Month: April 2016

Everything is packed away, except what I’m bringing, which is quite a car – ful.

A link to a video I took when we were out in the country before we headed to the vet.

And a few photos.

Down to the last week, so I have the last this and the last that every day.

Today was the last time I played piano at the salad bar (and got free salad, soup and breadsticks!), the last piano lessons in Chetek, and, of course, the last Friday in the fish fry capital of the world (I just went to Gordy’s and got a fish dinner.)

Sunday will be my last piano recital in Chetek, the last time I play at church, and my last dress rehearsal for the Red Cedar choir concert.

And, of course, the whole weekend is my last weekend in Chetek, which includes my last Saturday morning run down past the school and my last Sunday morning walk down Main Street when there is absolutely no traffic.

On a more mundane note, there is going to be the last laundry done here, the last cleaning of the tub, bathroom, floors, etc., boxing the last of the possessions, doing the last cleaning of the yard, and other exciting events.

Still, who can argue with 4 1/2 more days? Whoo-hoo!!

Just so you know, we decided this morning that Sherlock will not be going with us. It was a very hard decision, but he has passed the point where life seems to hold much enjoyment for him, and making a move is hard on a dog in the best of circumstances. I’m taking him to the vet he has known all his life on Monday afternoon, after we go out to the country and spend some time there. Meanwhile, I’m feeding him whatever he likes, since I don’t have to worry about pancreatitis doing him in any more. And I’m taking pictures and videos of him.

The Roselawn program with the K, 2nd and 4th grades was last night. So my days of running to school multiple times is over. (Whew!) They honored both John and I (John is also retiring this year) at the end of the program with special words and confetti (yes, confetti all over the place). It was, of course, very embarrassing to me, but nice.

All that is left is the recital day on Sunday afternoon and the college concert on Tuesday evening.

I will be on my way one week from today. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with all I need to finish in the next 7 days, but when I made a list and made sure everything was assigned a day, I can see that I can easily get it all done. My biggest worry is not being able to get everything I need to bring in the car. Actually I’m taking a small SUV, but I will need to transfer it into Dad’s car when I meet him in Bloomington, IL. So he is going to send me the dimensions of his trunk and I’m going to make sure everything I pack will fit into that space, plus have space for me and Sherlock.

To add to the excitement, I’m dealing with a tooth issue. I had a crown fall out – the tooth just to the right of the front two teeth on the top, so it is a VERY obvious place to have a tooth missing. I had it glued in, and the dentist told me it might not stay. Sure enough, it came out when I was (stupidly) eating a piece of toffee. (That was just after you guys left, Erica). The next step is to get a root canal and a post put in, then a new crown made to fit that post. Expensive and we are without dental insurance (or jobs) at this point, so that isn’t going to happen. I went on line to see if there is a way to keep a crown in without going to the dentist. You can use Vaseline, which works pretty well, as long as you don’t bite on it, purse your lips hard or exhale hard (like when you are working.) So I lost it when I was working outside, but found it (eventually). Then I got some dental adhesive for dentures, which works marginally better. I put it in when I have to go out in public, but don’t eat when I have it in. My goal is to keep from losing it until next Wednesday when I have an appointment right before I leave to get it glued in again at the dentist. This time I think I will be more aware of it and more careful what I eat. I’m hoping it will last until we can afford to get the work done, but if not, at least I know how to keep it in when I’m in public.

Tomorrow will be 9 days until I leave. Solo/ensemble is done and checked off the list. Tuesday is the Roselawn program, so I still have to go in and practice with the various classes tomorrow and go to the dress rehearsal most of the morning on Tuesday. After that, no more going in to school, so I will have a lot of time to finish things around here.

This will be my last week of piano lessons with everyone, too. I have some special activities planned, since I won’t be assigning anyone any new pieces, but just going over their recital pieces, which are all pretty good by now.

I have over 50 of my 100 things done, and I’ll be picking up several a day from now until next Wednesday when I leave! Exciting times – just wish it was a little warmer and sunnier!

Things seem to be going pretty well at the house. Nathan was there helping Dad for a couple days, which energized Dad and helped get a lot of the deconstruction done. It sounds like the plumbing for the toilet is just about complete, too, which I’m thrilled about. Apparently most of the tearing down phase is done, so Dad can get going on putting it back together.

I don’t know if everyone heard about the water line breaking, but that is supposed to get fixed tomorrow. I discouraged Dad from doing all the digging himself before pricing out what it would cost to have someone else do it. Turns out it might be as little as $450 for the digging and the plumbing, which I can definitely live with, if it means my husband stays in one piece and able to do the rest of the necessary work. I was really worried about him straining his back or hip or knee or something that would make him unable to work! Once that is repaired, he can turn the water back on and check his plumbing for the toilet, and get that hooked up. Then on to the bathtub, which is already in place and just needs the plumbing and better fixtures (ones that won’t break if you happen to put your foot up on it to shave!)

So, I’m encouraged by the progress! I am halfway through the time alone. Two weeks down and two more to go. But these last two have the Roselawn concert, my students’ recital, solo/ensemble, and the college concert, so it will go fast!

Plus Erica and the kids come for a visit day after tomorrow!!