Forgot To Mention

When I got the results of my physical, Dr. T said I am turning into a type 2 diabetic. The numbers are just barely into the bad zone, and if I start working on losing weight, getting more exercise, and eating properly, I can get it under control and keep it there. No medication necessary. So I guess I must.
And poor Jayme has had two gall bladder attacks. And doesn't have insurance. I'm worried about her.
Michael is leaving for Georgia (ft benning) Tuesday morning. Mango is staying with his Mom until Michael gets settled at Ft Hood in a few months. Still don't know if Ash will go there.
Life is change.
Talked to Elaine tonight. She is having hell at her job just like Amy and Scott are. There seems to be a lot of that going around. I'm glad I'm retired and not working with this new attitude of "Lets see how much work we can give this poor schmuck before they crack" Mwahahahahha.
Doug had a good birthday, and liked his gifts.
Don't know what we are doing for the 4th. George was talking about cooking ribs.

Getting Old Is Hell

Well, I finally remembered my password. I haven't been able to get to my blog for the past while, because I forgot it. Then I tried to sign in tonight, and it suddenly came to me. What do you know!!!!
Amy and Scott and Ashley came over yesterday, and we all went to the new Saigon Mall (all Oriental all the time) and looked around and then ate at Lee's Sandwich Shop, and then went to the big grocery store there. I got a cart full of stuff for Pho, and it came to 17 dollars. We may eat vietnamese for a while at those prices. Also got stuff for breakfast at one bakery, and a sweet called "alligator pie" at another bakery. I will be going back there often, because Mom liked all of the bakery stuff, and none of it is very sweet. Scott got a durian shake at the sandwich shop, and I tasted it. It smelled strange, like an old oily garage shop coverall, but it tasted good. He also got a fresh durian to take home and have, and we chickened out on tasting it, because it had that strange stinky smell, and I really didn't want him to cut it here in case the smell lingered too long. Amy hated the smell, and made him put the bag outside while they were here, which made it smell even more because it was warm out.
I thought Amy was coming over today and pick up her bag of refrigerated groceries that got left in my frig, but they were working at home and when I spoke to her, she was on the way to the Depot to pick up pebbles to put on their new flagstone path which Scott had been working hard on. (They took the stones we had to remove from under the oak tree because it was making the tree sick. It's doing great this year so far) So I guess I'll take the laundry and groceries over there one day this week.
Friday I took myself out for a pedicure when George got home from golf. That was nice, and I had a manicure, too. I had just gotten started when Liz came in for a pedicure, so we visited a little. This was pamper week, because Thursday night was massage night. And I have actually been trying to walk every day, and have been eating sugar free stuff. And stuff that is good for diabetics. So maybe my blood sugar will get under control, and I'll never have to take insulin. I had my eyes checked on Wednesday, and have to go back this Tuesday to do the dilated stuff while George is not playing golf so he can drive me back. But Dr. E said so far everything looked really good. He recommended that I start taking Occuvite D, a vitamin especially formulated for eye health in diabetics. He said it couldn't hurt, and it might help. So I'm going to get some of those.
Have to take Mom in Tuesday to get a perm. Her checkup visit to Dr. T got moved to the 9th, since he is going out of town for the 4th.
I'm going to write down my password and username for this so I'll have it the next time I have an Alzhiemer's attack. Good Grief.

Storm

Before we left for the beauty shop Mom and I had been watching the radar, and I said I hoped we could get through and into the van before the rain got here because it looked like it was moving pretty fast. So Mom was under the dryer and I decided to go next door to Arby's and get a glass of tea. When I walked over to Arby's, I looked to the north and said- Holy Shit! It's coming fast! So I turned around and went back to the beauty shop and told Shirley and Delores (the only two beauticians there on Tuesdays) that a storm was coming. Delores went with me to the back door and went outside to see (no windows to speak of on the building) and she rushed back in and told Shirley to hurry and get Mom combed out before the storm hit. Which she would have if Mom could move faster than snail's pace. As it was, I went and moved the van as close to the back door as I could, and got the umbrella. Just about the time Mom finally made it to the door, the wind picked up and it started sprinkling, and I managed to keep her hair dry until just as she was getting into the van, the umbrella blew wrongside out, and then she was in, and just as I closed her door, the heavens opened. I folded up the walker and got the door closed, and ran around to my side and jumped in. I was laughing so hard, because I was drenched. I got some napkins out of the glovebox, and was drying my face, and realized my glasses were gone. So I jumped back out of the car, and ran back into the shop, and looked around, but I knew I had them on when I was getting Mom in the van, so I looked on the ground, and there they were. They had blown off of my face! It was still pouring down rain, so now I'm as wet as if I had stood in the shower with my clothes on, and still laughing like a loon. I jumped back in the van, got more napkins, and while Mom dried my glasses, I used a bunch of napkins to dry my hair enough so that it stopped running down my face and neck, and the wind trying to blow the van over. It was an adventure getting home, because the gutters were bank full, and there were tree limbs and leaves and shit in the street. The back and front yard are full of little branches and leaves from the oak tree, and that big plant had blown over and dirt fell out, so I said what the hell, you're already wet, and I went out and got it back up and pushed into the corner and put the dirt back. All in all, it was an eventful morning. Ashley and I were talking when we were on the way home, and she said she was watching the storm, and some shingles had blown off of the roof and went sailing by.

Almost Did Everything

Well, I got the lilies transplanted, and the other stuff done, but didn't go for a walk. Now my knee is bothering me today, so that makes 2 days with no walk. Tomorrow morning I'm going if the knee is acceptable. Somehow, I've got to train myself to get exercise before anything else, and if other stuff doesn't get done, tough titty. I have always tried to do work first and necessary things, and leave myself until last. I need to change that and do like George does, and always put myself first. I don't know if I can since I'm so O-C about the house and things I feel responsible for, but I have to try.
I usually have to sneak out when I want to go for a walk since Mom makes a big production out of not being able to go. I'll just have to do it.
Got a derm appointment for July 23rd. I told the appt. sec. if it was skin cancer, I might be dead by then, but I guessed it would have to do.
Amy and Scott went with their friend Dagmar to a cow show in Oklahoma today. Hope they enjoyed it. Not my cup of tea, though. Guess we'll get together tomorrow sometime for Father's Day. George chose the menu of Oriental Chicken Salad, and I got the ingredients today. So tomorrow I'll have to cut everything up and get it ready. After my frigging walk. lol

More Changes

Heard from Vickie today. Her biopsy was benign. YAY.
Last month I had a spot frozen on my shoulder, and now I all of a sudden have two more on my chest. Tomorrow I'm making another derm appointment. I don't like this.
Took Ashley to the grocery store today, and we went to Tom Thumb on 14th in Plano. Wow, what a nice store. Almost like going to Central Market. I'm going back there sometime.
Tomorrow is beauty shop day for Mom again. Guess we'll be leaving for that at about 10:30. And I need to stop by CVS and make a picture disc. Then I need to go for a walk, and transplant lilies into the new flower bed.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Isn't it strange how your life can be set, everything settled and routine, and then is seems like everything changes. That's how mine is right now. Ashley and Jayme have moved to a new apartment, and Michael took Mango because there was no good way for Mango to go out from the 4th floor. And they have decided to get a divorce. Vickie had to go get a biopsy after her Mammo, but we think that will turn out okay. I had to change all of my insurance because of turning 65, And I refigured my 401K and changed my draw so now I'm poor, but it will last until I can start drawing on my annuity.....Who knows what will be next? And it is hard to rest at night since I am such a worrywart. Now I have to worry about Ashley finding a job. I have my fingers crossed.
This weekend is Father's Day and everyone will be coming over on Sunday. Don't know about the menu yet.
I am going to Amy's tomorrow and take their laundry home so I can get into my utility room again. And I'm going by the phone store because I can't get my cell phone open so I can get the picture card out. And Ashley gave me her old camera, so I need to get an SD card for it. Always something.

George the Golfer

Well, Doyce and Shirley left today to go to his daughter's house for his granddaughter's graduation. They head back home to Lake Jackson tomorrow morning. George played golf with the Richardson Senior league on Monday, and with Doyce on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Today he said he was ready for a day off, and then Dudley got released from jury duty early, and called him to play golf tomorrow, so now he's playing on Friday, too. Wow. Mom and I go to the beauty shop tomorrow, and then Saturday, George goes to his high school class reunion, so maybe Mom and I can rest that day, because I think we are celebrating Amy's birthday on Sunday, and I have another doctor appointment on Monday, then hair again on Tuesday. And we still are soooo behind on our movie watching. lol I'll really be glad when all this Dr. crap is over for the year.
Now there is a line of severe thunderstorms headed our way, but who knows if they will get all the way to Dallas from West Texas. I'll keep my weather eye out. lol (Sounds kind of like I'm a crab or something) Anywho, we had a fun visit with the bro and sis-in-law.

Busy, Busy, Busy

This has been a busy week, so far. Doyce and Shirley got here on Monday, and Tuesday and Wednesday and today Doyce and George have played golf. (George also played on Monday with the Richardson Seniors). Monday evening we ate supper at Pappacito's, then came back and played Mexican Train. Tuesday morning Mom, Shirley, and I took Mom to the beauty shop and visited while she got her hair done, then we went to the grocery store and took dog food to Ash. (Monday morning I had a horrible dream about trying to feed Mango and every time I would look at him he was tinier. The incredible shrinking dog. And I was getting more and more frantic, and something bad had happened to Ash, which I was trying not to think about. And I think I must be psychic, because when I finally got in touch with Ash she said she was totally out of dog food and could I bring her some!!!) Later after we had eaten lunch here we went to the box store and took her some boxes so she can pack some more stuff. Then we came back here and visited some and ended the evening with another Train session. Amy came by and picked up the karaoke stuff since her boss wanted it back. We had a good time with that. Wednesday, I had to go have my mammo and bone density, so Shirley stayed with Mom, and I did that, and picked up Mom's scrip at Target, then came back and we talked a while, then met George and Doyce at Two Rows for late lunch. Came back by Applebee's and picked up Mom's fried chicken salad, and Shirley went to pick up Doyce at the motel (where George had dropped him off for a shower) and when they got here, we played train again. So now it's Thursday morning, and George has gone to play golf with Doyce, and I just took two loaves of homemade banana nut bread out of the oven, and am waiting for Shirley to get here. She had to pack the car this morning, because after golf (and maybe lunch) they go to Midlothion for Kelsey's graduation, and then they are going home. And next Tuesday is Amy's birthday, and then the next weekend is Father's day. And I have to go to Dr. Townsend Monday for the (hopefully) last of my yearly Dr. visits. Echocardiogram. (SP) I'll be glad when things settle down a little, but we are still having fun. Ashley says they can start moving into their new apartment on the 6th, and have to be out of the old one by the 9th. Hope they can do that with no major mishaps. And she said Michael was supposed to be in town yesterday.

Yes, I Think It IS Possum, lol

Or Maybe It's Possum

Backyard Possom

So last week Ashley went out on her patio and screamed because she almost sat down on a little possom that was in her papasan chair. She sent a picture. I just went into the kitchen for a glass of water, and on my way there I noticed that the motion sensor light came on. When I got to the sink I looked out the window, and there was a big possom walking around in the back yard. I got the binocs and watched it for about ten minutes, until it finally came up toward the southeast corner out of my line of sight, and didn't come back out. Maybe it went out under the gate. Interesting. (I know it's opossom, too, Ashley...but possom just sounds better. lol)

Memorial Day Weekend

Well, it's almost over, and tomorrow Mom and I were supposed to go to the beauty shop and get hair done and me a perm, but Shirley called and has to go to a funeral, so we got postponed to Friday. Darn.
I had to get a new rug for the front door, so I went to Linens n'Things today and used the coupon that was expiring tomorrow. Had to take Amy's laundry home, so she and Scott went with, and we made a side trip to Barnes and Noble, and also to Chico's to get a gift card for Kelsey. I was going to Hallmark to get cards, but they were closed. And we were also going to go to Yankee Candle and I was going to stop at Bath and Body Works, but there were too many people and no parking places, and it was friggin hot, so we skipped those things.
The get together and karaoke on Saturday was lots of fun. Vickie was the star of the karaoke, I understand. I missed the star performance taking Ashley and Mango home. All of the food was outstanding, and we had very few leftovers. Scott is now officially the corn on the cob grilling king. It was soooo delicious. Today Vickie called to chat and mentioned how good it was.
George almost has my new flowerbed done. I need to get out early before it gets so hot and sift the grass pieces out of the dirt, then we need to work in some bags of Miracle Grow potting soil. I can't believe it is getting so hot so early in the year. We are setting all kinds of bad records.
Mom and I counted, and we have about 45 movies we haven't watched, plus I keep dvring ones that look good. So we are going to have to get busy. (On top of the 300 books I am behind on reading)
I have to go to the gyno Wednesday morning. Yuck. Oh Well.
Tonight Mom and I watched Blazing Saddles and Body Double, and then we are going to watch So You Think You Can Dance. Gotta get back to the TV Room. Bye Bye

Today

Met a bunch of the retired girls from Kraft for lunch at the Olive Garden by Town East today. It was fun to see everyone. Loretta Smith had pictures of her 7 (seven) grandkids. They are all precious. Bryan's triplets are 2 and Carson the oldest girl is 5. Scott's kids are older, but all of them were really pretty kids. Wonder what it would be like to have lots of kids and grandkids? I'm not sure I could handle it.
Took Amy's laundry to her house and saw the kitties, and then sneezed and rubbed my nose all the way home. I guess I'm allergic to cat dander.
AND GEORGE LAID OUT THE NEW FLOWER BED TODAY!!!!! Maybe before the fall I can move my lilies from around the oak tree and then the stinking tree rats won't be able to eat all of the buds before they can bloom. So far it has stripped 18 of the stems. And that was 3 to 6 buds on each. Dratted rat. Won't it be great if I get them moved and next year have LOTS of flowers? Oboy.
Mom and I watched American Idol and were pretty disappointed that David Archuleta didn't win. I don't know if I will buy a cd by David Cook. I know I would have bought Jason Castro and David Archuleta. Anyhow....
We didn't really care who of the last three won Dancing With the Stars, because they were all good. But we liked it that Kristi won.
Now we will be watching So You Think You Can Dance.

Memorial Day Weekend

So the big holiday weekend is coming up. We are all going to get together Saturday and have a little beer and wine and do a little cooking - Shrimp, steak and chicken on the grill and Amy will do grilled veggies, and Vickie is making tabouli (and bringing the shrimp) and then berry parfaits for dessert. I'm going to do the tea, steak and chicken kabobs with tomatoes and bell pepper and onion, and deviled eggs and some potato salad. After supper, maybe we will all karioke for a while. Don't know how Dud and Vic feel about that, but perhaps with enough alcoholic beverage.........
It'll be fun. Amy, Scott, Dudley, Vickie, George, Me, Mom, and I guess Ashley and Mango, although I haven't heard from her in reply to any of my e-mails or phone messages since 5:26 am, which was not a reply. hmmmmm.

I Knew It

OOPS I didn't mean to hit enter.
I have always known that the pollen of lilies will dye fabric. Mom's mother's Day lilies were in a big vase sitting on the floor in her room, and this morning it somehow fell over and drenched the carpet, and got pollen all over the white carpet and now it is a yellow splotched carpet. My fault for putting them there, I should have known better. I worked on it for 45 minutes scrubbing and dubbing. Guess I'll try some more things after it dries some. Poop.

I Knew It

Catchup

Forgot to mention that we had Mom's 92nd birthday party. Dud and Vic, Amy and Scott, Ash and Mango, George and I and we had a good time. Mom got coins, perfume, hand lotion, flowers, and pajamas. During April, her feet and legs kept swelling worse and worse, and then she started setting fluid in her lungs. Took her to Dr. Townsend and he prescribed lacex to get rid of the water. When she was taking the blood pressure med is had a diuretic in it, so when she stopped taking them, she didn't have anything. And she drinks water all the time. They are going down slowly, and the lungs are okay now, but he gave her the lowest dose because she is so sensitive to medicine. We go back for a followup in July if nothing happens before then. I went for my physical on Tuesday, and go later for my Pap and Mammogram and bone density. Then in June sometime for an echocardiogram.
The next big thing was Mother's day. We all got together for that, (not Dud and Vic) and Amy borrowed her boss's karioke machine and so for the last three times we have gotten together, we have been karioking. lol It's a lot of fun and a good stress reliever. Amy and Scott have started working on their flagstone path, but now Amy is down in her back, so that is on hold for a bit. The freezer went out on her frig, and was going to be 500 dollars to fix and no guarantees, so she bit the bullet and put their tax rebate back into the ailing economy and bought a new black Whirlpool with the freezer on the bottom. I think we are going over today and pick up the laundry and see it. One of Amy co-managers left, and now Amy has 26 people working under her. No wonder she has a backache. I finally got our supplemental insurance and Medicare thing arranged. I'm keeping the Kraft for the prescription drugs. So now we will have three policies.
George still spends most of his time playing golf. And I think Doyce and Shirley are coming up to visit again the first week of June for Kelsey's graduation. So lots going on.

Movies

Mom and I have been watching movies in HD. It is much nicer than regular dvd. I really liked "Shoot 'Em Up". It was a hoot. Bloody and funny at the same time. Kind of a spoof on action adventure movies. The Golden Compass was okay if they make another one to finish the story. I liked Nicole Kidman, but I really didn't like the books, so the story of the movie was not my favorite either. Planet Earth in HD is still the greatest set of DVD's ever. Those take your breath away. Hitman I loved (big fan of Timothy Olyphant), and I Am Legend was good. Alvin and the Chipmunks was stupid, but Mom enjoyed it, so if you are a kid or in your 90's, it for you. We Are Marshall was good. Dante's Peak was just as much of a hoot as it was the first time I saw it. (driving across hot lava, lol) The Jackel was fun (Love Bruce Willis) and so were all four of the Die Hard Movies. The next movies I get will be National Treasure 1 and 2. Volcano was another hoot (the coast is toast, you gotta love that) and Drumline was great. Another of my all time favs. I have Chicago in HD, so we will be watching that soon. Should be very sparkly. And then there is American Idol and Dancing With the Stars, which Mom loves so I dvr them or we watch them live. Love David Archuleta on Idol. I really liked Jason Castro's voice, and singing style, and would have bought a cd by him. Don't know if I would buy David Cook. Maybe. Syesha Mercado belongs on Broadway, and I hope someone puts her there. She was great on showtunes. Don't care who wins on Dancing with the Stars, I like all the ones that are left now that the fat girl is off. We are looking forward to "So You Think You Can Dance". Mom loves that show, too. Got to remember to have Ashley get me the rest of the Idols songs by David Archuleta and David Cook off of iTunes before they take them away. I think they are only going to be there a couple more weeks. And then there is "Word Buzz" It was on a game CD I borrowed from Scott of Big Kahuna Words, which is okay but not as addicting for me as Word Buzz. I go to sleep at night making words out of selected letters. When you add in going to the beauty shop twice a week, and keeping the house clean and etc., now you know why I haven't been blogging. But I'll try to do better.

Finally Making an Entry

Life has been busy. Got the housework done this morning, and fixed lunch. After we ate, George and I went to the Saigon-Taipei Market and met Amy and looked at all the different stuff. It's a grocery store, and they really have lots of neat fresh herbs, fruits, and leafy vegetables. We got some Manila Mangoes, and some mangosteens, bean sprouts, Pho broth, noodles, and more.
We had company come in last weekend. Doyce and Shirley came to visit. They left the puppies home with a dog sitter, so they came up on Sunday, and Amy, Scott, Ashley, and Mango came over, and we had steak and buffet potatoes, and a green bean casserole. Then all eight of us played Crimpit. Had to use two decks of cards, and that made it more fun. Scott was the big winner. George and Doyce played golf with the seniors on Monday, and Shirley and I visited. Then on Tuesday, they went up to the country and had lunch with their aunts and other family. Came back and we played Mexican train, and then they went to the motel since they had to go back on Wednesday. I cleaned house on Thursday, then Friday was hair day for Mom. Ashley had to use the printer on my computer, so she came over and printed while we went to the beauty shop, then we came back and got her and went to Kinko's and Ace Hardware and Ulta and then went to a new Mexican restaurant for lunch. Aparicio's in Plano. It was a really pretty place, and the salsa was good, but the rest was just average. Everyone came for dinner yesterday since George decided to cook a brisket and a pork butt on the grill (and finished in the oven). They were both really good. Very tender, and not too smoky. Then we played Crimpit again, and Amy won both games. She was glad to get parking money.
She has finished her hall bathroom remodel, and boy is it amazing! She did the texturing herself, and it is really professional looking. Kind of a Monterey texture, because the bathroom is Southwest. Now she can do mine. lol They painted it all a warm tan, and have neat Southwest hardware.
Now we are starting another busy week. George has golf on Monday, Mom has her hair done on Tuesday, Wednesday is meeting Liz and Vickie for lunch, Thursday is another golf day, and I get my massage that evening, then Friday Mom gets her hair done again. No rest for the weary. And gas is too high for all this running around.

Procrastinating

Oh dear, it's been eleven days since I entered anything. Mom and I have been trying to catch up on watching DVD's. We really enjoyed "Enchanted" and "Elizabeth" and "Elizabeth: the Golden Age" and "Hitman". And "3:10 to Yuma" and that made for TV movie "Flawless". And all Five of the "Harry Potter" movies, which Mom said she didn't want to watch, because she didn't like Harry Potter. Truth was, she didn't know what she was talking about, because she came in right after I started the first one, and watched every minute of it. And said she DID like it after all. Then we watched the rest. (two days) And we have been watching American Idol, and Dancing With the Stars. I need to take time out tomorrow and clean floors. Guess we won't see the kids this weekend. I think they went to Dagmar and Jo's today to get one of the BMW'S worked on. Scott's. And Amy got a promotion and a raise. Woot!
We are hoping for rain sometime in the next few days. The plants are all growing.

Obama

Speaking as a long term Republican, I have been surprised to find myself drawn to Mr Obama as a future President. He is literate, clear, and I agree with him about everything I hear him say. In the speech he gave today regarding his Pastor, and politics and racism, it was like having someone else express my views. I think if he gets elected, he will try to really be a Public Servant, and not just someone who is playing politics (like Clinton or McCain would be doing). And that would be a good thing if anyone else in Washington would cooperate and work with him. Which I'm not sure they would do, but it would be great if they would. For so many years, I have been hating the people running for office. It seems like we have been having to just pick the best of a bad lot. I have always said this was a great country, where, if you are unhappy enough with the people or the system, you have the right to find like-minded people and band with them and work for change. Unfortunately, most of us are too lazy or involved in our own insular lives to do anything like that. Now, here is someone who is saying all of those things I have been feeling. He said about his Pastor and his Grandmother, that they both said racist things which he did not agree with, and that of course, he would cut neither out of his life. That's a good thing, that he can accept the good and the bad in the people close to him, but not cut them out of his life because they have different ideas, no matter how misguided. We all do that every day with our families and friends. The media seem to think he should, what?, join a different church? Disown the Pastor? That would do exactly what he says it would do, and perpetuate the hate and insularity that is already in existance. How can you change someone's mind or have any influence on what they think or believe if you have nothing to do with them? No, you have to stick around, and work to show people what you believe in. After today's speech, I'm voting for Obama.

My magical front flower bed

Since my Mom came to live with us, the flower bed in my front yard, which is a Chinese Tallow Tree and some Purple Nandinas and some Asian Jasmine on an oval raised mound on the West side of the yard has become a magical place where all kinds of wildlife has found refuge. At her old house, she always talked about the screech owls which lived in a tree close to her bedroom window. She said she could hear them every night. Okay, there may have been some. Now it seems they have followed her here! She says they are in my front yard now. How she hears anything out there with the drapes and blinds and window shut and the snoring (she does snore) is beyond me. Especially in the summer with the AC on. I think she may be hearing the rush of her own blood . Then about three weeks ago, there were three Inca doves in the back yard at the feeder, probably passing through on their way South. We saw them for two days, and since then have not seen them. But in Mom's mind, they are living in the enchanted front flower bed with the screech owls. And we saw a possum in the back yard one night. (He has also taken up residence in the magic bed.) I do know that there are White-winged Dove who stay in the tree eating the little white tree seeds. And occasional stopovers during the day of robins, jays, mockingbirds, cardinals, grackles, starlings, and sparrows and many squirrels. So this 12 x 10 foot area, in her mind, is a hotbed of creatures. And I guess that's alright. It gives her mind something to do. It doesn't matter that if you go out and look at the area, there is really nothing there. Which she has never done. And as long as she doesn't, it can be a magical place where she can imagine all kinds of things live. What's going to be next, I wonder? I'll keep you informed about the wondrous place my front yard has become.

Being sick and getting better

Since my last post, I managed to get a UTI that laid me low for a few days. Thank heavens for Levaquin. Now I am feeling much better. Didn't feel like cooking for the kids this past weekend, since I got sick on Wednesday, and was really bad on Thursday and Friday. We did get to visit with them, though. They came by on Saturday evening on their way to the grocery store (And brought the laundry for me to do in my new wonderful washer and dryer. ) and we got to chat for a while. Then on Sunday afternoon we took the laundry back over to their house (because the weatherman said it was going to be raining on Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday) and looked at all of the improvements they have been working on. Scott had planted the Tropicannas and the confederate rose tree. Both seem to be doing well. And Amy has new light bars and hardware for the hall bath she is remodeling. So neat, Southwest style with Kokopellies and stuff.
Talked to Ashley, and she gave me a hoot, she's exploring her new ability to order drinks in restaurants, and this weekend she and her friends decided to be Irish, (St Patty's Day) , and worked on developing their inner Irishman at the parade and later trying to see how much they could drink. Hopefully, they will move on to the next big thing before their livers are ruined. lol We all have to experience life in our own way.
Turns out the weather was not bad on Monday, just warm and dry. And it stayed warm all night. The front came through today around 8:30am, and dropped the temperature 20 degrees, (YAY) and brought the rain (finally). It's noon now, and it looks like about an inch and a quarter in the gauge, and still pouring. That's okay with me, I love the rain.
Now George and I are trying to figure out what to fix for lunch with the food we have on hand. (Both vehicles have been recently washed. lol)
Anyhow, it's great to feel better. One thing about being sick, it makes you realize how much you love being well. lol

More Snow!!

It happened again! We got another round of snow! Here we only had about an inch on the ground when we got up on Friday morning, but to the north of Dallas, there was mucho snow. Denton got 6 or 7 inches, and Azle got 9 to 10 inches. Unbelievable. On March the 6th! But that's probably all the winter we'll get. Got to remember to spring forward this weekend. I hate losing that hour of sleep. Wait! Why should I? I'm retired. I'll just sleep until I get ready to get up.
Amy called and said the master cylinder on her Blazer went out when she was getting ready to turn into her neighborhood and she went sailing right past her turnoff. Luckily for her, there were no cars stopped at the next turn, and she was able to get into her neighborhood and creep home. It won't be fixed for a while since the garage couldn't get to it for a while. Think she is going to borrow George's truck so she won't have to drive her Z.
Last night we had company (Deb and Jim) and played Mexican Train, and visited. It was fun. But George came down with a virus late in the evening, and by the time company went home, he was having major abdominal issues. He was up every hour going to the bathroom. Took his temp today, and it was below normal, so it's definately a virus. Hope I'm not next. And Mom sure can't afford to get it.
Guess the rest of the weekend will be quiet.
I'm really enjoying the new washer and dryer. They are great.

Snow and the grandpuppy

WORKING ON IT... blogger only lets me post one picture at a time! I'll upload them to another page and add a link here.

SNOW!!!!!!!!

Yesterday was Ashley's birthday, and it was 80 degrees and we grilled out steaks, and had baked potatoes and salad and Granny Bes's lemon yellow cake, visited and had a good time. Around 4:30 it started getting really cloudy and sprinkling rain. Overnight, we got 1 and 2/10ths inches of rain, and the temperature until about 2:30 AM was really warm. Like the mid to upper 60's. Then a front came through, and it got colder all day. About the time for everyone to go home from work, it started sleeting, and then by 7 it had changed over to heavy snow. Now it is almost 11PM and the snow is about over, and there is a lot of white outside. But I'm sure it will be gone by morning, even though it is supposed to get down to 30. The ground is really warm. But it was pretty while it lasted, and gave us some much needed moisture, and a lot of beauty. Ash and Jayme ran around in the snow all evening. They just came by and took pictures in my back yard, and had a snowball fight. Now it's time to clean up and tuck down cozy and warm for the night. Nite nite everyone.

Oh Dear

No massage for me today because poor Lynn is coughing and had a headache. Sounds like the flu to me. Seems to be widespread in Texas. I'm thankful we have escaped it so far. And it takes about two weeks to get completely over the coughing I think, although Vickie had it for a month. Hopefully Lynn will be able to take time off work and recover. It just lasts longer if you force yourself to keep going.

Incredible

I can't believe I did that again!! I keep entering titles before I write the blog. I am so tech stupid. Maybe I'll get better as time goes by. (Hey, that sounds like a good name for a song.) My washing machine part came in today!!! YAY!!! Now if it is just the right part, and the repairman gets everything right on Saturday.....
And sweet George took the van and got it washed today, and also got a service contract on the washer. And he went to the Asian grocery and got stuff for Pho, and we had a yummy lunch.
And today I got the new towels I ordered because George has been telling me the towels I have been using look like car wash towels they are so frayed and with holes in them. (maybe Saturday I'll be able to wash them and then the ugly towels go to the garage) And when we were at the washateria yesterday, he picked up one of Mom's towels (she will only use the tatty ones she brought from her house because she says all of mine are too heavy for arthritic hands (and that is probably true) and said "What the hell is this? a shammy?" She checked out the new towels, and she thinks they might be light enough to use. So YAY, maybe we can get rid of those ragged ones.

And Ashley got the sofa she wanted for her birthday. We all chipped in and she and some of her friends went and picked it up. So she is happy. She says it is BIG and HEAVY, but comfortable and with room for all of her friends when they get together. A sectional with a recliner at both ends. Tan. She had to put stuff in storage to make room for it, but it all worked out, and here she is bringing the truck back from the storage run.

(Ashley here... I know the whole fam reads this blog, so I just wanted to say, officially, THANK ALL OF YOU! I LOVE YOU! Best 21st birthday anyone could ever have. <3<3<3<3<3)

And now they (Ash and her friends) are all going back to her apartment and sit on the new sofa. lol And have a Corona with lime. Yum!

And tomorrow I get to have a massage!!! and Friday Mom and I get our hair done, and then we go to Ashley's apartment to see the new arrangement. I don't know why I get depressed sometimes, I have a good life! Lots better than many others have. As Martha Stewart would say........

Things May Be Looking UP

But The Weekend Was Fun

We had a good visit with Amy, Scott, Ashley, and Mango this past Saturday. Mango is feeling much better since his surgery, and has curly hair on his shaved parts. He has gained weight, and even went crackerdog when we played stick in the back yard. Had snacks and visited, then Ashley and I cooked fajitas, and we had dinner and visited some more. Cleaned up the kitchen, and then Ash and Mango had to go, and the rest of us played Crimpit. Amy, Scott, and George were the winners.
On Sunday, Dudley and Vickie came over and Vic and I went to Central Market and got the ingredients for Veal and Artichoke Involtini. It was rolled up veal scallopini filled with artichoke heart, asiago cheese, and fresh parsley. The sauce was butter and white wine and shallots. With it we had steamed asparagus with lemon butter, and whipped potatoes and croissants. Had some good Pino Grigio (Gabbiano's) with it. For dessert, we made parfaits with strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, and whipped cream. Everything was delicious, and with Vickie and I both working, everything was clean and put away in no time. We used to get together and cook every Saturday, but now our family obligations keep us from doing that. We decided that we would try to cook at least once a month and try out new recipes. We just have to do it here instead of at their house because of Mom.
So looking forward to some good cooking in the future.

Waiting

Seems like all I do is wait. This morning I had to take my Boniva and wait for an hour being sure I stayed in an upright position. Then I had to take the rest of my pills, and wait 30 minutes before eating breakfast to give my body time to absord the blood pressure pill. I wait for Mom to get up so I can take her some breakfast. And it seems like every time I need her to be somewhere, I have to wait until she gets out of the bathroom. I'm waiting for the part to come in so my washing machine can be fixed. And I got the income tax done but I have to wait until I get a form from the IRS to send with it. I tried to get my supplemental insurance set up for when I turn 65. Too early, I have to wait until closer to July. Today I needed to go to the washateria, and George said he would go with to carry the baskets. But I had to wait until he got through running with Dudley. But that worked out okay. We got to go out to eat Thai food since it was late enough. It was yummy. Thanks Dud. Now I'm waiting until Mom gets out of the bathroom and goes to bed so I can go to bed, too. Life is frustrating sometimes.

A Real Downer

Yesterday was a really stressful day for George and I. I got up and was washing the second load in my great new machine, and Mom said she wanted to see. So she came into the utility room, and we were standing there watching the last of the spin cycle, and I was showing her how things worked, and we noticed the sound of running water even though the machine was spinning. I said I didn't think that was right. And when I opened the washer after it stopped and started to take out the king size fuzzy sheet that was in there, it was soggy in places!!! So I closed the machine, and said maybe if we do a rinse and spin it will stop the water. But it didn't. So I stopped the machine and called Sears. They said no one could come out until Monday, and in the meantime, George got home and came in a turned the water off at the wall. So then Mom and I went to have her hair done, and when we got back home I walked into the utility room and water had been running out of the bottom of the door for long enough to flood the floor. It felt like someone had punched me in the stomach. So we did the whole mopping and draining thing while trying to hold the door shut tight enough so no more water could get out. At one point, George thought to wedge the door with a piece of wood against the opposite wall, and wedged the hinge side, causing the door to pop open and water to gush out. Got it closed again, and wedged on the proper side, and then we ran a hose from the drain hose on the machine out the door. That was pretty slow, and since the water was off at the wall, George said we should turn on the machine and see if it would drain. And it did thank goodness. So that finally got the water level below the door. We gathered up all the wet towels and bedclothes that had been on the floor waiting to be washed when the flood occurred, put them in a garbage bag and out to the patio where they still are today since they did not dry. The patio looks like trailer park trash live here, with towels and bedclothes on the furniture and hanging on the windchime hooks. George told me to go ahead and go to the store (which is where we were headed before this all happened) and he would stay and continue to drain and mop and try to generally get things as dry as possible. ( I figure the Pergo will start buckling and generally failing in a few days.) By that time I was getting ready to have a "nervy B" as Ashley called it when I called her on the way to the store and told her about it. And she invited me to come to her apartment and do my laundry. She said how's that for role reversal. lol One little light spot in an otherwise bad day. So I got the groceries, and when I got home George had called the salesman at Sears and he had gotten a repairman to come today. By the time I got the groceries put away and had calmed down I felt like I had been beaten. I'm way to old to deal with this kind of stress. Now the repairman has been here, and said that he has to order the part and will have it shipped here, and to call when it comes in and they will schedule an appointment, and he will tentatively put down an appointment for next Friday. THAT IS SIX DAYS AWAY!!! I'm not a happy camper. So the first time I will be able to go to the laundromat is next Tuesday. I'm sure not going on the weekend. And George is busy with golf on Monday. I'll just have to deal with it. Because I have company coming today and tomorrow, and I think I'll just drink and try to forget about all the problems. I feel like I'm being punished for something. oh well, life sucks and then you die. I forget that sometimes. and then I get a reminder.

The IRS

Before I could do our taxes, I had some questions about some interest of Mom's which was put on my SS number, and whether Mom had made too much on her house and had to pay taxes (she didn't) and whether we could claim her as a dependent (we can't). So I called the IRS and spent a couple of hours on the phone holding and then talking to a couple of different people. Well, three actually, since the first person I held for was just a person who directed calls. But I did find out everything I needed to know, and they are sending me some forms I need in order to file our taxes, and we are going to get some money back, which is always better than paying more. And the two ladies I talked to were surprisingly easy to get answers from. Thank goodness that is taken care of.
Now on to the health insurance for George and I issue. (I already spent about an hour and a half on the phone getting info on that, but have to wait until closer to July to handle it)

And Speaking Of Funny Driving Problems

Last night after I went to bed I was thinking about the funny driving stories, and remembered when Ashley first started driving. She is one of those people who have no sense of direction. North, South, East and West seem like a mystery to her. So when she first started driving, she was always calling me and asking for directions. (I do know which direction I am going, usually) If I said turn North, she would say "God Granny can you just tell me left or right???" And although I sometimes had to get George to help with directions for someplace I wasn't familiar with, Ash and I could get her where she needed to go most of the time. I laugh when I think of the time she went to the VW mechanic over off of 635, and when she went it was daylight. She called and asked for directions home, and I told her to retrace her steps in reverse. She said okay, and about 25 minutes later she called and said "Wait, I just saw some signs that said Irving." I told her she was going the wrong way (She needed to go to Rowlett) and to turn around and come back. She was not happy because I think her gas was low and she probably had no money to buy more. She did make it back home safely. And then there was the time she was going (I think) to a movie or something in Mesquite and missed her exit and drove a long way before calling and saying I had given her the wrong directions. When she turned around she finally found the exit. She did the same thing when George was giving her directions to someplace on 75N. She called lots of times and got directions to new jobs and stores and etc. So it cracked me up one day when Mom and Ash and I were going shopping or something, and she was in the back seat and asked me if I was sure I was going the right direction. It wasn't very nice of me to go into hysterics, and laugh until I cried, but she did finally see the humor in the situation. For a while after she kept going the wrong way on freeways, we called her "Wrong way Ashley". But in an affectionate way. Now in 9 days, she will be 21, and most of the time, she knows where she's going. But we still look forward to having her call and say "How do I get ----" Hopefully when she gets to buy a new car someday, she can get one with a nav system. They are nice to have.

Hope This Doesn't Happen To Us.

Amy sent me a bunch of funny stories about getting old today, and after reading them and getting a good laugh, I decided to share with friends and family. One of the family responded with a lot of her funny stories. Once she managed to unlock and get into the wrong car, and realized it wasn't hers when she saw a coffee cup and holder she knew shouldn't be there. She and her husband drove the wrong way on Harry Hines and almost got wrecked. She can't remember where she parks her car when she runs into the grocery store, and she said when the bag boy is helping her to the car with the groceries and asks where she is parked, she says "I was hoping you could tell ME". Her daughter and a friend were going to a baseball playoff game, and knew it was either in Mesquite or Grand Prairie, and went to the wrong place and missed almost the whole game. The family went to another playoff game in Abilene, and the same daughter thought they were in Amarillo and told everyone that was where they had been.
This made me think of things George and I have done. Like the time George flew into Love Field, and called Dudley, his friend, to come pick him up because his truck had been stolen and when Dud got there, they found it. George was looking in the wrong place. (Of course, there was the time George and I went to the Kalita Humphreys Theater, and when we came out, the Grand National HAD been stolen. That gives you a sinking feeling.) And then there was the time George and I went to visit Doyce and Shirley in Lake Jackson, and stopped at Moody Gardens. It was really hot, and we had a good time, and went back to the van, and it was gone! I was sure it had been stolen, because it was full of luggage and purchases, and then I remembered that if you push the lock button on the keyfob and the van is locked, the horn beeps. Sure enough we followed the beeps to the van. And felt relieved and stupid at the same time. Just last Tuesday, George and I were going to vote and to Sam's, and I was driving. As we were going down the alley, I was talking to George about something, and when I got to the end of the alley, I turned right, and suddenly realized I had no inkling of where I was going. So I asked George (in a panicky voice) and he said you're okay, just go to Arapaho and turn left. And then it all came back to me. I said it was sad to get old and have CRS so bad, and he said just go with it, because this is as good as it gets. It's just downhill from here on out. So we had a good laugh, and went on about our business. Do you ever suddenly become aware of your surroundings and wonder where you are and how you got there? I do. Have you ever driven into your driveway, and realize you remember nothing of the trip home? I have. It scares me to think there are probably other people out there on the highways and byways who are as out of it as I am sometimes. So all of those things you think are a joke about getting old are based on fact. And you can hope all you want to , but it IS gonna happen to all of us. Eventually. And with those heartening words, I will wish you good night.

Hope This Doesn't Happen

New Appliances!!!

The new LG washer and dryer were delivered today, and right in the middle of the 1-3 pm window. Of course it had been raining, so the delivery guys made dirty foot-tracks in the entryway and then decided it would be best to come through the back, so there was a dirty path from the back door to the utility room. But I had expected that. Angel and his non-English speaking helper got everything installed and did a test run of both. Looked like everything was working, so he packed up to go. He said call if you have any problems, and I jinxed myself by saying "Okay, if water starts pouring out onto the floor I will be calling! hahaha" They had been gone about 7 minutes and I walked back into the utility room, and that's right, water was pouring out onto the Pergo. I immediately went into panic mode, grabbed towels and turned off the washer. After putting two big towels to absorb the water, I sent George in to mop up while I called Sears, and after being on hold for a few, the operator told me Angel was on his way back. I went back to work on the wet floor, and noticed water running out of the little door where the drain is (for removing objects that you leave in your clothes, like coins, etc.) and when I opened the door, I could see water coming from the drain plug. So I tried to tighten it, and it turned. I kind of figured that was the problem, and continued getting every surface as dry as possible, and then Angel got back and they pulled everything out and sure enough all of the connections were dry. So they moved the washer around enough for us to get the floor dried off, and checked the drain plug again, and then he said it looked like it was not leaking and we restarted it, and it was okay. So I called Sears back and said the connections that Angel had made were not leaking, but that it would be a good idea if they warned their installers to check that drain plug every time before they started the washer. She went over the reason for my call, said it had been recorded, and that it would go to the managers. Hopefully it won't happen to someone else. Then I spent a couple of hours getting everything organized and put away, and mopping the floor.
On the plus side, they are beautiful and quiet, and I did three loads of laundry after it was all over. And clothes do come out of the dryer with less wrinkles and no static cling. And it is fun programming them. (And I made sure I dried the rubber seal in the washer door after I was through, and left the door open)
What fun! And to think of the past, when my Mom had an old wringer washer and we had to hang over the bathtub and rinse the clothes and then take them out and hang them on the clothesline, and then go get them in, and iron everything. Of course, that was a big improvment over the rub-board. Or beating your clothes on a rock out at the creek (which would have been a problem since there was no creek around my childhood home). I tell Ashley about that when she gripes about not wanting to take the time to do laundry, and she tells me since she never had to do any of that, the washer and dryer seem like just as much work to her as the rub-board does to me.
Wonder how laundry will be done by the time she is my age? Maybe like the Jetsons do their hair. And she can tell her grandkids about having to (horrors) sort laundry and put it in a washing machine, and then into a dryer, and then put it away. And they will say "Well we never had to do that, so throwing them into the automatic cleaning room seems like a lot of work to us" lol

HD and Blu-Ray

Okay, so I just got the blu-ray player in time. Now Toshiba is going to discontinue making the HD players. So that means everyone will have to go to blu-ray. Could that mean that there will be really inexpensive HD discs out there soon? hmmmmm....... Now Sony needs to buy that HD tech and build a player that plays both formats. Or not. I know that HD was always much more reasonably priced. As usual, the consumer gets screwed. oh well.

Anticipation

George and Dudley just left for Ashley's apartment with my old washer and dryer. Wow, was it ever linty and dusty under those things. I just finished cleaning the floor and walls and baseboards in my utility room, and now it is shining clean and smells great, just waiting for the new washer and dryer to be delivered tomorrow. Sears hasn't called with a time yet. And it is supposed to rain tomorrow, but maybe it will hold off until they are installed. Ashley said she didn't want to do anything today except wash. I really will be happier that she can wash in her own apartment and not have to go to the laundry. It doesn't seem safe to do that. Especially since she probably wouldn't be going in the middle of the day. I guess we will both be washing fools for the next couple of days.
George plans to play golf tomorrow, I think. Hope he doesn't get rained out. The weather is certainly warm enough for outdoor activities. Although we DO need the rain.
Went to Sam's today and got HE detergent, and I was going to get more avocados to ripen since Mom loves them so much, but they didn't have any. Pooh.

OMG WHEEE

I have been wanting a new LG Tromm Steamwasher and Dryer, and George got me some!!!! He saw an ad in the paper for some on sale, but not the ones I wanted, so I got online and started looking up prices at different stores. He said he would rather buy them from Sear's if we could, so I called our local store and negotiated with them about a middle of the line white set, because the pretty colors are also a higher price. We came to an agreement, and the sales guy said I'd need to come in and pay unless I was using a Sear's card. Since I was using cash, I told him I'd be up in a few. So George gave me his checkbook, and I set out on appliance safari. I walked into the store, went to the proper section, and there on an aisle end was a navy top of the line 2007 set marked way down because they were floor models. I inspected them carefully and determined that they looked just out of the box. About that time, Gerry came over and asked if I was Helen, and I said yes, and what about this set. The price seemed too good to be true. He said they had just marked them down that day, and he hadn't mentioned them to me because I seemed set on white. I decided it was meant to be, and called George and told him what I had found, and he said get what I wanted. So....now I will have a beautiful midnight blue washer and dryer delivered and installed next Thursday, (and Ashley can have the old ones I have-she is excited about that) with the pedestals. At a savings of about 1184 dollars. WOOT!!! I am going to be a washing fool. OBOY!! Before they come, we are going to get the old ones out, and installed in Ashley's apartment, and I am going to put down a rubber mat for sound absorption and also to give them a good non slip footing. That was a recommendation I read in a review of the LG's. And I know to be sure and get the gaskets good and dry, and leave the door open, and run a cycle with bleach so I don't get mildew.

Australia At Last!!!

I finally got Ken in Australia and confirmed Linda's new address!! Linda is Scott's mum. I called at 4:30 in the afternoon on Friday, and it was 9:30am on Saturday there. So 17 hours ahead this time of year. Ken was going out to play golf, so I was lucky to catch him. After talking to Ken, I realize Scott has lost a lot of his Aussie accent. Linda had already left the house to go to Scott's sister Nicole's house to take care of her grandbabies Jack and Chloe while Nic went to the doctor, so I didn't get to talk to her, but now that I have an inkling of how to call, I'll call again sometime. Linda is a lovely person. When she and her sister visited a few years ago, they were loads of fun, and I was sad when they had to go back home. Now I can mail their package.
Ashley called and she has the flu. I told her to call the doc and see if he would call in a scrip for her, but who knows if she did. She hates to take medicine.
Amy has found a solution to her neck and shoulder problems. She went to the chiropractor and found one who knows what he is doing. She said that her neck and shoulder didn't hurt at all today, and usually it starts as soon as she starts working at the computer. And she hurt her wrist about 8 years ago, and he worked on it and it had a better range of motion after one adjustment. She was really excited.
She plans to work on the bathroom remodel some this weekend, but she also has to do some things for her real job (since I caused them to miss some work days this week) and she thinks Scott has some make up work to do also. But perhaps George will go over and do some repair work for her on the bathroom sheetrock.
So no company this weekend, but that's okay. It's supposed to be pretty weather, so I think I may do a little work on the front flower beds.
Hope we get the rain they have predicted for Monday but I'm not holding my breath.

One More Thing

Have you ever tried to figure out what time it is in different parts of the world? Namely, for me, it's Australia. I want to talk to Scott's Mum and make sure I have the correct address so I can send her some pictures and a letter, and some things Amy got for her a coon's age ago. I understand it's 15 hours ahead of us give or take and hour or two due to daylight savings. I thought I had it figured out and called thinking it was 9:30pm there, but I think now it must have been 9:30am. So I have had a consult with Scott, and now I may have it figured out. (Well, actually he told me, so I sure didn't do it on my own. lol) So I'm going to try again. Hard to believe I'm so stupid. But if the shoe fits.............

Creeping Alzheimers

Getting old is a pain. My memory is going, I guess. I had a massage appointment today at 5pm, and this morning Lynne called me to confirm. I had been looking forward to it (as I always do), and thought about it off and on all day as I went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond, and then to Yankee Candle, and then to Sam's Club, came home and put stuff away and the fixed a late lunch for George, Mom and myself, and Ashley who came by to pick up a late Christmas gift. After the kitchen was cleaned up, I went in to watch a little HDTV with Mom, and promptly forgot my massage! The phone rang at 5:24 and as soon as I looked at the clock, I knew who it was! But Lynne is such a wonderful person, she waited for me to get there (12 minutes) and went ahead with a great massage. So at least all's well that ends well. And after I got back, I got to watch the recap and season opener of Lost and Eli Stone. I have always watched Lost since it started, and enjoy the show. It is always intrigueing. Mom watches it with me and can't remember half of it, but that's okay. We think we might like Eli Stone, too. I only watched it to see George Michael sing Faith, but the premise seems fun and we liked the first episode. It was great to see Victor Garber in a neat role, too. So now I'm going to hit the sack. Nite nite

Weekend

Well, we had friends over for dinner and card games Friday night, and had a good visit and a good time. Steve brought me a cd by Iz, that Hawaiian singer, and I played it while we were playing cards, he really had a great voice, and I thought Mom would enjoy hearing him. She was in her bedroom with her feet up trying to get the swelling down. (I found out she has not been going to bed at night because it's too much trouble, so she just sits in her chair in her clothes and watches TV all night. Of course her feet and legs got swollen. So now I am going to have to try to get her to get into bed at night.) So I went into her room after the CD ended to see if she would like to listen to it again, and she was crying because the music made her think of her brothers and singing with them while they played ukuleles and guitars. Needless to say, she didn't want to hear it again. Sad to be the only one left of all of your generation. I pray I don't live long enough to need any care from my daughter. Because it's a pain for everyone involved.

Saturday my daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, and great-grandpuppy came to eat and visit. Amy and Scott are trying to eat healthy, so I was fixing stir fry and brown rice and miso soup with noodles for them, (thank you, Scott, for letting me know what you wanted) but Mom has decided she will only eat beef and she never eats anything different, so I was fixing her a steak, salad and baked potato. Ashley said she'd rather have that too, so I fixed two meals. (The stir fry turned out really good. And I liked the soup. ) And also fed little Mango. Thank goodness he is doing better. Still limping, though. Ashley and Mango left early, because she said she had to clean her apartment. After I cleaned up the dishes and got them into the dishwasher, we started to play cards. I had been trying to get a headache all day, and while we were playing, it kept getting worse, and then I started getting nauseous. Finally I had to give it up and they left early. When I got up this morning, I was cold even though the heat was on and it wasn't that cold in the house, so I took my temp and it was 96.6. So I guess I picked up a virus somewhere. Now I'm just hoping I didn't pass it on to everyone. I have felt not great all day, and trying to stay away from Mom so she won't get sick. I have to take her to the doctor tomorrow, so I'd better get well. She has been sitting in her chair all day long, and when I went in to tell her I was going to go to bed early, she says well, she is going to take a bath. So now I am stuck waiting for her to get out of the bathroom, because if I go to bed, I'll go to sleep, and if she falls or calls me, I won't be able to hear her. And I'll be lucky if she gets out by midnight, because she takes forever since she has balance problems. And she would rather I didn't help her. (Which is fine since I think she needs to do for herself as long as possible. Besides, it wouldn't take long for me to be down in my back if I start trying to take care of her personal hygiene.)

Sometimes it's hard to keep focused on the few pleasant things and accept your situation whether you like it or not. Especially when your head hurts. lol

Amy

So Amy came by and visited yesterday and had lunch with us. Then she made George go with her to the Saigon Taipei Supermarket. They came back with a daikon radish, some chilli Basil cooking sauce, and some miso paste, and some Pho soup base, and rice sticks, vietnamese coffee and sweetened condensed milk for me (gave her the coffee since I already had some). So now I have to get some stir fry vegetables and try the daikon. And some beef to slice really thinly and some basil and other stuff for pho. That's okay, since I need to go to the grocery store anyhow (I've been putting it off). And she made our day when she was leaving with the laundry and stuff and said they would be visiting on Saturday. So this time I will get to be here and see them for more than a few minutes. Maybe we can play crimpit and win some of their hard earned dollars. lol Got to go and roll Mom's hair. More later.

A Night Out

Amy and Scott came over last night and stayed with Mom while we went out to Jasper's for Vickie's birthday. I was really torn because they hadn't been over in three weeks, and I wanted to stay and be with them and had already commited to the dinner. So we went to D&V's and had champagne, and then went to the restaurant which is in The Shops at Legacy for our meal. It was really cold out last night, so George enjoyed the heated seat in Dud's SRX. Jasper's was nice. Also crowded, but after all it was Saturday night. I ordered a vodka tonic while we waited in the bar for our table to be ready, and they all ordered a glass of pinot noir. Then we were all shocked to learn that they had ordered 13$ a glass wine. lol I think I got more kick for the buck with mine. The wine brand was Larane. ? Vickie and I had already discussed the menu when I looked at it online, and had decided to order the prosciutto wrapped shrimp appetizer for our entree, and the caesar salad. Which Vickie did, and I second guessed mysalf and ordered the lemon sole with truffle whipped potatoes and marinated salad of haricots verts and criminis and grape tomatoes. Hers was better. Never second guess, always go with your first choice. They are known for their fried calamari, so we all had that for an appetizer. It was good, but I think I like the ones at Carraba's better because they are smaller and crispier. We all liked that. Then we had our caesar salads, and Dud had the baby green salad. Both were good, and the dressing on the caesar was really rich tasting, so George and I shared mine. Dud's had a good dressing, not sharp or harsh tasting, and really good feta on it. For our entrees, Vickie had the Prosciutto Shrimp (2 large ones) served on mascarpone polenta in a tortilla cup. It was the best thing served. Yum! (channeling Rachel Ray there) and Dud and I had the Lemon Sole. Which was nothing special. George ordered the specialty of the house, which was the baby back ribs, and they were the second best thing we ordered. Very tender with just the right smoke. Served with roasted redskin potatoes, covered in a sauce that was supposed to give a potato salad flavor. Ok, but not great. I also ordered a side of the aged gouda mac and cheese with ham. Amy said she wanted to taste it. We all had a taste, and brought the rest home with 2/3 of George's ribs and potatoes. Scott and Amy both had some when we got home, and they liked it. And there is still plenty for George to have for lunch today. I would have enjoyed it more if we had been there for lunch. I just don't like to eat meals after 5pm. Getting old. The food was not as good as Stephen Pyles, but then the bill was not as much as it would have been there, either. (Not less by much, though.) So we will probably go back to SP or Sevy's for the next big occasion. Though I'd like to go to Jasper's for lunch one day. We went back to D&V's for coffee and Bailey's , and I noticed Vickie filled the cups half way with Bailey's. Too much for me, so I only drank half, and then after a short visit we came back home in time to visit with our sweet kids for a little while. They said they had had a good visit with Mom, and had talked the whole time we were gone. Scott set up the external hard drive, and it is still backing up. Holy cow.
Now I have to go work on laundry. Amy said maybe she can come get it on Monday (she has a day off) and she could visit with us some. So I'd better get busy.

What Mom and I Think About Blu-ray

Well, we have been watching HD and Blu-Ray, and we can't tell that one is any better than the other. So we are wondering why the Blu-ray is so much more expensive. And why did Disney decide to go exclusive with Blu-ray. I think you have to be some kind of video-audiophile with all kinds of specialized equipment for it to make any difference. So we are just enjoying both.
And in other news, I HAVE STARTED DREAMING IN HD!!!!!! That was last night. And I don't really remember the dream, but I do remember thinking "This would be better in HD" and it was! What do you know about that! I'm going to try to remember what I dream tonight. (I doubt it will make sense, but it should be very distinct) lol

Mom and I have been watching the "Inspector Lynley Mysteries". They were produced for PBS, based on the books by Elizabeth George, and we are really enjoying them. I recommend them to anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery with good actors. They are set in England, and Ms. George lives in California I was surprised to find out.

And one more thing of interest. A friend sent me the web-address of an opinion poll at usa today that tells you what candidate your ideas are most like. I was surprised at who it aligned me with. You might want to try it. http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/candidate-match-game.htm

I'm Not A Total Loss

When the Bose sound went out before, I called the Firedogs and they came out to fix it. But we went on vacation, so I wasn't here when they came, and my sis and bro-in-law were here. I sent Doug an e-mail and asked him what they did. So last night I went to bed thinking about it, and this morning I got up and went in and dug out the paperwork and read everything. So I unplugged it and plugged it back (to reset it), hit the power switch and nothing happened. Then I hit the mute switch and everything came on. So I think I figured out what happened. It was close to Mom when she wanted to turn off the TV, and it looks kind of like the TV remote. So she pushed some buttons and messed it up. Now I'm keeping it on the other side of the room, and it will be safe from accidental pushes. And I got a message back from Doug about what they did when they came. Since it was funny, I'll share:

He just turned it back on. That box has a red indicator when it is off and a green one when it is on. (Somewhat confusing since most things are just dark when off.)Cheers,DougPS: My service invoice at the usual rate will be forthcoming. ;-)

Now, I think I was smart enough to figure out the light system, and it's a good thing they didn't charge me anything for that visit. So I'm glad I got it back on by myself. So I'm paying Doug in the usual currency...I'll send Elaine another box of books. (I know he loves those. lol)

But I'm not messing with the external hard drive again. Amy said not to. So I won't.

Talked to Ash today and she says Mango is still improving. So that's one good thing. (Wait, I got the Bose on, so that's TWO good things)

Little Mango

Ashley says my great grandpuppy is doing better. Thank goodness. I need to go see him.

What next?????

Well, the Bose sound on the big TV is not working. I'm sure it's something I've done with the remote, but since I don't know what it was, I can't undo it. I've tried pushing a number of buttons, but no good. I guess I'll get out the book and see what I can find in it.
And my external hard drive installation is on hold because once I got it hooked up, it started doing lots of things, and when I called Amy and asked her about it, she told me "NO, LEAVE IT UNTIL WE CAN COME OVER AND DO IT!!!!" So I unhooked it again, but there is still a bunch of stuff on the computer. And I don't think they are coming this weekend, so who knows when that will get done. I am plagued by technology.
Guess I need to focus on what I can do, and cook or sit on my rear or something.
On the plus side, George's back is getting better. Thank goodness for that, being down in your back is nothing to sneeze at. In fact, if you sneeze you will be sorry, because that hurts, too. Or if you cough or laugh or.............
On the 19th I get to go out to a nice dinner with friends. George and I are going out with our best friends Dudley and Vickie for Vickie's birthday. I have been wanting to go to Jasper's restaurant and try it out, so Amy is staying with Mom so I can get away for an evening. Woot!!! Can't wait.

Easy Peasy

Well, I got the Blu-ray hooked up and running. I didn't realize the TV had places for 3 HDMI inputs. So that was really easy to do. Now I just need to buy some Blu-ray discs. lol I'll be interested to see if we think they are any different from the HD, which is awesome.
My Grandpuppy is a little better today according to Ash. But it's going to take a while.
Didn't get to see my kids this weekend. Both were working. Scott had to go to his office, and Amy was working from home.
George is still kind of down in his back, but will go visit his Aunts and cousins for a birthday lunch tomorrow. I'll have to stay here with Mom. Such is life.

My Great Grandpuppy

My granddaughter has a very sweet little Pomeranian puppy who was one year old in September. She got him at a pet store in Georgia, and a month ago she found out (when he started limping on his hind leg) that he had a luxating patella (sp) and so yesterday he had surgery and got it fixed. Poor little thing, he is so pitiful. He doesn't understand what is going on, he just knows he is miserable and cries like a little baby. It breaks your heart, and he has always been such a good puppy. But at least he is eating a little, and when Ash takes him out he will take care of business. He gets upset if she leaves and he thinks she is going away from him. That was very stressful to be left at the vet and have to go through all of the pain and just strangers there. She is his pack leader, and he wants her with him. He has always hated having his fur rumpled, and now he has shaved spots and a patch stuck on, and he hates having the cone around his neck, but she can't let him lick the incision. I will be glad when he gets firmly on the road to recovery. And once he is well, I hope he is as energetic as he was before.

Non-Tech

Today I got an external hard drive (my tech-savvy daughter told me what to get..very handy) and now I just need to figure out how to hook it up and use it. And it was on sale!

While I was out to return a Christmas gift at Fry's, (one of those digital picture frames) I looked around since they would only give me store credit, and there was a Blu-Ray DVD player on sale! So I applied my store credit and a little boot, and now will at some future date when I get it hooked up be able to watch either HD or Blu-ray. Cool. Unfortunately, I know nothing about getting either of these things hooked up and working. I think I can figure out the external hard drive, but I think I'd better call the Firedogs to do the DVD. Because I sure don't want to do anything that is going to mess up the HDTV.

Wouldn't it be nice if you could just know things? Oh well, I do the best I can.

What a bummer.

Well, yesterday morning my husband turned on the computer and when I tried to sign on to windows it kept giving me an error message. After turning it off and back on and trying a few more times, I called Scott the computer magic man, (also my son-in-law luckily for me) and told him what the computer kept saying and what I had done. He said he would have to think about it, (but what I really needed was the laying on of his magic computer healing hands) and when he called me back later, he said he guessed he'd have to get it and check it out. Since he works long and hard all day, I said I would bring it to his house that night. So after haphazardly disconnecting everything, I loaded up and delivered it (tumping it over on it's side accidentally when I turned a corner), visited a few minutes and started on the 25 minute drive back home. As I was turning into the alley, my cell phone rang, and Scott said "It booted up and I signed on just fine. Are you sure you used the right password in the right language?" See, that computer knows not to pull any of that shit with Scott, because he will just make it do the right thing. It's just like when the car does something stupid and you tell your husband or the mechanic "Yeah, it's making this funny noise" and they try to get it to make the noise AND IT WON"T.
Anyhow, Scott came by tonight after work and hooked the recalcitrant CPU back up and I am now back in touch with the world. Man, you don't realize how many times you start for the computer to look something up, or check e-mail, etc. until it's gone. I was starting to go into computer withdrawal, so I made cookies and did housework (which I hate). Then I read a book. (which I love) I told Scott next time he could just come by the house and touch the computer and everything would be fine. I swear there is magic involved there, somewhere.

Ok-here goes......

Now here is something I have thought about doing for a while. Having a blog. I wonder what it will develop into? Since I can't sleep, guess I'll give it a go.
Got my name when I was the chief shuttle for my granddaughter after I retired. She was twelve , so that was the year all of the adults in her life started getting dumber and dumber and many times I heard that exasperated cry of "God Granny!!!" so....realizing that I had been promoted to celestial status, I started answering "Bless you my child" (or sometimes "Yes, my child") which only raised the exasperation quotient, I'm sure. So when I told her I was thinking of doing this and needed a name, she said "That's easy" and gave me both my name and a name for the blog. She is 20 now, soon to be 21, so I guess promoting me to godhood made an impression on her.
Had my family and best friends here for New Year's day lunch and visit, so it was a pleasant day. And later played cards with my husband, daughter, son-in-law, and mom. Good times. Better enjoy them while I can.