A Day With Friends

Brenda took Jessie to Meijer's grocery shopping, home to put it all away, then to the Rec Center for Gym class.  I think they went to McDonald's after class.

Doreen T. came to weed around my house, I went to lunch with Chris K., and after dinner Chris W. came and visited for an hour.  I had intended to do paperwork today but spending time with friends was more important, not to mention much more enjoyable.

Jon worked today and, unfortunately, made the mistake of taking Van Dyke home only to find that it was closed north of 18 Mile Road.  So, all north-bound lanes from that point on were bumper to bumper.  It took him 1 hour to get home (normally 20 minutes) and that was even via Rochester!!!  There is so much construction around Macomb County that it takes forever to get anywhere.  It's very frustrating.  Jon said that one thing he likes about winter is that there is no road construction!

My Aunt Elsie Would Be So Proud Of Jon (and Me!)

Jon's square foot garden is producing some great harvest this year.  I've frozen sugar snap peas for the holidays and today we canned purple beans.  This was Jon's and my first attempt of canning. 
It seemed to take forever, but we were both proud of our accomplishment when they were put downstairs in the cupboard for later. 

My mom's sister, Aunt Elsie, canned all the time.  I remember their huge garden out behind their house and their root cellar with all the bottles of canned vegetables and fruits.  I don't remember my mom canning anything.  Guess that's because we grew up in the city. 

Going Back To July 24

Last Thursday when I went to post pictures of our day, my blog site wouldn't work.  It seems to be OK today, so I wanted to share a few pictures:

Jon, Lois, Diane, Randie and Randie's granddaughter, Addlyn, and I went to Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum in Farmington Hills. 

It was a fun place to go to once.  Jon and Diane raced water bikes and you can tell from the second picture who won!

Then they rode on a Cedar Pointe rollercoaster.  My sister is such a nut.  She's a lot of fun to be with, that's for sure!

Addlyn played as many games as she could then us adults played what we wanted and gave her the tickets to get a prize before we went home.  A small version of Dave and Buster's, only this is also filled with a lot of old stuff.  Weird stuff, too.

We were going to eat at the Family Buggy but it was closed so we ate at Buffalo Wild Wings.  It was a nice day for all of us. Just proves that you don't have to go far to have fun around here. 

 

 



Jessie's Day

Brenda returned to work today!  Jessie was so glad to see her.  She was missed.  Instead of swimming today they went to Wolcott Mill farm and visited all the animals, got a sandwich at Subway and had a picnic at Stony Creek.  Brenda is probably in bed at this moment!

Jon went with Jess and I to an ENT doctor for Jessie in the late afternoon.  He confirmed that her tonsils are swollen and touching, but not infected.  I was under the assumption that swollen tonsils got smaller when you got better from tonsilitis, but they don't.  They will always be this size.  She was in the hospital in 2010 with swollen tonsils so I guess they've been big ever since!  She's scheduled for a throat scope at the hospital in September.  Please begin praying now that she will cooperate and all will go well with the test and there won't be any other problem to deal with.  The doctor does not want to remove the tonsils because she hasn't been sick enough to warrant their removal.  He said that her recovery would be very difficult.  All I know is that I had my tonsils out when I was 26 and I prayed to die!  (I'm glad God didn't let me!)  

A Productive Monday

Just the usual busy Monday: 6-month visit from DHS Case Worker, 4 loads of wash, post office, Michael's, froze several cups of sugar snap peas from Jon's garden, took garbage out, read a bit.  Rachel and Jessie did quite a few things inside today since it was wet and chilly outside.  They read books, did crafts and watched some videos.  Jon worked but didn't have a very good day.  That's about it.  Hope your day was more eventful than ours.

Sunday

We said goodbye to Lois for another year this morning.  With Jon at work and Lois gone to her brother's house, (she leaves for Haiti early Tuesday morning), that left just Jess and me.  We went to Benny's for breakfast, I straightened up the house then sat down and played on the iPad for a bit before taking a nap.  Jess watched Utube all day and played with her cards and beads.  Around 5:00 p.m. I emptied the closet for the bad storm that we were supposed to have at 5:15.  Thankfully, it missed us completely.  Not so for a lot of people south of us.  Jon said there were a lot of traffic lights out on his way home.

All Is Well

Actually, this blog is a test.  My blog site isn't working well and wouldn't save and print my blog.  So, I'm trying again tonight.  I don't want to write too much in case it doesn't work again.  At least you-all know I'm OK. 

A Day In the D

Today was a special day.  Lois, Diane, Randie and I went on a Senior's Trip to Detroit.  We signed up through Macomb Twp and we were joined by a senior's group from Madison Hghts. 

Our first stop was the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Detroit Branch.  That was very cool.  Talk about security.  The bus pulled into a large brick building.  Door 2.  The huge door rolled up, we rolled inside, and the door rolled down. 

Police came out of nowhere with cameras, lights and made a sweep of the under carriage of the bus and all the luggage compartments.  An officer even came inside and looked with a flashlight under our seats.  The only thing missing were the dogs.  We found out later they were busy somewhere else. 

We were cleared to go and the next large door opened and we were inside the grounds.  Security was the same as airports, except for the body scans, thankfully.  Our first stop was viewing the money being counted by huge machines.  It was so interesting.  We also got to view the storage area where the money is stored until banks need it.  No humans enter that room.  It is filled by a computer operated hi lo. 

We had a guide who told us quite a bit of other tid bits, especially about the security of this building.  It was very interesting.

When we left the Federal Reserve building we went and had lunch at Sinbad's on the river.  I didn't get a picture of it from the parking lot, but I did from the water.  It's below the picture of the 3 happy ladies on board the Diamond Jack, which was our next event.  A 2-hour boat cruise.  It was very nice.  Hot but nice. 

Second from bottom picture is what is left of the Boblo boat dock/building which closed in 1993.  I believe that my sister and her girlfriend's 2 young girls, our mom and Jon and I went there that year.  It was eerie looking at it like it is today.  I have us walking down the walkway to get on the boat on video and Jessie watches it all the time. 

The bottom picture is of 3 boats.  All three boats service the big boats on the river.  The one on the left is a delivery boat (pizza, etc.!) , the middle one is a post office (it has its own zip code) and the next one is a fire boat. 

In all, it was a very fun day.  I'm glad we had the chance to go.  Sometimes the day trips are just as nice as a week away from home.  Especially since there is so much to see within a couple hours of our home. 

The only down part of today was the numerous FB notifications I received for hours from friends that my account had been hacked.  I'm not quite sure what someone can do that hacks your account, but I hope everyone will unfriend the second Nancy Sutton!

Girls Day Out ... With Jon ... And Lois

Rachel was sick and Debbie was busy, so no aide today for Jess.  Jon and I had endocrinologist appointments this morning and Jess had one Aug. 4 at the same doctor.  So, I called to see if they could squeeze her in and we took her with us.  I'm so glad they were able to do that for us.  Saves me a trip to Rochester and back.  We went to Alex's for breakfast/lunch then returned home.  Lois joined us after she ate lunch and we went to the bank, Judy's then Walmart.  When we got home we had one very tired, very crabby young lady.  I'd about had enough of her asking for pop and chocolate cookies.  About every 3 minutes for at least a couple hours.  I took her right upstairs, got her laid down on the bed for a nap and she slept for almost 2 hours.  She was much happier when she got up, that's for sure.

What A Sunday!

Lois is back with us for another week and this morning before she arrived Jess and I had to put away all the videos she had out on her bedroom floor from this past week.  "Mess again!", she said when she got them all out and put them on the floor.  For some unknown reason she loves to take all her videos off the shelf and put them on the floor and move them all around in some kind of order.  Definitely NOT in alphabetical order like her mom wants her to put them!

Lois went with me to church and it was an awesome service with great music and preaching.  After that the 4 of us went to lunch at Chili's with Sean, Ashley and Eric.  (Chris was busy at church.)  It is such a blessing when younger people ask you out and want to be with you.  We had such a nice time and Jess did real well, too.  We brought left overs home and had them for dinner.

Jon watched Jessie while Lois and I went to Walmart for a couple things and Michael's.  We watched FROZEN early in the evening and I enjoyed it a lot.  I hadn't seen it before.  Now it's 9:32 p.m. and we need to head up stairs. 

A Very Quiet Saturday

I set my alarm this morning but shut it off.  Jessie slept until 9:30 a.m. and I stayed quietly in my chair.  She got a bath and we ate breakfast upstairs.  I didn't do much at all today.  Took it easy.  Jess and I did go to McDonald's for our lunch then Meijer's for a few things.  Diane and Randie came and visited after they bought some beautiful lilies in Waterford.  Jon went to the show, came home and played on the computer, then met Di and Randie for lunch before they came here.  I read quite a bit today.  It seemed like a Sunday. 

Daddy's Goulash

I spent the entire day and part of the evening on the deck doing paperwork.  I enjoyed myself.  Well, not doing the paperwork, but being outside on such a nice day was great.  I accomplished what I set out to do, so that makes it even better.

Rachel and Jessie went to breakfast then a Nature Center.  When they got home Jess emptied the dish washer, folded towels and even vacuumed.  They read books, watched videos and played games.  Jess also spent time in her hammock.  Both girls had a good day.

For some odd reason I thought of making goulash and cornbread for dinner.  I haven't made it in many, many months.  I knew Jessie would complain, which she did, but I told her it was Daddy's goulash and she ate it when he made it.  So I sat the bowl in front of her and she tried it.  Unbelievably, she gave it a one-thumb up!  I couldn't believe it.  Then she said, "Thank you, Daddy!"  I reminded her that I actually made it tonight!  When Jon got home from work he also complimented the meal.  A great ending to a great day.

A Busy Morning

Jessie got up at 6:00 a.m. but when I got up at 8:00, she was asleep on my couch with her iPad going.  She didn't wake until Debbie got her up around 9:20 a.m.  Jessie's case worker, Kelly, arrived at 9:15 a.m. for our monthly meeting.  Doreen came around 9:20 a.m. to wait until my meeting was over then we went to breakfast.  It's been awhile since we've been able to visit.

When I got home I cleaned off tables on the deck and spent several hours out there processing books for the SM Resource Cart.  I need to have this done before I go for surgery.  While processing books, I came across some that were from the church Library.  I recognized Bill's handwriting and I felt the loss of his presence again.  We worked on the Library together for 19 years.  He enjoyed processing books and he built all the shelving units and circulation desk.  It made for a sad afternoon for me.  I wasn't expecting that. 

Jon trimmed the yards then cut the grass.  It always looks so nice when it is freshly cut.  There had been a lot of clover flowering in the yard.  The bunnies were happy. 

Debbie took Jessie to Gym class.  She wasn't thrilled to be there, but she had fun greeting others and putting away the equipment. 

When Does Life Slow Down?

Jess and I had blood work that needed to be done before next week, so we had it taken this morning.  We had breakfast out afterwards then came home.  Debbie and Jessie did grocery shopping and I was going to do paperwork, but relaxed instead.  This on-the-go life is hard work!   Jess and I had hair cut appointments at 5:30 so when were finished, we ate dinner at Wendy's.  We brought Jon home a sandwich since he was working.  He's feeling much better now.

I need a vacation.  Guess I'll get one - so to speak - when I have my surgery.  At least I won't be able to do anything with my arm in a contraption for 6 weeks.  I just hope and pray that there's no complications this time. 

Stephen Ministry Leader's Retreat

Today was the annual SM Leader's Retreat from 8:30 a.m. until 5:15 p.m.  We met at the Capuchin Retreat for the second year in a row and had a very profitable day.  However, I'm super tired and need to go to bed.  More tomorrow.

The Beginning Of Another Week

Lois watched Jessie while I went to my primary care physician's office for my pre surgery appointment.  When I returned we loaded up Lois' suitcases, etc. and went to Big Boy for lunch.  Dollar Store and Kroger's were next before Jess and I dropped her off at her brother's house to spend the week.  We stopped in to see Debbie then went to Target for a hair dryer.  I don't have much luck with them.  They only last a couple years. 

Jon took the day off work because he felt so terrible.  He went and saw the same NP that I had earlier in the day because our doctor wasn't available.  The shot of tordol (sp?) took the headache away that he's had for a week.  He looked much better when Jess and I got home.  He doesn't have to work tomorrow so he'll be able to rest. 

Brenda came and visited us this evening!  Jess and I were supposed to go to her house while she was recouperating and bring her lunch, but she's done so well, she visited us!  Jessie was excited to see her.  Me, too!

No Rest Today

I'm only a couple days late in posting Jessie's picture at the Nature Center from Friday.  I really like this picture and want to keep it forever.  I'm so thankful to all Jessie's aides who take pictures of her outings. 

Lois' brother picked her up for church this morning and when she got back, all we've done most of the day is pack rubbermaids.  We packed all that she had bought and drilled, and we need about 3 more to finish. 

The best part of Jessie's day was when we played her new Apples to Apples card game - the one with just pictures.  "Aunt" Lois had her laughing so hard she could barely play.  This version is quite funny. 

Jon worked again today but is feeling very sick.  He looked pretty awful when he got home.   

Girls Day Out

Jessie, Lois and I left at 9:20 a.m. and returned around 3:00 p.m.  Here's our list of stops:  McDonald's drive thru for a $1.00 breakfast sandwich, Judy's for alterations for Lois, bank, home, post office, home, Target, Michael's (Lois), Home Depot (Jess and me), McDonald's for lunch inside (Jessie's idea) and finally Meijer's for groceries.  That was plenty for a girls day out if you ask me. 

I took a short nap while Lois did computer work and Jessie played on her iPad.  We had dinner then we packed 2 rubbermaids.  Jon worked and had a busy day. 

When we were in the bank today a man came in that acted very strange.  He seemed to be scoping the place out.  He came in with shorts on and a sweatshirt he zipped all the way up just before entering the building.  He also was wearing construction boots. Very odd.  What made matters more concerning for me was watching the tellers.  They were very aware of his presence and they were uneasy.  I was sitting down in the general area with Jessie waiting for Lois who was behind a glass partition.  I took Jessie and we went into an empty room next to Lois.  I got out my pepper spray and put it in my hand.  I was not carrying and sure wished I was.  The teller wouldn't give him his money without double checking with the manager - apparently he was from out of town.  He finally left and I watched him (as well as the tellers) get in his car and leave, only to see his car circle around the parking lot.  Jon was proud of me when I relayed the story to him because I had "situational awareness".

The 3 times I have been very concerned for my safety and others have been within a mile of my home.  I guess that proves that I should carry at all times, especially around town. 

One More Surgery Checked Off My List

I have no lasting problems from my near fall yesterday.  Thanks, Becky, for your concern.  I feel pretty good today ... except for a bit of discomfort from having a plugged pore removed from my head - the size of a marble.  They are called "whens".  I think that's how it's spelled.  Jon took me and said that my surgery was really interesting.  The PA that did it said I don't have to come back: Jon can take out the stitches for me.  I guess it pays sometimes to have an RN in the family.

Lois and I went to lunch at Subway, the post office then came home and in the course of the afternoon got 4 rubbermaids packed and ready to ship.  Jon went to the show.  Rachel took Jessie to breakfast then one of the local Nature Centers.  They also read books and Jessie spent time in her hammock.  That's about it for today. 

No Internet Last Night

After another busy day yesterday I went to the computer to blog only to find we had no internet.  Now I can't remember all I was going to put in writing.  Oh, well.  Lois and I were out for about 7 hours with 3 appointments and shopping.  Jon worked.  Jessie was with Debbie and gave everyone a scare.  She had gone into the bathroom and locked the door.  Debbie went around to the other door and found Jessie with the straw from an attached WD-40 can in her mouth.  As far as Debbie could tell, she didn't spray it in her mouth, but she may have ingested some residue from the straw.  Debbie called the poison control for this particular brand and they assured her that if she had sprayed it in her mouth or tasted anything, she'd be frantic to get it out of her mouth since the taste was so horrible.  She wasn't acting like that, so we figured she was OK.  Gave us serious concern for awhile, though.

Today my day didn't start well.  My hair dryer quit and then when I was raising the blinds downstairs in the morning, my left leg turned somehow and I twisted my ankle and went flying across the floor and caught myself on the coffee table.  Jessie grabbed my arm and said, "OK?" and Memphis came around to see what he could do (he was trained to help his partner up off the floor, only I wasn't trained in that maneuver.)  I wrenched my back and hurt my bad arm.  I am such a menace to myself. 

Today Jon spent the day with Lois at an appointment then shopped till they almost dropped.  (Tomorrow we pack rubbermaids.)  I had an appointment at 1:30 in Troy then stopped at FCS and Barnes and Noble before coming home.  Debbie took Jessie to her Gym class.  After dinner Lois and I watched, "Leap Year".  Everyone is upstairs and either in bed or getting ready.  I think I'll join them. 

Packing

Lois and I had breakfast with our friend, Andrea, this morning.  A nice time spent with each other.  We came home and I had about a half hour before Debbie, Jessie and I left for lunch!  The moms of Down Syndrome older adults met at a restaurant in Chesterfield along with their girls.  Jessie wasn't about to cooperate and sit with the girls so she sat at a table by herself.  Debbie sat with us and watched her.  Jess kept watching the girls though.  She was interested, but didn't want to be part of anything.  It was a start, though.  At least she didn't mind being in a packed restaurant!

When we got home Lois and I began packing rubbermaids.  We began and finished 2 large ones before we quit for dinner.  We were going to do a third but I just couldn't.  I'm on my way upstairs. 

First Day Of Shopping ... Done

Lois and I left around 9:30 and went to our friend, Judy's house.  She is an awesome seamstress and Lois had an appointment with her this morning.  Then we went to the bank and Home Depot where we shopped for at least 2 hours!  A lot was accomplished.  We had lunch, went to K-Mart and then another appointment for Lois.  McDonald's drive thru for drinks and an ice cream cone, Meijer's then the post office.  Wheh!  That was a lot.  Both of us were done for the day.

Rachel was with Jessie and they didn't go anywhere.  Just hung around home and did odds and ends.  Jon spent several hours shopping in several stores and came home with ... nothing!  How could he do that? 

Happy Sunday

After church Lois was dropped off to spend the week.  It will be a busy week of shopping, medical appointments and packing items to ship to Haiti.  We had plans to go Chinese for lunch with Chris and her son, Eric, but when they got there, it was closed!  Let's hope it was just for the holiday weekend. 

We ended up at Hamlin Pub.  Perfect atmosphere for Jessie - hardly anyone in there and great food.  When we got home Lois and I watched a movie, "Finding Normal" and Jon went to the show to see Maleficent, which he said was very good.  Jess has been in the same spot for hours - her special corner of the family room on her iPad with either Apples to Apples, beads or magazines.  She's been happy and very happy that her "Aunt" Lois is here to stay for awhile. 

A Nice Day With Diane And Randie

Jon cut the lawn this morning and I began fixing sugar snap peas for blanching, while Jess played in the living room.  We left around noon and went to Di and Randie's house for a BBQ.  It was such a nice day of visiting and good food.  We stayed longer than I thought we would.  Jessie didn't even want to leave.  She was really good there.  We all enjoyed ourselves very much!  Thanks, Di!  Thanks, Randie! 

Happy July 4th !!!

Jon worked today so it was me and Jessie.  We began with breakfast at McDonald's, Kohl's for a few items then grocery shopping at Meijer's.  We left around 9:30 and didn't get home until 1:30 pm.  I was exhausted.  It was especially trying today because for some reason there were scores of crabby kids and babies at Meijer's.  Plus I forgot some items and had to back track, which is common for me.  The last time I forgot an item I just figured I'd get it next week.  Once again Jessie did an awesome job scanning every item.  An employee commented that they should hire her.  That was nice to hear.

Jess and I had a late lunch on the couch, I read for an hour then closed my eyes.  Nap time.  It was nice outside but I don't like being on the deck and Jessie alone in the house.  If I'm on the couch, I feel and hear her moving and know what she's doing.  Surprisingly, at 4:00 she got up and fed the dog on her own!  I think she likes her independence. 

We waited to have dinner when Jon got home at 8:00 p.m.  Two hours later than normal, but we did have the late lunch.

So, it was a different 4th.  I felt Bill's absence today more than usual. Jessie just went up stairs to go to bed.  Jon's in his room, too.  I guess I'll join them.  If I had someone to go with me, I'd go to Meijer's parking lot and watch the fireworks that people will be shooting off tonight.  It's a great place to watch.

An "Oh, NO!" Hour

Rachel took Jessie to breakfast this morning and met her Case Worker, Kelly.  Jon was going to treat me to breakfast when it began to rain.  Just a little.  Then, the power went out.  Shocked, all I could say was: "OH, NO! NO! NO! NO!  Not again!"  This no power is getting really old. 

We waited until Rachel and Jessie got home then we began to leave and now it was pouring and cold.  I told Jon we should just stay home and fry up some eggs.  His reply: "And how are you going to manage that?"  Well, what can I say.  It's like being in a power outage and going into a dark room and flicking on the light switch.  We went to breakfast but not the restaurant we wanted because it, too, had no power.  The restaurant we chose was crowded and understaffed.  Not a good way to begin the day.

Luckily the power came back on after about an hour.  I spent several hours doing paper work then I took Rachel and Jessie and we went to the post office, bank, Walgreen's and McDonald's drive thru for a sandwich only. 

A Busy Day For All

Lois had several appointments today.  We left at 9:40 am and I didn't get home until 4:00 pm, after taking her to stay with her brother.  After Rachel left I sat on the couch, finished my book and took a nap.  Jessie made sure I was covered with 2 blankets.  If I tried to take one off, she got pretty angry.  So, I covered up with both of them and napped.  She got up once to use the bathroom and came out and shoved two empty hand cleaner bottles under my nose and said, "HERE!"  I guess that was my clue to go fill them.  She got her own glass of milk, too.  I was listening to her and she chose a cup where she could put the top on herself.  I think it makes her feel good when someone isn't following her like a shadow and she does things on her own.  However, she can be trusted only so much and for so long.   

Rachel took Jessie to Meijer's to return pop bottles that have been laying around here too long.  Then they ate at McDonald's.  When they returned home they went for a long walk and took Memphis. Jess doesn't seem to be tired, but Memphis is snoring!  They also read books and did "school work".

Jon had a busy day at work and looked like it when he arrived home. 

Monday and Tuesday

Yesterday was so long that it seemed like 2 days.  It began with a doctor's appointment for me in Auburn Hills, lunch at Subway, home to grab Jess and then I took her to the doctor's on the opposite side of town to have him look in her throat again.  Her tonsils are still swollen and touching, but no abscess.  That was good.  However, I think I'll take her back for blood work because she's been sleeping a lot.  Jon thinks I should make sure she doesn't have mono.  She has some symptoms of that.  It wouldn't hurt to check.

I rested a bit in the afternoon then fixed dinner.  At 9:00 p.m. I left and drove to Imlay City and picked up Chris and we drove to the Flint airport to pick up Lois.  She's home for a month for vacation and many doctor's appointments.  Her plane didn't land until 11:30 and we didn't get home until 1:00 a.m.  I'm glad Chris was willing to travel with me and that God held off the bad weather.

I think I got to sleep around 1:30 p.m. and at 3:30 a.m. the thunder and lightning began.  Bill always wanted me to shut off the air conditioner when it stormed so I did shut it off.  Just in time to hear the sirens, which have never gone off at night before than I can remember.  I got everyone downstairs in record time and Jess in the closet.  All for nothing - THANK GOD !!! 

Back upstairs and asleep probably by 4:30 a.m.  Not a great way to start another day, but I'm thankful for sirens and cell phone notifications from The Weather Channel.  Too many times we've had pop-up bad weather.  I never take a chance.

Lois went out with her siblings for the day and Jessie went to the pool with Rachel (Debbie is on vacation).  I wasn't feeling real well so I sat in the chair and didn't get up until noon.  Spent the day doing wash and a lot of odds and ends.  I'm ready to call it a day!