criplomats

A week ago Saturday I flew to Hot Springs to close down Mom’s house. Mary picked me up at the airport and drove me to Hot Springs, and spent the first two nights with me. She was a huge help getting me started packing up everything. Most everything is being picked up by the Garland County Humane Society, something that I like to think would make Mom happy. They have a thrift store and were thrilled with the furniture and everything else. They left me a bed and a couple of chairs to use, so they will come back right before I leave.

There are so many odds and ends. Mary went with me to the attorney’s office to take notes for me – thank goodness. Lots to do. I still probably have a trip back to the attorney, to the bank, etc. – not to mention trying to sell the car, meeting with realtor to list the house, etc. Two weeks is speeding by.

I’ve had dinner on David and Alison’s lovely lakeside back porch a couple of nights – we tried to see the moon last night but there were too many clouds (we had taken Mom out on the boat during the last super-moon, something she really enjoyed). It’s been a nice break.

This whole process is pretty emotional, especially going through her hundreds of photos she had taken – plus the old family pictures that I plan to take back with me to scan. Maybe that will spur me to digitize my own photos that are languishing in heavy photo albums.

The house is quiet; I had turned off internet and cable. I listen to my iPod or a tinny country station on a little radio (out of range for NPR). I bought a temporary membership at the gym, so I’ve been working out each day (and using their wi-fi now).

Onward! Back to it…

With Monday being a holiday, it was a short week. I took advantage of the day to hit the gym, then went to try a new spa and had a good massage and pedicure – very relaxing. Our sweet housekeeper fell en route to our house; luckily John was here to take her to the ER. She injured her leg, so the doctor put her on bed rest for a while until she feels better.

We’re in the tail-end of rainy season here, and I sure will miss the nice cool days and (some) stormy nights – it’s been such a lovely summer.

John is in the throes of year-end procurement, so his Saturdays will be spent working this month, but yesterday I went to a poolside picnic to welcome a new Consulate family.

Otherwise, it’s been a low-key week. We watched “Narcos,” a series about Pablo Escobar – really good. I split and re-planted the chile pepper plant that I bought last week and put it by the hummingbird feeder – I think the birds like the additional splashes of red.