Monday, September 20, 2021

One Year!

 Last week I signed another lease for a the coming year at my active retirement apartment.

Honestly, it's hard to believe I've been here for a year, even though the last year has encompassed so much! When I first arrived, we were still in the "thick" of the pandemic. I unloaded, settled in, and except for waving as we walked masked or sat on our patios, there was little interaction- even with the other residents although people did stop by to welcome me. Other than times I visited my daughter and son-in-law, that was occasionally a lonely time and I relied on Facebook, Zoom and my daughter for my social interaction.

Fortunately, 2021 has been an improvement for me, even with the variants and masking issues. I was (fortunately) vaccinated early on (my booster date will be in just a couple of weeks) and so except for a period of Hell Freezing Over, the new year has slowly improved.  I am still a homebody much of the time, and I am still cautious, but I have moved past the lock myself away period of life. I go to church, I have joined a group or two, I have eaten out, and yes, I have just returned from two weeks in Denver-smokey air and all. 

I haven't been an "official" renter for a while, so did find it interesting that rather than going month to month after the first year, we signed a new lease. Not that I have a problem in any way with such, it was just different for me. And it may be because many of the apartments are income qualified. Who knows?

In other news, I FINALLY had my first PT appointment this morning which was an evaluation. I have been walking with an uneven gait forever,  I need pain management tips, and had other issues that were affecting both my pain and my walking and activity even more than usual. It still looks like I wont be walking much more than fifteen minutes at a time, and I am actually supposed to walk with a rolling walker now (just for the exercise type of walking so that I can go faster and not worry about falling and get my heart rate up). I have been measured and tested and been watched while I walk and now it's time to start all the new exercises and therapies I have been given. Plus I am meeting with the guy two times a week through the fall.

Football is back and I'm happy to see the Washington Redskins or the Washington  Football Team as they are known to some to have had a win. It may have been 102 here today, but hey, it's football season.

I am still mainly ordering online  for trunk pickup and or delivery, and while I have had some substitutions I have not seen any large shortages. That and the fact that I eat almost anything so can easily substitute has me more relaxed that it seems some others are. However, prices are definitely rising and I pretty much ate down my freezer before my Colorado visit so I will slowly start stocking up on some non-perishables and loss leaders for the freezer. Yesterday I made a large slow cooker full or garlic brown sugar chicken thighs (literally I just used herb garlic seasoning and threw brown sugar on top and cooked on hi for four hours), so I am again feeding the freezer (I knew there were reasons I would want the giant extra large slow cooker)

Denton is a town of many small businesses and one of them is an specialty cheese shop. Each week on Wednesday they have a different grilled cheese sandwich, depending on what special jams they have received, cheeses on hand and other gourmet items they sell and when they run out they run out. I've decided that on Wednesdays at 11:15 that's where I'll be for lunch. Look for  pictures...

Tomorrow I'm being a good girl in her birth month and having a skin test done. I'm also braving the nail salon come hell or high water with mask in hand. Because no matter what magic this physical therapist works, never again am I going to be able to trim my own toenails. Never mind paint them. I also may grab some eggs bennie, and in the afternoon my quilt guild has a large surplus fabric sale!

Oh and the quilt? It's a very early Christmas present from my sister, who is also a quilter. And is already on my bed


21 comments:

  1. That first year has gone by quickly! Glad you have found some ways to be out and about and socialize.

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  2. I think it sounds like you have done well for yourself. Were you able to bring home some more of your things from Denver? How is your son doing? I bet he was happy to see you.
    I have 3 sizes of crockpots and even living alone, I use all 3...
    One of my favorite grilled cheese sammies is good havarti cheese and thinly sliced fresh pinapple...oh so good.

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    1. Yes, I did load up my car with more things including my server and second sewing machine. My son is now working for Pepsi actually starting in the warehouse management program and looking to the management progression and he has full benefits. He's had some sixteen hour days due to lack of staff but loves it.

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  3. I can't believe it's been a year either. I think of you as still settling in to your new place.

    By the way, I did your tip on usSing clothing for packing material. Worked great but I packed in really hot weather and now I wish I had left a few sweat shirts out. LOL

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    1. Ha! I actually wrapped pottery with stuff from my suitcase this trip. I can see how you might want some cool westher stuff this time

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  4. I can still cut my toenails, but often as not, I take a nip out of a toe! I love the quilt. I am not trying to eat down the freezer, but I do want to cook meat that is in there, mainly chicken. I want to make chicken and dumplings.

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  5. A year! That is hard to wrap my head around. I am glad you made it back up to Denver and you are out and about. It is nice to live again!

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  6. Where has this last year gone? Don't think any of us were so busy that it flew by. Who knew boredom could make time pass quickly. Glad you are getting out and that pedicure sounds delightful.

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  7. Wow, for a year that was quite stressful, it's certainly gone quickly. You've definitely made a home for yourself there.

    Glad to hear you were able to get to Denver for a visit. Hope all is well with your sister and son there.

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  8. Wow, I can't believe you have been there for a year already. If you like it I think you made a great decision on signing a years lease (and it sounds as if you do).

    Hope everything was good in Denver. How is your son doing?

    God bless.

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    1. He's doing fairly well and is probably moving to Texas in 6 months ths.

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  9. I am now housebound and I asked on a local Facebook group and a business owner actually came to the house and did my toes! Costs a little extra but not bad. In this area, Humana had a company that will do that, too. Tampa area. Might want to check it out. Ann M

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    1. That is a possibility but I love going for pedicures so fo now that works for me.

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  10. Personally, I would check out the cost to see a podiatrist. Medicare should cover the toenails for you.

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  11. Gosh, I can't believe it's been a year since you moved already! You'd think that with all the lockdowns time would drag, but it seems to have flown by doesn't it!

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  12. I'm so glad you're able to see a Physical therapist. They've always been able to do wonders for my shoulders, foot, etc. We're waiting for our boosters too but want to wait to take it so that we can maximize the effectiveness for our spring trip (which... of course could be postponed again) next year. We're rarely out except for our weekly grocery runs and always masked.

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