June: There's No Place Like Home.

 Once again:  Super thanks to Sally and Richard, this is a link to the Swedish Colonial News online E-Communique showing our work at the Lutheran Seminary Archives in Philadelphia:
http://www.onthenosedesign.com/E-Communique/009_jun11.html

30 Jun, Thurs: We are switching rooms at the Inn at Long Trail because our room has been rented over the weekend.  We like the new room better so we will stay in Rooon 17 until the 17th of July when we head to Guilford, VT to help Beanie and Eddie move into their new lodging. 

29 Jun, Wed: Hiked the Long Trail - impressed that the trail was better today after Ron's work on clearing it yesterday.  
28 Jun: Tues: Hiked again on Long Trail three hours to the clearing that is half an hour from the summit.  Ron is doing trail maintenance routing the standing water on the trail.
27 Jun, Mon: Hiked on Long Trail about two hours.  Huffing and puffing.

26 Jun, Sun: The rain stopped - the sun came out.  We drove a hiker who looked like such a sick puppy the previous two  mornings at breakfast, suffering from Lyme disease, to Hanover, NH to catch up with his hiking companions and treated them to lunch at the Hanover Inn.  After lunch we hiked through Hanover and Norwich on the AT to meet and greet the rest of the group.  Oh were they surprised to see US, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?"

25 Jun, Sat: And MORE RAIN.  A thousand piece puzzle has been completed at the Inn.  Cynthia read four books on her IPad.  We joined a fitness center and did an hour workout.  
24 Jun, Fri: RAIN, RAIN, RAIN
23 Jun, Thurs: RAIN ... SIX WEEK ANNIVERSARY!

22 Jun: Wed: Rain
21 Jun, Tues: We've gone hiking each of the last two days.  We are trying to break Cynthia in slowly so as not to inflame the bursitis, so the present limit is about two hours.  We haven't had any luck finding flat and level around here.

First night we stayed at the Inn of the Six Mountains, but were disappointed with desk staff and continental breakfast, so second night we stayed at the Inn at Long Trail, an icon of the Long Trail and of the Appalachian Trail.  Breakfast suited, bed suited, price suited, temperatures cool for sleeping, so we've booked a week. 

Over breakfast I chatted with an obvious hiker sitting alone, then with another who is recovering from brain surgery.  I got them confused and later offered the wrong one a ride ... but on the plus side his girlfriend (my assumption) sat on his lap during the 1 mile ride to the trailhead.  In the afternoon while Cynthia and I were hiking along the AT several miles away, we were VERY surprised to run into the girl again ... and I was even more surprised to learn that she had started at Springer Mountain in Georgia on the 22nd of March ... so she has walked about 1700 miles already, averaging about 20 miles a day.  THAT is FAST.  The (presumed) boyfriend had started in Tennessee.  Boyfriend/girlfriend status now very doubtful.  She has a deadline to report to grad school at UC Berkeley. 

I had cell phone signal, so called a few of my friends from my AT hike in 2008.  (Not one AT hiker friend came to the wedding, not one Florida Keys friend came to the wedding.  I was very disappointed, but I've learned, and Cynthia and I will not schedule the our next wedding for Thursday.  We will just have to wait until my birthday falls on a weekend.)

While talking to Ed K. in NY, ahead of Cynthia on the trail, Ron took the trail to the Falls for a big surprise; the water flow had increased dramatically since the trip up the mountain.  Cynthia ... being busy swatting a gnat out of her eye....missed that turn off the AT, but she did see a bright red fox on the boardwalk crossing the marsh; it turned tail and scampered back.  Surprised not to see her follow on the Falls trail Ron retraced his steps to fetch her to "hurry back and see the waterfalls, now."  By the time we arrived at back at the Falls, someone must have turned the water off on top: a small stream of water was once again flowing over the rocks and rills.

Now it is time for me to resume computer work.  (Cynthia is still sleeping.  I awakened about 2:30 am and decided to get up rather than lie abed awake.)

Later - much later - after falling asleep again, breakfast, computer work, and lunch at Sugar and Spice, we hiked around Chittendon Lake; it was supposed to be a 2.9 trip around the lake - flat.  "About two miles into the wilderness, water washed out the trail so we turned around and Cynthia fell FLAT!  Just another one of those osteoporosis tests she passed again: no osteoporosis, no broken bones or torn skin.  A red-headed woodpecker spotted in the woods.   The 80 minute hike was about four miles. 


20 Jun, Mon: Cinnamon French toast piled HIGH on the plate, mouth-watering stacks of pancakes with REAL maple syrup, bacon and eggs, home-made strawberry jam... MMMM.  It looks so delicious on the table next to ours with YOU KNOW WHAT: egg white veggie omelets.

Super thanks to Sally and Richard, this is a link to the Swedish Colonial News online E-Communique showing our work at the Lutheran Seminary Archives in Philadelphia:

http://www.onthenosedesign.com/E-Communique/009_jun11.html


19 Jun, Sun: Not on the recommended list, The Inn of the Six Mountains in Killington, VT.  The irritating night clerk was obviously irritated at leaving a more pleasurable activity to work.  We declined the Continental breakfast at the Inn opting for a highly recommended Sugar and Spice Breakfast and Lunch Restaurant in Rutland.   Sunday (treat day for Smooch Smooch)  being the occasion, she ordered a silver dollar size blueberry pancake which arrived the size of a dinner plate.  Overjoyed, she ate half of it without butter and a tiny dot of real maple syrup. YUM!  The restaurant deserves a high five!   Our two hour hike on the Long Trail was long enough for a first day.  We will stay at the Inn at Long Trail in Killington for a week.  Good food, fireplace in suite and hiking right out the door.  Besides, one of us enjoys visiting with EVERYONE a lot.



18 Jun, Sat: Departing by one PM to hike in Killington, VT we detoured for the scenery in the Hudson River Valley.  Marvelous. That was wonderful visit #2 brought about by the Hillsdale destination.  So I felt curious to see the place responsible for our delightful jaunt through New York and the Hudson River Valley.  We took the Taconic Parkway north to New Lebanon and found a marvelous restaurant, Mario's, on State Highway 22.

Here is a link to the Swedish Colonial News online E-Communique showing the work we have been doing at the Lutheran Seminary Archives in Philadelphia:

http://www.onthenosedesign.com/E-Communique/009_jun11.html

 17 Jun, Fri: Fishkill...!  Kill is the Dutch name for a stream.  Fishkill likely means a stream with good fishing.  This is a charming town with lovely, pleasant people in the local Wal-Mart and at the post office.  The downtown is quite delightful, too. Marissa and family will not be going to their farm for the weekend after all; Susannah (three year old) has strep throat.  Thanks to the plan to visit Marissa... we had the surprising opportunity to visit Cynthia's cousins and Paddy-O, a great philosopher and provider of trail magic for hikers on the AT.  We enjoyed seeing Cynthia's cousins tremendously - and would have picked a different route if we had not intended to visit  Marissa in Hillsdale.

From Newton, we drove to Harriman State Park on the AT in NY to visit with a favorite hiker who spends his off-time (mechanical engineer) providing refreshment and food for hikers as a memorial to a special friend who passed away.  The first thing Cynthia noticed (backing away quickly) was the ripe, pungent air near the hikers who had likely not bathed for a few days.  See Photo of Paddy-O left, hikers with aroma middle and Ron right. Paddeo and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing each other again and talked for three hours.  Unfortunately Cynthia could not hear Paddeo since his lips don't move a lot and the wind and traffic noise confounded her hearing.  Besides, the bugs liked her, so she retreated to the car.

16 Jun, Thurs: Jane is just as pretty as Cynthia remembered ... with the same beautiful blue eyes.  Garrick is handsome and looks like his dad.  We had a marvelous visit over coffee at the CheddarAlley and spent a wad of money on a gift and cheese to take to Marissa.

15 Jun, Wed: Car is packed, delightful last lunch with Rev. Kim-Eric at the archives, thank you cards, packages mailed and departure.  Hillsdale was a wonderful destination since it took us through Sparta, NJ.  this afternoon; as we blew through that  town, Cynthia suddenly came out of the fog with a start, asking, "Sparta, New Jersey???"  Yup.  "I have a cousin I'd like to see there."  Let's stop.  "Oh it would be too rude to drop in unexpectedly."  Yes Dear!!!  Why don't you just call & say hi?  "Oh I couldn't."  You could just tell them that we suddenly found ourselves passing through town, so you called.  Who knows, maybe they'd like to say hi.  "(sounds of furiously fast texting)"  "They are going to Nantucket."  By now we are 10 miles from town and darkness is descending rapidly, so I pull over to pee. (The unusual part is that there was actually an authorized pee place there, a porta-potty in the park.)  The GPS only works at rest, so we looked for a hotel and the closest recognizable brand was 10 miles behind us in a town named Newton.  The conversation continued -- Why don't you call again and tell them that we've booked a room at the Holiday Inn in Newton.  "They are going to Nantucket."   Have they already left?  "I don't know."  If you don't call, we won't see them; if you call they might want to come later.  Besides Newton is pretty close to Sparta.  "(sounds of more furious texting)"  "Wonderful, they can meet us in town for breakfast - it is only 10 minutes from their house."

14Jun, Tues:  Forefather's SCS database work, thank you cards, etc.
13 Jun, Mon: Writing thank you cards in process.  Wonderful lunch with Jean and Eric in Bryn Mawr. 
12 Jun, Sun: A quiet day.  After we cleaned, the maid was actually allowed into clean our room. Smooch Smooch uploaded and identified wedding photos taken by the Gregory's (thanks, Clark and Elizabeth) and honeymoon photos; "Beatty Bahd Cohds" and cloudy skies prevented taking many photos.  Funniest photos are of cousin Marissa's professionally applied "Smooch Tattoo" on the groom.  Each day for eight days we took a photo to see how it would hold up... until Marissa explained she forgot to mention it is permanent.  She is one delightful IMP!  Smooch Smooch also uploaded all of the photographer's photos.  Here are links:

https://picasaweb.google.com/rsbeatty/WEDDINGIMAGES
https://picasaweb.google.com/rsbeatty/RonAndCynthiaWeddingPhotos12May2011
https://picasaweb.google.com/rsbeatty/20110612Weddinghoneymoon

Going through the cards, gifts and wonderful messages of love and support from the great group that attended to the multitude that could not attend... we are heartened by the love and joy at our happiness.

11 Jun, Sat: The week that was included learning Family Tree Maker and deciding it doesn't work for Geeks (maybe the Master Genealogist program for the database for the Swedish Colonial Society).   We had a good meeting on Wednesday with the archives committee, a fabulous dinner with the Rambos to celebrate Herb's retirement and a marvelous evening with Sally and Nagle on Thursday night.  The week that was did not include getting over a cruddy cold, but Ron was amazing!  He has written MOST of the thank you notes!  

6 Jun: Mon: Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania, slightly NW of Philadelphia, in our usual Holiday Inn (at an exceptional rate that includes egg white veggie omelets).  Today Ron paid bills and caught up on e-mail.  Next task is to do a little on Family Tree Maker before commencing to write wedding gift thank-yous.  The pile of "things" on the back burner represents a four-alarm fire hazard.

5 Jun, Sunday: We attended the opening of a new exhibit at the Swedish Museum and saw a real, live princess (Princess Madeleine of Sweden).  The leading lady of the performance was Esther Ann McFarland whose ancestors were the focal point for the new exhibit, and the directing star was Sandra Pfaff.  It was a delight to see Herb & Zophia, Sally & Nagel (with their handsome son and two lovely granddaughters), Alfred & wife, Tina (in costume), and several others whose names escape me.  (I could mention Alfred's wife because our conversation revealed that she remembers names no better than I do.)

 3 June, Fri: 4:45 wake up call in order to eat an unsatisfactory breakfast before the 6 AM departure to London Heathrow for a three PM flight to Boston and on to Newark where shuttle arrived in minutes to "whisk" us to Fort Washington, PA by 10:10 PM.  What a bummer !!  Ron shoulda remembered that rum & diet coke contains caffeine.  He was awake for the entire 6-hour flight despite being desperately tired and headachey, still suffering cold symptoms including clogged head and dry cough.  Smooch smooch flattened her seat into a bed and slept a few hours on each plane and additionally on the shuttle.

2 June, Thurs: Paris and the Louvre.


1 June, Wed:  Smooch Smooch is confined to quarters sick abed.  Ron is visiting varied and sundry folks like a 90 year old mortician, a social studies teacher and doing Sudoku besides checking on his bride.   By three she was out of bed to attend the wine tasting but coughed incessantly wondering if that was a mistake.  We spent the day at sea.

MERRY MARRY MERRY MARRY MAY!

31 May, Tues: Queensferry, Scotland: Smooch Smooch is suffrind from a bahd cohd!  An early breakfast hour suddenly evaporated making us late for our 7:00 tour departure at Queensferry.  The previous tour had departed a good 20 minutes late, so we were unconcerned and Ron made a precautionary pit stop while smooch proceeded alone to the Explorers Lounge to check in for the tour.  Poor smooch was hustled off alone, sent ahead to board the launch to shore.  However she was turned back at the launch and instructed to return to check-in and find Ron.  Meanwhile Ron explained the situation at the check in station and was hurried to another craft headed to shore.  Upon return to check-in Smooch Smooch wailed, "Two weeks is too soon to lose a husband!"  She was ushered to another launch with a promise that Ron would be awaiting her on the pier.  Meanwhile, at the bus, Ron was perplexed that there was no smooch smooch on board, and the guide suggested that his new bride might be on the next launch to land.  Ron walked again the length of the pier wondering if he would ever see his beloved smooch again.  There she was, and the lovers enjoyed a breathless reunion as they "raced", wheezing, to the tour bus.  Guide, driver, and fellow passengers were graceful about the delay, and the driver made up the 1/2 hour by the time they reached the Abbey on the Scottish "Borders."  Good sights: ruins of a Cistercian monastic abbey dating to the 12th century, the grave of Sir Walter Scott, a castle belonging to the Duke of Roxburough (the most important man in Scotland), quaint Scottish towns, the names of Beattie and Little on a brochure about the Borders Rievers (raiders), homes of poets, authors, building where the first Harry Potter book was written.  A sick Smooch Smooch had a hot toddy in an old restaurant that once was home to a man who reputedly became the character of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Scotland is rightly proud of its many brilliant scientists, inventors, and literary giants.  Smooch Smooch went to the doctor on the ship with an elevated temp and hacking cough - not to mention unceasing high pitched whine and wailing.  She swigged down the cough med and antibiotics  with instructions to be in isolation for 24 hours.

30 May, Mon: (thanks to the ship navigator for cruise details)

Rise and Shine… well, not exactly.  Smooch Smooch bounced out of bed shrieking, “Its eight AM!”  rushing to breakfast to catch a tour of Invergordon departing at eight-thirty.  The dining area empty and no food lines looked mighty strange until the waiter said the dining room didn’t open until five-forty-five AM.  Telling time can be a challenge for a Smooch Smooch.  The spectacular sunrise was marvelous - beautiful blue skies over Scotland as we passed Helmsdale Point on the starboard side proceeding southwest through the Moray Firth.   Cynthia has inherited Ron’s cold and succumbed to the notion of spending the day in bed instead of cruising Loch Ness and climbing in the center of the Highlands.  Oh, well.  There is no Nessie after all: the Loch Ness Monster hoax was finally brought to light in 1994 when one of the hoaxters confessed to rigging the photo of a toy against a photo of the lake.

Sunday, May 29, 2011:  Sea Day meant we could sleep late and enjoy the view of the water out the windows but it is too cool to sit on the balcony with head colds.   We had a late lunch brunch before going to a Sommelier wine tasting where we lost all sense of time.   From the ship log we learned the ship crossed the Little Minch early in the day – and the beautiful islands of the Outer Hebrides ion the port side and the  Northwest Hebrides on the starboard side.  From there we entered the North Minch Channel with the Isle of Skye on the starboard side.  Ron enjoyed the fitness center before dinner with very delightful people: Annie and June from Texas and a couple from England.  It was the last formal night and someone looked like a gorgeous HUNK in his tuxedo after Samuel (the steward) buttoned his collar and fixed the bowtie.    Evening we passed in between the NE tip of Scotland and the Orkney Islands before heading into the North Sea.

Saturday, May 28, 2011: Greenock, also known as the Port of Glasgow was the stop for today.  Smooch Smooch forgot we had excursion tickets for a tour so we missed the planned tour.  Instead, Ron went to bed with a head full of cold stuffs.  She took the afternoon tour of the bonny, bonny banks of Loch Lomond and the picturesque village of Luss located on the west shore of Loch Lomond.   In Gaelic, Luss means plant or herb and the village in spring is a riot of color from roses and wildflowers.  With Ron outta sight she could not resist tasting toffee and fudge Orkney ice cream now that she knows of her Orcadian ancestors from the iron age when it was a Norse province).  It was marvelous to see the stone cottages and walk out on the pier for a mouth dropping view of  Loch Lomond before driving onto the stunning Highland Glens, Be Thankful overlook, Loch Eck and Holy Lock  before boarding a ferry across the River Clyde.   Our dinner at Sebastini’s  was ok – but not as good as Michelangelo’s. 

Friday,  May 27, 2011: During the night we crossed the Irish Sea and made port in Belfast where we disembarked to walk to the Public Records Office of Northern Ireland once again.  The records are sparse prior to 1800.  Ron found the deed between James Ager(Edgar, Eger), James Ewing and John Forbis,  but the microfilm was very hard to read; perhaps when we reach Salt Lake City once again we may find the deed has been transcribed.   Now we know the parents of the immigrant ancestor, Benjamin Beatty who married Margaret Jeffrey Forbes whose Forbes, Ager and Ewing  ancestors are being researched.  

 

26 May: Shipboard for the day again.  Liverpool might have been fun to visit since we coulda woulda shoulda paid homage to the Beatles by visiting them in person.  Although the plugged head is better, another restful day seems advisable ... besides, who wants to pop outta bed at 6:30 am two days in a row ??  Breakfast was again pleasant although Ron was surprised that his fever has so successfully burned calories that he appears a bit thinner despite eating almost non-stop.  Who knew that this ill "wind" would blow that particular advantage.

25 May, Wed: Dublin and Glendalough by bus, our first day off the bus, first day out of the sickbed.  Tour buses have wonderful big, expansive windows, but I would still rather be on a motorcycle (no doubt driving on the wrong side of the road occasionally.)  The stops and countryside scenery were wonderful, especially the St. Patrick's Cathedral (with grave of Jonathan Swift - not at all swift now) and the ruins of St. Kevin's Monastery from the 4th century when the Irish were at the forefront of Christianity and education.  The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain, the rain in Ireland mainly stays.  It was fascinating to watch the vegetation fly by only inches from the bus windows - obviously pruned daily by bus & truck shears.  The roads were so narrow that opposing buses and trucks almost always slowed to a crawl to pass safely with inches to spare - or fractions of inches to spare.  The luncheon stop was late for most passengers, about 1pm, especially wearing since the bus loaded at 7:30.  The guide was neither bright nor informative and seemed clueless that his passengers were so slothful and quiet much of the morning.  Good God, is the man unaware of the dangers of coffee deprivation ??  Lunch was very nice since Ron guessed upon entry that this was going to be one meal fits all and asked for turkey plain and steamed vegetables as he was being seated.  The servers are all on auto-pilot, so beef and gravy magically appeared in front of us three times before our (undressed) turkey finally came.  Methinks that the turkey was more tasty.

24 May, Tues:  Fever abated - good sweats foul smell on sheets.  Smooch Smooch moved into the spa.  Woe is I, driven from bed and room by a sick & stinky mate.  We stayed onboard - with plans to disembark AM in Dublin,  Marvelous sunset.

23 May, Mon: Good night sleep but fever raging.  St. Peter's Port - monastery on island outside our lovely stateroom with balcony. Smooch Smooch went to spa for acupuncture on torn rotator cuff.  Tomorrow Cobh, Ireland. 

22 May, Sun: five thirty wake up call!  Hammie made the airport trip in time - flight went well - so did trip by bus to Southampton to the Crown Princess dock and even through another security check.  Smooch Smooch completed the health form that said we were both healthy.  Hah! We were until three PM  - high fever  - time to hit the bed.  Cruise started at five PM.

 21 May, Sat: Outline: County Down, Culloden Hotel, Londonderry Family Trust, Royal County Down Golf Course and Sleive ? Hotel lunch by the sea before return to Belfast.  Pack.  Library.  Dinner.  Departure 6:45 AM.  Thank you Hammie for another delightful day!

 20 May, Fri: Details will follow outline later:
 Mr. Hamilton (Hammie) Lowe is the most marvelous, congenial guide who drove us to County Antrim and the North Coast - stopping at the Giant's Causeway so we could hike to the causeway and waited patiently while we posed for SMOOCH photos in front of the magnificent view.  Onward to lunch next to some Texans with beautiful SMU collegiates; and Yo Ho again to the track of the North 200 ...where we drove on the motorcycle track (in a car bumper to bumper) watching hordes of people poured into the hamlet for the big race at ten tomorrow,  Following the N Coast line through small villages we found Irish lace for a granddaughter before heading back to the hotel for dinner.  OH.  we looked for a cottage to let for next summer but failed to locate the exact one.  BushMills Distillery - oldest in the world.  Lunch at BushMills Restaurant and Inn not to be forgotten.

19 May, Thurs: We arose before eight AM - surprising the chef  who quickly popped the fat free bread into the oven while super-sizing the egg white veggie omelets.  Smooch Smooch spent the morning in the first class fitness center; it sits high atop the hotel overlooking the city scape in all four directions.  The elliptical machine is not so compatible with the knee.  She enjoyed a sauna and steam room. Imagine sitting outdoors in a rooftop hot tub six floors high!  We walked a mile or so to the Presbyterian Historical Society located next to Union and Queens College for a most delightful conversation with the historian.  Not only was she very knowledgeable but also very charming. She was worth the trip.   The folks at PRONI do a fine job but lack historical knowledge. 
Today is our first week anniversary!  WE ARE MIGHTY HAPPY!  Thanks for the photo, Janina!

 
 18 May, Wed:  Beal Farst... is the Irish pronunciation of Belfast.  PRONI records do not have the needed records accessible yet.   It is not a wasted trip.  We will return - maybe not here - but at least to the countryside to explore this magic isle.

17 May, Tues: Belfast, Ireland.  Dining and lodging are marvelous.  We plan to move here next year.  Well, for three months maybe?  Amazing, delightful people in this city.  We slept until nine-thirty  (well we ARE honeymooning), had one of the best egg white veggie omelets ever, walked to the City Hall, had lunch with a most delightful young woman and her auntie who plan to visit the US next September.  Smooch Smooch found Irish linens to send to Texas for gifts - shipping  was free because the linen shop gets the VAT tax returned.  From there we walked to the Titanic Dock and crossed the street to 2 Titanic Row for a visit to PRONI (the Public records of  Northern Ireland).  Ron disappeared in 33 miles of records with his eyes glazed over.  YDNA testing revealed a strong connection to the Little/Lytle line that lived near the Beatties in the mid-1600's.  Today we found Beatty records dating to 1100 AD and a Garrett Beatty.   Dinner at the Merchants Hotel was again splendid.

 16 May, Mon: Belfast, Ireland - Merchants Hotel in the DECADENT DINING ROOM.  Ya just gotta see this room to believe it.  The rooms in the hotel are either Art Deco (ours) or Victorian,.  Amazing amenities.  The Groom's tattoo, painfully applied by a sadistic cousin, retains its initial glory, shining forth:
SMOOCH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

 12 May, Thurs: Hooray! Hooray for the Twelfth of May.  Now to change the blog title  - Where ARE R and C?  The day was incredible. Life is good. And we have pictures to prove it!

This is the link to the images posted on the web by our terrific photographer, Mark James of Philadelphia: www.mjamesphoto.com/Cynthia&Ron

We are off to Ireland followed by a Princess Cruise of the British Isles departure 15 May.  Love to all - love love love!

 10 May, Tues: the Smooch Smooch is beautified and the vows are memorized (well almost but not quite) the friend are arriving from hither and yon! Life is Good!  Here we are... Here we stand.  or... horizontally inclined.  amazed at this love that encompasses us.  Awesome!
9 May, Mon:  Moving recyclables out of hotel room only took two days.  Not too bad for a six weeks sojourn.  After loading three cases of beer in the rear hatch it was challenging to find space to store the stash.  Fortunately Smooch Smooch did not have to stay behind.   Thanks, Walter,  for the photo labeled, "my motorcycling friend who grins from ear to ear,"   and the warning, "I hope he has better shoes and socks than the last time I saw him."  HA!  Does the King of Frugal change spots or socks?



 8 May, Sun:  Happy Mother's Day Moms!  Thank you Eric and Jean for a marvelous Mother's Day dinner at their club overlooking the golf course near Villanova: food we can eat and then some,  Eric treated us to some rare beer that has been discontinued and very pricey; it tastes a little like champagne,  Two bottles of the beer left and he owns them both,  And now there is one.  We can thank Eric the connoisseur of ale for three cases made in his brewery (he is one of the owners).  The beer will be a treat at the reception along with Aquavit and wine. 


Nina Farana, friend, artist and poet from Santa Fe wrote:

Unto her –
his eyes –
If water
was a flame –
lift and chase
the sparkle
in her veins –
Not a rock
is he –
Or a stone –
But a canyon
with a thousand
depths –
The red core’s
heart –
The lips
that taste
the marrow
in her bones.

09/25/09   Thank you, Nina!


 7May, Sat:  Good news:  organization of the SCS books and surname boxes are completed.  Bad News: it needs to be reorganized again.  A new and better plan was hatched which means that every book shelved will be re-shelved.  Does the search system work?  It does.  But it can be better.  The Rambo Family Group Sheets and church burial records are providing corrections to some of Beverly's work.   Email correspondence is caught up.  Packing begjns tomorrow.  Monday night we move to the Sheraton.  Guests begin arriving Tuesday through Thurs.  Walter promised a drunk lunch and extreme embarrassment.  Smooch Smooch is going to the spa and not come out for two years or maybe it was two days?

Thanks to Herb and Zofia for a marvelous evening at their home and dinner at BoneFish Grill.   Delightful couple!

 3 May, Tues: Instead of the usual dive into the archives at the seminary we took time for a neighborhood walk to meet Spring.

 

2 May, Monday:  Merry! Marry! Ten days.  The time-line is ready, guest count is totaled, dresses shipped.  We are READY!  Smooch Smooch!  I love you, too!

30 April - A Great Day at the Farmstead!

2 May:  Hi there my beloved Smooch Smooch.  It is time to create a new post.  I love you and look forward to the wedding at Gloria Dei in Philadelphia in another ten days.  Love & smooch smooch.

 30 April, Sat: A Rambo Apple tree planting was held at the "New Sweden" Farmstead near Bridgeton, NJ.  The Bridgeton mayor and lots of NJ Swedish Colonial Society members participated in planting and clean up.   Student history intern, Lloyd Frisone, received a five hundred dollar Sappington scholarship from the Order of the First Families of Maryland established for Colonial History projects.  Lloyd will inventory the artifacts for the Farmstead in preparation for the 375th anniversary of the Swedes arrival along the Delaware River.  

27 April, Wed:  The rector of Gloria Dei wrote a marvelous recommendation to the bishop for permission to marry in that congregation:

"Ronald Beatty, etc., etc., baptized...etc.,    ...   He was, to quote him, "a geek before it was fashionable."  His interest in technology has sent him around the world a number of times.  He is intelligent, quick witted, and loving.   His life experience is varied, variegated and fascinating to hear,.  He has always been independent and unimpressed with material things.  This has allowed him to travel, to work in a number of vocations and locations, and to discover people and places beyond the scope of most of us.  He is a joyful presence and a delight to be with.  While not a regular church-goer, Ron is a faithful man who clearly, "lives the Gospel out loud."  His loving presence, his patience and care for all around him, and his delight in God's good creation are evident to all who meet him,"

26 April, Tues:  Ron is archived again.  Smooch Smooch visited a sports medicine specialist to discover she has a torn rotator cuff (push-ups). 

 25 April, Mon:  SEPTA (commuter train) was a surprisingly easy method of travel to City Hall in central Philadelphia for the marriage license.  The train runs UNDER the subway with long underground shopping centers.  Ron lost points for giving away Smooch Smooch's age.  Fortunately, this courthouse did NOT have tight security and take away his prize pocket knife despite having to obtain a visitor's pass to get into the courthouse,  The clerk was quite delightful and made the trip worthwhile.   We celebrated at McCormick and Schmick's with champagne. 
Smooch Smooch is pointing at Peter Rambo's name on the plaque affixed to the  outside wall of City Hall  The city center is a-blooom!  It was a stellar day!

 blue heron at the lake house

24 April, Sun: 3:30 AM!  We asked for it: a wake-up call - knowing we would not awaken on our own despite arising at that hour the past two mornings.  Groggy, we  groped to dress for the Easter Vigil at Gloria Dei.   Prepared for an hour drive, one of us was surprised to find the freeways and toll-roads almost empty; we arrived at Penn's Landing in a short twenty five minutes.

Yes. we arrived before the priest.  But the delightful music director was standing outside easily recognized by his bare feet and super giant size height; the sexton's wife remembered Ron from earlier visits to the church when he camped in the churchyard amongst the gravestones.   Street light illumined the Rambo apple tree blooming (18 days too early).   Sexton Jim distributed candles and service bulletins.

There we were - a small gathering of worshippers huddled in the hush of the graveyard, twenty-one counting the organist.  The priest passed fire to our candles and led the procession into the sanctuary with the Paschal candle held high bringing light into the darkness.  Seated in the ancient edifice, we maintained vigil listening meditatively to the Word, pausing for silence and prayer while the sunrise slowly sparkled mystically through stained glass windows high above the altar.  Caught up in the experience, two of us forgot to extinguish our candles until reminded.

Joy.  Easter JOY!  Even the priest is named Joy. Joy is Easter's message.

23 April, Sat:  19 days.  I love you!!

22 Apr:  Smooch & Smooch Smooch suffered through another day of separation.  Cynthia is in Texas for doctors and family.  The Seminary is shut down for Easter, so Ron is finally above ground and breathing again.  Now the big question is, "Can he straighten up the mess in the hotel room before Cynthia returns, or will he have to pony up the bucks for another room?"  Scoogi's, a wonderful restaurant, and Melissa and Al at the Ft. Washington Holiday Inn all need to be recognized and thanked, but it is near dark, and I need my exercise first.  More later unless I fall asleep at the post.  Ooooh, yes !  Spring is gorgeous hereabouts recently.

20 April, Wed: Title for a new book: "Archived."   The long day's journey (9:30 AM) into the archives does not end until ten or eleven P.M.     

18 April, Mon:  Smooch Smooch has departed for Texas leaving no adult supervision in the archives for five days.  Returning Saturday with wedding plans as her only focus. I love you - love you - love you!!!

15 April, Fri: Thank you, Nina!  What can we say to the marvelous gift of prose and art collage written, designed, created, blessed and birthed by our dear Santa Fe friend, Nina Farana for limited edition gifts to the wedding guests.  Nina's work is incomparable.  The printing done on fine papers from a 400 year old German mill, hand-tied with a ribbon and ribbon marker in apple green is magnificent.  We will share prose she wrote for us in the blog when given permissions.  We are blessed with your friendship.  You are loved, God danced the day you were born!  Thank you.

12 April, Tues:  One month to the day!  "Are you excited,"Janina asked.  "Yes! YES on all counts, but Cynthia expresses it more."

Tony Rubbo wrote a special song for us to be sung during the ceremony and reception:

We’ve Traveled Through Time

A very long time ago

Before this world was known

The spirits of two lovers

Were destined to travel alone

Until they found each other

Until they found their home

And the name they carried

The day they married

And the love they’re giving

Through the life they’re living

Are all part of their story

All for the glory

We’ve arrived at this moment

With a new life to share

We’ve traveled through time

To find ourselves here

And now we walk the trails

And travel the roads

Guided by His peace

Everywhere we go

And though the world is changing, and the seasons, passing

Our love’s remaining a love everlasting

And the name we carried, the day we married

Love we’ve been given through this life we’re living

Are all part of a story, all for His glory

Through the seasons of change

And this world we’ve discovered

We’ve traveled through time

To find each other

Through these hundreds of years that I’ve waited for you

Apple trees still blossom in the spring,

And the Old Swedes church bells still ring

But now there’s something new

Now, there’s you

We’ve arrived at this moment

With a new love to share

We’ve traveled through time

To find ourselves here

Is this nice or what?? BUT... just wait till you see our dance!  Ya ain't seen nothin' yet!

9 April, Sat:  The first ever Wine, Food and Film Festival was held tonight at the Main Street Theatre in Bridgeton, NJ.  The film was "The Big Night" (Italian) and the cuisine Italian ... of course.  Creative idea!  The tickets were sold out weeks ago.

 8 April, Fri:  It is raining.  Of course, it is supposed to rain in April to bring May Fleurs (and apple blossoms, like RAMBO Apple tree blossoms).  Rambo Apple Photo thanks to Alfred N. of the SCS.

A cold and rainy day for us'ns to have fun.  Arrived at the West Chester Historical Society to meet delightful Rambo cousin Donna S.   Smooch is foregoing research to create menu scrolls out of parchment paper.  Unfortunately she tied 130 bows too big.  The ribbon thingies have to be UN-tied and RE-tied.  The Historical Society has not yet frowned upon the mess she has created on the library table.

Tonight's dinner with  Kim-Eric and some of the SCS members was at the Four Dogs Tavern in a little hamlet in the hills of West Chester (Marshalltown) .  The tavern was so loud it was almost unbearable.  But the company ever so fun.  It is located next door to the historic Inn where Washington stopped, slept and certainly drank at the bar that is unchanged. 

 5 April, Tues: We met Lovely Niece Sweet Sarah, a navy JAG, to choose wedding stuffs and then walked in the rain to dine on Latin American Cuisine at  Amada's.  Too noisy.   IMAGINE ...only fourteen minutes over parking meter time out and there is a $36.00 ticket on the windshield.  14 minutes!

4 April, Mon: Sleeping later than late, we managed to arrive at the Archives by nine thirty still asleep.  Today's high was a balmy 74 degrees; spring's sleepy eyes are beginning to open, too.  Daffodils a-bloom,  trees putting forth. Soon and very soon it will be a flower wonderland in Philadelphia.

3 April, Sun:  119th Anniversary of the first ICE CREAM  SUNDAE.  Great lunch at the Black Pearl restaurant - newly opened two weeks ago.  

2 April, Sat:  The high today reached 52 degrees.  Another long day in the Archives.  Dinner with Eric and Jean at the Brewery was a marvelous treat.  The beer is unique.  Cynthia was surprised to discover a light ale she enjoyed.  We had a limited food selection for our dietary restrictions, but Eric had  marvelous sweet potato french fries.  Jean was the designated driver returning us to their house to make sure we could drive soberly back to the hotel.   Can you believe the stupidity... STUPIDITY...  of the hotel maid who emptied the glass of water for the flowers and left the flowers on the console with NO water.  STUPIDITY!

1 April, Fri:  Snow.  Heavy snow.  Lots of heavy snow.   Fools rush out where angels fear to sled.  Melting by mid-day hope prevails for May flowers.  Smooch Smooch promised the wedding guests that Philadelphia's cherry and those all- important Rambo apple trees would be in full bloom the week of the wedding.  The wedding will have to take place when the blossoms put forth.   Worked in the Archives until eight PM before going to dinner with John P. at Bonefish Grill.

31 Mar The Lion's Roar in PA, 1 March-in' Florida

 31 Mar: The Irish Pub is a great place for lunch; we especially enjoyed conversation with Kim-Eric. The weather is cold and wet!

 28 Mar: Archival work commenced once again at the Lutheran Seminary of Philadelphia.  It will take us awhile to figure out where we left off last spring. 

We will wear our new ribbons proudly... as Fellows of the Swedish Colonial Society,

27 Mar: What a surprise!  We were astonished and delightfully surprised to receive Fellow of the Swedish Colonial Society status at the annual Forefather's Luncheon.  The organization thanked us for archival work with a Fellows Pin and Award.  Thanks really goes to the late Dr. Peter Craig for his outstanding contribution to the history of the Swedes on the Delaware or we would not have this honor.   The "fellow-ship" and food were quite marvelous; we loved seeing Rambo/Bankston cousin Jill D' with her delightful hubby Michael. 

26 Mar: Yup.  Still chilly.  Free breakfast coupons warranted a five dollar tip to the server.   Nice day for staying indoors.   Very nice!
25 Mar: A high of 45 is forecast for Philly today with minimal increase over the next few days.   We are ensconced at the Hilton Garden Inn following a delicious dinner at Bone Fish Grill.       
24 Mar: Columbia, SC  departure ca. 4 PM; on 81 in VA by sunset with marvelous views of spring en route.    Everything at the Gowdy's has been organized ten times over with the recycling taken to the dump, too.
23 Mar:  Columbia, SC.
22 Mar:  Columbia, SC. 
21 Mar:  Columbia, SC. 

20 Mar, 2011, Sunday: Breakfast at Lizard's Thicket was wonderfully enjoyable again.  Dick was suitably disgusted with my hot-sauce smiley faced grits and broiled fish and egg whites.  Susan was again the delightful waitress and the coffee helped.  Once I knew the names of the other waitresses, but too much time has passed for my memory.  The two additional 12GB hard drives have been paid for ($26 including shipping), a bag of pine straw provided impetus for the daily walk, but the knee is still complaining.  (Insert)  Smooch Smooch Ahoy in Texas!  She is finally over a bad cold and appears to be ship shape for arrival in Philadelphia Friday at 2: 40 PM.

19 Mar:  Columbia, SC.  Awakened before dawn to avoid the neighbors' barking dog.  Late afternoon I tore into Donna's computer and exposed most of it's innards without breaking anything (I hope).  Ruby Tuesday's salad bar provided a filling meal although light on the protein.  Clark & Elizabeth, Greg & Donna proved entertaining as usual. 

18 Mar: The 12GB hard drive is ordered from eBay and totals a mere $17 (PayPal-ed).  I shoulda done this three days ago.  It was a big surprise that another laptop bid for $30 succeeded (add 15 shipping).  Two other bids are still highest with a day of bidding left.  The administrator password for my XP system still eludes me, so today's project is thrashing through all the paper hereabouts hoping to come across that password while separating recycling for the next dump (& recycling) run.  Today's other goal is to surprise Mary Lou with a gift bag of pine needles.  Third goal is to mail a few things.

17 Mar:  Amazing how big a holly bush can grow when neglected for an entire year.  Dick was sick, so today's exercise was a shorter walk & talk on cell phone to smooch who is still sickly.  Donna and I enjoyed a pleasant lunch and afternoon with Mary; her back yard landscaping is looking wonderful with spring in the air, flowers blooming, and trees leafing.  More mending until sleepy at 11 PM.

16 Mar:  6:40 AM in Columbia, SC.  I woke up at 2 and was still awake at 3, so got up & found the clone computer, cleared space, dug for stuffs, and am now set up for the day.  72 degrees forecast for high today; 48 degrees now.  It rained gently last night as I was setting up the tent to sleep out.  The tent leaked, so I threw tarps over it.

15 Mar: Smooch is off to Texas for ten days.  She started missing me upon awakening, 10 hours before the plane left.  Our exercise program is recovering: 45 good minutes on the elliptical machines, upper body weightlifting, and a couple of dozen sit-ups preceded by IHOP omelets and followed by Ruby Tuesday salad bars.  (Ashley from NJ is general manager and was indeed at the Lexington IHOP last year.)  Once Cynthia was en route at 4PM, the lawn & shrubs occupied me until Greg came home with bad news about his vertebrae - 5 discs are trashed.  My threadbare "Key West" shirt is now completely mended.

14 Mar: Smooch's sunglasses mysteriously disappeared for a time, then showed up in an impossible place.  Gold's Gym was incredibly noisy.

9 Mar:  Good grief - where does the time go?  There are just so many fun things to do daily ... and having a smooch smooch in tow reduces available time to zip.  We have been having lotsa fun and are now in Lake Wales, Florida.  I'll post a picture of my brand new Fla driver license as soon as I have one.  The clerk at DMV in Key West was delightful and helpful with all the paperwork, the machine testing my eyes obviously enlarged the letters to my benefit, and my smiling face did not break the camera (even though it had to exercise its craft twice).

8 Mar:  We got on the road in Ft. Meyers early to deliver "Mom" - our mobile home - to the Lexus dealer for her 30,000 mile maintenance.  Don't you wish you could have your joints tightened and fluids refreshed in a couple of hours?  The nearby IHOP had just fed us egg white omelets (not as good as the Big Pine Restaurant), and we had paid $2 to cross the bridge onto ?? when the dealer called us to return the 2011 loaner Lexus hybrid.  We scooted up the coast to St. Petersburg and into the Dali Museum for a few hours - MARVELOUS.  Vic and Nola insisted that we stop in to visit in Lake Wales and treated us to a fine Grouper dinner at the Cherry Pit.  Wonderfully fun couple.

1 Mar. Tues:  "Raindrops keep fallin"  on my head..."  anndd intoooo the car, (despite windows cracked down the tiniest bit).   A mop job and Ron's  ON THE ROAD AGAIN  by six-thirty AM.  Nearing Tampa at eight, patches of blue sky hold forth promise of clear skies for seven sunny hours to Big Pine Key; nearing Naples at eleven the skies are pure Willie:  
"Blue skies keep smilin' at me, nothin' but blue skies do I see...
Never saw the sun shinin' so bright
Never saw things goin' so right
Noticing the days hurrying by
When you're in love, my how they fly by."

By-passing Naples at noon-thirty, Ron talked his way down the Tamiami Trail....arriving in Big Pine Key before seven to surprise Greg, "Happy Birthday, Greg!"

Smooch is dismayed to find HER lost day:  she arrives in Key West a day later... Thursday and not Wednesday.  We have reservations at Parmer's in Big Pine Key.

28 Feb: I love you too

Crystal River

28 Feb:  It was a delight to see Tom and Dot again; too bad Smooch smooch is still in Texas with commitments.  Tom & Dot have gone off kayaking for a few hours and left me at home with a magnificent view of Crystal River from the picture window (duckies, wind, and manatee dive boats adding interest).

27 Feb, Sunday: Breakfast this morning with Martha Frank en route to South Florida.  Martha and her son Dave are wonderfully entertaining conversationalists.  She is a closer cousin to Cynthia, and Martha's brother's 67-marker DNA matches exactly some of the Bankston cousins descended from Lawrence (born about 1704).  After a pleasant day of conversation, humor, lunch, and show-and-tell (dollhouse and Baltimore mirror), Ron finished "the last" cup of coffee and commenced driving towards Crystal River on the interstates.  Eight hours and several conversations later, at 1AM, the GPS directed me onto a narrow "cart track" that is North Circle Drive.  Sure enough, Dot left the light on, the bed made, and the key hidden as described.  In the morning I puzzled over my readiness to sleep indoors until the no-see-ums convinced me of the merits of shelter.

26 Feb. Saturday:  We walked to the fitness center and to the nearby recycling before Ron departed alone alas at 12: 15 PM: east on 105 to Beaumont en route Big Pine Key, FL.  Rte 105 proved to be a nice, quiet, pleasant back country road.  In Baton Rouge, Pat was entertaining the family and was unavailable for dinner, so I continued driving until past Mobile, AL.  Thirty miles from Pace, Florida the gauge was nearing empty and Love's gas was $3.19, so, so I filled up and decided to sleep next door at the Bay Inn Motel, "newly remodeled."  Smooch discovered that her flight to Key West is WEDNESDAY and not Thursday!  She lost a day someplace.

Sunrise at the Lake House, 25 Feb.

25 Feb: Ron awakened early and put the time to good use cleaning leaves and slop out of Dorothy's gutters.  The "behind-the-back-pass" motion catalyzed a "muscle memory" convincing me that I've done this before, and the focus needed to land the slop in the yard (not on the porch, not on the railing) convinced me that I've cleaned Dorothy;'s gutters before - and forgotten it entirely.  Dorothy was also amused to think that the muscle memory is better than either of our mental memories.  By early afternoon the gutters were cleaned and the gutter-guard screening was re-installed, and Dorothy was delighted to accept my offer to trim a few limbs overhanging the roof.  The Verizon phone repair showed up just after we had trimmed a couple of 8-inch limbs overhanging the street (to quiet the city's inspectors).  The Verizon guy was sociable, but DSL is his biggest problem.  DSL wouldn't sync until the modem was disconnected; it read 2.8 MIPS when the house wiring was disconnected but only 0.5 MIPS when connected to house wiring.  Dorothy disconnected all but one phone inside the house, we bypassed the surge protector, and Dorothy now has high speed internet - Thank God.  Smooch didn't want her daughter to catch her sinus infection, so she decided to sleep at home, and the allure of another night with my Smooch drew me back to the lake house in Montgomery.  During a stop at Kroger for gas and raspberries, a lovely bouquet of yellow roses screamed "BUY ME," but smooch intercepted me just inside the door, so my attempt to surprise her "failed."

24 Feb: The DSL issues are not resolved (Dorothy's "machine.")  Testing the lines tomorrow.

23 Feb: We celebrated two years by packing furiously.  Boxes of papers strewn throughout the game room were efficiently (or almost) whisked away into the car or closet.  Smooch was promptly delivered to the car rental by one PM, and Ron was en route to Denton once again to retrieve a bag of important papers, cell phone chargers, etc., left the week before by a sleep deprived Someone.  Not to mention names... but that same Someone and Dorothy talked last night way into the wee hours:  TWO AM!

19 Feb: Workers are gone until the end of the week.  Quiet, peaceful day followed by a repeat of last night's moonscape turning the lake water into molten gold. 

18 Feb: Smooch drove home because Someone was too tired.  The sunset on the lake was marvelous, the moon was an incredible golden orb that filled the eastern sky.

 17 Feb: Smooch walked for two hours while Dorothy and Ron worked on computer issues and began indexing her new book.  After dinner, Dorothy and Smooch went to sleep.  Someone else stayed up the entire night to finish the index for chapter one.

16 Feb: Two Blue Herons perched on the boat slip enjoying the sunrise, too.  After lunch at the Caddy Shack we drove to visit cousin Dorothy in Denton, a sprightly and delightful watercolor artist of some renown.  Dinner was delicious: stuffed grape leaves.

15 Feb:  Another early morning.  This afternoon the Dr. will take the stitches out of my toe and admire his handiwork.  I wondered what my Smooch was doing in the wee hours of the AM.  This Feb 14 entry explains her mission.

14 Feb:  Happy Valentine's Day! Smooch!   it was a stellar day, roses, roses everywhere.  The trip to the Montgomery County Recycling left the house empty. We had a lovely lunch at Hyden's and Valentine's dinner at the Caddy Shack.  Happy Days are here again!

13 Feb: Rachel and Ryan visited around dinnertime.  I was not at my best, having little sleep for 2 of three nights while preparing to start traveling again.  The big accomplishment was addressing and writing a note in each of the 75 annual letters going to friends without e-mail.  Oh, and opening 6 months worth of mail to do my financial accounting - I'm not broke yet.

8 Feb: Goodie, Cynthia uploaded a good close-up picture of my colorful toe.  The Dr. calls the red stuff a splint.  Sorry that the snow is not more vivid in the picture; it was certainly cold on the foot !  The laptop has frozen four or five times now.  Your neighbourhood geek knows how the scare the living snot out of it; take it apart and spray that icy electrical contact cleaner all over it's innards; threaten it with EBay.
The second CD "chapter" is on the web today ... only ten more to go.  Google books and Open Library and Internet Archives AMAZE me with the text of so many genealogical books on-line.  It has helped resolve errors but has tons of time because "prospecting" for answers is just too appealing and is usually unsuccessful.     3 blocks walking today.

7 Feb: My old laptop provided me quite a scare today when the screen suddenly went dark.  Once I realized that the Caps Lock indicator wasn't lighting, it was obvious that the system had crashed and a reboot was unavoidable.  Fortunately the reboot worked, leaving only the question, "Why?"  The fan has been making more noises, and all the plaster dust in the air has probably reduced air flow and caused overheating.  [Good theory, but no dust devils in there.](Where does one buy a new fan for a 10-year-old laptop?)
The remodeling crew was back at work after the weekend off, and the entire house smells of aerosol from the texture spray.  That huge wall should be nearly finished this time tomorrow.[it is]  Once the computer failed and the house was filled with noxious fumes, a long walk seemed like a healthful idea, so I walked around the block and talked with brother Dean for the duration.  The toe formerly hammer-toed never hurt during the walk, thank God.

6 Feb, Sunday:  Cynthia was up at 5:30, omelet-ed, and off to church by 6:30.  Her hearing aids enabled her to enjoy the sermon, and she was delighted to see Jim & Julie & Eric.  After all those days of a cold house, it was nice to be comfortable again.  We ate lunch at Hydens and were surprised to find absolutely no flowers at Walmart.  (Cynthia thinks that the SuperBowl addicts bought the entire supply to try to avoid marital discord during the game.)  Amazing how relaxing it can be to be home alone without a remodeling crew providing "amusement."

Well, the Dr. SAID to ICE the toe!

5 Feb: Last post was just minutes ago ... in January?  Smooch smooch has again been enjoying egg white veggie omelets for breakfast at home.  The Rambo CD is progressing ever so slowly despite huge investment in time, but is still very satisfying.  Toe is healing nicely, but I'm still in bed with foot elevated and iced most of every day.  The house is still full of plaster dust and cold air, but remodeling is nearing completion.  Setting the thermostat at 83 degrees overnight didn't even maintain the 65 degree temperature we enjoyed most of yesterday.  Thank goodness that Cynthia's study receives morning sunshine thermal gain.  (No problem for the chronic hypothermic.  Gosh, I betcha that "chronic hypothermic" alone will Google my site only.  Fooey, it is a medical situation, and even discussions in Greek and Japanese show up ahead of me.)  Air conditioning maintenance was called and replaced the filters.  Amazing that clogged filters can cause the system to pump out only chilly air.

4 Feb: Dinner last night with the "work crew" and Katie was again a wonderful treat for us all.  Jim and Cindy, who are working semi-professionally at remodeling as a retirement hobby (you may have to read that twice - it is an outrageous concept), showed up on their normal day off to complete working on the 20-foot high wall.  I knew they would because ...

3 Feb: ... when I sneaked upstairs to work on the CD last night, the scaffolding and ladder was nearly blocking the entire staircase. (Amusing that lying in bed all day reduces the amount of sleep needed at night.)  This evening we took Jon, Jim & Cindy, and Hank, Felicia, & Katie to dinner at the Caddy Shack.  Everyone enjoyed themselves thoroughly again, and our waiter, Matt, was more sociable than his usually sociable self.  We decided that he was smitten by Katie because she is a "water girl" and had terrific fun tubing despite 50 degree lake water temperature.  (Besides the fact that she is cute, smart, sociable, fun, mature-for-her-age, and good with sodoku.)  The big event of the day was the visit to Dr. Ehret to find out if my toe was still alive.  Again reassuring to have the professional opinion that it is still there.  He was very pleased that I hadn't done anything stupid to retard healing.  I was happy to hear that everything looked excellent to him but was disappointed that the stitches didn't come out and that the next appointment is 10 days from now on a Tuesday.  He encouraged me to spend as much time as convenient in bed with the foot elevated and iced.  I'm allowed to wear shoes that don't cause pain and to be up and about more gradually.  The big shocker to me is that nowadays a medical "splint" is nothing more than gauze and a compression bandage.  We are "training" the "soft tissue" to lie in alignment with the other nearby toes.  (Never mind that one of those looks to be beginning to hammer.")

2 Feb: Sub freezing temperatures forecast, and the house takes forever to warm up in the morning.  I suspect that the heating system is dead or dormant.