June 6: Ohio visit and catch-up

Got back Monday night from a wonderful visit with Katie, Matt and Casey. We went to the zoo, drove around Cincinnati, had dinner in Kentucky Saturday night, mostly just hung out. Katie took me to a UU Church she and her sister have gone to a few times, it's always neat to see how other places do their worship services. Katie had gotten a few "stock" things for my diet, although they were both aghast at how restrictive it is to try and eat at restaurants. Casey, at 14 months, is just adorable and such a happy little guy. He walks incredibly well and moves quite quickly! After a couple days of getting used to me, he came over and held up his arms for me to pick him up. It was so cute that I immediately reached down to pick him up, just couldn't resist despite the pain it caused. Next time he did it, Katie beat me to it and lifted him up to me. But how can you not cuddle a kid gazing up at you with arms held out? Yes, I'm not a baby person, so you know he had to be irresistable!

They are involved with an animal rescue group out there and "fostered" several different puppies and kittens. Several ended up with either family or in their home, now down to two mixed-breed dogs and a brother-sister cat combo. The cats are just too much: Ringo has all the personality and intelligence of Chester, but he just loves EVERYBODY. You can hold him for hours on his back, with his legs up in the air and getting his tummy rubbed. Lucy is quieter and more reserved, but just as sweet as she can be. Katie helped me pack my bag (kept it small, but stuffed), and I think part of the reason was to be sure I wasn't shoving the cats in there to come home with me!

Alice, who took care of my gang when I was in Boston, once again came over and took care of my fuzzy ones. She didn't report any problems with Chester, but did get locked down in the basement. She's in her 70's, very spry, but admitted she was getting pretty scared about getting out. She managed to get a window open and called for help, being rescued by my neighbor (who I would like more except for his large black lab who barks loudly to get in right next to my bedroom window AND whenever he sees me in my kitchen at night!) and one of my upstairs renters. Willard has now fixed that doorknob.

As I type the fuel tank in the basement is being replaced, so hopefully the smell will dissipate quickly and things can be moved in there from the garage. Unfortunately, the second garage door is getting hung up, and Willard can't figure out the problem, so I'm going to have to deal with Sears. Planning on spending some quality time in the garage this weekend to hopefully get more stuff ready for Goodwill.

Fortunately, the metal in the valve isn't enough to set off the alarms, so no problems with security. I still have the pain in my chest or back every day, but not as bad as long as I haven't done much physically that day. Trying to move around more, although rest is still required. While my weight hasn't changed since last year (although it's supposed to be less!), aging has shifted more fat to the abdomen, so now summer clothes are a problem. Hopefully, this will give me even more incentive to lose 10-15 pounds, because I hate spending money on clothes, and it's also exhausting.

Thanks for checking in, Laurie