Christmas

Friday, April 17, 2015

Friday Fragments

Another week has gone by, and I have a few things about which I can write.

To Move or Not: I’ve been writing for years now that we need to move, but still we’re here. Judy asked if we were moving in yesterday’s comments, and I had to think. Why are we still here? I have no answers. Of course, I’d love to stay in this house and die here. I’ve grown so accustomed to it, and I truly do love it here. But that’s impractical, and I have to accept it. If we were to stay, many things have to be considered. First: the house is too large for just two people. It’s great to have space for people to sleep over, but that doesn’t happen enough. Second: with my disability, we’d need to make the house more accessible. Right now, I can still walk, but the stairs are difficult. The outside entrances all have steps, too. I’d need a ramp and a stair glide to make my way around. Third: this house is expensive. The cost of heating and cooling a three-story, hundred-year-old home is high. Then there’s the constant upkeep which is costly when you think of all that needs doing on a regular basis. NJ real estate taxes are high, too. Fourth, as we age, it gets more difficult to maintain a house like this. So, the cons far outweigh the pros of staying. So, I think I may have to give in and get moving on this. I just don’t want to, though.

The Name Game: The new puppy was named “Blizzard.” My idea of “Nutmeg” was vetoed, and the reason is that he isn’t tan/brown enough. My second choice was “Jake.” The puppy’s birth name was Jacob, and I just took the shortened form. If I had known they were going for a name connected to his origin (Siberian: cold, snow,) I’d have gone for “Yuri,” after Dr. Zhivago. But my ideas are the never the ones chosen. My vote for the first grand was “Evan” and “Declan” for the second. I wasn’t even close!  Maybe I’ll just start an imaginary family and use all the names I like. Anyway, welcome to Blizzard.

Weather:  We are definitely into spring, now. The temperatures have been just perfect – 60s and 70s, and there’s always a gentle breeze. Today we have showers, but the weekend looks ideal. I don’t get outside too much, but I love looking out the windows and seeing everything sprouting. The early flowers are now leaving, and, in their place, we have the leaves coming on the trees, and the blossoms that come with them. The short-lived Magnolias are out, and I’ve seen several robins in the yard. I check my window each day to see if my dogwoods are out, but so far, they’re still in bud form. I just want to savor this weather because much too soon, it will be hot.

Sunshine on my Shoulder: That was a great song by John Denver, but not something I want literally. My front windows here in the den face southwest, and when the sun sets, it comes through the third window. If I’m on the computer then, I get hit with that intense heat on my shoulders and neck. It doesn’t last long, but it’s enough to make the MS wake up and want to pitch a hissy fit. My husband is getting another shade for that window. I can then leave all three shades up in the morning and draw them in the afternoon as the sun sinks. The other wall of windows is fine, so I won’t get too claustrophobic.

Books/TV:  I finished Lisa Scottoline’s Betrayed, and it was quite good. Now, I’m reading The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. I’m enjoying it, and the reading is going quickly. I have five more books from the library sitting on my shelf, so I’m good to go for a few weeks. TV series are winding down, and I look forward to some summer shows. I’ve been watching The Bible (NBC) on Sunday nights, and I like what they’ve done to the stories.

Well, that’s it for another week. More drivel will follow in our next episode.

Peace,
Muff



10 comments:

  1. I don't have anything like your lovely house (for one, we already sold our house and moved into a condo) but I still have to think about what to do long term. I started exploring senior communities that might offer ongoing support as I age and if my MS becomes more challenging. But, I don't want to leave our spacious condo on the edge of a nature preserve. However, one thing is certain about aging. It continues inexorably. When coupled with a chronic illness, the inexorable nature is implacable. So, I'd better start addressing this soon while I am still capable of taking part in making a voluntary move possible.

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    1. I know what you say is correct, but I just keep dragging my feet on this issue. Fear? Denial? I'm not sure,but my normal "get things done" attitude is missing here!

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  2. My home is 32 years old, otherwise everything in your first paragraph, I could have written. This house is 3,000 s.f. and at times, I feel completely overwhelmed by it

    I think it's going to be hot tomorrow, have a wonderful weekend!!

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    1. Overwhelmed? I know what you mean! Does that mean I do something to correct the situation? Obviously not!
      It was warm, but there was a nice breeze, so it didn't seem like heat.

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  3. Our house is too big for us as well, 12 rooms. We have a front foyer that splits, 8 stairs to the upper level, 8 to the lower. 12 steps to get from the lower level to the backyard. The way I see it, I can still manage the stairs, so until I can't, I'm not moving. We are looking into those stair glider thingies. Not that expensive really compared to the cost of moving. And I love my house and garden.

    Puppies...my daughter has bought a black German shepherd ( they get it 2nd week of May, it will be 8 weeks old). They are naming it "Ashes", yikes! All my suggestions were turned down.

    Spring arrived here this week. +20C today, I'm not sure what that is in F but I know, I was sweating most of the day. I am dreading summer. But, I live in Canada and the forecast for next week includes snow!

    Gosh I wish I could read. I have some vision issues from the MS and reading has become difficult.

    Enjoy your weekend Muff.
    Cheers

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    1. I guess there are several of us in the same boat, er housing situation!
      I saw the puppy's picture on FB -- what a little sweetheart!
      Snow? Seriously? Our gorgeous spring weather is here to stay.
      Did you ever try audiobooks? I think your library may have information on them.

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  4. It was obvious in your previous post that you treasure your home. I also contemplate selling my VT home. It is the taxes and upkeep that are the killers. When the time comes, I can easily choose the practical over the sentimental though.
    Surely there is a computer virtual world where you can create your own family and name everyone, including the pets. And don't we all need more time spent on the computer?

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    1. I envy your pragmatic stance. I'm way too emotional with my current situation.
      I just saw a segment on 60 Minutes where one of those advanced memory guys created a town, college, and basketball team where he remembers years' worth of statistics! I just need a story for my names!

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  5. Muff Google the birds, there is a big difference between the 2 birds and the blue jays are much bigger. Blue birds are in nj, but I don't get them at my feeders!!

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    1. I did that and got the answer to my question. Very good article. Now, I have one more question -- if the ones in your photos are jays, why don't they have that little crest? Or am I just a 'birdbrain?'

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