Tuesday, March 10, 2026

A Day in the Life.

Since the posts are few and far between I thought I would do a "day in the life" to show you how I can fritter away a day with a bunch of nothingness.   

Mr Merry gets up at some ungodly hour like 4 am.  I have to be up by 6:45 when the munchkins come for breakfast before the bus.  I take orders (because I am a diner) and we have to be fed and pottied by 7:50 in order to get to the bus stop. * today we got an email, bus time is changing to 7:38 a.m.

At 8 am Mr Merry comes in (I am still in pjs because I am not a morning person) and I make him breakfast with farm fresh eggs while I eat a yogurt.  Then I get dressed and we drive 15 minutes to the indoor track.  We tried to walk on sidewalks but I tripped on a crack and then one house has their sidewalk covered in dog poo. At the end of our street, Main St, they have jackhammered out the sidewalks for the summer as we are starting a big road replacement project where they are removing the old trolley tracks from the 1900's and going all the way down with a new base and widening the street so moving every water, sewer and gas line as well as telephone poles. The project ended at our street last year so we couldn't go west and this year we are continuing so we cannot go east. 

Once at the Rec, we change our shoes and walk. This photo is from the upper track as they were setting up for volleyball tournaments We are up to two miles.  Some days I do a mile, rest, then do .5 mile, rest and do .5 mile. Some days I do only .5 miles.  And I want to say Wednesday I did  .8, .2 , .5., .5.  Mr Merry is issues with his hip and his bursitis in his knee so he sits out random lamps.  Each lap is .1 miles.  I walk exceedingly slow and it takes us between 1.5 and 2 hours.  We usually have a errand and get home for lunch. 

Three days last week we had doctor appointments in the morning, check up on the left cataract surgery (scheduled the right for the 31st), a check up on Mr Merry with a specialist, and then an appointment to get our taxes done. So that was 3 out of 5 days. And two days we had a two hour fog delay - visibility was so bad I could not see the street from my house. 

View from my daughter's classroom after she got to school. 

When we have appointments we either have a very late lunch or go in the early afternoon since we have to be home to catch the bus. 

The bus comes at 3:40 pm and we do an afterschool snack and hear about their day.  I start supper and the kids get picked up between 4:30 and 5:30.  And then I am tired so after supper I accomplish nothing.  
After school he is building a motel for his stuffed cow. 

I did make three Shutterfly books this week for the sale price which somehow was over $100 even with the sale and coupons. They have changed the process again and I am not happy.  My friend uses a different service and I think I will ask her again which one it is.  The fact that I am seeing distance only with one eye was probably a factor, but I am still not happy with changes. 

I also did laundry which seems like a big deal for no reason and we have been fighting spring ants in the kitchen which means I am scouring the kitchen and cursing a lot.  On Friday we also took a trip to the egg farm. 

I reorganized what I call the spare room and other family calls the junk room and still haven't found my missing hats. 

Last Sunday we went to the school production of Mary Poppins which was very good but lasted over 3 hours which I found excessive.  My granddaughter and her friend are too old to pose for photos. My newest co-gramma showed me the hidden elevator to the balcony. 

We then went to Bob Evans where he is dipping his french fries into the caramel syrup for his apple slices. I should mention we had an outstanding server and as someone who waitressed in high school, I know.  I tipped her in cash about 50% of our bill.  


And I have been working on my to-go bag for the next time I ride in an ambulance. I am also calling it my insurance policy because if I am prepared, I will not ever need to call an ambulance. 


So far I have two sets of pjs with button fronts and a pocket for the heart monitor, a robe (I bought one for home use, too, I love it so much), dry shampoo, chapstick, hair brush, phone charger, manicure kit, some bath sponges so I can bath in bed without rinsing since I can't shower with IVs and my bag.  As soon as I looked at the photo I added a few pairs of nonslip socks.  Please add any further suggestions.  And I just thought of another item, underwear in case I have to wear a gown for a test. 

And that is how I have been marking time. 

I am frustrated with my primary who had his secretary read lung function test results word for word over the phone to me without any recommendations.  I am beyond happy with my cataract surgery and can't wait for matching eyes so I don't have to close one eye to watch tv and the other to read, and I see my cardiologist in a few weeks. His office is still working with my insurance to get me into cardio rehab.  Rehab stated I am still on the list (I guess the list of people waiting on insurance companies).  I think I am good with the walking but I would like the three sessions with the dietician. 

And, because daylight savings time is making me cranky, I will talk taxes.  Our accountant was telling us how many clients are mad because they thought they could get a deduction on interest on a new car purchase but most vehicles do not qualify (for example Equinox's which are an affordable choice in our area) because even though the parts are made locally, they are not assembled here.  They are also upset because the no-tax on overtime is actually no tax on the halftime in addition to your regular rate which is still taxed and if you work for the railroad, and they are the biggest employer around here, there was a special provision leaving railroad workers out of the overtime exemption.  I have not heard anyone saying they have saved money on the no taxes on tips.  I guess they are still taxed on tips that are paid by cards, but don't have to pay tax on cash tips which I thought most servers didn't report anyway?  

Whichever, whatever, it is not slowing the applications at my charity office. 

27 comments:

  1. This was a fun if not frustrating in places read--you sure have got a lot going on just in your typical week! Gosh Miss Merry the one eye working not the other.. can't imagine. I'll be so happy for you when that's finally resolved. And I could totally relate to those emergency hospital bags, I kept one too for a couple years when I was dealing with kidney surgeries. You really play a big part in your grandchildren lives and what a generous tipper! Glad for these updates, I often wonder how you're faring 🙂

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  2. I enjoyed following you on your day, which was busy! Those grands are blessed to have you.
    I try to get 14,000 steps a day, so spend much of the day doing laps in the basement in this weather. I do 6,000 in the morning, then 1-2000 throughout the day...
    I love the cow motel!

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  3. What a busy day in your life! I'm quite impressed. So glad the second cataract surgery is coming soon. And how great that you all are walking, even just round and round. That was how I started my cardiac rehab, and I learned a lot...much of which I don't follow any more (6 years out). But I have my cardiac-stress-test this Friday, so may be back in rehab soon myself. We shall see.

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    1. I really have to admit that if it wasn't for my husband pushing me in the morning, we would not be walking as much as we are.

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  4. I would say a bunch of nothingness isn't exactly correct! It feels like you do more in a week than I do in a year. Whenever they say they are helping "the people" know there is a *but*.

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  5. Good heavens but you keep too complicated for us. We pay to have them done. yourself busy! Our gym has 18 laps in a mile. I use the treadmill. Cow motel! Ambulance bag because being prepared for an emergency means it will not happen: I have found this true in my own life. Taxes:

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    1. For decades I did our taxes and even my adult children's taxes. But retirement and pensions and all the changes did me in. We switched to Turbo Tax for two years until they made an error and I had to find an accountant to even figure out what went wrong. Now I throw it all in a box and go to Aaron.

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  6. What a lovely assortment of adventures. When I worked admitting clerk in the ER, at least 75% of things in the ambulance with the person never made it into the hospital with the person. A nice bag for the person coming to see you at admit though. Linda in Kansas

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    1. Yes, I am hoping my husband would bring it with him, but expect I will have to send a daughter to pick it up, lol.

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  7. Awww! What a busy lady you are. I am the early bird person. I am up at 4:30 now again with the time change.
    A go bag is a good thing. Do they let you wear your own PJ's in the hospital? I've only been with others who had those awful butt showing gowns.
    When my hubby had his Pulmonary Emboli in 2018 he was in ICU for a couple of days, then transferred to the Cardio Floor. They asked him to walk down the hall with a walker [they figured he would need it]. He picked up the walker and carried it down the hall with his butt showing.

    I just covered my mouth and giggled.
    I hope they get you sorted for rehab soon, you crazy busy lady! Do you get any time for a nap???
    ")

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    1. I had my daughter bring pjs since I was in a soiled gown from the ER - I was begging for hospital gowns. We had issues with blood draws and it would go everywhere except in the tube. I asked if I needed a gown before the heart cath and no one brought one. When they came to get me they said - you can't wear that - and did get me a gown. Weird I know.

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  8. Your kids and grandkids are so lucky to have you and Mr Merry in their lives. We're anxiously awaiting our new little grand in London to make her arrival. Who knows when we'll be able to see her though. I'm not looking forward to flying anywhere for awhile.
    Good for you in taking your health into your own hands with the walking. I need to be better about it. Hopefully once we get to the beach tomorrow I'll be able to do some sand walking!
    I worked in the ER for a few years. I would recommend your Hubby bringing it with him. Definitely not in the ambulance. It will most likely not make it into the hospital. Not on purpose, but those EMT's have a lot going on. :-)
    Blessings and hugs,
    Betsy

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    1. I hope you are having a great time on your trip!

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  9. I enjoyed reading about your day.
    It’s anything but “nothingness”!
    Your grands are lucky to have you, and the cow motel made me smile.
    The ambulance bag is such a smart idea, and I’m glad your second cataract surgery is coming soon--it will make life so much easier.
    Thanks for sharing these everyday moments, they’re always a joy to follow.

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  10. I don't think I could do what you do. Wow! You have an incredibly busy life.
    What??? Shutterfly is changing how they do their books? Doggone it! Just when we were getting used to it.

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    1. I really hate change, lol. I know you have so many wonderful photos from your trip to make your latest scrapbook! I am enjoying your posts.

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  11. Whoa, Nellie!!! You need a Secretary! Your schedule is daunting, and I'm awed at your adherence. It seemed like you stepped right out of the ICU right into your usual schedule, with only a wink to fix your eye, and off you sprint. I wouldn't be surprised to see you and all the chillun' marching along around the gym's track (With FLAGS!!) (And Music!!). And knowing your love of keeping up with the GOOD STUFF---probably little uniforms. What a loving, close-knit family you have gathered around you.

    Your handsome young carpenter is quite the craftsman! His hand and eye are remarkable, and he's got the start on housing a whole herd of Stuffies.

    And you and I are the tippers that service people dream of---almost always cash, if I can remember to drop by the bank, but sometimes I have to scurry to scrape up the lawn crew's fee---after twenty years, you'd think I'd remember it's Saturday. I've never had a job which resulted in tips, but I always get fabulous service and bright smiles of welcome.

    When it was just me and my three little ones, I knew that with a little six-table "caffay" I could support my family in that small town, but I was lucky to get one of the best jobs in town and hours that let me do a lot of catering over the years, so my yen for creating all that pretty food was fulfilled often.

    Happy St. Patrick's Day to YOUUUU, everybody you love and everybody who loves YOU!

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  12. Your children and grandchildren are fortunate to have you, dear Miss Merry! I love your photos and always enjoy your posts. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  13. A book! now that you are prepared you won't need the to go bag:) That is one busy day!

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  14. I don't seen how you are carrying on that schedule! (And three hours for a play is too long, even if it had every famous star in the world, much less so for school kids. I remember suffering through an eternally long act of The Sound of Music with two boys in middle school and we all agreed, we knew the end of the story and bid so long, farewell for act two!).

    Your go-bag is brilliant. I would add a book -- something you know you would like but haven't read or started yet, or maybe even short stories or essays at can be read in pieces if you don't feel like concentrating too long. Or, if you enjoy them a puzzle book. Also, a note attached to not forget your phone (It might be on the charger). And maybe a snack or two! Something packaged so it won't spoil. Now, let's just hope you don't have to open that bag till you decide you need something in it at home!

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  15. For the bag - a charger for your phone and a notebook and pen. My husband V has done a heart smart program and a lung smart program recently (in Australia so on Medicare) and he really felt the benefit - with the latter he has also been able to include a dietician visit under his referral. It does sound like a busy enough day!

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  16. Thats a very impressive motel for a cow, such amazing imagination!

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  17. And I thought my Days were full... Lord have Mercy my Friend, I got tired just reading about how full your itinerary was!!! *LOL and Winks* But, I totally feel ya, if I had nothing to do I would think I was Dreaming...

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