I actually worked on my room some today...or rather the closet, which needs major organization. It's not an easy job! I'm doing the best I can to get rid of stuff, but it's a tough go.
Also got a load of dishes done. No biggie, except that I don't cook much these days. I made a pot of goulash today. Normally, I love goulash...but nothing works without salt for me. I'm not supposed to have it. Just shoot me!!
Last night, I waded through the March California flight paperwork in order to come up with an understandable itinerary for those concerned with the trip that the grandchildren and I will take at the end of March, so they can visit their mother and take part in her marriage to Denis. I sent the stuff off to family, and was met with less than satisfactory response. I think I'm too sensitive! The Heffelman grandparents are willing to take us to the airport, although it will be VERY early in the morning on a Sunday. The children's custodial parents will pick them up at the airport on our return. I've asked if they will give me a ride home. If that isn't possible, I'll find another way back. It's a 20 minute trip, at best.
I made a pot of goulash today. I'm still doing soft foods. The upper right extraction area feels almost normal, but the lower left still has stitches that haven't spit themselves out yet. (It was just a week ago today.) Each day gets a little better. The next task is to find out how to restore chewing surfaces. Sounds expensive to me! At least the toothaches are gone. No teeth to ache!
I am so over winter, it's pathetic! I'm not the only one. Virtually everyone who lives in Indiana is ready for the cold and snow to be GONE. Yeah!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Great Flower Hunt, and Other Time Wasters
My daughter got a new camera. Yesterday, she went out on a walk and starting snapping pictures of critters and blooming flowers, then sent me the pictures asking for identification. One was a red squirrel. No big deal there. The next was some kind of duck. She did a little research and found out that it is called a Muscovy duck. (We don't have those here.) The third was some kind of flower. Hmmmm....never saw anything like it/them before. I generally pride myself on my knowledge of plants and trees, but she's in California, for Pete's sake. What do I know of California plants? Thus, I started an Internet hunt. I Googled "pink curly flowers in california". I looked through at least 50 pages of flower images that popped up. Nothing. Then I Googled "pink curly flower clusters". More looking. Still nothing. Then "california wildflowers". No go. After an hour or more, I found something that looked similar, although not exact, which gave me a name to search on: Grevillea. Googled that and came up with page after page of pictures of those (there must be dozens of varieties) until BINGO! There it was. Grevillea rosmarinifolia. It's quite unique and native to Australia--definitely NOT something that would survive winters in the Midwest but apparently blooming in Sunnyvale, California right now. So Meg has a name she can put with her picture, and I put several hours into the search. And that's why I don't get stuff done around here!!!!
Not sure why, but this winter my feet get cold. (Sitting on my duff in front of the computer.) Invariably, the only way to warm them is to get under the covers, which I did today. Didn't nap. Instead watched "Sleepless in Seattle"...again. It's a cute movie--just not much to show for an afternoon at home.
What else did I do today? Absolutely nothing! Oh...well...I did go to return a rented video that the grandchildren watched this weekend and put a little gas in my car. I also creatively fed myself. ("Creatively" because I still can't chew anything hard. I'm trying to get some nutrition but will have to find a way to get more fiber!) And, in the TMI department, I shaved my legs. Aren't you glad you asked??
Tonight, I will make a list of things I want to do tomorrow. Working from a list seems to be the only way I get things accomplished. I need to get busy, though, because as soon as the weather breaks, I need to be working outside, and I won't do it if the inside of the house isn't taken care of. So much to do. WHY can't I do it?? Sometimes it's just easier to hole up in the house and vegetate. I'm getting good at it!
Not sure why, but this winter my feet get cold. (Sitting on my duff in front of the computer.) Invariably, the only way to warm them is to get under the covers, which I did today. Didn't nap. Instead watched "Sleepless in Seattle"...again. It's a cute movie--just not much to show for an afternoon at home.
What else did I do today? Absolutely nothing! Oh...well...I did go to return a rented video that the grandchildren watched this weekend and put a little gas in my car. I also creatively fed myself. ("Creatively" because I still can't chew anything hard. I'm trying to get some nutrition but will have to find a way to get more fiber!) And, in the TMI department, I shaved my legs. Aren't you glad you asked??
Tonight, I will make a list of things I want to do tomorrow. Working from a list seems to be the only way I get things accomplished. I need to get busy, though, because as soon as the weather breaks, I need to be working outside, and I won't do it if the inside of the house isn't taken care of. So much to do. WHY can't I do it?? Sometimes it's just easier to hole up in the house and vegetate. I'm getting good at it!
Monday, February 22, 2010
The Weekend
Talk about a whirlwind! I picked Grandma Judy up on Saturday morning at 7:30 to drive to Muncie. There was about a half-inch of new snow on everything, and the roads were just wet, but I was a little worried because the weatherman had forecast a possible BIG snow. (As it happened, the storm tracked north and left us with just rain.) We were to go watch the children play basketball--or practice, as it were--then bring them home to Plainfield for what would be left of the weekend. Got to the school where they play with no problem. We waved and they waved. Then, when practice was over an hour later, we drove to a bakery called Concannon's to order cakes.
The cake deal is for Easter weekend. Both Robin and Ryan are being baptized on the Saturday before Easter, and Robin will have her First Communion service that day, too. Their parents are hosting a party that day which will double as Easter dinner, so it will be a big deal. I thought it would be festive to have a lamb cake--one of those 3-dimensional cakes in the shape of a lamb (covered in coconut) resting on a bed of green coconut or jelly beans. (You get the idea.) And since those cakes don't serve many, we were going to need another sheet cake, as well. I had shopped around here in Indy and found two bakeries that would do it--one MUCH more expensive than necessary--but Kendra (the children's stepmother) suggested that we try the bakery in Muncie. Sure enough, they could do it. I paid for the lamb cake, and Grandma Judy paid for the sheet cake, so that part of the party is done. Yay! (Of course, I couldn't get out of Concannon's without buying donuts for everyone. Good stuff in there!)
We drove back to the school to pick up my car, then headed for Plainfield. The roads were just dry on the way back. Delivered Judy to her home, but in her neighborhood was a flock of robins! What a joy to see them! They probably were just moving through, but seeing them is an indication that spring is on the way...sometime...somewhere...somehow! Anyway, we had done all of this--up and back, basketball practice, and cake ordering--by 12:30 PM. Not bad!
I told the children that I'd have lunch for them, but Ryan informed me that he was full from the car snacks. He wanted to play with Jack! I don't think he was in the house five minutes before he went to Jack's house and brought him over here to play. (At least Robin accepted a soup lunch. It was a little amusing to see her pick the tiny pieces of chicken out of the chicken noodle soup because she had given up meat for Lent.) They all played here for awhile, then vacated to Jack's where they played the whole rest of the afternoon...until suppertime/almost dark. We had our meatless supper--creamed eggs over toast, peas, watermelon, and grapes--then went out in search of a video to watch for movie night.
That wasn't all we went to search for. Jack had a computer game called Spore Creature Creator, and Ryan OF COURSE desperately wanted one. We went to two stores to find one, to no avail. We had to make an emergency stop for me at a gas station (darned antibiotics almost caused a disaster, if you catch my drift), then went to the video store. That turned out to be an expensive venture. We found a video to watch but found out that I had $19 worth of late fees for three videos that were six days late almost a year ago! Funny no one said anything about that before. Then, inside the video store there is a game store. That part of the store did have a Nintendo DS version of the Spore game, so I bought that for Ryan. (Those things aren't cheap. Thirty bucks for a computer chip that might be a half-inch square...) ANYWAY, by the time we got back, it was 8:00. Already past bedtime, but who's counting?? (Oh...and I did buy something for Robin, too, but I owe her something more because I didn't spend the same amount on both. Bad Grandma!)
I couldn't get the new TV digital box in the living room to cooperate showing the DVD, so I put it in the TV/DVD combo in Ryan's room. Popped popcorn. Robin was in there watching Aliens in the Attic all by herself, with the door shut by request, while Ryan stayed in the living room trying to figure out his new game. I eventually plopped him in the bathtub. After the movie was over, Robin informed me that SHE needed a bath, too... All in all, it was 11:00 PM before everyone crashed and went to sleep immediately.
The next morning, we were going to the worship service at church that takes place during the Sunday School hour. I had given the children the choice of going to S. School or staying in the sanctuary with me to watch their other grandparents sing in the choir. They chose being with the other kids. Then, after the service, Grandma Judy suggested that we all go to lunch together at Gray's Cafeteria. Gray's is a VERY popular eating place in Mooresville, just south of Plainfield. Judy thought it would be good so the children could pick their own meatless meals. (The problem with Gray's, however, is that it is SO easy to take more than one can eat...and the helpings are quite generous.) We had a good time visiting at the table. Robin developed a new trick with her nose...sucking her nostrils IN...and made up a new birthday song. "Happy Birthday to you; you live in a house; you look like a mouse; and you smell like a blouse." She was so tickled with herself! About that time, Judy called the children's father from the table, only to find out that he wanted me to meet him in Castleton to make the kid trade at 2:30. It was already 12:30, so we had to hustle home, get their stuff, and leave. They did have time to talk to their mother in California on Skype before we left... **No paragraph breaks now, for some reason. New paragraph! The children and I were all disappointed that our visit was going to be cut so short, but they didn't complain too much. I had hoped to have them one more time to prepare for our trip to California at the end of next month but was told that the Muncie schedule won't allow that. Whatever wedding clothes we get will have to be without them here, I guess. As soon as February is over, I'll begin to worry about all of that. **Today, I met my friend Phyllis at the Rec Center and walked two miles. Other than that, I have done NOTHING. I've been kind of down and blah all day. Typical of a day after a weekend with the children. I always think of things I wish we would have done and have to go through kid-withdrawal. I miss my grandbabies! Don't know what the future will bring. I just hope it is good things!
The cake deal is for Easter weekend. Both Robin and Ryan are being baptized on the Saturday before Easter, and Robin will have her First Communion service that day, too. Their parents are hosting a party that day which will double as Easter dinner, so it will be a big deal. I thought it would be festive to have a lamb cake--one of those 3-dimensional cakes in the shape of a lamb (covered in coconut) resting on a bed of green coconut or jelly beans. (You get the idea.) And since those cakes don't serve many, we were going to need another sheet cake, as well. I had shopped around here in Indy and found two bakeries that would do it--one MUCH more expensive than necessary--but Kendra (the children's stepmother) suggested that we try the bakery in Muncie. Sure enough, they could do it. I paid for the lamb cake, and Grandma Judy paid for the sheet cake, so that part of the party is done. Yay! (Of course, I couldn't get out of Concannon's without buying donuts for everyone. Good stuff in there!)
We drove back to the school to pick up my car, then headed for Plainfield. The roads were just dry on the way back. Delivered Judy to her home, but in her neighborhood was a flock of robins! What a joy to see them! They probably were just moving through, but seeing them is an indication that spring is on the way...sometime...somewhere...somehow! Anyway, we had done all of this--up and back, basketball practice, and cake ordering--by 12:30 PM. Not bad!
I told the children that I'd have lunch for them, but Ryan informed me that he was full from the car snacks. He wanted to play with Jack! I don't think he was in the house five minutes before he went to Jack's house and brought him over here to play. (At least Robin accepted a soup lunch. It was a little amusing to see her pick the tiny pieces of chicken out of the chicken noodle soup because she had given up meat for Lent.) They all played here for awhile, then vacated to Jack's where they played the whole rest of the afternoon...until suppertime/almost dark. We had our meatless supper--creamed eggs over toast, peas, watermelon, and grapes--then went out in search of a video to watch for movie night.
That wasn't all we went to search for. Jack had a computer game called Spore Creature Creator, and Ryan OF COURSE desperately wanted one. We went to two stores to find one, to no avail. We had to make an emergency stop for me at a gas station (darned antibiotics almost caused a disaster, if you catch my drift), then went to the video store. That turned out to be an expensive venture. We found a video to watch but found out that I had $19 worth of late fees for three videos that were six days late almost a year ago! Funny no one said anything about that before. Then, inside the video store there is a game store. That part of the store did have a Nintendo DS version of the Spore game, so I bought that for Ryan. (Those things aren't cheap. Thirty bucks for a computer chip that might be a half-inch square...) ANYWAY, by the time we got back, it was 8:00. Already past bedtime, but who's counting?? (Oh...and I did buy something for Robin, too, but I owe her something more because I didn't spend the same amount on both. Bad Grandma!)
I couldn't get the new TV digital box in the living room to cooperate showing the DVD, so I put it in the TV/DVD combo in Ryan's room. Popped popcorn. Robin was in there watching Aliens in the Attic all by herself, with the door shut by request, while Ryan stayed in the living room trying to figure out his new game. I eventually plopped him in the bathtub. After the movie was over, Robin informed me that SHE needed a bath, too... All in all, it was 11:00 PM before everyone crashed and went to sleep immediately.
The next morning, we were going to the worship service at church that takes place during the Sunday School hour. I had given the children the choice of going to S. School or staying in the sanctuary with me to watch their other grandparents sing in the choir. They chose being with the other kids. Then, after the service, Grandma Judy suggested that we all go to lunch together at Gray's Cafeteria. Gray's is a VERY popular eating place in Mooresville, just south of Plainfield. Judy thought it would be good so the children could pick their own meatless meals. (The problem with Gray's, however, is that it is SO easy to take more than one can eat...and the helpings are quite generous.) We had a good time visiting at the table. Robin developed a new trick with her nose...sucking her nostrils IN...and made up a new birthday song. "Happy Birthday to you; you live in a house; you look like a mouse; and you smell like a blouse." She was so tickled with herself! About that time, Judy called the children's father from the table, only to find out that he wanted me to meet him in Castleton to make the kid trade at 2:30. It was already 12:30, so we had to hustle home, get their stuff, and leave. They did have time to talk to their mother in California on Skype before we left... **No paragraph breaks now, for some reason. New paragraph! The children and I were all disappointed that our visit was going to be cut so short, but they didn't complain too much. I had hoped to have them one more time to prepare for our trip to California at the end of next month but was told that the Muncie schedule won't allow that. Whatever wedding clothes we get will have to be without them here, I guess. As soon as February is over, I'll begin to worry about all of that. **Today, I met my friend Phyllis at the Rec Center and walked two miles. Other than that, I have done NOTHING. I've been kind of down and blah all day. Typical of a day after a weekend with the children. I always think of things I wish we would have done and have to go through kid-withdrawal. I miss my grandbabies! Don't know what the future will bring. I just hope it is good things!
Friday, February 19, 2010
I Survived!
Over the past three years, I have had an ambulance ride, a Lifeline helicopter ride, three angiograms, a CT scan, a craniotomy complete with aneurysm clip, and a heart stent insertion--but nothing compares to the fear that comes with a tooth extraction! I just dreaded the whole thing, for good reason.
I had two broken molars that needed to come out--upper right and lower left--which meant anesthesia shots on both sides--one in the roof of the mouth. (Those hurt!) The shots take forever! Before long, my lips were numb and my tongue was thick. I could barely swallow, but I was numb. Then came the extractions. Push, pull, crack, snap. Bleed. Stitches. Done. An hour later, I was on my way home with my mouth full of gauze. I was supposed to keep clamping down on the gauze until the bleeding stopped. Three hours later, my jaws were aching from clamping and the bleeding was far from over, but I decided that changing the gauze when it got sopped could be dislodging any clot that was trying to form. I stopped using the gauze. Didn't have any repercussions from that. I think the bleeding stopped, Plavix and all.
Dr. Cheesman found a root tip left in my jaw from a previous extraction just in front of the lower left tooth that came out yesterday. Thus, I was charged for THREE extractions instead of just two. I think he was concerned that it was left over from a permanent tooth, but that one had been a "baby tooth" that had long outlived its usefulness and had broken. Baby tooth roots are shallow and easily broken off, I guess...
When the anesthesia wore off, the pain started. I've had extractions before and never had that first twinge of pain once the numbness went away. This time was different. The upper right didn't hurt. The lower left did. I took some Tylenol and hoped for the best. I had a bit of a rough night, but it was manageable. I did get some sleep...mostly on my right side. I survived!
Today, the pain is just a dull ache...not that raw and injured feeling that comes right after a procedure is done. I can do this! The next chore, after healing, will be figuring out what needs to be done to repair my toothlessness.
Getting ready to have the children here for at least 24 hours of the weekend. Snow in the forecast. Hey...I'm ready for snow to be gone. GONE, do you hear me??!!!!
I had two broken molars that needed to come out--upper right and lower left--which meant anesthesia shots on both sides--one in the roof of the mouth. (Those hurt!) The shots take forever! Before long, my lips were numb and my tongue was thick. I could barely swallow, but I was numb. Then came the extractions. Push, pull, crack, snap. Bleed. Stitches. Done. An hour later, I was on my way home with my mouth full of gauze. I was supposed to keep clamping down on the gauze until the bleeding stopped. Three hours later, my jaws were aching from clamping and the bleeding was far from over, but I decided that changing the gauze when it got sopped could be dislodging any clot that was trying to form. I stopped using the gauze. Didn't have any repercussions from that. I think the bleeding stopped, Plavix and all.
Dr. Cheesman found a root tip left in my jaw from a previous extraction just in front of the lower left tooth that came out yesterday. Thus, I was charged for THREE extractions instead of just two. I think he was concerned that it was left over from a permanent tooth, but that one had been a "baby tooth" that had long outlived its usefulness and had broken. Baby tooth roots are shallow and easily broken off, I guess...
When the anesthesia wore off, the pain started. I've had extractions before and never had that first twinge of pain once the numbness went away. This time was different. The upper right didn't hurt. The lower left did. I took some Tylenol and hoped for the best. I had a bit of a rough night, but it was manageable. I did get some sleep...mostly on my right side. I survived!
Today, the pain is just a dull ache...not that raw and injured feeling that comes right after a procedure is done. I can do this! The next chore, after healing, will be figuring out what needs to be done to repair my toothlessness.
Getting ready to have the children here for at least 24 hours of the weekend. Snow in the forecast. Hey...I'm ready for snow to be gone. GONE, do you hear me??!!!!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Shock and Awe
Okay...well...when I went to the dentist on Monday, I was met by a hygienist who was one of my former students. That is somewhat embarrassing, considering I have neglected my teeth because of other medical bills. To make a long story short, I have an appointment tomorrow to have TWO fangs removed on both sides, and I don't have to be off my blood thinner meds. I've never heard of anyone bleeding to death from pulled teeth. Hope I'm not the first! I do NOT look forward to the whole thing. Won't have any real chewing surfaces left, but I don't have those now, either...so I just hope the pain will be gone. I'll deal with the rest later.
Shock! I got a call from my grandchildren's custodial stepmother today alerting me to the fact that the children have given up meat for Lent! I'm glad she called. It changes my meal plans for the weekend! I'm thinking that the motivation came from school because I don't think Nathan or Kendra pushed it. Fortunately, I'll only have to deal with vegetarianism for 24 hours. As for me, since I'll be somewhat toothless, it probably will help that I won't have to chew on meat!
Awe! Megan and I have been in contact on the Internet. It appears now that she and Denis will marry on a beach on the 26th of March when the grandchildren and I are there. I am happy to be included in that event, and I'm sure it will be good for the children to be a part of it, even if it is just before we depart. Meg's 31st birthday is the 25th. We will have to find ways to celebrate both occasions. My heart is in Muncie, Indiana, but my only child is in California. What's a mother to do??
I am NOT looking forward to shots and pain and blood tomorrow. The aftermath of not being able to eat properly is only half the battle, since I already can't do that. Wish me luck!
Shock! I got a call from my grandchildren's custodial stepmother today alerting me to the fact that the children have given up meat for Lent! I'm glad she called. It changes my meal plans for the weekend! I'm thinking that the motivation came from school because I don't think Nathan or Kendra pushed it. Fortunately, I'll only have to deal with vegetarianism for 24 hours. As for me, since I'll be somewhat toothless, it probably will help that I won't have to chew on meat!
Awe! Megan and I have been in contact on the Internet. It appears now that she and Denis will marry on a beach on the 26th of March when the grandchildren and I are there. I am happy to be included in that event, and I'm sure it will be good for the children to be a part of it, even if it is just before we depart. Meg's 31st birthday is the 25th. We will have to find ways to celebrate both occasions. My heart is in Muncie, Indiana, but my only child is in California. What's a mother to do??
I am NOT looking forward to shots and pain and blood tomorrow. The aftermath of not being able to eat properly is only half the battle, since I already can't do that. Wish me luck!
Monday, February 15, 2010
The Ides of February
Another day, another snow storm!
For many school districts, today is President's Day (not in session) so superintendents all over the place didn't have to make the dreaded call...but there are a number of districts to the south of Indy that were apparently on schedule until this latest blow. I will say this: it's pretty.
I have a dentist appointment this afternoon. Had called on Saturday morning to inquire if my cardiac meds were going to interfere with treatment but didn't get a call back until this morning. It appears that there will be some delay in treatment due to the medications, but the dentist's office is going to consult with my cardiologist for adjustments. I am to keep the appointment today, in any case. At least I know there is help on the way!
Have been watching a lot of mindless television, plus the Olympics from time-to-time. Can't wait for the weather to begin to break. It's been a long winter, so far!
For many school districts, today is President's Day (not in session) so superintendents all over the place didn't have to make the dreaded call...but there are a number of districts to the south of Indy that were apparently on schedule until this latest blow. I will say this: it's pretty.
I have a dentist appointment this afternoon. Had called on Saturday morning to inquire if my cardiac meds were going to interfere with treatment but didn't get a call back until this morning. It appears that there will be some delay in treatment due to the medications, but the dentist's office is going to consult with my cardiologist for adjustments. I am to keep the appointment today, in any case. At least I know there is help on the way!
Have been watching a lot of mindless television, plus the Olympics from time-to-time. Can't wait for the weather to begin to break. It's been a long winter, so far!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
So, What's Going On?
Absolutely nothing! Since the last two snow storms and cold snap, I have become a shut-in. Haven't gone anywhere. Haven't done anything--not even in the house. I feed myself, or try to, and clean up the dishes. That's been about it.
I am currently nursing two toothaches in two broken teeth on both sides of my jaw (hence why I am "trying" to feed myself). I have a dentist appointment for Monday but I'm not sure what will happen. My sister called to tell me that I may need to inquire about being off blood thinners for a few days before the dentist would be willing to extract a tooth or two...but I would have to have that approved by my cardiologist. I called the dentist's office today to ask, but no one was there. In the meantime, I am taking Tylenol to manage the pain. For the most part, that works. Ugh!
I will have the grandchildren next weekend. Will drive to Muncie early on Saturday in order to watch their basketball games, then will get to bring them home for 24 hours. That will give me some motivation! I sent them Valentine cards a few days ago. Am still trying to determine how long it takes for the mail to get there. The last stuff I sent, one kid got hers the next day. The next package didn't arrive until a day later. Double ugh!
It looks like my daughter is fixing to get married. Because her betrothed's parents are in Russia and unable to attend, and because it would be unfair for me to attend without them and also without inviting her father, Megan is proposing an elopement. She asks me questions, but I'm not sure what she wants from me. Meg and I have always been close. Her actions over the last six months have sent me reeling, but right now, I only care about the children. I don't have any choice but to accept whatever course she takes right now.
I stayed up late last night to watch the opening ceremonies for the Olympics in Vancouver. It was after midnight--late for me--when they finally lit the cauldron...but guess what? I was STILL awake at 2:15 AM!!! What is up with my system that I wake up every stinkin' night at 2:15 no matter when I go to sleep?? I got up, did a bathroom thing, checked my email, and went back to bed for awhile. Later in the day, along about 1:30 PM, I snuggled up under the blankets and slept for two hours. Unheard of for me!
I stupidly looked at yesterday's published photos of the Olympic luge crash on the Internet. The dude that died, Nador, was dead instantly. I know they made it sound like he died at the hospital after they airlifted him, but I saw the pics. The poor guy was GONE instantly. I haven't had the heart to watch today.
Going to church tomorrow. It will help my loneliness. I need spring to come!!!!
I am currently nursing two toothaches in two broken teeth on both sides of my jaw (hence why I am "trying" to feed myself). I have a dentist appointment for Monday but I'm not sure what will happen. My sister called to tell me that I may need to inquire about being off blood thinners for a few days before the dentist would be willing to extract a tooth or two...but I would have to have that approved by my cardiologist. I called the dentist's office today to ask, but no one was there. In the meantime, I am taking Tylenol to manage the pain. For the most part, that works. Ugh!
I will have the grandchildren next weekend. Will drive to Muncie early on Saturday in order to watch their basketball games, then will get to bring them home for 24 hours. That will give me some motivation! I sent them Valentine cards a few days ago. Am still trying to determine how long it takes for the mail to get there. The last stuff I sent, one kid got hers the next day. The next package didn't arrive until a day later. Double ugh!
It looks like my daughter is fixing to get married. Because her betrothed's parents are in Russia and unable to attend, and because it would be unfair for me to attend without them and also without inviting her father, Megan is proposing an elopement. She asks me questions, but I'm not sure what she wants from me. Meg and I have always been close. Her actions over the last six months have sent me reeling, but right now, I only care about the children. I don't have any choice but to accept whatever course she takes right now.
I stayed up late last night to watch the opening ceremonies for the Olympics in Vancouver. It was after midnight--late for me--when they finally lit the cauldron...but guess what? I was STILL awake at 2:15 AM!!! What is up with my system that I wake up every stinkin' night at 2:15 no matter when I go to sleep?? I got up, did a bathroom thing, checked my email, and went back to bed for awhile. Later in the day, along about 1:30 PM, I snuggled up under the blankets and slept for two hours. Unheard of for me!
I stupidly looked at yesterday's published photos of the Olympic luge crash on the Internet. The dude that died, Nador, was dead instantly. I know they made it sound like he died at the hospital after they airlifted him, but I saw the pics. The poor guy was GONE instantly. I haven't had the heart to watch today.
Going to church tomorrow. It will help my loneliness. I need spring to come!!!!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
J. B. McKamey
My daughter alerted me this afternoon of the death of her second cousin, James Bryan McKamey. J.B. (Meg's father's aunt's son) was a Navy pilot during the Vietnam Conflict. He was shot down over Vietnam, captured, and was a prisoner of war for over seven years in that country. His wife didn't even know he was alive for over five of those years. As the conflict began to wind down in the early 1970s, negotiations were being made between countries in order to get the POWs freed. I didn't know JB then...or even OF him...but I vividly remember the televised scenes of those men on the airplane that brought them out of Vietnam and into free airspace. What a victory! The men had endured untold suffering in the name of the USA.
JB was one of the few long-term POWs who returned to an intact family and remained in the military to complete his career. JB's wife, Nancy, was a fighter and was not about to give up on him. Upon his return, he didn't want to call attention to himself but his hometown of Greencastle, Indiana, celebrated his return. He was even called to be a Grand Marshal of an Indianapolis 500 parade. Captain James Bryan McKamey (USN Ret.) was called home today. May God accept the soul of JB and give solace to his family at his passing.
JB was one of the few long-term POWs who returned to an intact family and remained in the military to complete his career. JB's wife, Nancy, was a fighter and was not about to give up on him. Upon his return, he didn't want to call attention to himself but his hometown of Greencastle, Indiana, celebrated his return. He was even called to be a Grand Marshal of an Indianapolis 500 parade. Captain James Bryan McKamey (USN Ret.) was called home today. May God accept the soul of JB and give solace to his family at his passing.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Veggie Day
It was my decision to make this a day of rest. My Sabbath. After church yesterday, I ran myself into the ground trying to make the house presentable to guests who would not have judged me if it wasn't...but I needed to take advantage of the motivation. We had a good time even if the Colts lost...which they did. :(
Today, I have basically done nothing, by choice. I did clear off the kitchen table, took a brief run to the grocery store for pre-storm needs, ran the dishwasher, and watched a lot of minless television. (I left my usual channel pattern to watch the Maury show today. OMG! What a piece of trash that has become since earlier days!) Have heard from two factions of the guests. The third faction is still flying by the seat of his pants, I guess.
I have revamped my to-do list. Have decided to keep it updated and in front of me as motivation.
And just so you know, I think Sarah Palin is a national joke. She may be great as a private person, but as a political leader, she hasn't a clue. If you want my reasons for saying so, email me. I'l be happy to share...
Today, I have basically done nothing, by choice. I did clear off the kitchen table, took a brief run to the grocery store for pre-storm needs, ran the dishwasher, and watched a lot of minless television. (I left my usual channel pattern to watch the Maury show today. OMG! What a piece of trash that has become since earlier days!) Have heard from two factions of the guests. The third faction is still flying by the seat of his pants, I guess.
I have revamped my to-do list. Have decided to keep it updated and in front of me as motivation.
And just so you know, I think Sarah Palin is a national joke. She may be great as a private person, but as a political leader, she hasn't a clue. If you want my reasons for saying so, email me. I'l be happy to share...
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Well...Boo!
My sister called the house when the "killing" touchdown happened for the Saints. Yeah...it was pretty much over for the Colts at that point. The Superbowl, itself, was quite disappointing for Colts fans, but no one expressed any total depression when they lost. We ate well, with the help of my friends... I don't think anyone went away hungry. If we had to lose to any team, I'm glad we lost to the Saints. They weren't a better team, but they have never had a Superbowl berth...and after Katrina, I think the city of New Orleans needed this. Congratulations to the Saints!
The one triumph of the day for me was that I was inspired to get the painting in the bathroom done...finally! Happy happy, joy joy! There are still a couple of touch-ups to do, but the project is finished, for the most part...after almost two years!!!!! What should have been a small job turned out to be a major one. Stripping the wallpaper went on forever...and then there was the painting. I put it off forever but decided today that, after church, I was going to get it done. I did, with an hour-and-a-half to spare before company arrived. I am so happy about that!
A couple of days ago, I fell down in my bedroom. No big deal...except now I am finding the bruises. Since I take blood thinners, any good knock can create a bruise. The ones I have now are not visible. That's a good thing! A bigger deal is the tooth problem I am having now. Have to address that next. Ugh!
God bless my friends and our fellowship tonight. I needed that!
The one triumph of the day for me was that I was inspired to get the painting in the bathroom done...finally! Happy happy, joy joy! There are still a couple of touch-ups to do, but the project is finished, for the most part...after almost two years!!!!! What should have been a small job turned out to be a major one. Stripping the wallpaper went on forever...and then there was the painting. I put it off forever but decided today that, after church, I was going to get it done. I did, with an hour-and-a-half to spare before company arrived. I am so happy about that!
A couple of days ago, I fell down in my bedroom. No big deal...except now I am finding the bruises. Since I take blood thinners, any good knock can create a bruise. The ones I have now are not visible. That's a good thing! A bigger deal is the tooth problem I am having now. Have to address that next. Ugh!
God bless my friends and our fellowship tonight. I needed that!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Another Day
I got up this morning to an official six inches of snow. (Hard to tell because of blowing.) Neighbor Fred had me dug out by mid-morning.
I spent the biggest part of the day dusting and organizing the living room. It looks good now, but how did I let it get so dusty?? The latter part of the day was spent in celebrating the life of a friend who has passed. That's another story best told elsewhere. Wilma was my friend. I'm just sad that she is gone. I still try to remain close to her family. They are special to me.
Superbowl gathering tomorrow. I've done all I can do.
Love me, love my dog!
And speaking of dogs, my friend Patrick was bragging this morning about how his new pooch loves grapes. He didn't think dogs would eat grapes. I had to tell him not to do that...that grapes are toxic for reasons that aren't yet understood. That threw him into a tizzy...
He called a veterinarian. Thankfullly, the dog seems to be okay, so far. Whew!
I think it's time for me to hit the sack. There are still things to do before company tomorrow, but I can't do it all...yet.
Go Colts!
I spent the biggest part of the day dusting and organizing the living room. It looks good now, but how did I let it get so dusty?? The latter part of the day was spent in celebrating the life of a friend who has passed. That's another story best told elsewhere. Wilma was my friend. I'm just sad that she is gone. I still try to remain close to her family. They are special to me.
Superbowl gathering tomorrow. I've done all I can do.
Love me, love my dog!
And speaking of dogs, my friend Patrick was bragging this morning about how his new pooch loves grapes. He didn't think dogs would eat grapes. I had to tell him not to do that...that grapes are toxic for reasons that aren't yet understood. That threw him into a tizzy...
He called a veterinarian. Thankfullly, the dog seems to be okay, so far. Whew!
I think it's time for me to hit the sack. There are still things to do before company tomorrow, but I can't do it all...yet.
Go Colts!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Not Great News
My daughter reports that her father has early stage glaucoma and has been advised to tell his children because it can be inherited. Not good news. My ex's parent lived to ripe old ages with no vision problems beyond cataracts...I think Artie was 83 when he passed, and Helen was 93. Don't know where this latest came from but I'm not too worried. Were it an inherited condition, surely they would have shown signs? Still, glaucoma is nothing to sneeze at. I wish him the best of luck!
The weather didn't hit us as hard here as was forecast. I like that. There might be two inches on the ground here....but it is starting to blow. It was totally beautiful outside. Still is. Next storm starts in a couple of days...
Still, the message of the day is GO COLTS!
The weather didn't hit us as hard here as was forecast. I like that. There might be two inches on the ground here....but it is starting to blow. It was totally beautiful outside. Still is. Next storm starts in a couple of days...
Still, the message of the day is GO COLTS!
Snow, Snow, Go Away!
All week, we have been under a watch for a "monster winter storm" that threatens the weekend. It turned to a warning yesterday. It was supposed to start with freezing rain at about 4:00 this AM, but didn't happen here. The snow started along about 9:00 but was melting almost as soon as it came down. The weathermen on TV have been making it sound dire...but so far, it hasn't been bad. As the temps drop, it could get interesting. This is one of those wait-and-see deals. Apparently there is another "monster" due to hit on Monday. Ah, the joys of living in the Midwest! On a more optimistic note, I think the latest snow days we ever took at school happened on Feb. 14th (twice), so we can look forward to an end to this nonsense in just a couple of weeks? It's coming down heavily now in big ol' flakes. I'll say this: it's pretty.
I've been piddling around all week on the house....cleaning, mostly. Haven't focused on the really messy spaces (like my bedroom), but I have made some much-needed progress on critical living spaces. I need to keep planning events to host just to keep me busy doing things that need doing around here. It's amazing what a difference just a little improvement makes in my mood!
The grandchildren start a 6-week basketball program this weekend. Those games/practices take place on Saturday mornings which will cut into my opportunities to have them for more than 24 hours on a weekend, but I'm hoping to go up for a game or two and bring them back with me if it's not too inconvenient for everyone. I don't know if I can go to the middle of March without having them here! Let's see...what do we have to look forward to? There is Valentine's Day, and a b-ball game or two...then we will start the countdown to our flight to Sunnyvale, California...just me and my grandbabies...to visit their mother. Then, a few days later, comes Robin and Ryan's baptism, and Robin's First Communion. Then Easter. I'm trying to figure out how it will all transpire. I'm not in control anymore!
The instant the weather improves enough to be in the back yard, I intend to have the patio cleaned off, flowers planted, and a swing set installed. It's been two years since the patio has been functional, and the children missed it last year. (So did I!) Of course, they lived here then...but I always want them to feel that this is still their home. As long as I breathe, that will be my quest. God help the people who have to clean up after me when I croak!
I've been piddling around all week on the house....cleaning, mostly. Haven't focused on the really messy spaces (like my bedroom), but I have made some much-needed progress on critical living spaces. I need to keep planning events to host just to keep me busy doing things that need doing around here. It's amazing what a difference just a little improvement makes in my mood!
The grandchildren start a 6-week basketball program this weekend. Those games/practices take place on Saturday mornings which will cut into my opportunities to have them for more than 24 hours on a weekend, but I'm hoping to go up for a game or two and bring them back with me if it's not too inconvenient for everyone. I don't know if I can go to the middle of March without having them here! Let's see...what do we have to look forward to? There is Valentine's Day, and a b-ball game or two...then we will start the countdown to our flight to Sunnyvale, California...just me and my grandbabies...to visit their mother. Then, a few days later, comes Robin and Ryan's baptism, and Robin's First Communion. Then Easter. I'm trying to figure out how it will all transpire. I'm not in control anymore!
The instant the weather improves enough to be in the back yard, I intend to have the patio cleaned off, flowers planted, and a swing set installed. It's been two years since the patio has been functional, and the children missed it last year. (So did I!) Of course, they lived here then...but I always want them to feel that this is still their home. As long as I breathe, that will be my quest. God help the people who have to clean up after me when I croak!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The Wow Factor
Yesterday, since it was fairly warm and sunny, I changed the lightbulb on the outside stoop. Wow! Why didn't I do that sooner? I burn out lighbulbs in this house on a regular basis. Sometimes, keeping up with them is a formidable job.
Yesterday, I bought my first-ever electric toothbrush. Wow! What a difference in getting my fangs clean and smooth! Why didn't I do that sooner?
Today, still working on the kitchen deep-cleaning project, I cleaned the toaster oven. Wow! How is it that I didn't have a fire in there? The burnt crumbs were so prevalent. Why didn't I do that sooner??
I wrote out a list of things I want to get done between now and the Superbowl. Wow! There's a lot! Why didn't I do this sooner?
Today has been gray and still melting. At least it is February now. In my experience, no school snow days have happened after Valentine's day. Wow! Does this mean that spring is just a few weeks away? Why didn't I think of this sooner? It might have helped...
God bless. Go Colts!
Yesterday, I bought my first-ever electric toothbrush. Wow! What a difference in getting my fangs clean and smooth! Why didn't I do that sooner?
Today, still working on the kitchen deep-cleaning project, I cleaned the toaster oven. Wow! How is it that I didn't have a fire in there? The burnt crumbs were so prevalent. Why didn't I do that sooner??
I wrote out a list of things I want to get done between now and the Superbowl. Wow! There's a lot! Why didn't I do this sooner?
Today has been gray and still melting. At least it is February now. In my experience, no school snow days have happened after Valentine's day. Wow! Does this mean that spring is just a few weeks away? Why didn't I think of this sooner? It might have helped...
God bless. Go Colts!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Ugh...
Sometimes I think I must be the most miserable person on the planet.
I don't know who I am or what I want. Several times, I gave my life and my life's decisions over to people who betrayed me...my once-husband...my daughter...stupidly believing that what I THOUGHT was true was actually true. I feel like a victim in my own life...yet realize that I have unwittingly contributed to it. It ain't pretty. Since August, my goal has been to get through ONE day without crying. It hasn't happened yet! One day! Is that so much to ask??
I am trying to make sense out of my daily existence. Sounds good to have a clean house...but for what? Who is here to care? What does my focus need to be? I've only been on this quest for a few months, so I am still a work in progress.
Two souls were lost to me this week. One was a friend who had a massive heart attack and was in a coma for weeks. When the family "pulled the plug" on her, she lingered for another couple of weeks. I am again reminded of my own mortality, but with my only child so far away, it will be a lonely process.
So sorry to post so sad. I keep my mortal purpose focused on cleaning the kitchen and the rest of the house. The question is, for what? Everything that I have worked so hard for in the last 18 years will go to the highest bidder when I am gone. Does it really matter to have a clean house??
I don't know who I am or what I want. Several times, I gave my life and my life's decisions over to people who betrayed me...my once-husband...my daughter...stupidly believing that what I THOUGHT was true was actually true. I feel like a victim in my own life...yet realize that I have unwittingly contributed to it. It ain't pretty. Since August, my goal has been to get through ONE day without crying. It hasn't happened yet! One day! Is that so much to ask??
I am trying to make sense out of my daily existence. Sounds good to have a clean house...but for what? Who is here to care? What does my focus need to be? I've only been on this quest for a few months, so I am still a work in progress.
Two souls were lost to me this week. One was a friend who had a massive heart attack and was in a coma for weeks. When the family "pulled the plug" on her, she lingered for another couple of weeks. I am again reminded of my own mortality, but with my only child so far away, it will be a lonely process.
So sorry to post so sad. I keep my mortal purpose focused on cleaning the kitchen and the rest of the house. The question is, for what? Everything that I have worked so hard for in the last 18 years will go to the highest bidder when I am gone. Does it really matter to have a clean house??
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