beliefs, and showing them that your connection is important. We're all in separate universes sometimes, aren't we? John and I were both impressed with the acting and the martial arts scenes; Michelle Yeoh is a wonder! 

The sky has been blue, the birds have been tweeting (nearly as much as EM) and the trees along my walk are blooming. I wish I could say that my state of mind is as "springy." Yet another beloved colleague has died, one about my age who started at my school at the same time as I did. We spent over thirty years in the same building and although there is a tendency to only say positives about those who die, I can honestly describe my friend Dave as a stellar human. He was insightful, hilarious, intelligent and a true leader. He was also one of the most articulate people I've ever met. Cancer sucks! And where are these so-called "golden years?" Lately, 0/10-would not recommend. 

In spite of my distaste for yellow, this is a pretty color combination. 

The trees along the main road into my area are leafing out; they are at their best in the fall when the leaves change color but look much nicer now that they're not in winter stick mode. 

Since the weather has been sunny, Little Guy has been out "loosening the soil so Mommy can plant tomatoes and plants." I'm hoping to see both boys soon and frequently because I'll have lots of free time on my hands. John leaves at 4 a.m. tomorrow with his brother D. for a road trip down to San Diego to pick up a car (Porsche 914 Targa) that his brother has purchased. It was supposed to be a father-son adventure, but D's son couldn't go, so John was the (reluctant) back up. Does he want to drive all the way down to nearly Mexico and back in five days? That's a firm no. Does his girlfriend think it's a good/safe idea for two older guys to drive that distance in that amount of time? Also, h*ll no. 

Confessions

I live in the Land of Daffodils where we have a Daffodil Festival and Parade, as well as Daffodil princesses for each local school, yet I don't like the flower. They're too monochromatic. And yellow! 

I admit to being the raccoon (my preferred spelling) on meth. I'm sure that when I load dishes at John's, he re-organizes them the minute I leave. :)

I did find a Cat DNA test for a mere $104 and was sorely tempted...but not for Mari. She's an ordinary black short hair. However, WHAT is Ziggy? Is he a Maine Coon or a Norwegian Forest Cat? I'm very curious. Older Daughter and I decided that these would be the results of Ziggy's DNA test: large orange tabby with a tendency towards obesity, diabetes and bad teeth. We already know this! 

It's always devastating to lose former students. Stephanie, a gifted dancer, actor, and musician, died on Saturday at age 39 of alcoholism and anorexia. Oh, how she fought--one rehab and treatment after another, with hope and support from her many friends and her devoted husband. The last time I posted on her Facebook, I wrote that for some reason I'd been thinking about her a lot lately and was sending her love. Did I sense something? Should I have reached out more? Her whole family is now gone: her younger sister passed away at 28 of alcoholism (another former student) while her dad and mom died in their early 60s, also alcohol related. Now the biggest confession of all...I'm going to be a grandmother again. This time it's Younger Daughter, the one who isn't married; in addition to that, she isn't in what I consider a stable relationship and doesn't have a lucrative job. I've expressed these fears to YD and shared them with a friend over a coffee date this morning. Her wise words were to now accept and celebrate this new grandson since I've already been negative honest about my concerns. I need to move on and be excited and supportive. YD wants this child and is 33 years old, so she gets to make the decision no matter what I think. Do I worry that it's a mistake? Yes. Have I told her of my boundaries, as in helping financially and periodically while not doing daycare? Also, yes. Do I believe that boyfriend will stick around to rear this little boy? Probably not, but I'm HOPING he'll get his sh*t together. There are also these important truisms: this baby will never feel unloved or unwanted. He is my grandson just as much as my other two beloved boys. I do have more mixed feelings though. I confess that I wish I didn't. 

Cats and Flowers and Coffee Dates

The recipe for a happy life for me is simple. (see above) Add in some get togethers with family and take out Thai food, plus a few sunny days and I've been feeling, if not pure happiness, at least some contentment in a topsy turvy world. 

Crocuses in full bloom.

The beginning of buds on a neighbor's tree...and such bright blue sky, a real mood lifter. 

I wasn't about to miss a nearly 70-degree walk. Although I feel guilty for my lack of yard work, it will STILL be there later. Spring is when I start to see everything that I've ignored during the winter: moss, weeds, falling down planters, etc. Ugh. 

Someone was transfixed by a bunch of big equipment doing asphalt work. Exciting stuff!

My boys finally got to see their Gigi and Mom was delighted to spend time with them!

Eating with a little boy on my lap was tricky, but I managed to gobble down too much lunch. :)

Older Daughter sent me this Ziggy clone photo this morning. Although he's supposed to be part or full Maine Coon, Ziggy much more resembles a Norwegian Forest Cat like this orange tabby version. Can cats get their DNA done? 

See what I mean? Except for Ziggy's green eyes, they are identical! 

Coming back from one of my coffee dates, I spotted this brutally honest view of Mt. Rainier as I was sitting at a red light. I do enjoy reading and games on my cell phone, but this atrocity made me want to throw the d*mn thing out the window. 

 

 

Top of the Morning'

Older Daughter's ex-boyfriend from her PhD days was Irish. He tried to persuade her when she was preparing to visit his family in Dublin that the Irish greet each other every morning by saying, "Top of the Mornin' to ya!" Thankfully, she didn't believe him! However, he did somehow convince another friend that there were villages in Ireland, full of little people who called themselves leprechauns and were offended by the stereotypes we have of them. Indeed, Older Daughter is well rid of the fellow! Actually, I've always thought I was Irish (with a Flanagan grandmother), but according to Ancestry DNA I'm Scottish (25%), French (23%), Northern Italian (16%), English (15%) and various Scandinavian ethnicities (15%). So, do I have any business wearing this? 

I was supposed to go to Ireland in 2020, but we know how that year went. Maybe I'll make it someday? In the meantime, Mom is doing better and driving me crazy. When she had the horrible edema and shortness of breath, she was grouchy and negative. Now that she is feeling like herself, she is excessively talkative and very, very bossy. After her successful doctor's appointment (her numbers are better than mine), she wanted to "run across to the grocery store to pick up a few things." I waited outside...and waited and waited. That's why I'm grimacing a bit. Finally, she came out with a FULL cart of groceries; she'd had the most wonderful time socializing with her friends (the store employees) who were delighted to see her and chat with her for a long time about her latest health adventures. I truly am happy that she's doing well and is back to her personable self; quite frankly though, we've been spending too much time together and I need MORE SPACE. 

At least the weather has been spectacular lately with temperatures in the low 60s, lots of sun and beautiful views of Rainier. I took this photo from the parking lot of the doctor's office--where I also hung out for a substantial amount of time, pondering whether I would be able to go for a walk, unload my dishwasher, put away my laundry or do any yard work. Three out four isn't bad; I skipped the yard work! 

All my crocuses are now blooming. I love the shades of purple and the beauty of their design. Seeing the flowers makes me excited to buy my annuals in a few months. 

Along my walk, there were even some crocuses on the side of the road. Isn't it amazing that they can flourish there in the leaves and gravel? Like my tulip bulbs, they deal with horrendous rain/snow and cold with no attention or care from people yet still manage to bloom. I can learn a lot from nature about perseverance, patience and toughness. 

The Difference in a Day

Yesterday, the world was grayscale. 

Whereas today was full of sunshine and blue sky! I always feel more energized and positive when the weather is like this, even when the temperatures remain chilly. 

Yesterday my car was still ready for winter with its studless snow tires...

However, today it has its regular tires on! Will that bring on a ferocious March/early April snowstorm? I hope not. As is typical, the technician at Les Schwab neglected to relearn the "new tires." That meant that the second time I drove it, the tire sensor popped on. It looks a little like the car is flipping me off--which is what I felt like doing back! Instead, I returned (grudgingly) to Les Schwab where a different tech couldn't get the relearning tool to work. When I pointed out that their tire pressure specs didn't match Subaru's, the guy was STILL reluctant to lower the psi from 35. Yet when he did, the tire sensor alert disappeared. Imagine that! Motto: You have to know your car and stand your ground about it! That tech soon learned that I'm not simply some ignorant old lady. Well, not this time anyway. :)

Mari, a true fire worshipper, was angry when I turned it off to head to a lunch date with a friend at a French bakery. I loved my quiche Lorraine, but the opera cake was meh. Did I gobble it down anyway? Oui, oui. ;) Little Guy has been sick with a fever; consequently, I'll be helping the kids juggle their jobs and a cranky toddler tomorrow. That meant rescheduling a coffee date; I'm fortunate that my friends are flexible and understanding.

Although Mari would disagree, I think this is somewhat true. Cats don't seem to have any responsibilities or worries. They get lots of sleep too! I'm jealous...

Fittingly, Younger Daughter, who has a B.S. in Mathematics, celebrated Pi Day this afternoon with her boyfriend. That's a huge piece of pie!  Also, appropriately for moi, the French major, I ate quiche instead. 

 

Everything Everywhere All At Once

I haven't seen this Best Picture although John and I both want to. Or do we? It sounds bizarre and people either love it or hate it. However, the title intrigues me, especially since it seems to describe my life lately. To wit: Appliances misbehaving, family estrangements, the loss of important jobs and income, tons of bills with my house and the rental, needed(?) brakes on my 2018 Forester at 32,000 miles, a leaky toilet at Mom's...I could go on (and on and on) but you get the idea. It's EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE. Too many fires to put out or at least deal with if they can't be completely extinguished. 

At least I have plenty of coffee and chocolate, right? Monin's Dark Chocolate sauce has become extremely expensive in the past couple years; unfortunately, I've tried every other chocolate and they don't even begin to measure up. As for buying it from its source instead of the Evil Empire, I would pay about as much PLUS shipping. Sigh.

I got a little dressed up for John's birthday outing which he changed due to potential crowds for a concert at McMenamin's. I was disappointed although I didn't say so; it was his birthday and his choice. We ended up at Point Ruston: dinner at Stack 571 (yummy food and a delicious draft Mac and Jacks) and a film at the nearby cinema. Although I like Adam Driver, "65" is a silly and predictable film; John and I generously gave it a C/C-. What was startling to both of us was that we hated the previews for the upcoming movies; they seemed to follow the same plot and genre: lots of action, violence, shooting, superheroes, etc. Usually, we find several that interest us--not this time!

More crocuses are blooming, and every flower bed and area of lawn needs work. The weather isn't cooperating with that right now; have I mentioned that spring can be rainy and overwhelming? I could sit inside and respond to some e-mails if only my Comcast e-mail were functional. As I've said before, everything everywhere all at once. 

 
 

Every Picture Tells A Story...

But not necessarily the whole one. 

Here are old Keen walking/hiking shoes on my feet with my new ones in the box. Unusually, they've made them a little wider which suit my feet perfectly. It's always a crap shoot to order on-line since manufacturers change up the styles periodically. Now I have to continue to walk and perhaps even get back to running. So many people comment on how much I exercise; it should be how much I USED to. Now my schedule is a mess and sometimes so is my motivation. 

My Older Daughter calls herself a helicopter parent (overly cautious) but my neighbor frequently letting these little ones climb all over the roof and sides of his pick-up is the terrifying opposite of that. It's not my business to tell them to get down so I walked quickly home, hoping that neither fell and broke a bone or a head. 

Little Guy and his parents met up with a friend of OD and her family; they are both admirers of construction equipment although as you can tell from the sweatshirt, Friend's son has moved on to dinosaurs as his passion du jour. 

According to the time stamp on the photo, sweet drooly baby was up by 6 a.m. this morning. Not lovely. However, he's a decent sleeper which his older brother was NOT. Those cheeks!

I bought this sweatshirt at the only Korean baseball game I've ever attended: Samsung Lions versus the KT (Korea Telecom) Wiz. Since the local KT Wiz was an expansion team, they lost miserably, but for $8 tickets, cheerleaders, excited families and a beautiful but very cold night, it was well-worth our effort to find the stadium. Frankly, I didn't want to go at all and was grouchy about it when my daughter's then boyfriend insisted. I'm sure glad he did! As you've undoubtedly noted, Korean teams aren't tied to cities like ours; they're sponsored by (paid for) and named for big companies. 

One of my favorite places in Des Moines, Iowa was Raygun; OD and I spent a long time in there, howling with laughter at buttons, cards, tee-shirts, etc. If you're of a more liberal bent and appreciate sarcasm, you would enjoy this store too. I'm tempted to buy the shirt because it's how I'm feeling lately. Incidentally, I hate the one-hour time change coming up. I very much dislike Daylight Savings Time which isn't great at this latitude; changing all my clocks is a ridiculous waste of TIME. (get it?) On a happy note, tomorrow is John's 69th birthday; he's chosen a dinner at our local McMenamins. Going out will be a treat in itself and I intend to be full of good cheer and celebration, even if inside I'm not feeling so chipper. Birthday Boy John deserves nothing less! 

 

 

TGIF?

When you are a young parent, you think that once your children are adults, your job is finished. Let me tell you, that isn't necessarily the case. Some people can divorce themselves from the trials and tribulations of their adult kids (John is one) but I am not in that group, unfortunately. The past couple years have been some of the hardest parenting ones I can recall: the distances between us, the pandemic, the relationships, the jobs, the mental and emotional stresses, etc. (the etc. covers everything I can't blog about) Now on top of nearly $6,000 for a rental car and transport for an accident they didn't cause and $15,000 out of pocket for Littlest Guy (WITH insurance), Older Daughter and husband owe $13,000 in income tax. If it weren't so frustrating and just plain outrageous, it would be funny. Almost? Well, maybe not. 

At least the car is back from Montana? Little Guy doesn't know what to call it, so currently refers to it as "our old tar." I got to see the boys yesterday because LG had been running a fever. Naturally, he was full of energy while I was there, including a couple tantrums, showing me all the letters he recognizes, dumping water in his bed and on his clothes during a non-existent nap, and wanting cold oatmeal for lunch. He's adorable, smart and such a character. Also...a full-blown toddler! 

Younger Daughter and Carol Cat are settling into their new place, still with no working washer. (this upcoming Wednesday for the installation, hopefully) Happily, YD gets most of her damage deposit back from her apartment, minus cleaning fees. Although there had been no bedroom door since she moved in there, the management tried to charge her $125 for a new door. She quickly sent them an email from April that verified that she wasn't responsible for the missing door so they've taken off the charge. We were both ready to go into battle over that ridiculousness! 

Compared to her last two apartment kitchens, this one is luxurious!

The two bedrooms are carpeted like YD's current office. It's a hard color to describe; in some photos it looks beige, in others gray. It goes well with the flooring and that's what matters! 

Today I had coffee with a friend and unloaded some troubles on her. I have another coffee date next week, as well as a trip to a fabulous Olympia bakery another day. I'm trying to plan outings for myself around Mom's appointments and needs. I was delighted to find my first tiny crocus outside. Focusing on the positives is all I can do at the moment.