MYSTERY and INTRIGUE

Coming next Sunday.  I'm too tired to talk!

TECHNOLOGY

There are pros and cons to my addiction to technology.

I spent most of my week tweaking our wifi.

All the wifi equipment is in my room, so I rarely have an issue.  When I go out to the patio, (which isn't very far from my room), things slow down.  Kate complains a lot as she is across the parking lot supervising boys and smoking ... she often cannot even get on wifi thus using her cell phone data.

First I checked our speed.  400 mbps.  I pay for 800 mbps so that was my first question.  I prefer instant chat with a human vs. a phone call.  My hearing is not great and the accents from all around the world are sometimes difficult to understand.

My new best friend from India (Abhilok) explained a lot to me.

(The modem)

A pure fiber-optic connection transmits data unhindered by typical network throttling, freeing up your bandwidth. 400 Mbps is an advanced speed that packs more of a punch than typical internet, and is tailored for businesses dealing with heavy online traffic and a good amount of devices to support.  But it's not just speed I'm buying.  I'm buying bandwidth so five of us can use the 400 mbps and not slow anyone down.  Having more bandwidth is like adding another lane to the highway. The speed limit is still the same, but you can have more cars traveling at top speed at once.

I learned from a neighbor Xfinity was going off line for an hour in the middle of the night to upgrade some things.  And by golly, we did notice a difference (although why they wouldn't send all their customers an email informing us is beyond my understanding of customer service).

Mr. Abhilok still thought I should have a service call because my account showed I was using a Comcast modem and we have our own device.  The very cheerful masked and bootied young man fixed every thing, took off internet calling (which we had never used but was part of a bundle).  Our bill went down by $30/month by the time he was done.

(The extinct Apple router)

The service guy informed me that my Apple router is no longer being updated or serviced or even sold any more.  That will be a great investment when things slow down again.  Some of the newer routers are over $500 and have 6 antennae!

(The Netgear Extender)

I bought and set up a Netgear extender so things are working better outside.  It's Saturday morning and a pleasant 70 degrees so this has been written outside.

When technology is working, my life is so happy!

NEW GRANDMA FASHIONS

My house dresses are fabulous.  Every time I am out and about, I get at least one compliment.  Men and women.  Yesterday at the grocery FOUR folks stopped and had a conversation.  I love the dresses and I am working on accepting compliments.

Here's what I need next:

 

SISTER SNIPPETS

My sister departed Portland on Thursday morning.  

Her trip from Louisville to Portland to Whidbey Island back to Portland and now driving home to Louisville was a feat in itself.  She's a crazy overly busy gal and I don't know how she does it!  I'm glad she came back to Portland cause we got in some great sister time.  

She enjoyed the Guest Suite here and parked her camper in her daughter's driveway.  I compromised our mornings together ... she's a 7am kinda person and I'm a 9am kinda person.  We met for coffee and a treat every morning about 8:30am.  She spent her days helping Tahlia (she's setting up her Tiny House to be an AirBnB). 

The first two nights she made a special cocktail (can't remember the name) but bitters, Dubonnet, champagne and bit of brown sugar and topped with sparkling water.  I felt like a queen!  One day I picked deli items from New Seasons and one day she did.  Which is what I was doing most days the kids were gone.  One scoop of coastal kale salad, harissa carrots (spicy and delish), beet and feta salad, greek orzo salad, etc.  I have enough leftover for lunch.  On evenings on my own, I would get an animal protein and a twice baked potato (half each night) to go along with my salad.  I may continue this luxury as it seems a little healthier than chicken nuggets and French fries!

Janet had a million things she wanted to do on Wednesday and I volunteered to do her one load of laundry.  This is a BIG trust on her part as she is very particular.  I think I got an "OK" .... Cool water (but not cold), delicate wash, hang some things to dry and low heat to dry others.  I'm sure she was disappointed that I didn't have earth friendly products ... I'm a Tide supporter.

She remembers everyone's birthday and anniversary AND sends at least a card but usually a gift.  She is the one who keeps our family connected.  And because of her, I'm calling or texting my brothers more frequently.  Surprisingly, after years of not communicating ... we are all in touch.

She is my best friend.  

A PHOTO VACATION

The boys didn't want me to be lonely without them, so they shared some stuffed friends with me.

Isn't that the perfect little freezing cold stream to drift down?  And I love to see those life jackets on!

The boys go to the Willamette River (about 3 blocks from home) almost every afternoon, so I invested in professional tubes with a head rest and a drink holder!

What seven year old would not be excited to shoot a REAL gun (pellet or BB, I can't remember)

I would like to think they are keeping up with school work but .....

My sister shared her dog with me so she could go shopping and run errands and not worry about how hot the car might get.  She (Zoe) looks a lot like Bosko, eh?

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

My family left Wednesday afternoon for a week or more in Montana.  Jesse's Mom and her husband have 10 acres there, near the small town of Lincoln ~ population 1,013.  This is the first I'm home alone without Bosko.  It's very quiet around here.

It's been in his family for years and the two of them drive ten hours each way about once a month or so.  I talked the kidults into making it a two day drive, with a hotel and POOL for the boys.  They went swimming when they arrived and again before they left.  They are really fish!  The condo pool will be open upon their return!

Lincoln is famous for being where Ted Kaczynski lived (and was arrested) about four miles from their house.  They are 75 miles (90 minute drive) to the city of Missoula for Costco, grocery stores, etc.  The little people love being able to explore creeks and dig holes and play kickball on the acreage.  There's a shallow river where they can float or swim (ice cold from a mountain).

I've set up my Gramma station in the living room ~ laptop on a huge foldable TV table with the end table on my right.  I have a view on the side of the condo and out the front door if not too hot.  I wish I could sit out here all the time but even with headphones on, just the constant motion of four people going in and out, playing music, cleaning, shopping and simply living is just too busy!  

I'm definitely getting old.  I remember my Mom saying she had to take a nap when one sibling + small family came for a visit.  And now I know!

SUMMER SULTRY LOOK

 Pandemic hair ... just everywhere with icky cotton candy ends

New hair stylist and now it is almost 100% white.  Long enough to tuck in a ball cap.  Looks good with both sides behind my ears.  

Spray tan!!!  A friend has a wedding to attend on Saturday so I accompanied her.  We went on Sunday at 11:00 am and by 5:00 pm I was as dark as if I'd spent a month on a tropical island.  I don't tan at all so I am loving the results.  I'm showering Monday afternoon which will cause it to face a little.  We are going again on Thursday and I'm hoping to go once a week for the rest of the summer.  No more neon WHITE legs for me!

Now I will see if I can replicate the hair blow dry.  And will also try curls.  Product product product!