A Miserable Day

That's about all I'm going to say.

Sisters

Friday and Saturday

Last night I typed up a nice synopsis of the day, saved it and the Internet kept shutting down and wouldn't let me publish.  I just got home a bit ago and didn't want to fool around with it, so I am trying it on my iPad.

So, what did I do yesterday that I'd want to remember?  From what I remember, Lois and I went to a couple places then lunch, Jon and I took Memphis to the Vet for his yearly shots. The three of us went out to dinner.

Today Jon worked and Rachel took care of Jess while I went and had my hair done. Jess and I met Debbie at Subway for lunch and Rachel came back to watch Jess while Diane and I went to a family party in Wales. Our cousin Linda's son and daughter-in-law give a party every year at this time for family and friends. They do an awesome job. It was outside in their gigantic backyard. We both had a nice time. Randie couldn't go because she wasn't feeling well.

I Failed At Paperwork Today

... but, I did real well with spending time with friends, Jon and doing a bit of yard work.  The Shepherd's Gate Bible Study Small Group I belong to met for lunch again.  It was our 2nd. summer lunch.  Jess and Debbie joined us and Jess did real well.  She seems to do ALOT better with "older" people. 

Jon helped me in the yard for about 15 minutes and I did a little more.  After all this rain there are TONS of mosquitos, but the ground is soft for pulling weeds.  I also have TONS of ants in my flower gardens.  I do mean TONS.  Swarms of them.  I wonder if anyone else is having trouble with them?  They destroyed my nice mum plant in my half barrel planter that's bloomed really well for the past three years.

Debbie and Jessie went grocery shopping after lunch.  Jess didn't do very well.  Eyes closed, head down, finger in ear.  Yelling.  I'm sure it was a challenge for Debbie. 

Jon went to breakfast and spent the rest of the day laying around.  He said he felt completely exhausted from the past couple days of work.  I'm glad he has one more day before he has a 3-day work weekend. 

Another Whirlwind Day

Today was a Water Aerobics make up day and I was able to go.  We have a new instructor and I had to take some Tylenol when I finished the session.  I don't think I need to say more, other than it was a good work out.

I ate breakfast at the Garden, went to church to do a bit of SM work, dropped off some paperwork for Lois then went to the Down Syndrome Alumni Mom's Summer Reading Book Club.  We began a new book on Mental Health for Adults With Down Syndrome.  It was a really good session with the ladies that I have come to know over the past year.  We all expressed our thanks for being together again and helping one another with our adult children.

When I finished I came home, put a few things away, washed our swim suits and towels, made dinner and left for Stephen Ministry - our last Continuing Education night until September.  We'll still have Supervision every other week throughout the summer. 

Debbie took Rachel with Jessie to the pool and "trained" her in getting Jessie in a cabana, changed and into the pool area.  In case Debbie can't make it one swim day, Rachel will be able to take her.  Again there were a lot of kids, but Jessie did real well.  They stopped at Subway on the way home, which has become the norm after swimming.  Now Wednesday's are "Swim and Subway Day". 

Jon had a rough day at work.  I know he's looking forward to the next 2 days off.

Monday and Tuesday

Last night (Monday) when I sat down to blog, it started to thunder and lightning so I decided to shut off the computer and go upstairs.  The thunder and lightening didn't last long, but the rain ... WOW!  When I say it poured, that's an understatement.  I was afraid to look outside this morning in case our yard would have been a lake.  Thankfully, it wasn't.

Debbie returned from a week's vacation in South Carolina and Jess was happy to see her.  Jon and I went to breakfast then to Kohl's.  He had $10.00 in Kohl's bucks and a 30% off coupon.  I, also, had a 30% off coupon.  Can't let those go by without using them - especially on sale or clearance items. 

It was super hot and humid yesterday but I just couldn't take my filthy van's interior any longer, so I got out a small hand vacuum and cleaned it out.  I also kept going and washed it down inside.  Then, I swept out the garage.  I was going to continue, but I ran out of time.  Not to mention I was over exhausted.

My iPhone died.  I used it once in the garage for a text then - nothing!  I sure felt cut off.  Isn't that weird for someone as old as I am? 

Lois came and we had our special time of praying together, dinner, then Jon and I went to church for a training meeting on a new ministry we have started.  We are partnering with Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers.  I will help when and where I can and Jon will be a Parish Nurse.  It's nice that we can be part of a ministry together. 


TUESDAY ... What a day.  I went from one thing to another with no time to spare in between:

     9:30 a.m. ...   Took Memphis to K-9 Kindergarten for a bath

     9:45 ... Radio Shack for a new phone

10:45 ... Dimitri's for a fast breakfast

11:30 ... Had a pedicure

12:45 ... Picked Memphis up - in the torrential rain!

Took him home and left at 1:15 p.m.

2:00 p.m. ... Meeting in Mt. Clemens regarding payroll issues

2:30 ... Left and drove to Filippa's for a luncheon that started at 2

with friends from Shepherd's Gate

Post Office then home by 4:45 p.m.

 

I didn't feel like fixing dinner so Jess and I drove through McDonald's.  I sure made one girl very happy.  I brought Jon home a hamburger and he thought that was great, too!  When in doubt for dinner, McDonald's is your best bet.  You can go there and stay on a diet as well as eat healthy.  Their grilled chicken honey mustard snack wrap and yogurt parfait makes a nice meal.

 

Jess needs to be taken upstairs NOW.  She's jabbered way too long and I'm about to stuff a sock in her mouth!  She'd probably talk with it in her mouth.           

 

A Restful Day

Jess and I ate breakfast together downstairs before I went to church. We had left overs from yesterday's Ladies Breakfast.  We also ate lunch together when I returned from church.  You're probably thinking, so what?  Well, usually if given a chance, Jess likes to eat by herself, but today she willingly wanted to eat with me.  That made me feel good.

She also wanted me to go outside with her while she went in her hammock. I did and began another book.  It took about 5 minutes of swinging before she was sound asleep.  She slept for an hour, and I got to read for an uninterrupted hour.  It was a tad bit warm outside, but there was a nice breeze. 

After dinner Jess suggested we watch a movie on Jon's tv in the living room.  Ok with me.  I like it when she initiates doing things with me.  We watched the documentary, "Babies", for about the 20th time.  Good thing I like it, too.  Especially the music.

Friday and Saturday

Friday ... Rachel and Jessie had breakfast out then went to Target shopping.  I had some quiet time until I left for lunch with a friend.  Jess, Rachel and I did grocery shopping at Meijer's. Chris came for dinner and a short visit. 

Today, Saturday, there were 12 ladies here for breakfast.  Each one brought something and we had a Texas-sized buffet.  Each woman is an active Stephen Minister and our gathering was to get to know one another better and encourage one another.  A Ladies Ministry for Stephen Ministers.  It was our 2nd. get together and it was a very nice time, if I do say so myself.

When everyone left I cleaned up the house a bit, sat down and had a nice, long call from a good friend.  Then Jon and I along with Diane and Randie treated Pastor Garry and Martha to a dinner at Filippa's.  We've been trying to meet for several years and tonight was finally the night.  We all enjoyed great food and we had a very nice time.

Already, it's time to go upstairs and call it another day.  A very FAST day.  Tomorrow I am going to go to church, fix a nice dinner and rest!  That's the plan anyway.  We'll see what plays out.

Biopsy Results - Benign

While having lunch with a friend today, I received a call from my endocrinologist's office with the results of my biopsy on Tuesday - it was benign.  I am very grateful.  I hadn't given much thought to the results of the test, just the test itself.  This morning I was still in pain, but not as much as last night.  Tonight I'm much, much better.  It's still sore but not painful. 

I finally finished my fiction book today.  It was Full Disclosure, by Dee Henderson.  It was very good.  She's an excellent author and I'm glad I read it and now have it in my personal library to lend. 

Party Day

Lois, Jon and I went out to an early lunch at the Country Inn and then saw the movie, "Epic".  I really liked it.  Lois made an observation that I thought was interesting.  Throughout the movie the 3 of us all laughed at different times and she never heard anyone else laughing.  It seemed that what was funny to one wasn't that funny to another.  Interesting.

I iced my neck when we got home and had a few hours before I picked up Lois and we went to a Stephen Ministry Surprise Party for Pastor Garry, who began SM 10 years ago.  He's recently retired and we wanted to show him how much we care for him and his wife, Martha.  It was a very nice and funny evening.

Probably too funny, as I am in quite a bit of pain in my shoulders, neck and back.  I wonder if it's not from all the laughing I did tonight and it has aggrevated the area of my biopsy.  What ever the reason, it sure doesn't feel good right now. 

Jon took care of Jess tonight.  When I got home she was in bed and she heard me come in.  She kept saying "Yeah!"  "Yeah!".  I was pleased she was excited that I was home and said, "I'm glad you're happy to see me home, Jess!" only to find out she was doing a puzzle on her iPad and every time she put one in the right spot, kids would yell "Yeah!" and she would repeat it.  Ok, then. 

Biopsy ... Done!

The dreaded day arrived and this morning's thyroid biopsy is history.  I had a previous one done 8 years ago that was a nightmare.  Although this one was invasive (14 needle pokes) and somewhat painful, it was not traumatic like last time.  Thanks to all who prayed.  They even let Jon in the room for my comfort and as an RN, could watch a procedure he didn't see in clinicals.  I also had 2 phone calls from friends who checked up on me today - Thanks!

I wasn't very happy with Jon's assessment of how I looked after the biopsy.  He likened me to Yoda on Star Wars.  I didn't feel very well when I got up so I sat on the side of the gurney for a bit while the nurse went for a wheelchair.  I had on one of their lovely hospital robes and was supporting myself with my cane.  Jon said that if I was shorter and my cane was crooked, I'd be Yoda.  He got the glare. 

It seems like my body reacts to trauma by me having to rest.  When I got home I went right upstairs and slept for 4 hours.  I woke to a very sore and bruised neck, but otherwise was fine.  I am grateful.  Jess was concerned with the band aid on my throat so we prayed that God would make it better.  She was OK after we prayed.

I also want to thank Joyce and Laura who called to make sure we were OK in yesterday's storm.  That was very thoughtful and made me feel very good that they thought about our welfare.  They were two pretty scary storms. 

Unexpected Storms

Jess and I went out to lunch for Girl's Day Out and made a few stops on the way home.  By the time we returned I was in a lot of pain with my back, so I sat on the couch with a heated rice pack and took pain medicine.  My friend, Doreen, in NJ texted me at 3:17 p.m. to say that they were having unexpected storms with hurricane-force winds.  Knowing how much I dislike storms, she said that I wouldn't want to be there right now. Branches were down and they had no power. I assured her I would be praying.  I was glad I wasn't there.

A little while later I hear the weather sirens go off.  I look outside (to the east) and it was blue skies and sunshine.  I quickly checked my weather app on my iPhone while I walked to the front of the house.  Oh, dear!  It REALLY didn't look good to the north.  Black and questionable swirls.  I had about 10 minutes to clear the closet and made room for 2 chairs and a dog.  Jess and I sat in there for a bit. THANKFULLY, the worst passed over us. 

Lois came for dinner and just before we sat down to visit, it got REALLY dark outside.  Too dark for the time of day.  Another storm!  This one did produce high winds, torrential rains and hail.  I had Jess and Lois in the closet and I was ready to go in if it got worse. Memphis would have been on his own, sad to say.

I'm expecting most of you will be laughing because I take such precautions for storms.  I'm 60 years old and I can honestly say I've NEVER liked them my entire life.  Since I can't get Jess down the basement stairs, we go into the closet that is in the middle of the house, under the stairs.  Today I even made her put her bicycle helmet on.  I put one on, too, and she was having fun banging on my helmet.  I didn't think it was very funny, but I let her have fun because I don't want to transfer my fear to her.  She had her iPad in there and played with that while banging on my head.  When I went outside to let the dog out for the night, the temperature must have been 20 degrees colder than this morning.  No wonder the storms were so severe. 

Breakfast Out On Sunday

Jess and I met Diane and Randie for breakfast at Firetop Grill.

Went to their house and looked at their garden.

Visited Jon at work for a few minutes.

McDonald's for a pop and a snack McFlurry.

Got caught up on my iPad games and read FB posts.

Read first chapter in DS book for Book Club.

Continued my Fiction book I've been reading for a couple months.

Went outside with Jessie while she went swinging.

Read more in my book.

Made dinner.

Read some more (I'm enjoying the book and not doing anything today.)

Jon home.

Doing blog.

Upstairs for the night next.

More tomorrow.

 



 



Another Day Of This And That

Jess went outside after breakfast to swing and I went with her and sat on my swing and played on my iPad.  She spent the rest of the day doing beads.  We also took our usual Saturday lunch-time trip.  We went to the post office, Walgreens, Meijer's for gas and McDonald's for a picnic lunch.  I did a bunch of chores, too, just like a lot of other people today. Jon worked but didn't have a good day.  That's beginning to be the norm. 

We're Back From A 270 Mile Road Trip

Today was our family date day and we went on a road trip.  We left at 8:50 a.m. and returned at 6:30 p.m. 

We ate breakfast at Tim Horton's in Romeo, we drove all the way up Van Dyke to the very end in Port Austin, had a picnic and drove down M25 to Port Huron where we ate dinner at the Cracker Barrel. 


One of our first stops was the Almont Smokehouse where Jess and Memphis sat outside while Jon shopped.  Memphis wore his new vest that says "Jessie's Helper" and I made Jess walk him most of the time.  They're still learning to work with one another.  I think he enjoyed being out with us.  He didn't say.

Our picnic lunch was at a roadside rest stop, as the state park was closed due to water over the road.  It was an interesting lunch.  It was so cold and windy that we were freezing.  I looked at Jess and her nose and eyes were watering it was so cold.  I offered for us to eat in the van, but she was adamant she wanted to eat there.  She put her sweatshirt hood up.  Jon is in the picture above - he's just hiding behind the bag from the wind.  It registered 58 degrees on the van's thermometer when we left.  With the wind, the wind chill was probably in the lower 40's!

It was a nice drive.  Sun shiny and blue skys all the way.  It was especially nice when Jessie was sleeping.  When she was awake, she was constantly talking and asking when she was getting the next meal, snack or pop.  I brought only water and that didn't go over well.  I'm trying to cut down on diet pop but I'm meeting a lot of resistance.  I keep trying. 

I blogged early because I plan on calling it a night any time now.  I'm very tired.  Jon did some driving but I did most of it.  I like to drive.  He doesn't.

Jon's Garden

Not everyone can have an aerial view of their garden!  Jon went up to the 2nd story fort that his dad made for him years ago, which is attached to Jessie's playhouse, and took pictures of his garden.  I think it's pretty impressive.  What do you think?  I'm getting excited to think of all the vegetables we'll have.  Now I have to learn how to can or freeze everything.

I went back to Mt. Clemens this morning and had the guardianship papers stamped.  I'm glad that's over for another year.  I stopped at FCS and shopped before I had to go to a doctor's appointment.  When I got home, Jon and I went to the cemetery and planted a couple hostas.  The hens and chicks did real well over the winter and it looks really nice.  Now I just have to figure how to get grass seed to grow there. 

I've told you before that Jessie talks about upcoming events MONTHS ahead of time.  Now that her birthday is over, it's Halloween again.  She seems fascinated with mummies for some reason.  She knows how to spell the work mummy, and when I hear her making scared noises, I'll find her watching Utube mummy movies.  It's going to be a very long time till the end of October, that's for sure!

Swim Day



This 7-week session of water aerobics has not been good.  Today when I went, there was only one punch on my card.  There was one time when the class was cancelled, I attended 2 funerals and had doctor appointments one Wednesday.  Last week there was no teacher again so no one got their cards punched and next week is our last day of this session.  Then I find out our regular instructor got a new job where she will receive benefits.  Good for her - bad for me.  I was just getting used to her routine.  Today's instructor treated us like we were all in our 90's.  I moved faster than she did!

Debbie took Jess to the pool and they arrived a bit late to have "adult" time.  Debbie noticed that all life guard stations were occupied and wondered what was going on.  When Debbie and Jessie left a while later, they knew why.  Kids.  Kids.  Kids.  One life guard said, "Welcome to summer!"  There were so many yelling and screaming kids that it was too much for Debbie, but Jessie handled it well.  Go figure!  I'm thinking they may have to get there a lot earlier in the day, since adult time ends at noon. 

I'm Trying To Get Up Earlier ...

... but, this morning wasn't the way to do it.  I had asked God last night to help me get up earlier than normal so that I could spend a few minutes in prayer before I began my day.  I decided I would get up 75 minutes before I had to leave for a meeting at church for Stephen Ministry.  Five minutes before the alarm went off, I woke to the most awful pain in my right leg.  The calf muscle had tightened up so much that I couldn't walk, sit, stand or lay down.  I remember saying to God, "OK, OK - I'm up!"  It was awful.  It was so tight my foot was beginning to curl up.  Not a good thing.  I tried massaging it out and used a hot rice pack which seemed to help a bit. 

After my morning meeting I met Chris K. in Rochester for lunch then came home and worked on paperwork.  I still have a few things I need to do before I go to bed.  Jon had a crummy day at work and Jessie had a good day with Rachel.  That's about it!

Guardianship

In 2008 when Jess turned 18, we applied for and was granted full guardianship.  Every year on June 10, I have to fill out paperwork and have her guardianship papers stamped and "renewed" for another year, although the guardianship is permanent. 

I remember posting last year what a fiasco it was.  When we went to the Mental Health Department where it's been forever, they had moved to the county court house.  We then drove to downtown Mt. Clemens and, unfortunately, I didn't read a parking sign correctly and parked in the wrong spot.  After the papers were signed and stamped, we came back to a parking ticket.  It took us quite awhile to get that straightened out and find out just where to pay it.  That wasn't a good day.

Today Jon went with me to the court house to renew my papers again.  After trying to remember everything we carried that needed to be left in the van, we were scanned through only to find out that the Mental Health Division had moved again!  Back to where it was previously!  I was not happy.  Back to the car in the rain and back up the road to the "old" building on Dunham.  Ok.  So far so good.  We find their office, which was in the same building but in a different location of the building.  Only 2 people were in front of us.  That's good, too!  I get to the window, hand her my paperwork and she asked for the originals.  Which, of course, were home in my safe.  I was definitely NOT happy with myself.  I knew better.  The reason why I go in person is because I don't want to mail the originals!  AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!  So, back to Mt. Clemens I go again as soon as I can.  Not a good morning.

Happy 23rd. Birthday, Jessie !!!

It's been several days since I've blogged, but there's been good reason.  I've just been too tired!  It's been a party weekend and I just couldn't get to it until tonight.  (Thanks, Doreen, for making sure I was OK.) 

Friday, June 7 was Jessie's 23rd birthday.  It began at Garden Grille with breakfast with her case worker, Kelly, Debbie and me.  When Ben (the new owner) found out it was her birthday, he sent a huge cinnamon roll, gobs of whipped cream and a candle to the table and Heather and Maria sang, "Happy Birthday", as we joined in for her.  That was such a nice treat.

Debbie, Jessie, and I left for the hotel about 3:00 p.m.  We made ourselves comfortable in our suite then went to the pool, only both the pool and hot tub wasn't warm enough.  It was disappointing, but it was even too cold for Jessie.

Rachel, Diane and Randie came a bit later and we had Jessie's birthday dinner down in the breakfast/dining area.  We had salad, pizza, chips, pop and I made brownies and banana spice bars.  Jane had to work late and came later.

We went up to the room and Jess opened her "ten presents" - times 3 I think.  She had a good time.  Debbie, Di and Randie went home, Rachel and Jess went to bed and Jane and I played Banana Grams.

Saturday morning we had a nice breakfast downstairs, then Jess and Rachel went in the pool, which was much warmer!  Jane and I visited.  We left just before check out at noon.

When Jon got home from his outing with Jacob to the show, he helped Jessie put together two garden boxes so she could have her own vegetable garden, too.  It was her birthday present from him.  I thought that was pretty special.

Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. we had some more friends come over for cake and ice cream, then fireworks at 10:00 p.m.  The bottom picture are the gals that came for dessert.  Once again, the fireworks were wonderful.  We wrapped up in winter coats and blankets and it was a great 25 minutes.  Thanks, Washington Twp. for celebrating Jessie's birthday weekend with fireworks!

Today Jon went to first church and I went to second.  Just as I got home, Chris, Sean and Ashley, with Eric later, came for lunch and an afternoon of games.  Chris picked up KFC and it tasted so good, because we rarely go there.  We played Apples 2 Apples with Jessie, then she went in the house.  Next came Aggravation, Scrabble Slam, Scattergories and Banana Grams. A fun afternoon.

So, right now I'm ready to call it another day and go upstairs.  Jessie is singing "Jesus" songs with her iPad and she only has about 20% battery left so I don't have much time. 

I hope everyone had as much fun this weekend as Jessie did!

Anticipation

It's getting closer!  Just 1 more day and it will be Jessie's 23rd birthday!  She went to the store with Debbie today and bought some items for her birthday dinner at the hotel.  She's almost beside herself with excitement.  She's been talking about her birthday party at the hotel and going swimming for months.  I really hope all goes well and she has a wonderful time.

Doctor's Appointments

Jon went with me today for two appointments. One with my endocrinologist and the other with the orthopedic knee doctor. For the first one, after 6 months of exercise and portion control eating (at least most of the time), I lost 20 pounds, my thyroid is perfect, and my cholesterol came down 20 points!  My AC1 (sugar) stayed the same at 5.9.  If I can get it to 5.7, I can discontinue some medication. That will be great. However, my thyroid nodule grew and I have to have a biopsy.  Bummer. That will NOT be fun. I've had it before and it was a nightmare.

For my second appointment, I had my knee drained again and had a shot of cortisone. Then we scheduled total knee replacement surgery ... For November 8!!!!!!!!!  That's his first opening!  I am disappointed. I wanted to have it done at the end of this month or July. I am on a cancellation list, so you never know.

Debbie took Jessie to the gym and Jess spent over an hour in the pool. She had a great day.  She wore her new bathing suit and I was going to post a picture, but I'm back to having downloading difficulties. Always something to put a glitch into something. Oh, we'll. I'll work on it tomorrow.  Good night, all!

Time With Jessie

Rachel was with Jessie this morning and I did paperwork.  Jon went to breakfast, did paperwork, went grocery shopping, cut the grass, weeded his garden and went to the show.  I met Chris, Joyce and Carol for lunch then picked up Jess for a doctor's appointment.  When we were finished we stopped at several stores and all was well until there was a screamer in Michael's.  She about lost it.  I managed to finish up and get out the door quick.  That wrecked the rest of the shopping trip.  She was still upset when we got home, but then got distracted with her beads.  We had fresh-out-of-the-garden lettuce for dinner.  Good job, Jon! 

Friday will be Jessie's 23rd birthday.  I still need to buy her "ten presents".  I'm stumped what to buy her.  She always gets the same things.  Books.  Crafts.  DVD's.  Clothes.  I better get busy and put my thinking cap on and get it soon. 

I've had two surprise phone calls today.  One was from "Jessie's Shannon", the one who has triplets!  It was so nice to hear her voice and find out that she has all 3 babies at home.  They will be one year old next month.  I've got to get down there and visit them.  Next, my sister-in-law, Denise, called and we had a good chat.  It's been awhile since we've talked and it was good to visit.  What a blessing these 2 phone calls were.  They made my day.

Mushroom Detail

Now, not only does Jessie do "poop detail", she's added mushrooms to her list.  Our backyard has been "invaded" with numerous mushrooms.  I don't know what kind they are, but I'm sure they can't be good, especially for Memphis. 

Speaking of Memphis ... today is his 8th birthday!  Happy Birthday, Memphis! 

Lois came this afternoon and we were able to start up our Monday night get together we do when ever she is home in Michigan.  We spend part of the time praying for each other and praising God for his Goodness.  We've done this for as long as I can remember.  I look forward to these times with my good friend. 

A Restful Day

Jess and I had French toast and bacon for breakfast at Dimitri's this morning.  Then we came home and I rested for most of the day.  Jess spent some time in her hammock swinging and I sat on the deck with my iPad, books and also took a nap. 

In the afternoon Chris came over, as well as Lois and Ortha and we put Lois' prayer letter together ready to be mailed in the morning.  After that we watched "The Life of Pi".  Lois and her mom left and Chris, Jess and I grabbed a small dinner at Wendy's.  Home just before Jon arrived. 

I went out with him so see his "babies", as we call his plants, and nearly froze.  Jon said it's supposed to get to 39 degrees tonight.  I thought summer was almost here.  Guess not.  Back to shoes and socks.

A Little of This ... A Little Of That

That's what I did today.  A lot of things around the house that needed to be done.  I also joined Jessie and Rachel, along with Jane at Ocean Breeze for lunch.  It's been too long since I've seen/visited with Jane.  I've missed my friend. 

Jessie and Rachel had a good day together.  We also went to the used bookstore and Jess gave some books and brought home some more.  She loves it when Debbie or Rachel read to her.  Not me, though. 

I'm heading up early tonight because my knee hurts and Jessie's been up since before 6:00 a.m. and is getting a tad bit crabby.