I am not running around like a headless chicken

Good Morning!

Yes, I did get up at 6, but I am getting more of a relaxed morning, which is really nice!

This is an old house in Anaheim, CA.  My favorite type of architecture.  This picture was taken two years ago.

Today, I am following a tour at the Mission.  I think I will also walk myself through the tour I want to do.  Then get lunch from Starbucks and run a couple of errands on my way home.  The rest of the day will be at home.

Followed a tour and what was very funny, is the docent did a similar tour to what I want to do.  So, I did not have to walk myself through the tour I want to do.  I am walking one tour next week, but now I am confused, as to what we have to do to get certified.  I am going to email my mentor and find out.  I went across the street to Starbucks and as I was waiting to cross the street, here came the paramedics and later found out, that a man had had a seizure.  Got my lunch and drove to Trader Joe's and Target and came home.  Mari and I are both tired, so we are staying home the rest of the day.  Got a nap, then Sweet Pea decided she wanted to sit in my lap and now I am going to get a snack.

Blossoms on trees near my house-Day 31 of 365

It is nice to stay home this afternoon and know I do not have to go anywhere.  I worked on my other blog-gypsymomvirtualconcierge.blogspot.com.  Mari and I made dinner and now we are watching a movie on the Founding Fathers.  Interesting movie from The History Channel.  We will see what else I do tonight.  Definitely going to do my reading.

Good night!  Trudi

Explanations

Good Morning!

A rose I saw in my own area!

Today is not going to be as crazy as yesterday.  YEA!  Mari has to be at school at 10 and then I am headed for Oceanside to pick up a friend and then we are headed for San Diego to see an old cemetery.  I will be back in Laguna to pick up Mari by 4 and then head for home.

I had a heated argument with Rory yesterday and I am going to explain that later today and I had a discussion with Marissa yesterday afternoon after counseling and will explain that later today.  For the moment, I had better get myself going.

Mari and I left about 9:15 and stopped at Starbucks.  From there we headed to Laguna and got Mari to school on time.  I headed for Oceanside to pick up my friend and from there we headed for Mount Hope cemetery in San Diego.  I love looking at old cemeteries, with the interesting head stones.  About that point it was lunch time, so we headed for Old Town and had lunch.  I have been wanting to see the Victorian homes in the area, so we drove over to Heritage Park and walked around.  It was nice to spend time with my friend, as I have really never done that with just her and me.  On the way back, we went up the coast and enjoyed looking at the ocean.  After I dropped my friend off at her house, I headed for Laguna to pick up Mari.  On the way home, we stopped and got snack.  When we got home, I wanted a nap and I was very thankful, that I had put corned beef in the crockpot this morning, so dinner was pretty much made.  Overall, an enjoyable day.

This was in Mount Hope Cemetery and is called Lady of Shoes.  Look at her feet and what she has in her lap.

My explanation regarding Rory's and my heated argument.  Ever since we inherited the money from his father, Rory has felt that he does not have to work at a job and at his age of 62, he should be retired.  I very much disagree with this, but my opinions don't count.  He wants to be respected, but he does not respect others.  The money we inherited will probably run out in 5-6 years and then where will we be.  I am very much a do person and I do take care of the house and the family.  I feel Rory should be working and adding to his inheritance, but no.  His money goes into his account and he uses it for whatever he feels like using it for.  His  weight and his health issues are due to his lack of motivation and his unhealthy eating habits.  The doctor put him on a month disability because of the cold he came down with on Christmas day and his leg issues.  Then she would not sign the insurance papers, so he could get paid.  I understood his being upset with this, but his lack of motivation drives me nuts.  Tomorrow he is going to Costco, as this will be the last day we have a Costco membership, so he can buy something.  I keep us stocked with what we need, but he has to go buy something, for old times sake.

In regard to Marissa.  Her dream is to go into history or archaeology, but school is standing in the way and she deals with a learning disability and FEAR!  I want her to go after her dream, but how do we get past this.  I want to talk to her therapist next week, on possibly moving forward with this idea.  She needs to move forward with her life.  She has motivation, but deals with major fear.

Relationships are so much fun!  Mari and I are going to watch Ghost Hunters, then I will head for bed.

Good night.  Trudi

In November, 2012, we took a walk between Hollywood and Western and Hollywood and Vine and this is some of the architecture we saw.

Going, going...

Good Morning!

Today is a very busy day!  Take Mari to school, go walk Dana Point Harbor, have lunch with the docents, take Marissa to counseling and take Mari her lunch and snack and then around 9 p.m. go back and pick up Mari.  Somewhere in there I am going to take a nap.  I am relying on the Lord for strength today.

Doors at Claremont Train Station

My day was crazy!  I left here about 9:15 and took Mari to school in Laguna.  I was headed for Dana Point to go walking and when I got to Dana Point, I got a call from Mari, saying she had forgotten something at home, that she needed, so I headed home and got what she needed and then went back to Laguna.  From there I headed for San Juan Capistrano for a luncheon, which I am really glad I went to.  It relaxed me, as I had had a heated argument with Rory, driving from Dana Point to home.  After I left the luncheon, I headed home to pick up Marissa, to take her to counseling in Irvine and then back to Laguna to take Mari her dinner and snack.  Then it was back to Irvine to pick up Marissa and then we headed for Smart & Final to get stuff we needed for dinner.  There was a car show in the parking lot of where Smart & Final is, so we walked over to look at the cars.  This is a picture of one of the cars.  I thought the picture was perfect for today, as this is where I spent the majority of today and used up 1/4 of a tank of gas.  I still have to go pick up Mari tonight and now I had better go get dinner.

I made burritos and tacos for dinner and to me it was good.  Watched the rest of the Biggest Loser and  now it is time to go get Mari.  I have had a nice quiet evening.  Rory is in our room and Marissa is in her room.

Have a good evening.  Trudi

I can't do everything

Good Morning!

This is a picture of the granddaughter and great granddaughter of some friends of mine.  She is so cute. The picture was taken at Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, CA

Another busy day!  I am following another tour this morning at the mission.  Mari has school this afternoon and I am going to walk at Dana Point after I drop off Mari.  I know I made the right decision regarding small group.  This morning I heard from my mentor for my docent group at the Mission and she is a traveler as well.  I know I have to take care of me and one more night out is just too much.  I am reading the book and getting to church to hear the message and I am listening to the web site audio. I do have quiet time.

Left at 9:15 to head to the mission.  The docent I was supposed to follow was out sick, so I followed somebody else.  Interesting tour and I learned something.  The other two docents I have followed, have stayed after and asked if I had any questions.  This one did not.  I am supposed to do 5 station tours, so on Thursday, I am going to ask the docent to do a station tour.  Came home and had lunch.  Going to make dinner and then do laundry.  I know Mari needs to do some more video, so we will see when we get out of here to do that.  I got a nap and then we left about 2:20 and went to take some video and pictures.  Went by the bank and to Trader Joe's and then took Mari to school.  I went to Dana Point Harbor and walked and came home and had dinner with Marissa, while we watched TV.  Doing computer stuff, then will go down and get Mari and come home and probably go to bed.  Rory has been gone all day.

My picture for today-Ugly turned to art:

Till tomorrow.  Trudi

Green hills

Good Morning!

I made a decision that I am not going back to small group.  I have friends around me both on social media and directly in my life that understand me and that I can talk to.  I am comfortable with this decision.  I am sure that people will try to talk me out of this decision.  I need to let go of the stress and take care of me.  As Rick said in the service and I have to remember this is "how much God loves me".  I also have to remember the word "simple"

Today, Mari and I are going to church, then come home, have lunch and take a nap.  Mari needs to get somethings for school, as well as take some videos.  Tonight, we are going to watch a movie about Ben Franklin.  After the movie is over, Mari and I are going to color each other's hair.  I am going to try to convince Marissa to do her hair as well.

This is wall art on one of the Secret Stairs walks.

Mari and I left for church about 10:45.  Usually they have coffee on the patio, but the coffee was in the Terrace Cafe, so we ended up sitting up there in the COLD!  Good service.  Came home and had lunch.

This is Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, CA

After lunch and after I got laundry sorted and one load in, Mari and I took off to do some errands and take some video for her.  Lately, we have been having quite a bit of rain and the hills around us are turning beautiful green During the summer, the hills are brown.  Mari and I had a great time out.  This is something I really enjoy are green hills and the colder weather.

This is a picture of the hills around us.

Going to get dinner of chicken, rice and vegetables.  Had dinner, watched a movie about Ben Franklin and Mari and I colored each other's hairs.  Doing computer stuff, going to read and then going to bed.

Good Night.  Trudi

Letting go of the past!

Good Morning!

Crystal Cove stairway!

Our church is going through a study of a book called, "What on Earth Am I Here For?".  Our pastor is Rick Warren, who wrote "Purpose Drive Life" and this book is the updated version.  I deal with negativity very much and I need to let go of the past and what people said about me, as I was growing up.  I need to love myself and know that I am a good person.  That is hard for me, as I get the negativity in my marriage as well.  Right now, I am doing something for me and that is the docent program.  I have always wanted and loved to travel.  I also like to share/teach what I learn and I need to start doing that and I am.  Steps to doing this is to eat healthy, get exercise and do things I enjoy.  I also need to realize where my anger comes from.  Food has always been love for me, as my dad was an awesome cook; but I have to realize that I cannot turn to food to handle situations.

This morning, I have the last docent class and then Mari and I are going to Los Angeles and meet up with a group to take pictures along Wilshire Blvd.  This should be fun and hopefully it does not rain.

I am finishing this on January 27 , 2013-Went to class and I now have mentor, who is going to help me through the next phase of docent training.  On the way home, I stopped at Starbucks to get lunch and then came home and took a nap.  It was raining when we left, but we went anyway.  Got gas in the car and then headed for Los Angeles.  Got there on time.  We walked on Wilshire Blvd. from Fairfax to La Brea and back.  Stopped for dinner and then drove home.  We got home about 9 and I did my reading and went to bed.

This was taken in the garage of the Peterson Automotive Museum.

While Mari and I were out, I talked to Mari about continuing with small group, which helped.

Till next time.  Trudi

In or out?

Good Morning!  Another rainy morning in Southern California!  Doing my morning computer stuff.

Growing up, I loved coming home from school and going into my room and hanging out.  I did not have a bunch of friends, so I enjoyed being by myself.  My mom and dad were my best friends and I lived in a very loving home.   I was in the Girls Scouts, but really did not enjoy it.  What I am really struggling with right now, is that I really do enjoy staying home when Rory is not there and hanging out with my girls.  Yes, I do like being out with other people, but I prefer to come home.  I have some friends telling me that I need to make friends outside of my house and be more outside of the house, as Mari is going to move on with her life, which I know.  I like getting out and exploring, learning and taking pictures and interacting with people, but not really getting close.  I think I was so hurt as a child, that I keep people at arms length.  When I look at my marriage, Rory was perfect for me, as he does not really know how to socially interact and I keep people at arms length.  Sad, but true!  I am going to continue with small group through the end of this study, but I am not sure after this.  I have acquaintances on social media and I feel comfortable with that.  Many of the relationships I do have are long distances relationships.

This picture was taken on our Secret Stairs walk in Los Angeles.  Interesting, that this morning in the Orange County Register, was an article about the Secret Stairs.

Did my morning computer routine, got laundry done and worked on a box in storage.  Had lunch and watched TV.  Finally finished watching The Biggest Loser that I had DVR'd.  Mari and I are going to go out and get our hair trimmed and do a couple of errands.  Marissa went to a movie with her friend and Rory is going to a movie by himself.  Mari and I got our hair cut and then went to Target and then to Yogurtland and then came home.  We are going out to eat with a friend tonight.

In regards to my marriage, I do want to do God's will and seek God's counsel.  I just feel that if I do separate from Rory, I am doing something wrong.  I feel like saying, to those who tell me, to love him more, you live with Rory for a month and see how you feel.  I know there are marriages that have changed for the better, but I don't know if mine is one.  I am tired of hearing these stories and it just pushes me away.  I just want to be accepted.

Day 25 of 365-Rainy day in Southern California!

Got a post done for my gypsymomvirtualconcierge.blogspot.com and did some reading for docent training tomorrow.  Last class!  The girls and I went out with a friend of mine for sushi. Fun evening out!  Came home and Rory was downstairs, so I got him his tea and pie and Mari and I gave Sweet Pea her insulin and then I came upstairs.

Going to do my computer stuff and my reading and then go to bed.  It really felt nice today to not have to be anywhere at any time.  I had no schedule today!

Good night, Trudi

A slower pace today

Good Morning!  We are starting a period of rain today!  I am sitting here listening to music and doing my computer stuff!

Mari does not have school today.  I have a tour to follow at the mission and I have small group tonight. This should be interesting to follow a tour in the rain and at least I will know how to find small group tonight.

Got my computer routine done and some laundry done!  Left about 10:15 to go to the mission.  Followed one tour today and very much enjoyed it.  Gave me more ideas of what I can do for a tour.  Talked to the docent who did my tour and the docent who did another tour, which was helpful as well. Feeling more secure with this! :-)  Went to Starbucks for lunch and then went to Trader Joe's and Target.  I also tried to find an old cemetery that is near the mission, but couldn't, so I will ask someone on Saturday.  Talked to a friend of mine, who was my mentor in CR on the way home today.  She, now lives in North Carolina.  She likes what I am doing and I told her I keep making excuses and as she calls it, I am procrastinating and I need to be out with people more.  I took a little bit of a nap when I got home and then took a walk with Mari.  Need to make dinner at 5:30 and then go to small group tonight.

These are angel trumpets that were at the mission.

Went to small group tonight and we are doing a church wide study.  It was a good discussion.  I have the same old problem, I stay on the surface and I don't go deep.  I also feel like I can't discuss certain topics with them, as people don't understand certain things.  I get tired of people saying love him more or pray for him and he will change.  My husband does not want to change.  I know about miracles, but I don't see it here, so I just don't talk about it.  I will talk about my marriage outside of this group and talk about surface things, when it comes to my marriage.

Going to do my reading and go to bed.

Good night.  Trudi

Realization

Good Morning!  Another busy day!  Mari has to be at school at 10 a.m.   From there, I am going to go walk Dana Point and then I have a tour to follow at 12:30.  My house gets cleaned today and I have to pick Mari up at 4.

Last night, I realized that I have a tendency to pull away from things that are hard.  I love to take pictures, but I want to stay on the easy side and I don't want to move forward.  It was the same way with organizing and now I am doing the same with the docent program, but I don't want to do that with this, so I am having to press forward and have confidence in myself.  I could use prayers on this.

These are the clouds from this morning.

Mari and I left a little after 9 and stopped at Starbucks on the way to school.  After I dropped Mari off at school, I went to Dana Point Harbor and walked 2 miles.  From there, I got my lunch and then went to the mission to follow a tour.  It was interesting to watch a real life tour.  The tour lasted about 1.5 hours, which is longer than most tours will be.  It gave some ideas of a tour that I would like to do.  During the tour, I felt both positive and negative.  The woman who did the tour, has been there for 29 years.  I just need to keep reading and learning.  After the tour, I went by the house and picked up Marissa and we went to get Mari and then went to Peet's coffee and Smart and Final to get stuff for dinner.  Came  home.  All of us had some down time.  Mari made dinner.  Mari and I watched Biggest Loser until 9 and now we are watching Ghost Hunters, who just happen to be at Mission San Juan Capistrano.  After this is over, I am headed for bed.

This is a stained glass window at the Royer Mansion in Orange, CA

Good night.  Trudi

Slow to Fast Overnight

Good Morning!

This is from an art gallery that Mari and I went to right before Christmas.

Today is going to be a busy day!  I have to take Mari to school first and then get me to Mission San Juan Capistrano by 9.  I have docent training from 9-12.  Come home and make dinner.  Take Marissa to counseling by 3 and then take Mari her dinner and snack.  Come back and get Marissa and come home.  Mari has school until 10 tonight.  Got up at 5:45 this morning.  I can do this!

Mari and I left here at 8.  We were really good!  Got her to school about 8:30 and me to the mission before 9.  We did an hour of lecture and then went out and did an hour tour.  I was very nervous.  I have to remember I can do this.  One more class after today.  After class I went to Starbucks and got a sandwich and a coffee and headed home.  I did take some pictures at the mission and this was my favorite.

When I got home I made dinner, as I had to take dinner and snack to Mari.  I took a short nap, as I had to take Marissa to counseling and then take Mari her dinner and snack.  Came back and picked up Marissa and came home.  Finished Marissa's PCIP application and then ate dinner with Marissa and watched TV.  Doing computer stuff tonight until I have to go back and pick up Mari.  I decided I am going to focus on the docent program and eating healthy and walking when I can.  Those are important things to me.  I am not lazy, but I am.  I want things to be comfortable, but, if I want something to work, I have to work at it and not back away from it.

This picture is from Leo Carrillo Ranch in San Diego County.

Good night.  Trudi

Why do I beat myself up?

Good Morning!  Start to a new week and a new semester!

This was taken in Old Town Tustin two years ago.

Lately I have been trying to not always respond to Rory, when he says something, but only if he asks a question or we are actually talking about something.  That way I don't get as angry or upset with him as I sometimes do.  I was watching The Biggest Loser last night and I was getting frustrated with myself, as I had this feeling of not being good enough.  I am not exercising enough and I am being lazy.  A little after 9, Rory came downstairs and I think he just wanted some company before I went upstairs.  I felt myself going back into the pattern of negatively responding to him and I did not want to go there.  I, quite often feel that I am not good enough.  Even with the docent program, I keep wanting to quit, as I don't feel like I can do it.  I am going to continue with the docent program.

Today, Mari has school from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and after I drop her off at 3:45, I am going to go to Dana Point Harbor and walk, then go to Trader Joe's and then come home.  The rest of the day, I am going to do home stuff.  I did work on my travel blog and I did watch something on YouTube about the missions and I did take a nap, all before lunch.  Got part of Marissa's PCIP application completed and now I just need to mail it.  We had some excitement about lunch time.  There was a fire in the building below us. The fire appeared to be confined to just one unit, thank goodness.

This was taken at the Huntington Library.

As I ate lunch, I was watching some more of The Biggest Loser and it made me think, why do I want to lose weight.  Yes, I want to be healthy, but I really don't like exercising and it really does not make me feel better after I do it.  I love to walk, yes and I do have places I like to walk, but overall, I am lazy, whien it comes to exercise and I like food.  Do I really want to work for what I want, or do I like to be lazy.  I did do my hour of reading for the docent class tomorrow.  I keep wondering if I am going to stick with this, but I know down line, I would wonder what would happen, if I did not do this.  We left about 3 and went by Starbucks to get snack and Mari a coffee and then took Rory to the Chevrolet dealership to get his car.  All I heard was complaining from him and then I took Mari to school.  I did go to Dana Point Harbor and walk.  I was glad I did, as I saw a beautiful sunset.

On the way home, I went by Trader Joe's and then came home.  Rory was downstairs in his chair and the TV was on and he was asleep.  I was hoping that someone would have made dinner, but I guess I am dreaming.  Luckily, it was an easy dinner and it got made and we all were fed.  Doing my computer stuff and waiting for Mari to call.  I will leave at 9 to go get her.

Good night.  Trudi

A beautiful sunny Sunday

Good Morning!

This is at Dana Point Harbor!

Today is church day.  Mari and I go to Saddleback Church and Pastor Rick Warren is starting a new series called "What on Earth Am I Here For?"  This is his new book after "Purpose Driven Life".  Looking forward to going through the series.  After church, I think we are going out to lunch with a friend and both my daughters and then I have some errands to run.  Later this afternoon will be mainly at home.  Right now, I am going through my morning computer routine.

My word for today is "sunny".  Mari and I left for church about 10:45 and met up with Chris at the cafe. One thing I enjoy about Saddleback, you can attend almost any kind of worship service you want.   There is the main worship center, which I like, but I am finding I like the cafe, as well.  I get to sit outside under cover and watch a monitor and have coffee and a bagel.  Today was such a beautiful day!  After church I picked up Marissa and the four of us went to Red Robin for lunch and then the three girls of us went to PetSmart and Walmart.  Unfortunately, I still have the same feeling I used to have about Walmart.  There are some things at Walmart that I will go back and get when we need them, but on a regular basis, I will not be going.  Came home and took a nap and now I am going to do my docent reading for an hour and then edit my picture of the day and then make dinner.  How fast the day goes.  Lately, I have been feeling more content, as I really feel I am doing things I enjoy.  The message today talked about the difference between a career/vocation and your calling; which really are two different things, but can be one.

Day 20 of 365-Sunny Sunday at Saddleback Church

Made turkey quesadillas and spanish rice and then watched "The Biggest Loser".  I realize that I need to do more exercise.  I need to do my reading and get to bed; because we start a regular week, as Mari starts school tomorrow.

Good Night, Trudi

California History Day-Day 19

Good Morning!  It is a beautiful Saturday morning in Southern California!

This is Cook's Corner, which is a great place for motorcyclists to hang out on weekends.  It is at the corner of Live Oak Canyon and Santiago Canyon Road.  This place has some California history, as what I am doing today has California History.    I am up early, as I have docent training at Mission San Juan Capistrano from 9-12.  This afternoon Mari and I are going down to San Diego, so I can take pictures of Cosmopolitan Hotel and the Seely Stables in Old Town and one other place for my other blog-gypsymomvirtualconcierge.blogspot.com

Day 19 of 365-San Juan Capistrano Mission

Left about 8:20 a.m. and headed for Mission San Juan Capistrano.  The first part of the training was on Mission Life.  About 10, we had a break and then we walked around the Mission and came back and branded a book mark and then talked about the Mexican period.  I am going to follow two tours, one on Wednesday and one on Thursday.  We have more training on Tuesday.  Took a picture and then came home.  Picked up Mari and headed for San Diego.  Took the pictures I wanted and then got some fudge and stopped at a coffee place that we know of in Leucadia.  The place is in an old railroad station.

Made dinner and watched TV and now I am doing my nightly computer routine.  After that I am going to do some reading.  Rory likes to have tea at night, so I took that up to him.  He told me, he was having problems breathing and could he use Mari's inhaler.  I told him no, that he should not use someone else's medication and that he should go to Urgent Care.  We have the money.  It is his decision.  We will see what happens.

This is the Santa Ana Railroad station. I took this as we were headed north on the train last weekend.

Good Night, Trudi

End of the week and winter break

Good Morning!

It is a beautiful day outside and it is the end of the week and the last weekday of Mari's winter break.  Monday, she starts school.  Today, I am mainly staying home and we are going walking somewhere, other than our hill.  My word today is "end", so my picture will be of something end.  I did not sleep the greatest last night, as I was having problems with coughing.  Every two hours, I would wake up coughing.  Oh such fun!  Did my water treatment and went back to bed.  Definitely taking a nap!

Got my morning social hour done and a phone call to the docent office.  Looking forward to class tomorrow.  Took a nap, which was awesome!  Now onward with the day!  Laundry done and now, having lunch.  Lunch done and working on pictures.  Mari is watching a movie and then we are going to go walk and run errands.

Looking at the area where I live.

Beach at Cambria-picture from last weekend!

Mari and I had a wonderful afternoon out.  We left here about 2 and went to the bank and then to the vet and then headed for Balboa Island to go walking.  Did our walk and then came back to Java City and got something for snack.  On the way home stopped at Trader Joe's and got ribs for dinner.  Having a late dinner.  Read all the blogs, doing my blog and then I need to read an hour for my docent training.  After that I will do my other reading and then to bed.  Early morning tomorrow, as I have docent training tomorrow at 9 a.m.

Good night.  Trudi

Back to seeing some friends I have not seen in a while

Good Morning!

 My word for today is small, as tonight, I start back with a small group of women in my church, who I have not been with in about 5 years.  This year I started going back to church and that also means getting back into a small group.  About 5 years ago, I left this small group to start Celebrate Recovery to deal with my co-dependency.  When I started Celebrate Recovery, I had a group to go to on Monday nights, a women's support group that I went to on Wednesday night and the general meeting was on Friday and then I had church on Sunday.  Once I finished the group on Monday night and a friend of mine, who led the group on Wednesday left the area, I backed away from the whole thing as I was very overwhelmed.  I tried to find a small group that I felt comfortable with, but never did.  I just need people to accept me and just be a listening ear.  I don't want people to try to change me, as I am working on myself anyway.

Today is mainly a day at home.  I am currently doing my hour of social.  Next, I will work on finances. Oh such fun!  After finances, I did my hour of house stuff.  Made lunch for Mari and I.  This afternoon, I plan to take a nap, run errands and read another hour for my docent training.  Rory called and VA is extending his sick leave until February 15, 2013 and he wants me to put him in for State Disability.  I am not sure how to do it, but he wants me to do it before tomorrow at 5.  He always puts everything off on everybody else, especially when it comes to things having to do with the computer.    He is out getting lunch, then going to VA to get his sick leave form and then he is going to Social Security to turn in the sick leave form.  I would like to take a nap in our room, but I am not sure how long he is going to be gone.  AARGH!  I did get a nap in our room, as Rory ended up going to Santa Ana to State Disability and did not get home until after 4.  Got  errands done.  I went to Wal Mart and maybe it is not that bad.  Soy Milk is less expensive than Target and Smart and Final.  Got my reading done.  Mari made dinner and now Rory is complaining that he did not get enough to eat.  We had beef stew and it is similar to the serving size I usually feed him.  I am out the door to small group.

Here is my picture of small-a small hibiscus

It took me about 30 minutes to find the place, but thankfully, I did.  It was nice to see some old friends. Got home and going to do some reading and then going to bed.

Good Night!  Trudi

Mid-week

Good Morning!

This is not our what our sky looks like this morning, but it did look like this two years ago.

Today, is mainly a day at home and doing the routine, that I did on Monday.  I have to learn to be comfortable when my schedule does not go according to plan.  I just have to be comfortable with what goes on during the day.  My picture of the day is going to go along with middle and this is going to push my creativity.

This is a picture from our Cambria trip!

Did my hour of social and an hour of house stuff; which included a trip to Goodwill.  Edited one picture and now I need to get lunch.  Mari and I ran some errands and now I am back.  Need to get some reading done this afternoon, so once Rory goes upstairs, I will read for the next hour.  I got my reading done and feel a little more comfortable about being a docent!  Got some picture stuff done and now I need to start dinner.  Rory set up some appointments.  He has one next Wednesday with the dermatologist and then the week after with his doctor and then he has lab work done the week after.  He says he feels very weak and I am not sure whether this is his typical tiredness or is it caused by whatever he is dealing with.  Mari seems to be doing better.

Mari and I made dinner and ended up watching something that I got from Netflix on the Mayflower.  Started watching Ghost Hunters and then Rory came down and that sort of kills the three of us watching TV.  I know the girls are taping the program, so I may watch it tomorrow.  Came upstairs and  had some quiet time.  Going to read and then go to bed.

My center picture!-

Good night! Trudi

Doctor day

Good Morning!

Rory is going to the clinic today and get someone to look at his legs, which have a red rash on them, due to the cold air.  He had this before, when he worked the docks and now he has it again, from being in the mountains.  He has also had his cold for three weeks and it is somewhat better, but mine is gone. I just get coughs from the dry air and the change in the weather, which we have been having a lot of lately.  Tomorrow it is supposed to be in the 70's and today in the 60's.

Marissa is going to start with a therapist she has gone to before and I am glad.  I hope she will work at this, because as of right now, we are at a stand still.  She really needs to move forward with her life.  After her appointment, Mari and I are going to go walk Balboa Island.  Mari is going to call to set up an appointment for a physical.

I didn't have the greatest sleep last night, as I felt like I could not relax and sleep.  For me, this is day 2 of my new schedule.  I felt so good yesterday, with what I got accomplished.

Rory is out the door to the doctor,  I am taking Mari to urgent care at noon for her breathing issues.  I needed a nap and still feel like I don't have a whole lot of energy, so I am going to make a smoothie.

The girls and I left here about 12:30 and went to Urgent Care for Mari.  She does have bronchitis and we have medication for her.  Marissa had not had lunch, so we got lunch for her and then headed for Irvine for Marissa's therapy appointment.  On the way home, we stopped for a snack and at Target to get Mari's medication and some things I needed.  Got home around 6.  I wanted to just relax, before I started dinner.  Talked to a friend as well.

Made dinner.  Very frustrated with VA.  Tomorrow he is supposed to call to find out when the dermatology appointment is and then in about a week he has a follow up appointment and then they will do blood and urine samples and a chest x-ray.  Why aren't they doing that like now.  They have too many people to see.  The doctors saw him for about 5 minutes today.  I don't get it!

Watching TV with Mari and then going to bed.

This is the hill I live on!

Good Night!  Trudi

Last week before Mari goes back to school

Good Morning!  The wind is blowing and it is cold!  I am totally enjoying the cold weather.

I have made a schedule for myself, where I am not on the computer as much.  I plan to get out and walk today, Rory comes home today and I lost a pound over the weekend, which thrilled me, considering the food we were eating.  I want to get more done around the house, work on my pictures and work on my travel blog and read more about California history.  So, with that said, I had better get myself going.  I gave myself an hour to do social stuff on the computer.

This is Santa Barbara train station, that was built in the early 1900's.  For today, this new schedule is working.  I did an hour work of house stuff and now I am doing an hour worth of pictures.  I am tempted to look at emails and FB, but I am trying to work past that.  Had lunch and checked emails and FB and now going to go run errands.  Have scheduled my walk for 3:30 this afternoon.  I like this new routine.  With my liking variety, I hope this will last.  Ran my errands by myself and put on Pandora and listened to music I enjoy.  I love having an iPhone, never thought I would or that I needed it.  Probably don't need it, but I like having it anyway.  For the next hour, I am going to work on my travel blog and read.

Mari and I went for our 2 mile walk in our own neighborhood and saw this:

This is one of the views we saw:

Worked on finances for about an hour and then made dinner.  Rory came home about 5 and was not feeling great!  He was having a rash on his left leg from the cold in the mountains.  I told him he needs to go to the doctor; so, hopefully, he can get into the clinic tomorrow.  Mari had some problems breathing on the way home from our walk.  It has been very windy and dry here today.  I had her take a steamy bath, so hopefully that will help her.  She just got medical coverage and needs to make an appointment for a physical, so she is going to call tomorrow.  Marissa is going back to the psychologist.  I am fine, I guess!

Once I finish with this, I am going to read and go to bed!

Good night!  Trudi