Cost (Seriously?), Doctor and Fun

That's lots of money!

Was stunned yesterday to receive an "Explanation of Benefits" from the insurance company about the podiatrist visit I made just before our vacation.  Seriously?  That much money for a 15 minute visit? And what do people without insurance do?  (And I should note that the boot they originally quoted as (before professional discount to the insurance co.) $280 (discounted to $140) can be purchased online direct from the maker (so full suggested manufacturer's retail) for $89 / free shipping. Do they think we're too dumb to figure out how much they're making on us poor peeps?)

Free cookies!

Knowing that I had a follow-up appointment today I had to remind myself not to ask the doctor what he's doing with all that money!  But I was pleased to go in and report a 90% improvement in my foot situation.  I am now allowed to wean myself off the boot over the next week, then gradually re-introduce myself to my morning walks.  I anticipate that re-introducing with much delight! (Although I've detected a noticeable shortening of the days, but am stubborn enough to maintain my early schedule despite the lack of sun at that hour.)

Went to lunch yesterday with my dear friends (met them both in 1990 - we've been friends ever since).  Picked them up at 11:30 a.m.  Dropped them off around 4 p.m.  We like to go to places for lunch that don't mind us monopolizing a table for several hours.  The server noticed our gift bags for celebrating two of our September birthdays and brought us this cute balloon and cookies.  I'm so grateful for their friendship and the way it has enhanced my life over the years.

There's a teensy crescent moon in the middle of the picture.

I was outside last night at dusk, watching the clouds drift across the sky ahead of the rising moon.  It was beautiful.

Today I'm grateful for health insurance.  For a patient husband.  For hugs from the grandchildren - they are balm to my soul.  For healthy feet.  And for free cookies.

Drenched

²drench

 verb

: to make (someone or something) completely wet

transitive verb

2

:  to wet thoroughly (as by soaking or immersing in liquid)

3

:  to soak or cover thoroughly with liquid that falls or is precipitated

4

:  to fill or cover completely as if by soaking or precipitation

Headed off to the Symphony last night.  Checked the weather forecast and opted for an umbrella, just to be on the safe side.   Arrived early enough to walk across the street and through City Creek for a few minutes, then headed back toward symphony hall just as a light drizzle started.

Rain, rain and more rain....

Distance from the cross walk to symphony hall:  roughly several hundred feet.  Not very far.  About a third of the way there, the heaven's floodgates opened.  Then with a simultaneous flash of light and deafening clap of thunder (yep, it was immediately over our heads) the winds came, and came again - and changed directions and swirled around us.  The umbrella was snapped inside out and we were drenched. Completely soaked.  Clear through.  (I'm convinced it was a mini-micro-burst - redundant though that sounds.)

I finally abandoned all attempts to hobble with this silly boot and flat out ran as best I could towards the door.  (I overheard another lady in the restroom (as I was attempting to salvage my non-salvageable hairdo) mention that her umbrella was probably in Kansas by now.)

The most memorable thing about the concert last night was our sogginess as we listened to a couple great singers and Doc Severinsen - who did fine for his age but I keep wondering if at 87 he might rather retire from the road concerts and enjoy life at home.

Was awake at 4 a.m. when another couple blinding lightning strikes accompanied by loud thunder filled our valley.  The Husband slept peacefully through it all.

It has continued to rain the entire day, coming down quite hard.  The best part is the beautiful green of the grass, it all looks lush and healthy.  Doesn't feel quite like the desert we really are when it rains so hard.

Received some great hugs today.  Were greeted like we were someone special by our favorite 6 year old.

And I'm looking forward to the General Women's Meeting tonight.  I can use the encouragement and inspiration I expect.  I'm grateful I can sit in the comfort of my own home, booted foot elevated (also likely jammie attired) and listen to the words of our church leaders.

Today I'm grateful for a leak-proof (as far as we know) roof that keeps us dry and safe in the storms.

YAY!

Empty drying rod in laundry room.

The laundry is done. All washed, dried, folded, ironed and stored.  The drying rod in my laundry room is finally empty!  At least till next time.

How grateful I am for the proper equipment to help me manage all that stuff.  I remember owning a wringer washer in our early days.  How lucky we are to have advanced laundry tools.

Tuesday Morning And I'm Still Behind

Coming home from vacation on Saturday night requires a bit of patience through a Sunday/Sabbath we try to observe.  So, by Monday morning I already was feeling a tad overwhelmed with all I had to do.  Since The Husband is still taking a couple days vacation, he wants to play, rest and relax - although with all the chore catching up on that has been challenging.  He spent yesterday mowing the lawn (which looked like a jungle) and then fixing the riding mower.

Spending a couple hours at a movie The Husband enjoyed much more than I also challenged my efforts - although I'm not complaining about the hot, fresh popcorn!

Finally this morning I'm beginning to see the floor in the laundry room.  (Ironing pile looms large!)

Am still thinking about the other day when my faults once again romped in front of me.  I made a snap judgement about some people.  Was unkind - and it counts just as much when unkindness is mostly mental. Even entertained some envy.  In just a short time, maybe a couple hours, information was revealed that was the polar opposite of what I had thought.  WOW!  Was I ever brought up short! It was another humbling experience I hope to remember as I interact with other Children Of God.

1st attempt at banana cream pie.

It's only been in the last couple years that it has really clicked in my head how much The Husband loves his southern roots.  This year it was the banana cream pie that finally connected.  He ordered it a couple times while we were at the beach.  Determined to show that I can learn even at my advanced maturity, I picked up the ingredients and attempted to duplicate his memories.  The result was devoured, but I'm thinking of ways to improve the pie on my next attempt.  I love it when I please him.

I'm a bit surprised at myself and how much I've still been longing to be at the beach.  The weather prevented us from having as much time on the actual beach as we'd have liked, although we did manage to get a little sun.  Dedicated homebody that I am, I'd still love to be walking that beach in the sunrise.

Came across this quote that I so love.  Wisdom is another quality that remains elusive to me. I admire it in others.

“I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that, I still possess.”
-Corrie ten Boom

And today, I'm grateful for home.  It's a place in my heart as much as an actual building - somewhere I feel safe, protected, wanted and accepted.  It's a lovely place to be.

Warning: Lengthy Vacation Post Ahead

Dawn of our 44th anniversary.

It was a stellar vacation, filled with fun, sun and my Hon.  I want to get a few things down before they flee my mind.

Haven't ever flown into Myrtle Beach before.  Decided that I much prefer the closer airport to our beach (rental) home.  All Costco stores maybe equal, but they're not the same.  This particular one came equipped with an older gentleman whose self-imposed task was to tidy and straighten all the shopping carts in their corral.  He was cute.

Crab Cakes, Hush Puppies

Everything stops for the ducks

All traffic stops for ducks who strut their stuff when crossing the street.  Car horns and vocal urgings to hurry don't faze them.  They definitely have that slower southern pace down pat.

The church ward we attend in Shallotte doesn't seem to change much.  We so enjoy it.  Our vacation seems to be officially begun when we eat our first meal (usually the first-real-almost-to-the-beach meal) at Beck's.  I can almost taste their pan-seared crab cakes and hush puppies.  Yum...

A calm year for hurricanes means fewer shells.  Didn't find a single whole sand dollar (or is it keyhole urchin?) this year.

Passed these every day.

Speaking of food, the next night we headed out to my favorite BBQ place.  My mouth was happy in anticipation of their Brunswick stew and BBQ pork.  My delighted anticipation turned to dismay when we discovered the restaurant is no longer.  Empty.  Gone.  Sad.  (That was an interesting food quest - it took three tries to find a place open for dinner.  Apparently no one eats out on Monday night in the South.)  Sticky Fingers, Bone Fish Grill, Calabash Creamery for ice cream (three - or was it four? - nights in a row and best eaten in the rockers on the veranda all around the building) Carrabba's (they redeemed themselves for our last disappointing meal there) Sunrise Cafe (scrumptious pineapple upside down pancakes!): it is no wonder I am scared to get on the bathroom scales.  Hunger wasn't even a distant niggle of thought.

Sunset.

Replacement hat.

I learned:  to not wear my hat and glasses into the ocean.  The ocean ate my hat.  (Which provided a moment of comic relief when our conversation about that was overheard by a cute clerk in a store who thought I said the ocean ate my a** and "wanted in on that."  She could use some ocean eating of her behind, belly and thighs and even though she doesn't like the beach she'd be willing to go if it could eat those parts she'd like to get ride of.  All  said (and even more words I can't quite recall) inonelongsentencewithoutevenapauseforbreath.  The memory still makes me giggle.)  The ocean not only ate my hat, but also a pair of The Husband's readers.  Sadly my cute, almost custom hat is no longer available.

An ice cream tradition.

I also learned that when there are four adults that might be splitting up for awhile knowledge of who has the keys to the house can be critical.  Men together needing the fridge for the food leftovers (and the bathroom) definitely need a key more than the two women - left to themselves to shop for a while - need both of the keys.

Wanted to sit in those chairs.

I learned that it doesn't matter if I walk to the sunrise at home, in the mountains or at the seashore, it's still my favorite time of day.  Rain, wind, cloudy, whatever.  My soul rises with the light.

I learned (again) I'm mosquito treat.  If there is a crowd of a hundred or even more people, and only one mosquito, I will be the one bitten.  And bitten.  I am a walking itch factory.

I observed that you can pretty much always tell a woman's age by the sweater she invariably carries. It may be 85 degrees out but indoors we'll always be cold.

A couple of good friends.

Our 1st ocean (and it's double) rainbow

I learned friends can be great fun on a vacation.  Particularly when they aren't afraid to go play in the ocean.  It was delightful to show them around - they seemed appreciative of the alligators, the lighthouse, the leftover KrispyKreme eating seagulls, our favorite eateries and (my favorite) the beach!!

Handstitched birthday beauty

I doubt I could ever tire of the beach.

I estimate I've got about 75 loads of laundry to do (tomorrow), I've managed to sort through the mail and luxuriate in my very own shower.  I read 4 books on this trip (love my Nook), bought only a replacement hat and came home with a bit of cash leftover; found the house well taken care of, the plants happy and the humidity of 40% refreshing (after the 95% at Sunset Beach).

I consider it a successful trip when you could have stayed longer and aren't begging to be home.  I could have easily stayed another week at Sunset Beach.  Can't wait for our next time!

Never ending laundry pile.

And now I'm sure there's stuff I've already forgotten.  But the sweet memories I've retained bring with them gratitude.  For beaches.  For the ability on occasion to travel to them.  For friends that are patient and kind and a delight to be with.  For family that misses us while we're away.  For the beauty of this world.

Thursday Without It's Usual Appeal

This has been the strangest day.  We were up late last night, so up late this morning - since I'm not allowed to do my usual morning walk there's no urgency to get up early.  Although that didn't stop me from waking just before six, my normal waking time.

The Husband thought he was off work.  Had to douse a small fire at work.  Took a couple hours that he hadn't planned to spend.

Thus, he was late getting to the mowing.  Partway through the back yard I heard a loud pop, then later heard him trying unsuccessfully to start the mower.  Yep.  It's dead.

Cooper's Hawk

Were excited to see this juvenile Cooper's hawk hanging around the yard this morning.  Should have known better.  We watched it off and on for nearly an hour.  Until we saw it grab a smaller bird breakfast.  Yes, I know that's the nature of things. Am aware that's the cycle of life.  Still tough to see.

Between answering the door, delivering a small birthday remembrance to one of the favorite neighbors, and taking twice as long to vacuum as usual (this *%#* boot is cumbersome.  And I'm not endowed with grace to start with) I feel behind.  And physically tired.

Brightens our yard.

The most discouraging thing about today:  The weather forecast for the trip has been steadily deteriorating. Not a speck of sun is predicted.  :^(

I love the sunflowers.  These were the bright spot in the rain on Tuesday.  They always make me smile.

I'm so grateful for the ability to take a little trip - to get away from the routine, enjoy some relaxation and different beautiful scenery.  The ocean is a favorite place of mine.  I'm grateful for sandals.  For friends who bring me a cake-let for my birthday from Nothing Bundt Cakes.  And most of all I'm grateful for a husband who I treasure.

Doctor's Appointment Finally

Star Wars Costume?

Let me first state:  I avoid doctors like the plague.  I want to be healthy and vibrant.  That means I have no need of a doctor.  Sometimes, though, it just can't be avoided.  Today was the day. My foot needed a professional assessment.

I was very nervous.

This was a doctor I haven't been to before.  I liked him.  He's been practicing for 15 years so I didn't feel like I was breaking in a newbie.  Diagnosis:  not visibly broken, likely tendonitis from overuse. Proactive measures indicated.

I'm so glad I was wearing boot cut jeans - appropriate for the situation as I learned.  I came out of there with a boot.  Not the boot I was half expecting (like the one I had with my stress fracture).  This one seems a bit overkill.  But I can manage for 3 weeks.  Even though it feels like it weighs a ton, throws my gait off, slows my progress and isn't even remotely cute.

Received a birthday card today from one of my favorite people.  From Germany!  How blessed we are to be able to be in touch with those we care for even when they're halfway around the earth.  And how thoughtful of her to send me a card all that long way.  It brightened my day considerably!

Germany Postmark

And today the sun is shining.  We've had so much rain one would think we're in a tropical setting rather than arid desert. It's nice to bask in the sun and not have it be 1000 degrees outside.  70 is just right.

The Husband will be home tonight.  Even though this trip was only two days I have missed him terribly.  We're both looking forward to our little vacation even though I'm in that never-want-to-leave-home-anxious state I get before any kind of a trip.  I am a confirmed (and delighted to be one) homebody.

I'm glad to be at home the rest of the day to putter and (slowly) perambulate around preparing for departure.

I'm so grateful today for good medical care, for insurance that covers both the doctor and most of the prescriptions, for a car roof that opens wide for fresh air.  And for my feet.  May they always be well.

Realization

What a beautiful world.

Listening to a friend speak in church yesterday, I realized (with chagrin and disappointment) that I missed an opportunity to help someone, to be selfless.

Much as I whine about the abundance of selfishness in the world, sometimes I'm the perfect example of it.

We heard a few weeks ago of an accident this neighbor had.  He said they were fine and didn't need anything, just was telling us about it.  I made a mental note to follow up with the family in a couple days.  Days went by and I forgot.  I got caught up in my own little mundane life and simply never gave them another thought.  When I could have.

As I sat in church and thought about it, my shoulders slumped and my heart trembled just a little and I wondered again how much I have disappointed Heavenly Father.  I know there will more chances to help / be unselfish in the future (maybe even today) but that doesn't help me with the one (and I'm sure there are lots of them) that I missed.

Was introduced the other day to this book.  People are so creative!  I really liked the concept - to create a wall in a public place where anyone can anonymously write down something they'd like to accomplish before they depart this world.

Reading it has caused me a great deal of thought.  I have puzzled and puzzled over what I would write.

After yesterday's mental processes, I most likely would have to write something about learning to be more selfless.  Sometimes it feels like I'll never learn.

Today I'm grateful for being able to move.  This bum foot has renewed my awareness of how grateful I am at being able to move this aging body around.  And for this stunning world we live in.  The overnight thunder/lightning/heavyrainstorm has abated for the moment and we have the most gorgeous day! How blessed we are.

National Read A Book Day

What an appropriate day to be on my birthday.

Kindness

People are so kind!  By 10:30 this morning I had

• Received my annual happy birthday call from my brother

• Been sung happy birthday to by 3 of my favorite people

• Heard from 5 of my 9 grandchildren.  Within 20 minutes more had heard from another grandchild and received texted birthday greetings from my dentist!

• Had a card dropped off from a friend, then another from the neighbors

• Received chocolate

Birthday Greetings.

• Been "sung" to via post-it notes on the wall

• Received happy birthday emails

I generally feel like I don't matter too much in this world.  My heart is warmed by people who reach out,  how lovely to feel cared for.

Had a good chuckle - a friend who shares my first name and whose birthday is one day after mine - we gave each other the exact same gift.  Too funny.

Last night I was treated to a concert at BYU: Sutton Foster.  It was one fabulous concert.  She sang pretty much straight through for 1 1/2 hours to a full house.  Heavenly Father truly blessed this world with music - it feeds our souls.

Whatever the rest of the day brings, it has been a delight so far.  I'm grateful for yet another birthday celebrated on this earth.  (I haven't finished having all the fun I need to have.)  I'm grateful for the visits, the hugs, the extension of kindness that says someone cares.

Astonished

Was reading a book this afternoon and something the author had written caused me to wonder about him.  So I began a bit of poking about the internet and found his website which had a button for his "random thoughts".

As I read back a couple months my jaw suddenly dropped open in astonishment!  He quoted part of a review I'd written (on GoodReads) of his first book. Me. He quoted me.

I'm still amazed and in a bit of a kerfuffle over the fact that something I wrote was quoted.

Won't likely ever happen again.  Still, I feel somewhat.....validated.  (And totally astonished.)

Issues

This morning's walk included a conversation with a man who was anxious to tell us about his moments-earlier encounter with a coyote.  (Coyote tried to make off with his scottish terrier. Kinda big for breakfast.) We've lived here 13 years and only in the last couple years have there been coyotes around.

Love the yellow even if it is a weed.

Later on my friend remarked she wished she had the "good morning" sign I'm always talking about needing.  Met a group of trainees running on the trail - a good 30 - 40 of them.  Each one hailing us with a good morning.  Necessitating a return good morning.  I mostly ended up giggling it was so comical.  Wondered how they can be so cheerful when they're running (running would be torture for me - but that's just me.)

I finally succumbed.  I have an appointment with a podiatrist to figure out what's up with my foot.  I thought it was getting better.  Not so.  Wondering if I have another stress fracture.  Don't know (in my ignorance of most things medical) what else it could be.  But I finally reached my limit of tolerance for the constant ache.  I so dislike foot issues.  I can't even imagine life without my walks; makes me sad just thinking about it.

Today I'm grateful for dental insurance (and really, insurance of every kind.)  Our portion of The Husband's crown was just over $300.  Much, much less than if we'd had no insurance. We'll see how the insurance does with my foot issue.

Was reading this morning and came across this sentence:  Kindness therapy - you get what you give. Totally struck a chord in me:  kindness therapy.  A new behavior goal to incorporate.

There is truly something good to be grateful for every single day.  Watching for those things keeps my heart open and receptive to whatever good it can catch.  And still, there's so much room for growth.  I'm grateful for those who practice kindness therapy, for smiles, for hugs and for a world with yet undiscovered good.

Thoughts Already

Even though it isn't yet noon it feels like I've got a grundle of thoughts swirling through my head looking for an outlet.

Loved my morning walk - saw some kind of raptor sitting on the fence looking for breakfast. Noticed some lovely flowers.  Also noticed the trail is a bit less busy now that school is back in session.

I've been known to leave notes around - I do that because I don't want to forget to converse about something or let someone know I'm thinking of them, or whatever.  I'm also known to say "drive safe" to pretty much anyone that leaves our house - it's a pretty regular thing for me.  I got a fun chuckle out of this note left for me this morning by our grandson.  We so love all our grandchildren - and enjoy every minute we get to spend with them.

Came across this comic strip in the newspaper.  Made me laugh out loud.  I think I'm not the only Mom out there this resonated with.  I can almost picture myself in that Mom's place.  Love it.

Was puzzled by The Husband's stepping out on the porch to make a call.  Pretty soon he's presenting me a couple sheets of paper - tickets actually - and telling me Happy Birthday.  What fun it will be to head to BYU this weekend for this concert.  We've been needing some fun.  And it isn't even my birthday quite yet!

I've had several conversations lately with different people about different situations that all seem to boil down to one concept:  choice.  I don't know anyone that likes being told what to do - not even little kids.  People are free with their opinions that are voiced in a way meant to direct another's behavior.  Reactions often continue the cycle.  Even sales pitches are barely disguised orders to purchase / do something.  It is tricky to manage to maintain our position (not be managed or manipulated) without coming across as less than pleasant.  Often, to me, it feels difficult to continue to be kind in those situations.

I hope to not provoke surprise in another when I am kind.  I'd like to perpetuate the kind of behavior that reflects well not only on me but also pleases our Heavenly Father.  It feels like a never-ending battle sometimes.

I'm grateful today for my knowledge of our Heavenly Father's plan, his desires and hopes for us.  I hope to always remember and behave accordingly.

Confused

Monday holidays cause confusion in my head.  I'll be asking myself every day the rest of the week which day, exactly, it is.  Keeps me on my toes.

Went Visiting Teaching this morning and we chatted a bit about the role of Jesus Christ as our comforter.  I remarked as we drove away after completing our visit how pleasant it was to visit and talk about things that elevate our thoughts.  It was a lovely way to start the day - with thoughts and words of the Savior, His Atonement for the sins and heartaches of each and every person to inhabit this world; and for our desires to be worthy of that sacrifice.  

I need those bright spots in my week to balance out the frustrations and painful thorns in my heart that seem to occur more often than I'd like.  

A rare trip to IKEA provided some entertainment this evening that wasn't awfully impacting on our wallet.  (Plus, they now have chocolate frozen yogurt. Yes, we indulged.)

This grapevine was hanging along a fence bordering the sidewalk along a street I don't normally walk.  I love that there are still signs of a small country town in our area.  (I applaud the absence of construction but regret the circumstances that required the removal of those huge old shade trees along both sides of one of the streets near us.  The sidewalk is safer, but much less charming than the old street used to be. It's not near as fun to walk there.)

Came across another quote that I like.  I'm so very grateful there are those that are wise and articulate and are generous with their thoughts.  The key word here is constant. Such a lovely concept - constant kindness.  

Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.

Albert Schweitzer

End Of A Long Weekend

We're pretty low-key- people.  Even for us this was a low-key weekend.  The Husband even got in a short nap on Saturday afternoon.  And while it was the perfect time to just take a breather from the stress of the world, we've got to work on figuring out how to have some fun.

A (maybe former?) favorite eatery.

Saturday we were off to meet the daughter-in-law's parents.  'Twas a nice evening, they're lovely people.  She was the thoughtful one that presented me with a small gift from their area of the world.  I was abashed that I hadn't followed through on my impulse to find something to gift them.  (The main reason:  I simply couldn't think of anything to get - brain dead.)

Carrabba's food was a bit of a disappointment.  My soup was barely warm.  The Husband's meal was "comped" because it was sub-par.  I hope the others' food was better than ours.  This was the first time we were less than delighted with the food there.  We'll have to give them another try.

Brought back memories.

The Husband had a hankering to re-visit his childhood memory - eating a long slice of watermelon outside, juices dripping, spitting the seeds and savoring the sweetness.  Trekked over to the farm-stand for the best watermelon we could find.  Rinsed and cut into it with great anticipation.  Imagine our crestfallen faces to find the inside barely pink - the melon was so under-ripe.  Now, I'm not one to return things, but The Husband didn't even hesitate.  Off we went to exchange it.  He even took his trusty knife to test.  This time the melon is verging on over-ripe.  But at least it's edible.

Up early this morning and walked a new route.  A new route shared with my favorite guy was even more enjoyable than usual. The trail wasn't too awfully busy, we saw a couple trains, The Husband was introduced to the muskrats and we rewarded ourselves with a doughnut and chocolate milk breakfast.  (The Husband is celebrating reaching a new milestone in his efforts to shed some pounds. Good on you, Love!  I'm gaining the ones he's losing.  :^)  Tomorrow will be back to being more careful.)

I finished a project I've been working on for over 6 months.  It was a bit of a challenge for me - the hours represent only a portion of my investment.  But it's done and I hope will be enjoyed by the recipient.

I'm grateful tonight for yummy food (ribs!) that I didn't have to cook, for weather that's a more comfortable temperature and for beautiful places to walk (they feed my soul).