Have to take Tom to the wound clinic in about 45 minutes and I'm wiped. Raised my heart rate and stress level, screamed at the cats a few times (Rufus in particular was pushing the how can I annoy Mom envelope...repeatedly.

I DID get the table moved (got Tom to sit in the recliner and out of my hair; didn't have to use duct tape) and a few things done: dug the ladder out and rehung the harpy sculpture, set up the nebulizer (and Tom used it!) -- what was so tedious was finding a power strip that would work in the only outlet available. And I had to test out various power strips for one that would work. I think the fault, though, lies with the outlet which should probably, like several others, be replaced.

But that's another project and I've been soliciting recommendations for a local electrician who can replace several outlets and switches without putting us into bankruptcy. My handyman was going to do the work, but has decided to no longer do electrical projects because of the liability. He's not licensed. These are all projects Tom used to do and are easy enough I could, but I don't feel comfortable doing even simple electrical work...even with a book with diagrams.

Handy man is coming tomorrow to hang a swing arm lamp (I'll remove the old one and install it upstairs -- that I can do), install a couple battery-operated smoke alarms, and tighten up some cannister lamp fixtures that have never been right, so they can actually be used again. And measure for materials for a simple handrail to match the single handrail on the deck steps.

Now if I can find someone to replace the switch so we have an outside porch light and working lights in the front hall.

Have to take Tom to the wound clinic and take a few bags of things to Goodwill on the way home.

With luck, when we get home I can schlep a few boxes and things down cellar out of the way for the time being.

It all sound so simple on my list. And it all takes so damned much time in actuality.

Not going to be as cold tonight as the past two nights, but really need to clean off the woodstove and remove the stuff around it. Just in case.

Somehow I don't think I'm going to get the nap I'd really like. Or even some quiet reading time until after supper.

Other good things in the works...with the admonition that I have enough on my plate so don't worry about it and let friends deal with it.

Where, exactly, did October go? WHO is responsible?!?

And I think, if I don't get a nap, I should at least get chocolate.

Linn