Tuesday and Wednesday

Yesterday morning before Brenda and Jess left, Jess was working on getting her breakfast when something didn't go right and she said, "OH NUTS!"  I was standing there and couldn't believe those words as she's never said them before.  Brenda said that she got it from her, as it's one of her sayings.  Later they went to the Rec Center to swim but since the pool had no water in it, that was out.  It was time for their annual pool cleaning and it will be closed all week.  Instead, they walked, played in the gym and ate lunch in a room that had windows looking into the pool area. 

Today Jess put together a 64 piece puzzle for the first time and didn't need, or want, much help.  Debbie and Jess left for a late lunch and did some errands.  Another good day for her.

Jon wasn't able to do any gardening yesterday but today he planted his potatoes.  So far, potatoes, peas and broccoli seeds are in. 

I was going to blog last night but when I sat down to type, we had a thunderstorm so I shut down the computer.  I've been working hard these past two days with stuff around the house and have been overdoing it.  I'm paying for it with pain in my back, as well as my shoulder.  However, I'm very pleased with all that has been accomplished. Is it worth the pain?  I'll let you know tomorrow.

Good Bye, Dana

Jon, Rox and I went to a funeral home for a man that Bill and I had known since 1995.  He came to our church over the years.  His daughter, Angelica, is Jon's age.  Her mom passed away several years ago.  I just saw him in church about a month ago for the first time in quite a while.  He just turned 50 in March.  He will be missed by his daughter, sister and older brother, as well as many friends.  He had a beautiful smile and gave great bear hugs.  You will be missed, Dana!

A Nice Sunday

Jon went to early church and I went to the 11:30 service.  Pastor Ed preached (Shiloh's daddy) and it was very good.  After church Brenda and her family invited the kids and I to join them at lunch, and we did!  I told her that I think this is the first time anyone has ever asked us out to eat after church. I really appreciated the invite and good time.  Jess handled the restaurant very well. 

Jon worked in his garden, I did paperwork and Jess played on her iPad.  Chris came over for several hours and we enjoyed visiting.  Now Jon and Jessie are both in bed - not asleep, though - and I'm on my way up now, too. 

Jessie's Day With Rachel

I figured I needed to post another picture of Jessie.  I looked back to see if I had already done this one, but I couldn't find it on my phone.  So, here it is.

It was taken at Home Depot when Debbie, Jessie and I shopped there several weeks ago.  She was being Debbie's book mark in the hanging rug display.  She's such a cutie.

Rachel came today and she and Jess did quite a bit of things.  Word searches, outside in the back yard on the hammock (despite the cold), lunch out with Rachel's mom, Jane, and me, and they baked brownies. 

Jon worked on the fencing around his blueberry bushes he just put in.  I did a load of wash, about a half hour of paperwork and not much else as I was not up to par.  I hope tomorrow will be much better for me. 

A prayer request ... Jessie is prone to large plugged pores under her arm pits.  Her left arm has an extremely large one under the skin right now.  It will require an antibiotic to temporarily get rid of it. (Permanently would be surgery!)   Please pray that it will not get bigger and burst.  She is very uncomfortable with it.  Thanks in advance for praying for Jessie. 

A Hard Day

I had breakfast with Debbie and Jessie then went to FCS to buy a special book for a friend.  An in and out shopping trip, as I had a 11:45 MRI appointment for my shoulder.  The MRI did not go well.  The way they had my arm in a metal cage, pressed against my neck and chest with 2 weights on my arm gave me intense pain within 3 minutes.  The entire MRI was to have taken only 45 minutes.  The first set was blurry as I apparently breathed too hard or moved.  The retake was perfect, except by then I was in tears.  Six more pictures to go - not today.  I had to make another appointment so that I can have an IV sedative and pain medication.  I was very disappointed that I was unable to handle the pain and keep still.  That's life I guess.

I went to Di and Randie's and picked up some computer ink she bought for me then went and visited a friend in a Rehab Center.  It was the same one my mom was in.  I didn't think it would bother me - I never gave it much thought, but I had a hard time being there.  It brought back memories of my mom.  I must get over that, though, because I plan to go back and visit. 

Jessie and I met Chris for dinner out.  Unfortunately, for the first time in over a year or more, I think, Jessie had a panic attack because of a screaming, crabby toddler.  It was not an enjoyable meal for us, especially Jessie.  I felt bad for her.  She'd been doing so well in restaurants. 

Last Day Of Bible Study Until September 18 !!!

We met for the last time at Bible Study this morning until fall.  I've enjoyed the women at our video table then the women in our small group.  Not to mention the other women that attend.  To celebrate we had a special luncheon.  I didn't finish The Patriach's study by Beth Moore last year since I had surgery so I'll work on that this summer.  I purchased the CD's and I'm looking forward to listening to them along with doing the homework. 

Jessie and Brenda shopped at Meijer's, came home for lunch, went for a 1/4 mile hike then bowling.  You'd think Jess would be tired - NOT.  She's singing at the top of her lungs along with music on her iPad. 

I managed to work outside for about a half hour cleaning out my garden.  I'm determined to do a little each day.  I've noticed Sticky Willie is back.  Definitely need to eradicate that!  If it doesn't rain tomorrow afternoon I'll do some more.

All Around The Town

And then some ... Debbie, Jessie and I left at 9:50 a.m. and didn't return until 3:30 p.m.  First stop was the dentist for Jess.  She did well again.  I haven't gone back with her for several years and this had made a big difference.  Of course, the doctor just says that she's got them trained as to how she likes her teeth cleaned!

We had lunch after that then we stopped at a bakery and a greenhouse.  Monday was Lois' mom's 89th birthday so we took her some flowers and a cupcake.  We had a nice visit with her.  Post Office then home. 

Tonight's gourmet dinner was boxed macaroni and cheese, which we all like.  Then I left Jon with Jess and went to our SM Ladie's Gathering.  This really is a special time to get to know one another better, share and grow in our relationship with the Lord. 

A Fun Shopping Trip

Brenda took Jess to the Rec Center today and they went swimming then worked out on some exercise machines.  Subway for lunch then home.  Jess is very tired because she's very crabby.  She just won't give in to it. 

We had our "Healthy Girlfriends" meeting this morning, then I went out with Doreen and we went scrub hunting.  She begins tomorrow with a new job where scrubs are required.  It was fun "running" back and forth to the dressing room getting her different colors.  She treated me to Wendy's for lunch then we went and picked up Shiloh. 

When she dropped me off, I contemplated doing paperwork. I should have stayed home and worked on it, but I didn't want to miss out on a shopping trip.  Maybe tomorrow.  Or Friday.  Definitely before Saturday.  Maybe.

A Nice Warm Day

The rest of the week won't be, but today was nice.  It began very busy with our friend, Don, coming over to work on my garage door that didn't work.  Thanks, Don!  Debbie arrived just before Don left, then as Debbie came in, so did Jessie's Case Worker, Kelly.  I had half an hour with her before I left for a doctor's appointment. 

Jessie and Debbie met me at FCS and we shopped for a bit, went to Wendy's for lunch, then came home and so did I after getting gas and going to the post office.  Jessie went outside in her hammock and Debbie and I sat on the swing under the playhouse and visited. 

I bought Jessie some word search books for Easter and she did about 15 of them today.  I can't believe that she actually does them and LOVES working on them.  I wonder how she does it? 

Happy Easter

Jess and the Easter Bunny (4/17/14)

 

Jon, Jessie and I hope that each one of you had a blessed Easter,

and celebrated the risen Savior, Jesus Christ!

After a special egg, ham and cheese sandwich for breakfast, Jess and I had our own Easter Service.  We watched various Easter songs on the iPad, sang along then prayed together. We especially enjoyed the "Easter Hallelujah" and I told her the Easter story and she told me all the people who are in Heaven with Jesus.  We didn't come downstairs until noon. 

About 1:20 we went to Ed and Doreen's for dinner.  I was hesitant about how Jess would do but I've been talking about it all week, preparing her.  She did very well and we didn't leave until 5:00 p.m!  That was a blessing to me.  She played with Shiloh and Doreen and I got to visit, after a fantastic dinner.

Jessie wanted to swing outside when we got home, but when we did get home she wanted to stay inside.  She played in the family room and I took a nap. (I am much better than yesterday!)

Jon had to work, and for a change they fed all the employees for Easter.  He said it was a nice dinner.  Unfortunately, he also said that everyone seemed to be very crabby today.  He had a good day, though. 

"You Look Like The Walking Dead"

Well, thank you very much, my son!  I tried to look my best today, but I guess pain shines through the eyes and limits a person's movements.  Actually, I do feel like the walking dead.  Since cement doesn't give, it's a wonder I don't have more pain than I do.  I have bruises popping up in various places today.  I hope tomorrow is a better physical day.

Jessie has had a good day.  I managed to take her out for a couple hours which broke up the day.  I was pretty tired when I got home and took a nap.  She took care of me!  She always insists on covering me up with a blanket whenever I sit down on the couch.

I'm being smart this year and not telling her that tomorrow is Easter and she has to find her basket.  Hopefully, this will guarantee us not being up at 6:00 a.m. We'll see if it works, as she is very smart and I did mention it a couple days ago. 

Things Happen So Quickly

Yesterday was another full day with Bible Study and lunch out with a couple friends.  Came home and did a few things around the house until it was time to go to a friend's house for the evening.  We all had a great time and I decided to go home around 9:00 p.m.  As I was carrying 4 china plates, an Anchor Hocking casserole dish and a mug in my arms, I managed to miss the incline that was by the van.  One minute I'm walking, the next I'm flat on the ground with the china smashed to smitherines under my chest.  Woe!  I've been concerned about falling since I got my new knee and now I don't have to be concerned anymore.  I've already done it.

Needless to say I'm pretty sore.  Even though it wasn't great to land on china, it saved my face from meeting the cement.  My right hand got cut a bit, my left elbow is scrapped and my insides feel like they've been jumbled up with a Mix Master.  I also have bruises on various body parts.  Thankfully, a friend walked to the van with me and she went back inside to get help to get me up.  A car pulled up and a young man helped my friend's husband get me up.  Talk about embarrassing.  I'm going to have to go over to PT and have them show me how to get up with out using my left knee.

I didn't blog last night because I hurt too much.  I had Jon fix my cuts, took some pain medicine and went to bed. 

Unfortunately, the 3 of us had 8:00 a.m. dermatologist appointments this morning.  Too early for me, but we made it in time.  Then we went out to breakfast and came home.  I spent the rest of the day doing paperwork. It's time for more pain medicine and bed. 

Jess had a good day yesterday and even saw the Easter Bunny.  Today - well, today she's in rare form.  Super hyper, yelling, happy, teasing, hugging, what have you, she's it today. 

All In One Day

I'm not fond of having so many things to do in one day, but sometimes it's unavoidable.  I had breakfast with friends that I have known for almost 40 years.  We used to attend the same church.  It was a nice visit and someone said that we should do this again - only sooner!  I said, "Well, if we wait as long as we did this time, we'll all be dead!"  (This was the first time we've ever gotten together since I left the church we all went to in 1978!)

When I got home I had about 45 minutes before I had to leave to go to a funeral. A friend from Bible Study lost her husband to cancer earlier this week and the funeral was at 2:00 this afternoon.  When that was over I quickly stopped at Wal-Mart and bought a few necessary items from the Easter Bunny.

When I got home I had about 1 1/2 hours before I had to leave to go to Stephen Ministry Continuing Education.  My group ran late and I didn't get home until 9:30 p.m.  I'm tired.  Jess isn't though.  I can still hear her talking upstairs.  She had a good day with Debbie (they went to Morley Candy Factory and Deb got some candy and Jess got herself a chocolate on a stick) then Rachel tonight when I had my meeting.  Jon worked and had a pretty good day. 

A Scary Storm

 

 

 

Dorene was scheduled to finish painting the kitchen early on Saturday, but I decided I didn't like the color and had gone to Home Depot and got a darker grey.  That put her behind and at dinner time she was still working so the kids and I went out to eat.  We took our time and then when we left Jess said - "Look, storm!"  We looked to the north and saw what you see in the top picture.  (I didn't take it - someone else posted it on FB and I borrowed it).  I asked Jon to check the Weather app on his phone and there were no warnings.  We knew we were supposed to get storms but not until after 10:00 p.m.

 

Thankfully, we were only 3 minutes from home.  We drove in the garage, got in the house, took off our coats, the power went out and the storm hit.  It was VERY scary!  I've never heard such high winds and heavy rains.  What I didn't know, as I was frantically getting the closet ready to get Jess in there, was that it was hailing, as you can see from the above picture.  We ended up with at least 2" of hail - in a matter of minutes. (If you see snow falling on the picture, as I see it right now, I have no idea how it got there!)

 

We were very blessed to not have any damage to our home.  Wind sheers were very destructive just west and north of us by about a mile.  Dorene's home sustained roof damage as 2 pine trees were knocked over (one 30 years old, another 50 years old!).  Telephone and electrical poles were snapped in half like toothpicks.  The surrounding area was considered a disaster area.   

 

Our electricity went out about 8:00 p.m. on Saturday night and we didn't get it back until yesterday at 1:30 p.m.  Thankfully, we are prepared for disasters.  We have city water so we always have that.  We also have extra water in the basement.  Our generator kept our 2 sump pumps, the garage freezer and the house refrigerator going. Multiple battery operated candles and glow sticks gave us light.  An external battery kept our phones charged and battery operated fans kept us cool as it was hot upstairs.  I'm glad we got power on when we did because it was in the lower 30's last night and we got 3" of snow.  It would have been a tad bit cold in the house.  As it was, it registered 63 degrees in the house and since Sunday was in the 70's, I had the doors and windows open. 

 

We had planned on meeting Chris, Eric, Sean and Ashley for lunch on Sunday then they were supposed to come back to the house for games.  We still met for lunch and even though it was quite noisy with the generator running, they came and we played games for several hours.  That helped pass the time.   

 

Jess does not deal with unexpected change easily, so keeping her occupied for several days was challenging and exhausting.  Being the week before her period doesn't help either.  Debbie took her to her home Monday morning to charge her iPad and bring us thermos' full of hot water.  That helped Jess alot. 

 

Yesterday and today was spent cleaning up and putting the kitchen back together.  Before we got the generator running, we had about 3" of water in the basement, so I hope it dries out soon so I can get down there and see what, if anything, got wet.  We keep items off the floor on cement blocks and wooden pallets.  Our basement has flooded numerous times since we've lived here and we learn by the past mistakes. 

 

Thanks to Anonymous and Lois and anyone else who was concerned for my lack of blogging.  I'm glad you prayed for us as we needed it.  I hope we don't have anymore storms like this past one.  Did I mention I don't like storms?



Stephen Ministry Commissioning Banquet

I joined Debbie and Jess for breakfast at Benny's, then we went to check on different food for Memphis at K-9 then Home Depot for a different color paint for the kitchen because I think the one we are using is too light.  

Home for a bit then I had to be at church by 1:00 p.m. to help set up for the Stephen Ministry Commissioning and Appreciation Banquet that was held this evening.  Four men and women from other churches and 2 from ours spent 50 hours in training to become Stephen Ministers since last September.  Tonight our 2 ladies were commissioned.  It was a very nice banquet and a good time was had by all. 

A Much Better Jon

Jon woke this morning after a good night's sleep and felt really good.  He also looked a whole lot better too!  He went to breakfast then bought himself more fish for his tank. 

Brenda and Jess went to Meijer's, McDonald's for lunch then bowling.  I wasn't home when they arrived and Brenda was gone so I can only assume they had a good day.  Doreen called me and asked if I wanted to join her in getting a pedicure.  Since I was hoping to get one soon, I reluctantly stopped doing paperwork and went with her.  That was a fun hour together.

Before we left I walked next door and ordered pizza and salad for dinner, as the kitchen is still being done.  It should be finished on Saturday.  Looks great so far. 

I've gotten a lot of stuff done on the table downstairs this evening.  A lot of this and that.  Now I'm on my way upstairs to continue the paperwork I neglected this afternoon. 

A Day Filled With Too Much

My goal for today was for a nice relaxing morning before I had to go to the doctor for a 6-month check up on my knee, Lynzee was being dropped off at the doctor's office, we'd have a nice lunch out and come home and do stuff.  Unfortunately, it took me 2 hours to get to see the doctor ... for a total of - maybe - 4 minutes.  When I told him about my paralyzed little toe he said that was unusual and for me to see a podiatrist.  Hello!  It wasn't paralyzed before surgery!  OK - see you in 6 months for an xray on my prosthesis. 

Then I told him about my arm - he tested my strength - agreed that I have lost a lot of strength in my right arm - get an MRI and come back and see him then.  (I had already seen him for my arm last year.  I had decided to do knee surgery before taking care of my arm.)  Good bye!  Out the door he went.  I waited 2 hours for that? 

This put us way behind for lunch so we just grabbed McDonald's on the way home.  One half hour later we grabbed Jess and went to the post office and got our hair cut.  Lynzee crashed on one of loungers.  We went and visited Chris and she suggested Younger's for $1.00 hamburgers for dinner.  They were really awesome. 

When we got home Jess crashed in the family room with her iPad and Lynzee and I watched "Miss Congeniality" with Sandra Bullock.  Julie came and picked up Z and they left around 9:00 p.m.  Jess had already gone upstairs and got ready for bed and grabbed my iPad. 

Jon is a tiny bit better but not much.  He's been in his room the entire day. 

Ach! The Flu!

Jon had today off but didn't look well and said he felt "off" this morning.  By dinner time he looked terrible and his dinner didn't stay inside of him.  He also had a temp of 100 degrees.  Oh, dear!  He said it was going around the nursing home.  Let's hope it doesn't travel around this household.

I had a SM Leader's meeting this morning from 9:00 - 12:15 p.m. then I met the "Healthy Girlfriends" at Applebee's for lunch.  On the way home I got gas and went to the post office.  Debbie covered for Brenda who had an appointment and Jess and Debbie went swimming.  Jess also got to swing outside in her hammock, because Dorene painted the ceiling in the kitchen and it didn't go over well with Jess.  She's very tactile sensitive and also has an aversion to certain smells - one being paint.  This could be a long week.  

Not Like I Planned

I'm beginning to wonder if any day will ever be what I plan.  The day was clear on my calendar and I was going to spend the entire day upstairs doing paper work.  I called to make doctor appointments for both Memphis and Jessie and today was the only day this week they could be seen.  So, at 2:30 we took Memphis to the vet, took him home and had Jess to her dr. by 4:00 p.m.  I made that one with 2 minutes to spare. 

Memphis seems to be in pain and his back legs don't seem to work all the time.  Stairs are a problem for him.  He's also gained 10 pounds since the last time we were there and that is not good.  He's 8 years old and we sure would like him around a couple more years.  I think losing Memphis would crush Jessie.  We only feed him enough for an 85 pound dog and he only gets a couple treats a day. 

Jessie has been losing hair the past week and a half.  She had such thick, beautiful hair.  It's still beautiful, but you can tell that it is thinner.  She had blood taken to see if her thyroid is off.  She also had a temp of  99.  That was a surprise. She certainly doesn't act sick. 

Today hasn't been a good health day for me.  My right shoulder is pretty painful and I hurt my back while helping with Memphis on the table.  He was very compliant, but being so huge we had to turn him over a couple of times to be examined.  I hate being limited in the things I want to do. 

And So The Weekend Ends

When Jon works on Sundays, Jess and I eat breakfast upstairs, get ready for the day then spend some time singing and praying.  Today she went and got my little statue of God's armor and we put that on today, too. 

I began emptying the kitchen since Dorene will be here in the morning to begin painting.  I did a little then rested a little.  I even read a book, "Jennifer".  It was a novella but the book completed the O'Malley series I've been reading since November.  I'm sorry that it was the "end" of the series, as I really enjoyed these books. 

Jessie did her usual stuff.  At 4:45 she came and sat on the couch, began watching Barney on her iPad and slept from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.  So, I did, too!  I wasn't about to make any noise to wake her.  When she sleeps, I let her sleep.  We had a late, fast dinner.

Jon had a good day at work. 

Just You And Me

Jon worked and Jess and I spent the day together.  We got in the van and went to various places:

Post Office - our mail

Tim Horton's - breakfast

Christmas Tree Shops - SM Banquet items for centerpieces

K-9 - Food for Memphis

Walgreen's - Ordered Vitamin C

Home Depot - paint for the kitchen

Dollar Store - special vases for centerpieces

 

Jess wanted to go to McDonald's for lunch but since we ate a late breakfast at Tim Horton's I was holding her off, trying to get home and eat a light lunch, or just a snack.  When we finished at Home Depot, she saw the Hot Dog stand and her eyes lit up - literally!  She really wanted one, so we each had a hot dog (I could have bought 4 packages of hot dogs on sale for the price!) and stood at a high table to eat.  She looked like she hadn't had a hot dog in years, had a satisfied look on her face and kept giving me the thumbs up!  It was just too funny.  Costly or not, it was worth seeing the pleasure on her face - just for a hot dog.  If we could all be satisfied with the little things in life as Jess is.  That one hot dog made her day!

 

When we got home I was very tired but managed to do a couple loads of wash before I sat on the couch and took a nap.  Jessie is still going strong.  We're on our way to bed, but I know it'll take her an hour to go to sleep.  Ah, well.  She does take after me.  

 

A Day Filled With Errands

After breakfast with Jon, I had numerous errands to run and spent about 6 hours out of the house.  I had the oil changed and went to several stores.  Unfortunately, by the time I got home my right arm was so painful I had to take strong medication and ice my shoulder.  Thankfully, I have a follow-up doctor's appointment on Wednesday for my knee and we will discuss my shoulder (the doctor only cares for knees and shoulders!).  I'm NOT looking forward to the possibility of another surgery. 

Jess and Debbie met Kelly for breakfast then they also spent most of the day running errands.  Jon went to several stores after breakfast then came home and watched taped movies. 

I'm having my kitchen painted and Dorene came and began prepping the walls.  This weekend Jess and I will take some time and move stuff off the kitchen counters.  I would like a new floor, too, but that's out of the question.  Bill and I never had much luck with the flooring in this house.  The family room dining room is on it's 2nd floor and needs to be replaced again and the kitchen floor is the original and looks like it.  Peel and stick is nice and cheap, but doesn't last forever.  These are 2 high traffic floors.  How does one do extra stuff on a fixed budget?  Save a little here and there, I guess.

A Cold Wet Rainy Day

I guess it does go along with "April showers bring May flowers", but I would have preferred not to have a rainy day.  I went to Bible Study, came home, Jon took me to a doctor's appointment, we went to lunch, post office and home.

Brenda and Jess went to the grocery store, McDonald's, then bowling.  Jess seems to feel better and she also sounds better today, too.

Jon's Jeep Problem Solved

I think I mentioned a few weeks ago that one night when Jon got home his jeep wouldn't shut off.  Our friend, Don, came and unhooked the battery and we had it towed in the next day and they said there wasn't anything wrong with it.  It happened again on Monday in Rochester, so Jon drove it right up to the Dealer's and they looked at it and said that there were some loose wires for the automatic starting system he had put on in January.  He got an appointment at the company who installed it, they had to replace some wires and re program it.  Hopefully, this will be the end of this problem.

Jessie got to go outside and swing a lot this afternoon.  She had fun loudly singing and swinging.  I was going to go to Kohl's and pick up some summer blouses, drove into the parking lot and realized I had left the coupons at home.  No sense shopping without them. 

Jessie's Turn To Be Sick

She's got the globby nose and the sneezing going on since yesterday.  I decided after dinner to take her to Prompt Care just in case she got worse over night, since she tends to get sick quick.  She's not acting sick though.  Just her same ol' cheerful self. 

Instead of swimming Brenda and Jess went to the Rec Center and used weights, a machine and played pool.  Subway lunch, home and then took Memphis for a walk down the street.  Poor dog - I thought he was going to have a heart attack when he got home.  He panted and just laid on the floor for so long.

I didn't accomplish even a quarter of what I set out to do today.  That was discouraging, but I guess I was meant to do other stuff.