Lift finally on its way Yeah!!!

I received good news this morning. My lift is finally on it's way to Oregon. I should have it next week and than just need to get it installed. We received a tracking number today so I can see were it is on it's cross country trip. It left Florida yesterday evening, it was in Atlanta this morning at 4:30 and left there this afternoon on it's way to Kansas City. It will be so nice to have that than I will be more independent.

Sarah is on her way over here from Sisters. We are going to Newport Beach tomorrow morning. Cathy and Billy will join us tomorrow evening. It isn't suppose to be good weather but it will be so nice to just get out of town. There are places that Larry loved to go to that I want to share with Sarah. Like Fish Tales Restaurant for breakfast. This old fashioned hamburger joint that has the old pinball machines. The fudge shop, the aquarium in Newport, the caramel corn shop in Depoe Bay. We are taking games and movies when we have to be inside. Larry thought the beach was great when it was stormy. I am taking his camera so Sarah and I can take pictures.

I am sure the puppies will enjoy the trip. We haven't really had a trip like this since December 2008. Larry was just too sick last year to really do much. We did make it to Melody's for Thanksgiving but that was it other than 2 day trips to the beach, one with Greg & Jennifer and the other one with Rick and Paula.

Larry's favorite thing to do was get the in the van with camera, puppies and a suitcase and take off for the weekend. Sometimes we had a destination and other times we flipped a coin as to right or left and just went. We had some great times doing that. Those are all very precious memories for me. He spoiled me because I love it now and don't want to stop.

Once I have that lift I can take off with the puppies and a camera and a suitcase and let people know if I went right or left and keep in touch so they know where I am but want to go take pictures.

I talked to Melody and told her I would love to do a daughter, mother weekend. I would even let her choose where to go. Some places I suggested were Leavenworth, Washington, Seattle, somewhere on the Oregon Coast, the redwoods in California. I forgot to mention I would love to go to Victoria, BC.

Than when I go to Tennessee there will lots of new places for the puppies and I to go see and do. I have never been in the south. I want to go see Larry's brothers in Michigan. I have never been to Washington DC either. So many places to see and visit. I am very excited about my new adventures and new life.

I will update the blog this weekend and have Sarah show me how to share pictures we take.

Good Weekend

Sorry, I haven't updated this blog for awhile. It was a hard week. I still don't have my lift. They keep giving me excuses and Friday I was told it hasn't even been shipped. I have a weekend planned at the beach next weekend. I so wanted that lift that would make it easier to go. I hope they don't want an recommendation from me for their company.

I have talked to Melody and Greg this week and they both have been thinking about their dad a lot. Greg and Melody both had a sort of hard day yesterday. Greg misses talking to Larry about NASCAR and plumbing. Melody says there are so many little things that make her think about Larry. Flowers, sunshine. He loved both. I never know what is going to make me cry or think of him, a song, a movie, a sound or a smell.

I had a good day yesterday. Cathy and Billy came and loaded my chair and we went for breakfast at Shari's in Oregon City. Cathy is organizing the Relay for life in Oregon City in June and some running to do for that so Billy went home and we went shopping. Well I bought some things and than went back to her house. I bought some house plants and pots so while we sat on her patio I potted some plants (which I have never done before, Larry always did that). Than we decided to go to the cemetery to see where we want them to move Larry so that I can visit his gravesite. Where it is now I can't get there. We wanted to make sure it is handicapped assessable and it is so I need to fill out the paper work and send it back to them.

We than went for Chinese food. Cathy and I love Chinese but Billy doesn't (neither did Larry). When we were ready to leave we go out and I notice I have a flat tire. Luckily, Larry had me renew our AAA before he died, so I called and they came and changed my tire. Boy, was Billy glad as the spare is under the van and not easy to get to. That done they followed me home to unload my chair and all my treasures I bought. I did put things away and than got ready for bed and was going to watch Flick 2 but fell asleep instead.

I did watch Flick 2 this morning at about 5:30 and than fell asleep again. My puppies haven't really gotten up today. Bandit just now at 4:00 PM gotten up to go outside. Taz has been up a couple of times to see what I am up to. I did text the kids a picture of the grave marker at Larry's gravesite. It is very nice. Rick, Larry's brother called today and said that the dinner they were going to have yesterday to remember Larry was postponed until today because Roger was out of town. They are meeting tonight at 4:00 my time. That was what Larry had requested that they all get together and remember him and have a beer.

All in all this has been a good weekend, just wished I had my lift. I am very much looking forward to next weekend at Newport. My puppies will sleep for a week as they haven't been very active for about the last year and a half, me either. I think I will go to bed early and watch a movie tonight.

Hopefully after our weekend at the Beach I will have some pictures to share with you all. Hope you all have a good week.

Hard Weekend - New Week

The weekend was a hard weekend. Sunday it was a month that I lost Larry. I spent most of the day crying and watching movies (I watched at least 5 movies). It was a very hard day. I sure miss Larry. I didn't realize how much until Sunday. But it is over and a new week has started.

Yesterday I did such mundane things as washing, and cleaning house. I did some organizing of bathroom supplies (didn't get it all done but it is better). I organized my closet. I have now taken over both closets.

We have run in problems with the lift. We still don't have it. Greg, Cathy and I have all talked to them. You would think they would want to get rid of the 3 of us calling and would get us the information as to where the lift is. We have all asked for a tracking #. They say they have never had anyone ask for one before. They now say we should have it Friday no later than Monday.

Today was not a good day. First handling the situation with the lift and than my best friend called and said they found her grandson dead and her son has had a relapsed. My heart goes out to her. She and her husband have been so supportive during Larry's illness and his death. I wish I could ease her pain. I give her a great big hug.

These are not quite the adventures I had in mind but I know that life isn't always a bowl of cherries and that sometimes you run into pits. I hope we are getting the pits done now so we can now enjoy the cherries.

Not this weekend but next weekend is my trip to the beach with Cathy, Billy and Sarah. I am so ready and looking forward to it. I just hope I have the lift by than. I have plans to take Sarah to the aquarium and to a burger joint that has old fashioned pinball machines. I am looking forward to trying out Larry's camera and taking some pictures which I will share with all of you.

My daughter is having a lot of health issues of her own. She has my arthritis which is giving her lots of back problems. I wish I could help her, just not sure how. Our family is ready for some good things to happen to us. I am sure that things are going to get better for all of us.

I appreciate all of the support from my friends and family during this time. I am thinking positive that things will get better for my family. I know the bad times help make us appreciate the good times.

The puppies are great company for me. They are where ever I am. They still miss Larry but they have taken to watching over me. They have been really good about staying and not running out the door when I open it. They seem to sense I need their help by being good and obeying me.

Patta the neighbor and Chris the maintenance guy from my complex have been very helpful. Patta picks up after my dogs for me since I can't get out in the grass very easily. Chris has been there for anything I might need from unloading my chair to loading my chair and parking my van when someone else has taken my handicap parking spot.

I owe so many people for helping me during this hard time. I am not sure how I am going to repay everyone who has been helpful. I hope they all know how grateful I am for all of their support. When I get my apartment all cleaned and organized I hope to have them over for a cocktail party to thank them and let them try some of my new drink recipes.

Well I will write more later. Just know that I appreciate all of your support.

Last Day - New Adventures

Yesterday was my last day at work. I only worked 6 hours. The office had a pizza luncheon for Nicole (another co-worker leaving yesterday also) and myself. I didn't cry surprise, surprise. There were goodbyes and some who said not goodbye but see you later. There are some people who want to get together. It will be nice to see them in a social setting instead of a work setting. Some of my co-workers have become friends.

I am looking forward to getting my lift so I can go places. I have a lot of friends that want to do lunch, dinner or happy hour but I need to not rely on someone to load my chair. There are a lot of things I need to get done. I need new glasses, need to organize my apartment, change the oil in my car, go get some medicines. It will be nice to get up in the mornings and have a cup or two of coffee before I have to get dressed and moving, unless I am going out for breakfast. Boy, would Larry be shocked to hear me say I need to organize my apartment. He was always the one that was organized.

I am looking forward to the weekend that I have planned at Newport Bay with Sarah, Cathy and Billy. I am looking forward to my taking pictures or attempting to take pictures. I have never really taken pictures as Larry always did, so I have a lot to learn. I hope I can learn how to handle his fancy camera. There are places that Larry loved over at the beach that I want to share with my granddaughter, Sarah. It will be good for the puppies to go as they haven't been many places the past year and a half.

I am looking forward to visiting Greg and family in Tennessee, especially since I plan on living there part of the year. I also hope to visit Larry's brothers in Michigan. I was thinking of taking the train to Tennessee so I could see country I have never seen before. I just need to see how difficult it would be to ride the rails with being handicapped. I am going to put my stuff in storage once I go through and get rid of some of Larry's things I know I won't need. There are a lot of place to see and go that people have suggested I do. Just have to wait and see how it is to travel by myself and being handicapped. I am a little nervous but excited too.

It is really nice today here, the sun is shining makes me more excited to start going places. So LOOK OUT WORLD HERE I COME, after I get my lift of course, lol.

Almost forgot to pay rent!

Today was rent day and I almost forgot. Larry always paid the rent I am so glad I remembered on my way home from work so I don't have to pay a late fee. It will take some getting use to with my now being solely responsible for paying the bills. Larry was always so organized and reminded me when they were due. I got home for work made out the check and took it up to the night deposit slot so I wasn't late.

I woke up today at 1:30 AM with a headache and haven't been able to get rid of it yet. When I am done with the blog I think the puppies and I will go to bed and get some rest.

I am really busy at work. I had always offered to do the President's expense report and I usually did them for her but she only does one about every 6 months and since I am leaving and she hasn't given me one since September. She brought me all her receipts today to get it done for her. There seems to be alot to do before leaving like making sure all my contacts have the name of someone who can help them. I sent out lots of e-mails to people today about my retiring. I had some who want me to still e-mail them when I am gone to let them know how I am doing. I have met some very nice people while working there.

I think Friday may be a tough day, but also exciting because Monday I can sleep in and get up and enjoy several cups of coffee before I have to get dressed. This next week my lift should be in than look out world here I come!!

I am looking forward to going to the Beach at the end of the month with Cathy, Billy and Sarah. I wish Melody could go but don't think it will work out this time. I am also anxious to go see them in Bend when the weather gets better.

Greg in Tennessee said that today it was about 93 degrees there. It was cold here. I about froze taking the rent check up to the office.

I promise that the blog will get better as I will have more to write about when I am not working and able to start my adventures.

Three & Counting

Three more work day. I seem to be very busy at work. Yesterday was slow but it wasn't today. I am excited and anxious all at the same time. I will miss everyone there but I am ready to move on.

I have my first little trip planned for May 21-23 to Newport Beach. My sister and brother-in-law, Cathy & Billy are going with me. Oh I forgot my roommate will be my granddaughter Sarah. I am looking forward to the trip. Newport was one of Larry's favorite places to go. It will be hard and I am sure I will think about him with whatever we do. We spent a lot of time there. I am looking forward to doing it with my granddaughter and to share with her some of her grandpa's favorite place to visit and things to do.

It should be fun and sad at the same time. I am looking forward to try taking pictures with Larry's camera. Sarah, who Larry gave a camera too before he died and thought she had an eye for photography will be with me. I hope I can learn. I am sure I will never have his eye for pictures but hope to get some good shoots to share with all of you.

I should have my new lift next week for my chair. That should give me more independence and freedom. I won't have to rely on anyone to help me to be able to go shopping or anywhere else. I am looking forward to spending more time with family and friends.

I know that Larry is with me and watching over me. I haven't fallen yet or chocked yet. I am sure he is watching over me still. It doesn't seem like a month ago that I lost him but that is what it is this weekend. The puppies still sit in the hall and watch the door and bedroom to see if he is coming. I know they miss him as much as I do. They are very comforting to me. They greet me at the door every day. I am sure they will enjoy having me home with them everyday. They were use to him being home everyday. I am confident that the puppies and I will be fine.

Last staff meeting

Today I started out with an interview with Social Security to get survivor benfits from Larrys account. I just need to show them my marriage license to prove I was married to the man. I know I was married to him. But I can't find our license so I had to send to Wyoming to get a copy. A lot of states you can order and pay for it on line but not Wyoming. I didn't have my checks for my new Checking account Saturday so Melody went with me to buy a money order. When we came home and checked the mail guess what my checks were there. Any way I mailed the money order and request off today. After the interview I went to Ash Creek for my last Monday of getting up and going to work.

We always have staff meeting and donuts on Monday mornings. I got there in time for my last staff meeting. There was another employee and myself who both liked the apple fritters so we usually fought over the fritter. He was there before me and when I walked in he said he was going to be nice and let me have the fritter but guess what there wasn't one as the donuts were from a different donut shop. I gave him a hard time about his being so nice since there wasn't one. He just winked and laughed. I guess I will probably get more harassment from the employees since this is my last week. They are already telling me I have short timers diesase. I tell you they are a wonderful company to work for. They have been great through all of the past year and a half with Larry's illness. I will greatly miss them all. I am sure I will shed some tears Friday when I leave. I will never forget them and their kindness to Larry and myself.

I will keep in touch with them and hope when I am in Portland for visits I will be able to see some of them. But I am excited about my new life and adventures. Everyone has been supportive on facebook and my pogo friends. I have had several invites to get together if I am in their neck of the woods on my adventures. It would be exciting to meet people I have talked to on the internet for several years. So don't be surprised it sometime you get an e-mail or I post on my blog I am headed your way.

I am excited about not having to get up at 5:30 everyday during the week. I am looking forward to having coffee in the morning. I usually didn't drink coffee at home because I would rather sleep just a little longer but now I can enjoy coffee or tea. Four days and counting down to the next chapter in my life. I still have several months worth of things to finish up before I can take off to live with my kids but I am looking forward to everyday and enjoy whatever the day brings ( well I won't promise to enjoy everything).

Welcome

I am starting this blog so all of you can know what I am doing and what is going on in my life. This weekend Melody and Steve came and spent the weekend helping me to start going through Larry's stuff. I started with his clothes. I can always use more closet space ha, ha, ha. It was not as easy as I thought it would be. I cried several times but it is done now and we gave them to goodwill and hope they will help someone in need.

I also went through his books. I kept some, put some for a garage sale I plan on having after going through all his stuff and there were a few that I gave to my brother-in-law Billy Lowell. Larry and Billy enjoyed going to air shows. They also enjoyed cars especially vintage cars. Many times on our weekend trips we would see signs about air shows, car shows, air museums and had to stop. They would tell us they wouldn't be very long but after 3-4 hours of sitting in the van Cathy and I were calling their cell phone to see what was taking so long or that we need to go on to get to our destination.

It was a hard weekend but I know that I needed to do these things to start my healing and going on without my best friend and husband. He will always be in my heart and thoughts but I want to go do some of the things him and I use to talk about doing when I could retire.

Friday, May 7 is my last day at work. In a few months (not sure of the exact date) I will move in with one of my kids. I have decided to live part of the year with Melody and her family in Sisters,Oregon and part of the year with Greg and his family in Tennessee. I have never been to Tennessee but looking forward to new expreiences. I am not sure at this point which place I will go to first will have to wait to see what is going on in their lives and who is ready for a new person in their household.

I will try to write something every day or every other day to let you know what is going on. I am not very good with words but will try to let you know the fun things I am doing or planning and the places I am going. Who knows I may find I enjoy writing and write about mine and Larrys 47 years of love, fun and adventures for my family to have to keep and to remember Larry and Sherry Cameron, two people who had a very full and loving life together.