New Chapter

A new chapter has begun in both of our lives - in mine and in Elson's. He got out Friday - freedom finally,fresh air, Chinese food, people to talk to, large screen tv,comfortable shoes, a real bed, privacy - all things we take for granted and all things he hasn't had since January 16, 2008. Our wonderful son-in-law Kent drove down from Sacramento, only to do a u-turn to take Elson back up to Sacramento for the flight to Seattle. Deja and her significant other drove from San Jose to be there at Atwater for Elson's release, and also drove up to Sacramento in their car for the flight to Seattle. There was a family reunion (all 3 kids with Kent representing Janet), two of the grandkids. Elson is now ensconced at Charlton's and comfortably settled in, from what I hear. I'm happy for him. I think it's the best scenario of all scenarios that could have taken place, and everyone agrees with me. He will have surgery for his hernia, which has gotten quite large, in the next month, as well as surgery for his cataracts. Finally - good medical care. And lots of Chinese food. Let's keep our priorities straight, after all.

And life goes on for me. I wasn't sure how I would feel over this weekend, but I got through it ok. It's a bit strange to have him be out, and for us not to be together, but I know it's what's best for both of us. I'm lucky in that by the time it happened, I'd already settled into my new life. I spent a quiet weekend, resting, doing things with Carla, reading, watching tv, communing with my couch.

I've had a referral for a new part-time position as a bookkeeper for a local small company located in the town next to Redwood City. I've left him a voicemail message, but haven't heard back yet. I hope to hear soon. If that doesn't work out, I'll start putting the word out seriously and also look on Craigs List. I've been hit with some serious capital gains taxes, so I need to start supplementing my current income Pronto.

I don't think I've mentioned the wonderful gift from PG&E that Carla and I received a couple of months ago. Someone from their CARE program came out and inspected the premises and interviewed us, the result of which is that they replaced the 35 year old non-defrosting refrigerator up here with a brand new one from Sears. It's gorgeous and bright and has a large, sparkling freezer that is frost free. It's such a treat to put things in it and know that they'll be edible and not covered with bits of snow when I take them out, not to mention not having to defrost it every few weeks. They also winterized Carla's doors and windows, plugging up any leaks, did something with the insulation in the attic, and did something with the furnace. I don't know what they did exactly, but now when Carla turns the heat on, my apartment gets nice and toasty almost immediately. It's lovely. Just in time for our early winter. And to cap it all off, they replaced one of my torchiere lamps with a safer one that exactly matches my other one. How lucky can one be.

There's exciting news regarding the class I'm taking at the Y. Today I lifted the equivalent of 10,850 pounds! When I first started the class, I was lifting the equivalent of 2,450. It's been increasing every time as I both increase the repititions I do and also increase the weight, and I can feel the difference in my legs. I'm Super Woman!