October 31, 2011-The End Of Another Month!

Can't believe how fast October flew by! Yesterday and today were beautiful. Sunny, blue skies all day. Jeanne stopped by yesterday to give me a birthday card. I can't believe that I made it to 65. I shouldn't say that yet since it's not my birthday till tomorrow on Nov. 1st. And I have to wait till 6:30 pm for it to be official since that's the time I was born..Ha! I never thought I would, especially after what the doctor said last year. He said I probably would not last another year. I can't wait to send him a Christmas card this year..Ha!
Jane stopped by this afternoon to give me card. She won't have her car tomorrow. She had to take it in for some minor body work that was on it when she bought it and they didn't tell her. She's pissed off at Carbones Auto. She never wanted to buy a car from them but Savey talked her out of driving to NY to buy one. I think she's better off getting one close to home also. Most local dealers will at least talk to you if you need something done and you bought it from them. All car dealers are alike no matter where you go.
I finally got some laundry done last night. Now I feel better. I hate having dirty laundry around. I changed all my bedding yesterday too. It took me two hours because I get too tired doing it. I'd have to sit down for a while then go back. It's my hips that are so weak. It's hard to do things any more. But I was vaccuming the mattress and cleaning more than usual and I had to get into the closet and move things around. It's hard for me to hang my clothes too. My right arm still won't go up too high since I broke my wrist that year.
I tried not to do too much today so my body could heal. I want to be rested tomorrow in case Nina stops by with the kids.

Take care everyone. Got to get to bed now.

October 28, 2011-Got Out This Evening

My knee was hurting during the night last night. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get out for a few groceries but by tonight and after taking a couple Ibuprofen it felt better. I went out after it got dark but was home just before nine pm. Not sure if we are going to get snow tomorrow or not. To the East they will be getting a lot I guess. It's too early for snow. We had big flakes yesterday and over the hill they got a few inches. It was 24 degrees here this morning. The frost was covering everything. It looked pretty as the sun was coming up through the woods.
I didn't get much sleep last night and the woman upstairs was up flushing the toilet at 4 am and 5:30. That's when she got up and was makiong a lot of noise. I think she left to go somewhere with her daughter. She isn't home tonight so maybe I'll get some sleep for a change.. I hate to complain but she is so noisy.
I'm going to bed now. Too tired to write tonight. take care everyone and have a nice weekend.

October 27, 2011-Rained All Day

It was a real gloomy, rainy day today. And at 5 pm it was snowing. Great big flakes. Nothing stayed on the ground in my area but up over the hill it did. Our first snow of the season!
I decided it was time to take the air conditioner hose out of the window and clean the whole thing. I have a portable so it's easy to handle. I had to drain it and clean all the compresser unit from dust. Had to unscrew the back to get at it good. Got it all covered and put away in the closet till next summer. Not sure if I'll be around for another summer but at least someone will have a nice portable air conditioner if they need one. Had to move a few things around in the bedroom. Now I have more room. I'm tired out tonight from doing all that.
I'm hoping my knee will cooperate so I can get out tomorrow. It's been a whole week. It is still painful at times so I will have to be very careful that I don't over do the walking. I know I should use one of those electric carts but I don't want to yet..
I called my primary doctor today so they could send me a note to give to the landlord for my recertification. I knew she'd want me to come in for a check up so I have an appointment for Nov. 16th at 10:45 in the morning. I won't let her check everything but maybe I'll just get some blood work done to see where I'm at right now. I won't take any medications for high Cholesterol or anything else. And she knows it.. The only time I'll need anything is when the cancer starts being painful. Then I'll take pain pills. At least if I see her I won't have to go all the way to Oneida for a check up. I told her I'd only come if it isn't snowing..as I am not going to try and walk in snow.
I didn't see any foxes today. Just squirrels were out in the rain. That Sharp-Shinned hawk is flying around a lot. My bird sees it more than I do and he goes screaming into the kitchen. One of these days he'll break his neck. He crashes into the wall all the time. He scares my parakeet and she goes flying too. Sometimes she falls to the floor. Poor thing. She flies back up okay though but I'm afraid she might hit the wall too hard too. I made her stay in the cage more today. I'm starting to lock Ricky in earlier also. He gets too paranoid in the late afternoons. Better for him to be safe in the cage and mad at me than for him to hurt himself.
So that's about all for today. Take care everyone.

October 25, 2011-Staying In

My knees are slowly recovering but not quite there yet. So I'm taking it easy for a few more days before I venture out.
Today starts hunting and trapping for the fur bearing animals around here. I heard a gunshot way up over the hill this afternoon. I didn't see any of my foxes today. But yesterday I did see the Doe with her twins. I got a lot of pics of them. The twins are a boy and a girl. The mom seems to pay more attention to the male. The female likes to dart off on her own a lot but then runs back to her mom. They are fun to watch.
I've been trying to get all my paperwork together for my recertification here at the building. All I have to do now is get a note from my doctor saying I need the stuff that I buy over the counter. I figure my rent will be going up about $30 this coming year. At least we are getting a slight increase in our SS in January. That will cover part of it. I'll only be getting $25 more. Every little bit helps.
A website has got an article about my wildlife photograhy on it this week. A girl contacted me and asked if they could feature me on their site. Why not. More people can enjoy the photos now!
Click here to get there.

Take care everyone.

October 23, 2011-Knees feeling A Bit Better Today

My knees are still hurting but not as much as yesterday. So if I take it easy I should be okay in a few days. I wouldn't dare try to go out yet. Especially when my right knee almost buckled on me in Walmart the other night. That was scary.
Today wasn't a bad day. Sun and clouds and about 50 degrees. Nothing to talk about though. It was just a peaceful day. I watched TV all day. Mostly horror movies and then a couple nice ones on the Hallmark channel.
Last night a skunk sprayed outside while I was watching TV. It was real strong. This morning I'm looking at my living room window and wondering what the heck was splattered all over it. Thought it was bird poop at first but then realized it was skunk spray. It was that close! No wonder it stunk. I tried to wash my window and it still has these little spots. No wonder the animals that get sprayed have such a hard time when it gets on them. That stuff is hard to get off ! I sure wouldn't want it on me!! Yikes!
That woman upstairs must have gotten herself a recliner last week because all I hear now is her getting out of it. She puts the foot rest up and when she puts it down it makes one hell of a boom on the ceiling. It's scaring me and the birds. Poor Ricky jumps and gets scared every time she does it. I think she's sleeping in it sometimes because she will get up in the middle of the night now and make that terrible noise. It's pissing me off. I'm sorry to say it but I don't like her. Not many do in this building I guess from what I hear.
There is a new woman living here now. Her name is Betty Frank and they say she's from Mohawk. Wanda says she's nice. I haven't seen her yet. But then I don't see anyone. I never go out there and mingle. Just don't feel like it. Did I ever mention that we have a black guy living upstairs now also?? He came all the way from Long Island and doesn't drive and doesn't have any relatives at all up here. Real odd it seems. I guess he's a bit slow but I haven't heard him talk yet so don't really know. The other "slow" guy that is living upstairs has taken the black guy shopping I guess. So that is good. Maybe they will be friends.
I've got laundry to do one of these days. I hate doing laundry here. I have to wipe down everything with bleach water to kill all the germs and mop the floor in case any of my clothes drop to the floor. And I have to wait till there's no one using it. I sure miss having my own machines. It was so nice when I did.
Got to go now. Take care everyone.

October 22, 2011-Can't Walk Very Well Today

I went out last evening to Aubuchon Hardware and Walmart. When I go into Aubuchon I grab a cart outside the door and use it to balance myself. I got three bags of Bird Chow off the shelf and noticed a pantry moth larvae on the outside of one. I told the kid at the register and asked him if a new shipment had come in. I was afraid those bags might be loaded with the larvae again.. He went out back and brought me three different bags. So another kid took my cart and put the other bags back on the shelf. Meanwhile I got my transaction completed and that kid carried the bags out on his shoulder to my car. But the cart was gone and had been put back outside. So I had to walk the best I could to my car without the cart or anything to balance me. I made it okay and then went to Walmart. But I noticed my knees were hurting real bad. And today I can hardly walk. Both knees are very painful. Just walking with no support did it. I'll never do that again. Now it's going to take a week for my knees to start feeling better again. I am so scared of not being able to walk someday. When that happens I'll end up in a nursing home for sure. I sure don't want that happening. I want to die first.
It's been gloomy and rainy for the past two days. Not much rain but enough to make the mildew smell bad again.
Jane called yesterday. She's having pain in one of her hands. She's going to get x-rays taken soon I guess. She's not sure what it is. She and Savey are going to Lake Placid for their anniversary this coming weekend. Their 18th anniversary is the 30th. I've got to remember to ask her for the tape from their wedding. I've never seen it and would like to. It would be fun watching that again.
Steve's daughter sprained on ankle and twisted the other at the same time. Guess she's on crutches right now. She's still living up in NH. She's happy and has a boyfriend. Loves her job.
That's about it for now. Take care everyone.

October 19, 2011-Time Sure Is Flying

Had a little rain yesterday and just a few sprinkles so far today. A bit windy too. Haven't gone anywhere. I saw the Mama deer yesterday outside my window. Didn't see her kids. They might have been in the woods. It's hard to spot them among all the leaves. The fox blend in well with the leaves also. That's a good thing.
I can't believe how fast this month is going. But I am still here and have to get my recertification stuff ready so they can determine how much rent I'll be paying this year. It will be going up quite a bit because I don't have as many medical expenses as I did last year. Even though the Government is giving us a raise in our Social Security, I won't be seeing any of it. But at least if I'm lucky I might still get to keep almost as much a month as I did all year. I haven't figured it out yet. I always do all the paperwork before I hand in everything so I will already know what I'll be paying.
I ordered a new pair of sneakers and they just came tonight. UPS delivers late. It was almost 7:00 when he came. Hope this new pair fit me. If not I'll send them back. It's free shipping anyway. I only have one pair and needed another. I really should make an appointment with my primary doctor so she can refer me to a foot doctor. Then I can get orthotic shoes paid by Medicare. But I hate running to doctors. The Orthotics I had made years ago never fit me right so I gave up. I always find that good fitting sneakers are more comfortable for me.
I let Jasper out yesterday and she walked around the apartment for a while and then took a nap under the couch before she came back out in the evening and I put her back in the water. She drags her back foot around yet. She does move it a little but it looks like it's always going to be like that now. Today she surprised me and got up on her log. I was happy about that. She hasn't climbed up that in two months. So maybe she's feeling a bit better and stronger. Poor thing. I gave her a good bath and scrubbed her shell real good. She's starting to shed her skin. That's not good. They really aren't supposed to shed like that. It comes from the water not being at a consistent temperature. That's what I read online. But she's been shedding every year since I had her. That's almost 17 years.
Haven't heard from anyone this week. Just Jeanne on Sunday. She wasn't feeling too well. Her daughter, Jessica and husband are buying his Grandfather's home from the estate. It's way out in the country and I guess they will be moving in the next couple months. They have already sold their home in Herkimer. Jeanne will miss having them close by. It was much easier for her to go see the kids or babysit for them.
Guess that's all for now. Take care everyone.

October 16, 2011-Rainy And Cooler-Visitors

It's been a rainy couple days here and breezy. Lots of leaves fell and the trees are just about bare in some spots.
On Friday my cousins and Aunt stopped by to visit. Aunt Mary, Gloria and Jack. Jack is doing good since his stroke. He's numb on his right side. Thank God it wasn't worse. He can still walk and talk good. Hope he gets stronger as time goes by. He'll be going back home on the 25th to CA. I hadn't seen him in a couple years.
Today it's a mix of sun and clouds. Early this morning it was real nice with the blue skies but now the clouds are moving in. They say more rain later. Darn it.
I am happy about something though! One of the adult foxes came to see me yesterday afternoon. It wasn't Granny but one of her daughters from a year or more ago. A pretty girl. She came right down below my window and never ran. I am so happy to know that she is still alive. I miss Granny. Maybe something chased them all far away and they will all come back around someday. That would be nice. At least I'd know they were still alive. But I can't worry about it. I'll take whatever God brings me right now.
I never did see that little squirrel after the 10th. There are lots of young ones around but a bit older. More squirrels seem to be coming around now also. Guess all the nuts are gone off the trees and now they need mine..Ha!
Not much else going on. Haven't heard from Nina since Rich's party. I never know anything about her these days. She must be preoccupied with her teaching and the kid's school activities and most of all that guy she sees. Not sure what is going on there.
This is a picture of me with my cousins and their mom.
Take care everyone.

October 12, 2011-Lunch With Girls Today

Barb and Gloria and me sitting. I had a tough time getting up from that chair. No arms on it. Good thing the table was strong..the way I have to push up from it and the chair.

Carol and Barb and Gloria. That was nice of that lady to take our pictures for us. She had to take some with Barb's camera and Carol's Cell Phone also..

I picked Gloria up at 11:20 this morning. Barb called and her sister's boyfriend was going to drop them off so I didn't have to pick them up. Had a nice lunch and fun talking about the old days with Barb and her sister Carol. A lady that was sitting in there took our pictures for us. We left around 1:15. Carol had a doctor's appointment to go to in Utica. I dropped she and Barb off at their mom's house and then dropped Gloria off. The rain held off all day. Still isn't raining yet but it's going to tonight and for the next few days. Everything was drying up nicely out here for a change. Now I'll be smelling mildew again.
I haven't seen the baby squirrel so I guess he got killed. Better off I guess. He never would have survived anyway when it started getting cold.
It was a good day!
Take care everyone.

Last Day Of Sunny Weather-10-11-2011

It was another beautiful day but that's it for a while. Rain moving in tomorrow and for the next five days according to the weather channel. Hope everyone around these parts enjoyed these past few days.
I'm sad today. I did not see that tiny squirrel at all. So sad to know that he probably met his fate. Either by the big cat that has been hanging aorund here or one of the foxes. I'm trying to think positive and hope he made it to the woods safely last night.
I'm picking my cousin, Gloria, up tomorrow morning and then picking up Barb and her sister, Carol. I can't get in and out of smaller cars so I'm doing the driving. Just hope my old car makes it. The lifters are starting to make noise now. I had to go out tonight and wash the back seat off. No one has been in my car for years. I will get gas tomorrow before I pick Gloria up. They decided on the Night Spot in Frankfort. Not my choice. It's not that roomy and we can't linger around as long and talk. But that's okay. It's cheaper than Denny's probably. I've only been in that place once and that was quite a few years ago. Lots of older people seem to like it. Gloria's mom goes there a lot with Angie, her Granddaughter.
I'll let you know how it went.
Time for bed. I'll be back tomorrow night. Take care everyone.

October 10, 2011-Beautiful Fall Weather-Baby Squirrel

The past couple days have been so beautiful. A little too warm for me but the sky was blue and the leaves are all turning. I did go out Sunday afternoon to get critter food. Was going to go to Walmart but it was too crowded so I came back home and went back out around 7 pm. Got home at 8:30 and I was so tired. Today I feel sore and tired. My legs were killing me this morning when I got up and my bones in my arms and shoulders hurt. My spine was hurting too. It got better as the day wore on and after I took an Ibuprofen.
Barb Paschke is in town and I am going to meet her and Gloria for lunch on Wednesday somewhere. Haven't decided where yet. I have to call Gloria tomorrow. I like to go to Denny's because it's easy to get into. But it might be too expensive for the others. So maybe Donna's Diner in East Herkimer. Barb said around 11:30. That would be good. Get there before the lunch crowd.
I have a tiny baby squirrel hanging around outside for the past few days and I'm so worried about it. It's way too small to be away from it's mom already. Not sure if it has a mom. There was a female squirrel out there by him today but she wasn't paying any attention to it. The poor thing. He was crying for his mom too. The foxes will probably get him. He'll never make it through the winter. He's way too small. And with no mom to keep him warm he will freeze to death. I wish I could somehow get hold of him but I know he would run away so I guess it's up to nature. I would take him to a rehabber if I caught him. They keep them for 6 months before releasing them. And in the wild they stay with their mom's for three months before they are even allowed to wander on their own. This one is about 7 weeks old I'd say. He looks healthy and was eating a nut yesterday. Poor little thing.
I'm always afraid to feel my right side but tonight I did and it is sore inside. I don't notice it in my normal everyday routine stuff. Just when I push in a little with my hand. Not sure if it's my intestines or my liver. I'm not going to touch it again. I don't want to know.. I just want to live each day as best I can. I know it's inevitable and the pain will come. But for now I don't want to think about it. At least I've lived to see another fall.
I got the Alexander-Jones book ordered. This one will be a larger, hard cover one. Jeanne has the smaller, soft cover one. Rich wanted one so I think I'll give this one to him. And anyone that wants to order one will be able to on the Blurb site. But I had to order one first so it would stay up there. The other books I've had printed are there also. I'll be putting the link on Facebook and I probably should add it here also for the future if anyone wants one.
It's going to be nice tomorrow again but then rain coming in on Wednesday and cooler weather.

October 6, 2011-Nice Days Ahead-I'm A Winner!

My winning picture in the Kim Komando summer photo contest. One of the weekly winners. I think there were three winners a week for about 7 weeks and then a Grand Prize winner. I'm happy!! First contest I've ever entered.

Haven't done much the past few days. Did go out one night to get a few things at Walmart. Still going through things. Some woman came down from Utica today to buy something from me that I had listed on Craigslist. She was a bit goofy and a bit too nosey. First thing she wanted was to use the bathroom. I told her there was a public one right out there in the hall so she used that. Then she walks in my apartment and walks right into the living room area and looking at everything. She's just quirky that way I guess. I had already checked out her Facebook page before she came. I always check people out if their names come through on e-mails. She was probably in her late 50's. Now she wants to buy a few more bottles and other items that I have but she has to wait till she gets more money. I think she buys stuff and then resells it. I don't care. As long as I get rid of the stuff. She comes down this way often because she has a son in Ilion.
I have to give the girl in the office a wedding shower gift on the 15th. So I'm glad I sell an item now and then.
I got my prizes from Kim Komando in the mail today. Did I mention that I won one of her weekly prizes in the photo contest?? First contest I ever entered. It was one of my fox pup pics of course. The $100 gift card is a regular Visa card that I can use anywhere so I was happy about that. I thought at first I'd have to buy things off her web site. She does have a lot of cool gadgets on there though. I'm not going to activate the Carbonite stuff though. I'm trying to find someone that uses it already. They can save a year which is worth $59 I think for home back up.
I tried to activate the credit card online but it wouldn't go through and then I tried to call the number but they kept saying to call back that all their lines were busy. Everytime I tried I got a busy signal. Maybe I'll never get to use it. If I can't get it activated I'll send Kim Komando a note. She'll straighten it out. I'll use that for Christmas.
My legs are killing me today. Was standing up too much. My arms get weak too. Every time I try to hang something up it's hard to get the hanger on the rail. I used to be so strong in my arms. This has all happened since I broke my wrist. Can't lift my right arm up very high. I get very tired fast too. That's to be expected I guess. Earlier in the week I had pains in my liver area all night. Thank heavens they went away by morning. Maybe it was something in my intestines.
It's going to be a beautiful weekend here.It's going to be near 80 degrees on Sat. and Sun. good thing I still have my air conditioner in the window. I had it on today even though it was only in the 50's. I get warm fast. I love the cool mornings. The woods are getting bare. Lots of leaves falling. The trees aren't pretty here though. Maybe they are in other places.
That's all for now. Take care everyone. Enjoy this fall weather.

October 2, 2011-Rainy Days

Yesterday was gloomy and wet and so is today. It looks like it might clear up a bit today though. I can see some blue up there in the sky. Jane and Savey have a golf benefit today so I hope it clears enough for that. It's a benefit for a tiny little girl that has cancer. She's only about 15 months old and has a rare form of cancer. Tumors all through her little body. Doesn't look good. They have her on a new form of Chemo right now. She's been on Chemo for some time and they thought the tumors were gone but they came back three weeks later with a vengence. Poor little thing.
I did not go to Mark Hoover's benefit yesterday. I woke up with pains in my back and couldn't walk well. I just wasn't up to it. I will send them a check. I haven't heard how it turned out yet. Every time I do laundry I hurt the next day. My neck has been hurting for the past few days also. Seems like all my bones are starting to hurt lately. But I'm still alive and can get up out of bed. Besides, my critters need me..
It's one of those days where I feel like sleeping but of course I never do after I get up in the mornings. I will watch movies and sometimes start to doze off but as soon as my body goes limp I wake up. It's just a lazy day.
Hope you all have a nice Sunday.