A Visit To The Apple Lady

After PT, a trip to the bank and meeting Debbie and Jessie at Wendy's for lunch, Jon and I went to see "my mom's apple lady."  In 1967 there used to be a weekend flea market just south of 24 mile road on Van Dyke, I think by where John's Lumber is now.  When we moved to Shelby Twp. in 1968, my mom spent many fall days there getting fresh vegetables and striking up a friendship with "the apple lady", who was there selling apples, obviously.  I still get apples from her, only from her home.  Her husband is 82 and she is 81.  They are incredible people.  Jon and I spent quite a bit of time gabbing about gardening and fruit trees.  I also brought home 2 bushels of MacIntosh apples for making applesauce.

A special pray is requested for me.  My largest shoulder incision is infected.  I will need to go to the doctor's tomorrow, per my son, the RN.  It is puss filled and sore.  Just what I need.  Thanks for your prayers for a quick healing.  I'm not sure why it is infected now.  Tomorrow will be 7 weeks from my surgery.  

Thinking About This Blog

Once again I'm thinking about the usefulness, or importance, of this blog.  I'm sure no one is interested in how many loads of wash I did in a day, or what we ate for dinner.  I certainly won't care when I read these books years down the road (I have my blog put into print every 3 months).  I just don't know.  I enjoy this "diary", but what is it that will be put into print that will be important in months or years to come?  I want it to be important.  I want it to be life changing for others or encouraging to me in the future.

Sue came today for a couple hours to be with Jessie while I went to church.  Jon finished his vacation week in Grand Haven visiting Jacob and Hannah.  He left Friday morning and returned this evening. Church was hard for me today.  I cried several times.  I'm not sure why, as I wasn't sad when I left home.  We prayed collectively at the altar for the Ebola epidemic that is removing thousands from this earth.  We prayed for a miracle.  We believe in miracles.

My heart is in Africa.  Many of you don't know that I was a SST (special short term) missionary to ELWA in Liberia, West Africa for 2 months in 1980.  I did secretarial work at the ELWA (Eternal Love Winning Africa) radio station, hospital and administration building. The same compound where a doctor and a missionary stricken with Ebola were brought to the US for care.

In the picture to the right of me you will see a ham radio.  At that time, that was the only way of communication with the outside world.  I was able to have a ham patch to my mom twice in the 2 months I was there.  Handwritten letters were the norm back then.

Even after 34 years, I still feel that connection to Africa. I also keep in contact with several missionaries that I met through my time there.  It was an interesting time in my life.

Looking at this picture I wish my hair was still as thick and dark as it was then.  The African children who often came to my door selling fruit called me "Missy With Plenty Hair."  I had a perm then and 2 months without a cut or styling looked like I had plenty hair.  Not today!

Girls Day Out

Jess and I had breakfast at home then we met Jane for lunch at Benny's.  They have THE BEST pulled pork sandwich I've ever eaten.  So good!  From there Jess and I went to Meijers, which was very difficult.  Saturday shopping isn't my favorite, but we didn't have a choice.  Kids?  Yup.  Many. Screatchers, too.  Jess didn't have a melt down but we were close.  She got upset several times and got very loud.  Pushing the basket and having Jessie drag on my arm didn't go well either.  When we got home I was in pain, irritable and very close to losing my temper.  I took some medicine and sat on the couch for a couple hours.  I need a break.

A Sleepless Night

I RARELY EVER have difficulty sleeping.  Last night was the exception.  I'm sure I slept but I felt like I was awake all night.  I was fighting bad dreams, thoughts, rebuking Satan, asking God to help me understand Jessie so I can help her.  My back hurt, my neck hurt, my shoulder hurt and my head hurt.  The chair didn't help and the bed was painful.  I was miserable.  I couldn't wait until it was time to get up.

One thought did come to me about Jessie, though.  People with Down Syndrome have difficulty with time.  Something that happened years ago could be playing out in Jessie's mind and she could be reacting to it.  Like grief.  It dawned on me that she has been talking about Daddy alot lately and that she's been saying, "Daddy, new home, Heaven, Jesus!" alot lately.  Maybe she's grieving again and being nasty is the only way she knows how to deal with it. That's what I came up with during my sleepless night.

I went to breakfast with Debbie and Jessie then went to PT.  I dehydrated corn this afternoon.  I also began cleaning and organizing the garage.  I worked for about 15 minutes to a half hour then rested. My stamina is not the best yet and I still can't lift anything with my right arm.  I should finish tomorrow.

Gym Class

Debbie took Jessie to Gym class today, but Jessie didn't want any part of being with her.  That was very odd since she was very excited to see her this morning.  Jessie was more interested in being social than play at the stations.  Also, she kept looking at Debbie and when she wasn't looking tried to escape out the Gym door.  Lord have mercy on us!  What is wrong with our Jessie?  Other than Monday, this has been a very challenging week, and it's no where near the week before her period! I'm emotionally exhausted trying to deal with her and trying to figure out what to do.

Well ... An OK Vacation Day ... Not The Best ... For Sure !!!

After sleeping in, we began our staycation day with Panera Bread bagels I bought yesterday, then headed to Port Huron.  However, within 4 miles I had to pull the van over 3 times because of Jessie. The first time she started screaming for some unknown reason, and I stopped and told her she would not scream or we'd head on back home.  The second time I stopped she had started crying and said her back hurt her.  So I got out to see what was wrong with her back - nothing I could tell.  The third time I stopped she was crying harder so I got out and held her, gave her 3 motrin and waited about 10 minutes.  Neither Jon nor I could figure out what was wrong.  She settled down after that.


We stopped at Crooked Creek Dairy Farm so Jessie could pet the animals, which turned out to be just baby cows and goats. That was OK with her, though.  Then on to Port Huron where our first stop was for lunch at the Cracker Barrell.

Now, that's where it got interesting.  I asked if they would put us as far away from people as they could.  We sat in a back corner and Jess and I faced the wall.  THANK GOD!  Just before the waitress arrived, Jessie exclaimed, "Look!" and lifted her shirt up to her neck.  To our shock and horror, she exposed herself because she had her bra on backwards and it was tight around her neck!  I couldn't get her shirt down fast enough.  Why didn't she say "Look" when I pulled over 3 times?  We went to the restroom and rectified the bra issue immediately. She had gotten herself dressed today and I didn't check her.  A BIG mistake on my part.

I had ordered their special for the day: chicken pot pie.  I was looking forward to it but when I began eating the inside was like soup and not creamy .  I sent it back and got another meal that was just so-so.  However, I did buy a couple items in the gift shop that made up for the food.  I bought an outfit for Sean and Ashley's wedding in October and I bought 4 fall luncheon plates that are now on the kitchen wall. I've been looking for plates to display for several years and I splurged today.

After lunch we sat by the Blue Water Bridge in hopes of seeing a ship but no luck today.  Jess kept yelling for snacks and McDonald's so we decided not to go shopping and headed down to St. Clair where we had our traditional London's ice cream and watched the water.  One ship did go by so it wasn't a bust.

When Jess wasn't sleeping on the way home she was yelling for snacks, Wendy's, chicken nuggets.  I'd about had it.  Also, I've been in quite a bit of pain since yesterday.  Not sure if it's a kidney stone, diverticulitis or whatever.

I am disappointed that our day was so difficult. This was our last staycation day away, so that's it until next year.  At least we got to go away from home.  Alot of people can't even do that.  I do realize how blessed we are.  We just never know if Jessie is going to have a good day or not.  No two days are ever alike.  And this week proved it!

Jessie's One Liners

Jon went to the show early this morning.  Jess and I ate breakfast at Panera Bread, shopped at the Christmas Tree Store, JoAnn Fabrics and got gas before returning home.  When we were getting out of the van at JoAnn's I smelled something icky in the air and said to Jess, "Oh, something smells!" She promptly said, "Not me!"  That was so funny as I don't think I've ever heard her put those 2 words together.  

I did a load of wash, took a nap, listened to Jessie on her iPad, then the 3 of us went to dinner at Benny's.  When we got home we watched the movie, "Mom's Night Out", which was absolutely hysterical.  Jon and I were laughing so hard.  Jessie came in the living room, too, and watched it with us and even laughed along with us.  At the end of the movie, the main couple kiss and Jessie exclaimed, "Eeuw!!!"  That, too, was funny, as she's never said that when she's seen anyone kiss.  

Frankenmuth

This is Jon's vacation week so Jessie, Jon and I went on a staycation today.  We had breakfast at Tim Horton's, stopped at the Smoke Haus in Almont, shopped at Birch Run for a couple hours, ate a hearty chicken dinner at Zehnder's, Jon went to the Military Museum while we rested in the van, then we went to Bronner's and shopped for another couple of hours.  We even saw our friends, Bill and Nancy R. there! They were on their way back from 4 days on Mackinaw Island.

We were excited to see that the "big cow" was back where it's been for years in front of the Smoke Haus.  Jessie wanted her picture taken by it again.

In order to insure a nice day, I gave Jessie an Ativan at breakfast, and I must admit the day was alot nicer and she had a great day. However, as you can see from the second picture, at times she was a bit tired.

The chicken dinner at Zehnder's received a 2-thumbs up rating from Jessie!

Time With Diane and Randie

Jon had to work so Jessie and I met Diane and Randie for breakfast.  Then we went to their house to visit for an hour or so.  Jessie suggested we go see Jon at his work, and we did!  We finally got home around 2:00 p.m.  A nice morning out.  It's been awhile since we've visited with Di and Randie.

Chris came and visited in the late afternoon and helped me make dinner.  Jessie helped me do a couple loads of (needed) laundry, as well as emptied the dishwasher.  I just love it when she helps me around the house.

A Nice Summer Day!

It's been so cold, the heat has been on, who would have thought it would reach almost 80 degrees today.  Back to shorts and open windows and doors.  

I did paperwork, Jess and I went to the post office, bank, Judy's to pick up Jessie's altered blue jeans, and McDonald's drive thru for a van picnic.  Several loads of wash were done.  I even - one handed - got out the rubbermaids filled with autumn decorations and began to decorate.  I didn't use my right arm for any lifting or moving.  However, too much lifting with one arm caused my back to hurt.  I ended up having to take a strong pain killer and tylenol.  I rested after that for a couple hours.

Jess has had a good day.  She even OFFERED to help carry the laundry basket to the washing machine and she took out the garbage on her own!  Jon worked and had a good day, but you wouldn't know it by looking at him.  He looks totally wiped out.  When he has several days off in a row, going back to a 12 1/2 hour day is hard.  

Where Is September Going?

It's just difficult to believe that over half of September is gone.  It's history.  There's so much I want to get done outside before the snow flies and I'm not sure it'll get done.  I want to decorate for fall, but I'm wondering if I shouldn't just go right into decorating for Christmas!

I neglected to mention Jessie's excitement yesterday afternoon.  She had gotten her "Parents" magazine in the mail and I laid it on the floor where she sits.  When she came home with Debbie from gym class, I heard her exclaim:  "LOOK!  DEBBIE LOOK!"  She was so excited to get a new magazine!  She spends a great deal of time going through each page and blocking out the words and circling certain pictures.  I've never figured out what it means, but it is very important to her and she enjoys it alot.

I went to church tonight for a Women's Ministry function.  It was called "dare2dream" and put on by the Beautiful Me staff.  There were about 50-75 women present and we each made a dream board.  It was fun and I'll finish mine with some of my scrapbooking embellishments.  You are NEVER too old to dream.

A Wonderful Experience With Jessie

Bible Study began today.  Brenda was off and Debbie was with Jess.  However, Debbie also goes to Bible Study.  So, I took Jess and just hoped she would be good and quiet.  Two things she's not really got down pat yet.  I kept telling her on the way that there were just "ladies" there.  I mistakenly used the word "girls" once and she about panicked.

Anyway, when we arrived, there were more women than I've ever seen at Bible Study - at least 125 if not more.  I was sure Jess would refuse to go in to the gym.  I told her we'd eat breakfast and then sit and listen to a DVD.  The food was a big draw - especially the bagel and cream cheese!

I'm really not sure why she cooperated today.  It was awesome.  She sat in her seat and was fairly quiet.  She even sang along with us as we worshipped singing 2 songs!  She raised her hand to Jesus, too!  She has NEVER sang in public before.  I was thrilled.  It really blessed my heart to have her with me and to do so well.

Debbie took Jess from Bible Study and went to Gym class that began again today.  Apparently she did very well there, too!  I want to shout all this from the roof top!

Jon cut the lawn and cleared out most of his garden.  He is really tired tonight.  He also dehydrated a large zucchini.

Out And About

Jessie, Debbie and I spent most of the day together.  After breakfast we went to church to check on the "new" SM room and the book case I'll be using for SM books.  Barry had already moved the books for me and it looked great!

From there we went to Leo's Coney Island for lunch then Menchie's for dessert when I remembered that today would have been my 31st wedding anniversary and it was a great place to celebrate!  I had been given coupons and that was even more reason to go there.  Actually, no one really needs a reason to go to Menchie's.

Kohl's was next for Jess and I to get new blue jeans.  She desperately needs pants that are longer, as she keeps pulling her pants up almost to her chest.  (Thanks to her teachers at school who wanted her to keep her pants up higher for some reason.)  We will have to get them shortened, though, because even the "short" pants are at least 6" too long.

PT was at 2:30 and I got home around 4.  Jessie and Debbie were outside with Jess in her hammock. Jon worked today and had a good day.  It was a beautiful day outside, too.

Monday and Tuesday

Monday ...  Debbie took Jessie to her house for a bit Monday morning. Jessie loves to hold dogs, and Debbie's dogs love Jessie.  The one on the left is Dale and Abbey is on the right.

I went out to dinner with the "Glory Girls" to PF Chang's to celebrate Lynn's birthday.  We had a really nice time.  We must have since we were in the restaurant for 3 hours !!!!


TUESDAY ...  Jessie's case worker, Kelly, was here at 9:15 for our monthly meeting.  Doreen and Chris were here at 10:00 for our accountablity time.  Jon began dehydrating egg plant.  I had a Food Saver container and put them in there.  They should last for over a year or more.  Next I want to dehydrate all the celery that he's grown out there.  Then zucchini chips.  We also canned another 10 pints of green and purple beans this afternoon.  It's very tiring work, but alot of fun.

Stand Hoppin'

Jon went to church this morning, but came home still not feeling well before service began.  He'll probably go to the doctor tomorrow.  I went to second service and it was a very powerful and moving service.

The kids and I went to the Family Time Restaurant for lunch only to walk out since there was a wait. We went to Times Square where there were only 6 others in the place.  That was perfect for Jessie. From there we drove around the new nursing home that will be opening in Romeo later this fall.  It's huge!  I was amazed.  Then we went to Verellen's for cider and donuts, only they didn't have cider. We bought apples instead.  Back up to Van's Valley and bought more corn, cider and Jess insisted on buying a pumpkin so she can paint it with Brenda.  (Wait til Brenda finds out about that!).  We also went to Goike's and bought a huge head of broccoli and 3 little pumpkins to decorate with.  Their brussel sprouts that Jon wanted aren't ready yet.  With the cold this week we think everything should be ready but it's not. Just too early in the fall yet.

Speaking of cold, I turned the heat on.  It was 62 degrees in the house this morning.  Way too cold even for me.

The kids and I spent the rest of the day doing whatever.  Jon cooked up a couple cow hearts.  Jess watched videos on her iPad and now she's coloring.  I took a nap.  My favorite thing to do on a cold day.  Any day actually.

Beth Moore

I'm exhausted.  Attending an all-day Beth Moore live simulcast is intensive!  Have you ever been to one?  It was awesome.  I've done Beth Moore Bible Studies for years, as well as I've seen her in person in Grand Rapids years ago.  Today was live from Ft. Wayne, Indiana with 11,000 women in attendance there.  All together, all over the world, there were 190,000 women watching and participating in churches, homes, military bases, etc.  I'm so thankful that 4 women from our church have begun a Women's Ministry and hosted this event.  Way to go, girls!  It was a wonderful day!

I'm looking forward to this coming Thursday when I will attend a new Beth Moore Bible Study, Children of the Day, hosted by Shepherd's Gate.  We were "off" for the summer, and now that the kids are back in school, we can begin our studying again!

Jon was home with Jess this morning and took her out to breakfast.  When they came home, Jess occupied herself and Jon canned beets and carrots.  My son sure has gotten bit by the canning bug! Monday we're going to do pizza sauce and salsa.

A Morning With Jess

Debbie had an appointment this morning so I took Jess to breakfast.  We ate fast at by 10:00 we were at PT.  Jess talked constantly and played on her iPad.  She's been there with me before and the "skeleton" parts on the window sills upset her, so before we got there today they had removed them for me.  She was looking around for them.  I'm glad I asked them to do that for me when I was there on Wednesday.

Meijer's was next.  Debbie was finished with her appointment and met us there.  We shopped for 2 1/2 hours!  By the time I got home I was done.  Really done.  I hurt all over.  Lunch, pain medicine and upstairs in my chair to relax.

I neglected to mention that Jon came home sick last night from work.  He looked like something the cat dragged in.  I told him I had his hole ready so he could crawl in and pull the covers over.  I remember getting sick all the time I worked in the schools - for 30 years!  I caught everything.  Looks like Jon's taking after me.  There's alot of sickness in a nursing home, and when you have 25-30 residents to take care of, you end up with something.

Wednesday and Thursday

Wednesday - what a busy day!  It began with PT at 9:45, lunch with Chris then Jon and I began to can 50 ears of corn!  Fifty HUGE ears of corn. We canned 20 pints and froze 21 cups.

Roxanne had given us some tomatoes, herbs and kale.  With the kale I made "kale chips".  Jon liked them.  Jess put a piece in her mouth, took it out, looked at it, put it back in her mouth but wasn't sure what to do with it.  That was funny. I'm not crazy about the flavor. You toss the kale with olive oil and sprinkle seasoned salt on them, then bake till they are crisp. I will try them again only add sea salt instead.

We had hot dogs and beans for dinner and then I had Stephen Ministry.  Our Continuing Ed began again for another year.  When I left for church I could barely walk.  I had over done it being on my feet for so long.  When I got home I just went upstairs and got ready for bed - I was sooo tired.
Today I was "home alone".  Just Memphis and I around the house.  I kept busy all day doing wash and paperwork.  I listened to praise music and sang along.  The quiet was shattered, however, when Jessie arrived home.  She talked or yelled for several hours.  At one point she screamed "MOM!" as if the house were on fire.  I calmly replied, "Yes, Jessie."  She said, quietly, "HI!"

She is currently fixated on Halloween.  It's going to be a very long month and a half!

A Morning Out With Jon

Jon had a doctor's appointment at 10:00 a.m. and I went with him.  It was to the oncologist's office. The same doctor's office that Bill went to for his cancer treatments.  I couldn't bring myself to go with Jon the first time he went because of all the memories.  (What a wimp!)  This was his 3rd visit and I knew he really wanted me to go with him.  It is emotionally difficult for Jon, too, as his blood pressure was super high when we got there.  However, all blood work that was "off" has come back to normal range, so things look good.  Praise God!  The "bad" blood counts were probably due to medication he had been taking for several years.

I held up really well in the office until the doctor started talking to Jon (who understood all she was saying) about certain diseases and I was confused and thought he had a cancer diagnosis and almost couldn't breathe.  I questioned her and she assured me that was not the case.  Jon was better when we left the office but I felt pretty depressed for about an hour afterwards.

We went to Romeo and purchased some corn to can and I got some beautiful peach colored gladiolas for the dining room table.  Jon purchased other peach items as a treat and then we had a sub for lunch. When we got home I rested for a couple hours until Jessie got home and Brenda left.

Jessie was excited that she was able to go swimming again today.  They also tried tennis in the gym, but Brenda calls it:  "Brenda fetches the ball!". 

Peter Piper Picked A Peck Of Pickled Peppers

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers,

where's the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?

Last night when Jess was supposed to be settling down with her iPad before bed, I heard her trying to rattle off something fast.  Finally I realized it was the above saying, as she tried to mimic a couple teens on Utube.  I went over to her, took away the iPad, and rattled it off myself.  You should have seen her face!  Surprise that I knew it, then surprise that I said it fast, too!  She tried to repeat after me and ended up laughing so hard she could barely breathe!  That was so funny.  Not exactly a good way to calm someone down before bed.  We both laughed and laughed.

Today when she started to act up, I stared at her and began the saying again.  She stopped her complaining and tried to say it, too, which made her forget being ornery.  What ever works, I say!

Debbie and Jessie took me to the post office, the bank, we ate lunch at McDonald's, then they dropped me off at PT.  Tomorrow will be 4 weeks since surgery, so I won't have to use the immobilizer beginning Wednesday.  I called the surgeon's office today and they said I could begin driving, too.  Woo Hoo !!!!!  It really has been a fast 4 weeks.  I am still very limited with arm use, though.  I've got PT dates through October!

Friday, Saturday, Sunday

FRIDAY ... I had PT at 10:00 a.m. and was worked tooooo hard, if I do say so myself.  I guess that's why Jon calls PT pain and torture. However, after having the shoulder iced for 10 minutes I wasn't in any pain.  So, I guess that's good.

Jon took me and picked me back up.  When we got home we got busy and made Italian Sauce and Jon canned 10 pints for us.  I've seen enough and peeled enough tomatoes for one.year. However, we still have half a box of Romas to take care of.  Maybe we'll make goulash starter.

Jon and Jessie took me to Chris' work and from there we went to Richmond to see Bill and Larry's Uncle Jack and Aunt Betty (they live in Arizona). Uncle Jack treated all of us to dinner and to celebrate Aunt Etta's 99th birthday, which will be September 18.  She is Grandma Sutton's sister, as well as Aunt Etta.  We had a nice time, except that storms were coming and we had to cut it short. 

As we went outside to leave the restaurant, it began to rain - torrential rains - and Aunt Etta was only half-way to the van. (She's extremely slow, but at least she still walks!)  Joyce and Chris got her covered with an umbrella, but they both were drenched!  As we left, we drove right into it. That was NOT fun.  I do NOT do storms, especially driving in them.  It was still storming when we got home, with more on the way, so Chris spent the night, that is after we put her clothes in the dryer!

SATURDAY ... Jon worked and it was just Jess and me.  She spent the day helping me do various jobs.  She emptied the dish washer, she put wet clothes from the washer into the dryer and then took out the dry clothes and carried the basket to the living room.  She folded towels.  She set the table. She was a huge help to me.  She does WONDERFUL one-on-one.  Well, maybe lower case wonderful.  I also did quite a few hours of paperwork. Unfortunately, by evening, for some reason, I had to take a strong pain killer, as my entire arm hurt.  First time since I had surgery.  Not sure why. Upstairs by 8:00 p.m.

SUNDAY ... Jon worked again.  He's had two hard days.  Tonight he said, "What can I expect?  It's a full moon! Or close to it!"  I've done paperwork again most of the afternoon.  Jessie and I had our own church service in the morning and the weather was so nice I ate my meals outside and sat down on the couch on the deck and took a nap. I even got to start a new book, something I've missed doing in the past couple of weeks.  

  

Lunch With "Old" Friends

I had the pleasure of having lunch with Karen and Janet today.  They are friends from Morgan Elementary School work days.  It's been way too long since we've been together.  I've missed them - alot!

Brenda and Jessie were gone all day:  Gym to work on exercise bikes and play in the gym, Stoney Creek, and lunch.  Another good day for Jessie.

Jon cut the lawn and trimmed everything.  He also cleaned his fish tank.  He's pooped tonight.  I wonder why?

Meeting New People

I had PT this morning and when I was finished I really needed some pain medication.  Debbie and Jessie drove me and picked me back up.  At noon Jess and I had hair cut appointments.  Then we met a friend of Debbie's and her brother, who has Down Syndrome.  We met at Younger's for their $1.00 hamburger lunch.  They beat us there and got a nice table.

However, as soon as Jessie saw that we were sitting with people she did not know, she REFUSED to sit with us.  Yelling and hollering made it much worse.  We had told her ahead of time who these people were, but she panicked for some reason.  We finally got her to sit at a table next to ours and she ate by herself.  We included her in the conversation as much as we could, but I would have liked her to have sat with us.  It might have been different if we had gotten there first and she sat between Debbie and me, but you never know.

I worked on SM stuff the rest of the afternoon, then I had a SM Facilitator's meeting at 6:30 p.m.  I was able to eat dinner with Jon when he got home from work.

Jessie's Day

The pool was closed today for annual cleaning, so instead Brenda and Jessie played in the Gym and Jessie tried tennis.  They went to Burger King for lunch and FCS.  Jess had a very nice day with Brenda and a not too bad hour after she left.  However, that's when it ended.  Another melt down.  I sure wish I knew how to help my daughter.  It is so frustrating.  Not only for me, but for her.

Labor Day

Jon, Jessie and I went down to Diane and Randie's for a nice dinner at 2:00 p.m.  Di deep fried a pork loin roast which was de-licious!  Potato salad, grilled zucchini, coleslaw, tomatoes and garlic bread was the main menu with key lime pie for dessert.  We had a nice visit after we ate, then we left so we could get home before the storm hit.  We just made it in the door when the thunder and lightening started then torrential rains.  I must say, I'm really tired of all the storms we've had this year. 

Jess has been some better.  She's not yelling as much as she did yesterday.  I'm hoping each day will be better yet.