Stuff Still Happening

So, the other day I discovered the reason my iron was literally pouring water over everything.  A small plastic plug was missing from the water inlet (for steaming). I found the plug, but it's broken and won't stay in the iron.  Have had this iron for w-a-y less than a year.  I've not loved the irons the last few years - they drip, they stain, they aren't hot enough, they are just disappointing.   

Since the iron is so new, I tried reaching out to the company on their website.  Frustrating (unfriendly website).  Finally managed to send them a message, received an email response that I hadn't included the complete information.  Must call them.  When I did, the guy on the phone said I must send the iron back - they will repair or replace the iron under the one year warranty.  He'll send me a pre-paid postage label.  How long?  4-6 weeks.  There's no way on earth I can go for that long without ironing.  Even though I often think that except for quilters I'm the last woman in the U.S. who irons.  So, yes, send the label.  I'm not sure it's worth the time to find a box, package the iron, send it back and wait forever for them to accomplish the repair.  It's a little itty bitty plug.  Just send me a new one.  Seriously.  So I'm sitting on the problem while I try to figure out what I'm willing to do.

Then the vacuum broke. Well, it was kind-sorta-almost broken already. But then it truly broke.  Just a handle that connects the dustbin to the frame.  Internet revealed there's an authorized repair shop only a half hour away.  So, off we went this morning. He said it looked like we only needed a new handle ($50) but he'd take a thorough look.  Nope, also needs a new filter.  The one by the motor.  That is supposed to be being regularly cleaned.  Didn't know (or did I forget?) that cleaning that filter (not sure I knew there was a filter there)  was important.  It's right next to the motor - too dirty and it stops the airflow, could cause either a fire or permanent motor damage.  ($30).  For only $80 we walked away with new filter, new handle and hopefully a vacuum that will work properly. I haven't loved this vacuum either.  Seems like everything is built to fail in a short time necessitating expensive repair or replacement. Sigh.

But today it feels good to have the vacuum working - at least that's the assumption, haven't actually tried it yet.  I've mailed off a couple birthday cards and we stopped and bought advance tickets to see the final Wicked movie.  I so wanted to see the play again when it was here in the valley earlier in the year.  But I also loved the movie and have so looked forward to seeing the final installment.  We recorded the first half on tv the other night and will watch it the night before we see the last part at the theater.  Something to look forward to is always fun.  A productive day.  And that always feels good. 

My back is still a problem.  I think the pain is down about 50%.  Still 50% hurting.  Moving carefully and slow. Not doing much standing - it hurts.  Hoping for improvement.

Hi from Alaska

 

Received a postcard from our storehouse friend that is currently back in Alaska serving their mission there.  What fun to hear from her.  I loved that she said she was pretending to know what she's doing with all the computer stuff.  I feel like that's how I'm living life:  pretending to know what I'm doing as I juggle all that needs doing- while keeping an eye out for joy and contentment along life's path.

I'm grateful for the symphony to look forward to - Music Of Motown - should be great fun, lots of songs from our (old) era. Riding trax will be more relaxing than doing the beep and creep all the way downtown and then fighting for a parking spot.  Grateful for people who can repair stuff, who can clean up our leaves (he said he'd be here one of these days) and who treat us as people still and not annoying oldsters. I'm concentrating on giving myself constant pep talks / positive affirmations.  Want to be good. 

Pain

So, the back pain has diminished.  It didn't feel like the prescription for pain worked at all.  The muscle relaxer helped the first night, and I waited a night and then I took it again.  I only did a half dose each time but on our morning walk this morning I had a really hard time catching my breath so I think I'll not take that again.  Sigh.  I can function.  But I'm not liking the pain, even reduced as it is. Facet arthrosis is no fun. Between the laundry and our trip to Costco for only a few necessities (and I was overwhelmed with how busy it was - sheesh!) I'm about done in.  I keep telling myself, this is the new reality and I'll have to get used to doing less, and doing it slower. 

Am reminded of being with some friends the other day and we were talking about aging - one of the ladies said, "raise your hand if you're having no pain", and we all laughed because all of us oldsters are hurting in one way or another.  

Ran across this article the other day.  Found it pretty interesting.  Sort of felt validated that I still do my handwritten lists - for groceries and other things.  I remember them better, sometimes can even picture the list in my head when I've forgotten to bring it along. I may be old school, but I can mostly still manage to keep things together.  Hand Written Lists

Headed to the dentist for the replacement replacement - yes that's two replacements - crown.  It's on and feels mostly fine, just not super good.  I think I liked the way the temporary crown felt better.  But I'm grateful it's done.

Gratitude today for The Husband who is so kind, even when I'm not.  I don't deserve him.  Grateful for rain overnight and sunshine today. Grateful that the temps are just right for a sweater.  Sweater weather is good.  Freezing overcoat weather harder to handle.  (And our heating bill for Oct. was already $100, I shudder to think what it'll be when the really cold weather hits.) I'm grateful for leftovers for dinner.

Leaks

It's been an interesting week, again.  I think I must think / say that a lot.  After not getting in to the Instacare on Saturday, I decided I really needed to see my primary care dr.  Knowing as I started the process that it would be unlikely I'd get to see him any time soon.  He is super busy.  Things moved in an unusual manner - at least unusual for me.  

old worn out faucet

I did get to see him, he had me get a couple x rays.  I felt somewhat relieved (though still discouraged) to find out that there's really something wrong with my back.  Had to ask professor Google what all those words meant. Not really much to do for it though.  Lots of severe arthritis, and narrowing of the nerve areas.  The pharmacy just barely (several days later) filled the prescriptions, one for pain and another for a muscle relaxer to try to see if I can't control this particular  "flare up"- I guess you could call it.  It's been a bit debilitating for me.  The only day that was decent was the day our daughter came to visit and I spent the day sitting and moving only my mouth.  

And as I think about things and they way they played out, I actually felt understood and heard by our Creator.  I don't often feel like I matter much and I still don't particularly love that we have the trials we do.  But I was able to get in to see my doctor, have my chart updated with this issue and acquire a tiny bit of hope that we'll be able to manage the pain.  

new faucet

Yesterday I was vacuuming, The Husband was helping, picked up the mat in front of the sink and it was wet underneath, really wet.  Investigation led to the discovery that we've a leak in our faucet.  No idea how long it's been leaking, at some point the cupboard floor will likely have to be replaced.  Made an online appt. to have a plumber come, then realized that they weren't the right company for us, too many reports of unlicensed plumbers from that company doing the repairs.  Called a local company (which call was answered even though it was 7 pm) and they were ringing the doorbell at 7 this morning.  New faucet required.  Home Depot had one I think I will be happy with.  Three pm found two young men replacing the faucet, was only like half an hour and replaced the faucet, cleaned up all the mess and departed (along with a bunch of our $$$). 

So that's three things, right?  Don't problems come in threes?  My crown fell apart (and they had to remake it) my back fell apart and the faucet was worn out. I'm hoping that means we're done for a while.  

Tonight I'm grateful to feel like I've felt Heavenly Father's hand in my life.  We had money for the crown, money for the furnace and I was able to see my regular dr. in spite of how hard it is to get in to him.  I'm grateful for a fun lunch with friends, with yummy layer cake shared with us, for a seasonal peppermint shake from Chick-Fil-A to split with The Husband and hope that the medication will help ease the pain.  The sunset was w-a-y more spectacular than my phone camera shows.  I'm so grateful to be able to appreciate the beauty of this world.

Thinking

One of my latest self-proclaimed dictums:  Life is too short to wear uncomfortable clothes.  And if there's a time when you can't get out of wearing uncomfortable clothes, switch them out for comfort as soon as possible.  Stretch fabric is our friend.

My tooth crown?  Has to be remade.  Wasn't done properly.  At least I don't have to pay more.

Lunch yesterday with our friends.  So grateful for them and this new weekly lunch engagement.  

Grateful for our sofa.  Been sleeping there quite a bit the last few nights.  Last night was the worst - this back pain and spasms are a bit unbearable.  Finally managed to get into a decent position on the sofa last night and lasted for nearly five hours of uninterrupted sleep. That's a win for me.  Looking forward to the time (and hope it's soon - yes, I always want health things (and financial things) fixed immediately.  Thus, I'm often frustrated because life does not work that way.) when my back won't feel so on fire all the time.  Actually had a few minutes this morning without any pain.  Oh, my. 💖

Received this from a friend.

Mentally fussing about Christmas gifts.  I always stress so over this when in actuality I doubt anyone really cares. We've often seen our gifts immediately donated or given away or even tossed.  I dislike spending money on stuff that is of so little value to the recipient, especially when I've tried so hard to do it well.  Some people have a knack for giving good gifts.  Not me, I guess. And at this point in life, our kids (and even the grandchildren) are all so self sufficient,  and doing well (yay!) that they don't really need anything.  I wish we could figure out a way to reduce the need to do so much for Christmas.  A factor is that we've been overly generous over the years, spending way more than we should. In at least one instance I think we were trying to compensate for not being allowed to have a relationship / much interaction.  Those days are over, I think.  A sad reality of life is that you cannot force someone to care for you.  I have finally come to terms with the fact that Christmas is just another day for us, we'll be here quietly spending the day with each other and  be grateful that we can have another day together.

Had a call yesterday from one of the finance guys.  He's so kind.  Our money is so little compared to their usual minimum accounts, but they don't seem to mind.  They've done fine, what little we have has grown, we are comfortable turning it over to them to manage.  He actually told me yesterday to have a little fun, that we've earned it, that this is a good time in our lives to pamper ourselves and that we won't go broke if we do.  Nice to hear.

I missed a meeting last night. Sister Soares was the guest speaker.  I thought perhaps it would be interesting and was invited to go.  But I just couldn't.  The night meetings are always so challenging for me.  And my back was so bad last night I ended up a bit miserable, would have been difficult for me to sit there, let alone focus on her uplifting message.  Apparently her husband,  Ulisses Soares, the apostle, was there with her for support. How lovely.  I am definitely sad that I missed the meeting.  

It's cloudy today.  I wish it would rain a bit.  Don't know if the mower is coming or not and if he does what success he'll have considering the amount of pine needles that cover the grass.  The fallen leaves he could probably just mow over.  A good day to stay at home with a book, but since sitting (and standing and reclining) is so hard on my back I think we might try to go run an errand.  Had an unexpected, but nice, quick visit from our kids the other evening. She said our son would be happy to help with stuff we need around here.  They are busy, we rarely interact with them.  She said just to ask.  I don't ask for help.  Not if it can be avoided, we've always been independent and want to be as much that way for as long as we can.  Thankfully we have enough funds to pay for the mower and the sprinkler guy and the window washer (only once a year for them, too expensive) and whatever we have to do around here.  The Husband has been such a blessing all these years with his ability to do whatever needed doing.  How grateful I am for him.