The Last Day of 2015

No aide today, Jon was off, so we went to Alex's in Rochester for a special pancake breakfast, then shopped at Barnes and Noble. Even after the big breakfast, as soon as Jessie got in the van she wanted a snack. McDonald's. Chocolate Chip Cookie. Pop. Over and over and over. It didn't happen.

When we got home I spent 2 hours on the phone with either Comcast or my sister or working on my computer trying to figure out why I don't have WiFi. Turns out I need a new box. It picks up Xfinity WiFi but not our house Wifi, which is attached to my printer, which is wireless. That wouldn't be a problem if I could have found the cable to hook it up to the hard drive. Payroll needed to go out tonight so I had to go to UPS and have them faxed. $16.00. Irritating.

Not to mention that Jessie was having a royal meltdown because she couldn't get on her YouTube and she could pick up that both Jon and I were very frustrated. That sets her right off. Home was not a very fun place to be today. It still isn't.

Art At Home

The Art class at the Rec Center won't begin for a couple weeks, but Jess has had a lot of art projects that she has done with Rachel. I was upstairs this afternoon resting because I had a bad headache and neck ache. I woke to the best aroma! When I came downstairs I saw that Jessie and Rachel had made Olaf cookie pops. I think she did a really good job. She also painted a wooden Christmas village that turned out really nice.

The Wifi on our iPads won't work for some reason, as well as my computer printer. Usually that is a disaster where Jessie is concerned. However, I bought her Season 3 of Family Matters for Christmas and she has watched 2 discs and has enjoyed them. She's been laughing all afternoon. She's in bed, on her iPad, but listening to a book.

The Force Awakens

Diane, Randie, Jon and I went to see Star Wars in IMAX 3D.  Oh, my goodness. I felt like I had been transported back in time. It was an awesome movie, and I'd go back to see it again!

While we were in the show, Brenda sent me this photo with the words ... May the Force be with you!  I laughed so hard when I saw it afterward at lunch. That's my girl!

Merry Christmas, JoAnne !!!

I took my long-time friend (47 years) JoAnne out to breakfast then we went to the post office, Walgreen's, Kohl's, a bank, gas station and Meijer's. We hoped to be back home before the ice storm hit, but we didn't make it. Unfortunately, lines in Meijer's were awful. We stood in line for 30 minutes before it was my turn.

We had a light lunch, Rachel went home early, Jess watched YouTube and JoAnne and I watched Dolly Parton's "Coat of Many Colors" that Jon had taped for me. It was REALLY GOOD! I'm just shocked that it was on regular TV. It was very, what you might call, religious. A tear jerker, as well as proclaiming the One who gives us Hope. Jesus Christ. If you get a chance, please watch it. The little girl who plays 9-year old Dolly was amazing. If she doesn't get messed up in Hollywood, she'll go far in her career. Great actress. Great voice. I'll watch it again, I'm sure.

We're still in the midst of the ice storm and we still have power! I'm so grateful. Jon worked and he could only go 30 mph home. He said there wasn't much traffic. Everyone's staying home, I guess.

Sunday's Post

I got up this morning and realized that not only did I leave the computer on all night, I forgot to blog. I really am losing it.

Jess and I went to breakfast, then went back to Wiegand's to buy something I should have bought he day before but talked myself out of it. I bought it. Jessie found this cute dog in a corner. I'm not sure if she thought he was real. She spent a few minutes just standing there, gently petting his head.

On our way home we stopped at Michael's. In the parking lot I exclaimed to Jessie ... "Let's go spend some money!" She yelled back: "MONEY!".  I repeated myself: "Let's go spend some money!" She said, "WHY?" Good question! I could almost hear Bill laughing and saying what he used to say to me ... "Just keep walking. Just keep walking!" and in this case it would be "Just keep driving!"

I must say, though, that Jessie had a great time shopping.

I had her use her own cart to put things in she wanted and she didn't run over me one time. She put out all she had bought on the couch so she could show Jon when he got home from work.

The Day After Christmas

I dreamt of Bill last night. In my dreams he never speaks to me. He's just there. So close, yet I'm not able to communicate with him. I woke with that sense of deep loneliness that comes with knowing that, until Heaven, I never will be able to talk to him again. That feeling has stayed with me all day. Even typing this now the tears are falling. It's almost 4 years since he passed away. I really thought we'd grow old together. As the Bible says, God's ways are not our ways. A lot of time, though, it's hard. Like tonight.

I just had to get out of the house this morning. Besides, Jessie needs to get out and off her iPad. She won't do anything with me. I can't read to her. I can't do crafts with her or play a game. Nothing. I guess I didn't want to do anything with my mom either when I was at home.

We went to Wiegand's to check their sale prices on some items I wanted to buy for next Christmas. Jessie's lunch choice was McDonald's. I asked her if she wanted a coney dog from Leo's instead and she said, "OH, YEAH!", so that's where we went for lunch. We had a nice time out. At least she enjoys being out with me.

When we got home she spent the rest of the day with her cards and the iPad - she used the entire battery. And, she even told me to go to the other room! I guess I can't blame her. She's always got someone watching her. I guess I'd want my space, too.

I did 3 loads of wash, 2 hours of paperwork and watched 2 movies that Jon taped for me. Now it's time to go upstairs. Jon's sleeping, Jessie's in bed but NOT sleeping; she's singing. I don't want to go to bed - it just means tomorrow will be another day like today. Alone. With Jess. Maybe we'll go out to breakfast and go back to Wiegand's and see what's left. (Customers were like vultures there. They were picking the trees clean!) Maybe I'll buy the one thing I didn't buy but should have. We'll see.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Jessie was up around 7:00 a.m. and stayed in her room until around 8:00 when I heard her in Jon's room yelling, "Get Up Jon!" then "Presents! Wow!! Christmas! Mom! Get Up! Wow! Presents! Santa!" Over and over and over! So, we did get up and go downstairs to open presents. Jessie was soooooo excited.

Jon made us his famous scrambled eggs and I had froze Just Delicious Scones to go along with them for breakfast.

I watched a movie this afternoon, Jess played on her iPad and watched videos in her room. Jon watched tv in his room and prepared the duck for dinner.

Diane and Randie came at 2:00 and we ate right away. Opened presents, ate dessert and made cut out snowflakes.

In all, it was a very nice day! Here's a few more Christmas pictures to enjoy ...

A Quiet Christmas Eve

Jon had to work, so it was just Jess and me at home. And, of course, Memphis. (Speaking of Memphis ... he's not been well today. He's having trouble walking and is just not himself.) We went out to breakfast, picked up a pizza for lunch, went to Walgreen's and the post office. Jessie went out side to swing and sing her Jesus songs. I made a Christmas table decoration on the deck. It was a very nice day outside. Did I mention that 2 days ago I went out with capris and sandals? Amazing. Such weird weather.

I made a stuffing and pork loin chop dinner with broccoli and a caramel apple pie for dessert, and we waited until Jon got home to eat. He appreciated it. I also watched a Christmas movie while I made dinner.

The breakfast table is set for morning. I just need Jessie to get in bed and go to sleep so Jon and I can bring down the presents and put them under the tree. If she doesn't go to sleep before Jon goes to sleep, I'll be doing it all myself. Jon had a rough day at work today.

Merry Christmas, Don and Roxanne !!!

We were invited to dinner at Don and Rox's house this evening and we had a really good time. Jess took her iPad and was really good. We sat on their couch and visited before and after dinner and Jessie entered in to conversation and was laughing a lot. It blesses me when I can take her with Jon and I, and not leave her at home. We've been to their house for dinner several times and Jessie is comfortable with both of them, and, of course, Frankie, their dog.

Merry Christmas, Brenda!

Jessie and Brenda went swimming, ate lunch at Subway and went Christmas shopping, When they returned, we had a little Christmas celebration with presents. We won't see Brenda now until next Tuesday!

I wrapped all the presents today, as well as I went and had a pedicure, picked up medicine at Walgreen's and went to the post office. Which, I might add, was empty! Yeah! We have our post office back! No more lines with people mailing boxes. I saw no piles of cards this year - just boxes. And a lot of them, too.

Jon set 10 mouse traps yesterday in the basement and he got 2 mice today. I hope they were the 2 that were in my bedroom. I haven't seen or heard them. All 5 traps in my room are miceless. Or is it mouseless?

Our Annual Once-A-Year Christmas Dinner

This is the 3rd year in a row that Diane, Randie, Denise, Caity and I have met for dinner at Ike's just before Christmas. It was great catching up with Denise and Caity (my brother Ed's wife and daughter ... Denise has since remarried). We had a really fun time with lots of laughter. We decided to make it every 6 months now instead of 12, so in July, I hope to have another picture of us. I am so glad we keep in touch.

I left the house this morning around 9:30 a.m. and returned to stay at 9:30 p.m. It was a very, very long day. I had a foot dr's appointment, I visited Ortha, I had lunch with Chris in Richmond (missed you Joyce and Carol !!!), I shopped at Kroger's, went to the bank and braved the post office. I spent a half hour in the back yard picking up poop and raking where I have to take out the garbage cans. Memphis now uses our walkway to the back gate for his private bathroom. It's not appreciated, but he won't listen to me to move.

I did a load of wash and rested for awhile before I left for dinner. Jessie was already in bed listening to Christmas music on Pandora and Jon was just going to bed. He works tomorrow. I hope to wrap presents tomorrow because I haven't even started !!! At least I have everything bought. If I find out I don't, I'll have to give away something of mine.

I Do Have A Picture From Yesterday !!!

It might only be the table I set for our lunch, but there is a picture from yesterday. Well, it was really taken on Saturday, but we ate on it on Sunday! Ahhhhh.

Merry Christmas Julie, Brian, Kylee and Lynzee

Christmas Sunday. Here already. Unbelievable. Jon had off so we both got to go to church. When I got home we had Julie and her girls over for dinner, as well as Brian, Julie's boyfriend. We had a ham dinner, opened presents then played Aggravation and Uno. Chris came by for about an hour and a half. In all, it was a very nice Christmas Sunday. However, I took no pictures. I can't believe I didn't take even one! I'm disappointed in myself. Oh, well.

Merry Christmas to the Joyful Journey Girls

The Joyful Journey "Girls' met for brunch at noon. There were 8 of us that were able to attend. It was nice getting together, catching up, and sharing how God has been faithful in our lives. The group meets about once a month (we've been together for around 20 years) but I haven't been able to join them this fall. I thank God for this group of women - my forever friends.

Jon was home with Jessie and when I got home, Jessie helped me open all the mail. She got a Christmas card from our friends, George and Mary. Jessie saw the front of the card and exclaimed, "Santa!", then "MONEY!" when she opened the card. We called Mary to thank her and she laughed because she knew exactly what Jessie was going to say when she opened the card. Sometimes Jessie is very predictable.

Merry Christmas with Jane and Rachel !!!

Jessie and Rachel made and decorated gingerbread cookies this morning. I had a couple appointments and then the 3 of us met Jane at the new restaurant where Ocean Breeze used to be. We kept telling Jessie that it was different in there but she still said, "WOW!" when we walked in the door. It IS really different. It's Aubree's Pizza and Grill now. Three of us had the soup, salad and pizza bar. Rachel had a turkey sandwich and fries. We all liked the food.

When we came back we exchanged gifts. One of Jessie's presents was this elf hat that shakes and sings, "We are Santa's Elves ..." . She is laughing so hard in this picture. I love it. I forgot to get a picture of Jessie and Rachel! Guess I'll have to do that on Monday.

A Day Out And About

I left the house around 9:45 a.m. and didn't return until 3:40 p.m.  I went to Panera Bread's drive thru for a scone and a pop. Then to Family Christian Stores and Office Depot. Hallmark, Office Max and a dollar menu lunch at McDonald's were next. K-Mart, Mandel's, Pete's Pasties, a meat market and Walgreen's finished my day. It about finished me, too. I did spend several minutes between stops just resting in the van. I was glad it didn't rain like it was predicted.

Brenda and Jessie went to Meijer's then Gym class where they had a small Christmas party. Jon worked and looked pretty bad when he came in the door. A rough day for him.

Christmas With Doreen and Shiloh

Jess had her last Art Class of the year this morning. I watched Shiloh for about an hour while Doreen had a parent/teacher conference for her. When everyone got back, we exchanged Christmas presents then we went to Chili's for lunch. We had a fun time together.

Jess got an ear muff from Shiloh. I think I look better with it than Jessie. What do you think?

Family Date Day

Brenda needed the day off, so it was just the 3 of us. Our morning began with a meeting with Kelly, Jessie's Support Coordinator, and her replacement. Apparently, she needs to lighten her case load since she had a promotion to supervisor. We've had Kelly for several years, so this will be a hard change for Jessie (and me!).

After they left we went to Benny's for breakfast and to say goodbye to several waitresses. That was hard. I hate goodbyes. There were a a lot of tears.

Off to Sam's Club where we picked up several items we needed and a few we just wanted. We bought Memphis a new bed, hoping it would help because he has really bad back legs. He's lost a lot of muscle and his back right leg, especially, doesn't want to work sometimes. He collapses often. I dread the day he won't be able to get up. There is no way I can lift him.

We had an early dinner then we went driving around to see Christmas lights. I treated us to a blizzard at Dairy Queen on the way home. I think the blizzards we saw (and ate) tonight are the only "blizzards" we're going to see this year. Next week's forecast for Christmas is near 60 again. I saw a news video on the Weather Channel that there is no ice on the Great Lakes yet, so there is still one boat line going back and forth to Mackinaw Island each day. An unusual winter for sure! It's more like spring.

A Rather Dull Day

I had no ambition to do anything. It was dark, dreary and rained off and on all day. I did manage to do a couple loads of wash and paperwork, but I also had a headache and rested for about an hour. More paperwork then Jess and I went and had our hair cut. We had our traditional after-hair-cut dinner at Wendy's and brought Jon home a meal for when he got home from work. Paperwork for about another half hour then we're going upstairs!

Saturday and Sunday

Last night when I sat down to blog, the internet wasn't working. Thus, no blog. Jess and I spent the day together. We had breakfast out and went to Meijer's shopping. We had a fun time together. It was neat listening to her "sing along" to Christmas music that was playing in the store or in the van. She can't keep up with the words, but she'll say the next word before it is sung.

Today, Sunday, we had a late breakfast, a late lunch at Subway and a normal-timed, left-over dinner. I did paperwork and Jess has entertained herself on her iPad. This morning while she was still in her room I was listening to a video she was watching. (We have a monitor in her room.) It was a Little Rascal's movie and there must have been a fire because there was clanging like on old fire trucks. All of a sudden I hear her yell: "Oh, dear! Run, dog!" Then laughter. Sometimes she's just too funny.

A Wonderful "Spring" Day

I don't ever remember another day in December that Jon wore shorts, I wore a light blue jean jacket, Jessie wore her pink sweat shirt coat and croks. It was a beautiful, 60 degree day in the neighborhood. I met a friend for breakfast, shopped at Kohl's, got the van cleaned inside and out, and met Jon for lunch. I was gone for about 5 hours and was so tired when I got home I only did 2 loads of wash and sat on the couch, looked at FB and finished a Christmas book.

Jessie and Rachel went out to breakfast, looked around at Target and went to the park. A lot of trees around here still have leaves on them, and most yards are full of leaves. Weird year.

This is too funny not to share ... Jon went Christmas shopping at Meijer's and got carded. What did he buy? Meijer gift cards. Paid cash. Seriously? He said the people behind him were hysterical. He didn't think it was funny. I do. Sorry, Jon. I'm still laughing!

Poor Brenda !!!

I knew it had been a bad day for Brenda (and Jessie) when as soon as they got home, Brenda put Jessie on time out, told me she was doing her paperwork and going home!!!!! Oh, dear!! That's not happened before. Apparently Jessie's behavior was less that desirable today. Not much else to say!

Decorations ... A Little Every Day

I had a medical test this morning then I stopped at a couple stores. I treated myself to a sit down lunch. Home early so that Rachel could leave, as she has a large project to complete for her class on Friday. She took Jessie to Art class then Subway. Before dinner I put up my nativity sets. Well, some of them, anyway. This year I added a set from Rwanda. I'll have to take a picture of it and post it. It's most unique.

I Did Too Much

"So what else is new?", replied Jon. I know I need to rest, but Christmas is only 2 weeks away and the tree still isn't decorated. The counter and table is still a mess from reorganizing the dining room. I did take breaks, though, which made Jon happy. He worked today and Jessie and Brenda went swimming and had Subway for lunch. I'm going upstairs. Now.

Jon's Fortune Cookie

This incident happened yesterday. It's really too funny not to share. We ate Chinese for lunch and, of course, everyone gets a fortune cookie for dessert. We have a fun time of everyone reading theirs and we all laugh at what they say. Poor Jon! His fortune cookie was EMPTY! He was so bummed that he bought a whole bag of fortune cookies to bring home. Today I've found fortunes all over the house. I think he's eating the cookies to see which fortune he likes best !!!

Jon went with me this morning after breakfast to see a new foot doctor. I just couldn't wait until next week. The swelling in my feet and ankles and pain walking is almost too much. I have an infected baby toe on the left foot and in both feet I have bursitis and tendonitis! No wonder they hurt. Unfortunately, because of arthritis medication I already take, I can not take another anti-inflammatory.

Finally !!! I Went To Church !!!

It's been a month since I've been able to attend church. I've kept up with the sermons via the internet, but it's not the same. When I got home, the 3 of us went and had Chinese for lunch with Chris, Eric and Sean. They came back to the house and took the "old" entertainment center and tv. The rest of the afternoon and early evening I spent on the couch. Jess spent it on the floor with her iPad and Jon stayed in his room. That's about it.

Thanks, Jon !!!

Jon had a class this morning and before he came home he bought McDonald's lunches for us. Then he went outside and raked all the stones from the grass and filled in the holes in the driveway. Our new snowflake went up next on the peak of the front porch. I'm so pleased we have something outside that lights up. Jon rested for a bit then spent a couple hours putting a wooden lateral file cabinet together that I purchased to go between 2 identical file cabinets for the dining room. I sold my Mom's piano and had a lot of room for something to go behind the couch. I think it looks quite nice. Thanks, Jon! Your work is appreciated.

Rachel came for 2 hours this morning while I went to the post office, the bank, and a friend's house for a Craft Open House.

I Was "Glued" To A Chair All Day

There really isn't much to tell except that I sat in a dining room chair all day, and I still am, doing paperwork. Again I was a month behind in Jessie's paperwork, not to mention mine. I would have been going in my Christmas closet, but this needed to be done. 

We now have a sump pump with a battery back up, a new hot water heater, and unexpectedly, a new bulb for the furnace that filters the air. That was a very expensive bulb!!!!

Today's Problem Was ...

The garage door came off the track! I am very grateful for the service man who came and took care of it for us. We will be getting a new garage door soon, as it is probably 25-30 years old and jumps all over the place in opening and closing. It's time.

Tomorrow the sump pump will be replaced, as well as the hot water heater. I wonder what else could go wrong. I'm sure there's always something. When the sump pump is replaced, I'll have to go down and see what has been damaged. Not too much, I hope.

Jessie and Brenda did grocery shopping then went to Gym Class and McDonald's for lunch. Jon had a good day at work. I over did it again, which is what Jon says, "So what else is new?" I worked until I couldn't walk anymore then sat down and rested a bit. Got up and worked, then rested. At least I've been able to do some things.

Two Doctor Appointments

Jon went with me to our family doctor to see what's up with my feet. It's been 2 weeks and they are not getting any better. It hurts to walk. He took xrays but nothing stood out to him. I also had blood work. I made an appointment with a foot doctor but can't get in for 2 weeks!

Jon treated me to breakfast before we went home. Then I helped him as much as I could in getting the Christmas tree up in the family room.  It may take days to put ornaments on, as the middle section of the tree is dark. I need to figure out what to do. This really shouldn't have happened. Jon isn't going to put his tree up this year in the living room,

We had an unexpected doctor's appointment for Jessie at the ENT doctor to renew her medication late this afternoon. His office is in the same building as my earlier appointment. I was so tired that on the way home I stopped at McDonald's and brought dinner home.

Jon and I went to the basement after dinner to bring up a couple outdoor ornaments and found that half the basement is under several inches of water. One of our 3 sump pumps quit. Just what we need. I suppose we should go to the basement at least every couple of days just in case something like this happens. I don't know when it stopped.

We also must have mice because several potatoes and squash were eaten. That's just plain gross. Jon will have to set some traps. That definitely doesn't come under a Mom's job.

Just Delicious Scones

Yesterday was a terrible pain day for me and by the mid afternoon I had to take strong pain medicine So, when it came to write my blog, which wouldn't have had much on it anyway, I was not able to.

Today I have been somewhat better, although I haven't done a lot of walking. Our Thursday's Bible Study Small Group met at The Royal Treat Room for their "Just Delicious Scones" and a quiche lunch. It was very nice. Of course, I overate on the scones. I brought some home, froze them and we'll have them for Christmas Day breakfast.

Jon went Christmas shopping and Jessie had time in the pool, Subway lunch and walked at the park.