December 31, 2010

It has been a wonderful day for Susan and I. It was cold--something like 1 degree. We walked in the snow and cold (thankfully the wind was not blowing) up to Huckleberry's. We came home to put away the groceries and then ventured outside again this time catching the 46 on 5th. We rode that bus downtown. Walked around in Riverpark Square Mall until Nordstrom's Cafe opened at 10. We had a great lunch of Pear Salad and Mushroom Ravioli which we shared, of course. We also had a great bottle of Pinot Grigio. It was an enchanted time for Susan and Daniel.

December 30, 2010

Almost the end of 2010. It would be so fitting for Susan to WIN the Mega-Millions Lotto drawing tomorrow night--the last day of The Year of Susan. It's up to something like 237 million.

December 28, 2010

Embracing Buddhism. Didn't go to Mass on Christmas. Not a problem. Om Krishna.

December 19, 2010

Susan and I had a lovely 3 days off together. We were able to go to daily Mass at 8:00 AM at St. Al's on Friday and Saturday. The weather turned nasty: slick snowy streets. We decided early Sunday morning not to go to Mass, I mean driving was out of the question, and I was worried about the conditions of the sideways for walking. Today was Day 8 in our Novena to Saint Joseph praying that Andy was find a good job in Spokane, soon. Susan spoke to him later Sunday morning and he told her that he went or was going to church--the 4 Square Mega-Church near SJA, where he met his old boss or something and discussed business or somesuch. I was amazed. We say our morning Rosary for him and yesterday we lit candles for Andy. God bless him.

December 12, 2010

Today is the Third Sunday of Advent. Susan and I, of course, went to Holy Mass at St. Aloysius. We both received quite a blessing. It's rather astounding that after a week when we feel off the wagon so to speak that we would be able to return to Church with such devotion and intensity. Well, Praise God! We started a Novena to St. Joseph, the Patron Saint of Workers, for Andy: that he would find a good job in Spokane.

December 10, 2010

Susan and I had a lovely date-dinner at Cyrus O'Leary's last night afterwork. It was beautiful and romantic.

December 8, 2010

We've decided (yesterday, Monday, shortly after the Rosary) not to be Catholic-Christians any longer. I'm going to be the pagan that I am; and Susan is the Witch-Goddess that she is and always will be. Andy called Susan this morning around 5:00 AM. He told his mother that he lost his job which was out in Post Falls. Susan has had revelations to trust her intuition; and this morning that we will be winning the Lotto!

December 6, 2010

I asked Susan this morning, before we went to work, how she was doing. She said she was tired, and something or other (which I can't remember, and that she didn't want to be Christian anymore. No problem. I told her on the bus that I was then free to declare that I "adored and worshiped her"--which I do! Susan is my goddess; she is my life. We are reverting to what we are, anyway: me, a pagan, and Susan, the goddess. Everything is wonderful!

December 5, 2010

Today is the 2nd Sunday of Advent. We were able to drive to Mass, which was beautiful. First, though, we drove to Safeway on Hamilton. It's cold today, 29 degrees--which is not bad--but there's cold air coming upon us from the NE. Susan lost a crown this morning near the end of Mass, but she said that it was a crown on a tooth that has had a root canal, and apparently it's not functional: there are no teeth below it.

December 4, 2010

Well this has been Susan's third week on the job--although during the second, Thanksgiving week--she only worked Monday and Tuesday. We are having a relaxed Saturday, reading. Its about 27 degree. but the sun is shining and hopefully the main roads will dry out and we will be able to drive to Mass and the store tomorrow.

November 30, 2010

We've had a pretty substantial snow fall this November. Like yesterday, I insisted on staying downtown until I could take the #23 bus at 4:12 PM to where Susan works on Ash and Boone. I have to be with her. I have to be waiting there at 5:10 when its dark and she's waitin' for the bus. This evening was a bit of a challenge: the bus didn't come when they were scheduled. For example we got downtown to the STA at 5:20 PM waiting for the #2 at 5:27 but it never came. We waited until after 6:00! Crap.

November 27, 2010

We have had a wonderful day. At 7:45 AM we walked to Huckleberry's through 6" of snow while the snow continued to fall. But it was a great walk. We got cheeses and breads and balsamic vinegar. Later we walked over to Gonzaga Library.

November 26, 2010

'Twas a wonderful day. We went downtown this morning walking down Washington to the Paulson Building, going through the sky walks. It was the "Day for Danny." We went to the Olive Oil shop and got some garlic favored olive oil and a mushroom brush We purchased four Shirts, a lovely dark overcoat, and gloves at Macy's. We got some new shoe strings at Saad's. Then walking back towards Nordstrom Susan asked me if it was too early to go to Nordstorm. I, of course, said that I didn't think it was. We had a most delicious lunch at the Nordstorm Cafe: Blue Cheese and Pear Salad and Butternut Squash and Mushroom Ravioli, and a lovely chilled bottle of Pinot Grigio. Susan felt so good. We went to the library and got some Italian cooking books, and then caught the #2 bus up to our apartment. What a wonderful day for Susan and Daniel.

November 24, 2010

Well, this was Susan's second week, although she only had to work Monday and Tuesday. She did three "intakes" yesterday, two of which were by telephone. She told me that she is getting better at her new job, and is feeling better about it. And for that, I thank God. We have been praying the Rosary with Fr. Pacwa in the morning at 4:30. It's been a wonderful thing--our praying together. We've had snow and bitter cold temperatures. Susan is taking the bus with me in the morning, and that relieves me greatly; besides it was so wonderful taking the #2 bus with her at 7:11 a mere block from our apartment.

November 13, 2010

So much has happened. Last weekend was terribly agonizing for Susan and I. Worried over our impending move to Bremerton: we had planned to pack the car with clothes and necessities and leave early this morning; but, thanks to God and the intersession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Susan got a position at the CSO (welfare office) on Boone and Maple. We called each other last Monday. Susan asked me if I was sure that I wanted to go to Bremerton, and I admitted that I really didn't. We were resolved at that point to stay in Spokane figuring that Susan would at least go on unemployment and I would be able to continue working at the EWU. Then events cascaded: Enola had an informal at the CSO. Susan had an interview which went well, however, we didn't receive word that she received the position until Tuesday. We were so amazed and thankful how God worked it out for us. Wednesday evening we got connected to the Internet through Comcast. We are frankly lost with this resource and today we will be hooked up with DISH.

November 3, 2010

I thank God for His blessings on Susan Diane. Susan has been prayerfully reading "Self-Abandonment to Divine Providence." This morning I woke at 4:00 so that we could pray the rosary together with Fr. Pacwa on EWTN. She told me that she was not praying for jobs anymore, but for conformance to the God's loving Will. She also told me that during this month that she's been away from Lakeland, she has been happy. I was so glad to hear that. We realize that this time has been very difficult for her. Susan has suffered much, but her faith has been strengthened. Praise God!

November 1, 2010

Susan woke me up, as requested, at 6:00 AM. She sat on the edge of the bed and said that she was very depressed. That lists of State jobs that Enola emailed to her last Friday, she said, had nothing for her. She said, "I'm going to Bremerton; you stay in the apartment." Is this God's Loving Will? It can't be!

November 1, 2010

We were watching Blue Bloods the other day. The catholic element in the show inspired us, and we returned to our catholic faith. Praise God! Yesterday, Andy came out here and we moved some more things into our new apartment.

October 29, 2010

Well Susan finally got her "lay-off" letter. So her last day will be Friday, November 12, 2010. We are probably going to move into the new apartment on the 14th.

October 24, 2010

A lot has happened, but on the job-front Lakeland hasn't come through with a lay-off letter and a "formal" option. Sometime, a couple of weeks ago--possibly on October 11th--Susan received email stating that Francis Haddon Morgon was not, after all, filling the HPA position. On the 21st we signed a six month rental lease for the apartment in Spokane. (The address is 29 East 6th Avenue, #204.) Susan had a job interview in the Rockcliff building for the auditor position. She was not optimistic about it. We'll see what happens. Afterward, we drove up to Inland Real Estate on Northwest Blvd to sign the lease. Meanwhile, we have turned from Christianity and embraced Paganism, Wicca and the Holy Goddess.

October 11, 2010

Early this morning Susan and I had a good conversation about her Lay-off situation as she prepared smoothies. We've decided that Bremerton is OUT, even though she will have to accept Francis Haddon Morgon as her "formal" option. I think that the elimination of moving to Bremerton has relieved Susan of a lot of stress and anxiety, and that in itself is a very good thing. She found some apartments on Empire and Cook that seem to cater to people over 55. (This evening we talked about that some more and will apply for those.) There was another issue about her college transcripts which we are going to get in order for her to apply for this Social Worker job with CPS by Tuesday. Another interesting development: Susan was watching Fr. Corapi at lunch time and reading Abandonment to Divine Providence today. Apparently we are practicing Catholicism and this evening I prayed the Rosary.

October 10, 2010

It's early Sunday morning. I got up about 5:40. Susan didn't wake up until 2:00 AM. She has a good sleep, retiring last night just before 7:00 PM. I was pleased to hear that. She made smoothies for us about 6:00. I sat at the kitchen counter and we talked. She revealed to me that there were moments this morning when she experienced JOY and then she said "Baruch HaShem". That was a great indicator and I was happy to hear that. After she poured our glasses we saluted one another with L'Chaim.

October 9, 2010

Greetings. It's Shabbos but we are not observing it this day: 1 Cheshvan 5771. Susan has a need for Buddhism and controlling the Mind through analysis, introspection, meditation and breathing--and that's OK! I read the weekly Torah portion early this morning (Noach). We went for a lovely walk this morning after the light drizzle stopped. We talked about the lay-off situation, Bremerton, and tried to understand the State lay-off system such as formal and informal options, etc. Susan hasn't heard a word yet. She has told me that we just have to wait, but eventually things will happen, hopefully before the snow falls!

October 7, 2010

Susan seems to be doing better. She called me when I got downtown asking me not to get the science books, but instead wanted some books about Buddhism. I got her four or five books on Buddhism at the Public Library this afternoon. Grabbed five Asian DVDs also. I figure that this is good--if getting these helps her over this difficult time, then it's definitely worth it.

October 5, 2010

Happy birthday to Kathleen. It's her 20th birthday. Anyway, today is Tuesday. I took the day off to be with Susan who took the day off. She is having a pretty rough time of it--having been laid-off after 23 years of dedicated service to Lakeland Village. She fluctuates between depression and anxiety, but I am right by her side being strong and upbeat. I love Susan so much; she is my life!

October 2, 2010

It was a wonderful Shabbos. Havdalah has been prayed, but it is still Saturday. I called my Mother this morning. She is doing well--Baruch HaShem! Susan spoke for a long time with Bentley a couple of times. She is honored that he calls her and needs to speak to her and discuss things. I am very pleased about this, too, that he turns to her. Susan is tzadika (although she denies it). I love Susan so much!

October 1, 2010

Gut erev Shabbos! This will be our 3rd Shabbos. We have reclaimed and renewed our Jewish faith in HaShem. Last Monday Susan was informed that she was losing her job, apparently bumped by Nora, who could take the girl's job at Eastern State because of some "special." That has turned our life around. Susan has done remarkably well dealing with this. She has placed her trust in HaShem. A couple of weeks ago when won a $1000.00 on the lottery. Baruch HaShem.

September 3, 2010

Susan and I have a four day weekend. She mentioned on our walk this morning that Diane will meet with Nora next week and discuss her options. But, another very interesting development for Susan and I. She has renewed her love and devotion for Mary, the Mother of God. Apparently we are going to Jim's (ABBA's Catholic Bookstore) today after shopping at Walmart. I am frankly amazed! More later.

August 31, 2010

Interesting developments here with Susan and I. We are very much "into" the Goddess, and witchcraft. Last week we were reading Peretti, and last Friday I asked Susan if she wanted to go to church. This question was asked during one of our walks around the Lake. She told me that she didn't getting along with groups. They were restrictive and wanted to force you to be just one way with them. I understood what she meant, and agreed. And then with the weather turning fall-ish and our thoughts turning toward Halloween, we just naturally slipped into what we are: pagan and witchy.

August 20, 2010

Susan and I have four blissful days together. We took our beloved car in for it's semi-annual checkup, and having a coupon it cost us nothing. We left the car at Toyota, carefully crossed 2nd avenue, which is all torn up (plus many of the side streets), and had a delicious lunch at Nordstrom: Pear and blue chess with a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio. We walked to Auntie's and bought some magazines, then we walked to the library and checked out books and language CDs and tapes. Then we walked back to Toyota to pick up our car, and stopped by Rosauer's on our way home. We went for another walk around the lake after dinner. 'Twas a great day, and we anticipate winning the Mega Millions Lotto drawing tonight.

August 14, 2010 Saturday

Susan and I had a wonderful day. Early morning walk around the lake. We watched a couple of movies today. A Few Good Men this morning, and Memoirs of a Geisha this evening. We went to the post office earlier, at 10:30, and then to the library. Lyle was there, and it was good to see him again. He was filling in for Laura who is on vacation.

August 13, 2010

Susan and I have had a wonderful and loving day. I usually have Fridays off, and Susan, also, took the day off. We walked around the lake early this morning. First we went to the new Asia Market on the Division street hill. It was very nice and clean, and put us back in the mood for Asian food, but we are determined to stay on our diet. Then we went to Northtown and shopped at Penny's. We got a few things for me, and then to Barnes and Noble for a couple of books and magazines. We came home and had a delicious lunch of salad and wine (Pinot Grigio) and watched Tommy Tang (cooking in Thailand). Tommy said that tofu had more protein than pork. I was amazed at that statement. We are together in our desire to retire in Thailand, or someplace near there.

August 12, 2010

Susan worked a half-day, and came to get me at Cheney. I only work 4 hours on Thursday, with Friday off. When we got home, we went for a walk around the lake. Even though it was 82 or 83, there was a 13 mph SW wind which made it fairly comfortable. And what is so wonderful is that Susan is off tomorrow, so we have a 3 day weekend.

August 9, 2010

Susan emailed while at work, saying: "I am feeling the call to Buddhism again. I don't know what to do. I can only pretend for so long." I wrote back, saying: "If you are being called to Buddhism, honey, I think you should go with that. It's the integral thing that a person should do (whatever that means?). I don't want you pretending, honey. I want you to be honest to yourself." She suggested that we could do our own thing, wondering, "How long could that last." I wrote back: "How long could what last, if we did our own thing? US?" I assured her "that we will be absolutely fine." She replied: "Thank-you, Danny. I love you so much and don't want to lose you! We will work it out!" Well, let me state for the record: I love her so much, and she isn't going to lose me.

August 8, 2010

Today is the Lord's day. Susan and I went to Holy Mass at St. Aloysius this morning. We received communion; received the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. We didn't see some of the people who are regularly there, but as Susan pointed out, it is summer and they may be on vacation. We had a lovely lunch at home, chicken salad and we each had a 4 ounces glass of Pinot Grigio. (This is the first wine that I've had since July 10th, just before my colonoscopy.) Afterwords, I nap for an hour or so, and when I came upstairs, Susan was just getting off the phone with Bentley. She told me that she and Bentley had been talking all the time I went downstairs, and he was discussing how delusion and irrational religion was. Wow, what an attack! Because the temperature was only 72 degrees, we decided to going walking around the lake. Susan related many points to their conversation. I listened to her talk about it, but didn't say much. What, after all, could I say other than their conversation sounded very heavy and intellectual, which is over my head. Later--thanks be to GOD--as we were finishing up the walk, she had recovered. I will continue to pray for her, and pray to St. Michael the Archangel for protection.

August 6, 2010

Today, Friday, I had, as usual, the day off. I went to the Recycling with Susan on her way to work, and then walked around the lake from there. Susan came home for lunch, and after, she let me off by Waterfront Park--where they're setting up for this weekend's Blue Grass Festival--and walked around the lake a second time. It was getting hot out there, nearly 80. Susan talked with Bentley a couple of times this evening. She told me that she told him that we probably wouldn't be going down to Florida to see him this November. She said that we would probably move to Spokane when we retire. That sounds good to me. While we were in bed reading, she mentioned that in light of that we can probably start buying some books again--Catholic books she emphasized. I was glad to hear that. She said that we would probably go to Jim's (Abba, Catholic bookstore) next weekend. I'm pleased to hear that. I've prayed three Rosaries today, all for her, for her faith and belief in Jesus Christ. Praise God, it seems to be working!

August 4, 2010

Two days ago--Monday--Susan called me at work on my cell while she, too, was at work. (Her email server was temporarily down.) She told me that she was listening to Laura Ingraham who was talking about some ruling that prevented certain activities, such as praying the Rosary, outside of abortion clinics. Susan mentioned that she had something like an epiphany or flash, and wanted to be Catholic again. I was overjoyed, and thanked the Lord Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

July 31, 2010

Well, it's the last day of July. The weather's been rainy off and on, with lightning and thunder now and then. We went for a walk this morning between storms. It started raining just after we got home. Whew! Looking at the WeatherBug this afternoon there's another band of shower over Eastern Washington. We're going to wait until 4:00 PM to see if we can take another walk. However, we did walk over to the Post Office and the Library earlier. Bentley got his retirement check, and we got our new License plates. Interesting thing about those License plates. As Bentley was pack his car the evening before his departure to Tampa, FL, on the 26th, he found two old license plates in the trunk of his car. He didn't know where they came from, and I didn't know, either. They were from 2001 and 2003. Yesterday, we got a licensing renewal in the mail, and Susan, while paying it online, discovered that every eight years or so the plates have to be replaced because their reflective coating becomes tarnished. Just today, in the mail, we received our new plates. Our number was 163 RRW, and now it is: ABP 4446.

July 30, 2010 Update: Bentley

At around 11:30 AM (PDT), 2:30 PM EDT, Bentley arrived in Tampa, Florida. He wrote this on Twitter: "I made it to Tampa! The long trip is concluded. More details later." Susan and I are so happy for Bentley. At 12:30 PM, Bentley called Susan and spoke briefly. They will chat later on Skype.

July 30, 2010 - Bentley

Day Five of Bentley's cross-country road trip to Florida. He wrote early this morning around 5:00 AM EDT: "Final day of the trip. So far, so good. Should be in Tampa by this afternoon if all goes well (crossing fingers)." We will monitor his progress as soon as we hear. He is, however, in cell conservation with his beloved mother, Susan. They did speak to him early this morning PDT.

July 29, 2010 Update: Bentley

Susan just emailed me at 2:56 from work saying that Bentley just called her..."he made it to Atlanta!" Georgia is 3 hours ahead of us in the Pacific Northwest, so it was about 6:00 PM (EDT) there. He's almost there at Tampa Bay, FL.

July 29, 2010 - Bentley

I'm sorry that I didn't post about Bentley's worrisome cross-country trip daily, so I will just relate the facts for the most part. Bentley has decided, after careful and extensive deliberation to search for employment in Tampa Bay, Florida. He left Susan and I, here is Medical Lake, WA, on July 26th at 5:20 AM. On the first day, in the little blue Toyota, he made Miles City, in eastern Montana. On July 27th--day Two--he traveled through North Dakota and Minnesota stopping in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Bentley wrote on Twitter: "There is a torrential downpour outside my hotel window here in Minneapolis, and now the thunder is rolling in." He also tweeted: "Made it to Minneapolis - Phase 2 of my trip to FL is complete." Then Bentley headed south for Missouri--day Three. "Finished day 3. Took a little while to find my hotel in St. Louis, but I made it!!! Even saw the arch on the way." Today, July 29th, Bentley is headed to Atlanta, GA. "Getting a little later of a start on day 4 to Atlanta. Should be going through Nashville, so I'll start practicing my country singing." That's the latest. He was getting a late start: didn't leave until about 6:00 AM--which was 4:00 AM here.

July 25, 2010

It is warming up here, into the low 90s. Monday and Tuesday are predicted to be near 100 degrees. Consequently, Susan and I will not be walking after work this week. Susan decided that she wanted to do knitting again, and so later this morning, around 10:00 am, we drove to Cheney to Ben Franklin where Susan picked out some yarn, knitting needles, and a darling basket. As we were coming back on the Silver Lakes road, nearing Medical Lake, Susan said to me that she was thinking about going to Mass next Sunday. I couldn't believe it, but I was so thrilled inside! It was what I'd been praying for all last week, particularly on Friday, when I had the day off and listened to EWTN while working around the house: that Susan would return to our Catholic faith. I'd been praying to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, especially, and of course to our Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. This was an answered prayer! Praise the Holy Name of Jesus Christ!!!

July 23, 2010

Wednesday, Susan heard a rumor that they were thinking of closing a cottage, which naturally caused her, and me, some concern and worry. We were very anxious to hear from Bonita on Thursday morning if this rumor were credible or not. She reassured Susan that she didn't think she had anything to worry about. That was a relief to us both. We are more determined to pay our debts. We have one more payment on the Nordstrom VISA. Then just two more credit cards, WSECU and Chase, amounting to around $6,000.00. We will have the paid off by the first half of next year, especially since I've stopped drinking wine, which amounted to something like $80 to $100 dollars a week! Susan told me this morning that she's been losing weight, as I have too. I was so very happy to hear that she has. We've been on Weight Watchers. When Susan went to work this morning--I had the day off--I went to the Recycling Depot with her, and then started walking around the Lake. Susan called me 3 or 4 times--it was great. Then when she came home, just before 3:00 p.m., we walked around the Lake together! The temperature was a nice 78, but it was still hot out there.

July 22, 2010

Not much to relate. We didn't walk around the Lake last evening after work. It was too hot, nearly 90, something like 87 or 88 degrees. Susan and I both agree that sometimes we need a little break from all that exercise, especially when it is so hot. I feel that anytime it's over 80, it's uncomfortable to say the least. We just stayed at home (with the air conditioner on) and read books--we're really into Jane Austen. Last evening we started watching Miss Potter, which is such a beautiful movie.

July 18th, 2010

The hot weather has finally arrived! Average afternoon temperatures are in the lower to mid-80s. Susan and I have walked a lot this month, in spite of the heat. Of course the mornings are great--around the mid-50s. This weekend we saw wild turkeys--that's a first; and we saw something that looked like a raccoon, and was verified by an on-coming bicyclist. We continue to see deer, osprey and heron. I had a physical in June, and the results were good. On July 12th I had a colonoscopy. I was dreading it somewhat, but I'm very happy to announce that the procedure went well, and there were no polyps. I'm very pleased to announce that I've stopped drinking. The last time I had wine was 2 or 3 ounces just before my nap on July 10th. Susan has been wonderful and very supportive. I thank her, and love her.

Happy Birthday, Susan!

Today is a holy day of obligation: it's Susan's birthday! Bentley returned from Southeast Asia on June 23rd. He's staying with us. We've kept his room just the way he left it 6 months ago. We are so happy that he's home with us. The three of us went out to lunch at the Mongolian BBQ in Airway Heights. We'd never been there before, and it was a little disappointing. On June 10th, Susan and I celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary. Susan and I went out to dinner at Tomato Street on North Division. It was excellent. I haven't been feeling very well for over a week now. Seem to caught a cold and my sinuses are bothering me. I hope to get better soon, though. It's been very rainy and the temperatures have been below average. This weekend is lovely, sunny and 80.

April 10, 2010

Much has been happening during this Easter-tide. We had a blessed Easter. On the 8th, Susan went to the dentist, which she was, rightfully, dreading. I prayed constantly for her. It turned out well for her. She will have a crown fixed and a cavity filled on May 3rd. Susan's faith is strong. We're looking forward to Divine Mercy Sunday tomorrow. This morning during our walk around the lake we saw an Osprey and had just caught a fish. Then we saw two Osprey near the nest in Four Lakes. Hurray! They're back! I drove us to the Cheney-Safeway so that I could get my driving skills back. I will do fine on May 3rd.

March 23, 2010

Two days ago, Susan asked me if I was interested in being Catholic again, and I replied, "Yes." I am more secure and confident in being religious, in being Catholic, in seeking an intimate relationship with Our Lord, Jesus Christ.

March 7, 2010

Last Thursday, the 4th of March, in the evening, Musette and I decided that we'd had enough of Catholicism, and resolved to be what we naturally are: a witch and pagan. Actually I pride myself on being her familiar. We are happy in our freedom and feel liberated from the dour constraints of organized religion.

March 1, 2010

Musette and I were "off" on February 26th. We scheduled to take our car in for semi-yearly maintenance. Early in the morning we walked around the lake and discussed our abiding interest in mystery and other dimensions, and our talk included the Catholic Church and the saints. The next day we were very serious about returning to our Catholic faith, and in fact, we decided to go to confession Saturday knowing that we would go to Mass on Sunday, the 2nd week of Lent We are extremely happy that we have returned HOME.

February 20, 2010

Today was an excellent day for Susan and I. Of course, every weekend is fabulous. Yesterday we were tempted by Catholicism and EWTN, but early this Saturday morning while watching Ghost Whisperer, Susan turned to me on the couch and said that she was inspired by the occult and no longer interested in the "catholic" thing, and I immediately agreed because I was feeling that also, and so we went to Barnes and Nobles and bought a Tarot deck for my Queen and some other "out there" stuff, and we felt this tremendous feeling of liberation for not having to squeeze ourselves into a religious frame of mind that we didn't want to force ourselves into in the first place. I didn't want to pretend that "jesus is lord" and that I should feel some remorse for the pagan self that I am. Susan and I had a wonderful day. Also I should mention that she picked the MOON card in her Tarot deck, which is most auspicious, and I'm hoping that, finally, we WIN the Washington State Lotto drawing tonight!.

February 15, 2010

Susan and I have had a wonderful--as always--four day weekend. We were able to walk 3 out of the four days. We had to wear yak-tracs on Friday and Saturday, but today the morning temperature was near 40, and we were able to wear tennis shoes. This afternoon we also received via UPS our packages from Weight Watchers. Susan signed up for Weight Watchers online last week and order the scales, and the other great stuff. Tomorrow we will weigh ourselves thereby establishing a baseline.

February 1, 2010

I am very pleased that I have recovered from the illness that afflicted me last week. Susan had a very good day, also, and I am so pleased about that. We watched a DVD on Thailand that she got from the County Library, and then we continued watching a show that she recorded to the DVR (Dish Network) on Angkor. So beautiful!

January 30, 2010

We had a wonderful day together. Went early to Huckleberry's. We started the Low Carb diet today in earnest. Lots of meats, and products with low-carbs and very little, or no sugars. We watched Medium and Ghost Whisperer--two of our favorite shows, and we watched Travelogue from CCTV9 featuring Qingdao. A very beautiful city. We would love to retire there. I'm feeling somewhat better and haven't been coughing hardly at all, but I do feel that this cold has affected by lungs, which is always a cause for concern. Susan's sore neck is better, but not completely well, yet.

January 28, 2010

It's Thursday, the end of my week. I still haven't been feeling well. I've got this nagging cough, besides work was rather stressful. I'm not complaining--except for the darn cough--just wanted to briefly mentioned this when I look back on these posts later, or next year. The weather has been good: just below freezing in the morning, and high 30's, nearly 40, with sunshine in the afternoon. Tomorrow is predicted to be 42 degrees.

January 24, 2010

I forgot the mention this in yesterday's post, but on Saturday morning Susan received an automated call on her cell. It seems that someone was trying to purchase airline tickets to Switzerland using her Debit Card. She, of course, blocked the purchased when asked to confirm or deny the transaction. This purchase was for $1,000.00. There were at least four others. We were shocked! Later, Susan called WSECU and spoke to Katie. Her Debit Card has been blocked from all future purchases. We are very relieved that it didn't turned out worse.

January 23, 2010

Well we have suffered through another week. I have been ill. Caught the virus, but rallied enough to make it to work. MLK-Day, being on Monday necessitated working on Friday which I usually have off. However, I only had to make it through four short hours, and Susan was so wonderful to meet me at 12:30 (in the car of course). Ordinarily, I would have had to endue another cramped bus trip into Spokane, and then transfer to another bus to Medical Lake. Ah, life is so tedious most of the time. I'm pleased to report that I'm feeling better, and Susan is quite improved. Still we have not managed our usual weekend constitutional (i.e. walk) around the lake. Well, we have been ill, you know. It's nearly 40 degrees, but they are predicting some snow on Monday. I don't care--it will not amount to anything. We are in--they say--an El Niño weather pattern.

January 18, 2010

Today is Monday, a holiday. MLK day--big deal! (Earlier, I made the remark that the Blacks were better off in this country even if they had to sit at the back of the bus. (I was thinking of Haiti, the Congo, Rwanda, the mindless violence that Blacks inflict upon each other--but here they are, whining about this or that. So tiresome.) The bad news is that Susan's cold is somewhat worse. It started yesterday. However, there's lots of lovely sunshine, instead of that dreary rain. It's remarkable that the temperature is nearly 50 and here it is third week of January. We have no complaints, nor should we. A few weeks ago, the local weatherman reminded us that at this time last year we had already had over 70 inches of snow fall. We got hammered the last two years. The change is most welcome. Susan, informed me, after my usual weekend nap, that she chatted again with Bentley. That's wonderful! Later...Susan has retired. It's 6:35 PM. I am so pleased to report that she, by her own admission, is feeling better. Praise the Lard!

Same day, but later (January 17th)

I'm very happy that Susan was able to chat, again, with Bentley from the hostel in Thailand: a good indication that he got there safely. We always worry about the children.

January 17, 2010

Yesterday morning at 7:00 am Susan and I drove Bentley to the airport for his trip to Thailand. It was rather nice having him stay with us. He moved in the day after Christmas. He was able to get an earlier flight to Seattle, and once there, he was able to take advantage of SEATAC's free Wi-Fi. Susan chatted with him via Skype. Early this morning, around a quarter after 1:00 am, Bentley was able to chat with his wonderful Mother from an airport in Seoul, South Korea, also.  I'm so pleased that she was able to hear from him. He will be going to Bangkok and we might not hear from him for awhile.

January 3, 2010

Well, life handed us another disappointment: we didn't WIN the lotto. Rats! Despite that, we were able to "walk around the lake" this morning. We wore yak-tracks, though, and left around 7:00 am. Did recycling early. Came back home, and Susan showered. Bentley was eating pizza for breakfast. Great! So glad that he enjoyed it as much as we did. Susan suggested that we might want to replace the toilet tank parts. Bentley was willing to help me right now, so we did that, and the toilet works! There are always things to be glad about! We went to Denny's to get a few things. Susan's hair looks so beautiful. She's in the kitchen cooking: Chicken in lemon creme with penne (another recipe from Giada).Late in the afternoon, towards evening, I made another pizza from the second ball. It was delicious. Bentley and I had two pieces each while watching the Science channel. Later Susan and I watched another Star Trek episode, #10, with Captain Picard. Susan retired just before 7:00 pm, and I stayed up a little later to play online chess at RedHotPawn and read more of The Looking Glass War by John le Carré. Neither Susan and I want to go to work tomorrow.

January 2, 2010

Had a wonderful Saturday. We couldn't go for a walk. It was too icy and dangerous. We started to go to Safeway in Cheney, but the road were too icy. Susan turned the car around. We waited until it got warmer, which it did. We did our grocery shopping and then Susan went to Great Clips are had her hair cut and shaped by Gail. Then we stopped by Jarm's and got a toilet tank kit. I took a nap when I got home, reading first for a little while. Susan colored her hair Pecan brown. It really looks lovely. In the evening we made pizza. I make the dough; Susan does the toppings. And it was the best, ever, Susan said. The dough was fabulous! 4 cups of flour, 1 1/2 Cups of water, and 3 TBSP olive oil. Susan layered pepperoni and sausage, chiffonade of basil, onions and cheese, of course. We finished watching The Russia House--a love story! We went to bed together, and slept soundly all night.

January 1, 2010

January 1st, the beginning of the Decade of Susan. It's all about me! Actually, it's all about Susan whom I love, adore, cherish, and yes, even worship. She's my goddess. One of her sons, Bentley, has quit his job. His last day was December 31st. He's staying with us, but will be leaving for Thailand on January 16th. Susan and I had a great day. The little snow that we received has melted. Today was in the mid 30s. Right now, as I'm writing this at midnight, the temperature is 37 degrees, with wind at 17 from the SSW. Today we went into Spokane to the Safeway and WalMart at Shadle. Then we picked up some magazines at Barnes and Noble. Waiting for the stores to open at 10:00, we walked the Mall. Susan is determined to lose weight and wear slim clothes again. I believe her. We figure that in a parallel universe she is already thin and beautiful, and that reality needs, somehow, to blend over into this current reality. I think it can. For lunch we had steak and salad, and for dinner we had pork chops and orzo a recipe Susan got from Giada. Bentley dined with us. It was delicious and enjoyable having meals with him. We sat at the table with the TV off. In the evening we watched the new Star Trek movie that Bentley had gotten from NetFlix and had put on our computer.