Dog days

 Sort of back to normal…

The contractors did a great job of repairing the ceiling. They took care of moving furniture and hung plastic drop cloths to prevent dust from getting everywhere. I’m really pleased with their work - it only took 4 days to rip out, replace the drywall, tape, mud and do a double paint job. They also moved the sofa and bookcase back - I had them put them in different spots. Not everything is back where I want, but close. Books were just crammed back in the shelves, so there’s some sorting to do there. I also had a friend retire the stereo speakers since they were ripped off in The Fall.

Business

Yesterday was spent figuring out contacts for filing life insurance claims for Dad. Some of the companies have been bought and sold and renamed a couple of times, and the websites aren’t exactly always user friendly. But at least now I have an idea how many copies of paperwork (death certificates, Power of Attorney, etc) I need. I am just so thankful that Dad was careful about keeping all paperwork up to date and easily accessible, even if it was in the safe that took forever to figure out! 

Current Projects 

Stockholm sweater - body is complete. Picked up for sleeve. I’m doing them top down instead of cuff up, to avoid the need to stitch them in. Will also be able to try on for length as I go. No, it won’t make the self-imposed deadline of a year, but close enough.

Scrappy string quilt - I started out with a couple blocks just to work out any issues, then they sat for a few months. I kept moving them over to do other things. Finally last week, I decided to get serious, and determined to do 2 a day. They are pairs that are opposite diagonals. Some days I have done 4 at a time. Only a few left. Each block is stitched on a letter sized sheet of paper that is all misprints or the information sheets that come with prescriptions. Yeah, I do save those. Recycle!!

Socks - still working on the blue gradient pair, half way down the leg.

Grandgirls

Last week I met up with Anna and the girls at the Zoo. We got armbands so we could do the extra fun stuff. Petted the stingrays, rode the train a couple of times, and took in the sea lion show. It isn’t too much different from when we used to go. Many of the exhibits were closed or the animals chose to hide out, but we had a great time. After, we had a very late lunch at Fritz’s. They make the best root beer, it is the only root beer I will drink. The girls split a float, and even a half was way too much for either of them. The waitress was amazing, and tasty food too. 

Next week they have no day care available Monday or Tuesday, but don’t start school until Wednesday, so they get to hang out with me. One of the days we’ll head to the Pickle Springs Conservation Area and hike the trail. It’s not super long, but the rock formations are really cool, and there’s a great overlook spot.