I’m Shrinking and The Spring Wildlife Returns

What began as an afterthought has now become a mission of sorts. Our bathtub is the old porcelain type and slippery. I have yet to find something to fix the ongoing problem. I have tried rubber mats; they move. I have tried applications with suction cups; they won’t stay stuck. 

I did some searching online which led me to Amazon where I found these, Secopad textured stick on anti-slip decals. The 21k reviews seemed promising and I ordered one package. Like all the others I was sorely disappointed though I had high hopes.

 We are now 3 months in and most of these have peeled off of the tub surface. If you were a child in the 1970’s like myself maybe you remember those tub stickers that stuck so well they were hard to remove. My kids also had them in the 1980’s and I cannot find anything like those anywhere. 

Back then the stickers came in cute designs like whales and flowers, they easily lasted a good year in the bathtub with my family. Somewhere there is something that will accomplish my goal, I can't be the only one in this situation and I could use suggestions. Google might have search results but it lacks years of real world human experience. I'm going to say it; they don't make things like they used to.

If you're older you do not want to slip and fall in a tub. First off it’s dangerous and bones break easier, secondly, you don’t want people rushing in and experience that naked aftermath. Just saying! When you’re a parent you childproof your home to prevent accidents, when you’re old it’s pretty much the same thing again but with add-ons. Tripping and balance more often than not can become a thing. We crossed the balance threshold last year.

If you’re short maybe you can relate to this next one. My doctor giggled when I mentioned to her recently I have shrunk with age, “It’s just an old wives tale” she answered, amused. She is 35 years old and not experienced it yet, just wait. I have lived in our home 15 years and that roasting pan up on the top shelf is further away, I don’t care what anyone says. 

 

I used to stretch to reach it, later I had to be on my tiptoes, now it's beyond reach and requires a step stool. To quell the uncertainty I had my husband measure my height and he stated I was just over 5’ 1.” I said “wait, I used to be 5’2.” He replied; “You must have had bigger hair?” 

Granted we live in an old drafty house, but I don't see any sign of the floor having shifted nor do I walk bent over like an ape. Obviously there is some truth to the matter or the saying wouldn’t exist. The only other answer would be my arms have shortened. I would love to move some of the shelf items lower yes, but we have no extra space to do so. Don’t believe everything doctors say, believe your body. 

Getting home from work left me little time and energy to cook a meal so I threw together my quick version of Cottage Pie in a 12" x 9" baking dish. I browned the beef, added a small amount of my gravy to it, rinsed off the canned carrots and green beans, layered it in the oven dish and topped it with mashed potato garnished with Parmesan cheese. 

I then put it in the oven 20 minutes at 375 degrees. It’s basic but not the worst meal. It’s hot comfort food in cold weather and easy cleanup. Sometimes if the guys are real hungry I’ll serve it with biscuits or bread on the side. It’s better than them reaching for a can of “whatever” or a microwave meal and it’s enough for three adults.

Winter started receding with sudden warmer temperatures overnight and it’s showing outdoors. The thick layer of melting ice and snow in our drive and parking area has created a yearly large pond that will grow larger until the ground beneath thaws. Each spring that this occurs the local wild ducks turn up in the yard. 

They will use this temporary pond until the iced over river next to us they frequent begins to break up. Most are mallards but we have seen a few wood ducks mixed into this flock. At night they retreat under the trees and shrubs to rest, then return to the water the first sign of morning light.

Though we don’t feed the ducks ourselves, one of the neighbors recently decided to give them a treat of cracked corn. Other locals will stop to just watch them. Years ago we would only get a few but as of now there is a flock of 18 camping out there night and day. 

The biggest risk for them are a nesting pair of Bald Eagles, hawks,  and Osprey nearby. There is also a scattering of area Bobcats that are more likely to be the biggest threat. The ducks returning to the yard is a sure sign spring is closer and a blessed event welcome by all. 

Happy March. Daylight savings (Spring ahead) begins March 9th just days away, I’m excited!

 

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