Winter, No Heat, and the Holidays!

Rosie's electric blanket!!

I've been wanting to update the blog for a week but have used it as bribery in order to get other chores done! Today, a cold, windy day and President George H.W. Bush's funeral, seemed to be the perfect day to sit inside and get it done. This is made even more enjoyable by the fact that I now have heat after being without it for over 2 weeks!! I pay for a home warranty service (American Home Shield) that is usually helpful when something breaks around the house. I just call them and they send someone to repair it. This did not prove true in this case. There was a massive leak in the air handler and with the age of the system, the serviceman recommended replacing the system, as they always do! That was further indicated by the fact that the refrigerant used in my system is R-22, which will no longer be produced after 2020. Part of the delay was due to my effort to find out how much they would pay toward the replacement. As best I could determine, they would actually pay less than for the part that needed replacing! Every time I called, there was a least a 20-minute wait on hold. Each time I spoke to a different person who added to or corrected the previous information. Way down the line I was told that there were alternate, approved refrigerants that would work in my system. I called the local repair service and they would not do that!! Finally, in total disgust and weariness, I just had the part replaced; BUT, it didn't end there! Rather than buying the part locally and shortening the process, AHS shipped it in from some other place. That was a 4 day wait. Finally, Monday heat was restored. Thank goodness! I was especially concerned for Rosie and Mama Mia. Rosie would let me cover her and would often refuse to get out of bed until she was good and ready. Mama Mia wouldn't stand for that, but I did find a couple of sunny (when it was shining!) places up off the floor for her to sleep, and she would join us on the bed at night. As I look over my calendar, it seems that since the election, my time has been spent with repairs. First was rot around the top of my chimney. Then my car - at one point I had no heat in my house or car, so we couldn't even drive around to stay warm!! Then my fridge started leaking!! So, I hope things will maintain for awhile!!


Speaking of Mama Mia, I think I mentioned some time back that I thought I might have to put her to sleep. I finally broke down and took her to the vet, which I should have done much sooner but had previously vowed I would not put her through that again. She has renal failure, which will no doubt shorten her life, but the vet suggested I try hemp oil. I don't know if I am more surprised at how much it has helped her or the fact that she lets me give it to her. I had no idea I could medicate her. She is doing much better and is snoozing in the sun in the sunroom.

Most of my friends and I have taken a well-earned break from politics, knowing that things will heat up again as we approach 2020. I've actually had the presence of mind to read a few books, including these two. Educated is "a searing, unforgettable memoir in the tradition of The Liar's Club about a young girl who, raised by Mormon survivalists in the mountains of Idaho and forbidden to go to school, defies her family and earns a Ph.D. from Cambridge University". In addition to the author's struggle, it gave an insight into some of the real wingnuts in our country!

Becoming was as refreshing as I'd hoped. The book is in three parts - Becoming Me, Becoming Us, and Becoming More. The first paragraph of Becoming Us gave me goosebumps as she described her reaction to Barack, proving that he has the incredible charisma and charm that we imagine him to have. Overall, it was an insight into their relationship, their political life, their families, and so on. I really enjoyed it and admire them both even more.

At the moment I'm ready Small Fry, by Steve Jobs'  illegitimate daughter with whom he had a dubious relationship. Getting back to it will be my second treat after completing this entry. 

I've also taken on a few projects, such as organizing my recipes. They were is 5 different notebooks, which over time has become unwieldy. So, being motivated by "recycling" a cast-away crate from the dump, I was inspired to put all recipes in one place. I already had lots of folders but they didn't fit the crate well enough not to slide off the track and slump. So, I purchased a dowl, cut it to size (with the handle little saw shown), and problem solved!! For some reason, I take great satisfaction in projects like this that don't amount to a row of pins!! 

As a reward for doing the newsletter for Liberal Ladies of the Lowcountry, I sit on the Steering Committee. I was totally surprised and honored to be asked to be Chair-Elect for the coming year, which means I would be the Chairperson in 2020! This was totally unexpected and I was very flattered, but that just isn't my thing. I love the group and enjoy doing the newsletter, but am not interested in leadership beyond that; so, with appreciation, I declined. Our group now numbers over 500, which requires more direction as we grow. I'm happy to provide support however needed, but I wouldn't want to take anyone else where I might lead!!

Thanksgiving was very pleasant as my friends and neighbors, Lynn and Tom (Bogey's parents) invited Chris and me for dinner. Nothing beats good company and good food. It was a delightful evening.  After that, when we were in a cold house, they invited Rosie and me over for breakfast or coffee one morning to warm up. We walked over, but as soon as Rosie did her business, she would walk not further. So, I picked her up and took her to their road. As soon as I put her down, she ran straight to their house!! Rosie and Bogey love each other and it is so much fun to see them together and off the leash., though I was embarrassed that Rosie ate all of Bogey's prescription food!!  Then, one day this week, I was walking Rosie and we ran into a neighbor who lives at the corner of Lynn's street. Mary turned into the street to go to her house and Rosie turned with her.......and headed straight to Lynn and Tom's! Mary said, "I think she's going to Lynn's" and she was 100% right. They weren't home but Rosie was outside the door whining to get in!

Christmas decorations usually go up the weekend after Thanksgiving but it was delayed this year. Finally, over this last weekend, I managed to get things up over a 3-day period. I could only manage so much each day!! It certainly doesn't seem worth it just of me, but I do enjoy them once they are up. At the rate I'm going, I may not (probably won't) do Christmas cards. Even so, please know that I love and think of you, my friends and family, more often than know and throughout the year. Please think no less of me, for you are always treasured within my heart and I consider myself fortunate to know each and every one of you. I'm wishing you and yours all the peace and joy of the season.

Merry Christmas!