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I hope I didn't forget to include anyone... please forgive me if I did.

@maki2
@Camper
@G0ldengirl68
@bullfrog
@dawnann7
@Carla618

Thanks for advice on plantar fasciitis solutions. I do have some good Keen sandals that are helping and have discarded the flat sandals that probably helped cause this. I don't even own a pair of athletic shoes of any kind - I had some before the fire, but I need to get another pair. I've been wearing snow boots during winter storms and good sandals the rest of the time. I've never had Birkinstocks but am considering getting some. I put those inserts Carla mentioned into my Walmart shopping cart online, but now need to find good shoes I can put them into.

@Malamute - let us know when you travel Camino Del Diablo. I'd go if I could get free gasoline. My trip to Southern CA last year was so expensive, and that was before the cost of gas rose so high.

@LeftTown - you should maybe come out of lurkdom more often. I do like to talk about children's literature - or really, most kinds of literature. Do you participate in Goodreads? I'm using that site more than any other right now. Here's my Goodreads profile page.

@vanbrat - why did you get paid to go to the park, ride a bus, and squish mud? Sounds like a unique job.

@dawnann7 and @G0ldengirl68 - I like your photographs. So nice to see what people look like!

@maki2 - your cabinet looks like an ingenious and creative solution! I like how you can easily reach into the open drawer while you're working.

@NctryBen - Congratulations on the retirement and new glasses. I need the new glasses too... but I don't get out of town much. There's no optometrist here. Glad you got some happy family time. I enjoy living so close to my daughter and her family. My 8yo granddaughter comes to visit me. She was here today showing me things she's learning to draw. Also - so glad you weren't seriously injured by a string of Christmas lights. That's just not right!

@jacqueg - are you hauling the AirStream everywhere now? I'd like to know more about your renovation project.

@abnorm - where has the road taken you and Paulette now?

So, no surprise, I'm still right here where I was before, where I have been for a long time now. My transit still needs new rear brake shoes. I haven't driven out of town for months. I drive into town (my town; I live on the outskirts) once weekly for library day and errands. I'm enjoying being a hermit. Sometimes I walk as far as the cargo trailer in my backyard. In the evenings I walk to the street and close the big gate. I think that metal gate shrunk in the fire; can that happen? I feel like I need to buy a new one, but really need to replace all the fencing. It is old and decrepit and from the 1970's.

Good news - my 8yo granddaughter told me today they gave away two of their kittens. Bad news - she says they're not getting the formerly stray cat fixed because they want her to have another litter. ?! For me, it would be a priority. At least I know progress was made in the kitten re-homing project so I'm very happy about that. I do like cats, but don't think I can fit vet bills into my budget, so I declined the invitation to adopt one. The mother cat comes to my door occasionally and my granddaughter tells me the mother cat hangs out under my trailer. I've never fed her.

I'd rather read a book about cats than own a cat. Besides, you only own a cat until it figures out that it owns you.

The social worker who is trying to get a house for me called to suggest I use a separate grant she has for me, to buy a shed. The grant is 2500 dollars to replace things lost in the fire, and I found a cute barn-like 10x10 shed at Lowes for less than that. Then I realized there could be a problem with the construction of it. FYI I am not as energetic as I used to be. I don't have much stamina, and I don't think I could put together a shed like that by myself. My son-in-law lives here but ... doesn't seem to be an energetic construction type of person... and he's been seriously sick lately and had to quit his landscaping job. He did finally feel well enough to mow the lawn on this 1/2 acre so I was happy to see that. Let's just say, I'd probably have to hire someone to help me construct the shed after all the parts are delivered. I really need the shed but I don't know if this is going to work out.

She also told me the granting agency for the house will start working on the application process in September. I've had an application in since the beginning of January, but now I hear they may want to do some other kind of application process. One thing obvious about the fire situation is that patience is a required virtue for just about anything. A few of my neighbors bought new mobile homes and two of them apparently bought from the wrong company that won't help them with anything to make the homes viable to move into. It is sad to see these lovely new mobile homes sitting there empty as the owners can't find contractors to help hook them up right.

About my lack of stamina - this has been increasing for a few years now. If I could walk, I'd be fighting back by walking daily to improve my health. When the plantar fasciitis goes away, that will be my plan. I don't think I need to be weak just because I'm older now.

Okay, speaking of aging issues - I'm going to be 70 as of tomorrow. My best friend here is going to meet me at the local coffee house/gift shop/hardware store. It is such a small community they have to diversify to make a go of their business. I hope they're making a profit.

Anyhow, this reminded me that for my last two major birthdays I was also with friends in this little community. For my 50th birthday there was a large community picnic at the River Park - not really for my BD, but it was nice that it happened on that day as about 50 people were there. Then on my 60th birthday my drum circle friends surprised me with a dinner party right there where we had the drum circle under the giant dreamcatcher. I can't help but love this community and all the friends I've had here over the years.

I guess this is too long now...................... good to visit with you all.
 
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^It's been two weeks here ...............The skeeters are terrible........Tomorrow we're back thru the Redwoods and up to Brookings for a couple weeks

Happy Birthday !
 
Brookings is a beautiful place to be. I had friends who lived there in the long-ago past, and used to take my children there for the fireworks displays since fireworks are not allowed in the National Forest. I know you've been there before... can't imagine a better place to be in the summertime.
 
HAppy Birthday Linda!

My current pair of shoes are at the end of their viable support life. Last winter in Quartzsite at the thrift I found a brand new pair of New Balance in my hard to find extra wide width. I have had them in reserve and today is the day they come out of storage! Unfortunately they are white but at least they are great quality. Shoe polish will have to go on my shopping list.

Time for me to get to work. I have a long list of not too long of task to accomplish.
 
Happy birthday! The Birkenstock sandals really made a difference for me. I literally hobbled into the store and walked out pain free! Hope all goes well for you today!
 
@jacqueg - are you hauling the AirStream everywhere now? I'd like to know more about your renovation project.

No, hauling it is not really in the picture - it's 31 feet, and I HATE to tow! Besides, the tires are dead, and before it's towed anywhere, I'd need to have the wheels and brakes checked out anyway. I'd also need a tow vehicle, my V6 just would not cut it.

I actually own two Airstreams, one a '71 and the other a '73. They are remnants of a failed homesteading project, torpedoed by lack of water. 5 acres in Washington, up a steep narrow road, owned by my ex. We each have two airstreams parked there, plus there is a 5th, owned by his first ex-wife. They've all been sitting up there for a good 10 years, I'm the only one that goes there regularly, it's my summer home base and de facto storage unit(s). Decided that it was time to reorganize, and turn at least one of them into something like a tiny home, so I could have a kitchen and a pleasant place to sit up in at night.

It's not really legal for anyone to be living there in its current state. No active building permit. So I kind of sneak in and out so no neighbor reports me (yes, one of the neighbors did report us, but I'm pretty sure I know which neighbor it was, and she's since moved.)

And happy birthday!
 
Happy Birthday! I feel like I'm finally moving a bit forward...I bought a new battery for the chassis and new tires. Heading out this fall, hope to join a caravan to test things out and make some friends.
 
Happy Birthday Linda... I get ya on the mobility thing. Not many years ago I was paddling and portaging 100’s of miles in canoe country both in Canada and Minnesota. Now I can’t hardly paddle around our little lake. And instead of walking to town and back every night I stumble up to my mailbox a quarter mile every few days. I’m stepping down from a job I love and the whole nine yards. The climate here isn’t friendly to these old bones. So westward I go when I’ve got things under control here. I long to feel as good as the desert allowed. Kinda miss good ol friends there too. Two more days of grandkids and I’ll be taking a little break. For now enjoying my new glasses. First thing I noticed was I had my tshirt on inside out and backwards. My son calls me semore. Nothing like making a spectacle of myself. So nice not to have to pile on multiple pairs of cheaters to kinda make out what people are saying.
Bring on the heat... I’m finally able to feel the effects of my air with a little more insulation and Sheetrock on all ceilings and outside walls. Oh, and over the years I’ve been stung hundreds of times. Sunday a wasp nailed me and I went into a reaction that sort of scared me a bit. I called my neighbor to go grab an epi pen from the firehall... but another responder decided I needed 911. But I by then did calm down enough not to need treatment.
So I may need to carry an epi pen. Can you get those in Mexico?
Again... happy birthday Linda!!!
 
I researched it. No epi pens are for sale over the counter in Mexico. Epinephren (adrenaline) is a highly regulated drug in Mexico and even the Mexican doctors have trouble getting any for their patients.
 
Low energy day for me. I even took a nap which is rare. But I do seem to take them more often on hot afternoons.

But I got 2 items checked off my to do list, varnished and screwed into place the last cabinet drawer front. Then removed and replaced one of the woven vinyl mesh door panels I had put in last summer. It had a crease in the mesh and that has been visually bugging when I look in that direction from my bed/couch.. I had plenty of the mesh material still in the back of my tow vehicle so I replaced that panel.

After that it was sunset and campfire watching time. I didn't stay out there very long though, I just wanted to lie down and watch a movie instead. I need a day off but I have a few projects to get to so instead a few half day workdays will have to be good enough. I need to keep the momentum in motion a little longer as I am tired of looking at an unfinished interior.
 
@maki2 ...Sounds like good progress... but also so important to have down time. You work hard, considering you're a person who doesn't have a traditional job. I know what you mean about wanting a finished interior. My van... well, that's never been finished. Great find on the shoes that fit!!!

Today my relatives here said they'd help put together the 10x10 shed, but suggested we need a foundation. It is always something. Of course I know nothing about foundations ... I'd better go watch some YouTube videos about how to install one for a shed. So, hope I get that so I can store all the things I bought for my van build. haha.. If I can get them out of my van maybe I could do some work on making that livable again.

Great birthday - I had coffee at the coffee place with my friends and the "80's ladies" - a group of women over age 80... they meet there once a week. I arranged with the mechanic across the street to get my rear brake shoes replaced next week. Also got nice birthday greetings here (Thank you everyone) and on Facebook, and a friend who used to live here phoned for a nice long catching up conversation. Ten years ago she was one of the people who were at the surprise BD party for my 60th BD. Great memories. And my son-in-law bought a 50 dollar gift certificate for me at the gift shop so I was surprised about that... and the whole family showed up at my trailer's front door to sing happy birthday and give me some gifts. Lucky me. So really a fun 70th BD. Plus in between all that I got a nap, and an evening visit from my granddaughter.

@jacqueg - sounds like a wonderful summer retreat area without close neighbors. Would be nice to have one of the trailers set up for a more comfortable place to live. I am so grateful I have this TT loaned to me. True, I could be living in the van whether it is set up perfectly for me or not, but the TT is much more comfortable with an easy chair, shower, queen sized bed, etc. Can you use the shower in the TT? Well, probably you have a better shower arrangement for your travels than I did when I was living in my van. It was a struggle and 5 minute showers at 24 Hour Fitness were impossible for me. I always took longer to wash my hair, and felt rushed.

My prayers to get insects out of my TT are being answered. I don't know if anyone else has this problem but I really like to live w/o flying insects in my TT and so if I get one in here I pray about it and ask for help getting them to fly out. Today I did that and the big fly suddenly landed on the door and I just had to open the door and let it fly away. Then later I saw a hornet or wasp kind of thing flying around in the bedroom. Prayed about it because I wanted to take a nap. Suddenly the thing went to land on the door to the outside so I ran around to the outside and opened that door and off it went. I had a happy wasp-free nap. Yes, I have two doors in my TT. What a luxury!

@Random Painted Highway - you're headed in the right direction. Just a little progress every day will get you there. Maki2 is a great example of working hard and keeping at it and making nomad life work.

@NctryBen - is that North Country Ben? When I moved to Post Falls, Idaho, I started going to North Country Chapel........ long story there. But really, I have good memories of the north country and miss it a lot. I had so many good friends there and now I only get to see them on Facebook and text messages. But for now I have to stay in the town I'm in because you have to be present to win, so to speak - I'm speaking of trying to get a house built with grant money... it won't happen if I don't stay here trying to get it done. If I leave town the opportunity will be passed on to someone else. ..... and those mobility issues - they really crept up on me... I had no idea I'd be losing strength and stamina so soon. I've seen pictures of body builders in their seventies and I think if I got the exercise I could get back some of my strength. I just need to start with walking - and maybe walk into town every day. It isn't too far. That would be a good start.
 
Great birthday - I had coffee at the coffee place with my friends and the "80's ladies"


Oh cool! Happy Birthday and BTW which "80's ladies" are we talking about???

Bangles, Bananarama, or the Go-Gos?

:whistle:
 

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I missed out on the 80's music scene. I could not name even one song from the musicians you mentioned. As I recall it - I was in na-na land taking care of children - probably singing children's songs at the time. Lullabies and all that.

The 80's ladies said their names were Laura, Paula, Barbara, Karen's mom, and Vicky. My memory failed me on Karen's mom. It is strange how you can live in a town for so many years and still not know everyone. There are about 1000 people here with some coming and going and there are a lot who stay home most of the time so you never get to meet them. I've heard that since the fire the population has dropped precipitously. I guess we won't know for sure until the 2030 census.

Here's something strange... yesterday while I was at the coffee place (which is also a gift shop) I looked at the selection of mugs for sale and pointed to one that says "this is my happy place" on it - and I said, "That's the cup for me because this town IS my happy place." Later in the day my daughter and family went in there and my 8yo granddaughter picked out that mug for my birthday gift. She actually picked it out before the lady who works there told her I said I liked that mug. I'm drinking coffee from it now!
 
I could not name even one song from the musicians you mentioned.
I remember all of them. Bananarama did Cruel Summer, Bangles did Manic Monday and Walk Like an Egyptian. The Go-Go's: My Lips are Sealed and Vacation.

I saw the Go-Go's in concert in Chicagoland (Alpine Valley, iirc). The opening band was INXS. Think it was summer of '84. Geez. Almost 40 years ago.
 
I hope I didn't forget to include anyone... please forgive me if I did.

@maki2
@Camper
@G0ldengirl68
@bullfrog
@dawnann7
@Carla618

Thanks for advice on plantar fasciitis solutions. I do have some good Keen sandals that are helping and have discarded the flat sandals that probably helped cause this. I don't even own a pair of athletic shoes of any kind - I had some before the fire, but I need to get another pair. I've been wearing snow boots during winter storms and good sandals the rest of the time. I've never had Birkinstocks but am considering getting some. I put those inserts Carla mentioned into my Walmart shopping cart online, but now need to find good shoes I can put them into.

@Malamute - let us know when you travel Camino Del Diablo. I'd go if I could get free gasoline. My trip to Southern CA last year was so expensive, and that was before the cost of gas rose so high.

@LeftTown - you should maybe come out of lurkdom more often. I do like to talk about children's literature - or really, most kinds of literature. Do you participate in Goodreads? I'm using that site more than any other right now. Here's my Goodreads profile page.

@vanbrat - why did you get paid to go to the park, ride a bus, and squish mud? Sounds like a unique job.

@dawnann7 and @G0ldengirl68 - I like your photographs. So nice to see what people look like!

@maki2 - your cabinet looks like an ingenious and creative solution! I like how you can easily reach into the open drawer while you're working.

@NctryBen - Congratulations on the retirement and new glasses. I need the new glasses too... but I don't get out of town much. There's no optometrist here. Glad you got some happy family time. I enjoy living so close to my daughter and her family. My 8yo granddaughter comes to visit me. She was here today showing me things she's learning to draw. Also - so glad you weren't seriously injured by a string of Christmas lights. That's just not right!

@jacqueg - are you hauling the AirStream everywhere now? I'd like to know more about your renovation project.

@abnorm - where has the road taken you and Paulette now?

So, no surprise, I'm still right here where I was before, where I have been for a long time now. My transit still needs new rear brake shoes. I haven't driven out of town for months. I drive into town (my town; I live on the outskirts) once weekly for library day and errands. I'm enjoying being a hermit. Sometimes I walk as far as the cargo trailer in my backyard. In the evenings I walk to the street and close the big gate. I think that metal gate shrunk in the fire; can that happen? I feel like I need to buy a new one, but really need to replace all the fencing. It is old and decrepit and from the 1970's.

Good news - my 8yo granddaughter told me today they gave away two of their kittens. Bad news - she says they're not getting the formerly stray cat fixed because they want her to have another litter. ?! For me, it would be a priority. At least I know progress was made in the kitten re-homing project so I'm very happy about that. I do like cats, but don't think I can fit vet bills into my budget, so I declined the invitation to adopt one. The mother cat comes to my door occasionally and my granddaughter tells me the mother cat hangs out under my trailer. I've never fed her.

I'd rather read a book about cats than own a cat. Besides, you only own a cat until it figures out that it owns you.

The social worker who is trying to get a house for me called to suggest I use a separate grant she has for me, to buy a shed. The grant is 2500 dollars to replace things lost in the fire, and I found a cute barn-like 10x10 shed at Lowes for less than that. Then I realized there could be a problem with the construction of it. FYI I am not as energetic as I used to be. I don't have much stamina, and I don't think I could put together a shed like that by myself. My son-in-law lives here but ... doesn't seem to be an energetic construction type of person... and he's been seriously sick lately and had to quit his landscaping job. He did finally feel well enough to mow the lawn on this 1/2 acre so I was happy to see that. Let's just say, I'd probably have to hire someone to help me construct the shed after all the parts are delivered. I really need the shed but I don't know if this is going to work out.

She also told me the granting agency for the house will start working on the application process in September. I've had an application in since the beginning of January, but now I hear they may want to do some other kind of application process. One thing obvious about the fire situation is that patience is a required virtue for just about anything. A few of my neighbors bought new mobile homes and two of them apparently bought from the wrong company that won't help them with anything to make the homes viable to move into. It is sad to see these lovely new mobile homes sitting there empty as the owners can't find contractors to help hook them up right.

About my lack of stamina - this has been increasing for a few years now. If I could walk, I'd be fighting back by walking daily to improve my health. When the plantar fasciitis goes away, that will be my plan. I don't think I need to be weak just because I'm older now.

Okay, speaking of aging issues - I'm going to be 70 as of tomorrow. My best friend here is going to meet me at the local coffee house/gift shop/hardware store. It is such a small community they have to diversify to make a go of their business. I hope they're making a profit.

Anyhow, this reminded me that for my last two major birthdays I was also with friends in this little community. For my 50th birthday there was a large community picnic at the River Park - not really for my BD, but it was nice that it happened on that day as about 50 people were there. Then on my 60th birthday my drum circle friends surprised me with a dinner party right there where we had the drum circle under the giant dreamcatcher. I can't help but love this community and all the friends I've had here over the years.


I hope I didn't forget to include anyone... please forgive me if I did.

@maki2
@Camper
@G0ldengirl68
@bullfrog
@dawnann7
@Carla618

Thanks for advice on plantar fasciitis solutions. I do have some good Keen sandals that are helping and have discarded the flat sandals that probably helped cause this. I don't even own a pair of athletic shoes of any kind - I had some before the fire, but I need to get another pair. I've been wearing snow boots during winter storms and good sandals the rest of the time. I've never had Birkinstocks but am considering getting some. I put those inserts Carla mentioned into my Walmart shopping cart online, but now need to find good shoes I can put them into.

@Malamute - let us know when you travel Camino Del Diablo. I'd go if I could get free gasoline. My trip to Southern CA last year was so expensive, and that was before the cost of gas rose so high.

@LeftTown - you should maybe come out of lurkdom more often. I do like to talk about children's literature - or really, most kinds of literature. Do you participate in Goodreads? I'm using that site more than any other right now. Here's my Goodreads profile page.

@vanbrat - why did you get paid to go to the park, ride a bus, and squish mud? Sounds like a unique job.

I have been a preschool teacher for 40+ yrs . I love my job even better now that I am semi-retired and just a sub. I get all the fun and don't have to do anything I don't want to... like deal with reg. trainings that I have done 20+ times or parent teacher conference's or writing all those @#$% daily notes or....
I get to play and work with the kids and staff and I am always cheered 'cause when I show up it means someone else didn't and if I didn't show up everyone's day just totally is off. I am the only sub right now.
This week we get to go on a picnic, went to the park again, smashed flowers to see what that did. I got to tell silly ghost stories; color, and teach about things in the garden. I was given a big "beautiful" snail in case I get lonely, we worked on building a river at one end of the playground (left the hose on slow and dug "rivers" in the hard dirt) I watched about a zillion weddings complete with a "beautiful" cake made out of sand and flowers, though we did have to figure out how to share the dresses. I work hard at my job, but I have always loved it when it is done right.

I guess this is too long now...................... good to visit with you all.
 
A good sized storm rolled in today. I woke up with a headache and it was easy to identify the cause. A touch of dehydration. I drink plenty of fluids but of course often go without drinking fluids during the night. Once in a while then I do wake up with a headache that is easily fixed by fluid intake. But it took longer today to get it gone. The cool weather, lots of fluids and resting much of the day including a long afternoon nap seems to have resolved the issue of headache and exhaustion.

Only a little project worked on today, putting edge banding on my current but ultimately "temporary" countertops. I have had the edge trim pieces in my car since I left Seattle. Just some strips of Oak I cut from a 3/4" thick board that cover the edge of the 3/8"plywood. It looks nice and is the same golden color as the poplar cabinet doors. Being a harder, hardwood than poplar the oak wood is a better choice for the countertop edge. It won't ding up as easily from small knocks and bangs. My trailer will always be as much workspace as living space so all the countertop surfaces are also essentially workbenches as well as food prep space. Hence they are never going to be free of scratches, dings, stains, etc. Such are the condition of interior finishes in a "maker's space".

My staple gun has the ability to drive small 5/8" long brads so I tried it out for securing the edge trim. As suspected not enough power in a non electric staple gun to drive them flush through the Oak but a few taps of the hammer and final tap with a little nailset and it worked out fine. So much easier than holding onto a tiny finish nail while driving it in with a hammer. With a small trailer and car I am obviously limited on what tools I can bring along. Unfortunately many of the tools I would like to have brought along, including a compressor and Brad nailer had to remain behind at my friend in Seattle's workshop.
 
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Son here one more day. No idea how he’ll complete project. I helped more then I should have yesterday. My pain level is off the charts today. I feel like I’m letting him down if I don’t help. So embarrassing when you can’t. So somehow I do... nothing I have touches the pain. What the heck... wish Me luck surviving today. Haha. Literally wake up with tears in my eyes from stupid pain. Insert swear words here!
 
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