Got up early after too little sleep, but I wanted to get on with the day — working out, prepping and cooking veggies for dinner. I ran out in the cold rain and picked up my fave sandwich and now I’m waiting to hop on with my FA.
Dh is working so ds2, our executor, is going to sit in. He did this a couple of years ago so I thought it would be nice for him to see how it’s going. Besides dh always takes notes so now ds2 can take on that role. Tonight I’ll watch softball.
Maybe this should be Deal of the Day…I went to Walgreens to pick up my 90 day prescription refills. Alas, also needed more Advil. I had to get the case unlocked, which is annoying but understandable considering the location of this store. Choices were 100 for $13.99 or 225 on sale for $17.99. I picked the large size and was able to apply $5 Walgreens cash (earned from my first prescription refills earlier this year) so got 225 pills for less than the retail cost of 100.
The rest of the day will serve at my pleasure - I am the president of my day. Some sunbathing and some photo editing.
Somewhat busy day here for me as it’s my last day off until we leave Saturday.
Went to bank this morning to get a new Visa debit card since mine appeared to be compromised on Friday (unknown $140 charge at Apple.com). Also picked up cash to pay for my hair appointment as she only uses Venmo or cash.
Ran into Marshall’s to see if they had any good travel purses. Nope.
Stopped for gas then went to TJ Maxx where they did have a few options but will wait to see I like the Travelon coming from Amazon.
On the way home, I stopped for a sorely needed pedicure (havent had one since last summer).
Got home and had less than half an hour for a bite to eat before leaving for my hair appointment. Added some highlights which meant it took a little longer this time.
Afterward I went to Old Navy to get a white V-Neck tee shirt to take on my trip. I have the Vintage Tee in a crew neck which I really like as the material is not see through and they are not long. I saw online they had it also in V-Neck (online price $14). Sale price in store was so I asked if they price matched. She said they did but for some reason she only charged me $12. Nice! I then walked over to Nordstrom Rack and bought a pair of flats that I plan to take with me.
Got home then Facetimed with D21 to coordinate getting her train ticket from Rome to Bari as she will meet us in Puglia at the tail end of our trip.
Finally about to relax but realize it’s time to make dinner!
A word of caution regarding the Apple charge. I had that happen a while back, and after I contacted the card’s fraud department to report the issue, the charge was removed & I received a new card. But … it turns out that an additional Apple charge went through on my new card because it had been set up as a recurring or subscription charge (not that I could have known, since it didn’t actually show up in my Apple account). The credit card company is supposed to set up the new card so this doesn’t happen - I never purchase anything from Apple, so it should have been blocked as a recurring charge - but I found out that sometimes they mess up. So just watch your card, in case. After the charge on the new card, they did fix it (and I got another new card).
My kid does medical service trips where they take medical supplies. She needs suitcases that can make a one way trip, but can hold a LOT. I got one last week for $10 and another today for $8. At Goodwill. Both in great condition!
I have had a nice day…did my volunteer gig, and played mah Jong where I won two games playing hands I never have tried before!
I had an appointment with my plastic surgeon this morning. After 4 years, I am released from the office - from double mastectomy to DIEP reconstruction to final revisions. I love my doctors and the office, but I am so, so done.
I boxed up more stuff to donate. Some to a new thrift store and some sweatpants and leggings for my daughter to take to the hospital clothes closet. There’s even a box of books to take over to the library!
H is pressure-washing the deck in anticipation of new furniture arriving on Thursday. One of our daughter’s friends is taking the old chairs and maybe my sister will take the fire table 
It’s been a good day.
Well, got an arterial ultrasound today, to help guide decisions on whether I have plaque or anything concerning and maybe whether taking a statin should be more seriously considered.
Well get an echocardiogram in 2 weeks and then see the cardiologist to review everything.
My cardiologist read the ultrasounds that said I have “mild plaque” in arteries and aorta. Not sure what that means—will see him in person in July and we can discuss.
I flew back from a family event in the DC area ( we lived there for decades). I’m flying out again tomorrow for a family members funeral. I unpacked, ran a load of laundry, an re packing, paying some bills, etc.
Slept in a bit, then worked out and realized that I didn’t have any chicken for my lunch. Pivoted and took out chicken for dinner. Dh got home from work, and we did lots of housekeeping things – redid his Roth holdings, restructured our YNAB accounts and then the biggie — I filed for SS!
I never thought I would take this early, but the opensocialsecurity website and my Vanguard Monte Carlo analysis both give me the blessing so I went ahead and signed up to start this summer. I’m kind of excited. I’m glad the cash flow will keep us from continuing to dip (or dip as deeply) into our brokerage account.
Then we all called ds2 for his birthday. Ordered something that he’ll get in a few days. And we talked about the Spurs playing tonight. We so love this team. GSG!
Ds2 asked his brother what childhood birthday memory he had, and ds1 picked the year we threw him a surprise party at the bowling alley. That made me think about how hard moms specifically try to make things perfect for our little ones, but you know what? That party was months after his real birthday because scheduling a spring party during sports seasons was a nightmare and I was still working full time and just couldn’t pull it off. So, yeah, it was a surprise for him to be celebrated in August when he has an April birthday! And I’m sure that a part of me felt bad In April, but ds1 remembers the outcome so fondly. That’s all that matters. I hope people give themself some grace.
I fondly remember a birthday when I was sick but my mom worked to celebrate and make it special at home anyway. Details have washed out but I know I was very young and she made me feel cherished. Nothing else mattered or remains.
Yesterday I flew back from Seattle after visiting S2 and DIL for a few days. I had a wonderful time – they are so well suited to each other and so comfortable to be around!
So today I went to the gym for the first time in a week, started some laundry, and took the dog for a long walk. Same-old-same-old.
Today I took my external hard drive to a computer guy we’ve used before (several years back). If he can find my lost folder and hundreds of pictures, $200. If not, $0. Fingers crossed, although I’ve realized I put many of the pictures in Google and Facebook albums.
Then I continued editing - the road to Milford Sound.
These were the Misty Mountains in LOTR but it’s actually Enlington Valley.
Mirror Lakes - husband thought it was a boring stop!!! I thought it was great.
Had a nice zoom call this morning, talked to the CPA about general excise taxes (still need to call the state & sort things out, as well as the book keeper who is helping with H’s investment). Then went to Physical Therapy, had a nice lunch, then got our COVID boosters (Moderna NexSpike again), followed by brief stop at Costco for fruits, produce, brie & rolls.
Now, we plan to take it easy.
I am playing Bridge and continuing boxing up things for the parish yard sale in a couple of weeks and then watching the NFL draft tonight.
Re-entry chores and such after a lovely visit with my daughter. Also a very long walk and I’m trying “sound bathing” meditation tonight.
Stalling on packing, dealing with Medicare and Social Security regarding our IRMAA overpayment/ refund (mine got deposited in record time! But my husband’s is arriving by check in a few months), updated the 2026 waitlist thread so all the schools are in (and should be added there) in the first post of the thread (because anyone can hit the edit button in the first post; you are welcome @Dumbo3a 
) and now off the drop off the mail hold request at the PO b/c the online one never works.
Got my car serviced and then picked strawberries at the pick your own farm. First time this season. I’m currently enjoying a big bowl of strawberries topped with vanilla ice cream. Sat near the cutest baby in the dealership waiting room. Noticed the Mom glanced at me briefly before putting on the breastfeeding shawl (or whatever it’s called) to feed him. Glad she realized I wasn’t that kind of person.
Went to a funeral for my late H’s cousin. It was a lovely service but I was in tears the entire time. This really hit me. Lunch followed, then back to the hotel to change. Got to the airport with plenty of time but my flight keeps getting more and more delayed. The others I can get on are tomorrow. So I’ll see…
Keeping fingers crossed I get home tonight. Glad I am retired and have nothing pressing tomorrow…
I am celebrating because the computer guy found my missing files on the external hard drive!! Woo hoo!! $200 plus $25 for a flash drive to move them to for safety’s sake. Memories - priceless.
Otherwise looking up more potential new apartments for son, more photos review from the trip, some PT for neck and upper body, and now a late lunch.
