Sunday nite

We are completely out of #9. We have signed our part of the paper work and turned over the keys. I sure hope the new owner is the mom not her daughter and small son.
Although we are out of #9 I still have some unpacking to do. I am finding it difficult to find places for all the "stuff" I have accumulated. I hung the pictures last evening so I guess now it is "ours". We even purchased plants for the small garden. It has been raining for the past four days so I do not feel like going out and digging.
As a note to the future, we have decided that we will not accept gifts for various occations unless they are consumable. No more books, fabric, Knick Knacks etc. etc. etc. Comsumables are gift cards for dinner, flowers, candy, food stuffs. This only makes sense. We have crammed every cupboard and closet with stuff that we may or may not every look at except once a year. Why take more stuff in just to cram it into yet another drawer or shelf?

Writers-Winners

Casey took first place for her story of the day her dog got hit by a car and died in the street (she was only 6 when that happened). She took home a $100.00 check. (Shy Casey, doesn't want her picture taken.)













Sydney took second place with her story of the Little Pumpkin who wanted a pumpkin friend but discovered that you don't have to look just like someone else to be friends. She took home $50.00.
















Casey and Sydney, winners in the Coeur d'Alene Library's Writers contest. What a great way to encourage young and older people to express themselves in writing.

Friday already

Jerry has been working all week trying to fulfil his prediction that we would be out of #9 by Friday. He lost Monday and Tuesday waiting for workmen. Monday the patio door was scheduled to be installed at 8 am. They didn't arrive until 10:30. Tuesday the plumbers were due at 8 am they didn't arrive till noon. Sort of shoots the rest of the day. Anyway, he has everything out except the closet in my sewing room (which has no place to go down here) and our everyday dishes. When the place is empty I'll finish up by cleaning the bathroom and kitchen. He loves to vacuum so I'll let him. Just in time as we are suppose to be signing off on it next Friday.

The girls both won a prize in the Coeur d'Alene writing contest. We don't know what prize yet as the awards ceremony is Saturday. I'll cut my visit with the Red Hatters & Elvis short so we can make the trip over there.

BALLOONS

Went to Walla Walla for the Annual Balloon Festival this weekend. They were magnificent.

Saturday evening they inflate the balloons in the evening so you can see them illuminated from

the inside.

Then on Sunday morning we went back to the field and watched as they inflated them for flight. Truely a magnificent sight. I want to ride in one now.

Wednesday

Slowly, slowly, we are getting out of #9 & into #1. Jerry has really done most of the hauling of the "small stuff". All the books are down, all the furniture is down, all the bathroom is down. Notice I did not say put away, only down. Still to go are three closets, one storage cupboard and most of the kitchen. Then the cleaning of #9. Shouldn't be too bad with all the stuff out. I just don't want to leave grime in the bathroom and spilled food in the fridge. After all, I have to live with the person moving in as a neighbor. We still do not know if it is the mom or the daughter and child moving in. I hope it is just them mom, but I'll probably be wrong.

Sunday evening

Spokane hosts a very large running competition named Bloomsday, held on the first Sunday of May. I ran it in 2000 and received the ugliest t-shirt. I vowed never to run it again. So now I volunteer at a water handout station. Last year the weather was pleasant, this year it was 51 with sprinkles and wind. I did not dress for the occation. When I came home I had to take a hot shower just to warm up. The shirt is periwinkle (close to purple) with a strange figure on the front. Oh well, I can wash the car with it or do the gardening in it.

Tomorrow is the day. Computer will not be moved until Tuesday so I'll not be in touch for a while. There is still so much to do and Jerry has been a dear hauling stuff down stairs. I still cannot fathom where I'll put everything.

Saturday morning

Monday is set for the big move. I've been painting the last bits in the livingroom and climbing those *^&%$# stairs more than I normally do. That and the tension from just the IDEA of moving and I'm getting all stiff and sore. I have a massage scheduled for next Friday. Hope I can survive til then.
Ralph comes today to get the China closet. I guess Darla was supposed to call me and ask that I round up someone on this end to help. I didn't get that message. Ralph can't move it (his knees and legs in general are bad), Greg too is loosing leg power. I won't let Jerry help - his surgery is too new and I'm tired already. 64 may be the old 44, just tell my body that.

Thursday

I remember now why I don't like moving. I love the working with workmen fixing up the new place. It's all done. Now, Monday, the movers come. I used 5 boxes just unloading the china cabinet so Ralph can take it on Saturday - and that was only the top half. Then I look around and think "what was I thinking about". Where is it all going to fit?
The walls are lovely and clean, the ceiling is beautiful, the carpet fresh, the sewing room all put together (but not all the stuff has been put in place). Where is that magic fairy that will do all the work while I sleep?