Shopping day.
Would you believe. I was in bed by 9PM last night and Chelsea let me sleep until almost 5AM. I don't know why, but I wish it would happen every night.
I got all the morning stuff done by 7AM and then went shopping. When I got home I laid down for a while before starting lunch. I made a dump soup for our supper while I was getting dinner ready.
We made it to therapy on time at 1PM. That went well. Dick stood three times. The minimum time was 6 1/2 minutes. I figure he stood for over 20 minutes. The only problem we are seeing is that his right leg is a bit swollen and the "funny" spots are seeping a little bit. The wounds are fine and there are no new ones so we feel good about that. I have a call into the doctor about the swelling. We are trying to keep the leg up even more.
After we got home, I went to do a few errands. I had to pick up some prescriptions and get my turkey license. There were some really good bargains at Walgreens so I took advantage of them while I was there.
This is St. Patrick's month. I know that most people celebrate St. Patrick's day, but I kind of like celebrating the month. I was remembering today a story that my father in law, Victor Johnston told about the Irish family that lived down the road. They did not have a car and every Sunday the mother ( I can't remember their surname) rounded up her big family and chased them through the streets to Mass, cursing them every foot of the way.
Mass was very important to the Irish at that time, at least to the women and the children. That is why when St. Michael's in Parnell went for five months without a service because of a conflict with the priest, it was such a hardship for the parishioners. They had to go many more miles to Cascade to attend the service and it was winter.
The story goes that the parishioners did not care much for the priest and that after a particularly volital church board meeting a couple of the young men in the parish got a bit of false courage and took it upon themselves to board up the church so the priest could not get in. He left and the diocese forbad services. This happened in January and the first Mass that was offered again in St. Michaels was in June. My grandfather, John Bowser, when he talked about the incident and those that did it, said "No good ever came to them. And they all died young." I understand that he was right.
Take care and enjoy your Thursday.
Love
Mary
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Would you believe that it was 1 degree when Chelsea MADE me take her out just before 4AM this morning? Well, it was. And it was no better when I got up at 6.
Dick was very sleepy today. He slept most of the morning. We did get him washed up before dinner. I fixed pork chops and stuffing for that meal. I spent the morning sorting the CWI stuff that I got from Mary. Now I know what is here on THAT end anyway. Next step will be the genealogy stuff.
I set the old information on the Celtic Mass aside also. I think I would like to be planning Fr. Mike's mass at St. Michaels so there are no surprises at the end. Did I tell you that he is celebrating his 50th year of profession this year and is doing it at St. Michaels in conjunction with the Reunion of the Clans that Beth Dippel started several years ago. St. Michael's, Cascade and Armstrong have many ties and this will make the reunion this year VERY special.
Therapy went well today. Dick stood a lot. The only problem is that his right foot is slanting. That is probably not the right word. We are hoping and "know" that the shoe, with its brace will straighten the foot out and make his walk for steady. It will also prevent pressure spots which should keep wounds from reoccuring. That is our prayer.
We were talking about babies at therapy today. I remembered and recounted when Bret was born. He was delivered at Santa Ana Community Hospital. At that time, Santa Ana Community served a largely Hispanic community. After he was delivered, I went with my ex husband to see him in the nursery. There was my little 7 lb 2 oz boy. He was pink with a fuzz of hair on his little (almost bald) head. Actually to see his hair you had to have him in the right light and then you saw the fuzz. He had two cowlicks in the back and three swirles in the front. His Grandpa Deeley's curly hair. As his Grandpa Deeley, who had 9 bald children said, " They are bald because the brains have been developing."
Anyway the other babies in the nursery all had to have weighed at least 9 pounds and had shocks of long black hair. My baby looked like a little peanut.
I just remembered also that the gal in the room with me (wards were common in those days) gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. She was an unmarried little lady and was so disappointed because she had figured if she had a boy her boyfriend would marry her. Perhaps if he saw the little girl, she turned his heart and he loved her and her Mom too. I never knew.
Be save and enjoy the rest of the week.
Love
Mary
Dick was very sleepy today. He slept most of the morning. We did get him washed up before dinner. I fixed pork chops and stuffing for that meal. I spent the morning sorting the CWI stuff that I got from Mary. Now I know what is here on THAT end anyway. Next step will be the genealogy stuff.
I set the old information on the Celtic Mass aside also. I think I would like to be planning Fr. Mike's mass at St. Michaels so there are no surprises at the end. Did I tell you that he is celebrating his 50th year of profession this year and is doing it at St. Michaels in conjunction with the Reunion of the Clans that Beth Dippel started several years ago. St. Michael's, Cascade and Armstrong have many ties and this will make the reunion this year VERY special.
Therapy went well today. Dick stood a lot. The only problem is that his right foot is slanting. That is probably not the right word. We are hoping and "know" that the shoe, with its brace will straighten the foot out and make his walk for steady. It will also prevent pressure spots which should keep wounds from reoccuring. That is our prayer.
We were talking about babies at therapy today. I remembered and recounted when Bret was born. He was delivered at Santa Ana Community Hospital. At that time, Santa Ana Community served a largely Hispanic community. After he was delivered, I went with my ex husband to see him in the nursery. There was my little 7 lb 2 oz boy. He was pink with a fuzz of hair on his little (almost bald) head. Actually to see his hair you had to have him in the right light and then you saw the fuzz. He had two cowlicks in the back and three swirles in the front. His Grandpa Deeley's curly hair. As his Grandpa Deeley, who had 9 bald children said, " They are bald because the brains have been developing."
Anyway the other babies in the nursery all had to have weighed at least 9 pounds and had shocks of long black hair. My baby looked like a little peanut.
I just remembered also that the gal in the room with me (wards were common in those days) gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. She was an unmarried little lady and was so disappointed because she had figured if she had a boy her boyfriend would marry her. Perhaps if he saw the little girl, she turned his heart and he loved her and her Mom too. I never knew.
Be save and enjoy the rest of the week.
Love
Mary
Monday, March 02, 2009
Chelsea and I woke up to 6 degrees out there at 4:30AM. When I got up at 6 and took her out shortly after that it was down to 3. The only thing good about going out was that the cardinal was singing AND I heard a woodpecker tapping away in the trees in back of the condo.
I left for bible study shortly after 9AM. There were 5 of us there. Four of our members are on vacation. South, I must say. Hope they are having nice weather - somebody might as well be warm. We had a good discussion anyway. The first reading was the story of God asking Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. We marveled at his trust in God that he would even go up that mountain. Such faith. Of course as we discussed God did sacrifice his Son for us. And he did stop Abraham from sacrificing his son. In our discussions we kind of figure that human sacrifice was not unheard of in the time of Abraham and even in Jesus time, the Jewish people made sacrifices of animals at the temple for various things.
Then over to Mom's for a visit. She is looking wonderful as usual. She had a picture of herself drawn by Coleton, my nephew Matt's son. Coleton drew it from the picture of grandma that was sent to them and wrote Love Great Grandma on it. It is precious. Now you probably don't know that Coleton lives in Hawaii so that picture is really special.
We had venison stew over rice for lunch and it was delicious. I tried to rest after lunch but was not too successful. I did get a lot of stuff cleared off of the desk and caught up with on the computer.
Tonight was the Rhine Plymouth meeting. It went fast and I was back home in our warm sweet house right at 8PM. I walked in the house and found Chelsea sound asleep in the kitchen. She did not wake up until I was all settled at my desk. Poor baby sleeps so sound and has so little hearing that this is happening more and more often. She will be 15 years old in April. So she is just a little OLD lady.
I told Mother that I am taking the storytelling class and bounced some of my story ideas off of her. She liked them as they are kind of family history and Irish history from out in the Holyland west of here. I am really looking forward to that class.
That is about all. Bart called last night and we had the nicest visit. Barb has a cold. Pray that it does not get into her lungs. She gets so sick then. Everything else is going well in Oklahoma and he sounded good. I love him. He is one of my boys.
Take care and pray for warm. It is supposed to be REALLY REALLY cold again tomorrow morning, but then warm up.
Love
Mary
I left for bible study shortly after 9AM. There were 5 of us there. Four of our members are on vacation. South, I must say. Hope they are having nice weather - somebody might as well be warm. We had a good discussion anyway. The first reading was the story of God asking Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. We marveled at his trust in God that he would even go up that mountain. Such faith. Of course as we discussed God did sacrifice his Son for us. And he did stop Abraham from sacrificing his son. In our discussions we kind of figure that human sacrifice was not unheard of in the time of Abraham and even in Jesus time, the Jewish people made sacrifices of animals at the temple for various things.
Then over to Mom's for a visit. She is looking wonderful as usual. She had a picture of herself drawn by Coleton, my nephew Matt's son. Coleton drew it from the picture of grandma that was sent to them and wrote Love Great Grandma on it. It is precious. Now you probably don't know that Coleton lives in Hawaii so that picture is really special.
We had venison stew over rice for lunch and it was delicious. I tried to rest after lunch but was not too successful. I did get a lot of stuff cleared off of the desk and caught up with on the computer.
Tonight was the Rhine Plymouth meeting. It went fast and I was back home in our warm sweet house right at 8PM. I walked in the house and found Chelsea sound asleep in the kitchen. She did not wake up until I was all settled at my desk. Poor baby sleeps so sound and has so little hearing that this is happening more and more often. She will be 15 years old in April. So she is just a little OLD lady.
I told Mother that I am taking the storytelling class and bounced some of my story ideas off of her. She liked them as they are kind of family history and Irish history from out in the Holyland west of here. I am really looking forward to that class.
That is about all. Bart called last night and we had the nicest visit. Barb has a cold. Pray that it does not get into her lungs. She gets so sick then. Everything else is going well in Oklahoma and he sounded good. I love him. He is one of my boys.
Take care and pray for warm. It is supposed to be REALLY REALLY cold again tomorrow morning, but then warm up.
Love
Mary
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Today WAS a quiet day. We did not have to go out of the condo complex even once. That is such a delight.
Chelsea woke me up before 4AM but I was able to get back to sleep and finally got up at about 6:15AM. I still took a nap. I was able to hang on until after lunch but it sure felt good.
I spent the morning cleaning. Things got behind on Friday and Saturday so I still had the living room to vacuum and the kitchen floor to mop. They are done now and I still had the rest of the day to goof off on my stuff. I worked on a little bit of writing, finished the doll and got things organized downstairs for four separate projects that I have been putting off.
I called the people who are going to the play in Fond du Lac today. Only two were home but we have pretty much decided that the four of us who are going alone will drive together and the couples can team up however they wish. That should be fun and a nice kick off to the St. Patrick Day season. I brought up my decorations today. It is time to put them out now. I can start wearing green more regularly too.
We had the chili for lunch. It is really good, but we do miss the choriso.
I will forward a picture of the doll today too. Dick says he likes it too.
I have a poem that I found in Chicken Soup for the Soul. It was credited to a Langson Hughes and went as follows:
Mother to Son
Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it.
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor-
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So, Boy, don't you turn back
Don't you set down on the steps
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now-
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin'
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.|
Isn't that a great poem?
Enjoy your week.
Mary
Chelsea woke me up before 4AM but I was able to get back to sleep and finally got up at about 6:15AM. I still took a nap. I was able to hang on until after lunch but it sure felt good.
I spent the morning cleaning. Things got behind on Friday and Saturday so I still had the living room to vacuum and the kitchen floor to mop. They are done now and I still had the rest of the day to goof off on my stuff. I worked on a little bit of writing, finished the doll and got things organized downstairs for four separate projects that I have been putting off.
I called the people who are going to the play in Fond du Lac today. Only two were home but we have pretty much decided that the four of us who are going alone will drive together and the couples can team up however they wish. That should be fun and a nice kick off to the St. Patrick Day season. I brought up my decorations today. It is time to put them out now. I can start wearing green more regularly too.
We had the chili for lunch. It is really good, but we do miss the choriso.
I will forward a picture of the doll today too. Dick says he likes it too.
I have a poem that I found in Chicken Soup for the Soul. It was credited to a Langson Hughes and went as follows:
Mother to Son
Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it.
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor-
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So, Boy, don't you turn back
Don't you set down on the steps
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now-
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin'
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.|
Isn't that a great poem?
Enjoy your week.
Mary
Saturday, February 28, 2009
I think it was a very successful Saturday.
I got two naps. I only had to go out twice. Once to pick up medications for both Dick and Chelsea and once to Mass. Tomorrow I should not have to leave at all. That will be a minor miracle and much appreciated.
Today was bath day which takes quite a hunk of the morning and it made a lot of washing to be done. I am down to two loads now. Of course, washing is never done. We just keep dirtying things.
Last night I was watching a little bit of the Dean Martin Story and when they showed the Rat Pack. It reminded me that years ago on what I think was my first trip to Las Vegas, my ex and another couple went for a weekend, we saw Sammy Davis Jr. performing at one of the casinos. That little funny looking little man had more talent in his little finger than anybody. He sang, he danced and believe it or not he was an expert at doing quick draw and demonstrated that too. I loved the show and most everything else that I ever saw him in.
I am making chili as we speak. I intended to do it earlier in the day but was much too busy. It really smells good. I figure it can cool down tonight and be reheated tomorrow for maximum flavor. I am using half hamburger and half venison. The flavor of the venison is SO good in chili. I use my mother in law, Lily 's recipe. Oops. I just remembered that I usually put chorizo in my chili and I don't have any. Well, for many years, I made it without because I couldn't find it. I must remember to pick some up the next time I go past Woodlake. They do have it and it is very good.
I think I will make a nice cheesy garlic bread to have with it tomorrow.
It is hard to believe that tomorrow will be the first of March already. A week from tomorrow I will be going to an Irish play in Fond du Lac and a week and two days after that will be St. Patrick's Day. Time to decorate. I bought a shamrock shaped cake pan. I will have to make a shamrock shaped cake for the weekend before.
Maybe I will get a corned beef this year. I haven't the past couple of years because it is such a big meal, but I can share. Does anybody want to share?
Oscar has taken to sleeping on the couch during the day. Roxie is on the desk, unless I am napping on the couch. Then Oscar stays away and she sleeps with me.
Have a nice Sunday. I am getting really tired and better stop now.
Love
Mary
I got two naps. I only had to go out twice. Once to pick up medications for both Dick and Chelsea and once to Mass. Tomorrow I should not have to leave at all. That will be a minor miracle and much appreciated.
Today was bath day which takes quite a hunk of the morning and it made a lot of washing to be done. I am down to two loads now. Of course, washing is never done. We just keep dirtying things.
Last night I was watching a little bit of the Dean Martin Story and when they showed the Rat Pack. It reminded me that years ago on what I think was my first trip to Las Vegas, my ex and another couple went for a weekend, we saw Sammy Davis Jr. performing at one of the casinos. That little funny looking little man had more talent in his little finger than anybody. He sang, he danced and believe it or not he was an expert at doing quick draw and demonstrated that too. I loved the show and most everything else that I ever saw him in.
I am making chili as we speak. I intended to do it earlier in the day but was much too busy. It really smells good. I figure it can cool down tonight and be reheated tomorrow for maximum flavor. I am using half hamburger and half venison. The flavor of the venison is SO good in chili. I use my mother in law, Lily 's recipe. Oops. I just remembered that I usually put chorizo in my chili and I don't have any. Well, for many years, I made it without because I couldn't find it. I must remember to pick some up the next time I go past Woodlake. They do have it and it is very good.
I think I will make a nice cheesy garlic bread to have with it tomorrow.
It is hard to believe that tomorrow will be the first of March already. A week from tomorrow I will be going to an Irish play in Fond du Lac and a week and two days after that will be St. Patrick's Day. Time to decorate. I bought a shamrock shaped cake pan. I will have to make a shamrock shaped cake for the weekend before.
Maybe I will get a corned beef this year. I haven't the past couple of years because it is such a big meal, but I can share. Does anybody want to share?
Oscar has taken to sleeping on the couch during the day. Roxie is on the desk, unless I am napping on the couch. Then Oscar stays away and she sleeps with me.
Have a nice Sunday. I am getting really tired and better stop now.
Love
Mary
Friday, February 27, 2009
Another very good day. We had to be at the Plymouth Center Therapy at 9:30AM. Andrea from Wisconsin Prosthetics was there to measure Dick's foot for the shoe. The premade shoe WILL work with the adaptations that Andrea has to make. As I understand, she will be building an ankle brace onto it and then making an insert to provide the perfect fit. With any luck at all she will have the shoe ready in two weeks. Then he can start walking. Yippee!!!!
You will have to wait to see a picture of the doll that I am making. I am not quite done with it after all. The day got just too busy.
This morning I had to make a second dessert to take to St. John's this afternoon to be served at their fish fry. I made a Cherry Dream Pie, a recipe that my wonderful (I would say sweet, but Lil was not sweet. ) mother in law used to make. It is truely delicious. A bit putzy as you have to make it in three stages but it is easy too.
So at about 3:30PM I took the carrot cake and the Cherry Dream Pie over to church and picked up a fish fry dinner for Dick. I did not eat dinner at home tonight. My friend Toni had invited me to a Tastefully Simple Party.
After I saw that Dick was fed and fed the critters. Nancy Roehre and I met out at Rhine to shoot pistol league at 5PM. Nancy had her grandson, Jack, with her. Jack looked about 9 or 10 and enjoyed watching us "older" ladies shooting our guns. She and Jack left right after we were done so I visited for about an hour with the guys and then went over to Toni's house.
I got there a bit early so I watched Toni and Theresa set everything up for the feeding frenzy that takes place at these parties. We sampled several dips, (Onion, Garlic, Cheese), a beer bread, a soup, a cheese ball, a cake and various chips and crackers. Never Never eat before you go to one of these. I knew that.
I got to meet Toni's new dog, a Shih-tzu, named Roxie. She is still a puppy. John was adamant that he did not want a dog and that Toni would be totally responsible. I wish you could see him now. That little creature has just wrapped him around her little paw. She is a sweety. Toni put her downstairs in her cage for a little while but she cried. So I asked if she really had to stay there. When Toni brought her up she just curled up on my feet and went to sleep. I had a good time anyway.
This weekend will be very quiet. I need to pick up some prescriptions at Walgreens and I also will go to Mass but the rest of the time in ours to just be at home. I want to finish the doll, I have some cleaning to catch up on AND I want to read.
I have a very warm kitty sitting on my lap and purring her heart out as I do this. At least she is not sitting in front of the screen. When we lived at Hunters Glen, Oscar was the one who spent most of his time on my desk. Here it is Roxie. However, Oscar is my cuddler at night. He always comes to be my little friend when I go to bed at night. I am SO glad that they are back with me. I think they are too though I know they loved being in their foster home. Maybe they believed me when I told them that they would be coming back to me.
Love
Mary
You will have to wait to see a picture of the doll that I am making. I am not quite done with it after all. The day got just too busy.
This morning I had to make a second dessert to take to St. John's this afternoon to be served at their fish fry. I made a Cherry Dream Pie, a recipe that my wonderful (I would say sweet, but Lil was not sweet. ) mother in law used to make. It is truely delicious. A bit putzy as you have to make it in three stages but it is easy too.
So at about 3:30PM I took the carrot cake and the Cherry Dream Pie over to church and picked up a fish fry dinner for Dick. I did not eat dinner at home tonight. My friend Toni had invited me to a Tastefully Simple Party.
After I saw that Dick was fed and fed the critters. Nancy Roehre and I met out at Rhine to shoot pistol league at 5PM. Nancy had her grandson, Jack, with her. Jack looked about 9 or 10 and enjoyed watching us "older" ladies shooting our guns. She and Jack left right after we were done so I visited for about an hour with the guys and then went over to Toni's house.
I got there a bit early so I watched Toni and Theresa set everything up for the feeding frenzy that takes place at these parties. We sampled several dips, (Onion, Garlic, Cheese), a beer bread, a soup, a cheese ball, a cake and various chips and crackers. Never Never eat before you go to one of these. I knew that.
I got to meet Toni's new dog, a Shih-tzu, named Roxie. She is still a puppy. John was adamant that he did not want a dog and that Toni would be totally responsible. I wish you could see him now. That little creature has just wrapped him around her little paw. She is a sweety. Toni put her downstairs in her cage for a little while but she cried. So I asked if she really had to stay there. When Toni brought her up she just curled up on my feet and went to sleep. I had a good time anyway.
This weekend will be very quiet. I need to pick up some prescriptions at Walgreens and I also will go to Mass but the rest of the time in ours to just be at home. I want to finish the doll, I have some cleaning to catch up on AND I want to read.
I have a very warm kitty sitting on my lap and purring her heart out as I do this. At least she is not sitting in front of the screen. When we lived at Hunters Glen, Oscar was the one who spent most of his time on my desk. Here it is Roxie. However, Oscar is my cuddler at night. He always comes to be my little friend when I go to bed at night. I am SO glad that they are back with me. I think they are too though I know they loved being in their foster home. Maybe they believed me when I told them that they would be coming back to me.
Love
Mary
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Today started off on a very pleasant note. I got up at a bit after 6, took care of feeding the critters and putting out the pills. Then Chelsea and I went for a nice long walk. No deer today but we did see and hear the cardinal and I heard the phoebe singing in the early morning.
We were busy all morning getting Dick bathed, the pad on his foot changed. We had a very good breakfast too. Fried potato, egg, spam and toast. I vacuumed the cat's room and the hall while Dick napped. (He sleeps well to the sound of the vacuum.) I also made a carrot cake for the fish fry tomorrow at St. John's. I will be making Lily's Cherry Dream Pie tomorrow as I said I would make two desserts. I kept two scoops of the carrot cake out and baked cupcakes. BOY are they good. We had them for dessert tonight.
We had rice and meatballs for lunch. Then Dick went to therapy at 1:30PM. That went very well. We went into an apartment area of the Center and Dick practiced standing up in front of a sink. We are going to work on that in the kitchen this weekend. He is getting more and more independent and able to do for himself every day.
When we got home, I found a message from Wisconsin Prosthesis that the shoe we are going to try has arrived. Lori, the therapist called them and we are going to be able to try it tomorrow. I will keep you informed. As I said, if this works, we will probably have the shoe in two to three weeks, otherwise we will have to order a special shoe that will take as long as a month to be fabricated.
The ice storm had started just about the time we left therapy. By morning the sleet is supposed to be done and we should have 3 to 5 inches of snow. I just want it plowed by 9:00AM so that we can getover to the Center and try on that shoe.
I put a beard and hair on my doll. He looks cute. Tomorrow, once I am sure he is finished, I will take picture of him and then post it for you.
Guess that is all for today.
Love
Mary
We were busy all morning getting Dick bathed, the pad on his foot changed. We had a very good breakfast too. Fried potato, egg, spam and toast. I vacuumed the cat's room and the hall while Dick napped. (He sleeps well to the sound of the vacuum.) I also made a carrot cake for the fish fry tomorrow at St. John's. I will be making Lily's Cherry Dream Pie tomorrow as I said I would make two desserts. I kept two scoops of the carrot cake out and baked cupcakes. BOY are they good. We had them for dessert tonight.
We had rice and meatballs for lunch. Then Dick went to therapy at 1:30PM. That went very well. We went into an apartment area of the Center and Dick practiced standing up in front of a sink. We are going to work on that in the kitchen this weekend. He is getting more and more independent and able to do for himself every day.
When we got home, I found a message from Wisconsin Prosthesis that the shoe we are going to try has arrived. Lori, the therapist called them and we are going to be able to try it tomorrow. I will keep you informed. As I said, if this works, we will probably have the shoe in two to three weeks, otherwise we will have to order a special shoe that will take as long as a month to be fabricated.
The ice storm had started just about the time we left therapy. By morning the sleet is supposed to be done and we should have 3 to 5 inches of snow. I just want it plowed by 9:00AM so that we can getover to the Center and try on that shoe.
I put a beard and hair on my doll. He looks cute. Tomorrow, once I am sure he is finished, I will take picture of him and then post it for you.
Guess that is all for today.
Love
Mary
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Today started off with a bang. I had a rather dumb night. Had to take Chelsea out twice and then I got very uncomfortable and had trouble getting back to sleep. Finally did get back to sleep but had to get up at 6 anyway.
Chelsea and I went for a nice walk, not a long one but a nice one, at about 7AM. As we started around the corner she was barking up a storm. I noticed some movement on the railroad tracks between Tallgrass and the park. Two deer must have been discussing their plans for the day and when they heard Chelsea they took off like a shot in opposite directions. We also heard a cardinal singing his heart out again this morning.
I went grocery shopping right after breakfast. I had to hurry because it is Ash Wednesday today and I wanted to go to the 10AM Mass. I was able to finish the shopping and get to Walgreens and home in time to get to Mass on time. I like to start Lent off in a proper manner. I remember when I was a kid, before I started going to the brand new Catholic School , we used to go to early morning Mass, on Ash Wednesday, get our ashes and proudly wear them to the public school. I guess because it was a unique thing to be doing. A badge of our being Catholic.
I ended up doing the same thing today. After Mass, Dick and I had lunch, I rested a bit then went to the Amputee Support Group meeting at Rocky Knoll. Tonight I remembered that I never washed the ashes off of my forehead. None of the attendees said a word. Hopefully they knew what they were and didn't think I was just dirty.
I spent a little time working on my stump doll. He is coming along. I need a collar on his coat and want to give him a beard. Then I want to make a little kilt skirt for another doll that I started wome time ago. She will need more thought.
Tomorrow morning will be quiet. Dick has therapy at 1:30 and I am supposed to go to a Tastefully Simple party tomorrow night. Bad weather is also supposed to be moving on in. Icy roads are the worst part of the prediction. We will just have to see how it develops.
An anonymous poem that I think is beautiful. It comes from Manyoshu a collection of Japanese verse.
If snow falls on the far field
where travelers
spend the night,
I ask you, cranes
To warm my child in your wings.
Til tomorrow
Mary
Chelsea and I went for a nice walk, not a long one but a nice one, at about 7AM. As we started around the corner she was barking up a storm. I noticed some movement on the railroad tracks between Tallgrass and the park. Two deer must have been discussing their plans for the day and when they heard Chelsea they took off like a shot in opposite directions. We also heard a cardinal singing his heart out again this morning.
I went grocery shopping right after breakfast. I had to hurry because it is Ash Wednesday today and I wanted to go to the 10AM Mass. I was able to finish the shopping and get to Walgreens and home in time to get to Mass on time. I like to start Lent off in a proper manner. I remember when I was a kid, before I started going to the brand new Catholic School , we used to go to early morning Mass, on Ash Wednesday, get our ashes and proudly wear them to the public school. I guess because it was a unique thing to be doing. A badge of our being Catholic.
I ended up doing the same thing today. After Mass, Dick and I had lunch, I rested a bit then went to the Amputee Support Group meeting at Rocky Knoll. Tonight I remembered that I never washed the ashes off of my forehead. None of the attendees said a word. Hopefully they knew what they were and didn't think I was just dirty.
I spent a little time working on my stump doll. He is coming along. I need a collar on his coat and want to give him a beard. Then I want to make a little kilt skirt for another doll that I started wome time ago. She will need more thought.
Tomorrow morning will be quiet. Dick has therapy at 1:30 and I am supposed to go to a Tastefully Simple party tomorrow night. Bad weather is also supposed to be moving on in. Icy roads are the worst part of the prediction. We will just have to see how it develops.
An anonymous poem that I think is beautiful. It comes from Manyoshu a collection of Japanese verse.
If snow falls on the far field
where travelers
spend the night,
I ask you, cranes
To warm my child in your wings.
Til tomorrow
Mary
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
This was a red letter day. Andrea from Wisconsin Prosthetics and Orthotics accompanied Tim to the Plymouth Care Center Therapy department. She is the shoe specialist. We are excited. She is hoping to be able to modify a premade shoe to work for Dick. It will need an ankle brace and an insert. If this will work, we will be able to have the shoe in two to three weeks. She is ordering a shoe which should be here by the end of the week. Then it will have to be adapted.
If this does not work, she will have to go further and have a custom shoe made for him. This will take at least a month and stretch the delivery time to 5 to 6 weeks. Either way, we are on the road.
The rest of the day was very quiet. I sent out several emails on CWI which caught me up there for the first time in weeks. I also worked on the grocery list.
Leslie emailed today. All is quiet down in Louisiana but now I know that they are OK. It is comforting to have contact.
Now, after watching Bones, one of my favorite shows, the President is going to talk to Congress. It seems that he has to speak very carefully and he has to show conficence. Our economy is going to hell in a handbasket and somehow or other we need to begin the pulling back and rebuilding. There is no one answer. But we need to realize that greed has to stop and that not everybody will be happy with the outcome.
Some facts.
Not everybody is qualified to purchase a home. Just living in the US does not entitle you to this priviledge.
Illegal immigrants are illegal and need to be treated as such.
Golden parachutes, greedy ceos who demand ungodly high bonuses and salaries have to realize they are wrong and will suffer the consequenses.
Our political figures should have to rely on the same SSI and medicare that the rest of the people do upon their retirement.
There is a point in earnings when more money becomes a "trip". There is a point where there is no need for more money. Noone needs three or four houses for example. Not when one can look around and see families living on the streets or even from paycheck to paycheck and not really being able to feed their family adequately.
Well I have vented long enough. Noone of any importance every asks my opinion anyway.
Have a great day tomorrow. I will be going to an Amputee Support Group meeting in the afternoon. Dick is not quite ready to go yet.
Til tomorrow then.
Mary
If this does not work, she will have to go further and have a custom shoe made for him. This will take at least a month and stretch the delivery time to 5 to 6 weeks. Either way, we are on the road.
The rest of the day was very quiet. I sent out several emails on CWI which caught me up there for the first time in weeks. I also worked on the grocery list.
Leslie emailed today. All is quiet down in Louisiana but now I know that they are OK. It is comforting to have contact.
Now, after watching Bones, one of my favorite shows, the President is going to talk to Congress. It seems that he has to speak very carefully and he has to show conficence. Our economy is going to hell in a handbasket and somehow or other we need to begin the pulling back and rebuilding. There is no one answer. But we need to realize that greed has to stop and that not everybody will be happy with the outcome.
Some facts.
Not everybody is qualified to purchase a home. Just living in the US does not entitle you to this priviledge.
Illegal immigrants are illegal and need to be treated as such.
Golden parachutes, greedy ceos who demand ungodly high bonuses and salaries have to realize they are wrong and will suffer the consequenses.
Our political figures should have to rely on the same SSI and medicare that the rest of the people do upon their retirement.
There is a point in earnings when more money becomes a "trip". There is a point where there is no need for more money. Noone needs three or four houses for example. Not when one can look around and see families living on the streets or even from paycheck to paycheck and not really being able to feed their family adequately.
Well I have vented long enough. Noone of any importance every asks my opinion anyway.
Have a great day tomorrow. I will be going to an Amputee Support Group meeting in the afternoon. Dick is not quite ready to go yet.
Til tomorrow then.
Mary
Monday, February 23, 2009
Here we are at the beginning of a brand new week. It is the last week in February AND the first week in Lent. A lot happening all to-onct. Don't know if that is a word but Dick and I use it often.
Poor Dick was a real sleepyhead this morning so I had to keep pushing him to get him bathed and fed before I left for Bible Study. We managed though. I was able to leave just a little after 9AM. I stopped at Mom's before the bible study to pick up some things that she wanted to go to the church office. She was unable to go to church yesterday because of the slippery spots AND the extreme cold. So I got a bulletin for her too.
We had nice bible study. The readings all kind of reflected the first reading which tells of God's covenant told to Noah which was marked by the rainbow. We commented on how good the rainbow makes people feel and how excited we get when we see one. The reading states that the bow is a covenant for ALL people, not just the Israelites so perhaps that is why it gives us such a feeling of well being.
Ione was unable to come. Please pray for her as she is having some health issues. Also pray for my friend Wally, who is having heart surgery in the morning.
I read Jim and Michelle's blog today. That Jim is becoming quite the cook. Corn muffins from scratch, that is quite a coup. I had a friend who tried that once and he was out of some ingredient so tried another and they turned into monster muffins with funny centers. He said that it was a good thing that Bob would eat anything because he would have had to throw them out otherwise.
I spent a bit of time this afternoon sewing a jacket for the little doll that I am making. He is coming together, just like everything else that I do, one step at a time. I need to decide on his beard and what he will be carrying. When he is done, I will send a picture. I also did a bit of writing today. Hopefully things will stay fairly calm and we will get into a routine that will allow me to do these things that are fun for me and make me feel that I am fulfilled.
Mother was remembering a man that came to visit Dad for a while. He would show up every few weeks and visit with Dad and tell Dad all of his woes and problems, then just before he left, he would hit Dad up for a few bucks to get him by. Finally Dad had to tell him that he did not have the money to give him. Surprise, Surprise, they guy never came again. The last time he came he brought his son who was living at the Salvation Army, the son did get bus fare out of Dad as he said that if he did not get back to the shelter before a certain time he would not have a place to sleep. Dad was such a gentle caring man that I am sure he was taken advantage of many times. He would have shrugged it off as he cared so much for others.
My cousin Patty said one time that his big heart spilled out all over the place out of him and you had to be careful not to step on it.
Have a special Tuesday. Tomorrow is special for us. We are going to have Dick fitted for his new shoe. Yippee.
Mary
Poor Dick was a real sleepyhead this morning so I had to keep pushing him to get him bathed and fed before I left for Bible Study. We managed though. I was able to leave just a little after 9AM. I stopped at Mom's before the bible study to pick up some things that she wanted to go to the church office. She was unable to go to church yesterday because of the slippery spots AND the extreme cold. So I got a bulletin for her too.
We had nice bible study. The readings all kind of reflected the first reading which tells of God's covenant told to Noah which was marked by the rainbow. We commented on how good the rainbow makes people feel and how excited we get when we see one. The reading states that the bow is a covenant for ALL people, not just the Israelites so perhaps that is why it gives us such a feeling of well being.
Ione was unable to come. Please pray for her as she is having some health issues. Also pray for my friend Wally, who is having heart surgery in the morning.
I read Jim and Michelle's blog today. That Jim is becoming quite the cook. Corn muffins from scratch, that is quite a coup. I had a friend who tried that once and he was out of some ingredient so tried another and they turned into monster muffins with funny centers. He said that it was a good thing that Bob would eat anything because he would have had to throw them out otherwise.
I spent a bit of time this afternoon sewing a jacket for the little doll that I am making. He is coming together, just like everything else that I do, one step at a time. I need to decide on his beard and what he will be carrying. When he is done, I will send a picture. I also did a bit of writing today. Hopefully things will stay fairly calm and we will get into a routine that will allow me to do these things that are fun for me and make me feel that I am fulfilled.
Mother was remembering a man that came to visit Dad for a while. He would show up every few weeks and visit with Dad and tell Dad all of his woes and problems, then just before he left, he would hit Dad up for a few bucks to get him by. Finally Dad had to tell him that he did not have the money to give him. Surprise, Surprise, they guy never came again. The last time he came he brought his son who was living at the Salvation Army, the son did get bus fare out of Dad as he said that if he did not get back to the shelter before a certain time he would not have a place to sleep. Dad was such a gentle caring man that I am sure he was taken advantage of many times. He would have shrugged it off as he cared so much for others.
My cousin Patty said one time that his big heart spilled out all over the place out of him and you had to be careful not to step on it.
Have a special Tuesday. Tomorrow is special for us. We are going to have Dick fitted for his new shoe. Yippee.
Mary
Sunday, February 22, 2009
No snow today and miracle of miracles, I woke up to find that our driveway plowed and the sidewalk and porch shoveled. Isn't that just the nicest thing to happen?
There was really no good place for Chelsea. The snow Is so deep that the only way she can do her business is to run in cirles as fast as she can to tamp down a spot so she can squat. Quite picture.
Dick and I had the excitement of giving him a bath again. We ARE getting better at it. It is the transfer that gets exciting. But we got it done in record time this morning. In time for me to go to Mass at 10:45AM. I prefer going on Saturday, as you know, but when I got stuck yesterday morning trying to get back into the garage, and the snow continued throughout the day, there was no way on this earth that I would have attempted it last night.
On the way home from church, I filled the gas tank and stopped at Papa John's for a pizza. Dick and I had decided that this would be a good Oscar supper. And it was.
After lunch, I lay down for a nap. That was refreshing. Later I spent about an hour downstairs working on the doll. He now has a face, arms and a vest. Need to work on a jacket and some other touches. I also set up my quilt frame. I have decided that that wall hanging I designed cannot be stretched tight enough and stitched properly except by hand, so by hand I will do it. I am sure the cats will enjoy the hammock.
Now it is Oscar time and it is a good show. We have not been to one single movie this past year and are still enjoying the presentation. So that tells you something.
They just made a statement that struck me. That there was a time when people dressed up to go to work at the phone company. I remember getting dressed up to go to the store oand always to Church dressed up and wearing a hat and gloves. We even had gloves to match our outfits. I remember at one time that Mother, Nora and I had a favorite hat that just matched all of our summer clothes and we would go to different masses so that we could all wear the hat. It was a straw hat with a broad brim and I remeber there were three large silk flowers in the rim, all different colors but they all blended together. In those days there were four masses every Sunday morning as there were a lot more priests. Even little Sheboygan Falls had a pastor and an assistant pastor at all times.
This is a rather quiet week at least so far. Hope yours is either quiet too or super exciting.
Love
Mary
There was really no good place for Chelsea. The snow Is so deep that the only way she can do her business is to run in cirles as fast as she can to tamp down a spot so she can squat. Quite picture.
Dick and I had the excitement of giving him a bath again. We ARE getting better at it. It is the transfer that gets exciting. But we got it done in record time this morning. In time for me to go to Mass at 10:45AM. I prefer going on Saturday, as you know, but when I got stuck yesterday morning trying to get back into the garage, and the snow continued throughout the day, there was no way on this earth that I would have attempted it last night.
On the way home from church, I filled the gas tank and stopped at Papa John's for a pizza. Dick and I had decided that this would be a good Oscar supper. And it was.
After lunch, I lay down for a nap. That was refreshing. Later I spent about an hour downstairs working on the doll. He now has a face, arms and a vest. Need to work on a jacket and some other touches. I also set up my quilt frame. I have decided that that wall hanging I designed cannot be stretched tight enough and stitched properly except by hand, so by hand I will do it. I am sure the cats will enjoy the hammock.
Now it is Oscar time and it is a good show. We have not been to one single movie this past year and are still enjoying the presentation. So that tells you something.
They just made a statement that struck me. That there was a time when people dressed up to go to work at the phone company. I remember getting dressed up to go to the store oand always to Church dressed up and wearing a hat and gloves. We even had gloves to match our outfits. I remember at one time that Mother, Nora and I had a favorite hat that just matched all of our summer clothes and we would go to different masses so that we could all wear the hat. It was a straw hat with a broad brim and I remeber there were three large silk flowers in the rim, all different colors but they all blended together. In those days there were four masses every Sunday morning as there were a lot more priests. Even little Sheboygan Falls had a pastor and an assistant pastor at all times.
This is a rather quiet week at least so far. Hope yours is either quiet too or super exciting.
Love
Mary
Saturday, February 21, 2009
This was an extremely LONG Saturday. Chelsea woke me up at about 4:30AM but I was able to get back to sleep until a little after 6. Then I got up and started getting to work.
At 4:30AM there was very little snow by 6 it was up to a couple of inches. I took care of the animals and prepared breakfast and showered. Then it was time to go to pick up Kate as we were going to the Plymoth Armory to pick up our Share package. By then the snow was really getting deeper. We helped them set up the tables and load them for the pick up at the Share Site. They were a bit behind because the room with the tables was locked an they had to get a key. I stopped and had a cup of tea with Kate before heading home. By then the snow was up to at least four inches. BUT I had no trouble at all UNTIL I started up that little rise into the garage and I got stuck. I spent about a half an hour shoveling the driveway and around the car and finally got it into the garage.
Needless to say, that was the last time I left the house today. It just stopped snowing less than an hour ago and the plows are finally starting their rounds. I decided to put Mass off until tomorrow morning. Hopefully, the roads will be plowed and I can get there.
This afternoon, I vacuumed the living room and the stairwell going down to the den. I tried to take a nap but two cups of tea really did me in. So I made soup instead. My friend Nancy gave me a Garden Vegetable Soup last summer and I had frozen corn and zuccini so decided it was time to make it again. With Lent starting on Wednesday, I will have something to eat that is meatless. It is really good. Nancy's son John gave it to her.
Did I tell you that the other day, I looked in the "cat's" room shortly after I gave them their food. Chelsea was sitting there just watching them and both cats, unconcerned, were just eating as if she wasn't even there. So I guess they are OK. They are not intimidated by her obviously and she knows that she has to wait until they are done before she can look for any leavings.
I recieved a mailing from UW Sheboygan yesterday and found a three week storytelling course. It is in March. I asked Dick if he would mind if I went and he said it would be OK. Kate wants to go with me. That way, since the course is from 6 to 8 PM I won't be traveling back and forth alone.
So the day is winding down and so am I. I have a beautiful quote that is part of a rather long mailing that I received the other day.
"Courage does not always roar. Sometimes it is a quiet foice at the end of the day saying....'I will try again tomorrow.' " by Mary Ann Radmacher
Be safe and warm and have a perfect Sunday. I want to just do fun stuff. We are going to get a pizza and watch the Oscars in the evening.
All my love
Mary
At 4:30AM there was very little snow by 6 it was up to a couple of inches. I took care of the animals and prepared breakfast and showered. Then it was time to go to pick up Kate as we were going to the Plymoth Armory to pick up our Share package. By then the snow was really getting deeper. We helped them set up the tables and load them for the pick up at the Share Site. They were a bit behind because the room with the tables was locked an they had to get a key. I stopped and had a cup of tea with Kate before heading home. By then the snow was up to at least four inches. BUT I had no trouble at all UNTIL I started up that little rise into the garage and I got stuck. I spent about a half an hour shoveling the driveway and around the car and finally got it into the garage.
Needless to say, that was the last time I left the house today. It just stopped snowing less than an hour ago and the plows are finally starting their rounds. I decided to put Mass off until tomorrow morning. Hopefully, the roads will be plowed and I can get there.
This afternoon, I vacuumed the living room and the stairwell going down to the den. I tried to take a nap but two cups of tea really did me in. So I made soup instead. My friend Nancy gave me a Garden Vegetable Soup last summer and I had frozen corn and zuccini so decided it was time to make it again. With Lent starting on Wednesday, I will have something to eat that is meatless. It is really good. Nancy's son John gave it to her.
Did I tell you that the other day, I looked in the "cat's" room shortly after I gave them their food. Chelsea was sitting there just watching them and both cats, unconcerned, were just eating as if she wasn't even there. So I guess they are OK. They are not intimidated by her obviously and she knows that she has to wait until they are done before she can look for any leavings.
I recieved a mailing from UW Sheboygan yesterday and found a three week storytelling course. It is in March. I asked Dick if he would mind if I went and he said it would be OK. Kate wants to go with me. That way, since the course is from 6 to 8 PM I won't be traveling back and forth alone.
So the day is winding down and so am I. I have a beautiful quote that is part of a rather long mailing that I received the other day.
"Courage does not always roar. Sometimes it is a quiet foice at the end of the day saying....'I will try again tomorrow.' " by Mary Ann Radmacher
Be safe and warm and have a perfect Sunday. I want to just do fun stuff. We are going to get a pizza and watch the Oscars in the evening.
All my love
Mary
Friday, February 20, 2009
A very busy day. I spent the morning cleaning. Got everything but the livingroom done before it was time to have FUN.
I joined the bank ladies at the Dairy Queen at 12:30PM. I had one of their grilled sandwiches and brought home cheeseburger and fries for Dick for his lunch. Had a nice visit with the gals. I think I had the best news as I was able to tell everybody that Dick's wounds are healed and that he is to be fitted for his shoe. WOW. I still get all aquiver.
I dropped off the food for Dick and then went right out to Rhine Plymouth to shoot pistol. Some of the pistol shooters were going out early to avoid the smoke that fills up in the main room during the main shooting period from 5 to9 PM. There were six of us, John, Toni, Janet, Rich, Nancy and me so we had a really good time. My shooting is way down this year. I personally don't think I am concentrating. I think I will take Ken Pipping up on giving me some lessons.
Jeff Foxworthy said the following:
What is really funny is that, I don't know if you ever thought about it, my sons are named Bret and Bart. The two best quarterbacks that Green Bay ever had, Right?
However, my Bret is older than Favre and my Bart is the younger of the two. They were actually named for the Maverick brothers, a TV series that we liked a lot before they were born. It was actually over long before my Bret was born. Kind of goofy Huh!
Mary
When I got home, I made a rhubarb pie. Boy is it good. With Dick in the Center Rehab for so long, I have frozen veggies and fruits that are in need of being used up. The rhubarb is the first of the secrets. Next week I volunteered to bake two desserts for the church's fish fry dinners. I think I will make a cherry dream pie that my mother in law Lily used to make AND a carrot cake. I told Kate, I can't volunteer time at this point but I can bake and I love to bake.
I joined the bank ladies at the Dairy Queen at 12:30PM. I had one of their grilled sandwiches and brought home cheeseburger and fries for Dick for his lunch. Had a nice visit with the gals. I think I had the best news as I was able to tell everybody that Dick's wounds are healed and that he is to be fitted for his shoe. WOW. I still get all aquiver.
I dropped off the food for Dick and then went right out to Rhine Plymouth to shoot pistol. Some of the pistol shooters were going out early to avoid the smoke that fills up in the main room during the main shooting period from 5 to9 PM. There were six of us, John, Toni, Janet, Rich, Nancy and me so we had a really good time. My shooting is way down this year. I personally don't think I am concentrating. I think I will take Ken Pipping up on giving me some lessons.
Jeff Foxworthy said the following:
If you may not have actually eaten it, but you have heard
> of Head Cheese, you might live in Wisconsin .
>
>
> If you have either a pet or a child named
> 'Brett,' you might live in Wisconsin .
>
> If your town has an equal number of bars and churches,
> you might live in Wisconsin .
>
>
> If you know how to say Oconomowoc, Waukesha , Menomonie
> & Manitowoc, you might live in Wisconsin .
What is really funny is that, I don't know if you ever thought about it, my sons are named Bret and Bart. The two best quarterbacks that Green Bay ever had, Right?
However, my Bret is older than Favre and my Bart is the younger of the two. They were actually named for the Maverick brothers, a TV series that we liked a lot before they were born. It was actually over long before my Bret was born. Kind of goofy Huh!
Mary
When I got home, I made a rhubarb pie. Boy is it good. With Dick in the Center Rehab for so long, I have frozen veggies and fruits that are in need of being used up. The rhubarb is the first of the secrets. Next week I volunteered to bake two desserts for the church's fish fry dinners. I think I will make a cherry dream pie that my mother in law Lily used to make AND a carrot cake. I told Kate, I can't volunteer time at this point but I can bake and I love to bake.
Boy, I forgot to blog last night. It is now 4:13AM. Chelsea woke me up to "use the facility" and I remembered.
It was a very eventful day too, so I decided to post before going back to bed.
We had an appointment with Dr. Moreno and things are VERY good. The foot is healed and we are ready to have the shoe fitted. So he gave us a prescription to give to the orthotic person. We will be using the same company that is working with him on the prosthesis. We are SO excited.
We got home in plenty of time to have lunch. I fixed hamburger helper. I know. But we like it and have not had it in a long, long time. It was good too.
Bobbie got here at about 12:30 and helped me take Dick to his therapy. She is coming any time that there are two appointments. Especially when it involves loading the wheel chair. Lori, the therapist was as happy as we are. We made an appointment with the orthotic person to come to the next therapy session which is next Tuesday for the casting and beginnings of the making of the shoe. Yippee. Then we came home and all had tea, Bobbie and I hot tea and Dick his iced tea.
After Bobbie left, both Dick and I napped for a little bit but the rest of the day oas just a quiet, catch up time.
I thought of a funny event that happened to Jacquie and me when we were roommates in Costa Mesa California. We rented a little house that was in back of her brother Ronnie and his wife Doris. It was a duplex kind of deal for them. Anyway. Those days people hung their wash on the line. That is hard to imagine these days. Our condo complex does not even want clothes lines up. But that is how it was. Clothes sure smelled good then.
Jacquie and I did our was one weekend and hung all of it out. We came home and ALL of our underpants were gone. There must have been about 20 pair or more. ALL gone. So we called the police.
Two officers came. One of them a really good looking guy who had gone to school with Jacquie. They were really polite and tried very hard to be serious but some of the questions such as 'Describe the items taken" were really difficult to ask with a straight face. Especially when I was able to describe one as very large with a hole in it. Mom had sent me a pair that I think she forgot what size I was.
We were in quite a pickle, we only had the underwear we had on.
At that time, there had been a rash of what were being called "pantie raids" by college boys. Our line of so many must have been more than they could stand.
Believe it or not we DID get a few back. They found them strewn along the highway.
Love
Mary
It was a very eventful day too, so I decided to post before going back to bed.
We had an appointment with Dr. Moreno and things are VERY good. The foot is healed and we are ready to have the shoe fitted. So he gave us a prescription to give to the orthotic person. We will be using the same company that is working with him on the prosthesis. We are SO excited.
We got home in plenty of time to have lunch. I fixed hamburger helper. I know. But we like it and have not had it in a long, long time. It was good too.
Bobbie got here at about 12:30 and helped me take Dick to his therapy. She is coming any time that there are two appointments. Especially when it involves loading the wheel chair. Lori, the therapist was as happy as we are. We made an appointment with the orthotic person to come to the next therapy session which is next Tuesday for the casting and beginnings of the making of the shoe. Yippee. Then we came home and all had tea, Bobbie and I hot tea and Dick his iced tea.
After Bobbie left, both Dick and I napped for a little bit but the rest of the day oas just a quiet, catch up time.
I thought of a funny event that happened to Jacquie and me when we were roommates in Costa Mesa California. We rented a little house that was in back of her brother Ronnie and his wife Doris. It was a duplex kind of deal for them. Anyway. Those days people hung their wash on the line. That is hard to imagine these days. Our condo complex does not even want clothes lines up. But that is how it was. Clothes sure smelled good then.
Jacquie and I did our was one weekend and hung all of it out. We came home and ALL of our underpants were gone. There must have been about 20 pair or more. ALL gone. So we called the police.
Two officers came. One of them a really good looking guy who had gone to school with Jacquie. They were really polite and tried very hard to be serious but some of the questions such as 'Describe the items taken" were really difficult to ask with a straight face. Especially when I was able to describe one as very large with a hole in it. Mom had sent me a pair that I think she forgot what size I was.
We were in quite a pickle, we only had the underwear we had on.
At that time, there had been a rash of what were being called "pantie raids" by college boys. Our line of so many must have been more than they could stand.
Believe it or not we DID get a few back. They found them strewn along the highway.
Love
Mary
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
We had to be at the Plymouth Care Therapy at 9AM this morning because Diane was there to do an evaluation. She was very pleased with how far Dick has come. He stood for good long periods of time. The first 6:45. We were able to go anyway. They had been predicting 4 t0 8 inches of snow which fortunately did not materialize. It is snowing now. Hopefully it too will amount to little as we have to be in Sheboygan to see Dr. Moreno at 10AM tomorrow morning.
When we got home, I took off almost immediately for the grocery store. That took longer than usual, but I was able to get dinner on the table by 12:30PM. It was good. We had chicken, fried potatoes, peas and Waldorf Salad. I bought a piece of watermelon today. So we had a piece of that with a cookie for dessert.
After lunch, we both took naps. Then I cleaned off my desk AGAIN. I have managed to lose a group of pictures, an address folder and a church directory in the last two months. They HAVE to be here somewhere.
Roxie has taken to settling down in my desk chair whenever I vacate it. I think she has decided that if it is good enough for me it is better for her. Dick thinks she likes it because it smells like me. Both reasons make sense.
Someone sent me an email of dolphins playing in the sea. I saw that once. Dolphins love to play with humans and their boats. Uncle Jim took us out on a whale watching tour when Bret was very young and someone was visiting. I remember that the boat captain came upon a school of dolphins and told us he was going to get them to play. And he did. They ran along side, jumping in and out of the water and dove across the bow. It is truly spectacular. I loved the whale watching tours and any tour out onto the ocean (at least when the water was not choppy, I was not the greatest sailor and sometimes would get a little swarmy in my tummy.) But I still loved going out. On one tour we saw a killer whale out there in the wild.
The tours on the Pacific Coast were to find the gray whale. They migrate from up in Alaska I believe to southern Baja California each year, so the tours were twice a year during their migrating season. They are also truly spectacular. You can see when they are going to come up because they blow out of their blowhole and there is a flat circle on the ocean just before they come up. They are majestic. I have pictures of them and a certificate that says I saw them.
Take care
Spring is coming soon.
Mary
When we got home, I took off almost immediately for the grocery store. That took longer than usual, but I was able to get dinner on the table by 12:30PM. It was good. We had chicken, fried potatoes, peas and Waldorf Salad. I bought a piece of watermelon today. So we had a piece of that with a cookie for dessert.
After lunch, we both took naps. Then I cleaned off my desk AGAIN. I have managed to lose a group of pictures, an address folder and a church directory in the last two months. They HAVE to be here somewhere.
Roxie has taken to settling down in my desk chair whenever I vacate it. I think she has decided that if it is good enough for me it is better for her. Dick thinks she likes it because it smells like me. Both reasons make sense.
Someone sent me an email of dolphins playing in the sea. I saw that once. Dolphins love to play with humans and their boats. Uncle Jim took us out on a whale watching tour when Bret was very young and someone was visiting. I remember that the boat captain came upon a school of dolphins and told us he was going to get them to play. And he did. They ran along side, jumping in and out of the water and dove across the bow. It is truly spectacular. I loved the whale watching tours and any tour out onto the ocean (at least when the water was not choppy, I was not the greatest sailor and sometimes would get a little swarmy in my tummy.) But I still loved going out. On one tour we saw a killer whale out there in the wild.
The tours on the Pacific Coast were to find the gray whale. They migrate from up in Alaska I believe to southern Baja California each year, so the tours were twice a year during their migrating season. They are also truly spectacular. You can see when they are going to come up because they blow out of their blowhole and there is a flat circle on the ocean just before they come up. They are majestic. I have pictures of them and a certificate that says I saw them.
Take care
Spring is coming soon.
Mary
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
A full day. The night before was not too good. Chelsea got me up at about 3AM again. It has been over a week since she had done that. I was not happy and had trouble getting back to sleep again. Finally got up for good at 6AM.
We spent the morning getting Dick bathed, his food and leg dressing changed, and taking care of animals. Dick had therapy at 11AM. That went quite well. He stood the first time for over 7 minutes. The next three tries were shorter but the total was impressive.
I fixed tostadas for dinner. We finished the lemon merengue too. Then I was able to lie down for about a half an hour before Toni, Kate, Nancy and Janet came over so we could work on making Stump Dolls together. We got a lot of visiting and lots of sharing and dolls partly finished. We figure we can finish them at our homes and we plan on sharing them at our April meeting. We will be meeting on the 17th of each month according to plan and today, the five of us decided that we will meet somewhere for lunch on that day. I will get the word out to the rest of the gang.
I am working on two stump dolls. One is going to be a guy with a hat and a coat and vest and a beard. The other will be a young lady and I intend to dress her in the CWI tartan with golden jewels. I need to come up with something else to make her special. but that is her beginning.
We are supposed to be getting a winter storm tonight and tomorrow. I hope they are wrong. Dick is scheduled for therapy at 9AM because he is supposed to be evaluated. I won't take him out if there is too much snow. It just wouldn't be safe.
I will let you know tomorrow.
Today was Dick's sister Hazel's birthday. She is now 92 years old. Just about a year behind my motherl Suzi is home and doing pretty well. I must email her and tell her how glad I am that she is doing so well.
Take care - until tomorrow.
Mary
We spent the morning getting Dick bathed, his food and leg dressing changed, and taking care of animals. Dick had therapy at 11AM. That went quite well. He stood the first time for over 7 minutes. The next three tries were shorter but the total was impressive.
I fixed tostadas for dinner. We finished the lemon merengue too. Then I was able to lie down for about a half an hour before Toni, Kate, Nancy and Janet came over so we could work on making Stump Dolls together. We got a lot of visiting and lots of sharing and dolls partly finished. We figure we can finish them at our homes and we plan on sharing them at our April meeting. We will be meeting on the 17th of each month according to plan and today, the five of us decided that we will meet somewhere for lunch on that day. I will get the word out to the rest of the gang.
I am working on two stump dolls. One is going to be a guy with a hat and a coat and vest and a beard. The other will be a young lady and I intend to dress her in the CWI tartan with golden jewels. I need to come up with something else to make her special. but that is her beginning.
We are supposed to be getting a winter storm tonight and tomorrow. I hope they are wrong. Dick is scheduled for therapy at 9AM because he is supposed to be evaluated. I won't take him out if there is too much snow. It just wouldn't be safe.
I will let you know tomorrow.
Today was Dick's sister Hazel's birthday. She is now 92 years old. Just about a year behind my motherl Suzi is home and doing pretty well. I must email her and tell her how glad I am that she is doing so well.
Take care - until tomorrow.
Mary
Monday, February 16, 2009
I like my Mondays. It is busier than heck from the time I wake up until I leave at 9:15 or so for bible study, but then I have a lovely couple of hours.
We had a lively Bible Study today. There were 7 of us there today. The Gospel was the one in Mark 1 that tells of the four guys who dropped their paralyzed friend through the roof to ask for healing because the house was so crowded with people listening to Jesus (including Scribes) that they could not get in. What a lucky man to have four such loyal friends. And what faith these five had. It paid off too. We liked the fact that when Jesus told him to get up and walk, he did. And he picked up his stretcher and walked out with it. Guess Jesus showed those Scribes who questioned his right to "forgive sins" which he did before he told the guy to get up and walk.
Of course, then I went over to Mother's. She was getting ready to host her friends for a card game this afternoon. I helped her get some chairs ready and we had a nice visit. I brought her some of my pecan/red onion bread and Waldorf Salad.
This afternoon was the Cream City Writers. I picked up Kate as her car was in the shop. We had a very nice meeting this time. Usually they are OK but sometimes a couple of our members who are quite "devout" start preaching at us. We are there to judge the writing, not necessarily the content and surely not the try to change each others opinions or values.
Anyway, everybody had something to read and much of it was very good. Kate is on a rampage against greed in the executives in our country and wondering what will become of us. She is writing about it and I told her to "Go Girl!" Enthusiasm, happy or unhappy, brings good writing.
Usually we all give a word or two and give that as an assignment for the next month. It is intended as a reminder to be sure to write. Sometimes, that is all I need to get started. This month, however, Sy read an Acrostic poem that he had written for Karl Elder, the poet of Lakeland College. An acrostic poem is one that the first letter of each line in order spells a word and it is good to have the content of the poem reflect the word. Then you can expand it by spelling the word backwards for a second stanza.
Example
Combustion engine
Air pollution
Ride the ribbon 0f
Road, packed
Awful traffic jam
Congested highway
Just to give the idea. I will have fun with that.
Dick called tonight to tell us about his and Brenda's trip to Florida. He said the only bad thing about it was that they had to come home.
Now it is time to get ready for bed.
Tomorrow will be a busy and fun day. Therapy and a doll making session.
Therapy the busy part, the doll making fun.
Take care
Love
Mary
We had a lively Bible Study today. There were 7 of us there today. The Gospel was the one in Mark 1 that tells of the four guys who dropped their paralyzed friend through the roof to ask for healing because the house was so crowded with people listening to Jesus (including Scribes) that they could not get in. What a lucky man to have four such loyal friends. And what faith these five had. It paid off too. We liked the fact that when Jesus told him to get up and walk, he did. And he picked up his stretcher and walked out with it. Guess Jesus showed those Scribes who questioned his right to "forgive sins" which he did before he told the guy to get up and walk.
Of course, then I went over to Mother's. She was getting ready to host her friends for a card game this afternoon. I helped her get some chairs ready and we had a nice visit. I brought her some of my pecan/red onion bread and Waldorf Salad.
This afternoon was the Cream City Writers. I picked up Kate as her car was in the shop. We had a very nice meeting this time. Usually they are OK but sometimes a couple of our members who are quite "devout" start preaching at us. We are there to judge the writing, not necessarily the content and surely not the try to change each others opinions or values.
Anyway, everybody had something to read and much of it was very good. Kate is on a rampage against greed in the executives in our country and wondering what will become of us. She is writing about it and I told her to "Go Girl!" Enthusiasm, happy or unhappy, brings good writing.
Usually we all give a word or two and give that as an assignment for the next month. It is intended as a reminder to be sure to write. Sometimes, that is all I need to get started. This month, however, Sy read an Acrostic poem that he had written for Karl Elder, the poet of Lakeland College. An acrostic poem is one that the first letter of each line in order spells a word and it is good to have the content of the poem reflect the word. Then you can expand it by spelling the word backwards for a second stanza.
Example
Combustion engine
Air pollution
Ride the ribbon 0f
Road, packed
Awful traffic jam
Congested highway
Just to give the idea. I will have fun with that.
Dick called tonight to tell us about his and Brenda's trip to Florida. He said the only bad thing about it was that they had to come home.
Now it is time to get ready for bed.
Tomorrow will be a busy and fun day. Therapy and a doll making session.
Therapy the busy part, the doll making fun.
Take care
Love
Mary
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Chelsea did not wake me up this morning. I woke up at about six AM and there was no sign of her. She is an old lady, you know, and I had a funny feeling. I told Dick, who was sitting at the side of the bed, that I wondered where she was.
So finally, I got up at about 6:15AM and wandered apprehensively into the living room. There she was, very busy. I couldn't tell what she was doing at first and the poor deaf little thing did not hear me coming. I finally reached her and saw that she was happily chewing on a steak bone.
Dick and I had that T Bone yesterday for our dinner. I put the bone in the trash under the sink. Chelsea is a good girl and NEVER goes into the trash, especially the trash under the sink.
Roxie, however, has no such qualms. When she first moved back in with us, she was in there quite a bit and I got into the habit of putting a rubber band on the door to keep it shut. Recently, I got careless and stopped that habit. Bad mistake. Roxie must keep tabs on these things.
Chelsea did not seem too upset when I took the bone away from her but I know she enjoyed it as long as she had it.
We had a cold walk this morning. My legs got really cold but Chelsea loved it.
The rest of the day was very quiet. I did a lot of computer work. Took care of Dick - showers, putting on the leg etc. We both took short naps. I think I am ready for tomorrow and for Tuesday when some of my friends are coming over to make dolls. Dick is glad that something I am doing does not involve going away.
We had beef fajitas for lunch today with refried beans and Waldorf salad. Tonight we had soup and fresh bread with cheese. I made a Red Onion Pecan Bread and is it ever good. Especially warm out of the bread maker. I will take some to Mother tomorrow. She is also getting some Waldorf Salad as I have a lot and we love to share, especially with Mom.
Anyway, It was a nice quiet day. I even did not shower. Oops. Told more than I needed to. I just wanted to do nothing.
If I get as good a sleep tonight as I did last night. I think I will be ready for the week.
Take care and be well.
All my love
Mary
So finally, I got up at about 6:15AM and wandered apprehensively into the living room. There she was, very busy. I couldn't tell what she was doing at first and the poor deaf little thing did not hear me coming. I finally reached her and saw that she was happily chewing on a steak bone.
Dick and I had that T Bone yesterday for our dinner. I put the bone in the trash under the sink. Chelsea is a good girl and NEVER goes into the trash, especially the trash under the sink.
Roxie, however, has no such qualms. When she first moved back in with us, she was in there quite a bit and I got into the habit of putting a rubber band on the door to keep it shut. Recently, I got careless and stopped that habit. Bad mistake. Roxie must keep tabs on these things.
Chelsea did not seem too upset when I took the bone away from her but I know she enjoyed it as long as she had it.
We had a cold walk this morning. My legs got really cold but Chelsea loved it.
The rest of the day was very quiet. I did a lot of computer work. Took care of Dick - showers, putting on the leg etc. We both took short naps. I think I am ready for tomorrow and for Tuesday when some of my friends are coming over to make dolls. Dick is glad that something I am doing does not involve going away.
We had beef fajitas for lunch today with refried beans and Waldorf salad. Tonight we had soup and fresh bread with cheese. I made a Red Onion Pecan Bread and is it ever good. Especially warm out of the bread maker. I will take some to Mother tomorrow. She is also getting some Waldorf Salad as I have a lot and we love to share, especially with Mom.
Anyway, It was a nice quiet day. I even did not shower. Oops. Told more than I needed to. I just wanted to do nothing.
If I get as good a sleep tonight as I did last night. I think I will be ready for the week.
Take care and be well.
All my love
Mary
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Chelsea and I woke up to fresh snow on the ground. It wasn't much but there it was. At least, it covered up the black grim that was showing on the old fading snowdrifts.
We got to stay home most of the day. I made a lemon merengue "soup". The pie did not set well at all. I am hoping that chilling it will make it easier to serve tomorrow and the next day. It tastes really good but I should have gotten out my old tried and true recipe.
It is St. Valentines Day. I fixed a wonderful t bone steak for our lunch. It was SO good. We have not had a steak for a long time. That with a salad, garlic bread and salad made a super Valentine Dinner.
I vacuumed the bedroom and den today too. Dick had his bath. That is quite an adventure. we are still working out the kinks on that.
I went to church at 4PM. It was a nice service and now I can stay home ALL day tomorrow. As I was listening to the readings I remembered our discussion at Bible Study of the readings. We talked about the miracles that Jesus performed while he was living. We came to the conclusion that the miracles were not his mission. He kept telling the people he healed not to tell anybody because he was wanting the people to listen to his message, not think he was a magician or something. He performed the miracles because he was a kind, human person and sometimes when people would plead with him for healing, he just could not resist helping them - because - he knew he could. But he wanted people to hear his message. I like that idea.
Today, I went into AOL and was listening to the voice saying "You've got mail." It reminded me of a message that Jim put on my computer years ago that said in a really seductive male voice. "I love the way you turn me on." Jim finally took it off because he said it made him feel icky. Not me.
Have a lovely Sunday. I talked to Suzi today, because I was worried about her. She sounded good and her surgery went very well. With any luck at all, she will come home tomorrow.
Love
Mary
We got to stay home most of the day. I made a lemon merengue "soup". The pie did not set well at all. I am hoping that chilling it will make it easier to serve tomorrow and the next day. It tastes really good but I should have gotten out my old tried and true recipe.
It is St. Valentines Day. I fixed a wonderful t bone steak for our lunch. It was SO good. We have not had a steak for a long time. That with a salad, garlic bread and salad made a super Valentine Dinner.
I vacuumed the bedroom and den today too. Dick had his bath. That is quite an adventure. we are still working out the kinks on that.
I went to church at 4PM. It was a nice service and now I can stay home ALL day tomorrow. As I was listening to the readings I remembered our discussion at Bible Study of the readings. We talked about the miracles that Jesus performed while he was living. We came to the conclusion that the miracles were not his mission. He kept telling the people he healed not to tell anybody because he was wanting the people to listen to his message, not think he was a magician or something. He performed the miracles because he was a kind, human person and sometimes when people would plead with him for healing, he just could not resist helping them - because - he knew he could. But he wanted people to hear his message. I like that idea.
Today, I went into AOL and was listening to the voice saying "You've got mail." It reminded me of a message that Jim put on my computer years ago that said in a really seductive male voice. "I love the way you turn me on." Jim finally took it off because he said it made him feel icky. Not me.
Have a lovely Sunday. I talked to Suzi today, because I was worried about her. She sounded good and her surgery went very well. With any luck at all, she will come home tomorrow.
Love
Mary
Friday, February 13, 2009
A busy Friday.
Started at about 6:30AM. We got ourselves up, fed and cleaned up before I had to leave for Sheboygan. I had an appointment with my friend Mark Mueller, an accountant, who does our taxes for us. He said they should be very easy this year. I just hope we are set as far as deductions and that we do not owe anything. It would be nicer to get somethign back but I would be happy to break even. I had not seen Mark in about a year. We were in Optimists together back when I was a member. Sara and Nora would remember that he was the guy that we ran into when we went to the JC's haunted house.
Then home. I cleaned the kitchen floor and fixed dinner and took a nap. Tomorrow, I am going to make a lemon merengue pie. So I mixed up the pie crust today. My pie crust can be refrigerated and used later. Lemon merengue pie sounded like a good dessert for St. Valentine's Day. I also have a nice Tbone steak for our dinner.
Today we had salmon croquets. We DO like them. I also had some nice fresh strawberries.
Tonight I went to Rhine to shoot a couple of targets. Some of my CWI members, Toni and Janet were there, so I visited a bit with them.
Bobbie, Tom Lawonn, cut his hair. I went to purchase my targets and he looked different. It is amazing but you can see it from the front. He said Lynn Reich cut it for him. I told him he looked very handsome.
Jerry Coenen tried to collect $260 from me because he said that I was the clincher for his wife deciding to take up pistol shooting and he had to buy her a gun. I am really getting excited. We have really expanded our pistol league and several are women. Makes it a lot of fun.
I am terrible this year. Don't know whether it is because I am not concentrating, I shoot too fast or my arm hurts. BUT Ken and Lil Pipping have volunteered to give Nancy and me some pointers and help us. I plan on taking them up on that. Perhaps, now that Lil is retired, we could do it some afternoon during the week.
Anyway, tomorrow should be quite uneventful. I certainly hope so as a day or two of quiet would be a real blessing around here. Of cours, tomorrow morning Dick will have his shower. Always an event.
Love
Mary
Started at about 6:30AM. We got ourselves up, fed and cleaned up before I had to leave for Sheboygan. I had an appointment with my friend Mark Mueller, an accountant, who does our taxes for us. He said they should be very easy this year. I just hope we are set as far as deductions and that we do not owe anything. It would be nicer to get somethign back but I would be happy to break even. I had not seen Mark in about a year. We were in Optimists together back when I was a member. Sara and Nora would remember that he was the guy that we ran into when we went to the JC's haunted house.
Then home. I cleaned the kitchen floor and fixed dinner and took a nap. Tomorrow, I am going to make a lemon merengue pie. So I mixed up the pie crust today. My pie crust can be refrigerated and used later. Lemon merengue pie sounded like a good dessert for St. Valentine's Day. I also have a nice Tbone steak for our dinner.
Today we had salmon croquets. We DO like them. I also had some nice fresh strawberries.
Tonight I went to Rhine to shoot a couple of targets. Some of my CWI members, Toni and Janet were there, so I visited a bit with them.
Bobbie, Tom Lawonn, cut his hair. I went to purchase my targets and he looked different. It is amazing but you can see it from the front. He said Lynn Reich cut it for him. I told him he looked very handsome.
Jerry Coenen tried to collect $260 from me because he said that I was the clincher for his wife deciding to take up pistol shooting and he had to buy her a gun. I am really getting excited. We have really expanded our pistol league and several are women. Makes it a lot of fun.
I am terrible this year. Don't know whether it is because I am not concentrating, I shoot too fast or my arm hurts. BUT Ken and Lil Pipping have volunteered to give Nancy and me some pointers and help us. I plan on taking them up on that. Perhaps, now that Lil is retired, we could do it some afternoon during the week.
Anyway, tomorrow should be quite uneventful. I certainly hope so as a day or two of quiet would be a real blessing around here. Of cours, tomorrow morning Dick will have his shower. Always an event.
Love
Mary
Thursday, February 12, 2009
This was a busy but fun day. Chelsea did not wake me up this morning at all. I finally got up myself at 6:30. She and I went for a very nice walk. We saw one of the regular walkers that we run into in reasonable weather. He waved at us. Maybe things will get back to normal soon. We walked down two cul de sacs. I think we need to build up before going the two miles or so we used to.
Dick got up at about 8AM. We got him bathed and dressed and fed in time for me to go over to Kate's at 9:30 or so. She and I went to Hobby Lobby to pick up the things that we need for the Doll Making that I will be having here next Tuesday afternoon. We got the dowels and bases and the fiberfill. Kate picked up some little doo dads for decorating the dolls. I also found a shamrock shaped cake pan. I can hardly wait to try that. This weekend is Valentine's Day. I picked up a tbone steak on Wednesday for us to have for our dinner that day and I will be baking a lemon merengue pie for us too. Dick had mentioned that he was hungry for lemon merengue pie.
Kate and I finished shopping in time to stop at Culvers for some lunch to take home for the three of us. Kate, Dick and me. Kate and Dick had cheeseburgers and I had a tuna sandwich. Then we had to leave for Dick's therapy. Kate and I dropped him off with Lori and then I took Kate home.
Dick's therapy went quite well. When we got home I took a nap. It was not nearly long enough. But it helped.
Since then I have been trying to put things away. It amazes me how "stuff" accumulates and how it gets scattered all around this house. We received the two wheelchair cushions that I ordered for Dick's wheel chair. One has to be filled up. That is a tomorrow job. I am way to tired tonight. The other we put right on the chair and he is not complaining so far.
Did I tell you that when I was out walking Chelsea the other afternoon, I saw a flying bug. I really did a double take. Who would expect living flying bugs in February?
Tomorrow is tax day for us. I want to get that in to Mark ASAP. This weekend is quiet. We have nothing scheduled at all, except for Mass on Saturday evening. I intend to try to rest and recuperate. Next week has filled up rather nicely also.
Guess that is all for today.
Take care and pray for Suzi who is in the hospital and needs healing prayers.
Love
Mary
Dick got up at about 8AM. We got him bathed and dressed and fed in time for me to go over to Kate's at 9:30 or so. She and I went to Hobby Lobby to pick up the things that we need for the Doll Making that I will be having here next Tuesday afternoon. We got the dowels and bases and the fiberfill. Kate picked up some little doo dads for decorating the dolls. I also found a shamrock shaped cake pan. I can hardly wait to try that. This weekend is Valentine's Day. I picked up a tbone steak on Wednesday for us to have for our dinner that day and I will be baking a lemon merengue pie for us too. Dick had mentioned that he was hungry for lemon merengue pie.
Kate and I finished shopping in time to stop at Culvers for some lunch to take home for the three of us. Kate, Dick and me. Kate and Dick had cheeseburgers and I had a tuna sandwich. Then we had to leave for Dick's therapy. Kate and I dropped him off with Lori and then I took Kate home.
Dick's therapy went quite well. When we got home I took a nap. It was not nearly long enough. But it helped.
Since then I have been trying to put things away. It amazes me how "stuff" accumulates and how it gets scattered all around this house. We received the two wheelchair cushions that I ordered for Dick's wheel chair. One has to be filled up. That is a tomorrow job. I am way to tired tonight. The other we put right on the chair and he is not complaining so far.
Did I tell you that when I was out walking Chelsea the other afternoon, I saw a flying bug. I really did a double take. Who would expect living flying bugs in February?
Tomorrow is tax day for us. I want to get that in to Mark ASAP. This weekend is quiet. We have nothing scheduled at all, except for Mass on Saturday evening. I intend to try to rest and recuperate. Next week has filled up rather nicely also.
Guess that is all for today.
Take care and pray for Suzi who is in the hospital and needs healing prayers.
Love
Mary
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
What a day. Why is it that everything always gets scheduled for the same day?
I got up at my usual time, shortly after 6 AM. There are all the morning things to do. Then Dick had to be at the Plymouth Clinic at 9:30 to have his coagulation levels checked. That went well. We got there and as I was getting him into a wheel chair, one of the ladies who greet and direct people came out and took Dick into the clinic and up to the second floor while I parked the car.
People are really good and I am learning that when they ask if they can help, I let them help.
The visit was successful. His reading was 2.41. Which is PERFECT. It is supposed to be between 2 and 3. Last time it was 3.1 so we had to come in a bit sooner. Now we are scheduled for a month from now.
When we got home, I immediately went grocery shopping. I was home in time to fix a chef's salad for Dick's lunch before heading into Sheboygan Falls. Today was the quarterly lunch with the Class of 58. We have decided to meet for lunch every three months. Just whoever is in town and wants to be there. Today we met at the Villager. I had a black bean sandwich. It was piled on with guacamole, red onions and tomatoes and was really good. Way to much. I brought half of it home.
When I got home, Dick was sleeping, so I did a few things and then laid down for a short rest myself. I had to leave again shortly after 5 to pick up Mother. We drove to Nino's to meet Bobbie for dinner. Two of my favorite people. We all had fish of some sort. I had shrimp, Bobbie, salmon and Mother, haddock. Fully stuffed, we topped off the evening with the Sheboygan Theatre's production of Our Town. It was a wonderful performance. It is a shame that the dramas are not as well attended as the musicals and the comedies. I am glad that Ralph puts them on anyway as the arts are so important and these classics need to be preserved. We all loved it.
There was a line in the play talking about the people in the town and the arts in the town. The "Stage Manager" the lead player who narrated the entire play said something to the effect that there were two girls in town who played the piano at public gatherings. Then, as an aside, he said, " But they don't like it much."
It reminded me of Bret's graduation from 8th grade. The ceremony was very impressive up until the end when the entire class was to sing a song together about moving forward and growing and all that stuff. Well. They had worked very hard on that song, at least the teachers had. The kids did not like the song. I don't know why.
So the pianist began playing. And she played, and she played. Eventually, I and some of the other members of the audience picked up a slight murmur along with the beautiful piano playing. I leaned over to my husband and whispered. "They're singing." He did a double take and said. "They are?" And they were.
In their defense, they really hated the song. Every child in that class when they got their cue just kind of murmured or mouthed the words or didn't even bother. It was truly one of the most bazaar things I ever experienced.
After the ceremony was over, I said "Great Song", to one of the teachers. He just rolled his eyes and said they would never have a song the kids did not approve of again. He was a great teacher and actually laughing about it.
Have a great Thursday. It has to be quieter than today.
Mary
I got up at my usual time, shortly after 6 AM. There are all the morning things to do. Then Dick had to be at the Plymouth Clinic at 9:30 to have his coagulation levels checked. That went well. We got there and as I was getting him into a wheel chair, one of the ladies who greet and direct people came out and took Dick into the clinic and up to the second floor while I parked the car.
People are really good and I am learning that when they ask if they can help, I let them help.
The visit was successful. His reading was 2.41. Which is PERFECT. It is supposed to be between 2 and 3. Last time it was 3.1 so we had to come in a bit sooner. Now we are scheduled for a month from now.
When we got home, I immediately went grocery shopping. I was home in time to fix a chef's salad for Dick's lunch before heading into Sheboygan Falls. Today was the quarterly lunch with the Class of 58. We have decided to meet for lunch every three months. Just whoever is in town and wants to be there. Today we met at the Villager. I had a black bean sandwich. It was piled on with guacamole, red onions and tomatoes and was really good. Way to much. I brought half of it home.
When I got home, Dick was sleeping, so I did a few things and then laid down for a short rest myself. I had to leave again shortly after 5 to pick up Mother. We drove to Nino's to meet Bobbie for dinner. Two of my favorite people. We all had fish of some sort. I had shrimp, Bobbie, salmon and Mother, haddock. Fully stuffed, we topped off the evening with the Sheboygan Theatre's production of Our Town. It was a wonderful performance. It is a shame that the dramas are not as well attended as the musicals and the comedies. I am glad that Ralph puts them on anyway as the arts are so important and these classics need to be preserved. We all loved it.
There was a line in the play talking about the people in the town and the arts in the town. The "Stage Manager" the lead player who narrated the entire play said something to the effect that there were two girls in town who played the piano at public gatherings. Then, as an aside, he said, " But they don't like it much."
It reminded me of Bret's graduation from 8th grade. The ceremony was very impressive up until the end when the entire class was to sing a song together about moving forward and growing and all that stuff. Well. They had worked very hard on that song, at least the teachers had. The kids did not like the song. I don't know why.
So the pianist began playing. And she played, and she played. Eventually, I and some of the other members of the audience picked up a slight murmur along with the beautiful piano playing. I leaned over to my husband and whispered. "They're singing." He did a double take and said. "They are?" And they were.
In their defense, they really hated the song. Every child in that class when they got their cue just kind of murmured or mouthed the words or didn't even bother. It was truly one of the most bazaar things I ever experienced.
After the ceremony was over, I said "Great Song", to one of the teachers. He just rolled his eyes and said they would never have a song the kids did not approve of again. He was a great teacher and actually laughing about it.
Have a great Thursday. It has to be quieter than today.
Mary
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
We are watching the Westminster Dog Show. We LOVE watching that. We probably will have to go bed before it is over, but can leave it on in the bedroom and just maybe, we will see who is the winner. They are now finishing up the sporting dogs.
We had a busy day.
We had to be at the Plymouth Center at 10AM to meet Tim from National Prosthesis for a check on the fitting of the prosthesis. Tim is pleased with the progress so far and is looking forward to helping us get a proper shoe for the right foot to keep it healed and strong. We got home at about 11:30 in time for me to prepare lunch and then we both took a short nap.
I got a haircut at 2:30 and then went to the grocery store to do part of tomorrows shopping (tomorrow is getting WAY to full) and to the drug store to pick up Mom's prescription. While there, I got a few OTC med and aids that Dick needed.
Monday is the Cream City Writers meeting. Every meeting we leave with an exercise for everybody. All those who are in attendance give a word and everyone tries to write a poem or a short paragraph using all of the words that are thrown out. Sometimes they are really unrelated and it can be quite a challenge. I FINALLY called my friend Peggy today and got them from her. They at least have some connection and are pleasant (not like "pickled herring") which showed up last month. Now I have to get to work. I did do a couple of small poems this month on my own and have three contests that I have decided to enter. They have three different deadlines starting with March 1 and the last on May 15 so I can make some goals. Even reasonable goals. I must start scheduling time for myself that way. I need to do some sewing/quilting too. This all will come.
Mr. Oscar just jumped up into my lap for a cuddle. As I wind this down, it will be time to begin getting ready for bed. It is beautiful outside. The wind which blew strong today has died down and the temperatures are very pleasant. My only complaint is that all the melting snow is making the streets just black and guess who is a magnet for black. I HAD to give Chelsea and emergency bath this morning and tonight when we went out she brought in footprints of grime. She was not happy with me but I had to clean her paws again.
Tomorrow will be a social day for me. I am meeting my high school classmates for lunch and then Bobbie, Mother and I are going to have dinner at Nino's and then go to Horace Mann for the Sheboygan Theater's production of Our Town. I don't think I have ever seen it live. I did see a TV version of it years ago. Should be interesting.
Sleep tight
Mary
We had a busy day.
We had to be at the Plymouth Center at 10AM to meet Tim from National Prosthesis for a check on the fitting of the prosthesis. Tim is pleased with the progress so far and is looking forward to helping us get a proper shoe for the right foot to keep it healed and strong. We got home at about 11:30 in time for me to prepare lunch and then we both took a short nap.
I got a haircut at 2:30 and then went to the grocery store to do part of tomorrows shopping (tomorrow is getting WAY to full) and to the drug store to pick up Mom's prescription. While there, I got a few OTC med and aids that Dick needed.
Monday is the Cream City Writers meeting. Every meeting we leave with an exercise for everybody. All those who are in attendance give a word and everyone tries to write a poem or a short paragraph using all of the words that are thrown out. Sometimes they are really unrelated and it can be quite a challenge. I FINALLY called my friend Peggy today and got them from her. They at least have some connection and are pleasant (not like "pickled herring") which showed up last month. Now I have to get to work. I did do a couple of small poems this month on my own and have three contests that I have decided to enter. They have three different deadlines starting with March 1 and the last on May 15 so I can make some goals. Even reasonable goals. I must start scheduling time for myself that way. I need to do some sewing/quilting too. This all will come.
Mr. Oscar just jumped up into my lap for a cuddle. As I wind this down, it will be time to begin getting ready for bed. It is beautiful outside. The wind which blew strong today has died down and the temperatures are very pleasant. My only complaint is that all the melting snow is making the streets just black and guess who is a magnet for black. I HAD to give Chelsea and emergency bath this morning and tonight when we went out she brought in footprints of grime. She was not happy with me but I had to clean her paws again.
Tomorrow will be a social day for me. I am meeting my high school classmates for lunch and then Bobbie, Mother and I are going to have dinner at Nino's and then go to Horace Mann for the Sheboygan Theater's production of Our Town. I don't think I have ever seen it live. I did see a TV version of it years ago. Should be interesting.
Sleep tight
Mary
Monday, February 09, 2009
Spring must be close. Our Joe, a bible study participant, is wearing sandals again. During the cold of winter, he actually started wearing sneakers but he said now that it is actually freezing or above, he is back to the sandals. A brave man.
We had some interesting discussions about the readings. Two of them involved leprosy which is now almost a forgotten disease as it can be cured and is virtually eliminated from most parts of the world. The first reading was from Leviticus which was the prescription for determining if a person had leprosy and then how the leper was supposed to behave including rending his clothes, living alone "outside of the camp" and calling "Unclean, Unclean" when anyone approached him. It seems so primitive and cruel, but of course, this contagious, awful disease was frightening and they did not know how else to deal with it. One wonders what this rending of the clothes was though.
Had a nice visit with Mother. She sure enjoyed the Wild Game Dinner and was SO pleased, as were we all, that Kathy finally won the beer tasting contest. She said that Bing came over Sunday morning and walked with her over to church in the morning. What a gal. We are so lucky to have her as a member of the family. Thanks Stenn.
I got home in time to prepare lunch and get Dick over to the Center for his therapy. He was really tired and achy today but did VERY well with the standing and his other exercises. We were so glad to be home again and done for the day.
We both rested for a while but I still feel very tired.
I have a Roxie kitty on my desk, lolling under the desk lamp looking very content. She is such an affectionate little thing. Usually if I lie down on the couch in the living room for a nap, she gets all excited and comes to join me. She either sleeps on my side or on the back of the couch. She just likes being close.
I DID fix the BLT soup for supper tonight. Sure is good.
Tomorrow is a light day. Dick has therapy in the morning and I am getting a hair cut in the afternoon. It is supposed to be really warm, all the way up into the 50s. That should bring those snow drifts down.
Take care and enjoy the heat wave.
Love
Mary
We had some interesting discussions about the readings. Two of them involved leprosy which is now almost a forgotten disease as it can be cured and is virtually eliminated from most parts of the world. The first reading was from Leviticus which was the prescription for determining if a person had leprosy and then how the leper was supposed to behave including rending his clothes, living alone "outside of the camp" and calling "Unclean, Unclean" when anyone approached him. It seems so primitive and cruel, but of course, this contagious, awful disease was frightening and they did not know how else to deal with it. One wonders what this rending of the clothes was though.
Had a nice visit with Mother. She sure enjoyed the Wild Game Dinner and was SO pleased, as were we all, that Kathy finally won the beer tasting contest. She said that Bing came over Sunday morning and walked with her over to church in the morning. What a gal. We are so lucky to have her as a member of the family. Thanks Stenn.
I got home in time to prepare lunch and get Dick over to the Center for his therapy. He was really tired and achy today but did VERY well with the standing and his other exercises. We were so glad to be home again and done for the day.
We both rested for a while but I still feel very tired.
I have a Roxie kitty on my desk, lolling under the desk lamp looking very content. She is such an affectionate little thing. Usually if I lie down on the couch in the living room for a nap, she gets all excited and comes to join me. She either sleeps on my side or on the back of the couch. She just likes being close.
I DID fix the BLT soup for supper tonight. Sure is good.
Tomorrow is a light day. Dick has therapy in the morning and I am getting a hair cut in the afternoon. It is supposed to be really warm, all the way up into the 50s. That should bring those snow drifts down.
Take care and enjoy the heat wave.
Love
Mary
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Today was a Dick and Mary day. The only commitment was my going to the 10:45AM Mass.
Dick slept until after 8AM. His night was not too good, but at least he got that early morning rest. We had breakfast, I showered and took care of the critters.
Church was nice. It was a special day for two cub scouts. This was Boy Scout Sunday and two cubs got a special Catholic award today. I love seeing the little people. We also had a deacon co officiating at the Mass. He was a classmate of Deacon Leo Mugan who passed away last year. Leo's wife Rosemary is a dear friend and member of CWI.
Leftovers for dinner and soup and sandwich for dinner made the day very easy. Dick seems exhausted today and is achy. We think part of the problem is the wheelchair seat. I have ordered two new cushions. They should be better than the one he has now. We are keeping the prosthesis on for as much of the day as possible. This is a very important part of the process. He is finding it helpful to transport himself from the chair to the bed or the toilet. Two legs work pretty good. Tomorrow I will change the pad on his foot again. So far so good.
The only work I did today, except for maintenance was to get things ready for taxes. Tomorrow I will call for an appointment. Sure be glad to get that done with.
So we had a quiet day for a change. Tomorrow will be rather busy, Bible Study, Mother and therapy. So I am going to bed at 8:30 to be rested and ready to go.
Tomorrow I will be making BLT Soup for supper. I don't think I told you that recipe. It is really simple and really good.
BLT Soup
6 slices bacon, cut in 1/2 inch pieces
1 medium onion, sliced
2 (13 3/4 oz.) cans chicken or beef broth
1 (14 1/4 oz.) can peeled tomatoes, undrained and cut up
2 TBLSP steak sauce
2 cups shredded iceburg lettuce
In large saucepan, cook bacon until crisp; remove and crumble bacon. Pour oiff all but 2 TBLSP drippings. Cook onion in reserved drippings for 2-3 minutes. Add broth, tomatoes and steak sauce. Heat to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Add letuce; simmer 2 minutes. Stir in bacon.
Makes 4 to 6 servings. Really Yummy.
Later
Mary
Dick slept until after 8AM. His night was not too good, but at least he got that early morning rest. We had breakfast, I showered and took care of the critters.
Church was nice. It was a special day for two cub scouts. This was Boy Scout Sunday and two cubs got a special Catholic award today. I love seeing the little people. We also had a deacon co officiating at the Mass. He was a classmate of Deacon Leo Mugan who passed away last year. Leo's wife Rosemary is a dear friend and member of CWI.
Leftovers for dinner and soup and sandwich for dinner made the day very easy. Dick seems exhausted today and is achy. We think part of the problem is the wheelchair seat. I have ordered two new cushions. They should be better than the one he has now. We are keeping the prosthesis on for as much of the day as possible. This is a very important part of the process. He is finding it helpful to transport himself from the chair to the bed or the toilet. Two legs work pretty good. Tomorrow I will change the pad on his foot again. So far so good.
The only work I did today, except for maintenance was to get things ready for taxes. Tomorrow I will call for an appointment. Sure be glad to get that done with.
So we had a quiet day for a change. Tomorrow will be rather busy, Bible Study, Mother and therapy. So I am going to bed at 8:30 to be rested and ready to go.
Tomorrow I will be making BLT Soup for supper. I don't think I told you that recipe. It is really simple and really good.
BLT Soup
6 slices bacon, cut in 1/2 inch pieces
1 medium onion, sliced
2 (13 3/4 oz.) cans chicken or beef broth
1 (14 1/4 oz.) can peeled tomatoes, undrained and cut up
2 TBLSP steak sauce
2 cups shredded iceburg lettuce
In large saucepan, cook bacon until crisp; remove and crumble bacon. Pour oiff all but 2 TBLSP drippings. Cook onion in reserved drippings for 2-3 minutes. Add broth, tomatoes and steak sauce. Heat to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Add letuce; simmer 2 minutes. Stir in bacon.
Makes 4 to 6 servings. Really Yummy.
Later
Mary
Saturday, February 07, 2009
The passing of the cup from Randy to Kathy 2009It was a great day today. First, we woke up to temperatures ABOVE FREEZING. Dick managed to sleep a little late, so I prepared the roast for the Wild Game Dinner and vacuumed the living room while waiting for him to wake up. AND Chelsea and I went for the longest walk that we have attempted in many weeks. She was a happy camper. She kept barking and running around. Rick, one of our neighbors, was really tickled by her excitement. Boy is she dirty though. Next week, even if it is icky, she will have to be bathed.
Today was bath day for Dick. That is quite a production you know. But I am sure that he feels better once he is all scrubbed. After that he lay on the bed on his stomach and did some exercises that help stretch those muscles that have been sitting, literally, for months.
I gave him soup and half a sandwich for lunch. Jim and Michelle arrived at about 12:30PM. That way they were able to visit with Dick before we left for Randy and Donna's house. Dick had lost the sound on his computer and Jim found it for him again. Another good reason for a visit.
We got to Randy and Donna's at about 1:45PM. People were pulling in. After a few delays, the annual Beer Tasting Contest began. We were really high class this year. Shane and Georgine had brought a mick and amplifier so we could make announcements without shouting. A good thing as there were 22 participants in the contest and they had to try to identify 24 different beers. We serving wenches and bus boys were really kept hopping. Michelle, Bing and I were the servers. Jim did the glass washing and Evan, Kurt and Jodi's middle boy, was the bus boy. He begged to help. (sometimes he gets tips)
We were really kept hopping.
Then when all the imbibing was done - the scoring followed. Michelle and I did that with Jim as a backup. Michelle and I each checked each sheet. That way they were checked twice. If we did not agree, then Jim double checked US. There were some pretty big scores this year several 7s and three 8s. BUT when all the dust settled, Kathy Deeley, my brother Jeff's wife, (All you Deeley's, not everybody who reads this knows the family) won. She had a very respectable 9 right. Kathy has been trying to win almost since the beginning. 33 or 34 years. Everybody was just thrilled for her.
We had some fun first. Michelle announced the winner BUT we toyed with them for a bit. She announced that two people had tied at 8 right and that the two people were Jessica and Donna. This IS true but THEN Michelle said. "However, someone else won with a score of 9 and it is Kathy." Jessica and Donna were way to excited for Kathy to care that they did not win.
Then we ate. Jim, Michelle and I left just about 6PM right after an absolutely wonderful meal. We had grilled venison steaks, venison roast, venison chili, pheasant Mexican casserole, squirrel and rabbit emanadas, squirrel and rabbit barbecued, beans, Eileen's famous potatoes, salads. For dessert we had carrot cake, banana bread and Rice Krispie bars with chocolate on them.
I brought Dick a nice portion for his supper too. He was glad to have me home. Bobbie came and spent part of the afternoon with him so I did not have to worry too much.
Now I am ready to let sleep take me away.
How about the picture at the top. The passing of the cup from Randy to Kathy. Isn't it great. Quite a cup. There are 33 names of winners engraved on the cup and two pedestals that have been added as the years have gone by. A second generations names have appeared on it and in not too many years a third generation will be there, we hope. This is a family tradition that endures and means so much to all of us.
I will send a picture of the serving wenches today too. Maybe some other pictures tomorrow. We sure had fun.
All my love
Mary
Friday, February 06, 2009
Another busy day but it was easier in the long run because Dick did not have to go anywhere. We spent the morning trying to establish a routine. This becomes difficult to do when he has appointments but today was OK. We just missed him laying on his stomach and doing leg lifts and stretches. Time gets away from us.
I cleaned a lot today and Dick was working on Quicken. I had lunch with my bank buddies this noon which was a nice break. I also am caught up on CWI stuff, I just need to tie up a couple of loose ends.
I had to work at Rhine this evening. We have a small number of participants this league. It could be the economy, it could be the cold. But there are only 13 teams. Usually we have twice that. We have 17 pistol shooters though which is way over what we have had the past couple of years. A lot of us ladies.
Tomorrow is the Wild Game Dinner. I have to get the roast in the over quite early because it has to cook slowly and for a long time. Jim and Michelle will be coming at about 1PM and I will ride with them. Bobbie is going to stop off at about 3PM to be sure that Dick is OK and comfortable.
I hope YOUR weekend will be as much fun as mine. I always love these family get togethers. Wish Dick could be there, but maybe next year.
Take care.
All my love
Mary
I cleaned a lot today and Dick was working on Quicken. I had lunch with my bank buddies this noon which was a nice break. I also am caught up on CWI stuff, I just need to tie up a couple of loose ends.
I had to work at Rhine this evening. We have a small number of participants this league. It could be the economy, it could be the cold. But there are only 13 teams. Usually we have twice that. We have 17 pistol shooters though which is way over what we have had the past couple of years. A lot of us ladies.
Tomorrow is the Wild Game Dinner. I have to get the roast in the over quite early because it has to cook slowly and for a long time. Jim and Michelle will be coming at about 1PM and I will ride with them. Bobbie is going to stop off at about 3PM to be sure that Dick is OK and comfortable.
I hope YOUR weekend will be as much fun as mine. I always love these family get togethers. Wish Dick could be there, but maybe next year.
Take care.
All my love
Mary
Thursday, February 05, 2009
It was a red letter day today.
We are two tired people, but we have very good reason.
Chelsea got me up at about 6 and the morning routine was pretty normal. She did not get a very good walk as it was still single digits and I have made it a rule not to walk far then.
The first real excitement came at 10:45AM when we had our appointment with Dr. Moreno. It went EXTREMELY well. He took off some outer scab and proclaimed that it is well on its way to full healing. We do not have to go back for to weeks (unless there is a change, of course.) He can now put weight on the front of the foot. There is still no walking or piviting, but we need to start using it. He said that in two weeks, if all is still well, he will be writing a prescription for a shoe or shoe insert. Then we can get to walking. So we were whoop de dooing all the way home.
It was kind of late, so we stopped and picked up lunch at Dairy Queen.
Bobbie got to the house at about 12:30PM to go to therapy with us. Lori was really happy to learn about the good report. Dick stood three times and did weight bearing for 4 t0 6 minute sessions. Really good. We are so glad that Bobbie is coming to help. She said that she will come any time that there are two appointments as it is really tiring to move him and twice is double hard. It REALLY helps.
We got home at about 2:30PM. Bobbie helped me rack the wine that has been sitting down in the wine cellar for months. I have just been too busy and distracted. Now we will wait 30 days and bottle it. Wine making is going to be a thing of our past. It was a fun thing for Dick and I to do together. Now that he can't help me I have decided to stop the process. We have one kit, White Zinfindal, left. Bobbie and I will figure out a time that we can do that together. Bobbie has decided that she will be dabbling in wine making and will take most of the equipment when she is ready.
After she left, I took about an hour nap. That has refreshed me somewhat, but I still intend to go to bed early.
Dick has no appointments until next Monday so that will relieve some of the stress. It is easier to work in all of the things we have to do at home, albiet a bit less exciting.
I will share a blessing that Janet Bieschke put on the card that accompanied the wonderful pillow that she made for Dick as a homecoming gift from the Sheboygan Celtic Women.
"May God grant you
Many years to live,
For sure he must
Be knowing,
The earth has angels
All to few and
Heaven's overflowing. "
Have a good Friday.
Saturday is the annual Deeley Beer Tasting Contest and Wild Game Dinner. Nephew Stenn and his wife Bing are going to be here from Texas. John and Holly will be here from Chicago. The tradition is that the winner of the Beer Tasting Contest hosts the next year's event. Stenn and John both want to be that person. How about a trip to Texas or Chicago?
Love
Mary
We are two tired people, but we have very good reason.
Chelsea got me up at about 6 and the morning routine was pretty normal. She did not get a very good walk as it was still single digits and I have made it a rule not to walk far then.
The first real excitement came at 10:45AM when we had our appointment with Dr. Moreno. It went EXTREMELY well. He took off some outer scab and proclaimed that it is well on its way to full healing. We do not have to go back for to weeks (unless there is a change, of course.) He can now put weight on the front of the foot. There is still no walking or piviting, but we need to start using it. He said that in two weeks, if all is still well, he will be writing a prescription for a shoe or shoe insert. Then we can get to walking. So we were whoop de dooing all the way home.
It was kind of late, so we stopped and picked up lunch at Dairy Queen.
Bobbie got to the house at about 12:30PM to go to therapy with us. Lori was really happy to learn about the good report. Dick stood three times and did weight bearing for 4 t0 6 minute sessions. Really good. We are so glad that Bobbie is coming to help. She said that she will come any time that there are two appointments as it is really tiring to move him and twice is double hard. It REALLY helps.
We got home at about 2:30PM. Bobbie helped me rack the wine that has been sitting down in the wine cellar for months. I have just been too busy and distracted. Now we will wait 30 days and bottle it. Wine making is going to be a thing of our past. It was a fun thing for Dick and I to do together. Now that he can't help me I have decided to stop the process. We have one kit, White Zinfindal, left. Bobbie and I will figure out a time that we can do that together. Bobbie has decided that she will be dabbling in wine making and will take most of the equipment when she is ready.
After she left, I took about an hour nap. That has refreshed me somewhat, but I still intend to go to bed early.
Dick has no appointments until next Monday so that will relieve some of the stress. It is easier to work in all of the things we have to do at home, albiet a bit less exciting.
I will share a blessing that Janet Bieschke put on the card that accompanied the wonderful pillow that she made for Dick as a homecoming gift from the Sheboygan Celtic Women.
"May God grant you
Many years to live,
For sure he must
Be knowing,
The earth has angels
All to few and
Heaven's overflowing. "
Have a good Friday.
Saturday is the annual Deeley Beer Tasting Contest and Wild Game Dinner. Nephew Stenn and his wife Bing are going to be here from Texas. John and Holly will be here from Chicago. The tradition is that the winner of the Beer Tasting Contest hosts the next year's event. Stenn and John both want to be that person. How about a trip to Texas or Chicago?
Love
Mary
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
My quiet day turned out to be VERY busy. We started out with me going to Mc Donalds for breakfast. I brought home a Big Breakfast and an Egg Mc Muffin. We like that because we ALWAYs went out for breakfast on grocery shopping day.
Then I went grocery shopping. Dick went down for a nap at about 9 and slept until noon. I am somewhat concerned about that. He probably won't sleep tonight and we have a doctor appointment AND therapy tomorrow. I don't want to hear any "poor me" I am tired stuff from him tomorrow.
We had the prosthesis on him from 5 AM until almost noon. Ansd we put it back on him at 5:30 or so and will leave it on him until we go to bed.
I vacuumed the downstairs this morning. When I came up I found that the tv and the phone were both not working so I called Time Warner. They sent a technician out who got here at about noon. He went downstairs and plugged in the plug that I had managed to dislodge when I was vacuuming. Boy, did I feel goofy. But at least, if it happens again, I know where to look first.
I went to Kmart today and found some "football" gloves that should be helpful to Dick as he moves the wheelchair around. Then I picked up Dick's prescription and some bandages for my poor sore split fingers.
Home again. I am really tired.
I got an email from the Kettle Moraine players yesterday. They are putting on a play in Fond du Lac called Lovers Winners & Losers By Brian Friel an Irish playwrite. It is a romantic comedy. I sent a note to the Sheboygan Celtic Women and about 10 of us want to go on Sunday March 8. So I will order the tickets. I asked Dick if he thought he would like to go. He said that he feels he will be OK alone for that time but it is a bit too early for him to be trying some thing like that. SO I will go with some of my friends. If you are interested, let me know. The tickets will be $10. I can send you more information if you need it.
In the meantime I found a great quote today. I need to share it with you, my friends.
"We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today."
Stacia Thaucher.
I love that. I remember reading that in the Koran it says somewhere that every child has a right to believe that God created the world just for him.
We need to be there to protect the little ones, our furture.
love
Mary
Then I went grocery shopping. Dick went down for a nap at about 9 and slept until noon. I am somewhat concerned about that. He probably won't sleep tonight and we have a doctor appointment AND therapy tomorrow. I don't want to hear any "poor me" I am tired stuff from him tomorrow.
We had the prosthesis on him from 5 AM until almost noon. Ansd we put it back on him at 5:30 or so and will leave it on him until we go to bed.
I vacuumed the downstairs this morning. When I came up I found that the tv and the phone were both not working so I called Time Warner. They sent a technician out who got here at about noon. He went downstairs and plugged in the plug that I had managed to dislodge when I was vacuuming. Boy, did I feel goofy. But at least, if it happens again, I know where to look first.
I went to Kmart today and found some "football" gloves that should be helpful to Dick as he moves the wheelchair around. Then I picked up Dick's prescription and some bandages for my poor sore split fingers.
Home again. I am really tired.
I got an email from the Kettle Moraine players yesterday. They are putting on a play in Fond du Lac called Lovers Winners & Losers By Brian Friel an Irish playwrite. It is a romantic comedy. I sent a note to the Sheboygan Celtic Women and about 10 of us want to go on Sunday March 8. So I will order the tickets. I asked Dick if he thought he would like to go. He said that he feels he will be OK alone for that time but it is a bit too early for him to be trying some thing like that. SO I will go with some of my friends. If you are interested, let me know. The tickets will be $10. I can send you more information if you need it.
In the meantime I found a great quote today. I need to share it with you, my friends.
"We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today."
Stacia Thaucher.
I love that. I remember reading that in the Koran it says somewhere that every child has a right to believe that God created the world just for him.
We need to be there to protect the little ones, our furture.
love
Mary
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
We only had to leave the neighborhood ONCE today. That was for therapy at 1:00PM.
We put the prosthesis on first thing this morning and it worked. So he kept it on until about 11:30, then we got all cleaned up and had lunch before going over to the Care Center. Lori was really pleased that we got the leg on. She put it on again and he stood three times for as long as 5 minutes, practicing putting weight on that leg. Tomorrow we are on our own so will put it on when he wakes up again. That is before the stump gets a chance to do any swelling and will help shape the leg and keep it formed. She reminded us that Dick has to keep his weight pretty constant now. Fluctuations in weight will cause the prosthesis to not fit. If he loses a lot, it will be too loose, but if he gains it will be too tight. Such responsibility.
So this was a nice day. I find that just doing the things that have to be done for Dick and taking care of the house and the animals keeps me busier than I care to be. Things will calm down as time goes on. Even now, Dick is becoming more able to help himself every day.
We used the threshold ramp for the first time today going out. It was there when we got home yesterday so we came in on it. It is perfect. It is SO much easier for us to get him over the threshold AND it is not so bumpy for Dick. It looks great too.
Tonight I went downstairs and did a bit of sewing and straightening up down there in the den. It has been MONTHS since I have been able to do anything.
That's the story for today. Kind of dull and I am not sad about that at all.
Love you all
Mary
We put the prosthesis on first thing this morning and it worked. So he kept it on until about 11:30, then we got all cleaned up and had lunch before going over to the Care Center. Lori was really pleased that we got the leg on. She put it on again and he stood three times for as long as 5 minutes, practicing putting weight on that leg. Tomorrow we are on our own so will put it on when he wakes up again. That is before the stump gets a chance to do any swelling and will help shape the leg and keep it formed. She reminded us that Dick has to keep his weight pretty constant now. Fluctuations in weight will cause the prosthesis to not fit. If he loses a lot, it will be too loose, but if he gains it will be too tight. Such responsibility.
So this was a nice day. I find that just doing the things that have to be done for Dick and taking care of the house and the animals keeps me busier than I care to be. Things will calm down as time goes on. Even now, Dick is becoming more able to help himself every day.
We used the threshold ramp for the first time today going out. It was there when we got home yesterday so we came in on it. It is perfect. It is SO much easier for us to get him over the threshold AND it is not so bumpy for Dick. It looks great too.
Tonight I went downstairs and did a bit of sewing and straightening up down there in the den. It has been MONTHS since I have been able to do anything.
That's the story for today. Kind of dull and I am not sad about that at all.
Love you all
Mary
Was St Valentine a true blue Dub?
by Dermot O'Gara
JUST about everybody knows that St Valentine is the patron saint of lovers. You may have known that he was a priest in Rome in the third century, and if you're really on top of your game, you may even have been aware that he died in jail, but you probably didn't know that his final resting place is Dublin.
In fact the good priests of the Carmelite Order have been looking after his remains in their priory in Whitefriar St, just off Aungier St in Dublin, for over 160 years.Monday, February 02, 2009
I had my Monday morning. Kind of.
Chelsea let me sleep until almost 6AM. Then I fed the critters, walked Chelsea, helped Dick take his bath, changed the dressing on his foot and we had breakfast.
I left a bit before 9AM so I could stop at Walgreens and pick up Mom's prescription. She is always amazed that I get that to her just before she runs out. That auto refill program they have is amazing. They have a computer call me when it is ready.
I went to bible study. There were 6 of us there. A nice group of people and a nice group of three readings. I especially liked the Gospel. It was Mark's story of the visit Jesus made to Simon Peter's house when he healed Peter's mother in law. I like that because it DOES say that though the apostles left their jobs and way of life to follow Jesus. It appears that their families were also followers or at least cheering them on. After all, the mother in law rose after her healing and fed everybody. Sounds like a nice nurturing lady.
Then Jesus took time to slip away and renew his spirit. It is suggested that we all do this. A time in each day for a few minutes with God. I like my morning walks with Chelsea.
After the study, I went over to see Mom. She is fine and was so glad that Jeff came on Saturday and took her to Mass. She has been SO stir crazy. As nice as it is, she will be able to go to the Senior Meals tomorrow too.
Got home in time to feed Dick his lunch and get him over to therapy at 1:00PM. I took the cookies up to the staff upstairs at the Care Center. Those I saw all asked about their "Ernie". Lori, Dick and I talked about the problems that have come up. She was quite impressed with our innovative way of getting Dick up off the floor and back on the bed. I now know that, above all, we need to get that prosthesis on every day. She gave some suggestions for getting it on more easily which we will try tomorrow.
Home again. Bobbie and Bill were here. They had actually pulled up just as we were leaving for therapy and Bill installed the threshold ramp for us. It is really nice and makes the move, over the threshold much easier. Bobbie is going to come on Thursday to help us get to therapy as we have a doctor appointment in the morning and I will be that much more tired. I am sure glad she is around and that she is retired. Everybody is so much help.
Then I took Chelsea out to do her business and would you believe there were worms in her stool. Wouldn't you know. I called the Vet and took the sample in for testing. She has tapeworms. Probably from eating rabbit poop. I do try to jerk her away when she starts grazing on the walks but sometimes she is faster than I am. Anyway one quick dose of medicine and it will all be taken care of.
We had leftovers for supper.
Then I had to go to Rhine Plymouth for the monthly meeting. That went quite quickly and I was home by about 8:15Pm. Now it is settle down time and get to bed for the night. Tomorrow will be comparatively quiet. We have therapy at 1PM but the rest of the day is ours and we will be HOME. YIPPEE! Critters will like that too.
It is February already. We will have 40 degrees on the weekend. Bret is laughing at our heat wave. They are experiencing 80 degrees there. But we are content. Perhaps out snow mountains will recede some with all that heat.
Love
Mary
Chelsea let me sleep until almost 6AM. Then I fed the critters, walked Chelsea, helped Dick take his bath, changed the dressing on his foot and we had breakfast.
I left a bit before 9AM so I could stop at Walgreens and pick up Mom's prescription. She is always amazed that I get that to her just before she runs out. That auto refill program they have is amazing. They have a computer call me when it is ready.
I went to bible study. There were 6 of us there. A nice group of people and a nice group of three readings. I especially liked the Gospel. It was Mark's story of the visit Jesus made to Simon Peter's house when he healed Peter's mother in law. I like that because it DOES say that though the apostles left their jobs and way of life to follow Jesus. It appears that their families were also followers or at least cheering them on. After all, the mother in law rose after her healing and fed everybody. Sounds like a nice nurturing lady.
Then Jesus took time to slip away and renew his spirit. It is suggested that we all do this. A time in each day for a few minutes with God. I like my morning walks with Chelsea.
After the study, I went over to see Mom. She is fine and was so glad that Jeff came on Saturday and took her to Mass. She has been SO stir crazy. As nice as it is, she will be able to go to the Senior Meals tomorrow too.
Got home in time to feed Dick his lunch and get him over to therapy at 1:00PM. I took the cookies up to the staff upstairs at the Care Center. Those I saw all asked about their "Ernie". Lori, Dick and I talked about the problems that have come up. She was quite impressed with our innovative way of getting Dick up off the floor and back on the bed. I now know that, above all, we need to get that prosthesis on every day. She gave some suggestions for getting it on more easily which we will try tomorrow.
Home again. Bobbie and Bill were here. They had actually pulled up just as we were leaving for therapy and Bill installed the threshold ramp for us. It is really nice and makes the move, over the threshold much easier. Bobbie is going to come on Thursday to help us get to therapy as we have a doctor appointment in the morning and I will be that much more tired. I am sure glad she is around and that she is retired. Everybody is so much help.
Then I took Chelsea out to do her business and would you believe there were worms in her stool. Wouldn't you know. I called the Vet and took the sample in for testing. She has tapeworms. Probably from eating rabbit poop. I do try to jerk her away when she starts grazing on the walks but sometimes she is faster than I am. Anyway one quick dose of medicine and it will all be taken care of.
We had leftovers for supper.
Then I had to go to Rhine Plymouth for the monthly meeting. That went quite quickly and I was home by about 8:15Pm. Now it is settle down time and get to bed for the night. Tomorrow will be comparatively quiet. We have therapy at 1PM but the rest of the day is ours and we will be HOME. YIPPEE! Critters will like that too.
It is February already. We will have 40 degrees on the weekend. Bret is laughing at our heat wave. They are experiencing 80 degrees there. But we are content. Perhaps out snow mountains will recede some with all that heat.
Love
Mary
Sunday, February 01, 2009
I saw a Great Blue Heron flying overhead when Chelsea and I walked yesterday morning. With my afterthought blog of yesterday, I forgot to mention that. I heard the cardinal this morning again too. These are signs of spring in this coldest and snowiest winter in ages. Where is this global warming. Send the polar bears down to Wisconsin in January. (Keep them in a relatively unpopulated area.)
With temperatures up into the upper 30s, we are feeling quite balmy here. Bret sniffed at that thought. The temperatures are in the 80s in Norwalk.
Now for the events of the day. It started with a bang. Almost literally. I woke up with a start at about 5AM to find Dick sinking to the floor off of the bed. The klunk of the wheelchair as it canted forward is what woke me. Fortunately, he was on the slide board and pretty much just sunk to the ground. No bumps, no damage to the wounds on the foot. Lots of damage to his dignity and to my peace of mind.
First, we determined -no injury. Then came the problem of getting him back up to either the bed or the wheel chair. The bed was a bigger target so we worked on that. We brought in two stools of different heights. First, with the gate belt, lots of arm work on his part and using the heel of the right foot, we "butt thumped" him up to the bed. Once there, we transferred to the wheelchair on the slide board as he is supposed to.
We just can't figure out what happened. He has been transferring during the nights without any problems all week. Somehow, he must have gotten the board in a bad position.
I told him we could always call 911 but we managed.
Later this afternoon when I took Chelsea out, our neighbor was driving home and stopped to ask how everything was going. When I told her about the above incident, she reminded me that Carson, her husband, is an EMT and she is also trained. She said that if something happens, we should call. If they are home, they will come over and help. That makes me feel much more secure. They could determine if we need more equipment too.
After that, the rest of the day was a snap. We have accomplished almost everything that we are supposed to. We were unable to get the prosthesis on all the way again. We will try again this evening. I hope that Lori can come up with some suggestions at therapy tomorrow.
I baked two batches of cookies today to take over to the care staff at Plymouth Care for a thank you. Of course we hold some of the workers in a special spot in out hearts but everybody was kind and helped Dick to the best of their ability. One can't give individual gifts but I wanted to do something. I am taking a few of them to Mother tomorrow too.
We had pizza today in honor of the Super Bowl. We will probably watch the game as it is always exciting, if nothing else for the commercials.
I talked to my Bret today. He is fine. He went jeeping last week and is going at least twice before summer. I told him to say hi to all of my friends. Someday I will go ut there to visit him and visit Tony's grave. I think I will ask my friend Janet and Bret to go with me. It would be good for me to have someone and Janet knew him. Bret never went to his brother's grave. I just couldn't go then. Now I long to. I need to tell him some things. I have never stopped loving him. I can still remember the smell fo the top of his little head.
I don't mean to be depressing. So lets move on. Tomorrow is a very busy day again. I am going to Bible Study and to visit Mother. Then at 1:00 Dick has therapy. Then in the evening, I will go to the Rhine for the meeting. I need to bring a couple of bottles or wine to Tom Lawonn who let me pick the currants for the wine. Dick and I shared a bottle a couple of weeks ago and it is quite good.
So be good to yourself tomorrow and think of me. I know it will give us strengh.
Love
Mary
With temperatures up into the upper 30s, we are feeling quite balmy here. Bret sniffed at that thought. The temperatures are in the 80s in Norwalk.
Now for the events of the day. It started with a bang. Almost literally. I woke up with a start at about 5AM to find Dick sinking to the floor off of the bed. The klunk of the wheelchair as it canted forward is what woke me. Fortunately, he was on the slide board and pretty much just sunk to the ground. No bumps, no damage to the wounds on the foot. Lots of damage to his dignity and to my peace of mind.
First, we determined -no injury. Then came the problem of getting him back up to either the bed or the wheel chair. The bed was a bigger target so we worked on that. We brought in two stools of different heights. First, with the gate belt, lots of arm work on his part and using the heel of the right foot, we "butt thumped" him up to the bed. Once there, we transferred to the wheelchair on the slide board as he is supposed to.
We just can't figure out what happened. He has been transferring during the nights without any problems all week. Somehow, he must have gotten the board in a bad position.
I told him we could always call 911 but we managed.
Later this afternoon when I took Chelsea out, our neighbor was driving home and stopped to ask how everything was going. When I told her about the above incident, she reminded me that Carson, her husband, is an EMT and she is also trained. She said that if something happens, we should call. If they are home, they will come over and help. That makes me feel much more secure. They could determine if we need more equipment too.
After that, the rest of the day was a snap. We have accomplished almost everything that we are supposed to. We were unable to get the prosthesis on all the way again. We will try again this evening. I hope that Lori can come up with some suggestions at therapy tomorrow.
I baked two batches of cookies today to take over to the care staff at Plymouth Care for a thank you. Of course we hold some of the workers in a special spot in out hearts but everybody was kind and helped Dick to the best of their ability. One can't give individual gifts but I wanted to do something. I am taking a few of them to Mother tomorrow too.
We had pizza today in honor of the Super Bowl. We will probably watch the game as it is always exciting, if nothing else for the commercials.
I talked to my Bret today. He is fine. He went jeeping last week and is going at least twice before summer. I told him to say hi to all of my friends. Someday I will go ut there to visit him and visit Tony's grave. I think I will ask my friend Janet and Bret to go with me. It would be good for me to have someone and Janet knew him. Bret never went to his brother's grave. I just couldn't go then. Now I long to. I need to tell him some things. I have never stopped loving him. I can still remember the smell fo the top of his little head.
I don't mean to be depressing. So lets move on. Tomorrow is a very busy day again. I am going to Bible Study and to visit Mother. Then at 1:00 Dick has therapy. Then in the evening, I will go to the Rhine for the meeting. I need to bring a couple of bottles or wine to Tom Lawonn who let me pick the currants for the wine. Dick and I shared a bottle a couple of weeks ago and it is quite good.
So be good to yourself tomorrow and think of me. I know it will give us strengh.
Love
Mary
Saturday, January 31, 2009
I almost forgot the blog tonight. I was actually in bed, so this will be VERY short.
We were home all day except for me going to Mass at 4PM. Now we can just stay home tomorrow too.
I was busy all day. I did a couple of things for the CWI newsletter and vacuumed the livingroom and our big event was having Dick take his first bath other than sponge, since he has been home. Actually his first bath in a while because we have been unable to get that right foot wet. It went well. I am sure he feels better.
Anyway. We are OK and I am extremely tired.
Tomorrow willo be a resting day. I just want to bake and goof off.
Til then
Stay safe. I would say stay warm but it was 38 degrees today and we felt like it was a heat wave.
I loved the following. Don (Doc) Blake sent it to me.
Love
Mary
We were home all day except for me going to Mass at 4PM. Now we can just stay home tomorrow too.
I was busy all day. I did a couple of things for the CWI newsletter and vacuumed the livingroom and our big event was having Dick take his first bath other than sponge, since he has been home. Actually his first bath in a while because we have been unable to get that right foot wet. It went well. I am sure he feels better.
Anyway. We are OK and I am extremely tired.
Tomorrow willo be a resting day. I just want to bake and goof off.
Til then
Stay safe. I would say stay warm but it was 38 degrees today and we felt like it was a heat wave.
I loved the following. Don (Doc) Blake sent it to me.
Love
Mary
The Pentagon announced TODAY the formation of a new 500-man elite fighting unit called the United States Redneck Special Forces (USRSF) These boys will be dropped off in Iraq and have been given only the following facts about terrorists : 1. The season opened today. 2. There is no limit. 3. They taste just like chicken. 4. They don't like beer, pickups, country music or Jesus. 5. They are directly responsible for the death of Dale Earnhardt . The Pentagon expects the problem in Iraq to be over by Friday. | |||
|
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
