Shoveling A Large Slushy

That's what it was like this morning for those that needed to shovel sidewalks.  It was definitely way too wet for a snowblower and for shoveling, well the best way to describe it was to push the slushie along as far as you could go.  Lifting the shovel was too hard, too.  I've never seen snow like this before.  Jon was totally out of breath and he just did the front walk, porch and back sidewalk by the house.  As it gets colder tonight, it's going to be an icy mess in the morning.

I concentrated on paperwork today but didn't get done what I had hoped.  Do I ever?  Maybe my expectations are too high.  I did get alot of important phone calls made and the calendar updated so I know where to go and when. 

Tonight I helped with the new class for Stephen Ministers.  The topic was Supervision Groups and 2 other Supervision Group Facilitators came and we each led a mock group.  I'm thankful I am back into SM again.  I really believe in this ministry and know that I can make a difference.  It feels good to be part of something again.

Some More Shopping

Our WW group was cancelled this morning because Chris K's son is having surgery tomorrow - his 76th surgery.  Poor guy - please pray that this surgery will be successful.  He's 30 years old and has suffered alot.  Pray for strength for his family, too.  They have had to cancel a family vacation that they have planned for two years.  I know they are all disappointed, although right now they are just concentrating on getting Arron in better shape than he is now.

I asked Jon if I could spend the day with him as he did his running around.  He's such a nice son.  We had a fun day together.  I was grateful that the largest store had an amigo, or I wouldn't have made it.  When I got home I put my legs up, heated rice packs, put them on my knees and began another fiction book and read for about an hour. 

I'm behind in my ironing of Jessie's perler beads.  I think there's about 20 ready to be ironed.  She definitely is addicted.  It's the first thing she wants to do in the morning and every chance she gets during the day.  Jon's going to take some to work and give them to his residents to brighten up their rooms a bit.   

Bread and Milk! Gotta Get The Bread And Milk!

 Did you hear the weather forcast?  Everyone's talking about it! 

Snow is coming!

Alot of it, too!

Gotta get the bread and milk in the house before we're trapped and don't have bread and milk!

 

Wait a minute - we don't eat bread and very little milk!  So, what are we doing in Meijer's?????

 

It's Girl's Day Out, and after McDonald's lunch with Debbie, Jess and I went to Meijer's to buy a few things.  I was so proud of her.  We had 3 separate orders and she sacanned each one and helped bag them all.  The picture on the left is Jess lifting a bag of potatoes to find the bar code to scan.  She knows where they are better than I do! 

 

I wasn't happy that there weren't any amigos to ride, so I had to walk.  I thought my knee was going to give out, but it didn't.  When I got home I iced it and heated my right leg.   While I was doing that I finished the Christian fiction book I was reading.  I don't like suspense or murder mysteries, especially about serial killers, but this was the 2nd in a series and it was hard to put down.  In fact, dinner was an hour late - sorry, Jess!  Now I have to wait til the 3rd one is published. 

A Different Sunday

This morning I attended Woodside Romeo Campus for the baptism of Sean's (Chris' son) girlfriend, Ashley.  Woodside used to be First Baptist Church of Romeo a long time ago.  This is where I met Bill and we were married there, 30 years ago come this September.  Hard to believe.  It has really changed since then, that's for sure. 

I relaxed in the afternoon and continued a fiction book I am reading.  Jessie seems to have a bad right leg above the knee.  I'm not sure what's going on with it but I think we'll have to visit the doctor tomorrow and have an x-ray of her leg.  She doesn't want to get up or down.  Walking doesn't seem to hurt her much. Wierd.

I also went to a retirement party late this afternoon for my friend, Bruce, at Famous Dave's in Rochester.  He worked 38 years for Ford's.  His wife, Andrea, retired 4 years ago, and they congratulated her, too.  Better late than never?  I've not been to Famous Dave's before, but I sure would like to go back.  The food was delicious and the party was fun. It was nice to be out with good friends and laugh alot. 

Girl's Day Out On Saturday

Rachel came this morning and cleaned my house.  What a gift this is.  Thanks, Rachel!  You did a great job - again.  When she left, so did Jess and I.  We went to the post office, bank,  Advanced Medical, Subway for lunch, Target, Michael's and Home Depot.  Wheh!  I'm thankful for the stores that have the electric carts or I would never have been able to do Target or Home Depot.

Jess is definitely addicted to Perler Beading.  We bought another 11,000 beads at Michael's.  She's been doing them all afternoon, watching DVD's and on her iPad.  I rested and iced my left knee and heated up rice packs for my right leg, took pain medicine and read.  It was a nice break. 

An Early Day

The alarm went off at 5:30 and I struggled out of bed at 5:39.  I pulled Jess out of bed shortly after 6:00 and Jon followed at 6:15 a.m.  We were in the van and on our way to get blood drawn from Jess and me.  I had to take a special pill at 11:00 p.m. last night and have blood drawn at 7:00 a.m.  I was about 15 minutes late because at 6:55, we weren't the first ones there!  I was sure we would be.  There were a couple people in front of us.  Go figure.

It had started to snow before we left so we decided to come closer to home to eat breakfast.  Jess usually gets to the Garden at 9:15.  Today her breakfast out day was at 7:45 a.m.!  As you can see from this picture, she's ready to go back to sleep.  I don't look so hot either.  I was watching a tv screen.

When Debbie arrived, Jess and I took Memphis to "school" again.  The roads by this time were terrible.  I was glad to get back home.  By noon it was evident that Jessie was in desperate need for a nap, so Debbie left early (dental appt.) and I made Jess lay down for a nap.  I slept, too.  I've been puting hot rice packs on my right leg and it has seemed to help. 

Jacob came home for the weekend and he came and spent time with Jon today.  They had a great time together.

I had a phone call today from an "old" friend.  Her father and mine were friends in the Detroit Police Department and her siblings and mine grew up together.  We got together often.  Lil and I have kept in touch through letters over the years.  We've made a date to meet for lunch in March.  I'm excited.  It's been at least 20 years since we've seen each other.  We recently reconnected on FB. 

Not A Good Day

Memphis wasn't happy - he went to school again.  He didn't want to get in the van and certainly didn't want to stay at "school". 

Jessie was acting up all day for Debbie.  She even put Elmer's Glue around her lips while Debbie was driving to Meijer's for grocery shopping day. Where she got the glue, we have no idea.  It was in her pocket.   Her finger stayed in her ear the entire time they were shopping - a bad habit I thought we had gotten through.  She refused to do anything Debbie asked her to do today.

I went to the doctor for my right side.  He said I have so many things going on at the same time.  The lump on my leg he wasn't concerned with.  My very tight muscle running the length of my right leg did though.  Somehow we've got to get it loosened up.  I have bursitis in my leg.  He also gave me nerve medication to help with the sciatic pain. It was a discouraging appointment, although I'm not sure what I was expecting.  There's nothing I can do about the severe spinal stenosis or arthritis in my back. 

After my appointment Jon and I went to Walmart's and he bought himself some items for his bedroom.  (I used the electric cart.)   I dropped him off at the dentist and went to Walgreen's to get my prescription filled.  I waited 20 minutes then they told me they couldn't fill it because it needed to be compounded.  Ok then.  I have to find a place that compounds medication tomorrow.

I picked Jon up after he was finished and we went to Home Depot where he bought 2 new lamps for his bedroom.  One he got together, plugged it in and sparks flew, a fuse was blown, and his TiVo was fried, even though he has it plugged in to a surge protector.  This is not a good night for Jon.  Or me.  Jess is better.  Hopefully, tomorrow will be. 

Second Shot - Done

Thank you to my friend, Rox, who took me for the second shot in my knee.  It hurt alot more than the first time because it hit several nerves. Only one more shot to go - a week from this Friday.  I was able to come home and rest and ice it before having to go to Stephen Ministry tonight.  And now it's 9:56 p.m. and Jess is still up and looks like she's raring to go.  She's drinking diet greet tea - with CAFFEINE.  I'm in trouble! 

"Jessie, Where Are You?"

This morning I happened to be downstairs and Jessie went upstairs for something.  I stood at the bottom of the stairs and hollered up: "Jessie, where are you?"  No answer.  Again.  "Jessie, where are you?"  She replies: "I don't know."  "Jess, are you in the bathroom?  Are you in the bedroom?  Are you in the hallway?  Where are you?"  "Right here!" was her answer.  Ok then.

For those of you who read my blog daily you know that I did not blog last night.  Two friends checked up on me today to make sure all was well.  Thank you.  Last night I was in so much pain that I just shut down the computer and went upstairs and took some pain medicine and rested.  We did not go out for Girl's Day Out because we had eaten out on Sunday.  Jess was OK with that because I made her chicken nuggets and french fries for lunch.  She lost another pound this week.  Go, Jessie!

I have the second shot in my knee tomorrow and on Thursday I see the doctor about the pain on my right side.  Your prayers are appreciated. 

A Challenging Emotional Day

Jon wasn't well enough to go to church today but well enough to watch Jess while I went.  Service itself was great, but church is the one place that I feel the lonliest and miss Bill the most.  Today was hard.  I usually sit alone, although Dorene sat with me today, for which I'm grateful.  I think back over the past 22 years that we have attended this church and how much has changed.  We always went as a family.  We attended Sunday School then church.  We sat in church as a family.  Watching all the families and couples today was hard for some reason.  Maybe because in 3 weeks it'll be 1 year that Bill passed away.  I don't know. 

That feeling put a damper on my spirits for the rest of the day.  When I got home we decided to go to Dimitri's for lunch - I didn't feel like doing any cooking of any kind.  Jessie has done so well lately in restaurants.  However, once getting home she doesn't stop talking.  We've been home for 6 1/2 hours and she's still talking and being very loud.  It has drove me crazy all day.

Chris came and visited for several hours in the afternoon, and we brainstormed on how to redecorate my bedroom.  It's a huge room filled with lots of furniture and mostly likely will have to be done in stages.  Jon gets his new carpet tomorrow.  We're looking forward to that. 

A Beautiful Snowfall

Several times today there was an absolutely beautiful snowfall.  It looked like a snowglobe.  I just stood in awe at the beauty of it.  However, I'm glad I wasn't driving in it. 

I did my usual Saturday morning paperwork then Jess and I went to the bank, post office, McDonald's for our drive thru picnic, then home.  My left side hurt so much that I took a pain pill and sat with an ice pack on my left knee and hot pads on my right side and slept for a couple hours. 

Jon's feeling worse.  I hope he doesn't have to change antibiotics and that he is MUCH better by Tuesday when he has to go back to work. 

One Shot Down ... Two To Go

I selfishly prayed this morning that God would allow this specific knee injection not to be as painful as the other ones have been.  And, it wasn't.  I was so thankful.  However, I did have the same reaction as I did the first series - by the time I got home I felt like I had been drugged.  I slept for 3 hours this afternoon.  Thank you, Marilyn, for taking me to my appointment.  It is appreciated.

Jessie and Debbie had breakfast out then went grocery shopping.  Jess spent a little while acting like she didn't feel well, but she's perfectly fine right now.  She's busy watching Funniest Home Videos on her iPad, playing with her Apples 2 Apples card and watching the DVD "Babies" on the tv.  It's the story of 4 babies from birth to 1 year in various parts of the world:  Tokyo, San Francisco, Mongolia and Africa.  It is really neat.  I love the music. I don't mind watching it over and over either. 

Jon was strongly advised by the doctor at Urgent Care to stay home today so he did call in.  He spent some time laying down and doesn't feel much better.  Maybe when the antibiotics kick in. 

Happy Valentine's Day

How thankful I am for such wonderful aides that Jessie has.  While Debbie was at Bible Study with me, Rachel came this morning and she brought ingredients to make Valentine's cupcakes and then had Jessie decorate them.  I think they both had fun, and as you can see from this picture, Jess ate some batter!

Before I went to Bible Study this morning I dropped Memphis off at "school".  He's in training for a couple weeks to see what he knows and how we can get him to work with Jess.  I'm very excited about this. 

Bible Study was special.  The ladies of the church decorated the gym so nice.  Each table had a flower centerpiece, candle and red heart-shaped balloon.  Each place setting had a special card from God reminding us how much He loves us, plus some candy.  They did a very nice job of making each of us feel special. 

Debbie worked with Jessie on a bead project that required her to follow a pattern underneath a clear plastic form, using specific colored beads.  She did really well.  She LOVES these bead projects.  She is very particular where she puts the beads and she knows which color she wants.  As you can see from the picture to the left, she's doing a great job decorating the cupcakes, too. 

Jon has a very sore throat and stopped at an Urgent Care on the way home.  He's driving around trying to find a 24-hour pharmacy for an antibiotic.  The doctor said that even though the strep test came back negative, she'd bet her career it WAS strep.  This seems to be typical for Jon, as he always tests negative for strep, but we're sure he has it because it responds to an antibiotic.  She told him to stay home tomorrow, but that surely won't go over well with his workplace.  He has just 2 more weeks before he'll be eligible for sick leave again.  He used all of his a year ago when Bill passed away. 


 

Wednesday is Swimmin' Day

For Jessie Wednesday's used to be known as baking day.  Now it's "Swimmin' Day!"  She just loves to go in the pool.  Unfortunately, there were alot of kids there today and she didn't like it that much.  Each week is different.  You can never tell who's going to be there. 

This past Sunday Jess helped me make home made pizza, and she did a really good job.  She mixed the dry ingredients with the water then used her hands to make a ball and kneed it.  I was surprised that she did so well and that she wanted to help.  It's amazing that she continues to excell and enjoy new things.

I had lunch with my friend, Janet, prior to getting my hair done.  It was good to visit with her again.  We worked together at Morgan Elementary.  I miss our daily chats we used to have, and I am so glad we keep in touch.  She's pretty special. 

A Scary Detour

Jon drove me down to Grosse Pointe Beaumont (formerly BonSecours) hospital this morning to have an ultrasound on my right leg.  I could have waited another 2 weeks and had it done in Troy, but I wanted an earlier appointment.  Never being there, I wasn't familiar with the roads and as soon as we got off the expressway we kept going instead of turning.  We only had to go a little way to cross over and back on Cadieux.  The first 2 miles was in a bad section, the next 2 were in Grosse Pointe before we reached the hospital, which weren't too bad.  

I had the ultrasound and the doctor said that it was "just" a lypoma on my muscle, which means a fatty, benign lump.  I'm sure my family doctor will now send me to a surgeon for a biopsy since he takes no chances.  When we left, we felt confident that we knew enough to trace our tire tracks and get back on I-94.  All went well until the north and south on-ramps were closed while they did impromptu road repair.  So, I told Jon to just turn at the next light, go down along the expressway and find a turn around back on it.  That did not happen.  The road drove away from the expressway, turned into a 2-way road into a "subdivision".  Bad news.  Very bad news.  I've never seen an area in such terrible shape as where we found ourselves.  Poor Jon, being a total country boy and driving, he was in near panic mode.  I kept calm for him, but it was very scary for me, too.  We ended up going through the neighborhood, making a circle and ending up on Harper which we kept on until we found an on-ramp to the expressway.  We laughed about it later, but it wasn't funny while we were there.  We won't be going down there again - I'll wait.

Here's something funny:  Jon is sleeping in my room on the floor on his mattress while his room is being redone.  Jessie is sleeping with me.  It's like traveling and being in a hotel room.  Sometime during the night Jess woke me up and said:  "Jon - shut up!"  Jon was snoring and she wanted me to wake him and tell him to be quite!  I didn't think it was too funny when it happened, but it is cute.  Sometimes I'm not sure who's snoring the loudest ... Memphis, Jessie, Jon ... or ... me (so Jon says!).  I really don't think I snore.

Stair Chair Fixed ... Not!

The technician was here at 8:10 a.m. this morning and since I had to leave for an appointment, Debbie took care of signing the paper when he was done.  When he left he said it worked.  Wonderful.  I got home and went upstairs, came back down and it died before reaching the bottom of the stairs.  It's now stuck at the bottom instead of the top.  The technician will be out again in the morning.  Bummer.

Not much else noteworthy, I guess.  Just a normal Monday.  A bit windy though. 

A Very Quiet Sunday

Just Jess and me today.  Jon had to work.  We kept busy but not too busy.  I dusted and vacuumed because I was expecting Diane and Randie to visit, but Randie is not feeling well, so they didn't come.  I put pictures from October, November and December in an album.  I scanned numerous old-time pictures of the 3 of us Jonas kids.  I read a little and played on the iPad, as well as ironed numerous bead forms of Jessie's.  She's wiled away the day with her beads, iPad, and videos.  I think we'll call it a night and go upstairs.  I'm cold. 

 

Someone suggested I post a picture of the Perler Beads that Jess has done so far.  Here they are, minus 6 that need to be ironed yet.  If she can't do them first thing in the morning or many times during the day, she's not happy.  So, let her do them.  I'm thinking we might put magnets on the back and give them to some elderly people where Aunt Etta lives in Richmond.  Maybe we'll go visit her and give one to each resident.  They are very colorful.

Rachel came and spent the day with Jessie.  I did paper work then readied my bedroom for Jon's mattress, since he needs to move in to my room for awhile since the redecorating begins Monday.  We drove to the post office (Rachel went in for me), bank (drive thru), Walgreen's (drive thru), then met Jane for lunch at the Garden.  It was nice visiting with Jane again.  I've missed her.

YAH HOO !!!

I received a phone call this afternoon at 4:00 from Wright Filippa's that they have already received the power pack for my stair chair and will be out on Monday morning at 8:30 a.m. to install it.  Wow.  Talk about an answer to prayer.  I am so very grateful that it will be fixed sooner than later as my left knee is alot better but my right side is much worse. 

Jon finished emptying his room except for the bed, tv and couch.  It's exciting that he can have a newly decorated room real soon.  Jessie's room is no longer habitable, though.  There is a path to the tv and window.  That's about it.  Sunday night Jon's mattress comes in my room and the rest of his furniture goes in the middle of the room for painting.  When the carpet comes, that's another adventure. 

I ironed for over an hour tonight - Jessie's beads.  I will have to take a picture of all that she has done and post it tomorrow night. 

Friendship

I am so thankful for all the people that God has brought into my life that I count as friends.  This morning began with Bible Study and small group.  A group of about 80 women attend this study and I know quite a few, especially those in my small group.  I went to lunch with Chris J and enjoyed our conversation.  I always love to hear how God is working in others' lives.  Tonight I had Home Group.  Another group of friends.  I have been so blessed.  Tonight my heart is so full with God's blessings.  God has been so merciful and has showered me with so much.  I love Him and pray that I am the woman He wants me to be.  Full of compassion and love for others. 

Debbie took Jessie to lunch at The Garden Grille in case no one is able to get out tomorrow if we get the snow that is predicted.  Then they went to the grocery store.  Jess has had another good day.  Jon had 2 appointments today then met with a "carpet man" and picked out his new carpeting.  It's always nice to redo a room, isn't it.  It's going to be so nice.

Good News ... Bad News

I called Wright Fillipa's first thing this morning and was given the bad news that it might be days before someone could come check on my stair chair. They are booked 2 weeks in advance and would have to slip me in somewhere.  I asked Debbie to pray that someone would be able to come alot sooner.  Jess and Debbie prayed at breakfast.  A half hour later the woman called me back and said that someone would be out on Friday!  Wow!  Then, I got a call around 2:00 saying that a technician was in the area and would be there around 3:00 ... TODAY!  Thank you, Jesus!

Bad news.  The entire power pack needs to be replaced.  They don't carry these in stock, as it is RARE that they ever have to be replaced.  The technician said that it was "a fluke".  Ok then.  This doesn't sound good, that's for sure.  Now we'll have to pray that one can be sent from the manufacturer quickly and installed asap.  Your prayers would be appreciated.

I went to my friend Chris K's house today to help her make 30# of potato salad.  Her son Aaron lives in a senior citizens/special needs apartment complex and she is providing the residents a home cooked meal tomorrow night.  Aaron just got out of the hospital yesterday after his 75th surgery.  He is one remarkable young man.  Please add Aaron to your prayer list, as he seemed to have a seisure today and he is so looking forward to being at this dinner tomorrow night - not more time in the hospital.  It means alot to him. 

Debbie took Jessie to the pool and she didn't go in the children's pool at all.  She headed right for the small one at the bottom of the slide.  She LOVES going there.  She got herself dressed and ready for the day and wanted to go right away after breakfast.  She also had speech therapy this afternoon and her teacher said she is doing so well.  We've all seen a big difference in her speech and sentences lately.  She just keeps improving.  Thank you, Jesus!

My Stair Chair Bit The Dust

Sitting on my stair chair, slowly traveling upstairs earlier to put Jess to bed, I was almost to the top when there was a tremendous jolt, it felt like an electrical shock to my face and chest and all gears ground hard to a halt.  I hollered, Jon came running and Jessie said from the top of the stairs, "Scary!"  No kidding!  It almost flung me out of the chair!  (Maybe that's why there's a seat belt.)Guess who I'm going to call first thing in the morning?  If they can't come our right away, this will not be good. 

Today was the best pain day I've had in a long time.  I was gone for several hours but because I was able to park right by doors and not walk far, I don't have much pain in my right leg tonight.  Having to use the stairs, though, is bad.

I guess I'll just end this right now because my mind got jumbled and I can't think straight.  Scared me, actually.  Let's call it a night.

And So The Week Begins

For Girl's Day Out this afternoon, we didn't shop because 1) it's hard for me to walk, and 2) it was too cold and nasty.  However, we did go to McDonald's drive thru and we had a "picnic" in the van.  That makes Jessie one happy young lady.  As long as she can get her McChicken, small fry and large diet, she has a good Monday. 

Jon's emptying his bedroom so it can be painted and new carpet installed.  I did wash and paperwork.  Not alot of fun.  I ironed about 14 perler bead things tonight.  That took quite a while.  They are not easy to make.  I know because when I gently pick them up and beads fall off, I have to put them back on before they are ironed.  Even though I'm right handed, I have to use my left hand to put them back on.  If too many fall off, which happens once in awhile, I just get a bowl, dump the beads in and put the shape in the bottom of the box and hope she doesn't remember. 

I like this time of night.  Jon, Jess and Memphis are all sleeping and the house is very quiet.  Soon I will go up to my bedroom and have my quiet time and work on my Bible study.  I like the peace and quiet of a cozy home.   

An Unusual Sunday

Jon woke me early this morning and told me he wasn't going to go to church, so I assumed he wasn't well.  He NEVER misses a Sunday that he has off.  NEVER, unless he's sick.  I got up, took care of Jess and myself then went to check on Jon.  He wasn't sick.  Just decided to sleep and "take the day off", so to speak.  I looked at him like he had 2 heads.  "You're serious?" I asked?  Ok, then.  So what did I do?  I didn't go either.  The 3 of us went to breakfast instead, then I spent the day on the couch resting.  Really.  No work.  I finished a book I had started a long time ago.  It was very good.  And, we're on our way up to end the day.  Again.

Saturday Happenings

Jon got up early and went to breakfast and the show.  He spent the rest of the day boxing up items from his bedroom in rubbermaids to store in the basement.  He plans to overhaul his entire room - new paint and carpet.  There's alot of work to be done before that can happen.

Rachel came and spent the day with Jessie.  They read books, colored, played a Disney DVD game, worked on Perler beads, then Jane came and the three of them went out to lunch and shopping.  A very fun day for Jessie.

My left knee is much better but my right leg wasn't.  I ended up taking Tylenol with Codein and slept for several hours.  Right now, I'm already to call it quits for today.  Upstairs we go. 

The Mickey Mouse Club

Along with Jessie's many DVD's that she received for Christmas was one that I was sure she'd like.  It is "The Best of the Mickey Mouse Club" from 1957 - 1964.  Tonight I made her watch it because I was sure she'd like it, since she likes kids singing and teen shows.  Not.  After about 20 minutes she got up, turned it off, put the disc in the case, ran over to the table, slammed it down and said, "KIDS!", which translated means ... "I don't want this.  Give it to the kids!"  I must say, I was a bit disappointed.  Maybe I'll have to put it with my DVD's and watch it one night when I want to travel down memory lane.

Debbie and Jess went to breakfast and met Jessie's case worker, Kelly.  Then they went grocery shopping.  I went to lunch with my "Glory Girls" birthday get-together at Max and Erma's.  They later went to the show and saw Les Miserable, but I came home.