Saturday I was transformed...well, at least my hair was. I now have white-blond hair with dark blond roots and it's rather "punk"...sticks up in lots of places. It's a fun do and elicits lots of comments. Nancy and I went to the Seinyard for lunch after I got it done and people sure looked! Nancy liked it so much that she's going to get hers done like it this Saturday!
After lunch we went to a really special nursery, "Just Fruit and Exotics". We didn't have enough hours to see everything. Nancy bought a pear tree and I bought a banana, a couple of pepper plants and some seeds. We'll go back!
The puppies are growing up! They are just as bad as ever, but are hitting the puppy paper most of the time or going outside to potty. Hope this gets better and better!
Mother has her good days and bad ones. Saturday after we finished our running around Nancy got a call from the center Mother's in. It seems she's learned how to propel her wheel chair with her feet and was running from outside door to outside door opening them and setting off the alarms. Nancy fixed that by putting the breaks on...simple fix, you'd think the staff there would have thought of that! She was also hitting and scratching and spitting. That's our momma!
Today a young fellow is coming to do some major clean up on my yard. He's going to get the dead wood out of my trees and hedges, remove some plants and till me a garden. How exciting! This is mighty late to be putting in a garden, but better late than never!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Some pictures
The first one I'll try to attach is one I took of Mother a week or so ago before her last move. The rest are just fun ones, maybe even the kitchen...who knows? Well, here goes....
They aren't in the order I down loaded them in...I'll have to work on this. The shots of the kitchen don't really do it justice. The blender in one of the kitchen shots is the same blender I've had since Christmas 1965! Still has all the original parts and works like a dream every morning when I do my protein shake! The one of Jazzy is after a hard session of trying to dig under the patio, that's why she's covered in mud. The cats eating are, in order, Goodness, Bandi, Mercy and Smokey...cute shot I think!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Just a continuation...Mother
Friday, was it only yesterday?, Nancy was able to finagle her schedule at work and got off before 9am. I met her at her house at 10am. It was a dark and stormy morning. We went to the last nursing home Mother was in as our first choice, and without any groveling (which we were prepared to do) she was accepted back and we were able to move her yesterday! Thank God.
Nancy and I went over and told Bert the wonderful news (however, he said he didn't remember them saying in the meeting the day before that she would have to move and that we should try to do it quickly). We told him that we really thought this was best for her and he didn't have to worry about the move, we'd pack her up and make sure she was moved comfortably.
Well, we had lunch and then went to pack Mother up. (Do remember that it was storming this entire time & we shared one umbrella.) Every place we parked had rain water running through it and puddles and we were both in sandals. After the first and only run with the one umbrella we just dashed and dodged the rain and by the time we got to Mother at about 1pm we were both quite wet. The van didn't come for her until after 4pm. By the time it arrived I had packed her things (a large suitcase, a valise we couldn't even zip, a big shopping bag and a couple of small bags) and we'd walked her to the rose garden and Nancy had checked the ETA of the van often. We kept Mother entertained (I do think we even sang) and in good spirits the entire time. She didn't know about the move or need for the move until we told her. That was touchy, but worked out okay. We got Mother outside and her things in the car and just waited. We were all so tired and ready when the van finally arrived. I rode with her and Nancy followed with all her things which I hung up or put away when we got there. (Bert's paying extra for a private room.) Nancy called Bert and let him know the move was over and when he got there we passed the torch and left.
It was after 7pm when I got home and arrived to a house full of hungry animals and dog poop.
Nancy called and we rehashed the day and both being sooo tired it didn't take us all that long. When we hung up the dogs and I went to bed! I was asleep shortly after dropping my head to the pillow. Nancy called a little after 9pm and told me she'd gotten a call from Uncle Buddy and told him about the move. She'd told him the night before what the committee had said about needing to move her and what we'd hoped.
anyhoo...
Nancy went to see her this morning early and called around 9ish to let me know that Mother didn't remember anything about why she was in there or how long she'd been "sick", but other than that she was okay. Well, a couple of hours later she called back, the nursing home had called and Mother was creating a major disruption. She was screaming "Daddy" again and again and again and again, etc.. So Nancy called, asked me to bring fried chicken and went there. When Nancy got there she could hear Mother screaming from the front door and people were talking about her. She even screamed in her face! Well, by the time I arrived they were outside and things were rather level. I almost blew it when I castigated Mother mightily, but Nancy made me stop and Mother forgot and we ate fried chicken, french fried and slaw and fussed over Maria and just visited. Took her in around 3:30. Stayed with her until close to 5pm. Was almost 5:30 when I got home.
I hated the feeling that we were feeding into her tantrum and even though she promised not to do that anymore I don't believe her. She gets what she wants when she does things like that.
Hungry puppies and a house full of puppy poop!
Leah Jane called and was going to have wine and cheese and crackers at Norma's and would I join them and I did (you know I usually don't)! Really needed that. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I'm holding my breath that we don't get calls tomorrow!
Nancy and I went over and told Bert the wonderful news (however, he said he didn't remember them saying in the meeting the day before that she would have to move and that we should try to do it quickly). We told him that we really thought this was best for her and he didn't have to worry about the move, we'd pack her up and make sure she was moved comfortably.
Well, we had lunch and then went to pack Mother up. (Do remember that it was storming this entire time & we shared one umbrella.) Every place we parked had rain water running through it and puddles and we were both in sandals. After the first and only run with the one umbrella we just dashed and dodged the rain and by the time we got to Mother at about 1pm we were both quite wet. The van didn't come for her until after 4pm. By the time it arrived I had packed her things (a large suitcase, a valise we couldn't even zip, a big shopping bag and a couple of small bags) and we'd walked her to the rose garden and Nancy had checked the ETA of the van often. We kept Mother entertained (I do think we even sang) and in good spirits the entire time. She didn't know about the move or need for the move until we told her. That was touchy, but worked out okay. We got Mother outside and her things in the car and just waited. We were all so tired and ready when the van finally arrived. I rode with her and Nancy followed with all her things which I hung up or put away when we got there. (Bert's paying extra for a private room.) Nancy called Bert and let him know the move was over and when he got there we passed the torch and left.
It was after 7pm when I got home and arrived to a house full of hungry animals and dog poop.
Nancy called and we rehashed the day and both being sooo tired it didn't take us all that long. When we hung up the dogs and I went to bed! I was asleep shortly after dropping my head to the pillow. Nancy called a little after 9pm and told me she'd gotten a call from Uncle Buddy and told him about the move. She'd told him the night before what the committee had said about needing to move her and what we'd hoped.
anyhoo...
Nancy went to see her this morning early and called around 9ish to let me know that Mother didn't remember anything about why she was in there or how long she'd been "sick", but other than that she was okay. Well, a couple of hours later she called back, the nursing home had called and Mother was creating a major disruption. She was screaming "Daddy" again and again and again and again, etc.. So Nancy called, asked me to bring fried chicken and went there. When Nancy got there she could hear Mother screaming from the front door and people were talking about her. She even screamed in her face! Well, by the time I arrived they were outside and things were rather level. I almost blew it when I castigated Mother mightily, but Nancy made me stop and Mother forgot and we ate fried chicken, french fried and slaw and fussed over Maria and just visited. Took her in around 3:30. Stayed with her until close to 5pm. Was almost 5:30 when I got home.
I hated the feeling that we were feeding into her tantrum and even though she promised not to do that anymore I don't believe her. She gets what she wants when she does things like that.
Hungry puppies and a house full of puppy poop!
Leah Jane called and was going to have wine and cheese and crackers at Norma's and would I join them and I did (you know I usually don't)! Really needed that. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I'm holding my breath that we don't get calls tomorrow!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Take nothing at face value!
Well, it seems that Mother will have to move yet once again. Bert was so wrong to move her out of the last place. This past Sunday Nancy and I found her living will and her appointment of medical surrogate and her blanket do not resuscitate order. Nancy is the appointed surrogate and we have been running on the assumption that Bert was, because he told us he was. Had we found this sooner she would never have had to do this last move. Nancy and I are meeting later this morning and visiting several long term care centers. We are hoping to get her back into the last place, but that's a long shot.
Oh, the reason she'll have to move...we, Nancy, Bert and I, had a meeting yesterday with the evaluation team at the place she's in now. It was to have been a 15 minute meeting and ended up lasting almost 2 hours. The one thing they did say was that Bert was told when he moved her there that there is no opening in their long term care facility and that there is a very long waiting list and that when her 100 medicare days were over she'd have to move. The director spent a long time explaining how the remaining 54 medicare days are bargaining tools and the more we have available to bargain with the more likely we are to find a place for her. Isn't that the pits?!
We are sooo dry here. My yard is crisp...but at least I'm saving money on the mowing! It's been over 2 weeks since we've had rain and I am watering containers, but can't afford to water the lawn. Thank goodness none of my neighbors are watering either...I'd stick out like a sore thumb! We had rain in the forecast for last night, but it fizzled out before it got here...it's in the forecast for today and I will take my umbrella to Tallahassee, but I'm doubtful.
The puppies are baaad! Jazzy and Maggie have done away with all of my basil and are tunneling under the patio. They have about 20 feet to go...I suspect they'll be surprised when they get to the other side and are still inside the fence! I'm planning to fill the starter hole with gravel and maybe cement. Don't know what else to do...maybe pepper in the hole.
Oh, the reason she'll have to move...we, Nancy, Bert and I, had a meeting yesterday with the evaluation team at the place she's in now. It was to have been a 15 minute meeting and ended up lasting almost 2 hours. The one thing they did say was that Bert was told when he moved her there that there is no opening in their long term care facility and that there is a very long waiting list and that when her 100 medicare days were over she'd have to move. The director spent a long time explaining how the remaining 54 medicare days are bargaining tools and the more we have available to bargain with the more likely we are to find a place for her. Isn't that the pits?!
We are sooo dry here. My yard is crisp...but at least I'm saving money on the mowing! It's been over 2 weeks since we've had rain and I am watering containers, but can't afford to water the lawn. Thank goodness none of my neighbors are watering either...I'd stick out like a sore thumb! We had rain in the forecast for last night, but it fizzled out before it got here...it's in the forecast for today and I will take my umbrella to Tallahassee, but I'm doubtful.
The puppies are baaad! Jazzy and Maggie have done away with all of my basil and are tunneling under the patio. They have about 20 feet to go...I suspect they'll be surprised when they get to the other side and are still inside the fence! I'm planning to fill the starter hole with gravel and maybe cement. Don't know what else to do...maybe pepper in the hole.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
A change in life style
Beginning this week I'll only work 4 days a week, from 7:45am to 2pm. I'll be off on Fridays. How nice is that? I got my first Social Security check last month...not enough to live on, but with a part time job I'll be just fine...no frills however.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Mother's Day
Nancy & I met at the nursing home yesterday at 9am. Mother was still in bed when we got there and hadn't had breakfast. She said she didn't see any reason to get up or eat, but would since we were there. We sat with her for breakfast and then went out to the putting green/rose garden and visited for a couple of hours. At one point Mother introduced us to an aide as "her two pets"! We got tickled. Went to Berts house after that and stayed until 4.
When I got home at 5 the house was a total disaster! Can't leave those puppies that long. There were little pieces of styrofoam everywhere...no idea where they came from...and puppy poop!!!!!
The highlight of my Mother's Day was a call from Rosie. She is so centering and bright.
When I got home at 5 the house was a total disaster! Can't leave those puppies that long. There were little pieces of styrofoam everywhere...no idea where they came from...and puppy poop!!!!!
The highlight of my Mother's Day was a call from Rosie. She is so centering and bright.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Yesterday
I visited with Mother for about 5 minutes yesterday. She was just frightful, angry and very verbally nasty. After just a few minutes of it I told her I had to go let Shirley out and left. Spent about 30 minutes with the head nurse of the unit and then she & I went down to the therapy department to talk to them about Mother. It seems that most days she refuses to even go to therapy and when she does, she doesn't do anything. Things are just not working out for her there. Today they are having a psychiatric evaluation done on her with the probable out come of moving her to a psychiatric facility.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Mother update
Mother was moved Wednesday. Thursday morning I had such a feeling of dread or fear or something and by the time I got off work it had really intensified. So I headed to Tallahassee. I'd never been to this new place and was thrilled to find it about 15 minutes closer than the others. When I finally found Mother she was in her wheelchair sitting at a dinner table with 2 other women and their caregivers. She had her hands folded in her lap, her head down and was crying. When she saw me she thought I was there to rescue her. She said the place was evil and they wanted to kill her...wouldn't touch her food as she was sure it was poisoned. I spent a little over 3 hours with her. Took her outside and talked with her about where she is and why. Met her new speech therapist and was able to talk with her alone and told her of Mother's fears. Bless her heart, she made sure to tell the head nurse who made a point of spending time talking with Mother with me there. Mother had been refusing to take her medicines and did finally while I was there. She had calmed down a lot by the time I left.
Nancy went to see her yesterday and got there in time for her lunch. She actually ate quite a bit and was fairly calm.
I've got to run as Nancy is coming this morning for breakfast at 7:30 and to see my kitchen.
Nancy went to see her yesterday and got there in time for her lunch. She actually ate quite a bit and was fairly calm.
I've got to run as Nancy is coming this morning for breakfast at 7:30 and to see my kitchen.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
No Pictures
Went to see Mother yesterday. She was in OT when I got there and being very nasty. When she saw me she got worse. I moved across the room out of her eye sight and watched a few minutes. Ended up leaving the area completely for unlike last week I was a total distraction. Went to the parking lot and waited for my sister...am still unsure why she was there. Bert showed up around 3pm. They are moving Mother today to another facility. To quote Bert "She'll be with a better quality of people"...what the hell does that mean? I think this move is a big mistake as far as her recovery goes...but a semi private room is $6800.00 a month and she's going to have a private room, but you know what value she places on costly things. Nancy and I told her that if she doesn't work at it she'll just vegetate in the wheelchair for the rest of her life. I'm so close to washing my hands of her...know I won't and even that makes me mad. Possibly it shows this morning that I'm quite angry about this whole mess. Took my camera, forgot to take pictures.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Life as I knew it
Well, it seems that life as I knew it is over! I woke up this morning at 4am to find Shirley, Mercy, Smokey, Maggie and Jazzy all in bed with me...and it's only a double bed. Goodness and Bandi had chosen to sleep out last night! Thank goodness! What a way to wake up!
I'll visit Mother today. I put my camera in my purse last night and hope to get a picture or two of her. Will post after I get them developed...I've been getting a cd burned when I have them developed and am posting from that...it's not as easy as I thought it'd be and is a new learning experience each time. You know, it's that old dog, new trick thing.
The missing counter top and knobs were installed in my kitchen yesterday. The knobs have been discontinued and the building center ordered them from somewhere. The ones that came in are slightly different, same shape (oval), same material (porcelain) and same color (white), but slightly different. I said to just go ahead I can live with it. The counter top is a different story...it isn't installed right, it's not even and sticks up above the level of the stove. I don't know what the answer is, but this really hasn't been a good experience...I feel like I've been experimented on. It's my guess that the fellows who did the cabinets and counter tops have never done it before. At least that's how it seems! The kitchen floor was supposedly jacked up from under the house, but it still dips. And the puddle I thought was coming from the dishwasher is in fact coming from my refrigerator. That never happened before they moved it around a bunch.
I'll visit Mother today. I put my camera in my purse last night and hope to get a picture or two of her. Will post after I get them developed...I've been getting a cd burned when I have them developed and am posting from that...it's not as easy as I thought it'd be and is a new learning experience each time. You know, it's that old dog, new trick thing.
The missing counter top and knobs were installed in my kitchen yesterday. The knobs have been discontinued and the building center ordered them from somewhere. The ones that came in are slightly different, same shape (oval), same material (porcelain) and same color (white), but slightly different. I said to just go ahead I can live with it. The counter top is a different story...it isn't installed right, it's not even and sticks up above the level of the stove. I don't know what the answer is, but this really hasn't been a good experience...I feel like I've been experimented on. It's my guess that the fellows who did the cabinets and counter tops have never done it before. At least that's how it seems! The kitchen floor was supposedly jacked up from under the house, but it still dips. And the puddle I thought was coming from the dishwasher is in fact coming from my refrigerator. That never happened before they moved it around a bunch.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Mother's birthday
We celebrated Mother's 83rd birthday today. Actually it was Wednesday, but we have always done something either on the weekend before or after if it falls during the week.
Bert got hamburgers and fries from Wendy's, Nancy P. furnished tea and plates and cups and ice and I had Tupelo's (new bakery here in town) make sugar free cupcakes with piped cream cheese as icing. Nancy and Mark B. joined us and it was quite festive with cards and gifts and a balloon. Mother had her hair done in the nursing home beauty parlor yesterday and looked quite pretty. I could kick myself for not taking my camera!
Mother told me that she wanted to run away...and cried when I told her she couldn't yet, but that as soon as she was able we'd take her to the mall and go eat and see a movie. She calmed down a bit after that. After we ate and opened cards and gifts we sang old songs and she joined in on some of them. It was a pretty good time.
Bert got hamburgers and fries from Wendy's, Nancy P. furnished tea and plates and cups and ice and I had Tupelo's (new bakery here in town) make sugar free cupcakes with piped cream cheese as icing. Nancy and Mark B. joined us and it was quite festive with cards and gifts and a balloon. Mother had her hair done in the nursing home beauty parlor yesterday and looked quite pretty. I could kick myself for not taking my camera!
Mother told me that she wanted to run away...and cried when I told her she couldn't yet, but that as soon as she was able we'd take her to the mall and go eat and see a movie. She calmed down a bit after that. After we ate and opened cards and gifts we sang old songs and she joined in on some of them. It was a pretty good time.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Lables for pictures
Forgot to name pictures...don't remember the order...
There's one on the beach with Nancy, Maria and Shirley. One in lounge chair of Shirley and Maria. One of Maggie...Maggie & Jazzy...St. Teresa...Shirley, Maggie and Jazzy. That may be all.
Saw Mother yesterday. She was in bed when I got there at 2pm. Got her dressed and down to pt. They got her up on her feet and with 2 people supporting walked her in a complete circuit around the unit and then after a small rest another shorter walk. That's the most I've ever seen her do! Her mind can be crystal clear on minute and gone the next, but it's better.
Gotta dress for work.
There's one on the beach with Nancy, Maria and Shirley. One in lounge chair of Shirley and Maria. One of Maggie...Maggie & Jazzy...St. Teresa...Shirley, Maggie and Jazzy. That may be all.
Saw Mother yesterday. She was in bed when I got there at 2pm. Got her dressed and down to pt. They got her up on her feet and with 2 people supporting walked her in a complete circuit around the unit and then after a small rest another shorter walk. That's the most I've ever seen her do! Her mind can be crystal clear on minute and gone the next, but it's better.
Gotta dress for work.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Jazzy
Here she is! Isn't she a cutie? The oddest thing happened yesterday, dog-wise. I was vegging out in front of the computer and Shirley and Jazzy were playing and running in and out of the house. Shirley's barking broke into my game induced fog and I went out to investigate. When I went out onto the stoop a dog jumped up on my let to be petted and in a very absent-minded way I rubbed ears and head...then I did a double take because both Shirley and Jazzy were standing on the patio watching while I rubbed a perfect stranger! Someone put a puppy in my fenced back yard! There's no way she could have found her way in, it's fairly dog proof, and all of the gates were tightly closed. I hollered out "Has someone lost a puppy?" and ran out front and looked up and down the road. There wasn't a car in sight and not a single walker! So I walked around the entire yard and found no one. What a cheap trick! The last thing in the world I need is another puppy! Well, she was too young to put out and it was late, so I sat outside and watched the puppies play and the cats investigate and fumed! The new puppy looks like a hound of some sort. She's probably 2-3 months old with feet the size of saucers! She's mainly white with black and tan facial markings a large black spot mid-tail and tiny black polka dots in her white back...seems there's another marking somewhere...She's very sweet.
I crated her last night and she was very good. Not sure what I'll do (notice no name), the Humane Society is full to the brim right now.
Isn't Jazzy something? Eight weeks old.
I crated her last night and she was very good. Not sure what I'll do (notice no name), the Humane Society is full to the brim right now.
Isn't Jazzy something? Eight weeks old.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
New family member
We have a new addition to our family. Her name is Jazzy and she's 7 weeks old. She's a puppy of rather dubious parentage and cute as a button! Her feet are much bigger than Shirley's and she probably weighs almost as much. Cute, cute, cute! My builder brought her over on Saturday for me to keep on trial...well, you know how that goes! She's mostly house broken and will eat most anything (I'm missing a slipper this morning).
The kitchen was painted yesterday...it's a most astonishing pear green. I do like it, but it sure is an eye opener! Still missing knobs and a piece of the counter top. It feels never ending. I hired a painter to paint the living room, dining room and funny room. He said he'll get it all done in the next week or two. We'll see.
Sunday Nancy baked a large salmon filet, roasted asparagus and fixed loaded mashed potatoes (I made tea) and we took it to the nursing home and had a picnic on the screened porch with Mother and Bert. It was very nice and Mother ate well and was in good spirits. The weather was beautiful and I was home by 2 o'clock. Nice.
Last night at 9:45 Bert called. He was rather distraught. Mother was a mad woman yesterday. She yelled at him and accused him of seeing other women. Bless his heart he was really upset. I told him about all of the research I've been doing on the results of strokes and that one of the main things that was stressed was mood swings. I'm not sure it helped him a lot, but he really did need to vent. Glad I was available.
Nancy had a house break-in yesterday. A little after 11am her neighbor called her at work and told her that her house and the neighbors house had both been broken into. She said she got home in 7 minutes. They had tried to open her garage door and bent the door pretty badly but couldn't get it open so then they used a crowbar and broke her front door frame and locks and got in that way. She said that drawers and cabinets were opened but she couldn't see if anything was taken or not. Then they went across the street to her neighbor's house and broke in the back door which triggered the silent alarm and the police were called. The police were in Nancy's house when she got home and wouldn't let her in...she was franic about Maria and the cats. They were okay, but really upset, as she is. The neighbor got a carpenter to fix both her house and Nancy's...she hopes to have her locks fixed today. Isn't that all the pits!!!!!
Life seems to be a lot like a good thick book and each chapter brings new mini-plots while the main theme goes on unfolding.
The kitchen was painted yesterday...it's a most astonishing pear green. I do like it, but it sure is an eye opener! Still missing knobs and a piece of the counter top. It feels never ending. I hired a painter to paint the living room, dining room and funny room. He said he'll get it all done in the next week or two. We'll see.
Sunday Nancy baked a large salmon filet, roasted asparagus and fixed loaded mashed potatoes (I made tea) and we took it to the nursing home and had a picnic on the screened porch with Mother and Bert. It was very nice and Mother ate well and was in good spirits. The weather was beautiful and I was home by 2 o'clock. Nice.
Last night at 9:45 Bert called. He was rather distraught. Mother was a mad woman yesterday. She yelled at him and accused him of seeing other women. Bless his heart he was really upset. I told him about all of the research I've been doing on the results of strokes and that one of the main things that was stressed was mood swings. I'm not sure it helped him a lot, but he really did need to vent. Glad I was available.
Nancy had a house break-in yesterday. A little after 11am her neighbor called her at work and told her that her house and the neighbors house had both been broken into. She said she got home in 7 minutes. They had tried to open her garage door and bent the door pretty badly but couldn't get it open so then they used a crowbar and broke her front door frame and locks and got in that way. She said that drawers and cabinets were opened but she couldn't see if anything was taken or not. Then they went across the street to her neighbor's house and broke in the back door which triggered the silent alarm and the police were called. The police were in Nancy's house when she got home and wouldn't let her in...she was franic about Maria and the cats. They were okay, but really upset, as she is. The neighbor got a carpenter to fix both her house and Nancy's...she hopes to have her locks fixed today. Isn't that all the pits!!!!!
Life seems to be a lot like a good thick book and each chapter brings new mini-plots while the main theme goes on unfolding.
Friday, April 11, 2008
More kitchen
Well, it seems the knobs for my kitchen have been discontinued and that's why I'm missing 16 of them. These knobs were among an assortment that I was given for choices. Go figure! Also, I used the dishwasher for the first time last night and it leaks pretty good! Big puddle in kitchen. Called builder last night. He'll check it out today. Still have a missing piece of counter top. Soooo close, yet so far away! Have unpacked 3 boxes (just a drop in the bucket), but hesitate to put much back in before it's finished...am having it painted pear green!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Waiting to exhale
I feel that in just moments I'll be able to exhale! The kitchen is very close to being done! There is still a section of counter top missing and 16 knobs are missing. The painter has to come back and paint the trim around doors and do touch up. Oh, I'm having a wonderful wooden screen door put on the front and that needs to be painted too. I'm sure that I'll probably find other things this weekend as I move stuff back into the kitchen, but as of now that's it.
It was so nice to walk into the kitchen yesterday and have a sink! I think I've missed that the most. Both the dishwasher and microwave have been installed!!!!! As we speak I have a roast in the crockpot IN THE KITCHEN! and...last night I moved the coffee pot out of my bathroom and back into the kitchen! Yeah!!!!!
I spent 2 hours with Mother yesterday. To use her words she's "awake for the first time"! I've been cast in the role of "bad guy". Spent most to the time telling her that her recovery is her responsibility and that our hope for her is to have her back home, but without some major improvements she may not make it. The staff is talking about her being uncooprotive, antagonistic and just generally bad. She refuses to mingle with others, refuses to do rehab, refuses to go to the dining room, refuses to get out of bed and has a rotten attitude about everything. When she's "holding court" with visitors she's nice enough, but her language with the staff is just awful! Bert has finally seen that side of her and told Nancy about it. I was totally exhausted when I finally got home and couldn't get the smell of her (she wet herself twice while I was sitting on her bed) off of me or out of my nose. After letting the animals out and glancing at the kitchen I stood in the shower until I ran out of hot water...still couldn't totally get rid of the smell.
Mother's 83rd birthday is two weeks from yesterday. I think that Nancy and I will pick up from the Seine Yard and take it to the nursing home and picnic with Mother.
The reason I went to see Mother yesterday instead of my usual Tuesday is that I needed to have my hair trimmed and the fellow I've been using doesn't work on Tuesdays. Well, I probably should have waited another week or so as he had a bad head ache and butchered my hair! Oh well, it's just hair and will grow...
The job's feeling better. They've finally found some work that I'm doing on the computer and that fills in some of the blank time for me. It's nothing special, but it's better than nothing which is what I've been increasingly doing. The busy season is winding down and usually by 8:30am I've finished any filing that needs to be done and the phone has slowed down. I heard yesterday that crape myrtle season starts up the first of next month and we'll be rather busy for a few months with that. Thank goodness!
It's supposed to be a rainy and chilly weekend and I'm really looking forward to that!
It was so nice to walk into the kitchen yesterday and have a sink! I think I've missed that the most. Both the dishwasher and microwave have been installed!!!!! As we speak I have a roast in the crockpot IN THE KITCHEN! and...last night I moved the coffee pot out of my bathroom and back into the kitchen! Yeah!!!!!
I spent 2 hours with Mother yesterday. To use her words she's "awake for the first time"! I've been cast in the role of "bad guy". Spent most to the time telling her that her recovery is her responsibility and that our hope for her is to have her back home, but without some major improvements she may not make it. The staff is talking about her being uncooprotive, antagonistic and just generally bad. She refuses to mingle with others, refuses to do rehab, refuses to go to the dining room, refuses to get out of bed and has a rotten attitude about everything. When she's "holding court" with visitors she's nice enough, but her language with the staff is just awful! Bert has finally seen that side of her and told Nancy about it. I was totally exhausted when I finally got home and couldn't get the smell of her (she wet herself twice while I was sitting on her bed) off of me or out of my nose. After letting the animals out and glancing at the kitchen I stood in the shower until I ran out of hot water...still couldn't totally get rid of the smell.
Mother's 83rd birthday is two weeks from yesterday. I think that Nancy and I will pick up from the Seine Yard and take it to the nursing home and picnic with Mother.
The reason I went to see Mother yesterday instead of my usual Tuesday is that I needed to have my hair trimmed and the fellow I've been using doesn't work on Tuesdays. Well, I probably should have waited another week or so as he had a bad head ache and butchered my hair! Oh well, it's just hair and will grow...
The job's feeling better. They've finally found some work that I'm doing on the computer and that fills in some of the blank time for me. It's nothing special, but it's better than nothing which is what I've been increasingly doing. The busy season is winding down and usually by 8:30am I've finished any filing that needs to be done and the phone has slowed down. I heard yesterday that crape myrtle season starts up the first of next month and we'll be rather busy for a few months with that. Thank goodness!
It's supposed to be a rainy and chilly weekend and I'm really looking forward to that!
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Jumping the gun
Well, it seems I jumped the gun when I thought the kitchen is almost done. The counter tops are wrong. They are the Formica I chose and that looks great, however they don't fit right. Some parts hang over the edge (as they should) by about a quarter of an inch and some are actually negative in overhang! ISH! The piece that is missing is still missing and only 1/2 of the knobs are here. They did move my refrigerator into the kitchen spot on Friday (only with the urging of the painter and me) and it fits just right. They broke a shelf bracket in the freezer and a leg on the stove. They've propped the stove up with a piece of ply wood and I'm not too happy about that. They also scratched the hard wood floor outside the kitchen pretty badly. And they still have to trim off the shingles on the overhang outside the French doors. And, of course, the microwave/hood and dishwasher are still in the carport. I am not a happy camper.
Bert told Nancy that the rehab folks actually had Mother on her feet and walking with a person on either side of her and one following her closely with the wheelchair in back. Neither of us have seen that yet, but it certainly sounds promising! He also told Nancy that she was hollowering and cussing the entire time! Surprise, surprise!
I got 3 1/2 inches of rain here yesterday! Sure needed it!
Bert told Nancy that the rehab folks actually had Mother on her feet and walking with a person on either side of her and one following her closely with the wheelchair in back. Neither of us have seen that yet, but it certainly sounds promising! He also told Nancy that she was hollowering and cussing the entire time! Surprise, surprise!
I got 3 1/2 inches of rain here yesterday! Sure needed it!
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Oh glory! I have counter tops!
Well, the title is a little misleading...I have most of my counter tops. One small one is missing. This process is really a pain, but I think it's almost over. The refrigerator is still in another room, the dishwasher and microwave/hood are still in the carport and the sink is still on the side porch. Other than that it's mighty close to being done! The painter has repainting to do and the roof on the overhang outside the French doors still needs work...but it's all coming along! Thank goodness!
I feel like throwing everything away that I took out of the kitchen and stacked in the dining room and just starting over. If I could afford to I just really might do it!
Tuesday Bert and I (with the help of an ambulance) moved Mother to a nursing home. Before she left the rehab center she called almost everyone there "Nincompoops"! That's Mother! I do hope she'll not make folks angry at the new place.
Nancy and I have talked (lots) about visiting Mother. She actually doesn't remember if we were there recently or not. We both work (and I drive over from another town) and this trying to see her so often is taking quite a toll on both of us. This is going to be a long term thing with Mother and her physical health is fine. Soooo, we have decided to each see her one day a week each on a different day. I saw her Tuesday and Nancy will see her today. I feel sure that this isn't going to sit too well with Bert, but we're both tired and have to take care of us too. Wonder why I feel so damn guilty?
Just got my high speed internet service up and running. That's been quite a process too! It's amazing how much faster than dial up it really is! So nice to be able to post from home!
Got my power bill yesterday. It was the lowest I remember it being...$46.39! However, air conditioning season is just about here...
I feel like throwing everything away that I took out of the kitchen and stacked in the dining room and just starting over. If I could afford to I just really might do it!
Tuesday Bert and I (with the help of an ambulance) moved Mother to a nursing home. Before she left the rehab center she called almost everyone there "Nincompoops"! That's Mother! I do hope she'll not make folks angry at the new place.
Nancy and I have talked (lots) about visiting Mother. She actually doesn't remember if we were there recently or not. We both work (and I drive over from another town) and this trying to see her so often is taking quite a toll on both of us. This is going to be a long term thing with Mother and her physical health is fine. Soooo, we have decided to each see her one day a week each on a different day. I saw her Tuesday and Nancy will see her today. I feel sure that this isn't going to sit too well with Bert, but we're both tired and have to take care of us too. Wonder why I feel so damn guilty?
Just got my high speed internet service up and running. That's been quite a process too! It's amazing how much faster than dial up it really is! So nice to be able to post from home!
Got my power bill yesterday. It was the lowest I remember it being...$46.39! However, air conditioning season is just about here...
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
The light at the end of the tunnel
I'm just hoping that the light I think I see at the end of the tunnel isn't a train! The kitchen floor went in on Saturday and looks great! Yesterday the cabinets went in...no counter tops! They only measured yesterday for the counters!!!! and say it'll probably be a week before they're in...but the cabinets (except for the one falling off of the wall) look good, but the doors aren't even at the top or bottom...this is very expensive and is taking sooooo long and damn it, I want it right!
I was to get high speed internet service through EMBARQ yesterday. They say that order has been processed, however, something happened and I have no phone (thus, no internet either!). That should be resolved by 3:58 this afternoon. Can you believe it?
I know that other shoe is hovering!!!
Mother was to be moved to the nursing home tomorrow, but a bed came available in a private room (hard to come by) and she's being moved today. I feel sure the rehab center will be happy to see her go as she is very uncooperative, cranky and cusses quite a bit! We (actually Nancy) overheard two of the nursing staff one day last week say they could only hope she was leaving soon! I told Bert I'd be over there after work. I went yesterday but she was sound asleep and I didn't wake her. I did, however, put a sticky note on her chest so she'd know I'd been there.
The kittens are now mostly outdoor cats and they love it. I think they spend a lot of time under the house, but I've seen them in the main yard and out front. That worries me. I try to pray them safe. They do come in for meals, but getting the back door closed with them in isn't easy. If I happen to "trap" them inside the yowling is unbearable! Litter boxes are much easier to keep up with! Now instead of scooping 4 boxes twice a day I'm scooping once a day. Better!
The 1st Fletcher First Cousin Reunion on Saturday was fine. Nancy and I were not treated as cousins. Things were given out to family members. Nothing to us. Oh well...I told her that we were afterthoughts when the post marks on our invitation letters was 4 days past the RSVP date! She insisted and we went. We did get a free meal and I finally got to meet some of the people I hear about quite a bit. Ferrel Samms (sp?), the author, is a family member and was at our table. Nice to meet him. There were apx. 65 people there from new borns to Bert who is now the oldest at 90.
I just got off the phone with Bert. I'll meet him at the rehab center after work today and then go with him to the nursing home to help settle Mother in. Oh joy!
I was to get high speed internet service through EMBARQ yesterday. They say that order has been processed, however, something happened and I have no phone (thus, no internet either!). That should be resolved by 3:58 this afternoon. Can you believe it?
I know that other shoe is hovering!!!
Mother was to be moved to the nursing home tomorrow, but a bed came available in a private room (hard to come by) and she's being moved today. I feel sure the rehab center will be happy to see her go as she is very uncooperative, cranky and cusses quite a bit! We (actually Nancy) overheard two of the nursing staff one day last week say they could only hope she was leaving soon! I told Bert I'd be over there after work. I went yesterday but she was sound asleep and I didn't wake her. I did, however, put a sticky note on her chest so she'd know I'd been there.
The kittens are now mostly outdoor cats and they love it. I think they spend a lot of time under the house, but I've seen them in the main yard and out front. That worries me. I try to pray them safe. They do come in for meals, but getting the back door closed with them in isn't easy. If I happen to "trap" them inside the yowling is unbearable! Litter boxes are much easier to keep up with! Now instead of scooping 4 boxes twice a day I'm scooping once a day. Better!
The 1st Fletcher First Cousin Reunion on Saturday was fine. Nancy and I were not treated as cousins. Things were given out to family members. Nothing to us. Oh well...I told her that we were afterthoughts when the post marks on our invitation letters was 4 days past the RSVP date! She insisted and we went. We did get a free meal and I finally got to meet some of the people I hear about quite a bit. Ferrel Samms (sp?), the author, is a family member and was at our table. Nice to meet him. There were apx. 65 people there from new borns to Bert who is now the oldest at 90.
I just got off the phone with Bert. I'll meet him at the rehab center after work today and then go with him to the nursing home to help settle Mother in. Oh joy!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Bye Bye AOL
Yesterday Nancy sneaked her dog Maria in to see Mother. She put her in a purse and walked right in. She had to wake Mother, but she knew Maria and even said "Oh look, Maria came to see her Meemaw"! They didn't stay long.
Tomorrow Nancy & I will be going to the Waukulla Springs Lodge for the 1st Fletcher First Cousins Reunion. Should be interesting. We'll go by to see Mother before hand.
I just ordered Embarq high speed internet. They said I'll be up and running after 7pm Monday. I've had AOL for so long, but they have really not given me the service I've needed this time...and high speed will be nice!
My flooring and cabinets were delivered yesterday. They are in my carport, but at least they are here! The builders had to jack the kitchen floor up from under the house and got that done yesterday, so I'm hoping (I know it's foolish) that the floor or something is done when I get home today!
I think my ankle is finally getting better. I had to go upstairs twice this morning (here at work) and it didn't absolutely kill me. Yeah!
Probably won't post again until Monday or Tuesday.
Tomorrow Nancy & I will be going to the Waukulla Springs Lodge for the 1st Fletcher First Cousins Reunion. Should be interesting. We'll go by to see Mother before hand.
I just ordered Embarq high speed internet. They said I'll be up and running after 7pm Monday. I've had AOL for so long, but they have really not given me the service I've needed this time...and high speed will be nice!
My flooring and cabinets were delivered yesterday. They are in my carport, but at least they are here! The builders had to jack the kitchen floor up from under the house and got that done yesterday, so I'm hoping (I know it's foolish) that the floor or something is done when I get home today!
I think my ankle is finally getting better. I had to go upstairs twice this morning (here at work) and it didn't absolutely kill me. Yeah!
Probably won't post again until Monday or Tuesday.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
I saw Mother yesterday
I was with Mother for a little over 2 hours yesterday. She seemed the most lucid that I've seen in the beginning. She made a pitiful stab at her lunch eating a total of 5-6 bites. She asked me why her parents haven't come to see her and I told her to think about it. She thought for a while and then asked if they had died and how long ago. While I was hanging up some of her clothes I had my back to her...she said "oh look at him, isn't he sweet, look at how nicely he just lays there". It was like she had a kitten or something. When I went over to see what she was talking about it was her right hand in her lap and she was petting it. Next Tuesday she'll be moved to The Consulate Nursing Home. This is a very sad time.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
My kitchen is painted!
The beautiful tongue and groove ceiling and crown molding in my kitchen was painted a bright white and the walls an off white...I can live with that...yesterday. Looks great, now if there were just some cabinets and counter tops, etc.!
My new French doors are almost installed. They are in the hole, but that's all. They put a board across them, so now when Shirley needs to go out I have to put her leash on her and take her out the carport to the fenced in area. I sure do hope that's finished today! and, I hope they'll take the plywood down between the living room and the funny room. Oh, the house is such a mess, I can't imagine that I'll ever get it put back together or clean. The building dust has made it all the way to my bathroom, Every lampshade is covered and my bed even feels gritty! What a mess, what a mess!
Will go see Mother for lunch today.
My new French doors are almost installed. They are in the hole, but that's all. They put a board across them, so now when Shirley needs to go out I have to put her leash on her and take her out the carport to the fenced in area. I sure do hope that's finished today! and, I hope they'll take the plywood down between the living room and the funny room. Oh, the house is such a mess, I can't imagine that I'll ever get it put back together or clean. The building dust has made it all the way to my bathroom, Every lampshade is covered and my bed even feels gritty! What a mess, what a mess!
Will go see Mother for lunch today.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Change is the norm
Years ago it dawned on me that the only thing that's really normal is change. Nothing ever stays the same, relationships, health, jobs, and all of the various day to day things that we often aren't even aware of undergo change constantly. Damn it, why can't we just find that comfort zone and stay put? I am so tired of the feeling of being tossed into the air and wondering where I'll land.
Not much change with Mother. Don't remember if I mentioned that she'll be moved to a nursing home on the 2nd...which one is still to be determined.
Chilly this morning.
They put beautiful spring flowers on my desk yesterday. Dogwood, redbuds, loropetalums, cherrys and something else. Now my office matches outside! Pretty. Sweet!
Oh, the builders installed wonderful old crown molding in my kitchen yesterday! Didn't know they were going to do that and it's really, really nice! Love it! Of course, the rest of the kitchen is still empty...oh well...maybe it'll be ready for Thanksgiving!
Not much change with Mother. Don't remember if I mentioned that she'll be moved to a nursing home on the 2nd...which one is still to be determined.
Chilly this morning.
They put beautiful spring flowers on my desk yesterday. Dogwood, redbuds, loropetalums, cherrys and something else. Now my office matches outside! Pretty. Sweet!
Oh, the builders installed wonderful old crown molding in my kitchen yesterday! Didn't know they were going to do that and it's really, really nice! Love it! Of course, the rest of the kitchen is still empty...oh well...maybe it'll be ready for Thanksgiving!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Wild weather
Yesterday was extremely windy! Wild day.
Yesterday Mother was more lucid than I've seen her since her stroke.
My internet access at home has been down for several days. Posting at work is hard. I'm waiting on a disc from AOL...they say 2 weeks! Ish!
Yesterday Mother was more lucid than I've seen her since her stroke.
My internet access at home has been down for several days. Posting at work is hard. I'm waiting on a disc from AOL...they say 2 weeks! Ish!
Monday, March 17, 2008
The wearing of the green
So far everyone coming in to work this morning is wearing at least a touch of green. I think everyone should always wear green here as we are a nursery!
Mother fell out of bed Friday evening trying to reach her water...at least that's what they say. She wasn't hurt and doesn't remember it.
Saturday Nancy and I spent hours and hours looking for her tax information. We went through one closet and didn't find anything for taxes, but found stacks and stacks of magazines dating back to 1996! We tossed them along with one of the most extensive stashes of used tissue paper I've ever seen. She had empty boxes and shopping bags which we also tossed and lots and lots of just plain junk. There is another closet which we plan to do on Sunday.
We had taken shampoo and blow dryer with us when we went to see Mothero on Saturday, but she was asleep both times we went there so we didn't wake her to do her hair. Yesterday Nancy went there and washed & dried her hair. It had gotten so bad and smelled. When Nancy called me after doing her hair she was almost yelling. She had worked herself up with so much anger and wanted to take it out on me. When I told her finally that she had to get hold of her anger she practically hung up on me. Wouldn't answer my calls later. Oh well.
I was gone from home for 13 hours on Saturday. I told Bert that I'll not be visiting Mother this week as I need to stay off of my ankle as much as I can and I'm very tired. Also, gas is eating me alive!
I reinjured my ankle Saturday by slipping twice on the piles of stuff we'd tossed out of her closet and now it's very swollen and painful again.
Smokey and Bandi spent all day Sunday outside. They loved it. The builder had accidentally let both of them out on different days last week and every time the door is used they both rush it. I really hadn't planned on letting them out at all, but now it's a done deal. I do hope they'll stay close!
The builder thinks my new French doors will be in the first of this week. No news on the cabinets. I pray they finish soon. The was I'm living at home is worse than camping and there is a thick coating of dust on everything, even the bathrooms. No wonder the cats and I sneeze lots!
Mother fell out of bed Friday evening trying to reach her water...at least that's what they say. She wasn't hurt and doesn't remember it.
Saturday Nancy and I spent hours and hours looking for her tax information. We went through one closet and didn't find anything for taxes, but found stacks and stacks of magazines dating back to 1996! We tossed them along with one of the most extensive stashes of used tissue paper I've ever seen. She had empty boxes and shopping bags which we also tossed and lots and lots of just plain junk. There is another closet which we plan to do on Sunday.
We had taken shampoo and blow dryer with us when we went to see Mothero on Saturday, but she was asleep both times we went there so we didn't wake her to do her hair. Yesterday Nancy went there and washed & dried her hair. It had gotten so bad and smelled. When Nancy called me after doing her hair she was almost yelling. She had worked herself up with so much anger and wanted to take it out on me. When I told her finally that she had to get hold of her anger she practically hung up on me. Wouldn't answer my calls later. Oh well.
I was gone from home for 13 hours on Saturday. I told Bert that I'll not be visiting Mother this week as I need to stay off of my ankle as much as I can and I'm very tired. Also, gas is eating me alive!
I reinjured my ankle Saturday by slipping twice on the piles of stuff we'd tossed out of her closet and now it's very swollen and painful again.
Smokey and Bandi spent all day Sunday outside. They loved it. The builder had accidentally let both of them out on different days last week and every time the door is used they both rush it. I really hadn't planned on letting them out at all, but now it's a done deal. I do hope they'll stay close!
The builder thinks my new French doors will be in the first of this week. No news on the cabinets. I pray they finish soon. The was I'm living at home is worse than camping and there is a thick coating of dust on everything, even the bathrooms. No wonder the cats and I sneeze lots!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Mother update
After work yesterday I went to the rehab center to see Mother. She was in physical therapy and doing much better than the day before. Her nurse had washed her hair and it looked terrible, but clean. She said she wasn't feeling clean and I asked her what was bothering her the most and she said her teeth. Among the items Nancy and I took to her on Saturday were her toothbrush and toothpaste, but they haven't been used. I went back to her room and got them out and put them on her tray. I couldn't stay as long as the day before as I had an appointment across town. When I told her I had to go she burst into tears and said "Oh don't leave me Mommy". Needless to say not only did I cry, but her therapist did also.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Spring has sprung!
Everywhere you look something is blooming! The dogwoods, redbuds, cherry laurel, azaleas, bulbs of all sorts are in bloom and the camellias are still holding their blooms from January. It's beautiful!
My kitchen renovation is coming right along. Last week they gutted it. When they tore down the ceiling tiles they uncovered the original ceiling which is a wonderful tongue and groove thing. I'm going to keep it! Monday they did plumbing, Tuesday electrical and yesterday the insulation and drywall went in! I'm trying not to be too hopeful, but I do believe I'm beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel! Yeah!
Monday when I got home from work I couldn't find Bandi. I thought she was just hiding and didn't really begin worrying until it was their supper time and no Bandi. She's never been outside and I know the workmen are careful about leaving the door open (I sorta yelled a lot about that in the beginning) so I was concentrating on the attic and the walls, in fact, last night I was sure she was behind the new drywall. But this morning when I let Shirley out I heard her and called and out she came from under the house. Thank goodness! My little group is now complete again!
I went to Tallahassee yesterday after work to see Mother. She was in physical therapy when I got there, in her wheelchair, slumped over with her head down and her eyes closed. Two girls were saying "Miss Jane, open your eyes, Miss Jane hold up your head" and she wouldn't. I walked over to her and said "Mother, what in the world are you doing?" Her head snapped up and her eyes opened and she said "Exercise"! I stayed with her for the remainder of that session and for her speech therapy. Then I took her back to her room and put her jacket on her as she was very cold. She was very cooperative. I'll go back after work today.
My kitchen renovation is coming right along. Last week they gutted it. When they tore down the ceiling tiles they uncovered the original ceiling which is a wonderful tongue and groove thing. I'm going to keep it! Monday they did plumbing, Tuesday electrical and yesterday the insulation and drywall went in! I'm trying not to be too hopeful, but I do believe I'm beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel! Yeah!
Monday when I got home from work I couldn't find Bandi. I thought she was just hiding and didn't really begin worrying until it was their supper time and no Bandi. She's never been outside and I know the workmen are careful about leaving the door open (I sorta yelled a lot about that in the beginning) so I was concentrating on the attic and the walls, in fact, last night I was sure she was behind the new drywall. But this morning when I let Shirley out I heard her and called and out she came from under the house. Thank goodness! My little group is now complete again!
I went to Tallahassee yesterday after work to see Mother. She was in physical therapy when I got there, in her wheelchair, slumped over with her head down and her eyes closed. Two girls were saying "Miss Jane, open your eyes, Miss Jane hold up your head" and she wouldn't. I walked over to her and said "Mother, what in the world are you doing?" Her head snapped up and her eyes opened and she said "Exercise"! I stayed with her for the remainder of that session and for her speech therapy. Then I took her back to her room and put her jacket on her as she was very cold. She was very cooperative. I'll go back after work today.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
She's seeming much better!
When Nancy and I got to the rehab center yesterday Mother was in a wheelchair! First time and was much more lucid! She knew both of us and called us by name. First time. They brought her lunch and she fed herself (left hand). First time (as Bert fed her her breakfast).
She still has almost no use of the right side, though her nurse said she'd kicked the covers off the night before and she made a fist for us and flexed her fingers. She has trouble putting thought to word and trouble finding words.
We were so pleased with the progress.
Chilly here this morning.
Bill, thank you so much for your comment. I'm embarrassed, but do we know you?
She still has almost no use of the right side, though her nurse said she'd kicked the covers off the night before and she made a fist for us and flexed her fingers. She has trouble putting thought to word and trouble finding words.
We were so pleased with the progress.
Chilly here this morning.
Bill, thank you so much for your comment. I'm embarrassed, but do we know you?
Saturday, March 08, 2008
More Mother news
They moved Mother to a rehab center late yesterday. The ccu unit nurse told Nancy that the main reason they moved her so quickly was that she was fighting them and was uncooperative.
Nancy and I will visit her there today. I pray this will be the stimulus she needs. The MRI of her brain showed massive damage. I don't know how much improvement we should expect. Her general physical condition has been upgraded from critical to fair. Her heart, lungs, etc. are good. This is so hard.
Nancy and I will visit her there today. I pray this will be the stimulus she needs. The MRI of her brain showed massive damage. I don't know how much improvement we should expect. Her general physical condition has been upgraded from critical to fair. Her heart, lungs, etc. are good. This is so hard.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Yet another update
Bert called me at work twice this morning. He (and her attending Dr.) wanted to surgically implant a feeding tube in Mother's abdomen. I've heard such horror stories about people having to get court orders to remove same when the patient wasn't going to recover and told him that. I really thought we should wait a few more days before doing something that drastic. After all, she's being fed IV and the chance of recovering her swallowing ability should improve as she improves. Anyway he called Nancy and she was all for it, so they overruled me and did it. She came through the surgery quite well and I was there when she woke up in recovery. She was pretty alert, though her speech isn't good at all. She seemed to know me, or at least liked me. She tried to talk, but got very agitated when she couldn't. Bert went home for a much needed rest and I called Nancy who got there around 3 o'clock. We left at 4 o'clock. We told both Bert and Mother that we wouldn't be there tomorrow, but probably would be there on Saturday. Mother has no concept of time or days, etc. But I explained it to her a couple of times and I figure it may sink in some day.
Mother update
There is no significant change in Mother. The doctors say she had a major stroke and it will be a week to 10 days before we really know anything. They had a music therapist in with her yesterday and she tried to sing along and move her good foot with the music. That sounds good.
They began tearing out my kitchen Tuesday. It has been totally gutted, cabinets, walls down to the studs, floor and ceiling. Friday I bought a tomato and an avocado...can't find them...I suppose that if this cold ever goes away I'll be able to smell them out!
They began tearing out my kitchen Tuesday. It has been totally gutted, cabinets, walls down to the studs, floor and ceiling. Friday I bought a tomato and an avocado...can't find them...I suppose that if this cold ever goes away I'll be able to smell them out!
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Mother
Mother had a stroke yesterday. She's stable now and in Cardiac Intensive Care. I haven't called anyone as I'm so scattered and can't find my address book. Rosie, I have your # on my cell and when I get it charged up and know something more I'll give you a call. Nancy, Bert and I were with her until midnight and then Nancy and I left. Bert stayed...we're worried about him as he is 90 and really not handling this well at all.
She is having speech problems (counts a lot) and is partially paralyzed on her right side and very confused, doesn't know her name or the date or what happened or where she is, etc..
We have a big storm coming in today with tornadoes, hail and such.
Daddy died on the 5th of March.
She is having speech problems (counts a lot) and is partially paralyzed on her right side and very confused, doesn't know her name or the date or what happened or where she is, etc..
We have a big storm coming in today with tornadoes, hail and such.
Daddy died on the 5th of March.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Back to work
Went back to work yesterday. Probably should stay out for a few more, but you know about the old pocket book! My ear is still bothering me even though I finished the antibiotic yesterday and I'm weak as all get out! This past week I did nothing but sleep and then toward the end of the week watched movies on DVD's. If you haven't seen it, "No Reservations" is really a feel-good movie!
We got over 7 inches of rain last week...really needed it...and we have more coming today. Yeah!
Work's work. Found some porn (actually, lots of porn) on the computer in my office yesterday. That idiot that moved to my old desk was dumb enough to leave it on the desk top unprotected scattered in with pictures of his grandchildren! Stupid! Sick! Ugly!
We got over 7 inches of rain last week...really needed it...and we have more coming today. Yeah!
Work's work. Found some porn (actually, lots of porn) on the computer in my office yesterday. That idiot that moved to my old desk was dumb enough to leave it on the desk top unprotected scattered in with pictures of his grandchildren! Stupid! Sick! Ugly!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Catching up
I started the new job in Home Office last Wednesday. I have a lovely office with an antique computer. I'm filing, answering the phone and going to the post office. Not good.
HWB and the guys at the old job sent flowers and candy with a card saying it was for my first day on the new job and an early Valentines Day wish.
Wednesday afternoon I went to the dermatologist in Tallahassee. Several of the places my GP was concerned about were nothing. The place on my nose was removed and required a stitch inside and one outside. There were two places on my lip that he froze. The shots in my nose and the freezing were most painful.
Thursday was Valentines Day. Got several things of candy and another flower. One of the girls brought in homemade chicken and dumplings and a large salad. Nice.
I was sick all weekend and when I got up Monday morning was much worse. Was at my doctor's office at 7:30 when they opened and told them I wouldn't leave until I could see someone. They said they'd fit me in at 10:15. Went to work. At 10:15 went to the doctor. I have flu (had the flu shot, but it seems the shot is only covering around 40 percent of the strains going aroung) and a secondary bacterial ear infection and fluid on my lungs. He perscribed an antibiotic for the ear. Went on to the post office and back to work. Sorted the mail and came home.
Had only been home a short time when my builder called and wanted a key to the house. He came by and picked it up and asked if I could do without a kitchen for a few weeks. Ha!
Yesterday I called work and told them I didn't know when I'd be back.
Still feel rotten and the antibiotic has torn my stomach up!
It's been quite a week.
HWB and the guys at the old job sent flowers and candy with a card saying it was for my first day on the new job and an early Valentines Day wish.
Wednesday afternoon I went to the dermatologist in Tallahassee. Several of the places my GP was concerned about were nothing. The place on my nose was removed and required a stitch inside and one outside. There were two places on my lip that he froze. The shots in my nose and the freezing were most painful.
Thursday was Valentines Day. Got several things of candy and another flower. One of the girls brought in homemade chicken and dumplings and a large salad. Nice.
I was sick all weekend and when I got up Monday morning was much worse. Was at my doctor's office at 7:30 when they opened and told them I wouldn't leave until I could see someone. They said they'd fit me in at 10:15. Went to work. At 10:15 went to the doctor. I have flu (had the flu shot, but it seems the shot is only covering around 40 percent of the strains going aroung) and a secondary bacterial ear infection and fluid on my lungs. He perscribed an antibiotic for the ear. Went on to the post office and back to work. Sorted the mail and came home.
Had only been home a short time when my builder called and wanted a key to the house. He came by and picked it up and asked if I could do without a kitchen for a few weeks. Ha!
Yesterday I called work and told them I didn't know when I'd be back.
Still feel rotten and the antibiotic has torn my stomach up!
It's been quite a week.
Friday, February 08, 2008
A little progress.
I still haven't made the big move to home office. I'm told it'll be this coming Wednesday. That also is the day my skin cancer surgery is scheduled for. I've already told them and I'll have to leave an hour early on my first day there.
I am seeing progress with my office. Monday there was a desk with no drawers. Tuesday there was a stack of drawers in the corner. Wednesday the drawers were in, two don't fit too well. Thursday there was a computer on the desk and today a red leather (old) chair had been added. There is still no desk chair and everything is rather dirty. Watching this has been fun.
I really was a wreck on Monday. I didn't sleep very well over the weekend because of fretting over the move. And a fellow who is moving into the office I'm leaving was there when I got in. He's a nice guy, but sharing a phone and a computer has had it's challanges! But, when I left today I was just fine and feel sure I will be this weekend.
Those storms that ran through our midsection (our as in our country) two days ago were unreal!
So many people have lost so much. Our driver said he saw several flat bed semis carrying what looked like FEMA trailers while he was on I-10 today.
Neither of my daughers, who live on the fringes of the horrid weather paths, have posted lately. That's not really odd, we all go through spells of not posting. I'm just an ol' worry-wart, always have been and probably always will be!
I've been cutting pennies a bit finer lately. I dropped Callwave, though I loved it and dropped the call forward busy feature that I had to have from Embarq in order to use Callwave. That's going to save about $12.50 a month. Then my sister told me about a calling package that she just got with Embarq that includes local and long distance (.10 a min.!) and is $19.99 a month. So I called and changed to that and that's another $10.00 a month savings! Then I changed my newspaper subscription from 7 days a week to Sunday only. That's going to save me about $12.00 a month! So with just a few changes I'm saving ball-park about $35.00 a month! That's $420.00 a year! That's a new TV or a tank of propane! I'm going to try to put $35.00 aside each month and at least I should be able to get at least one tank of propane! If I'd quit smoking that'd be another $140.00 a month...then I could stop eating and then stop feeding the animals and stop doing electric and water and damn it, that is how it feels! The prices of things are going up so quickly and the money in the pocket isn't!
Tomorrow I'm going to try to dig the lantanas out of the front bed. They do take over and are frightfully ugly in the winter and I want them gone. I was thinking that if I can't dig them out I'll tie a rope around them and into the tingy in the trunk of my car and yank them out. We'll see, it should be fun! The weather is supposed to be wonderful, 72-75 degrees day time and high 40's night times!
Still no progress to report on the kitchen. I'm down to 2 forks, 1 plate and three bowls. I'm ready. It'll take me less than 1/2 an hour to clear it totally! Need to call my builder.
I am seeing progress with my office. Monday there was a desk with no drawers. Tuesday there was a stack of drawers in the corner. Wednesday the drawers were in, two don't fit too well. Thursday there was a computer on the desk and today a red leather (old) chair had been added. There is still no desk chair and everything is rather dirty. Watching this has been fun.
I really was a wreck on Monday. I didn't sleep very well over the weekend because of fretting over the move. And a fellow who is moving into the office I'm leaving was there when I got in. He's a nice guy, but sharing a phone and a computer has had it's challanges! But, when I left today I was just fine and feel sure I will be this weekend.
Those storms that ran through our midsection (our as in our country) two days ago were unreal!
So many people have lost so much. Our driver said he saw several flat bed semis carrying what looked like FEMA trailers while he was on I-10 today.
Neither of my daughers, who live on the fringes of the horrid weather paths, have posted lately. That's not really odd, we all go through spells of not posting. I'm just an ol' worry-wart, always have been and probably always will be!
I've been cutting pennies a bit finer lately. I dropped Callwave, though I loved it and dropped the call forward busy feature that I had to have from Embarq in order to use Callwave. That's going to save about $12.50 a month. Then my sister told me about a calling package that she just got with Embarq that includes local and long distance (.10 a min.!) and is $19.99 a month. So I called and changed to that and that's another $10.00 a month savings! Then I changed my newspaper subscription from 7 days a week to Sunday only. That's going to save me about $12.00 a month! So with just a few changes I'm saving ball-park about $35.00 a month! That's $420.00 a year! That's a new TV or a tank of propane! I'm going to try to put $35.00 aside each month and at least I should be able to get at least one tank of propane! If I'd quit smoking that'd be another $140.00 a month...then I could stop eating and then stop feeding the animals and stop doing electric and water and damn it, that is how it feels! The prices of things are going up so quickly and the money in the pocket isn't!
Tomorrow I'm going to try to dig the lantanas out of the front bed. They do take over and are frightfully ugly in the winter and I want them gone. I was thinking that if I can't dig them out I'll tie a rope around them and into the tingy in the trunk of my car and yank them out. We'll see, it should be fun! The weather is supposed to be wonderful, 72-75 degrees day time and high 40's night times!
Still no progress to report on the kitchen. I'm down to 2 forks, 1 plate and three bowls. I'm ready. It'll take me less than 1/2 an hour to clear it totally! Need to call my builder.
Friday, February 01, 2008
A Wonderful Friday
Earlier this week I asked for a day off to take care of some things and HWB suggested Friday as both he and Paul would be gone off and on during the rest of the week.
Yesterday he told me that I would be going to the home office as of Monday. That's what he'd said earlier, but changed it a few days later because of painting. So now it's back on for Monday.
Anyway, I was off today and slept a little late, played on the computer, went to the bank, paid some bills, gassed up the car and went to Thomasville. Had a nice day and fretted the entire time about the upcoming change.
Today is Nancy's 59th birthday. I woke up this morning early, 3:40ish, and called her office and sang Happy Birthday to her answering machine. We'll celebrate both tomorrow and Sunday!
It's going down to the low 30s tonight and I'm out of propane. They'll be here Monday to fill 'er up, but in the mean time...thank goodness for pets! We'll sleep warm!
Yesterday he told me that I would be going to the home office as of Monday. That's what he'd said earlier, but changed it a few days later because of painting. So now it's back on for Monday.
Anyway, I was off today and slept a little late, played on the computer, went to the bank, paid some bills, gassed up the car and went to Thomasville. Had a nice day and fretted the entire time about the upcoming change.
Today is Nancy's 59th birthday. I woke up this morning early, 3:40ish, and called her office and sang Happy Birthday to her answering machine. We'll celebrate both tomorrow and Sunday!
It's going down to the low 30s tonight and I'm out of propane. They'll be here Monday to fill 'er up, but in the mean time...thank goodness for pets! We'll sleep warm!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Another small delay
Monday HWB told me that I'd not be moving to the main office on Monday after all. It seems they are painting the floor in the office that the girl whose office I'm moving to is moving to and they think the drying time will be a bit longer in this weather, so he said to expect 2-3 days delay. Why am I not surprised? This has been hanging over my head since October...what's a few more days?
I voted yesterday at 7:15am...was only the 12th person in my precinct to vote, but heard this morning that the final turn out was quite large! November should be interesting.
Cold rain this morning.
No kitchen news other than everything, except for the few things I use daily, is packed away and in the dining room and what's left in there is in boxes and just will have to be moved when the time comes...hope that's soon.
Friday my sister will be 59 years old! Told her that I wasn't old enough to have a sister that old! Saturday she and I will be going to Talbot's to spend some coupons and later we'll meet Mother and Bert at the Seinyard to feast! Then on Sunday Nancy & I will be going to Quincy to see Bye, Bye Birdie. Should be fun.
I voted yesterday at 7:15am...was only the 12th person in my precinct to vote, but heard this morning that the final turn out was quite large! November should be interesting.
Cold rain this morning.
No kitchen news other than everything, except for the few things I use daily, is packed away and in the dining room and what's left in there is in boxes and just will have to be moved when the time comes...hope that's soon.
Friday my sister will be 59 years old! Told her that I wasn't old enough to have a sister that old! Saturday she and I will be going to Talbot's to spend some coupons and later we'll meet Mother and Bert at the Seinyard to feast! Then on Sunday Nancy & I will be going to Quincy to see Bye, Bye Birdie. Should be fun.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
And yet another rainy, cold Saturday
How fortunate can one be? Another rainy and cold Saturday. My favorite kind of day at home! I think weather like this gives me permission to stay in and bundle up and cook a little and watch movies and read. And, not to go anywhere!
I worked on the kitchen both Thursday and last night. All the upper cabinets are emptied, 2 drawers are emptied and about a third of the lower cabinets are done. I've packed up all the do-dads and stuff and taken all the pictures off of the 'fridge. I'm thinking I need to empty the refrigerator, or at least clear it of all but the bare necessities. I'm going to move the coffee pot to my bathroom and the microwave to the bedroom...maybe the electric skillet, too. Wonder how long I'll have to live like this? I started packing the kitchen the end of August and here it is the end of January. Not a real calming place to say the least. The kittens love it...new mountains to climb almost daily!
One more week to go at work.
There's something I don't understand about this tax rebate thing. How in the world is it going to make any kind of long term difference if they don't also slash income taxes? This feel like a bandage on a severed limb...the blood's still going to seep out.
I filed my income tax this past week. I am getting a small return, thank goodness! Last year I didn't do my withholding at work right and had to pay $270 something. My goal is to break even, not owe and not have any of my income being used without interest for a year and then have to jump through hoops with forms to get my own money back more than a year later. There's definitely something wrong with out tax structure.
There, I'm done.
I worked on the kitchen both Thursday and last night. All the upper cabinets are emptied, 2 drawers are emptied and about a third of the lower cabinets are done. I've packed up all the do-dads and stuff and taken all the pictures off of the 'fridge. I'm thinking I need to empty the refrigerator, or at least clear it of all but the bare necessities. I'm going to move the coffee pot to my bathroom and the microwave to the bedroom...maybe the electric skillet, too. Wonder how long I'll have to live like this? I started packing the kitchen the end of August and here it is the end of January. Not a real calming place to say the least. The kittens love it...new mountains to climb almost daily!
One more week to go at work.
There's something I don't understand about this tax rebate thing. How in the world is it going to make any kind of long term difference if they don't also slash income taxes? This feel like a bandage on a severed limb...the blood's still going to seep out.
I filed my income tax this past week. I am getting a small return, thank goodness! Last year I didn't do my withholding at work right and had to pay $270 something. My goal is to break even, not owe and not have any of my income being used without interest for a year and then have to jump through hoops with forms to get my own money back more than a year later. There's definitely something wrong with out tax structure.
There, I'm done.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
It's Unofficial
Well, unofficially, I'll be moving to the home office on the 4th of February. That's a week from this coming Monday. I'm looking forward to getting away from the gloom and doom that covers us where I am, but I'm really dreading what it looks like from this side of the glass...I've been told twice (yesterday was the second time) that I'll be handling the phones and filing...yeah! Talk about potential boredom and really torn up hands! Oh well, I guess I can do anything for 31 months (that's when I plan to retire).
Leah Jane came by yesterday with soup and wine. I can tell this morning that I ate less soup than I should have and drank more wine than was wise on a "school night".
We've had almost 3" of rain since Saturday and more in the forecast!
I've almost emptied the kitchen. Ran out of boxes, but brought more home from work yesterday. My shoulders and arms and hips and legs hurt quite a bit from climbing up and down the ladder all weekend in order to get the things from the top shelves. I'd climb up get a small armful and climb down and put it in a box...must have done that 80 million times! Probably have another good mornings worth to do. I'm hoping that I'll not have to do more until this weekend.
Leah Jane came by yesterday with soup and wine. I can tell this morning that I ate less soup than I should have and drank more wine than was wise on a "school night".
We've had almost 3" of rain since Saturday and more in the forecast!
I've almost emptied the kitchen. Ran out of boxes, but brought more home from work yesterday. My shoulders and arms and hips and legs hurt quite a bit from climbing up and down the ladder all weekend in order to get the things from the top shelves. I'd climb up get a small armful and climb down and put it in a box...must have done that 80 million times! Probably have another good mornings worth to do. I'm hoping that I'll not have to do more until this weekend.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Well, it's over.
My divorce was final on Thursday. I filed with sadness.
Not much other news...it's a cold and rainy (thank goodness) Saturday, my favorite kind!
Work's still uncomfortable, but both HWB and Paul were gone Thursday and Friday and even though that increased my hours both days (I closed) and my work load (which I enjoyed) I found it a restful break. No dark, gloomy moods to deal with.
I'm going to try to get to Tallahassee to the Social Security office on Monday.
I'm having skin cancer surgery on the 13th of next month. On my face. Two places. There are other places I need to have looked at.
Atlanta got a good snow. That should decrease the rain deficit a tad.
Not much other news...it's a cold and rainy (thank goodness) Saturday, my favorite kind!
Work's still uncomfortable, but both HWB and Paul were gone Thursday and Friday and even though that increased my hours both days (I closed) and my work load (which I enjoyed) I found it a restful break. No dark, gloomy moods to deal with.
I'm going to try to get to Tallahassee to the Social Security office on Monday.
I'm having skin cancer surgery on the 13th of next month. On my face. Two places. There are other places I need to have looked at.
Atlanta got a good snow. That should decrease the rain deficit a tad.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
And the year builds up speed!
This is actually my first posting of the year and it's already the 13th of January! Wow! How in the world can that be?
A lot is going on at work. Not good stuff. Two of our guys (out of 7) were fired yesterday and one was transferred to another division a week ago. A few days back I asked HWB again if I was going to have to go to the home office and he said yes, but not in January. How Weird is this? Orders are slow coming in, the phone is very quiet and walk-ins are few and far between. We have gotten several rather large orders and that's keeping the fellows in the nursery pretty busy...but the office is awfully still! And, it's very tense and moods are rather dark.
We are having rain! It began night before last and has rained off and on. I saw on the computer yesterday that it should continue through tomorrow! I pray it does!
Last Saturday I met Mother and Nancy at the mall and we shopped one store for a couple of hours and we all got some neat stuff. Nancy and I got lots of socks that were half price! We ate lunch at Ruby Tuesday. I shopped Publix on the way home and still got back home by 3pm!
Tomorrow Nancy and I are going to brunch at 11am and I'm going to try to get back early because I've got to clear out the kitchen. Even though I'm starting today I'm sure there will be more to do for a few more days.
The cabinets have been ordered and they'll tear out the old cabinets in about 2 weeks and re-do the kitchen window. Then they'll do the floor and then the new cabinets and counters will go in. They'll replace the French doors and put a little overhang outside because the water splashing up from the stoop is causing the doors to split and warp and put in a pocket door between the kitchen and the funny room. They'll have the lighting fixtures I've gotten installed and paint the living room, dining room, funny room and kitchen. They say that once they start it'll be 3-4 weeks. I'm going to put the coffee pot in my bathroom and the microwave on my dresser. I guess the refrigerator will go in the living room. I have a feeling that time is going to slow down considerably during this process!
Mother and Bert are going to Italy in May. Sure hope they get there, at first mother told me that they were taking a ship but a second later that they were flying! I guess I'll hear.
Yardman mowed earlier this week. Looks so much better. Actually it was only weeds and fallen Spanish moss and pecans that were cut but it made a major difference! Whew!
Someone is taking my firewood. At first I thought I might be imagining it, but I counted a couple of areas and sure 'nuff the count went down. Damn it! I paid good money for that wood and I use it and I want it! Wish I knew what to do.
A lot is going on at work. Not good stuff. Two of our guys (out of 7) were fired yesterday and one was transferred to another division a week ago. A few days back I asked HWB again if I was going to have to go to the home office and he said yes, but not in January. How Weird is this? Orders are slow coming in, the phone is very quiet and walk-ins are few and far between. We have gotten several rather large orders and that's keeping the fellows in the nursery pretty busy...but the office is awfully still! And, it's very tense and moods are rather dark.
We are having rain! It began night before last and has rained off and on. I saw on the computer yesterday that it should continue through tomorrow! I pray it does!
Last Saturday I met Mother and Nancy at the mall and we shopped one store for a couple of hours and we all got some neat stuff. Nancy and I got lots of socks that were half price! We ate lunch at Ruby Tuesday. I shopped Publix on the way home and still got back home by 3pm!
Tomorrow Nancy and I are going to brunch at 11am and I'm going to try to get back early because I've got to clear out the kitchen. Even though I'm starting today I'm sure there will be more to do for a few more days.
The cabinets have been ordered and they'll tear out the old cabinets in about 2 weeks and re-do the kitchen window. Then they'll do the floor and then the new cabinets and counters will go in. They'll replace the French doors and put a little overhang outside because the water splashing up from the stoop is causing the doors to split and warp and put in a pocket door between the kitchen and the funny room. They'll have the lighting fixtures I've gotten installed and paint the living room, dining room, funny room and kitchen. They say that once they start it'll be 3-4 weeks. I'm going to put the coffee pot in my bathroom and the microwave on my dresser. I guess the refrigerator will go in the living room. I have a feeling that time is going to slow down considerably during this process!
Mother and Bert are going to Italy in May. Sure hope they get there, at first mother told me that they were taking a ship but a second later that they were flying! I guess I'll hear.
Yardman mowed earlier this week. Looks so much better. Actually it was only weeds and fallen Spanish moss and pecans that were cut but it made a major difference! Whew!
Someone is taking my firewood. At first I thought I might be imagining it, but I counted a couple of areas and sure 'nuff the count went down. Damn it! I paid good money for that wood and I use it and I want it! Wish I knew what to do.
Monday, December 31, 2007
and another one bites the dust!
Well, it's officially New Years Eve Morning and it really seems we have these more and more often! As years are for everyone, this one was really full, but short! When I graduated from high school in 1963 the year 2000 wasn't actually a concept in my mind and just look at it now, we're just a day away from 2008! Wow! Who woulda thunk it?
The brother of one of Nancy's classmates died Christmas eve. The funeral was in Monticello on Saturday. Nancy came over and we went both to the Church and to the cemetery. There was a reception afterwards. All in all the entire thing was 5 hours, give or take. Mike was a Catholic priest.
Yesterday was dark and dreary and quite warm. We had a high of 79! "They" are saying it could be in the teens mid-week. Read Friday, Saturday and Sunday newspapers, took the trash out to the road and watched a bunch of sci-fi movies. Absolutely wonderful! It started raining around 6 last night and rained pretty hard most of the night. I heard the Atlanta area got 4 good days of rain. Thank goodness!
Planning a quiet evening in.
Happy New Year!
The brother of one of Nancy's classmates died Christmas eve. The funeral was in Monticello on Saturday. Nancy came over and we went both to the Church and to the cemetery. There was a reception afterwards. All in all the entire thing was 5 hours, give or take. Mike was a Catholic priest.
Yesterday was dark and dreary and quite warm. We had a high of 79! "They" are saying it could be in the teens mid-week. Read Friday, Saturday and Sunday newspapers, took the trash out to the road and watched a bunch of sci-fi movies. Absolutely wonderful! It started raining around 6 last night and rained pretty hard most of the night. I heard the Atlanta area got 4 good days of rain. Thank goodness!
Planning a quiet evening in.
Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Christmas
The shear dread of yesterday that I had for several days prior to the actual day was way blown out of proportion. It was actually rather nice.
I drove to Nancy's house and we exchanged gifts there and then it was off to Nancy B.'s house. Oddly enough, we beat Mother and Bert there!...and we were a little late. We had driven by the house before, but never been in. It's as cute as a button! Very cottage like and homey! We had more food to eat than I had imagined and even though I thought I used restraint, I walked away feeling like a Christmas goose, stuffed! I got home around 4pm and exhaled.
Work is closed today. I'm using one of my two days of accumulated vacation time to pay for it. We only get a day a year and I've been there a little over 2 years. All that changes next week...I go up to the "Big House". I'm sure home office will be okay, I'm just dreading it! I'd hoped to stay where I am for the next 32 months, then I could have "retired" from there...no perks for doing that, just the comfort of the same.
Dreary, cold day today. Should clean out the fireplace and bring in wood. It's going to be another newspaper, TV and computer day! Yeah!!
I drove to Nancy's house and we exchanged gifts there and then it was off to Nancy B.'s house. Oddly enough, we beat Mother and Bert there!...and we were a little late. We had driven by the house before, but never been in. It's as cute as a button! Very cottage like and homey! We had more food to eat than I had imagined and even though I thought I used restraint, I walked away feeling like a Christmas goose, stuffed! I got home around 4pm and exhaled.
Work is closed today. I'm using one of my two days of accumulated vacation time to pay for it. We only get a day a year and I've been there a little over 2 years. All that changes next week...I go up to the "Big House". I'm sure home office will be okay, I'm just dreading it! I'd hoped to stay where I am for the next 32 months, then I could have "retired" from there...no perks for doing that, just the comfort of the same.
Dreary, cold day today. Should clean out the fireplace and bring in wood. It's going to be another newspaper, TV and computer day! Yeah!!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Functional Families?
I know that somewhere out there there are families that truly have love and the sense of a strong bond of kinship.
Nancy and I went to Mother's house at 9am yesterday. I'd talked with her on Thursday and told her I'd bring a Mississippi Mud cake and for her to put on a pot of coffee. Well, first off when we got there at 9am she met us at the door saying we were 30 minutes early...and it sorta went downhill from there. I'll not elaborate, but suffice it to say I don't think Mother is speaking to either me or my sister. Christmas Day should be priceless!
The weather is chilly, damp and weary. Not really cold enough to light a fire (need to clean out the fireplace), but just enough cold for the furnace to cycle on every now and then and the thermostat is set on 62.
I work until noon tomorrow. Work really was nice to me this Christmas! Got 2 gift certificates to Johnson's Meat Locker, a big basket of goodies individually wrapped to open in numbered order for the 12 days before Christmas, a Mississippi Mud Cake, scented oils with the reeds in it, 2 pairs of fuzzy fun socks & foot cream, 5lbs of shelled pecans and a really good hamburger and hot dog cook out on Friday! Of course, folks brought in all sorts of eats and eat we did! On Thursday I took in a big pot of chili and it was gone by 1pm! It was a fun week last week!
On Friday HWB sent me to Thomasville, GA to pick up a gray fox pelt he'd left with the taxidermist a few months back. When I gave it to him I told him it was beautiful (it is!), but dead.
I hadn't heard about the Elf's that kids are getting until HWB told me about the ones his girls have gotten. They got them before Christmas. They do mischief at night...of course the parents do it, but it's a hoot! They elves made a mess in the kitchen trying to make coffee one night and one night moved HWB's vehicle and left the motor running and the wipers going, etc. There was an elf on the gas pedal and one on the steering wheel when they were found!
I'm thinking this will be a good tv movie and newspaper day!
Nancy and I went to Mother's house at 9am yesterday. I'd talked with her on Thursday and told her I'd bring a Mississippi Mud cake and for her to put on a pot of coffee. Well, first off when we got there at 9am she met us at the door saying we were 30 minutes early...and it sorta went downhill from there. I'll not elaborate, but suffice it to say I don't think Mother is speaking to either me or my sister. Christmas Day should be priceless!
The weather is chilly, damp and weary. Not really cold enough to light a fire (need to clean out the fireplace), but just enough cold for the furnace to cycle on every now and then and the thermostat is set on 62.
I work until noon tomorrow. Work really was nice to me this Christmas! Got 2 gift certificates to Johnson's Meat Locker, a big basket of goodies individually wrapped to open in numbered order for the 12 days before Christmas, a Mississippi Mud Cake, scented oils with the reeds in it, 2 pairs of fuzzy fun socks & foot cream, 5lbs of shelled pecans and a really good hamburger and hot dog cook out on Friday! Of course, folks brought in all sorts of eats and eat we did! On Thursday I took in a big pot of chili and it was gone by 1pm! It was a fun week last week!
On Friday HWB sent me to Thomasville, GA to pick up a gray fox pelt he'd left with the taxidermist a few months back. When I gave it to him I told him it was beautiful (it is!), but dead.
I hadn't heard about the Elf's that kids are getting until HWB told me about the ones his girls have gotten. They got them before Christmas. They do mischief at night...of course the parents do it, but it's a hoot! They elves made a mess in the kitchen trying to make coffee one night and one night moved HWB's vehicle and left the motor running and the wipers going, etc. There was an elf on the gas pedal and one on the steering wheel when they were found!
I'm thinking this will be a good tv movie and newspaper day!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Rain!
I was to meet Nancy at Bradley's Country Store in Tallahassee at 8am yesterday. When I got up it was spitting rain...not hard, but rain! Was a little after 8 getting there due to a flat bed truck that was broken down or unloading in the middle of a two lane road. Nancy pulled in shortly behind me due to the same darn truck. We ate foot long sausages and shopped and rocked on the front porch. Nice.
Got home around 10:30am.
Watched sappy Christmas movies all afternoon. Nice.
Then the real rain came. It came down in buckets! Filled the bird bath!
This morning the wind was blowing in from the North...bringing in cold that we've all been wanting. Our high today is to be yesterday's low and tonight a freeze is forecast. All last week we were in the mid-80's this week it's to be mid to low 50's. Wow! That a change. Must bring in fire wood. Hope it's dryish.
Got home around 10:30am.
Watched sappy Christmas movies all afternoon. Nice.
Then the real rain came. It came down in buckets! Filled the bird bath!
This morning the wind was blowing in from the North...bringing in cold that we've all been wanting. Our high today is to be yesterday's low and tonight a freeze is forecast. All last week we were in the mid-80's this week it's to be mid to low 50's. Wow! That a change. Must bring in fire wood. Hope it's dryish.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
It's sooo close to Christmas!
It's only 2 1/2 weeks till Christmas. Where does time go?
Nancy and I had decided to go out to eat one the Sunday before Christmas and call it done. Mother and Bert hadn't mentioned doing anything and that way we'd have a longer run of time off from work and nothing pending. Then yesterday everything changed. It seems that Bert had talked to his daughter, Nancy B., and expressed his dismay that we weren't having a family do for Christmas. So now we're all going to her house on Christmas day. We cancelled our reservations for Sunday. Mother and Bert are bringing the turkey and a ham. Nancy and I are both bringing casseroles and pies. Nancy B. and Mark are doing wine and salad and something else. Should be nice.
I do find it rather funny that Mother and Bert have gone their own way for the past Christmases. Wonder what makes this one so different? Of course, Mother is livid that it's going to be at Nancy B.'s house. She is so jealous of Nancy B.
Yesterday was Monticello's Christmas Downtown Get Down. Nancy came over from Tallahassee and we went. Great fun! Lots of vendors, lots of food, wonderful singing group and a parade with Santa on a fire truck! I don't remember seeing a night time parade before. It was fun!
Thursday HWB took me on a tour of the 700 acres that comprise the nursery. I do love it! I picked out an Oakleaf Holly to decorate for the office and one of the boys brought it in for me on Friday. Looks great! He also asked me if I was still okay about moving to the main office. Told him I was never okay with it. I move on the 1st, damn it! They aren't replacing me where I am and HWB said that perhaps in April we could make some more changes. Not so sure what that means. We'll see.
I'm finally feeling okay. The antibiotic I was taking really tore me up. I stopped taking it when the whites of my eyes turned quite yellow. They are better now, too.
It's warm here today. Just looked at an extended forecast and it's projected to be warm for several days. Saves on the propane, but it doesn't feel much like Christmas!
Nancy and I had decided to go out to eat one the Sunday before Christmas and call it done. Mother and Bert hadn't mentioned doing anything and that way we'd have a longer run of time off from work and nothing pending. Then yesterday everything changed. It seems that Bert had talked to his daughter, Nancy B., and expressed his dismay that we weren't having a family do for Christmas. So now we're all going to her house on Christmas day. We cancelled our reservations for Sunday. Mother and Bert are bringing the turkey and a ham. Nancy and I are both bringing casseroles and pies. Nancy B. and Mark are doing wine and salad and something else. Should be nice.
I do find it rather funny that Mother and Bert have gone their own way for the past Christmases. Wonder what makes this one so different? Of course, Mother is livid that it's going to be at Nancy B.'s house. She is so jealous of Nancy B.
Yesterday was Monticello's Christmas Downtown Get Down. Nancy came over from Tallahassee and we went. Great fun! Lots of vendors, lots of food, wonderful singing group and a parade with Santa on a fire truck! I don't remember seeing a night time parade before. It was fun!
Thursday HWB took me on a tour of the 700 acres that comprise the nursery. I do love it! I picked out an Oakleaf Holly to decorate for the office and one of the boys brought it in for me on Friday. Looks great! He also asked me if I was still okay about moving to the main office. Told him I was never okay with it. I move on the 1st, damn it! They aren't replacing me where I am and HWB said that perhaps in April we could make some more changes. Not so sure what that means. We'll see.
I'm finally feeling okay. The antibiotic I was taking really tore me up. I stopped taking it when the whites of my eyes turned quite yellow. They are better now, too.
It's warm here today. Just looked at an extended forecast and it's projected to be warm for several days. Saves on the propane, but it doesn't feel much like Christmas!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Ear Infection
Finally got in to see the doctor at 2:15 yesterday. It seems I have a middle ear infection with a heavy build up of fluid behind the ear drum. That explains the wobble I have when I try to move around. My equilibrium is terribly off. I think the animals are laughing at me when I bounce from furniture to furniture or wall to wall! Shame on them!
Will be taking Amoxicillin for 10 days.
It's a shame to be home and not be able to do anything...so much needs to be done and there are so many things I want to do. Oh well.....
I did make a pot of cream of curried chicken soup yesterday. It's good, it's hot and it goes down okay. So I'm living on soup and Ritz crackers and Sleepy Time Tea.
Rosie and family are sick too.
Will be taking Amoxicillin for 10 days.
It's a shame to be home and not be able to do anything...so much needs to be done and there are so many things I want to do. Oh well.....
I did make a pot of cream of curried chicken soup yesterday. It's good, it's hot and it goes down okay. So I'm living on soup and Ritz crackers and Sleepy Time Tea.
Rosie and family are sick too.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
The Bug
Yesterday while at work the boss asked if I wanted the heat turned up. When I said "no" he put his hand on my forehead and said "Girl you're burning up, go home". So I did. It's my throat and when I woke up this morning my ear is involved too. Dang it! I'll try to get in to see my doctor today.
There's a funeral this afternoon that I wanted to go to. Anabelle Rogers died. She was the most amazing seamstress and sewed a gazillion wonderful things for me when I was a teen. Mother is going and I planned to meet her there. I'll have to give Mother a call...oh, I hope she doesn't come by here!
Haven't heard anything from my kitchen man, so I guess it will be after the first of the year before he gets started. Want to have the living room, dining room and funny room painted also...I'm thinking of a grayed green...still looking for the right paint chip. I've found many that are close, but no cigar. But, cocoa brown keeps popping into my head. That could be fun.
When I got home yesterday Shirley was shivering terribly, so I put her sailor dress on her and within minutes she was just fine. I need to get her some pajamas and a new sweater as she's outgrown her turtle-neck. I gave Maria her rain coat and I'll give her the turtle-neck too. I tried the turtle-neck on Smokey. I think he was doing triple flips in the air! Had a little trouble catching him to take it off!
Oh good! I think I just heard the newspaper arrive.
I feel rotten!
There's a funeral this afternoon that I wanted to go to. Anabelle Rogers died. She was the most amazing seamstress and sewed a gazillion wonderful things for me when I was a teen. Mother is going and I planned to meet her there. I'll have to give Mother a call...oh, I hope she doesn't come by here!
Haven't heard anything from my kitchen man, so I guess it will be after the first of the year before he gets started. Want to have the living room, dining room and funny room painted also...I'm thinking of a grayed green...still looking for the right paint chip. I've found many that are close, but no cigar. But, cocoa brown keeps popping into my head. That could be fun.
When I got home yesterday Shirley was shivering terribly, so I put her sailor dress on her and within minutes she was just fine. I need to get her some pajamas and a new sweater as she's outgrown her turtle-neck. I gave Maria her rain coat and I'll give her the turtle-neck too. I tried the turtle-neck on Smokey. I think he was doing triple flips in the air! Had a little trouble catching him to take it off!
Oh good! I think I just heard the newspaper arrive.
I feel rotten!
Friday, November 23, 2007
I made it through Thanksgiving!
Yesterday was nice. When I got up around 4:30 am it was pouring rain!!! Thanksgiving! It rained until time for me to leave around 10:15 am. Not some piddling little spitting rain, REAL rain! Yeah!
I went to Nancy's house and we road together to the country club. She really wanted to beat Mother and Bert there and we did, by about 30 minutes! We had coffee and cookies while we waited at the table...nice. Mother and Bert were the next to arrive and then Nancy and Mark.
Nancy B. brought dear little cut Thanksgiving arrangements for each of us. Mine, of course is in the bathroom, safe from marauding kittens!
The food was abundant and very good. I didn't eat turkey as I still had half of a breast that I roasted Sunday. I just finished making a big pot of Spanish Bean Soup with the remainder.
Mother was very good. Only one barb that we were aware of...something about Nancy P. not having a slip on.
Was home by 2:30 pm and just frittered away the rest of the day.
I went to Nancy's house and we road together to the country club. She really wanted to beat Mother and Bert there and we did, by about 30 minutes! We had coffee and cookies while we waited at the table...nice. Mother and Bert were the next to arrive and then Nancy and Mark.
Nancy B. brought dear little cut Thanksgiving arrangements for each of us. Mine, of course is in the bathroom, safe from marauding kittens!
The food was abundant and very good. I didn't eat turkey as I still had half of a breast that I roasted Sunday. I just finished making a big pot of Spanish Bean Soup with the remainder.
Mother was very good. Only one barb that we were aware of...something about Nancy P. not having a slip on.
Was home by 2:30 pm and just frittered away the rest of the day.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Responsibilites
When I was a teen I went to camp in the mountains or N. or S. Carolina. They were in the middle of a drought that was several years old. One morning some friends and I went exploring and found a small, broken, abandoned house sitting beside a totally dried up little lake. We walked across and even in the very middle it was inches and inches thick of dried, cracked red mosaic clay of unbelievable beauty. It was also very frightening. We'd heard of predicted catastrophes and to us this was an example. Later, maybe the next year, it was full of water. The house was even more broken and still abandoned.
I've seen other dry water basins, but none as intimately as the first one. (It was about 20 years later that I saw my first trashed and polluted lake.)
I'm certain that, as with most things, the climate is cyclical. Granted, this shift is more abrupt than I've seen. We've sorta given it a kick-start with out globe-wide carbon-based emissions.
There is an answer, but are we in our immature selfishness willing to pay the extreme price that is required? We must stop, not phase out, at least 50% of all carbon-based emissions. We have to do it now.
If no one drove on the weekend that would make a difference. If all thermostats were set on 63 degrees in the daytime in the winter and 55 degrees at night, and 83 degrees in the daytime in the summer and 72 degrees at night that would make a difference.
I know there are many ways each of us can make a difference, and we've gotta do it.
I know the CFL bulbs do really make a difference in my electric bill, but I find them too cool for winter. Unfortunately, I've found that I really depend to the heat from the incandescent bulb in the lamp by my chair!
Something has to be done about land fills and dumps and trash that each of us create. Not too sure what the answer is there. Eliminating consumer plastics may be a good start.
I've seen other dry water basins, but none as intimately as the first one. (It was about 20 years later that I saw my first trashed and polluted lake.)
I'm certain that, as with most things, the climate is cyclical. Granted, this shift is more abrupt than I've seen. We've sorta given it a kick-start with out globe-wide carbon-based emissions.
There is an answer, but are we in our immature selfishness willing to pay the extreme price that is required? We must stop, not phase out, at least 50% of all carbon-based emissions. We have to do it now.
If no one drove on the weekend that would make a difference. If all thermostats were set on 63 degrees in the daytime in the winter and 55 degrees at night, and 83 degrees in the daytime in the summer and 72 degrees at night that would make a difference.
I know there are many ways each of us can make a difference, and we've gotta do it.
I know the CFL bulbs do really make a difference in my electric bill, but I find them too cool for winter. Unfortunately, I've found that I really depend to the heat from the incandescent bulb in the lamp by my chair!
Something has to be done about land fills and dumps and trash that each of us create. Not too sure what the answer is there. Eliminating consumer plastics may be a good start.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Count down to Thanksgiving
Daily I think of my blessings and give thanks for them. I also find myself chastising my thoughts for often dwelling on the problems in my life. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to look at the problems as opportunities or challenges and in some convoluted way turn them into blessings also!
My contractor for the kitchen came by earlier this week. Now he's saying it'll be the first of the year before he can begin on the renovation. He'll be tearing out all of the cabinets, plaster walls, ceiling and floor...guess that's called gutting it. I have no idea how long this will take and certainly am not looking to the process...just the end results. The floor will have to be completely rebuilt as the joists have warped and the cabinets were built into the plaster walls. Wow! Sounds like a mess to me!
I'd like to have 2 pocket doors put in and he's going to completely change out the french door as it's warped and there's a big gap that weather gets in. He'll also put in a new kitchen window. I've only met with the cabinet people once...I'm looking forward to the next meeting as we'll get down to specifics.
The TV just said that it's 26 degrees now. I actually had to turn on the heat...set it on 65 degrees and am very bundled up! Had a lovely fire last night, but as it died down around 8 o'clock the animals and I went to bed. Fought with Goodness all night. He was bound and determined to sleep on top of me and I just couldn't handle it. Every time I moved him off he growled! He was determined to go out this morning around six o'clock, but when I went out to get the news paper he came in. That lasted about 15 minutes...he's out now. He's tried to tell me that he may be domesticated but he is not a house cat!
Work is funny right now...some days it's dead as a door nail and somedays (like Thursday and Friday) it's total bedlum! I figured that since we're closed 3 days next week folks were placing orders that normally they would place next week. I'm thinking Monday and Tuesday will be wild!
No plans this weekend (YEAH!). Just the usual, laundry and stuff.
My contractor for the kitchen came by earlier this week. Now he's saying it'll be the first of the year before he can begin on the renovation. He'll be tearing out all of the cabinets, plaster walls, ceiling and floor...guess that's called gutting it. I have no idea how long this will take and certainly am not looking to the process...just the end results. The floor will have to be completely rebuilt as the joists have warped and the cabinets were built into the plaster walls. Wow! Sounds like a mess to me!
I'd like to have 2 pocket doors put in and he's going to completely change out the french door as it's warped and there's a big gap that weather gets in. He'll also put in a new kitchen window. I've only met with the cabinet people once...I'm looking forward to the next meeting as we'll get down to specifics.
The TV just said that it's 26 degrees now. I actually had to turn on the heat...set it on 65 degrees and am very bundled up! Had a lovely fire last night, but as it died down around 8 o'clock the animals and I went to bed. Fought with Goodness all night. He was bound and determined to sleep on top of me and I just couldn't handle it. Every time I moved him off he growled! He was determined to go out this morning around six o'clock, but when I went out to get the news paper he came in. That lasted about 15 minutes...he's out now. He's tried to tell me that he may be domesticated but he is not a house cat!
Work is funny right now...some days it's dead as a door nail and somedays (like Thursday and Friday) it's total bedlum! I figured that since we're closed 3 days next week folks were placing orders that normally they would place next week. I'm thinking Monday and Tuesday will be wild!
No plans this weekend (YEAH!). Just the usual, laundry and stuff.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Sunday, November 11, 2007
From one extreme to another
Wednesday morning we wore to 28 degrees outside (and not much better inside!) and the weatherman said our norm for that date was 50! Needless to say, I had a fire in the fireplace that night and every night since. Did try the central heat and it works, but I'm not sure how much propane is in the tank, so I just put the thermostat on 60 to keep the chill off and I called to have the tank filled. They are coming tomorrow to fill it. I've been sleeping a little warmer than I like what with a blanket, comforter, 4 cats and a dog all on top of me, so I've actually been a bit too warm!
My sister is coming over today and we're going to the Catholic church bar-b-que for lunch. We'll get take out and come back here to eat. Should be good!
Bandi is finally getting to be her old self again. That surgery really knocked her for a loop. She's finally eating and running, etc. Thank goodness!
My sister is coming over today and we're going to the Catholic church bar-b-que for lunch. We'll get take out and come back here to eat. Should be good!
Bandi is finally getting to be her old self again. That surgery really knocked her for a loop. She's finally eating and running, etc. Thank goodness!
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Daylight Savings Time is Gone!
The majority of my time this morning has been spent on changing clocks & watches! I think the only one I haven't done is the one in the car, but traditionally I just subtract an hour for 6 months. I did read in the car manual about how to do it...I'll just have to get the darn book out again.
Actually had fun yesterday. Mother was in a pretty good frame of mind...we only had a couple of tiny head butts. I got several very nice outfits that will mix well with some of the things I have already and a couple of pairs of shoes. Nice! After shopping I drove us to The Atlanta Bread Company where we had a wonderful lunch and chit-chat. Mother has made the reservations for Berts birthday, I'm a little worried that it's just a couple of days after Thanksgiving and the night of the FSU/FL game...I'm not sure what time the game is. After lunch we drove through the parking lot row by row hunting Mother's car. I finally found it, but had to insist to her that it was indeed her car. She got home okay.
Went to Walmart and did my monthly pet food shopping. Compared to the Winn Dixie here in town prices are like 2/3s at Walmart. I hate to go there in the middle of the day on a Saturday, I know what a mob scene it'll be and sure 'nough, it was! I was almost 45 minutes in the check out line!
Went by Nancy's house on the way out of town. Her new metal roof is dynomite! It's a charcoal grey and really looks sharp against the salmon color she painted the trim on the house. Visited just a few minutes. Got home a little after 3.
I was totally pooped after emptying the car and putting the groceries and pet food away. I knew that if I didn't get a few things done I'd do nothing at all if I sat down. So I emptied litter boxes, swept the back hallway, living room, funny room, kitchen and side porch, changed the water reservoir thingy, took out the trash and did a couple of other things and then collapsed into my chair where I promptly nodded off for about half an hour. Still went to bed rather early!
It's a beautiful cool morning, 40s and our high should be the mid 70s. Perfect, though we do need rain.
Actually had fun yesterday. Mother was in a pretty good frame of mind...we only had a couple of tiny head butts. I got several very nice outfits that will mix well with some of the things I have already and a couple of pairs of shoes. Nice! After shopping I drove us to The Atlanta Bread Company where we had a wonderful lunch and chit-chat. Mother has made the reservations for Berts birthday, I'm a little worried that it's just a couple of days after Thanksgiving and the night of the FSU/FL game...I'm not sure what time the game is. After lunch we drove through the parking lot row by row hunting Mother's car. I finally found it, but had to insist to her that it was indeed her car. She got home okay.
Went to Walmart and did my monthly pet food shopping. Compared to the Winn Dixie here in town prices are like 2/3s at Walmart. I hate to go there in the middle of the day on a Saturday, I know what a mob scene it'll be and sure 'nough, it was! I was almost 45 minutes in the check out line!
Went by Nancy's house on the way out of town. Her new metal roof is dynomite! It's a charcoal grey and really looks sharp against the salmon color she painted the trim on the house. Visited just a few minutes. Got home a little after 3.
I was totally pooped after emptying the car and putting the groceries and pet food away. I knew that if I didn't get a few things done I'd do nothing at all if I sat down. So I emptied litter boxes, swept the back hallway, living room, funny room, kitchen and side porch, changed the water reservoir thingy, took out the trash and did a couple of other things and then collapsed into my chair where I promptly nodded off for about half an hour. Still went to bed rather early!
It's a beautiful cool morning, 40s and our high should be the mid 70s. Perfect, though we do need rain.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Busy, busy, busy
HWB's surgery went well and Paul's mother is recovering from her surgery.
Yesterday HWB's wife called in a small panic. They were in Tallahassee for his first physical therapy and had left the referral papers at home. So I dashed out to their house (way out in the country) found the papers and dashed back to the office to fax them to the therapist. Then Paul's wife called to tell him that she's scheduled for more test on Tuesday...her blood pressure has been having major spikes and then lows and the doctors have no idea what's causing it. Hope they'll finally be able to put their fingers on the problem and fix it!
Mother sent me a check for my health insurance and it arrived on Thursday. When I opened the envelope I discovered she hadn't signed it, so I called her. Well, I got no answer, but I knew that Bert was playing golf and Mother has a 2:30 beauty parlor appointment on Thursdays so I just jumped in my car and dashed to Tallahassee. Pulled into their driveway at 3:30 and sat there until 4:30 when Bert got home...Mother was almost 5:30 getting home, she'd changed her appointment because she'd played bridge all day. Anyway, she signed the check and I got home around 6:30.
Yesterday I met Martha Jean and Mary Helen for lunch. We have a new place in town. A lovely bakery/tea room in an antique shop. Soups, salads and sandwiches. Wonderful! I saw bunches of people I know and had a wonderful time!
This coming Tuesday is election day, Bandi is going in to be spayed and I have an appointment with a lawyer. Should be quite a day.
I'm meeting Mother this morning at 10 at Talbot's. Yeah! New clothes!
I've been much busier than I've intended to be.
Yesterday HWB's wife called in a small panic. They were in Tallahassee for his first physical therapy and had left the referral papers at home. So I dashed out to their house (way out in the country) found the papers and dashed back to the office to fax them to the therapist. Then Paul's wife called to tell him that she's scheduled for more test on Tuesday...her blood pressure has been having major spikes and then lows and the doctors have no idea what's causing it. Hope they'll finally be able to put their fingers on the problem and fix it!
Mother sent me a check for my health insurance and it arrived on Thursday. When I opened the envelope I discovered she hadn't signed it, so I called her. Well, I got no answer, but I knew that Bert was playing golf and Mother has a 2:30 beauty parlor appointment on Thursdays so I just jumped in my car and dashed to Tallahassee. Pulled into their driveway at 3:30 and sat there until 4:30 when Bert got home...Mother was almost 5:30 getting home, she'd changed her appointment because she'd played bridge all day. Anyway, she signed the check and I got home around 6:30.
Yesterday I met Martha Jean and Mary Helen for lunch. We have a new place in town. A lovely bakery/tea room in an antique shop. Soups, salads and sandwiches. Wonderful! I saw bunches of people I know and had a wonderful time!
This coming Tuesday is election day, Bandi is going in to be spayed and I have an appointment with a lawyer. Should be quite a day.
I'm meeting Mother this morning at 10 at Talbot's. Yeah! New clothes!
I've been much busier than I've intended to be.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Happy Halloween!
Yesterday was my evaluation day. It went quite well...no negatives. Then when they were finished HWB said that there was another matter they needed to discuss with me. He said that I'd be moving to our parent company's office sometime between now and the 25th of December. Now, It's just up the road, probably 3/4 of a mile closer to home, so that's not a problem, I just HATE change. It'll be 8-1 (same as now), but I'll no longer be the "queen"...oh well, that's life. Damn it! It seems that a lot of changes are going to be made...it'll be interesting to see just what all goes down.
This is the first Halloween in a very long time I haven't dressed up for the day. Just am not into it this year.
I'll have the place to myself today. HWB is having shoulder surgery at 7:30 this morning and Pauls mother is having her foot amputated above the ankle today (diabetes). Prayers for both.
I'm thinking I didn't have Smokey neutered soon enough...I think Bandi's preggers. Just what I need...more kittens!
This is the first Halloween in a very long time I haven't dressed up for the day. Just am not into it this year.
I'll have the place to myself today. HWB is having shoulder surgery at 7:30 this morning and Pauls mother is having her foot amputated above the ankle today (diabetes). Prayers for both.
I'm thinking I didn't have Smokey neutered soon enough...I think Bandi's preggers. Just what I need...more kittens!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Saturday post script
I got to Nancy's house at 11:00am yesterday...she'd asked me to come early and help her spot for cat poop. Maria likes to clean the litter box for her and what she doesn't eat she hides around the house. We both looked and found quite a bit!
The girls, Noreen and Diane, arrived exactly at 1:00pm and we sat down to play. We took a few cigarette breaks and several eating breaks and a lot of chatting and we actually got three rubbers in in 3 hours. That's pretty good! Fun.
Got home around 5:30 and found quite a mess. The kittens found one of Shirley's sweaters and brought it in from the side porch and between the two of them and Shirley they managed to unravel the darn thing all over the house!...and, shredded the ball tassels everywhere!
Went outside after cleaning up the sweater to just look at how things are faring and it's amazing how fallish it all looks in such a short time frame! Dumped the rain gauge and it held 4 1/2 inches! We sure needed that! It's very cool this morning.
Mother and Bert left yesterday for the mountains. They were to leave quite early and drive to Atlanta to get several good hours of shopping in and then drive on up to NC today. I think they're only staying a week.
The girls, Noreen and Diane, arrived exactly at 1:00pm and we sat down to play. We took a few cigarette breaks and several eating breaks and a lot of chatting and we actually got three rubbers in in 3 hours. That's pretty good! Fun.
Got home around 5:30 and found quite a mess. The kittens found one of Shirley's sweaters and brought it in from the side porch and between the two of them and Shirley they managed to unravel the darn thing all over the house!...and, shredded the ball tassels everywhere!
Went outside after cleaning up the sweater to just look at how things are faring and it's amazing how fallish it all looks in such a short time frame! Dumped the rain gauge and it held 4 1/2 inches! We sure needed that! It's very cool this morning.
Mother and Bert left yesterday for the mountains. They were to leave quite early and drive to Atlanta to get several good hours of shopping in and then drive on up to NC today. I think they're only staying a week.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Saturday!
Today I'm going to Nancy's house to play bridge. I'm not the best player in the world and get a little nervous when playing with new folks...I do know one of the girls playing and of course Nancy, so there's only one stranger...doable.
We had 24 hours of major rain yesterday. The same system that did the tornado in Pensacola came on through. It really stormed, but thankfully, no tornadoes.
When I got home from work yesterday "T", an old fellow who does odd jobs and yard work around town, was picking up pecan tree limbs from my yard that the storm brought down. The trees are full of ripe pecans now and the limbs are very heavy with them. Add rain and wind and down they come! There were actually quite a few. I sure did appreciate that, gave him $5.00, wish I'd had more to spare.
Work is still slow. I'm wondering if it's going to pick up. I sure would hate for it to close...of course it'd be a wonderful write-off for our parent company. Just a little under 3 years and I can retire with SS (if it's still there) more comfortably than if I retire now...couldn't live on what I'd get now...and in 3 years I'll qualify for medicare. That's important. My health insurance now is around $750.00 a month...the company pays half. I'd have to do without insurance if I took retirement now, but it sure is tempting!
We had 24 hours of major rain yesterday. The same system that did the tornado in Pensacola came on through. It really stormed, but thankfully, no tornadoes.
When I got home from work yesterday "T", an old fellow who does odd jobs and yard work around town, was picking up pecan tree limbs from my yard that the storm brought down. The trees are full of ripe pecans now and the limbs are very heavy with them. Add rain and wind and down they come! There were actually quite a few. I sure did appreciate that, gave him $5.00, wish I'd had more to spare.
Work is still slow. I'm wondering if it's going to pick up. I sure would hate for it to close...of course it'd be a wonderful write-off for our parent company. Just a little under 3 years and I can retire with SS (if it's still there) more comfortably than if I retire now...couldn't live on what I'd get now...and in 3 years I'll qualify for medicare. That's important. My health insurance now is around $750.00 a month...the company pays half. I'd have to do without insurance if I took retirement now, but it sure is tempting!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
7' ladder
The weather is sooooo odd! We've been in the high 80's the past few days with high 60's at night. I've been wearing a sweater to work and shedding it fairly early to just a t-shirt for the rest of the day and it's OCTOBER! Oh well, I'm sure that in a few weeks that too will change.
Mother got her car...a 2008 Lincoln. It was her anniversary present from Bert. Wonder what she'll get for 5 years?
Did you know that you can't get a 7' ladder? How dumb is that? I needed a ladder and decided that a 7' one would be just perfect. Well, after extensive searching I found you can only get one in even feet. Dumb, dumb, dumb! So I finally broke down and ordered an 8' one from Lowes. It came Friday and of course I immediately brought it in and set it up in the living room where it still sits usually with a little black cat (Smokey) perched on top. He's the only one who gets up there and he climbs it a rung at a time. He has a little chase-the-tail dance he does once he's on top. What a hoot!
Mother got her car...a 2008 Lincoln. It was her anniversary present from Bert. Wonder what she'll get for 5 years?
Did you know that you can't get a 7' ladder? How dumb is that? I needed a ladder and decided that a 7' one would be just perfect. Well, after extensive searching I found you can only get one in even feet. Dumb, dumb, dumb! So I finally broke down and ordered an 8' one from Lowes. It came Friday and of course I immediately brought it in and set it up in the living room where it still sits usually with a little black cat (Smokey) perched on top. He's the only one who gets up there and he climbs it a rung at a time. He has a little chase-the-tail dance he does once he's on top. What a hoot!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
It's FALL!
This morning it's chilly outside, not at all cold, just chilly. We've had such hot weather, I know the rest of the country is having odd temps, too. Wonder what it means for the winter. I haven't had my propane tank filled yet, I just can't face trying to find that $400 it's going to take. I still have a good stock pile of wood. I guess it's good. Does wood go bad? It's been soaked and dried so many times...well, I guess I'll just have to wait and see. I'd rather get another $200 pile of wood than propane...maybe a space heater or two.
Saturday morning Nancy and I were to meet Mother at 8am for sausage dogs and cokes at Bradley's Country Store. Well, Nancy arrived first and I got there right at 8. We sat on the porch and waited for Mother. About 5 after 8 we saw her zip by. We waved. She came back around 8:15. She'd gotten lost and somehow missed Bradley's...she had to stop and get directions. She's only been going there for 40+ years.
Mother's talking about getting a new car. That's the last thing she needs. I hate to even think of her driving at all. She and Bert have been married 4 years this month. Bert's 90th birthday is next month. Mother's planning to have a big dinner party at a local restaurant...around 20 people. She doesn't want any help. Hope she pulls it off.
Had my flu shot yesterday. Have you had yours?
Saturday morning Nancy and I were to meet Mother at 8am for sausage dogs and cokes at Bradley's Country Store. Well, Nancy arrived first and I got there right at 8. We sat on the porch and waited for Mother. About 5 after 8 we saw her zip by. We waved. She came back around 8:15. She'd gotten lost and somehow missed Bradley's...she had to stop and get directions. She's only been going there for 40+ years.
Mother's talking about getting a new car. That's the last thing she needs. I hate to even think of her driving at all. She and Bert have been married 4 years this month. Bert's 90th birthday is next month. Mother's planning to have a big dinner party at a local restaurant...around 20 people. She doesn't want any help. Hope she pulls it off.
Had my flu shot yesterday. Have you had yours?
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Another Helen update
I finally got through to Helen around 4 this afternoon. They just rang me to her room and I woke her. At first she didn't seem to know just who I was, but then her head seemed to clear and we had a reasonable conversation. She had trouble telling time. I told her it was around 4pm and she said she thought it was 9am. Then she asked again what time it was and I said 4:15, she said no, it's 6:15 and we had a few more of those. Brenda had told me that she wasn't eating, so I asked her about her weight. She said she weighs about 100lbs. But she has trouble eating and I suggested something liquid like Boost or Slim Fast or the like. She said she'd ask Brenda to bring her some. She's not meeting folks there, not getting around, not going out into the gardens. She says she's too tired and just wants to sleep. Brenda said that she didn't think Helen would ever leave there. For Helen's sake I hope she's wrong.
Helen update
I got a call from Helen's daughter this morning. Seeing her name on the phone made my heart sink...I felt sure that something had happened with Helen.
I haven't talked with Helen for 6-7 weeks or so. We didn't part on such good terms the last time we talked and I stopped answering her calls for a while and then I didn't get any more. How stupid and small of me!
Anyway, Helen fell and broke her hip on August 9th. She's in a nursing/rehab place. She hates it "in her lucid times", Brenda said. Helen has been officially diagnosed with dementia. Helen has suspected this for a long time, 3-4 years. She really has fought and feared this and now when she has good times her worst fears are her reality. Brenda said she sleeps a lot and when I tried to call her earlier the attendant said she was sleeping. She said she'd wake her, I said I'd call back.
So sad.
I haven't talked with Helen for 6-7 weeks or so. We didn't part on such good terms the last time we talked and I stopped answering her calls for a while and then I didn't get any more. How stupid and small of me!
Anyway, Helen fell and broke her hip on August 9th. She's in a nursing/rehab place. She hates it "in her lucid times", Brenda said. Helen has been officially diagnosed with dementia. Helen has suspected this for a long time, 3-4 years. She really has fought and feared this and now when she has good times her worst fears are her reality. Brenda said she sleeps a lot and when I tried to call her earlier the attendant said she was sleeping. She said she'd wake her, I said I'd call back.
So sad.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Those nine little words...
Finely, I've heard Mother say those nine little words I've waited all of my life to hear, "I don't want you to lose any more weight"! I still feel I should lose another 10-15 pounds...we'll see.
Glorious weather! 58 degrees this AM...59 yesterday!
I've so many things I want to get done in the yard and the weather is perfect. I'm hoping it'll hold for the weekend. However, we do need rain.
My step-brother-in-law ran for mayor of Apalachicola. The run-off was yesterday. I just heard on the news that he lost. Sorry to hear that.
Glorious weather! 58 degrees this AM...59 yesterday!
I've so many things I want to get done in the yard and the weather is perfect. I'm hoping it'll hold for the weekend. However, we do need rain.
My step-brother-in-law ran for mayor of Apalachicola. The run-off was yesterday. I just heard on the news that he lost. Sorry to hear that.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Summer's end
The slight hint of Fall in the air is just enough to give everyone here cause for joy. There's a touch of color in the foliage everywhere and the days smell differently than they did just a week ago. The promise of Fall is the only thing that gets us through the brutal summer weather with a little optimism, sure that conditions will improve.
I'm still working 5 hour days. Actually, I like those hours. The pay check is severely impacted, but the quality of life is greatly improved. I know there will be times when I'll need to work full days, even full weeks, but I don't think that'll be the constant. We'll see. I need to work for 4 more years in order to draw full Social Security...66...that sounds like forever, but I know it's a little under 48 months. Doable.
I'm still working 5 hour days. Actually, I like those hours. The pay check is severely impacted, but the quality of life is greatly improved. I know there will be times when I'll need to work full days, even full weeks, but I don't think that'll be the constant. We'll see. I need to work for 4 more years in order to draw full Social Security...66...that sounds like forever, but I know it's a little under 48 months. Doable.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Well, so much for Thanksgiving!
My contractor met with me yesterday. He's in great demand in the area and is a friend from high school...a couple of years ahead of my class. He's the one mother had do some work on the house when she bought it.
He said what I want is very doable and will make a big difference, however, he thinks it'll be the middle of November before it can be begun. Tomorrow he and his cabinet guy will be coming by for a further consultation. RB (contractor) said that his cabinet guy does beautiful work and usually comes in hundreds of dollars under Lowe's, sometimes thousands of dollars under. Sounds good to me. Of course, Mother's paying for it, but saving money is saving money.
He said what I want is very doable and will make a big difference, however, he thinks it'll be the middle of November before it can be begun. Tomorrow he and his cabinet guy will be coming by for a further consultation. RB (contractor) said that his cabinet guy does beautiful work and usually comes in hundreds of dollars under Lowe's, sometimes thousands of dollars under. Sounds good to me. Of course, Mother's paying for it, but saving money is saving money.
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