Sunshine!

The sun was shining this morning! All that white sparkled, and well it might at -17C. The wind was negligible, so the heat in the house is being retained easily. By noon snowflakes began to drift down, by 12:15 it was snowing hard. Tomorrow, it is supposed to rain. This is going to be some winter.

Packing for the trip has begun in earnest. Lists made over the last few weeks are being consulted, items ticked off.

I am by turns excited to be off to the little house, because I love it there, and feeling sad that I will be staying there without Attila’s company, as he must return to the country and to his job. I am usually distressed for a day or so before my lone visits, and then a day or so after I arrive; after that a routine sets in and comfort is restored.

To mediate the intermittent separations from Attila, I spent some time today setting up Facetime, which I am hoping Attila can adapt to without issue. Attila is gradually increasing his use of the computer, building his skill set as he goes. He has come a long way with it, particularly when his almost complete lack of free time is taken into consideration. It is a a good tool for communication between us, when we are staying at different places.

We have been using Skype, but the quality of the calls is less than ideal, and Attila often becomes frustrated with having to repeat himself, which makes for a less-than-ideal interaction. I don’t mind repeating myself nearly so much, probably because I spend all of my time alone, and conversation, no matter how stilted, is a novelty. Attila supervises people where he works, interaction is not a novelty for him. I am hoping Facetime will work for us! I still need Skype of course, as it will make telephone calls anywhere in North America, for one annual price, $30.00. The cell phone is for emergency situations only, as it is far too costly to use for friendly conversations.

Today I am thinking of Reenie, who had some bad news and some good news this week. Glad your there Reenie, keep enjoying breakfast, find yourself a live-in dancing boy, and Go Cleveland!!

Worldly Distractions

Weather

-17°C
Date: 9:00 AM EST Friday 21 November 2014
Condition: Sunny
Pressure: 102.7 kPa
Visibility: 16 km
Temperature: -17.3°C
Dewpoint: -18.6°C
Humidity: 90%
Wind: NNW 4 km/h
Wind Chill: -20

Quote

“The most astonishing thing about miracles is that they happen.”
G. K. Chesterton
1874 – 1936

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TopsyTurvy (Teri)

We also had sunshine first thing this morning, which later segued into gray clouds but no snow. Thank goodness! We have somewhere around 6-8 inches of snow, now. Way too much, to my way of thinking! At least for so early in the season.

Hope Facetime works well for you and Attila.

Irene Bean

Should I being worrying about you driving on the roads in your region? *sigh* My community shuts down with a dusting.

Separations are hard but make the reunions so delicious. You are so lucky to have each other to miss – and I know you know this. 🙂

Thanks for your kind words. Chase, my eldest, is flying in to make the initial meeting with the Hospice doctor. This is so good. I’ve had a great day. Generally, if given a bit of time, I bounce back – and that was true today.

Please keep us posted on your travels. I worry. xoxo

NORA

Maggie, Like Reens I too worry about you driving. Glad you posted what you did to help alleviate my fears. I used to do things like this when I was younger and never even gave it much thought but being older is so different.

Going to “Little House” that you love. That’s nice to look forward to. How long do you stay? Is there a reason that you go back and forth? Just curious.

I found learning computer very difficult and I’m happy that Attila is moving along with it. It really helps to have a person’s guidance.

Wow, Skype is reasonable! I have never used it but my sister does for her practice when she is out of state.

I think the idea of Reens having a dancing boy as an assistant very merry!!!!

Irene Bean

When I start interviewing for an assistant, I think I should post photos and résumés here for committee approval. 🙂

NORA

How soon I forget! The new vehicle of course. Plus an office party. I hope you both have a nice time and the weather is decent. A party, now that sounds like fun.

Thank you for explaining a more in depth view of the Little House. I can understand those reasons. My sister has a house here 7 miles away in a very quite neighborhood. When she is not staying there (she stays about 6 months out of the year) I will go over during good weather and just space out or bring something to do. It is just nice getting away to some place quite with especially good lighting. It helps create a balance for me like the Little House does for you.

I also understand the strain on relationships. Hubby is the center of my world right now and has been for too long. Though we get a long well there are times when we need our own spaces. Luckily we understand that without taking offence. I need to make friends but have not even given that a try. Most people my age here are almost from another planet….

NORA

Reens, Super idea!!!!!

Irene Bean

Game on!

TopsyTurvy (Teri)

Yes, you can add me in as one of those being isolated. Except for casual contact with a cashier for weekend grocery shopping, DH is about the only person I usually see.

It use to be a bit different when SD was living here, because of course she was living here – and SS30 was coming over more often. But now he goes over to his mom’s once a week, basically to parent them both, and that takes up most of his time. We only see him about once ever 4-5 months instead of every other month or so.

Like you though, Maggie, we do have a work party coming up at the beginning of December, so that gives us a little time out doing something different.

Yes, I think we all need to spend some time pouring over the resumes for Reenie’s assistant. This should be fun!

NORA

Haven of peace…when she’s not there! 🙂 She’s very active and always has the TV on. I am not used to that. So, I like it best solo. But I do enjoy visiting with her. Her home is in a community of retirees. Very quiet but the homes are on top of each other. Something I guess older folks want.

Spending time together almost seems like a lost art. There are so many distractions these days. I wish I had a circle of like minded friends like Reens does.

TopsyTurvy (Teri)

I’m also one of those folk who prefers quiet. About the only time I have sounds is at night, as I sleep so lightly. Then I have either my white noise machine playing or we have a fan turned on for white noise.