OPA 26 to 28 Feb New Home decisions

I was able to meet the the builders for the MHP I am interested in on Monday morning. Spent about an hour getting questions answered. Then did some errands and let the info sit on 'back burner' so to speak. Once home looked over the floor plans again and narrowed it to three possible floor plans. Then started crunching the numbers for the various options. Pro/Cons lists made and head wouldn't let it go. Couldn't sleep. Kept adding things or changing the priorities or shifting from one list to other side. That made for only one night of little to no sleep. Tuesday things started settling down of choices and slept Tuesday. 

My thanks to Christine and Jim Johnston and Matt and Carol Hutchinson. I have been 'talking' all this over with them via email and texts. They have helped in asking some questions and making comments I hadn't thought of. Still have one major decision to make, which particular lot to put the home on. 

Need to apply to Heritage Park management. Hopefully new bank pre-printed checks will arrive tomorrow and submit that. Then meet with builders and start on the list of particulars to leave as standard or upgrade. Depending on how busy the manufacturer is it could take three to six (3-6) months. The manufacturer is in Oregon. May take a road trip. 

Exciting times. Hopefully deciding on the specific features will be less stressful than going forward this way rather than buying one already in place and choosing the exact model. 

Prayers have been said throughout this process, sometimes more casually than formal. Answer today confirms I am where I am suppose to be. Peace knowing on correct path. Thank you to all that have been sending good thoughts and prayers for me on this move. 

With this decision made, my energy and efforts can shift to going through the boxes and sell items not needed or wanted or donating. And spending some fun time taking pictures. Need to work on old computer WiFi bridge.

May change to posting once a week. Take care.

OPA 22 to 25 Feb 2018 new home?

Boring four days. Looked at all the manufactured home model floor plans. Eliminated four due to size, leaves six to consider. Each has plus and minus aspects. My mind doesn't translate well from flat floor plans to what look like in real life. Left a phone message with the property owners on Thursday asking for meeting. Have not yet heard back. I will send an email after posting this and hope for response. 

Finished Dragon Knight's Axe. Don't like as much as the others. Too many unanswered big questions. How did a Scotsman become captain of a Viking trading ship? What happened / how explain Fiona's disappearance from modern times? The other books had some closure for those left behind in modern times. Nothing in this story. Working on a review. 

The snow is mostly gone. We did get some more on Thursday and gone by time up and out. Some scattered flurries. The temps at night are really cold. 

I have a visiting teacher companion and three sisters to visit. Hmm...wonder if just getting them today and need to do for this month. Maybe a little note to introduce ourselves?

Otherwise the usual groceries, laundry, clean up, etc stuff.

OPA 19 to 21 Feb 2018 Day after snow, new MH park,

Monday: The day after the snow was bright and sunny. Some snow melted. The snow was definitely crunchy when I went out walking around taking pictures.  Drove to the Manufactured Home (MH) park office...still closed, or at least the open sign isn't on. Wait another day I guess. Finished the second Dragon Knight book and worked on review. Took pictures and posted to sell three old coats. Just asking $10 or $15 plus postage. More important to get out of my hands rather than making money. 

Tuesday: Found the baby blanket and washed. Now to get it to Anna. Went to the MH park office and still no open sign lit, tried door anyway. And it was open. Got some general info. Feeling kinda excited. Takes about three months from time order to get it in place and then finishing set up is weather dependent. That would work with rental timeline. Now to look at models and find out prices. Kayla's package arrived a day early. Posted review of the second Dragon Knight book. 

Wednesday: Finally called Medicare Supplement insurance and drug coverage. Looked through two boxes of fragile / kitchen stuff. The fragile box was of collectibles mostly, so put back in box and off to storage room. Other box had some more bowls, knife set, and Pyrex glass measuring cups. One glass canister was broken. It had Arizona tea maker inside and that was too heavy for it. No big deal. Most stuff was put into smaller boxes. Oh found a music box. Left out the two ceramic canisters that are broken to fix. Started the third book of Dragon Knight series - Axe, about Alistair. Fiona seems to be the least prepared for traveling back in time. Mary Morgan won an award for best paranormal romance for Quest of a Warrior. 

Review Dragon Knight's Medallion by Mary Morgan

This is the second book in the Dragon Knight series. Stephen Mackay was keeper of the medallion relic. Stephen ran away to an abbey being built after his sister was killed. The physical work helped him cope with the tragedy. 

This is a time when the new one god religion was in conflict against the old pagan religion. By going to an abbey Stephen renounced all of the old pagan relationship to his life with his brothers and the relics. He is befriended by one of the brother monks, who is also a druid. 

Aileen Kerrigan is part of the Society of Thistle, that studies and preserve historical herbs and plants, in present day Boston. Her father is an archaeologist, who ran to Scotland after the death of his wife. He is working on the remains of an abbey. He finds something and calls for his daughter and other members of the Society to Scotland. While there Aileen discovers her father is much more than an archaeologist. 

The story starts 18 months after Margaret's death, spring equinox 1206. Rome is sending a contingent of bishops to check out the building of the abbey and the conversion of the locals from the local pagan religion. That is used as a cover for other activities by Lachlan. Yes, the evil druid is back and causing problems. Cathal is also around along with other druids. 

How Stephen and Aileen cross paths and the quest journey they travel together is another great story. Aileen meets the great dragon. We meet Liam and Rory who are fae warrior brothers to Conn and don't look like Viking warriors. 

I found the conversations surrounding the old and new religion conflict interesting. Brother Osgar especially is of interest being a druid and a monk. 

Looking forward to reading about the next brother's quest.

Books available through the usual vendors and her web site: marymorganauthor.com

OPA 15 to 18 February MH, Home Expo, Snow

Thursday: Was back to looking for new home. Discouraged somewhat. So many things to consider. Wondering if over thinking. Overly concerned about future capabilities or lack of. Checked in with a couple of friends and they agree that my long term concerns are reasonable and should plan for. Made appointment to go look at a couple with realtor on Friday. Finished the second Dragon Knight book - Medallion. 

Friday: Found the size I want. The ones before were too big at 1800 sq ft. The two today were 1200 to 1350 sq feet. Felt more reasonable size that even as age I could keep up with. 

Saturday: thought of couple of things about Medicare supplement insurance to double check. Looked those things up.  USAA is still better deal. Did look for less expensive drug coverage and found one about half the price of the one offered by USAA through Humana. No one has Medicare Advantage plans for this area. That would be so nice to have all in one package. 

Drove around a new MH park, still has vacant lots. Found the main office, closed today. Take a look on Monday. They are putting different MH on the lots to sell, just the MH or land? There were two on the window, one sold, one still available. Smaller at 950 sq ft. Need measurements and take longer look at floor plan. Definite try on Monday. 

Also went to Home Building expo at the high school. Found an professional handy man. Info on heat/cool, custom home, etc. Nothing on manufactured homes. One vendor was a clinic in Port Angeles that takes casual walk ins while you wait to get a PCP. The local clinics have wait list. sigh  At least my two meds have refills left, so won't need doctor for six months or more. 

Sunday: I woke up late and just ran around getting ready for church. As ate breakfast dressed and ready to leave, looked at email and FB. Found message from Relief Society Secretary that church meetings were canceled due to snow....Snow? then I looked out and indeed the world was all white. It was so pretty and peaceful looking. Silent Night Holy Night came to mind. 

As quickly as possible finished breakfast and changed into going out into cold and snow clothes. Took cameras out. Fun! Need to get gloves that can work on phones. Fingers were only part that got cold when trying to take pictures with the phone. All the other parts had the right layers to stay comfortable. So many layers kinda hard to move. 

It has been decades since been in snow. It was neat watching it come down. While I was out it did start to get a little like ice pellets rather than fluffy flakes. Someone shoveled sidewalk and the street got plowed. Kinda surprised about that since private street. Glad have car in garage and don't have to go any where. Tomorrow will be worse with icy roads. 

Fixed a pot roast and did some laundry. Wrote up review of first Dragon Knight book and posted earlier. After finish this post, start post on the second book. 

Review Dragon Knight's Sword by Mary Morgan

Dragon Knight's Sword is the first in the series about the Dragon Knights. The series is about four brothers and their sister. They are guardians of the last dragon and sacred relics. There was a tragic fight that killed their sister and these stories are of the brothers' journey to reclaiming their honor and their individual relic. There are druids, fae warriors, lust, romance, lack of communication, stubborn characters, and time travel. The stories are a mix of Irish and Scottish myth and legends. Each story is a stand alone for each brother, but there is reference to earlier happenings if read them out of order. So to avoid any spoilers it is best to read them in order. 

The sword is Duncan Mackay's. This first story is his journey from depression after the tragedy to hope and love. Duncan is not the eldest of the brothers, but it was his sword that killed their sister. So he is the first to try to clean their honor, lift the curse, and hopefully regain the sword. 

It starts in 1205AD, a year after the tragic death of their sister. Duncan has come to realize he needs to do something to clear the curse. He travels to find a wise druid to clarify what that something is and how to accomplish it. Thus starts his quest. 

Brigid is co-owner of an antique shop in current day Seattle who majored in history. She receives a sword and with help of a history professor figures out what it may be. She is off to Scotland to return the sword to the Mackay clan. 

This is a romance, so obviously their paths cross. How their paths cross and what happens to them is great story telling. Secrets are revealed. Mysteries are unraveled. Dreams become real. The Great Dragon is met.  Both the quest and the romance have their ups and downs. 

There is a good balance of informative detail to broad strokes of background. Humor is well used to relieve tension as they travel their paths. There is lust at first sight, that becomes love. I do a fast skim of the detailed sex scenes which are less detailed than other stories and not inappropriate. 

Looking forward to the other stories. 
UPDATE: Her books are available from usual vendors. Her web site has an ebook boxed set available to get and add an e-autograph. http://www.marymorganauthor.com/

OPA 12 to 14 February 2018, mail R&J, Valentines' Day

Monday was a reading day while did laundry. Finished the first book in Mary Morgan's Dragon Knights series - Dragon Knight's Sword. The last third of book was tense and couldn't put it down. After feeling so bad that didn't want to read, it was nice to just read and laundry and finish both.

Tuesday: prepared Romeo and Juliet books to mail to friends. DVD boxes at post office were perfect fit. Found some Valentines' Day tissue paper. Wide red ribbon was not found :-(  Did find some sorta wide white ribbon. Had stickers to put on the ribbon and white not wide enough. sigh. Did manage to make one little bow for Sandi's book. [reference to her book The Unexpected Woman] Carol H posted to FB they were moving, so texted to see if wanted her copy now or later. She replied that she'll pick up in person. So only four copies to mail out. 

Wanted to write on back of certificate copies with info in red, but only had sharpie in red and showed through. Ruined one copy. Decided to ask Sherri if she wanted the extra copy. 

Enjoyed my usual Tuesday shows even if repeats. 

Wednesday: Up early and ready to go to Forks to mail from there. Remembered Craig and Sharon's items and brought with me. Nice drive down, some rain, mostly not. Stopped a few times along Lake Crescent and took pictures. 

The boxes at the post office were too big for C&S's items and didn't bring packing stuffing. So just the four boxes. Walked to pharmacy to see if they had any night lights. Heard from Sherri and met up at Outfitters. She was thrilled with the gift. Great feeling. She gave me a necklace of Renesmee's locket. Met her granddaughter and had lunch with them. 

Checked in Outfitters for accepted night light. Lady bug and a little red car were close but not close enough. Looked in Native to Twilight and Ace Hardware, no luck for night light. However did find some other things in Native to Twilight. 

Left for home. Stopped at Swain's in Port Angeles. No luck there for decorative night light. Picked up some groceries at Sunny Farms before getting home. After dinner sent regular emails to the four with tracking info on package. 

Best Valentines' Day in a very long time. I was as excited to mail these out as to get and open the box from the Prop Store. It feels good to share these books. 

One person yesterday sent me message asking to buy a copy. They were never for sale at any price. They were always for people who did not have any other item from the movies. 

OPA 8 to 11 February 2018 Prop Store auction wins

This is a day late due to not feeling so good and reading another Mary Morgan book. On to my OPA journal.

Thursday and Friday: Shortly after falling asleep I had a nightmare about the box. FedEx arrived at UPS store after hours and left the box at the door like would at a home. It was missing in the morning when the store staff came in. I woke myself up at this point. Could not go back to sleep. Read some in a Mary Morgan book, until about 0300hrs. 

The Prop Store box arrived in the morning, I received text from the UPS store. I picked it up after running some errands around town. The staff at the UPS store were curious and noticed I was excited to get the box. I told them what was in it. The Prop Store tape is something of a give away as to importance of package. Some mild Twilight interest from a couple of the staff.

I had posted to the Dungeness Ward RS FB page asking if any Twilight fans, two responded but not available to help me open the box. Lissy Andros said to bring it to Forks. So that became the plan. Meet up with her and any others in Forks to open it at the Collection on Friday at 1130hrs. Way cool place to do so. I really wanted to open it with company to share the event and for someone else to take pictures. There were comments asking for a FB Live video. Ok..don't know how to do that, but maybe someone else does.

I brought it inside and placed box on rocking chair. After the nightmare the night before, I kept looking at it to make sure still there and resisting temptation to tear into it. Eventually I took it to car, make sure I didn't leave in too much of hurry Friday morning and forget it at home. 

Up early Friday, ready for adventure to Forks and opening Prop Store box. Nice drive down. I was early so went to Outfitters to see if they had step stool and what else might be of interest. Found a cute red truck night light on Christmas clearance end cap. Last one. Also found a silicon strainer that you can boil or steam along with pasta or veggies and just pull out...neat idea and on clearance table. Made me late to the Collection.

Later than 1130hrs at the Collection. Lissy, Lisa Clark, Julie Edwards and daughter, and Sherri Aguayo were already there. I forgot to take TC Tigger and Eeyor in to view the opening. Lissy handled the FB Live feed, Julie had my D5100 camera. 

It was so neat opening the box there under the Dazzle sign with other fans. Nice to have someone else taking pictures and the video, let me just enjoy the moment. 

The red blanket was on top. It is so pretty. Not solid color, but white, pinkish, colors too. [note I can't add pictures to blog from new computer and the old one doesn't recognize wifi. hope to correct that and add pictures later.]

Then the eight copies of Romeo and Juliet and one copy of Merchant of Venice with torn out note. The note was not torn out from that book however. There is also the note about J Jenks. You can feel the heavier cover on R&J with the movie cover overlaid on the original. Lissy doesn't want the MoV copy until April when they get their other items and the display case will be rearranged. The certificates were in an envelope along with a 10% off coupon. The items were in heavy duty plastic bags. There are a lot of large foam peanuts. Nothing breakable and still lots of peanuts. 

And it was over. The video has 1.1K views?! Thanks to all for sharing the experience. So glad I'm here and had the company to open the box. 

Stayed around talking with Sherri for couple of hours. Got some orientation for when I will be a docent there. It was a marvelous day. Went to VIC and checked in with Lissy before leaving. Drive back was a little long, had to stop in Port Angeles for a driving break. 

Had a nice fancy frozen dinner. Either the dinner or all the excitement or something...my GI tract rebelled. I was up and down all night. Saturday and Sunday were very slow days. Missed church to stay close to bathroom. Didn't even want to read until late Sunday afternoon. So that is why this is a day late. I do feel fine this sunny Monday morning. 

OPA 5 to 7 February 2018 TV, Prop Store items, health insurance, MH

Monday: spent most of day looking over the MediCare supplement insurance info I got at the Senior Assistance Center. Different plans, different companies, different prices. Looked at a couple of web sites...why the different prices? seems they all say the cover the same thing. Costing me $135 more a month here than with Kaiser NoCal. Then add in extra for drug, dental and vision. Still debating between two plans, the difference being cover excess charges or not, price difference is $82. 

Turns out you have to have drug coverage even if you don't have any drugs. With my two meds, it would likely cost me less if paid cash for generic than it will the copay and premium. 

On fun note: I called Prop Store on Friday to ask about Twilight auction win. Make sure charges were going through ok, since can't get info on line from credit union and Prop Store wasn't recognizing me either. It was all good and due for last payment in March. Oh. :-( March? So I asked to go ahead and process for the balance and ship it. Monday got email that it was processed and on its way when carrier pick up sometime that day. 

On Sunday made arrangements with missionaries to come help me move some bigger/heavier boxes to look for TV. Found it and got it out of cubby hole it was in before they arrived. Pull out some other boxes labeled fragile. Only missing convection oven and scale. Didn't see either one in unlabeled boxes I opened up. Decided to just buy a simple toaster over and skip scale for now. 

So got the TV hooked up to cable and watched Frankie Drake mystery. Good show. And so nice to have TV here now, especially before Tuesday and my usual three hour line up. 

Tuesday: In morning I thought I'd try putting Kindle PC version on the new Dell computer. It works. Read a story from Sandi Layne I downloaded a couple of years ago and couldn't get it to work on the Lenova. Now to download the Dragon Knight series from Mary Morgan. And see what free ones are available. 

In the afternoon talked with a loan officer at Evergreen Home Loans. Even if on foundation, no wheels involved, manufactured homes are not real estate, no mortgage, have to get a consumer loan ==> higher interest rates. Only if own the property and putting the MH on a foundation is it considered real estate and get a mortgage. If in a park and paying space rental, not real estate, consumer loan. According to her only one local bank does that kind of loan. Guess I didn't ask the question to the banks earlier the correct way.  Getting confused with what words mean here versus what meant in California. In California, condo owners do not own the property. But considered real estate and able to get mortgage. I admit to getting a little discouraged. Want to get settled. Glad I had the three shows to get involved with as a distraction.

My usual three shows were good. Sat in rocking chair all nicely wrapped up and warm. Got up nearly every commercial to move around to keep from being sore. Tried heating up some coconut milk for hot cocoa...not so good. 

Wednesday: Went looking around at another over 55 community. Close to the water, far from town. Someone is likely going to eventually make lots of money providing a shuttle service for elderly to that community. As a single woman with no children, best if stay closer to town. Easier to get around when older and can't drive. Not going to happen soon, but eventually and don't want to move again, until time for assisted living or hospice. Not being pessimistic, just thinking and planning ahead. Make things as easy as possible for anyone that does take care of me when elderly and needing help more than do now. 

Checked FedEx tracking on Prop Store shipment...due tomorrow. Hopefully get to UPS store in time for me to pick up tomorrow. Wish there were some Twilight fans close by to help me open box. Maybe put note in the RS FB? see if anyone interested in sharing. 

OPA feelings after a month

Writing up a lot here today. So I posted the usual Thursday to Sunday journal. Then an one month summary of just facts until last couple of sentences. So now one more about feelings. 

This will be harder to express. I don't consider myself very religious or on the best of terms with Heavenly Father much of the time. I try to listen. I try to follow promptings and feelings. I try not to be oblivious to things. Sometimes more successful than others. Sometimes He does kind of have to hit me hard with info to make me see something. 

The first time I went to Forks for Stephenie Meyer Days in 2013, it felt like I was coming home. It felt very much like it did when in 1995 I dropped off Carol Rivkins in London to fly home and picked up David Buchannan to travel back up to Scotland for another couple of weeks. The drive back to Scotland was interesting. The closer we got to Scotland the calmer I felt. The more like home it felt. That is how I've felt every year I have returned to Forks in September. Glad that I have driven up each year, I wonder if it would be the same if flew into Portland or SeaTac. 

When I retired and started seriously considering where I wanted to live, Arizona was on my list with my two nieces and one nephew living in Phoenix area. Then stated hearing how they didn't want to stay in the heat. So why move there to be closer and then they move. So looked at where I wanted to be...where it felt like home, Olympic Peninsula. Add in better able to live off land up here than in Phoenix area in worse case happening. 

Things came to head last April and took me eight months to make it happen. I am slow and methodical most of the time. 

People stated a concern about the weather change and my ability to adapt. So far not a problem. The only time I've been really cold was the three hours of checking boxes off as they unloaded truck. I dress in layers and keep my ears and hands covered. Maybe it hasn't been really cold yet. So far it has been rainiest January in a while. Hasn't bothered me yet. I don't feel all gloomy. In fact the dynamic sky is fascinating.  

Last September I came up early for Forever Twilight in Forks to look at Port Angeles, Sequim, and Port Townsend. Sequim felt the best. It still feels the best. It still feels like home. I am where I am suppose to be, at least in general area. Still need to find the specific location to reside in. Things haven't gone as planned or hoped for, but I am at peace that it will work out. I am happy to be here with a fresh start in many ways.

I don't miss San Jose, well do miss Whole Foods and the non diary yogurt selection there. I do miss seeing friends on Sunday. I am glad for FaceBook to kinda keep up with friends. I will miss BayCon and WorldCon in San Jose this year. I am enjoying the quieter and slower aspect of life here. There are conventions and other things here. New and exciting things to experience. Maybe this is where I can become my best self and shine. [Twilight and Firefly reference both] Take care friends, I could not have done this all without your support. 

OPA one month summary

Arrived in Sequim a month ago. This will be a short summary of the month.

My application for affordable senior apartment wasn't approved, so stayed in EconoLodge for three weeks. Found my way around town, grocery stores and which ones had what I need. Got connected with a realtor. Made a trip to Seattle by ferry to meet with financial adviser as initial interview. Both men prior military and liked what heard, so signed on to help manage my money from sale of condo to make last as long as possible. Made a trip to meet up with other Twilighters in the area in Federal Way. Along the way found the Trader Joe's and Lazy Boy stores. Had my household goods moved from storage in San Jose to here. Only two units open large enough. Rentals are hard to come by for living in and storage. Then found a rental unit to live in with short term lease. With short notice, I did get some help moving some furniture into rental, including my bed, from men in church ward. Bought a red microwave oven to match the Twilight auction win. Made a couple of trips out with realtor, refining what want and need with each trip. 

Every day some progress. Well almost every day, had one wash out day. Things have not gone as planned for this whole move to Olympic Peninsula. I am blessed to be here.

OPA 1 to 4 February, tired

Thursday: Stuck in tired but not sleepy and not sleeping much. Spent some time in storage unit, looking for TV and toaster oven. Didn't find either one. Did find some other things. Need help moving some bigger boxes and some too high. Started process to transfer funds from Santa Clara Credit Union to Synergist account. Kinda cool writing check for that big amount. Thursday evening went to an high school senior play with Gwen and a friend - Be True to Your School. It was enjoyable. The students were very enthusiastic. It was kinda a parody of 60's. Good music. I remember those songs. In mood to continue the distraction so started reading a Twilight fan fic, Red Ranger by 2 Brown Eyes. Finished it about 3am. Wrong thing to sit for so long, could hardly move. Think need to set phone alarm for every hour to get up and move around. Did go to sleep rather easily. 

Friday: kinda a wash out day after staying up reading. 

Saturday: discovered Sunnyside Farms store. Gluten and diary free stuff including treats. Will have to avoid that aisle for the most part, but nice to know have some place to get treats infrequently. Not as big a choice in dairy free yogurt as Whole Foods. Nice selection of dairy free cheese though. Wonderful fresh produce and meats. 

Sunday: One month since my arrival. With a residence now, gave info to ward here to transfer my records. Interesting Sunday School lesson on the Fall and Atonement. Washing sheets and towels today. The dryer warms the place up nicely. Working on this post and will do a general one month review also.