I don't know if I mentioned previously that I have never realized some of papa's OCD tendencies until I started this process of staying with him. I do believe part of it is his way of controlling the environment around him. With him being legally blind and almost completely deaf anything he can do to ensure he has what he needs when he needs it works for him. Papa has to buy everything in multiples of two or even numbers of some type. As an example, if he is buying anything in the grocery store, must be at least in quantities of four. If we are buying paper goods, he'll usually say let's have at least two. He does not throw a lot of things away, he may put them in places that are not logical to me, but many times it makes sense to me. For him, basically leave it out so he can find it.
Funny story from this past week. Papa has a flag pole out front and he just hung his flag this past week for the season. He has enough room for two flags to fly - a large American Flag and a smaller POW flag. He was looking for his flag extender to hang the second flag and could not find it anywhere. He kept saying I left it here (on the end table or front hall). I said why didn't you leave it with the flag when you took it in for the winter? He said, I don't know but I can't find it. When he explained what it looked like I kept thinking I know I've seen it, hope I did not throw it away. I try not to throw things away unless I really know there is no purpose so as to upset him. This is why the shed is a mess and he has a storage unit. Any way, I searched high and low and could not find it. We stopped by the flag store to pick up a new one and it was not open. Two days later I got in the shower and turned to the right and there is the extender holding bath brush. I had re-purposed what I thought was something not needed. I laughed when I realized I had been looking at it every day, but did not know it. Papa was so happy he went right out and hung the flag. Glad I could make his day.
I had an emotional week as mema/mom took ill and I really thought we were going to lose her. She was in diabetic shock (turns out an infection was blowing up her sugar). She did not have any typical symptoms of infection, but one the nurses realized from knowing my mom what was happening. After starting antibiotics my mom did a 180. Papa felt guilty as he had not realized how sick she was. With his vision he could not tell her color was completely off and that she was not simply resting. The timing was unreal as I had a dream about my mother's mother (who died when I was less than a month old). She came to me earlier in the week and told me she is waiting for my mom. I remember being startled and amazed, but grateful at the same time. I feel weird putting this out there for all to know, yet I so believe in intuition and spirit energy that I had to mention it. I am not sure if you believe in intuition or spirit energy and would love to hear from you about this.
Usually during the week as things happen, I'll make a mental note to mention it via the blog. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. A lot of times when I'm preparing the blog, I go with what's on my mind at the moment first and then fill in with items from the week. I am organizing the coffee table with a note pad so I can make notes for items. If I forget to mention it one day sometimes the same thing will pop up again and again until I mention it. I believe life has a way of making things happen until you learn what you need to know. What do you think?
As I walked into my favorite cafe yesterday, Marina was preparing my iced coffee. She said I saw you drive up. I am sometimes so predictable...they know if I go in the morning it's hot coffee and in the afternoons it's iced coffee. Sometimes I order lunch or dessert. Saturdays I usually just pick up to go as they close early. She gave me the greatest out of the blue compliment. She said, I mentioned Friday to Amanda (owner) that I love when you come in because we have the best conversations! You are so nice to talk with! I said thank you so much. You make this a comfortable place to come and just relax. It was such a nice moment. I realize some of you may think....perhaps Marie goes there too much...LOL!!! I learn a lot about town happenings as the local police and sheriff staff members come here too. What I love about this place is that they closed on a Saturday because the staff members all had family stuff happening. They have already posted they are closed Memorial Day weekend due to family plans. Do you have a place like this? Some place where you are comfortable and relaxed?
I finished reading "BLOWBACK" by Valerie Plame and Sarah Lovett. It's about Covert CIA ops officer Vanessa Pierson trying to capture an international arms dealer. Interesting story involving bureaucracy and espionage. Also spent time catching up with newspapers and magazines. I am always reading! Although I start every morning and end every evening with completing either a crossword puzzle or word search puzzle. I find myself thinking of words and letters instead of dwelling on other stuff. What are you reading?
Congratulations to Stephanie Smith as she graduated from college yesterday in Minnesota. Where has the time gone as I remember when she was born! We are in the midst of graduation season I so wish life is good for all of them.
I am going to leave it here today as I need to head out the door soon. I hope you have a wonderful week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
“There is no royal road to anything. One thing at a time, all things in succession. That which grows fast, withers as rapidly. That which grows slowly, endures.”– Josiah Gilbert Holland
“The great thing in this world is not so much where you stand, as in what direction you are moving.”– Oliver Wendell Holmes
“Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.”– Joshua J. Marine
Referrals are always appreciated!