Paperwork

Nothing notable about today. Jane was with Jessie and Jon worked. I did paperwork most of the day. A quiet way to end June. Which means, 2020 is half over! 

Asleep During Homework

Jessie LOVES doing "homework". She has many books that she enjoys working in and she gets more "homework" each Thursday. Unfortunately, she falls asleep some times doing her work. She has a weird morning routine. No matter what time she goes to bed, she's up around 6:00-7:00 and plays on her iPad. When my alarm goes off, she comes back to bed and goes back to sleep! Most of the time it's not enough. Like today. 

Jennifer and Jessie were outside this morning before it became too warm to swing. I worked outside pulling weeds for about an hour then I had to come in. I did 5 loads of wash and paperwork. I also finished a book I had just started the other day. "The Wedding Dress", by Rachel Hauck. She's a new author to me and I really enjoy her books. I bought several of them after reading just one. 

 

130 Mile Day

The "kids" and I went for a 130-mile drive today. We began on 26 Mile road and went to Marine City, then up M25 (I think) all the way to Port Huron. We ate lunch at The Freighters, one of our favorite restaurants there. It was Jessie's first time in a restaurant in over 3 months. We've eaten there several times, so she was familiar with it and since there was social distancing, we didn't have to worry about people sitting next to us - especially children. We went specifically for their fish tacos, only I changed my mind to white fish and Jessie changed hers to Fish and Chips. 

Unfortunately, we only saw one freighter, the Ojibwa. It was strange to see no car traffic on the Blue Water Bridge, only a few trucks! The water was VERY high, but a beautiful deep blue. 

After lunch we drove to Lake Port State Park and drove through the camp ground. We try to do this at every State park we go by. We returned through very nice scenery on the way to Yale then Richmond. Since Jessie hollered for over 2 hours for an ice cream, we stopped at McDonald's and got her a vanilla shake. I can't believe she likes those things. She won't drink milk. 

A very nice family date day. I am blessed.

We Ate In A Restaurant !!!

Rachel came to spend the day with Jessie. Among the many things they did was making a birthday card for Ian, our next door neighbor, who turned 2 on June 25. We went over there around 11:00 to give him his present.

Jon and I left before noon and drove to the Northern Market. Unfortunately, they were closed! They will reopen in late July with vegetables. Bummer for us. We went to Crooked Creek Dairy instead and saw the new calves.

Then we tried something different. We went to Times Square for lunch. We haven't been in a restaurant since the beginning of March. There was no one in the place! After about 10 minutes, others began to come in. Both of us enjoyed our lunches. 

When we got home I spent almost 2 hours weeding underneath Jessie's swings. Jon had sprayed the weeds and grass and most were dead. I filled a bucket 2/3 full! I was glad when I finished. It was in the upper 80's and I was more than ready to go inside.

A very nice day indeed. Thank you, Jesus!

Vegetable and Fruit Bags

Jon worked and had an OK day. Jess had a good day with Rachel. I had a pretty good day. Busy. Post office, bank, Walgreen's, Mandel's Greenhouse, McDonalds for a drive thru lunch then Vince and Joes. Do you know what I absolutely hate the most about shopping? The flimsy vegetable and fruit bags that I can NOT get open! It is so frustrating. No matter how hard I try and do what other people do, I just can't get those bags open. It's frustrating, not to mention embarrassing!

Friends

Jess had her "speech" class this morning then we drove thru Wendy's for lunch and ate with the goats. Didn't see any llamas, though! Back home and began cleaning the house in preparation for company! Our friends, Don and Roxanne, came to dinner! They currently live up north but were down for the weekend. We are blessed to have such good friends. We have know them for many, many years. 

A friend is a present you give yourself.

- Robert Louis Stevenson

"Glory Girls"

Per Jennifer: "Jessie had a very quiet day. We went outside for a while, she did homework, a couple puzzles, baby books, watched part of a home video and played Apples to Apples for a bit. She did most everything "myself" so I was kinda bored and kept having to get up and move around cuz I was getting sleepy. LOL"  

I went to Bible Study then the Glory Girls met, along with spouses, at Mary's house for a pot-luck picnic. We were ALL together for a change. We had a great time reminiscing and sharing. The beginning of this group goes back to the first Stephen Ministry Training Class in September of 2003 at church (Community Wesleyan/Stoney Creek Community). We added to our group over those years. There are 7 of us. I love these gals:

Rest

Jess was tired this morning while she was with Jane. She was in the middle of paperwork, pen still in hand and then, she was out. Fast asleep for one hour. My lower back hurt enough for me to take some pain medicine, so I went upstairs and rested/napped for a couple hours in the afternoon.  I'm still tired. I probably could take a nap before going to bed! Jon hasn't felt good all day and he even took a nap.

Not only do our bodies need physical rest (naps), we need the spiritual rest that comes from our Heavenly Father:

"My soul finds rest in God alone;

my salvation comes from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation;

he is my fortress, I will never be shaken."

Psalm 62: 1-2

We Were All Busy

 After Jess and I had our Face Time meeting with her Case Worker, Jon and I headed out. Our first stop was Menard's then Cabella's. It was nice to be able to stroll around the store. We ate a hamburger from Culver's in the van in Walmart's parking lot.    

When we got home Jon watered his garden nd my plants because it didn't rain like it was supposed to. I put in 2 borders at the edge of one of my miniature gardens to keep in the stone. I was about to sit down on my swing when I noticed a cement-looking frog on the seat. I was just about to pick it up when I realized that I didn't have anything that looked like that. It was real! We got it off the seat and it jumped onto one of my ornamental cabbage plants:                

                       

Rachel took Jennifer's place since she couldn't be here today. Jessie LOVES being with Rachel. Probably because they grew up together and Rachel is more like an older sister than, well, an older aide.

Jessie received a planter for her birthday so she painted it and then put the dirt in, then the seeds: 

Jessie also made chocolate chip cookies and made Randie a Get Well card. A busy day for all of us. 

"Just You And Me, Jess."

Every evening or late afternoon Jessie wants to know what the next day is and what we're going to do. She got used to it being the 2 of us in April and I think she looks forward to it being just us. I know it's not me that's the draw - it's her iPad. She LOVES being on it. So today it was "Just you and me!". Jon had to work. When Jessie's iPad finally went dark because of using the entire battery, she took a short nap. It was really quiet for about a half hour. I spent the day with my nose in a book. I started it this morning and most likely will finish it tonight. Jon had a better day at work. That's it for today!

No More Quarantined Toes

Finally! I got a pedicure tonight. I had an appointment at 5:00, although I didn't make it to a chair until 5:45 and didn't leave until 6:45 pm. It's a good thing I planned ahead to get take out at Anios for dinner. My feet feel wonderful. 

Jessie had an AWESOME day with Rachel. I haven't heard so much laughter from her in weeks. They went outside to swing, watched home videos and played Greedy Granny. Rachel took Jessie to her house so she could see Lana, Rachel's sister's dog. They are dog sitting. I packed Jessie a lunch and she ate at their house. I know it did her good to go somewhere, as she's not been anywhere except drive thru's and doctor offices since our Stay-At-Home order in March.

Jon had a TERRIBLE day at work. Can't say much more except I pray it's better tomorrow for him.

I tried to work outside this morning, but since it was close to 90 degrees, it was a bit too warm for me. I managed about 15 minutes. Disappointing, but I did do several hours of paperwork. I accomplished a lot. 

Randie

Prior to 11:15 a.m. I had done enough work around the house to make up for being gone all afternoon. I had a noon appointment at the hip doctor. Three xrays revealed that the hip replacement is perfect. However, the pelvic bone is bone-on-bone. I'll be scheduling an MRI in the very near future to determine what steps would be next in alleviating pain.

From the doctor's office I went to be with Randie while Diane was on 3 important interviews that she was leading for a position on her team. She works for BCBS. Randie and I chatted a bit then she took a nap. I read my book, answered their phone and enjoyed peace and quiet! Randie had her first PT visit while I was there and she's doing so well that he won't be returning. She does look great. Just tired. Thank you, Lord, for her healing.

I stayed for dinner (Theo's fish and chips) then got home around 6:00 p.m. The first thing Jessie yelled at me was "Pop" then "cookies!". That went on for a half hour. Needless to say she didn't get any. A nice "Hi, Mom" would have been better. At least Jon said HI.

Half Crabby, Half Happy

I guess it would depend on the moment if someone were to ask me how Jessie was. Some times she was crabby. Some times happy. Jessie was very happy and very excited to go to "speech" with Joyce. She LOVES Joyce and all her "homework" and reading she has to do. She has excelled so much in the past year with this extra help. So much for the "experts" that said she'd stop learning by age 12! Their excuse for not teaching academics after elementary school. 

Jessie was also VERY happy when Angie came to visit this afternoon. Angie brought her a birthday present and then we went to Wendy's in Romeo for a drive thru lunch and ate it at Frontier Town. There wasn't anyone else there today and the goats were all in the shade. Oh, well. Food was good. Company better.

You might wonder when she was crabby. Well, whenever I told her to change the You tube channel she was on because it wasn't appropriate. She LOVES to watch surgeries and disabled children eating or playing. She also tolerates screaming children on her iPad. So different in real life when she'd have a panic attack if a child were crying. 

She's always crabby when I ask her to do something. Or not to do something. Or when I cough. She really goes spastic when I cough. I try not to cough, but sometimes you just can't help it. I wonder if Jessie would understand these verses from the Bible:

"Honor your father and mother"

- which is the first commandment with a promise -

"so that it may go well with you and that you may 

enjoy long life on the earth."

Ephesians 6:2-3 NIV

 

Getting Snatches of Peace and Quiet

I went to Bible Study this morning and we finished up the book of Philippians. During these uncertain times, I take comfort in Philippians 4:4-7:

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, 

present your requests to God. And the peace of God,

which transcends all understanding, will guard your

hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

I had lunch when I got home then finished around the tree in the backyard that I began yesterday. Many of the brick had fallen over and it desperately needed weeding, and new rock put down. I am so thankful that I was able to do the work myself. I enjoyed the peace and quiet of working outside.

After dinner I went outside and sat on the swing and read my current book for about 45 minutes. I think that since March I've read AT LEAST 20 or more books. I do LOVE to read. Jon kept an ear on Jessie while I had some more peace and quiet. UNTIL, for no apparent reason, our generator went off. Scared the crap out of me since I was within 10 feet of it! Not sure why we lost power. Well, it was quiet for awhile.

Jessie said something funny again today. Putting the finishing touches on dinner, I kept tripping over Darla who wanted to be in my way. After the third time I yelled at her to get out of the kitchen, Jessie said: "Darla, LISTEN!"  Seriously? I'll have to say that to her the next time SHE won't listen!

"HI, Honey!"

I have to write this down so that in years to come I'll remember this:

Last night I fell asleep in my bedroom chair, which I do on numerous occasions. When I got up to go to bed, Jessie was sleeping on her stomach with her head face down. I gently moved her so she'd turn over. She moved, looked at me and said:  "Hi, honey. How are you?"  I wanted to cry. That was so sweet. PLUS, it was 5 words together! 

Jess had a fun day with Jane. They played numerous games then went outside and kicked a ball around. She left early because Jess had the doctor's appointment at 2:45. She got a shot in her butt! 😱 and a prescription for an antibiotic for 10 days. She wasn't so crabby today, either.

For the first time in a long time I went out in the back yard and began weeding and cleaning up around the tree. I was in the shade and it was very nice. I hope to do it again tomorrow afternoon after Bible Study. It's almost done. 

I Had My Brain Swabbed Today

Randie came home from the hospital late this afternoon. In an effort to help Diane, who is still working, I offered to help out when needed. So, just to be safe, I had a blood test and nose swab to detect the virus. I've had nose swabs before for the flu and MERSA, but this test was by far the worst. It felt like it reached my brain then twisted around for 15 seconds! 

I'm negative for the virus, which is what I figured, but I sure wouldn't want to give Randie anything as she recuperates from home. I'll get the blood test results in 3-5 days.

Jessie has been suffering for years with hydronitissuperotivia (I'm sure I spelled it incorrectly). She has plugged pores in her arm pits that get big and infected. She's been complaining for a couple days now and has been SUPER crabby. Tylenol has helped and hot compresses, too. I have a doctor's appointment for her tomorrow afternoon. She needs an antibiotic. That will take it away for several months.

Since last December she was taking Humira shots for her rheumatoid arthritis. It made her sick within a couple of days of taking the shots, but completely cleared up her arm pit infections. I stopped the shots because she didn't need to be sick. Especially when the virus "hit" in March. However, the plugged pores have been a part of her life again.

"Cast your burden on the Lord,

And He shall sustain you;

He shall never permit the righteous to be moved."

Psalm 55:22

  

A Really Nice Day

 Jess and I slept in again, which is always a great way to start any day. Breakfast at 11:00. Diane came at 11:40 to visit and to take a walker and rolling chair for Randie when she comes home from the hospital. We sat on the deck since it was warmer there than inside the house! Jon worked outside for quite awhile. Jessie spent the day on her iPad, which is her most favorite thing to do.

I ordered lunch/dinner at Romeo Family Restaurant and picked it up. I always like it when I don't have to cook. After Diane left I spent several hours on the deck reading. That's always nice. I did have to cover up with a blanket since it was windy and cooler. 

Darla, Darla, Darla. You are such a strange dog. Her butt's inside the deck where its safer than outside in the backyard. When we first got her and she took off from the deck to the backyard after a squirrel, I put the screen back in place. As you can see, that didn't work. She made her own doggie door. 

A Surprise Visit

So pretty

Jess and I both slept in and didn't have our breakfast until 11:00 a.m.! Now that's my kind of Saturday. 

Jon worked outside in the back yard, the shed and his garden for several hours. I did a couple loads of wash, finished putting away groceries from yesterday's trips, 

In the afternoon we had an unexpected visit from a fellow Joyful Journey friend. Rosemarie was at a shower about a half mile from my home and stopped in. She was unable to come last night, so we had a chance to catch up since our last gathering in early March. She also gave me the table centerpiece she won at the shower! It's beautiful. 

Joyful Journey

Friday, June 12

I went to the post office, bank, Walgreen's, Vince and Joe's, and Kroger's. I must say that shopping has changed a great deal since COVID-19 struck. I hadn't been to Vince and Joe's since early March and I wasn't used to all the signs on the floor or the fact that the lines are where you can't see them. Did you know that here are people who are more than happy to tell you that you are doing something wrong! And, now you can't put items on the belt until the person in front of you is finished. Shopping at Vince and Joe's was OK. There were plenty of nice employees. However, the check out experience was the pits. I hope it was just the day and not the norm. 

I have been part of a group of Ladies for the past 27 years from our days at Morgan Elementary. We are the "Joyful Journey". We met tonight to celebrate Leann's retirement. We had an outside, potluck picnic on Diana's deck. Last fall several of the women flew to NC for a Ladies Conference and Leann had shirts made for the group. I received mine last night. 

This is such a special group of women. We pray for one another, support one another and definitely love one another. I am blessed to be part of this group. 

As you can see from the hearts, two of our group has already finished their journey and are awaiting us in Heaven.

Clean Windows and Strawberries

Thursday, June 11

This is the best physical day I've had in a week. No pain in my upper back. I believe it's due to the fact that the Bible Study Ladies prayed for me yesterday. I'm so thankful.

Jessie had her "Speech" class then we drove through Wendy's to get lunch then ate with the goats. And llamas! When we got home, Rachel came to be with Jessie this afternoon. At 2:00 I had my windows cleaned! Inside. Outside. Screens. Upstairs and downstairs. They look SOOOOO good! They haven't been done like this in years. I definitely will be calling the company that came today next spring. Well, the one man, anyway!

Jon picked strawberries this afternoon and they were so good! When he brought them in, they were warm from the sun and very sweet. Can't get much better than that!

Another Celebration Day

Wednesday, June 10

Rachel was here with Jessie today and celebrated her birthday, as she was unable to come to the parties this past weekend. Jane brought Jessie a BBQ Chicken Pizza for lunch and another kind for her and Rachel.

I was in horrible pain this morning with my upper back, but I still went to Bible Study. I figured I'd be sitting there like I would at home. I came back in time to eat lunch with Jessie, Jane and Rachel. I didn't do much the rest of the day.

Not Quite Up To Par

Monday, June 8
Tuesday, June 9

For the past 4 or 5 days I've had some very uncomfortable pain in my upper right side and upper back. Yesterday I wasn't any good at all and didn't do much but a load of wash. Plus the every day have-to jobs. I went to my PCP's office today and saw his NP. There are 3 possible scenerios: kidney stone, pulled muscle or shingles. I've had a history of kidney stones, so that's plausible. Pulled muscle? Beats me. Shingles? I don't think so, although she said that shingles can be present without a rash. I would think that the pain would be constant if it were shingles. I got a shot and I'm supposed to take a muscle relaxer tonight. If it's a pulled muscle, it should be better. We'll see.

Jennifer was with Jessie yesterday and Jane today. Yesterday Jennifer and Jessie got a drive thru McDonald's meal then met Brent, his mom and Tom at the "duck park". They all had a really good time. Jane and Jessie went swinging this morning, played endless games of Apples to Apples, did Dot-2-Dot and played her new game, "Greedy Granny". Jessie has settled down a bit from her party weekend. Thank you, God!

"Confess your trespasses to one another,

and pray for one another, that you may be healed.

The effective, fervent prayer of a

righteous man avails much."

James 5:16

Happy 30th Birthday, Jessie !!!

Sunday, June 7

I can not believe that my youngest is 30 years old! (And my oldest is 32!) I remember the moment that they were born. Two beautiful times in my life. I am so blessed to have children. Although some would say that Jessie having Down Syndrome is a burden, they know nothing of the blessing and delight she has been to us. Yes, it's been difficult, but, I wouldn't have her any other way!

Her 2nd. party was just as fun as the first, and she received her "ten presents" that she always wants. Brenda and Gary, Chris and Jennae came to celebrate with us. Diane came earlier in the day to spend some time with me. Randie is still in the hospital.

In all, I know Jess had a great birthday, despite not being able to go to the hotel for the night.

Wow! Are there 10 presents in this one bag?

Jessie wanted this game for Christmas but it

sold out, so I purchased it on Amazon for

her birthday! She was excited!

Birthday Party Day 1

Saturday, June 6

Jessie could barely contain herself for most of the day, anticipating her birthday party #1. Jon picked up chicken from Kroger's on his way home from work, I put the mac 'n cheese in the oven, and our guests arrived after 4. It was a very simple, yet delicious meal. Jane and Al, Jennifer and Bob, and Julie celebrated with us. It was a very good day and made more awesome by the fact that we had people to talk to!

Jennifer made 2 "poop" cakes that were so cute and delicious!

Enjoy the pictures!

Preparing For the Parties

Thursday, June 4
Friday, June 5

I didn't feel like blogging last night. I'm not sure why. I guess I get tired of saying the same thing all the time. Or at least I think I do. Yesterday Jessie had her "speech" class in the morning and we came home for lunch. I did wash and odds and ends getting ready for the 2 parties this weekend.

Today Jessie dusted the furniture. Again, she did a good job. She took everything off the tops of end tables before dusting. When she did Jon's cabinet under his tv, she had to stop and look at all his DVD's, though!









Today I again did odds and ends. I worked outside for a bit, too. However, it was almost 90 and the temperature and sun made me a bit dizzy. Jon wouldn't let me do anything else. Oh, well. I tried.

Jon had an appointment around lunch time and Jennifer, Jessie and I picked up Wendy's for lunch and Jon met us at Frontier Town and we had a picnic in the van. With the goats. Again. They weren't out much, as they were trying to keep cool in the shade. They've also added llamas! Woo hoo!

I really like this picture of Jessie. She's smiling so nice. Most of the time she's got a goofy look on her face. Later in the day I took a short nap and began decorating for our first party tomorrow. Tomorrow Jessie and I will vacuum and clean the deck. It's super dusty. Night all!

"I lie down and sleep;

I wake again, because the LORD

sustains me."

Psalm 3:5

Darla

Wednesday, June 3

Darla, Darla, Darla. Our Darling Darla is a great family dog. However, she's quite the nervous wreck. She's afraid of people that aren't at our house very often. She'll run upstairs if someone comes over she doesn't know. She's totally terrified of babies. Her eyes get so wide you can see the white's of her eyes. If anything happened, I'd have to save her, too!

She is cute, though. We got her for Jessie and had her trained so that we could pursue her being a therapy dog for Jessie. That didn't work. SHE needs a therapy dog!

I think that the last several months have been hard on her with us being home all the time. She mopes around the house. She stares at nothing!  She's easily scared. Sometimes when Jessie has a melt down, I try to get Darla to come to Jessie and that settles Jessie down. Jessie loves her and that is what is the most important. Well, Jon and I love her, too!

S H O P P I N G !!!

Tuesday, June 2

Jennifer joined me in an afternoon of shopping for Jessie's birthday parties. We went to Gordon's and Kroger's. I haven't been to Kroger's since March 17. Nothing changed. Well, except for the arrows on the floor telling you which way to go that I didn't notice until I was almost finished shopping. I'm just used to looking down at the floor. Maybe the signs could be eye level? Oh, well. No one yelled at me. At least I wore my mask, but it promptly came off as soon as I left the store. Being in the high 80's was way too uncomfortable for wearing a mask. That's my opinion, anyway.

Randie came home from the hospital this afternoon! Yeah! I was part of her family's face time before she got sprung, and she looked and sounded much better than the last time I saw her. Unfortunately, she has 3 heart valves that are leaking. She'll have a doctor's appointment in the days ahead to discuss surgery and where it will be done. Please continue to pray.

You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted;

You encourage them, and you listen to their cry,

Psalm 10:17

A Visit From Brent

Monday, June 1

This afternoon Jessie had special visitors. Brent, his mom Diana, and his aide, Tom, came to see her. Diana brought a stuffed white unicorn that has a special pen to autograph names on it for her birthday parties on Saturday and Sunday.

We sat outside on our lower patio for almost an hour and had a nice visit. Brent was the happiest I've every seen him. He did nothing but laugh. He was very happy. Jessie, too!