The Iceland Saga--so far

 I traveled enough that I expect glitches.  This time the glitches started on the first day!

I left home at 3pm for the hour long trip to Kansas City International Airport as my first flight (to Chicago O'Hare) was to take off at 6:30.  On the way up I got a message from United saying the flight was delayed until sometime after 7.  Lucas dropped me off and I checked in, checked my bag -this Aussie purchase really gets around!  Then there was security to get through, for some reason the buttons on the back of my shirt created an "anomaly" so I was wanded.  The agent and I both laughed at buttons being the problem.  Finally, having jumped through all the necessary hoops, I settled down with Jameson's and Sprite to cheer the beginning. Then went off to find the gate.  A short while later our flight was delayed until 10:30 due to bad weather backing up everything in Chicago and Air traffic control only letting a few flights land was a time.  My connecting Flight to Iceland was at 9:30.  United couldn't get me on a flight until Wednesday--panic arrived.  I went to get dinner and they announced that the flight would leave at 7:30.  Well, all 15 of us got aboard and waited for clearance to take off.  So, it was more like 8:30.  It's a short flight to Chicago, as we landed and were taxing to the gate my flight to Iceland was taking off.  So, I spent the night in a hotel without my checked luggage (I mean it was 10:30 before the person who was in charge of re-routing me could be found and yes I could get my checked bag if I wanted to wait a couple of hours.  I did not want to wait. This would later come around to bite me.)  A long wait for the hotel shuttle and I finally checked in at midnight without a full change of clothes, or my toothbrush and tennis shoes!  I did ask for a late check out  though.  Most international flights are at night I was flying Icelandair this time, Once I checked in and had to check my carry on bag I still had a little time to kill.  This flight was late arriving and late taking off  but that doesn't matter.   5 1/2 hours laters I landed in Iceland-cramped and exhausted.  After clearing Passport control--very long line, only 3 people working, I went to pick up my luggage.  I found my carry on bag but not my big bag the one United at O-Hare assured me would be on the same flight with me, yeah right. Reported that and found out that it was still in Chicago-no surprise there.   Picked up my rental car, another long line and long walk.  It took a little while to figure out how to start it, where the windshield wipers and the headlights were before I  could start to Reykjavik.  Needless to say I missed the eclipse -not that anyone saw anything with all the rain and clouds.  Checked into the Hilton and took a NAP.  Tried to do some shopping but It was too much for me so I went back to the hotel bar and had Fish and Chips.

The Saga continues tomorrow!

News?

One of my favorite summer meals.

Ripe tomatoes, basil and fresh mozzarella with olive oil,  balsamic oil, and salt.  Quick, easy and oh so tasty! 

The entire United States is HOT and here we can add HUMID!  Excessive heat advisories for the foreseeable future.  Actual temperatures in the 90F/35C range.  One night at midnight it was still above 80 and 90% humidity!  

I have taken shelter in the studio where it is cooler that anywhere else.  Basements are like that. I even brought my laptop down.

Since I'm here I've been doing a bit of work, mostly ironing of fabric to be stored.  I've made a big dent in it! 

Also, in the news:  the new appliances are here and in place and working divinely.  The dishwasher is so quiet I can stand next to it when it's running and I can't hear it!  (Even when I have my hearing aids in!)  The stove is believe it or not BLUETOOTH!  Haven't set that up yet. 

I have ordered the new cabinets!  They will likely be in within the next  week and I will put them together.  Plus I have to build a 2x4 frame for the base and toe kick.  The painting has been finished and the frig is back in place. The only thing left is getting a counter top for them.  Which I'll try to do tomorrow.

Still going to therapy, struggling with muscle pain.

39 days until I leave for Iceland!

 

Let's try this again!

A little excitement this week.  These two shelving units have been hanging on the wall in the studio for a couple of years (or more).  They have always had a slight tilt forward, I worked and worked but I just couldn't find studs that would hold it up.  Anyway, nothing has fallen off until Tuesday!  Two very large crash-bangs had me headed down to figure out what happened!

Well, this one decided to tilt considerably away from the wall and my collection of wine bottles crashed to the floor! Only four where broken which was lucky.  I don't like wine especially but I LOVE the bottles! I buy wine for the bottles.  More luck was had when while cleaning up the glass I found a puzzle piece!  The last one of the Colorado puzzle that has been sitting on the table missing a piece for weeks now.  How that piece got from the great room to the basement studio, under a  table and under a machine tote I will never know!

Another project for this weekend will be taking these off the wall.

More excitement came on Thursday.  I walked out to go to Physical Therapy to discover that I had a FLAT tire!  My pickup/ute is old (2007) and the spare is under the bed.  That spare hasn't been on the ground since 2016!  I have no idea if it is any good or if you can even get it off the truck (rusted metal after all these years.)  I called for Roadside Assistance and they sent a tow truck to deliver it to the tire store.  I got to add a new tire!  It was fixed up before dinner, Libby and Luna  (daughter and grand dog)acted as taxi  ca I could pick it up.  

I still have not finished the weeds and the house washer damaged or killed several of my plants so I need to work out there but it is HOT and HUMID!  So even thinking of it gives me a cause of "I don't wanna" and I have enough of them was it is!

I have to paint the kitchen wall this weekend, as I have finally figured out what I want to replace the cabinets I lost in the plumbing disaster last year.  I ordered a new stove and dishwasher to arrive on Wednesday of next week and once the cabinets are in the kitchen will finally be back to normal!  I can put away dishes and not have totes behind the table bench!

My hip is improving, slowly.  I told my PT that I felt it was about 80% but I need it to be at least 95% or I can't take the trip I have planned.  Guess I'll have to work harder for the next few weeks.  I have an appointment with the surgeon on Tuesday-mostly for reassurance that structurally the hip is ok.

I'll attempt to get back on track with posts!

 

Well, Hum, not back on track!

 I am troubled by the lack of anything to say!

I pull weeds.  Although that is nearly finished.  I go to Physical therapy twice a week and in-between I try to walk around the block or stretch and do the exercises at home.  I try to do some housework each day.

The only excitement was last Saturday when I spent most of the day watching this-

Tree removal!  Two in the back and one in front.  Now it looks like this.

Still seems very odd to have them gone but they have needed to go for a while now.

Then today the house washer came.  I've never had a house with vynal siding before so the hole concept of washing the house is new.  It looks shiny and clean now!

Otherwise I fill time with doing little chores (or the regular ones) which are not exciting.  No stitching yet but it is on the list!

Wow. there is a laptop on this table!

 I've only seen tiny glimmers the past few days!

I've been outside working in the yard.  Planted my tomatoes, some lettuce, and calendula as well as repotting several house plants. 

Then I've been weeding a pit each day, so far I've gotten the front looking tidy.

I was gone last year from the middle of May to July 5-prime time for getting the gardens weeded before the heat arrives.  The gardens were an absolute disaster and I couldn't find the wherewithal for that massive chore.  I'm getting a good start on it this year-trying to weed 1 hour each day.  I don't always make it, I mean sometimes it rains!  Another week of pulling weeds and I should be ready to work on the new veg garden.

Of course, with all that outside work I'm behind on the inside work, sigh.  

I did get all the birds and their perches back on the mantle.  So only chairs still have sheetrock dust now.  I am going to use some wood moisturizer on the unpainted pieces, that will be a one thing a day chore.  

Physical Therapy is going well, I think.  I need to begin doing what I can at home, I just need to find the optimal time and the energy for that.  

Thursday seems to be my day to sleep all day-besides the two night that were very light on sleep, I have a horrid headache!  Even after meds the best way for me to appease the head is to sleep. Which I'm going to do very soon!

Back on track

 

Today's accomplishments.  The Patio is all cleaned and ready to go for the summer!  Ok, I don't have the umbrella out yet as I want to attempt to level the table and the umbrella base.  The patio slopes away from the house and towards the east.  A good thing as it takes water away from the house!  In a perfect world I would have a covered deck over this and everything would be level--well if I'm going to dream I should go BIG! Then I'd have a sun room like Chris's!

I also got the mount for the Stars and Stripes put up--Self tapping screws are the only way to go.

Not everything got done.  While I had the ladder available (from the flag) I decided to change some light bulbs only to discover that I didn't have any replacements with the correct base.  A trip to the store is up for tomorrow along with more outdoor chores, like pulling weeds! 

All in all it was a good day and unlike last year I am tired but not exhausted, nor in pain. 

I'll take it!

Life reset?

 Apparently, life resets happen in very short bursts!  Yesterday was my only day at home all week--what did I do?  Slept ALL day and NIGHT too!  It was another rainy day following too many rainy days (today too), also I'd had a couple of those sleep-less night earlier in the week for no reason that I could figure out.  Yet another thing they blame on getting old!

I had PT today and my very sore muscles got a workout, but my walking is getting better.  My therapist was happy with me.

On the chore front I carried up the travel stuff that I took to Denver or had downstairs getting packed.  Took two trips.  The last trip I brought the two suitcase I intend to take to Scandinavia, I have plans to decorate them a bit with paint and waterproofing.

I really haven't anything to say, tomorrow is to be sunny and 72F so I plan to get my patio cleaned and set up plus some gardening done.  I'm looking forward to it!

 

Another day away from home

I was off to the Chiropractor this morning.  Dr Joe has been treating my tilted hip and the resulting back pain for quite a while now and I always come away feeling SO much better!  Today was my first time back since the hip replacement--the doc wanted me to wait until after 12 weeks, which was yesterday.  My hip is no longer tilted and the back was in good shape!  Maybe the extra little bit Dr Salin gave my leg helped!  I go again in a month to see if it holds up then I shouldn't need to go every month.  

I left my walking stick in the car and spent the day saying to myself "Keep your shoulders level!"   Which I mostly did through parking lots,  Gusto, my favorite coffee place, Dr Joes, Lowes and Harbor Freight.  Was my right leg sore, yes.  Was I walking better and faster?  Also yes. Was my energy level higher?  Again, Yes!  All together a good day.

I marked a couple of things off my list and bought paint, plants and potting soil!  

Tomorrow, I get to stay home!  Yay.  Time to mark some more things off!

Life Reset-a little

Isn't this just a  gorgeous rose?  I don't think I've ever seen this color.  There were several of these roses in the bouquet my youngest and his family sent me for Mother's Day.  They are fading fast now, sigh.

 

Yesterday, I had Physical Therapy.  Basically, I need to buff up some muscles in my hip and leg and relearn how to walk.  I've spent the day today trying to keep my shoulders even as I walk.  It has made those muscles sore!  I also left my walking stick at home-it's become a crutch  (of course).

Last night we had big thunderstorms rolling through, of course there was a tornado warning.  By the time I got downstairs and found a weather station to watch they had lifted it (or it expired or something.)  Today, I have puddles in my yard.

I had an appointment at the Audiologist for maintenance on my hearing aids this afternoon  I really need to get better at remembering to put them on in the morning--they tattle!  Guess this calls for a sticky note reminder, where shall I put it?  Hum.

I have a 4 page list of everything I need to finish or do-to prevent episodes with the smoke alarms and such.  It's written down  so I can't forget it.  Today, I marked something off the list.  Just a little repair in my exercise area.  I've eliminated the sheet rock dust on a few more pieces in the great room so progress has been made.  I tried to put up a flag mount outside so I could fly the Stars and Stripes over Memorial Day but that did not go especially well so it's still on the list and I need to use different screws or charge my driver's batteries.  Maybe, I can work on it again on Thursday.

That's all for today!

Tomorrow after my appointment I'm headed for Lowe's  for paint, plants, peat moss and more!

Home Again--trying to get the Life Reset going again!

I've been home a week now, I think I've mostly slept! 

Anyway,  how about a few pictures?  (Blogger or Google who knows which is playing games with photos-I have no IDEA where they will end up!)

I flew out this time, normally I would drive but I decided that I didn't really want to do 4 days in the truck and with gas prices as they are It was just as cheep to fly.  I had no idea what I was getting into.  It has been YEARS since I landed at Denver International-so    BIG!  My airline lands and takes off from on the same level as the runways (I did not know that or I'd have chosen a different airline).  I arrived at Gate A31, down a ramp then walk and walk and walk, no people movers.  Up escalators, down escalators, onto a train, off the train, hunt for baggage claim.  I'm pretty sure I got 20,000 painful steps before I found my brother waiting at arrivals!

This is my brother Jim and his dog Scout.  Scout has decided that I am part of his Pack.  He knew something was up the day I left-he kept sitting on my feet and leaning against my legs!  Silly, sweet boy.

I made a slightly large mistake in packing--I did not pack my coat!  Now, I know how cold the mountains can be in May--I lived there after all!  I only packed one sweatshirt and no long sleeved shirts.  Where was my HEAD!  Well it was 80F at home.  So Jessie and I had to go shopping after a trip to the bank.  We were closing out the Estate account from probate and trying to move money around was proving impossible!  On a wild whim I checked to see if my bank had a branch in Denver--turns out they have Four!  Big sigh of relief.  Then on to find some kind of jacket/coat for me.  Found a windbreaker and a hoodie plus some other goodies, after all I had my personal shopper (Jessie) with me.

On Tuesday we headed into the mountains.  Breckenridge for the day and then Dillon that night.  Snow was forecast, of course.  It was chilly up there but the windbreaker was sufficient until the very end.  I had a ton of trouble with the altitude this trip on top of the walking.  9700 feet about sea level-the oxygen in thin.  We had a great time wandering through the shops that were open.  Hit up Starbucks, etc.  When the weather turned a bit nasty we headed for Dillon. After checking into our hotel for the night we went out for dinner at a really nice local place.  I had Risotto!  I hardly every get to have that! (Maybe I should learn to make it?)

 The next morning we woke to this!

A pretty, wet snow. There was concern about the road conditions but it wasn't too bad.  It was SOOOO pretty driving down the mountain, all the trees with their branches in white.  Jim and Jessie worried about the road, I just admired the scenery.

On Thursday  Jim had appointments so I hung out at the house and rested my very cranky leg. Then Jessie and I made a trip to the mall.  I have started adding Pandora charms to my bracelet whenever I travel PLUS my bracelet was FULL so I needed a new one.  That achieved we hit a favorite Thrift store-where I found a few books and my personal shopper found me a larger bag for the trip home!

The next day we went up to Estes Park. I ALWAYS want to go to Estes but I especially wanted to see the memorial bench we had placed at the YMCA of the Rockies for our brother Bobby. Also, I wanted to visit the Quilt Shop there.  Peak to Peat Stitching has quite a few things designed just for them.  I bought a few things.  In my defense I haven't bought any fabric since last year's trip!

The front range.  A kit.  I bought a laser cut Elk last year that I want to put on this.

The Faces of Longs Peak.  The highest peak in Rocky Mountain Park

Aspen!

Lastly a few fat quarters!  A big haul for the woman who usually spends about $25.00 on fat quarters!  I'm not saying how much I spent!

A drive through Rocky , with a stop to see the bench and we headed back to Denver.

After a lovely dinner of Italian food!  It was back to the house to finish packing for the trip home.

After having such an ordeal on arrival and being seriously concerned that I might not make my flight home if I walked, I requested assistance for the trip through the airport.  First time I've ever done that and I was really grateful when I was taking off from A81, the next to the last GATE on the concourse. They put me on the plane and took me off the plane and off to package claim where my daughter was waiting.

All, in all a lovely trip! 

This week I have several medical appointments.

Today it's Physical Therapy-after all the trouble I had with walking in Denver I decided I needed PT to be ready for the next trip.  The Surgeon left it up to me so I will be doing that for a while.

Also, I have a 5 page list of things that need to be done.  I've only marked a few off so far but I'm not stressing over that!

To all of you that have left comments on my Reset--Thank you!  It's heartwarming to know that someone actually reads this blog!  

 

Life Reset Continues

 Well, I need to finish packing but otherwise I am ready to go in the morning!

Plus, I booked my flights to Iceland!

I'm excited!

Life Reset continues

I don't know what's going on this week, I just feel a bit off and extra tired.  I'm looking forward to Sunday and seeing the Rockies again! Also looking forward to the hugs I'll get from my brother and his wife!

 I did some of the necessities of life:  went to the grocery store for bread and came home with ice cream among other things.  I did in fact get the bread thank goodness!  Then I paid the bills.  It happens every month on the first (this is the first month of 2026 that I have actually paid them on the first.)  Another of those things one puts off either consciously or not came up today.  My tankless hot water heater refuses to stay on.  I turn it on, it heats the water and then goes cold.  Which is a real bummer when you want to take a shower!  I called my favorite plumber to come make magic but he can't come until Monday.  Lucky for me my daughter is coming to deal with the in person part and pay for it (She has a credit card of mine in her name for just such occasions.)  The plumber has promised me hot water when I return home!

Tomorrow, will be busy, packing and tidying the house. No gardening for me until I get back from Denver.

Life Reset Continues

It was bound to happen-I missed yesterday!  Fell asleep and when I woke I just crawled into the bed. I'll try not to let the misses happen too often.

I have finally gotten the laundry all put away.  Sometimes, I get disgusted with myself over how long it takes to get three  small loads of laundry folded or hung!   It's so easy to just get dressed from the laundry basket, sigh.  Anyway, that's done, and the kitchen is tidied.  I've been taking my little chain saw out and cutting branches, hopefully that will be finished soon.  Then I dug the gigantic dandelions out of the strawberries.  I even picked a few, strawberries that is.  There are many, many berries on the plants.  It looks to be a good harvest!  There are lots of blueberries on the bushes as well but I doubt the birds leave me any. 

I can't get my stapler/tiny nail gun to work, it's finicky and I must not be holding my mouth right!  I can't finish the last bulletin board without it and I don't want to hang the other two until I can hang them all.  

Tomorrow, will be more of the same.  Well no laundry!  More limbs, some raking of leaves-unless it rains, then I'll just have to go down and try to finish something in the studio.

Life Reset Day 16

 I can happily report that there have been no tornado warnings since the 5:45Am on Monday!  Whew, Maybe I'll get caught up again, or not.

Had a chat with my brother about what we are doing while I am there next week.  Some great times in the Rocky Mountains are on tap.  We are headed up to Breckinridge for two days which is always fun (even if you're not a skier anymore.) No trip to the mountains is complete without a trip to Estes Park and  Rocky Mountain National Park.  We had a vacation home in Estes for several years, then my parents moved out and back to Missouri for a while.  Estes has a special place in my heart.  We had a memorial bench placed at the YMCA of the Rockies for our younger brother, as we went there on vacation for years, and I want to go see it.  Looks like a very full and fun time ahead!

I have quite a bit that should get done before I go.  Packing being the most important!

Until tomorrow! 

Life Reset - Day 15

Today has been very quiet,  mostly because at 5:45 this morning the city's tornado sirens began blaring!  Seriously, twice in less than 24 hours!  I was so sleepy I sort of sleep walked to the basement.  45 minutes later I sleep walked back to bed!  Both of these were radar indicated-meaning there was evidence of rotation in the clouds.  Neither touched down, maybe they weren't even tornados but early warnings save lives so I'll forgive them my loss of sleep.  The big outcome has been flooding, not near me but all over the metro.  It was a sunny day today and there is no rain in the forecast for several days so maybe my sleep won't be disrupted again tonight.

I did start the laundry, spent a little time working on projects although none of them are complete.  Then I simply couldn't keep my eyes open any longer, so I had a nap.  I didn't finish the laundry but I'm still really tired so I'm going to take my night meds and crash.  Wait I still need to make my bed, sigh 

Life Reset Day 14

Interesting day.  I fiddled around in the morning and didn't get breakfast until 10am even though I'd been awake and out of bed since 7:30.  I was enjoying the rainbows too much to leave the bedroom! After I finally got dressed I made myself Avocado toast (I didn't like this when I first had but now I do) BEFORE I made my coffee.  Really backwards morning.

Finally, I got to doing something after lunch.  Brought out several yard tools for cleanup.  Used the blower to clean off the patio and began raking up leaves left from last fall.  While raking I decided what I'd do with the cut branches so I emptied one of the old veg boxes of branches and weeds, broke up what I could by hand and put them into the empty box, then brought up the wagon and emptied it.  I'd been out working, with lovely swing breaks when I got tired, for about 3 hours and it was sprinkling so I put the wagon and a big bin under the tree to hopefully keep it dry(ish), and carried in the rest of my tools.

I hadn't been in too long when I received notification of a ZOOM catch up with the Chookshed Stitchers which was fun UNTIL my phone, my watch and the city's sirens all came on with a tornado warning.  So, Off I went to the basement.  For the second time in less than a week.  When we got the all clear I got back on ZOOM to answer the question of how I know when it's safe.  That's a combination of TV saying the warning had lapsed for my area, the sirens stopping-and the lovely voice over them saying that the danger had passed.  That was the first wave of storms, there was a second round about 9, and apparently there is more coming after midnight.  Crazy.

I'm tired after such an "interesting day" so until tomorrow, Goodnight.

Life Reset Day 13

Breakfast this morning!  So good.  Strawberry waffles are a family tradition every Spring.  We used to always have them on Easter but we are scattered to the winds now!  I really enjoyed them.

Chatted with the Nashville duo this morning instead of tomorrow as they were wanting to take a hike in the morning.  We chat nearly every Sunday and I eagerly await those calls.

After all that I took my new toy

out to cut branches that have fallen every time we have a big wind!

It's only about 18" long, quite light and easy for me to use.  So use it I did.

The wagon is loaded with just the branches from the front tree!  I also picked up all the branches on the ground in the back yard.  I will put these in the bottom of my new veggie beds.  I have big piles of branches in the veg garden to cut up as well but I haven't quite decided what to do with them until I get the beds together.  When I went out to do this the weather guessers said it wasn't to rain before Monday, NOW they say rain after 1am, rain tomorrow (plus possible severe weather) and rain Monday.  The wagon will be full of water!

I am way behind on the yard work.  The hostas are looking good and one of my coral bells is blooming.  I do love to garden.  My plans for tomorrow will be a wash if it rains so studio time!

After all that and a shower I just rested.

 

Life Reset Day 12

For some reason each week I have one day when sleep evades me until 4am!  That was last night, I wonder if it is always the same day?  Must track that and see what the fuss is!  Anyway, last night was this week's very late night (or early morning depending on how you look at it.)  When I finally go to sleep, I'm a log until 10ish.  I really do not like sleeping that late, even though I'm not a really early morning girl sleeping til 10 makes me feel like I didn't accomplish anything.

Also, last night we had another series of major thunderstorm roll through, It seemed to go on and on.  No tornados though, just thunder. lightening and rain.

Today, I had to return the suitcase I bought yesterday. I'm looking for a medium sized trunk style suitcase-harder than it seems-and the one I got was the same size as the really big ones I have. Since I have TWO big ones, one I got in Australia.  This one went back.  The big ones get heavy and are hard for me to manage.  I'm flying out to my brother's in Denver next week so a trunk style one would be nice but I will use the clam one (which I hate) and my backpack.  I'm not doing carryon luggage any longer-I have trouble lifting them into the overhead bins and then getting them down, even though someone is always there to help!  I had to carry one up many steps getting on and off planes in Australia, no fun.  You learn something with every trip you take!  Also, You learn to adapt when you get old (and I am old!)

I think perhaps my daily doings will be boring (or perhaps they already are ) but for some reason knowing I need to write one each day is easier than remembering occasionally. If you get bored let me know!

 

Life Reset Day 11

Shopping. Ugh.

I am not a big fan. 

I know I got in 10,000 steps. 

Lowe's- big place even if you don't walk all over.  Many paint swatch cards and some lettuce seeds.  I always plant early lettuce in a container and enjoy the yummy fresh green stuff until it gets hot.

Target-A big place.  A notebook, some file folders and some snacks.  Not the summer dresses I was hoping for.  What's the deal with all the ruffles? 

Michaels-Not such a big place.

T J Maxx- again not such a big place .

One other stop and then I went to have a supper/lunch at Red Lobster then home, exhausted.

Many, parking lots. 

 I can walk a few steps without the cane or walk with the assistance of a shopping cart. Every day it seems better but not enough to go it alone.  I'll get there!

Life Reset Day 10

 I woke early this morning-I am NOT a morning person! There were no rainbows because the sun had decided to hide behind clouds.  It is amazing how much that fact affects your mood and energy levels.  Or maybe Wednesday is just the day that I need to be a lump of uninspired  human.  I did manage the weekly chore of cleaning the bathroom, which fortunately was not very dirty.  I also cleared the table of the clutter that seems to build up in a few days--I'm blaming that on last weeks tax marathon on the mess.

Do not go into shock.

 I went down to the Studio and I actually turned on one of my sewing machines and sewed two patches (Canada) on my patch blanket.  Then I turned it off and came back upstairs.  Maybe it's the beginning of a streak?