FREE

I had a very busy day.  It began with a long social worker meeting then I put in a load of wash.  Jess and I went to the post office, Wendy's for lunch, visited Chris at her work, Salvation Army to drop off items, picked up a bushel of apples and visited Rox for a few minutes.  When I was driving north on VanDyke the Kroger's at 31 Mile Road had gas for $3.15.  I decided that on my way back down I would stop and get it for that good price. When I drove back about an hour or so later, it was $3.55 !!!!!  It went up 40 cents!!!!!  Next time I'll turn around and stop first.

It was such a nice day that I told Bill I'd blow leaves again.  I can't pick them up, but I can blow them into a pile.  So I have about 3 large piles, waiting to be picked up.  I decided to put a sign on the pile in the front that says, "FREE".  I figured that if people who live in a treeless subdivision miss the fun of raking and picking up leaves, I'd help them.  FREE leaves.  First come - first served.  Such a deal.  No takers yet.  Bummer.



An Extra Girls Day Out

Jon worked and Bill went to church.  Jess and I had our special Sunday breakfast and prayer time.  At noon we left to have lunch with Denise and Caity.  It's been several months since we've been together and we had a very nice time. 

Several things happened today that weren't in the "plan".    I was going to go north on VanDyke to the expressway but there was a bad accident blocking the road at 27 Mile.  Turned around and went to 23 Mile to get on the expressway, making us late.  We were going to meet at Anton's at 16 Mile and Dequindre but Denise called and said they were closed with a Lease sign in the window!  We finally met at The Country Inn.  I used the bathroom and while in there the double toilet paper cover fell off and hit me in the shoulder, just missing my head.  When I went to use the soap, that cover fell off! 

When we left we went to 16 Mile Road and headed to the New Balance store at Rochester Road.  Bad move.  Traffic was backed up for at least a mile as 3 lanes were down to 1 for construction.  Jessie announced while in that jam that she had to go to the bathroom.  Stopped at McDonald's at 16 Mile and Rochester before going to the shoe store - THAT WAS CLOSED!  By that time, all I wanted to do was go home!

What Do I Need To Do Different?

Every Saturday morning the psychologist comes and talks to me about Jessie and how to help her in various situations.  Each time we've met I've taken alot of notes and there has been some positive little changes and it's been encouraging.  Today's visit I took no notes and cried most of the time.  Shannon sat in on some of the discussion and gave very helpful insight. 

I've always known that there had to be something that I have been doing wrong, but it still was very hard for me to hear that some of her behavior is due to my "making" her be more dependent on me.  I am grateful for the insight, but there is alot to process.  I spent most of the day by "myself" and asking God to help me figure out what I need to change.  I know that I am a very good mother.  Just maybe too good for Jessie's development.  Please pray with me.

Bill had a good morning and worked about 3 hours in his workshop, but then was done for the day.  He was very, very tired and spent alot of time watching football the rest of the day.  Jon worked and Jess went to the show with Shannon and saw "Puss 'n Boots" after doing academics.

A Day Out With Jon

Bill felt SO MUCH BETTER that I could go out with Jon as planned.  He had an appointment in Mt. Clemens at 2:00 p.m. and before then we breezed through a couple stores and went to Red Lobster for lunch (thanks, Jon, for treating!).  I sure have a wonderful son.  He's fun to be with and great company! Bill worked in his workshop and Jess had breakfast out with Shannon. A very nice day. 

An Unexpected Reaction

We were right on time for Bill's CT scan at 9:30 a.m. and after just a few minute's wait, they handed him the 2 glasses of contrast.  We were very concerned and wondering how he was going to drink them since he's not had anything to drink other than sips of water with his daily pills in over 2 months.  He did drink about 3/4 of the contrast, but he also throw up a couple times. 

Unfortunately, right after he drank the contrast he began shaking and having the chills.  I wrapped him up in a warm blanket and he shook for the hour he had to wait for the CT Scan.  He made it through that, and we left the area, but he was shaking so much that I made him sit down in a chair in the main entrance and got a couple volunteers to get warm blankets for him.  I also got him some coffee to see if he could sip that.  We sat there for about 40 minutes before he felt he could leave. 

He's been on the couch all day sleeping.  He said he feels terrible - just like a chemo day.  This is very unusual for a CT scan.  Please pray that he feels MUCH better in the morning.  It's been a discouraging day for him. 

A Wonderful Fall Day

It was such a beautiful day.  I began my day with breakfast with my friend, Mary.  It was nice getting caught up on our families.  Bill and I went to Home Depot when I got home and we bought a plastic heavy-duty shelving unit for the basement so I can put PAPERWORK in the basement that has to be kept for several years.  I need them OUT of our bedroom.  We also bought a new Christmas tree.  We decided to downsize our tree and they had the perfect one.  I am looking forward to putting it up in a couple weeks.  Anyone who wants a very nice, large tree (no lights), let me know - it's yours.

I spent a couple hours outside working in the back yard and deck, putting things away for the winter.  I also blew leaves into piles and my friend, Dorene, picked them up and put them in bags.  The back yard is almost done.  Unfortunately, my left hip is giving me lots of pain, and I had to leave the rest for her to do.  Sometimes I feel so useless.  It's either my heel, knee and now my hip.  I'm a mess.

Bill had a pretty good day and did a little outside, too.  Not much.  We go to the hospital tomorrow for his CT scan.  Please pray that he will be able to swallow the contrast and keep it down long enough to take the necessary pictures.

Swing Time

Bill and I did some "running around" this morning then he went out to his workshop and continued cleaning and reorganizing.  A friend of mine came over in the afternoon and we went outside under the playhouse and sat in the 2-seater swing.  It was sunshiny but blustery.  We both had on coats, she wore her gloves and we wrapped up in blankets.  That was really nice.  Very refreshing.  Jon worked and Jess and Shannon went to the Library.

I asked Bill a few minutes ago how he felt on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being great.  His reply was "8".  We'll take it.  He has another CT scan on Thursday, which should tell us whether or not his problem in swallowing is a tumor or ???