I am Grateful for my Runny Nose

                I know that this title may sound facetious but in fact it is true right now.  I have had a sinus infection – not my worst but still.  I had gone to the doctor in hopes of a zee pack – though they haven’t seemed to work for me while I’ve been in Oregon – though I haven’t really encountered many sinus infections while in Oregon.  I believe this one started in Utah.  Z-packs aren’t the same as they once were.  I might have well have taken sugar pills. The latest is red coated and non-working.  Iburofen seems to be doing the trick.  At least I feel better.

            So Jai and I were playing games in the back room when my allergies started going ballistic.  I don’t know what was making my eyes itch or me sneeze but I see it as a blessing – truthfully.  I have never been so happy to need tissue in all my life!  So though the title of my post may indicate something humorous, I really am grateful.  Means the infection is going bye-bye.  I wish permanently to never be seen again.

Playing Cards

                     Jai has collected playing cards over the years. 

                    She keeps at least one deck in her backpack or

                    whatever else she might tote around.  She has

                    several decks that include vintage, Harley Quinn,

                    round cards, Batman, 3D dinosaurs, big foot, and

                    Friends to name a few.  This year three more decks

                    were added to her collection.  Uno with a twist and

                    Santa Clause – both of which we have played with. 

 

It’s been so great having her home.

Our Christmas 2023

           Jaime and I were up before 5:00.  We played Phrasel on the kindle as we waited for Richard to emerge from the bedroom – possibly 45 minutes later.  We opened two presents each before getting dressed.  A calendar from my grandchildren I had spent Thanksgiving with!  What a beautiful calendar it is!

          We had invited the missionaries over to have breakfast with us and played some games with them before they had to leave.  We then opened the rest of our gifts and played more games.  Brand new games – two of which we had played with the Elders.

          David invited us to have dinner with his family.  We played more games before returning home.  I am very tired and need to go to bed.  Perhaps I’ll include more detail and pictures in another post.

Pics Taken from the Planes

 On the Return I had a great view of the wing - both planes.  Working my way back

Coming into Medford Dec 5, 20203 

Between Seattle and Medford

The pink cloud pics taken after leaving Salt Lake

I don't know why I didn't get any of the Great Salt Lake which actually appears bigger from the sky than the land.  Did get some of the mountains though

Airports and Planes: the Return

 Found this in my draft folder from the seventh

Medford airport is definitely my favorite.  Salt Lake definitely was not.  My flight was not scheduled to leave until 7:00 am, but I was there to check in at 5:00 a.m.

There were only 3 people at the check-in window.  One was an older woman on her way to Alaska.  She felt nervous as she stood by herself and no one was at the window at the scheduled time.  When a worker finally came to the window he called the first person in line.  He had her move to the side as there was a question about something. 

         Southwest Airlines is the only I know of that have baggage already fixed into the price.  All others charge an additional fee for each bag that gets checked in – though I had checked in two items in Eugene but had only been charged for one.  Remembering that Richard had paid that fee when I checked in I started to rummage through my bag to retrieve money to pay the fee and allowed the other passenger in line to check in her already tagged bags.

         I had printed my confirmation and used my paperwork in Eugene but apparently it was needed in Salt Lake as all I was asked for was my ID.  The worker had asked if I had checked in already (Salt Lake evidently has check in, do-it-yourself stands which I guess are the equivalent of self-checkout registers that are found in many stores.  I would guess one who flies frequently might know how to use them – but probably an app and touch phone are needed – neither of which I have) and I said no.  He gave me a look which said, “You stupid, stupid woman”.  I don’t think he was pleased with his job or being there at 5:00 in the morning.  He took both pieces of luggage but did not add an additional charge to what I had already paid.

I walk another mile just to get in line to go through security.  I managed to leave my kindle out.  I was not aware that there was a miniature (smaller than a flash drive) pocket knife in my fanny pack – which hadn’t been mentioned at the Eugene Airport, but TSA pulled EVERYTHING out of my bag looking for it and asked “Where is your knife?”

“I don’t have a knife.” 

I really hadn’t remembered it even being there.  They said that I could pay 25 dollar to have it mailed to me.  I’m not paying 25 dollars for something I obviously won’t miss.  I think my husband picked it up as a free giveaway at some kind of fair. Yes, it was annoying but also a comfort knowing all the precautions that are taken.

I then had to make the mile hike from luggage claim to gate B.  The A 1-12 is one way and 13-25 another.  Straight ahead marked B which leads to an escalator going down – what the world?  Passengers make this long walk to yet another escalator going up.  Are you kidding me? The plane from SLC to Seattle was not so crowded and there was an empty seat between me and the man in the isle. 

It was raining in Seattle and there was a lot of turbulence flying in and flying out.  I certainly enjoyed breathing in the moist air while I was there.  Wetter than Oregon

But the puddle jumper from Seattle to Medford was the most crowded of any plane that I took.  And Seattle’s gate C2 is divided into another 8 gates.  Not a pleasant wait.  Flying into Medford was nice.  Richard was waiting for me with a sign and carnation in hand.  He really missed me and said he will never send me by myself again.  We were both crying. After I took a picture of Richard at baggage claim a worker offered to take a picture of the both of us.  Don’t see that happening in large airports.  SO HAPPY to be home!

The Turkey Jar

 

Several years ago I had acquired a small jar in the shape of a turkey.  He unhinged at the body as I recall.  I suppose I may still have it in the shed but have not made the effort to look for it at this particular juncture in time. 

this is a cookie jar; mine was a lot smaller with hinges

I remember asking each of the guests who attended Thanksgiving to write down things that they were most for.  I cut up each sentence into strips to be put into the turkey jar and we would read them during dinner. 

It was an idea I had wanted to incorporate into the holiday – attempting to start my own Thanksgiving tradition.  I remember reading some of the answers – but just that one year.  It was only an attempt.  It never became a tradition. I would have liked to have heard others express their Thanksgiving thoughts.

Thanksgiving Traditions

 My daughter-in-law comes from a large family.  Four boys and four girls.  Each have learned saving tips and coupon shopping from their mom.  They had also grown up with traditions that at least the four youngest try to honor now.

There were two or three of them in the kitchen making pies the day prior to Thanksgiving. I don’t remember ever having baked beans as part of Thanksgiving dinner before, but it was a part of theirs.  A craft project of making turkeys with apple bodies, gumdrops and marshmallow parts.

My second youngest granddaughter and I took a brief walk outside.  It was nice to get to know her a little bit.