Gracious, it's COLD! We've been cold for 3 nights (or maybe 4) in a row and this old person just isn't taking it so well! I haven't had the furnace checked out ($60!) and I haven't had the propane tank filled either so it's quite nippy in the house!
Last night I built my first fire of the season (gotta get more wood) and it really did make quite a difference in comfort! We (the 7 animals and I) have been going to bed between 8 and 8:30 just to be warm and last night because of the fireplace we stayed up until 10!
I'm trying to get the house a little more comfortable with sun light today. It seems to be working a little bit, but this time of the year I don't get much full sun on the house until late in the day. Yesterday I sat on the front porch from 5 til 6 and was comfortable for about 45 minutes. When the sun goes down it's mighty fast!
This afternoon I'm going to bake a little 8lb. turkey and that'll put a little heat out and then around 6 tonight I'll build a small fire. I'm trying to conserve my wood pile as much as possible. Then I should be able to stay up through Survivor!!!!! It's terrible, but I have turned on a couple of incandescent fixtures just for the heat and it does make a difference!
Tuesday work gave us all giant bags of mixed candy. When I say giant I mean really big, like 10 pounds! and, Carolyn gave me 2 bags of candy! I got a couple of oval orange-colored plastic tubs with handles at the Family Dollar Store for $1.00 each and filled one to over-flowing and took it to the nursing home that Mother's in and put it on the nurses station. Wrote on it Happy Halloween from JP (Mother). They were tickled! And, it made me feel good too! I'm going to fill little buckets for all of the Friday night ladies and that still leaves me with a whole unopened bag! Not sure just what I'll do with it. I'll figure something out.
I'm sure I mentioned that we are all going to dress up Halloweenishly (boy, that one drove spell check crazy! didn't even have a suggestion!) for dinner Friday night. I'm going to attempt to paint on a leopard face and wear my leopard pants and jacket. I've got a tail and ears that I made years ago and I'll wear them too. Keep your fingers crossed that it turns out okay, the face painting, I mean.
When I got to the nursing home Tuesday Mother was in bed for a nap, but not asleep. We visited for about 10 minutes and she was quite nice. It's amazing what a difference her medications have made! Her mind is quick now, just not terribly focused.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
I voted!
Today before going to Tallahassee to see Mother I stopped at the voter registration office and voted! Feels good getting that done! Today was only day two of the two week early voting and it was actually quite crowded. I had to wait for 20ish minutes before it was my turn. I bet this election is going to see record numbers of voters! Yeah! I believe it is such a privilege to be able to vote!!!
Mother was in the beauty parlor when I got there today. Aleen was just finishing her up and she look very pretty. She recognized me as soon as I walked in (the last few times she didn't know it was me) and was quite happy. She had a talk with Aleen about having her color done and they settled on next week. I wheeled her about for a little while and then it was time to go into the classroom where she and 3 other ladies eat. Today was the first time in a long time that she didn't want me to leave, but they don't want us there during this meal. Not sure why.
Stopped at Publix on the way home. They had some featured calf liver and I bought a package with four slices and divided it into two and two when I got home...froze one package. So, for supper tonight I had liver and onions with rice and gravy and green beans. Talk about comfort food! I find it amazing, I cut the two slices in half and still have three pieces for tomorrow! and rice and gravy and green beans! Lucky me! Yum!!
Mother was in the beauty parlor when I got there today. Aleen was just finishing her up and she look very pretty. She recognized me as soon as I walked in (the last few times she didn't know it was me) and was quite happy. She had a talk with Aleen about having her color done and they settled on next week. I wheeled her about for a little while and then it was time to go into the classroom where she and 3 other ladies eat. Today was the first time in a long time that she didn't want me to leave, but they don't want us there during this meal. Not sure why.
Stopped at Publix on the way home. They had some featured calf liver and I bought a package with four slices and divided it into two and two when I got home...froze one package. So, for supper tonight I had liver and onions with rice and gravy and green beans. Talk about comfort food! I find it amazing, I cut the two slices in half and still have three pieces for tomorrow! and rice and gravy and green beans! Lucky me! Yum!!
Monday, October 20, 2008
The first good chill of Fall!
The weather was absolutely beautiful all weekend long! Clear blue skies, puffy white clouds and mid-80s for the temp. Cool nights, 50s. Then last night it got quite chilly! I turned both ceiling fans off Friday night and have been leaving the French doors open, but last night I put on socks, closed the doors and put a blanket on the bed! I was cold!
Wore a 3/4 length sleeve pull-over with a denim jacket to work! Love to pile on those layers! You can always shed some if you need to.
Tonight it's to get back down into the 40s, but it's not to go up too much tomorrow day. Yeah! I've already gotten out tomorrow's clothes...got some good layers!
If you don't watch Biggest Loser you can watch it on the web. Sure do enjoy that show. They always look so much worse than I do when the season starts and they always look so much better at the end! It's amazing!
I really need to expand the fenced in area. What I have now is 50'x50'x50'x50', but the majority of it is cement ( which I plan to stain or paint someday). These puppies need more room to romp in. Maybe they'd tire out some.
Oh! I almost forgot, I've finished 4 of the six dining room chairs and have the seat off of the 5th one. It's a MAJOR change! Looks good.
Will go see Mother tomorrow.
Wore a 3/4 length sleeve pull-over with a denim jacket to work! Love to pile on those layers! You can always shed some if you need to.
Tonight it's to get back down into the 40s, but it's not to go up too much tomorrow day. Yeah! I've already gotten out tomorrow's clothes...got some good layers!
If you don't watch Biggest Loser you can watch it on the web. Sure do enjoy that show. They always look so much worse than I do when the season starts and they always look so much better at the end! It's amazing!
I really need to expand the fenced in area. What I have now is 50'x50'x50'x50', but the majority of it is cement ( which I plan to stain or paint someday). These puppies need more room to romp in. Maybe they'd tire out some.
Oh! I almost forgot, I've finished 4 of the six dining room chairs and have the seat off of the 5th one. It's a MAJOR change! Looks good.
Will go see Mother tomorrow.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
I've done so much recently that you'd think I'd have something to show for it! My 3 main focuses have been rendering the dining room usable, organizing the side porch and working on my work room.
The dining room is getting there. The table and chairs are once more centered in the dining room under the wonderful new chandelier that the kitchen renovators installed for me. They also left greasy black hand and finger prints on the relatively white ceiling! I must get up there and see if I can do anything about them! and...today I recovered 1 of the 6 chairs in there. It makes such a difference! Adds a wonderful pop of color and ties in the wall paper with the chandelier. Just looks great!! Now only 5 more to go. May have to do 1 a day or something as my hands are killing me from using the stapler. I'll just have to see how it goes.
I got a recycling bin last week and put it out Tuesday night for the first time. It felt good. I have put a great number of boxes out for recycling and I've taken recycle things to the dump. (They have special bins for certain things). But, it really did feel good just putting it out front!
Nancy and I have talked about needing to sell Mother's car. The sooner we do it the better the profit, but I guess that's dependent on actually be able to sell it. It's a 2008 Lincoln Town Car, I think. Anyway, it is a 2008 and you'd think it'd be easier to sell it in '08! Nancy broached the subject to Bert this week and he's dead set against it! He told Nancy that he really believes that Mother will "snap out of it"! and he wants her car to be there when she comes home! Oh, so sad!
Had dinner with the ladies last night. Always fun! I love being the youngest for a change! Had fried shrimp, cheese grits, cole slaw and hush puppies! Wonderful! Brought home a slice of pie to die for, Cool Whip, coconut, chopped pecans and caramel in a graham cracker crust! So good! Brought home enough left-overs that I had everything for breakfast and again for lunch today. Yum! Sure hate that it's all gone! Week after next is Halloween and we're all going to dress in costume for dinner! Fun! Oh, they finally pin-pointed me down on joining the Founders Garden club. I am.
I'm thinking this quietly as I type it in: The puppies seem better. A couple of times this past week I actually caught them doing something and swatted them pretty good with whatever was close at hand. Also, they've pretty much chewed up everything. They did a number on the bench that I bought to use as a coffee table. I can make it usable, but it just pisses me off when they do things like that! I coated it with hot sauce and that's working for now.
Guess I'd better go, no puppies in sight and it's mighty quiet!
The dining room is getting there. The table and chairs are once more centered in the dining room under the wonderful new chandelier that the kitchen renovators installed for me. They also left greasy black hand and finger prints on the relatively white ceiling! I must get up there and see if I can do anything about them! and...today I recovered 1 of the 6 chairs in there. It makes such a difference! Adds a wonderful pop of color and ties in the wall paper with the chandelier. Just looks great!! Now only 5 more to go. May have to do 1 a day or something as my hands are killing me from using the stapler. I'll just have to see how it goes.
I got a recycling bin last week and put it out Tuesday night for the first time. It felt good. I have put a great number of boxes out for recycling and I've taken recycle things to the dump. (They have special bins for certain things). But, it really did feel good just putting it out front!
Nancy and I have talked about needing to sell Mother's car. The sooner we do it the better the profit, but I guess that's dependent on actually be able to sell it. It's a 2008 Lincoln Town Car, I think. Anyway, it is a 2008 and you'd think it'd be easier to sell it in '08! Nancy broached the subject to Bert this week and he's dead set against it! He told Nancy that he really believes that Mother will "snap out of it"! and he wants her car to be there when she comes home! Oh, so sad!
Had dinner with the ladies last night. Always fun! I love being the youngest for a change! Had fried shrimp, cheese grits, cole slaw and hush puppies! Wonderful! Brought home a slice of pie to die for, Cool Whip, coconut, chopped pecans and caramel in a graham cracker crust! So good! Brought home enough left-overs that I had everything for breakfast and again for lunch today. Yum! Sure hate that it's all gone! Week after next is Halloween and we're all going to dress in costume for dinner! Fun! Oh, they finally pin-pointed me down on joining the Founders Garden club. I am.
I'm thinking this quietly as I type it in: The puppies seem better. A couple of times this past week I actually caught them doing something and swatted them pretty good with whatever was close at hand. Also, they've pretty much chewed up everything. They did a number on the bench that I bought to use as a coffee table. I can make it usable, but it just pisses me off when they do things like that! I coated it with hot sauce and that's working for now.
Guess I'd better go, no puppies in sight and it's mighty quiet!
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
It was one of those days!
Have you ever had one of those days when everything happens wrong? Well, today was one of those!
It all began before I left the house this morning.
When I got up this morning the puppies had torn up one of the last of the dog toys all over the bedroom. Fuzz and stuffing everywhere! Calmly picked it up.
Put the gate up between the back hall and the dining room as I was leaving for work. Saw I'd left the kitchen light on. Stepped over the gate right smack dab in the middle of a fresh, steaming, smelly pile of poop. Tossed purse to the table, grabbed the shoe and hobbled to the kitchen. Used the hottest water the pipes could produce and the sprayer and got the poop out of all of the grooves on the shoe.
Scrubbed the sink with Comet.
Only worked until 10:30 this morning. Then it was off to Tallahassee to see Mother.
I was closer to Hwy. 27 at work than I was to Hwy. 90 which is the usual way I go to see Mother. But somehow it made more sense to me to go Hwy. 27. Wrong! Because of the time of day and traffic and the fact that I was on the opposite side of town, it took me almost twice as long to get to the nursing home. Mother was in a group activity when I got there and I watched for about 15 minutes and left. I didn't want to upset the apple cart.
Stopped at Publix on the way home. They were out of my cigarettes.
When I got to Monticello I went to Fred's and got my cigarettes.
Since I was on that side of town I decided to go home the back way and stopped at Leah Jane's to get some more things out of the yard. Couldn't pick up the bird bath, but got 2 large pots of asparagus ferns and tossed them into the back seat.
Got home and opened the back door of the car to take the ferns out and a rather large green and gray snake fell out. (Use your imagination here.) After hopping around for a while I decided to try to reach over the cats that had circled the snake and take my groceries in.
As soon as I opened the back door I knew that I wasn't going to be a happy camper...there was cushion foam in large chunks all over the dining room and into the living room and the fresh aroma of puppy poop. Now I got home about 30 minutes earlier than I usually do from work and the distruction had already begun. I think they decorate for me. I'm glad I was early! After tossing the dogs out I started in on cleaning up the mess and found the remote for my TV under a mess of foam. The end that you point toward the TV was gnawed. Pointed it toward the TV and pressed "on"...nothing.
You know, at this point I'd about had it! I left Shirley and the puppies in the yard (which I have never done before) and took my remote to Radio Shack. Well, wouldn't you know it they didn't have one that was compatable with my TV! Said I'd probably have to go back to where ever I got it (Thomasville) and get one there. I moaned and groaned and the fellow said why didn't I let him check the remote out for me. It turned out that he was able to unstick a chewed button on it and said it should work. Got home, it DID!!!!
When I backed out to go to Radio Shack the snake wasn't in the carport. He rode there and back under the car somehow, 'cause he fell out when I got home!
Thank goodness, the remainder of the day has been rather uneventful. The snake got into a flower bed and seems comfortable, the puppies haven't done anything else that I've found and I'm having wonderful leftovers for supper, so no cooking! And, Biggest Loser is on tonight! All's right with my world for now!
It all began before I left the house this morning.
When I got up this morning the puppies had torn up one of the last of the dog toys all over the bedroom. Fuzz and stuffing everywhere! Calmly picked it up.
Put the gate up between the back hall and the dining room as I was leaving for work. Saw I'd left the kitchen light on. Stepped over the gate right smack dab in the middle of a fresh, steaming, smelly pile of poop. Tossed purse to the table, grabbed the shoe and hobbled to the kitchen. Used the hottest water the pipes could produce and the sprayer and got the poop out of all of the grooves on the shoe.
Scrubbed the sink with Comet.
Only worked until 10:30 this morning. Then it was off to Tallahassee to see Mother.
I was closer to Hwy. 27 at work than I was to Hwy. 90 which is the usual way I go to see Mother. But somehow it made more sense to me to go Hwy. 27. Wrong! Because of the time of day and traffic and the fact that I was on the opposite side of town, it took me almost twice as long to get to the nursing home. Mother was in a group activity when I got there and I watched for about 15 minutes and left. I didn't want to upset the apple cart.
Stopped at Publix on the way home. They were out of my cigarettes.
When I got to Monticello I went to Fred's and got my cigarettes.
Since I was on that side of town I decided to go home the back way and stopped at Leah Jane's to get some more things out of the yard. Couldn't pick up the bird bath, but got 2 large pots of asparagus ferns and tossed them into the back seat.
Got home and opened the back door of the car to take the ferns out and a rather large green and gray snake fell out. (Use your imagination here.) After hopping around for a while I decided to try to reach over the cats that had circled the snake and take my groceries in.
As soon as I opened the back door I knew that I wasn't going to be a happy camper...there was cushion foam in large chunks all over the dining room and into the living room and the fresh aroma of puppy poop. Now I got home about 30 minutes earlier than I usually do from work and the distruction had already begun. I think they decorate for me. I'm glad I was early! After tossing the dogs out I started in on cleaning up the mess and found the remote for my TV under a mess of foam. The end that you point toward the TV was gnawed. Pointed it toward the TV and pressed "on"...nothing.
You know, at this point I'd about had it! I left Shirley and the puppies in the yard (which I have never done before) and took my remote to Radio Shack. Well, wouldn't you know it they didn't have one that was compatable with my TV! Said I'd probably have to go back to where ever I got it (Thomasville) and get one there. I moaned and groaned and the fellow said why didn't I let him check the remote out for me. It turned out that he was able to unstick a chewed button on it and said it should work. Got home, it DID!!!!
When I backed out to go to Radio Shack the snake wasn't in the carport. He rode there and back under the car somehow, 'cause he fell out when I got home!
Thank goodness, the remainder of the day has been rather uneventful. The snake got into a flower bed and seems comfortable, the puppies haven't done anything else that I've found and I'm having wonderful leftovers for supper, so no cooking! And, Biggest Loser is on tonight! All's right with my world for now!
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Just catching up
Friday was my night to have dinner with the ladies. As always it was very good and much fun! The nicest thing about it was how we all dressed...in our fall clothes! We all looked so warm and fuzzy!
I sat on the computer almost all day yesterday playing a new game I found, Peggle Nites. Simple and totally captivating! Gotta watch it! It's hard to get much done that way!
Left home at a quarter to seven this morning and headed to Tallahassee. It wasn't quite as cool as its been the past few days, but cool enough! The fog was funny. It was very heavy at ground level about up to the hood of my car and perfectly clear above. There was a stretch of road where the fog pretty much covered it and the going was a tad slow. It burned off as soon as the sun came up.
Nancy and I went to The Village Inn again. They do know how to make breakfast important! Good food and brought some home!
After breakfast we "did" Walmart. I'm in the process of weather stripping and had run out, so I got some more. It's quite cheap for such a good fix. I also found some self adhesive bottom of the door strips. I'm hoping all of this will help this winter. Got some jerky and puppy chow, too.
Things at work are okay. Now that I'm really part time I find that what goes on there takes on much less importance. Funny how that works. I get up three days a week and put in 15 hours at one place and another 1-4 hours at another. And then I'm my own person. Getting the house in winter order and just order in general is a joy. If I ever finish all of my "home improvement" projects then I have a million and one other projects waiting in the wings. I'm enjoying looking forward to them!
The poor yard has really "gone to hell in a hand basket" as Aunt Maude used to say. We haven't had rain in 3+ weeks and I'm really not watering much at all (money you know). I had the fellow who mows my yard mow the pitiful garden spot, so that's gone, thank goodness and 'most everything else is dying in pots. You'd think I'd be upset by this and on some level I am, but mostly, it's a funny relief. Gets me!
Hold your breath, the puppies are better. Not good, better.
Gotta go put a bird in the oven.
I sat on the computer almost all day yesterday playing a new game I found, Peggle Nites. Simple and totally captivating! Gotta watch it! It's hard to get much done that way!
Left home at a quarter to seven this morning and headed to Tallahassee. It wasn't quite as cool as its been the past few days, but cool enough! The fog was funny. It was very heavy at ground level about up to the hood of my car and perfectly clear above. There was a stretch of road where the fog pretty much covered it and the going was a tad slow. It burned off as soon as the sun came up.
Nancy and I went to The Village Inn again. They do know how to make breakfast important! Good food and brought some home!
After breakfast we "did" Walmart. I'm in the process of weather stripping and had run out, so I got some more. It's quite cheap for such a good fix. I also found some self adhesive bottom of the door strips. I'm hoping all of this will help this winter. Got some jerky and puppy chow, too.
Things at work are okay. Now that I'm really part time I find that what goes on there takes on much less importance. Funny how that works. I get up three days a week and put in 15 hours at one place and another 1-4 hours at another. And then I'm my own person. Getting the house in winter order and just order in general is a joy. If I ever finish all of my "home improvement" projects then I have a million and one other projects waiting in the wings. I'm enjoying looking forward to them!
The poor yard has really "gone to hell in a hand basket" as Aunt Maude used to say. We haven't had rain in 3+ weeks and I'm really not watering much at all (money you know). I had the fellow who mows my yard mow the pitiful garden spot, so that's gone, thank goodness and 'most everything else is dying in pots. You'd think I'd be upset by this and on some level I am, but mostly, it's a funny relief. Gets me!
Hold your breath, the puppies are better. Not good, better.
Gotta go put a bird in the oven.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Baby, it's cold outside!
We in Florida do tend to become accustomed to the oppressive heat and humidity we live with 6 or 7 months a year, so when there's almost no humidity and the temperature is in the mid 50's we are COLD!!!! That's how it is this morning...WONDERFUL!!!
Just yesterday the two space heaters I ordered from Lowes were delivered. I won't be unboxing them today, but the thought did flicker through my mind. Fuel cost this coming winter have been on everyone's mind lately. I know it's a topic of conversation at some point at every gathering. We don't have natural gas available here which would be my fuel of choice. And, even though a fire place is wonderful, the range is limited and it does require a lot of tending and cleaning. I figure that I've been able to keep up with my electric bill this summer and shouldn't use more electricity with a couple of those oil filled radiator-type heaters. And, of course, bundling up is easy enough...and I do have wool socks.
I checked the gauge on my propane tank yesterday and there's a little less than 45 percent in it. I'm thinking that I'll have it filled soon and that WILL be the only time this winter. For the past 3 winters that I've been in the house I've had the tank filled 3 times each winter and have kept the thermostat on 62 degrees. I read an article on the net that suggested keeping the thermostat on 50 degrees and using space heaters. These radiator-type heaters are supposed to be energy efficient and safe to run. I'm going to have to have several outlets replaced because plugs won't stay in them...that's another expense, but one that I need. And, the furnace uses both propane and electricity!
I have had puppies up to HERE! This has been a horrible week for both them and me. Monday when I got home from work I walked in to a mess. The puppies had torn a hole in the orthopedic pillow I use in my chair and there were chunks of foam everywhere. Tuesday morning they brought in a dead bird and played tug of war all over the living room. I found the mess as I was leaving for work and had to call in and tell them I'd be late. Was only 20 min. late, but that matters to the pay check! Then when I got home I discovered that I'd left the gate down from the dining room to the back hall. They had gotten every pillow off of the bed and had completely torn up 2 throw pillows and had pulled the stuffing out of the main pillow I sleep on! There was stuffing from the bedroom all the way to the front hall! Not only that, but puppy poop was mixed in with it! Yesterday they completely uprooted a blueberry bush and were running around the fenced part of the yard with it. I whacked both of them with the bush and replanted it (raving all of the time) and liberally sprinkled pepper around it. Poor bush, it'll be a miracle if it makes it! When I got up at 5 this morning the first thing I saw when my feet hit the floor was pillow stuffing all over the bedroom. Another throw pillow bit the dust. It's not like they don't have toys and dog chews, etc. They have many of both...maybe too many?
I did try to find a home for Maggie when she was tossed into my yard...in fact tried for several months. I probably should have taken her to the Humane Society then, but they were so crowded. Now they are talking about having to euthanize to reduce the number of animals...don't know what to do. As angry as the puppies make me, I'm so attached to them and they to me!
Didn't visit Mother this week, nor will I next week. Nancy and I are trying 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off with the visiting. Mother's in a routine (she's been banned from the dining room again) and doesn't know who we are when we visit (she visits like with a stranger), nor does she remember being visited. Nancy and I both find the visits quite stressful, so we're trying this for a while. Of course, I feel guilty because I really COULD visit.
Just yesterday the two space heaters I ordered from Lowes were delivered. I won't be unboxing them today, but the thought did flicker through my mind. Fuel cost this coming winter have been on everyone's mind lately. I know it's a topic of conversation at some point at every gathering. We don't have natural gas available here which would be my fuel of choice. And, even though a fire place is wonderful, the range is limited and it does require a lot of tending and cleaning. I figure that I've been able to keep up with my electric bill this summer and shouldn't use more electricity with a couple of those oil filled radiator-type heaters. And, of course, bundling up is easy enough...and I do have wool socks.
I checked the gauge on my propane tank yesterday and there's a little less than 45 percent in it. I'm thinking that I'll have it filled soon and that WILL be the only time this winter. For the past 3 winters that I've been in the house I've had the tank filled 3 times each winter and have kept the thermostat on 62 degrees. I read an article on the net that suggested keeping the thermostat on 50 degrees and using space heaters. These radiator-type heaters are supposed to be energy efficient and safe to run. I'm going to have to have several outlets replaced because plugs won't stay in them...that's another expense, but one that I need. And, the furnace uses both propane and electricity!
I have had puppies up to HERE! This has been a horrible week for both them and me. Monday when I got home from work I walked in to a mess. The puppies had torn a hole in the orthopedic pillow I use in my chair and there were chunks of foam everywhere. Tuesday morning they brought in a dead bird and played tug of war all over the living room. I found the mess as I was leaving for work and had to call in and tell them I'd be late. Was only 20 min. late, but that matters to the pay check! Then when I got home I discovered that I'd left the gate down from the dining room to the back hall. They had gotten every pillow off of the bed and had completely torn up 2 throw pillows and had pulled the stuffing out of the main pillow I sleep on! There was stuffing from the bedroom all the way to the front hall! Not only that, but puppy poop was mixed in with it! Yesterday they completely uprooted a blueberry bush and were running around the fenced part of the yard with it. I whacked both of them with the bush and replanted it (raving all of the time) and liberally sprinkled pepper around it. Poor bush, it'll be a miracle if it makes it! When I got up at 5 this morning the first thing I saw when my feet hit the floor was pillow stuffing all over the bedroom. Another throw pillow bit the dust. It's not like they don't have toys and dog chews, etc. They have many of both...maybe too many?
I did try to find a home for Maggie when she was tossed into my yard...in fact tried for several months. I probably should have taken her to the Humane Society then, but they were so crowded. Now they are talking about having to euthanize to reduce the number of animals...don't know what to do. As angry as the puppies make me, I'm so attached to them and they to me!
Didn't visit Mother this week, nor will I next week. Nancy and I are trying 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off with the visiting. Mother's in a routine (she's been banned from the dining room again) and doesn't know who we are when we visit (she visits like with a stranger), nor does she remember being visited. Nancy and I both find the visits quite stressful, so we're trying this for a while. Of course, I feel guilty because I really COULD visit.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Another Mother visit
Yesterday after work I headed to Tallahassee for a visit with Mother. Once more she was waiting in the common area for her aide to take her in for her nap. She was again quite calm and rather lucid. She said it was lucky I got there when I did because had I been later I'd have missed her. Asked where she was going and she said "home", but not to stay, just to visit. Asked her how she was going to get there and she said her "partner" was taking her. Asked if she meant Bert and she said "no", it was her aide she was talking about. Asked if Bert knew she was going there and she said "no". She had all of the details worked out in her head and said if Bert wasn't home she'd just wait outside until he showed up...and that she wasn't taking her clothes, but would be coming back to "here". Then she said she'd probably stay a few days as she thought the trip would be hard on her. When I told her it was only 5-6 miles to the house she got a little agitated. I don't know, but I imagine she had forgotten all about it when she woke from her nap. We visited for about 30 minutes before her aide came and got her.
Bert told us a week or so ago that Uncle Buddy was coming to see Mother this coming weekend. Neither Nancy nor I have heard any more about it.
This coming Friday the Methodist Church in Waukeenah is having a fish fry. Nancy and I plan to go! Last year it was just wonderful and we are anticipating yet another feast! (we are taking plastic baggies!!!)
The puppies are just awful. One of them chewed on the door frame between the dining room and back hall yesterday. I coated it with hot sauce. Hope that works. If it does I guess I just buy a giant supply and a sprayer and douse the entire house, furniture and yard. It's worth a try!
HWB and his wife and family were named Jefferson County Farm Family of the year! Didn't know they farmed!
A little while ago I checked the temperature and it was 73 degrees! Absolutely wonderful!
Bert told us a week or so ago that Uncle Buddy was coming to see Mother this coming weekend. Neither Nancy nor I have heard any more about it.
This coming Friday the Methodist Church in Waukeenah is having a fish fry. Nancy and I plan to go! Last year it was just wonderful and we are anticipating yet another feast! (we are taking plastic baggies!!!)
The puppies are just awful. One of them chewed on the door frame between the dining room and back hall yesterday. I coated it with hot sauce. Hope that works. If it does I guess I just buy a giant supply and a sprayer and douse the entire house, furniture and yard. It's worth a try!
HWB and his wife and family were named Jefferson County Farm Family of the year! Didn't know they farmed!
A little while ago I checked the temperature and it was 73 degrees! Absolutely wonderful!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
And Autumn Begins!
Tomorrow is the first day of Autumn!!!!! We are feeling the vaguest hint of Fall in the air...the humidity is lower, the temperature is lower and the air smells different. The dogwood trees are turning and other trees have that russet hue that promises more of the same! I LOVE FALL!!!
I visited Mother on Tuesday. She was in the common area waiting her turn to be put down for a nap. As soon as I sat down with her she asked if I would be upset when her aide came to get her. Of course I said no. We had about a 15 min. visit before it was her turn. She seemed very ready for a nap.
Mother's roommate, Stella, died last weekend. Mother didn't mention it. I don't think she knows. She has a new roommate, but I haven't met her yet.
I had jury duty Wednesday. Because of the evidence, or lack of actually, our verdict was "not guilty". We didn't reach a verdict until 5:15 that afternoon and by the time I got home at 20 till 6 my phone was ringing with a call from the judge's mother. That bothered me.
Nancy and I had breakfast at the Village Inn yesterday and then shopped at Bed, Bath and Beyond. They were having a wonderful sale. I got shelves to put on the side porch in the hopes of clearing out the last of the mess from the living room, funny room and dining room. I got home around 11AM.
It took me a little while to put the shelves together and fit them in on the porch, but it was well worth the effort! I can see the tops of tables in all three rooms! Yeah!! It's not completely done yet, but I plan to finish today. I moved the dry cat food from the back hall to the kitchen. Poor Goodness is really unhappy about that and acts confused. He'll adjust but not happily.
Survivor starts Thursday!!!!! Biggest Loser started last Tuesday and The Amazing Race starts next Sunday! Finally!!!
I visited Mother on Tuesday. She was in the common area waiting her turn to be put down for a nap. As soon as I sat down with her she asked if I would be upset when her aide came to get her. Of course I said no. We had about a 15 min. visit before it was her turn. She seemed very ready for a nap.
Mother's roommate, Stella, died last weekend. Mother didn't mention it. I don't think she knows. She has a new roommate, but I haven't met her yet.
I had jury duty Wednesday. Because of the evidence, or lack of actually, our verdict was "not guilty". We didn't reach a verdict until 5:15 that afternoon and by the time I got home at 20 till 6 my phone was ringing with a call from the judge's mother. That bothered me.
Nancy and I had breakfast at the Village Inn yesterday and then shopped at Bed, Bath and Beyond. They were having a wonderful sale. I got shelves to put on the side porch in the hopes of clearing out the last of the mess from the living room, funny room and dining room. I got home around 11AM.
It took me a little while to put the shelves together and fit them in on the porch, but it was well worth the effort! I can see the tops of tables in all three rooms! Yeah!! It's not completely done yet, but I plan to finish today. I moved the dry cat food from the back hall to the kitchen. Poor Goodness is really unhappy about that and acts confused. He'll adjust but not happily.
Survivor starts Thursday!!!!! Biggest Loser started last Tuesday and The Amazing Race starts next Sunday! Finally!!!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Birthday at the Seinyard
Yesterday Nancy, Bert and I went to the Seinyard to celebrate my birthday that was several weeks ago. It just wasn't the same without Mother...in fact it really was quite sad. As always, the food was wonderful and ample and I brought a ton home. There's probably three good eatings in that box in the refrigerator.
Years ago the coffee with the best brand recognition and the coffee of choice for most folks was Maxwell House. When I was given the choice of so many brands I tried them and settled down with some that met my taste and never went back to Maxwell House. A few weeks ago Publix had Maxwell House on sale 2 for $5.00 and, being the frugal shopper that I am, I couldn't resist such a deal.
Well, I now remember why I never went back. I don't like Maxwell House. It smells awful while pouring, tastes bad and leaves a bitter taste in my mouth after drinking. I'm wondering if those folks ever try their competition. They should!
It's horrible what damage Ike did to Texas! Those folks are really in a mess. Nancy and I were talking earlier this morning about what we'd do if a storm of that magnitude headed this way. We are about 25-30 miles closer to the Gulf of Mexico than Houston is and just look at what happened there. Can't you see me evacuating in my little Honda with 7 animals! It'd be a wild ride!
I was planning to make brownies with a coconut/pecan frosting for the storm, but since Ike headed the other way I didn't. Maybe I'll make them and take them to work tomorrow. Or not.
Years ago the coffee with the best brand recognition and the coffee of choice for most folks was Maxwell House. When I was given the choice of so many brands I tried them and settled down with some that met my taste and never went back to Maxwell House. A few weeks ago Publix had Maxwell House on sale 2 for $5.00 and, being the frugal shopper that I am, I couldn't resist such a deal.
Well, I now remember why I never went back. I don't like Maxwell House. It smells awful while pouring, tastes bad and leaves a bitter taste in my mouth after drinking. I'm wondering if those folks ever try their competition. They should!
It's horrible what damage Ike did to Texas! Those folks are really in a mess. Nancy and I were talking earlier this morning about what we'd do if a storm of that magnitude headed this way. We are about 25-30 miles closer to the Gulf of Mexico than Houston is and just look at what happened there. Can't you see me evacuating in my little Honda with 7 animals! It'd be a wild ride!
I was planning to make brownies with a coconut/pecan frosting for the storm, but since Ike headed the other way I didn't. Maybe I'll make them and take them to work tomorrow. Or not.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Season of storms
Not just hurricanes, but the inner storms are mighty this season!
I went to see Mother yesterday. It was the first time I've seen her since I was sick. The medical staff seems to have gotten her medications regulated, or something. She was calm. She was alert. She didn't have as many word problems. She was so much easier to be around! She is still as mentally and physically impaired as ever, just not as agitated and addled. She's still bad. She made fun of how one of the aides talked. AND, she's not allowed to eat in the dining room 'cause she's disruptive. There's 3 other ladies who have also been removed from the dining room and they along with Mother and 2 aides do meals in a classroom sorta place.
When I got to the nursing home I went straight back to the area Mother's in and couldn't find her, not in the different groups, not in her room. So I checked out the beauty salon, not there either. I asked the nurse in her area about Mother and she said she'd seen Mother with "her husband" earlier and that was probably where she was. I thought that maybe they were outside and went out back to check...nope. I was on my way back to Mother's area when I saw an aide go into that classroom and saw some wheelchairs. Stuck my head in and saw Mother. Sat with her in there for about 15 minutes and was asked to leave when the food was delivered. So I did.
Hurricane Ike is really looking nasty! Not for us, thank goodness, but LA and TX better look out! We're getting outer bands from Ike now...I just got an alert that a baaad band of storms is moving this way. Better get off of the computer.
I went to see Mother yesterday. It was the first time I've seen her since I was sick. The medical staff seems to have gotten her medications regulated, or something. She was calm. She was alert. She didn't have as many word problems. She was so much easier to be around! She is still as mentally and physically impaired as ever, just not as agitated and addled. She's still bad. She made fun of how one of the aides talked. AND, she's not allowed to eat in the dining room 'cause she's disruptive. There's 3 other ladies who have also been removed from the dining room and they along with Mother and 2 aides do meals in a classroom sorta place.
When I got to the nursing home I went straight back to the area Mother's in and couldn't find her, not in the different groups, not in her room. So I checked out the beauty salon, not there either. I asked the nurse in her area about Mother and she said she'd seen Mother with "her husband" earlier and that was probably where she was. I thought that maybe they were outside and went out back to check...nope. I was on my way back to Mother's area when I saw an aide go into that classroom and saw some wheelchairs. Stuck my head in and saw Mother. Sat with her in there for about 15 minutes and was asked to leave when the food was delivered. So I did.
Hurricane Ike is really looking nasty! Not for us, thank goodness, but LA and TX better look out! We're getting outer bands from Ike now...I just got an alert that a baaad band of storms is moving this way. Better get off of the computer.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Labor Day
We are so fortunate! No hurricane for Labor Day and actually little bad weather forecast for us either. Well, it's relative...at 4:30 this morning the temperature was 81 degrees, it's cooled down to 80 now! They did just say on TV that we can expect gusty showers w/possibility of tornadoes this afternoon.
You know, I would never want our government to tell people where they can or can't live, but it seems to me that if folks are dumb enough to keep moving back to areas that are lower than sea level and storm prone they should be penalized somehow. Perhaps no government assistance in any form is the answer. Rather harsh, but something needs to be done.
When I woke up this morning I felt better. Still have a cough (bad one) but soooo much better!
You know, I would never want our government to tell people where they can or can't live, but it seems to me that if folks are dumb enough to keep moving back to areas that are lower than sea level and storm prone they should be penalized somehow. Perhaps no government assistance in any form is the answer. Rather harsh, but something needs to be done.
When I woke up this morning I felt better. Still have a cough (bad one) but soooo much better!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Aftermath of Fay
Fay lingered for quite a while in each place she visited. Of course she's still creating havoc north of Florida and it looks like she just will not quit! We got 22" of rain here (maybe more, but that's the most I've heard officially) and Tallahassee still has major roads closed due to flooding! Nancy's creek roared and rose, but never challenged her house. She said yesterday that she can still hear the roar from inside the house!
It's possible we may be in for more this weekend or early next week. Hurricane Gustov has 70 mph winds and is currently taking more or less the same path Fay did. I'll just leave all the porch and yard stuff as is and see what happens.
I had to go to the doctor yesterday. Stopped on my way in to work and begged to be seen. They couldn't see me until 10:30. Well, it seems I have bronchitis bordering on pneumonia. Dr. Scoles said I was just a day or two away from pneumonia and the hospital. Gave me 4 prescriptions and sent we home to bed. Really feel awful and it's my birthday. Guess I'm just lucky to be here!
Today was my day to see Mother. Nancy's going in my place. Like she said it'd be horrible to infect Mother with this...maybe even the entire nursing home! I'll go next week.
It's possible we may be in for more this weekend or early next week. Hurricane Gustov has 70 mph winds and is currently taking more or less the same path Fay did. I'll just leave all the porch and yard stuff as is and see what happens.
I had to go to the doctor yesterday. Stopped on my way in to work and begged to be seen. They couldn't see me until 10:30. Well, it seems I have bronchitis bordering on pneumonia. Dr. Scoles said I was just a day or two away from pneumonia and the hospital. Gave me 4 prescriptions and sent we home to bed. Really feel awful and it's my birthday. Guess I'm just lucky to be here!
Today was my day to see Mother. Nancy's going in my place. Like she said it'd be horrible to infect Mother with this...maybe even the entire nursing home! I'll go next week.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Fay is arriving
We finally can stop waiting for Fay to arrive and just batten down the hatches. The first of the heavy bands arrived around 2 this morning. Of course, we've been getting wispy outer bands for a couple of days with winds and rain, just nothing continuous. Now she's showing us that she may "just be a tropical storm" but boy can she dump rain! As slowly as she moving we should have this for 2-3 days and possibly 10-12 inches of rain! I'm not too worried about my house, she's built up several feet above the ground, but Nancy's house is on a flat slab and she has a creek that borders one side of her yard. I suggested she get sand bags, she's not going to.
Got up early this morning, made coffee, a pasta salad with black beans and pan grilled a rather large rib-eye steak.
All of the animals are in and not too happy about it...told them just to settle down and enjoy, 'cause this is how it's going to be for a while.
It would be nice if we didn't lose electricity. It would also be nice not to lose any trees! I have several large, old pecan trees that seem to loom toward the house and my neighbor to the east has several old trees that seem to lean over my new kitchen!
Got a reminder call from one of the ladies I dine with on Friday nights. She seems to think we'll have supper together tonight. I'll have to see how the storm's doing before I go out.
Nancy's thinking we'll still go to the Seinyard Saturday to celebrate my upcoming birthday. Told her that we can always do it next weekend. I'd just as soon not head for the coast in this. She's not too happy with that. We'll just have to see how it goes.
Tomorrow is Moonies 17th birthday. Can you believe that?!!! Happy Birthday Moonie!!!!! I love you!
Got up early this morning, made coffee, a pasta salad with black beans and pan grilled a rather large rib-eye steak.
All of the animals are in and not too happy about it...told them just to settle down and enjoy, 'cause this is how it's going to be for a while.
It would be nice if we didn't lose electricity. It would also be nice not to lose any trees! I have several large, old pecan trees that seem to loom toward the house and my neighbor to the east has several old trees that seem to lean over my new kitchen!
Got a reminder call from one of the ladies I dine with on Friday nights. She seems to think we'll have supper together tonight. I'll have to see how the storm's doing before I go out.
Nancy's thinking we'll still go to the Seinyard Saturday to celebrate my upcoming birthday. Told her that we can always do it next weekend. I'd just as soon not head for the coast in this. She's not too happy with that. We'll just have to see how it goes.
Tomorrow is Moonies 17th birthday. Can you believe that?!!! Happy Birthday Moonie!!!!! I love you!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Fay
Fay has certainly been an odd storm. She's been all over the place and her projected path is just as odd. The two most likely scenarios are: (1) she'll get out into the Atlantic and get her wind back and turn due west at Jacksonville and head across the panhandle and: (2) she'll make an abrupt u-turn when she exits around Cape Canaveral and pass across Florida out into the Gulf of Mexico and stall, gain strength and head here. Wow! It seems that either way come tomorrow night we'll have us a little storm!
Last night I got flashlights ready and made ice. I've gotten 3 battery operated fans (one a year) and haven't even gotten them out of their boxes...I did last night. Put batteries in them and tested them. I thought I had a little radio that took batteries, but all I can find is the big green one and it takes so many battries...of course, one of the fans uses 10 D batteries and the little tv uses 10 C batteries. I've been collecting batteries for over a year...still in the packages, so I guess they're okay. They worked last night.
I'll get more cat and dog food on my way home today and then I'll be set. Maybe I'll get some jerky, too. This is sorta spooky!
Last night I got flashlights ready and made ice. I've gotten 3 battery operated fans (one a year) and haven't even gotten them out of their boxes...I did last night. Put batteries in them and tested them. I thought I had a little radio that took batteries, but all I can find is the big green one and it takes so many battries...of course, one of the fans uses 10 D batteries and the little tv uses 10 C batteries. I've been collecting batteries for over a year...still in the packages, so I guess they're okay. They worked last night.
I'll get more cat and dog food on my way home today and then I'll be set. Maybe I'll get some jerky, too. This is sorta spooky!
Monday, August 18, 2008
The living room is painted!
I spent all day Saturday painting the living room and it is done!!! Looks good. Feels good to have finished it! The hardest part was dragging that 8' ladder around the furniture and avoiding the ceiling fan! Of course going up and down the ladder constantly was a challenge too! The cats (except for Mercy) took turns keeping me company by sitting on the paint shelf on the ladder while I did my thing. This room had soooo much cutting in. There are 5 doorways (counting the front door and the closet door), a double window and the fireplace.
Yesterday I was so tired and sore that besides feeding the animals and myself I didn't do much. Read the newspaper, watched the Olympics and read my book. Still feel a little stove up today, but better.
The track for soon-to-be hurricane Fay brings her ashore right here in Jefferson County! I filled an oil lamp and set up my weather radio yesterday. And, of course, made a list. I look for her arrival late Tuesday or early Wednesday. She's still far enough out that lots could change. I just heard on TV that her track is moving slightly to the east. That's good news for here!
Yesterday I was so tired and sore that besides feeding the animals and myself I didn't do much. Read the newspaper, watched the Olympics and read my book. Still feel a little stove up today, but better.
The track for soon-to-be hurricane Fay brings her ashore right here in Jefferson County! I filled an oil lamp and set up my weather radio yesterday. And, of course, made a list. I look for her arrival late Tuesday or early Wednesday. She's still far enough out that lots could change. I just heard on TV that her track is moving slightly to the east. That's good news for here!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Early morning
Wow! It's 7 o'clock on a Saturday morning and I've already done a million things. In fact I just got back from running out to work and leaving a birthday card taped on the door for one of the guys. Having these 4 am furry alarm clocks sure does start the day off with a BANG!
Went to see Mother Tuesday. She was in the dining room having lunch. There were two other ladies in wheelchairs at the table. I sat with them and found it all so sad. Mother really has lost all of her social filters and is really nasty with people. At one point she yelled across the table at one of the ladies "Hey stupid, I'm talking to you"! Both of the women just ignored her. You don't hear yelling from any of the other folks in long term care. Why her?
I finally saw her roommate awake (if you can call it that) for the first time. She has Alzheimer's, is blind, is frozen in a very stiff, uncomfortable looking position and is mute. No wonder she and Mother get along so well! And, Bert told Uncle Buddy that they communicated well and enjoyed each other's company!!!!
Starting this next week I'll go to my old job after work on Wednesdays. This won't cut any of the time out that I'm working, but will cut one day out...so I'll have 4 day weekends! Sure am looking forward to that as there just isn't enough time to do everything I'm trying to get done around here.
I've almost finished painting the living room. Should be able to get it done today. It sure is looking good! Still have to take the tack strips up in the dining room and the staples out of the floor. Dread that job as it's killer on my back to sit on the floor any length of time and my hands just don't work too well. Still have carpet under the corner china cabinet and it looks ratty. If Nancy's shoulder ever heals she'll try to help me move it out.
Bless her heart, earlier this week Nancy got stung by a wasp at work. She's very allergic and had to dash to the doctor's office. They gave her two prescriptions...don't remember what one was, but the other was for an antibiotic. Interesting. They told her that insect bites can carry some really nasty germs and they'd like to nip it in the bud. She's doing okay, but like with me, the weight of Mother seems to magnify everything that happens. Stress is mighty powerful!
Yesterday Jazzy was 6 months old. That makes Maggie about 7 months old. I am soooo looking forward to them growing out of this puppy chewing stage! Now that they've emptied all of the stuffing out of the box spring of the bed they are working on the wood frame of it. Damn! Oh, they've chewed the right arm of my newish recliner terribly and the lever that you use to recline it, too! It's said that they aren't mature until they're around 18 months old. Just a year more! I was hoping that having them spayed would slow them down just a bit. It hasn't yet.
Went to see Mother Tuesday. She was in the dining room having lunch. There were two other ladies in wheelchairs at the table. I sat with them and found it all so sad. Mother really has lost all of her social filters and is really nasty with people. At one point she yelled across the table at one of the ladies "Hey stupid, I'm talking to you"! Both of the women just ignored her. You don't hear yelling from any of the other folks in long term care. Why her?
I finally saw her roommate awake (if you can call it that) for the first time. She has Alzheimer's, is blind, is frozen in a very stiff, uncomfortable looking position and is mute. No wonder she and Mother get along so well! And, Bert told Uncle Buddy that they communicated well and enjoyed each other's company!!!!
Starting this next week I'll go to my old job after work on Wednesdays. This won't cut any of the time out that I'm working, but will cut one day out...so I'll have 4 day weekends! Sure am looking forward to that as there just isn't enough time to do everything I'm trying to get done around here.
I've almost finished painting the living room. Should be able to get it done today. It sure is looking good! Still have to take the tack strips up in the dining room and the staples out of the floor. Dread that job as it's killer on my back to sit on the floor any length of time and my hands just don't work too well. Still have carpet under the corner china cabinet and it looks ratty. If Nancy's shoulder ever heals she'll try to help me move it out.
Bless her heart, earlier this week Nancy got stung by a wasp at work. She's very allergic and had to dash to the doctor's office. They gave her two prescriptions...don't remember what one was, but the other was for an antibiotic. Interesting. They told her that insect bites can carry some really nasty germs and they'd like to nip it in the bud. She's doing okay, but like with me, the weight of Mother seems to magnify everything that happens. Stress is mighty powerful!
Yesterday Jazzy was 6 months old. That makes Maggie about 7 months old. I am soooo looking forward to them growing out of this puppy chewing stage! Now that they've emptied all of the stuffing out of the box spring of the bed they are working on the wood frame of it. Damn! Oh, they've chewed the right arm of my newish recliner terribly and the lever that you use to recline it, too! It's said that they aren't mature until they're around 18 months old. Just a year more! I was hoping that having them spayed would slow them down just a bit. It hasn't yet.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
A chilly August morning
It was amazing to wake up to temperatures in the low 60's this morning! Typically August in the Deep South has early mornings in the mid to high 70's. So this is really a treat! Our high is to be in the low 90's today, but that's a decent swap off!
This long weekend has been wonderful and productive! Wednesday afternoon I got the majority of the carpet and padding out of the dining room, Thursday it was laundry (still have a couple of large spreads that I used to cover doorways with to do), Friday cleaning and having dinner with the ladies, yesterday I was in Tallahassee until 3ish and got a lot more taping and some painting done. Today, if my sore muscles hold out I want to plant some grapes and Altheas and finish painting at least one whole wall!
I went to see Mother yesterday. When I got there she was on the outskirts of a group of wheelchair bound patients. She was fussing loudly and yelling at real and imaginary people. I just stood there for a few minutes and watched her. She was the only one making such a fuss. It was so sad. Then I went up to her and took the brakes off the chair and whispered in her good ear that maybe we should go out to the porch. Bless her heart, she didn't know me for a while. We sat out on the porch and I tried to visit, but she was incoherent. Was raving about things being straight/in line and once more was dipping her finger onto the table and wiping it on her cheeks. The only really coherent moment was when after taking her back inside I told her I loved her and she responded that she loved me too and said my name.
Went to see Nancy afterwards and then to Walmart for my weekly shopping. Got another gallon of paint...the dead/dried fern paint was just wrong. This time it's dried mint...still a deep color, quite rich, but is brighter than the fern one was. I managed to get enough on two different walls to know that I DO indeed like it and will go with it. I was unaware that Kilz makes paints...have used the block out (what's that called?) they make and it's wonderful! Anyway, they have an astonishing array of colors, all guaranteed 1-coat coverage. That's what I got. It'll be interesting to see if it covers that red wall in the funny room in one coat!
Well, I think I'll go out and get the paper in, pour another cup of coffee and start my Sunday off right!
This long weekend has been wonderful and productive! Wednesday afternoon I got the majority of the carpet and padding out of the dining room, Thursday it was laundry (still have a couple of large spreads that I used to cover doorways with to do), Friday cleaning and having dinner with the ladies, yesterday I was in Tallahassee until 3ish and got a lot more taping and some painting done. Today, if my sore muscles hold out I want to plant some grapes and Altheas and finish painting at least one whole wall!
I went to see Mother yesterday. When I got there she was on the outskirts of a group of wheelchair bound patients. She was fussing loudly and yelling at real and imaginary people. I just stood there for a few minutes and watched her. She was the only one making such a fuss. It was so sad. Then I went up to her and took the brakes off the chair and whispered in her good ear that maybe we should go out to the porch. Bless her heart, she didn't know me for a while. We sat out on the porch and I tried to visit, but she was incoherent. Was raving about things being straight/in line and once more was dipping her finger onto the table and wiping it on her cheeks. The only really coherent moment was when after taking her back inside I told her I loved her and she responded that she loved me too and said my name.
Went to see Nancy afterwards and then to Walmart for my weekly shopping. Got another gallon of paint...the dead/dried fern paint was just wrong. This time it's dried mint...still a deep color, quite rich, but is brighter than the fern one was. I managed to get enough on two different walls to know that I DO indeed like it and will go with it. I was unaware that Kilz makes paints...have used the block out (what's that called?) they make and it's wonderful! Anyway, they have an astonishing array of colors, all guaranteed 1-coat coverage. That's what I got. It'll be interesting to see if it covers that red wall in the funny room in one coat!
Well, I think I'll go out and get the paper in, pour another cup of coffee and start my Sunday off right!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
