Foggy Steam

Have you ever had those days where it feels like you're walking in a fog? Where nothing seems real, when you just float through time and space with no regard as to what's happening around you? Life for those few days is a blur. It's as though your soul leaves the planet for a while, leaving behind the shell of who you are until its return. 

The past few days has been just that. My mind is in a fog. Everything is streaming by in front of me as a faux life. I'm well aware of people and things. I know what I'm doing and can think clearly, as least well enough to get through each day. But time is floating past me as though I'm sitting above a fog bank watching it all happen but without participating. It is seemingly a part of me working through the remnants of my illness and part is being in shock from a friend passing far too soon. I also have another person in my life ready to say goodbye. It's so much to grasp and is happening far too quickly. 

I have one strong hold on reality. My sweet man keeps me grounded, with a solid footing on this rock. He keeps me "real" I guess, for the lack of a better word. We sat and talked last night about our past relationships, our marriage, and how we both felt like not only was it meant to be, but how we learned so many lessons along our path to end up here, together, enjoying our evening. Our purpose has yet to be discovered, but we know that we have been brought together by some magical force beyond our comprehension. Now comes the time for our individual realizations of what is meant to be in life. Our calling, our purpose in life. What are we here to do? 

Our discussion that ran late into the night brought us to one conclusion outside of us being destined as partners, and that is love. We feel humans are meant to love and be loved. Both of us have traveled our paths until we joined at the crossroads of the third chapter of life. Together we walk our individual paths into the rest of our own journey, but we have each other to reach across that road and hold hands as support along that untraveled road. Separately and yet together, we will complete our journey and move on to the next phase of life in our deaths, all the while knowing it's all about love. Loving each other and those around us.

I'm not trying to get dark here or bring anyone down. I'm not depressed in any way. Just thinking about the grand scheme of things and the blessings in life. Even though I'm in a fog this week, I'm also happy to have someone with me who cares enough to truly understand me, extending his hand to help me through that dense blanket of murkiness. It's all good. It's all magical. 

On a much brighter, happier note, my daughter is preparing the party goods and I cannot wait. I'm still concerned that Terry may not be able to make it due to his illness and that breaks my heart. He wants to go and I am hoping he can. But if he is still ill, he cannot afford to go or to pass it along to the family. Keeping our fingers crossed, we are doing all we can to get him well before Saturday arrives. 

The awesome hot cocoa bar has been set up and is ready to go! We have cocoa bombs that are added to a cup of hot milk to produce decadent coca heaven. We have sugar free cocoa options and regular hot chocolate choices. There is tea and coffee. Candy galore. Sprinkles, maraschino cherries, whipped cream and then all topped off with syrups of all sorts. If I don't write a post for a while, you'll know it's due to the sugar coma I'm in. Bless my beautiful daughter's heart!

On top of all of this, we are having French toast, sausage, sausage gravy and biscuits, scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, fresh fruit, more whipped cream, syrup, and for dessert, doughnuts. We voted on no cake for my birthday because well, we are really not missing any sugar. Not bad for a diabetic birthday, yes? She makes sure we all have sugar free, gluten free, and keto choices, so it's really all good. 

Game night! We are going to be gathering to play a murder mystery game! I can't wait for this birthday! It's going to be a blast. Between dogs and cats galore, my family, and the remarkable, beautiful spread, it's going to be a great night! We are all attending the party in pajamas too, so it will also be relaxing. Awesome times and plenty of photos to follow! Last year I missed the party because I had a case of COVID. This year, I'm going to make sure I make up for it! At the ripe old age of 66, I'm ready to rumble!

Today is only Thursday, the beginning of what is going to be an awesome weekend. We are relaxing today. I'm working, Terry is getting his hair cut and running errands. As I sit here, there are reminders of great times spent with my sweet man, such as my new sixth month anniversary bouquet. The flowers have opened further, creating a beautiful, full Christmas grouping. 

As I transcribe my files, I not only see the white, green, and red from the bouquet, but there is a faint aroma of evergreen, rose, and a light scent of a mixture of flowers. It's all so perfect and reminiscent of our awesome wedding, six months ago, not to mention it gives us a glimmer of the Christmas season decor. 

Well, since Friday (December 22), I was able to open my gift from Terry. The box that had been taunting me since the day it arrived was finally mine to break into. I knew what it was, as it was delivered in full sight, with no box around it to hide the contents. It is a Bissell Crosswave Hydrosteam mop, vacuum, and carpet cleaner all in one. I need help cleaning because of the animals and especially our Togo. His hair is so thick and comes out in handfuls. This cleaning device is the perfect solution!

Terry asked me what I wanted or needed for Christmas and my birthday. I couldn't come up with anything. I mentioned the Crosswave and another item or two and he made it happen! The excitement was there. I peeled away the box top and I heard the angels sing. A large beam of light shot out toward the heavens when that cardboard top flipped open. It was mine. Finally, it was mine! My precious ...

Under the glow of the living room light, I saw the manual. That beautiful bible that will teach me how to maintain a wood floor that needs cleaning, but under very little dampness. The book that will give me the answer to keeping all the fur down to a minimum. With joy, I took that book in hand and began to read my way into cleaning heaven. 

I soon learned that the machine came with two different cleaning solutions, one for pets and their left behind stench and the other for sanitizing floors. Either one works for me. Keeping the odor of dog butt down to a minimum is a must. 

Then the golden egg came in the form of a cleaner to clean the cleaner. Yes, I said that. When you are finished cleaning your floors, you put Freshstart in the tank and push the self clean button. The machine pushes water and cleaner through the roller brush and into the parts of the gadget, making everything fresh and clean again. Even the mopping roller came out squeaky clean and as good as new. It's a beautiful, beautiful thing. 

I filled the tank. With the wand in hand, I pressed the power button and set the steam setting. Immediately the steam shot from under the roller bar. The mop kicked into gear and set things in motion. Being lightweight, it was so easy to use. With a few pushes, my kitchen floor was clean, steamed, and smelling, plus looking great! Now for the difficult floor. 

The wood laminate flooring we have is touchy. It is one that cannot have much water on it or it will penetrate up under the slats and will buckle the flooring. Lately I have been using a cloth with a touch of spray cleaner on it, getting on my hands and knees to control how much fluid gets put on that floor. I've used a regular mop, but it's difficult to maintain the very light amount of water or cleaner that gets dispersed. Our landlord suggested a Swiffer, which we purchased immediately upon moving in. The pads that come with the Swiffer were worse than using a mop in terms of how much moisture is put on the floor. 

But that pressure is off now. The new Crosswave mopped the floor without the steam setting, and vacuumed all debris while it made the house smell good! After I used the regular setting for the mop mode, I also ran the head over the floor a second time to ensure very little moisture remained. This machine is a Godsend! I am so in love with this new "toy". I hope my husband doesn't mind it coming to bed with us at night. It doesn't take up all that much room. He can slide over. 

We are heading out to Eugene tomorrow for the big birthday Christmas bash. Until our next post, happy holidays everyone! Hugs and love sent your way.