Another Ducky Day

The rain began around midnight last night and it's still raining. Windy, too. Jon went out this morning and when he returned he didn't say hi, but rather "Quack Quack!"  Crazy weather. It's even supposed to snow this weekend. Hopefully, just flurries.

Dear Anonymous ... I look forward to your comments. I'm not sure why they aren't coming through. At least today's did. Yes, I am on a plan called Cornerstone Wellness. I saw the flyers in my primary care physician's office many times but didn't pay any attention to them. My endocrinologist's son is in her office and he implemented the program there a couple years ago. So, I am getting it and being monitored in that office. I'm glad because they can pull up all my blood work and we can see what a difference this is making inside, not just outside. Today is Day #11 and of this morning I have lost 10.2#. I'm not quite sure how it works, because I have plenty to eat, and by dinner the protein amount is almost too much. I go to the office next Tuesday, We'll see what happens. (It's also on-line.)

Back Tracking and A Big Splash

Last night I sat staring at the screen with nothing to blog that I thought I wanted to remember. Tonight I have a couple things about my day ...

I drove through Panera Bread for a diet Pepsi on my way to meet Julie at the show to see "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2" around 9:30 a.m. It took 10 minutes in line before I could whisk my diet and myself down the expressway only to discover that my diet pop was really regular pop. So much for quenching my thirst. About 6 hours later I did go back and told them what happened and received my diet pop.

I made a shake just before I left to go the the post office and bank later in the day. I put all the ingredients in, twisted the top on and began to shake it ... I had forgotten to shut the lid! I was covered with chocolate shake! I even had a puddle in my bra. A sticky puddle. Not only was I covered in chocolate but the tomatoes, bottles of oils and spices, counter and floor were a mess. Like Jon said when I told him ... I won't forget the lid again.

After I finished at the bank I got gas in the van, only to have my brain say, "You didn't get back all your money!" After checking envelopes and my wallet and trying to remember what I did give the girl, I returned to the bank to let her know. She was sure she didn't make a mistake. I was positive I didn't. I had to wait for her call after the bank closed to see if she was over in her drawer. She was. I have to go back tomorrow to pick up my money.

So that about sums up my day, except for a good Stephen Ministry Continuing Education evening. Next time we meet we add 2 new trainees.

Oh - Jessie had a great day with Rachel, Jennifer and Sue. When she worked at the Library they had saved her a lot of DVD's to file and according to Jen, she did an excellent job!

Jon was given his evaluation today at work and it was very good. He also got a raise. Nice going, Jon!

Happy Belated Easter

I would have blogged late last night but we were getting a lot of thunder and lightening so I just shut down the computer. It poured rain, but the thunder and lightening was short lived.

Jon went to early service then he and Jessie took me to church and dropped me off at the door. Easter Sunday parking? Forget it. This was much easier. Thankfully, Mary saved both Doreen and I seats. It's been several years since I've been able to go to church on Easter - I think. I'll have to look back in my blog books. It was distracting for Doreen and I, though, as the young man in front of me kept falling asleep and either his head would snap backwards or forwards. I thought he'd surely break his neck! The entire service! I felt sorry for him, and it was hard not to laugh.

The kids and I went to Di and Randie's for dinner and just sat around and talked. We would have played games but Randie wasn't feeling well. We had a nice visit and Jessie did well.

Today, Monday, is Day #8, and I'm down 8.2# which is so unbelievable to me. I'm still having a hard time eating so much protein. "My trainer" said I could have a Quest bar for breakfast and that was great since I left early to shop with a friend. However, it was like eating cinnamon roll cookie dough. It wasn't crunchy. The exact consistency of unbaked cookie dough. Sticky. Gooey. It had 20 grams of protein though, so I guess that was good. Oh, well ... on to week 2 ...

A Day At Home

Jon went to breakfast, Target, McDonald's drive through for a lunch for Jessie and the post office. When he walked in the door he was so frustrated. He said that it was a mad house. The roads and especially at Target where he got kicked (on purpose) by a 6-8 year old who wanted him to move away from a DVD he wanted! Thankfully, he said the parents took care of that kid right away.

Jessie spent the entire day on YouTube, playing with her Apple to Apple cards, writing in a spiral notebook and magazines. I kept asking her if she wanted to do anything with me, but her standard answer is "NO".

Unfortunately, for the past 2 days I have been in quite a bit of pain in my back. Not where I usually have it below the waist. Now it's above the waist where the kidneys are. I'm sure it's not a kidney stone because it's aggravated by movement and doesn't hurt if I don't move. I did manage to do 3 loads of wash, paperwork and fix meals. After dinner Jon and I watched a Scorpion episode and a Tiny House Hunters episode.

Watching the Tiny House Hunters makes me feel like a (neat) hoarder. I keep trying to downsize and have done well, but I still couldn't move in to one of those houses. I better begin to rethink my treasures, as one day I'll probably be in just one small bedroom with someone taking care of me.

Day #6 ... I have been very successful in my meal planning, but I am still stuffed. I never anticipated a weight loss program where there's too much food! I've lost 7# as of this morning. Go figure.

Easter Egg Hunt

Rachel came and took Jess out to breakfast then to Target. When they got back, Rachel hid candy-filled Easter eggs in the kitchen. She said that Jessie had a really fun time looking for them. That was so thoughtful of Rachel! She is going to make a very good special education teacher.

Rachel left early at 12:30 so Jess and I ate lunch together then she watched YouTube videos and I took a short nap. I'm doing well on my food intake. It takes a long time to sit and plan ahead. I need to plan my menus ahead of time to be successful. Today I went out to breakfast with a friend and ate just what I was supposed to. Way to go, me!  I weighed myself on Tuesday (forgot to do it on Monday when I began this program) and again weighed myself this morning. I was down 6.2#. I guess I won't be gaining weight eating all this food.

Quack Quack

It has rained so much today we have ponds in our back yard, and I'm sure the basement is wet again. It doesn't come in the walls, it comes UP through the floor. Across the street in the ditch our ducks are back. Now, I'm not sure if they're the same ones that have arrived each spring for YEARS, but the couple has returned. How long do ducks even live? Maybe the ditch has been "handed down through the generations".

Jon worked and had a pretty good day. Brenda took Jessie to Meijer's, Gym Class and McDonald's before returning early due to the rain. I wrapped all the Easter basket gifts. We do very little candy and give small gifts instead.

Today is Day #4 and I feel like I have been eating on this program for a month. I certainly didn't expect to have so much to eat that I'm always stuffed. It takes a lot of planning but I'm doing good. About 2 weeks prior to beginning, I asked God to help me even LIKE the chocolate shake that I need to drink twice a day. Praise God! I wouldn't be drinking it if I didn't have to, but it's almost good.

A Shopping Day

While Rachel was with Jessie doing art projects at home because Art class was cancelled, Jon and I went to the post office, bank and Sam's Club. When Jennifer came, Jon stayed home and I went to Vince and Joe's to buy veggies and some meats. Day #3 was a success. 

Jon was very tired. How do I know? He took a 1 1/2 hour nap! I am very tired too, and could go upstairs to bed, but Jessie is still going strong! 

Day #2

Can you believe it? I sent an e-mail to my "personal trainer" tonight, or whatever he's called, and told him that there is TOO MUCH FOOD to eat! Three full meals a day plus 2 shakes. The protein is high. Four oz for breakfast, 5 oz for lunch and 6 oz for dinner. Tonight I couldn't eat 6 oz of pork tenderloin. I could only get down 4 oz. We'll see what he says. I feel like I'm going to GAIN weight!

Good news, though, I made the afternoon shake after breakfast and put it in a cooler with lots of icies because Jon and I went Green House shopping. It tasted much better after sitting for a bit. It wasn't so grainy. I need to plan better for days out. I didn't take a lunch so when I got home, lunch was at 3:30 p.m. Dinner was at 6:30 p.m.  I'll learn.

Jess went to the pool with Brenda today and had a fun time as always. They had Subway for lunch then here and there before coming home minutes after Jon and I got home.

My Battle With Obesity

Today I began a Medically Supervised Weight Management Loss Program through my endocrinologist's office. I've never done anything this drastic before, but I know I can't keep gaining weight. Whenever I've been on a "diet" or tried to eat right, I never told anyone because I knew that when I failed, I would be a disappointment not only to myself but others. (Talk about defeating myself from the beginning!)

This time I realize that it is a spiritual battle. I have put much prayer into this endeavor and I plan on succeeding with God's daily help. I can not do the things I want to do because of my back. Losing weight won't cure my back, but it sure will help. I may be able to come off of a lot, if not all, the prescribed medication I am on that is due to being overweight.

Today is Day #1. I ate all I was supposed to and drank the shake that I have to drink twice a day. I do NOT like milk, malts, shakes or puddings. I've asked God to help me LIKE the drink so I can be successful. I found that drinking it through a straw and not breathing helps! I will be successful. And, maybe this program and my determination to even exceed my goals will help others.

Like I said, this is a spiritual battle. Ephesians 6:11-12a says: "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against ... ".  The devil does not want me to be healthy so that I can better serve God. He wants to discourage me. Like today ... Beginning at 1:00 p.m. this afternoon Jessie began hollering for her (4:00 p.m.) snack! She had lunch about a half hour earlier and for the next 3 hours yelled about her snack. That kept the thought of cookies in front of me all afternoon. She has never done that before.

Catching Up

I haven't blogged since last Tuesday night. Wednesday afternoon we had several very quick, powerful and totally unexpected storms go through our area. I headed to the closet in the one that took out our Comcast cable line. It looked like a scene from Dorothy's window in the Wizard of Oz. A new cable line had to be replaced but not until late Friday.

Wednesday night Jon came home very sick from work. Thursday morning I took him to the doctor's and he was diagnosed with a sinus infection and Influenza A. He was very sick. He was not able to return to work until today. He's feeling much better, but still so tired.

Friday I shopped for about 5 hours and had a great time by myself going here and there. Until I got home and my back started acting up with back spasms and lots of pain. I ended up having to take strong pain medicine that I hate to take.

Saturday Rachel came to care for Jessie and the SM Ladies (7 of us) met at Shannon's house at 1:00 p.m. and we watched, The War Room. Our theme this year has turned out to be on prayer, and this movie went right along with it. When I got home I was wiped out from so much pain meds that I slept for 3 hours. And, no, it didn't alter my bed time. I fell asleep within about 5 seconds.

Jessie and I met Chris and Eric at the Chinese restaurant for lunch after their church service today. I couldn't resist taking this picture of these cousins. One very tall. One very short.

Jess and I went home and after shopping at a couple stores, Chris came over and we watched "Beyond The Mask", which was an enjoyable movie. Wow! Two movies in one weekend for me!

A New Planter Arrangement

The last couple of times Jon and I shopped we began his spring seeds, bulbs and plant shopping. I also picked up a few plants and small trees to rearrange a couple of my "fairy" gardens. (I really don't like fairies but everyone will know what I mean if I say a "fairy garden".) Any way, if you click on the picture and enlarge it, you'll see the rearrangement, still with Bill's tree we took from the cemetery. I think it turned out pretty nice.

Another Week

Rachel took Jessie to the Library to check out books. Jon went with me to have my Income Tax done. I am soooo glad that this is done for another year. I just can't get a break, though, with paper work. When I got home I had yet another report due to Social Security. At least this one doesn't require a lot of work.

After an early lunch, Jon went home and I drove to Rochester for an appointment in the endocrinologist's office at 1:00 p.m. I shopped at Bed Bath and Beyond before the appointment and JoAnn Fabric's after. I haven't had a chance to sit and relax today and I suppose it's too late now.  Oh, well!

Happy Birthday, Diane !!!

Even though we celebrated Diane's birthday yesterday, today IS her birthday. I thought I'd like to post some neat pictures of my dear sister. May you have many, many more birthdays, Di !  I love you !!!

This first picture was taken 58 years ago when Diane was 1 year old. (Aren't I cute?")

I don't know when the left picture was taken but the one on the right was taken on her birthday in 1968.

May of 2009 at the Detroit Zoo with Mom.

February 14, 2016

Wedding Day

What A Great Day

We all slept in. That's a great way to start any day. I gave Jess a bath, we had a late breakfast, Jon went out shopping and I wrote checks that needed to be mailed. Two loads of wash were almost completed before we left at 12:30 to go to the post office, bank and by 1:00 p.m. met Diane and Randie at Aubree's to celebrate Diane's birthday, which is tomorrow. We all enjoyed our meals. It is a nice place to eat.

Di and Randie came back to the house and we had apple pie for dessert. Randie brought a gift for Diane and it was a game called Labyrinth, which we played. It was challenging but fun. Then we played many games of Tenzie. At one point we were laughing so hard we had to take our glasses off and wipe all the tears! They left to go home around 6:15 p.m.

I took a run to Kohl's to spend my $20.00 Kohl's bucks and the extra $10.00 coupon I had. I bought some very nice earring sets, worth $125.00 that was 60% off and I paid less than $15.00 for them. I LOVE shopping like that.

I picked up a couple sandwiches from McDonald's on the way home and watched a couple Food Channel episodes with Jess before I watched a Hallmark movie.

I'm in trouble right now though. Jon just reminded me that we move our clocks ahead one hour tonight and it's 10:40 p.m. Jessie is going strong.

Mission Accomplished

I finished putting together my income tax information !!!! I am ready for my appointment next week. Yahoo!!! That is all I have to say about today, other than my eyes burn.

A Dark And Dreary Day

Yesterday was bright and warm and today was cool, damp and dreary. And that's just about how I felt the entire day. It's only 8:17 p.m. and I'm more than ready for bed. I still have 3 1/2 hours before I can go to bed. If I were to go to bed now, I'd never be able to get out of the bed. Jessie's tired and crabby. Maybe it's the weather. However, Jon had a pretty good day at work and came home happy. Go figure.

"How Rude !!!!"

I went and got gas after Jessie and Rachel came home from art class. I was turning in to McDonald's drive-thru for a quick lunch when a small car zoomed in front of me and got in line. OK. So, go for it. He pulled ahead (a teen boy - I should say child) and I placed my order. Now that there are 2 order lines, typically one goes and then the other. The woman next to me should have been next but she wasn't moving so I thought she was still ordering. I pulled in line. The kid leaned out of his window and began screaming at me. I leaned out and said, "WHAT?" I actually thought something was wrong. "You pulled in front of that woman!" (Seriously?) I told him to "mind your own business." Of course, once he was finished he gave me the finger. Really? Then he almost caused an accident by crossing over 2 lanes of traffic going at a high rate of speed. He must have been on something, that's all I can say. Crazy.

When I got home I retold the story to Rachel, and I guess Jessie was listening and said something. Rachel burst out laughing and I was clueless. Rachel said, "Did you hear what she said?"  "Ahhh, no" Still laughing she said that Jessie quietly said ... "How rude!" 

Rude is not a word we use in this house that I can remember. Rachel clued me in that it is a common phrase in Full House, which Jessie watches often. That's my girl!

I Chose Joy Today

It's very warm tonight. Just like 4 years ago. The evening Bill passed away. It had been in the 60's the week prior and remained in the 60's for a week after. I dread certain anniversaries. Today being one of them. However ...

When Brenda came to work this morning she brought this beautiful bouquet of flowers, along with a nice card, saying that she was thinking of us on this particular day. For a little bit it made me sad. Then, I decided I would chose JOY today instead of grief and PRAISE God who has brought us through these 4 years.

I remember sitting on the couch with Bill one night and we were both crying, knowing the end was near. I knew he was worried about us and what would happen to us. I reassured him that we would be OK. Not OK because he wouldn't be here, but OK because the same God that was carrying us through those dark days would carry the 3 of us in to the future. A future of hope and bright days.

And He has! God has met our every need. I praised God today because He is a faithful God. A God who can be trusted. One who deserves our utmost devotion. I believe that the 3 of us have done very well in these past 4 years, all THANKS going to God.  I miss my Willie very, very much, but I KNOW that He is ALIVE in Heaven with my Jesus.

Neither Jon nor I wanted to stay home today so we went to breakfast, voted, and went to Telly's to look at all the spring and fairy garden flowers and trees. Then we went to Bahama Breeze and had an appetizer lunch: yucca cheese bites, beef empanadas and bbq pork and plantains. It was a nice, different lunch.

Thank you, Jesus, for a nice day!

A "Lucky" Day At Kohl's

I had lunch with a friend then I went to Kohl's to see if I could find a coat. No coats. Bathing suits. So, I began looking in the clearance sections throughout the store. I'm not sure if it was just today, but ALL Clearance items were an additional 40% off. PLUS, I had a 30% off coupon. I saved over $400.00 !!!!!  I bought birthday presents and Christmas presents. I was very excited with my purchases.

Jessie and Rachel had a good day. They went to the Library to get new books to read, watched Fuller House on Netflix and went outside for Jessie to swing. Jess also took a nap this afternoon.

Jon finished his 3-day stint with an "It was OK" when I asked him how his day went. Three days in a row of pretty good days is a record.

Thank You, Rachel !!!

I had a very nice day, thanks to Rachel, who took care of Jessie. Chris picked me up at 8:15 a.m. and we went to Woodside of Lake Orion for church (the former Always Christmas store at Canterbury Village). Then we went to an Arts and Crafts show at the Castle, which was really nice. I picked up a couple things I've not seen before. We ate lunch at the Castle's Pub then walked around two stores before heading home. We did stop at Big Lots, too. Instead of staying to watch a movie, Chris decided to go home and I sat on the couch and rested for an hour before fixing dinner.

Jessie and Rachel went out to lunch at Aubree's and walked around Target before coming home. Jon worked and said it was "OK". So, all 3 of us had a good day. I felt like I was on vacation today since we did something so out of the ordinary. I like out of the ordinary.

Friday's Blog

Yesterday, Friday, Rachel took Jessie out to breakfast, as she does every Friday. Once again their older gentleman friend paid for their breakfast. Jessie gave him a hug to thank him.

They went to Target for coffee for Rachel and a hot chocolate for Jessie and picked up a few things at Meijer's. Then they went to see Zootopia.

I left at 3:25 p.m. and picked up Doreen and we met Chris at Cracker Barrel in Port Huron at 4:30 p.m. for dinner, then went to Colonial Woods Missionary Church for a Selah concert at 7:00 p.m. Jon was home with Jessie.

As always, it was really great. I was disappointed at first, though, that Allen Hall wasn't able to be there because of having pneumonia. However, Michael Passons, founding member of Avalon stepped in and did a fantastic fill in. He even sang "I'll Testify To Love". We had great seats, too. Third row from the front.

Today, Saturday, Jessie and I have been busy all day. We both worked on "Aunt" Lois' prayer letter. Jessie put all the address labels, stamps and return address stamps on each envelope. Then she stuffed 3/4 of them. She was done after 2 hours so I finished the rest. I'm so proud of her. She worked steadily and did an awesome job. While we worked we listened to Alan Hall's newest CD, Work of Love that I bought last night. It's good.

We took a break around 1:00 p.m. and went to the post office and Leo's Coney Island for a quick lunch.

Around snack time Jessie went in the kitchen to get her snack and came to me bearing a very wet, dripping towel. My dishwasher leaked all over the floor! A lot! Jessie would not let me help clean it up. She was having too much fun with a towel under each foot shuffling along the kitchen floor. That's my girl.

Worship Songs

As I sit here at the computer, Jessie is on the couch on YouTube. She's listening to Don Moen sing worship songs, and she's singing along with him. How this blesses my heart. She found the worship video of him by herself and has been doing this for several nights now. Don Moen is one of my favorite worship leaders. I wonder how the Holy Spirit moves in the hearts of special needs people. I guess I don't need to know. I just know He does, and I praise Him for this fact.

"Money"

Rachel couldn't get here this morning because the roads were too slippery, but by afternoon Jennifer (Jessie's new aide) was able to get here. Before she arrived, Jess occupied herself part of the time coloring and Memphis took a nap.

Jennifer took Jessie to the Library to "work" and file the DVD's. She did a great job and was done way before the Librarian thought she would be. When she was finished, Jessie said to the Librarian ... "Money?" Oh, my goodness. Can you believe that she figured out she should be paid if she "worked"? The Librarian laughed and told her she could only pay her in candy. Jessie was fine with that, too!

Swimming Day

Jessie and Brenda spent several hours at the pool this morning, then had their usual Subway lunch. While they were out having fun, I washed clothes and did hours of work on the computer for one project after another. It's Lois' prayer letter time again and I'm working on the envelopes so that when I get the letter printed, all we will have to do is stuff the envelopes. Jessie helps with this project. Jon had an OK day at work and not too bad of a drive home. He's glad he has 40-wheel drive, though.