Notices by Norcal Gma 2 (norcalgma2@sfba.social)

Getting back in the swing of things here.
Summer's pal is meeting with the provider at the VA who is treating him for neuropathy on a video appointment.
Summer is multi-tasking. She is listening to everything they say while keeping his recliner warm.
She was fabulous during the storm last night. When our power was out she layed down next to her pal and kept him warm in bed. She handled the wind noise and was much more relaxed than she has been with past storms.
She is the best, best friend ever.
Summer says good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #Dogs

#SilentSunday

I am more like my mother when I am facing adversity.
She lived through Indian boarding school and the great depression.
As a result, she only felt secure when our pantry was stocked, and we had more bar soap, on the shelves, than anyone could use between now and the twelfth of never.
Today, I rearranged my closet, and gave away my collection of cardigans and shoes that were still in the boxes.
I made room for at least three years worth of good masks for my family. It feels prudent, to me, to spend savings on an item that will help us stay healthy no matter what. I also bought enough medical supplies for my husband so we can weather possible supply issues.
If we don't need my stash it will be a good thing.
I whispered thank you to my mom while we watched the sunset. We never used all the soap and maybe we won't need all the masks.
Still stormy in these parts.
Take good care, Mastodon friends.
#Sunset

It's starting to feel like a Humboldt winter. Rain on and off and a cold, cold wind.
I like the sound of the rain at bedtime.
Summer says the rain is all right, but she doesn't like the wind.
I'm not sure if she will ever get over her aversion to the sound of the wind hitting the house. In the winter this is a windy hill, so I hope she gets used to it.
#Clouds #Sunset

My husband is a veteran who served in Vietnam.
Every year for many years he declined the invitation to be honored at a local Veterans Day celebration. He really doesn't want accolades for his service.
Even though, he doesn't want to be part of a ceremony, he does appreciate that our local United Indian Health Services sends him a thank you and a small gift every year. You can tell he is touched, that as an organization, they remember he served.
Tonight I will cook a special dinner and let him know that I appreciate his service and that I understand the enormity of his sacrifice.
To all of the Veterans out there I thank you.

Snacks for the grandkids coming by later this afternoon.
They are bringing me a much needed bag of Epsom salts and will pick up their deviled eggs and warm peanut butter chip cookies to take home.
#Food

I haven't been tooting today because my words are stuck.
This feels like the night before a momentous event.
I decided to put my nervous energy to work, so I unearthed a pair of shoes that are festive and comfortable enough to dance for hours.
So, if things go my way I will be the old lady dancing with a golden lab, in the street, in front of my house, as soon as the election winner is called.
I have no champagne so I will shake up a beer.
I'm ready just in case.
So is Summer.

Summer and I went outside but it got cold and drizzly so we crawled into the back of my car to cuddle and stay dry.
Neither of us felt much like getting wet.
#Summer

Our beach trip today reminded me that I need to get my colder weather gear out.
The wind made my ears hurt.
Summer didn't seem to mind the cold. Her fur coat comes in handy on days like today.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

I went to an optometrist today.
This is the second one I've seen about the distorted vision in my right eye. It started several months ago when I was taking thyroid medicine that was prescribed in error. I got pretty sick in general.
At the time, the three different doctors I consulted, told me that my vision would likely return to normal.
Today I found out I have a detached retina.
Not fixable.
At least I know now.
A rose for you from our garden today.
#BloomScrolling

No field trip for Summer today. We had to settle for chasing the Frisbee in our own yard.
Drat.
She would rather go run on the beach.
Maybe tomorrow.
#Summer

We all got some sleep, and started the day with grins on our chins.
We decided to lighten our load, and to reschedule any appointments that aren't essential. So today and tomorrow are freed up for my husband except for one blood draw.
The sunrise wasn't much but Summer and I watched anyway.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Sunrise

Good night, Mastodon friends.
We stayed outside watching the sunset until the stars came out and the moon started to rise behind us.
It was quiet enough to hear the ocean in the distance and watch Venus (I think) shine at us to the west.
Soaking up some serenity.

I voted this week. My husband and I were sitting in our living room in our sweats reading up on propositions. and voting blue for all of the candidates.
I stopped, as I always do when I vote, to remember my mom.
She was born Wailaki, on a reservation, and didn't register, and feel like it was safe for her to try to vote until she was over 40 years old.
In 1968 she didn't want to go to the polling place alone so, as a ten year old, I tagged along.
I remember distinctly that she put on her best dress with hose and high heels. She wore her black wool coat with a mink collar. We had to walk to the polling place because she didn't drive.
She was very nervous.
With her giant leather purse in one hand and my hand in her other we stood in front of the school for a minute and then went in.
She voted with me in the booth.
I don't think she missed another election in her lifetime.
I honor her when I vote.

Our back up team arrived so Summer and I saddled up and headed out.
We were heading for the bay, but our usual spot looked crowded. Summer whimpered because she wanted to stop, but I said that since I have no control over anyone else's dogs we would have to keep going.
We ended up with the perfect quiet spot with access to both Humboldt Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Instead of choosing one side we decided to do both.
Oh my.
Summer had the bestest time. So did grandma.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon

We always have a couple of hours, in the morning, before my husband's fever starts going up again.
Summer gets to engage in some recliner games while he is feeling perkier, and she loves it.
Later, he won't feel like playing, but for now they are having fun.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer

#SilentSunsday

Summer will be two years old this month.
We chatted a bit about aging.
I told her it seems like everything is more fun when you are young, but it is easy to forget that there was loads of responsibility, long work hours, kids to raise, and not enough money.
Of course there was lots of youthful hanky panky.
Now that I'm old I realize that you can't really plan for old age. You shouldn't wait to travel and have fun because you have no idea what the future will bring.
I tell Summer, and my grandkids, keep a balance between planning for the future and living in the moment.
Do what makes you happiest.
Summer says the beach is fun.
I said maybe tomorrow.
Summer as a puppy in the photos.
#Summer

Cinnamon rolls are waiting for frosting. These were the before and after baking photos.
I promised my friend fresh cinnamon rolls for breakfast tomorrow morning with a fancy coffee I will pick up on the way.
She had a pain in one of her eyes last night and now has lost vision out of it too. The doctor says it is permanent and they will have to work to save the other eye.
I am sad she is going through this and will encourage her to go out of Humboldt for a second opinion.
Comfort food and a hug is the best I can do right now.
#Baking

Lazy Sunday morning while we wait for the fog to clear.
Summer had a tasty breakfast before we went outside to throw the ball.
It's time for me to get caught up on housework and get my physical therapy exercises out of the way.
It is the end of the month and time to figure out how much money is left in the budget for donations.
This month, we talked and decided to support our local Breast Health Project and put a little bit toward a gofundme for a woman whose house burned down. Summer had an opinion, too, but I reminded her we did the Spay & Newter Network last month. We can't do much, but locally, even a little can make a difference.
Good morning, Mastodon.
#Summer #DogsOfMastodon