“Aging is a gift, not a curse.”

It was during an interview with Dr. Oz on August 25th, 2015. I jotted the date and comment on a scrap of paper and added it to the clutter on my tabletop. I’d added the words “for a blog.”

Today, I cleared the tabletop and sorted paperwork. Most went into the waste basket, some in a pile because “I might need that information.”

Now that I’ve processed the piece of paper (two days after my birthday), I can–in good conscience–throw it away.

Yesterday “yours truly” (celebrating her birthday) departed radically from her normal routine. Yesterday: No phone, no computer, no garden, no CARE.

The day was a series of first-time experiences in the Livingston area. #1: Breakfast at the Whistle Stop Cafe; #2: Browsing Downtown Treasures; #3: Long conversation with John (he buys gold). #4: A two blocks walk to the jewelry store, where a gentleman (older than myself) installed a new battery in my Philip Stein watch. #5: Hours spent in the Outlet Mall looking at clothing and shoes. #6: A drive to Lake Livingston State Park (where I was shocked to learn a season pass is $70.00). #7: Blue Bell ice cream at Goodrich Old Town Emporium & Creamery. My shopping experience(s) also included Walmart where I returned an item, Dollar Tree looking for red vases, and Oasis Thrift looking for white vases.

Today, unexpectedly, I learned of a trip to the large H.E.B. market in Kingwood, Texas. We made this same trip a month ago. Again, an enjoyable outing with Grayce (our volunteer driver) and George (another CARE resident). Oh woe is me!! I lamented about spending $83.00 last trip but spent $104.40 this time. We “lunched” at Jason’s Deli again. Now, I have so many yum-yum good foods in my refrigerator and pantry!!

Thursday afternoon, I purchased on-line and downloaded Turbo Tax. That evening I added my pertinent information, e-Filed, and received confirmation of acceptance. The last couple of days I’ve spent a sizable amount of my tax refund!!

Out of ordinary day(s)!!

Forrest Gump

See Bone weary…

 Very little of the Photinia plant is visible (in first picture) but it was the subject of my attention on February 20, 2016. I used cinnamon to control an ant colony.

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Update, March 2nd: The plant withstood the freezing temperatures in January 2017, and is thrusting out a lot of new red growth.

To my surprise is an earlier blog message.

However, first things first: Ginger added to my garden.

Honestly, the journey–growing ginger root–has been “surprising.” They weathered drenching rain in April and scorching heat in July.

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Update, March 2nd: Pictures (below) are (imho) sad and humorous. No new growth after the freezing temperatures killed tops. However, recent purchase Ginger is sprouting (indoors). I question if it is time to harvest my crop. Another Internet  research project?!

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Like a magnet, the garden was pulling me. I spent the morning… and felt I made some progress. “Spring” brings weeds to pull, old leaves and pine needles to rake, patio to sweep, and plants to water. Sadly, many of my plants show no sign of recovery from the hard freeze. ~~ I sat on my patio reading Stick a Geranium in Your Hat, with an occasional eye on the Bluebirds and a squirrel on a bird feeder. Also: reminiscing about fond times with the dear friend who gave me the book, Janice Filbrun.

Did you see it: TV weather news showing tornado devastation in the Midwest?

I agonize, and weep, as I see the shattered lives. What a contrast to [my] yesterday’s humorous message, “Mayuary,”