Getting Back to Normal

I just realized it's been nearly a week since I posted.  Honestly, days just fly by sometimes!

Part of the reason I've been so unaware is because I've been down with a cold for five days.  It's seriously been a rough school year for me.  It doesn't seem to matter how many precautions I take, if the grandsons get sick, within 2-3 days, so do I.  To say I'm looking forward to summer is an understatement!

What I've hated the most about being sick this time around is missing the great weather we've been having.  But, finally, this afternoon I was well enough to take my neighborhood walk again. And it's another beautiful sunny day in the 60s, perfect walking weather.

Now it's back to laundry, dinner prep, steam-cleaning floors, and other fun stuff.  Have a great week!

My Favorite Paris Souvenir

Up until a couple of months ago, I hadn't polished my fingernails for years, mainly because I'm always fighting eczema.  But just before our Paris trip, my new prescription had gotten the eczema under control enough that I treated myself to a couple of manicures.  Yes, I could have colored my nails myself, but I've never enjoyed doing that.  Paris, however, changed my DIY manicure attitude.

Mavala nail enamal,
a great product produced
in Switzerland.

While in Paris, we ran into pharmacies several times to get tissues, ibuprofen, and other OTC items.  At every pharmacy, there was the same small display of tiny bottles of nail enamel, which I immediately found adorable.  Upon closer examination, however, there appeared to be the color I'd been searching for for several years, a pale nearly-translucent pink.  So, on our third pharmacy visit, I finally caved and purchased one bottle of Mavala Rose for five euros, roughly six dollars.

Shortly after we got home, hoping for the best, I got out my base and top coats and gave myself a manicure. Success!

Mavala Rose is the exact color I'd been wanting.  Plus it goes on easily and one coat gives the desired effect. But, best of all, it dries fast and lasts a long time.  I like it so much, I did an online search for a second bottle and was thrilled to find it on Amazon for $6.00 with free shipping/handling.

I should be able to get at least 20 manicures out of one bottle.  And, because it's so easy to use, I'll do them myself, saving a lot of money.  Who knew a tiny bottle of nail enamel would be my favorite Paris souvenir!

Not a Fan of Uncle Sam

When we sold the family business last November, we received eighty percent of the purchase price. As is normal with the sale of a pest control business, the remaining twenty percent was held back to be paid out a year later.  But the exact amount of the second check will be based on retention. I've decided to expect nothing, so that any amount will be a nice surprise.

Two-thirds of the purchase price we already received has been invested, planning for Jim's retirement in five years.  And the hope was the remaining third would cover taxes and the remodeling of our 30+-year-old kitchen.  But Uncle Sam had a different idea.  We ended up being taxed thirty-percent of the purchase price, five percent more than expected.  If we decide to proceed with the kitchen remodel, therefore, we'll now have to tap into our home equity.

That's a "hard pill to swallow" since we've been debt-free for nearly five years.  But our old kitchen is quickly getting to the point when it will have to be redone no matter what.  Appliances are slowing dying and new ones will not fit the same foot-prints.

So a kitchen remodel is my newest project.  Last week I met with a designer and general contractor. I've also been doing a lot of online research, and closely examining our budget to find ways to save more money.  I should have all the numbers by early May.

I love to cook and have been dreaming of a new more-efficient kitchen for many years.  I'm "keeping my fingers crossed" that, one way or another, my dream will be realized this summer despite Uncle Sam's greediness.

MS Weekend

Mike, Emily,
Elliott and Jonah

Five years ago, my son-in-law was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis after his eyesight was severely compromised seemingly overnight.  He spent a few days in the hospital while tests were run and heavy doses of steroids were administered.  Gratefully, his eyesight fully returned within weeks.  And, so far, his weekly self-administered injections are keeping the disease under control, and have prevented any progression.

When our MS journey began, we were told Mike was one of the more fortunate victims.  He was fit, young, and his symptoms were "silent."  In other words, no one can guess Mike has MS.  But the best news was there's a very real possibility a cure will be found in Mike's lifetime.

To that end, every spring we actively participate in MS fundraisers and the St. Louis MS Walk.  Tomorrow is our annual garage and bake sale held at my daughter's house.  We've already donated a truck load of items.  (Every year I'm amazed that we find that much stuff!)  And I've spent the morning baking and packaging cookies.  Then Sunday is the annual spring St. Louis MS Walk.  The weather is predicted to be sunny and in the 70s, which will be so appreciated after years of walking in the rain and cold.

So, that's our focus for this weekend.  If you would like to help, I'll be collecting monetary donations through my MS webpage for the next couple of weeks.  Every little bit helps and is greatly appreciated.

Have a great weekend!