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Shame, shame on Lorraine!! So many delicious potluck dishes!! Couldn’t resist sampling!! BUT, unforgivable, the battery was almost dead on the camera. An excellent opportunity for pictures. The group picture of several CARE residents.

Click this link for an inspirational message.

Giving THANKS for my many blessings!! Primary: My good health. I live in a community with individuals suffering many issues. How can one be indifferent, or complacent, when (with reasonably good vision) I see my blind neighbor with her seeing-eye dog? My next-door neighbors come-and-go with electric wheelchairs.

I complained about the heat and humidity during the Summer but our Texas Fall and Winter weather is preferable to deep snow, and flooding (like current conditions in Buffalo, New York). Miserable weather in many states!!

Abandoned by my biological family, I’m grateful for the extended family at CARE. ~~ Yes, it required roof repairs but I’m thankful for the 2003 Carriage 5th-wheel trailer. ~~ My old KIA continues to provide reliable transportation. ~~ A thoughtful, considerate, conscientious young man (short-term visitor/volunteer) spent hours establishing my television reception. ~~ The list goes on-and-on: A lady-friend, in Florida, faithfully exchanges email messages. ~~ Time and space preclude full documentation.

Previously, I thought I could not “do” the tarp all by myself. Now I know I can!! At Tractor Supply, I purchased two “anchors.” On this lovely Fall afternoon, I approached the task of securing the tarp for the shelter. I’m so exceedingly grateful for “Bungee” cords and other “tie-down” items. This time around, the shelter doesn’t look as attractive… but (hopefully) it won’t go down in the wind.

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The autumn leaves are beautiful on many nearby trees. I’ve been photographing that tree through the seasons.

Smile!! ~~ It’s a play on words: “Exercise in futility.”

No, there isn’t much exercise in manipulating a TV remote control. For the first time since I purchased the 2003 Carriage 5th-wheel trailer, I explored features available with the TV remote control. Time was spent deleting thirty-nine channels. Why? Because it would be “futile” for me to listen to foreign language programming!! ~~ Checking the Internet for list of TV channels in the Houston area, I learned there are over one-hundred available. Prior to my exercise, I had eight-two channels on my TV. ~~ My “over the air” television reception is wonderful!!

For me, it’s fun to look back and see what I was doing a year or two ago. Check this blog from 2012.

Whatcha been doin’? November 2011

Or four and one-half years ago.

(Getting nowhere fast!!)

Extending the patio area was a worthy project. Have you noticed that I prefer to work on projects in the yard??

That’s French for “What a pity.” I’m chiding myself because two lovely purses were purchased–but never used. I’m trying to organize my wardrobe for the cruise (less than one week away). As I–belatedly–process through things that have been packed for months–or years–I discover items that should have been donated rather than stored. Granted, I did not pay the original retail price for the purses but too bad I didn’t enjoy the purchase. The lesson is “Use it or relinquish it!!”

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Weather-wise,  it is an extremely beautiful day–after one-and-one-forth inches of rain. Not too hot, not too cold. Perhaps I’ll get a lot of projects accomplished this next week?! One project, this morning: Secure the tarp on the shelter so it doesn’t fly away in the wind. The plants were moved out into the sunshine.

For all my good intentions, the wind was my enemy!!

Check Good tidings of great joy.

The television images are beautiful. Barring a heavy wind that topples the TV antenna (like it toppled the supports of my shelter), I hope for many months–or years–of free television viewing. ~~ Dave spent over four hours working with the components. I’m so grateful for his tireless efforts!! Fortunately, the predicted major rain storm held off until seconds before Dave descended from the roof.  Project completed.

Eighty-two channels!! Many Spanish and Asian… but an awesome variety for me. No contract, no monthly bill.  FYI: With three RG-6 cables, the total cost was just short of $200.00. A bargain, IMHO!!

…I wrote about a battle with TJ Maxx.

Question: Is “customer service” a relic of the past??