Upcoming: Holiday 1

 

Dear Grandma,

Normally, I would be winding down for sleep, but I have too much energy to expel. Also, I am waiting for my bedroom floor to dry. This may seem strange to you, but none of the floors in the house are carpeted ... except for floor mats.

However, it makes the house easier to clean.

You and Grandpa have been in my thoughts very often, even more so with the approach of Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am making something I haven't created in ages. Can you guess what it is? Yeah, I'm making the cornbread dressing this year. Jazz is going to try her rendition of a sweet potato dessert. Grandpa would definitely be a fan of that.

I know you aren't a fan of planes and the bus ride would have been too long, but I sure wish you had the opportunity to see where and how I lived. Sure, you expressed how proud you were of me, but to see that the guidance and lessons you and Grandpa provided paid off ... that's a different swelling of the heart.

I am doing my best to be in the holiday spirit. To do so has been rough. 

We are having company for Thanksgiving, so in some ways, it's easier to get in preparation. I've taken time to re-organize certain items and put up other items for donations.

I attempted to get the VVA (Vietnam Vets of America) to collect the boxes, but both times, they failed to show up without an explanation. I was disappointed because I'd given them so much in the past. I could not understand why they didn't show up; it's not like they've never been to my house before.

I decided to donate to the United Breast Cancer Foundation. They should arrive on Monday to collect the boxes.

I found a great deal on the deep 9x13 Pyrex baking dish, so I bought it at ShopRite. ShopRite is equivalent to Kroger down South, I think. I purchased this one as a backup, since years ago, a Pyrex dish exploded while being used. It was the square one (8 x8). I still tease Jazz about it, telling her not to blow up any more glass bakeware 🤣🤣🤣. She has a cool sense of humor, which is a plus. The world is too serious in this climate, and you have to be careful what you say.

I am excited to test out my new mop next weekend. Sure, we have the Swiffer (I know ... in your opinion, not real mops), and it helps in a pinch. For me, it doesn't feel the same. I'm accustomed to water and using my own cleaning solution. What I like most about this mop is that the clean water is separated from the dirty water. Plus, there's a mechanism that rings out the mop. This is helpful because of the arthritis. Also, who wants to touch the mop head, even while wearing gloves? 

I hope that my pace is balanced. Sometimes, I aim to do one task ... then before I know it, I've done ten. Sure, I don't have to clean two rooms in a day. However, when I get into a rhythm, I lose track of time and ignore cues. I am doing better. Writing down my goals and breaking them down into smaller, measurable tasks assists in more efficient time management.

I'm getting tired. I will sign off now. Cleaning is therapeutic for me. I needed someone to share my achievements with. 

I know you get it; you always have.

I love you. I miss you immensely.

Until next time.