Black Friday

Rachel is home for Thanksgiving, so she worked today and she and Jessie did alot of reading, crafts and book work. Even though today was Breakfast Out Day, Rachel didn't want to take Jessie because of the crowds and Jessie, for some reason, didn't want to go either. Breakfast and lunch were at home.

Jon and I went to Diane and Randie's house and helped them put up their Christmas Village. What took them normally 3 hours was finished in half that time. We all had a good time, too. 

We went to El Charro's for lunch. We had a debate whether or not the one we went to today was the original. I said it wasn't because I remember going to a "hole in the wall" restaurant back in high school. I was partially right. The one we went to today off 14 Mile near Utica Road opened in the 1990's. The one I remember opened in 1971, so it was after graduation. Why my girlfriends and I went all the way down to El Charro's I'll never know. Or how we even knew about it. I guess that mystery won't be cleared up until I talk to my girlfriend, JoAnne, who remembers everything. She'll remember! 

When we got home Jon put up the tree in the family room. Wouldn't you know it? Some of the lights are out. We finally get a beautiful tree, in 3 sections, complete with lights and one group goes out. Right in the middle of the tree. Same thing as the tree in the living room. Guess we'll have to string a set of lights on it. 

I hope every one had a memorable Thanksgiving and a good day today.

Thanksgiving's Post

I finally called Comcast tonight and I now have internet and e-mail on my computer. Well, at least tonight I do. Here's Thanksgiving's post a day late ...

Julie, Kylee and Lynzee came for the day. Jon fixed the Cornish hens and we did a couple winter crafts. Then when the hens were almost done we all converged in the kitchen, fell over one another and all worked together to get the rest of the meal cooked and ready to eat. It was a delicious meal. I haven't eaten that much at one time in over 5 weeks (the time I've been on Weight Watcher's). It definitely did not make me feel good. I'm glad I don't eat like that anymore.

Jessie thoroughly enjoyed her entire meal. I cut the legs off the hen for her but she didn't want me to cut anymore off. She picked that thing clean. She'd get a bone, eat all the meat and throw the bone in a dish. Julie sat across from her and kept laughing. If Jessie took a breath, we didn't see it. She was even too busy eating to give a 1 or 2 thumbs up! She got the clean plate award at the end of the meal!

The picture on the left was taken after the meal, while we took a half hour in the kitchen to clean up before dessert. Jess sat there the entire time. She wasn't about to get up without her pumpkin ice cream pie. She only gets it twice a year - Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's her favorite.

While dessert was settling, we decorated gingerbread cookies. It was supposed to be for a gingerbread train, but it was too complicated for so many of us. (Jess ate hers today - Friday - and kept saying "MMMMMMM"  "MMMMMMM".

In all, it was a very nice Thanksgiving.

Tuesday and Wednesday

It's been a couple of good days, except that I'm having trouble with my computer, e-mail and internet. Sometimes I have it, sometimes I don't. Right now I have it - just hope this will send.

Yesterday Jon and I spent the day out going to several places. Brenda took Jessie swimming, out to lunch and a store.  Today the three of us went to breakfast at the Country Inn then shopped at Wiegand's to see all the Christmas decorations.

Jessie hasn't shut up since we left this morning. It's a wonder she can speak at all with as much talking and yelling she's done all day. She's not stopped. She's watching Barney on Utube and singing along with the kids. Prior to that it was Table for 12. I can't wait for peace and quiet when she's asleep.

A Day With Jessie

This morning before we came downstairs for breakfast:
Me:   Jessie - will you help me make the bed?
Jessie (running down hallway to her room): NO
Me:   Jessie!  You slept in it!
Jessie:  I know, Mom!  (Slamming her bedroom door.)


Debbie and her family are in California for the week - their annual Thanksgiving week vacation. Jess and I drove through McDonald's for a sausage McMuffin breakfast and ate in the van. Walgreen's and the post office were next. We were going to go to lunch, but we were expecting (and did get) high winds this afternoon. I didn't want to be out in that. They were pretty scary winds today, and they continue. Lots of thuds on the roof where I assume branches broke off and fell.


Jessie's major job every other day or so is to empty the dishwasher of the clean dishes. She does a really good job and doesn't want anyone to help her with it. I was in the kitchen with her as she was doing this today. One of the glasses had water on top. What did she do? She took her shirt and wiped the top of the glass with her shirt. I've NEVER seen her do that before. Interesting.

"A Christmas Carol"

This afternoon I took Julie, Kylee and Lynzee to Meadow Brook Theatre to see A Christmas Carol for their Christmas present. None of them had ever been to the Theatre before and they really had a good time. We had super good seats - 3rd row in the center.

A half hour prior to the show the carolers sang and they stood right in front of us. Kylee liked them the best.

I've seen this play at Meadow Brook Theatre at least 6 times but some of it seemed different to me, either that or I'm really beginning to forget. There were several performers that were the same, yet many new ones. Especially the children. I'm sure they have to be replaced quite often since children grow up! Tiny Tim was sooooo cute this year. Maybe 3 years old. The star of the show, besides Scrooge, of course.

We went to Lucky's in Rochester for dinner and came right home so they could go home.  All 3 of them deliver papers and they were up since 4:30 this morning. A very hard way to earn money, in my opinion. I give them alot of credit.

Applesauce Day

Today was our Second Annual (although we missed last year) Applesauce Day. Chris, Rox, Jon and I worked for 2 1/2 hours and turned 3 bushels of Macintosh and Yellow Delicious apples into yummy applesauce. Working together takes the "sting" out of the work and gives us an opportunity to visit and catch up with one another.

Jess was very good occupying herself with her iPad, beads and Apples 2 Apples cards. However, she did manage to drive me nuts:

Jess (at breakfast table):  Mom!
Me:  Yes?
Jess: Lunch?
Me: Let's eat breakfast first.
Jess: OK
Jess: Mom?
Me: Yes, Jessie?
Jess: Dinner?

This conversation continued the entire day. Please don't laugh.

I Am Exhausted

I left the house this morning at 10:30 for my last PT for my knee. One year after surgery. My second "graduation" in a month. I'm definitely going to have to stop in now and then and visit the girls. I won't miss the exercises but I will miss them.

After PT I spent 45 minutes at the Macomb County Sheriff's Sub Station for an Officer so that I could turn in the latest paper regarding my identify theft. Then I had to wait about 15 minutes in line at the post office for a package that wouldn't fit in the box.

Debbie, Jessie and I went to McDonald's for lunch then went to Judy's to have her fix 3 new shirts for Jessie. She's got such short arms, at least 6" or more needs to be cut off of each sleeve. Meijer's for gas was next then I dropped them off at home so Debbie could do her paperwork and I went to Meijer's to begin grocery shopping for 2 weeks. There's no way I'm going to Meijer's next week. Debbie brought Jessie to me and she left at her normal time. We didn't get home until 5:15 pm. and it took us about an hour to bring in all the bags and Jessie emptied each one. My back was killing me so I took some pain medicine and sat down for a bit. Jess missed her 4:00 snack time so she had it at 5:30 p.m.

I was just too tired to fix dinner so I sent Jon a text and asked him if he minded meeting us for dinner out after work. Of course, the answer was yes. Jess and I split a fish and chip dinner. Jon, Jess and I have been on Weight Watchers for the past month. We've all lost. I'm glad that we can go out to eat and have anything we want, we just have to count our points. Jon's lost the most, but that's par for him and men in general.

It's 10:49 p.m. right now and Jessie is yelling at me that she wants "10 more minutes!" before going upstairs. I think not.

Just Another Day

Jon took me out to breakfast then dropped me off to get a pedicure. Brenda came and took Jessie out most of the day. She had gym class and they went to Subway for a salad for lunch. They came home early because the snow squalls were making driving hazardous. Jon worked in his office most of the day and I worked on the computer most of the day. That's about it.

This year I decided NOT to put the Christmas trees up until after Thanksgiving. I wanted to extend the fall decorations in my house another week or two. However, with all the snow we have they look out of place. Jessie is so excited as it is about Christmas and the snow. She wanted me to put the tree up today. I'm holding out.

First Snowfall Of The Year

All I can say is that I'm very glad we do not live in Buffalo, NY.  Our scant 1 1/2 to 2" of snow made roads very slick and traffic backed up for miles. I went to lunch with Chris in Romeo and coming home was very slow. I had Stephen Ministry tonight and with it still snowing and blowing it was slick. However, it was much better than the 5+ feet out east. We still have leaves on the ground, now under snow, that need to be picked up. Pumpkin decorations are still up. I hope they don't freeze in the ground before I can get out there and remove them.

Debbie took Jessie out for an hour or so this morning then stayed home the rest of the day doing this and that. Apparently Jessie was very tired tonight because Jon said she put herself to bed and was sleeping by 8:00 p.m. I sure hope that doesn't mean she'll be up before 6:00 a.m.

Home Alone

Jon worked and Brenda had Jessie out all day. They went to the Gym and went swimming, lunch at Subway and out and about. It was just Memphis and me. I did something I've never done before: I sat down for 90 minutes and watched a DVD. Then, of course, I did laundry, swept and vacuumed and did paperwork. The house sure was quiet. That is, until Jessie lumbered through the door. I can always count on noise from Jessie.

A Visit With Ashley

Ashley, Sean's bride, came just before dinner to pick up a piece of furniture that we had stored for them for a bit. I invited her to stay for dinner and because Sean was working until late, she accepted. We had a very nice visit. When Jon got home around 8:00, we were still talking at the kitchen table. I hope she makes this a regular stop on her way home each week or so.

My PT is coming to a close. Next Monday I'll be evaluated to see how I'm doing. I'm sure I'll "graduate" and be able to continue the strengthening exercises at home. I've built up more stamina in my leg and I'm pleased with that.

You Can't Compare Celery to Orchids

I was pretty excited yesterday to notice that my celery was growing. We tried this in the garden this summer but it practically drowned in all the rain we had.

Then, I received a picture from Randie of her orchids that have bloomed. Oh, my! Gorgeous! Jessie and I had breakfast with Diane and Randie this morning then we went and visited them for a couple hours. The orchids are exceptional.  And I was excited about my celery!

When Jess and I left we visited Jon for about 5 minutes at his work then shopped at Walmart's. We spent quite a bit of time in the Christmas, videos and toy department. Jessie wanted to buy everything she saw. We could easily have spent thousands of dollars if I let her. She did get a couple $5.00 DVD's, a book and some Frozen tickers.

In all, it was a very nice day. Except for the fact that Jessie has been overly loud. Right now she's on the couch in time out because she was watching Super Nanny 911 before I caught on and she's probably mimicking the kids. How she finds these sites on Utube is beyond me. She has not shut up for hours. She's still talking. You'd think her lips would freeze up.

The Royal Treat Tea Room

Some of our Stephen Ministry Ladies went to the Royal Treat Tea Room for lunch today. Diane and Randie took me there for my birthday and I knew our ladies would enjoy it. There were 12 of us, as you can see from the above picture. I even got in the picture - look in the mirror! Everyone had a really nice time. No one (but me) had ever been there before, so it was a nice experience for the ladies. The scones were absolutely delicious, as well as the salad and quiche. And, of course, the tea. The water was almost scalding hot - that's what makes a great cup of tea.

Thanks, Jon, for watching Jessie today. And, for the delicious rainbow trout we had for dinner. Jon is a great cook. The trout almost tasted like salmon. In all, a very nice day.

 

An Unexpected Meeting With "Old" Friends

Tonight I went to Wiegand's for a Ladies Night Out with 3 of my "Glory Girl" friends. Lynn got our tickets for us quite awhile ago. They cut off ticket sales at 500, so you can imagine how many women were there. Luckily the place is big. The $10.00 entrance fee went to The Turning Point. There was free wine, punch, water, cheese and crackers and vegetables and dip. We also got a free scone and an itsy bitsy cupcake. Most every woman had a two-layer push cart and was walking out with it full.

When we were almost done, I turned a corner and saw 3 ladies I used to work with away back when at Havel Elementary School: Ann, Mitzi and Barb. It was really nice to see them again. We took out our calendars and set a lunch date for December.

Jessie had a pretty good day with Debbie. Breakfast out, Meijer grocery shopping and several other stops. Jon went out for awhile then began rearranging and cleaning the basement. He's going to paint his model down there and needs a big, clean area. When I got home from PT, I went and helped him for about a half hour.

Just Holdin' On

When I arrived at Bible Study this morning I noticed an almost bare tree. It was ready for winter - except for a very few leaves just holdin' on at the top. Kinda reminds me of life. Sometimes we're just holdin' on, not wanting to go to the next phase of our lives. Looking ahead looks scary. That's when I remind myself that Jesus is already there. I don't have to hold on. I can boldly let go and step into the next phase of my life, what ever that may be, trusting that Jesus has a plan and I'll be alright.

Bible Study is finished until January 15, except for one stand-alone study in December called, Advent, by Beth Moore. At least now I'll have a half-day more to do stuff around the house.

Jon picked me up after study and we went to Partridge Creek and I purchased myself a new iPad. Being in the Apple store is like being aboard a mother ship with a bunch of robots moving people from one seat to another - to wait. It's definitely a unique store. I do have to admit that the employees know their field. I took my old phone in, which we use as an iPod for Jessie, thinking I needed a new battery. The battery was perfect. I just needed to close alot of applications that had notifications open. Makes one feel rather stupid, I might add.

Another Busy Day

I visited Ortha this morning for about an hour. We had a nice chat and I took her books to read from my personal library, which I might add, is a very nice one. From there I went to help Doreen with some trim work in her dining room. I had PT at 2:15 then went back to finish up at Doreen's. After dinner (which was a gift from Doreen) I packed 2 rubbermaids to be shipped to Lois. So, needless to say, I'm very tired.

Where Do My Days Go?

Do yours pass as swiftly as mine?  Joyce and Carol came to visit this morning for a couple hours, then I had a quick lunch and Marilyn picked me up for a SM Leader's meeting. Chris brought me home and I brought in the garbage cans and worked outside for an hour putting final touches on the yard. Tomorrow is supposed to be in the 30's and I don't like working outside when it's that cold. By that time I needed to sit down and rest a bit.  Jessie got home, Brenda left, dinner had to be made, clothes folded from the dryer, then Jessie wanted to go to bed early so up we went. And now it's time for me to go upstairs and finish my Bible Study for Thursday, which is our last class. This has gone by all too fast.

Precision Timing Was Required For Today

Jessie and I were out the door by 8:50 a.m. and met Debbie at church. I had a meeting until 11:00 and Debbie took Jessie out to breakfast. When my meeting was finished I went to the bank, post office and home for 15 minutes then left again. Lunch was drive thru McDonald's for a grilled chicken snack wrap and yogurt and on to get my hair done at noon. When I was under the dryer, I took a quick nap. From there I stopped at Hallmark in Romeo then went to PT from 2:45 until 4:00 pm.  I finally got home and have stayed home. Gladly.

My Football Girl

Jon, Jessie and I went to the Hamlin Pub after church and met Sean, Ashley and Eric for lunch. The place was packed and our usual spot was taken, which did not sit well with Jessie.  She wanted to go up to those people and tell them to move! Ashley, Sean and Eric were already sitting at a high table with bar stools, and since Jessie wouldn't sit on one of those chairs, we sat next to them at a small table for 2.

The Lions were playing today and, of course, it was broadcast on many of the tv's in the place. There were several times that cheers went up in the entire place, including Jessie's cheers!  She raised both arms up and yelled, "YES!" Then she gave me a high 5.  She would also yell, "YEAH! FOOTBALL!"  

As you know, Jessie doesn't like going places that are loud, and today was loud.  However, I think she was glad that she could yell like everyone else and I didn't tell her to be quiet like I do wherever we go.  She's too funny. My football girl.

A Funeral and Applesauce

Aunt Etta's funeral was this morning at 11:00 but I arrived there around 10:15 a.m.  There were about 30 people in attendance. We went to the golf course north of Capac for the funeral dinner.  It was really good.  Chris, the boys and I have eaten there before and their food is delicious.

I got home about 2:30 and by 3:15 I had a chicken dinner in the crock pot and Jon and I turned a bushel of apples into applesauce. We canned 7 quarts, froze a container, ate some for dinner and there's some in the fridge for later. I've never had so many dishes drying on the counter as I have tonight. I usually clean up as we go along, but there wasn't time.  I have wrinkled hands.  BUT, alot was accomplished.  

Jessie began screaming at me a few minutes ago. I told her my back hurt and she didn't like that. I told her if she didn't stop yelling at me I'd take away the iPad. She got really ticked and went upstairs. Oh, well! I hope she falls asleep early tonight.

From One Thing To Another

Debbie and Jessie left for breakfast with Kelly and I did some paperwork so I could go to the bank.  I also went to the post office, Debby's Dollar, Michael's, Home Depot and Meijer's to get gas.  When I got home Debbie was ready to leave early and Rachel came to take her place.  It just so happened that Rachel was coming home for the weekend and called me yesterday to see if she could work any days. Debbie had to leave early and I had Rachel take her afternoon hours plus watch Jess so I could go to the funeral home for Aunt Etta. (Jon was working.) Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to go. Her weekend home was a blessing to me.

It's always sad when someone so old passes away. Aunt Etta out lived all her siblings, except for Aunt Betty and her older friends. She was active in her church so there were a few people that came that she knew from there. The woman that always picked up Aunt Etta for church came along with her twin girls, who are 14 years old. Both girls were crying and having a hard time. What a nice tribute to a 99 year old that 14 year old girls cared so much for her.

Aunt Etta

Bill's cousin Carol called me last night while I was at SM to let me know that Aunt Etta, Grandma Sutton's sister, passed away a few hours earlier. She passed away peacefully sitting in her chair in her room.

Aunt Etta was 99 years old. The first picture was taken in 2010 and the second picture was taken in May of this year. Uncle Jack and Aunt Betty (the last sibling) was here in September and we gathered for a birthday party at a restaurant for Aunt Etta. She will be missed.

I went to Bible Study then came home and worked around the house. I had it all to myself. It was quiet and peaceful. That ended at 4:00 when Brenda brought Jessie home from grocery shopping, the Gym and McDonald's.

When Jon got home from work tonight he asked me if Jessie talked about Dad today. Apparently when Jessie was in her bedroom last night Jon could hear her talking:  "Jesus, Heaven, Heart, Daddy, OK."

Before Brenda left she said that Jessie talked about her daddy all day long and was very wound up. She went to bed early tonight, too. Still aggitated.  I hope tomorrow is a better day for her.

People who have Down Syndrome typically have difficulty with time. Events that happened in their lives years earlier may all of a sudden be like it was just a few hours ago to them.

Shopping Day

I slept in bed all night (versus the chair) and I woke in a lot of pain in my back. I took some pain medicine then spent the day out with Doreen and Shiloh.  We shopped for items for Lois and a few things for me. We were gone all day and I am pleased that I was able to walk as much as I did (it didn't hurt my back to walk, either). Since I've begun therapy for my knee, I have gained strength and stamina that I haven't had in years.  We had lunch at Applebee's and I picked up a Little Caeser's pizza for supper because I was too tired to make anything. Then I had Stephen Ministry tonight. My eyes are crossing - it's time to go to bed.

Jessie had a good day with Debbie.  They went to Kohl's to pay my bill, Meijer's to return pop bottles then picked up lunch at Wendy's and ate it at home at "the big table!" Jon spent several hours outside cutting the lawn, picking up leaves and weeding.  He did a great job. I am so thankful that he is a hard worker and has taken on a lot of responsibility around the house.  His back is so much better than it was on the weekend. The steroids have worked well.  

At A Loss For Words

I'm staring at the screen wondering what is noteworthy of today.  Nothing that needs to go down in print for the future.  Thus, good night!

Racing Against The Clock

Last night I set my alarm for 7:45 this morning and I don't remember shutting it off.  I woke at 8:15 and I had to be out of the house by 8:50, along with Jessie.  Talk about racing against the clock!  I had a meeting at 9:00 and Debbie picked up Jessie there, then they went to Panera Bread for a bagel. Debbie needed to leave early and we usually go to McDonald's for a grilled chicken snack wrap on Monday's for lunch. I worked on the computer for a bit then noticed that it was getting late so I'm rushing around trying to get Jessie out the door so we can go to McDonald's and be back on time for Debbie to leave.  I thought it was 1:00 and Debbie had to leave at 2.  Rush, rush, rush.  We made it to McDonald's, I sat down, then looked at my watch - it was an hour earlier than I thought!  I had not set the clocks in the family room at home. Talk about feeling stupid!

I worked outside for about a half hour before PT, but had to cut PT short because my back hurt from working outside.  I can't win.

Tonight the "Glory Girls" met at Caroline's house to celebrate Pat's birthday. Thanks so much, Caroline, for hosting and for the delicious chicken. It was a great evening. Lots of laughter. I'm so blessed to have such good friends. Thank you, Jesus, for friendships. You knew we needed one another for encouragement and fun times. I'm blessed.

Well, now I have to "rush" upstairs and do my homework for Bible Study and get Jessie settled down and try to get her to go to sleep.  She was up again this morning around 7:00.

Something I learned from Bible Study last week: when we refer to time, we're always talking about running out of time, never having enough time or lost time. The Bible speaks of time as a future event. Such as "at just the right time", or "for such a time as this", or the foretelling of Christ's return: "This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels." (2 Thess. 1:7b)  I thought this was an interesting concept.

Daylight Savings Time Stinks

You can be sure that who ever thought up day light savings never had children or animals. Jessie was up before 7:00 this morning - in the dark.  I tried to get her to go back to bed but it didn't work.  Then Memphis, who gets fed around 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. was all messed up. It's going to take us at least a week to get back to a normal time schedule.

Jess and I met Chris at Leo's Coney Island for lunch.  It was packed and super loud; however, Jessie did pretty good.  Chris came back to the house and we watched "Mom's Night Out" and had a good laugh. Unfortunately, Jessie wanted to watch it, too, and was very loud and noisy. That was quite distracting for Chris.

Jon got home a few minutes ago from work and his back is very bad.  He's hoping to get to the doctor in the morning. Unfortunately, he has his Grandma Jonas' back: degenerative disc disorder.

"Just You And Me"

Jessie seemed pleased that it was "just you and me" today. She vacuumed, which she's never done before. It wasn't a perfect job, but I didn't redo it. She took out the garbage and put it in the proper container outside. She helped me get our mail at the post office, and threw away the garbage at McDonald's, where we ate lunch.  She pushed the basket at Meijer's and scanned all the groceries. She did a wonderful job. Right now she's cleaning up her corner in the family room. Not sure what's gotten into her, but I'll take it!