Happy Halloween

Jessie had a great day.  As I was finishing my water aerobics class, Debbie brought Jess to the Rec Center to go swimming.  They were there for quite awhile then drove through McDonald's for Jess.  I went to Meijer's before I came home and the post office.  The furnace job was completed today!  YAH!

After lunch Jessie made brownies in a pumpkin pan.  As you can see, she likes to lick the batter from the bowl.  Before Debbie left I gave Jess a little Halloween treat bag - a couple small bags of M&M's, a Kit-Kat bar, a bag of Harvest Cheddar chips, a glow stick, a Barney Halloween DVD and a deck of playing cards.  She was happy. 

Jon spent his day on the computer doing excell graphs for his finances, and I did more paper work.  I made us a chicken salad for dinner with two Bosco cheese sticks.  You can see Jessie's brownies on the table.  The only problem, they wouldn't come out of the pan.  Oh, well, they tasted just the same as if they came out nice. 

A Second Very Blustery Day

I have no idea why we still have power, but I'm certainly not complaining.  We lose power when wind is alot less than it has been the past 2 days.  It is a miracle.  I'll take it and say, "Thank you, Jesus!" 

Jessie was occupied by Debbie all day and I was able to work in my bedroom and do paperwork.  I'm very pleased with the amount of work I got done. 

This is a picture of Jessie when she took a Veggie Straw from my lunch plate and put her hands on her hips as if to say "So there!"  She sure is a stinker sometimes.  She's doing VERY WELL in losing weight!  She lost another 1.8# this past week.  Yah, Jessie!  Next Tuesday will mark 3 months that we have been eating healthier.  I'll post our total weight loss next week. 

The Furnace Saga Continues

Yesterday when the men left, I had heat in half of the house.  The duct work still had to be completed for the "new" part of the house.  When we went upstairs for bed, my bedroom registered 56 degrees!  Now, that was cold.  Out to the shed I went and got our camping electric space heater.  It made a huge difference, even though my bedroom is very large.  So, we faired well.  Alot better than millions of people are in the path of Hurricane Sandy.  My friend, Doreen, and her family have already lost power.  They live in NJ - right in the path of the storm.  I know millions are lifting prayers to Heaven for safety for so many friends and family on the east coast.

Speaking of no power, we had a few brown outs today and I'm surprised with the wind being so strong that we haven't lost power.  We still don't have all the duct work done in the new part.  I'm glad we at least have power.  As Jess would say, "Thank you, Jesus!"

A Quiet Day

Jon went to church and I stayed home because the pain is still there.  At least I have a doctor's appointment in the morning, so we'll see what's up.  Jess watched videos, dvd's, played on her iPad and played with her Apples 2 Apples cards.  I did alot of odds and ends and rested.  Jon split wood with an axe he bought today.  He worked for an hour and a half!  Now that's exercise!

Breakfast Out

Jess wasn't able to go to breakfast yesterday because Debbie didn't work and I had to be here with the furnace guys.  Jon had the day off so the three of us went to Garden and enjoyed breakfast out.

Unfortunately, I've been in alot of pain all day.  Several organs are not where they should be in my body and today I think it's my colon that's giving me problems.  The pain woke me up several times last night.  I've laid down twice today and slept for about 3 hours.  I did manage to dust, sweep floors, vacuum and do a load of wash in between sleeping.  Guess that's not too bad. 

Heat In Half The House

Even though two men have worked steadily for four days, we only have heat in half of the house.  Air conditioning works, though!   Hopefully, they will be finished on Monday.

Jess had a great time with Rachel today. She helped decorate cookies that Rachel made at home.  As you can see from the picture, she's one happy girl when it comes to food.

I worked on justifying the checkbook - since April.  Foolish thing to wait to do.  Jon worked.  I went to Joyful Journey tonight.  That's about it.  Going upstairs and heating up some rice packs and putting them in my bed.  My bedroom won't have heat tonight. 

Do You Ever Stay Home?

That's the text I received from my sister this evening while I was at the Sterling Inn for Trinity Lutheran's Women's Retreat.  Can I help it if I like to go out and have fun?  As long as the home front is covered, I go if I can.  I hadn't been to this particular retreat in the past several years, but my mom and I went years ago and for many years - probably 10 or more.  It used to be held all day on a Saturday.  Now it's just dinner and a speaker.  That's OK.  It still was fun, especially being with some of my like-to-laugh girlfriends.

Debbie was able to come for a couple hours this morning while I went to Bible Study.  I just stayed for the video portion then came home so she could go back home and be with her parents.  The rest of the day Jess and I hung out together.  Oh, and a couple men in the basement, too!

I'll call you tomorrow, Di! 

Day 2 of Furnace Installation

Jon, Jess and I were home all day.  One of the furnace men worked all day long doing I'm not sure what, but he sure did make alot of noise.  Speaking of noise, the oil drum that has been in the basement since the house was built was drained, cut in half, and removed.  The cutting was so loud that I was looking for ear protectors.  It was really bothering me.  The strange thing, though, was that Jess was on the couch in the family room.  Whenever there is noise - even a little noise - she flees upstairs.  She never budged off that couch and acted like it was no big deal.  That was totally amazing.  Bill couldn't even use an electric screwdriver before she'd head upstairs.

Tonight I had Stephen Ministry Continuing Education.  I gave the devotion and talked about what happened the night of Bill's funeral at his grave.  It's a pretty neat, true story and maybe soon I'll write about it and post it.  I entitled my devotion: Angel In the Cemetery.

Glued To The Computer

That's where I've been all day - glued to the computer.  The computer desk top is almost empty.  I've taken care of so many things today that I haven't touched in months.  I ordered a blog book for the months of July, August and September.  I ordered over 200 pictures on Snapfish.  I scanned and e-mailed alot of stuff to various people.  I cleaned up my e-mail's, and answered a few.  I placed a Miles Kimball order.  A very successful day!

There was a tremendous amount of noise coming from our basement today.  Both furnaces have been removed and the basement being prepared for the new one.  I'm very glad that it is not cold outside. 

For something different, the kids and I went out to dinner.  We had a very nice time together and it was made even nicer that there were no kids in the restaurant and Jess was great. We brought half her meal home for lunch tomorrow.  She's done SO well ... she's lost 11.4 pounds in the past couple of months!  Way to go, Jess!

Scrapbooking Again !!!

For Girl's Day Out this afternoon Jess and I had to find another place to go since Bellacino's closed yesterday.  I took my lunch and we went through the McDonald's drive thru for Jess.  We ate in the van in the parking lot.  To the bank, post office and then we visited Grandma and Grandpa B. 

I had a busy morning and later afternoon.  I removed all the boxes from the basement that needed to be cut up and recycled.  I'm having a new furnace put in to replace two old furnaces tomorrow and needed to clean the basement before they begin working down there.  Debbie brought her son, Mike, over in the late afternoon and they helped me cut them up and took out all the garbage to the road, as tomorrow is garbage day.  I am so thankful for their help.  It was just too much for me.

Chris and a new friend, Gayle, came over for dinner and then we scrapbooked!  I am so glad to get back into doing this again.  I LOVE to work with pictures and record history.  Jon finished a 3-day-in-a-row work day.  He's very tired tonight.  He has the next 2 days off then works 2 more. 

Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Friday was a very busy day for me and by the time Chris and I left for a Ladies' Retreat around 3:00 p.m., I was exhausted.  Chris was, too, she said, as work was very busy.  We drove to the Marriott of Pontiac near Auburn Hills for a Wesleyan District Women's Retreat.  The conference began at 7:00 p.m. and ended on Saturday afternoon at 3:45 p.m.

Mary Kay Beard was our speaker.  I've heard her before and I was lookin forward to hearing her again.  At one time in her life she was on the FBI Ten Most Wanted list, with a mafia contract out on her and outstanding warrants for her arrest in four states.  She was a very successful armed bank robber.  While reading a Gideon Bible in solitary confinement in an Alabama jail, she experienced a spiritual transformation, and the rest of her story is the proof of what God chooses to do with a willing follower. She is also the Founder of Angel Tree. 

By the time I arrived home, got a bite (or two) to eat, I was just as exhausted as the night before, so I decided not to do much.  I began a book then went to bed.

Today, Sunday, has been a very nice day spent with my daughter.  After breakfast we went to Meijer's to get a couple items that I had forgotten to put on the grocery list last Thursday.  Jess was great.  She helped me do everything in the store, including scanning the items and bagging the groceries.  There was also a screamer in the store and she handled that very well, too.

I've spent all afternoon working on thank you notes, e-mails, made a few phone calls and now I'm on my way upstairs to do my Bible Study.  Each week we have 5 days of lessons to do in 7 days.  I'm one day behind, so I have to do 2 tonight.  Whick is OK, because I'm really enjoying this study.

Never Before

Jess went to sleep right away last night, she was still asleep when I left for Bible Study at 8:50 a.m., and Debbie told me she didn't get up until 10:30!!!!!  Never before has she EVER slept that long.  She even had an hours nap yesterday afternoon.  I wonder if she's practicing for hibernation?

Bible Study, lunch out with a friend, post office, and packing rubbermaids took up my day until dinner time.  After dinner I went to Family Christian Stores on my way to my book club - Mom's of older girls with Down Syndrome.  We only meet one more time until next summer.  I'm going to miss getting together with these moms once a month.  I've enjoyed myself very much and have learned quite a bit from the book, as well as from them.  I also have another group of friends!  What could be better? 

I Should Have Done Windows

I should have washed the outside windows, but instead I went to water aerobics and Kroger's.  When I got home, I should have washed the outside windows, but instead I did a couple loads of wash and prepared several rubbermaids to be mailed to my friend, Lois.  I should have washed the outside windows, but instead sat on the deck, enjoyed the sound of the wind in the crisp fall leaves and took a half-hour nap.  I should have washed the outside windows after dinner, but I went to the training class for new Stephen Ministers.  I thought I'd refresh a little, as its been 9 years since I took the class to become a Stephen Minister.  Yes, I should have washed the outside windows today, but I didn't.  Maybe tomorrow.

A P.S. From Yesterday Then Today's Blog

I forgot to mention a few things I had wanted to yesterday.  After the Salvation Army, we pulled out on VanDyke and Jess said, "Zoo"!  I didn't quite follow what she wanted until she said, "Fish!".  Ah, she wanted to go to the Pet Store at 23 Mile and VanDyke.  We had gone there on another Family Date Day this year, too!  So, we stopped and spent some thime in there.  She LOVED looking at the baby guinea pigs.  I thought the Lion Rabbits were hysterical, and Jon wants a fish tank!

Also, when we were driving somewhere during the day and I had to wait for traffic, Jess yelled from the back seat: "Come on, people!" 

The last item from yesterday was lunch time at Bellacino's.  Jess is tactile sensitive and can't stand to pick up her sandwich because some of it may fall out on her hands.  She usually wants us to pick it up and hand it to her.  Yesterday I didn't.  I just kept at her to pick it up - "You can do it!"  She kept staring at the food and not moving.  Again I encouraged her.  Then all of a sudden, still staring at the sandwich, she says, "Hang on!"  Both Jon and I cracked up.  She's NEVER said those two words together.  I do all the time.

******************

Jon worked.  We had our "Made To Crave" meeting again.  Jess was outside swinging for awhile, she ate lunch then took a long nap in the afternoon.  I went shopping for items for a friend, then to my doctor's appointment.  It seems like the days go so fast and I don't accomplish what I set out to do.  I guess what got done was good enough for today.  Tomorrow's another day.

Family Date Day

A couple weeks ago we scheduled today as a Family Date Day.  We were going to go to Ohio to the African Lion Safari, but we didn't want to drive that far today.  We stayed in the vacinity and went to:

Ortha's to give her a letter and some books to read

Tim Horton's for breakfast

Salvation Army - dropped off donations

Close Quarters Tactical - Jon wanted to purchase an item

Office Depot - shopped for Lois

Gander Mountain - Jon and I bought a couple things

Blinds R Us - picked up my blind that was in for repairs

Bellacino's - for our LAST Girl's Day Out Lunch there

(it was sad saying goodbye!)

Home Depot for a couple things

Post Office for our mail

HOME

 

It was a very nice day out.  After Jon rested a bit and I put a couple loads of wash in, we took out the family room air conditioner.  Another item scratched off my fall to-do-list.  It's time to get Jess to bed.  She slept until 9:00 this morning, which is practically unheard of.  They say to let a sleeping dog alone, and I've done the same with my kids.  

 





Feeling Better

I'm very thankful that I woke this morning feeling much better from yesterday.  It was doubtful when I went to bed, that's for sure.  Jess and I had a nice, relaxing morning then we came downstairs for the day.  Jon was able to go to church this morning, then he left around 1:00 p.m. for a Handgun I class.  He's finally on his way home.  I'm anxious to hear how it went. 

Jess and I met Chris at Kwong Tong Palace for a Chinese lunch.  Good thing I took off half of Jessie's chicken, and mine, before we ate and brought them home.  It was a large luncheon plate and Jess ate every bite!  We finished our chicken for dinner.  Chris and I spent the entire afternoon just chatting.  It was a nice day.

Yucky

Not only has the weather been yucky today, I've been yucky, too.  Sore throat, headache, general malaise (as Jon would say).  I even took a couple hour nap this afternoon.  Jessie has been MUCH better today, because she "started".  I know, TMI.  However, that's life. That's about all I want to blog tonight. 

Headache Day

I woke up with a crappy headache this morning and it lingered almost the entire day.  Tylenol and caffeine didn't touch it.  It was the kind that makes you sick to your stomach.  Tonight I feel like I have a headache hang over. 

Did I ever mention that one week before Jessie's menstral cycle begins that she is one very unhappy and nasty young lady?  Well, if I didn't, it is noteworthy tonight.  She began the day screaming at me and in a few minutes I'll go upstairs and she'll probably greet me with more unhappiness.  (This has been going on for several days already!)  I debated whether to have her go out to breakfast with Debbie or grocery shop.  She did both and made it through breakfast ok.  Meijer's was entirely another story.  Debbie was challenged today, to say the least.  I just got home from church and Jon greeted me with "I'm just about ready to drug her!  I kissed her when I got home and she screamed like I had tried to kill her!  She's in your room and I almost took away her iPad!  She's terrible tonight!"   Oh, I'm so glad I'm home. 

However, I guess she was good for Rachel who came to be with her while I went to our church's Missions Conference Dinner.  It's been a couple years since I've been to one and it was wierd being there with out Bill.  Other than church, this was my first function without him.  It didn't feel right, but I'll get used to it.  I definitely want to be more involved in the activities of church.  It was a very enjoyable evening. 

"Step Away From The Rack!"

Debbie took Jessie to the Rec Center today and they were in the pool for 2 hours.  Both of them had a great time.  I went to Bible Study then we had a luncheon after.  It was nice visiting with everyone.  From there I went to Kohl's.  I "had" to go, because I had a 20% off coupon, Kohl's cash, and I didn't want to forget them and "lose" the opportunity to save money.

I was quite pleased with my purchases.  I bought a pair of shoes and a blanket for Jon's bed.  I was looking through the blouses and deciding whether or not I should get myself some (more) new shirts, when this voice inside my head said ... "Step away from the rack!  Do not touch another thing.  Go directly to the counter!"  It just cracked me up because it came from no where.  Must have been Bill.  I did exactly as the voice told me and laughed all the way to the van. 

Ford Rouge Factory Tour

Diane, Randie and I had a date today.  We drove down to The Henry Ford and took the Ford Rouge Factory Tour.  It was really nice.  We were shuttled to the plant by bus from the Museum and spent a couple hours there. 

We first went into the Legacy Theater where the history of the Ford plants were shown on three large screens.  The second stop was to the Art of Manufacturing Theatre, a multisensory experience.  You sat in 350 degree swivel chairs and you were surrounded by 7 large screens.  The experience included steam, heat, very loud pounding and much more.  That was something. 

Then we went to the observation center and we saw the world's largest living roof (picture shown).  Then we were able to walk an elevated walkway over the active Ford F-150 assembly line.  Each worker has 60 seconds to do their job on each vehicle. That was an incredible experience.  Six hundred F-150's are generally put out in a day.  When we left that part of the tour, the assemly line had shut down because of ???? and they were a little behind in production. 

I went into the gift shop and was behind a gentleman who had on a Ford coat that we had seen many people wearing on the tour.  We couldn't quite figure out what kind of coat they had or where they were all from.  It was a little confusing.  Well, trust me to ask.  The man in front of me in the checkout (I spent 2.12.) spent $320.00!  Then he asked if he could get the tax back at the airport.  So, I asked where he was from.  He was from Saudi Arabia - the other man was from Asia - another was from Africa.  They were all Ford dealers from around the world.  I guess if you are going to sell a product, you should see how it is made!

We ate lunch at Cheli's in Dearborn then I took Di and Randie home.  After a quick dinner with the kids I went to Stephen Ministry.  So, here's to another exciting day!  

HELLO!

What a wierd night last night.  I went to bed around 12:30 and didn't get to sleep for quite awhile, which rarely happens.  I can barely adjust the blankets and I am asleep.  It was a toss and turn night.  Then, I heard a woman's voice call out:  "HELLO!".  Immediately my mind thought it was Debbie and I had overslept.  I yelled "HELLO" back, then realized that it was still dark outside - only 6:00 a.m.  My HELLO woke Jess up who said, "Who's that?" 

We had our "Made To Crave" get together at 9:30 and Jess had Speech at 10:00.  Jon did some running around and I had lunch with a new friend at Ocean Breeze.   Debbie took Jessie to get her hair cut.  Jon needed a shelf in the pantry for the food that he bought today, so I emptied a shelf for him.  That made me look somewhere to put that stuff, which made me clean out another cabinet, then another.  The kitchen was a disaster.  I finally finished after dinner.  My bedtime is normally midnight, but I'm pretty sure I'll be sleeping way before then tonight!

Computer Work

I wasn't feeling quite up to par this morning.  I have been having some pain in my lower stomach for the past couple weeks and this morning was one of those days.  I've decided not to go to the gym until I can see my doctor.  I have an appointment next Tuesday.  I hope to have some answers then.

Jess, Deb and I went to the New Balance store again.  I returned the pair I bought a couple weeks ago.  They just didn't fit right.  I am a "perfect" 8 1/2 and they were an 8.  I already have the 9 but I've lost in my feet (go figure!) and they are too big and slip off easily.  They do not make half sizes in the style shoe I want. 

We ate lunch at Wendy's in Troy and came home.  I spent the rest of the afternoon working on my computer desk trying to clean it off.  The pile of papers was getting to me.  I'm almost done.  Jess began her day after breakfast on the swing, so she was a bit tired today.  Lots of fresh air!

A Very Quiet Sunday

Not having to get up for anything special and since Jess was being good, I didn't get out of bed until almost 9:30 a.m.  It was 1:30 before Jess and I came downstairs for the day.  We both like being upstairs.  It's like a little apartment.  Bill liked it alot, too.  He'd sit in the "nook" area and watch tv while I read or worked on the desk.  Jess has taken over that little area - she watches DVD's or tv and lays on the couch and plays on her iPad. 

Today was Jon's second out of three days in a row.  His toe is doing very well.  Even though having someone drill holes in your toe nail and squeeze out the blood wasn't fun, it sure worked!

Girlfriend's Day Out Expo

Rachel came around 12:30 to be with Jess, and Julie and I met at the ConCorde Inn on Gratiot for a Girlfriend's Day Out Expo.  It was very nice.  Admission was $8.00, but if you came between 1 and 2 and brought a slightly used purse to donate, your admission was free.  We arrived at 1:30.  Also, lunch was free:  Mr. Pita turkey sandwich, chips, cookie and lemonade.  For us, the price was just right!

There were numerous vendors for everything under the sun - jewelry, candles, scarves, underware, fitness demos, finacial planning, a purse auction, prizes, extreme couponing, and how to organize your home were just a few.  I was very excited when I heard Julie's name being announced over the microphone - she won a drawing!  A $25.00 gift certificate for the Aspen Restaurant!  How nice was that?!

When we left she went and got her girls and dropped Lynzee off at my house and Kylee and Julie went to do their paper route.  Z  and I worked solid for 2 hours doing stuff that I've been wanting to do but have needed help.  I took Jessie and Z out to Bellacino's for pizza for dinner then took her home.  Jon had a pretty good day at work and his toe wasn't as painful as he thought it would be.  Thanks for praying!

Bellacino's Is Closing !!!

"AH, OH!" said Jess, when I told her this afternoon that Bellacino's (26 and VanDyke area) was closing.  Their last day open is the 21st.  I wish there was something we could do about it.  Everyone there has been so great to Jessie and have treated us special each time we go in.  This has been our Monday Girl's Day Out lunch place for a very long time.  Now what are we going to do?

I feel bad, because they were doing OK until Panera Bread opened.  Now, I don't know if that's the entire reason, but I know it's part of the reason.  The Captain told us this news when Jon and I were there today for lunch.  His son, Ray, is the owner. 

Debbie took Jessie to the pool today and they were there for a couple hours.  There was only one little girl and 2 adults in the pool area today, so that was great for Jess.  I hope to return next week.  My sciatic nerve problem was quite a bit better yesterday, but today has been bad.  I am discouraged, as I really want to get back and exercise.  I must say I do feel better when I go to the gym.

Jon's toe is much better than yesterday.  Please pray that the toe would not bother him too much, as he has to work the next 3 days. 

An Urgent Care Visit

For the past seven months or more, we have not had to visit a hospital to seek medical care.  That all changed  this afternnon when Jon called me to let me know a 30# metal plate fell over on his leg and smashed his big toe.  (He was cleaning the workshop.)  It was not too bad for a couple hours, but then it began to throb and hurt to walk. 

We are fortunate to have an Urgent Care within walking distance to our home, so I met Jon there (I had been at Bible Study then out to lunch with Chris J.).  His toe nail was turning a nice shade of sky blue.  When the doctor came in he said not to worry - he'd "drill a few holes and let the blood out", then he laughed!  When he left the room I looked at Jon and asked him if he ever heard of anyone doing that?  "Only on a survival show!"  Oh, my.  Needless to say, Jon was a bit apprehensive about the drilling.

Before the doctor could start we questioned him again and he laughed and said, "Don't worry.  I've done this for 30 years!  He won't feel it at all."   Ok, then.  Jon didn't look too convinced.  However, he was right.  As he drilled the holes with an 18 gauge needle, there was only pressure.  The PAIN came as he squeezed the toe nail to get the blood out!  And there was pain.  He also had an xray to see if anything was broken, which it wasn't. Tonight, the toe nail is only sore, not throbbing and the doctor said he won't lose his toe nail because of this procedure.  What an experience!

They're Headed South

Joyce and Carol, Bill's cousins, and Chris and I had lunch together again at Times Square.  Joyce and her husband, John, travel to Georgia for the winter months and they leave next week!  They spend the months voluntering for Habitat For Humanity.  Even though I am only a cousin-in-law (Chris is, too), so to speak, I feel very close to these special ladies and enjoy my time with them.  God's Blessings, Joyce and John, as you travel and serve the Lord in the south.  See you in the spring at the Times Square for lunch!  Until then, we'll spend some time with just Carol.

Debbie gave my her 30% off Kohl's coupon that expires today and after lunch I went to Kohl's for some shopping.  I used the Kohl's gift certificates that I received for my birthday and had fun shopping for things I wouldn't ordinarily buy myself.  One of the times that I miss Bill the most is when I walk into Kohl's.  Before, if he wasn't with me, I'd be buying him sale shirts, etc., and surprising him when I got home.  I enjoyed shopping for him, and he enjoyed the stuff I brought home for him. 

Water Break

When Debbie arrived this morning I was running late and still in my pajamas.  She called up stairs and I could tell by her voice that something was wrong.  She wondered if we had water pressure.  Huh?  Yah, we do.  She said that there was a water geiser out in front of my house in the road!  Sure enough, it looked like a water main break so I called the Water Department to let them know.  While we were having our "Made To Crave" book study and weigh-in, they were fixing the problem.  Come to find out, it was only a valve that had rusted and given way.  I'm sure glad of that.  There WAS a water main break at Diane's neighbor's house in Warren a couple days ago and they were without water for awhile and the cement had to be tore up. 

 

Below is a picture of my good friend, Mary, who was the life of my party on Sunday.  We called her "Queen Mary".  She's alot of fun. 

 

 

Happy 60th Birthday, To Me!

The pictures here are from yesterday's party.  First there's Debbie and me.  Then my good friend, Chris, who I talk about all the time.  Then there's Diane, Elvis and Randie.  Final picture is Andy (Andrea), me, Lynn and Rox. 

Today I began my day with a phone call from my friend, Doreen, in NJ, then a call from Lois, who lives in Haiti.  I've had numerous other calls and FB greetings.  Yesterday my cousin, Terry, who lives in Alaska, called but I missed his call.  I also missed Sherry, my long-time friend from Georgia.

Diane, Randie, Jon and I went to Red Lobster to celebrate my special day.  We came back to the house and Brooke gave Diane all the pictures on a scan disc so we down loaded all the pictures and videos from my party.  I'll have a wonderful time watching and looking at them.

Before Diane and Randie left we ate Bill Knapp's Chocolate cake for dessert.  Do any of you remember Bill Knapp's?  We always went there on our birthday's to get a percentage off our meal and the free cake.  The cake was just as good as I remember it to be.  Jon bought it at Vince and Joe's, since there aren't any Bill Knapp's around anymore.

When they left I tried to make some kind of order to my house that looked a disaster.  I was so tired last night I just put away all the food and left the rest to today.  Only half of the house is straightened.  There's always tomorrow. 

Debbie took Jessie for Girls Day out and they went to Bellacino's.  A few days ago I blogged that we ordered only a quarter of a grinder instead of a half.  At that time Jess seemed OK with it.  Both yesterday and today she's said "Captain" (which means Bellacino's, as the owner's day is Captain Cutty), then "3".  I couldn't figure out what the 3 meant until we were just about ready to leave the house.  She wanted THREE chicken sandwiches, not the ONE measly one she had before!  So much for cutting down to a quarter.  (It was quite small.)

We're all calling it a day and going upstairs.  I had a wonderful birthday, thanks to family and many friends.  Thank you! 

I also wanted to mention that Jon got me a dozen YELLOW roses!!! I don't think I've ever had yellow roses before.  He is such a good son!