My ears are being treated to a variety of stimuli today, beginning early in the morning. First thing I could hear a heron honking at something unseen by me, perhaps just trying to get attention. Since it's so nice outside and no rain forecast, I can safely sleep with the river room doors open, which allows sound to travel easily into my bedroom.
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Earlier I was text messaging with Justin and told him about all the commotion going on around me. The barge holding the scoop shovel for dredging the harbor was being moved, causing lots of racket and water spray. At the same time, a red helicopter was circling round and round straight out from my window, apparently on some sort of maneuver. Upstairs has the sounds of kitchen and bathroom cabinets being torn out and hauled off, and ceramic tile being chiseled out. The wind is blowing quite hard, causing the trees to rustle madly. Besides the exterior noises I have my radio on and the printer printing so its downright cacophonous around here!
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But, it's not a bad racket, these are the sounds of activity and living. One of my neighbors asked me last night what the noise level was in my condo (regarding the demo work going on above me) and I said, "It's just the way I like it!" She nodded and said, "That's why we like you. No complaining!" Thanks, Mo, for the kind words. Hey, who hasn't gone through renovations and updating in their homes? Of course there's noise accompanying the improvement of our homes, and the good thing is, the dust mainly stays upstairs!
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I hadn't seen all my neighbors since getting back and yesterday discovered that the man at the end of my promenade was in a wheel chair! He must be in his 70's, married to a younger woman, a delightful lady (by younger, I mean she's probably my age.....). Jack had a brain tumor, diagnosed and operated on after I left for WI. His wife and the physical therapist were helping him learn to walk again, up and back on the promenade. He has to learn to use his left hand again, too, but I saw last night he was enjoying a glass of wine with the rest. When he saw me coming he called out, "Hi, Doll!" Nothing wrong with Jack!! The love between them is truly evident, you can see it when she looks at him and he pats her knee, saying "I love you" with a touch and glance, because he has troubles with his speech yet. I'm saddened to see him like this, but with the care he's getting, I'll bet he'll back on his feet in no time!
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We had a small gathering at Ladies' Group last night but had a spirited and delightful time with those who did make it. Janet adds so much to any event (I introduced you to her back in mid-January) and we had good laughs. The topper, though, was Renee bringing Twila, Jean and me each a bottle her husband's home-made lemoncello, made with fruit from their own tree. Wow! What a treat! He also makes some using oranges instead but I've never tried that one. Oh, yummy! It was sad to hear that his mother died recently so he's up in OH tending to her funeral and settling of her affairs. I'll get a card off to him as soon as I remember.
Renee is laughing so hard, I hope she's sitting on a towel! Janet has her eyes closed, but appears to be having a good time, too!!! These were taken at the CHRISTmas party held at my home. What a hoot!
