Monday, February 9th, 2026: New budget, HECM (Reverse Mortgage) counseling with Langford Manning in N.C.,we are a little discouraged, walked 15,000 steps, "Lady Anna's Favor", James @ Applegate's, updated checkbooks

 

Addy, Ruby, Lola, Rowan

at California Adventure

Darrel & Trina took a trip to Disneyland with their kids. They are trying to get in as much family time as possible before the move. Rowan had already moved out of the house and Addy is making plans. Darrel will be gone the first part of April while Trina stays in Mesa with Ruby and Lola until they are out of school in May.

Tom got me up around 4:22. I'm glad because I had a lot to do to get ready for our reverse mortgage counseling meeting at 7:30 our time. Our counselor, Langford Manning, is calling from North Carolina.

After our counseling meeting James and I were both quite discouraged. So many unexpected charges. We are still going through with it. I told James we should get the reverse mortgage now  because we need the money but we could consider selling down the road a ways if it looks like the money is not going to last.

James has to go into town and wants me to go. He said he would buy me lunch even though he's driving the truck with the trailer. I declined going. I had just eaten a pork chop and wasn't hungry. I also had just washed my hair and didn't feel like getting ready. 

I walked 15,000 steps today and finished my book, "If You'll Have Me" by Esther Hatch. I started reading "Lady Anna's Favor" by Karen Tuft. James just recently finished reading it and said he really liked it. 

I updated both checkbooks today.

James was at Applegate's most of the day but did not bring home any money. Bo Taylor's guys are working on the basement footings, getting ready to pour concrete. They made a mistake and will now have to work longer to make it right. James is quite frustrated. 

I offered to make James dinner. He said he was happy to do it himself. He squeezed the oranges he got at church on Sunday from Brother Rosen, He also cooked some fresh broccoli which has quite a smell that permeates the house. After eating, James did all of the dishes. As of late we have not been using the dishwasher but we have been washing the dishes by hand. 

James and I both walked then went to bed between 9-10 with Tom laying at our feet on our bed and on his blanket.