Hello, There!

 When we last spoke, I was telling you all about the local fair. But before that, I mentioned that Ward was going to Poland for almost three weeks. Two weeks down and a few more days to go. It's been an incredible trip for him, but he's getting tired. (I haven't taken any photos since the fair, so I'll include random pictures from Ward's trip.)

He went hiking in the Tatra Mountains.

I, on the other hand, miss him, but have been enjoying my time. Well, enjoying sounds like it's better when Ward's not around. That's not true at all, but when you don't have to coordinate with anyone else, time seems to expand.

Besides going wild and eating onions, raw and cooked to my heart's content (onions are not Ward's favorite), I have been getting around to some things that I've been thinking about for months (years?).

One of the first things I did was clean up my gardening area in the garage. It had become a dumping spot expanding beyond its shelves, and maneuvering around the cars was challenging at times. Well, it's all organized now, and I'm ready to plant those 60 crocus bulbs I bought at Costco on impulse. I love crocuses, but I'm not sure where I'm going to put them all. That's a problem for another day. :)

Poland's version of a city limits sign.

Next up was the craft room, which is really a misnomer because I don't do many crafts, but I have supplies in there if the mood decides to strike. There are also plants, a sewing machine and fabrics, photos, office supplies, linens, and anything else we're not sure where to put. It has been purged and organized, at least at a first level. I would actually leave the door open now if we had company. It should remain in pretty good shape until we start using it for wrapping Christmas presents. Then somehow entropy takes over again.

I have started, but not completed, a project in the basement. Last fall, we had a leak in the basement, and it ruined the carpet. We had a new floor put in, but first we had to move everything from the finished part to the unfinished part. The major furniture has been moved back, but not any of the rest of the stuff, including many shelves of photo albums and loose photos. I thought I would organize them before I put them back. The task is overwhelming and has prevented me from starting. 

So, I decided that I would just neaten them up and put them back on the shelves. I had photos organized well until Wally was about 10. Then it's all hit or miss. Photos are hard because there are so many memories that come with them. Nevertheless, I have made progress. The goal is to get the stuff moved that is in front of our holiday decorations before we need them.

He's been eating lots of pierogi. 

I'm happy to report that as a result of my various efforts, I donated five boxes of stuff and filled a big recycling bin and a trash bin. 

Also, for years, I've been saying that I need to go to bed earlier because I wake early without enough sleep. I have been successful in doing that these last couple of weeks, and it's helping. I'll see if I can get Ward on the program when he comes back. He's going to be all messed up from jet lag, so might as well reorient with the new schedule. 

And I've been keeping up my exercise and gardening, and I got to meet a brand new nephew. Today, I made pesto, and yesterday I cooked and froze turnip greens. Wild times here! 😁

Until next time...