I'll have to take a picture of it for you. It really wouldn't look good on the floor. I do think we have it figured out though. We will probably put the heavy hooks into the studs and use a heavy guage wire to hang it. Hopefully we can find a guage thick enough that I'll feel safe it won't fall.

Janet, maybe put a board horizontally nailed into the studs and then hang the mirror onto the board, if the mirror hides the board. Studs: such a diverse word. I bought me a stud finder, but it hasn't worked yet.

I'm coming to accept my new boss. I think I can outlast her. And, I'm almost not being friends with my admins and not letting them take advantage of me.

I'll drive up to Jeff's on the 22nd and we'll get on the road early the next morning, taking probably 12 hours to get to Branson. I booked a silver dollar city package, but I'll be hanging out with Katey so Jeff and Emily can take Abby and Sarah to the park. We have reservations on Christmas eve for Christmas on the trail, which looks like a wagon train sort of thing. We're taking one small gift for each of the girls to open on Christmas morning and we'll chill and cook in the cabin. On the 26th, we'll go to the Dixie stampede, which is a dolly Parton shindig. Then, we hope to go to shepherd of the hills on the 27th and head back on the 28th. There are some shows the big kids want to see, but we'll work those in as we go. Depending on what time we leave, we might spend the night somewhere along the way back.

I'm excited and yes, we're loosely planning this trip because it's such a break from tradition. What a blessing.

Sandy, I hope you have a lot of fun on your trip! It sounds like it will be a good time and it's nice to not do too much planning, so you can have some time to relax too!

Scott and I just took Layla to the vet and she has a pretty severe UTI :( I knew it. I had a feeling for months. I knew it smelled too strong when we expressed her, but Scott insisted it was normal. I should have listened to my gut a long time ago. The vet inserted a needle through her tummy into her bladder to get a sample, and she knew there was something going on as soon as she saw it. My poor little girl. I feel like we dropped the ball here. She is on antibiotics for two weeks and we'll see how it goes after that. She also had protein in her bladder which the vet said could be there because there's so many white blood cells there, or it could be that there's an issue with her kidneys. She also said it seems like Layla is breathing harder and struggling to open her lungs for enough air. She thought the dark color of her tongue might be because she's not breathing out enough. It could be because of the nerves and maybe there's some muscles she can't control there because of her paralysis. I don't know, it just seemed like there were a ton of things wrong. I've held it together but I feel like I'm letting her down. I need to be on top of her health. We will tackle one thing at a time and hopefully get the infection out of her urinary tract to begin with.

That may work Sandy, I'm have to check it out sometime tomorrow. I'm in bed now and the mind just isn't working properly...lol

You're too strong a woman to let anyone take advantage of you, no matter who it is!

Your trip sounds really nice! Since this Christmas is going to be tough getting through, I wish we could have made other plans. You are going to have so much fun!! Since I hardly ever get out of my county, please take some pictures so I can pretend I went too. :)

I have to go back to town again tomorrow to the attorneys office. Have to pick up the consent forms for my brothers to sign and take the deed in so the secretary can get information to make another or something for me. Then I have to come home and get ready to go to the Mulberry nursing home to share in the Christmas celebration with my friend and her mother. There will also be another girl I went to school with so looking forward to a very nice evening and a great meal.

Guess I'd better try to get to sleep...mornings come around so fast.

Oh dear Linds! Poor little Layla! Like you said, one thing at a time. I hope it all gets better very soon, and isn't terribly expensive. Maybe it is nerves because of the new dogs? Sbe will get used to them. She is such a trooper!

Sandy, your Christmas plans sound like fun, but I must confess, I cannot picture this. I guess I'm just used to cold, snowy Christmases. I can't wait to see pictures!

Janet, I think if you can use the studs, you will be able to hang the mirror. It is nice to have your Mom's stuff in your own house. Then, you can move it back when you move into her house for good!

It snowed last night. I don't know if you remember that I had a lot of trouble with my steps being very icy and dangerous last winter. I got permission to build railings to hold on to, but I chose not to. Ther steps go to 4 houses, and I don't know what my liability would be. Steve also told me it would cost about $2000. The wood is very expensive, and he wanted to be paid for labor. Long story short, I don't want him to do the work. It's too much chaos! At this point, Jessie told him he cannot charge me for work anymore since I let her use my charge card, and I helped them out with money on their vacation. I do have work I need him to do for me, but I really prefer not to go that path anymore.

The good news is that the maintenance staff has been so on top of cleaning the snow off of my steps! They were here at 8:30, and all of the steps are clean. I know that cthey are making sure to keep it safe over here. They are probably liable if somebody gets hurt. They're also very nice here, and...I give good Chrisrmas presents! I appreciate them, and like to give them nice gifts to say thanks.

It's hair day,and then I will come home and hang a shelf in the kitchen. I also got some new glazes, and I am going to glaze some pottery. I'm excited about that.

Judy I am so jealous of your snow! We had a lot of snow last month but it has been warm for the past couple of weeks (on and off) and pretty much all of the snow is gone. Today it's -25 C (-13 F) with windchill and I hate when it's this cold and there's no snow!!! I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed for a white Christmas this year. We put our Christmas display up on the weekend and pounded the pins straight into the ground with no snow cover. It's just weird! I may have to just drink enough rum and egg nog until I see snow this Christmas!

I hope these antibiotics work for Layla, and work quickly. I hope the protein disappears too and we can rule out a kidney problem. She seemed to be breathing normal at home so maybe she was just nervous at the vet's office. I'm sure breathing is different anyway with the position of her body now. Her front legs sit further back than a normal dog and her weight is pushed more forward. Maybe she is just pushing harder because her legs are right against her ribs when she's sitting.

Cute tree, Sandy!!! Make sure you dress warmly for Branson.......we're pretty cold up here now! You'll love Branson because there's so much to do!! I'm not sure what the traffic is like in the winter but in case it's bad make sure you get a map and use the side routes. You'll get to where you want to go so much quickly. Your motel will have them. The Dixie Stampede is nice.......make sure you go to the pre-show as well.

Janet, have you thought about placing your mirror on your fireplace mantle? What would it look like there?

Lindsey, how scary!!! Thank goodness you were alright!!

What a scare with Layla!!! Thank goodness you've got her on meds!! There's no reason to think that you did anything wrong......I'm sure her health is very delicate. Maybe having an appointment every three months or so to have her looked at.

Sorry again that I haven't been on. I can't explain how much Dean is into things and keeps me running. I can't hardly let him out of my sight. He's learned to push the chairs over to the cabinets now so that creates a whole new set of problems.

Dae Lynn, Amy, and I are going to Wichita tomorrow for Christmas shopping......anyway if we can get the kids situation figured out. I think that Glen's going to stay home and watch Dean. He knows that he has to keep an eye on him because he's been home with us.

I can't tell you how tired I am. Running after a 1 year old all day long. We've all been grouchy at different times.......It's not easy having them live with us.

Diana...I don't think I could handle being with a child all day again. Don't think I have the patience anymore. Ricky doesn't even date, so it doesn't look like I'll have grandkids born until after I'm gone at this rate. Then if I do, I'll be too old to even old them without supervision...lol

How long did you say they would be with you? It's probably not quite as bad in the summer as it is in the winter having them live with you. When doors and windows are open it feels like there is so much more space. You're missed when you're not here.

Very true, Diana! You are missed!

How is Karlie these days?

Wow, everybody's busy. We're all so blessed.

It's been in the upper 20s the last couple mornings with ice on my truck windows. Got my carport installed today, so mornings should be much nicer.

I took my admins to a nice lunch today and we sat there for 3 hours, it was so fun. And, I'm learning to deal with my boss. Working towards finishing up this year on a good positive note.

Love you all.

That sounds good, Sandy!

Is your Christmas trip going to be in the cold? I hope the concerts are indoors!

Today was sooo cold. In the 20's and low 30's, but seemed a bit colder because of the wind. I had to make another run to town this morning. This time the lawyer wanted a copy of the appraisal. They mailed it to me without making a copy....duh! For some reason I keep forgetting to check my gas guage in the van so definitely needed some gas before heading back home. Also got my hair cut, feels so much better.

Rest of the day was normal routine, bus route, pick up around the house..etc. Not sure what the weekend has in store for me, but I hope it's not boring.

I'm not sure how long Dae Lynn and the kids will be with us. It all depends on what happens after Damon gets out of jail. He goes to court next week and may get out......we'll see. He doesn't have a job and I don't think that my BIL will be hiring him back since it's winter and there's not much to do. Plus I'm not sure if Glen will let him move in with us and Dae Lynn. He should be with his family but Glen's still pretty mad at him so he may have to move in with his Mom or sister....who both live in another town. I'm just saying a prayer that God will work things out because I don't know what to do.

Dae Lynn loves Damon and wants him to go to rehab to get help but if he ever gets drunk again then I'm sure she'll be done. This time I do believe that she really means it. So they'll be staying with us until Damon gets his life straightened out......I think.......We'll see.

Karlie is....well....Karlie!!! Always in trouble!!! It doesn't help that Dae Lynn works at the school and sees how much she's in trouble!!! There are three kids that are always in trouble at lunch.....which Dae Lynn works the lunch room.....and one of them is Karlie. They make them stand at the wall so it's pretty easy to see Karlie when she's there!! Dae Lynn took a Christmas present out from under the tree and told her she would have to earn it back......but before she got that done she lost another present!!! She's not gotten one back so maybe the other one will be back today. Some days I feel so sorry for her and other days I could wring her neck!!!!

Dae Lynn, Amy, and I went to Wichita yesterday and worked on Christmas shopping. Wow......did we shop!!!! The fun part.....well, it was all fun......but we stopped at Goodwill!!! I loved it!! I found a couple of shirts for myself, a nativity set ......like new, in the box.....from Department 56......and several other things!!! I'm going to have to go back and spend more time there!!!

I got lots of stuff!! I've bought sooo much for Karlie, Dean, and even Dae Lynn!!! I'm going to have to quit on them!! I got most of Amy's, Tammy's, and all of the grandkids. Now I need to figure out what to do for the guys and a little bit more for my Mom and Step-Dad. I called Mom and all she could think of that they needed was gloves!!! Maybe I'll get a gift certificate for Penney's. They would use that!!

I found a little toy wind-up scuba diver that can go in the bathtub.....for Glen!!! He'll get a laugh out of that!!!

Amy and Dae Lynn were so funny!! We ate supper really late at IHOP and they loaded up on coffee to drive home......then they also get giggly when they're tired so the trip home was hilarious!!! I love going places with my girls!!! Such fun!!!

God will take care of Dae Lynn, the kids and Damon, Diana. Which way it goes, it will be for the best. But, you know that already! I'll keep them in my prayers.

I think long car trips with your kids are the best! There is nothing else to do but enjoy each other. or talk things out, if need be.

I am so bored today!!! I have something in my system, and am not feeling great. I stayed in today and yesterday, and I really need to get out! I have been gettingt a ,lot done in the house, but I need a break!!

Jessie wants me to watch the kids tonight and tomorrow. I told her I don't feel well, but I don't know if she is bringing them anyway. It feels so late, but it is only 6:38. She was going to call me, but I haven't heard from her. She could just pop in. She is probably afraid to call me! I might say no. It seems that Steve has gotten a job starting Monday, so they want to do their Christmas shopping tomorrow. It's a strange job...he will learn welding, but will have to travel and be away for a week at a time. Not that far, but he will be put up in a hotel room with another guy. They will have opposite shifts, so won't get in each others' way. ????????????? What is there to say? Will he actually go? Who knows! I do not like this idea, but am keeping it to myself. He is a drinker, and this would not be a good situation for him, especially if all the other guys drink. He won't like being away from home, and the hotel and meals out thing sounds like an awful way to live. I did tell her that I don't think he will go. She said he has to. They have no money. I'm sorry I said even that much. I believe in minding my own business. Sharing it all here helps, of course!

I finished reading a book today, and now have nothing I want to do. I guess I'll switch off the dogs' pee pads, and wash the dirty ones. That sounds like fun!

Diana, I'm glad your Christmas shopping was so much fun. You have so many to buy for, I don't know how you do it!!!

Judy, you sound like you have the blahs! I have felt that way for the past couple of weeks. I've been really bitchy too and snappy with almost everyone. Someone at school asked me if I was mad at them. I had to laugh, because no I wasn't, but in some ways I feel mad at everyone! I think I just miss having the kids here during the holiday season. It doesn't seem near as much fun.

I could have killed Gary last week (a couple of times in fact - LOL). He went out and bought (unbeknownst to me) a Yorkie-Poo for his aunt. She lost her dog 2 years ago, and has talked about getting another one, but hadn't for various reasons. So he just goes out and gets one - from a puppy mill, I am sure (he knows nothing about breeders). She was cute, but woefully underweight. She was only 2.2 lbs but has already gained a pound, so I think she'll be OK.

I was so mad. He THOUGHT we were going to keep it till after Christmas and take it to her in Oklahoma after Christmas. Well, I was so mad at him, he took it too her the day after he brought it home. All is well, she is thrilled with the dog, her husband - not so much. Like me, he will have to take care of the dog - Gary's aunt has a variety of physical and mental problems and she isn't able to do all that needs to be done with a puppy. It is 3 1/2 months old, so at least it wasn't a tiny baby. Even though everything worked out OK, sometimes I think my husband has lost his mind. If someone just brought me a puppy out of the clear blue, I would kill them! LOL! To me, it's kinda like having a new baby in the house.

Then the second time I wanted to off him was when my stove was delivered. I don't think I've told you the stove saga. Well, we got a new stove in August when we replaced our kitchen counters. I don't cook much, especially in the summer so I didn't use the oven right away. When I used the oven (very rarely) I noticed that when you turned it on, a fan came on and blew air out the front of the oven door. I didn't think too much about it at the time, thought it was odd, but didn't notice it too much. The air initially was cool, but if the oven was on for 30 minutes or so, the air got hotter. And yes, there was a regular oven vent in the top back of the stove, I don't know what this damned fan was doing except blowing air out the front of the stove.

When the weather cooled off, I used the oven more and I guess it was in October, I was cooking something in the oven and also cooking (stirring) on top of the stove. Well, the longer the oven was on, the hotter the air coming out the oven door got. It was so bad I couldn't stand to stand in front of the oven and stir. Also, when you opened the oven door, the fan blew all the hot air right in your face. I just hated it. So I called sears, it was a Kenmore. It was past my 90 days to return it but they were really nice and I went to the store and picked out a stove that DID NOT have the fan and they changed it out last week. But alas, when they delivered and installed it, it DID HAVE A FAN. Gary knew it had the fan when they installed it but didn't call me to tell me. I would have told them to take the damned thing back right then. So, when I came home to a NEW stove that STILL blew hot air on me - I was furious - I mean REALLY furious. So, back to Sears I went last night. I changed brands, from Kenmore to GE. If this stove has a fan that blows on me, I don't know what might happen! LOL!

Wow!!! You've had a 'hot' week haven't you...lol. I think we all go through those blah days...I know I do for sure.

I wouldn't want anyone bringing me a dog or a puppy. I would want to see it and see if there was a connection of any kind first. It's good that everything is working out, but I bet her husband was ready to punch Gary too....huh?

Had no idea you were having trouble with your stove. So glad that Sears was nice about it, but what was Gary thinking? LOL Poor guy...he didnt' stand a chance did he???? :D

I hope you're feeling much better now Gayle and I'm thrilled you let Gary live. I'm not sure prisons have wi-fi or internet.

Oh Janet thanks! You started my Sunday with a big ole belly laugh - I'm thinking the day might just be better because of YOU! Thanks.

You girls make me smile:D Gayle, why in the world would anybody make a stove that vented through the front? That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard! I didn't use my oven all summer, either, because of the heat. I can't imagine if it was blowing out the front, lol!!

I'm so glad I made you laugh Gayle.

Today Rick and I went to town, needed milk and I needed to take something back. Found a real nice crockpot cookbook at WalMart so he bought it and I'll get it at Christmas. I like the recipes that are really easy and these are. Now I'll be able to do my least favorite thing....cooking!!! lol We also stopped at Aldi's to get milk. We go through milk so fast around here, at least a gallon or more every other day. At Aldi's it's $1.79, but is planning to go up to $2.49 after the first of the year.

Why on earth is milk going up so much???? I know people in Texas had to get rid of some cattle, the drought dried up all the grass and it was too expensive to feed them - but there are lots of dairy cattle in places other than Texas so I'm wondering why milk is going so high.

I KNOW BETSI - dumbest oven design EVER!!! It HAD to be designed by a man who NEVER cooks. LOL! I must say the air that blows out in front is not as warm as the air that blows out the back vent - but the air coming out the front is way to hot for Texas summers. Heck it was too hot when I was fixing Thanksgiving dinner. I just do not understand. The other kicker is that NONE of the salesmen/women at Sears, Home Depot, or Lowes have a clue what I am talking about. Their stoves are not hooked up to gas or electricity so they have never experienced this. The repairman knew exactly what I was talking about so I am sure I am not the first person who has complained or thought something was wrong when hot air was blowing out the oven door.

What kind of stove vents out of the front? Especially in Texas!!! Imagine 104 degrees, cooking, and getting hot flashes!

I had another boring day. You are right, Gayule. I do have the blahs.

I found a letter from my first love, Gary. He was the love of my life, actually. We grew up together; went steady for about 4 years, from 14 to 18, and then back and forth for another couple of years. Whenever I hear music from that time, I get such nostalgia, that sometimes tears comee to my eyes. He took his own life at about 30 years old. I don't know what happened exactly, except that he just gotten crazier and crazier. Somebody told me it was from drugs, but I never pursued it.

Long story short, the letter was from him when he was 29, and it really rocked my world. He was coherent, did love me, but was definitely losing it. It has opened up a lot of questions for me, even though it was 35 years ago that he wrote it!

My questions are why do I pick unstable guys? He kept referring to how crazy I had been, so am I crazy? I guess I was, but not anymore. Everybody is crazy in their own way, I think. I'm pretty comfortable in my own skin now, but thinking back, I don't know how I was then. The last question is why did he break up with me? Didn't he love me enough? I know that is a ridiculous question, after so many years. I certainly could not have married him , and I don't remember planning on that. I have to just sit with these feelings, and see where they take me. Actually, I'm not sorry that I have to work these things out. It just popped into my life out of the blue! I also am so sad that happened to him. He never got to live his life.

I feel like such a weight lifted off of me because I could share all of that with you.

What a blessing you all are!!!

Judy....your post made me so sad. What a love story. I think for most everyone at one time or another we wonder 'why'. We can sit and wonder for hours and nothing changes. Now you've got me going down memory lane... :)

What makes you think you pick unstable guys? Thirty-five years ago was a crazy time for everyone. Some made it out just fine...others not so much...still others...not at all. I wouldn't try to figure it out now, just cherish the memories you have. You are so loved Judy, by your family and by us!!

I am so glad you were able to share that with us and that you feel better. I have no idea why you attract unstable guys - maybe it's because YOU are more stable and make them feel they have someone to hold them up. I'm just babbling, I really don't have a clue.

I know that I like certain types of men, I don't think I would ever be attracted to someone who wore a suit to work. LOL! Isn't that ridiculous! I've always been attracted to men who do manual labor, like carpenters (Gary), cowboys, ranchers, oil field workers,
and the like. So, there must be a type that we are attracted to.

I remember reading once that we choose people who we feel are not "better" than we are. I know I came from a very poor rural upbringing and I am very uncomfortable around people with power or money. I don't know what to say or do.

I know that I love my husband with all my heart, but if anything happens to him before me (which is extremely likely), I will never marry again. I don't think I will ever be romantically involved again, but I probably should not say, "never". I love being alone, I love working with women, I do not like the company of men (in general), so I feel comfortable in saying that. Oh well, I am completely off topic.

Judy, again I am so glad that you could tell us your story and feel better. You are such a special person and I hope you know that.

Judy, I know I am young enough to not have much time to reflect, but I know every single guy I dated before Scott was also unstable. I thought I needed to help them. I have never touched drugs in my life but every guy I dated except two or three were on drugs and most were also depressed. Before Scott, I dated Kyle who degraded me constantly and it took him hitting my dog for me to realize I couldn't do anything for him and I wasn't safe. I don't know what I was thinking staying with him so long. I think most of me felt worthless and I would feel worth something to help someone, like I wasn't just worth love alone. But I never dated any other kind of guy. I didn't even know I could until Scott came along.

I hope you can work through these feelings and know that you are very loved and what happened happened for a reason. You know if things didn't work out as they had, you would probably be missing the other blessings in your life, like your daughter and your grandchildren. God has a plan for us all, and it couldn't have happened any other way.

Just curious as to what you all pay for milk. Like I said at Aldi's it's $1.79 until the first of the year. Everywhere else it's over $3.00. Usually around $3.49 -$3.59.

I'm so fustrated!!! Last night Dean got a hold of a bottle of baby shampoo and dumped half of it on the carpet. We got out the carpet shampooer but it took forever to get out all of the bubbles. Dean was in big trouble!!

Then this morning he has pulled a shelf/table out of the wall. I'm not sure if I'm going to put it back up or just wait until they move out......I'm leaning more toward waiting.

It is getting soooo old having stuff dumped on the carpet and having things beat on with his toys. I try to keep things nice but I'm not sure what things are going to look like by the time they move out.


GGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRR................

Oh Diana.....I feel so bad that you're having to deal with the bad times. Good times with them out weigh the bad, but boy when they do bad....they do it good don't they? Anyway can you tie him up with some duct tape???? LOLOL.....just kidding. I could definitely feel your frustration. Now we know why mother's in days past used playpens.

My favorite time of the day........Dean's naptime!!!

Even Dae Lynn was fustrated with the kids yesterday. They hardly took a nap so were up most of the day with her. Karlie doesn't play on her own so she pesters you to play with her.......and then Dean's fiasco with the soap!!! Dae Lynn was fuming........I told her that I had to deal with it every day.......I think she's starting to understand what I've been dealing with.

Judy, I'm so happy that you feel comfortable to share your personal thoughts. I'm sure that because of this man you were a better person. It's too bad that things didn't work out for the two of you.......time dims our memory of why we did what we did. I hope your memories give you a lots of smiles and a happy feeling.

Gayle, I can't believe that Gary would buy a dog for someone else without knowing for sure that it was all right!!! He was probably just trying to be nice.

As for the stove......I'd be hopping mad too!!! Sears is NOT my favorite place to buy appliances. I've had some problems there. I'm glad that you got it all taken care of. I'm sure that you're right in saying that the stove with a fan was designed by a man!!! LOL

Judy, if a crazy man tell you that YOU are crazy...that's just wrong! I'm glad you are reflecting on your past. I think it's great that at our age we can still learn things about ourselves. Just don't have regrets.. learn the lessons that must come to you, and then move forward.

Lindsey, I'm so glad you have Scott. You are wise beyond your years :)

Janet, that's about the same price that milk is here. Makes me glad I don't have to buy it for a big family, lol!

Diana, I'm sorry Dean is making such a mess. I can't imagine cleaning shampoo out of carpet! What a bubbly mess:eek:

Gayle, I have to say that I admire a man that is as comfortable in a business suit as he is in his camo:p

LOL! Betsi! I guess I've never met one like that!

Our boys went to get their teeth cleaned today. I wish I could make myself brush their teeth regularly so they didn't have to go through this. They both did fine, but I worry so much when they have to be sedated to have this done.

YAY! I finished all my grading and submitted my grades today. I was the biggest procrastinator these past couple of weeks. There is no reason to NOT have had this done a week ago. Oh well, it's done now.

I've got a busy day tomorrow, but on Thursday a couple of girl friends and I are going shopping in Bastrop. This is the central Texas town where the worst of the wildfires were this summer. We figured it would be the right thing to do to spend some money in their little town. They are trying hard to help everyone affected by the fires to have a good Christmas, and we think we should help, however little. I haven't driven through the fire area since it happened, so I am anxious (and sad) to see the damage.

That is such a worry isn't it Gayle? Joey needs his cleaned so bad, but I know they will pull most of what left. His are just horrible. Still need to get Brenna her annual, it was due in October and then of course....the kitty. She really should have vaccinations to keep her healthy. Pets can be so expensive.

Today, I mostly lounged around since I'm not feeling the greatest. Thought I would take a nice nap on the couch in between routes, but as soon as I layed down, the phone rang. So the nap was put on hold for another day... :(

I was going to call the Dr. today after my morning route, but he's closed on Wednesdays. If I'm not feeling better, then I will call him on Thursday. I sure don't want to be sick over Christmas.

Janet, :getwell:

Gayle, we went through Bastrop on our way to the ranch right after the fires. In fact, they were still smoking some. There were firefighters everywhere, emergency insurance sites set up in parking lots, along with lots of disaster relief. I tell you it was a scary, humbling sight! The devastation will just make you sick. I'm glad you are going there to shop, that's a great idea!

Layla really needs her teeth cleaned too! She is not a fan of having her teeth brushed :( I think we will schedule a cleaning in the new year.

I feel like I've been so busy lately, but I haven't really been. All of our presents are wrapped and under the tree. I just mailed a big pile of Christmas cards today. On the weekend we went to my Christmas party Friday, and then I won tickets to a hockey game Saturday so it was a full weekend compared to normal! This weekend we're visiting Scott's parents. Other than that, we just go home from work, play with the dogs, eat, and go to sleep!

A couple of nights ago my brother went to the emergency room with terrible pains and it turns out he has a hernia. He will be seeing a specialist and will be going for surgery sometime in the new year. I guess my dad had a hernia when he was about a year old, and his brother also had one when he was young. I talked to my brother yesterday and he's staying off work and he said he's in quite a bit of pain when he stands up, but laying down is okay.

I hope he feels bettee soon, Linds!

You also, Janet! Sounds like a flu.. I'm with Gayle...I never go to the doctor. I like my doc, but they probe and test, and by the time they are done, you usually have recovered anyway. I did go for a mammo, and got a letter from the radiologist that I do not have cancer. What a nice letter!!! I always say "Thank you God" when I get a negative pap smear, mammo, and a skin check. One of my doctors would send a postcard with Mona Lisa smiling when you got a negative pap smear.

We all should brush our yorkie's teeth. I never have, and never remember. I do have a toothbrush and doggie toothpaste somewhere. I hope everybody's dogs' teeth stay healthy! There was a nice young woman on YT who washed her dog's face, put her in her pj's, and brushed her teeth nightly! Bless her heart!

Diana, why not try a playpen for a couple of hours each day? Or, is this considered child abuse these days? Jessie loved her playpen. She had special toys in there, her bottle, and I often found her sleeping in her cozy little nest. Do you think Dae Lynn would allow it?

Thanks for your advice about my old boyfriend. I think what I'm getting to is that I want that kind of love again. I was so lucky to have had that, especially as a teenager, when things can be so hard. I did not have it hard then because of Gary. I did have a rough time because my mother was so ill, and I think that Gary, and my two ex-husbands suffered from depression. I know I did. I probably felt comfortable with men who felt the same way I did. At any rate, I want that kind of love again. Not the teenage stuff, but he and I really did love each other.

I didn't do much today except cough and pee...lol. Oh I got laundry caught up so I wouldn't have to do it over the weekend, mailed my Christmas cards, and made a list of things to do tomorrow. I need to get to town and see if there is any kind of mail at Mom's. It's starting to really dwindle down now finally. Our WorkForce One is offering free certified nursing assistant training, so I want to go and see what that is about. I think I would really like that, we'll see. I have been thinking about it since before Mom passed and then all of a sudden I see this in the newspaper, glad I did, because I'm getting ready to cancel the paper....:)

I always felt bad for Mom when someone else had to take care of her and I want to be able to give that kind of comfort. Not saying it will be for me, but I want to check out what they are offering

That sounds nice Janet. I remember you wanting to do that when Mom was sick.

I have lots of stuff to do today, but I'm not sure I will get anything done. I may just relax!

That sounds like a great thing to do Judy and I could that all day....LOL

I did call about the training and it doesn't sound too promising. It's mostly for unemployed or lower income. Not sure I'll qualify. Oh well...we'll see.

I've had a nice quiet weekend. Gary decided at the last minute to go to the deer lease with the other couple that are on the lease too. We needed to check on the trailer before we leave this Friday for a few days, so its good that he went. I hope he doesn't come home sick though.

Yesterday I went shopping early (Dollar Tree) for a few stocking stuffers for his sisters and their husbands. It was good because the stores were not crowded yet. Then I ran a few more errands and came home and made potato soup. That's mom's favorite so I took some over and ate lunch with her.

Then I just came home and did a few things around the house and rested. I took mom to the Texas women's basketball game last night, the first since she broke her leg. She was so excited! A friend of mine who has front row seats gave us her tickets so mom wouldn't have to climb the 17 stairs to our regular seats. I took mom in the arena in her wheelchair and then she just got right in the seat. It is a very different perspective watching a college basketball game in the front seats. It's up close and personal. One time a player from the other team was diving for a loose basketball and landed in my lap. :eek: Fortunately, everyone around me put out their arms to stop her so she didn't land on me too forcefully.

Mom is doing well, but doesn't seem to have made a whole lot more progress (walking better) in the past couple of weeks. We see the surgeon this Tuesday and I think he will release her to put full weight on the leg. I'm going to ask if she can continue physical therapy for a while longer because I'd like to see her walking better. She says her knee is hurting and it probably is since she is walking "differently" due to not being able to step full weight on it.

This morning I think I'll go out for a leisurely breakfast and then go to the grocery store early before the crowds. I hope everyone has a good day.