Trust

Good Morning! It is an overcast gray day with some rain in Southern California. Today, there is nothing planned. I will get done what I can get done. Something I am constantly trying to learn is to trust and not worry and know that my Heavenly Father is going to take care of me. I want it my way and I really don't like it when someone surprises me and I don't like the surprise. I can be a really nice person, but when something happens that I don't want to do, I am a very selfish person and not nice to be around. I don't like surprises, I want to be in control all the time. I feel like I have to do everything and everything has to be my way. This is the issue that Rory and I deal with all the time. He wants things his way and I want things my way. Yesterday afternoon, I was sitting at the kitchen table and thinking to myself that some very positive things had happened and what or who was going to come along and burst my bubble. Rory sort of did, but not in a huge way. I love to organize and a friend was needing some help and I realized how much I do love to organize. I really would love to be a tour guide and it was interesting that someone found a blog that I wrote about the missions in California. I guess it always surprises me of who is reading my blogs and how they find them. Two things I would love to do, but I know at this point my family comes first and I can do these things in round about ways. Another way I need to trust! Made pancakes for breakfast with bacon. Yesterday at the Farmer's Market, I bought some homemade jam and used that on the pancakes instead of syrup! Yummy. The girls are still asleep, Rory is out the door for breakfast, doing some more Christmas shopping and going to a movie. Peacefulness around the house today. Doing my morning computer routine. After Mari gets up and we give Sweet Pea her insulin, I am going to take a nap. Got my nap! Finished doing morning stuff and then finally had lunch. I wanted to install "Time Capsule", which I had bought from The Apple Store, but wanted someone else to install it, so I called Cox to set up an appointment. The man on the phone finally said, we have a back up program for free, so I was able to activate that and now I have to upload my pictures on to that. If anyone is interested in the Time Capsule, I would sell it for about $200.00. Don't need it anymore. After that went to Trader Joe's to get some things for dinner and breakfast tomorrow, then to Home Depot to get some firewood. Love the pouring rain and having to drive in it. I really do!!! It is much nicer to be home. Made a smoothie and now I am doing some sit down stuff. Then I will make dinner and some bread for breakfast tomorrow. Made dinner and watched TV with Mari. I am going to read at 9 and go to bed by 10. Good Night. Trudi

Wanting more, wanting less

Good Morning! Overall, I am a happy camper this morning, it is raining. Mari has school all day today, but there are only two more Thursdays after today, before the end of school. Rory has a habit in the morning of calling the bank to find out the balances in our and his checking accounts. He had bought something for the "family" for Christmas and had been charged twice, which is wrong. I know when I say that he bought something for the "family", I should think it as nice, but he goes overboard with Christmas, as with most things. My saying is "less is more" and to him he wants more, more, more. We are "so" on two different planets. He really doesn't get it. I can talk till I am blue in the face, and he won't get it. The girls and I want things simple!!! It is major frustrating. I could walk out of this house with my daughters, my computer, Sweet Pea, my Kindle and photo albums and be totally happy. Need to get out of here early, so better get going! Eating breakfast and watching TV with Mari. We were out the door by 9:15 a.m. Took Mari to school and since it was misting and a friend wanted to meet up for coffee, I decided to go to Target, stop by home and drop things off and then go to Starbucks. Met up with my friend, which was nice. Came home had lunch and now I am going to take a nap. I had made an appointment for today to have the heater checked. I get very frustrated with some handymen, who come off as knowing what they are doing and later find out that they really don't know what they are doing. Aargh! Got my nap! Naps are so nice! I got to thinking about a problem Rory and I had and that is called communication and control. We each want our own way, but how do we go about changing this, when one of us is very selfish and always wants things his way. I have a tendency to control, as I feel like I am trying to be responsible both with our health and money. Making an early dinner, as I have to take Mari her dinner and snack. I tend to like making meals early, then all I have to do is heat it up around 6 and we have dinner. Left to take Mari her dinner and smoothie and on the way back, stopped at our local Farmer's Market. For those of you who live near me, there is a Farmer's Market in Foothill Ranch on Thursday from 3-7. Next week they are having a boutique from 11-7, as well as the Farmer's Market. If you live in other areas there are other Farmer's Markets. Support them, as these are small businesses, trying to earn a living. Came home and put stuff away. Now getting some quiet time. Put dinner together and watched TV with Marissa. Mari called early, so went down to pick her up and came home. She was tired, so we stopped at Starbucks. Going to do some writing on my Virtual Concierge blog and then read at 9 and then to bed at 10. Good night. Trudi

Letting go

Good Morning! It is overcast in Southern California! I am a little behind my normal schedule this morning, but that is ok, as Mari does not have school today and Rory got home at 4 a.m. this morning. Rory worked until 3 a.m. and I did know he was working until 2. Luckily I slept through the night well. Every time I would start to worry, I would let it go. I feel tremendously better today as it does help to get rest and not get angry. Mari has a dental appointment this morning and we get our house cleaned today. Marissa is allowing fear to stop her life and we somehow have to work her past it. I need to let go of the stress I have with Rory. It is very difficult to live with someone who does not really know how to have a relationship. I am doing things I enjoy and I really do need the alone quiet time and I don't have to do everything. Better go make breakfast. Got my morning computer routine done. Took Mari to the dentist and got gas in the car. I very rarely get faxes, but this morning we got one from a person who lives behind one of the homes my father-in-law owned and now my step mother-in-law owns and does not really maintain. The letter told us that on Thanksgiving, someone was cutting the tree that is on "our" property and was done in a very unsafe manner. The letter stated that the tree should be cut professionally. We do not own the property. Rory called our attorney and the realtor that we used when we sold some of the other houses that we acquired. This is typical of my step mother-in-law and also my father-in-law to maintain things cheaply and want top dollar. I thought the dentist appointment was going to take an hour and it only took 20-30 minutes. Every time I have wanted today to lay down and rest, I have not been able to. Luckily, I am feeling better. Went to pick up Mari and then we went to Laguna to the art supply store. I love going to Laguna, as it has a very small town feel and that is what I like. I would love to live where I could walk to places or use public transportation. I love to be able to go into a place and have them know me. It is nice to use small businesses. From there we went to a sandwich place. The three of us got Thai Iced Teas and Mari had accidentally spilled some of her tea on me and was wiping it off me. I came to realize that I am not a touchy type person, I did not mind her wiping the tea off, but it made me realize that I don't touch and I don't get touched. Sometimes I feel like I am trying to be someone I am not. I like friendships, yes! I have had to learn to give hugs. Maybe this is why I married someone with AS and who doesn't really know how to have to have a relationship, as I don't think I really knew how. Came home and had lunch and doing stuff until the cleaners got here. I know I have house stuff to do, so will wait until the cleaners leave to get it done. Marissa and I went over to the vet to get some syringes for Sweet Pea. Now I am going to take a nap. I am trying to get on myself about not doing things and just taking care of me. Let it go, don't get so stressed. Tonight for dinner we had turkey chili and naan. Yummy! Gave Rory garlic bread! the girls and I are watching reruns of "Ghost Hunters". Going to color Mari's hair tonight. Talked to a friend and now watching a new episode of Ghost Hunters. It is so nice to feel better, even though I am getting tired. To bed I will go after the program is over. I am waiting for the rain, just like the kids wait for Santa Claus. Good Night. Trudi

Sleep is a good thing

Good Morning! Actually got a good night's sleep. The Claritin worked for Rory and I got some sleep. YEA! Feeling sort of weak this morning, so I will continue to take care of me. I am officially down 20 pounds. Mari has to be at school at 1, but more than likely I will take a nap before that. Rory may work tonight at the docks. Doing my computer routine and then I need to get breakfast.

I will be really glad when I get my energy level back and I don't feel constantly tired. This is old. Got breakfast with help from Mari for everyone and did the rest of my morning computer routine. Took a nap. Started doing house stuff. Had lunch and took Mari to school and then ran some errands. Came home and took a nap. Finished house stuff and Rory left for work and then Mari and I went back and picked up Mari. We went to Jamba Juice and Peet's Coffee and then to Home Goods, as I am slowly decorating for Christmas. Came home and now I need to make dinner. Going to color hair tonight. Girls night at home. Dinner done, my hair done, we will do Mari's tomorrow. Watching TV for the rest of the evening. After TV headed for bed. Good Night. Trudi

Back to normal schedule and 3 more weeks of fall semester

Good Morning from a gray Southern California! Did not have the best night last night, but moving on. If I need to rest today, I am going to take it. Mari and I have to go to The Apple Store this morning and get some replacement feet for her Mac. I think we will also get calendars. Mari has school today from 2-10 and there is only 3 weeks left of fall semester. YEA! Then I will have my daughter back for about a month. Rory has a doctor's appointment today.

Did my morning computer routine and then took a nap. Mari and I went to The Apple Store and got calendars and then got lunch on the way home. Rory got a flu shot and is down for the count, but that is usual when he gets a flu shot. Overall he is healthy, he just has arthritis and is very overweight. His glucose level is up, so they are changing his meds. After lunch I took a nap, before I took Mari to school. I think the way I am feeling, has to do with all the stress I have been under before Thanksgiving. I was blowing up at Rory and I was getting upset with Mari. When I relax, this is what happens, I fall apart. Thank goodness I have time to rest today. On the way home from taking Mari to school, ran two errands. One of the errands was by the bank and a lady at the bank that I know, gave me a compliment on how well I looked. That really made my day. Came home, did laundry, trash and watered plants. Until dinner time, I am going to "rest" I love to have things simple and organized. I am working on that with our storage unit. Mari's room is on the first floor of our house and she keeps her door open, except when she is sleeping or wants some alone time. Her room drives me nuts, as she does not put away clothes. One of my goals is to do all I can to get her through school, so I asked her today, if I had permission to put away her clothes, as it was driving her nuts as well and with school, she did not have the time to do it. I would rather she get good grades than worry about her clothes being put away. Maybe I am spoiling her, but she helps out in other ways and I am very thankful for her being my daughter and in my life. I started organizing her room today for a little bit. Her room takes me back to how my sister kept her room. I guess artists think alike.

On Mondays, I have been putting dinner together early, so that Mari can take dinner to school. Marissa and I put the rest of our dinners together, which was nice, considering how I have been feeling all day. I did not go walking today and I have no guilt. It is better to take care of myself. Marissa and I watched TV and then she did dishes. I took a short nap and then took Rory is tea and his pecan pie. Doing some computer stuff and then I will leave at 9 to go pick up Mari. Then I am coming home and going to bed. Praying for a much better night sleep. Good night! Trudi

I am tired of...

Good Morning! It is a beautiful sunny morning in Southern California. I am tired of being tired, being angry, not being respected by my husband, being my husband's servant, being fearful, always being the fix it person. I am tired of the commercialization of Christmas. I want to feel joy. Pray that I will have energy, will be happy, will be loved and respected by my husband, that Rory and I could go through life as friends and partners and have similar values and that I can have confidence and be able to step forward in whatever God has for me. I want life to be relatively simple and that the world would not always want all these things. Let me and everyone find contentment in what we have. My goal for today is for the girls and I to get our hair cut and to take down the decorations for fall. As of this morning, I am down 19 pounds. I would like to be down 20 pounds going into the new year. I want to be good to myself and find joy within me.

I want to be able to enjoy cooking and trying new things! Doing morning routine! I made eggs with mozzarella cheese and butternut squash. Something that the CSA box I get has done, is get me to try new veges and really eat fresh veges. I am tired of being emotionally exhausted and not being able to share things with Rory. I live with a man, who really doesn't understand relationships and that is exhausting. Last night, I had gone upstairs and took the wrong Bible. Rory was sitting downstairs, watching TV and he was wondering what I was doing and I told him, I had taken the wrong Bible upstairs and he said to me, that he knew I was a very religious woman, but was wondering how many Bibles did I need. I told him different Bibles have different devotionals. I really don't feel like that a religious person. Morning routine, nap and lunch done! The girls and I went to get hair cuts and then to Trader Joe's to get some things. We also walked by a Christmas tree lot and ended up getting a small reindeer for the front door step. Put fall decorations away in the storage unit and then went to Starbucks. Came home, Rory was downstairs watching a football game. We will see what I get done before I have to get dinner going. The first question he asks the girls is how much did the hair cut cost. I was really trying to figure out why he wants to know the cost. I know he is trying to be nice in getting gifts for the girls, but when it comes to me, he doesn't ask, because I have already said I don't really want anything. I usually get what I want. He really doesn't know how to buy for people. I was very spoiled by my dad, when it came to gifts.

Mari and I put dinner together and the three girls of watched TV in the living room. Rory got his dinner on a tray and watched TV in our room, which is what he likes. He can lay on the bed and eat and watch TV. Getting quiet time until 8 p.m., when Amazing Race comes on. Watching Amazing Race, then going to read and then to bed. Back to reality for a couple of weeks tomorrow. Good night. Trudi

Is there ever a right time?

Good Morning world! It is a beautiful cool sunny morning in Southern California. Last night I watched a program called "Living Abroad". I really enjoyed it. My dream for as long as I can remember has been to travel and mainly see all of the small and big towns of the United States. I was really enjoying the program and then Rory came down and wanted to talk about the rest of his day yesterday. I let him talk for awhile and then I told him I was tired and went upstairs. I have to learn to cut him off; which I feel is very disrespectful, but it is the only way to deal with him or he will talk on and on. My prayer last night was to show me how I can travel and where the Lord would like me to travel. I woke up from a dream where I was traveling and taking pictures. I was carrying all of these bags and the place was a very beautiful place, but there were people not wanting me to take pictures. Interesting dream. Right now my priority is to help Mari get through school. I am currently Rory's caretaker. I want to help Marissa as much as I can. Once Mari gets through school, I want to be close to her and probably not with Rory. When I travel I like sharing my travels with someone. This is the reason for the title of my blog-Is there ever a right time? Once Mari gets through school, then she will be working and not be able to travel all the time with me. How can I do my dream and be realistic? This schedule may change, as Mari is not up as yet. My plan for the day is to do my morning computer and house routine, make breakfast, probably take a nap, have lunch, run errands and then write my other blog, edit pictures, read and do some miscellaneous things, such as laundry, organize the refrigerator, work on putting some pictures in an album and cleaning up the floor of my office. I have decided that after I finish writing my history blog, I will go back and take pictures. I am currently writing about San Diego County and really enjoying learning more about San Diego County.

My plan for the day is not going to overall change, except for putting a walk into the mix. Rory is gone for the day. YEA! I have done my computer stuff and house stuff, as well as getting a nap. Now I need to get lunch and then run errands. Errands run. I am really trying to stick to my list and menu and get the refrigerator organized and just staying with what we need. Going to work on my other blog, etc and then going for a walk at 4. Mari and I did our walk. Going to relax for a little bit and then make dinner. Reading about San Diego history and it is interesting to read about the beginning of the telephone.

Mari and I had dinner together and then watched a show she likes to watch. Now I am getting some time to do my thing. If Rory does not get home by 9, I am going upstairs and read and go to bed at 10. Good Night, Trudi

Confidence

Good Morning! Up and doing my morning routine! Thankful for the quietness of the morning. Today, I am taking my car in for an oil change. Yesterday, when Mari and I were taking our walk around the lake, we were talking about confidence and I realized that I let my confidence get in the way of many things. In some ways I like to cook, but I let Rory get in the way of my enjoyment. I like to take pictures, but more to share than to really move forward. I am not comfortable or happy in my little box, but in many ways I am. A couple of weeks ago, I made some macaroni and cheese and I was not thrilled with it, but the girls loved it and want me to make more. I need to remember I am good enough. What is important? I would love to be a tour guide and share my knowledge with others. I do like food, but do I want to cook, or let someone else deal with the put downs. Trying to get Thanksgiving dinner together was hard, as my ADHD kicked in and I was trying to do too many things at once. I want to make a list today(one day at a time) of things I want to accomplish and projects I can do. I need to make a menu and stick to it. I really do want to lose weight, but I don't have to be perfect. I have to remember that I don't have to be perfect. I just need to be me!

Took my car down to have the oil changed. Rory brought me home. Luckily I have nothing really to do today that I need the car for. I am going to take a nap. While I was taking a nap, Big O called and said the car was done. Called Rory and he is coming to pick me up. Got my lunch and went to get my car. It was nice to have my car back. Stopped by the bank and then went to see if a bike shop would fix Marissa's bike. Came home and will be home for the rest of the day, I think. Getting Marissa to see if she can be approved by Kaiser for medical insurance. Working on typing my other blog and took another nap. Rest is good! Edited one picture and now going for a walk by myself. I could easily talk myself out of it, but I am going.

Did my walk and when I got back, Rory was sitting downstairs watching the news. He took his car in for service and right at the end, the power went out at the dealership and his car was stuck on the lift and they could not do paper work. They did get his car down. He was trying to watch the news, to see what caused the power outage. I have really needed quiet today. Mari and I got dinner together. Watched some TV. I am tired tonight, so going to do my reading at 9 and then go to bed. Good night. Trudi

Happy Thanksgiving!

Good Morning! It is a beautiful sunny day here in Southern California. I got up about 6:30 and did my usual routine. I am thankful today for my health and our home and my family and the meal that I do not have to cook tonight. Mari and I are going walking at the lake sometime today. I am making eggs and pancakes for breakfast this morning. Rory will make his Eggs Benedict.

Watching Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, eating breakfast and doing my morning computer routine. Took a nap, then did morning house stuff. Now we are watching The National Dog Show. Thanks to Wikipedia for a brief history of Thanksgiving-Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November. It has officially been an annual tradition since 1863, when during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens", to be celebrated on Thursday, November 26. The event that some Americans, commonly call the "First Thanksgiving" was celebrated by the Pilgrims after their first harvest in the New World in 1621. The first Thanksgiving feast lasted three days and was attended by 53 Pilgrims and 90 Native Americans. The New England colonists were accustomed to regularly celebrating days of prayer thanking God for blessings such as military victory or the end of a drought, though the 1621 events were likely not a religious observation. The first documented thanksgiving feasts in the territory currently belonging to the United States were conducted by Spaniards in the 16th Century. Thanksgiving services were routine in what was to become the Commonwealth of Virginia as early as 1607, with the first permanent settlement of Jamestown, Virginia holding a Thanksgiving in 1610. Mari and I left about 2:30 to go walking the lake and we found a Starbucks open. Walked the lake, drove through the canyon to get home, which I always enjoy and then went to Claim Jumper to "claim" my dinner. it was delicious. I am reading a book and I really wanted to finish it. Just as we were putting dinner in the oven, Rory came down. On holidays, he wants to come down and have dinner with the family! That is great, but we do it, in front of the TV. As we were putting dinner together, my ADHD kicked in and with the TV going, I could not concentrate. I asked him to put the TV on mute, which he did, but he thought as soon as I started to talk to Mari, that meant he could take the TV off mute. I got very tired and I was really getting tired of the TV. Finally Rory finished his pie and went upstairs and I turned the TV off! YEA! Finishing Thanksgiving on a quiet note. Will do some reading at 9 and to bed at 10. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and was thankful! Good night. Trudi

Home for the holiday

Good Morning! When I first got up it was sunny and now the fog has come in! I wish I had family to go see, but I don't, so I am just going to enjoy the day. When my parents were alive, I loved going to their house for holiday dinners, but fortunately we did not live that far away. We will have Thanksgiving dinner at home and fortunately I do not have to cook, just heat up what Claim Jumper is making. I will make pancakes in the morning. Today, Marissa has a doctor's appointment and then we are going to Mission Viejo mall, so Mari can take care of some things at The Apple Store and I can return some things to the Sleep Number store. Mari and I are going walking this afternoon.

Left about 10 to take Marissa to the doctor. Good visit and hopefully will get her moving forward. Then we went to Mission Viejo Mall to return part of our sleep number bed, then we had lunch. The crepes were good. Then to the Apple store and of course we had to go see the puppies. To Target and now home. Mari and I are going walking at 4. It is surprising what 30 minutes can do with light. It was not as dark when we got home as it was last night. Rory's plan for the day was to go shopping. I know he got a ham and some eggs and some spiced eggnog. We have been home since about 2:30 and we have not seen him. Made dinner for the girls and I. He has been running away, when things get too much and I wonder if that is what happened today. He left his phone at home. He will be home some time. Having non-TV time right now, until 9 when Ghost Hunters comes on.

Control and frustration

Good Morning! Much better night-YEA! Last night, when I went to pick up Mari, I asked her friend or foe? She said friend and I knew that. Yesterday, when Marissa and I went to Smart and Final, she was having a problem with all the people and she was getting up tight and angry. As we are going into the holidays, I feel like I can't take her with me anywhere. Last night, when Rory finally got home, he told me that when I told him the kids were off this week, that that depressed him. Now, I am beginning to wonder if we should be going out for Thanksgiving dinner, as the restaurant will be noisy and there will be a lot of people and it is always stressful going out with Rory. Rory does not see why I have a problem with his gambling and why I have a problem with his $250.00 going into our joint account from when he is working. He hates working. He wants his "fun" money, but doesn't really want to work for it. All of the money that he makes from his dock job, his gambling, his social security goes into his account. To me, any money he makes should be going into our joint account in order to pay for house stuff. He doesn't see it that way. Frustration! I really have a control issue. There is a group I belong to that is talking about doing bus trips. I would really prefer to take my own car, as for one thing, I can stop when I want and I don't have to put up with a whole bunch of people and being on a schedule. I really try to be nice to most people, but I like things my own way. I have to put up with a very selfish person at home. Last night, I made a meal with stew beef that was marinated in a pesto sauce, rice, broccoli, mushrooms and onion and Rory complained because it had broccoli in it. I get to the point, I really don't like cooking, because all I hear is complaining. The girls and I like it. I can see where this day is going and I don't like it, so I am going to try and change the outcome, but I need to get out of the house to do that. I am tired of the retailers taking over Thanksgiving. Let's be thankful for all we have, whether it be minimal or large. I am tired of politics and talking about money. Rory asked if there was something enjoyable out there! Oh my gosh, is there ever!

Left at 12:15 to take Mari to school and then came back to Claim Jumper and ordered Thanksgiving dinner. I really dislike when a manager disciplines an employee in front of a customer. That is very disrespectful to the employee and the customer. From Claim Jumper, I went to Target, Bath and Body and then Trader Joe's. Target and Bath and Body are opening at 9 on Thanksgiving night, which I feel is so wrong. Trader Joe's will be closed. Came home and made a smoothie for Mari and I. Left to pick her up, just as Rory was coming home. He called me five minutes after I left and wanted to know what I had gotten from Claim Jumper. He has a hard time letting me talk. He wanted to know if I had gotten Pecan Pie and I said no, as their only choice was Pumpkin or Apple and he had been talking about getting an apple pie and I know he does not like pumpkin. He drives me nuts. He is going shopping tomorrow, so I told him to make a list, which we did. We will see if he sticks to it. Picked up Mari and came home and we took our walk. Need to get dinner going. Made dinner and took it up to Rory. We did not have Heinz 57, but we had a whole bunch of other sauces. He was yelling at me for not letting him know ahead of time we didn't have it. This has not been a swift day. Marissa has a tendency to not pay attention to what her dad says. She is fed up with him, but does not nothing to move forward and just focuses on her dad. We ended up watching TV for the rest of the night. Going to bed at 10 p.m. Good night, Trudi

Does Thanksgiving still exist?

Good Morning or maybe I should say Does Thanksgiving still exist or did it get lost in the Christmas madness? I was up around 6, but didn't sleep the best in the world, as I felt like I was constantly getting up and going to the bathroom. Oh well, I am happy, as I am down another pound, but that pound has been taken away before. I really need to stay focused. Mari and I are walking this morning, as she has school from 2-10. The other reasons, I did not sleep very well is my knee constantly hurts and after a while, I can't get comfortable and I never know if Rory is going to get up and turn on the a/c, as he can't breath. When he turns on the a/c, he closes the windows and bumps into my side of the bed. I will definitely do some naps today. I want to bring back Thanksgiving and being thankful. I feel like we go from Halloween to Christmas. The stores are opening earlier and earlier and I know one person has a petition for Target to not open at 9 p.m., which I think is awesome. Thanksgiving is on November 22 and Christmas is on December 22. We have a whole month to shop. Retailers can't wait until Friday at a reasonable time to open. I know I won't be going anywhere near these stores on Friday and I definitely would not be going shopping at 3 a.m.

Mari and I did our walk this morning. I hurt some from the walk we did yesterday. Came home and had breakfast. Doing morning computer and house routine. Took a nap. Now I am making our dinner, so that Mari can take it with her to school. Then I will get lunch. We have to leave at 1:15, so that Mari is at school on time. Went to PetSmart to get food for Sweet Pea, then took Mari to school, then to the bank and Smart and Final and finally got me a smoothie and Marissa a coffee. Came home, going to spend the rest of the day, doing my other blog, editing pics and other stuff. When we walked into Smart and Final, people are really starting to get things for Thanksgiving.

Marissa and I had dinner and watched TV. Rory still not home. I am not going to complain, as it is more peaceful when he is not home. I do get frustrated though, because he does not think about calling home and letting me know where he is, although, I can guess. He did tell me this morning that he would be gone until dinner. I sometimes wonder what time dinner is to him. To me, dinner is 6 p.m. ish!

I have to leave at 9 and go pick up Mari and then I am coming home and going to bed. I did take a short nap in the recliner. Good Night. Trudi

Love the rain!

Good Morning! We finally got the rain during the night! I love the rain, as my plants get watered and the hills around us start getting some green on them, instead of the brown. The air feels so fresh and clean after a rain. Today is another home day. Mari and I are going walking somewhere today and I have some errands to do, but so what else is new. It is draining to always be the one to fix things, but I am leaning on the Lord to give me the strength. One of the channels on Rory's TV was not working, so he wanted me to call the station or Cox so they could fix it. I knew what to do and now it works. Made breakfast for Rory and then made sausage for the girls and I and then got cereal for me. Mari is now up. Did Sweet Pea's insulin shot. Doing morning computer stuff. Got laundry and trash done and some vacuuming done. Mari and I are going walking this afternoon. I need to get back to being good with my exercise and food. My weight has been relatively the same for too long. I just have to remember I am still down. I was getting frustrated with Mari, as she was watching TV for too long and still had school work to do and she wanted to go on one of our stairs walk. Rory had to turn on the a/c and it was really cool enough without it.

I was just reading an article about how we like to share eating and being with other people. In our house, Rory likes to eat in our room in front of the TV or he sits in the living room in front of the TV and eats. He doesn't want much interaction. I am beginning to understand this more, since he deals with the Aspergers Syndrome and how he grew up dealing with his dad and what his dad did at the table. I grew up eating at the table and having conversations with my family. I loved that and miss that. The girls and I sit in front of the TV and eat together. We do communicate, but the TV is a big hindrance. When Mari and I are in the car, we do communicate much more than when Marissa and I are in the car. I was with a friend the other day, whose husband has AS and I saw this. The four girls of us were talking and I felt like her husband was just sitting there and not really communicating. I really need the communication with other people. I took a nap, did house stuff and then had lunch. We left about 1p.m. and headed for Eagle Rock to do our stairs walk. got to Eagle Rock about 2:50 and finished about 4:30. There was a Trader Joe's right down the street, but there was a line to get in the parking lot. We decided to go get a snack and then head for the Trader Joes near us. Rory had called while we were on our walk and said he was going to order pizza, as we were having fish, which he does not like. Got home and Rory had eaten the pizza, so I made our dinner. Watched TV. Rory came down at 9 and I went upstairs to bed. I am going to do my reading and then turn off the light. Good night. Trudi

A time to rest and enjoy the day

Good Morning! It has been a busy and emotional couple of days and I really need to take a day and rest and go nowhere, except maybe local. I was supposed to have my first meet up for "Secret Stairs for Photographers", but the weather channel is predicting rain this afternoon and I really don't want to do this in the rain, so I am going to cancel the meet up. Rory is working today, so it would be a really good day just to stay home and do things around the house.

Made breakfast for all of us and watched TV, while I was doing morning computer stuff. Did morning house stuff and got Rory's things together for him to go to work. He left for work around 11:30 and I took a nap. I am really trying to take care of me. Had lunch and ran three errands that were put off the last couple of days. Came home and I am going to do my other blog and some editing of pictures and somethings I want to do, since Rory is not here. Where I live, it is not raining, but it looks like it is raining where we were supposed to take our walk, plus Mari is getting a paper done for Monday, that she would have had to do tomorrow. I do not feel guilty for canceling this anymore.

About 5:30, I got dinner started and made up a menu for this week. I really feel like I accomplished quite a bit today. Watching some TV. I actually had some champagne that I liked. Going to do my reading at 9 and turn off the light at 10. I am tired tonight, but overall it has been a good day. Mari and I have decided we are going to do our walking routine a little differently, since it has gotten cooler.

Good night. Trudi

Moving forward with a sense of peace

Good Morning! We have clouds, but we also have sun. Yesterday, was a long and emotional day! Instead of going walking at Dana Point, I decided to go out to Woodland Hills and say good by to a friend who is dying of cancer. For me to drive to Woodland Hills, takes 90 minutes approximately. Luckily, there was not much traffic. Kaiser Medical Center in Woodland Hills is a huge place, so trying to find the hospital part was difficult. I did find where she was. I did not recognize her. I have not seen Valerie in about six months. I learned I am a "do" person and I am not good with emotions. She was asleep, so the nurses recommended I write her a note, which I did. Her sister-in-law came in and I talked to her for a little bit. When I first went in Valerie's room, I said "hi Val, it's Trudi" and she twitched. I really did not know how to handle this. I am glad I went to see her. I got some lunch for me and some dinner for Mari on the way home and drove back. Stopped at Target and the farmer's market and then took Mari her dinner. Came home and took a short nap, which helped tremendously. Picked up a friend and we went out for dinner and then to a champagne tasting class. I am not a real big fan of champagne, but there was one I liked. Came home and went to bed and had the best night sleep, I have had in a long time. This morning, I am doing my morning routine, but Mari and I are not walking. We may be seeing some friends in Oceanside this afternoon. Rory will be out most of the day.

Got my breakfast and doing morning computer stuff done. I want to get laundry and trash done before lunch, so that I can enjoy the afternoon. Got everything done and got lunch. About 1 p.m. Pamela,Val's sister called me and told me that Val had died about 10 p.m. last night. I felt sad for awhile and I was thankful that I was seeing some friends this afternoon. Mari and I went to Oceanside to see the mission with our friends. Her granddaughter was with them, which was fun. Took some pictures and then went to Coco's for some pie, then drove home. Stopped at Trader Joe's to pick up some stuff for dinner. I am tired, but I have a sense of peace today. Rory is still gone and told Marissa to tell me to not make dinner. Oh well, I had gotten stuff for dinner for him. Mari made dinner and the girls and I are going to watch TV. Going to bed at 9 and read and turn off the light at 10.

How to deal with loss

Good Morning! Last night, after I had said good night, my friend's sister called me to tell me that my friend, Valerie, was not going to be with us much longer. I had know this for a while. To me, Valerie's and my friendship had ended about a couple of years ago, but when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, I continued to keep in touch with her and we saw each other from time to time. As far as going out to say good by, I did that a couple of years ago. Can people accept that we all have differing ways of saying good by or ending a relationship. I feel that way with my husband. I live with him yes, but I question whether I was really ever in love with him. I would really like to walk away from this relationship, but for the moment I can't. I feel like I put on a face and be the person the other person wants me to be. Who am I? Can I really have a relationship with someone? I miss my dad tremendously, but I have dealt with the fact that he is gone. Today, I feel somewhat down, like ok, it is just another day. I guess there are routine days and there are days I can get excited about. Today, Mari has class from 10-10. I am going to Dana Point Harbor and walk. Farmer's Market is today and tonight I am going to a champagne tasting with a friend. I like to go to Dana Point and walk. Am I really looking forward to champagne tasting or am I doing this because someone else wants to? Better go get breakfast together.

Last night, I texted my friends and told them what was going on with Valerie, one of my friends texted me back and said she was praying for me as well. It made me cry, as she knows how I feel about all of this. Then I took breakfast up to Rory and he starts talking about the holidays and how he will tell me later about something about Obama. I don't want to hear about it and I am not excited about the holidays. Very emotional and busy day today. Will write more tomorrow. Good night, Trudi

Not of this world

Good Morning! In the past, I have struggled with the holidays, because my dad is not with us any longer, but as the years went on, I got better about. This year I am struggling with the holidays because of what Christmas has become. Right after Halloween, I started seeing Christmas decorations. Can we wait until after Thanksgiving or have we forgotten Thanksgiving? Everything, nowadays has to be big, why can't things be simple. I live with this in my own house as well. Target is opening at 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving, so people can shop and their employees don't get to spend the whole day of Thanksgiving with their family. This is ridiculous. More is not better! Up around 6 and doing my morning routine. The girls of us are home today and Rory has to work from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Mari and I are going for a walk this morning.

Got back from walk and had breakfast and did my morning routine. Took a nap. A daughter of a friend of mine is here for a week and I am hoping to get to see them both. I found out that Marissa's cable box quit last night, so after lunch we went out to Cox to get a new one and then we had a hard time getting it to work. Had to call tech support to get it to work, but by the time we did that it was too late to go down and see my friend, so Marissa and I ran an errand and I took her to Peet's coffee. Came home and put stuff away. This morning Rory told me that our attorney might be sending something for Christmas and because he is Mormon, it might say from friend, as it might include liquor. I did not think anything about it at the time. A couple of weeks ago, Rory was going to order champagne and I got upset with him about it and later he said he did not order it and he threw the magazine away. Today we got a box and I told him about it, as he was at work and he said, oh this must be from our attorney. The more I got to thinking about it, I really believe this is what Rory ordered and he did not want me to get upset with him, so he said it was from our attorney. He does things like this from time to time and I really don't trust him. Better get to making dinner, as I am making homemade macaroni and cheese. Had dinner and watched some TV. Having quiet time until 9 and then will watch some more TV with Mari. Marissa did not sleep well last night due to the cable box and its problem. Any change and she does not sleep well or she gets anxious.

After we watch TV, then I am going to bed. Rory is supposed to be home around midnight. Good night. Trudi

Broken

Good Morning! I am not in the most up mood this morning. Why do things have to break? On the way home last night, my check tire light came on, so this morning I have to go to Big O and have the tires on my car checked out. Everything I have heard this morning on the TV, I have reacted with "whatever". I did do my exercises and increased two of them an extra 10 times. I really don't want to go walking this morning, but would much prefer to go to Big O and get the tire issue over and done. Last night, Rory came downstairs and wanted to have a debate, which I did not feel like getting into, especially at 10 p.m., when all I want to do is calm down and go to bed. I walked away from him, but it still makes me angry of how little respect he has for us. I know he ended up talking to Mari and she was trying to go to bed, but I know she knows how to handle him and so I did not get in the middle of it. Other than Big O, Mari has school from 1-4 and then we are going to get her book and Rory is working tonight.

Took my car to Big O and then balanced off the pressure in all the tires and I was good to go. While I was out in front, I found out that they are trimming the palm trees and Rory's car was in the way, so when I came back, I parked my car out of harm's way and moved Rory's car. Now I can relax and finish my morning routine, plus take a nap. Had lunch and took Mari to school and then went to Target. They are starting to train new cashiers for the holidays. Just as I got there, Marissa called me and told me that Rory is not working today, but will work tomorrow. Came home and I am having some down time until I have to go back and pick up Mari. Went to pick up Mari, then to Laguna Print and then to Active Culture to get smoothies. Came home, had dinner and watched TV. Going to bed at 10, hopefully no debating! Good night. Trudi

What is important?

Good Morning! To answer the question of what is important is myself and my health, my daughters, my photography, my writing, my learning and exploring and being responsible with money. I have to look at things in regard to these items. Got up a little after 6 and did my morning get ready routine. Came downstairs and did my quiet time routine. Mari and I are going to take a walk this morning and I am totally enjoying the cool mornings. Mari has school today from 2-10, plus we have to go get printed a book that she is doing for a class. I have errands to do today and do some things that did not get done yesterday. I need to get Rory's breakfast before we go walking. Enjoy the day and be thankful for what you have!

Mari and I did get our walk and then came home and made breakfast. Doing morning computer stuff, going to take a nap. Periodically, Rory likes to get into arguments when I am trying to go to bed. Most of the time I am learning to keep my mouth shut, but, yesterday, there were some issues that really got to me. One, ordering the champagne and two, the whole lunch issue with Marissa. When I am trying to wind down and go to sleep, I really don't need this. I did sleep last night, but around 10:30, I was tired. He did not order the champagne, but threw the catalog away. I really try to get to the mail, especially this time of year, because of all the catalogs. He has no restraint. If he sees something he wants, he will order it. I found out from Marissa this morning, that the guy that was bugging Rory, was not that loud and there just wasn't that many people in the restaurant and people were not leaving because of him. This new job at the docks is making Rory very uptight and he puts his uptightness on us. Luckily, this afternoon, he went to a movie and lunch. There was something else today, that got him upset. Most of the time, I can go with the flow. I just have to remember what is important. I finished my computer things and a house thing and then had lunch, as Mari wanted to leave early, so that she could drop her book off at Laguna Print. We did that, I took her to her class and then ran several errands. Came home, put things away and dropped the olive oil that I had just bought and now having some quiet time. Oh so nice! Will make dinner about 5:30. This is some of the art we saw yesterday at LACMA.

Rory came home right before I was going to make dinner. Made dinner for the three of us, as Mari is at school. Going to work on my history blog and edit pictures until I go pick up Mari. I love having a Kindle, as I can take it with me in the car and read, while I am waiting for signals. Mari called me about 8, so I headed for Laguna to pick her up. The fun of being a chauffeur. On the way home, my check tire light came on, so I guess I am headed for Big O Tire tomorrow morning. Going to do my reading and headed for bed. Good night. Trudi

Culture

Good Morning! Woke up a little before 6. All of a sudden I remembered that I had not totally closed the back door of the car. I went downstairs to the garage and luckily, the door was closed. I was afraid that the battery would be dead and have to deal with getting a new battery. Thankfully, I do not have to deal with that. Mari and I are headed for Los Angeles County Museum of Art for her art class this morning. Then we are going to go to some cemeteries and take some pictures for Veteran's Day. Yesterday I was looking for some travelogues to read and I came to realize that there are very few on the United States. One of my dreams is to travel this country and see all of the small and big countries. I may change my other blog to Gypsy Mom-This is our country. I realize I do many things for many people and yesterday I, overall took care of me and I am feeling much better this morning. I am Rory's caretaker,as he does not really want to do anything for himself; I am Mari and Marissa's mom and driver, I am a cook and housekeeper and I take care of Sweet Pea, our cat.

Thank you to all those who have served our country! It was so nice to have Mari make our breakfast and I made Rory's breakfast. Did computer stuff while I ate breakfast. Got laundry sorted and then Mari and I left for Los Angeles. We had very little traffic, which was nice. We got to LACMA a little before noon and met up with her teacher. Checked in with LACMA and got lunch. Mari found the area she needed to be and did what she needed to do. We walked around the museum for awhile and decided that over Christmas break, we were going to come back and see a couple of exhibits we want to see. After we left LACMA, we drove over Laurel Canyon and got snack and then to Rose Hills as Mari had to take pictures for her photography class of the Veteran's Day holiday. Marissa called while we were driving over Laurel Canyon and said the TV was doing something strange. I hate it when I am out and someone calls from home and tells me that something is wrong or broken. I am trying to relax and enjoy when I am out. I know, I should turn off the phone, but I don't want to cut Marissa off. After we left Rose Hills Cemetery, we went to Trader Joe's and got some things for dinner and came home. It is always interesting going to LA, but I do enjoy it. Made dinner and watched TV. Now we are just having some quiet time, before "Amazing Race" comes on at 8. When I took Rory's dinner up to him, he told me he was ordering some champagne. Yes, he has a right to it, but why not go to Total Wine and More and get one at a time. When he does this to me, I, then question, what I am spending. I am looking at getting an upgrade of an IPhone. Do I need it and I am looking at getting a camcorder and then I ask do I need it? The holidays are coming and to him, we have to go overboard and I want to keep it simple. It was nice to get out, but now I am back to reality. :-( Reading at 9 and to bed at 10! Good night, Trudi

Simple

Good Morning! It is actually beginning to feel like fall. It is cool out this morning and a beautiful sunny morning. As I said yesterday, I need to make things simple, but I have a tendency to make things difficult. I am really tired of being tired. I want some energy. I have been really trying to make things simple over the holidays. I have come to realize how much my dad did for me. He knew what to get me for Christmas and he made awesome holiday food. He was always a good cook. I miss him very much. My husband just wants everything done for him. I feel like I do so much for everybody else, that it feels like I am totally drained. I am really trying not to be selfish, but it would be nice if I could have someone do something for me. Today Mari and I are going for a walk and then she is going to focus on school and I am going to get some things done that have not been done over the last couple of days. I was going to go to San Diego, but I am going to put that off.

We did get our walk, even though Mari really wanted to stay home and focus on school. I told her she needed to focus less on TV and games. Came home and had breakfast. I am doing computer morning stuff! Took a nap, as I really needed it. Finished my morning computer stuff and talked to a friend. Got laundry and trash done, as well as ate lunch and then ran a couple of errands with Marissa. The rest of the afternoon is doing things I want to do. Made soup for dinner. It was ok, but I am not sure if I would make it again. When I try things, I worry if Rory is going to like it. I get very up tight and I sometimes really don't enjoy cooking. I want to enjoy cooking and trying new things. Watched some TV and now back to doing computer stuff. Rory is coming down at 9, so I will go up. This is a picture from where we went to dinner last night. Good Night. Trudi

Are we or aren't we

Good Morning! Every time Rory works the docks it really affects my sleep. He worked until 3 a.m. this morning and I guess got home about 4. I do get concerned that he is going to fall asleep at the wheel and have an accident. I got up about 4 to see if he was home and I could hear the TV going downstairs and him snoring. I went back to sleep and slept until 5:30, when he came to bed and then we both went back to sleep and I slept until 7. I am getting a late start, but Mari and I are not going walking, as the weather last night was a little iffy. The girls, a friend of mine and I are possibly going wine tasting and then out to dinner. We could have some showers again this evening, so we will see what we do. Mari has to go to a writing lab at school from 1-2 p.m. We will see how the rest of the day goes.

Last night, I saw that one of my meet up groups is going to do food photography and that is something I would like to learn. Sometimes, I wonder if I should learn to do this on my own, as I seem to learn better or learn it in a classroom or with a group. I love to share my photography, so I wonder if I am more a just take pictures kind of photographer or is there a part of me that would like to be a professional photographer. Right now, I feel like I have my hands full and trying to take on anything more, would be exhausting. "There is a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot" Steven Wright-I copied this quote from "Awake the Light". I need to remember this. There are times I am afraid to try things. I don't want to fail, so I just stay in my "comfy" little box. Or is it that comfy? Made breakfast for Rory and then made breakfast for us. I made banana-blueberry pancakes and turkey bacon. YUM! Did my morning computer routine. Not going to water plants until next week as they good soaking yesterday. Did my morning house routine. Mari and I left about 12:30 to go to LCAD, so Mari could go to a writing lab. I went to Whole Foods to get Rory's dinner and then I went to get smoothies for the two of us. Came back to LCAD and then came back to Foothill Ranch to get Rory's lunch and Mari some new walking shoes. Ever since we got past Halloween, I have seen quite a bit of Christmas decorations. I am tired of the big hype of Christmas, so I have decided I want things to be simple. Came home and took a nap. Picked up Chris at 3:45p.m. We were going to a winery in the area and do some wine tasting and then go to dinner. Chris didn't have the time, so we decided to go to dinner. Had a nice dinner at Nick's in Laguna Beach and then came home. Watching TV with Mari. Wine makes me tired and that is the way I am feeling tonight. Actually woke up a little. Working on my history blog and getting frustrated with Rory over Christmas and my idea of trying to make Christmas simple. He wants presents under the tree; which there will be, but just not the way he wants. I am going to bed and read and turn off the light at 10 p.m. Good night. Trudi

My greatest gift

Good Morning! We are actually getting rain this morning and it is so nice to sit here and do my post and listen to the rain drops. I was up at 6 and did my morning routine. I was trying to share something with Rory and he cut me off, so he could watch his TV program. Originally, I was going to title this post-Sharing. We got to talking about Christmas gifts and he is going to give the girls gift cards and I told him that the $100 was the gift everyone was getting. I am going to have fun with the $100 and how they get it. Yes, in the past, I have said I don't want anything, but, mainly because Rory doesn't really know how or what to get for anyone. I asked him if he was going to get me a gift card. It is all about the girls and I thought I was his wife. I don't like getting things for him, because I am always concerned that I am going to get the wrong thing, so it is just easier to give him cash and that way he can get what he wants. This is why I miss my dad so much, as I could share with him and he knew what I liked. Mari is like that and I am so thankful for our relationship. My greatest gift would be to have a husband, who enjoyed actual communication and who knew how to buy presents and what I really liked and who I could really share things. I am thankful for Mari and for the friends I have on FB and other social media, who I can do life with. I love Marissa as well, but there is a difference between Mari and Marissa. Moving on, Mari has school from 10-10. If, I can, I am going to Dana Point and walk, then to Trader Joe's and then home. I will take Mari her snack this afternoon and then go to Farmer's Market and then to Target. I will work some more on gypsymomvirtualconcierge.blogspot.com today.

I did get my walk done. Went to Trader Joe's and then came home and had lunch and took a great nap. I am having an issue dealing with emotional exhaustion and physical exhaustion. I sleep better when I am physically exhausted. Hanging out and doing things I did not accomplish this morning until I have to get Mari from school and take her to her photography class that is meeting in Old Town Orange. I will get to the farmers market and Target. Marissa and I will get the evening to ourselves as Rory is working at the docks tonight. Nice! As usual things do not go as planned! Picked up Mari and then went to the Farmer's Market and then headed for Orange. Found where Mari needed to go, which was near a Starbucks, so Marissa and I went to Starbucks and then headed home. Driving in the dark and in the rain is so much fun, especially in rush hour traffic. On the way home, Rory called and said he was in trouble. He had gotten off the freeway at the wrong place and he was lost. He has a GPS system in his car, but does not know and does not want to know how to use it. I was driving and could not help him. Found out later he got to work at 6 and got a chewing out, but they did not write him up. When I first talked to him, he wasn't sure whether he was coming home or staying at work, and I had planned to do some things, since he was not home. I raced around the house and did things and then got dinner and then found out he was working till one or two. Then Mari called and said she was done, so I had to drive back to Orange and luckily the rain had lessened. We are home, where it is nice and dry and I am thankful. Going to do my reading and turn off the light at 10. It has been a busy day and I am tired. Good night. Trudi

Whatever!

Good Morning! Up at 6. Thankful to be able to get up and enjoy the day and to have my health, my friends and my family. Some things I have to remember today, as I may not be thrilled with much of the results of the election, but it is not all about me, all I have is today, so we will see where we go from here and The Serenity Prayer, which states "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference, living one day at a time, enjoying one minute at a time... Mari and I are going walking this morning and hopefully today will be better than yesterday. Rory has some financial things to take care of this morning. The cleaners are coming today and Mari has to go down to school to a writing lab.

Mari and I did our 2+ mile walk this morning and it was easier today. Some days I have motivation and some days I don't. Came home and made breakfast of oatmeal, turkey bacon and a skinny version of a Peppermint Mocha Frappe, thanks to Peanut Butter and Peppers. Doing my morning computer stuff and then going to take a nap, while Rory is gone. Got my nap, but still feel tired. Did my house stuff and the house is getting cleaned. The girls and I went to the bagel place for sandwiches, which happens to be next door to a Starbucks. I got a Salted Caramel Pop, which only has 180 calories. After the cleaners leave, I have a couple of errands to do and then I am going to come back and edit pictures and take a nap and possibly work on my travel blog.

San Diego, a place I love!!! Got my errand done. Variety is the spice of life and that is what the last couple of days have been. Finished editing pictures and got some of my travel blog written. A friend called right before I started dinner and we talked for 45 minutes. Made dinner and watched TV. Want to finish the first part of this part of the my travel blog before 9, which I did. Going to say good night. Trudi

Decision day

Good Morning! It is a beautiful sunny day in Southern California and it is election day! This will be an interesting day and yes, I do plan to vote. I will, also, be glad to see the end of the election ads on TV and the end of all of the negativity and all of the campaigning.

Mari does not have school today, as her teacher is ill. Mari and I are going to do our walk this morning and I have already done my stretching exercises. I am going to work on some family photo albums. Came home from walk, which was hard. I kept wanting to sit down and go no further, but I did finish. Got breakfast and did my morning computer stuff. Going to go take a nap. Living with someone with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is draining, as I feel like I am always having to plug the leak! I dread the holidays, as for one, we have no real family in the area to go see, but it is much more than that, which I am learning. The holidays; really, any celebration, has to be a big deal and I am very minimal. I thought we had Thanksgiving and Christmas decided. We were going to go to Claim Jumper on Thanksgiving and on Christmas, we were not going to do traditional dinner of turkey, as I don't really want all the leftovers. When Rory was leaving this morning, he said that he had gotten something from Morongo, saying that he could get a "free" ham or turkey. I can go along with the ham, but not the turkey and I really don't want either. If he wants Eggs Benedict for Thanksgiving, I will get him a small ham. I, also, know he will buy all sorts of things from Figi's, that I don't want around here for the holidays. He wants a whole bunch and I want minimal. I am tired of all this. After I took my nap, I finished my house stuff and we had lunch and went to vote. Mari wanted to take advantage of the free time to do school work, so I dropped she and Marissa off at the house and went to do some errands. I needed the alone time. Came home and working on a family photo album, as well as editing my own pictures. It's peaceful!

Had dinner with the girls and watched "The Mentalist". Rory has been gone all day, which has been nice. Editing pictures. I am going to bed at 9 and read and turn off the light at 10. Hopefully, I will see what the election results are tomorrow. Good night. Trudi

An adventure

Good Morning! Up at 6 this morning! I love it when it is light out when I get up. Mari has school today and Marissa has decided to volunteer at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, so we are taking her application to them today. Rory has a dental appointment this morning. Every time we go to Los Angeles, it is an adventure. The train issue was interesting. Seeing the homeless people is sad and along Hollywood Blvd., there are many. Seeing the wall art; which we used to know as graffiti, was interesting. There are some good artists out there, if they are just given some free canvases. I don't want to live in Los Angeles, but I find it interesting to visit. The history, the architecture, the culture. I have a Franklin Covey and the quote today was from Eleanor Roosevelt: "Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give." I have had my little camera for a year now! This is one of the first pictures I took with it. This is near where one of Mari's classes is.

This is Irvine station, where we left from to go up to Hollywood. This is a southbound train and I am walking over the bridge to get to where the northbound train will be located. Got my morning computer routine done and then did house stuff. Took a nap in the middle of all of this, as well as having lunch, taking Mari to school and running an errand. Did some filing and now I get to edit pictures. I am really finding I enjoy exploring and not having to stay home and do housework. I know I can't do exploring all the time. Looking at the pictures, brings back the memories. I like to look at things the way I actually see them and not make a picture different than what I really saw it. Yes, I do like pictures to look like a painting, but I still want the picture to look like what I saw. There are things I can get outside of the box with and then there are things I can't get outside of the box. I do want to learn new software for editing pictures, but I still want a picture to look like what I saw. I don't mind black & white or sepia or having a B&W picture with some of the color in the middle. Thank you to whoever reads this for letting me unload. Better get to editing before I have to make dinner.

Made dinner for the three of us, as Mari is at school tonight. It is nice to be able to enjoy something I made and not have to be concerned if Rory likes it or not. He got a Hungry Man dinner, which is what he asked for. Watched the last episode of Anthony Bourdain. Editing pictures for the rest of the evening, until I leave to pick up Mari. Good night. Going to do some reading and then leave to pick up Mari. Trudi