Is It Really Spring?

Officially, spring arrived last Tuesday, but it seems more like winter than spring. Since then, we have had several hard freezes, including this morning's 27˚ low. We have had very little snow this winter compared to other sections of the country with significant snowfalls.

I donned my warmest gear and enjoyed my outdoor workout two mornings. On Tuesday, a package arrived. I'm enjoying the Calla Lillies from Bart, Christy, and Sephi. 

Being back on Daylight Savings Time
allows us to see the sunrise. 
This is looking across our neighbor's backyard.

Technology has been giving me fits. The replacement Instant Pot arrived ten days ago and has WiFi capability, but I need help pairing it to our home network. I contacted their support today, but the live agent couldn't help. She said someone from another department would contact me by email. 

I also received a phone call from the library stating that a reserved book was ready to pick up. Yesterday morning, I went to the library, but there was no book, and I learned that they didn't have a record of my "hold." Now I wonder why I got a phone call.

Finally, my third issue is when I try to get information or help, the only way to speak to someone is through their robotic answering system. The robot doesn't understand my complicated question. Finally, when I asked for a live agent, I was told they would call me in 10 minutes. The call never happened.

Today, at our Palm Sunday service, we were asked to leave the sanctuary and form a processional to reenter the church service, sing, and wave palm branches. According to memory, this was the first time we had done this.

All Glory, Laud, and Honor

We'll have an opportunity to attend Maundy Thursday and Good Friday Services later this week. Our Easter sunrise service is at 6:30 a.m.

My Everyday Life Week 12

We Did Our Taxes!

Last Monday, we worked on our taxes for 2023. Ray has used Turbo-Tax for years, and I had to help finish the process last year, so I knew I'd be involved again this year. The software is friendly, and it's easy to call someone if you need to. Their customer service is one of the best! 

Thursday started out sunny, and I enjoyed my jog. The weather reports suggested we would have storms in the afternoon. At noon, as the skies were getting darker and light rain began, we headed out to play bridge at the senior center. Just as we exited the car, a heavy downpour started, and we ran to get inside. It was a long time before I dried out. The storm was moving east at 60 miles an hour.

Friends from the bridge group provided a cake to celebrate my Birthday. We have been having birthday cakes every few weeks to celebrate each member's special day.

By the time we left the senior center, all the storms had passed, but a new wave came across the state that evening. Several tornadoes touched down, but all of them were several counties north of us.

When I received information about the annual Shamrock Run earlier this year, I entered because it was my Birthday. The race began at 11 a.m., and 648 runners and walkers participated. It's a fun event, and many participants dressed in costumes with lots of green. Even though it was windy, the temperature was mild, and my race time was good for 2nd place in the 70+ women's category. The finish line was in an area undergoing a renaissance called "Bottleworks" since it was formerly a Coca-Cola Bottling Plant. The outside of the buildings are beautifully preserved. 

I'm posing on the backside
of the band's stage

Another birthday is over, and today, I am wearing "green" to honor the official St. Patrick's Day. I usually make Corned Beef and Cabbage on this date, but I didn't plan ahead. I could have it later this month.

Happy Birthday to my brother-in-law, Ross, who is celebrating his Birthday today. He is one day younger than me. 

My Everyday Life Week 11

March Arrived as a Lion

We've had some days that have been more like lambs. The temperatures have been going up and down like a yo-yo. For example, we reached 69˚ a week ago when Ray and I walked the trail at a nearby park. Today has been windy and sunny; we only had a high of 47˚.

I have good news from Instant Brands. They are shipping me a new Instant Pot. Last week, I mentioned that it quit working when it was less than a year old. I expect to receive the replacement by the middle of this week.

We had a quiet week doing ordinary things, so I have nothing else to write about.

Week 10 of My Everyday Life

Goodbye February

February was a good month. We had varied temperatures and the first and, so far, only snowfall of the winter season. It's possible that we may have snow in March. 

Ray's knee pain has eased, and he has played pickleball several times. He had a follow-up visit with the doctor who is treating him. We'll return in a month, and if the cyst on the back of his knee hasn't shrunk, the doctor will decide on another treatment. He also prescribed some physical therapy, but that won't happen for a few weeks since there wasn't an opening until March 19.

I am aggravated because my Instant Pot quit working. I've contacted Instant Brands since I've had the IP for less than a year, and it's still under warranty. I'm hoping to hear from them this week. 

Another frustration this past week was using airplay on our TV. We had a free movie, "Leap Year," we wanted to watch, but I waited too long to set it up and couldn't get it working in time to see the film. 

Did you do anything special on Leap Day? We visited Ray's sports medicine doctor in the morning and played bridge in the afternoon at the Greenwood Senior Center, but we didn't see the free movie.

Week 9 of My Everyday Life

Even though this past week wasn't the best, I'm looking forward to seeing what will happen in March.