I Meet Our Landlord

Wednesday, Oct 6th:

My poor mother’s back in the hospital. Could hardly talk. Said she felt like throwing up. Lauren emailed photo: Alice’s entire lower leg is bright red and swollen. Cellulitis. She’s on heavy antibiotics. I researched  getting live-in help for when she’s released. Her doctor is out of town until Friday. I reached him in Oregon. He said, “She’s ok. She’ll be ok.” but I wonder.  Although, he was very honest when my father was dying, which my mom hated – she wanted to believe he would recover.

I feel like I’m in a glass cocoon; observing but unable to be of real help.

Called Kay, who I was going to meet at the library at 1:00 and told her my tail light was out, could she recommend someone. The place she recommended was hard to find – small winding road “before the bridge”.

I stopped for directions at a very crowded garage, many, many cars, and one guy sitting in a little office. He gave me directions to continue on.  I finally found the place.  One big guy with curly hair had his worker pop my trunk and pull out the bad light. The whole thing took about ten minutes and cost $5.00.

When I got back I decided to wash the car, wondering if I was breaking a

one of Riverhill’s CC&Rs.

At the library I found out I have to fill out a form to be a volunteer. So I did.  A guy about 65, with white hair/beard turns out to be the same person I saw yesterday at Schreiner Park, who told me my tail light was out. He’s a volunteer named John. “I can remember that,” I told him, “My husband is named John. Just don’t let me call you honey.”

The library is in a round two-story building with a balcony of windows. Very lovely. But they’re going to remodel it and create two play spaces for kids outside, by the river.

I got a library card and introduced myself to a woman behind the reference desk, Pat. I told her about my teaching and she said the head librarian left and nothing can be presented until the position is filled.

Back at the house I read my first edition of the Kerrville Daily. Lots going on. John’s going to miss an astronomy meeting this weekend. I’m going to look into Club Ed – which offers a variety of classes around town and on-line.

Sent Doug Badt a birthday card. He’ll be 92 October 10^th!

I decided to bundle up all the boxes I’ve broken down. I got hot, working, so took off my bra and pinned up my hair.  A few minutes into it Walter started growling and barking.  He nearly ran out when I went to the door. The landlord with the lease to sign, and a fire alarm to install.  A tall, kindly fellow, soft-spoken, doesn’t look his 80 years. I got him to replace light bulbs in the laundry room and hall. Walter went ape-shit when his dog – a Jack Russell – jumped out of the truck and was sniffing around the house. When the landlord went out to his truck I ran into the bedroom and put on a bra. At least I wasn’t naked! I should keep a robe or something near the front door, just in case.

John called to say that he checked our mailbox in Coarsegold and it was crammed full. Our mail is not been forwarded even though I received  confirmation from the post office. It’s because I did it on line. The message probably never to go the local P.O.

John’s busy, cleaning up the house and it’s raining there. Not here. Just sun, sun, sun.

I was so worried about Walter’s aggressive behavior with the landlord’s dog that I decided not to take him to the park. I walked in circles on the vacant lot next to us, lap after lap, until he stopped leading and followed me. He pooped in the grass and I left it there.