Day 126

The day was cloudy, a step down from the last couple of days. It wasn't cold, but it was cool enough that I didn't feel like going out and doing anything.

The mortgage broker showed up at 8:00 AM. He had about 25 papers that I had to sign twice. Once with my name and once with Ellen's name. It's funny how her signature looks a lot like mine. We spent about two hours talking about a variety of things. He's interested in shotgun shooting so I showed him my target guns. We also traded some life story vignettes. It was quite enjoyable. He wants to get together for a beer sometime. I told him I would love to. I also said that since I'm retired, all he had to do was name the place and time.

The dog laid around all morning and then got antsy in the mid afternoon. So I took her to the back of the park. She did about 20 retrieves (not many for her) and then quit. I think the heat thing is getting to her. On the way back there was a squirrel sitting on the side of the road. It decided to walk across the road about 6 feet in front of us. I couldn't resist. I let Lucy's leash go and she chased the squirrel up a nearby tree. Then she stood at the base of the tree making these soft yipping sounds that she makes when she wants to play. The squirrel looked down from a tree branch about 10 feet up and declined the invitation.

While I was out with the dog I got a call from my mother. My father's health is deteriorating rapidly. The nursing home doesn't expect him to live for more than a week or so. Of course with Ellen away I can't go up there. Also of course neither of my parents have done any funeral planning. I told mother to call the priest to get advice and help on choosing a funeral plot and a burial site. After all, consulting on those things is a big part of his profession. I'll try to get up there if things progress as the nursing home expects. It seems to be a bad winter for fathers.

There was a concert at the clubhouse tonight. It was a country music band that apparently has been a fixture in the area for over 20 years. They come here every year. They put on a two hour show and they were very good. So were the brownies, cookies, and punch. I bought one of their CD's just to support them.

There's a potluck tomorrow evening. I've got to go over to the grocery store tomorrow morning and pick up something for it.