A busy beautiful day

What a lovely day.    Richard and Brenda spent the night so I had people in the house when I woke up.  We enjoyed a great morning.   I fixed buckwheat pancakes for breakfast and we visited and Richard showed me how to download pictures from my phone to the computer and how to use the new camera that they gave me for Christmas.    I am so blessed.   They decided that the camera I have, which is a good camera, is really too big to be carrying around on vacations.   I have a much smaller Jazzy read camera now that takes great pictures.  We did some and downloaded so that it is all tested. 

Christmas afternoon was so special too with Bobbie, Bill, Richard, Brenda and me enjoying a meal and exchanging presents during the day.  

After Richard and Brenda left I did some general cleaning.   (Richard and Brenda: I got an email from my cleaning person.   She did not get back in town from HER holiday, so will be here next week.  I am just glad that she let me know.) There is still a lot to do to catch up from being gone for two weeks.

This evening I went to Cascade to meet a friend at the only restaurant in Cascade, Sipp's Bar and Grill.   I had a walleye dinner.  It was delicious.  Kathy and I had a great visit.   We were meeting so she could return a book to me.  Tee Hee - She forgot the book.   That will come.   I know she will get it to me.  A nice way to spend a meeting.

When I got home, I had a message from my neighbor, Jean.  I had been picking up her mail and the paper while she was visiting family.  (We do that for each other.)  So she came over to pick it up and I invited her in for a glass of wine.   That was a special ending for a good day.   After sharing the wine and exchanging bags of mail and papers, she went home and now it is time for getting ready for bed.

Tomorrow I am going to the Humane Society to fill out an application and look at doggies.  There

Chihuahua

is one that I am interested in but her may be already spoken for.   His name is Nicky and he is a pug/

Chihuahua

chihuahua mix.   He actually looks like Yoda.   If it is meant to be he will be mine, but we will see.

So Until tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Chihuahua

Christmas Eve

What a day.  I did all the errands that I was supposed to do yesterday this morning.   As I took off for my visit with Mom, I saw that Van Horn had left their jump starter in front of the passenger seat of my car when they brought it back last night.  

Mom and I had a good visit.   I brought her a bottle of Prairie Fume for one of her Christmas gifts.    Good thing.  I found out that she only had enough left for one more night.   I will go to a real liquor store and bring her a bottle of Madeira for New Years.   Dick always kept her in wine, so I do this for him AND her.  She only has a little glass in the evening before she goes to bed.

I left there and stopped at Van Horn to return the jump starter.   I told them that I would have preferred a bottle of wine for a Christmas present.    Funny, they had not noticed it was missing.  

Then I went grocery shopping.  Promise me that you will remind me that I DO NOT shop on Christmas Eve day.  Then I got home and had to go back for two things.   GRRRR.

Home finally.  I took a rest but got a lot done for tomorrow.   The presents are all ready, the food is under control and some wine is chilling.

Soon I will go to church for Christmas Eve Mass.  My choir is singing.  I did practice while I was in Oklahoma - now if I can just sing the same notes tonight.  Warm up is at 9:15PM followed by a short concert and then 10PM Mass.

I intend to tumble into bed as soon as I get home.   

So until tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

and

Nollaig Shona Dhuit

Mary

I arrived home at about midnight last night.   The plane trip was noisy.    Everything went as scheduled but that was about the noisiest trip I have been on.    First I was Way in back of the plane.   As we were waiting to take off, the stewardess, who was very nice, spent at least 10 minute chopping ice in their little pantry just to the left of me.   And behind us was a mom with three kids.   I do not mind children fussing or just being goofy, but she had a screamer.   That scream just cut through my head which was not in the best state anyway.   After we were up in the air for about and hour all the kids went to sleep and it was quieter.

I got to Milwaukee at 10:15 as scheduled and Rite Way had me home shortly before midnight.

I got up at 8AM this morning intending to do all of my errands today.    Heaven Help Me.   The car wouldn't start.   I had forgotten to unplug that dumb Garmin the last time I used it and after two weeks there was no hope.   I called Van Horn and they came and jumped it and took it to service.   The battery was not charging properly so I have a brand new one and they checked all the electric stuff too.  They brought it back at about 5PM.

I had an appointment with Dr. Murthy.  I called my neighbors the Hurrie's and Bob took me to the Clinic and picked me up.   Bob and Peggy are such good friends.  Dr. Murthy and I reviewed all the meds I am taking and have decided to eliminate some of them.   I hate taking all those pills and vitamins.   Life will be easier.

I will be going to see Mom and shopping tomorrow now.   I plan to get an early start.

Right now my head aches so I am going to bed early.   I probably have to get a bit more rested.

I did get all of my mail sorted and the bills caught up.   Two weeks means a lot of money going out, especially when one if the RE Taxes:)

Dia Dhuit

Mary

This is terrible.   Blogger has shrinked to a size that I cannot read.   Perhaps you too.   So until I get home.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Friday

I can't believe that I will be going home in three days.  The past eleven days have just flown.  Barbara is improving by the day.  

Today we went to see the new Night at the movie. Barb and I both liked it a lot.   Bart was not impressed.  It was fun and so good to see Robin Williams and Mickey Rooney in their last roles.  had a lot of popcorn.   Movie popcorn is so good.


Then we drove out to Medicine Park to walk around and have dinner.    Stopped at a store called the Branded Bear.   They have a wonderful line of Indian made products from jewelry to some clothing, to paintings and pottery and art.  I bought a bag.  A small leather pouch on a leather strap with cedar an sage in it for good health.   It can go in your car, your home or around your neck.   I LOVE it and will show to my Celtic Friends.

We had dinner at the Riverside.   Barb and I had gone out there once before.   There was a campfire down the street and we were told carol singing.  Too cold for us.

It is supposed to be sunny tomorrow.   I hope so as the past couple of days have been gloomy.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Thursday

Another good day. 

Barbara went to one of her doctors and will not have to start the last chemo until  January 15.   A good holiday break for her.   A time for her body to prepare itself for the new onslaught.   I know that all the BAD things have to be destroyed but it is so hard on the body.

Bart and I went for a walk around the neighborhood today.   There are a lot of houses for sale.   Hopefully  there will be as many when I make my move.   We all hope that is not too soon.

It does seem that I will be able to flip and still be mortgage free which  my sweetheart was adamant on.   I find that when I am here I know where the homes are and am able to think about it.   When I look at home, I am not sure WHERE the homes are.  Right not where are seven homes within walking distance and four of them are below or about what I think will be an even trade.   Yaa Hoo.

So,   I feel good about Barb.   She is off until January 6the when she is released by her doctor,  As well as she is doing it will be fine.   Too bad she has to do more chemo.   But if this will END it ,   It is OK.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A rainy day but still warmer than Wisconsin.

We stayed home today.    I did some computer work and washed my clothes.   I will not have to wash until I am home now.

Tomorrow will be a bit busier.  Barb has a doctor's appointment which will hopefully tell her when she wil resume the chemo.     I  will stay here or go out with Bart's car. 

Would have liked to walk again but the rain was pretty constant.

Til tomorrow then.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

This is a  good visit.  Barbara is doing better all the time.   The lab tests came back with absolutely no cancer in the lymph nodes and tissues that they removed are .cancer free.   Yee Haa!  She will have several months of chemo,  to insure that all the cells are gone, but she will not need radiation.

Last night, we had dinner in Geronimo with Adam, Lexie and the girls.   Adam is quite the barbeque master and made steak and ribs with roasted cauliflower.  Lexie made a super potato salad with bac    on too.   We were stuffed and had the nicest visit.

Today was quieter   Barb went out to do some errands late this morning and wanted time to Christmas shop.      I went for a walk after lunch and found the homes for sale in the neighborhood.    There are several and I looked them up on the net when I got back.   At least half are doable.    Which tells me that I should be able to move as planned.   Get here with an owned home and actually less costs than in Wisconsin and near Bart.     I will actually be kind of in the middle of all of the kids.    Sounds good to me.

Bobbie,   Bart says you should consider moving to Lawton.

Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A pleasingly quiet day today.

Went to Mass this morning.  I like the church here.   It is very close to Bart and Barb's home.  

Barb went to Sacrament at her church this morning too.   Bart was not feeling too well so he stayed home.  

We just sat around and visited and rested the rest of the day.

Tomorrow there are errands and we will be busier.    Nice to have a quiet Sunday before facing a week.   Tomorrow will be  week since I left home.   Where does the time go.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

This was a nice day. The weather is beautiful. I believe around 68 degrees. Barb had a cancer support group meeting so I went with her. She is not supposed to drive yet. I was pleased to attend the meeting with her anyway. It is a really brave group of people at all stages of that cancer journey. It was also their Christmas party. What a party. It was a potluck. Barb made a banana bread this morning and all the food was so good. They had games and gifts too. I won one of the games and got some gifts too. It was fun.

We spent the afternoon at the house.   Barb took a well deserved nap and Bart and I watched a movie.
They decided on Outback for dinner.   They have good take out.

Tomorrow evening we will go to Geronimo to see the girls in a school program.   I will be glad to see them.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Arrived safe and sound last evening. Just relaxed then and had supper. Marlise was here so there were the four of us at the table. Bart and Barb's friends at church have been bringing food almost every night. It is is wonderful congregation. Last night we had scalloped cheese potatoes with ham. We stuck around the house today also as we will be doing. Not too much for Barb who does really look good considering all that she has gone for. I am enjoying the doggies and kitties so much. The dogs are so cuddly and the kitties are warming up. The weather is fine. Warm and comfy. It is getting warmer in the next few days. There may be some rain, which will be welcome to Oklahomans. Anyway. I will keep in touch. dia Dhuit Mary

Ready for trip

I feel much better today.   A good night's rest and another pleasant day.

I spent the morning finishing up all the loose ends around the house and actually laying out clothes and other items I am taking.

Bobbie and Bill picked me up at 11:30ish to go to the final show of the season tickets to Memories, a dinner theater in Port Wash.   I t was called An L. M. Montgomery Christmas and was just the feel good musical I needed to make me ready for these holidays and the rough spots too.   We had a lovely dinner, always a buffet, consisting of broasted chicken, salmon, rice, sweet potatoes.   Of course, they always have a fresh salad when one sits down and they are famous for their fluff.   They always give the recipe too but it makes so MUCH.  It has been nice to be able to enjoy that this year too.

We had such a nice day.    I am now ready for bed.  I will get up at 6PM.   My ride comes to pick me up at 7:45AM.   I just have to shower and put the last couple things in their places.

So good night.    I Probably will post tomorrow but don't be alarmed if I don't - for sure on Sunday.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Such a lovely day for feeling kind of blue.

But I kept busy.   I baked brown bread this morning for the Celtic Tea.    I did it just right and it was still even warm when I cut it at the History Museum.   I brought a loaf of Barm Brack also and everything was gone.   It was a nice event.   We had a good crowd.   The Drowsie Maggies from Fond du Lac who often play at 52 Stafford were our music and they were wonderful.   I felt much better after the music and the friends.

Went right from there to church to sing in the choir for the 2nd Sunday of Advent.  We did good.   I do love singing.  Am still not quite sure I should have added another "thing to do" to my life, but there you are.    I will miss two practices and then have to sing on Christmas Eve.   Ouch.   I will bring my music to Oklahoma and run it through a few times.

I mainly have the packing left to do.   I never do that until the last minute anyway.


I think it will be good to be away for a bit now, and I will be home for Christmas.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Must start packing

This traveling at Christmas is tricky.

I have all my presents wrapped and those that need to travel to far away places are on their way.

I went to Sheboygan to see Mother today and had lunch with her.   I will see her before Christmas but wanted to spend some time before I left.   I could assure her that there was no danger of anything being neglected while I was gone.   Any of my brothers or sisters can pick up and do what is necessary and if there is a question, I have my cell and can be reached.

This evening, I went to the Plymouth Arts Center.   This was the opening of the Members Exhibit.   I had submitted my new fabric art piece, called Wee Thatched Cottage.   I will send a picture later, I forgot to take one.   It was fun.  I always see so many friends and enjoy the show so much.

Tomorrow I will bake brown bread in the morning and then go to the Plymouth History Museum in the afternoon, for the Celtic Women Christmas Tea.   It is our 9th tea.   Church will be right after the Tea, then home.

So.   I will be packing in fits and starts.

Time for bed for this sleepy head.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Hi

Time to wind down.   I had a chiropractor appointment this morning.    I am really doing much better, if I could just get rid of the afternoon headaches.   My neck is sore from her working on it.  It takes a day for the relief to set in.

I have all the Christmas boxes packed and in the car to be taken to the post office tomorrow.  Whew.   I have to get them there tomorrow because I won't be home from Oklahoma in time to send them then.    I am also going to have lunch with Mother and go out to Gibbsville to get the cheese ordered.   I have a special request from Barbara for Cheese Curds so I will get them as fresh as I can at the factory.

Tonight was choir practice.   We really worked hard and I have the list of songs for Christmas so I can take the music with me and practice a bit.    I will miss two practices.   Ouch.   But it will be OK.   Saturday we are singing too.   I think I have that music down too.  

I suppose, I should start thinking about packing.

But now it is bedtime.

Sleep well, I hope I do.  Dia dhuit

Mary

Tired again

I spent the whole day, it seems, getting all done and prepared for the Tall Grass Budget meeting, which I will be gone form.   I am exhausted, but believe that I finally have it all in order.

I have finished all the candy that I send to my family and tomorrow will prepare the packages for mailing on Friday.

That is all today.

Barbara is home.  I think it is horrible that she has to come home the same day as the surgery, but there you are.   Insurance companies don't care about people.   She is home and ensconsed on the couch.   Bart will keep me updated and I will be there on Monday to help keep the household going and help her hopefully take care of herself.

Please pray -  she is a special person. 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

This was a double Monday.

Started out with Bible Study.   Told them I would be back after Christmas.   We had a very nice discussion and prayer session.

Then I went to see Mom.   I got there just as they were loading my communion recipient, Richard, who has dialysis every Monday.    Sometimes he is gone and I have to leave Jesus in an envelope for him.    One of my other recipients, Roman, passed away this past week.    I am not sure if his wife is aware that he is gone but she does love to receive communion.   The other little lady who's husband died a few months ago, asked me again today if I knew that Steven was gone.   I always say,  I heard and I am so sorry.   Mother was doing so well.  She says she feels weak and I am sure she does but she is still keeping up with things.

Jeff and I will be attending a care meeting tomorrow at Meadow View.   It is a family/staff conference.  Sure a good thing that I told Mom.   She attends of course and had not heard.
Then I went home and had lunch before driving to my friend, Janet's house to pick up a present for Barbara.   Janet is on her way to South Dakota to help in the sale of her mother's property but she left the present in her screen porch.

I picked up a prescription and a couple of things for the TallGrass Meeting tomorrow and the 13th.

Tonight I dipped all those blasted Buckeyes that I mixed and rolled yesterday.

I am DONE.   I am going to BED.

Love you all

Dia DHuit

Mary

A sad day for me I am afraid.   This is the first time that I have been home all day without my Roxie and I feel very lonely.   So I worked my butt off.

I have the buckeyes ready to dip in chocolate.   All the presents I have are wrapped and ready to be boxed and mailed.  I sent a newsletter to the Celtic Women.   And I am all ready for the TallGrass Directors meeting on Tuesday. 

I guess when a creature gives one so much comfort and friendship, it is perfectly all right to cry about it.

I have a busy day tomorrow too, which helps and a lot to do before I leave for Lawton on the 8th.  Barbara wants cheese curds.   So I will pick some up on Friday at Gibbsville.   I can order my Christmas boxes then too.

Til tomorrow

Dia DHuit

Mary

Well, this has been an odd day.  I keep thinking that Roxie will pop up at her regular times.  I started whistling and almost stopped before I realized that she would no longer yell at me.  Remember how she hated that.   I do miss the Princess.  She had to be Princess because Dick had named me the Queen.

I was home all day except for Mass this evening which means that I can stay home ALL day tomorrow.

I have a long list of things that need to be done before I leave for Oklahoma on the 8th, mostly relating to Christmas.

So I am ready for bed.   Hope all is well with you.

Dia Dhuit

Mary