It rained this morning. Kind of late in the morning but rain none the less and my plants really needed it so I was glad. The temps were in the 70s. It was a bit muggy but nothing to get alarmed about so I feel it was a perfect summer day.
I got the trash out first thing then caught up on a couple of email projects before leaving for Sheboygan Falls to join my friend Bob Fleming for breakfast at the Park View Restaurant. We had a great catch up breakfast. He is busy with several projects. I saw him for just moments at Irish Fest. But since we had this breakfast planned,it just gave us more to talk about. He is the guy that sends cards - hand made by him with the envelopes so pretty that one hates to throw them away too.
Then I stopped at the bank to take care of a couple of things before going to Rocky Knoll for Dick. I had lunch with him. I brought a salad for me. Dick is still very weak, but the pain in his neck and chest is receding. Tim from Wisconsin Prosthesis came today and brought the shrinkers for the right leg along. So, we are started on the process. He also resumed therapy though it will have to be built up again because of his weakness. He was unable to stand but almost got up on the third try so we were happy with that.
I was watching that Dawn commercial about washing the oil drenched creatures in the Gulf and it reminded me of a story.
In my previous life, when Bart and Bret were babies, we had a cat named Samantha. She was part Siamese, black as coal with the greenest eyes I have ever seen. In those days at that place, one did not keep cats in the house necessarily and Sam was pretty much both. She had a couple of litters of kittens while we had her. One of the litters had a black kitten with a hernia. It had this lump the size of a golf ball on its tummy. Then one morning, I went out into the garage where we kept Sam and her kittens to feed and water her and found that this poor kitten had fallen into a bucket of grease that my ex husband had in the garage. Poor thing, Sam had gotten it out of the oil but then rejected her because she was unable to lick her clean without getting sick.
So, I called the Vet's office and explained the situation. I told about the lump and the oil. He said to bring the kitten in to have the lump checked. I said that was fine, but what about the oil. It got very quiet at the other end of the line, then he said. "How to get oil off a kitten. Hold on Please." They suggested washing the kitten in baby shampoo but I wish we had had Dawn then. Baby Shampoo helped but did not do too much good.
That poor little kitty, I took her in, they got her all cleaned up and wrapped her tummy in a truss which helped the hernia temporarily but when the bandage was off, out it came again. So I finally had to have her put away. That was hard. But it was best for her.
So that is my story for the day. Tomorrow is shopping, the "cocktail hour" at Rocky Knoll and a hair cut.
Whew. I thought this was going to be a quiet week.
God love you
Mary
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
What a day!
I got up at 7AM and would have loved to sleep later, but had some Monday things to do. I had decided not to go to Bible Study but still had to pick up something for Mother and had decided to spend some time with her this morning. So I got to her house at about 8:30AM and we had our Monday morning visit. I was able to update her on Dick and tell her about the Irish Fest day.
Then on to Sheboygan Memorial to see Dick. When I got there, Dr. Phelan was in the room along with three other personnel, discussing his situation. Dr. Phelan had determined that he was well enough to go back to Rocky Knoll. So the morning was spent preparing for that. Tim came to pick him up at 1PM and got him back safe and sound. I had to stop at home to pick up a couple of things for him. When I got there he was settled in bed and very exhausted. I stayed til 2:30 then came home to be there when Mat from Home care resources came to estimate the cost of installing good hand grips in the bathtub so Dick can be safe getting in and out. It will be a bit more than I had wished but they are guaranteed up to 800 lbs so I know that he will be fine.
Then I cooked up the fresh corn that Jeff had sent for me for supper. I just got things cleaned up when Dick called. He was concerned about being alone, so I went back to Rocky Knoll to be with him for a bit.
Now I am back and am very tired. I intend to go to bed in about 10 minutes. I have to get up by 7AM to finish up the trash but that will be OK. I think I will really sleep soundly and Roxie will be very happy to have me settled in one spot.
So Until tomorrow. God love you
Mary
I got up at 7AM and would have loved to sleep later, but had some Monday things to do. I had decided not to go to Bible Study but still had to pick up something for Mother and had decided to spend some time with her this morning. So I got to her house at about 8:30AM and we had our Monday morning visit. I was able to update her on Dick and tell her about the Irish Fest day.
Then on to Sheboygan Memorial to see Dick. When I got there, Dr. Phelan was in the room along with three other personnel, discussing his situation. Dr. Phelan had determined that he was well enough to go back to Rocky Knoll. So the morning was spent preparing for that. Tim came to pick him up at 1PM and got him back safe and sound. I had to stop at home to pick up a couple of things for him. When I got there he was settled in bed and very exhausted. I stayed til 2:30 then came home to be there when Mat from Home care resources came to estimate the cost of installing good hand grips in the bathtub so Dick can be safe getting in and out. It will be a bit more than I had wished but they are guaranteed up to 800 lbs so I know that he will be fine.
Then I cooked up the fresh corn that Jeff had sent for me for supper. I just got things cleaned up when Dick called. He was concerned about being alone, so I went back to Rocky Knoll to be with him for a bit.
Now I am back and am very tired. I intend to go to bed in about 10 minutes. I have to get up by 7AM to finish up the trash but that will be OK. I think I will really sleep soundly and Roxie will be very happy to have me settled in one spot.
So Until tomorrow. God love you
Mary
Sunday, August 21, 2011
I had a lovely day today at Irish Fest. I drove to my friend's (Joan and Dick) house at 7AM. Then Joan, Dick, Dorothy Rose and I left for Milwaukee.
We got there close to 8:30AM, just in time for Joan and Dorothy to report to our friend Sheila as they were helping with the Mass. Dick and I held down the seats for everybody in the Marcus Amphitheatre so that the "workers" would have a place to sit when their job was done.
Archbishop Listecki was the celebrant at the Mass and it was very nice. He called himself O'Listecki for the day and was "adopted" by we Irish. The Ampitheatre was pretty packed. It always amazes me how they so quickly and efficiently distribute communion to those crowds.
After Mass, I pretty much set out on my own. I got breakfast. Eggs and Irish Breakfast Sausages, then headed to the Irish Cultural Village intending to look around there until I could meet Mary Pat at about 1AM. Then Jeff called. They, Jeff, Kathy, Sara, Shane, Georgie and a friend Mary were all in the Snug, so I hiked back to there and visited with them, listening to the group, playing there until 12:30PM. At that point, I went to the Hedge School and connected with Mary Pat. She was rushing around trying to get her head centered for her lecture at 1PM and asked me to help her so I did. We got a bit of visiting between crises and I met her husband, Martin. He is delightful. After the lecture, I helped her a bit until the rush of book buyers left and then went on my way to take in the ambience and to do my bit of shopping. I stopped to say Hi to Dan Virks who organizes the Sing Along. I couldn't really spend time there this time but just wanted to say HI to him.
During my shopping, I found Bob and Pat Becher so we visited for a little bit, then on the the north end of the park. I picked up a great big diet Pepsi on the way as I was very thirsty. I shopped at the north end of the Fest, finding a present for Christmas, A present for Mom and for me and cute little necklace as I forgot to wear my Cross this morning.
At about 3:30PM I walked over to the Tipperary Tea Room to have my Irish Coffee and buy a couple of scones for breakfast tomorrow and Tuesday.
The Walsh Sisters came walking by and joined me. Rosemary and I went to the Parade Starting place at 4PM to walk with our Celtic Sisters and the banner. It was a great parade. I saw Jeff and family, Bobbie and Bill, my friend Bob and got a hug from a man I never saw before in my life.
After the parade, the four of us had supper and then headed home.
I am very tired, a good tired, walking at the beautiful Festival Park with all the great music and people around me refreshed me. I will sleep well. I did stop at the hospital on the way home to see how Dick is doing. He is still very weak and we should have answers tomorrow. Dr. Phelan will be the hospitalist tomorrow. This makes us very happy though Dr. Mirza is very very nice and thorough.
So. Until tomorrow. God bless you.
Mary
We got there close to 8:30AM, just in time for Joan and Dorothy to report to our friend Sheila as they were helping with the Mass. Dick and I held down the seats for everybody in the Marcus Amphitheatre so that the "workers" would have a place to sit when their job was done.
Archbishop Listecki was the celebrant at the Mass and it was very nice. He called himself O'Listecki for the day and was "adopted" by we Irish. The Ampitheatre was pretty packed. It always amazes me how they so quickly and efficiently distribute communion to those crowds.
After Mass, I pretty much set out on my own. I got breakfast. Eggs and Irish Breakfast Sausages, then headed to the Irish Cultural Village intending to look around there until I could meet Mary Pat at about 1AM. Then Jeff called. They, Jeff, Kathy, Sara, Shane, Georgie and a friend Mary were all in the Snug, so I hiked back to there and visited with them, listening to the group, playing there until 12:30PM. At that point, I went to the Hedge School and connected with Mary Pat. She was rushing around trying to get her head centered for her lecture at 1PM and asked me to help her so I did. We got a bit of visiting between crises and I met her husband, Martin. He is delightful. After the lecture, I helped her a bit until the rush of book buyers left and then went on my way to take in the ambience and to do my bit of shopping. I stopped to say Hi to Dan Virks who organizes the Sing Along. I couldn't really spend time there this time but just wanted to say HI to him.
During my shopping, I found Bob and Pat Becher so we visited for a little bit, then on the the north end of the park. I picked up a great big diet Pepsi on the way as I was very thirsty. I shopped at the north end of the Fest, finding a present for Christmas, A present for Mom and for me and cute little necklace as I forgot to wear my Cross this morning.
At about 3:30PM I walked over to the Tipperary Tea Room to have my Irish Coffee and buy a couple of scones for breakfast tomorrow and Tuesday.
The Walsh Sisters came walking by and joined me. Rosemary and I went to the Parade Starting place at 4PM to walk with our Celtic Sisters and the banner. It was a great parade. I saw Jeff and family, Bobbie and Bill, my friend Bob and got a hug from a man I never saw before in my life.
After the parade, the four of us had supper and then headed home.
I am very tired, a good tired, walking at the beautiful Festival Park with all the great music and people around me refreshed me. I will sleep well. I did stop at the hospital on the way home to see how Dick is doing. He is still very weak and we should have answers tomorrow. Dr. Phelan will be the hospitalist tomorrow. This makes us very happy though Dr. Mirza is very very nice and thorough.
So. Until tomorrow. God bless you.
Mary
Friday, August 19, 2011
Well, this has been a discouraging day unless it turns out to be the crossroads to health for Dick.
I got a call this morning that Dick was feeling more pain in his chest, neck and shoulder and that he was terribly flushed, especially on the left side of his face. They had contacted Dr. Sharon and he asked that they send him to Sheboygan Memorial for a complete evaluation. I went over to Rocky Knoll to be there when the ambulance came to make the transfer. We got to Sheboygan Memorial shortly before noon.
After all the preliminary tests, they decided to admit him. So, up we went to the third floor for the next day or two. A hospitalist, Dr. Mansoor Mirza, is the doctor in charge today. I am quite pleased. After gathering all the information, he came in to talk to us and was very clear and kind in his diagnosis at this point. Of course, there is much more information to gather. He has ordered a Cat-scan, as an example.
At this point, he has ordered intravenous antibiotics for the pneumonia, a diuretic to help release the fluids in his lungs and has cancelled his blood pressure meds because his blood pressure is again so low. He has expressed concern that Dick's heart seems to be enlarged, probably because it is working so hard to try to cure the pneumonia and heal his body.
So. We all need to pray. He sent me home a bit after three to rest and I am going to bed very soon. I am exhausted I know. And with him in good hands, I can rest.
So. Til tomorrow. Call or email if you have questions.
God love you and protect us all.
Mary
I got a call this morning that Dick was feeling more pain in his chest, neck and shoulder and that he was terribly flushed, especially on the left side of his face. They had contacted Dr. Sharon and he asked that they send him to Sheboygan Memorial for a complete evaluation. I went over to Rocky Knoll to be there when the ambulance came to make the transfer. We got to Sheboygan Memorial shortly before noon.
After all the preliminary tests, they decided to admit him. So, up we went to the third floor for the next day or two. A hospitalist, Dr. Mansoor Mirza, is the doctor in charge today. I am quite pleased. After gathering all the information, he came in to talk to us and was very clear and kind in his diagnosis at this point. Of course, there is much more information to gather. He has ordered a Cat-scan, as an example.
At this point, he has ordered intravenous antibiotics for the pneumonia, a diuretic to help release the fluids in his lungs and has cancelled his blood pressure meds because his blood pressure is again so low. He has expressed concern that Dick's heart seems to be enlarged, probably because it is working so hard to try to cure the pneumonia and heal his body.
So. We all need to pray. He sent me home a bit after three to rest and I am going to bed very soon. I am exhausted I know. And with him in good hands, I can rest.
So. Til tomorrow. Call or email if you have questions.
God love you and protect us all.
Mary
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Not a great day. The weather was absolutely perfect. Not humid and pleasantly warm. With the green all around us in beautiful Wisconsin we can be grateful for and mist hang on to the beauty of the days.
However, I went to Rocky Knoll at 11:30AM to find that Dick was not feeling well at all. His temperature was up and his pain in his chest is more intense. The nurses were in contact with Dr. Sharon. My mid afternoon they put him on a different antibiotic. Blood tests have been taken and we are waiting for the results of them.
Before I left his temperature had dropped by two degrees and he seemed a bit more comfortable. He has a long way to go, but I hope that new antibiotic has kicked in really quickly.
Nice night on the phone. Richard called and Jim and Michelle called. I called Dick a few minutes ago and he sounds weak still but seems to be alert. They convinced him to go to bed early. He is always afraid of waking up and not getting back to sleep. I reminded him that he can ask for more sleep aids at that point.
So the day is done, I am tired and am going to bed very early again to read and wind down.
So until tomorrow
Mary
However, I went to Rocky Knoll at 11:30AM to find that Dick was not feeling well at all. His temperature was up and his pain in his chest is more intense. The nurses were in contact with Dr. Sharon. My mid afternoon they put him on a different antibiotic. Blood tests have been taken and we are waiting for the results of them.
Before I left his temperature had dropped by two degrees and he seemed a bit more comfortable. He has a long way to go, but I hope that new antibiotic has kicked in really quickly.
Nice night on the phone. Richard called and Jim and Michelle called. I called Dick a few minutes ago and he sounds weak still but seems to be alert. They convinced him to go to bed early. He is always afraid of waking up and not getting back to sleep. I reminded him that he can ask for more sleep aids at that point.
So the day is done, I am tired and am going to bed very early again to read and wind down.
So until tomorrow
Mary
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
A typical Wednesday. I went grocery shopping this morning. That went well. I was home a bit after 10AM and put everything away. I bought some really good cinnamon rolls for breakfast.
I worked around the house this morning and got to Rocky Knoll at 11:30AM. Dick is still very weak but said that the sharpness of the pain in the chest has eased some. We had lunch together. Then he had his PT. They are doing things that don't cause breathing trouble and he is not standing until this is healed. He is still exhausted when he is done.
Today was the weekly cocktail hour at On the Rocks. We went there at 3PM. When we got back I was so tired and Dick really wanted me to stay so I napped for a bit. He doesn't care as long as I am there.
So now I am home again. I slept like the dead last night and am hoping for a repeat tonight. I don't have to be up at any specific time either so I may be a slug a bed in the morning.
It is a lovely day. I heard that it was supposed to rain in Sheboygan county but we did not get a drop here. I will now go an water the hanging plant on the porch and call it a night.
Bless you all
Mary
I worked around the house this morning and got to Rocky Knoll at 11:30AM. Dick is still very weak but said that the sharpness of the pain in the chest has eased some. We had lunch together. Then he had his PT. They are doing things that don't cause breathing trouble and he is not standing until this is healed. He is still exhausted when he is done.
Today was the weekly cocktail hour at On the Rocks. We went there at 3PM. When we got back I was so tired and Dick really wanted me to stay so I napped for a bit. He doesn't care as long as I am there.
So now I am home again. I slept like the dead last night and am hoping for a repeat tonight. I don't have to be up at any specific time either so I may be a slug a bed in the morning.
It is a lovely day. I heard that it was supposed to rain in Sheboygan county but we did not get a drop here. I will now go an water the hanging plant on the porch and call it a night.
Bless you all
Mary
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
I am amazed at the resilience of kitties. Roxie is so patient and loving through all of this and I know that she is lonely with the house empty so much of her day. When I come home she is always glad to see me. She cuddles me and purrs her little heart out and she comes in to bed gratefully with me. She spends most of the night either sleeping on my legs or over on the other side of the bed.
I have been opening the deck sliding door for her in the mornings. She likes to hang out there for a while. The other day she and a squirrel were looking at each other. Made me a bit nervous but they seemed to be content that neither was a threat to the other.
Servicemaster came today and cleaned the carpets. Boy did they need it. I told Jim and Katie to bring the super cleaners as I had been putting it off, first because of Dick's surgeries and then because of the house leaks.
How nice to have the carpets clean and Katie gave me a solution that took up the black spots that had started appearing here and there.
After they left, I fixed my lunch and did a few things then left for Rocky Knoll. Dick has been weak and has been experiencing pain in his chest. It has been diagnosed as pneumonia (again) and he is on antibiotics again.
I ate lunch with him, then went with him to therapy. He is very weak and is not up to games or walks but I just sat with him and read when he napped. Dr. Sharon came in today and ordered a couple of more tests and treatments that might help heal him more quickly and perhaps prevent a reoccurance.,
As the diagnosis involved a trip to Sheboygan Memorial last night. The ambulance picked him up at 6 and he got back to Rocky Knoll after 9:30PM. Thank God for Tim at Custom care and Transport. The hospital called him when we were ready to go back and just said that she had a patient to be transported back to Rocky Knoll. He asked the nurse if this was a Medicaid patient. I heard that and told her to tell Tim that it was Ernest Kunert. He said and I quote. " OH. Ernie! I'll be there as soon as I can."
There are wonderful people in this world. I was walking a bit to stretch my legs and ran into Fr. Van Beek. He was trying to find the way out, so I helped him. When he found out Dick was a patient, he came to therapy to meet him and wish him well. I was pleased. Fr. Van Beek will be retiring in June of next year.
He still look pretty bent over but I saw a light in his eyes so feel that he is recovering finally from his injuries of several months ago.
I came home at 4PM. Roxie was very glad to see me. I put the living room furniture back in place and fixes a bit of supper.
Since I was up so late last night, I will go to bed early tonight.
I can read until I am ready to fall asleep.
Be happy
Mary
I have been opening the deck sliding door for her in the mornings. She likes to hang out there for a while. The other day she and a squirrel were looking at each other. Made me a bit nervous but they seemed to be content that neither was a threat to the other.
Servicemaster came today and cleaned the carpets. Boy did they need it. I told Jim and Katie to bring the super cleaners as I had been putting it off, first because of Dick's surgeries and then because of the house leaks.
How nice to have the carpets clean and Katie gave me a solution that took up the black spots that had started appearing here and there.
After they left, I fixed my lunch and did a few things then left for Rocky Knoll. Dick has been weak and has been experiencing pain in his chest. It has been diagnosed as pneumonia (again) and he is on antibiotics again.
I ate lunch with him, then went with him to therapy. He is very weak and is not up to games or walks but I just sat with him and read when he napped. Dr. Sharon came in today and ordered a couple of more tests and treatments that might help heal him more quickly and perhaps prevent a reoccurance.,
As the diagnosis involved a trip to Sheboygan Memorial last night. The ambulance picked him up at 6 and he got back to Rocky Knoll after 9:30PM. Thank God for Tim at Custom care and Transport. The hospital called him when we were ready to go back and just said that she had a patient to be transported back to Rocky Knoll. He asked the nurse if this was a Medicaid patient. I heard that and told her to tell Tim that it was Ernest Kunert. He said and I quote. " OH. Ernie! I'll be there as soon as I can."
There are wonderful people in this world. I was walking a bit to stretch my legs and ran into Fr. Van Beek. He was trying to find the way out, so I helped him. When he found out Dick was a patient, he came to therapy to meet him and wish him well. I was pleased. Fr. Van Beek will be retiring in June of next year.
He still look pretty bent over but I saw a light in his eyes so feel that he is recovering finally from his injuries of several months ago.
I came home at 4PM. Roxie was very glad to see me. I put the living room furniture back in place and fixes a bit of supper.
Since I was up so late last night, I will go to bed early tonight.
I can read until I am ready to fall asleep.
Be happy
Mary
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Hello everyone
A lovely Sunday. Richard and Brenda had spent the night so we had a leisurely breakfast this morning after a nice night's sleep. Then I left for 10AM Mass at Rocky Knoll. The mass was again very meaningful. The Capuchin priest who officiate are very good and bring the lessons of the scripture to today.
When I got back to Dick's room Richard and Brenda were there. So we all went into the visiting area outside his room and visited until it was almost time for lunch and Richard and Brenda wanted to get on the road for home. Dick and I are so grateful to them for coming to celebrate our 25th and to thank them and Bobbie and Bill for the gift to Dick of the wireless computer. He can get back into a stimulating routine again.
We had lunch together. I ate my leftover meatloaf from last night. Then we went for a nice walk. It was perfect out there. Each time we walk, we do seem to get a bit further. The grounds are really very pleasant. Today it was warm with a really gentle breeze. The sun was not too hot. and the air was fresh and smelled like fresh cut grass.
Dick and I played a game or two or Rummy, then I came home. I was so tired that I slept for 40 minutes just like that.
Now I am finishing up things here so that I can go to bed early to prepare for a busy Monday.
God love you all
Mary
A lovely Sunday. Richard and Brenda had spent the night so we had a leisurely breakfast this morning after a nice night's sleep. Then I left for 10AM Mass at Rocky Knoll. The mass was again very meaningful. The Capuchin priest who officiate are very good and bring the lessons of the scripture to today.
When I got back to Dick's room Richard and Brenda were there. So we all went into the visiting area outside his room and visited until it was almost time for lunch and Richard and Brenda wanted to get on the road for home. Dick and I are so grateful to them for coming to celebrate our 25th and to thank them and Bobbie and Bill for the gift to Dick of the wireless computer. He can get back into a stimulating routine again.
We had lunch together. I ate my leftover meatloaf from last night. Then we went for a nice walk. It was perfect out there. Each time we walk, we do seem to get a bit further. The grounds are really very pleasant. Today it was warm with a really gentle breeze. The sun was not too hot. and the air was fresh and smelled like fresh cut grass.
Dick and I played a game or two or Rummy, then I came home. I was so tired that I slept for 40 minutes just like that.
Now I am finishing up things here so that I can go to bed early to prepare for a busy Monday.
God love you all
Mary
Saturday, August 13, 2011
I had a lot of trouble getting to sleep last night. I was able to stay in bed a bit later this morning which helped but I really feel it tonight so think I will not have any difficulty when I go to bed tonight.
I spent the morning clearing and sorting things again. That seems to be a constant battle. I also made an apple salad with yogurt to have with our breakfast tomorrow. Shortly before 11, I drove over to Kate's house with a bowl that she sent something good home in and a can of a brand of cat food that Roxie turned her sweet little nose up at. Kate offered some to her Riley and he LOVED it. So either he likes junky food of Roxie doesn't know good food. We would all rather not know.
I had a cup of tea with her and Ron before driving out to Rocky Knoll so I was in time to have lunch with Dick. When I got there at quarter to 12, he was already down in the dining room. He was wondering where I was. I had a sandwich along, but they had Strawberry Schaum Torte for dessert and I got one. Yea! It was SO good.
Dick and I played a couple of games of cards until Bobbie and Bill got there. Then, Richard and Brenda arrived at 3PM. They had called earlier in the week to say they were coming and we were so glad. They came to celebrate our 25th Anniversary with us. Can you believe that August 16th, it will be 25 years. The kids brought a beautiful corsage for me. AND a wireless computer for us but mainly Dick as his need is now. We are hoping that this will perk him up as he will be able to go back on the web and not be all those hours alone with just the TV. It is really super and Dick is SO pleased. I can't tell you how much we appreciate their love and care.
They also picked up dinner from Sweet Basil. We all ate in one of the gathering places. They even remembered a 25th anniversary cake and cute little heart balloon on a stick. Then we toasted each other with great champagne.
So it has been a golden day. I know. It is the silver anniversary, but this was a golden day anyway. Now I am home. The four of them stayed for a longer visit with their dad and to set up the wireless for him. I came home to feed the cat and get things settled down so I can to bed soon.
The Packer pregame is on. So far so good they are leading at halftime and have the second and/or third string in.
So, until tomorrow,
God love you all
Mary
I spent the morning clearing and sorting things again. That seems to be a constant battle. I also made an apple salad with yogurt to have with our breakfast tomorrow. Shortly before 11, I drove over to Kate's house with a bowl that she sent something good home in and a can of a brand of cat food that Roxie turned her sweet little nose up at. Kate offered some to her Riley and he LOVED it. So either he likes junky food of Roxie doesn't know good food. We would all rather not know.
I had a cup of tea with her and Ron before driving out to Rocky Knoll so I was in time to have lunch with Dick. When I got there at quarter to 12, he was already down in the dining room. He was wondering where I was. I had a sandwich along, but they had Strawberry Schaum Torte for dessert and I got one. Yea! It was SO good.
Dick and I played a couple of games of cards until Bobbie and Bill got there. Then, Richard and Brenda arrived at 3PM. They had called earlier in the week to say they were coming and we were so glad. They came to celebrate our 25th Anniversary with us. Can you believe that August 16th, it will be 25 years. The kids brought a beautiful corsage for me. AND a wireless computer for us but mainly Dick as his need is now. We are hoping that this will perk him up as he will be able to go back on the web and not be all those hours alone with just the TV. It is really super and Dick is SO pleased. I can't tell you how much we appreciate their love and care.
They also picked up dinner from Sweet Basil. We all ate in one of the gathering places. They even remembered a 25th anniversary cake and cute little heart balloon on a stick. Then we toasted each other with great champagne.
So it has been a golden day. I know. It is the silver anniversary, but this was a golden day anyway. Now I am home. The four of them stayed for a longer visit with their dad and to set up the wireless for him. I came home to feed the cat and get things settled down so I can to bed soon.
The Packer pregame is on. So far so good they are leading at halftime and have the second and/or third string in.
So, until tomorrow,
God love you all
Mary
Friday, August 12, 2011
A lovely day. The "evening" rain they promised came off an on all afternoon though it was really sparse. I still feel that perhaps I should water my deck plants. They look a bit sad out there, but the weathermen and women keep promising rain and the drops from heaven are much more nourishing than mine.
Today was also a very exiting day. I arrived at Rocky Knoll at about 9AM. Tim picked us up for the appointment with Dr. Fehrman at about 9:30AM. Dr. Fehrman is VERY pleased with the look of the stump and says we are ready to call Tim from Wisconsin Prosthesis in to begin the process for the prosthesis. YIPPEE!! Much better than we had hoped. It makes a possible home date for 4 to 5 weeks from now.
Leaving there at about 2PM, I picked up a prescription at Walmart and returned an item to Fleet Farm. Home again. I keep stressing how nice it is to get her. If only Dick were here too.
Have a lovely weekend. I am sure I will as Richard and Brenda will be here.
God love you
Mary
Today was also a very exiting day. I arrived at Rocky Knoll at about 9AM. Tim picked us up for the appointment with Dr. Fehrman at about 9:30AM. Dr. Fehrman is VERY pleased with the look of the stump and says we are ready to call Tim from Wisconsin Prosthesis in to begin the process for the prosthesis. YIPPEE!! Much better than we had hoped. It makes a possible home date for 4 to 5 weeks from now.
Leaving there at about 2PM, I picked up a prescription at Walmart and returned an item to Fleet Farm. Home again. I keep stressing how nice it is to get her. If only Dick were here too.
Have a lovely weekend. I am sure I will as Richard and Brenda will be here.
God love you
Mary
BREAKING NEWS!To save the economy, in August, 2011, the government will start deporting older people (instead of illegals) in order to lower Social Security and Medical costs and increase welfare funds for immigrants.I started crying when I thought of you.RUN, YOU OLD BUZZARD, RUN!
Well... Someone sent it to me,and I'm not going alone!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
An organizing morning. I got up a bit late because I could. It was such a pleasure to just lie there in bed for a while.
Then I spent the morning down in the family room finishing organizing the quilting projects there. I still have to tackle the closet with all the fabric and all but I fee like at least that room is organized.
I left a bit early to do some shopping. Then met Dick at Rocky Knoll. We had lunch together, I brought a sandwich. He had more therapy as usual, we went for a stroll and roll and then played cards for the rest of the afternoon. His stump looks much better but still has scabs on it. We see Dr. Fehrman in the morning, hopefully this will be the week we can start the process for shrinking and forming the stump for a prosthesis. Pray hard.
I am home and winding down for the night. Richard and Brenda are coming to see Dick on Saturday and will stay overnight. That will be a joy.
I tried to take a picture of a beautiful butterfly feeding on my blooming Squaw Flowers, but he got camera shy just as I got out there. I haven't been able to identify it but will try to get a picture as they really like my flowers and perhaps someone can help me find out what species he is.
Have a good day and pray for us tomorrow as we see Dr. Fehrman.
God love you
Mary
Then I spent the morning down in the family room finishing organizing the quilting projects there. I still have to tackle the closet with all the fabric and all but I fee like at least that room is organized.
I left a bit early to do some shopping. Then met Dick at Rocky Knoll. We had lunch together, I brought a sandwich. He had more therapy as usual, we went for a stroll and roll and then played cards for the rest of the afternoon. His stump looks much better but still has scabs on it. We see Dr. Fehrman in the morning, hopefully this will be the week we can start the process for shrinking and forming the stump for a prosthesis. Pray hard.
I am home and winding down for the night. Richard and Brenda are coming to see Dick on Saturday and will stay overnight. That will be a joy.
I tried to take a picture of a beautiful butterfly feeding on my blooming Squaw Flowers, but he got camera shy just as I got out there. I haven't been able to identify it but will try to get a picture as they really like my flowers and perhaps someone can help me find out what species he is.
Have a good day and pray for us tomorrow as we see Dr. Fehrman.
God love you
Mary
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
This is going to be short.
I went grocery shopping this morning, then finished cleaning windows and dusting down in the family room.
At 11:30AM, I got to Rocky Knoll in time to watch Dick stand some more as he finished his PT. We had lunch and then he had his OT.
Today was the weekly cocktail hour at the On the Rocks area down the hall, so we played cards and charged his wheelchair until it was time for that. That cocktail hour is a nice break in the week and a good chance to mingle with people. Today, we met his new "next door neighbor", Chuck.
I came home after he went down to dinner at 5PM, came home and fed the cat then walked over to Lions Park with my cupcakes for the Tallgrass Picnic. A beautiful day and a really well planned picnic. A nice ending to a lovely day.
Hope your day was as nice.
God love you
Mary
I went grocery shopping this morning, then finished cleaning windows and dusting down in the family room.
At 11:30AM, I got to Rocky Knoll in time to watch Dick stand some more as he finished his PT. We had lunch and then he had his OT.
Today was the weekly cocktail hour at the On the Rocks area down the hall, so we played cards and charged his wheelchair until it was time for that. That cocktail hour is a nice break in the week and a good chance to mingle with people. Today, we met his new "next door neighbor", Chuck.
I came home after he went down to dinner at 5PM, came home and fed the cat then walked over to Lions Park with my cupcakes for the Tallgrass Picnic. A beautiful day and a really well planned picnic. A nice ending to a lovely day.
Hope your day was as nice.
God love you
Mary
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
This was a lovely day. Dick and I took two short walks this afternoon, the weather made it possible. He is not really an outdoor person so does not stay out long, but he suggested the second walk and we sat on a bench in the shade for a bit before going in. I know he liked getting out of the building for a while for something that was not a doctor appointment.
I got there at 11:30AM this morning, just as he was standing. He did it three times for a total of 3minutes. Really good as that involved standing and sitting back down too. He is complaining less of pain in the current prosthesis. That is REALLY good.
I baked cupcakes for the Tallgrass Picnic which is tomorrow night at Lions Park at 5:30PM.
Today was nice. I had to go over to Mother's to pick up Bobbie's currents that Jeff and Kathy had left for her to make wine with. Then I baked the cupcakes, then I cleaned out some of my sewing cabinets and boxes. Then I went over to Rocky Knoll.
I came home again when Dick went down to dinner.
Roxie and I had a nice evening. I cleaned out some more of my sewing stuff and now am having my tea and getting ready to go to bed.
I got this as part of an email today and wanted to share.
It's so dry and hot in Manitoba that the Baptists are starting to baptize by sprinkling, the Methodists are using wet-wipes, the Presbyterians are giving out rain-checks, and the Catholics are praying for the wine to turn back into water.
Have a great Wednesday. It is the day at Rocky Knoll with the coctail hour and I will be going to a picnic, so it will be fun for me.
God love you
Mary
I got there at 11:30AM this morning, just as he was standing. He did it three times for a total of 3minutes. Really good as that involved standing and sitting back down too. He is complaining less of pain in the current prosthesis. That is REALLY good.
I baked cupcakes for the Tallgrass Picnic which is tomorrow night at Lions Park at 5:30PM.
Today was nice. I had to go over to Mother's to pick up Bobbie's currents that Jeff and Kathy had left for her to make wine with. Then I baked the cupcakes, then I cleaned out some of my sewing cabinets and boxes. Then I went over to Rocky Knoll.
I came home again when Dick went down to dinner.
Roxie and I had a nice evening. I cleaned out some more of my sewing stuff and now am having my tea and getting ready to go to bed.
I got this as part of an email today and wanted to share.
It's so dry and hot in Manitoba that the Baptists are starting to baptize by sprinkling, the Methodists are using wet-wipes, the Presbyterians are giving out rain-checks, and the Catholics are praying for the wine to turn back into water.
Have a great Wednesday. It is the day at Rocky Knoll with the coctail hour and I will be going to a picnic, so it will be fun for me.
God love you
Mary
Monday, August 08, 2011
I do like Mondays.
Bible study was nice. I brought my friend, Sy Regan's book, Psalms To Go, to share with the group. They all know Sy too. He grew up in Falls and was Deacon at Blessed Trinity until her retired. He composed a Cinquain for each of the 150 Psalms. A cinquain is a poem that consists of 5 lines. The first with 2 syllables, the 2nd with 4, the 3rd with 6, the 4th with 8 and the last again with two.
Here is one of mine for an example
Treasured
I am
Never alone.
I know those who love me
Surround me in the darkest times.
God's gift.
There were 8 of us there so we had nice discussions.
Then I went over to Mom's house. She didn't have any bills at all so we visited until Jeff got there with lunch. I brought the fixings for Apricot Cream Biscuits for our dessert. Jeff really liked them so I will send the recipe to Kathy. They are really easy but such a nice hot weather dessert. I also gave him a jar of Apricot Pineapple Jam and he brought fresh produce, beets, cukes, kohlrabi and a tomato. They have a couple ripening, mine are growing but have no color yet.
I spent the afternoon with Dick. He was just finishing therapy when I got there. He was standing for the third time that day and the therapists were there, of course, but not holding him up. He was standing on that one prosthesis and using his arms on the bars for the rest of his support. Yea Dick.
We played cards and visited until dinner time. I ate with him, then came home. It has been a quiet pleasant evening, just Roxie and me. Mainly me because Roxie is sleeping. She usually wants to visit at 4AM.
So have a nice Tuesday. We are getting some rain tonight - Good Then I won't have to worry about watering things.
God love you
Mary
.
Bible study was nice. I brought my friend, Sy Regan's book, Psalms To Go, to share with the group. They all know Sy too. He grew up in Falls and was Deacon at Blessed Trinity until her retired. He composed a Cinquain for each of the 150 Psalms. A cinquain is a poem that consists of 5 lines. The first with 2 syllables, the 2nd with 4, the 3rd with 6, the 4th with 8 and the last again with two.
Here is one of mine for an example
Treasured
I am
Never alone.
I know those who love me
Surround me in the darkest times.
God's gift.
There were 8 of us there so we had nice discussions.
Then I went over to Mom's house. She didn't have any bills at all so we visited until Jeff got there with lunch. I brought the fixings for Apricot Cream Biscuits for our dessert. Jeff really liked them so I will send the recipe to Kathy. They are really easy but such a nice hot weather dessert. I also gave him a jar of Apricot Pineapple Jam and he brought fresh produce, beets, cukes, kohlrabi and a tomato. They have a couple ripening, mine are growing but have no color yet.
I spent the afternoon with Dick. He was just finishing therapy when I got there. He was standing for the third time that day and the therapists were there, of course, but not holding him up. He was standing on that one prosthesis and using his arms on the bars for the rest of his support. Yea Dick.
We played cards and visited until dinner time. I ate with him, then came home. It has been a quiet pleasant evening, just Roxie and me. Mainly me because Roxie is sleeping. She usually wants to visit at 4AM.
So have a nice Tuesday. We are getting some rain tonight - Good Then I won't have to worry about watering things.
God love you
Mary
.
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Sunday Sunday.
I went to Rocky Knoll at 9:00AM and spent some time with Dick before going to Mass at 10AM. It was again, a lovely Mass. The priest who officiated is very sweet. He spoke on the gospel alone. It was the story of Peter trying to walk on water. Father concentrated on the phrase "Do not be afraid!" and made it real for today and our situations. It is really comforting to not be afraid. I really liked the first reading too. It is from Kings and tells the story of God coming to Elijah. First there was a strong wind, but God was not in the wind. Then there was an earthquake, but God was not in the power of the earthquake. Next there was a fire, but God was not in the fire. Finally, there was a gentle breeze and God was in the gentle breeze.
After Mass, we went for a roll and stroll. We went down the hill and around the building then back again to the Woodland entrance. Then we roamed the halls until it was time to go into the dining room for lunch.
Dick and I had lunch together. I bought their meal. They do make wonderful apple desserts. He is again seated at a full table. People are coming in there every day it seems. Of course, people leave too.
Dick and I played rummy for a while, then Bobbie and Bill came to visit. Bobbie was wearing a lovely dress that she created on Zelda, her dress form.
Now I am home and Roxie is glad. Ah to be so much in demand.
I finished cleaning the windows in the family room downstairs. Tomorrow I will do the windows in the bedroom down there. Then I will have all the inside windows done. I can do the outside of the downstairs windows but Dick made me promise not to do the other outsides as I have to get up on a ladder. I have to think about that.
Well, I have finished what I needed to accomplish today and it is bedtime, so I am heading there.
Love you all
Mary
I went to Rocky Knoll at 9:00AM and spent some time with Dick before going to Mass at 10AM. It was again, a lovely Mass. The priest who officiated is very sweet. He spoke on the gospel alone. It was the story of Peter trying to walk on water. Father concentrated on the phrase "Do not be afraid!" and made it real for today and our situations. It is really comforting to not be afraid. I really liked the first reading too. It is from Kings and tells the story of God coming to Elijah. First there was a strong wind, but God was not in the wind. Then there was an earthquake, but God was not in the power of the earthquake. Next there was a fire, but God was not in the fire. Finally, there was a gentle breeze and God was in the gentle breeze.
After Mass, we went for a roll and stroll. We went down the hill and around the building then back again to the Woodland entrance. Then we roamed the halls until it was time to go into the dining room for lunch.
Dick and I had lunch together. I bought their meal. They do make wonderful apple desserts. He is again seated at a full table. People are coming in there every day it seems. Of course, people leave too.
Dick and I played rummy for a while, then Bobbie and Bill came to visit. Bobbie was wearing a lovely dress that she created on Zelda, her dress form.
Now I am home and Roxie is glad. Ah to be so much in demand.
I finished cleaning the windows in the family room downstairs. Tomorrow I will do the windows in the bedroom down there. Then I will have all the inside windows done. I can do the outside of the downstairs windows but Dick made me promise not to do the other outsides as I have to get up on a ladder. I have to think about that.
Well, I have finished what I needed to accomplish today and it is bedtime, so I am heading there.
Love you all
Mary
Saturday, August 06, 2011
Today was a lovely day. Perhaps a bit warm but certainly tolerable and with all the lush green fields and trees, Wisconsin was spectacular today.
I did a bit of cleaning this morning and harvested a batch of Basil for the winter. At about 11AM, I left to join Dick at Rocky Knoll. Allison was freshining Dick's house for an open house tomorrow, so I stopped in to say Hi and see how things were going.
I arrived at Rocky Knoll just before lunch time. We started down the hall to lunch almost immediately. I had brought some soup and cheese for my lunch. Dick had a ham casserole and beets and potato and ordered a cookie bar for me for dessert. Isn't he special.
After lunch, we played a couple of games of rummy, then we went out for a walk. It was a might warm for him so we did not stay out long, but we did cruise the hallways for a while after we came in.
Then we played more cards until it became time to take him down the hall for dinner and for me to head home.
Roxie was pleased to see me on time for a change. She is always ready, of course, when I get home. I finally had to dispose of the flowers that I had brought to Dick from the Celtic Tea which was August 17. There are STILL about 6 small flowers that are lookin' good, so I put them in a cup. I was glad to bring the lovely tea pot home. I will put it above the cupboards in the kitchen. Next time Bobbie is here, we will have to use a teapot for our tea. Silly not to, I have three really pretty ones now. I would like to make a tea cozy or two also. There is a pattern in the Irish Quilting Magazine that one of the members of the Kettle Quilters gave me.
Dorothy Rose stopped by tonight to return a book. I gave her a nice cold drink and we had a visit. I will be riding to Irish Fest with Joan and Dick Kramer and Dorothy will also ride along.
Only two weeks til then.
Another Sunday is rolling around, I cannot believe how fast the weeks are going. I think I told you yesterday, that Gary finished all the work on the house. I am cleaning up a bit each day.
That is all the news here. Richard called his Dad this morning. That pleased Dick. He got to hear about the Colorado trip.
Love you all and God does to
Mary
Funny Story
TEXAS BEER JOINT OWNER SUES CHURCH over LIGHTNING STRIKE !
Texas Beer Joint Sues Church In Mt.Vernon, Texas , Drummond's Bar began
construction on expansion of their building to increase their business.
In response, the local Baptist Church started a campaign to block the bar
from expanding with petitions and prayers. Work progressed right up until
the week before the grand reopening when lightning struck the bar and it
burned to the ground!
After the bar burning to the ground by a lightning strike, the church
folks were rather smug in their outlook, bragging about "the power of
prayer ", until the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the
church . . ."was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building,
either through direct or indirect actions or means."
In its reply to the court, the church vehemently denied all
responsibility or any connection to the building's demise.
The judge read through the plaintiff's complaint and the defendant's
reply, and at the opening hearing he commented "I don't know how I'm
going to decide this, but it appears from the paperwork that we have a
bar owner who believes in the power of prayer, and an entire church
congregation that now does not."
True Story.
I did a bit of cleaning this morning and harvested a batch of Basil for the winter. At about 11AM, I left to join Dick at Rocky Knoll. Allison was freshining Dick's house for an open house tomorrow, so I stopped in to say Hi and see how things were going.
I arrived at Rocky Knoll just before lunch time. We started down the hall to lunch almost immediately. I had brought some soup and cheese for my lunch. Dick had a ham casserole and beets and potato and ordered a cookie bar for me for dessert. Isn't he special.
After lunch, we played a couple of games of rummy, then we went out for a walk. It was a might warm for him so we did not stay out long, but we did cruise the hallways for a while after we came in.
Then we played more cards until it became time to take him down the hall for dinner and for me to head home.
Roxie was pleased to see me on time for a change. She is always ready, of course, when I get home. I finally had to dispose of the flowers that I had brought to Dick from the Celtic Tea which was August 17. There are STILL about 6 small flowers that are lookin' good, so I put them in a cup. I was glad to bring the lovely tea pot home. I will put it above the cupboards in the kitchen. Next time Bobbie is here, we will have to use a teapot for our tea. Silly not to, I have three really pretty ones now. I would like to make a tea cozy or two also. There is a pattern in the Irish Quilting Magazine that one of the members of the Kettle Quilters gave me.
Dorothy Rose stopped by tonight to return a book. I gave her a nice cold drink and we had a visit. I will be riding to Irish Fest with Joan and Dick Kramer and Dorothy will also ride along.
Only two weeks til then.
Another Sunday is rolling around, I cannot believe how fast the weeks are going. I think I told you yesterday, that Gary finished all the work on the house. I am cleaning up a bit each day.
That is all the news here. Richard called his Dad this morning. That pleased Dick. He got to hear about the Colorado trip.
Love you all and God does to
Mary
Funny Story
TEXAS BEER JOINT OWNER SUES CHURCH over LIGHTNING STRIKE !
Texas Beer Joint Sues Church In Mt.Vernon, Texas , Drummond's Bar began
construction on expansion of their building to increase their business.
In response, the local Baptist Church started a campaign to block the bar
from expanding with petitions and prayers. Work progressed right up until
the week before the grand reopening when lightning struck the bar and it
burned to the ground!
After the bar burning to the ground by a lightning strike, the church
folks were rather smug in their outlook, bragging about "the power of
prayer ", until the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the
church . . ."was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building,
either through direct or indirect actions or means."
In its reply to the court, the church vehemently denied all
responsibility or any connection to the building's demise.
The judge read through the plaintiff's complaint and the defendant's
reply, and at the opening hearing he commented "I don't know how I'm
going to decide this, but it appears from the paperwork that we have a
bar owner who believes in the power of prayer, and an entire church
congregation that now does not."
True Story.
Friday, August 05, 2011
A friend sent me an email with this in it.
Quote of the day:
'Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart.
She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her. So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit.'
She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her. So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit.'
I stayed home all morning. Jody came at 8AM and Gary got here just before noon. I did windows and washed towels and made a couple of important phone calls before lunch.
Then I went to my friend Joan Kramer, for a reflexology treatment. That relaxed me so so much and visitign with Joan is always helpful too. Now I have pretty toe nails.
I went right over to see Dick after leaving her. We had supper together. Then visited until about 6:30 when I came home to feed Roxie.
So that was the day.
I came home to a reassembled house. Gary got it all done today. Now I can call Ed to order carpet cleaning. Then I will be ready with a clean house when Dick comes home.
Take care. And have a nice weekend. I don't have to do anything but church and go to see Dick. Love that.
Mary
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Today was really lovely. It did get a bit too hot this afternoon, but at least it was not humid.
I got up at 6:30AM or so and took care of the cat and me before Gary got here at 8AM. I left shortly afterwards to be at Rocky Knoll when it was time for Dick to go to Advanced Eye Care for his eye exam. We had delayed it for a couple of weeks after the surgery because we did not feel he was strong enough. Tim from Custom Care and Transport picked us up shortly after 9 so we were early for our 10AM appointment.
But it was a good day to be out as Dick has been cooped up at Rocky Knoll for so long. He had already been given his Thursday bath, but because of the timing, he had both hours of his therapy in the afternoon. As he was unable to nap in the morning (which he usually does) he is a really tired guy tonight. He will try to stay up til at least 9PM so he stays on his schedule. Hate to mess that up as he has been sleeping very well there.
The appointment went well. There is some dryness of the eye again, so Dr. Cheryl is re prescribing an ointment to help that. She thinks it is probably related to all the things that have happened to his body and to the meds. Otherwise all is well.
I came home after lunch. Gary is getting close to being finished. He is done under the deck, so I put ant sticks all around and sprinkled that powder around the whole exterior of our unit. We have also sprayed like heck inside everywhere, so that should be the end of the ants. He will be back tomorrow to finish. There is a little on the deck and the door and in the basement to finish.
Then I will have Ed send his carpet cleaners in to clean everything.
I finally put the "summer" floor mats in the car and washed the winter mats. I also got involved and swept and vacuumed 1/4 of the garage and washed the windows in the garage
I have to find time to wash the rest of the outside windows soon. I am almost done with the indoor upstairs.
Leslie sent a Bossier City Newspaper with a wonderful article about our Nora's accomplishment as one of the 12 airmen of the year. I will take that tomorrow to share with her Grandpa.
So it has been a very full day and I am more than ready to go to bed. I have to wait a bit though as it is still rather early.
God love you
Mary
A Haiku
Sandhill Cranes proudly
Standing tall beside the field
Full of dignity.
I got up at 6:30AM or so and took care of the cat and me before Gary got here at 8AM. I left shortly afterwards to be at Rocky Knoll when it was time for Dick to go to Advanced Eye Care for his eye exam. We had delayed it for a couple of weeks after the surgery because we did not feel he was strong enough. Tim from Custom Care and Transport picked us up shortly after 9 so we were early for our 10AM appointment.
But it was a good day to be out as Dick has been cooped up at Rocky Knoll for so long. He had already been given his Thursday bath, but because of the timing, he had both hours of his therapy in the afternoon. As he was unable to nap in the morning (which he usually does) he is a really tired guy tonight. He will try to stay up til at least 9PM so he stays on his schedule. Hate to mess that up as he has been sleeping very well there.
The appointment went well. There is some dryness of the eye again, so Dr. Cheryl is re prescribing an ointment to help that. She thinks it is probably related to all the things that have happened to his body and to the meds. Otherwise all is well.
I came home after lunch. Gary is getting close to being finished. He is done under the deck, so I put ant sticks all around and sprinkled that powder around the whole exterior of our unit. We have also sprayed like heck inside everywhere, so that should be the end of the ants. He will be back tomorrow to finish. There is a little on the deck and the door and in the basement to finish.
Then I will have Ed send his carpet cleaners in to clean everything.
I finally put the "summer" floor mats in the car and washed the winter mats. I also got involved and swept and vacuumed 1/4 of the garage and washed the windows in the garage
I have to find time to wash the rest of the outside windows soon. I am almost done with the indoor upstairs.
Leslie sent a Bossier City Newspaper with a wonderful article about our Nora's accomplishment as one of the 12 airmen of the year. I will take that tomorrow to share with her Grandpa.
So it has been a very full day and I am more than ready to go to bed. I have to wait a bit though as it is still rather early.
God love you
Mary
A Haiku
Sandhill Cranes proudly
Standing tall beside the field
Full of dignity.
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
What a day. The weather was and is really nice. A bit humid for my taste but pleasant temperatures and blue skies with green all around us.
I hung around until 9AM waiting for Gary, the repairman. At 9AM, I left for grocery shopping and left a note and the door open for him. Shopping went really well. I got the tickets, stamps for mother and the groceries. and was back before 10AM.
When I got home, Gary was there and working. He had an appointment for an estimate and ran late. He started right in working and did we have and adventure, When he took of the door to the deck, and what a mess we found. Carpenter antes all around the door jam. We sprayed like crazy and he dug out all of their gook.
Then I had to leave for lunch with Dick and for the afternoon visit. I go there just as he finished up his OT and then we had lunch. I had brought a sandwich. I DO have that wonderful Fireside bread for a while you know. He had physical therapy shortly after lunch, then we played a couple hands of Rummy before it was time for the On the Rocks Cocktail hour.
When I got home Gary had the door almost reinstalled with the rotted pieces fixed and said he saw no signs of the ants any more. So we are pretty sure they are eliminated and he has sealed the door so it is no longer accessable. If they did get in there, they should die from all the poison anyway.
So a busy day again. I called Bret. Hadn't heard from him for quite a while. I had to let him know that his sister Bobbie thinks he should come and get the toy box that I have saved for him all these years. It was make just for him. Even has his name on it. Bobbie thinks it would make a good ice chest for beer at their new bar by the River. Just a nice metal case inside the toy box area and some insulation and Whalaa. A super unique ice chest. He laughed, of course, but actually thought it was a good idea and would like the toy chest if we can just figure a way to get it there.
So Gary will be back tomorrow and hopefully will able to finish the job. Pary for no more surprised. Those ants were just gross.
God love you
Mary
I hung around until 9AM waiting for Gary, the repairman. At 9AM, I left for grocery shopping and left a note and the door open for him. Shopping went really well. I got the tickets, stamps for mother and the groceries. and was back before 10AM.
When I got home, Gary was there and working. He had an appointment for an estimate and ran late. He started right in working and did we have and adventure, When he took of the door to the deck, and what a mess we found. Carpenter antes all around the door jam. We sprayed like crazy and he dug out all of their gook.
Then I had to leave for lunch with Dick and for the afternoon visit. I go there just as he finished up his OT and then we had lunch. I had brought a sandwich. I DO have that wonderful Fireside bread for a while you know. He had physical therapy shortly after lunch, then we played a couple hands of Rummy before it was time for the On the Rocks Cocktail hour.
When I got home Gary had the door almost reinstalled with the rotted pieces fixed and said he saw no signs of the ants any more. So we are pretty sure they are eliminated and he has sealed the door so it is no longer accessable. If they did get in there, they should die from all the poison anyway.
So a busy day again. I called Bret. Hadn't heard from him for quite a while. I had to let him know that his sister Bobbie thinks he should come and get the toy box that I have saved for him all these years. It was make just for him. Even has his name on it. Bobbie thinks it would make a good ice chest for beer at their new bar by the River. Just a nice metal case inside the toy box area and some insulation and Whalaa. A super unique ice chest. He laughed, of course, but actually thought it was a good idea and would like the toy chest if we can just figure a way to get it there.
So Gary will be back tomorrow and hopefully will able to finish the job. Pary for no more surprised. Those ants were just gross.
God love you
Mary
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Today was a warm muggy kind of rainy day. I left at about 8:30AM to spend the morning with Dick as Quilt Club was at 1PM.
He was a sleepy guy but we had a visit, I stayed with him through his PT and we lunched together. Tat is always nice. I know his afternoons get long but at least his morning was full today.
There is a little bleeding on the stump again so we are backing off on applying pressure on it.
After lunch, I went to the Plymouth Library for Quilt Club. I shared the Celtic Knot Block that I am making. Those who want are sharing one block. We will then share a finished project when the year is done and our blocks are assembled. It is always totally amazing how the same block patterns, using different fabrics from different imaginations and then assembling them in different placements makes them all so unique and breathtaking. It was a nice meeting. I had not been for two months.
On the way home, I stopped at the bank and then at KMart. I finally picked up a battery charger for the times that I don't drive the car enough. I bought one that Richard had recommended. I found it at KMart for $4 less than the Sears catalogue, so I feel like I really got a bargain.
That is about all for today. I pulled out and folded all of my hunting clothes as I really don't intend to go any more. I will see if the guys can use some of it.
God love you
Mary
He was a sleepy guy but we had a visit, I stayed with him through his PT and we lunched together. Tat is always nice. I know his afternoons get long but at least his morning was full today.
There is a little bleeding on the stump again so we are backing off on applying pressure on it.
After lunch, I went to the Plymouth Library for Quilt Club. I shared the Celtic Knot Block that I am making. Those who want are sharing one block. We will then share a finished project when the year is done and our blocks are assembled. It is always totally amazing how the same block patterns, using different fabrics from different imaginations and then assembling them in different placements makes them all so unique and breathtaking. It was a nice meeting. I had not been for two months.
On the way home, I stopped at the bank and then at KMart. I finally picked up a battery charger for the times that I don't drive the car enough. I bought one that Richard had recommended. I found it at KMart for $4 less than the Sears catalogue, so I feel like I really got a bargain.
That is about all for today. I pulled out and folded all of my hunting clothes as I really don't intend to go any more. I will see if the guys can use some of it.
God love you
Mary
Monday, August 01, 2011
It did not seem nearly as hot as they predicted, though I know that it was hot.
Gary, the repairman, arrived at 8AM, just as he promised. He started right in. Before I left at 9AM, he had determined that the door frame itself was not leaking. The water is getting in under the door and at the corners.
At 9, I went to Bible Study and to see Mother. There were 9 of us at the Bible Study. It was a nice discussion. We love the verse we were discussing. Psalm 1 1-6,
3And he shall be like a tree which is planted near the running waters, which shall bring forth its fruit, in due season. And his leaf shall not fall off: and all whosoever he shall do shall prosper.
4Not so the wicked, not so: but like the dust, which the wind driveth from the face of the earth.
5Therefore the wicked shall not rise again in judgment: nor sinners in the council of the just.
6For the Lord knoweth the way of the just: and the way of the wicked shall perish.
The tree planted by the water reminds us of that good old Gospel song. We Shall Not Be Moved.
Mom is fine. I brought her some of each of the breads that I got at the Fireside. She loves good bread too and it is nice to have a variety. I brought her two slices of each variety and told her I would bring more next week if she wants some.
I got home about noon, after dropping off the big bag of clothes that I had weeded from the closets off at St. Vinnie's. I had lunch and stayed until Gary finished for the day. He has everything stripped and covered the bare framing with a tarp so that things can dry out before he puts everything new over it. He will be back possibly tomorrow for some more removal, but Wednesday for certain.
After he left, I went to Rocky Knoll with a tuna sandwich and a muffin to have supper with Dick and spend some time with him. I was able to swing by Sun Graphics to have copies made of the pattern for the Celtic Quilt Square that I am sharing with the Kettle Country Quilters tomorrow afternoon. I finally finished the actual square this morning. I like it.
Dick was fine but is getting a lot of pain in his legs. That phantom pain is so real and really bothering him the past two or three days. Corrie is trying to desensitize it. But this takes lots of time. I left after dinner with his laundry. I should be able to get it in the dryer before I go to bed. I somehow let him get a bit low. He does have a change for tomorrow. And I will be there in the morning.
I will go at about 9AM and stay through lunch, then go to The Quilt Club at 1PM and then home again. I have decided on another cleaning out project and a whole afternoon will be good for that.
I am trying to use the time that Dick is in rehab to pare down and get rid of or find homes for things we no longer need.
Have a nice day. It is supposed to be REALLY REALLY hot tomorrow.
God love you
Mary
Gary, the repairman, arrived at 8AM, just as he promised. He started right in. Before I left at 9AM, he had determined that the door frame itself was not leaking. The water is getting in under the door and at the corners.
At 9, I went to Bible Study and to see Mother. There were 9 of us at the Bible Study. It was a nice discussion. We love the verse we were discussing. Psalm 1 1-6,
Psalm 1
Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)
Psalm 1
1Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the chair of pestilence. 2But his will is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he shall meditate day and night.3And he shall be like a tree which is planted near the running waters, which shall bring forth its fruit, in due season. And his leaf shall not fall off: and all whosoever he shall do shall prosper.
4Not so the wicked, not so: but like the dust, which the wind driveth from the face of the earth.
5Therefore the wicked shall not rise again in judgment: nor sinners in the council of the just.
6For the Lord knoweth the way of the just: and the way of the wicked shall perish.
The tree planted by the water reminds us of that good old Gospel song. We Shall Not Be Moved.
Mom is fine. I brought her some of each of the breads that I got at the Fireside. She loves good bread too and it is nice to have a variety. I brought her two slices of each variety and told her I would bring more next week if she wants some.
I got home about noon, after dropping off the big bag of clothes that I had weeded from the closets off at St. Vinnie's. I had lunch and stayed until Gary finished for the day. He has everything stripped and covered the bare framing with a tarp so that things can dry out before he puts everything new over it. He will be back possibly tomorrow for some more removal, but Wednesday for certain.
After he left, I went to Rocky Knoll with a tuna sandwich and a muffin to have supper with Dick and spend some time with him. I was able to swing by Sun Graphics to have copies made of the pattern for the Celtic Quilt Square that I am sharing with the Kettle Country Quilters tomorrow afternoon. I finally finished the actual square this morning. I like it.
Dick was fine but is getting a lot of pain in his legs. That phantom pain is so real and really bothering him the past two or three days. Corrie is trying to desensitize it. But this takes lots of time. I left after dinner with his laundry. I should be able to get it in the dryer before I go to bed. I somehow let him get a bit low. He does have a change for tomorrow. And I will be there in the morning.
I will go at about 9AM and stay through lunch, then go to The Quilt Club at 1PM and then home again. I have decided on another cleaning out project and a whole afternoon will be good for that.
I am trying to use the time that Dick is in rehab to pare down and get rid of or find homes for things we no longer need.
Have a nice day. It is supposed to be REALLY REALLY hot tomorrow.
God love you
Mary
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Another hot day. But thank God for air conditioning.
I got up at about 7AM and had breakfast and took care of the morning things around here. Then I went to Rocky Knoll at 9AM. I dropped my purse off in Dick's room then headed down to the activity room chapel to help bring residents down for Mass. I made three trips and helped get people in place. The Mass was quite lovely. A family was visiting a Grandma so we had a curly haired little boy in the congregation. That is always a joy. A group from Blessed Trinity came today and took care of the Woodland Village residents. That was nice. I saw a couple of friends.
Next week, I won't have to help because a group of young men from St. John's come the first Sunday and take care of everything. So. I will just attend the Mass.
After Mass and everybody was back in their places, I went back up to visit with Dick until lunch. I brought my lunch, a sandwich with that great bread from the Fireside. Jack's wife also ate with us so we had a full table. A great bunch of guys. Jack may be able to go home on Wednesday.
After lunch, we played a couple of games of Rummy, then Bobbie and Bill came for a visit. We all visited until 2PM, then I came home - for a nap and to get ready for the week. While I was napping, Gary Anderson called. He will be here in the morning to fix that leak.
I had fresh tuna for supper with spinach and cucumbers. Tomorrow I will have fresh tuna salad for lunch. Boy am I lucky.
So now it is bedtime. Tomorrow will be double busy with Gary coming. So I wish all of you a blessed sleep and a good week
God love you
Mary
Feed your faith, and your doubts will starve to death.
I got up at about 7AM and had breakfast and took care of the morning things around here. Then I went to Rocky Knoll at 9AM. I dropped my purse off in Dick's room then headed down to the activity room chapel to help bring residents down for Mass. I made three trips and helped get people in place. The Mass was quite lovely. A family was visiting a Grandma so we had a curly haired little boy in the congregation. That is always a joy. A group from Blessed Trinity came today and took care of the Woodland Village residents. That was nice. I saw a couple of friends.
Next week, I won't have to help because a group of young men from St. John's come the first Sunday and take care of everything. So. I will just attend the Mass.
After Mass and everybody was back in their places, I went back up to visit with Dick until lunch. I brought my lunch, a sandwich with that great bread from the Fireside. Jack's wife also ate with us so we had a full table. A great bunch of guys. Jack may be able to go home on Wednesday.
After lunch, we played a couple of games of Rummy, then Bobbie and Bill came for a visit. We all visited until 2PM, then I came home - for a nap and to get ready for the week. While I was napping, Gary Anderson called. He will be here in the morning to fix that leak.
I had fresh tuna for supper with spinach and cucumbers. Tomorrow I will have fresh tuna salad for lunch. Boy am I lucky.
So now it is bedtime. Tomorrow will be double busy with Gary coming. So I wish all of you a blessed sleep and a good week
God love you
Mary
Feed your faith, and your doubts will starve to death.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Such a great day. Consisting, of course, of the bus trip to the Fireside to see David.
The trip was quite pleasant. I read both ways. We got there at about 10:30 and got kind of set for lunch. Bobbie and Bill and I sat with a lovely lady Alma who traveled many times with her husband Harold to the Fireside. The lunch was really good. They served a delicious salad with strawberries, grapes, pineapple, grapefruit and Mandarin oranges over greens with a poppy seed dressing, Chicken Vienna, Sweet Potato Souffle and fresh asparagus. Of course, they also had their wonderful breads. Then we had a lemon chess pie with strawberry coulis for dessert.
I picked up my bread before lunch then after went to the gift shops to buy the CD of the show so I could get it autographed afterward. I also found the cutest tea pot. Now I have three.
The play was SO good. It was lively, the music was super and the author presented the story of David in the same wonderful human way that he did the other three. I loved it and recommend it to anyone who has the notion to see it. It will be at the Fireside until August 21.
So that was my day. I called Dick when we got home to tell him about the day. He had a good day it seems too. So until tomorrow
God love you
Mary
The trip was quite pleasant. I read both ways. We got there at about 10:30 and got kind of set for lunch. Bobbie and Bill and I sat with a lovely lady Alma who traveled many times with her husband Harold to the Fireside. The lunch was really good. They served a delicious salad with strawberries, grapes, pineapple, grapefruit and Mandarin oranges over greens with a poppy seed dressing, Chicken Vienna, Sweet Potato Souffle and fresh asparagus. Of course, they also had their wonderful breads. Then we had a lemon chess pie with strawberry coulis for dessert.
I picked up my bread before lunch then after went to the gift shops to buy the CD of the show so I could get it autographed afterward. I also found the cutest tea pot. Now I have three.
The play was SO good. It was lively, the music was super and the author presented the story of David in the same wonderful human way that he did the other three. I loved it and recommend it to anyone who has the notion to see it. It will be at the Fireside until August 21.
So that was my day. I called Dick when we got home to tell him about the day. He had a good day it seems too. So until tomorrow
God love you
Mary
Friday, July 29, 2011
What a lovely day. I know it was up in the 80s and a bit humid but not enough to be really uncomfortable.
I was able to be out and about a bit. Dick and I even did a short stroll and roll this afternoon after his PT.
This morning, Jody came to clean at 8AM. I did not hear from Gary about the repair of the leak though. If I do not hear by Monday noon, I will call him. This, I am going to have to be pushy about.
I left shortly before 11AM to pick up batteries for Mom's hearing aids. I had lunch with my friend Debbie at Richardson's Tea Atrium and figured it was a good time to fit in a visit with her and take her some food and the batteries. We had a lovely visit. She was so pleased to be able to spend time with everybody while they were home for the wedding. Everybody has scattered to their corners of the world again. Georgie's mother and little brother are still here for a bit . Such a lovely family. I think they all felt at home. Several of them, including Georgie's little brother did not speak English, but we all managed with a bit of interpreting, hand gestures and, as I told Georgie's grandmother, muy poquito Espanol.
Mom looks good but still complains that she is weak.
I met Debbie at noon. We got the things she needs as president of CWI transferred to her and enjoyed a lovely lunch. The last time I was at the Atrium, the food was pretty sparse. They have really expanded the menu and it is really good. I had spinach quiche and a wonderful salad with country bread. As usual, I finished it with Dick this evening. Richardson has moved their kitchen area to the other side of the store. Boy could I ever go crazy in that area. Debbie said that she is really not supposed to come in that store "unsupervised."
I stopped at Woodlake on my way over to Rocky Knoll. There are a couple of things that they carry that no one else does. I bought a fresh tuna steak for my Sunday supper, some Stilton cheese and some English Digestive Biscuits. (I thought I would see how they compare to the ones I made.)
Dick was at PT when I got there. He did some slideboarding. (Do you know that Slideboarding is not in this program's dictionary.) Good practice for him, just to increase mobility. When he was done, we did our stroll and roll, then settled down to some Rummy. He beat the tar out of me all THREE games. It was a massacre.
After supper, I came home. Boy was Roxie glad to see me. It was a bit after 6 so not too late. Tomorrow, I will be gone from shortly after 8 til shortly after 6PM so she will REALLY be lonely. But will not miss any meals and I will be with her the whole evening. I am looking forward to the Fireside. A couple of my friends saw David and liked it. You can't beat the meal. I will bring back plenty of bread too and share with Mom on Monday.
So I hope you enjoy your Saturday. Til tomorrow
God hold you in the palm of palm of His hand
Mary
I was able to be out and about a bit. Dick and I even did a short stroll and roll this afternoon after his PT.
This morning, Jody came to clean at 8AM. I did not hear from Gary about the repair of the leak though. If I do not hear by Monday noon, I will call him. This, I am going to have to be pushy about.
I left shortly before 11AM to pick up batteries for Mom's hearing aids. I had lunch with my friend Debbie at Richardson's Tea Atrium and figured it was a good time to fit in a visit with her and take her some food and the batteries. We had a lovely visit. She was so pleased to be able to spend time with everybody while they were home for the wedding. Everybody has scattered to their corners of the world again. Georgie's mother and little brother are still here for a bit . Such a lovely family. I think they all felt at home. Several of them, including Georgie's little brother did not speak English, but we all managed with a bit of interpreting, hand gestures and, as I told Georgie's grandmother, muy poquito Espanol.
Mom looks good but still complains that she is weak.
I met Debbie at noon. We got the things she needs as president of CWI transferred to her and enjoyed a lovely lunch. The last time I was at the Atrium, the food was pretty sparse. They have really expanded the menu and it is really good. I had spinach quiche and a wonderful salad with country bread. As usual, I finished it with Dick this evening. Richardson has moved their kitchen area to the other side of the store. Boy could I ever go crazy in that area. Debbie said that she is really not supposed to come in that store "unsupervised."
I stopped at Woodlake on my way over to Rocky Knoll. There are a couple of things that they carry that no one else does. I bought a fresh tuna steak for my Sunday supper, some Stilton cheese and some English Digestive Biscuits. (I thought I would see how they compare to the ones I made.)
Dick was at PT when I got there. He did some slideboarding. (Do you know that Slideboarding is not in this program's dictionary.) Good practice for him, just to increase mobility. When he was done, we did our stroll and roll, then settled down to some Rummy. He beat the tar out of me all THREE games. It was a massacre.
After supper, I came home. Boy was Roxie glad to see me. It was a bit after 6 so not too late. Tomorrow, I will be gone from shortly after 8 til shortly after 6PM so she will REALLY be lonely. But will not miss any meals and I will be with her the whole evening. I am looking forward to the Fireside. A couple of my friends saw David and liked it. You can't beat the meal. I will bring back plenty of bread too and share with Mom on Monday.
So I hope you enjoy your Saturday. Til tomorrow
God hold you in the palm of palm of His hand
Mary
Thursday, July 28, 2011
The week and the month are both winding down. Much faster than I expected.
I was able to sleep until I really was ready to get up this morning. No appointments at all.
So I just spent the morning, after I got up, trying to clean up a bit downstairs. I packed all the video tapes into boxes. Dick and I will go through them later to see which ones we want to keep. I wiped down the kitchen which seems to need it every day and shortly after 11Am went over to spend the afternoon with Dick.
I found him at his OT. He is working really hard.
We went right from there to lunch. I had brought mine, a rice burrito. There is a new person at Dick's table. Victor. They have had a lot of admittances this week. Lots of people got to go home too.
Dick's PT went VERY well. He stood two times. Once for 3 minutes and the second for 4 minutes. A record. We played a few games of Yahtzee and then went for a little walk or as Dick says a Stroll and Roll. We didn't go far because it was rather muggy but I figure out if we get out two or three times a week, at lease he is getting fresh air. We can increase the time when it isn't so darn hot and muggy.
I have not heard from Gary so I am guessing that he will be coming to fix the leak in the family room next week. Jody will be here in the morning though and can really vacuum that area. I have been working on getting things clear for carpet cleaners, but now will wait until they are done with the repairs. It will be nice to have things all clear and fresh when Dick comes home.
Tomorrow I will be having lunch with Debbie O'Grady to update her on some of the president things that one usually finds out about by accident. Clubs are like that. And we are still working on the details. Much better and more structured than when I took over.
Here is my recipe for Lavender Cookies. They are SO good.
Lavender Cookies
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter - softened
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/4 cups all purpose-flour
4 teaspoons dried lavender flowers
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a large bowl cream the shortening, butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extracts. Combine the flour, lavender, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well.Drop by rounded teaspoonsfull, 2 inches apart onto baking sheets lightly coated with nonstick spray. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Cool for two minutes before removing to wire racks.
4. Store in airtight containers.
Servings: 18
Yield: 18
Cooking Times
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Enjoy'
God love you
Mary
I was able to sleep until I really was ready to get up this morning. No appointments at all.
So I just spent the morning, after I got up, trying to clean up a bit downstairs. I packed all the video tapes into boxes. Dick and I will go through them later to see which ones we want to keep. I wiped down the kitchen which seems to need it every day and shortly after 11Am went over to spend the afternoon with Dick.
I found him at his OT. He is working really hard.
We went right from there to lunch. I had brought mine, a rice burrito. There is a new person at Dick's table. Victor. They have had a lot of admittances this week. Lots of people got to go home too.
Dick's PT went VERY well. He stood two times. Once for 3 minutes and the second for 4 minutes. A record. We played a few games of Yahtzee and then went for a little walk or as Dick says a Stroll and Roll. We didn't go far because it was rather muggy but I figure out if we get out two or three times a week, at lease he is getting fresh air. We can increase the time when it isn't so darn hot and muggy.
I have not heard from Gary so I am guessing that he will be coming to fix the leak in the family room next week. Jody will be here in the morning though and can really vacuum that area. I have been working on getting things clear for carpet cleaners, but now will wait until they are done with the repairs. It will be nice to have things all clear and fresh when Dick comes home.
Tomorrow I will be having lunch with Debbie O'Grady to update her on some of the president things that one usually finds out about by accident. Clubs are like that. And we are still working on the details. Much better and more structured than when I took over.
Here is my recipe for Lavender Cookies. They are SO good.
Lavender Cookies
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter - softened
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/4 cups all purpose-flour
4 teaspoons dried lavender flowers
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a large bowl cream the shortening, butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extracts. Combine the flour, lavender, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well.Drop by rounded teaspoonsfull, 2 inches apart onto baking sheets lightly coated with nonstick spray. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Cool for two minutes before removing to wire racks.
4. Store in airtight containers.
Servings: 18
Yield: 18
Cooking Times
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Enjoy'
God love you
Mary
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
A very rainy day and the temps never got over 70. Really a nice relief after all the heat and humidity of the past couple of weeks. ( I don't have any idea why my posting is so bold and big. I am not unhappy about it but I wish I knew why.)
I could have slept forever this morning. But I had to get up. Gary Anderson called me last night and was able to come to check the leak that is affecting our family room. He agrees that it HAS to be coming from the door that goes onto the deck from the living room. Of Course, he can't do anything til it stops raining. We think the damage is really done when the wind blows the water from the rain from the west and we have not had wind with this rain, so we are hoping there will be little or no more leaking. I put a towel as a dam and it might help.
He will come on Friday if it is sunny or else next week.
Then I went grocery shopping. Didn't need much but I am keeping the schedule as it also takes care of picking up our lottery tickets.
I left shortly after 11AM to spend the afternoon with Dick. He was still in PT when I got there and I saw him stand twice, once for over 3 minutes. Then we went to lunch. It was the last lunch with Rich. He went home this evening. So there is hope. We added a gentleman to our table. His name is Ernie also, so Dick is now Ernie 1. I brought a sandwich and an apple muffin for my lunch and joined the guys.
He had OT after lunch. Another busy hour and Sheila had him take off and put on his prosthesis for practice. He did great though he had to figure out how to adjust to the different height than he was used to.
At 2PM, I went down to the activity room to touch with the Amputee Support Group. Lee and Janice Lemkuil were so good to me when I was going. I stopped because it seems silly for me to go without Dick and, as you know, he is not a group kind of a guy. I was able to tell them about Dick losing his right leg and also to give Lee and Janice a bottle of the Marigold wine. I got my last marigolds from them. They said they have lots again. Perhaps one day next week, I can go and pick a quart or so of the blossoms and make a batch this year.
Then back up to Dick so that we could join the residents at three in the On the Rocks Saloon between Woodland Village and the nursing home section. Rich and his wife, Beverly, joined us. Rich had determined that he would not leave until after the cocktail hour.
I came home at about 5PM after walking Dick down to dinner.
A quiet evening. I fixed supper and then went downstairs and packed away the video tapes and cleaned the walls and the book shelf that had gotten wet
Tomorrow, the shelf will be dry enough that I can put it upright and stack the DVD's on it so that some movies are available if we want them.
So. I am very tired and will be going to bed very soon. Roxie will be delighted. Tomorrow, I can come back to bed after feeding Roxie and will not have to get up until I am slept out. Nobody coming and no morning appointments.
God love you - I do.
Mary
We all get heavier as we get older,
because there's a lot more information in our heads.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it. (Quote from an email.)
I could have slept forever this morning. But I had to get up. Gary Anderson called me last night and was able to come to check the leak that is affecting our family room. He agrees that it HAS to be coming from the door that goes onto the deck from the living room. Of Course, he can't do anything til it stops raining. We think the damage is really done when the wind blows the water from the rain from the west and we have not had wind with this rain, so we are hoping there will be little or no more leaking. I put a towel as a dam and it might help.
He will come on Friday if it is sunny or else next week.
Then I went grocery shopping. Didn't need much but I am keeping the schedule as it also takes care of picking up our lottery tickets.
I left shortly after 11AM to spend the afternoon with Dick. He was still in PT when I got there and I saw him stand twice, once for over 3 minutes. Then we went to lunch. It was the last lunch with Rich. He went home this evening. So there is hope. We added a gentleman to our table. His name is Ernie also, so Dick is now Ernie 1. I brought a sandwich and an apple muffin for my lunch and joined the guys.
He had OT after lunch. Another busy hour and Sheila had him take off and put on his prosthesis for practice. He did great though he had to figure out how to adjust to the different height than he was used to.
At 2PM, I went down to the activity room to touch with the Amputee Support Group. Lee and Janice Lemkuil were so good to me when I was going. I stopped because it seems silly for me to go without Dick and, as you know, he is not a group kind of a guy. I was able to tell them about Dick losing his right leg and also to give Lee and Janice a bottle of the Marigold wine. I got my last marigolds from them. They said they have lots again. Perhaps one day next week, I can go and pick a quart or so of the blossoms and make a batch this year.
Then back up to Dick so that we could join the residents at three in the On the Rocks Saloon between Woodland Village and the nursing home section. Rich and his wife, Beverly, joined us. Rich had determined that he would not leave until after the cocktail hour.
I came home at about 5PM after walking Dick down to dinner.
A quiet evening. I fixed supper and then went downstairs and packed away the video tapes and cleaned the walls and the book shelf that had gotten wet
Tomorrow, the shelf will be dry enough that I can put it upright and stack the DVD's on it so that some movies are available if we want them.
So. I am very tired and will be going to bed very soon. Roxie will be delighted. Tomorrow, I can come back to bed after feeding Roxie and will not have to get up until I am slept out. Nobody coming and no morning appointments.
God love you - I do.
Mary
We all get heavier as we get older,
because there's a lot more information in our heads.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it. (Quote from an email.)
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
An interesting Tuesday. I was home most of the morning. I really could have stayed in bed for a LONG time but had to get up to get the trash out, so that was that.
I went in to spend time with Dick at 11:30AM. He was still working on his OT. When he finished that, we went to lunch. I didn't bring anything today so bought the lunch that Dick and his buddies had. We had BBQ chicken, buttered spaghetti, carrots, really really good cucumber salad and a scrumptious raspberry dessert.
Tim from Wisconsin Prosthesis came today to take a first measurement on Dick's new stump While he was there, the therapists had Dick stand between the parallel bars. This time we rested the knee of the newest amputation on a stool so that he was able to distribute his weight better. He stood twice, once for at least 3minutes. Tim was able to make a couple of adjustments on the prosthesis but as Dick finally understands, the final adjustments will be made when both prosthesis are on those legs. I heard them discussing and now know that the magic 100 days of insurance coverage will definitely be used before he can come home.
When we got back to the room, I got a call from Lenys, the board member who handles maintenance problems, in response to an email that I had put in regarding a water stain in the family room downstairs that Richard had mentioned. It took me this long to call because I had so many other things I have been dealing with. She and Dave, another board member, came down to check and sure enough, we found out where it is, what is causing it and I now know that it is not covered by the condo insurance. They do not cover door or window leaks. It was very obvious what is wrong. The water is coming in under the door from the living room to the deck. Dave pulled out all the wet insulation. We left it wide open to dry and I put a call into Gary, a contractor who does jobs like this and worked on the condos. I guess I will check our condo policy to see if there is any coverage there.
Now I have had the afternoon to clear a few things up, bake some muffins and clean a couple of windows.
I will go to bed early tonight. What a pleasure that will be.
God love you all
Mary
I went in to spend time with Dick at 11:30AM. He was still working on his OT. When he finished that, we went to lunch. I didn't bring anything today so bought the lunch that Dick and his buddies had. We had BBQ chicken, buttered spaghetti, carrots, really really good cucumber salad and a scrumptious raspberry dessert.
Tim from Wisconsin Prosthesis came today to take a first measurement on Dick's new stump While he was there, the therapists had Dick stand between the parallel bars. This time we rested the knee of the newest amputation on a stool so that he was able to distribute his weight better. He stood twice, once for at least 3minutes. Tim was able to make a couple of adjustments on the prosthesis but as Dick finally understands, the final adjustments will be made when both prosthesis are on those legs. I heard them discussing and now know that the magic 100 days of insurance coverage will definitely be used before he can come home.
When we got back to the room, I got a call from Lenys, the board member who handles maintenance problems, in response to an email that I had put in regarding a water stain in the family room downstairs that Richard had mentioned. It took me this long to call because I had so many other things I have been dealing with. She and Dave, another board member, came down to check and sure enough, we found out where it is, what is causing it and I now know that it is not covered by the condo insurance. They do not cover door or window leaks. It was very obvious what is wrong. The water is coming in under the door from the living room to the deck. Dave pulled out all the wet insulation. We left it wide open to dry and I put a call into Gary, a contractor who does jobs like this and worked on the condos. I guess I will check our condo policy to see if there is any coverage there.
Now I have had the afternoon to clear a few things up, bake some muffins and clean a couple of windows.
I will go to bed early tonight. What a pleasure that will be.
God love you all
Mary
Monday, July 25, 2011
Mondays are pretty much back to normal again.
I had time before going to bible study to rack the current/marigold wine that I have fermenting in the basement. I got a taste when I did the decanting and it is not bad. It has that harsh background but the whole flavor is good and with the proper aging it should be a fun wine.
I went to bible study at 9:30AM. There were 9 of us there today. We are trying to determine what the Old Testament means by the fear of God. Respect, Awe, Love. And for some reason one of the questions referred to creation and we kind of discussed the fact that we are all still being created in some way.
From there I went to Mother's house. Nora and Leif were there. We had our last visit for a while, as they will be heading back to Texas tomorrow. Nora helped me learn how to do things with my Kindle. I will need some more advice but now have direction and it is making sense to me. Mother is looking good but is really tired from all the company she has had in the past week. Such a good tired for her.
Then I went to the Final Approach Restaurant near the airport for a lunch reunion with my high school graduate friends. Such a nice time. There were lots of us there. I sat with Rita Petrie Ertl and Linda and Bill Guse and across from Bill and Dan Kuhlow (cousins) We actually had the lunch a bit early because Bill is visiting. I recited my Cobwebs, Haiku to him and he would like to see more of my poetry. I may have Rita starting to write as a result of our talk.
I know I posted Cobwebs and it is in one of my books which most of you have but here it is anyway.
Cobwebs
Friend from long ago
Do you ever think of me
You stroll through my mind.
From lunch I went directly to Rocky Knoll and spent the afternoon with Dick. He was all done with therapy but stood for a minute and a half this morning and 30 seconds this afternoon. Wow.
We played Rummy and he whipped me two out of three games. We ate supper together and then I came home and have been just puttering all evening, except for doing a load of wash.
So. Such a lovely day. Oh - I almost forgot. He and I went outside for a stroll. Or as he said I stroll, he rolls. We didn't go far, but it was a start. He needs his hat and arm protection from the sun. He loved getting the fresh air though and being mobile.
God love you
Mary
I had time before going to bible study to rack the current/marigold wine that I have fermenting in the basement. I got a taste when I did the decanting and it is not bad. It has that harsh background but the whole flavor is good and with the proper aging it should be a fun wine.
I went to bible study at 9:30AM. There were 9 of us there today. We are trying to determine what the Old Testament means by the fear of God. Respect, Awe, Love. And for some reason one of the questions referred to creation and we kind of discussed the fact that we are all still being created in some way.
From there I went to Mother's house. Nora and Leif were there. We had our last visit for a while, as they will be heading back to Texas tomorrow. Nora helped me learn how to do things with my Kindle. I will need some more advice but now have direction and it is making sense to me. Mother is looking good but is really tired from all the company she has had in the past week. Such a good tired for her.
Then I went to the Final Approach Restaurant near the airport for a lunch reunion with my high school graduate friends. Such a nice time. There were lots of us there. I sat with Rita Petrie Ertl and Linda and Bill Guse and across from Bill and Dan Kuhlow (cousins) We actually had the lunch a bit early because Bill is visiting. I recited my Cobwebs, Haiku to him and he would like to see more of my poetry. I may have Rita starting to write as a result of our talk.
I know I posted Cobwebs and it is in one of my books which most of you have but here it is anyway.
Cobwebs
Friend from long ago
Do you ever think of me
You stroll through my mind.
From lunch I went directly to Rocky Knoll and spent the afternoon with Dick. He was all done with therapy but stood for a minute and a half this morning and 30 seconds this afternoon. Wow.
We played Rummy and he whipped me two out of three games. We ate supper together and then I came home and have been just puttering all evening, except for doing a load of wash.
So. Such a lovely day. Oh - I almost forgot. He and I went outside for a stroll. Or as he said I stroll, he rolls. We didn't go far, but it was a start. He needs his hat and arm protection from the sun. He loved getting the fresh air though and being mobile.
God love you
Mary
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Last night I just got home too late and too tired from the wedding to do the blog. I very sensibly went to bed immediately.
It was a lovely wedding. There was a wedding mass at St. Mary's Church in Hilbert. This is a nice little church. I had not been there before. Lots of beautiful stained glass and brick. Matt was here from Hawaii with Kauru and the children, Coleton and Alana. Coleton and Piero (Georgina's little brother) were ring bearers. Matt was the best man. Alana was the flower girl. She is only four and when her mother sent her down the aisle and she saw all those people, she headed right back. So Matt came to her and held her hand and helped her strew the roses petals as they came. It was adorable.
Everybody was there it seemed and many of Georgina's relatives too several from Peru. I met her Dad, her Mom, her little brother, her grandmother and several aunts. The reception was at the Altona in Kiel. A great dinner and a very loving and happy reception. I felt I was in a Lake Wobegon community where instead of "All the women are strong, all the men are good looking and all the children are above average." All the men are strong, all the women are beautiful and all the children are indeed above average.
We had lots of youngsters running around. Such a joy to see the little ones up to the almost teenagers again. And they all got along so well.
I asked for a piece of cake to take to Dick. Georgina wrote him a little note on the top of the container and make Shane sign his name too. Such a dear girl.
Today, I went over to Rocky Knoll at 9AM so that I could go to Mass and help bring residents down again. The mass was nice. I guided Rich and his wife and daughter down and then sat with Alice, who's husband Claude, was at Plymouth Care when we were there.
Dick had his first tub bath in quite some time today. He loved it. They have a whirlpool and lower him in to bathe. So glad that leg is healed enough for that.
After Mass, I spent the time before lunch updating Dick on the wedding and everyone there.
I brought soup and Kate's peach cobbler for Lunch. Dick had a good meal too. Swiss Steak and a cream puff.
We played cards after lunch. He smacked me. Then Bobbie and Bill came. Bobbie was able to bring her lap top and bring up the news video about Nora and he being one of the 12 top Airmen in the Air Force this year. Such a prideful thing.
I came home at about 2:30PM and took a nap. I felt that I really need to get rested up after being out late last night.
I will post a picture of my Bridget wall hanging. Nora said that I didn't do that and I am rather proud of it.
Have a good Week. It is supposed to be cooler and less humid for a day or two so Dick and I are going for a walk tomorrow.
God love you
Mary
It was a lovely wedding. There was a wedding mass at St. Mary's Church in Hilbert. This is a nice little church. I had not been there before. Lots of beautiful stained glass and brick. Matt was here from Hawaii with Kauru and the children, Coleton and Alana. Coleton and Piero (Georgina's little brother) were ring bearers. Matt was the best man. Alana was the flower girl. She is only four and when her mother sent her down the aisle and she saw all those people, she headed right back. So Matt came to her and held her hand and helped her strew the roses petals as they came. It was adorable.
Everybody was there it seemed and many of Georgina's relatives too several from Peru. I met her Dad, her Mom, her little brother, her grandmother and several aunts. The reception was at the Altona in Kiel. A great dinner and a very loving and happy reception. I felt I was in a Lake Wobegon community where instead of "All the women are strong, all the men are good looking and all the children are above average." All the men are strong, all the women are beautiful and all the children are indeed above average.
We had lots of youngsters running around. Such a joy to see the little ones up to the almost teenagers again. And they all got along so well.
I asked for a piece of cake to take to Dick. Georgina wrote him a little note on the top of the container and make Shane sign his name too. Such a dear girl.
Today, I went over to Rocky Knoll at 9AM so that I could go to Mass and help bring residents down again. The mass was nice. I guided Rich and his wife and daughter down and then sat with Alice, who's husband Claude, was at Plymouth Care when we were there.
Dick had his first tub bath in quite some time today. He loved it. They have a whirlpool and lower him in to bathe. So glad that leg is healed enough for that.
After Mass, I spent the time before lunch updating Dick on the wedding and everyone there.
I brought soup and Kate's peach cobbler for Lunch. Dick had a good meal too. Swiss Steak and a cream puff.
We played cards after lunch. He smacked me. Then Bobbie and Bill came. Bobbie was able to bring her lap top and bring up the news video about Nora and he being one of the 12 top Airmen in the Air Force this year. Such a prideful thing.
I came home at about 2:30PM and took a nap. I felt that I really need to get rested up after being out late last night.
I will post a picture of my Bridget wall hanging. Nora said that I didn't do that and I am rather proud of it.
Have a good Week. It is supposed to be cooler and less humid for a day or two so Dick and I are going for a walk tomorrow.
God love you
Mary
Friday, July 22, 2011
Another Red Letter Day.
I got up and out of here shortly before 8AM to join Dick for breakfast. Because this was the two week followup with Dr. Fehrman.
Tim from Custom Care and Transport picked us up at 9AM for the 9:30AM appointment. It was raining, a blessing for today as my plants and pots all got a welcome drink of water. It was a steady gentle rain that had to make the earth very happy.
Dr. Fehrman is pleased with the healing so far. He did remove the stitches -- Yeah!!!! We have to go back in three weeks and at that point he hopes that the serious shrinking (sounds gross but means the shaping of the stump for the prosthesis) can begin. But in the meantime, he can now bathe and does not need dressings. So we are truly blessed. The bottom still has a darker look but is warm and seems healthy.
I went to their lunch area and got a cappuccino for fun. When I got back to the entrance (I had called Tim and we were waiting for him to get back from Sheboygan) a sweet lady, named Melba, was talking to Dick. She is 91 and looks lovely. Her father had lost limbs which kind of started the conversation. Anyway, she left with her companion just before Tim arrived so we sere not bored.
When we got back it was almost 11AM. I stayed with him until it was time for his trip to the dining room then went on my way.
I had lunch at Dairy Queen with my friends. A nice break in the day. When I got home, I took a nap. Boy was Roxie glad. I think she probably thinks that I have finally come to my senses.
So the day is winding down. Tomorrow is the big wedding. I will stop on my way to Hilbert to drop some clothes off for Dick but basically will just be celebrating.
Hope you have something special this weekend also. I guess, just the somewhat cooler weather will be special
Love you all and God does too.
Mary
I got up and out of here shortly before 8AM to join Dick for breakfast. Because this was the two week followup with Dr. Fehrman.
Tim from Custom Care and Transport picked us up at 9AM for the 9:30AM appointment. It was raining, a blessing for today as my plants and pots all got a welcome drink of water. It was a steady gentle rain that had to make the earth very happy.
Dr. Fehrman is pleased with the healing so far. He did remove the stitches -- Yeah!!!! We have to go back in three weeks and at that point he hopes that the serious shrinking (sounds gross but means the shaping of the stump for the prosthesis) can begin. But in the meantime, he can now bathe and does not need dressings. So we are truly blessed. The bottom still has a darker look but is warm and seems healthy.
I went to their lunch area and got a cappuccino for fun. When I got back to the entrance (I had called Tim and we were waiting for him to get back from Sheboygan) a sweet lady, named Melba, was talking to Dick. She is 91 and looks lovely. Her father had lost limbs which kind of started the conversation. Anyway, she left with her companion just before Tim arrived so we sere not bored.
When we got back it was almost 11AM. I stayed with him until it was time for his trip to the dining room then went on my way.
I had lunch at Dairy Queen with my friends. A nice break in the day. When I got home, I took a nap. Boy was Roxie glad. I think she probably thinks that I have finally come to my senses.
So the day is winding down. Tomorrow is the big wedding. I will stop on my way to Hilbert to drop some clothes off for Dick but basically will just be celebrating.
Hope you have something special this weekend also. I guess, just the somewhat cooler weather will be special
Love you all and God does too.
Mary
Thursday, July 21, 2011
What a red ;etter day!!!
I was home all morning, paying bills and cleaning.
Then at 11:30AM, I went to Rocky Knoll, just in time for the end of Dick's PT session. Yippee, he stood on his prosthesis between the parallel bars. I am not sure how long he was up that time. BUT, when he went for OT in the afternoon, he did it again and stood for 50 seconds. It was a bit painful, but he has not put pressure on for over a month and the prostheses will be needing adjustments. When we took the prosthesis off, there was very little redness, so Dick and I felt really good about that.
Tim from Wisconsin Prosthesis will be doing an initial evaluation on Tuesday. At least if he gets the stitches out tomorrow.
We had lunch together with Bob. I brought soup and a cheese and basil sandwich.
We played a couple games of rummy after all the therapy excitement was over with. He won.
So, I am going to bed early as I have to get up early to be there before breakfast. We will leave shortly afterwards for his appointment with Dr. Fehrman.
Saturday, I will not go at all because of the wedding.
Hope your day was at least half as exciting as ours.
God love you all
Mary
I was home all morning, paying bills and cleaning.
Then at 11:30AM, I went to Rocky Knoll, just in time for the end of Dick's PT session. Yippee, he stood on his prosthesis between the parallel bars. I am not sure how long he was up that time. BUT, when he went for OT in the afternoon, he did it again and stood for 50 seconds. It was a bit painful, but he has not put pressure on for over a month and the prostheses will be needing adjustments. When we took the prosthesis off, there was very little redness, so Dick and I felt really good about that.
Tim from Wisconsin Prosthesis will be doing an initial evaluation on Tuesday. At least if he gets the stitches out tomorrow.
We had lunch together with Bob. I brought soup and a cheese and basil sandwich.
We played a couple games of rummy after all the therapy excitement was over with. He won.
So, I am going to bed early as I have to get up early to be there before breakfast. We will leave shortly afterwards for his appointment with Dr. Fehrman.
Saturday, I will not go at all because of the wedding.
Hope your day was at least half as exciting as ours.
God love you all
Mary
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Another Hot Day. Bart and Barb called this evening and they are even hotter. Of course, they may have a bit dryer heat too as they don't have the moisture in the air that we do.
It got up to 98 on my car thermometer. It was quite comfortable when I went grocery shopping at 8AM but had heated up a lot in just the time I was in the store.
I cleaned this morning, the kitchen and Dick's desk, then packed up and went over to have lunch with and spend the afternoon with Dick. I got there just as he finished OT. Then we went right down for lunch. After lunch he had PT. We played Yahtzee and Rummy the rest of the afternoon, except for the hour at the On the Rocks Saloon that Rocky Knoll hosts every Wednesday from 3PM to 4PM.
So nothing terribly exciting.
As long as this heat maintains, I don't think there will be much exciting. Everybody is just trying to stay cool.
God love you
Mary
It got up to 98 on my car thermometer. It was quite comfortable when I went grocery shopping at 8AM but had heated up a lot in just the time I was in the store.
I cleaned this morning, the kitchen and Dick's desk, then packed up and went over to have lunch with and spend the afternoon with Dick. I got there just as he finished OT. Then we went right down for lunch. After lunch he had PT. We played Yahtzee and Rummy the rest of the afternoon, except for the hour at the On the Rocks Saloon that Rocky Knoll hosts every Wednesday from 3PM to 4PM.
So nothing terribly exciting.
As long as this heat maintains, I don't think there will be much exciting. Everybody is just trying to stay cool.
God love you
Mary
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Another HOT day. This spell is not supposed to break for several days yet. Thank God for Air conditioning. I remember, years ago, we had no relief. When Dick and I and Jim were living at Creekside, we had a year like this and I remember one day that Dick said. "I don't care if this heat lifts tomorrow, we are getting air." And we did. I think it saved Jim. He was trying to sleep during the day at that time as he was a 2nd shifter. He was sleeping on the deck and in the basement to survive.
Aunt Helen called the next year after we had our conditioning. She said that she was totally miserable and could we come to get her. I called Dick and he drove out to Falls, picked her up and installed her on the couch in the living room. She said later that we saved her life. And well we might have.
She was not a cat lover, but she napped in relief from the air conditioning and she told me that she felt something there. She opened her eyes and her was our Taco just looking at her. They observed each other for a bit and both felt quite comfortable, so Helen went back to sleep and Taco went back to wherever he was.
She kind of liked my cats because I told her stories about them and they became "people" to her.
Today, I just hung around home this morning and then went to Rocky Knoll at noon to have lunch with Dick and spend the afternoon with him. I brought my lunch and some treats for the guys. Rich was out for lunch with friends but Dick, Bob and I enjoyed them.
Then I watched Dick's Occupational Therapy and then we played Yahtsee and Rummy to pass the time until Dinner.
I am home now, Had a pasty for supper and am beginning to settle down for the night.
A good night's sleep will prepare me for the rest of the week.
Love.
Mary]
]
Here is a poem that I have in one of my books that addresses heat like this. The tells of heat 60 to 70 years ago so it is not a new thing.
SUMMER EVENING MUSIC
I dream of summers long ago
When I was a child.
On the dead end street
All of us, from toddler to teen,
Gathered in the twilight
While the sounds of Hildy
Playing her squeeze Box
Mingled with the sounds of us '
Shouting.
Hildy's Mom was in heaven.
Her Dad often stumbled home late at night
And her sister took care of them.
Hildy couldn't run and play with us.
Her neck couldn't hold her head straight.
She walked strangely.
But she played the music
That filled the air in the
Twilight.
We played kick the can, or tag
Or hide and seek on the gravel road,
Our feet calloused from running barefoot
Since school let out.
I still feel the humid musky dampness
Of the dark.
We played until too tired to care
That it was really too hot
To Sleep.
Hildy came to church for a while.
Then someone complained.
They said she upset them
Because her head wobbled and whe
Walked funny.
I remember that Mother was angry
And we didn't understand.
She was, after all,
Just Hildy.
She went to a nurshing home
When she got old and her Dad was gone
Ang her sister married.
My younger sister cared for her there.
She said that they liked to spoil Hildy.
I was pleased to hear that.
She deserved to be spoiled
For providing the summer evening
Music.
Aunt Helen called the next year after we had our conditioning. She said that she was totally miserable and could we come to get her. I called Dick and he drove out to Falls, picked her up and installed her on the couch in the living room. She said later that we saved her life. And well we might have.
She was not a cat lover, but she napped in relief from the air conditioning and she told me that she felt something there. She opened her eyes and her was our Taco just looking at her. They observed each other for a bit and both felt quite comfortable, so Helen went back to sleep and Taco went back to wherever he was.
She kind of liked my cats because I told her stories about them and they became "people" to her.
Today, I just hung around home this morning and then went to Rocky Knoll at noon to have lunch with Dick and spend the afternoon with him. I brought my lunch and some treats for the guys. Rich was out for lunch with friends but Dick, Bob and I enjoyed them.
Then I watched Dick's Occupational Therapy and then we played Yahtsee and Rummy to pass the time until Dinner.
I am home now, Had a pasty for supper and am beginning to settle down for the night.
A good night's sleep will prepare me for the rest of the week.
Love.
Mary]
]
Here is a poem that I have in one of my books that addresses heat like this. The tells of heat 60 to 70 years ago so it is not a new thing.
SUMMER EVENING MUSIC
I dream of summers long ago
When I was a child.
On the dead end street
All of us, from toddler to teen,
Gathered in the twilight
While the sounds of Hildy
Playing her squeeze Box
Mingled with the sounds of us '
Shouting.
Hildy's Mom was in heaven.
Her Dad often stumbled home late at night
And her sister took care of them.
Hildy couldn't run and play with us.
Her neck couldn't hold her head straight.
She walked strangely.
But she played the music
That filled the air in the
Twilight.
We played kick the can, or tag
Or hide and seek on the gravel road,
Our feet calloused from running barefoot
Since school let out.
I still feel the humid musky dampness
Of the dark.
We played until too tired to care
That it was really too hot
To Sleep.
Hildy came to church for a while.
Then someone complained.
They said she upset them
Because her head wobbled and whe
Walked funny.
I remember that Mother was angry
And we didn't understand.
She was, after all,
Just Hildy.
She went to a nurshing home
When she got old and her Dad was gone
Ang her sister married.
My younger sister cared for her there.
She said that they liked to spoil Hildy.
I was pleased to hear that.
She deserved to be spoiled
For providing the summer evening
Music.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Another Hot day and it is supposed to get even hotter by Thursday. I saw 95 on my car thermometer.
I left at 9AM for Bible Study. We had 10 of us there today and a lovely discussion of Psalm 1. The introduction to the Psalms, with that lovely phrase - They are like a tree planted near streams of water, that yields its fruit in season: "Its leaves never wither; whatever they do prospers." Such beautiful poetry in the psalms.
I shared lavender cookies with everybody.
Then I went over to Mother's. I brought her samples of the tea breads and cookies that I baked. Leif and Nora were there. They are in Wisconsin until sometime late next week after Shane and Georgina's wedding. We had a lovely visit and shared some Ireland experiences. Then we lunched. I had intended to be with Dick for lunch but called and let him know I would be late.
I got to Rocky Knoll at about 2PM. He was just finishing his therapy. We got back to his room just in time for Mike from Accessability who brought the rests for his motorized chair. Now he can rest the stumps on them and they won't have to dangle.
So it has been a really good day.
We played a couple of rounds of rummy. We each won one game. Then we went to supper together. I ate some chili that I had intended to have with him for lunch. After Supper I came home and had just time to feed the cat and do a couple of quick chores before the CWI Board Conference Call. That went well. Tomorrow I can get that information coordinated as to what I have to do and do the Sheboygan Branch newsletter before I go to spend the afternoon with Dick.
So I hope you sleep as well as I hope to. God bless you and keep you
Mary
I left at 9AM for Bible Study. We had 10 of us there today and a lovely discussion of Psalm 1. The introduction to the Psalms, with that lovely phrase - They are like a tree planted near streams of water, that yields its fruit in season: "Its leaves never wither; whatever they do prospers." Such beautiful poetry in the psalms.
I shared lavender cookies with everybody.
Then I went over to Mother's. I brought her samples of the tea breads and cookies that I baked. Leif and Nora were there. They are in Wisconsin until sometime late next week after Shane and Georgina's wedding. We had a lovely visit and shared some Ireland experiences. Then we lunched. I had intended to be with Dick for lunch but called and let him know I would be late.
I got to Rocky Knoll at about 2PM. He was just finishing his therapy. We got back to his room just in time for Mike from Accessability who brought the rests for his motorized chair. Now he can rest the stumps on them and they won't have to dangle.
So it has been a really good day.
We played a couple of rounds of rummy. We each won one game. Then we went to supper together. I ate some chili that I had intended to have with him for lunch. After Supper I came home and had just time to feed the cat and do a couple of quick chores before the CWI Board Conference Call. That went well. Tomorrow I can get that information coordinated as to what I have to do and do the Sheboygan Branch newsletter before I go to spend the afternoon with Dick.
So I hope you sleep as well as I hope to. God bless you and keep you
Mary
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Happy Sunday. I went to Mass at Rocky Knoll again at 10AM. I helped bring a couple people down, one of them being a resident in Woodland Village who sits at Dick's table at lunch. He broke both of his arms in a horse accident. So, after I took a man in a wheelchair down, I went back and asked him if he would like to go and he did. The trick the first time or two is to find your way there.
It was a lovely Mass. The gospel was the parable of the man who planted his fields and his enemies planted bad seed in it. Father used that parable to remind us that as it would have been difficult to separate the plants until harvest. We to cannot be judgemental of others but have to leave the judging up to God at he Harvest.
I left pretty much after Mass, after I stopped in to visit with Dick for a few minutes. I finished loading the car with all the things for the tea. I took a table and chairs, strawberry bread, pepper cheese sandwiches, lavender cookies and apricot cream tea sandwiches. I also brought my teapot, and a setting of dishes for "my" table and the cork ornaments that I made for favors. There were other things too. Debbie O Grady brought just as much or more. And Kate has tons of lovely tea things. We set up tables in the back yard, on the porch and n the side yard. The food was all set up on the dining room table and what a spread.
Kate had prepared beautiful teapots and cups with matching saucers full of gorgeous flowers for the tables and a drawing. She gave Debbie and I our choice before everybody got there while we were setting things up. Such a sweet thing to do. They are beautiful and I took mine over to Dick after we finished cleaning up. Actually there was a bit to do yet but I needed to get to Dick as I had told him I would be there.
It WAS HOT. But we did sit out under the trees at the tables to eat anyway. With the shade and a gentle breeze, it was not too bad and the company and cold drinks made it possible and even fun. Some of us shared pictures and/or stories of feisty and influential women in our lives. I shared Aunt Helen.
We had a nice crowd. About 20 which was very heartening. Next month our meeting will be Irish Fest.
So. That is the day. I will input a couple of pictures tomorrow.
Bobbie and Bill visited Dick this afternoon. I thought they probably would so knew he would not be alone.
Love
Mary
It was a lovely Mass. The gospel was the parable of the man who planted his fields and his enemies planted bad seed in it. Father used that parable to remind us that as it would have been difficult to separate the plants until harvest. We to cannot be judgemental of others but have to leave the judging up to God at he Harvest.
I left pretty much after Mass, after I stopped in to visit with Dick for a few minutes. I finished loading the car with all the things for the tea. I took a table and chairs, strawberry bread, pepper cheese sandwiches, lavender cookies and apricot cream tea sandwiches. I also brought my teapot, and a setting of dishes for "my" table and the cork ornaments that I made for favors. There were other things too. Debbie O Grady brought just as much or more. And Kate has tons of lovely tea things. We set up tables in the back yard, on the porch and n the side yard. The food was all set up on the dining room table and what a spread.
Kate had prepared beautiful teapots and cups with matching saucers full of gorgeous flowers for the tables and a drawing. She gave Debbie and I our choice before everybody got there while we were setting things up. Such a sweet thing to do. They are beautiful and I took mine over to Dick after we finished cleaning up. Actually there was a bit to do yet but I needed to get to Dick as I had told him I would be there.
It WAS HOT. But we did sit out under the trees at the tables to eat anyway. With the shade and a gentle breeze, it was not too bad and the company and cold drinks made it possible and even fun. Some of us shared pictures and/or stories of feisty and influential women in our lives. I shared Aunt Helen.
We had a nice crowd. About 20 which was very heartening. Next month our meeting will be Irish Fest.
So. That is the day. I will input a couple of pictures tomorrow.
Bobbie and Bill visited Dick this afternoon. I thought they probably would so knew he would not be alone.
Love
Mary
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