What Did You Do Today?

[gja1000]

What's new - I'm still packing! ;)

I went to the doctor with Gary - I haven't mentioned that he is having GREAT difficulty breathing with any activity. This is just like what happened when we went to Arkansas and he ended up in the hospital for 5 days. The difference now is that we know it is likely his asthma. He went to see he heart failure nurse practitioner yesterday to have his heart checked and it is fine. He had a little extra fluid in his body, so she gave him some IV Lasix (water medicine to make him pee) and he lost 3 lbs by this morning.

He had a routine appt with his asthma doctor this morning so he got a round of prednisone (steroids) which fixed his shortness of breath in October when he was in the hospital. I knew when he spent every day last week out of doors with the floor/fence contractors in the wind and dust at the new house, that this might happen, and sure enough it did. He's back to having to wear portable oxygen to do any sort of activity at all!

He'll be fine (I think) but won't be any help in packing the garage. So, my granddaughter and daughter are going to come and help me with it tomorrow. Thankfully, we don't have to move everything right now - only the big stuff (table saw, huge tool chests, etc). We just have to get things boxed up and moved around so that they can get to the big saws, tools, chests and my freezer. We can do that without too much trouble (I hope). Gary can sit in a chair and supervise :D

[Janet]

I've had a headache today, that just does not want to go away. I came home from my bus route and went back to bed and slept for a couple of hours. I have an annoying cough and the snoring didn't help either with me getting to sleep. I was up until 2:45 and then alarm at 5:30. I can't wait until Christmas break to get things moved around.

Weather is suppose to be crappy this weekend so I'm not looking forward to it. I was kind of hoping to go to an auction, but not in bad weather....just have to wait and see. Not sure what else to do. Wish I could be in the warm weather helping you move Gayle.

[gja1000]

I've had a headache today, ............Wish I could be in the warm weather helping you move Gayle.

Sorry you have a headache! And I DO WISHE you were here - it was 75 today and supposed to be tomorrow too, but then 55 on Sunday!

[gja1000]

We worked on the garage today. OH MY! I haven't sat down for more than 15 minutes all day. WHEW! My dear Gary is somewhat of a pack rat - so I did a lot of throwing away when he wasnt' looking. He'll never miss a thing. I think we have the garage so that the movers can move what we need moved to the new house. There is still a lot of junk that we will need to haul off later, but at least we have plenty of time to do it after we get moved.

I'm going to be so tired when this is all over!!!!

Oh, we had Chinese tonight with the kids. I sure am going to miss them when they move to Houston :(

[Janet]

Even though it sounds like you are so busy packing...it seems you are enjoying it.

Today I met Lynne in Lafayette. We did a little shopping at Bed, Bath and Beyond, Target, and Petsmart. Neither one of us bought very much, but it sure was nice being with her and having our lunch at Kentucky Fried Chicken. As close as we live to each other....I can't believe it's been almost 3 months since we'd seen each other.

[Lindsey]

Mmmmm I love KFC!

We had a busy weekend! On Friday night we ended up having 14 people over! We had to split up between the dining table and breakfast nook for cards. Everyone left around midnight and my parents stayed with us for the night.

On Saturday we went to Scott's gigantic Christmas party for the company he was contracted to for most of the year. I thought there were going to be around 600 there... There were over 1000!!!!! I ran into my old roommate, who I lived with right out of high school. She is getting her masters degree right now, and I told her she's way more ambitious than me lol. The free champagne was flowing and the food was great, but we left around 10:00 to get back to my grandma's to visit with my family. I didn't last long and fell asleep about an hour later :) I felt so beautiful that night and I'm sad that Scott forgot his camera!

[judy]

I wish he had taken a picture Linds!

The packing is so much work Gayle! I still would rather move than have a paint job though! At least you had help and Gary supervising. You will move....and everything will get there. Keep saying that over and over to yourself!

When I retired, I began going through everything I owned, donating some and throwing out others. I only kept what I really used. Even stuff I wasn't sure about, I got rid of. I think I have missed 2 or 3 things! I used big, black hefty bags. It took over a year because I didn't even have a place I was moving to yet, but I knew that I was going to be moving sooner than later. That was quite a luxury! I also knew that the superintendent of my building would take the good stuff and find a place for it all, either with him, or whoever. That was a load off because everybody hates to throw out when you can donate.

By the time I found the house and was moving, I really got ruthless. IK didn't even take my everyday dishes! I went to Walmart when I got here and bought new dishes, plastic containers, etc.

Anything I wanted to save, but didn't want, I gave to Jessie.

Like I said, it was a luxury. I never had the chance to do it that way before!

I did learn Gayle, that it is way better to get rid of it before you move than to go through it after. Maybe you can get your daughter to help you.

[gja1000]

That's really good advice Judy! I only had about a month though, as we bought the house so quickly! My strategy was to go through something everyday - and I did - even if it was only one drawer or a nook. I threw out and donated TONS of stuff. But we have lived here 25 years, and my husband is a bit of a pack rat - not in the pathological form, but he hates to throw out something that he MIGHT use. If it were just me, it wouldn't be bad at all, but with him and his stuff, it really is pretty arduous. I will say that we have thrown out or given away so much stuff. How can two people accumulate so many THINGS! It's sinful!

We are so fortunate though, that we don't have to dispose of everything that we own. We are leaving some things here for the kids if they have to stay here. Of course, after May, we will have to dispose of these things, or rent the house as a furnished place. I'm toying with the idea of renting it to visiting professors, or perhaps some of our commuting doctoral students. They would need a furnished place, and I would like my home to be used in that way. But then again, maybe we will just sell it when the real estate market perks up a bit!

My only problem is that I am so tired now, and by the time I get everything unpacked, I will be even more tired and I'm not going to want to come back here to get things picked up and cleaned up. But then I probably have several weeks before the kids will need the house. Yet, I know ME, and the longer I procrastinate, the harder it will be to get it done! LOL!

Judy, if I ever move again, I WILL have someone else pack everything for me. This has been really hard, and I've just worked a little bit every day (until this week of course, when I've worked HARD). I just don't think I have it in me to pack everything up again. My sil's company is paying for their move, of course, and will pay to have someone pack them. I'm curious to see how that goes. I will definitely go that route, if I ever move again.

[gja1000]

Here is a picture of the shower curtain I bought today. It is called TREES! LOL! Note the little squirrels and birds. I just love it. Our master's bath needed some color and I found this at Target. It is just perfect. And I can go with so many different rug colors, e.g. brown, gold, green, rust, beige or aqua. I got a dusty aqua for the rugs - I hope they look good, I'll take them over tomorrow. If I don't like them, Target had several other colors that would work.

http://www.amazon.com/Home-Vista-Tree-Shower-Curtain/dp/B002CZCBM6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1292293809&sr=8-2

Look at the Frequently Bought Together (below the curtain picture). I also got the Dot Shower Hooks, and the Hoot Toothbrush Holder.

[Blueyes]

Hi Everybody! Sorry I haven't posted for a while, but I've been keeping up.

I just got back from a great trip to Seattle to see Joy and Dustin. I won't be able to see them at Christmas, so we celebrated while we were there. This is my first Christmas to spend without my kids and grandkids. I dread it so much. I cried all day on Thanksgiving...and I'm really not a crier:rolleyes: We'll have Christmas Eve with my brothers and their families, but will be alone on Christmas Day. Mike says we are going out to eat Chinese food like they did in A Christmas Story after a dog ate their turkey, lol! He's even found a restaurant that will be open. We are so crazy... but laughing is SOO much better than crying:p

The high school football team here in our little town of Carthage will be playing for the 3A State Championship Friday in DALLAS COWBOY STADIUM!! They have won State for the last 2 years, and everybody is thrilled to be going there to play. Of course Mike wants to go, so I'm sure we will.

All of you sound so busy! Gayle, we downsized our house after 24 years. It's NOT fun to go through all that STUFF, lol!

[gja1000]

Oh Betsi! 24 years is just too long in one place. There's too much time to accumulate too much STUFF - and I just know that Mike had all the same STUFF that Gary has!! WHEW!

LOL! We just watched that Christmas movie where they ate at the Chinese place! That is so funny. I can just see you and Mike.

I know you are sad! I'm so sorry - but you are right to laugh, not cry. Every year brings new adventures, who knows where you will be or what you and/or your kids will be doing next year, or the next or the next.......

I'm really glad you had a great time in Seattle! That is such a wonderful city!

Good luck to Carthage FB team. You'll have fun in Dallas!

I've missed you!

[DianaB]

This afternoon I'm having the kids and grandkids all over to help decorate the Christmas tree. I'm planning on making a big pot of taco soup and some gingerbread cake to go with it!!

My house is such a mess that I've got to get it back in order!! I just hate the feeling of not being somewhat organized.......and lately it just seems like I'm really losing in that area!!! Christmas and all that goes with it just doesn't help!! I'm trying not to get too stressed over it and make it worse for myself though!!! Easier said than done!!!!

[Janet]

Today I'm extremly tired. Wish I didn't have to run the afternoon route, I'd much rather take a nap.
I visited Mom in the hospital for awhile this morning and now I'm taking a quick break here and then off to pick up the little darlings...lol.

[Lindsey]

Gayle, that shower curtain is adorable!!!!

When we moved from the condo, I had planned to get rid of a lot of stuff! But, it didn't really work out that way. We ended up just throwing everything in boxes and moving it all. Now we have a wall full of boxes in the basement, and if they haven't been unpacked yet, we don't need the stuff that badly! In the spring, our town has a big garage sale weekend. If you plan to hold one, you submit your address and what sort of things you're selling and they will list it in the monthly newsletter. So that weekend, a lot of people come in and just walk around town going from sale to sale. I'm anxious to get rid of things and simplify a bit!

Scott is stressed out at work so I'm dealing with his grouchiness at home. I told him to deal with it at work and not bring it home, because he tells me that all the time! Oh welll. He didn't even tell me that he got a promotion! He let it slip yesterday. He's now a design lead, and I told him how proud I was and how great it is that he's moving up so quickly, but that still didn't make him happy :( I just wish he didn't worry about work so much. He never did before.

[gja1000]

Well, we took the TVs over today - I just couldn't stand the thought of the movers moving our new 60 inch TV - just too much money tied up in that thing! We got it over there in my daughter's van with no problems. I'm so relieved.

I think I have everything packed. We'll have to strip our bed in the morning and I'm going to throw everything in my car, so I'll know where it is when everything gets to the new house. I don't want to have to search for my bed linens! :D

I sure have a lot of things to do in this house after we move, but I will be so glad to get to the new house.

[judy]

Good luck Gayle!!! How exciting! Good luck with the move, and please keep us posted asap.

Betsi, I would cry too. It is wonderful though that you and Mike can laugh and enjoy each other! Now, that is a blessing!!!

Linds...how is Layla doing?

I have been in the house more than out lately. It isn't really that bad, and I certainly can drive, but it is soooo cold. I never liked winter! I need to get one windshield wiper replaced - it's probably the engine since it's not moving at all.
I just haven't been able to get there at 9 AM! I'll go Friday. Other than that, I have my fiber optic Christmas trees and angels up. It looks so pretty! I have to do my cards, and buy some small gifts. Checks have to be made out for the people who run this community, pick up the garbage, etc. I do like giving them gifts because it is nice to be able to show how much I appreciate their hard work. The kids were easy...Jessie told me what they wanted, and they have been ordered on Amazon.com. Mackenzie sent me her own list! Of course, it took her about 10 days to get the list to me, by which time the peacoat she wants is sold out! I found it on eBay for $30 more!!! But, I bought it because this is what 13 year olds are programmed to do! The grown ups are not exchanging gifts this year. Steve and Jessie can't afford it, and I have been helping out here and there, so we are being tight this Christmas. Steve's birthday is January 3rd and I will get him something from the Harley store.

[Lindsey]

Layla is doing well Judy! She was half done crate rest yesterday :) Right now she's barking at me for attention lol.

I'm at home today because the roads are terrible. The temperature rose last night and it poured rain on the way home! It was the scariest drive home ever... the roads were pure ice and everyone was driving very very slow. It was raining so hard I needed the wipers on full blast. When we pulled into the garage and got out of the car we realized the WHOLE car was encased in ice! This morning the highway reports said travel is not recommended between here and the city so we decided to stay home.

I'm glad your Christmas shopping went well Judy. I am unsure about ordering online now. I've ordered 3 things... one says it's still on backorder, but my credit card was already charged. One has been stuck in Winnipeg for 4 days and the arrival date has been pushed back 6 days. The other one is my biggest problem! I checked the tracking yesterday and it said "Contact UPS for more information" so I found the number for UPS and called... and went through about 10 minutes of pressing buttons to talk to an actual person... And then found out that they can't deliver to a box number (I assumed it would be through Canada Post when it arrived in Canada) so it was sitting on a shelf in Saskatoon for the next 3 days before being sent back. I said, well, can I just have it delivered to my office in Saskatoon? They said no, that would be a change of address to a city different than where it was originally to be delivered... EVEN THOUGH IT'S ALREADY IN THAT CITY!!! They have already given it over to Purolator and they will have to get it back and change address to deliver it. So they put in a request for Purolator to call me and tell me where it is so I can pick it up. REALLY? I needed to REQUEST that?? I can't believe nobody called me about it. If I hadn't checked tracking yesterday, it would be sent back in a couple of days and I would have never known it was here! Next year I'm doing all my shopping in stores.

[DianaB]

Gayle, I would hate to have to go through everything before I moved!! The last place we lived at for almost 20 years and we had a LOT of stuff!!! Yuck!!! Wish that I was close by and had the time to help you!! You're a hard worker and I know that you'll have everything ship-shape in no time!!!

Betsi, I'm so sorry that the holidays are being so hard on you. We're having our Christmas on Christmas Eve with the kids. Besides not having anyone here on Christmas, this will be our first year without anyone to bring their stockings in on our bed to open them up. I know that it's not as bad as having them across the country and ocean from me but still, I'm not sure how I'm going to handle it. You'll just have to plan on watching the kids open their presents while on your Skype!!! Then you'll feel like a part of things!!

Lindsey, that was one HUGE party!!!! I can't imagine!!!! I bet you were beautiful in your new dress and we're all a little upset that Scott didn't get a picture of you!! LOL I 'm glad to hear that you're putting that big house to good use!! I'm sure that you had lots of room for everyone!!

Judy, I think that a lot of people are cutting back this year. We usually have the kids exchange presents at Glen's family's Christmas together......but this year it just seems out of place to be buying presents for your cousin's kids so since it will be at my house this year we're not going to do it. I'm sure that I'll have some people upset with me but that's alright. I think that we can just enjoy getting together without gifts.

We had such a good time last night......I had all of the grandkids, Amy, Dae Lynn, and Jaci....plus Glen and myself. I was disappointed that the others weren't here.....but that's alright. Tammy spent her time wrapping gifts so I can understand why she'wasn't here.

I really enjoy the noise of having everyone here and while we ate it was so loud......the kids talking loudly at the bar......and the adults talking loudly at the dining room table...........and right in the midst of all this noise was Little Karlie singing "Silent Night" at the top of her voice.........Gotta' love her!!!!!

[Marilyn]

Wow, everyone has been sooo busy. I can't begin to comment on everyone's posts, there are so many and I'd probably forget and leave someone out.

It's been crazy around here. Melissa and Garrett left this afternoon for Disney World, so we are baby sitting their English bulldog, Mack. I can hear him snoring in the living room as I type. He's a mess!!!! a loveable mess. LOL. They will be back briefly on the 22nd and then off to his parents for the 23rd and 24th and back here for Christmas.

Karen and Carlton will be headed this way on Friday or early Saturday. They are driving from California in his "project car". It's a supped up silver Pontiac Formula, a late 90's sports car, like a Trans Am, and its loud. Karen wanted to fly and we offered to pay their airfare, but he want's to show his friends what he's been doing to his car and he has a mechanic here locally who he wants to have tune it up after his modifications. Whatever.... as long as they are here for a visit for a couple of weeks, we're happy!!!!! His family does their Christmas on Christmas Eve, so we get to have them all here for the actual Christmas!!!

I've been very busy with work. Traveling around handing out Christmas cookie trays and wall calendars to all my customers and visiting with them about their holiday plans. It's really a nice way to get to know them better, so it's enjoyable. Just making good freinds with the bakeries this time of year, and lots of traveling.

Next week will be very boring at work. Many of my customers will be off, so not much for an outside sales person to do, but I can work on planning for the future and researching other opportunities. Never nothing to do, just not as fun. I could get online with y'all, but they track our internet activity, if I can even get on 4WT from there now. They have really tightened up security, and my iPhone signal there is very low.

[Janet]

Today is starting off with a 2-hour delay because of the snow we got last night. Not sure how I will get to see Mom because of the shortened time between routes. I'll have to wait until I'm done for the day and head over. She is suppose to be having the nuclear test today and I wanted to be with her. I'll call her here in a bit and see how she's doing and then will go see her late this afternoon.

Sounds like everyone is so busy and having such good fun. I still haven't got my tree up yet, nor have I bought any gifts. I did order something online for Ricky, but he was sitting here letting me know the exact thing he wanted...lol. Not sure when I'll have time....it may be just cash or gift cards this year...lol.

[Lindsey]

I ended up not going to work at all yesterday. By afternoon the status had changed from "Travel not recommended" to the usual "Winter driving conditions exist/Ice/Slippery sections/Snow drifts" but Scott was told in the morning there wasn't much work for him anyway so he didn't want to drive in and I didn't want to drive in alone. Scott did get 3 hours of work done by connecting to his work computer from home and he was in a teleconference meeting, so our home office was put to good use for once lol. And we got to spend all day in our PJ's!

Layla's rehab vet just called me to ask how Layla's been doing since her neck problem, and she was glad to hear she's doing better. She also wants me to send her a picture of Layla for her "Graduation Wall" in the rehab centre :D She said Layla really deserves to be on it. So now I'm trying to decide on a picture to send.

Marilyn, that will be so nice to have your family home for Christmas day!

Diana, I wish you could have gotten video of Karlie singing! That is so adorable!

[gja1000]

Well it took 10 hours yesterday to get moved. Whew! I don't know when I've ever been so tired. My legs ached so bad last night I couldn't go to sleep. We had three movers and they sure worked hard. My goodness that is a hard job.

My daughter came to help me unpack today and we got the kitchen, dining room, and living room unpacked and half way straightened up. I have our bedroom about half done. I am so tired though and I have come down with a pretty nasty cold. I just felt horrible today about 3:00 PM and had to lay down for awhile. I feel a little better this evening.

We really love the new place. It just feels perfect for us. We are sitting in the living room in front of the fireplace and it feels so cozy. I really love the way my furniture looks. I'll take some pix when it is totally straightened up.

Rex and Rowdy are still very confused and try to get in the car any time they can. But they are loving the big back yard. They are passed out right now. They are so tired.

Well tomorrow is another day and I hope to make more progress. I'll be glad to be finished!

[gja1000]

I forgot to say say that they are supposed to deliver the washer and dryer tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed :). We bought a double rocking reclining loveseat and it is supposed to be delivered tomorrow too. They will be here tomorrow to set up the TV, Internet and phone also. It will be a busy day!

[lynne b]

OMG Gayle, I can't believe you are moved in already, it all happened so quick and you worked so hard. I hope you can take it slower now and unpack as you feel like it, you probably have just run yourself ragged trying to get everything done.
I hope everything gets delivered, hooked up and plugged in today.
Can't wait to see pic's when you have things arranged.

[gja1000]

They are delivering the washer and dryer right now! :D

However we may not be able to get AT&T Uverse for our TV and Internet. The signal doesn't seem to be strong enough but they are working on it. There is another provider that we can try if AT&T won't work.

[gja1000]

I'm washing clothes in my new washer! :D it is sooooooo quiet! YAY!

We found out we can't get AT&T for tv so we will go with w cable company. I've not heard as good a reviews about the cable company, but I guess that's the price you pay for country living. Worst case is that we have to use direct tv and then AT&T for phone and internet. That will be just fine too.

Gary is sick today too. I'm not good but a little better than yesterday. We bought a double rocking reclining loveseat and after they delivered today, it we looked like two really old people reared back in our recliners, too tired to move. LOL!

[Marilyn]

Oh, Gayle, so glad that your move is going well!!!! We have Direct TV and AT&T internet, and it's working just fine. AT&T Uverse isn't available where we live, so we had to compromise. Our cable company just doesn't offer the HD channels that we wanted so after using cable for several years, we finally got Direct TV and it's wonderful except that there are so many channels that I never know where the one I want is, and they move them around from time to time.

We need a pic of you and Gary in the new loveseat!!!

Lindsey, so glad that Layla is doing so well!!!!!

Janet, hope your mom's nuclear test went well!! Sad that you had the delay this morning. If we had snow here, they'd just call of school completely.

[Janet]

Just got up not long ago....called Mom to see how she slept and to make sure she was alright. So far today I have to pay bills that I've just layed on the desk all weak. Sure hope none are due too soon. Just been too busy with Mom.

I'll probably be at Mom's this afternoon and I have to pick up another prescription for her.

[gja1000]

Janet, I'm so sorry all this is going on with your mom right here at the holidays. I know she feels miserable too. Hopefully she will perk up some being at home in her own bed when she gets more rest.

I feel a little better today, I don't feel good by any stretch, but I think I'm a bit better. Gary is still in bed, I hope he feels better when he gets up.

The kids came ocher last night with potato soup and ate with us. Boy! Was that hot soup ever good. It was in the low 50's with a stiff wind yesterday (I know I know, we are wimps), so the warm soup tasted so good.

I'm slowly working my way through the boxes. How can two people have so much stuff! I thought I had purged well before I packed, but no, I'm still finding junk and things that need to go!

[DianaB]

Gayle, from buying the house and the move I bet your head is in a whirlwind!!! Everything has happened so fast!! I'm sure you're not only physically tired but mentally tired as well......plus you have Christmas stuff on top of all that you're doing!!! You deserve a big hug and remember to take care of yourself........there's always closets to cram stuff into and deal with later!!!

Janet, just look at being with your Mom as good Mother/Daughter time!! Go buy some Pilsbury cookie dough and make some Christmas cookies together and make the best of it!!! You're in my thoughts!!! Give your Sweet Mama another hug from me!!!!

Sorry, that I haven't been on much.....I've been taking care of Dean and Karlie quite a bit and, well, with all of the Christmas stuff going on......I've been so busy and have so much to do........I'll be back more after the Christmas weekend.

[Janet]

Gayle...you're making my head spin....lol. You are one busy lady!

I haven't done much today, but then again it's only 4:30 in the morning. Been up since about 3 I think. Just can't sleep. Need to get some things done here today. It would be nice if I was able to get the tree up, but it may wait until Monday. Gonna try and take Mom to WalMart, but we'll see. I know since I'm up this early I'll need a nap sometime today...lol.

[gja1000]

Yes Janet, I feel like my head is spinning all the time! I now have everything done except the office and the guest bedroom. There isn't too much in either room so it won't take long. I do have to unwrap the pottery and Alaska ivory for two curios, bit can't do that till we get the cabinets anchored to the wall. It won't take long though. I'm feeling much better about the move. LOL! Of course I am, it is nearing the end.

I have a lot to do at the old house though, but don't have to rush. We have a charity coming on thurdsay for a curbside pickup and boy are they going to be surprised at all our stuff!

I've had four neighbors come to welcome us and give us some gift, mostly food. They all see really nice. I really am so glad we moved, but man what a hassle!

[Marilyn]

I'm stressing over the holdiays and trying to get may house into shape, laundry done and such and I don't have a sick mother and haven't just moved. Janet and Gayle, you both make me tired just thinking about what you are doing.

Karen and Carlton arrived yesterday so we have been able to spend a little time with them. Carlton is spending lots of time with his family at his grandmothers which is great!! Karen was too tired last night after the drive to go with him, so she stayed home with us and we decorated the Christmas tree together. It was a nice evening!!!

[lynne b]

Well i have been trying to get my shopping done, still have some to do, luckily we are not celebrating on Christmas day, we are waiting till after to have our Christmas so that give's me a few extra days and maybe some after sales LOL.

Mom is back in the hospital since Friday night, she will probably get to go home tomorrow since the only thing they could come up with is that she was dehydrated, she's a little better but not sure she is well enough that she will be able to care for herself and continue to be able to live in the AL which will devastate her and us.

Sometimes I feel like Janet annd i are walking in the same shoes, I am just thankful that we have each other (and all are friends here) to share these hard times. Thank you all so much for just letting us vent, sometimes it doesn't matter if any one responds or not, just writing it down helps.

[gja1000]

Oh Lynne, I'm so sorry to hear that your mom has been in the hospital too. That is so hard right here at the Holidays! I so hope she can go back to AL! My mom may be looking at AL herself. She plans to go to Houston with my daughter in June, but I'm just not sure that she will be able. Since I'm not there to help with her, and stay with her when my daughter is out of town, I just don't know. It is a dilemma, for sure!

It's great Lynne, that you can do some of your Christmas shopping after Christmas. I hope you get some good bargains!!! I sure got a good bargain on my washer and dryer after Thanksgiving!

Gary and I drove out to a little lake about 5 minutes from the house. I'm so tickled to find it. It has been stocked with bass and catfish. Gary loves to catfish and there are lots of fishing piers around the little lake. He can take his chair and sit and fish from the bank. He can grab his fishing pole and be fishing in 15 minutes. He is so excited. I hope he can catch some fish out there!

[DianaB]

Lynne, I'm sorry to hear that your Mom's not doing well either. I'm glad that you and Janet have us and each other too.

Gayle, I can't imagine moving right before Christmas and having everything so organized already!!! I'm impressed!!!

We had our children's program at church this morning. It was so cute......and Glen was in it!!!! It doesn't help that our daughter, Amy, is the children's pastor!! They all did a good job!!

Before the program I taught Sunday School.......I had brought gifts for 2 girls and 4 boys because I usually have more boys than girls......Well, this morning I had 4 girls.......2 came that had never been to my class before and I was in a panic.......after all....what girl wants Hot Wheels? It ended up that Amy had some things that she could put in and helped me out. I learned that next year I'm going ALL generic!!!

Glen and I went to the grocery store, got groceries, and picked up chicken for lunch. By the time we got home my blood sugar was headed low so I quickly ate some stuff but it takes a while to get it back up. After that it knocked me out and I ended up sleeping the whole afternoon........when I had planned on wrapping gifts......Bummer!!! I hate when this happens to me and I usually don't have any trouble on Sundays and I'm not sure why it happened.

So it's late enough that I'm going to go and put on my pj's and wrap some gifts. I have Dean tomorrow and I'm sure that there won't be any wrapping done while he's here!!!

[Lindsey]

Lynn, I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I hope she's feeling better.

I've been stressed again, as usual. I worked my butt off all day on Friday, worked straight through lunch and didn't eat (and didn't have time for breakfast either!) and left the office at 5. When we finally got home, I made some food, and then got a call from work at 6:45 from an engineer saying he was trying to find me before I left but I was already gone so could I please come in and help them out by working all day Saturday? I said no, we are driving 2 hours away to visit Scott's grandma for Christmas. He said they really need the help. I said we can't see her any other time, and we made these plans a long time ago. He insisted that they're on a tight deadline and can't do it on their own. I stuck to my guns and I didn't come to work, but he really made me feel guilty about it. Scott's grandma is 93 years old, who knows if we'll see her for another Christmas.

We did have a good visit with her and all her friends there in the home lol. It got a little depressing when she talked about how she's ready to die, but like Scott said on the way home he hates to hear it because it's his grandma, but he's happy to hear it because she's not afraid and she's ready to go and be with her husband again (he passed away earlier this year).

Yesterday we had our own little Christmas, just me and Scott. I made a gigantic 10 lb ham that he got as a Christmas gift from his company, and we watched Christmas movies for most of the day :)

Unfortunately, I hardly slept last night because I was nervous about coming in today and people being upset with me for not coming in on Saturday. I fell asleep around 3 and Scott dragged me out of bed at 6.

I hope I sleep better tonight! :(

[Janet]

Today I took Mom to her monthly kidney Dr. Mom had a lot of blood in her stool again, hemo dropped from 10.5 to 9.8. She is suppose to have a colonscopy on the 23rd, but she's canceling until after Christmas. Mom as other Dr. appts before the 30th and one the first week of January. At Christmas....I'm making my younger, non-helping, lazy a$$ brother pick which one he wants to do. He needs to help much more than he is which is hardly nothing.

I usually don't want snow...lol...but it's snowing real good now and we're suppose to get some ice too. I hope we don't have school tomorrow. I'm ready for our break now.

[DianaB]

Janet, I'm sorry that you're Mom is having more problems. I do hope she's given up on going to Florida with all of the problems she's having.

It's NOT fair that you're getting the snow!!!!! You know how much I enjoy it........so SHARE it!!!!! I do think that we're suppose to have some in the next few days!! I hope that it's cleared off by Christmas for the ones who have to travel though.


Lindsey, I don't see anything wrong with you not going in to work. You had already put your time in and had planned your weekend. Why didn't these guys come to you earlier in the day to get your input? Poor planning on their part. I wouldn't worry about them being upset with you......you certainly put in more than enough time there.


I have such a sweet daughter!!! Dae Lynn came over yesterday and helped me wrap presents!! We got so much done and I'm feeling so much better.....presents.....both buying and wrapping always stresses me out. I still have some to do but she was such a big help. It's so nice because she understands how much time I put in watching her kids for her!!

We're planning our Christmas with the kids on Christmas Eve....during the day. That way the kids' Christmas day won't be nearly as busy for them. It's going to be hard for me....not because they won't be here on the actual day but that we don't have any kids here to bring their stockings in and open them in bed with us. I always enjoyed that on Christmas morning and even now it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. Oh well, time marches on. Glen and I have decided to save the presents we have for each other to open on Christmas so that's something to look forward to.

Actually, we bought a new tv for ourselves. Ours was taking forever to come on and we were tired of it........then we found out that we had bought an extended warranty for our old one.....so I guess that we'll be getting it fixed and will probably give it to Dae Lynn because theirs is going out too.

Well.....I guess I better go and finish wrapping gifts!!! Happy day Everyone!!!!

[Lindsey]

I know I shouldn't feel bad about it, and the feeling is passing lol. It was absolutely the right choice to visit Scott's grandma and she was so happy to see us. I just hate that some people make me feel that when I try to do something in my personal life, my professional life will suffer! But I don't want to be like my coworkers where their life IS their job. Mine isn't! My life is Scott and Layla and the rest of my family and friends. My job just pays for me to be able to spend time with them. I need to balance out somehow! One of these men moved his whole family here from Arizona (he has two young kids), but he still never sees them because he's always at the office.

I am so happy Dae Lynn came to help you! I know how busy you've been and with Christmas around the corner it would be overwhelming.

I wish I could have done the same thing with my parents this past weekend! They were trying to get the cabin ready for Christmas with my dad putting up lights outside and my mom setting up the tree and wrapping presents, stocking the fridge and cupboards, taking out bedding and setting up enough sleeping spaces for everyone! She was exhausted when I talked to her Sunday evening. I think next year, Scott and I might host Christmas at our house and take the stress off our parents!

[gja1000]

Yay! We have internet, TV, but no phones yet. For some reason they can't be turned on till Dec. 28th. That's OK, we have our cell phones, so it's no big deal.

I went to the office yesterday for most of the day and today for half a day. I'm not going in any more and the school is closed from Dec. 24-Jan 3rd, so I definitely will have plenty of time to get things straightened out between now and then!

It still feels a bit strange in this house. I keep wandering around at times, aimlessly it seems! LOL!!! Lindsay, did you do that in your big new house too? My kitchen is bigger than any kitchen I have ever had so it feels like I have to take a lot of steps to fix anything. I guess I'll get used to that!

I'm just so happy to have my desktop computer hooked up to the internet!!! YAY!

[Lindsey]

Yes I did that too Gayle! Actually I still do sometimes lol. I still can't believe we live in my dream house! Our kitchen is so big, I have definitely never had a kitchen this big, and never known anyone who has! I find that I only actually use one little corner :) And 4 sinks??? REALLY??? If we redo the countertops one of these days I definitely want to take 2 of those extra sinks out. I'm sure one day I will have a big family and be thankful that my kitchen is so big but right now it seems like overkill!

[gja1000]

Oh My! FOUR sinks! Wow! I'm sure your kitchen is way bigger than mine. LOL! I have an island which I just love, but I sometimes find myself walking around and around it! LOL!

[Lindsey]

Lol well my kitchen is just weird! It has a white double sink right in the middle of the kitchen window, which looks great. But right beside that they put in this awkward stainless steel sink, and cut into the cupboards underneath so we can't use them. There is a switch there so it looks like they had a garburator hooked up in that sink, but then took it out. There are also two drawers originally there that obviously aren't now. The 4th sink is between the "desk" area and the breakfast nook. I don't really understand why. Maybe it was like a bar area? But the fridge dispenses ice and cold water and that's only 2 steps further lol.

I'm going to start a new thread with pictures of the house and you can see the sinks there in some pictures!

[gja1000]

Oh Lindsay, I would love to see your kitchen!

[gja1000]

It got up to 83 today and is only 68 right now. I had to turn on the AIR CONDITIONER to cool down the house to go to bed. I opened the windows, but that just didn't do the trick. YUK!

[Janet]

Even though I would need the air conditioner on...I wish it was warm here. It's 32 with snow on the ground. I was home mostly today. We had a two hour delay because of the snow. I'm on Christmas break now...yeah!!!! Don't have to go back until January 3 or 4. Now maybe I'll have time to get the tree up....lol.

[gja1000]

I worked over at the old house today getting things ready for donation. I have a truck coming by tomorrow to pick everything up, so I had to get it bagged and out in the driveway today. WHEW! I'm glad that is over. I probably have more stuff to donate, but at least I got most of it bagged up today.

I also did a lot of sweeping and throwing away things that needed to GO! I filled up the trash bin and the recycling bin, so I had to quit. I can't set out extra trash without paying extra. Everything has to go into the bin that they empty once a week, so when it was full, I was done cleaning! :D Of course, I'm not done - I'll have to go back next week and fill up the bin again, but at least I made a big dent in it!

After that, I picked up mom and Gary and we went to eat a late lunch at Luby's cafeteria. It was really good. Now, I'm home vegging out as I am tired! I worked at the house for about 4 hours and now I am pooped!

I think I'll just play on the computer or watch TV the rest of the day!

[gja1000]

I was up early today and we went to a Mexican restaurant to get tamales. Hope they are good. Then I went to Target to look for rugs for the guest bath, but no luck! I did get a couple of towels for our bathroom.

Now, I'm back home and I think I'll make some of the pretzel/kiss Christmas candy for Christmas eve. I might even take a nap too - I'm still soooo tired!

[judy]

I remember those pretzel kisses from last year Gayle! I made them and gave them out to some people who loved them. Yours were prettier, but they sure were yummy!

It's funny that we all have such different weather! Janet and I usually have the same, but for those of you who need a/c...well...I just cannot muster up much sympathy! The snow is beautiful, but there have been too many times when, coming down a country hill, my car just does not stop! I just had new brakes put in too. I do not like the anti lock brakes, but I was talking to some people today who gave me some good tips. It takes getting used to. At least now I know it's not just my driving, or that the brakes are no good.

I am done with shopping, wrapping involves using gift bags, and I have to give gifts to the workers here. I enjoy giving Christmas gifts to people like our maintenance workers, Dave, the garbage guy, my hair dresser,, etc. It is the only time of the year that I get to really thank all of these people who have such an impact on my quality of life! My hair dresser told me today that I shouldn't have given her money, the stationery I bought her was enough. I told her that since she makes me beautiful every week, she deserves it!

I went to a gym nearby to check out personal trainers. I have to call someone to see when he is available. The gym is very nice, and it's only $5/day for me to use the personal trainer there. Of course, he charges his own fee.

I cannot believe Christmas is almost over! This has been a really fun pre Christmas fest! I hope the kids love their gifts.

[gja1000]

At 3:00PM today, Brooke called and said, "Someone gave Bryan a smoked turkey, let's fix turkey and dressing for dinner". SO WE DID. OMG! I fixed dressing and pistachio salad, and corn. She fixed mashed potatoes and gravy and rolls. It was so good. Now Gary's belly is so full he feels badly! LOL!

We are eating Christmas dinner at an Italian restaurant (Brooke wanted something different) - we just didn't want to cook the whole nine yards on Christmas day - and we were feeling badly because everyone was whining about no turkey and dressing on Christmas day. So now they've got it for several days (leftovers)!

[Janet]

Got up early today as I had to have Mom in Lafayette to get some blood. That takes awhile so I went to Penney's and bought her a pair of black slacks she wanted for Christmas. I did visit a couple other stores, but didn't find anything. Ricky put our tree up yesterday. It's a pre-lit tree and looks very nice...even without decorations. We just didn't have time or the want. I've been busy with Mom every day for a week now and today was no different. We aren't even wrapping our gifts...LOL. Just boxes and non-see through bags...so funny. We are having a very laid back Christmas this year. Mom will be out later. She goes to my younger brothers house for supper and then comes here to spend the night. After we open our gifts of a morning we take her back to town to my older brothers house for Christmas day dinner.

I called her a little while ago...she doesn't sound good at all. Doesn't seem like the blood added or the IV iron given to her yesterday are giving her any more energy at all.

[DianaB]

We had our Christmas with the kids on the 24th. It was nice because we had them the whole day and they didn't have to rush off. I cooked Italian food and it was really good but soooo different from what I usually fix. I figured that the kids would have the traditional meal at their inlaws so I decided to be different. We opened gifts and had such a good time. The kids played in the basement and some of the adults played Apples to Apples. The kids went home about 6:30 or so. Then Glen ran to a neighboring town to pick up a lab puppy with Damon. Damon and Dae Lynn got one for the kids. It's the cutest little guy......a chocolate lab and they named him Butch!!! Glen wanted one so bad but that's one thing that I won't buy for him because he wants a true hunting dog and it has to meet with his specs but I could tell that he was impressed with what he saw......maybe next year!!!

On Saturday Glen and I opened presents that we had for each other. It was a hard morning for me with not having any kids here. We've been married for 36 years and have had a child here for every one of those years. I cried several times but after we opened presents I was better (I found out that my sister-in-law had a hard time too and cried for the same reason.). We spent the day cleaning things back up for the Baker party on Sunday!!

After church we went out to eat then headed home to clean some more for the Baker party. We just did finger foods so there was no big menu to prepare for. We had probably about 50 people. Glen's brother's grandson fell on a scooter and cut his forehead open so his parents had to rush him to the ER. The poor little guy, who is only 4, had six stitches in his head but he came back to the house smiling and acted like nothing was wrong. He sure scared everyone though because he sure had a big pool of blood in no time on the floor.

We played a game where Glen had wrapped up a couple of presents really good using different boxes, string, and lots of duct tape. Then we all formed a circle and someone started tearing open the gift (Oh, and the gifts were on each side of the circle so we had two going at the same time) while the person rolled a dice. When they rolled a 6 then the person had to quit opening the gift and the person who rolled the die took their place while the person behind them rolled........and the game continued until the gift was finally opened. It was fun and everyone enjoyed it.

Then we did our Silly String fight!!! We just told everyone to bring their own string and we bought a few extra for those who forgot........then we had the silly string fight in the basement (I wanted it outside but I lost the arguement) The kids loved it!!!.......Actually, the adults did too!!!

Now we just have one more party to go......with my side of the family but it's on New Year's day so I have a while to recouperate!!!!

[Janet]

So far today...lol....5:00 AM, I am sitting here in the hospital with Mom. I think I may have slept an hour, but Mom is sleeping now and when she exhales....her jaw wiggles...lolol....sure wish I would have brought my camera. She'll have her colonoscopy at 11:30.

I guess my younger brother is coming back over around 10:00 this morning. Not really looking forward to that so maybe I can sleep. I saw on his FB page where he said he hated spending time at the hospital....well, duh...who does???

[DianaB]

Just try to get some rest when you can.......And don't let your brother bother you. Hugs Janet!!!

[gja1000]

I took Gary to the chiropractor. He hurt his shoulder a few weeks ago, and it has gotten progressively worse. This chiropractor fixed my shoulder so I was in hopes she could fix his. (SIGH). She told him he needed surgery - that he had a torn ligament in his shoulder. That was NOT what we wanted to hear!

After the appointment, we came home and hung some pictures. It is so hard for me to decide where to hang pictures. I hope I got them in the right places! LOL!

[paula1961]

So sorry to hear about Gary having to have surgery on his shoulder. I bet that is very painful for him. Hope he is better soon. Is he going to have the surgery?

I have been to the dr today with Larry too....he is having his gallbladder removed on the 6th of Jan. It should be outpatient depending on what they see when they get in there. Hopefully it will just be about a 20 min. procedure. Thankfully he is in pretty good health and no signs so far to any heart problems or anything. I feel very fortunate to have a husband that is 65 yrs old and takes meds for high blood pressure and that's pretty much it..that's bad enough but no serious health problems yet!

Janet...how's your Mama today????

[gja1000]

Hi Paula. Yes, I imagine if the surgeon recommends surgery, Gary will have it. His shoulder is just giving him fits. It hurts all the time and especially at night when he tries to sleep.

I hope your husband's surgery goes well. Gall bladder removal used to be soooooo bad. It was a very painful surgery and the recovery took a long time. Now as you say, it's about a 20 minute procedure, usually on outpatient basis.

I made chex mix tonight. I ate too much - oh my - I need it to go away!!! LOL!

[Janet]

Yesterday I spent most of the day with my mom, but left when my niece came at 4:00. It always feels so good to get home. I finally had the talk with my younger brother about helping more with Mom. He told me he couldn't make any committments because he may have other things going on. Anyway...it wasn't pretty and I'm done with him. I have Mom to concentrate on, he can kiss my "you know what."

My older brother, Jerry, told me to stay home today and rest and that he would go and pick up Mom from the hospital. Jerry works where my son works and delivers auto parts to dealers. He fell yesterday after delivering some parts. He couldn't get up and had to bang on the wall of the building till someone finally heard him. His knees are really bad so I imagine today he is going to be really sore. I'll call him shortly and see if he is able to get Mom..if not...I will.

Not sure how I'll get everything done...follow up appts. to make for Mom, I have to deal with an insurance company for her place in Florida and order her dialysis supplies. Mom forgot to order on the 21st.

I think Mom's mind is slowly going. She can't remember anything of that day. Her kidney nurse called while I was at the hospital with Mom and said she had called Mom. I asked Mom if Ruth called her and she said no....that she hadn't talked with her for awhile. Yesterday my niece texted me and said that the Dr. came and was going to release Mom today. I called Mom last night and she said no Dr. came in (and he is her favorite Dr. and they hugged) while Dusti was there. She can remember things from a while back, but not the day of.

Gayle...I hope Gary can get his shoulder taken care of as soon as possible. No fun being in pain. Does he have good pain meds?

I had my gall bladder out a couple years ago and it was nothing major. Three little holes in my stomach and that was it. Hopefully it will go just as easy for your husband Paula as it did for me.

Today my plans are to pay bills, pick up around here and then go to the bank. When my brother gets Mom home, I'll go in and make sure her meds are in order and taker her purse and cane back to her.

We're suppose to have lots of rain...today, Friday and Saturday with a high Friday of 52. With all the snow we have there is sure to be some flooding on some of the roads.

Hope you all have a great Thursday.

[paula1961]

Sounds like you have alot on your plate today Janet! Just do the things that you have to do for your Mom and the rest can wait..well I guess the bills won't lol! I hope your brother is not too awfully sore today but like you said....he probably will be. We're supposed to get rain everyday here too and I think a high of about 60 on Friday. You have a wonderful Thursday too! I hope your Mom has gained some of her strength back.


Hope you got the chex mix taken care of Gayle lol!!! When I fix that stuff...I swear..I can not stop eating it! I love it!

I think I'll take my Christmas tree down today. Was gonna leave it up until the weekend but I'm going to have 2 of the gkids and I'd rather spend time with them than be dealing with the tree. I need to get several things done in the house...we'll see how that goes lol..

[Blueyes]

Sounds like everybody is busy, busy! I do not envy you Gayle and Paula...men can be such babies, lol!

Mike is at the ranch hunting and has been since Tuesday. I didn't go because the grass burrs are terrible there, and they make the dogs miserable. Anyway...Mike and I are together 24/7 so a few days apart aren't a bad thing:rolleyes

My life is pretty quiet now, but Kirby and I start classes again on the 10th. He's such a beast:p

[DianaB]

Gayle and Paula, I'm sorry to hear that your husbands need surgery. Men can be such big babies when they're laid up (anyway mine is!!) I wish that there was something that I could do to help out. I guess I'm helping by praying for you all.

Janet.....my heart goes out to you. I keep thinking that I should come and be with you but I know that I'd just be in the way. My heart is with you anyway!! Maybe after a while your Mom's memory will return. I'm sure having all of that fluid and with everything she's been going through has caused some problems that will eventually clear up.

I'm watching Karlie and Dean today so NOTHING is getting done!! That's how it usually goes.

Yesterday I went to Iola with Amy and the girls....they had a dentist appointment. While they were there I went to one of my favorite flea markets. I got a lot of stuff!!! It was fun!! Then we went and looked at the baby hedgehog that I bought Daya for Christmas. It won't be ready to go home until Jan. 15th so it's still pretty little!! I had read where you WILL get poked!!!! And they meant it!!! There was no way to pick the little guy up without getting poked!!! It's going to be an interesting pet......but on the other hand.....he was soooo cute!!! He'd roll up in a ball and just have his nose and little legs sticking out!!! I think that she's going to name him Stu.

Then we went shopping at some stores in Chanute that have nice Christmas stuff and sales. So we had fun shopping there. I found what looks like branches but they have little lights on the ends that you can add to arrangements so I'm going to figure out something to do with them and put them on a timer where it will turn on every day......now I just have to figure out where to put them......

I have one more Christmas party on Saturday with my side of the family. I think that I may have started an arguement with my brother.....we'll see. He called yesterday to bring a new girlfriend with him to our party. I'm not sure that he's divorced yet or if he is it's just barely. Anyway things have been a mess with him and I really am not ready to face a "NEW" girlfriend. He's been married 4 times. Besides....they've only dated for 2 weeks!!! Anyway....I told him not to bring her.....so we'll see if I started something. If I did........well, it may not be pleasant!!!

[gja1000]

LOL Diana, I would have told my brother the same thing! I hope though, that he doesn't stir up trouble for you! It sounds like you had a fun day shopping. You mentioned the timers and my daughter told me to put my lighted display cabinets on timers. I'd never thought of that - but I got three timers and I am so happy! They come on at 7:00AM and go off at 11:00PM. That's a nifty idea!

We have had a busy day. First I worked around the house this morning, putting away more things. Then I had a lunch date with a girlfriend who I hadn't seen in quite a while. After lunch, Gary and I went to get our travel trailer to bring it to our house. We have a long pad beside the house with plenty of room to park the trailer. It saves us paying every month to store it. When we were looking at the space beside the house, we noticed where someone had hit the corner of the roof. I am SURE the previous owner hit the roof with his RV backing it in or pulling it out. Needless to say, I was VERY nervous as Gary was backing it down the driveway - but he didn't get close to the roof! LOL! He's a very good trailer backer and I should have known he wouldn't have any trouble. :p

Once we got the trailer in the driveway, we could see that we were going to have to trim the tree a bit. So, we got out the trimmer and went to work. It didn't take too long. Next, the smoke alarm and CO2 alarm were chirpping because the batteries needed to be replaced. Isn't it always something!

Gary went to Home Depot to get some plywood and cinder blocks. We bought a little 8X10 metal shed to store our lawn mower, etc. A friend of Gary's is coming over Saturday to put it together for us. It's nice to have good friends! We are going to set it up on the cinder blocks (3 inches) so that it won't be sitting directly on the ground. The plywood is for the floor. Hopefully it will go together easily, but you know that just about never happens! :(

[paula1961]

Mercy..mercy...we are all really busy!! But in a good way if that makes any sense at all lol!!! Got the tree down today and back up to the attic with all of the other decorations.
Tomorrow...meeting my ex dil to pick up the gkids for the weekend! We will only have Morgan and Logan but they will be here till Sunday..we'll have a blast:D I always have so much fun with those 2 lol!

Gayle..do you guys have a back up camera on your tow vehicle? We do and it comes in so handy when backing up to the camper........glad you and Gary are about to get settled in your new place!!

Diana..girl..I can completely understand you saying no to your bro and a new girlfriend. Now is just not a good time in that kind of a situation. Maybe in another couple of weeks lol! Let us know how that turns out lol! Seriously...have a wonderful last Christmas of the year with your family!!

Janet.....how is your Mom? Did she come home today?? I've had you on my mind alot today...love u!

[Janet]

I have loved reading these posts!!! Everyone is so busy and to me....everything sounds so fun! I had a good day too. My older brother brought Mom home from the hospital so I was able to get a few things done around home and pay some bills. I did some laundry and ran to the bank. Mom got home so I was there to help Jerry get her in the house. Since it had been a few days since she hooked herself up to the dialysis cycler, she wanted me to stay and make sure she didn't mess up. Mom did good.

Not sure how my plans will work out, but I'm planning on bathing the dogs tomorrow. I hope I can get them all done. Just looking forward to being home. Rick has to work, but Ricky and I will be here most the day.

[gja1000]

Janet, I'm so glad to hear that your mom is home and that you got some things done today. I know how they can pile up!

Paula, no we don't have a backup camera - we need one! LOL! I'M THE BACKUP CAMERA!

[DianaB]

Today I cleaned......not very quickly......so I still have a lot to do. I have a Christmas party tomorrow with my side of the family. My Mom's making chicken and noodles so we're all excited about that!!!! She was going to have all of us at her house but when she counted how many were coming she changed her mind!!!! LOL My Mom has just two kids but there's 29 or so in our family now!!!! Her little family didn't stay little!!!

It will be nice having my kids all over again.....plus my neices. My nephew won't be able to make it which is disappointing because he's a sweetheart!!! My neices have gotten married since I last saw them so we'll be meeting their husbands and they each have children........so we'll have a lot of little kids!!!

Glen and I didn't make any plans for tonight. It's probably the first time that we've ever stayed home or didn't have a party!!! We could have gone to one but decided not to. We've really enjoyed having things slow down.

We bought ourselves a new tv and sound bar the other day and now have HD and a DVR!!! So watching tv has been interesting lately!!! We're still trying to figure everything out!!!............Hey, Janet........the tv comes right on now instead of taking 10 minutes!!!! :cheer:

[Janet]

Yeah!!! Diana....I would have already been sleeping waiting those 10 minutes....LOLOL I was in bed early last night, so I didn't get to see the New Year creep in. I was probably asleep by 9:30. Here it is 3:56 AM and I'm wide awake...lol. I know this is just a stage I'm going through waking up at this time...I've done it before so I just enjoy the quiet time.

I didn't get the dogs groomed yesterday like I had planned. Most of the day I just chilled, but later in the afternoon, I went to Mom's and changed her bed sheets, got her fluids ready for her dialysis and mopped her kitchen floor and Ricky took out her trash. Today, I hope I can get the dogs groomed..they sure need it. :)

[gja1000]

Today I worked on the attic at our old house. It is bulky curbside pickup at the old house so I got some OLD OLD stuff from the attic to put out. My granddaughter helped me and we got most of the junk out of the attic, closets and garage. There's still some stuff to be disposed of, e.g. Sold, given away or thrown away, but we are making progress.

Now I am at the Texas womens basketball game with my iPad!

[Janet]

Today I went to Mom's to help get her Christmas decor put away. My younger brother and his son were there and did most of the work (for a change), but he was in another of his bad moods. Was so glad when he left.

Right now...I'm home....alone and loving it for the moment. My son is working and husband went to a funeral. I'm hoping we go out for supper this evening.

Gayle I wish I was there to help you....I love going through things in someone's attics or garage sales....always fun to see what they have.

[DianaB]

Christmas is officially over at my house now!!! We had my side of the family over on Saturday. Mom's chicken and noodles were delicioius........and she made lemon meringue pie.......my favorite.......YUMMMMMMMMmmmmmm!!!!!!

My brother came really late......opened presents with us.......laid down and took a nap......then left!! So we didn't get into the discussion about his new girlfriend. It was a good thing.......she's into drugs and he's trying to get off of drugs so in my opinion it's NOT a good combination. I did talk to my neice, Natasha, and she knows all about it. According to Tash they are going to help each other get off of drugs......we'll see.......I don't believe it will happen.

Anyway.....the party went well. I got to play with my two neices kids and they were so adorable.....and of course, we had our little cutie, Dean!! By the way......Dean is taking a lot of steps on his own!!! He's so cute tottling around!!!

I'm so looking forward to January......it's my "do what I want to" month!!! I usally consider doing my crafts or something like that......but I think that I might start taking the border down in Jaci's room and get it ready to be painted. I REALLY don't like the color of purple that's in there!!

[gja1000]

What a busy day - I am worn out! I met my daughter, mom and granddaughters for breakfast, then I took mom to the doctor. After that I ran some errands, and then my daughter and I checked out an assisted living facility for my mom. We've come to the conclusion that it is not practical for her to live with either me or my daughter after they move to Houston, since mom cannot stay alone, who will stay with her when we travel?? Right now, I stay over there (5 minute drive from my house), but Houston is 3 1/2 hours away, and I can't just drop everything and drive over there, and visa versa, my daughter can't come to Austin when we need to be out of town. There is a real nice assisted living facilty across the street from where mom goes to church. She already knows some of the residents who attend church. Brooke and I toured the facility today and it is REALLY NICE. Mom, Brooke and I will eat lunch there on Thursday and mom will take a tour. I think she will like it. I hope so at least. I know she'd rather be with Brooke or me, but it just isn't practical with us living in Austin and Houston.

Tomorrow Gary's aunt and uncle come for 2 days. WHEW! I have a lot to do!

[JJJ]

What a busy day - I am worn out! I met my daughter, mom and granddaughters for breakfast, then I took mom to the doctor. After that I ran some errands, and then my daughter and I checked out an assisted living facility for my mom. We've come to the conclusion that it is not practical for her to live with either me or my daughter after they move to Houston, since mom cannot stay alone, who will stay with her when we travel?? Right now, I stay over there (5 minute drive from my house), but Houston is 3 1/2 hours away, and I can't just drop everything and drive over there, and visa versa, my daughter can't come to Austin when we need to be out of town. There is a real nice assisted living facilty across the street from where mom goes to church. She already knows some of the residents who attend church. Brooke and I toured the facility today and it is REALLY NICE. Mom, Brooke and I will eat lunch there on Thursday and mom will take a tour. I think she will like it. I hope so at least. I know she'd rather be with Brooke or me, but it just isn't practical with us living in Austin and Houston.

Tomorrow Gary's aunt and uncle come for 2 days. WHEW! I have a lot to do!

Are you looking for assisted living in Houston. I used to work at two places here in houston. There were both great. My sis worked at one and it might look ok but I would never enter that one.

And today I didn't do anything but lay around.

[Lindsey]

You guys have all been so busy! I had last week off work and I relaxed as much as I could! Scott's friend was back in the city from Vancouver so Scott drove in to visit him a few times. We also came in a couple of times together to do some shopping and play cards with my grandma and uncle. We got our Christmas tree and inside decorations taken down and put away, and even found time to go snowboarding for a day! Any spare time in between, we relaxed!

Our office actually opened again yesterday, but I took an extra day off. I don't know why, but on Sunday night I just couldn't sleep. I would turn my lamp on and read until I felt tired, then I'd try to sleep again but my mind would race! So I'd try it again... and eventually I went downstairs to work on a puzzle for 2 hours. I finally fell asleep around 5:30 a.m. so when I needed to get up at 6 to be ready for work, I just couldn't do it. We got up at 8:00 and went to the city for blood tests and some shopping, then came home and played Wii for the day :) Scott wouldn't let me fall asleep during the day so I had no trouble falling asleep last night.

We also tried to book our Europe trip through Scott's travel agent yesterday, but when she called the tour company, they were closed. She'll try again tomorrow because she's off work today. Finally we'll have some concrete plans!

[gja1000]

We are looking at assisted living in Austin. But we may have to move her to Houston since my daughter hasmore time than me. I will certainly give u a holler if we have to look in Houston. I'm familiar with assisted living facilities in Austin but not Houston.

[gja1000]

Our aunt and uncle will be arriving in a few minutes from Oklahoma on their way to spend the winter in South Padre Island. They are pulling a fifth wheel trailer and will park on our long RV pad beside the house. I sure hope my uncle doesn't hit the house! :eek: Gary didn't hit it with our trailer, so I'm sure he won't, but still.........

They will be here till Thursday. I have a roast, potatoes, carrots, and onions in the oven for dinner this evening. I will make beef stew out of the leftovers for tomorrow. I think the house is in pretty good shape. The only problem is that there is that a heavy mist coming down right now, so someone (Gary :p) will get damp guiding him into the RV pad.

[DianaB]

Gayle, it will probably be in your Mom's best interest to put her in assisted living. She'll get good 24 hour care and there'll be others there to visit with.

Glen's Mom is getting to that place, in my opinion. She's still living at home but only because the boys are over there constantly to help her out. She can no longer get herself a meal and can barely get to the bathroom.......a lot of times she waits too long to go. Glen goes over every night to get her in bed and everything set for the night......another brother gets her up and makes sure she has breakfast and what she needs for the day nearby. I'm hoping that since the holidays are over that they'll make a decision to put her in a nursing home.......she's not well enough for assisted living. We'll see what happens.

Lindsey, it sounds like you had fun!!!

Gayle, have fun with your Aunt and Uncle!! I'm sure that they enjoy visiting with you for a couple of days!!! Supper sounds really good!! Yummmm.......

[DianaB]

I had Dean today. The ornery little guy is into everything!!!! He pulled out some of my recipe books and had them all over the floor.......then later he cleaned almost everything out of the diaper bag!!! The other day he emptied my rag drawer!! It was so cute......he was just throwing them over his head!!! Oh.....and he's walking now!! It just a few steps here and there but he's really starting to go places!!!

Yesterday Jaci came and spent quite a bit of the day with me. She has times that she doesn't feel good but it's hard to tell if she's really sick or not. When she did that while she was home I'd finally send her to school and tell her to come home if she got worse.......well, she's doing that now at home. I'm not sure what it is exactly........maybe a little too much time on her hands so she worries about herself. I recommended some headache stuff so we'll see if anything helps. It ended up that Nate had said some mean things about her not being really sick so she was upset with him. I need to check and see how she's doing today.

My little adopted granddaughter, Lexi, and her Mom came over yesterday and got Lexi's Christmas gifts. She was so cute and she knows Jaci really well so it didn't take too long before she was chasing Jaci and laughing!!! She is such a doll!!!

[gja1000]

Yes Diana, mom will do much better in assisted living. She's not a real social person, so it will be a bit hard for her, but it will be better. She will be able to go visit my daughter for a week or two at a time and see her great granddaughters and everyone will enjoy each other alot. Right now, they pretty much get on each other's nerves. She wouldn't have anything to do at all if she lived with us. I'm gone all day to work, and then I'm tired and not real social when I get home. We all know this is best, and she does too. The assisted living complex is absolutely gorgeous. Everyone is so nice and she will enjoy it once she gets used to it. It does feel odd though - and I'm sure it feels odd to her too.

[gja1000]

And Diana, you are so right. You're mother-in-law definitely needs to be in the nursing home or to have full time in home care. It really isn't safe, but I know how it goes. Good luck with that.

[lynne b]

Gayle, I hope you are able to get your mom in the AL place that you want, you remember what i went through getting my mom to where she is now. Do they have a waiting list, I was suprised at quick a room became avaliable for mom. She still can't call it home, after living in the same house for almost 50yrs that is still her home.
I hope your mom does well where ever she ends up living.

Lindey, glad to hear you finally got some time off and was able to relax and enjoy yourself. I do that also after being off work for a week, come Sunday night i usually lay awake most of the night, things running through my head, and afraid i will over sleep and be late for work.

Diana, I bet little Dean is just too cute walking around, now the fun begins, next he will be running and grandma will be chaseing right behind him LOL. I can remember my girls playing in my cabinets, they had one cabinet in the kitchen that i kept some toys in just for them, it was big enough that they could climb inside it and play.

[gja1000]

Lynne, they actually have a studio apartment available right now. It is even a larger one. So, we are very fortunate to be able to get her right in.

[Lindsey]

Gayle, I hope your mom agrees to go there! Even in my tiny town of 900 people, there's a year waiting list for the Assisted Living place across the street from us!

I am pretty tired today because I went to bed late last night (cleaning a bit for company tonight) and woke up an hour before my alarm because Layla pooped... We rearranged the room so her bed is on the floor beside my side of the bed and we're pretty close now. We both smelled it and woke up at the same time lol! I realized what happened and then her head shot up and she flew out of that bed. Anyways, after cleaning it up I couldn't get back to sleep.

Tonight we're having my brother, his girlfriend, the girls, my grandma, and my uncle out to watch the World Junior Hockey gold medal game on our projector and big screen :D It doesn't seem like a year ago already that we were at the games! This year it's in Buffalo, NY. Something like 75% of the ticket holders are Canadian lol! Surprised? Anyways, last year we were defeated by the USA, but Canada knocked out the American team early this year in the semi-finals on Monday night. Tonight it's Canada vs Russia for gold!

[DianaB]

I guess that I have a couple of days all to myself. Glen got a call at 4 a.m. from his Mom to go to Nebraska with her and his sisters. His Mom is suppose to get the battery changed in her pacemaker and she doctors in Nebraska, thanks to Glen's sister that lives there. It makes it really hard when something comes up down here because none of the doctors here know her history or what's going on with her.

Anyway.....one sister's son was suppose to come and pick her up and take her home from the hospital while the other sister would bring his Mom back home but she wasn't feeling well when it came time to leave so Glen was called. And they called at the time they were suppose to be leaving. Glen grabbed his clothes and went over.....thank goodness he doesn't have anything going on for the next couple of days. He'll be ready to get away from his Mom once he gets home. He loves her but just doesn't have patience with her anymore.

So........after Dean goes home I think that I'll work on taking the tree down. Sounds like an exciting day.......LOL

[Janet]

Sounds like everyone is busy. I love the idea of having a few days to myself, you're lucky Diana. Today I went and got my hair cut, bought some flea/heartworm for the doggies and and this PhyCox stuff for Penny. She got so she couldn't hold her back end up very well and it would fall to the ground. She is now getting on the furniture and doing great. No more losing control of her back legs.

Then I headed to Mom's, got her dialysis supplies ready for tonight and then took her to get her hair cut. Now...lol...I'm on my laptop, watching Days of Our Lives with two dogs on my lap...lol.

[Lindsey]

I'm glad to hear Penny is doing so much better!

[JJJ]

I went and tried to clean my moms storage.

[gja1000]

I had a meeting this morning with a group of persons from a funding foundation in our city. We had submitted grants to them, one for 3,000,000.00 (yes, 3 million dollars :eek:). It is to name our research center after their foundation. I have no idea if they will fund it, we shall see. We also asked for two other grants to increase the size of our nurse practitioner program. There is a great need for primary care and mental health nurse practitioners - so hopefully they will give us money to increase the number of students we can take in that program.

Then, I went to lunch with my mom and daughter at the assisted living facility. THE FOOD WAS GREAT!!! Good food is really important to my mom - she can be so gripey about food that is not good. Both my daughter and I were holding our breath, hoping the food would be good and it WAS!

Everyone was so nice and mom liked it. Although as I've said before, I know she'd rather stay with us, we will be completing the paper work and she will be moving some time next week.

In the meantime, my granddaughter has a volleyball tournament in Houston on Saturday, so I'll be spending Saturday night with mom at my daughters. Hopefully, this will be the last time I'll have to do that! YAY! The assisted living place is only about 3-4 miles from my house, so I can visit often. I'm going to make it a point to visit at LUNCH OR DINNER! LOL! :D

Now I'm at home taking care of Gary. He had an unexpected root canal done today. Now, you might say, how could a root canal be unexpected. Well, he had a dental appointment at the VA this morning - and you never know what they will do when you walk in. He has a tooth that has been very sensitive, so they just did a root canal today! Poor baby, his jaw is really sore! I fixed him VERY SOFT macaroni and cheese.

[gja1000]

Oh I forgot to report on Gary's appointment with the orthopedic doc about his shoulder. When she examined it, she was very encouraged because he has quite a bit of range of motion - so she seemed to think it might not be a torn tendon or rotator cuff. She gave him a shot of cortisone and he is to come back in a month to see how it is doing. He says it is not any better, but he has not had to sleep in the chair the last two nights, whereas he had been up in the night with shoulder pain the two previous nights. I sure hope he is able to get by without surgery!!!

[gja1000]

We completed all the paperwork today at the Assisted Living facility. The apartment is ready and we will move her in on Monday. She seems fine.

Oh the neatest thing happened. The facility director asked us if we wanted to use the primary care physician at the facility. They said she (the doctor) had two nurse practitioner who worked with the doctor and were at the facility every Friday. When I asked their names, they turned out to be two of the faculty at the School of Nursing that I have worked with for 20 years! I knew they worked at care facilities one day a week, but didnt' know they worked at the one my mom is going to. Mom has no major health problems, just well controlled high blood pressure, low thyroid, and low bone density. So having the NP's take care of her is great! They see the residents in their apartment (house calls!) and there is a clinic if they need a more extensive exam. Now, how cool is that! I have mom's power of attorney so they can discuss her care with me, if they need to. I think we can give her much better care than her other primary care doc she only saw once a year or when she had a problem!

[Janet]

I'll keep my fingers crossed Gayle that surgery is not in Gary's future and that his shoulder pain gets better asap. You've just really been busy huh Gayle??? Sounds like a great place for your mom. We have some nice places around here, but having someone you know helping with your mom really makes it nice.

I don't think I've written much the last few days....the days are all running together so I read and then sleep...lol. Been busy with Mom and trying to keep things running here. I was able to call and speak with my friend of over 30 years....her birthday was yesterday so I called and sang happy birthday to her...lol.

[gja1000]

Janet, as long as you are able to sing Happy Birthday to your friend (or anyone), you will be OK. Love you!

It does sound like your mom might be needing assisted living too. I am so fortunate that my mom doesn't have any health problems right now!

[gja1000]

I am running back and forth between my daughter's and my home today. Daughter and family are out of town this weekend, so I've got to keep an eye on mom (and stay the night with her tonight) and Gary at the same time. Our houses are 9 miles apart - not that far, but keeps me busy. I'll be SO GLAD to have mom in her own apartment so that I don't have to worry about her.

We are packing her things today too. Quite an adventure! I'm home now to be sure Gary has dinner and get my clothes for the night. WHEW!

[gja1000]

I got mom mostly packed last night - have to go back today and do a few more things but not too much. I'm home now to get myself cleaned up and ready for the day. We will move in the morning. YAY!

We had an inch and a half rain last night. WHOO HOO! That is the most rain we've had since - I can't remember when. It is supposed to get butt cold on Monday night, but frankly, I'm ready for some cold weather. I've had to have my air conditioner on at night sometimes - IN JANUARY - to cool off the house to sleep. That is just wrong wrong wrong!

I'm sure I'll be whining about the cold weather soon. :D

[lynne b]

Gayle, I am glad things are going so good with your mom'a move, and hope she enjoy's living there.

Wish Janet was having the same luck, I am worried about you girl!!!

Diana, I read on FB you are excited about having snow, I hope you enjoy it, only time i enjoy it is when i don't have to go out in it.

[Janet]

Spent the night and entire day at the hospital with Mom. Came home around 4 and showered. Read a brochure on home health care and now.....relaxing. Eyelids are getting heavy so I know it won't be long till I'm in la la land. :)

[paula1961]

I'm so sorry to hear this Janet. Did they keep her? Get u some rest.

[gja1000]

I'm sorry your mom is back in the hospital, Janet - but that's where she needs to be to find out where this bleeding is coming from!!!

I'm so tired I want to cry. Moved most of mom's things to the assisted living facility. We helped my sil put together a dresser and wardrobe that we got at Ikea. Mom only has a studio apt. so she needed maximum storage space. The apt. looks good. We'll move her bed and chair tomorrow and the rest of her clothes.

I ran home during the day and put chili in the crockpot. Yum, it was good. It's cold outside so the chili really warmed me up! Now, I'm ready to relax in front of the TV!

[Lindsey]

We went to a wedding this weekend. I saw some friends I haven't seen in a really long time (including the bride) and I really miss those girls! I had a really good night, drank a lot of wine, danced until my feet ached, and went back to my grandma's house to sleep for the night :) It was storming and we didn't want to go all the way back home.

When we got home yesterday afternoon, I went on a cleaning spree. I vacuumed the whole house, then took out my Shark steam mop and it wouldn't steam :mad: Scott thinks an element might have stopped working. So I got out the old mop and bucket and washed all the floors that way! When I got upstairs I noticed the dust at the bottom of the railings. When someone comes up to the top floor just to talk to someone there, they'll stop on the stairs and look through the railings, and there were fingerprints in the dust :rolleyes: So I grabbed a cloth and washed between every spindle, and over all the railings and in every little crevice of the designs! I also went down all the stairs and wiped the wood down beside the carpet runner. All the woodwork is really beautiful but it's terrible to clean! I guess that's why I hadn't done it yet lol!

When Scott and I first started dating, he got me hooked on this British tv show that he had downloaded, called The IT Crowd. We just loved it and watched all three seasons within weeks! That was over 2 years ago, and the show was on hiatus even though there were ramblings on the internet about new episodes being made. I just happened to find the fourth season this weekend so we watched the whole season last night!!! :D I told him wouldn't it be weird, when we're in London, if we turn on the tv and the show is on just on regular tv instead of the computer? Lol!

I probably should have gone to bed earlier though, I am exhausted at work today!

[gja1000]

Finished moving mom's things and got everything set up and put away today. Left at 8:00 this morning and got home at 7:00 this evening. I am pooped.

[Janet]

You've been so busy Gayle.....time to rest a bit. I'm so glad your Mom is in such a nice place and so close. That will make a big difference in her adjusting.

I have just been doing the same thing the last few days...:) running back and forth to the hospital.

[gja1000]

So, have they found anything yet, Janet? How's your mom feeling?

I was so tired today. I went to work but completely whimped out and had to come home and take a nap. I had a killer headache and felt like I was getting sick. But after some Advil and a nap, I feel much better.

[Janet]

I didn't get to visit Mom yesterday (Tuesday) because of the snow. I was planning on going today, but we have a two hour delay so now I'll have to wait until after the afternoon route.

The hospital is making me very angry. The last time Mom was in the hospital (Dec. 25-30) the Drs. spoke about her swallowing this camera pill. She was to do it as outpatient and is scheduled for the 18th. I want them to do it while she's there now. She also has horrible internal hemorroids that are causing her a lot of pain and discomfort......but they may dismiss her today....just doesn't make sense to me....but what do I know! Mom could end of bleeding again before her scheduled appointment.

[gja1000]

I wonder if her hemmoroids are bad enough to be causing this bleeding???

[Janet]

They are thinking so.....she has 3 small ones outside, but 2 very large inside and sometimes 'coming out'. She is in so much pain, but they are doing a flexible sigmoidoscopy at this moment to make sure it's nothing else.

[gja1000]

I had an all day work day at school - getting ready for some changes that will be happening next year. I know it seems odd to be working now for changes next year, but we were looking at what we did this past fall semester, and how things will be different next fall. It's easier to remember what you just did, and change it, than wait till summer and try to remember what you did last fall.

Anyway, it was a long day. I am not yet recovered from the move because when I do anything - all day - I am just BEAT in the late afternoon and evening!!!

[gja1000]

Oh and my mom is doing good at Parmer Woods. My daughter and I made it a point to both be "busy" today and unable to visit her. We want her to start doing some things on her own and she did! She went to exercise class this morning and she said she really liked it! YAY!

[Janet]

I'm so glad your Mom is adjusting so well and I like the name of the place. Most places like that have lots to do to keep the residents busy. I couldn't even get my Mom to visit this place in town for senior citizens (not a home of any sort). They play cards, dance, movies, go on trips, have pitch-ins, entertainment..etc. She said they were all too old there......LOLOL

[Lindsey]

I'm so glad your Mom is adjusting so well and I like the name of the place. Most places like that have lots to do to keep the residents busy. I couldn't even get my Mom to visit this place in town for senior citizens (not a home of any sort). They play cards, dance, movies, go on trips, have pitch-ins, entertainment..etc. She said they were all too old there......LOLOL

Lol! Your mom is so funny Janet. We have a place like that in our town too and Scott and I can't wait to be old enough to go play cards lol!

I felt really sick last night. I made a pork roast and potatoes in the crock pot yesterday, and then ended up working late and we didn't eat until about 7:30. It was really really good, but the smell of the pork and rosemary filled up the whole floor and I just felt nauseous. I laid down on the living room floor with Layla, covered myself in a blanket, and fell asleep for about 20 minutes. When I woke up I went up to bed and Scott brought me some green tea and I finished reading my book. It was 9:00 when I tried to go to sleep. At 10:00 I still wasn't asleep. I got up and grabbed my journal from a box in a closet and started writing. I haven't used it since April 2009, with my last entry saying my mom is in the hospital and nobody knows what's wrong. :( It helped to get some things off my mind, but I still had to start reading a new book before going to sleep.

I use my cell phone as my alarm in the mornings, and before I went to sleep it was half full of power, and this morning it was dead :eek: We woke up 5 minutes before we usually leave. I was a half hour late for work this morning!

[Janet]

Today...I home alone. Ricky had to work today, so did his Dad and me...well..I woke up with some sinus drainage and chest congestion so I really can't go see Mom. I'm doing a bit of laundry, cleaned up the kitchen and now I'm just chill'n, feels good. Don't think I'm going to do much else either...lol...although I really should go get some groceries, I may just wait till morning.

Mom didn't have a very good night last night. The Dr. told me she was having trouble with breathing and they gave her a breathing treatment. She's never had one of those before. Also...her heart had some irregular beats. Seems like it's always something new going on.

Today....I'm going to try and just relax...Mom is in good hands.

[gja1000]

I'm so glad your Mom is adjusting so well and I like the name of the place. Most places like that have lots to do to keep the residents busy. I couldn't even get my Mom to visit this place in town for senior citizens (not a home of any sort). They play cards, dance, movies, go on trips, have pitch-ins, entertainment..etc. She said they were all too old there......LOLOL

Janet, that is EXACTLY what my grandma said, 30 years ago about the Senior Citizen center in her little town and she NEVER went! My mom however, is a bit more open! LOL!

[gja1000]

I don't know if she had some irregular heart beats before or after the breathing treatment, but if it was after the treatment, there's a good chance the medicine in the breathing treatment caused the irregular beats. That medicine can cause your heart to do all sorts of funny things - but it does help difficult breathing.

[Lindsey]

I finished off my work day by getting shafted by the new manager for raises and bonuses. No bonus for the first year since I started working there, and a terrible excuse for a raise. Obviously they don't appreciate all the overtimeI have put in over the last year, all the nights I spent in the office, and all of my free time I've given up. I feel like Clark Griswold from National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. I was counting on a bonus for our trip to Europe. I agreed to go 3 months early and told my manager the reason it would be hard is because we need to save more money. I am so upset and too emotional because I've been crying since I got in my car after work. You know who got a better raise than me? The receptionist who just came back after Christmas from maternity leave. I thought I proved myself over the last year.

I am starting to feel very expendable now that they have outsourced this job to actual Engineers from the states who probably only make as much as I do from the company but can do way more work and get charged out for way more money.

I am going to write the manager an email this weekend after I calm down (if I calm down) and state my points (because I will probably just cry in person) and ask if we can please have a meeting about it next week. It just feels like I've been kicked in the stomach. I've spent 4 years at this company and I have never felt as underappreciated or done as much work as I have in the past year. I miss our old manager.

[gja1000]

Lindsay, I'm so sorry! I know you have given WAY above and beyond to your company and this is so unfair. Good employees are hard to come by and they must be treated fairly. I hope the manager is amenable to talking and hearing your rationale.

I hope things turn out better than they look right now!

[lynne b]

Gayle, I am so glad that your mom is getting settled into her new home and that she is getting involved in the things that they provide for them. They do lot's of things where my mom is at, but she would much rather be shopping LOL though she doesn't really need anything, it just gets her out of there for a while, she has never really been able to call it home, not after liveing in the same house for 30 years and even though my brother owns the house now we all still call it home.

Janet, I hope you were able to get some much needed rest today and hope that you get to feeling better. Hope your mom is doing better also.

I went to the nuero surgeon on Tuesday for my back, I have a herniated disc on the same disc that ruptured in 2009, just the other side this time, he wants to start with cortisone shots first (2 of them) to see if it will heal on its own. I got my 1st shot on Thursday (scared the heck out of me), well the pain is gone but i still have a limp to my gait, i go next Thursday for the 2nd shot, honestly i think it is just a temporary fix to something that i will need to have surgery for later on down the road. He gave me 2 options on the surgery, #1 is to do the same surgery he did last time if he can reach it at the angel he need to because of my hip bone, #2 option is a fusion of the 2 lower vertibrase (sp) but he said the only way he would do that surgery is if i stopped smoking, because the smoking would prevent the tissue or cartliadge from growing together to fuse them together. So will give the shots some time to see if they will help, and if not then i need to stop smoking. I have talked with a couple people that have had the same sugery and they say it really helped them. It's exhausting walking this way and i think if i'm gona have any surgery done i want it to be a permante fix this time, not something that i will have to worry about having done again in the future.

[gja1000]

Lynne,
I hope you get relief from the shots and don't have to have surgery at all - but my uncle had the fusion procedure and he is doing very well. I am NOT a fan of back surgery, most people need at least 2-4 surgeries to get relief. I think though, that the new minimally invasive fusion procedures have a better success rate.

I think since you got relief with one shot, that they might work, at least for a while. And hey! You'll be much healthier if you quit smoking too. I know it is very very hard, but it is something that you should do. I know you know that and don't need me to say it. Let us know how things go.

[gja1000]

At the Texas women's basketball game!

[Janet]

At the Texas women's basketball game!

I so want an IPad....lol.

[Lindsey]

I sent my manager an email on Saturday and got a reply immediately. She wants to talk with me today. I am so nervous. I didn't sleep at all last night and have huge bags under my eyes today. She's not in the office yet and I can't concentrate on anything else.

[Janet]

Today Mom called and told me they were releasing her and to come get her. She is at her house, but with people coming in to help. We are having a nurse, physical therapist, and home health aide come to help her. I got her home and settled, meds are all set up for two weeks and her dialysis fluid is put in place and ready for use.

My wonderful sister-in-law shampooed Mom's carpet after the mess she made the day we took her to the hospital. Mom had NEVER had her carpet cleaned and it's probably at least 25 years old, probably older. She almost started crying because it looked like new...so bright and so pretty.

This same SIL will be taking Mom to two Dr. appts. tomorrow back in Lafayette again. One is her heart Dr. and the other is her G.I. Dr. Then I'll do the ones on the 21st, 24th and 27th. Then she should be all caught up with follow up visits.

She does seem pretty good, but I still don't like the idea of her being home alone. The nurse will come on Wednesday since she'll be at Dr. appt. tomorrow. Not sure when the other two will come. We are also having Meals On Wheels deliver meals to Mom for her noon meal. That way we know she is getting a good healthy hot meal every single day.

She still has that infection in her colon, but has this med she is suppose to take and it is obviously working. Bowels are getting more back to normal...still will take time and the pain and burning of the hemorroids is gone for now.

I told her that if for some reason she didn't feel right, wobbly, bowels..anything...she is to call right away so we can get it taken care of before she lets it get out of hand.

[Lindsey]

I am so glad your SIL is taking some of the pressure off you Janet!

It's 4:00 PM and I finally got a chance to talk with my manager. She asked what I'd like for my salary, I told her, and it's done. She said she thinks I'm worth a lot more than that, and asked where I'd like to go from here. She asked if I'd be interested in project management, because she has some jobs she could give me. I didn't expect that! But she thinks I have lots of experience and she can phase me into being a project manager instead of just a drafter. It's more responsibility but I would be able to manage my time so much better instead of having people tell me what to do at the last minute. It's exciting! I told her about my interests in road design so hopefully I can get into some of our highway jobs. She asked if I'm happy working here and I told her I'm so thankful that she lets me bring Layla in because that is a huge cost saver. She said she is happy to have Layla here and she is glad that I am able to talk to her about my problems, and not to hesitate if I am not happy with anything else here. PHEW!

This morning I was worried I would lose my job. Now it turns out I'd only lose it to be promoted lol! I wish I would have slept more last night!

[lynne b]

Janet, so glad to hear that your mom is home. Hopefully with more people keeping an eye on her things will work out this time. And hopefully having more help will give you a chance to relax and not have to worry so much. Will be praying that everything goes good this time.

Lindsey, I hope you gave yourself one heck of a raise LOL, I'm sure you deserved more than you got. Must make you feel pretty proud of yourself that someone finally see's your potential and is willing to give you a chance to move forward in your job. Good luck!!

[gja1000]

I am so glad your SIL is taking some of the pressure off you Janet!

It's 4:00 PM and I finally got a chance to talk with my manager. She asked what I'd like for my salary, I told her, and it's done. She said she thinks I'm worth a lot more than that, and asked where I'd like to go from here. She asked if I'd be interested in project management, because she has some jobs she could give me. I didn't expect that! But she thinks I have lots of experience and she can phase me into being a project manager instead of just a drafter. It's more responsibility but I would be able to manage my time so much better instead of having people tell me what to do at the last minute. It's exciting! I told her about my interests in road design so hopefully I can get into some of our highway jobs. She asked if I'm happy working here and I told her I'm so thankful that she lets me bring Layla in because that is a huge cost saver. She said she is happy to have Layla here and she is glad that I am able to talk to her about my problems, and not to hesitate if I am not happy with anything else here. PHEW!

This morning I was worried I would lose my job. Now it turns out I'd only lose it to be promoted lol! I wish I would have slept more last night!

So, she was above the new manager? I'm really glad that she changed things - why on earth did the new manager do what he/she did to you? Do you think the new manager will be mad about what this manager did. It was completely unfair for a new manager to do the raises when he/she hasn't been at the company very long!!

I'm so glad that you got what you asked for - I know you are relieved. I'm glad too that you got a promotion. More responsibility is sometimes stressful, but ultimately if you have more control, you will be happier! CONGRATULATIONS!

[gja1000]

Janet, I"m glad your mom is home, but I am not sure that is enough help for her. Is someone coming by everyday to help - not you or family, but aid, etc. She really needs someone every day or every other day to make sure things look OK. A home aid could come in and fix her supper, clean the house, and report if she is not doing well. Usually they stay about 4 hours. I know she is getting meals on wheels for lunch - but someone in the house every day or every other day would be such a help.

[Blueyes]

Way to go Lindsey!! I hope you get things just like you want them. You deserve it for working so hard!!

Janet, I'm glad you have some extra help with your mom. Maybe she'll do ok for awhile!

[gja1000]

Gary and I ran errands until early afternoon. I was tired! Then Brooke and the girls came over for a bit to bring some of Abigail's things (hair stuff, bath stuff, hair dryer, etc). Today was the first day her daddy has to be in Houston M-F, so anytime my daughter goes to Houston during the week to look for a place to live, Abi will have to stay with me. We set up her bed yesterday and are looking for a nightstand. Actually we have one, but are looking for a white one that will go with the bedding better.

[Lindsey]

So, she was above the new manager? I'm really glad that she changed things - why on earth did the new manager do what he/she did to you? Do you think the new manager will be mad about what this manager did. It was completely unfair for a new manager to do the raises when he/she hasn't been at the company very long!!

I'm so glad that you got what you asked for - I know you are relieved. I'm glad too that you got a promotion. More responsibility is sometimes stressful, but ultimately if you have more control, you will be happier! CONGRATULATIONS!

It was the SAME woman! I don't really understand it. They increased my position from Tech 4 to Tech 5, so I guess she just gave me the minimum for Tech 5. I don't know what happened for sure. Maybe she didn't even look at my old salary, but I find that hard to believe. I'm just glad she wasn't so scary to talk to and did make me feel like I'm needed here. She's been at the company for a long time actually, but was just a project manager. She just went back to school for her masters in whatever she does... environmental management maybe? So then she took over managing our office in the last year while our old manager focuses on one of our major projects, and other big things as VP of the company.

Anyways, I guess I should have given myself a better raise lol! I did ask for double the raise I got, although still the smallest raise I've gotten at this company! It works out to 3.7%. Still no bonus though. On our way home, Scott said "Well, I guess I'm still the breadwinner in this family" (he has been for 2 weeks lol... I always made more than him before) and I said "No... we're making the same now" because I based my salary on what he now makes. He said no... his salary has an extra $40 :rolleyes: So I told him, great! I won't have to feel bad about him paying for our nights out! :D

[Janet]

Congratulations Lindsey....you did great girl. Always remember from now on, when someone asks how much you want....for anything...reach for the sky...lol.

Gayle..the home health aide is suppose to come and see what the needs are first, but I imagine we will want her there everyday if that's possible. If not, then we'll have to look elsewhere. I'm with you...especially after this morning.

I called Mom to see how she was and she was tired, out of breath and slurring her words a bit....sounding like she didn't have her dentures in. She didn't sleep much at all last night. I called my SIL to go get her earlier since she was taking her to two Dr. appts. today. She and my brother went down and said Mom acted a bit better, but they told her to quit "playing it up" for me. I guess she does this to get more attention from me...that the others don't give her.

Mom had me a nervous wreck so now I'll be speaking to her about the same thing.

[gja1000]

Janet, sometimes my mom is a bit "goofy" in the mornings. We think it is due to some dehydration that occurs during the night. She doesn't drink much in the later evening because she has some trouble with urine leakage and she doesn't want to have an accident at night.

Many older people have trouble with some confusion in the early morning and again in the late afternoon evening. So, although she may be playing it up for you, it may be real.

Go for as much help as possible. Your mom needs it and so do you!

[gja1000]

I had a really long day today! I didn't leave work till about 6:00PM - that's really late for me. I can bring anything home to work on so I generally don't stay that late, I just bring home whatever I"m working on. But today, I just stayed.

My class starts on Friday - I'm ready though, but just barely! :rolleyes:

[Janet]

Today....I'm here on the computer when I should be getting things done. I will though in a few minutes...I just wanted to visit here first. I don't think I will be going into Mom's....I'll just call her a few times and see how she is doing.

[paula1961]

Today..one bathroom is finally finished. It got painted and cleaned really good!! Only 6 rooms left to paint:rolleyes: At least we've gotten started on it. We had been talking about it for months lol!

[gja1000]

Oh painting - one of my least favorite activities! But I'm glad you are getting started, that's most of my battle, just getting started!

Another long day with a 4 hour meeting this afternoon - I thought it would be contentious, but it was not - just looooong.

Tomorrow will be a much easier day. I don't have anything scheduled, so I may actually get some things DONE! YAY!

[JJJ]

school :o

[gja1000]

school :o

How many classes are you taking?

[Lindsey]

I went out for supper with my old roommate last night and it was so good to get out and talk with a girl again! Lately it's just been me and Scott, all the time. I got caught up on all my hometown gossip lol!

[Janet]

So far, I've done my morning route, used the leaf blower to get the snow off the porch and folded some clothes. Now it's computer time and then I'm going to clean out a closet or two....maybe.

[lynne b]

Went today for a 2nd cortizone shot, 1st one helped with the pain alot...not completely but alot...hopeing the 2nd one continues to help. I really don't think it will be a permante fix but hope it helps for a long time.

It's snowing here now and the weekend is suppose to be crappy...really needing to make a road trip...needing to take Nik to a show breeder to see if he thinks Nik will be showable. Not getting my hopes up....if he's not then i will be done breeding for a long time.

[Janet]

Keeping my fingers crossed for Nik.

[gja1000]

Funny car story! When I went to get my car out of hock (I mean the shop :rolleyes:) today, I started it up and looked at the information panel - it's a scroll through screen that gives you the direction, your average miles per gallon, your oil life, tire pressure, etc etc. There are about 7 or 8 screens. I couldn't believe my eyes, because I couldn't read the screen. IT WAS IN SPANISH!!! LOL!!!

I immediately got the service technician and said, "Change it back to ENGLISH". I thought he would automatically know how - but NOOOOO, he didn't and had to get the instruction book out and still couldn't find it! I had to go on to work in Gary's car so I was a bit worried about why all the words on the dash were in Spanish.

Turns out my GENERAL MOTORS car was built in MEXICO! When they were working on my car, they had to take the battery out to fix the car and when they put it back in everything reverted back to factory settings IN SPANISH.

Did any of you see Toy Story 3? If so, do you remember when Buzz Lightyear went into Spanish mode and was speaking only Spanish. The other toys were frantically reading the instruction manual to try to change him back to English. That is exactly what was happening at the car dealership today. On retrospect it is pretty funny - at the time I was kinda worried about what the did to my car!!! But now, I can say that just like Buzz Lightyear, my car was in Spanish mode! LOL!

[DianaB]

Gayle, that is sooo funny!!!!! I hope they were able to get your car "Americanized" again!!!!

We've been getting some snow!! Last night we got a bit more but not near what was expected. I had stocked up on groceries so I'd have enough to make soup or something if the kids were here sledding.

I can't remember if I mentioned that we bought Daya a hedgehog for Christmas!! He's soooo cute but soooo prickly!!!! They were finally able to bring him home so it's been interesting hearing about everything that's going on with him. Daya named him Stue.

I ran into town today to go to the doctor with my sister-in-law, Kathy. She's having problems with headaches and has even been to a headache specialist but they can't figure out what's going on......plus she's having problems with anxiety. She asked me to go with her because she knows that I understand about anxiety. Afterwards we went to Pizza Hut and had a coke and breadsticks. She was so appreciative about me going with her. She and I have always gotten along well since we're both married to Baker boys!! I feel so sorry for her having headaches. The doctor upped her meds so hopefully that will help.

Hubby's been home a lot. We just really have times that we don't get along very well and now is one of those times. We don't fight or argue but just seem to be at odds with each other. This learning to live with just my husband is HARD!!!! That's one of the reason's I haven't been on much.

Linda......I hope your back gets better. I'm worried about you. I'll be praying that all goes well!!

Lindsey......I'm glad that you spoke up for yourself!!! I'm also glad that you learned that you're a valuable person at work.......and yes, you should have asked for more money with all of the time you put in!!! Hopefully next time you'll know to do that!!!

Janet, I'm glad to hear that your Mom's home and is getting help. I know that you'll make sure that she gets the best of care.....you're a good daughter!!!

[gja1000]

Diana, I saw the picture of the hedgehog and he is adorable!! I love the name, Stue!

I completely understand about you and Glen. Sometimes Gary and I just can't seem to see eye to eye and when we are together a lot, it sometimes is worse. MEN! Why can't they just see things like we do. LOL!

I'm sorry you didn't have much snow - I know you wanted more! We are very cold here tonight, but no moisture!

[Janet]

Gayle...I didn't get to see Toy Story 3 yet, but you make it sount fun. Glad your car is back in English...I don't understand any other language either so it would have to be in English for me...lol.
Glad you didn't have to listen to it.

Sorry you didn't get enough snow Diana. We have ground cover, but not really alot in inches. Today we have a 2-hour delay. The wind picked up overnight and caused some drifting but the temp is only 0 with a wind chill of -15. Sure will be glad when warmer temps arrive.

I also want to know more about this hedgehog Stue...lol. What do hedgehogs do and eat and well...fill me in.

I'm sure it just takes some adjustment with no kids at home. You two will work out your time. It's probably like that with everyone...I don't know if there is anyone I could spend most of my time with......a little can go a long way...LOL

We have a two hour delay this morning due to mostly the cold I think. There may be a few drifted roads, I'm not sure.

[Blueyes]

Diana, my son Michael had a hedgehog when he has in high school. Not something you can cuddle, but very interesting to watch, lol! I can SO sympathize with you about Glen:rolleyes: Mike retired 2 years ago, and we are together 24/7. Now that the kids/grandkids have moved away, it's just us. Some days are REALLY hard, but others are really fun. Marriage is just tough, no matter how many years you practice!

I'm so anxious to hear how Janet's mom is. Both of my parents had a stroke that led to their death, and my brother had a stroke at 57. In my opinion, they are way worse that a heart attack.

[JJJ]

How many classes are you taking?

I'm taking four classes one is Old Testament and even thought I'm not a believer it's very interesting. I used to go to church and I was like sheeez I know all the stories in the Bible but I finally started reading the Bible and there's a lot of juicy stories. No wonder those were not told. I will probably never be a religious person but I love learning. Wish my science classes stayed in my head :rolleyes:

Glad your car speaks english again, that was funny. My mom would have loved a spanish speaking car:D

[Lindsey]

That sounds like an interesting class!!

I did some shopping on the weekend for our trip. I was looking for sales and found a cute little bolero type sweater... regular price $49.50, on sale for $14.99 PLUS an extra 25% off! That's my kind of shopping :) I needed to find a sweater that will keep my arms warm but not take up too much room in a backpack, and not get all wrinkly looking! Jackpot :D I got a few other shirts too that won't wrinkle badly. I know I still have lots of time before we go, but when I see a sale, I just can't say no!

I'm finding out about a lot more work drama going on here in my office... people quitting, people being fired, people having issues with other people.. things just aren't looking that great around here. I think everyone is just really on edge and it's not a good feeling to be around.

[JJJ]

Wow Lindsey, just hang on tight it will all be better.

[gja1000]

Lindsay, I just hate office drama. We don't have much here at the University, but it does happen from time to time - NO FUN!

[Lindsey]

We never used to have drama like this! I started a new thread about it so I don't hijack this one lol... I miss our old days though in our old office. That office was really crowded but we all ate lunch together and had fun together and talked to each other all day. We moved to this big nice new office and the whole dynamic changed.

Anyways, besides that, we're still spending time planning our Europe trip! We might have an extra day to put somewhere and I'm just not sure where yet! We had planned on spending 2 nights in Dublin but HOLY COW it's expensive :eek: For the two of us to stay in a hotel for two nights, it would cost over $200 CAD. So we might splurge for one night and do another night somewhere else. We had planned to skip Glasgow completely, but maybe we can fit in one night there now :) Still undecided!

[DianaB]

Sorry about the office drama, Lindsey. I'll check the other thread for more info.

Thanks all for your concern about Glen and I. We really are struggling. I'm not sure what's going to happen.......but hopefully things will get better. He's gone hunting today so I have the whole day to myself!!!! Yay!!!

Janet, the hedgehog is soooo cute!!! They're not suppose to smell which is something that interested Amy. He eats cat food.....how easy is that? She did buy an expensive cage for him and a nice wheel. They are nocturnal and they need excerise so you really need a wheel for them to run. They don't chew on stuff like mice or rats because they're not related to them. They DO poke!! When they are upset the quills stick out more than when they're calm. He's losing quills right now which makes him grumpy so he hasn't been very pleasant. Once he gets through with that he'll be a lot better. They have a piece of fleece that they put him in to hold him so they don't get poked.....he's really hard to get very cuddly with!!! Amy's been really excited about him and she's even talking about getting a female and breeding them. She doesn't want to get big in it but just one coupld......we'll see what happens. Stue is definitely an interesting pet!!!

I spent the day yesterday at Dae Lynn's. Glen was really sick over the weekend and I didn't want to have Dean around him. But by Monday morning Glen was better. While I watched Dean I worked on getting the painting finished in her house. I worked until evening but I did finally get done what I had planned on doing and touching up. There's still a lot of trim that needs to be painted but I really don't think that it's worth the effort unless they were to own the house. I painted a red trim around the top of the kitchen cabinets and it looked really nice!!

After I got done Dae Lynn fixed some leftovers for us and we watched some tv together. Dean has definitely found his voice and while we hoped he'd be somewhat quiet....I think that he's going to be a noise maker like his sister!!! The evening there was NOT very relaxing!!! Oh to be yound and have patience!!!

[judy]

Diana,

I hope things improve very fast between you and Glen. Marriage is so hard! I have faith in you. You are such a good person, I'm sure you will know how to handle this from the heart.

[Lindsey]

I just want to say I had a dream last night that all of you were getting together for a picnic, and it was only 2 hours from our house so Scott and I decided to go... and we ate hamburgers at picnic tables in a park. Lol I don't know where that dream came from!

[gja1000]

I like that dream very much cuz if we were only 2 hours from your house, that means I was in Canada!!!!!

[gja1000]

WHEW! I have my 14 year old granddaughter, Abigail, till Friday. Her mom is in Houston looking for a house to buy. Did I tell you all they have a contract on their house here? They have their inspection tomorrow and if everything goes OK with that, then they should be good to go. They will have to move into my old house by the end of February. :eek: Hopefully, everything will go smoothly!

Anyway, back to Abigail. I picked her from school today, took her to her house to get her clothes, stopped to buy her a hair straightener to leave at my house, picked up supper for her, went home for an hour while she did her homework, fed Gary, took her to volleyball practice, went back home, picked her up from practice, went back home, fixed her a snack, fixed Gary a snack, fed the dogs, and here I am. WHEW! In the morning I have to take her to school, drop the dogs off at the groomers, go to work, and pick her up from school (although Gary may do that - after he picks up the dogs). We are going to take her out to eat dinner at our favorite little grill - so thank goodness no dinner to cook.

I'm not used to all this running around!

[DianaB]

Whew, Gayle!!! You made me tired just reading about all of your running with Abigail!!! Kids have so many activities anymore!!!! At least you only have two or three days of it!!!!

Today I had Dean.........that's pretty much all I can say!!! He's into everything so I can't get much else done!!! He's so cute walking all over everywhere on his cute little legs!!!! I'll get some pictures as soon as I can get a new charger for my camera......lost or misplace mine!!!

While Dean was here he fell on an antique stand where our tv is at and got a huge goose egg on his forehead......later he slipped on some newspapers and hit the other side of his forehead and the back of his head!! He looked like he'd been through a war with Grandma by the time Dae Lynn came to get him. I felt so bad.....they really hurt when he did them....Poor little guy.

Tomorrow......more of Dean!!!! At least I get a good night's sleep before he's back!!!!

[gja1000]

Diana! I don't know how I'd keep up with a 1-year old!!! LOL! I much prefer running around with a 14-year old! I don't know how you do it! Makes me tired just to think about it.

I'm getting ready to take Abigail to school and then the boys to the groomers. Gary decided to take his car to get the oil changed, so I'm going to go pick him up for breakfast after I drop off the dogs. Another BUSY day!

[DianaB]

Gayle, I'm starting to wonder how I'm going to keep up with a one year old!!!! He's starting to develop some temper and attitude. Even though he isn't talking he makes sounds to let you know what he's thinking!!! He's been getting in trouble for some of the sounds he makes!!! It's funny to get on to a little boy who can't talk yet for his attitude!!!!! We have a hard time sometimes keeping a straight face!!!

[paula1961]

I couldn't keep from laughing when you were talking about Dean's attitude Diana! Ryan definitely has one too lol! He throws fits when he doesn't get his way. He is so spoiled!
Is Dean walking good yet? Ryan is taking a few steps on his own, then falls down and tries it again!:D You need to post some new pix of Dean. I will of Ryan too later on today. They sure are hard to keep up with now aren't they?

[Janet]

About all I can handle of the young ones any more is a short bus ride...:) I'm not use to the babies but I sure love watching their expressions and the way the act. You both need to post some pictures of the little guys.

I hope you and Glenn are doing better Diana.....

Today I visited Mom right after my route this morning to make sure her phone is working correctly. The phone company actually had to come in to do the repairs. I told her I needed to get some laundry done which I'm doing and catching up on a few other things too.

[gja1000]

I went to Abigail's volleyball games this morning at 7:30 :eek: they won two games and lost 2. I left after four games but they kept playing.

Then I dropped off some shredding at the "clean your clutter day". A local home organization company had a drop off event. You could drop off things to give away, boxes, and some other things for recycling. A document shreading company was also there and you could drop off three boxes of paper for shredding. I had 4 years of taxes and mom had two years to be shredded. I was so happy to not have to sit in front of the shredder and do that!

Then I went to the grocery store and walmart. Now I'm pooped, I sorta don't feel good, so I'm sitting in front of the TV watching basketball.

[Janet]

Today I spent the entire day with Mom in the hospital. I overheard her tell someone I was her lifesaver......melted my heart!!!

Last night my SIL hooked Mom up to dialysis so I could go home and get some sleep last night. I was home, showered and in bed asleep by 8 PM or a little after. Woke up around 5:30 this morning feeling so refreshed and ready to tackle the day. Did two loads of laundry and then headed to the hospital. Mom needed two units of blood today and the Dr. ordered this med to help stop her bleeding. We just have to wait and see if it works. Her lowest blood pressure today was 77/46, but the new blood has helped that and the change in dialysis fluid will help it too.

[gja1000]

Today Gary and I went to breakfast, then I vacuumed all my floors and mopped the kitchen. I usually don't have to do this but my housekeeper missed coming this week because her daughter had a baby. Pretty good reason, huh!

Then I took a little nap. I didn't feel good last night and I have developed a nasty cough. Today I feel better, but the nap felt good.

Next mom and I went to the UT college basketball game. Then I fixed dinner and now I'm watching more basketball on TV. I should be doing something productive but I'm not. Oh yeah, I did two loads of laundry somewhere along the way.

[Lindsey]

I had such a busy weekend! On Friday afternoon my brother called me at work and asked if we could take the girls for the night. We picked them up after work, took them home, and had a fun night. We played games and watched a movie on the projector.

On Saturday, we took the girls home and then checked into our hotel room for Scott's company's "holiday party" which is well past the holidays lol. Our room was beautiful! It had a sleep number bed (we spent some time finding our perfect settings lol), a really nice living room area with a couch and big LCD tv, and the bathroom even had granite countertops! Scott went to visit a friend for awhile, and I just watched tv and painted my nails :) Oh yeah, Layla was allowed to come with us too, and she loved it! She was such a little superstar strolling around the hallways in her cart and all the people fussing over her lol. She sure doesn't like elevators though :rolleyes:

The party was lots of fun! I got to do some networking and there was so much good food and even an open bar! After the dinner and speeches, there was a dj and the dance floor was opened up. We checked on Layla a few times, and she was content just sleeping in her bed :) We stayed down at the party until the end, and declined when Scott's boss and his wife and a bunch of others were trying to convince us to go to the bar with them. We headed up to our room to sleep!

On Sunday morning, my brother and the girls came to the hotel to swim because there's a pool and waterslide there. Scott joined them, but I sat on the side and watched because I wouldn't have time to shower and dry my hair before checkout! When we left, we ran some errands and got home in time to make some homemade pizza and relax for the evening!

Next weekend I just want to stay home and do nothing!

[gja1000]

UGH! I am sick. I stayed home from school and just slept and laid around most of the day. Upper respiratory crud, bad cough, and general malaise. No fever though, so it could be worse. Hope to feel better tomorrow!

[Janet]

So sorry you're not feeling well Gayle. Hopefully you'll be on the mend real soon. I sure wish I had a housekeeper....know anyone that wants to clean my house but without pay???? LOLOL.

We are in the middle of 1-2 punch winter storm. Last night we had some snow and ice/sleet. Everything is pretty slick right now. After 1 this afternoon we will get punch number 2. More ice/sleet and then upwards of 10 inches or so they say.

Looks like I'll be here for a few days unless I can talk Mom into letting me go home. If they will let her eat normally....I may go anyway.

[DianaB]

Gayle, I'm sorry that you're not feeling well. There is a lot of stuff going around and you've probably caught something. I know that you'll take good care of yourself so I won't remind you to make sure you get enough sleep, drink enough fluids, and just generally do nothing much!!! Hugs!!!

Paula, Dean is walking EVERYWHERE!!! He's doing more walking than crawling now!! And he's into everything!! He used to stay pretty much here in the living room and kitchen but he's found a whole new world at Grandma's house past those two rooms!!! I finally got a new battery charger for my camera so I'll get some videos of him walking for ya'!!!

Janet, I tried to keep all of this snow to myself......but it's to big and I can't contain it!!! Sorry!!! Just stay warm and safe!!!

[Janet]

You need to stand outside Diana and call all this snow/sleet/ice back...lol. Right now I'm looking out this rather large hospital room window and it is sleeting so hard and thick and the wind is gusting. It's suppose to turn to rain and then start freezing and then the overload of snow on top. I'm not happy. I would really like to be at home during all this....aggitating my son...lol...but I'll just have to pull double duty when I get home.

It's been a rather long day of nothing but weather news on the TV. I've been on the computer some so that has helped, but I'm sooooo bored.

The county I live in ...Clinton...is under a level 1 travel emergency, no one is allowed out on the roads, the factories and all businesses have shut down. You know it has to be bad if Wal Mart closes.

[gja1000]

Oh Janet, stay in!! I do wish you were home though! I know how boring the hospital can be - but truth is some employees won't make it to work and those that ARE there might not be allowed to leave, so they may be short handed, or have very TIRED employees - thus, it's probably good that you are there. And if they lose power, the best place to be is the hospital cause they have to have backup generators. Whoo Hooo!

[Janet]

I was really hoping I could go home for awhile sometime today, but it doesn't look promising. We'll see. If not today....I will walk tomorrow.....lolol. Today we have 40 mph winds and 22 degrees, expecting a couple inches of snow.

[lynne b]

Gayle, i hope you are feeling better, with the way your tempatures change from 70/80* to however cold it has gotten it's no wonder you would get sick. At least here it pretty much is a steady tempature, mostly cold though.

Janet, i posted on your other thread but forgot to say i hope your mom is feeling better, especially since she got some solid food in her belly. And i hope you get to go home soon, i know i am getting cabin fever just being home yesterday and now today.

I did cook a turkey yesterday and just made Stove Top Stuffing MMMMM it was so good, leftovers today!!

[Janet]

I may have to swing by your place if I ever get out of here.....turkey and dressing...even Stove Top sounds wonderful.

[DianaB]

Lynne, that does sound good!! Last night I baked a goose that Glen had gotten while hunting a few days ago. It was really good!! I have a recipe for potatoes that's really good with wild game and it's really easy to fix. I'll post that recipe.

Yesterday it snowed all day long!! It was so pretty coming down and being able to see it from my big windows. I thought that it would be a day where Glen and I were home alone but.....no.....he was in and out all day long!!! It ended with a BIL almost running out of propane and him moving an extra tank full to his house. It just amazes me that he can do so many things!! He also snow plowed our driveway so we can get in and out.....which is quite a feat because our driveway is a quarter mile long!!!

Daya, one of Amy's daughters, rode her four-wheeler over and spent some time with me. She's such a sweetie!!! I couldn't believe that she was out in the snow.....it was soooo cold!!

I think that today I'm going to get out my sewing maching. I still have some curtains to finish for the dining room!!!! I've only been working on them for a few YEARS!!! LOL

The snow is sooo pretty!!! We got somewhere around 8 - 10 inches. It's hard to tell because the wind was so strong that the snow blew everywhere!! I'm sure there's some pretty good sized drifts around. I think the kids are planning on going sledding today so it might be busy here at home.....we'll see!!!

[Janet]

I'm still at the hospital and still bored out of my mind. I want to go home so bad. I have so much I could be doing at home and would love to get started. I also need to get my sewing machine out and get some belly bands made for the boy doggies. Pretty soon they'll be needing new ones.

[gja1000]

OK, we had a snow day in Austin - schools closed! I had Abigail here so we played in the snow a bit this morning and then we decided we'd drive over to our favorite little Mexican restaurant. It's only a couple of miles, but in those miles we saw a car unable to turn the corner and slid right into the intersection, another car did a 360 right in front of us, and two other cars that couldn't get up the hill. Now mind you, we only had an INCH AND A HALF OF SNOW, FOR PETE'S SAKE!!! People around here just do NOT know how to drive in this stuff. We didn't even have any ice under the snow. The roads were snow packed this morning, but fine if you just went slow. When we came home and into the addition, we saw another car doing a 360 - I felt glad to be safely home away from the crazy drivers.

Now, at 5:00PM it is 41 degrees and all the snow is gone!

[DianaB]

I've heard that it's dangerous to be in places that don't get much snow because the people just don't know how to drive in it. I'm glad that you made it there and back without any incidents!!!

Glen's Mom was put in the hospital the other day. She was losing strength and just generally was getting worse than she had been. We have a small local hospital so she was taken there. She has a lot of fluid in her legs......well, when they put her in bed the fluid went into her abdomen and she was having shortness of breath and had lost enough strength that she couldn't get up to go to the bathroom anymore.

Glen's sister arrives and after a few days......and moves Glen's Mom to Wichita. Glen didn't know anything about it until after she'd been out there for several hours. The doctor had people set up to start dialysis when she got there but Brenda wouldn't allow them to start. I guess that she had the doctors out there pretty upset with her. She thought things needed to go a different way then they went. Anyway, Althea did have dialysis and afterwards wasn't doing very good but by the next day she was better.

Glen's family is a family of leaders......strong leaders........and Glen in his own right is too but instead of butting heads with them he is just letting them do what they want. It's pretty fustrating at times.......like finding out Althea was moved to another hospital without his knowledge but he's not making any waves. She's bad enough......strength-wise that I don't know if she'll be able to ever come back home........which is good because things just can't keep going the way they have been......she needs much more and better care than she's been getting.

[Janet]

I'm so sorry Glenn is going through all this. That really wasn't right of his sister to move their Mom without consulting with her brothers. Hopefully she'll get the care she needs. I had no idea she was in need of dialysis....did you tell me that and I forgot? I hope she can get some strength back and enjoy life again. I know I didn't have a history with her...but I really enjoyed visiting with her.

[paula1961]

Diana I hope your mil gets better soon. I didn't know about the dialysis either. I don't remember you mentioning it but my memory is horrible! Definitely Glenn should have been made aware of what was going on with her before she was moved but that's just how some siblings do sometimes:rolleyes:

Gayle I'm happy to hear that you and your granddaughter made it back home from your lunch safe and sound:)

We finally have all of our painting done. 7 rooms got painted this time. Today we went and bought new curtain rods and some new valances. Larry has been putting up rods this afternoon and I have been ironing curtains..Yay!

[lynne b]

well besides going to work, i took 3 dogs to the vet, Serena got her rabies shot, Nik got micro chipped, an older boy had his anal gland rupture, and Sadie is in heat. I need more dogs LOL.

Diane i hope your MIL is doing better, seems there are too many of us going through this same thing.

Paula, you make me feel so lazy, i really need to paint my liveing room and my bedroom and i just can't get in the mood to do it. I hope once the weather gets better i get in the mood.

[gja1000]

Anal gland rupture! LOL! You can tell we are dog people!

I admire Paula too, for all the painting - Diana did a bunch of painting too! I don't like to paint!

[judy]

Diana, I hope Glen's Mom feels better soon, and is happy living with her daughter.

Gayle, thank goodness you know how to drive in snow! It does take you by surprise if you don't know how different the road is under even a small amount of snow. There is no traction if you go too fast, or turn too hard.

Janet, I hope you do get to take a day at home soon! It is awful sitting in the hospital day after day. This is the time for that iPad!

Paula, can we see pictures? What colors did you paint?

I did nothing yesterday. The snow took over, although I had a writing group in the AM, a Board Meeting last night, and Vicki was going to come clean. She is terrified of ice, and is afraid to walk down my steps. I am going to have to talk to our lawyer about the ice on the steps. I don't know what is legally safe, or even what my liability is. The staircase is icy in spots that are not mine! We have a lawyer (or 3) on our Board, and I have been told that I can trust one of them.

Today is Jessie's birthday! I have an appointment, then I'll scoot over there with some flowers and a cake. I think we are having more snow and freezing temps, so I won't stay too late.

[Lindsey]

I have not been doing much lately. I have not been feeling well for a few days now. On Sunday night I didn't sleep at all because I had a fever and cramps, so I missed work on Monday. Yesterday I left work a few minutes early when I got a bad case of the cramps again an hour before the end of the work day. I got home and had some ibuprofen and a heating pad and felt much better! I hope today goes well!

Scott found out he has to leave to go to Vancouver for two weeks for work :( He's really excited because his best friend lives there and he's taking his snowboard to go boarding in the mountains with his friend and yadda yadda yadda but I'm upset because I will miss him! Our house is way too big for one person. It also has been making creepy noises :( And I am worried about driving into the city for work in the dark every morning alone! Oh well, I guess it's a good opportunity for him. It sounds like going to Vancouver might become a more regular thing too. :(:(:(:(

[Janet]

Judy....I've been home since last Thursday evening. Tomorrow will make a week....I can't believe it. Went and got my driver's license renewed this morning. Couldn't tell Mom though because I don't want her thinking about hers. They expire on her birthday...the 23rd of this month.

I've also done some laundry and fixed lunch for Mom. This is going to take some getting used to. I will cook one meal per day...that's it. There are leftovers, soup and plenty of other healthy items that I won't have to cook every single meal.

We still have lots of snow...I really wish it would go away and I think alot of it will because this weekend the temps are going to be in the mid 40's...yay!!!! I might have to get out my shorts...LOL.

Not planning on doing much the rest of the day....I'm just a little tired...my dear son woke me up at 1:30 AM to help him get some dried poo off my little Joey's rear end....LOL. Isn't my life fun and exciting....seems like all I do is clean butts anymore.

[gja1000]

I gave the rabbit water. Yes, you read that right - I gave the rabbit water. My dear darling demented husband brought home a rabbit yesterday. He thinks it would be nice to have a rabbit in the back yard. Yeah right, with two Yorkshire TERRORS, uh I mean terriers. Do you know what terriers mission in life is? TO CHASE CRITTERS!!! Oh my. Gary thinks that they will all learn to be friends and live together peacefully. UHHHHH........ we'll see. So far, just lots of running around panting, barking, scratching and whinning at the pen.

I may strangle that man!

[Janet]

That is so funny Gayle.....men are so weird...lol. Now of course you know we need to know all about this rabbit....such as..sex, what got Gary interested in the rabbit and the name? Oh and don't forget the pictures. :)

[Gina]

Yes Gayle do tell us. lol and good luck with the rabbit .. I know Gucci would go crazy as your two are. lol

Diana how is your mother in law?

How are you feeling Lindsey? I too am sick and in bed right now ughh.. For me to be in bed you know that I am sick. I came down with a cold on Friday evening and just feel miserable, along with my sciatica .. So today I am going to just rest and watch TV . The weather is warming up to 50 niceeeeeeeee and will stay this way all week. Spring is in the air...

[lynne b]

Gayle, Be careful cause my dogs love rabbit poop, we have lots of rabbits that go through our fence and leave poop all over the place, it's nasty till we can get the yard cleaned up from winter. We even had one liveing on or around our frozen pond this winter, he's in for a suprise when it starts to thaw LOL, drove the dogs crazy cause the pond is fenced off and the rabbit would run around on the pond knowing the dogs couldn't reach him. I will be so glad to get the pond filled in this summer.

[gja1000]

Yes, I am afraid of the boys eating bunny poop. Right now the rabbit is in a BIG pen - but of course, my dear dear husband wants her to be free in the back yard, but I too, think the boys may snack on the poop!

OK, here's the scoop on the bunny. She (yes, I said SHE) was a show bunny. The show was over so you know where she was going this week - yep, to the dinner table. So, Gary brought her home. He has wanted a bunny for a while now - and living in the country with a big yard, there was no stopping him. Actually, I didn't have a chance to stop him as I didn't even know it till he brought her home.

Her name is Angel, and she is really cute. She's very tame. Of course, she's a little scared with the dogs running round and round and round and round and round her pen. But when you pick her up she just cuddles right up to you.

I've attached some pictures of her and one of how Rex has spent yesterday and today - with his nose and paw through the bunny pen fence. LOL!

[DianaB]

Gayle, I think that I'd shoot my husband if he brought home a rabbit as a pet!!! Especially with the two dogs!!! They would drive me crazy......barking and whining......wanting in and out of the house......yep.....CRAZY!!! Hopefully Rex and Rowdy will get used to it and calm down in a while. But I don't know if you'll ever be able to let the rabbit loose in the yard with them.......maybe if you really worked on it......I don't know.

Bad news on my MIL......she passed away last night. I started another thread about it so you can read that. I sure wish that it wouldn't have been on Valentine's Day. It's likely to be a stressful week if the family starts going through her stuff.......remember she was a hoarder, however she collected antiques so there are some nice things in there.

[Janet]

Gayle...Angel is beautiful. I've heard that rabbits can be trained where to go in a house? is that true? I bet she is soooo soft.

[gja1000]

Gary has THREE doctors appointments today starting at 8:30 so we are getting ready to leave. Oh yes, I fed the bunny some cabbage and celery, and bunny food too. I kinda like the bunny (did I say that???). But I don't know what we are going to do with him this summer when we are gone to Arkansas for a month????? HELP!

[judy]

You can accidentally leave the bunny pen gate open! Jessie had a bunny for a few years. I don't remember him running around the house, but he was a sweetie.

My dogs love bunny poop! They get it in the front of the house. Is it really bad for them? Sometimes, I look down and see them chewing away in the yard. Either it's bunny poop, or bugs.

Rex looks like he has a new mission in life.

[judy]

I'm going to Kassidy's basketball game. I told her last night that I'm coming, and she said, "Grandma, you better set your clock for 6:00 because, you know, you live further away than we do."

If you ever need someone to take care of you, make sure you get everything right, and remember all the things that you ever told her, Kass is your girl!

I better go...I don't want to miss the big game!

[Janet]

Unlike most of you...lol...I don't have to worry about the dogs eating bunny poop. What a topic...LOLOL. But you know if you feed them....something comes out the other end. I was just wondering though.....if a dog eats bunny poop and then poops....who's poop is it? :D

Last night my niece Dusti took me out for supper at the Olive Garden. It was so good and I ate way too much, but enjoyed the time with her so much. She is the daughter of my older brother.

Mom seemed much better last evening than she did earlier in the day. It was such a relief. She still has fluid on her lungs but they are trying to get it off.

This morning I have to clean a few areas of carpet where Joey had a bit of diarrhea. I'm also trying to catch up on the computer and then I'll head over to see Mom a little later. Still have laundry...a never ending job it seems. Sometimes I wish I lived alone...it would be so much easier keeping up with things. Also wish I could go down to only two dogs, but that will never happen. Guess I'll just have to keep on..keeping on...like I have been.

Did want to say that the weather has been in the 50's and 60's and I have been having thoughs of flowers and veggies....lol. Now the weather is going to drop back down. Mother nature is such a tease!

[gja1000]

I'm going to Kassidy's basketball game. I told her last night that I'm coming, and she said, "Grandma, you better set your clock for 6:00 because, you know, you live further away than we do."

If you ever need someone to take care of you, make sure you get everything right, and remember all the things that you ever told her, Kass is your girl!

I better go...I don't want to miss the big game!

OH OH! basketball is my favorite sport - but MY granddaughter plays volleyball! I so wish she'd played basketball! I hope her team won!

[Lindsey]

After work yesterday we went to Subway :) I have been craving a sub for weeks! We went to my grandma's house to visit for an hour or so, and then left to visit my friend and her husband, because they were house sitting for her parents. They live about 3 hours from us, and her parents' house is right in the middle!

We got there around the same time, and Scott and Tyler were watching videos of him sledding up north, and Jen and I went through some of her horrible wedding photos! Their photographer was so bad, so Jen has been going through them all in photoshop and fixing them up herself. She even had to hound them to get all the pictures! They were married in September and finally just got them now.

Anyways, then we played Wii for awhile, and then around midnight decided to get in the hot tub. I'm not usually a fan of outdoor hot tubs in the winter because my hair and ears freeze so badly! But theirs isn't so bad because her dad has put up walls around it to cut down on the wind. We ended up sitting in the hot tub until almost 5 am! Jen and I went in before the guys, and hung out in front of the fireplace with Layla :)

We didn't wake up this morning until 11ish. Jen made us some waffles for breakfast and we were on the road home around 2. When I got home, I put a load of laundry in, crawled into bed, and fell asleep until 7! I should probably make us something to eat now, and hopefully I'll be able to sleep tonight!

But it's all worth it :) We had such a good visit! Since they moved away I rarely see them anymore.

[gja1000]

Lindsay! That sounds like such a fun evening/night! I love sitting in the hot tub in the winter, but it isn't nearly as cold down here. Of course, we don't have one now though. Once when we lived in Oklahoma, we got in Gary's uncle's hot tub and it started to snow. The cover was the kind that folds into fourths (kinda hard to explain). Anyway, we made a tent out of it so that it was just over the middle of the hot tub but like an upside down V in the middle so we could sit there and not get snow on our heads! LOL! It was FUN!

[gja1000]

It was almost 80 degrees today, and I've quit complaining about using the air conditioner - it just is what it is!

We were sitting in the back yard just before sunset and there were FOUR pairs of cardinals in our ornamental pear tree right beside us. It was soooo neat to see them. I think they roost right behind our back fence line. It is wild back there, no buildings, and they come and go that direction so I think that is where they hang out!

We worked at the Austin house today trying to get more things hauled away, given away and ready to sell. The neighbors came over and asked what we were going to do with the house. Gary said we were going to sell it, but I'd be willing to rent to them - or their family I should say. They have lived next door to us for about 15 years. They are from Mexico and are really nice people. The husband's sister and family has been here living with them for a few months. It would be so great if they were interested in renting or buying our house. I know that is highly unlikely to happen, but one can dream! LOL!

[Janet]

I didn't sleep well for some reason last night. Up around 2 a.m. and back to sleep around 4 a.m., BUT....I did sleep till 8:30. I was going to go see Mom this morning, but we've had rain/sleet/ice overnight so I'll have to wait until some of it melts a bit. It will give me some time to catch up here at home.

Gayle...even though 80 is pretty hot....I would love to have that weather here. So tired of winter, but hey...it can't last much longer can it?

Before I do go to visit Mom I need to stop by her house to check on things, get mail and checks. We were paying her bills yesterday and had one more bill to pay....and no checks. She can sign her name (not the greatest) so I write out the checks and she signs them.

If she keeps going like she is...they may let her go home Monday or Tuesday. Her 88th birthday is Wednesday and she doesn't want to spend her birthday in the hospital. I hope she gets her wish.

[gja1000]

Janet, I'm glad to hear that you are getting some rest, even though you had to be awake 2 hours during the night. It could be worse though, my granddaughter came in to her mom and dad's bedroom at 4:00AM and said, "I don't feel good" so they let her get in bed with them and then she promptly threw up in the bed. :eek: Nothing like changing the bed linens in the middle of the night.

Janet, you might consider having your mom put you on her checking account - i know that might be an issue with your brothers, not sure, but if she isn't able to sign the checks, at least you'd still be able to pay her bills. You don't have to have a power of attorney for her to just put you on her checking account. Do you (or someone) have her power of attorney for health care and one for finances? If not, you should do that NOW!

[gja1000]

Today was Gary and my anniversary - 29 years! We agreed to not get each other anything since I spent so much money on the house. We had a fun day together. We did some shopping, bought a purple martin house, and had dinner at Red Lobster. Janet, I wish you could have gone with us - I know how much you love Red Lobster!!!

You will never believe this - I hardly do, on the other hand, it makes perfect sense to me. Brooke, Abi, and Emma are moving over here with us this weekend, instead of moving into our old house. Why, you might ask? I'm saying why why why? :eek:

It's because my 34 year old daughter is afraid to stay at my house in Austin. It's in a lower middle class neighborhood, with lots of Hispanic neighbors - a few Black, a few Asian and a few White neighbors. She has never lived alone - she left my house to be married. And the main reason is that she won't have anything to "do" in Austin. I'm just shaking my head.

It's OK, but it will be grand central station here. They will only be here till April 15 when they will move to Houston. Abi is going to do the last 6 weeks of school down there, which I think is good - she'll meet some friends for the summer and next school year. If Abi didn't have to finish up her club volleyball play (she's a starter on a good team), I think they would just move to Houston this weekend. But they have to stay in Austin till April 15.

They will arrive on February 25 and Gary will leave to go camping/fishing for a month on March 5. So really it will only be us four girls most of the time. BUT we only have a king sized bed (mine) and a twin bed for my daughter and the two girls. :eek: Oh, and only ONE closet for them.

Brooke and Emma will sleep in the travel trailer until Gary leaves and then for the week after he gets home. It is parked in our backyard. Then I suspect I will get kicked out of my king bed, or have to sleep with Brooke or Abi - which is OK (I think). We have a twin aero bed that we can set up in the office or in the extra bedroom for Emma and Abi has a bed in the extra bedroom that she or Brooke can sleep on.

It would be so much easier on everyone if they stayed in our Austin house - but NOOOOOOOO - - - - Oh Well, I guess it will be like a big ole slumber party for a few weeks. They'll be gone to Houston 3 weekends, and then we'll all be gone the week of spring break - so it really isn't that many nights. I think my daughter said it would be 26 nights they would actually be here. Of course, when they move to Houston I'll miss them like crazy, and wish they were still here with me! LOL!

Grand Central Station, I tell ya. I may go live in Assisted Living with my mom. LOL! :D

[judy]

Gayle, I don't know how you are keeping track of who is coming and who is going! Adult children just make no sense sometimes! They have a whole house to stay in, and you and Gary lived there for years!

Oh well....I bet you will love having them all with you, especially with Gary going away for a month! Enjoy!

[Lindsey]

Lindsay! That sounds like such a fun evening/night! I love sitting in the hot tub in the winter, but it isn't nearly as cold down here. Of course, we don't have one now though. Once when we lived in Oklahoma, we got in Gary's uncle's hot tub and it started to snow. The cover was the kind that folds into fourths (kinda hard to explain). Anyway, we made a tent out of it so that it was just over the middle of the hot tub but like an upside down V in the middle so we could sit there and not get snow on our heads! LOL! It was FUN!

Lol that sounds like fun! We ended up pulling the cover over half and just squishing together because the water wouldn't stay warm enough. It was about -29 C (-20.2 F). The worst part was getting out and going inside to use the washroom! Especially when Scott accidently closed the door to the garage all the way, and then I had to go so I had to stand there and keep dipping my hand in the hot tub so it wouldn't completely freeze to the metal door handle! But I made it inside lol. I think it's easier for us girls because we wear little bikinis, and the cold isn't as bad on bare skin as it is on long wet shorts for the boys :D And, the drinks helped too :D :D

I just dropped Scott off at the airport. I miss him already! The house feels so empty. I need to get myself busy with something. I'm alone here for the next two weeks :(

[gja1000]

I just dropped Scott off at the airport. I miss him already! The house feels so empty. I need to get myself busy with something. I'm alone here for the next two weeks :(

Two weeks - that's a long time. Gary will be gone a month, but I'll see him every weekend and one week over spring break!

Your hot tub story is cute - not so cute trying to get inside in THAT temperature!!!

[gja1000]

Gayle, I don't know how you are keeping track of who is coming and who is going! Adult children just make no sense sometimes! They have a whole house to stay in, and you and Gary lived there for years!

Oh well....I bet you will love having them all with you, especially with Gary going away for a month! Enjoy!

I know Judy, it makes no sense - but even if they'd stayed at the other house, they would have been over here all the time anyway. Six weeks, six weeks, six weeks! LOL - I'll make it.

[Janet]

Looks like you're going to have great girl time Gayle. It will probably go by a lot faster than you think and you'll wonder where the time went. I do know how your daughter feels though....I was probably her age when I finally got tired of being afraid and now I love having my alone time.

[Lindsey]

Two weeks - that's a long time. Gary will be gone a month, but I'll see him every weekend and one week over spring break!

Your hot tub story is cute - not so cute trying to get inside in THAT temperature!!!

I think I'd feel better if I was seeing Scott on the weekend! His company said if he needed to come back, they would fly him back, but if he is able to get away from the office for the weekend he wants to go snowboarding in the mountains with his friend :(

Yesterday was a stat holiday here (Family Day) and I had planned to get a lot done after dropping Scott off at the airport, but not long after I got home I got a call from work asking if I can drive to the office for some last minute work :mad: I said no, I just drove home from the city! So I told them to send me the work and I'd work from home. At about 9:00 I was done, but worried they'd be calling for more edits so I didn't have a bath or relax like I had planned. I watched tv until 11:30 and was still all worked up over that project, and didn't get done what I needed to do during the day, and worried about getting ready and out the door without forgetting anything this morning... I ended up not being able to fall asleep until at least 2:30 and I woke up at 5:45. I'm a little tired today :( But I did get out the door with everything, and was only a few minutes late for work because of a train!

After work today I'm meeting Scott's friend's girlfriend for some food. Her boyfriend is out of town too so she asked if I'd like to get together with her. We don't really know each other very well so I hope it's not too awkward!

[DianaB]

I'm sure that it will be crazy but knowing you, Gayle......you'll end up loving it!!! I'm sure at times that you'll wish for some privacy but you won't have long until they move.

I haven't posted much since Glen's Mom passed away. The family has decided that our house is the "meeting place" so we've had a lot of Glen's family here. Glen's sister, Brenda, has been staying with us since the funeral and I'm not sure when she's going home. Brenda and Mark, Glen's older brother, are co-execudors of Althea's estate. The family has had a LOT of talks about what to do with her stuff and how it will be handled. There are a lot of emotions with everything. The girls want to do things the way their mother wanted things done.....which is just having them go through things.....but the guys just want to get in there and get it done. It looks like....according to the will that Brenda and Dana, Glen's youngest sister, will be the only ones to go in and clean things up and disperse things to the family. Brenda's daughter is getting married this spring so it's not going to be a quick process. Althea lived in a huge two story house that is filled with stuff!! It does look like the kids are going to get some things that they were wanting. I'm happy for that.

The funeral was so hard......not just for me but for my husband and his older brother, Mark. When I first looked into her casket I had some of the worst thoughts come across my mind about Althea......and then to have people come up to me and tell me how sorry they were. I've never felt this way about anyone and I'm ashamed to even admitting that I felt that way. She was loved by so many people but yet my sister-in-law and I never felt that way about her. My husband and his brother have really struggled with the hoarding and the way it affected their family and their Dad. Althea and Frank really didn't get along and the reason behind every arguement was the hoarding. All the things that I heard at the funeral and what was put in the paper were not about the woman that I knew.......some of it was because the boys didn't want to make the girls upset about how they felt about their mother........like I said it's been a hard week.

Glen's leaving to go snow skiing in the morning. Jaci and Nate are going too.....it's with a group from church. I'd go but if you're not skiing it's a long trip out and back.....besides Brenda's here to be with me. I think that Thursday I'm going to KC and pick up a child's hoosier cabinet that I bought on e-bay. I'm soooo excited to get it!!!

[gja1000]

Oh Diana, I can see that you have been just over the top busy and distracted the past few weeks. I knew you had not been on the board much and I thought it was due to Glen's mom. You are such a good person and i know you feel badly about the feelings that you have toward her - but it is not like you JUST feel that way - it was her behavior that created all the turmoil - and deliberately caused it over a very long period of time. Yes, I know we are supposed to turn the other cheek, but after years and years and years of problems, it just is not that easy. Good luck with everything -hopefully, things will be back to normal in a little while.

[Lindsey]

I agree with Gayle, Diana! Keep your head up and get through this, and things will be getting back to normal. I'm glad the kids will be getting what they want!


Well, last night was awkward. I met with Scott's friend's girlfriend for supper. I think I've mentioned her before, she did a party last year for some cosmetics and I felt really pressured to buy but didn't. The stuff is way too overpriced, and I've tried it and am not super impressed. Anyways, I thought we'd get to know each other and just have a nice friendly meal. But conversation turned to her company pretty quickly, and all the perks, and how I'd fit in so well with her "team" blah blah blah... she got Tiffany's jewelry for a bonus at Christmas and she should be getting a Mercedes in August :rolleyes: I don't buy it, and I'm not comfortable with it. I'm just too nice to say it straight to her face. She tried SO HARD to recruit me and it was getting pretty awkward. She wants me to go to a conference with her on Saturday, and I still need to decline. This morning she had sent me a message on facebook to tell me she can't stop thinking about how well I would fit with the company! I HATE THAT! Can't we just be normal friends?

Anyways, I'm also really stressed out with work, again. I worked a lot of overtime last week, worked on my stat holiday this week, worked through my lunch break today.... I was JUST getting ready to leave, thinking I'd be sneaky and leave immediately after handing my prints in, but I was just putting on my jacket when I got called in the board room :mad: There were changes. My car had been running for 15 minutes already, warming up. So I turned my computer back on, started my program back up, did the changes, closed it, and handed it in. Wait, those changes aren't good enough... so I had to go back and do it all again. By the time I left my car had been running almost an hour and I was ready to cry. I just got home and I have about 4 or 5 hours of work ahead of me tonight, and a full day again tomorrow. I have been holding back tears all day at work and now that I can let them go, I just feel too exhausted to cry. I want my life back. 5 more months and I'll be back from Europe and I can quit this job.

[gja1000]

OH Yuck! Lindsay, you have such an up and down ride with your job! I think they take advantage of you.

If I understand you correctly the girl was trying to recruit you to sell cosmetics? If so, I can understand your discomfort. I just hate pushy salesmen of ANY sort. I would have been so uncomfortable too.

[Lindsey]

I think they take advantage of me too. If they want to leave their projects to the last minute, they can go for it, but when they depend on me to get their projects done, I hate that they feel I should just always be available. I have other projects to work on and a nice timeline set out to have them done on time, and then last minute things come in and screw up my whole system. Then the people who actually DO give me enough time, end up getting their stuff put on hold :( I hate doing that to them!

And yes, she tried to recruit me to sell cosmetics. Well, cosmetics and skin care, etc. I think they even have energy drinks and things like that too. My cousin had a couple of their products a few years ago but had an allergic reaction so she gave them to me. They were a facial scrub and moisturizer. Well, the scrub was no better than anything I can buy at walmart, and the moisturizer was really greasy and made me break out! The scrub alone costs $90!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know anyone who has that kind of money to spend! I certainly wouldn't spend that on myself. And I would definitely never try to push anyone else into spending that kind of money either.

[Janet]

What did I do today??? Well....I'm ashamed to say I lost my temper big time. My son has a habit of not writing down in his checkbook his debit card transactions. Neither he nor his Dad could figure it out so I tried and just got so pi$$ed I yelled for him to get out of bed and get dressed. I think it was the fastest he'd ever done this. Then I handed him his checkbook and statements and told him to get his 'you know what' to the bank and let them help him get it balanced.

Then I had to call Mom's bank in Florida to close out her ck. account there and have the money sent here. I absolutely hate those man machines...push this button....push that button. After I got mad and threw two phones and broke them, I got my mission accomplished. I did scare my Mom half to death and she thought I was losing patience with her. I felt so bad, but finally made Mom realize I had already lost my patience.....with Ricky. That she didn't do anything and I wasn't upset with her at all.

After that...I went and got my hair cut...and of course I love my hairdresser and ended up crying my eyes out. After that....I felt so much better. The rest of my day has been good.

[gja1000]

Janet. S.T.R.E.S.S. Don't let it get the best of you.

[Lindsey]

I'm sorry you had such a bad day Janet, but I'm glad you got your frustrations out and feel better.

The "salesgirl" just will not let up. I wrote her a very nice message today saying it's just not for me, I am just not comfortable with it, but thanks for thinking of me and I hope she does really well. I got back a 4 paragraph reply :eek: about how she knows exactly how I feel and she felt the same way before she started but then she started and it changed her life! I opened up to her when we went out that night, and she used everything I said to promote her company. I don't want to stay at my job... well I could supplement it with this income and not have to! I want a career where I help people and make a difference... it's what they do every day in her company! (But really? By selling overpriced cosmetics and skin care items?) And on and on and on... I just feel stupid because I thought she wanted to be my friend but really she just wants to make money off me. She told me, again, she wants me to go to the conference with her on Saturday so at least I'm giving it a fair chance, for both of our sakes. Oh and, "I really want to take you to the top of the company with me!" Pffffft.... I can't just blow her off because I can't avoid her forever, so I need to write another nice reply saying I'm not interested. This is so flipping awkward!

[Janet]

School was cancelled for today because of ice and snow....although I don't think it's that bad. Not sure what I'm going to do today...maybe nothing at all except be on the computer. I've missed being on it so much. I check here of course and do my moderator duties, hope I'm keeping on top of things..lol.

I may run the sweeper, but again I may not...lol. I need a day off and this just may be the day.

[lynne b]

well today didn't start off very good, first got woke up at 3:30am to Keith leaving for work, it was snowing, so i went back to sleep for a little bit before it was time for me to get ready for work, when i got out of bed i stubbed my toe on the hutch at the end of my bed, it hurts so bad, it's bruised and throbbing. That was enough for me, with the snow and my toe i decided to just stay home, even wearing my slippers hurts. What a way to wake up in the morning huh !!

[Janet]

Poor Lynne!!! My day started bad yesterday, sorry you're having a bad one.

[gja1000]

Well the moving truck took all our kids things away yesterday - that was really hard for them, since none of them really want to move........:( I think it will be fine and I think they will really like Houston, once they get over the shock of having to leave Austin. They are only about 5 minutes from the ocean and 20 miles from Galveston Island. They love the beach and those kinds of activities, so I know they will like it after they get there. But just wait till the first hurricane is headed their way! :eek: The traffic is horrible, and they don't like that, the humidity if awful and they really don't like that, but there are loads of things to do and I know it will be OK.

It will be really cozy here for a few weeks - one of the hardest things is that they have a cat that we can't let out of the bedroom because she will go out the doggie door and might be gone! She was a rescue and had been abandoned outdoors so she LOVES going outside - but they have never let her except for her accidentally shooting out when the door is open. Since she is in a strange place, and if she got outside, we are afraid she might run off - which she probably wouldn't but we just can't take that chance. So, she is in the back bedroom where Abigail is. She's Abi's cat so she is perfectly fine staying back there with her - but the Yorkie boys want to (ahem) "visit" her - which translates into "chase" her. We had to tape plexiglass outside the door so they don't destroy the door by scratching on it!!!

[Janet]

Mom had been needing a new winter coat so we headed to Lafayette to Penney's. They were so crowed in the coat section because of them being 80% off. Plus...so not suitable for a wheelchair to navigate. We ended up at Kohl's where she finally found one. We then went to Olive Garden for lunch and then to the Dollar Tree so she could get some cheap reading glasses. Right now she is in the kitchen playing Yahtzee with my brother Brad. I think tomorrow my other brother and his wife are going to take Mom to their home for the afternoon. It will seem so strange for her not to be here for awhile.

[judy]

I just came home from Jessie's house. Mackenzie made Junior National Honor Society, and we had a celebration dinner. I am so proud of her! Her inauguration ceremony is 3/4, and her school play is 3/11.

She also got her first period 2 days ago, so it is National Mackenzie Week in our family!

[gja1000]

WOW! Way to go Mackenzie!!! This was quite a memorable week!!!

[Janet]

Judy...you must be so proud of her...what an accomplishment. Also becoming a young woman...wow...time just goes way too fast doesn't it?

[paula1961]

Wow! They grow up way too fast don't they ladies??? My granddaughter turned 14 on the 20th!


Today..I have set on my butt most of the day watching movies on Starz with hubby:D

[DianaB]

Congratulations to Mackenzie for her accomplishments!!! I know that you're very proud of her!!!

Lindsey, you may need to get blunt with your pushy friend. Just let her know that you're not interested because your job keeps you busy enough and that you're not willing to take on any more at this time......which is true.

As for how you're treated at work......Can you tell them when you're called into the office as you're leaving that you need to be home at a certain time and that you'll finish it first thing in the morning? You should be entitled to your time off at the end of the day!!

Janet, I'm sorry that you're stressed right now. Ricky is certainly old enough to keep track of what he spends. I'm sure that he'll catch on one of these days!!! LOL At least he has a great mother that cares!!

Gayle, I know that having your family move in with you will be a strain.....but you'll love it and that they'll love being there with you and Gary too!!

Lynne, stubbing your toe wasn't a very fun way to wake up in the morning. I hope that by now it's better!! At least spending the day off of your feet and watching TV was a relaxing way to spend your day!!!

Glen got back from snowskiing last night. He had a good time. It's been really quiet with him gone. We still have Glen's sister, Brenda staying with us, at least for a couple of more days it looks like. She's working on Althea's estate....trying to get credit cards canceled and other things like that. It looks like she's buying Althea's house. I'm glad that it's staying in the family but I hope she takes care of it. I'd hate to see it go any further downhill than it is.....it's such a neat house!!!

We were in a tornado watch this evening......I'm not ready for this kind of weather yet!!! At least the worst of the weather was south of us!! I'd much rather have snow!!!!

[gja1000]

I'm sitting at the outpatient surgery center waiting for Gary. He's getting a steroid injection in his neck. You may remember his shoulder pain. Well that's getting better, but in the process of checking out the shoulder, they discovered a pinched nerve in his neck. He's been going to physical therapy and it is helping both his shoulder and neck. But the is going fishing for a month and will not be able to attend PT during that time so they decided to give him the steroid injection to decrease the inflammation of the disk that is pushing on the nerve. I hope it helps, although he is markedly better with PT. If this helps at all, he should be fine.

[DianaB]

Sorry to hear that Gary's having trouble. I know that you're so very good about staying on top of his problems. If you say he's doing fine then I know that he is because he's in good hands!!!

Today.......welll.........so far I've got NOTHING done!!! And here I am on the computer AGAIN!!!! I DO have the washing machine and dishwasher going so I'll be busy in a little while.

I've got to go and get my little cabinet but Dae Lynn and Jaci want to go with me so I'll have to wait until a little later this week. I'm so excited to get it!! Here's a picture of it!! It's only 42 inches tall!! I paid quite a bit for it but it's in excellent shape.....well, I guess it's missing a handle but it's still that's not much to complain about!!!

[Janet]

The cabinet is so cute Diana. I see the real thing at auctions all the time here. I just those cabinets. I would have loved to seen the whole house Althea lived in. The outside area is so nice that I bet it was really something when it was new.

Today I ran our paperwork to the tax man. Hopefully we'll get something back. When Ricky's tech school to add, I just didn't know if I would be able to do it and around here...it's just too hard to try and accomplish something I would have to concentrate on.

This week we have a busy week ahead. Tomorrow I take Mom to see about getting a hearing aid. I heard they are really expensive and Mom said she wasn't going to get one if it was. I told her then she wouldn't be hearing very much then because I was tired of the TV so loud...feel like I'm going deaf myself at times. Right now I have cotton in my ears...lol. Then on Wednesday I go back to the Dr. about my wrists/carpal tunnel. The shot he gave me in my right wrist on my last visit didn't help. It is still numb feeling and my left hand is really bad. Not sure what is next on the agenda, but I hope this isn't permanent...it's so unnerving. Then on Thursday I take Mom to her Dr. and then Friday is a free day...yayayayayayay. LOL

[DianaB]

Wow...you do have a busy week ahead!!! I hope you get some good news about your wrist.

The thing about the cabinet is that it's not full sized.....it's actually a child's cabinet and is a little over 3 feet tall!!! That's why I'm so excited about it!!! It's actually very rare.....especially in this condition!!

[Lindsey]

Lindsey, you may need to get blunt with your pushy friend. Just let her know that you're not interested because your job keeps you busy enough and that you're not willing to take on any more at this time......which is true.

As for how you're treated at work......Can you tell them when you're called into the office as you're leaving that you need to be home at a certain time and that you'll finish it first thing in the morning? You should be entitled to your time off at the end of the day!!

I finally just said to her "I'm sorry, it's just not right for me" and she finally wrote back and said "Okay, fair enough" so she wasn't happy, but probably more unhappy with herself for not being able to recruit me. The more people she gets working under her, the more money she makes :rolleyes:

Unfortunately, that's not how my company works. When they come in with work at the last minute, they expect it done immediately. Especially when it was due a few days prior. They are so disorganized! Work is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing for everyone who works there, and I don't want my life to turn out like that. I guess I already feel like it's turning out like that because I feel guilty for taking time at home to get over being sick. I miss so much of my life for it, I've missed family gatherings, nights out with friends, I even missed my birthday last year (on a SUNDAY!) and Scott ended up bringing take-out Chinese food to the office to eat with me that night, so I wouldn't be totally missing out on my birthday.

The thing that amazes me is that Scott got sent to Vancouver for two weeks because they had TONS of work for him to do out there. Every day he's been there, he has not worked more than one hour after work hours. Sometimes he'll get two hours overtime if he works over his lunch break. But for other companies, "TONS" of work means maybe an hour of overtime every day. For us, "normal" work is 3 or 4 hours of overtime every night, and at least a couple of weeks a year where we work anywhere from midnight to 6 am before we are allowed to go home :( That's just expected. I'm sick of it! I'm counting down until we're back from Europe and I can really start looking for a new place to work.

Sorry I started to rant there!

[gja1000]

Lindsay, you are right - work is NOT everything. I have been through that - working 10-12 hour days, 6 days a week. It is no fun and very hard. I don't do it anymore because with Gary I never know when he might get really sick and I want to spend as much time with him while he still feels good. But I did it to get tenure and promotion at my University and I would do it again, because it was the right thing for me at the time.

Sometimes we have to do things we don't really like (like spending too much time on something) for various reasons. And many times they are good reasons - to get ahead, to get a promotion, to start a business, etc etc. This is not necessarily a bad thing - because we all like to get ahead, make more money, or whatever. But when it becomes distressing and causes us to be upset, then that is time to think about other possibilities. Sometimes we don't have other options, sometimes we do. It's a balancing act.

[judy]

Well said, Gayle. I also worked two jobs for my own reasons, but I loved both of these jobs.

My father gave me the example of loving your work as a necessary part of life, and I will always be grateful for that.

[DianaB]

That WAS well said, Gayle!!

Judy, your Dad gave you some great advice! I've worked a few jobs as a temp......some that I loved.....and some I hated......and I couldn't imagine being stuck in a job that I didn't like......or even working with people that I didn't like.

[gja1000]

I am getting Gary ready to go on his month long fishing trip tomorrow. Actually, I am getting the trailer ready to go. We had a small leak behind the toilet which Gary fixed last week. Today we found a leak in the water pump filter. It was a plastic cover over the filter that was cracked. I suspect that even though we had the water turned off in the trailer this winter and the lines drained, that some water pooled and froze in the filter and cracked the plastic cover. Anyway, we gorilla glued it till we can get a new plastic cover. I almost glued my fingers together though! LOL! That glue is soooo sticky! I told Gary I could commit a crime and get away with it because I have no finger prints, they are all covered with glue!!!

[DianaB]

I've used Gorilla Glue and I know what you mean!!! It's very sticky and does a great job of glueing things together.


Taking care of Dean is starting to take a toll on me. My anxiety is trying to act up......and I think that it's being caused by stress. That cute little guy is into EVERYTHING when he's here. Even Dae Lynn has noticed that he's worse here than at her house. I've just decided to move things and get them out of his way but still the house is a disaster when he leaves.

I was going to go to Marva's this weekend but decided that I needed a nice quiet weekend instead. I'm trying to get some cleaning done. That's ok because I don't have the stress of the kids. If my anxiety gets any worse I'm going to go to the doctor. I don't want to have a breakdown like I had before.

[Janet]

Diana...did I miss something? Are you babysitting the kids now? You're going to have to catch me up. Sorry you're feeling so stressed. Try to have yourself a nice calm weekend.

[gja1000]

It's a beautiful day today, cool (48) and crisp with the sun shining brightly! EVERYONE is gone this morning. The kids are in Houston and they will be home this evening. Gary is on his fishing trip - so it's just ME, oh and the dogs of course.

I've been getting some laundry done and I'm fixing to go outside and get some things done in the yard. Whooo Hoooo!

Later I'm going to get mom and take her out to eat.

[gja1000]

I had to go to Home Depot to buy a couple of 100 ft. hoses to water in the corners of my back yard. I have several blooming trees and since we've not had any rain to speak of for a month now, I thought I should water them as they are starting to bloom. I have a red bud, an ornamental pear, and a peach tree all of whom are popping out blooms. I also have several live oak trees and they don't lose their leaves till March when the new leaves push off the old leaves. The old leaves are starting to fall so I thought those trees could use a good drink of water.

I bought some really good sprinklers that spray water in a huge area, but I neglected to get hoses long enough to reach to the back corners of the yard.

I also planted the rest of my potatoes. It is a little late to plant potatoes, but oh well, if they grow - great - if not then next spring I'll be a little quicker. Since Gary and I will be gone till the first of July, I want my crops to be later anyway. So, we'll see.

[lynne b]

I haven't done much with mom latley cause of the weather, just a trip to Wall Mart and to lunch....well they had the Shipshawana (which is just a flea market) in a nearby town, so i took mom there, she only made it through about 3 aisle's before she was done and needed to find some place to sit....her back was hurting to bad. Makes me sad, she use to be able to shop all day, so i took her to lunch and then we headed back home.

[Janet]

I didn't do anything. Oh I did laundry as usual, played on the computer then nothing. That creep I'm married to was out in the garage all day and so was my son. I did get wishes from all of my online friends and my two brothers and of course...my Mom wrote me the yearly $20 check.

Real fun birthday....don't care if I ever have another.

[gja1000]

I didn't do anything. Oh I did laundry as usual, played on the computer then nothing. That creep I'm married to was out in the garage all day and so was my son. I did get wishes from all of my online friends and my two brothers and of course...my Mom wrote me the yearly $20 check.

Real fun birthday....don't care if I ever have another.


Well WE ALL CARE if you have another birthday!!! We LOVE you and would be so sad if you didn't have another birthday!!! I know it's the pits when the people who should care and wish you happy birthday, don't do it - but things will change someday. And until then, just keep going because it will be OK, even though it doesn't feel like it right now.

[judy]

You need to know that all of us were thinking about you on your birthday, with love and caring! You WERE very important on your birthday, and you are everyday!

I'm spending my birthday getting my hair colored (new highlights), which is fun, and then going to court to deal with my criminal activities of late! No fun!

Jess wanted me to come over, but I told her that I have to fight a traffic ticket. Other than that, they are really busy this weekend, so I don't expect to have a birthday hoopla either.

I did get one birthday card from Geico, and one from one of my doctors. Of course, these are promotional, but I saved the Geico card because it has the Gecko on the front wishing me a Happy Birthday. I love the Gecko. I really do not expect any other cards. It's just me and the Gecko, and, of course, the judge!

So....try not to feel too sad about your birthday Janet. Want mine?

[Janet]

You all here and those on FB is what made my birthday worth it. I truly love Love LOVE all of you.

I'm sorry I had forgotten all about your criminal activites....so today is the day...huh? Are you going to be nice to him? I hope he is drop dead gorgeous, single and falls head over heels for you!! oh...and rich too...lol

I love the little Geiko too...such a cutie!

[DianaB]

Ok, Judy, how did you come out in court? We're all dying to know!!!!

I think that birthdays when you get older just aren't any fun anyway unless you happen to hit a HUGE milestone and then your family goes all out......but really you just want to climb in a hole and forget that you hit a HUGE milestone!!!!! Too bad that we all don't live closer then we could all go out to eat together on our birthdays!! That would be so much fun!!!

Personally I'd rather forget birthdays.....they come around waaaayyyyy to fast!!! How can I be 54 when I'm really only 35?????!!!!! It doesn't make sense to me!!! Too bad that I can't get the inside age to affect the outside age!!!! :sidesplit: I'm killing myself!!! :sidesplit:

[judy]

I went to Mackenzie's school play, "Guys and Dolls," last night and Friday night. It was wonderful! The second night was better than the first, and it was a lot of fun. 17 of the drama kids are graduating this year, so there were flowers etc. for the teachers who have worked so hard with them, tears galore because this is their last high school play, and Mackenzie was allowed to go to the cast party!!!

My SIL doesn't allow the kids to do so many things! He is very overprotective, so I am thrilled for her that he let her go to this party.

She will probably be the lead singer from now until she is a senior. There are enough great kids who are pot graduating left, and new, talented kids are always coming along. I am so glad Mackenzie has this interest and talent!

I'll try to get some pix.

[gja1000]

Oh how fun for Makenzie! It must be so fun to be there for her and to hear her for the next several years! I remember our school plays. So much fun! You are such an awesome g-ma!

[DianaB]

I agree!! I bet Mackenzie is having a blast!!! With her voice I'm not surprised that she'll be the head singer!!

We've had some evangelists at church this weekend with their 3 boys, Tim and Rochelle Enloe.....some of you may have heard of them......they travel all over the U.S.!! Anyway, they are good friends with our pastor and his wife so they all came out here on Saturday afternoon and rode the 4-wheelers. Glen borrowed enough 4-wheelers that there were 5 of them out there. Pastor and his wife also had a grandson and granddaughter with them as well......the kids all had a blast going just as fast as they could go across the meadow while the adults stood and watched!!

After church today we had a birthday party for little Karlie and Dean. Today was Karlie's birthday and the 5th was Dean's birthday. Dae Lynn and Damon had a housefull with most of Damon's family there and most of our family there!!! It's so hard to believe that my little guy is one already!!! The year has flown by and has been filled with so much laughter with this little one!!! I love having babies around.......and I love even when they get older!!!!

Then we had church again this evening, as usual, but afterwards Tim and Rochelle were packing up to leave and they invited me to come into their camper and meet their yorkies!!! They looked so much like Jazzi and Reuger....in fact, their boys had commented on it Saturday when they were at the house. Their large yorkie was very blonde....he really had very little dark color in him,.......would that make him a blue yorkie? He was very pretty but very unsual!!! You just never know where you're going to find another yorkie lover!!!

[Janet]

I'm so glad Steve let her go to the party. This is such a great age to spread her wings a bit. MacKenzie has such great talent!

[DianaB]

We had the time change......I just hate it!!! I find that it's harder and harder to adjust to it!!! I wish that who ever's in charge would just keep it on daylight standard time!!!!!

[Lindsey]

We don't have it here, but now tv shows are all on an hour earlier lol. We finished watching the Bachelor at 8 last night instead of 9 :D

[gja1000]

I want to stay on daylight savings time year round too Diana. I just love having more daylight after I get home from work.