An Over-Lapping Day

I remembered to take a picture of Jessie's fireworks picture she did in Art yesterday. I just might have it framed.

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Usually I complain when events are back to back, but today's events over-lapped! The day didn't begin well, either. Apparently I neglected to set any alarms to get up. I woke to Rachel coming in my bedroom calling me. So embarrasing!

My friend Andrea came at 10:00 to borrow books from my library. We visited until Jessie's case worker, Vicki, came for our meeting. Before she left I got a call from the surgeon's office that Jessie's surgery will be next Thursday, July 7. 

After Vicki left I began cancelling appointments that were already on my calendar for that day and several days after. Rachel took Jessie to Meijer's. I made arrangements to meet Brenda and her daughter, Sarah, for lunch at 1:30 p.m. Rachel brought a sick Jessie home early from shopping. Either too many kids or her side hurt her. I wasn't sure. At 12:50, the doorbell rang and it was Jessie's State Case Worker, who we see every 6 months. I was surprised as I had not had a letter telling me she was coming. Apparently, all her letters to clients did not arrive in their home before hand. We had our meeting anyway.

Rachel left at 1:00 because she wasn't feeling well. Before we could finish our meeting, the hospital called with instructions about Jessie's surgery and questions about medication. Amber had to let herself out the door!

By now it's 1:30 and I couldn't call Brenda to tell her we were going to be late. Then I got a text while on the phone with the nurse from Doreen wanting to know if we were home. I couldn't answer her either. Just as I got off the phone she dropped by to pick up camping stuff. Jessie and I finally made lunch at 1:50 p.m.

We shopped at Vince and Joe's, went to the bank and post office before coming home. I put away the groceries and decided I wanted to just sit and read. I managed a couple hours. I had just begun preparing dinner when Julie called and before I was finished with her call, Doreen came again to pick up something else. I ended the call with Julie and visited Doreen for about an hour. Jon came home, they left and we ate dinner around 8:30 p.m.

Like I said, it was an over-lapping day!

No Chance To Rest

My morning began quickly with Bible Study from 10:00 - 12:20 p.m. When I got home I had just enough time to make a sandwich before Jon, Jess and I went to see a surgeon regarding Jessie's gall bladder. Yes, she will have it out sometime in July. I don't have a date yet. According to Jessie, though, she's "all better!". This will not be a good time for any of us. I have requested that she stay in the hospital over night to monitor her pain, as it is hard for me to guess how she feels and what to give her. The doctor agreed. I remember when Jon had his out when he was 16 and he was in terrible pain and discomfort. He could tell me how he felt, though.

After the doctor's appointment we shopped at a store called At Home where I purchased a few outdoor seating arrangements. One for the front porch and one for my backyard patio (notice Jon in the garden?) that Diane made us last year. Now I just need someone to paint my front porch so it'll look really nice. Each nail hole has a rust stain. There's always something needing done around here that needs a handyman. Bill took care of EVERYTHING that needed doing.

We came home and put out the new furniture, I began to straighten the kitchen when Jon got a call that his jeep was ready, so back in the van and out to Richmond. Since it was dinner time I called Joyce and John to see if they were in town (they were) and they met us at Papou's for dinner. We finally got home to stay at 7:30 p.m.

Jessie had a good morning at Art and made a super painting of fireworks. I'll take a picture and post it tomorrow. The morning was the last time she was happy. It went down hill from there.

She didn't want to go to the doctor's office and every time someone mentioned surgery she went spastic. (I really can't blame her.) Shopping with her at the At Home store was awful. She had worked herself up to a no-return behavior. I ended up by giving her a double dose (which I can do) of her anxiety medicine. It didn't take effect until 3 hours later !!!!!! By then we were in the van on the way to Richmond and she went to sleep - for about 15 minutes. Right now she's still aggitated and hollering. I can't wait until she goes to bed and sleep, except I know she's just recharging for tomorrow!

And Today ...

I'm finally caught up with my blog. I could have posted on Sunday and Monday night but I was just not up to it. Jon took his jeep in to Richmond Chrysler to have it serviced and Jess and I took the van and picked him up. Rachel was supposed to come but she has a sore throat. Probably from too much laughing the past 4 days!

I have to share this with you ... I'm warning you, though, it is pretty gross. 

We stopped at Ken's in Richmond for breakfast after leaving Jon's jeep and we were about half way done when we could hear an older gentleman behind us coughing up wet sounding stuff then spitting it out. It continued and finally I looked at Jon's face and he wasn't looking so good. "Jon!", I said. "You deal with this every day at work!" He gave me THE look and said, "Yah, but not while I'm eating!"  True. 

Unfortunately, it was getting worse and my stomach couldn't handle it, eiher. I didn't finish my breakfast, neither did Jon. Jessie stopped and she grabbed my hand and said, "PRAY!", which we did. She didn't finish her breakfast either. She pushed her plate to me and said, DONE!

We got out of there as quickly as we could. I felt sorry for the gentleman who was having a hard time.  He should have gotten up and left rather than just sit there and continue spitting. Jon said he probably had an upper respiratory infection and was bringing up a lot of pflem (sp?) A LOT! 

OK. So, we get in the van and I'm trying not to laugh. Just before we pulled away from the curb, Jessie sneezed and part of the sneeze (gooey glob) flew in to the front seat and landed on Jon's arm!!!!!!!!! Now I'm hysterical !!! Jon was not happy. It took us several miles to gain control of ourselves. 

Catching Up ... Monday, June 27

Jessie has a new aide, Angie, and she came and spent the morning and early afternoon with her. It was just a morning of learning and getting to know one another with my help, as I didn't go anywhere. My back was absolutely horrible. That's what happened last time we traveled. Sitting in one spot for a long time is no good for me.

I forgot to mention that Jessie didn't feel real well while we were gone. Not as bad as last time, with her gall bladder. This time she had a fever off and on and her left ear had drainage. The ear doctor saw her in the afternoon and gave her some ear drops.

I finished putting everything away and did about 6 loads of wash!

Catching Up ... Sunday, June 26

We were on the road and headed to Michigan by 10:00 a.m. and arrived home at 3:30 p.m. We drove a total of 668.1 miles It was a nice 4 days. Rachel was a big help with Jessie and I so appreciated her being with us so I could go to the Ordination Service, too. Jon helped me unpack the van and I put away the necessary items and left the rest for Monday.

Catching Up ... Saturday, June 25

After breakfast and repacking the van, we left and drove to Shipshewana, Indiana. We shopped in several stores and Jessie was excited to see so many horses, and carriages, too. "Horse! Big poop!" she kept saying. To be honest I don't know if she was interested in the horses or their poop!

We had a very nice lunch at the Blue Inn, where Bill, Jon, Jessie and I had eaten years ago. Jon didn't remember the place, but as soon as he had some of the Amish peanut butter on their hot bread, he remembered that! It does have a distinctive taste.

We spent quite a while at a store where there was Amish made furniture and houses. We picked out our special vacation home. (Wouldn't that be nice!) Rachel tried to get up to the loft, and Jessie made herself at home in a small playhouse, too.

After we were finished shopping we left and went to Middlebury, Indiana and spent the night there at another Hampton Inn.  We were all very tired because it was almost 90 degrees. We were all in bed early.

Catching Up ... Friday, June 24

We had breakfast at the hotel, rested then went to a couple area stores. We had lunch at Culver's, which is going to be my new best fast food restaurant. We had planned on swimming in the pool but the pool had been emptied to be fixed. Jessie wasn't happy. 

Around 4:30 p.m. we left Rachel and Jessie at the hotel and Jon and I met Jacob's parents, Hannah's parents and Jacob and Hannah for dinner at a Mexican Restaurant. 

Then we went to the College Wesleyan Church on the campus of Indiana Wesleyan University for the Service of Ordination. There were 16 men and women being ordained. It was what I'd call a "high service". 

 I thought the inside of the church was really beautiful.

Each person being ordained came forward with their spouse, knelt and received an individualized prayer on their life and ministry. That was very special.

Jacob's parents

Hannah's parents

When Jon was pinned as an RN, he had to ask someone he knew that was already an RN. He chose our friend, Roxanne. The same went for the people being ordained. Hannah's dad is a Baptist Pastor and he stood behind Jacob as he was ordained. How special was that!

 

Catching Up ... Last Thursday, June 23

Jon, Jessie, Rachel and I left on Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. for Marion, Indiana, and Jacob's ordination in to the Wesleyan Church. On the way down, we stopped at the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing.

It is a nice, small zoo and doable for Jessie. Sort of.
There were times she freaked out, but we just got her away from the situation.

This is the closest I've ever been to an eagle, and I didn't even use the zoom on my camera. The lion had quite a bit to say while we were there.

After the zoo we continued to Marion and checked in to our hotel.

For dinner we met Jacob, Hannah, and his parents at a Japanese buffet.

Back to the hotel to rest.

Jessie's Busy Day

Jennifer took Jess to Art where she put together a 4th of July felt meal. It is so cute. A sandwich, hamburger, hot dog, slice of watermelon, pickle, carrot stick then put together a cupcake. A decorated handle bag was the picnic basket. I'll have to take a picture tomorrow and share it.

Subway lunch, home to rest, then Jess and Jen went to the Library to shelve DVD's. According to Jen she is an expert at the alphabet and shelving. I'm so glad. She looks forward to going there.

I had Bible Study then went to lunch with Doreen. Something we have rarely done. Alone. No kids. It was very enjoyable. I didn't get home until 2:00 p.m. I did a laundry marathon and never even got my 4:00 snack (like Jessie!) or a nap! Right now my eyes are crossing, I'm so tired!

Monday and Tuesday

Yesterday Jessie had an appointment in Rochester so Rachel went with us and then we stopped at McDonald's (out of necessity) and had a quick lunch. We were going to go to Alex's, our favorite restaurant in Rochester, but it took us 20 minutes to go about a quarter of a mile because of construction. A woman walking her baby beat us to the corner! Then, when we finally got through a light, it was stopped again and Jessie REALLY had to use the bathroom. That's why we ended up at McD's again. Thankfully, it was right around the corner from where we were stopped.

Jessie's case worker came at 9:30 for our once-a-month home visit. She didn't leave until 10:30 a.m. Rachel took Jessie to meet Brent, his mom and aide for lunch. They celebrated Jessie's birthday and gave her the DVD, "Zootopia". After lunch they went and saw the movie, "Finding Dory!" Jessie made it through 3/4 of the movie then complained of pain in her side so Rachel brought her home. She was OK after about an hour or so.

Jon worked and had a crappy day. I went to a couple stores then prepared for SM this evening. We had a BBQ outside then supervision inside. It was a good night. The rest of the summer we will now only have Supervision every other week.

Another Hot One

After church Jon, Jess and I met Chris, Eric, Sean and Ashley for a special dinner at Apple Orchard Inn. I haven't been there in years. It was OK, but the company was better. When we came out of the restaurant it felt like we had walked into an oven! Quite warm. Jon watered his garden, got overheated and needed to come in and cool off before finishing. I didn't feel as good today as I did yesterday. That was disappointing.

A Lazy Saturday

After breakfast I went to our local Prompt Care to see if I might have an infection or passing a kidney stone. The PA gave me an antibiotic because some counts were off. I know this will sound weird, but I feel better mentally knowing that I am physically sick. I had a painful night last night which confirmed my suspicions of being sick.

Jess stayed home with Jon who worked a bit outside. It was close to 90 degrees today so he only worked for an hours or so. I decided to come home and rest. Jessie was happy to stay on the floor and watch her iPad and play with cards and beads.

Another Down Day

Another day where I didn't feel good, was over tired and felt down. I'm wondering if I don't have a kidney stone or kidney infection. I've had pain in my kidney-area back for weeks and other symptoms. Maybe I should go to prompt care tomorrow and check. It's not like me to be depressed for so many days. One here or there and not very often. It's been over a week.

I had blood work this morning then I was going to go to the pool but decided against it. I came home and worked an hour and a half in the garage. That gave me 10 WW fit points! Jessie and Rachel went out to breakfast, played in the back yard and dropped off books at the library and got some more.

Jess and I went out to dinner with Chris. It was the "old" Big Boy's in Romeo. It was OK. Nothing to rave about. Especially with my attitude lately.

An Unsuccessful Morning

Wouldn't it be nice if doctors REALLY listened to patients or patient families? We told the endo dr. that a surgery center would not work for Jessie, and it didn't. They did not have liquid versade and only 2 nurses plus Jon and I to try to get her to give them her hand in order to get the IV in. They didn't try very long before the CNA came and said that they would have more success in the hospital. DUH! Right. Already said that.

We had them stop, got her dressed and waited for the doctor to arrive. When the doctor came in he was adament that their surgery center was very good. Yes, we agreed. However, not for Jessie !!!!! After saying what he did several times, and the look on Jon's face, and my further arguments, he finally began to back peddle and admitted that "it wouldn't be a bad idea to try it there!" Seriously? This doctor is not the one we usually see in the practice, and won't ever again. End result is that we will visit a surgeon and suggest that the surgeon take a look to see if there are any stones in the ducts at the same time he removes the gall bladder. If there is, it would require a second surgery but the next day and she'd already have the IV in. Please continue to pray that there are no stones in the duct.

We went out to breakfast, visited Wiegand's and Diegel Greenhouses then came home. I crashed on the couch and Jessie headed for her iPad and the floor. She recovered very quickly. Me not so much. It was a perfect day to rest since it rained almost the entire day.

Flamboyant Tuesday and Silly Wednesday

Last night, Tuesday, when I went to blog, I couldn't get my monitor to turn on. It does this occasionally. Instead of trying to get it to work, I just shut the entire computer down and went upstairs.

I had my hair done in the morning. The last time I had a complete "do", I added red and violet low lights to my highlights. I liked it but few noticed the change. I told my hairdresser to do the same thing because I liked it, and the color lasted 3 months instead of 2. When I left she showed me the back in the mirror and it looked about the same.

I had a Stephen Ministry Leader's meeting right after and 3 of my co-leaders exclaimed over my hair right away. One said, "What made you do it?" I just told them that it was the same thing as I had done the last time, and no one noticed. I thought they were all acting weird. UNTIL I got home and looked in the mirror! I am now more of a RED HEAD than anything else. Jon called it "flamboyant", as he walked away laughing. Oh, well. It'll grow out. Eventually. In 3 months.

It was dark in the bedroom when we got up this morning, Wednesday, and I wanted to go right back to bed. It was supposed to rain and we really need it. I think it rained for about 5 minutes the entire day. Rachel took Jessie to Art and left at noon. Jennifer came at noon and took Jessie to the Library. I went to Kroger's and the post office. Jon worked today so he can have tomorrow off.

Tomorrow morning Jessie is having an endoscopic ultrasound which she does NOT want. It involves an IV and sedation. Tonight I tried being silly about the procedure telling her she has ducts (she thinks ducks!) inside and they are going to make sure the ducts don't have stones. I had her laughing and I hope it makes some difference. It's going to be rough in the morning, unless God intervenes and we have a miracle where she doesn't yell, scream, kick, fight and spit at all of us trying to get an IV in. Then to get her on a gerney. That'll take about 6 of us. We will see. Your prayers are appreciated.

A Bad Physical Day

I have come to realize that sugar and carbs play a big negative part in my body. After I was on the Cornerstone Wellness program for a couple weeks, my back was the best it had been in months/years (other than the upper back pain that left when I quit the program). According to the coach it was inflammation due to sugar/carbs. Since I've been on WW, I've still done well and my back has been better. However, when I splurged at Jessie's party and then yesterday at the Bridal Shower, I can definitely tell that I need to NOT eat extra sugar/carbs. It's been a bad back day. However, I pushed through and worked outside for 3 hours, waiting for the fountain repair man to arrive, who never did! Food is not worth the pain that I've been in the past week. Well, that's my confession for today.

A Lovely Bridal Tea Party

Jess and I went to Meijer's to look for a belt for my skirt I wanted to wear this afternoon. I rarely shop on Sunday's and I was surprised at all the families that were there. It was packed. Jessie was glad to get back home.

Sue came to be with Jessie while I went to Rachel's sister's Bridal Tea Shower. It was really very pretty and the food was delicious. Scones, hot and cold tea, tea sandwiches and desserts. I ate too much.

I've lost 27# and gained 2. I think this next 5 pounds are going to be harder than the first 27. I am NOT giving up, though. I enjoyed wearing today a skirt/short set that I bought a couple years ago that didn't fit then, as well as a new blouse. It's always nice to wear new clothes and I've been wearing the same things for several years. It's time for a change. More lost weight = new clothes.

Mom and Daughter Day

Jon had to work, so it was just Jessie and me. We had a good morning out. We watered a friend's flowers (they are on vacation) and I bought a beautiful hanging basket for the front porch at United Plant Center. The Post Office, bank, Kohl's, Michael's and Subway for lunch rounded out the morning. When we got home, Jessie headed for her iPad and I headed for the couch for about an hour after I began washing clothes. I also worked outside for about an hour, which was more than enough since it was almost 90 degrees. Now I'm doing paperwork. That's our Saturday!

Welcome, Jonas Luke Skuta

My brother Ed's oldest daughter, Sara, and her husband Ian welcomed their son today ... Jonas Luke Skuta. He weighed 9# ll oz. and is 22 inches long. Congratulations, Grandma Denise and Grandpa Rob!!!! And, of course, Sara, Ian and Aunt Caity! !!!

Jessie and Rachel went out to breakfast, Target and Wolcott Mill's Farm. Jon went to the show in the morning and in the afternoon I met him at Home Depot and we bought a few things we needed for the back fence. Before that I met a friend at the Rec Center and walked 50 minutes in the lazy river, which earned me 8 WW fit points. Then for 2 hours of gardening at low intensity I earned 14 fit points! Woo Hoo! I bet you know how I feel tonight! It's 7:25 p.m. and I'm going to sit on the couch and veg the rest of the evening.

Jessie's Birthday Party Day (Yesterday) and Rest Day (Today)

Yesterday I went to Bible Study then between Jessie and Jennifer we cut up two watermelons for the birthday party. We were able to leave around 2:00 to pick up the food and head to the hotel. All the way to the hotel Jessie was exclaiming ... "Birthday Party Day!" ... over and over and over. With several "Yah's!" thrown in.

As soon as we got to our room, Jess headed for her favorite spot. The bed and her DVD player with her ABC tiles. We had about 2 hours to rest before we went downstairs to the breakfast area to set up for the party.

Jessie had her spot picked out and she told us where we were all to sit. Chris sat in the "wrong" seat but Jessie let her sit there until Brenda arrived. Jess did pretty good waiting for everyone. It was a nice dinner. We had mini ciabatta sandwiches, house salad, watermelon and cookies. (I tried to get food that wasn't too greasy or fat filled for Jessie.)

As you can see, Jess is all smiles and had a great time opening all her "ten presents." As soon as she was done opening presents, she went right back to the bed with her iPad this time and everyone played games.

When everyone left around 9:00, Jessie, Jane, Rachel and I played Apples to Apples with Jessie before she wanted to go back to her iPad again. I guess whatever makes her happy.

Jane and I were able to visit when the girls went to sleep. It's been awhile since we've been able to just sit and talk.

We all slept pretty well last night and Jessie remained well. We went downstairs for our usual Hampton Inn breakfast then brought up the luggage carrier - with Jessie on it, of course, pushed by Jane!

Jane left to do errands, Rachel came to work with Jessie and I put all away and did a load of wash. Unfortunately, my back was extremely bad and I needed to take strong pain medicine and rest. I probably lifted too much these past several days with coolers and luggage. I'm better tonight.

Rachel took Jessie to the Library to work this afternoon then came home. Jess wanted to go swing and listen to several new CD's she got for her birthday!

Jon worked in his garden most of the day and put up more bird feeders.

Happy 26th Birthday, Jessie !!!

Jessie got herself dressed for her birthday this morning. It just melted my heart when I saw what she had chosen to wear. (Of course, mean mom made her change it!) This is a birthday outfit she had about 10 years ago, and worn for several years.  It's so cute I kept it in the back of her closet, although it's a little small on her now. She decided that today she was going to wear it. Plus she got out her Birthday Girl ribbon from last year for me to pin on her shirt. After I took her picture I noticed how she is standing. She never stands like this. Cute.

Rachel took Jessie swimming this morning then to Subway for lunch. Doreen and Shiloh were here for awhile and they brought her a present. One of her new aides, Angie, also came over and brought her gifts.

When Jon got home we had a special dinner. Jessie wanted pizza so bad for her birthday, but a bought pizza is too high in fat content for her health. Instead, I bought Flat Out Pizza breads (2 WW points!) and put a tiny bit of BBQ sauce on it. Then I cooked up chicken to put on top along with fat free cheese and she had her pizza! I have to admit, it was really good. We also had fresh lettuce from the garden salad. Of course, we had to have a cake:





As soon as we were finished with dinner, Jessie got to open her presents from Jon and I. We put them in one large bag and when she took off the tissue paper exclaimed, "WOW!"
She was very happy with all her "toys", as she calls them. After she opened them up and lined them all up on the couch, she rearranged them on the floor in front of the tv stand.

Tomorrow is her birthday party at the hotel we go to every year for her birthday. This is the 6th year to celebrate there. She's very excited about going to the hotel.

I'm praying that she continues to feel OK. It was doubtful this morning as she complained of pain and slept before going swimming.

Another Blood Test

Poor Jessie! We met with the gastroenterologist this afternoon and he ordered many more blood tests. We went to the Out Patient center after her appointment and it wasn't pleasant. I warned her before hand: No yelling. No screaming. No kicking. No spitting. Not hitting. Weeellll, she didn't spit or hit anyone this time. It was just plain awful. She is so terrified of having her blood drawn or having an IV. She was beyond hysterical. It took 4 of us to accomplish 5 vials of blood. I'm sure I'll be black and blue in the morning in various spots.

June 16 she will be having an endoscopic ultrasound. The doctor is concerned that there might be a gall stone stuck in one of the bile ducts. He kept saying: "That would not be good." Please continue to pray for her and that there would not be anything stuck anywhere! She's had it pretty rough since last September when it comes to blood work, IV's and surgeries. She will have to have her gall bladder out as well.

On our way home we stopped for dinner at Alex's in Rochester. Jessie was happy with her baked chicken and rice and I had the BEST liver and onions I've ever had. Jon had his usual: omlette and pancakes. We also stopped at Bordine's and got soaked going in to the place. While we were in one of the covered green houses, it began raining really hard where you couldn't hear yourself! Jessie thought that was fun.

By the time we got home, she was doing MUCH better. She settled down with her iPad and she's already in bed. Your prayers are very much appreciated.

Rain and Sun ... Rain and Sun

That's just about how the day went. First it was sunshiny. Then torrential rains. Those passed and out came the sun. This continued for most of the day. Thankfully, we were out in the times when the sun shone. Jon and I went to church. The 3 of us went out to lunch, I brought them home then went to Vince and Joe's and ordered food for Jessie's birthday party on Wednesday. Chris came over later in the day and we watched The Bridge Part 2. Jessie and I just finished watching Looney Tunes and Donald Duck on her iPad. Now we're on our way up for the night. A nice day.

A Mini Date Day

We all slept in and by the time we had breakfast out, it was brunch! I wanted to go to a couple greenhouses, but ... at Wiegand's we drove in ... drove out. It was packed! We tried Deneweth's and that was better, although Jessie didn't want to be there. Jon made history at Deneweth's. First time ever going in and coming out without spending a penny.

I stopped at a friend's house who gave us a verigated hosta for the cemetery. One of the two planted was eaten and needed to be replaced. Jessie didn't want to come out of the van, which was a surprise so we left her in there. Then I heard her calling me and she had changed her mind. She wanted to help. Here she's watering the newly planted hosta and then helping Jon water the hens and chicks in the back.

We had a nice morning out together. When we got home Jon and I planted a wave petunia I got for my half barrel under my "pretend tree", then a couple of other plants. Thankfully, it has been raining for the past several hours. We've had hardly any rain, unlike Texas!

An Early Morning

We were expecting a construction company to come as early as 7:30 a.m. to begin demolition behind the shed in preparation for cement to be poured. I was ready. In fact, I had wash in, I was doing paperwork and Jessie and Rachel had left for breakfast before they showed up at 9:45 !!! If you know me, I do NOT like to get up early. I am a night time person. Plus I needed to stay home while they worked. Then they couldn't get the cement today so they'll be back on Monday. Oh, well. I did accomplish quite a bit, plus when they left I went to the post office, bank, and got gas for the van.

I've been forgetting to tell you about my weight loss. As you know, I discontinued the Cornerstone Wellness program and on May 1 began Weight Watchers. From May 1 to June 1 I lost 10.8# with a total loss of 26.8# since I began in late March. I am very pleased and on Wednesday Jon joined WW, so now we're doing it together. I'm sure he'll catch up, as he tends to lose faster than me. Men always do. Since we found out that Jessie has gall stones, I've cut out all her fat and fried foods. She's not liking it, but she eats what I put in front of her. If she goes out to eat, nothing is fried. So far so good for her.

Congratulation, Shiloh !!!

Congratulations, Shiloh, on graduating from Preschool. I was invited to attend the ceremony with the family and enjoyed it. I haven't been inside a school building in years and it brought back quite a bit of memories.

I did a lot of "running around" this morning after the graduation and after lunch I sat on the deck and set my alarm for an hour's nap. It would have been more peaceful if I had gone to my bedroom! One neighbor was using an electric drill to drill hundreds of tiny holes. Then a tree company drove down the street and began cutting down a tree. I was just getting used to these noises when the county decided to send a road grater down the street. Then came the chlorine truck! That ended it. Back inside.

Art Class and Squirrels

Jon and I went out for a quick breakfast before I went to Bible Study. Jon had several places to go before he headed home. Rachel took Jessie to Art class and she made these "cupcakes". They look real, don't they? It's a cupcake form filled with paper towel and "frosted" with puff paint and then decorated. Because Jessie is tactile sensitive, she barely made it through "frosting" her cupcakes, according to Rachel.

Jon worked in his garden, Jessie took a nap after lunch then went to work at the Library. I finished Lois' prayer letter and did some laundry.

What is Jessie doing in the picture below? She is acting like a squirrel eating. She's making noises with her lips, too. Almost like a rabbit. She was being entertained by the squirrels eating the droppings from the bird feeders. If you can click on the picture and enlarge it, you will notice how strange the squirrel is in the picture. The front part of him is smooth then it looks like he has fluffy pants on his lower half. We also have black squirrels with tan spots. Very strange indeed.

Jon and Jess fended for themselves tonight while I went out with the "Glory Girls" to celebrate Mary's birthday. She's such a stitch. She came all dressed up for her party: