Not Much To Report

Water aerobics make up class, post office, lunch, paperwork, wash, vacuumed and swept floors.  Jess had a good morning with Debbie straightening her room.  It finally looks good.  Jon continued to work in his garden.  He did plant his potatoes today.  That's about it.

God's Blessings, Lynzee!

I had the privilege of watching my special friend, Lynzee, being baptized at her church this morning. Not only did Lynzee make this very important decision, but so did 43 others !!!!  It was an awesome time of witnessing baptisms of entire families, children and adults.  I am so proud of her!

When I got home I received a phone call from Bill's cousin, Joyce.  Her and her husband were in the area, just getting back from Georgia yesterday where they wintered and served at Habitat For Humanity.  They came and we had a really nice time catching up and visiting.

Jessie's been a tad bit mouthy today.  Extra loud, too.  I'm about done for the day.  She's gotten on my last nerve.  Let's hope tomorrow will be better! 

A Good Work Day

While I worked on Lois' boxes after breakfast, Jon was outside working in his garden.  He put up more piping and webbing for climbing vegetables, finished mixing the 3 ingredients that make up his "Mel's Mix", completed putting it in all the boxes, and installed his gate. 

At lunch time he took a break and we went to the post office and mailed 3 more rubbermaids, went through McDonald's drive thru and ate in the van at the Washington park.

When we got home, Jess picked up dog poop (she's a great pooper scooper!) and picked up a lot of stones from the grass.  She worked for about 45 minutes then went swinging in her hammock swing.  When she got tired of being outside, I took a chance on her being good in the house and worked for 2 more hours in my garden.  Jon has more peat moss than what he needs so I am putting it in my flower garden.  I did more than I should have and had to take pain medicine, but I am thrilled that I can do some of my own gardening.  Jon and I kept walking to the house, peering inside to make sure Jess was where she was supposed to be.  She can spend hours watching Utube tv shows and working on her beads.  She was very good today. 

When we finished outside, I was absolutely way too tired and in too much pain to fix anything to eat, so we went to the Garden Grille.  The more that the 3 of us go out to eat, the better Jessie is in restaurants.  Other than speaking way too loudly, she is doing well.  I just need to get her to whisper!

Screaming Kids Day

Poor Jess.  It seemed like the babies were out to get her today.  Jess, Debbie and I went to Garden for breakfast, and that was a good start to the day.  Hardly anyone was in there.  From there Debbie took Jessie to Meijer's and half-way through, Jess had a complete breakdown when she was faced with a screaming toddler in a basket.  She screamed "NO" to the girl and "BAD MOM!" to the mother before she burst out in tears.  Debbie literally had to hold her close for about 10 minutes to calm her down. 

They brought groceries home then went to Target for a hot dog.  Unfortunately, there was a screaming boy in there.  I guess she had a mini melt down.  When she got home she was so wound up and kept yelling "bad boy", and refused to do what Debbie asked her.  Not a good day out.

When I left them after breakfast, I did some last-minute shopping for my friend, Lois.  She had another shipment of books for the ministry arrive last week and we're hoping that if I get them ready to go by tomorrow and shipped to Florida, they might make the next boat and she will receive them before she comes to Michigan in June.  I went to the bank, post office, Home Depot, Payless Shoes, Target and Meijer's for items for the rubbermaids. 

I returned home with a headache so I sat down with heated rice packs on my neck and eyes for an hour.  I've been in a funk for the past couple of days.  I've been missing Bill a lot lately.  I feel very lonely at home.  Just feeling selfish, I guess. 

I called Chris around 5:00 to see if she'd like to meet somewhere for dinner but she was already in Imlay City getting her hair cut.  I didn't want her to drive all the way back down here, so we met in Armada and went to Papa's Restaurant.  Jess and I had fish and chips and brought home part of our meal for Jon.  Chris and I also had a piece of Achatz cheese cake.  When we got our bill, we were both surprised to find out that on Friday nights, with an entre, their pies are only $1.00.  Now, when was the last time you had a piece of cheese cake for $1.00, let alone an Achatz pie?  Luckily, there were no kids in the restaurant.

Last Day of Bible Study

Today was our last day of Bible Study until the fall.  After our small groups, we met for a pot-luck luncheon and had a nice time gabbing.  I'm afraid the table that I sit at is always the loudest and appears to have the most fun.  Especially today.

Rachel was here in the morning for Jess, Debbie in the afternoon.  I made several phone calls that I have been putting off and then began preparing two final rubbermaids to be mailed to Haiti by Saturday.

I sat upstairs for about an hour wrapped up in a blanket and drinking hot tea before Debbie left.  I turned down the furnace by one degree earlier this week, but it was too soon.  Hopefully by this weekend it'll warm up.  I saw a picture on FB that was quite funny, but almost true.  It said:  Meanwhile in Michigan: with a picture of a man in a summer shorts outfit cutting his lawn that was covered in snow. 

I bought a Fiskars long-handled weeder a while ago, and had the chance to try it out a couple of days ago.  It works great.  I guarantee that there will NEVER be another weed in the spot I pull one up.  It goes deep into the ground and pulls up the weed by its roots.  I'm looking forward to weeding my own garden and lawn this year.  I don't have to bend over with this.  It's perfect!

Shopping

I did not have Water Aerobics today because the pool was closed all week for cleaning.  Instead, Debbie, Jess and I went shopping.  We stopped at Blinds To Go and I (finally) ordered a blind for Jessie's skylight.  Next we dropped off items at the Salvation Army.  Across the street to Office Depot for items for both Debbie and Jessie.  Next to Lakeside Mall.  I can't remember the last time I was in Sears, let alone the mall!  Both Jess and I need new bathing suits.  She was the lucky one, and looks so cute in her new 2-piece suit.  She also bought herself a royal purple piece of luggage for vacations.  We ate in the Food Court, I sat down to rest and Debbie took Jessie down to the fountain, which I didn't even know they had.

While they were there I looked at my e-mails on my iPhone and noted a request from my friend for items at Office Depot, so when we left there we went back across the street and I "ran" in and got what she needed.  Target was next.  By this time I was about done walking and I was thankful for an electric cart to use.  McDonald's for pop and a snack then the post office before we arrived home.  I am absolutely ready to call it a day and go to bed.  However, 7:30 p.m. is 4 1/2 hours before my bedtime.  A nap maybe? 

It was such a nasty day to be out with rain, sleet and snow, but it also made for good shopping, as the stores had very few people in them.  Just the way I like it - Jess, too! 

Yard Work And An Afternoon Date Day

I had an early meeting this morning and when I finished I came home and worked outside.  It turned out to be a great morning.  I raked the entire front and part of the side yard.  It took me 1 1/2 hours, but I did it! 

There were still quite a few stones in the yard when I finished raking so I had Debbie bring Jess out, gave her gloves to wear and had her pick them up.  She got so into it, she didn't want to stop.  She ended up doing the entire front yard and by the side of the house.  When she couldn't find stones to pick up on the lawn, she went a little closer to the road and began picking up stones out of the road!

We brought Memphis out with us to see how he would obey his STAY command.  He did very well, although no squirrels ran by or no one was walking their dog.  He seemed to enjoy being out with us, rather than being in the backyard and watching through the fence.

Jon worked several hours mixing his "Mel's Mix" and putting it in his garden boxes.  He also put up metal conduit with trellis netting on it for his viney vegetables. 

Around 12:30, Jon and I went to Dimitri's for lunch then we drove down to the new Menard's store at M59 and I-94.  It was a very impressive, very large store and I was glad that the only amigo they had was available.  I wouldn't have been able to walk the entire store, especially with all the work I did outside earlier.

A good day. 

Teaching Jessie

Every day is a teaching day for Jessie.  Every day Debbie or I instruct Jessie in doing various jobs or activities around the house.  This afternoon after our McDonald's picnic lunch in the van, Jess helped me pick up dog poop, sticks and helped pull garbage cans to the curb.  I was impressed that she kept at it and did a good job.  She's been doing very well in feeding Memphis each afternoon, too. 

I finally got to my paperwork this afternoon.  I was a month behind in recording Jessie's expenditures and I'm still about 6 months behind in balancing my check book with bank statements.  Jessie's stuff is almost done and if I keep at it tomorrow afternoon, I'll finish mine. 

Jon finished his 3-day work stint tonight.  Today he had help, all went well, and as Jon said, "Nothing to write home about."  He's looking forward to his next 2 days off.

A Quiet Sunday

Jess and I went to breakfast at the Garden Grille, only the place was packed.  Every table was taken and some people looked like they were eagerly waiting their food.  After 15 minutes without a waitress, I did something I've never done.  Jess and I got up and left!  There were just too many people there for not only her but for me.  I wasn't angry.  I'm glad that business has picked up a lot since there is a new owner.  I'll be back.  That's where I enjoy the veggie wrap the most!

After we got home I swept floors and vacuumed because Chris was coming over in the afternoon.  She and her son, Sean, came and visited for an hour.  I spent time on my iPad, continued reading in a non-fiction book about the Holy Spirit, began a fiction book and took a one-hour nap.  Dinner was a little late, but we did eat.  Home made chicken strips, asparagus and biscuits.  A nice, healthy dinner.

A Nice Day With Jessie

Along with doing about 6 load of wash and some odds and ends, Jess and I went to the post office,
Subway for lunch (she decided she wanted this instead of McDonald's!), Michael's then Meijer's.  We had a good time shopping.  I was amazed, again, at the number of people who know Jessie by name.  Even the bread man!  Again she scanned all items while I put them in bags.  I'm so thrilled that this is one thing that she can do and be excited about it.  When we got home she took all the groceries out of the bags and helped me put things away. 

I bought chicken to make for dinner, but Jessie decided she didn't want chicken.  What?  I just stared at her.  No chicken?  "What do you want, then?"  "Macaroni and cheese with ham!"  So, that's what I made - homemade, of course.

So Much For Stranger-Danger Lessons

One of the hardest things to instill in Jessie is stranger-danger.  Everyone to her is a new friend.  She has no fear, until it comes to crying children or loud adults.  We've worked on stranger-danger for years and years.  We've finally gotten where she'll shake someone's hand and not hug them, at least right away.  People with Down Syndrome tend to be very loving individuals, and Jess is very loving to people, even ones she does not know.

In a world where terror reigns and danger could be lurking just around the corner, it's hard to figure out how much we tell Jessie about bad people.  I don't want to get her paranoid, but she needs to know that she can't be friends with a stranger.  She's also quick as lightning - she knows when you are distracted, even for a second - then makes her move! 

Today Debbie had her at the Secretary of State's office and Jess stood with Debbie at the counter while she took care of some business.  Then Jess decided to go sit down.  That was OK and Debbie kept looking around and checking on her.  I would have done the same thing.  All was well until Debbie turned around and Jessie was gone!  She was over by the window, sitting next to a very handsome young man, hand on his thigh and smiling!!!

Horrified, Debbie bolted over to her and said, "What are you doing?"  She apologized to the man, who didn't seem to be concerned, then asked Jessie if she had a new friend.  She just smiled! 

Guess we'll concentrate a little harder on stranger-danger in the next few days. 

Wednesday and Thursday's Blog

Wednesday
I had water aerobics and Debbie brought Jessie to the pool just before I left.  Several times many of the ladies go out to breakfast and today was one of those days I decided I would join them and make new friends.  However, only our instructor and I went, which was good, because we were able to share with one another about our lives.  I had a nice visit with her.

When I can home I spent 75 minutes raking the side of the house and putting the stones back in the driveway that were thrown there by the snow blower.  Between water aerobics and raking, I burned up 900 calories!  Yahoo!

Rachel came to watch Jess while I went to Stephen Ministry and Jon was at work.  There was a storm so Jon shut off the computer before I got home and I didn't feel like turning it back on to blog.  That's why no blog last night. 

Just before bed, Jon read on FB that Chris' dog, Sherman, had died unexpectedly!  The picture is Jessie and Sherman on Easter at their house. (Beats me why there's a black strip at the bottom!) Those of you who have had animals as pets for years and they have died know how they feel his loss.  Especially Chris' boys.  Sherman was 10 years old, and they had him since he was a puppy.  He will be missed.  Now we'll have to add him to our Heaven list - right next to Jake!

Thursday
Bible Study for Debbie and me this morning and Rachel with Jess.  Jon went out to breakfast, Home Depot, then rested.  I went to lunch with my friend, Marilyn, went to the post office and came home just before we got hit with a good rain storm.  When Jon was at Home Depot he bought shelving metal strips for book shelves in my bedroom and this afternoon, he put them up for me.  Tonight he made his and Jessie's meal while I went to the last night of our Home Group until the fall.  We had a nice pot luck dinner.  I'm sorry that we won't be about to meet again for quite awhile. 

It Happened In Meijer's

We had our WW meeting again this morning.  Chris K. was finally able to meet with us as her son, Arron, is now home from the hospital.  Please continue to pray for his infection to heal.  Jessie took a couple naps today. Not sure what's up with that.  She had a good day reading books with Debbie and outside swinging.

I went to the post office, McDonald's drive thru (grilled chicken snack wrap and yogurt), ate in Michael's parking lot, strolled around Michael's, went into Meijer's and almost burst out crying.  Now, isn't that just something?  Out of no where I was overwhelmed with the loss of Bill.   Really.  In Meijer's of all places?  I quickly got what I needed and got out of there before I made a scene.  I hate it when emotions overcome you when you least expect it.

When I got home I remembered something my mom always would do when things were sad or bad.  She'd clean.  So I cleaned up all the Easter decorations, stored them away for another year and decorated with birdhouses.  Then I read some in my fiction book.  I'm OK now.  I was OK then, too.  Emotions.  You really can't trust them sometimes, can you? 

Sunshine!

 Last night when we went to bed, Jon and I had planned on going shopping this morning because it was predicted to be cold and rainy.  Much to our surprise, the sun was shining and Jon quickly ate a breakfast bar and spent the next 6 hours or so working on his garden.

 

The picture on the left is the "old" garden that Bill had made, minus the fencing that Jon had taken down last fall.  The next picture is from a couple days ago taken from my bedroom window of the square foot boxes Jon made and put down.  Today he put the fencing up.  I'll have to post that tomorrow, as I'm having trouble with the pictures posting - again.  Also, I have no idea where the black border came from.  They are not on the original pictures - sorry.

 

Because we had eaten out 3 days in a row, I told Jessie we would be eating lunch at home today, even though it is Girl's Day Out.  It's never a good thing to change her itinerary.  She doesn't adapt to change very well.  We did eat lunch at home, but we stopped at McDonald's for a pop when we went to the bank and post office.  That helped a great deal.

 

Jess had speech today and continues to do very well.  I am very pleased with her progress.  Especially since a lot of teachers in our past have said that someone with Downs would stop learning at around 12 years of age.  What do they know?  She learns something new every day, and continues to speak better.  And, she's 22 years old!

Losing Weight

All three of us have been doing very well in losing weight and becoming healthy.  We do eat out a lot, but we know how to adjust the rest of the day's meals to accommodate for the extra calories.  Jessie and I have been doing portion control and Jon's been doing Weight Watchers.  For the past month, I've also been doing My Fitness Pal, which is a free app on my iPhone.  Jon has lost 30 pounds, Jessie has lost 19 pounds, and I have lost 20 pounds.

Now, with Jess, it is NOT easy limiting her food consumption.  It's the one thing that she is very obsessed with from the time she gets up in the morning until she goes to bed.  She has breakfast, lunch, a portioned snack at 4, then dinner.  We do not eat family style anymore.  I fix our portion controlled plates at the stove and we do not go back for seconds.  This has also helped us not hearing Jessie demand the rest of the food that is in the bowls on the table.  The bowls aren't there, so she just eats what is in front of her and gets up and leaves the room. 

All this leads in to what Jess said this afternoon to me.  After church we decided to go to Garden for a grilled veggie wrap for lunch, which is one of my favorite meals there.  When we were finished I took Jess to the restroom and while we were in there I asked her what she would like to do when she got home.  Her answer ... "Eat dinner!"

I Do Not Like Snow In April

So, you're probably thinking, who does?  Not only was it raining on and off but snowing throughout the day! Then there were little ice balls.  In between the rain, Jon worked on his garden.  He is so determined and anxious to get it built.  I told him his dad would be so proud of him and his accomplishment. It looks absolutely great.

Bill would also be VERY proud of me, if I do say so myself.  I completed the second nightstand for my bedroom today.  It was much easier because 1) I had already completed one, and 2) I bought a battery operated screw driver which helped speed things up a lot.  I'm very pleased with myself.  Not prideful, just pleased, as I've NEVER put together anything like this before.  Bill always put our furniture together. 

Rachel came and cleaned the house then Jessie, Rachel and I went to the post office, Wendy's for a light lunch and the Used Bookstore.  A lot of odds and ends were finished today, too.  For something different Jon, Jess and I went to Garden Grille for dinner then we took a drive around to see "10 houses", as Jessie says.  We used to do this as a family for years, especially on Sunday afternoons.  We'd just drive around into subdivisions that were in a certain radius to our home and look at all the different style and size houses.  It was a nice couple hours out.

She's Staring At Me

Jessie is staring at me, making noises, scratching the couch and wanting me to quit typing (I just started) and go upstairs.  Not that she wants to go to bed, she wants to use my iPad and look at all the family/baby pictures on FB.  She just finished a temper tantrum and fell asleep for about 10 minutes.  Oh, the joys of being a mom of a special needs 22 year old!

Jessie, Debbie and I had breakfast out with Jessie's case worker, Kelly.  I had some things I needed to correct on an annual assessment and thought this would be the fastest way to do it.  (Jess is now asking, "All done?" Numerous times.)  I went to Walmart looking for new jeans and Debbie and Jessie went to Meijer's.  (Now she's mimicking me typing on the computer by tapping on the printer!) 

This weather is getting to me, and I normally don't pay much attention to the weather.  It's been so cold and rainy, that I'm feeling very cold and blah.  Jess keeps asking to go outside, but our backyard looks like a lake in some spots.  Our basement is also very wet again!  I'm so disappointed.  I had hoped that all the work I had done around the house would have prevented the basement from being wet.  However, I've kept telling everyone that I believe that the water is coming up through the floor, not from the basement walls.  I believe I'm right.  Unfortunately.

Ok - Ok.  I've got to finish and go upstairs before Jess drives me insane.  I'm already half way there, I don't need a good push.  She just thinks it's funny. 

Ladies Night Out

I went to Bible Study this morning, but didn't feel all that great.  I had a headache, which wasn't bad, but just enough to make me sick.  Debbie and I went to Leo's Coney Island for lunch then I came home and slept with a hot compress on my eyes for an hour.  I felt much better when I woke up.

Tonight I went to the Macomb Twp. (Senior Center) Ladies Night Out.  I had organized a group of 10 of us and I think everyone, except maybe my sister, had a good time.  Di doesn't like crowds, and there were over 230 women there!  She was also exhausted from long hours at her computer for work, which didn't help.  There were 32 vendors, free food and desserts and refreshments.  Something different.  Apparently this was their first time doing this and I think if they do it again, they'll have to find a larger area to accommodate so many women. They had a wonderful turnout.

Jon had a horrible day at work.  Hopefully, tomorrow will be better. 

Jessie's Day Out

Debbie took Jessie to the pool today and she had a great time.  She's getting very comfortable there and is even going across the small pool that is at the bottom of the water slide.  She even went and got herself some water weights, too.  Afterward, they stopped at Subway for a quick, nutritious chicken sandwich. 

I had water aerobics this morning, and I, too, stopped at Subway on the way home.  I also went into Kroger's for just a few things I like there ... Kroger's Small Curd Cottage Cheese and Kroger's Light Death By Chocolate Ice Cream!  I also had a nice relaxing couple of hours while I had my hair done.

My friend, Doreen, sent me a picture text from NJ this afternoon of their outdoor thermometer at 80 degrees.  I sent one back with ours: 44 degrees.  I'm glad someone, somewhere is enjoying warm, dry weather!  We certainly aren't!

What In The World Was She Thinking?

Jon and I had an appointment this afternoon and while we were gone, Jess told Debbie she wanted to go upstairs and go to the bathroom. "By myself!", she said.  So Debbie let her and listened for anything odd at the bottom of the stairs.  The flush soon came, but Jess didn't come out of the bathroom.  The next thing Debbie heard was Jessie gagging.  Up the stairs Debbie flew, opened the door, and couldn't believe her eyes!  Jess had taken shaving cream and sprayed it all over the floor, door, and walls. 

Now that you've quit laughing, let me explain that this is very odd behavior because Jessie is tactile sensitive and can't even watch anyone shave.  Whipped cream is out, too.  She'd immediately throw up.  So, why did she do something that would make her sick and keep spraying it?  She gagged and moved her mouth for a good half hour like she was going to throw up and kept holding her stomach.  If I hadn't seen the shaving cream myself, I wouldn't have believed she would have done this stunt.  However, the bathroom sure smelled good for quite awhile!  Never a dull moment with my girl!

I Wasn't Planning On "This" Today

I don't know what my mind had planned for the day, but it didn't turn out like I think it might have.  My morning began at 8:00 a.m. with a phone call that lasted 1 1/4 hours from a "distant" relative, who is very much in need.  The call has bothered me all day.

I was supposed to do paperwork after breakfast but now that's on tomorrow's agenda.  Debbie returned today (YEAH) and supervised Jessie in cleaning up her family room floor area so I vacuumed floors.  I went to put away bedding in the upstairs closet and ended up emptying it and putting away pieces of carpet under the eaves.  I tried to get the zinc cams out of the night stand I put together, but it required getting down on the floor and I couldn't do that. 

Jessie threw up in the morning, but recovered enough to go to McDonald's drive thru.  (By the way, Jessie has lost 19#s!!).  My knee hurt so much late this afternoon that I had to take pain medication.  I did have a nice dinner, though, with some SM friends.  We went to Shield's Restaurant for pizza and salad.  I've never been to a Shield's, but I definitely would go back.  It was very good. 

Well, enough "blah, blah, blah" for today.  That pretty much sums up how I feel tonight, too. 

Breakfast Out With Aunt Diane!

To do something different on a Sunday when Jon works, Jess and I met Diane and Randie at a restaurant near their home for breakfast.  That was nice and Jess did well.  We went to their house for an hour or so then came home.  I almost finished my night stand - I have one more drawer to complete, but I used the wrong zinc cams and have to take the top off to exchange them.  The 15mm looked the same as the 12mm to me.  Oh, well.  I'm still pleased with what I have done.

JoAnne came in the early afternoon and we visited, had dinner then we watched the movie "The Family Man", with Nicholas Cage.  It was ok.  Strange ending. 

Learning To Do Things On My Own

One of the "hardest" things I've had to deal with since Bill passed is that whenever anything goes wrong, or if I want something done, I have to call for help.  As you all know, Bill was very handy at everything, except for our vehicles.  A lot of the stuff I've had done around the house this past year, I definitely couldn't do myself. 

However, I do know the difference between a Phillips head screw driver and a regular screw driver.  So, tonight I began a project that might take me several days, but I will finish successfully.  Hopefully.  I purchased 2 white night stands to go in my "new" bedroom sitting area.  Naturally, they have to be put together.  Bill always put furniture together - Jon's done it, too.  I'm determined to do these 2 items myself.  (You might want to pray for me.)

Last night on Amazon.com, I purchased a handicapped weeder.  It is a long-handled weeder that can be used without having to bend over, which is something I shouldn't do.  I also figured I could use the pooper scooper to pick up leaves.  Don't laugh.  I want to be able to work in my garden this year, but can't bend over.  I'll let you know how the weeder works - when it warms up enough to work outside.

I've had a very productive and good day today.  Jessie, too.  Diane and Randie came for a short visit this afternoon and picked up some dirt and shelving units.  It's time to "go north".  Nite all.

Another Girl's Day Out

As always, Friday's are Breakfast Out Days, so Jess and I went to the Garden for breakfast.  (Debbie is STILL on vacation and Rachel went tent camping for the weekend in Ohio with her Adventure Group she has been part of for several years.)  We came home after breakfast because I had forgotten to make a grocery list.  After that was done, Jess and I went to Meijer's. 

I don't get the Macomb Daily anymore because I never read it and I was only getting it for the Sunday ads, which I figured I'd look at them on-line.  Debbie got me hooked up with MPerks and with the sales and a coupon, I did really well: 15% off general merchandise and 5% off groceries.  I had a total savings of $20.33. 

We had stuff in one cart for us, Jessie and Lois.  It's always a little difficult to keep 3 orders separate, but we did it and Jess was awesome!  She did ALL the scanning, and we went out with 2 carts full.  I only went over my budgeted amount by $10.00 that I took from my weekly money.  Way to go, ME!

Jess also took all the groceries out of each bag, wadded the bag up and put it in one bag to save.  I kept praising her and she kept giving me hugs.  What could have been better!  A nice day out with my daughter. 

Finally A Nice Day Outside

Jess was thrilled that she could go outside a couple times today.  Rachel took her out after lunch for a walk then she went swinging. Jon worked all morning in his garden leveling the dirt and laying the weed barrier down.  He also began building his boxes.  I went to the post office, Walgreen's, Kohl's to pay my bill, K-9 to schedule a measurement of Memphis for a "coat", met Chris J for lunch at Leo's Coney Island and then got some fruit and vegetables at Vince and Joe's.  I had planned to go to dinner with the Down Syndrome Alumni Mom's tonight but it was cancelled at the last minute so I went to Home Group instead.  The house is very quiet.  Everyone is asleep.  Time for a little reading and iPad games for me.

Did You See The Snowflakes Today?

Jon neglected to tell me that he had a very bad headache all day yesterday, and when he woke this morning, it wasn't any better.  His description of it sounded like a migraine.  I do hope I'm wrong.  I suffered with migraines for decades.  He was supposed to work today but instead spent the entire day in his room. 

At one point this morning as I looked outside I was sure that I was seeing things.  Snow.  However, it was real.  I told Jess it was snowing and she didn't like that one bit.  She wants to go outside and swing.  She has each day this week, but it only lasts about 10 minutes before she gets too cold.  Maybe tomorrow.

Breakfast, a nice visit with my friend, Rox, paperwork, post office, bank and Subway's for lunch with Jess and Rachel.  Debbie and Rachel have been doing a lot of reading books to Jess and today Jess read some on her own out loud!  She did really good and was so excited about it.  Rachel kept giving her high-fives. 

We had an early dinner because I had Continuing Education and Supervision Groups for Stephen Ministry tonight. The entire evening was great. 

I Needed A Designated Driver Today

I had a wierd start to my day when at 6:00 I woke feeling like I was drugged and staggered to the bathroom.  I managed to get back in to bed, but felt very wierd.  When I did get up, I went to Water Aerobics because this is the only day I could go, since Rachel is at school tomorrow morning and Debbie is STILL on vacation. 

I've never been to the Tuesday class and was excited to see my mom's friend, Anita, (my friend, too).  However, there certainly are differences in teachers, because after about 20 minutes I must have looked out of it already, as Anita said, "Are you doing OK?"  "Yes, although I think I'll need a designated driver in order to get home!"  I felt like I had done 2 straight hours of aerobics when I finished. 

I met Dorene at the Garden for lunch, came home and put a load of wash in and sat down in my chair upstairs and slept for 3 hours!  So much for the paperwork that I'm behind on.  Maybe tomorrow. 

Easter Monday

As you know, Monday's are usually Girl's Day Out.  Jon didn't have to work today so instead of a lunch out, we had breakfast out with Jon.  When we were finished, Jon went and purchased more materials for his garden.  Jess didn't want to shop, so we came home.  I've just done alot of odds and ends, wash, ironing perler bead shapes and working on the computer.  A good day.