Halloween

All our excitement for Halloween was last night, so today was very quiet. The sirens in Washington went off at 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. to signal beginning and ending of trick or treating. We didn't see any kids outside. That's not too unusual, though. Jessie is on to the next holiday. She's bypassed Thanksgiving and gone right to Christmas. 

Jon left at 8:00 a.m. and went to Target and Meijer's. After a quick left-over pizza lunch I went to the bank and Kroger's. When I got home I went out to the deck and put my feet up and started reading. It was a nice, sunshiny day. Then I got a surprise text saying that Diane and Randie were coming over to visit! Yeah! We had a very nice visit. They especially came to see the "new" deck.

Here's a picture of the pumpkin craft that we did last night:

In order to get pictures from my phone to my computer, I have to message them to Jon's phone then he sends them back to me in an e-mail. Why they won't transfer directly to my computer I don't know. I neglected to get a picture of Jennifer being wrapped before Jon went to bed last night, so here it is:

Jessie's Halloween Party

Jennifer took Jessie to breakfast this morning, and Chris and I joined them. It was a nice way to begin an other-wise busy day. After picking up prescriptions at Walgreen's and getting the mail, Chris left and I began getting things ready for Jessie's Halloween party.

Jess rarely asks for anything special, and when she told me weeks ago she wanted a Halloween party, I decided we'd have one with all her aides. Jennifer was a huge help to me when she was finished working with Jess. I was in a terrible amount of back pain all day. I don't remember a day as bad as this one. 

Jane, Rachel, Angie, Joyce, Jennifer, Jessie and I were the party people. Guests arrived at 5:00 p.m., dinner arrived at 5:15 p.m. Three Louie's pizzas and an antipasto salad plus chips and dip were served. When we finished eating, everyone got to decorate a mummy cookie. 

After that we moved to the deck and did a pumpkin craft. It was so nice out there. I had the heaters going for a couple hours before everyone got here and the temperature was pretty good even though it was VERY cold outside. When that was finished we moved back inside to have dessert. Rachel made fabulous cupcakes and Jane and Jessie had made cookies earlier in the week. 

After eating dessert we were going to wrap Jessie up like a mummy with toilet paper and she was supposed to wear her poop hat. However, even though she wanted to do it and talked about it for weeks, she refused to be wrapped. So, Jennifer did it and Jessie unwrapped her. 

The party was a success because here was a lot of laughter and Jessie had a good time!

A Welcomed Help

I stayed in bed this morning until 9:00. Jessie had gotten up earlier and was watching videos in her room. Jon was at work. At 11:00 Jess had her "Speech" class then we went home. Chris was there and she helped me get all Lois' clothes in the van and we took them over and put them in Ruth's garage. I so appreciated Chris' help. We had lunch when we got home then Chris and I watched an Aurora Teagarden Mystery Jon taped for me earlier. We had chicken enchiladas for dinner then Chris and I went to church for a Prayer and Praise evening. That's a wrap for today!

A Tiring Day

Jessie and Jennifer went to Debby's Dollar and Michael's to get some craft items. Jessie especially likes to pait, so that's what she did in the afternoon.

I went to Bible Study then out to lunch with 2 other gals. Post Office and home. I went next door and held 5-day old Cole, Ian's brother. He is just as beautiful as Ian was when he was born. What a wonderful gift from God. 

When I got home I took some rubbermaids downstairs (backwards, step by step) then got Lois' rubbermaids ready to come upstairs. She's coming to Michigan on Saturday for some medical tests. She'll be staying with her sister. I was exhausted when I finished. Jon wasn't too happy that I did what I did. I really shouldn't have, but he's always in so much pain I couldn't let him do the entire up and down stairs. 

It was a beautiful, sunshiny day and the deck warmed up really nice from the sun. I sat out there for about an hour to relax before I made dinner. For something different, we ate on TV trays in Jon's living room and watched Zoo Tampa. Both Jessie and Darla were intent on watching the animals:

 

Cold and Rainy

That's what today was. Still is. It's going to go down to the lower 30's tonight and I feel like it's that cold already in the house. My nose is frozen, my feet are cold. I need some hot tea.

Jane took Jessie swimming this morning, Pita Pit for lunch and Debby's Dollar to shop. She had a good day.

Jon and I went out to breakfast then Sam's Club. Jon wasn't feeling well enough to go to Kroger's with me, so I went alone. In the rain. In the cold and rain. It took me quite awhile to get the kitchen back in order and everything put away. Tomorrow I'll straighten up the family room. Too cold to do it tonight. 

Sprucing Up The Deck

Jennifer had a difficult day with Jessie. She was crabby and did weird things. She was defiant and loud. However, Jennifer did manage to get her outside for about an hour or so in he afternoon, although Jessie didn't want her any where near her. She held up her hand and said, "By myself!"  Jen said that there are days that she really earns her money! Today was one of them.

Jon had an eye doctor appointment at 9:30 a.m.  I did a couple loads of wash and did paperwork. When he got home, we went to Art and Jake's for lunch then visited a "Glory Girl" and her husband. He has done wood working for years and when we had a picnic at their house this summer, I decided I'd come back and buy some pieces for the deck. 

Two pieces of tree, a tree-top table and a separate lamp. I really like them and they look really good on the deck.

Another Two Days of Discomfort

Yesterday, Saturday, and today, Sunday, have not been good physical days for me. My back has hurt almost the entire time. I did manage to go to Target yesterday and get a few necessities, but that was it. The rest of the day was spent resting.

Rachel came for 4 hours and took Jessie to Panera Bread for a drive thru breakfast, Verellen's for a cup of cider and a drive down Sisson Street, the infamous Halloween street. Both Jon and I despise this street. If these residents (and all the others around putting up dark stuff) spent just as much money and time for Christmas, well, I guarantee God would be much happier. Me, too, but that's my personal opinion. 

Halloween isn't what it was when I was growing up. Granted it was A LONG time ago. But. There was just the Halloween Trick or Treating. No decorating with grotesque stuff. Just plain dress up fun for candy for kids. I do have good memories of Halloween. My mom always sewed costumes for the 3 of us. 

Jess and I went to church today. Jon worked. We went to Chili's for lunch and brought home dinner for Jon. Plus Jess and I only ate half of our meal so we ate the other half tonight for dinner. I spent the greater part of the afternoon on the couch with a book and a hot rice pack on my back. Tonight I'm finally feeling better. I hope tomorrow will be a better physical day.

A Painful Day

The shot I had in my back yesterday is supposed to make me feel better. However, the nurse did tell me yesterday not to call them if my back was worse - even up to 5 days. It is common to have more pain. It hasn't been that way before but it sure was today. I had to take pain medicine even before breakfast, and since I've not taken it for awhile, it made me feel out-of-it, so to speak.

Jessie and Jennifer went to Leo's for breakfast then Debby's Dollar and Dollar Tree. I managed to go with Jon out to breakfast at The Pantry then came home and sat on the deck verifying a checkbook. A little while later I decided I needed to go upstairs and lay down. Something I rarely do. I slept off and on for 3 hours! The pain was better when I got up. Not gone, but better. 

Wow, weather wise it was beautiful today, close to 80 degrees. Except for the black clouds that rolled through in the late afternoon. We got a little rain, but not much. A little thunder, too. It was so nice on the deck that we ate out dinner out there. I need to get a pole lamp. That will make it easier to see while we eat, as the ceiling light won't work. It's not the bulb either. Just another thing that needs replacing.

Another Shot

It was a busy morning. Jess and I had hair cut appointments at 10:00 and 10:30 a.m. When we were finished, Jess had "Speech". An hour later we picked up Jon and went to Marcus Grill for lunch. Then I drove us to my doctor's appointment to get a shot in my lumbar. Ugh. Jon and Jessie stayed in the van, played on their iPads and I endured another shot. It is NOT my favorite thing to do. I just hope it helps for a couple months. I've just rested since we got home and iced my back. It may take a couple weeks to get any relief. I certainly don't have any tonight.

We discussed having a shot in my neck, as the surgeon told me that my upper back pain is from my neck. The doctor won't do a shot unless I have an MRI to review first. I am not thrilled. I'm still debating back surgery. I need God's wisdom to do the right thing.  

Wednesday

We met for Bible Study again this morning. I came home for lunch and it was so nice on the deck that we ate out there!  

When we finished, we went for a drive. I picked up a prescription at Walgreen's, we went to one of our local vegetable stands and I bought a bushel of squash, some beets, cooking pumpkins and a zucchini. We went to Michael's to purchase craft material for Jessie's "Halloween" party. I treated the 3 of us to ice cream at McDonald's on the way home. 

Jessie was pretty crabby when we got home so she had time out, Jennifer did her paperwork and I went to the deck and read for a bit. I wanted a nap but didn't have time to take a nap before I needed to make dinner. Oh, well. I'm still tired. 

A 5-Day Post

 Friday, October 16 thru Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Friday, Saturday and Sunday ... I left home around 9:30 and picked up my cousins in Memphis and we headed to Grand Rapids for the weekend to have fun and see colors. We had a really nice time. We ate out at several different places, toured the Fred Meijer Gardens, shopped at Baker Book House and a 2-story Barnes and Noble (that is an awesome place!) and went wine tasting (not me, though). Here are a few pictures from our weekend:

My oldest cousin, Karen, is on the right. Linda is next to her. Our mothers were sisters. We grew up together because we always were visiting, but we've never vacationed or gone anywhere together. 

Their other 2 siblings are Terry, who's 6 months older than me, then Valerie, the "baby". 

This pic of Karen and me turned out really nice.

My pic with Linda got deleted because her eyes were closed!

I look like I'm half asleep!

We had breakfast at a Panera Bread before we hit I96 heading for home when I asked when the last time Karen had been in Frankenmuth. (She just moved up here after 36 years living in Florida.) Her response: "When I was about 5". So, we headed there next. It was PACKED !!! One and a half hours wait to eat at Zehnder's upstairs so we went downstairs to the cafeteria and ate after only a 10-min. wait. We also walked the street and went into several shops. It's been years since I was able to do that. 

I took the back way home to avoid busy I-75. Went to Vassar then down M15 to 69. After dropping the girls off I got home at 6:00 pm. This is what awaited me on the table from Jon ...

Thank you, Jon. They are beautiful!  Jessie was so excited to see me. She wouldn't quit hugging me. Darla was excited, too! 

Monday, October 19

I had a 10:00 meeting with Jessie's Case Worker that took about a half hour. At lunch time, I met Jane at Leo's and she treated me to lunch for my birthday. Guess what Jessie got in the mail today? Her voter registration card. Give me a break! Jon worked 12 hours. He got home at 7:45 p.m. and went to bed at 8:45 p.m. Didn't see much of him today.

Tuesday, October 20

Merry Maids were here to clean the house. I did some paperwork and then around 1:00 went to Marcus Grill for the Glory Girl's October birthday party (Pat and Me). I've really had quite a few birthday celebrations this year! And I've loved them all. Unless someone else wants to take me out to lunch for my birthday, I think the celebrations are over for this year.

Jane took Jessie to the MTRC for open swim today! The first time since the stay-at-home order shut most everything down. I was impressed with the way they have reopened to the public. Jane felt very "safe" with virus protections in place. Jessie was thrilled to go swimming again. They are going again next Tuesday.

Preparing For A Weekend Away

I don't know about others, but when I go away there's just so much to do around the house. Of course, nothing is that important. It's just me wanting not to come home to a "mess" that I've made or haven't taken care of. Part of Jon's birthday gift to me is a weekend away with my cousins. This is his weekend off and he'll be here with Jessie. Also Jennifer will be here tomorrow and Rachel Saturday. We will be going in the morning to Grand Rapids to see some color. I'll probably post again on Monday.,

Jessie had "Speech" this morning. She's doing really well in learning to tell time! Then we went to the post office, bank, Walgreen's and I surprised her in taking her to Leo's for lunch. Jessie has had a really good day. She's been so happy. She's given me so many hugs and has laughed a lot. I'm glad happy Jessie is back!

Here's the picture of the leaf owls she made on Wednesday:

A Birthday Celebration

It sure was a busy morning. I gave Jessie a bath, got myself ready to go out and the carpet guys came and put the deck carpet down. They were almost done when I left to go with the Wednesday Bible Study gals to Three Cats for a special birthday lunch for me and Jean. The food was excellent, again, but the servers were run ragged. We were there for 2 1/2 hours. I had wanted to shop at Leon & Lulu's longer than the 15 minutes I did, but needed to get Jean back for an appointment. Which was really ok. I'm sure it saved me money. The rest of the gals stayed and shopped. 

I came home to a deck that was put back together. Jon had taken apart the oak table I had bought and carried it in by himself and put it all back together. Then he got the couches and coffee table and end tables put in. What a guy! I wanted him to wait for me to do it, but he didn't wait. Which was OK, as I didn't look forward to carrying furniture. Anyway, it's amazing. We LOVE the deck. 

Jennifer took Jessie to the "duck" park, met Brent and his mom and aide and did an art project on a picnic table. I'll post the pictures tomorrow. They made owls from leaves they picked up while there. Jessie also walked around the entire pond. That was a great accomplishment. They stopped at McDonald's on the way back and ate lunch at home.

Different Plans

The deck guy was supposed to be out around 8 to work on the door that doesn't close properly. I was going to get up at 7:00 to be ready for him and get Darla outside, but Jon was home and got up early.  I was able to sleep until 8:00 when the phone rang and they cancelled him until Friday. OK then.

I had a "smashing" text this morning. While I was gone, Jane played several games with Jessie then they went to Wendy's to get lunch and go eat with the goats. They also shopped at Target, played outside when they got home and then ended the day playing Apples 2 Apples. Jess had a good day.

I picked up Jon and we went out to breakfast after my test then got our mail from the post office. I got a phone call that the carpet was on the truck today and they were going to be out in the morning to install it on the deck. Ok. Jon and I emptied the deck of the few items we put there temporarily. Jon also finished painting where they had put in new wood while installing the door. Had to get that done before the carpet was installed.

A friend's husband came in the afternoon and he fixed my kitchen sink's faucet. It kept twirling around and I couldn't find the hot water. I thought I might have to replace it, but he was able to take it apart and fix the problem. After he left, I decided to go get a pedicure and was back in less than an hour and a half. Fixed dinner and tried straightening up the house. It's 9:33 and I should really be getting Jessie upstairs for the night. Back to back events wear me down. Today was no exception.

Guacamole

I had a cardiologist appointment this morning but before I left, Jessie wanted something special for lunch. Both Jennifer and I couldn't figure out what she was saying. It was " ____ ____ a mole." I kept telling her how sorry I was that I didn't understand. Finally Jennifer said, "Show us!" She did. She got up from the couch, opened the refrigerator door and grabbed the left-over guacamole from yesterday's lunch at Chili's! 

After my appointment, I went to Kroger's. I hadn't been there in quite awhile so I had a full basket. I was exhausted when I got home. Jessie LOVES to take the groceries out of the bags. Today, she was ooing and aweing over what she found. It was too funny. She acted like we had been starving and NOW we finally have food again. 

While I was gone, Jessie painted 2 pumpkins, painted several pictures for herself and Brent, Courtney and Jennae and made several popsicle stick halloween ornaments:

Sunday

Chris watched Jessie in the Pastor's Office this morning while I attended church. It is soooo appreciated. I've enjoyed being back to attending church in person, although I did watch it on-line almost every Sunday since churches closed in March.

Jess and I went to Chili's for lunch. She brought home half of her meal for dinner and my half went to Jon for his dinner. 

I put pictures and stuff back up on the deck walls that had been taken down. I finished decorating 3 sweater pumpkins. I played on my iPad and waited on the Princess. Jon worked.

Such A Beautiful Day

This was one of the best weather days! Partly sunny, breezy and in the upper 70's. Jane came and gave me 2 hours of outside garden work. I also worked out side with her. Jessie spent time in her swing while we worked. Then we had lunch, Jane left, and I did 4 loads of wash and Jess took a little nap. Me, too. Jon worked and was in pretty good shape when he got home. That's about it!

 

Energy

I posted that I did paperwork, paperwork and more paperwork yesterday. I just kept it up all day and evening. Then I cleaned up this and that. When it came time to go to bed at midnight, I was still doing things. I didn't go to bed until 1:00 a.m.

I overslept this morning but when I did get up, I had the energy like I've not had in ... well, can't remember. I called it "Aggravate your Kids Day!" and I did do that this morning to both of them. I don't know if they had fun but I certainly did.

At 10:30 a friend picked me up and took me to The Jagged Fork in Grosse Pte. Farms. It was a bit of a drive, but it was so nice out (almost 80 degrees today) and the homes along Jefferson were really something! 

It was a busy place. We only had to wait about 15 minutes, but after us the wait was over a half hour. They took their phone numbers and called them when there was seating. I'd never heard of this place but there's one in Rochester, too. I think I'll take Jon there one morning when we aren't counting points! I had their corned beef skillet with pancakes. Very, very good.

We stopped off at The Happenstance store on Groesbeck south of 16 Mile Road and I finally found a vase I've been wanting. It's to go on the floor on the step before you go down to the family room from the small dining room in the kitchen. My stair chair railing comes past the wall and into the doorway. It's a tripping hazard. I'm really pleased with the vase and 3 stalks of different flowers I also purchased.

After I got home and Jennifer left, I took Jessie to get some blood work done. We were one of the last ones to arrive and definitely the last ones to leave. Poor Jessie. It was a disaster. It ended up being 3 adults holding her arm down and one taking the blood. Unfortunately, there had to be some digging to find the vein. Twice. Jessie screamed, screamed and cried like I haven't seen her cry in years. It was awful. A terrible way to end her good day with Jennifer. I was very concerned with her as she was so upset that I was afraid she'd have a stroke. I asked them for some juice, got a cold paper towel for her face and neck and had her sit in a chair for awhile before we left. I felt like crying myself! I'm not sure I'll ever get her back and get blood again!

Today was her breakfast-out-day with Jennifer. She looks forward to Friday's. After breakfast they went to Target, came home and did a craft.

Paperwork !!!

Haven't I said this before? Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork. That's all I seem to do. You're probably wondering how I could have so much to do! Well, if one leaves several weeks of not keeping their checkbook up-to-date, along with monthly statements from the bank, that would require hours of work. Today it was my checkbook and Jessie's. Not only do I have to keep Jessie's checkbook in order, I must keep a log of EVERY expenditure she ever makes. That includes the smallest amount. There used to be a yearly report I had to do, but they did away with that. Thankfully! However, I still must keep accurate records in case of an audit, which will probably never happen. But, at least I won't have a heart attack if they came calling and I didn't keep track of her money! It was such a nice day that I was able to work on the deck and have a couple windows open for a cross breeze. It's so nice out there! We are so blessed to have been able to put in the new screens and memory vinyl!

Jessie had Speech this morning then we picked up Jon for lunch at Marcus Grill. Jon spent the morning out shopping at hobby shops for paints and brushes for his figurines. I need to take pictures of what he does. It's amazing. The detail he puts into each one is unbelievable! 

Livingspace Detroit

Well, they finished the deck yesterday and we are soooo pleased. It looks great. Despite the high winds this afternoon, Jennifer and I worked on sweater pumpkins on the deck and when she left, I sat out there and read. We even ate dinner on the deck on a folding table. The carpet won't be installed until a week or so, much to my disappointment. But, oh, well. 

Jessie had another great day. Jennifer planned an art project, they met Brent and his mom and aide at the duck park and they had art on a picnic table. She came home happy. That's what it's all about!

Jessie's Surprise Visit

I spent the entire day doing paperwork. And, I didn't finish. It'll take me another full day to get close. But at least I'm one day closer.

Jane was with Jessie today and this morning after breakfast they played several games and Jessie did Silly Sentences. Around lunch time they picked up Pita Pit lunches and went to the "duck park". They were sitting on a bench after eating and who should come by? Brent! And his mom and aide, of course. Jessie was very excited to see Brent. 

Our darling Darla is so strange. She likes to sleep with her head jammed up on a wall, couch or someone's leg. It's a wonder she doesn't have a permanent kink in her neck!

A Busy Monday

I left as soon as Jennifer came and went and got my (fasting) blood taken for a couple doctors. Monday mornings are NOT the best time to go, but I didn't have any other mornings to go before my one appointment next Monday. I was told it was going to be and hour and a half, but I was out in an hour and 15 minutes. Actually, I enjoyed the time because I brought my book to read. 

I ate a protein bar on the way to Vince and Joe's where I purchased fruits and veggies. The post office was my last stop before home. I really should have gone somewhere, anywhere else, as Jessie was SUPER crabby to both Jennifer and me. All day long. We gave her Tylenol in case she was not feeling well, but that didn't help. She's a little better tonight. Not much. This is so hard, as she can't tell me if she's in pain or scared, or if something else is wrong. It's a guessing game that can take days.

Jon had to work 12 hours today and just got home in time to eat dinner and go to bed. They are very short-handed at his work and he has to work another 12 on Wednesday. He's already super tired. It was a busy day for him, too. 

 

And Another Week Begins

While Jon was home with Jessie, I went to church. On the way home I picked up 3 chicken wraps for lunch. Jessie was on her iPad all day, Jon spent quite a bit of time painting his figures and I took a long nap. Dinner was left-over pizza from a week ago (it was frozen). Now it's time to give Jessie a bath, give her a snack and go to bed. Well, Jon and Jessie will go to bed. I still have hours to stay up since I don't go to bed until midnight!

Friday and Saturday

Friday and Saturday have both come and almost gone. I didn't feel like blogging last night. I needed time to digest the news the back surgeon gave me. I've always said that I wouldn't have back surgery unless I couldn't walk. Well. Now that I can't walk without the aide of a cane, have pain and waddle like a duck, it's now going to be sooner than later. Unfortunately, my MRI's showed 2 spinal cord compressions in my lower back. That can be taken care of through surgery.  However, it's an intense surgery and the 6-week recovery and restrictions will be difficult with being primary care giver for Jessie. 

I also found out that the pain in my upper back isn't from my upper back. It's from a herniated disc in my neck. Oh, joy! Thankfully, though, the pain can be managed through shots. I need to pray about all this and seek God's wisdom in the right time to have the surgery and who can help with Jessie. Jon can't take 6 weeks off, that's for sure.

Today, Saturday, the 3 of us went to Leo's Coney Island for breakfast, then I picked up a couple pair of jeans I purchased on-line through Kohl's. Jon put together my new kitchen island that I'm using on the deck. He did a great job. I was his gofer. Not much else got done as I didn't feel like doing anything. 

Happy 68th Birthday to ME

Goodness. I'm 68 years old today. Where, oh where has the time gone? I'm so grateful to God for these years. Especially since my brother passed away at 48 and my dad at 50.  I'm hoping I get to live at least as long as my mom did. She made it to 88 years. However long, though, I praise God for these years and being His child for the past 63 years.

Since I'm the one always taking pictures, I don't always get my picture taken. But, I had one tonight to celebrate my special day.

What did I do today? Well, it began with getting out of bed, heading to the bathroom, and stepping in dog throw-up! Don't laugh. It was gross.

Three loads of laundry washed, dried, folded then put away in drawers or closets. Payroll and another form I have to do once a month for Jessie. No aide today so it was just Jess and me. No speech, either. I tried getting her to play a game with me or something. But, not a chance. 

After Jon got home from work we went to Steakhouse 22 for dinner. Chris met us there and I thoroughly enjoyed the food. I even got a hot fudge cream puff for my birthday which we all shared. Back at the house Angie came and I had presents to open! How blessed I am. Chis, Angie and I had a really nice time chatting. I also had MANY phone calls and texts during the day wishing me a special day. Several people even sang to me. I still have to read FB tonight, which has many notifications for me. 

A really nice birthday. Thank you, Heavenly Father!