Sunday

Jessie and I had a nice breakfast at home then she watched her iPad and played with her cards. I sat on the couch and watched the last 2 sermons from church that I've missed. At 1:00 pm we met Chris, Sean and Ashley at Chili's for lunch. Chris came back to the house and we visited then watched a taped Hallmark Christmas movie. Jon had a good day at work. He had dinner and is getting cleaned up and ready for bed so he can watch "The Walking Dead". An hour that he is unavailable unless we are bleeding to death!

A Date With Jessie

We started our day late by going to the post office and bank before we had breakfast at Benny's. From there we looked around Big Lots and Target. When we got home I was barely able to walk, my feet hurt so bad. I took some pain medication and sat down for a couple hours with my feet up. No work around the house today. A wasted day in regards to straightening up the dining room, which is a disaster, but Jessie enjoyed her day out with me. And I with her, too! A "just you and me" day.

Jessie Loves Stuffed Animals

... and, the bigger, the better!  Rachel took Jessie to K Mart and Big Lots for something to do this afternoon. Jessie found the bear she wants for Christmas. I'm not so sure that wish will come true, as there's no where to put it. Unless we put him on the couch! Wouldn't that be something?

I've worked all day long without many rest stops. I'm trying hard to get this house put back together before we begin decorating for Christmas. When I worked, we always put the tree up on the Friday after Thanksgiving because Bill and I both had the day off. Later on we moved it to the week BEFORE Thanksgiving so that we could enjoy the holiday weekend and do family things. This year because of all the renovations, I'm hoping for December 1.

Thanks, Rachel, for taking pictures of Jessie so that I can see what she does when she's out. It means a lot to me.

Jon cleaned half of his bedroom and helped me do the heavy work. I'm really ready to put my feet up and read my book.

Happy Thanksgiving

The scones that Jessie and Rachel made yesterday went along really well with Jon's scrambled eggs for breakfast. Jon and I spent the morning doing odds and ends around the house, putting things back where they belong from having our floors done.

Jessie spent an hour or so in her bedroom watching DVD's, then the rest of the day on her iPad.

I worked a bit then sat down a bit. Unfortunately, for some unknown reason, both of my feet are swollen and hurt.

We didn't have dinner until around 5:30 p.m. Jon cooked a rabbit (no one liked it) in the crock pot and put the turkey (it was an old bird!) in the oven. Boxed stuffing and sweet brussell sprouts with bacon was our main meal. Home made applesauce and pickles, along with olives and coleslaw were sides. Pumpkin pie from Sam's Club was our only dessert. It was amazing. Especially since we added pumpkin ice cream to go along with it!

We gave Jessie a turkey leg and the girl had that thing picked clean. Notice her little pinkie raised in the air? Cute.

I hope that you and yours had a wonderful and memorable 2015 Thanksgiving. God's blessings on each one of you.

Another Funeral

My day began at the funeral of a 95 year old friend, Jennie. I've known her for over 30 years and her funeral was attended by over 100 people - at least. Her life was a testimony to the salvation of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The pastor that spoke said that usually when someone dies in their 90's, the funeral isn't well attended because not many of their friends are left. Not so with Jenny's. She impacted young and old alike. Since I used to attend the church in the 70's where the funeral was held, I knew many people that I hadn't seen in many, many years. It was like a family reunion.

From the funeral I went to the post office, bank, Walgreen's, got a pedicure, Home Depot and Meijer's. When I got home I was more than ready to put my feet up and relax.

Rachel and Jessie read books, did Thanksgiving crafts, and made us Michigan Cherry Scones for tomorrow's breakfast. They went for a little drive in the afternoon.

Jon was very glad to get home from work tonight.

Good Bye, My Friend

Today was the funeral of the mother of one of my high school friends, Lynn. I've known the family for 47 years. Lorraine was an exceptional Christian woman who was friends with everyone she met and took care of every one else. I spent MANY hours in their home during and after high school and for many years after that. Her funeral was very beautiful, but for me it was like losing my mom all over again. It was an emotionally hard day for me. I do know that I'll see her once again when it's my time to cross over and go to Heaven. She's probably getting food ready for all of us, as this was her favorite thing to do - feed people.

Diane came to stay at the house while the installer finished the flooring and Art Van delivered a new entertainment center. Brenda took Jessie swimming then to Subway. She left at 1:30 p.m. and Rachel took over since Brenda needed to go to the funeral home for a close friend of ours. Her funeral is tomorrow. I've never had 2 funerals back to back before. I'm just thankful they weren't on the same day! I would have had to make a choice.

I need to get Jessie upstairs. She's asleep on the couch sitting up. We waited until Jon got home to eat dinner (8:00 p.m.) so it put me way behind. It was my fault, though, since I took a couple hour nap on the couch after Rachel left and I put a few things back where they belong.

Roscoe The Clown

Rachel took Jessie out for breakfast since the kitchen had been emptied of all furniture, and the new floor was being put down. They also went to Meijer's and to the Library. They spent the rest of the afternoon in Jessie's bedroom.

Jon arrived home around 1:15 p.m.  I had fun watching him travel on my phone on the app Find My Friends.

The kids and I went to Benny's tonight for dinner. As soon as we walked in I saw a clown and kids hollering. I thought that maybe we should turn around and go somewhere else. I thought it was a birthday party.

However, we stayed with I found out that Roscoe the Clown comes on Monday's, and Jess didn't seem to mind at first. She was sure it was Benny! Unbelievably, Jessie did really well. She answered all his questions when he came to our table, except that her eyes were closed the entire time. He made her a pink rabbit. We did end up having a very nice meal and she didn't seem to mind the kids being loud and excited.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Friday was spent putting stuff back in to the dining room. We're still not done. I'm also getting rid of quite a bit of stuff that I haven't used in a long time. When I went to post, we had no internet.

Saturday Jon left at 6:30 a.m. to go to Indiana and visit his best friend, Jacob, and his wife, Hannah. Winter Storm Bella (didn't know we now name winter storms) began around 8:00 a.m. Jon was able to miss all the snow. It rained on his way down a bit but that was all.

I had a SM Thanksgiving Celebration at Penna's from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. If I hadn't organized it, and if it wasn't catered, I should have stayed home. The roads weren't bad the closer we got to the restaurant. Up by us, not so. This was a weird storm as it has been so warm that snow did not accumulate on road ways as it did on the grass. The party was very nice, but I was glad to be home and watch the snow fall from inside. This picture was taken outside the restaurant.

Today, Sunday, dawned with bright sunshine and about 10-12" of snow. It warmed up a bit and snow began to melt. It was a beautiful snowfall last night and this morning. However, we were snowbound. There was no way I could go out and shovel. The snow was VERY wet and heavy. I spent quite a bit of time looking for someone to dig me out. I was getting more discouraged but I kept praying that God would take care of me (a promise in the Bible) and send someone to help.

About a half hour later, the door bell rang and a young adult was asking if he could clean my driveway for me. He didn't have a job and needed to make money to pay some bills. He said he lived around the corner and his fiance (with a child due in June) was in the car while he went door to door. I told him that God had sent him to me. You should have seen the startled look on his face! We talked a bit and then he dug us out. I cried. God was faithful - yet again - in taking care of me.

A Disappointed Jessie

When we emptied the dining room of all the furniture, Jessie kept saying "ten presents!" and pointing to the middle of the floor and kept saying, "toys".  She also pointed to the middle of the floor and said, "Christmas tree!" Apparently, she thought we were getting ready for Christmas and would have the tree out in the dining room this year where she'd get ten presents and play with her toys. Well, she was disappointed this afternoon as I moved the table back to it's place in the middle of the floor. Sometimes I wonder how her brain figures out things.

Before and After

It has been a week of work and progress. Our large dining room in the family room has needed a new floor for years. Our "old" floor was peel and stick. It was the second flooring in over 20 years. It is an area that is used daily.

One older gentleman came and put down a new vinyl floor today. We really like it. It's soft and bright. I can't wait to get the furniture back in there. The floor is all done except for molding that he will finish tomorrow.

Jessie had Art class then Jets for a pizza lunch. Rachel kept her out as much as she could so she wouldn't bother the installer. Jon went out in the morning to several places and when he returned, I went out. He had sunshine. I had clouds and rain.

One of my stops was Sam's Club so I purchased one of their pizzas for our dinner. I felt bad that Jess had pizza for lunch AND dinner, but I got 2 thumbs up at dinner. I guess it didn't bother her at all.

Self Defense For Seniors

A few Stephen Ministry ladies met for lunch then went to the Twp. Hall for a free class on Self Defense for Seniors. It was REALLY good and our girls were pumped! First we had a great time at lunch and visiting, then we listened to the instructor give us tips on being safe in our homes and in the community. I wish the class had been longer. He was very interesting.

Jessie and Brenda went swimming. When Brenda prepared the shower for Jessie to get in and get cleaned up, she said that Jessie got right out and hollered "COLD!" Apparently they didn't have any hot water. I can just imagine what her face must have looked like. 

Jessie's Fun Day

Rachel and Jessie went to the Library this morning then went to Meijer's. Jessie spent quite a bit of time in the Christmas aisles. The hat she's wearing has a twirling top, which is why she's laughing so hard. Then, I guess she wants a new Christmas stocking this year! I think ALL her presents would fit in this stocking!






November 16 ... I had sandals on, a short sleeved shirt, capris and no coat as we worked outside a bit this afternoon. No jacket for Jess, either! Rachel showed Jessie how to pick up the leaves using my new "extended hands". I was astonished that it took her about 1 minute to be shown how to do it and she was an immediate pro. She filled up an entire yard waste container. I was very impressed.

I LOVE this picture! Jessie took the "extended hands", flapped them behind her like a duck and said, "Quack, quack!" Rachel laughed so hard and Jess kept doing it. As I said earlier, Jess had a good day!

Breakfast Out

Jessie and I met Diane and Randie at Benny's this morning for breakfast. Usually, we go down by their house, but today they came out here. We visited for a couple hours after breakfast. When they left I continued emptying the dining room. We are having new linoleum put down on the family room dining room floor on Wednesday. Sean and Chris came to help me move the larger pieces. I'm exhausted and need pain medicine. I'll be lucky if I live through this project. (Jon had to work.)

Thursday, Friday and Saturday

THURSDAY we were very fortunate not to lose power. I decided that Jessie didn't need to be out in strong winds so I kept her home, didn't go to Bible Study, and did paperwork. I got a lot done. Brenda didn't mind having a "day off". I did venture out and had lunch with Jessie's former Speech teacher. It was nice to catch up on each other. She is missed.

FRIDAY was still a bit windy, but nothing like the day before. Jessie and I took Jon to leave his jeep to be serviced at 7:45 a.m. (NOT my favorite time of the day!) We went out for breakfast then the bank. Rachel came and took Jessie to see the new Snoopy movie at an EMAGINE theatre. I've never been to one. Jessie did well, according to Rachel. Then they went grocery shopping. Jess had a really good day.

Jon and I spent the rest of the day shopping. We had a nice time together.

TODAY - SATURDAY - has been a working day around the house. We are having a new vinyl floor put down in the family room's dining room on Wednesday, and furniture needs to be moved out of that room. I've been cleaning while I go along so it's taking me a bit more time. Too much work, too, as I've had to take several rounds of pain medicine.

I took Jess to our usual McDonald's lunch around 2:00 p.m. then to Walgreen's. There was an older foreign lady  that was behind us in line that wanted to know if she could buy Jessie a bag of M&M's. Jess was excited about that. I thanked her for her kindness and said, "God bless you!"

When we got to the car she scurried over and handed us two small bags of animal crackers, too. Then, she asked me to pray for her. Her husband was just getting home from the hospital with a heart issue. I assured her I would. Definitely a God moment. Nothing is by chance.

Another Beautiful Day - Not So Tomorrow

Rachel took Jessie to Art Class then to a park to swing and walk. It was a sunshiny day. In the 50's, I think. I was outside for a bit this afternoon and blew some leaves and brought in the garbage cans. We are expecting a "November Witch" tonight and all day tomorrow. The same type of weather system that sunk the Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975. Extremely high winds. The western side of Michigan is expecting 20 foot waves. Doesn't sound like fun to me. I pray that we don't lose power.

Sleep Won !!

Jessie wasn't being very nice tonight when I had company. I was training a SM to be a Supervision Group Facilitator and Jess kept yelling and demanding stuff. Jon came home and when I finished training, the 3 of us talked for a bit in the dining room. Jessie had taken a bag of popcorn (that she wasn't supposed to have) and her ice water and sat on the floor by the stairs to listen to us. After awhile I realized she was toooooo quiet so I went to check up on her. Yup. Sound asleep on the stairs. I guess she was just too tired to keep her eyes open any longer.

Sunday and Monday

Sunday was a very nice day! Jon had off so we were able to attend church. It was a great sermon from a new series "Advent Conspiracy".

I stopped at McDonald's on the way home from church and got some grilled chicken snack wraps for lunch since we were all going out to dinner later. I was able to sit down and relax before Rachel came at 4:30 p.m. to be with Jessie while Jon and I had a "date night".

Rachel took Jessie to Big Boy's for dinner and then they stayed home.

I had gotten a Groupon for a local restaurant and we had NY Strip Steaks, which I never order. It was good. From there we went to Woodside Troy for the Passion concert with Kristen Stanfill, their "Even So Come" tour. It was the last night of their fall tour and, oh my! It was an awesome concert. So full of energy and praise. I was definitely in the minority, though. Mostly teens and young adults. I didn't care. If I could have jumped, I'd have been jumping along with them. I did bounce.

I was too keyed up and tired to blog last night.


Today, Monday, has been busy, as usual. Jon had an early doctor's appointment. I had an appointment, then we met up for a late breakfast and shopping. Paperwork and wash completed the afternoon.

When I turned the calendar over from October to November, November was almost empty. Now, it's so full I am tired looking at it.

Southeast Michigan Stephen Ministry Network Conference

I'm sure I've mentioned a time or two that I am not a fan of early morning. I am a light-night soul. At 5:57 a.m. I got up for the day because I had to be at church by 7:15 to car pool to the conference. It was a good conference, but I dragged the entire time. Nine ladies from our church went to lunch after the conference and enjoyed each other's company very much. There was a lot of laughter coming from our table the entire time we were there.  I was exhausted when I got home so I took a nap. I'm such a wimp. Dinner was grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.

Jon was home and worked in the garden. Rachel came to spend time with Jessie and they stayed home the entire day but had a good day. Jess even took an hour and a half nap!

I Should Have Started Today Over

Prior to 9:20 a.m., things went well. Jessie and Rachel left for breakfast with Kelly. I had a 9:50 a.m. breakfast with one friend and a noon lunch with another. Or, at least that's what I thought!  At 9:20 my noon lunch date texted me and wondered where I was. I told her I had her down for lunch but she preferred we meet for breakfast. So I texted my other friend and told her I had to cancel, hoping she'd get the text before leaving a class and going to meet me.

I went to the restaurant to meet my "noon date", only she wasn't there. I texted her and I had the wrong restaurant! I mean, really. Seriously? When I finally got to the restaurant I walked behind a van and almost got run over by a guy who was pulling through parking spots.

When in the restaurant my "breakfast date" texted me to see where I was then realized I had texted her - AFTER she was already in the restaurant. She ate alone. Talk about getting things mixed up! I always look at my calendar before leaving for the day and for some reason I had all the times and places mixed up. I wonder when I wrote those things down? Can I claim insanity for about 3 minutes?

I felt really bad, but thankfully my friends are easy going and they didn't mind. I ended up going to visit my "breakfast date" after breakfast with my "lunch date".

Yet Another Beautiful Day

It wasn't as warm as yesterday, but only by a few degrees. And, the sun didn't shine much, but for November? I'll take it. After Bible Study I spent about an hour outside blowing leaves and picking them up with my new (handicapped) leaf picks. I still had to bend over a bit, but not as much if I were to use my hands.

Brenda took Jessie to Gym Class and before they parked the van, they were on the look out for burglars! I'm not sure if Jess could see out of her eyes, but she tried! Too funny.

Grocery shopping, Gym class, McDonald's and the park were on Jessie's agenda today. After Brenda left, Jess and I went to pick up a bushel of yellow delicious apples from "my apple lady". We enjoyed a McDonald's ice cream cone on the way home. After all, it was the perfect weather for ice cream.

76 Degrees and Sunny!

Woo Hoo !!! The high temperatures and sunny skies have been the talk of the town lately. Jon went with me to the surgeon who did my knee replacement surgery 2 years ago for my annual xray to see if it is still in the right place and hasn't loosened up any. I remember last year having to take a pair of shorts for my xray since I was wearing long pants. Not today ... shorts, summer top and sandals.

We waited 1 1/2 hours to get to the back, have my xray and 3 minutes to see the doctor. Everything looked good to him on the xray's, so I don't have to go back until next November!

November 3 ... 75 degrees !!!

We had another awesome weather day. If I were able to bend over, I would have been outside working in the yard. Instead, I spent an hour or so at the table on the back deck rolling coins. AND, no one was burning leaves! Then I spent hours on the computer doing Stephen Ministry work, plus washing clothes; all with the back door open.

Jessie and Brenda went to the pool, Subway for lunch then the park to walk. When they got home she took her "Jesus music" outside and sat on her swing and sang and entertained the neighborhood!  Jon took me out to breakfast, dropped me off at home so I could do computer work and he went to a couple stores down by Lakeside, then rested in his room. The day after his 3-day in a row, 12 1/2 hour work days he's really tired. It takes him an entire day to recoup.

Shorts Day !!!

Jessie and Rachel weren't wearing shorts today, but I certainly was! It was a beautiful day in the upper 60's. Rachel helped Jessie blow some leaves in the backyard. Matt came after school and blew the rest of them in piles and put them out for tomorrow's garbage.

I sat on the deck until my neighbor decided to burn his pile of leaves. It was so thick my eyes were burning and I felt like I was going to have an asthma attack, even though I don't have asthma! Jon said smoke inhalation. Ok. Be particular.

A Bright And Beautiful November 1

Yesterday was dark and dreary. Today dawned bright and beautiful. Yesterday I didn't want to go out anywhere, today I was trying to figure out where to go. I didn't want to be in the house on such a nice day. Jon worked so it was just Jess and me. We had breakfast at home, then we went to McDonald's for a quick lunch. She was happy and it got us out of the house.

The rest of the day I started reading #4 book in a series. Numbers 1-3 I've read in the last two weeks. Chris also stopped by and we visited for a couple hours. I made a nice dinner and now we're about ready to call it a day and go upstairs.