Greyhound retirement home!!

katbyte — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 11:17:19 GMT

I played bridge yesterday and we did pretty well. I have played a few times with D. a new player because his wife has gotten certified as a director and either does not play, or plays with a person without a partner. They are both doing extremely well with their game and are both exceptional people and I enjoy playing with him. They are an asset to the bridge community.

I am gearing up for my trip to Atlanta to see my bff. I have made arrangements to have my porch repainted while I am gone. I hope it gets done, because it would be a pia with the dog here. I need to get my car to the car-wash but it rains every day! Maybe I will get it done today.

Sheets are in the washer and odds and ends planned today.

katbyte — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 10:00:51 GMT

Well I actually cancelled a bridge date on the day before I leave for Atlanta so you know I am committed to this trip! With a good partner, too.

My bff is excited that I am coming, I can tell. She has called 3 or 4 times already, lol. She also sent me a check to pay for Honeys resort stay. Very generous of her. She loves Honey, but feels unsure of her mobility. It is too hot to travel far with a dog by myself right now anyway since I would have to leave her in the car at a rest area, and that is not a good idea.

I am still working at my part-time job, well putting my time in. They never give me much of anything to do. I will try to stay as long as I can. I am not sure whether I am getting ahead, but at least I am not getting more behind.

katbyte — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 10:07:25 GMT

My BFF offered to pay for doggie resort for Honey when I come. I just might let her do that since she can not come here because she is no longer traveling. She has a much larger income than I do, so we will see. How generous of her to offer, even though I was going anyway.

This friend is the reason I live in Florida. She lost her husband 3 years ago (1 year almost to the day before I lost Roy) Her husband asked me to move here and go to work for him which is why we sold our house in Tucson and moved to Destin, before we moved here. Financially it turned out well. We have been friends for over 30 years. I am looking forward to seeing her.

Atlanta here I come (well Fayetteville, really)

katbyte — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 09:45:28 GMT

Looks like it will happen the week of July 4th. Got approval from all and the Doggie Daycare has room for Honey, so Sunday July 1st I will leave to go visit my BFF. She is pretty much house bound she tells me because she is unstable on her feet, but can still go out to eat, but not much else. She quit volunteering at the hospital she tells me because she got too tired. She still is her upbeat great self and I wish she could do more, but I need to go see her and have some good laughs.

Today I have to fix the information on my attendance sheets I send in every 2 weeks to get paid. I just find out they are not correct after 3.5 months. LOL, and they just figured that out?? Oh well. So far I have decided not to quit working just yet. I want to try to save more money and I am thankful to have the opportunity to do that at this time of my life.

I will miss Honey when I am gone, but she will be more comfortable staying here, I am pretty sure and they take excellent care of their charges.

katbyte — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 09:43:28 GMT

I made it through what would have been our 40th anniversary date.

Today I am meeting some friends for a birthday lunch after I get off work. I was considering quitting, but I still need the money, and where else can I get the hours I pick and really have no stress, so I will keep going until I can't do it any more. I am going to work on getting a week or so off so I can go see my friend in Atlanta. She even offered to pay for Honey to go to doggie daycare. Generous of her, she does not feel up to having the dog there. I really don't get it, since Honey is no problem for her, but it would be easier for me to leave her here, and easier at rest areas since I won't/can't leave her in the car.

katbyte — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 09:48:25 GMT

Alberto gave us a lot of rain. Most is over now, and the grass is green again. It does not flood where I live, and I am thankful for that.

Today I am a standby at bridge. All because of that PIA that was bugging me a few months back and I finally got through to so he leaves me alone finally. He has managed now to piss off both bridge clubs so the one where I play most of the time has asked for volunteers to stand by if anyone needs a partner so they don't have to play with Stanley. Today is my turn.

I am thinking of quitting my part time job, but then I think I would be nuts to do so since I get paid for doing nothing. I am getting too bored right now. I really need the money, little as it is, so I will see. I will miss my water aerobics this summer if I continue working. I just don't know, life is short.

katbyte — Sun, 27 May 2018 16:32:14 GMT

Since it is the Memorial Day Weekend I have thought a lot about the boyfriend I had when I ran into Roy again in San Diego. We were kind of on the way out when I ran into Roy again. I remember he had another girl friend and he went to her house to play bridge when I asked where he was going he said "to play bridge" You don't know how to play do you? I felt kind of belittled (my issue, not his). I am willing to bet he is not a life master bridge player now, I should thank him for putting the idea in my head. At that time I was a pretty good dart player though and won a lot of money at tournaments.

I also think my first husband would not have been a CHP if not for me. I talked him into taking the test. Funny how we influence other's lives.

June 3rd would have been Roy and my 40th anniversary. We had a good run. Who else would have gone full-time RVing with me. No regrets, we had lots of good memories.

katbyte — Wed, 23 May 2018 10:05:20 GMT

I liked the movie "The Book Club" Ran into some other friends at the theater, too. Lots of "old ladies" like us. The two books they referred to in the Movie "Wild" By Cheryl Strayed and "50 Shades of Gray", I have actually read. The movie was just good fun and funny, but probably most fun for old ladies like me. I got tired of 50 Shades, too much of a good thing, but that is just me. "Wild" was interesting.

katbyte — Tue, 22 May 2018 09:49:54 GMT

My friend, Eva, and I are going to the movies today to see "The Book Club". Now in anyone's book, that is not a big deal, but I am sure it has been well over 20 years since I was at a theater. Usually I just wait for it to be on Netflix or Prime.

My intuition about the guy who wouldn't leave me alone is proving to be correct. He is getting on other peoples nerves at the bridge clubs and caused him to be evicted from one game and people do not want to partner with him. I am so glad I nipped that in the bud when I did. It has taken me a long time to establish good partnerships and I don't want anyone to associate me with him. He is rude at the table. I actually told him that when I refused to play with him. His daughter told me he didn't mean it, but she has not seen him at the bridge table, I guess.

The loud boss is supposed to be gone again Thursday so it will be like a 5 day weekend for me!

katbyte — Fri, 11 May 2018 10:20:10 GMT

Picked my friends up from the airport yesterday. I got home about midnight. Late night for me. Bridge today in FWB. I am not going to play tomorrow, I need the day off.

The boss has been gone for one day and will not be back until Tuesday. It is so nice and quiet. The other girl and I feel like we are on vacation without our blow-hard boss talking for the whole day, just to hear herself.

katbyte — Wed, 09 May 2018 09:58:29 GMT

Well the A/C was low on coolant, so he went ahead and checked out everything and now it is keeping up again. Skated by this time. I am thankful I do not have to replace the unit just yet. It costs me about $100 twice a year, but I do have the maintenance done on the unit, so I think that is money well spent. Also good to know who will come out and fix it when it needs it. Two more days to work this week. Tomorrow night I am picking up my friends from the airport at 9:30pm. Late night for me, but they are always doing something for me, so I am glad they actually asked me for a favor. They were on a cruise then a visit with their daughter in Calif.

katbyte — Mon, 07 May 2018 23:32:06 GMT

I decided to buy new cushions for my deck furniture and now my A/C is not keeping up. Looks like I will not be quitting the job any time soon. I did not really have to get new cushions, but the old ones are dirty and not cleanable and drab, so I thought I would spice it up a bit with some blue after the deck and house are pressure washed. Then the A/C decided to not keep up. I can not win. Oh well, the A/C people are coming tomorrow. Can not live without A/C in Florida.

katbyte — Sun, 06 May 2018 12:15:26 GMT

I guess I had better post something, not much happening around here of interest to anyone. I played bridge 3 times this week as well as my part-time job. I was not planning on it, but I subbed Thurs for the local group at the senior center, played with my friend, Nancy, on Friday then a new partner, Jan, on Saturday. I play fairly regularly with Nancy and I really like playing with her. Also, Jan and I had a very good game, so we will play again after she gets back from Israel. I feel lucky that some of these people are asking me to play.

Last night it seemed like my A/C was not cooling enough, but it seems ok this am. I hope so. I have an appointment for it's twice a year check next week. Last year it needed a relay switch, who knows? it is 14 years old.

It is after 7AM and Honey is still not out of bed yet. I even slept in to 6AM, but that is really late for her. She is back in the bedroom on her bed there. She sleeps on her other beds during the day.

I am cooking chicken for the dog (and me). It is cheaper than canned food and probably better for her. I mix it with kibble and a dollop of cottage cheese for her. Back to work tomorrow. I am thankful for the job, but am already tired of it. I just don't have the good sense to appreciate what I have been given. It cuts into my bridge time, lol. It also pays some important bills, small as the salary is.

katbyte — Sun, 29 Apr 2018 02:38:44 GMT

I ordered this for me and one for Jordan, granddaughter. No sense my crying alone.

I have another print from this artist from the UK. I love his stuff, but this just really hits home.

katbyte — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 11:03:04 GMT

I have been planning with my lawn guys to have the house pressure washed and set up a date for next week, but then I remembered I have a dove who is nesting on my front porch. I will wait until she raises her babies before we pressure wash.

I have also considered moving, but then I almost have a panic attack, so that won't be happening any time soon if ever. I can not live anywhere cheaper than here and I really don't want to own another place. Honey also needs to live here with the big yard.

Every once in a while I think I want another greyhound to keep Honey company, but my car can only take one at a time and another car is really not in the works, so here I am.

I need to shut down my brain.

katbyte — Fri, 20 Apr 2018 10:11:53 GMT

It just dawned on me that I need a new living will. Roy was my person on the old one. When I saw my doctor this week, I asked him if he would be my designated Healthcare Surrogate, and he said "I would be honored to do it" I am so grateful because I really don't have any relatives that can do it or even that I can find. So I made a new Living Will and Designation of Heathcare Surrogate and had them all witnessed and notarized yesterday.

Kind of a depressing but necessary thing to get done. Mostly depressing to think I really have no close relatives. The granddaughter is already the beneficiary of the will. Roy and I did that a few years ago and she has a copy.

I am playing bridge today in Fort Walton Beach. I am just not in the mood, but I have committed to a friend, so I am going.

I gave away our large grill after Roy died, and I kind of miss some grilled stuff. I just ordered a George Forman grill because they are not that expensive, and hopefully this weekend I can try it out.

katbyte — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 13:41:41 GMT

Had a great time with friends last night at their house for dinner. I am lucky to have such good people as friends.

I decided not to go to the big bridge tournament. I will still go to Atlanta and see friends, but the costs were just too much for the tourney. I am trying to put a little back in my savings with limited success. That is why I got this part time job.

Today is just a day to myself and nasty weather. Honey will be glad to have me home all day.

katbyte — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 09:39:19 GMT

The NABC (North American Bridge Championships) is being held in Atlanta this year. End of July thru Aug 5. I am considering going. It is expensive and parking is $25 per day. Ridiculous but the city gets the parking, not the hotel. I have an old bridge friend who lives in Atlanta. We played together in Tucson. I just contacted her and she can play as long as her husband is well enough. I am going to ask another friend if she wants to play. If I get those two partners, I might consider leaving my car with my bestie and have her drop me off at the hotel so I don't have to pay parking fees. Will see if the stars align and it works out.

I did find out I can take the time off. I should probably save the money, but this is the largest tournament of the year for bridge, and I have not been to one since 2000. (with the same friend who lives in Atlanta)

katbyte — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 10:00:23 GMT

Yesterday I spent $27 on Amazon on cheap books and a couple of Movies. Now that is a bargain.

Back to my little job today.

My friend and I went over to another friend's for Easter. He really went all out and I ate too much. His family was there and they were a lot of fun. His step sons, I think, and their wives and kids.

katbyte — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 12:46:23 GMT

I lost another old friend I found out yesterday. (Her daughter called me) An old friend from our full-time rving days.

I let a couple of other friends know. We all go way back to the mid 80s. I have not seen her in the last couple of years but we have kept in touch. Her husband, who pre-deceased her, and I shared a birthday.

katbyte — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 10:06:39 GMT

Still working my little part-time job and putting a little money back that I have spent over the past couple of years. It has been a long time since I have worked for such small wages, but I am glad to have the opportunity and the hours suit me fine. Also, I really have no stress and very little to do, so I read a lot. Actually, I barely earn what I get paid which is minimal, lol.

Going to play bridge today. I actually had nothing planned, then a friend called. I am glad she did.

That goofy guy who wanted to be my bridge partner will be back in a couple of weeks. I hope he got the message to find another partner. I think he might have, I have only heard from him once in a month. I do miss having him for stories, though.

katbyte — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 11:43:06 GMT

I just ordered new dog beds for Honey. One outside for the porch and a new "Slumber Ball" Her old ones are pretty ragged. I hate to spend the money because they are not that cheap, but these are what she likes. I also bought a couple of things for me that I really do not need, but I bought them anyway. I am supposed to be saving money with this job, not spending it all. The cable/internet bill went up. My promotional period elapsed. It really makes me mad, so maybe I will call and complain.
I don't want to go back to Dish, so I am kind of stuck because I watch a lot of tv.

katbyte — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 09:36:19 GMT

The job is working out ok for me so far. I really have very little to do, but that is fine with me. I have gotten more reading done than I have in years. At this point in my life, I am glad to have the opportunity to make a little money.

Nothing else much going on. Just takes a while to get used to working again. Part time suits me. I am not exhausted at the end of the day.

I still have not heard a thing from my sister and I have no idea even where she is. I have no idea why, but nothing I can do about it either.

katbyte — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 10:29:35 GMT

Job is doing fine. It is nice to be earning a little money, for doing just about nothing. I read books (thanks Kindle) play bridge on my older tablet, etc. Played bridge on a couple of my days off last week. I think I have one date this week.

My email breakup did not take with my stalker/bridge guy, but he has quit calling me, he just emailed me that he wants to play when he comes back to town. He does not pay good attention to what I tell him which is "get another partner".

katbyte — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 10:56:35 GMT

My lawn guy came yesterday and I was not expecting him. It is early, but the grass has started growing already. He is so good and very careful with gates because of the dog. She will go out and bark at him, or anyone who comes around. As I said before, she still will not go near strangers, and I have had her well over two years, closer to three. She is the only greyhound I have had who I think might have really been mistreated. Most of them are not. It is not to anyone's advantage to mistreat them when they race. She will go up to people sometimes if they come in and sit down, but mostly she barks at strangers. She is also the only grey I have had who actually barks and looks menacing, so not really a bad thing for me.

The job is going fine. They boss never gives me much to do. I will just appreciate the extra money while it lasts.

Bridge in Fort Walton today and Lamberts, at Foley, AL for my friend's birthday. Another friend picked the place. (The Home of the throwed rolls) Kind of fun, but we probably would have picked a place closer. Food is ok, not fabulous.

I bartered my golf cart with my lawn guy because he wanted it so bad, so I think I will have a year or two of mowing and odds and ends before I have to start paying him again. That helps since the grass over the septic tank grows like crazy.

I am slowly getting used to working again and trying to manage house chores and working. This morning I am washing sheets before bridge.