New Year's Eve Day

We were in H'ville at 8 AM for an 8:30 AM appointment. WE got in early before the crowds came. It was the Pain Clinic and lots of people go there. Frank had to take a drug test and the nice young man who gave it was very pleasant and we had a nice chat with him. His name was Darnale. Afterwards, we drove on home to the pharmacy to get the Rx filled. Everyone was wishing everyone else a Happy New Year. We won't be celebrating but will probably watch celebrating on TV. We're too old to stay up that late!

The cold weather has come. It's 44 degrees today with the wind blowing.

Bobby called and talked with me about the dead trees and a fellow that he's talked to about clearing them away. He'll charge $1,000.00 a day. Bobby was going to go in halves with us, but now I'll pay for ours for we have more to do than he does. It will be good to get all the downed trees moved back into the woods. The tornadoes came through here April 28, 2014.

Tuesday

Not much going on today. This morning I did get on FamilySearch and tried to find my information but didn't have any luck. I did get a picture of a tombstone with Ann Gaston Palmer's information on it. I want to see the records that I have already submitted and see what information I already have in the system. This may be the wrong system. I'll see what I get when I go to the family history center soon.

After lunch, Frank went back to read and I went to Staples to buy two calendars for 2015. They were out or I was just able to get one calendar that I usually buy 2 of, and had to buy another style for Frank's room. I will use one to the free calendars people send me for my room.

We'll be in H'ville for a Dr appointment and then will drive to Hazel Green to visit Trudy and have brunch with her. It will be good to get out of the house. Being in the house won't be so bad when I can work on the genealogy in my spare time.

Good Day

Trudy came over last night about 8 PM and spent the  night with us. It's always good to have her over. Today we tried to scan a picture onto the computer but didn't have any luck. Trudy took the printer and computer with her for they were having dinner with some people who knew about such stuff and she was hoping to learn how to do it.

I decided what to do with all of my spare time-family history. I'll contact Jennifer Harris about when to come to the Family History Center to learn how to do it. My brain doesn't want to learn anything new but I can do this. It's been since 1980's since I've done genealogy work. Things are supposed to be more user friendly now. It'll be interesting to find out how much I've already gotten done. All of my written materials got misplaced when I took them out of the notebook and made copies of them for my nephew, Bill. My mind is at ease with this decision now. Before I decided, I was upset about all the time I was wasting. Now it will be put to good use.

Gone, Gone.Gone

Christmas is gone and I took what little decorations I had up down today. I'm leaving my ornament wreath I made up. One of the balls came off and I need to get the hot glue gun out and fix it. It was so much fun making it. Makes me want to get another wreath and find something to hot glue onto it. I could do one with Spring flowers on it later on. What fun it would be.

We did nothing today. I did go out to the pharmacy for medicine and then went grocery shopping. I was at the pharmacy at 8 AM and then early at Walmart and it was nice not to have crowds of people to contend with. After I got home and put the groceries away, I didn't do much. I did cook some Kale and a cauliflower. I just cut the stem off the cauliflower and put it whole into my steamer and cooked it that way. Then I just scoop out what we want to eat. No more cutting the cauliflower up! I'm doing better with the broccoli, too. I cut it really close to the flowerettes and then cut some of the stalk if it's tender. Before, I would chop up the tender part of the stalk and work on up, but that took too much time. I have a cabbage to cook tomorrow with the tomatoes, onions and smoked sausage. It makes a great combo that we like. The sausage by itself is too strong but after cooking with the cabbage the flavor is milder and mixes with the cabbage and tomatoes really well.

It's been in the 50's again today. It's been cloudy and overcast all day. I thinkl we will get some rain tomorrow or Monday and it may turn colder.

December 26th

We didn't do anything today. Frank read some and I watched TV. Tomorrow I need to go to Walmart for some groceries but that's about it.

We listened to some Christmas music by Pentatonix. Mary Did You Know is our favorite song on that CD. I got an a cappella group doing Gershwin tunes but Frank didn't like it. I guess I might not have liked it had I not known the songs. I have the piano music to the Gershwin songs and have begun to play some of them.

Trudy was to come over today but she never made it and didn't call. I may have irritated her with my text last night.

Mary Kate and family went to SC to see Richard's brothers and then were going to TN to see Heather and her family.

Christmas Day

I got up at 6:30 AM and Frank got up a little later. After breakfast, I gave him his two shirts. He said he didn't have anything for me but I told him I could get most anything I wanted, plus I did get the two music CD's yesterday. I listened to them and will have to continue listening to then to get used to them.

After lunch, Frank went to his room to read, and I watched TV. I got the garbage collected and out to the road. It's been a very boring day. It would have been nice if some family had come over, but no one was scheduled and I guess they all had their own plans.

I ate some ice cream that was left over from Thanksgiving. It was Blue Bell but it wasn't all that good. I should throw the rest of it away so I won't eat anymore of it.

The weather  has been mild today. It's in the 50's now. I hate to think about January weather. I know it's got to get cold sometime. I do have that black down coat I can wear when it does get cold. Most of the coats I saw online had the high stand up collar that makes my French hook earrings fall out. The little things that can be put on the ends of the earrings are too small for my fingers to handle so I just have to take a chance in loosing one or both.

Christmas Eve Day

We're  having a lovely, quiet Christmas eve day. I went to the pharmacy this morning to pick up an Rx and then came home. Frank got up and took a shower and we've been in the living room since. I cleaned out the two drawers in the china cabinet and got a small bag to take to the Salvation Army. Found a glue gun I had forgotten I had and a rolling pin. Found 2 extension chords I didn't know I had. I had just bought one the other day. Got two pair of gloves to give away. Just a lot of odds and ends. Both drawers are almost empty now. I need to sweep the floors or vacuum them.

I got Frank two long sleeved shirts and ordered two from Amazon that were short sleeved. I got 2 CD's today in the mail so they will be my Christmas gifts. I'm trying a new a calleppa group out. I hope I like them. Pentatonix is so good that there's no comparing any other group to them. Vocal Point is a good group.

We have two chapters left in the first New Testament Study Guide and then we start on the other book, Acts-Revelation. After we finish that series, we will read the Book of Mormon Study Guide. I already have the first two books in that series but I'll have to get two more to finish out the series. Hopefully, there's only one more book left. I love buying online!

Merry Christmas to all who read this blog!

Tuesday

Didn't do anything today. It had rained all day and is raining tonight. It was 55 degrees today. It has to warm up to rain.

I got a package today. Whoever brought it just put it on the ramp next to the door. The top of the package was rather wet but the contents were dry. It was two books we need next in our study of the New Testament. We lack two chapters being through with the book of John and the end of the first study guide book. The next study guide takes us from Act through Revelation. We read a chapter a night and then we listen to music CD's. It's been Christmas music thus far. I've discovered the Pentatonix and really love their music. They are a 5 person a cappella group and they are great. We usually get through listening to the music by 7:15 PM and then go to our rooms. Frank watches TV and I blog and look at email and do Facebook. That takes my evening.

Frank wants new strings for his electric guitar and a strap to put on it. There's no place in Athens to buy that and I thought of Amazon and sure enough, I was able to order the strings and a strap. They'll be here after Christmas. He may need to get a beginning guitar book. I think he's forgotten all he knew about the guitar it's been so long since he's played it.

Monday

I over slept and we missed the last exercise class of the year. Instead, we drove to Madison to Kohl's and I took back shirt and got Frank 2 shirts. I was looking for short sleeved shirts but they were all long sleeved. He has one I bought him for Sunday that is a pretty blue plaid but it is a medium and he needs a large. He can still wear it and he wore it today. The new shirts will be his Christmas presents. When the Spring clothing is out, I'll get him the short sleeved shirts. When he lost the 30 pounds and his large shirts were so big on him, I went to the Good Will store and got him some medium sized shirts. Now he's outgrown them plus they are worn and I want him to have some new shirts. Maybe I'll look on Amazon. They have everything.

50th Anniversary

Friday night was the Hill's 50th wedding anniversary party at the church. We went and sat with the Broadhurst's, Sis Mullins and Nancy and Carrie. It was good to see a lot of church people there. They served barbecue and veggies and had a wedding cake. They showed a slide show of the different times of their lives until the present. It was nice and the atmosphere was great. They had old time music going. We didn't stay for the cutting of the cake but it was a good night. I don't know if it tired Frank out or not but he slept most of the day today. In January, we will celebrate our 47th anniversary.

I washed some clothes and have had to start the dryer over again because there were lots of jeans in the load and they didn't get dry plus I need to get the wrinkles out.

I do our medicines on Saturday and always find that I need to go to the pharmacy to get a refill and today was no exception. Frank stayed home and I stopped by Goody's to see if they had any men's short sleeved shirts but they didn't. Maybe Khol's does. I want to go to Khol's Monday morning and take back a shirt I bought but doesn't fit. I didn't try it on before I bought it. I can look for some short sleeved button down shirts then. Frank will be with me but he will stay in the car. Our Christmas will be just another day. Maybe there will be a football game on we can watch. The children like to be at their houses for Christmas.

Friday

We did drive over to Trudy's after exercise. She had a young girl there whom she teaches journaling and scrap booking to twice a month. We had some hot chocolate and visited and left at 11:30 AM. I stopped by a truck with veggies on it parked by a store and got some sweet potatoes and a cabbage. I needed some veggies and didn't want to go by Walmart. The sweet potatoes are in the oven. They are rather large so we will split one between us. T have to let the smoked sausage thaw out before I slice the cabbage up. Tonight, at 6 PM, we have the Hill's 50th wedding anniversary party at the church to go to. It will be fun seeing who all will be there.

Frank's in his bedroom working with his electric guitar. He said the strings on the electric guitar won't hurt his fingers like the acoustic guitar did. I don't know how long this interest in the electric guitar will last.

Trudy is wanting for us to set goals together. It would be good to have some goals. I've never been a goal setter but it's never too late to start. I need to learn how to do genealogy on the computer. But do I want to??

Trip to Faulkville

Trudy came over around 9:30 AM and we left for Faulkville, AL to visit my brother and sister-in-law. I had their Christmas presents and was taking back a plastic container that Ruth had given some chicken and dumplings to us in. I baked some cookies, using a couple of cake mixes, and filled the container with cookies. Ruth is always so nice to send food home with us, I wanted to repay by returning the container full of cookies. I had made them the day before and they had gotten soft but she said that's the way she likes them.

Frank was okay with the driving there an hour and then sitting on the couch while everyone talked. It's a miracle that he can sit like that since all the past years that he couldn't sit without great pain because of his arthritis.

Trudy was lying on the couch after supper and Frank came in and asked her when she was going to bring his electric guitar back. He said it in an aggressive way. I was there when he gave the guitar to Trudy and she knows he gave it to her, too. So it was a surprise to us both when he insisted that she borrowed it and needed to bring it back. She got her feelings hurt and left and didn't spend the night like she had planned. We all had a talk and I tried to tell her that her Dad's mind just didn't register that he had given it to her. She may have understood but her feeling were still hurt. Tomorrow, after exercise, we will drive to her house and get the guitar and amp. 

Woke Up At 5

I woke up at 5 AM this morning. I got up and watched TV until it was time for Frank to get up and have breakfast. We went back to bed and I got up at 9 AM.

I made two weeks of goulash today. We're going to see Bubba and Ruth Thursday and I have a container that belongs to her and I didn't want to bring it back empty, so I made cookies out of cake mix to put into it. I got the recipe off of Facebook. It was a cake mix, 2 eggs and 1/3 cup of oil. It said to bake them 8 minutes but it took 15 minutes to get them done. I made cookies out of a yellow cake mix and a chocolate mix and put small chocolate chips in them. They don't taste as good as real homemade cookies but they will do.

I got a coat in the mail that I ordered from Goody's online and it has a stand up collar that makes my earrings fall out plus it is a bit small so it goes back tomorrow. I ordered some jeans from Land's End and I ordered the wrong size. I can take them back to Sear's for a refund. We will be in H'ville tomorrow for a Dr appointment and I'll stop in Sear's to take the jeans back and will stop by Goody's in Athens to take the coat back. I found a black down coat in the basement closet that fits and looks good so I'll stop looking for a warm coat.

 Wednesday night, an adult leader and a few of the young men will be coming out and bringing us dinner and a message. I was surprised and pleased when the young man called me and the next day Bro Railey called to double check that he had called. I'll need to put the leaf in the table to make it big enough. I mopped the floors today so I won't need to do any cleaning tomorrow. Trudy will come over Wednesday night and spend the night and go with us to visit Bubba and Ruth. She'll spend Thursday night with us, too.

Saturday

We went to the neighborhood breakfast at Cracker Barrel this morning at 8 AM. This was the first time Frank has been able to go. We had the cinnamon oatmeal and it was good. Found out that Sandra's daughter that used to live next to us has divorced her husband and that it is his dog that is running loose. The dog digs holes in the yard and carried garbage into the yard. She also runs with the cars up and down the road. It's a wonder she hasn't gotten onto the Highway and gotten hit.

We're having a hard time getting together with Bubba and Ruth. It was scheduled for Monday and Trudy had a medical procedure then and she wants to go, so we changed it to Tuesday but my brother has some church work to do at that time. He said he could be home bu 1 1:30 AM but now Ruth needs to be at the hospital with a couple from church and suggests Thursday, which would be good for us but I don't know about Trudy. We'll get something worked out.

Frank's taking a nap now and when he gets up I'll give him a beard trim and hair cut and he can take a shower. While I was out this morning, I stopped by Goody's and got him a white dress shirt and a brown plaid shirt. The dress shirt came in neck sizes and I really didn't know his size but the one I got, 16 1/2 fit him to a T. The other shirt was a large and the neck size is just right, too.

 Estelle Brown died this morning. Bro Bailey sent a notice out by email but he forgot to tell us the date of the funeral. I emailed him back and he will probably send out another email. Estelle was in her 90's and was ready to go home. It'll be announced in church tomorrow.

Good Day

We were able to go to exercise this morning. Everyone wore Christmas clothing and pictures were made of the group and there may be a write up in the newspaper. We had our Christmas luncheon at the 306 Barbecue at 12:30 PM. We got there early so I could pick out a good place to sit. We had the barbecue plate. Even drinking water it was $17.something for our two plates. I don't like barbecue that much to pay that price, but it was a fun time being with the people we see three times a week. Tomorrow is the neighborhood breakfast but Frank doesn't want to go so we won't.

I got three more Christmas CD's in the mail today. One was Pentatonix and the other two were various a cappella groups. Once you've heard the best, Vocal Point and Pentatonix, the others are hard to listen to. We have enough music to listen to for the entire season.

Thrusday

Not much happening today. I did get the artificial plants down from their high places and  spray them with some silk flower spray that dissolves the dust. I've been looking at the thick dust for months and today was the day I took care of it.

Tomorrow is the day for the exercise luncheon. We'll go the exercise in the morning and get Christmas pictures made by the news paper and then at 12:30 PM go to the 306 Barbecue and have lunch. It will be a good day.

I discovered a $19.95 charge on my bank statement that I wasn't aware of and called the number and canceled it. I don't even know why it was there. I agreed to get 4 free coupons from one of the catalogs I've ordered from and I guess I agreed to get this service. I sent them a notice that I didn't want it after the coupons came but I guess they lost it.

I paid my Kohl's bill online and it cost me a $12.60 processing fee to do it. I've got to learn how to pay the bill online without the processing fee. I know that Kohl's wouldn't charge you a fee to pay your bill online. Money, money, money. Everybody wants your money.

Christmas Lights and CD's

Every evening after scripture reading, we turn off all the lights except the Christmas lights and listen to Christmas music. I got two CD's in the mail today and we listened to one tonight. Hearing it for the first time, it's hard to understand all the words but the music and singing were beautiful.

I have two small trees up and some lights on the TV stand. One tree is about 2 1/2' tall and has blinking light on it. It's the one we have used for years and years. The other tree is about 4' tall and has fiber optic lights and decorations on it. The string of lights on the TV stand makes it a three points of light and rounds off the decorations. I love the lights and decorations.

We went to town today and picked up some Rx's and mailed two letters and went by Mews electrical. My florescent light above my bed went out last night and I needed another bulb. I got two so I would have a spare. They were just $4.80 a bulb.

I had ordered two coats from Goody's online but one order was cancelled. I should be getting the other coat this week. The jacket I usually wear knocks my French hook earrings off so I don't wear it much any more, and my other coat isn't lined, and we will be getting some cold weather soon. It was 42 degrees today with the wind blowing but it's supposed to warm up this week-end. We've had a warm fall. This time last year it was very cold.  The coats I looked at in Kohl's had the high stand up collar that would knock the earrings off, or the arms were too long or were unsuitable for some reason. Hopefully, the coat that comes in the mail will fit and fill the bill.

Hi, Kathy.  Hope your Thanksgiving was good and y'all have a good time with Scott and family. Hope your Christmas season is good.

Tuesday of next week, we, and Trudy, will be going to Faulkville, AL to see my brother and sister-in-law. It's so good that Frank can travel now. He's never been to my brother's house before. We will visit and Ruth will make lunch for us. It will be a fun time.

Pep Boys

I got up at 6 AM to be ready to get to Pep Boys at 7 AM when they opened. I didn't think the air conditioning cooled enough and I wanted them to check it. After I was there an hour, they said it checked out to be cooling so I left and went to exercise. Everyone asked where Frank was and I told them about going to Pep Boys, etc. and that he was home sleeping. I came home after exercise and didn't do too much the rest of the day but snooze in the recliner.

Tomorrow, I get a hair cut. Kari is out with a medical problem but Gail said she would cut it for me. I haven't met her yet. I just want a trim. I like it over my ears and will have her cut it like that. Long on the top and long bangs but short every where else.

Our weather has still been mild. We had some rain over the week-end but it's been in the 50's today. I think I'll stop by the Dollar Tree and get another string of lights. The stand underneath the TV doesn't have any lights on it and when we turn the light off and go by the glow of the two Christmas trees, it's dark in that area. After I get the lights there, I may decide I don't like it but I'm going to try it anyway.

Christmas Dinner

We went to the Christmas dinner at the church tonight. We sat with friends and had a good time. There was a short program and we sang carols. It was nice. We got home at 7 PM.

Trudy came over Thursday and spent the night and stayed again Friday night. George came to get her today around lunch time. She fell asleep again on the heating pad and had a large 2nd degree burn on her hip. I bought her a heating pad that turns off after an hour. I also bought her a back brace. She had left hers at home and she needs one. She's leaving it here so if she forgets again she'll have one.. I'm tired and can't think of anything else to write. Good night.

Wednesday

Sophrona and 3 kids came over and picked up about 20 boxes of powdered milk I had sitting in the basement. It was 2 years old but we both thought it was still good.  The girls wanted me to can it but I don't have the energy to get the caner and and do the work. I saved two large boxes for us and I have one open in the kitchen. We used to drink powdered milk but after I had hip surgery and got a taste of 2% milk, I haven't wanted to go back to powdered milk.


I went to J & G Sales and bought a Christmas decoration to put on the stand under the TV. Then I had room to get our little Christmas tree that we have used for years and I put up in the closet with the lights on and I put it on the little table by the couch. The main tree is about 3 1/2 feet tall and is a fiber optic tree. It was supposed to turn around and around but it's broken. I'm glad for I don't want a revolving tree. We turn the lights off upstairs and sit in the glow of the two trees and listen to Christmas music. I bought 4 CD's of Christmas music from a catalog and some of the music is not of the best quality but some of it is good.

Trudy got George to bring her over tonight and we will take her back tomorrow before dark. Tomorrow, Carol and her daughters are coming over to make Christmas wreaths with us. They come over once a month and do a craft with me. They are super lovely people. I worked with her girls in Primary and watched them grow up. Now, I can still see the girls and continue watching them grow.

Monday

Pep Boys came and got me after 7 PM and took me to get my car. We were able to go to exercise today. It was the first time Frank has gone in a while. Dec 12th we have our Christmas party at the 609 Barbecue at 12:30 PM. It was a fun time last year and this year Frank will be going. Maybe Trudy can go, too. Her back is still hurting her a lot so maybe she won't be able to go.

Kari, my hair dresser, is out with surgery and I called to get an appointment with someone else. I'll get a hair cut next Tuesday at 10 AM with Gail.

Tonight we have tithing settlement at the church. I'm debating whether I should wear a skirt instead of pants. I don't want to change and since it's a Wednesday and everyone else will be wearing pants, I want to, also. I didn't find a receipt for last months tithing so I paid for two months. I'm taking my checkbook just in case I paid it and didn't record it anywhere. I'd rather pay too much than cheat the Lord out of His 10%.

The car air conditioner set us back a few bucks. We had the money but it was tree money and if we ever get anything done to the trees, I'll have to go to our savings again. That's what savings is for, though.

We're having mild weather again. It's 59.4 degrees now. It rained early this morning but had quit when we went to exercise. Last year this time, it was very cold.

Tuesday

I took my car in to Pep Boys to get the air conditioner fixed. After waiting about 1 1/2 hours, the man told me the air conditioner was all burned up and that they could fix it. Judd took me home and I've been waiting all day for word about it. They closes at 7 PM and it's 7:20 PM now so I guess I'll get it tomorrow. Judd will have to come get me for I have no way to get there. It's costing an arm and a leg but the motor in the car seems to be all right and the air conditioner just wore out. Frank said something about getting a newer car but I don't want to use our savings for that until we have to. I guess we don't go to exercise tomorrow.

Monday

We were tired from the activities from the week-end so we didn't go to exercise but slept in. After lunch we went to the PO and pharmacy and to Madison to Academy Sports to take back a new pair of shoes I had bought on Black Friday. They were too short even though I got my usual size. I wore them to Trudy's for Thanksgiving but found that they were too short. I cleaned them up and hoped Academy would take them back or swap them or something. Not to worry! They said for me to find another pair and I did. I got an 8 1/2 and they seem to fit all right. My foot measures a 6 1/2 but my foot is wide so I have to get an 8-8 1/2 to get the width I need. The new shoes cost more but if they fit and wear well, it'll be worth the price.

After lunch, I washed some clothes. There's nothing left of the smoked turkey but some dry breast meat and a leg and two wings. I guess I could make some soup with them. Next year, I'll cook the turkey myself. I wasn't impressed with the smoked turkeys and I paid a premium price for them.  Tomorrow I take the car to Pep Boys to get the air conditioner fixed. It was 70 degrees at 1:00 PM today when we went out. A cold front is supposed to move through tonight and it should bring some rain.

Thanksgiving

This is written Saturday after Thanksgiving. Frankie and kids got here before Mary Kate's family did. Frankie and family slept upstairs and Mary Kate's downstairs. The house wasn't as packed as I thought. The kids played outside for a while and Mary Kate and Nate and I walked down the road after dinner. I think Frankie walked, too. We all had a good time together.

Frankie and Mariam and Josh left around 9 AM Friday and Mary Kate, Richard and Sophia and Nate went Black Friday shopping. I went , too! Mary Kate and I got new purses at Kohl's and I got a new pair of shoes at Academy Sports. The shoes were comfortable at first but after I wore them for a while my left toes were at the end of the shoe and I got my regular size. I'll try to take them back and hopefully they will take them back or let me trade them in on a new size. I paid big bucks for them and I'll really be sad if I can't take them back.

Richard got a lens that fit on his smart phone and he takes really good pictures. Mary Kate found a couple of pair of pants at Khol's she liked. We had to stop and get some milk before we came home.

Saturday, Mary Kate and Nate went to Trudy's to help her get ready for the dinner at her house today. I brought the smoked turkey and we had barbecue and baked beans and slaw. It was all good. George finished the kitchen floors last night and they really looked good. They are hard wood. The tile was going to be too heavy for the floors to hold so he got the wood. The house was cleaned and everything looked good.

We got to meet Ashlee and her mother, Georgia. Forrest and Ashlee will be getting married next year. They didn't eat at the table so we really didn't get to know them.

Tonight, Mary Kate got the sewing machine out and made some cute hand warmers filled with rice. She took up the sleeves of a blue jean jacket Trudy had given me and took up the pants she got at Kohl's. The Auburn-Alabama game is on now. Richard is rooting for Auburn and I for Alabama. right now Auburn is ahead. They beat us last year and I hope it won't be a repeat this year.

Waiting

Frankie and Mariam and Josh are on their way here. They will be here before Mary Kate and her family will. I've got a place for everyone to sleep. Trudy and family will be here Thursday after all. We will probably eat in shifts. The kids first and then the adults. It's time to read the scriptures so I'll stop.

Frankie and the kids got here safely. MK and family will get here around 9:30-10:00 PM. We will get  up at 7 AM and get the meal going. Trudy and family will be over at 12:00 PM. It was good I cooked the pork roast in the crock pot for Frankie and kids were hungry when they arrived.

I picked up 2 smoked turkeys from Lawler's this afternoon and got two bags of ice. I was afraid the two turkeys wouldn't fit into the refrigerator but they did. Luke sent a pumpkin pie but most of it was eaten by his family. There is some left for tomorrow.

George has been trying to get the flooring down in the kitchen so he might not have had time to make and pumpkin pies like he usually does. Then again, we are going to his house Saturday for the traditional family Thanksgiving dinner and he might have some by then. They are having septic tank problems and I hope they get it fixed before Saturday.

Getting Ready

I swept and dust mopped and Bona-ed the floors getting ready for company Wednesday night. The floors look nice and I don't know why I don't put Bona on them more often.

Trudy and her family won't be here Thursday and that will mean more room in the house. We will be strapped for space anyway. We, minus Frankie and family, will meet at Trudy's Saturday for our regular Thanksgiving meal. Frankie and family have to leave around 8 AM Friday. Then Mary Kate, Richard, the kids and I will go Black Friday Shopping. We go late enough that we don't have many people to deal with. I think last year, Khol's was busy but they sometimes are busy anyway.

Ferguson, MO has had riots last night because a policeman wasn't found guilty by a Grand Jury. They burned down their own town! Tonight, the police are waiting to see what happens. Bill O'Reily is on now and I want to watch him and see what he says.

Package Arrived

Went to exercise today. The senior center will be closed the rest of the week for Thanksgiving. I shopped at Walmart for some groceries afterwards and then came home. Frank didn't go because he still has a bad cough and doesn't need to be around others. I don't think he's contagious but the cough sounds bad. I got him two bottles of expectorant and maybe that will help.

I cleaned downstairs today. The floors were dirty. I don't clean down there on a regular basis because no one lives there. Trudy comes once a week and I guess I should sweep the floors once a week for her sake. I cleaned the bath tub. There's a light out and I couldn't see how clean the tub was but I put enough scrubbing bubbles in the tub to float the dirt away and then I used the scrubber to help clean. Trudy says she will bring the other air mattress over. We will have 13 people staying here during Thanksgiving.  Mary Kate's family of 4, plus Trudy's family of probably 3, and the 2 of us plus Frankie's 3. That's 12. I was counting Forrest in with Trudy's family, but he will probably be with his girl friends house for Thanksgiving. I have 2, 10-12 lb smoked turkeys ordered and I will make potato salad instead of dressing. Mariam can't have corn products and the dressing at the grocery store had corn syrup in it. Frankie said he would look in Knoxville to see if there is any corn-free dressings there. Mary Kate, I just talked to her and then forgot what I was going to write...she is making a wild rice dressing she can eat because it doesn't have any gluten and it's good.

I told Mariam to bring her colored markers for I have some very plain cards she can decorate and she's going to bring her new doll and I bought some doll clothes from Karen that I will give her. I bought a football for Josh. Maybe it will be pretty Thanksgiving Day and the men folk can go out and throw the football around. It will be a fun time if we don't strangle each other being all packed into this little house!

The package from Amazon arrived today instead of Saturday. The mess up was probably at the Athens PO for Amazon said the package had been delivered when I checked with them. It was a battery operated callas remover for the feet. It works pretty good. Something I could have done without but didn't. 

No Day

We did nothing today but watch a little football this afternoon. I had a package from Amazon that should have been delivered today but wasn't. Don't know where it is.

Friday

Frank didn't go to exercise but I did. Afterward I picked up the two pictures I had framed. They did a good job.

Last night taking Trudy to meet George and Sadie was very revealing to me. We took the back roads-I wanted to see how Trudy came to our house. It was dark and traffic was heavy on the two lane road. I had trouble seeing at night while driving. After dropping Trudy off, I was going to go back the way we came but I missed a turn off. I wasn't lost, I just didn't know where the road we were on was taking us. As it turned out, we ended up on East Limestone Rd which lead to Hy 72. I could see better on the 4 lane road. I guess my driving at night is coming to a close. I'll try not to drive at night and only do it if I can stay on the 4 lane roads. Traffic is heavy on all the roads around here, especially in the afternoon.

Wednesday

We skipped exercise today and went to Hazel Green, AL to pick up Trudy. We got to see Sadie and Forrest for a few minutes and then we stopped by Walmart to get a few groceries. I was going to get some Allegra D there for it is a few dollars cheaper than the pharmacy but the line was too long and we went to the pharmacy anyway.  I thought Sadie might pick Trudy up tomorrow over here but I may end up taking her home, too. It doesn't matter.

I have to be at Pep Boys at 9 AM tomorrow to get the oil changed in the Accord. I have a coupon and it will only cost me $19.99 for the oil change. Maybe since I have an appointment, I won't have to wait an hour or so for it to be done. I like going to Pep Boys.

The weather has been cold here, but it will be warming up into the 45's tomorrow. Snow has really been a problem around the Great Lakes. Some places have had 56" of snow and will still get some more. Being a Southerner, I don't like snow at all! When we were all younger, it wasn't so bad but I am far too old to have to deal with snow. We might have a hard winter this year. It was a cold one last year.

Relief Society

Trudy was to come over today, but George's truck broke and he had to use her car to get to work. We will pick her up tomorrow morning and bring her over and Sadie will come get her tomorrow afternoon.

Bro Decker will come over tonight and stay with Frank while Karen and I go to church. We'll be fixing the Ward Christmas tree and making small trees for shut-ins. It should be a good meeting. We're to bring some Christmas cookies, etc, but I only have 4 frozen Tole Houses cookies left so I'll just not eat any of anybody else's cookies. I don't make anything from scratch if I can help it. I need to get 4 bags of frozen cookies and put them in the freezer for such things as this.

I took Frank to the Dr today. He has bronchitis. He's not coughing that bad but he's wheezing and the Dr gave him two medicines to take to get rid of it.

I haven't needed my down-alternative blanket I got for my bed during the first cold wave we had. It was 26 degrees this morning but the house wasn't that cold. It's on the foot of my bed waiting for me to pull it up.

Monday

Exercise was good. Frank didn't go because of his cold. By the time I got back, it was time to get him dressed in order to go to H'ville to the dentist. We  got there about 15 minutes early. They had redone the reception room and it was very cozy. We both have appointments at the same time that way we get through at the same time. We drove on home and didn't eat out. I like to eat at Chick-fil-a but at lunch time it is such a mad house that I don't look forward to going there.

Tomorrow morning, Frank will see Dr Walker about his cold and tomorrow night is Relief Society. Trudy will be here so Bro Decker won't have to come over to sit with Frank. We're doing something for the Ward Christmas tree and making little trees to give to shut-ins. It should be a good meeting. The Deckers will be leaving soon to spend the month of December in Utah. They'll be seeing family.  In fact, all their family is out West. When he retires, they will move to Utah to be with family.

Wednesday, the Walker's will be coming over to do a craft with me. I have the cookies I made last week in the freezer and hopefully they will be okay. I have each girl a insulated glass with fall leaves on it. I got one for Jacob, also. They didn't come last week because the girls had colds. Maybe everyone will be okay Wednesday.

Football Saturday

The Alabama-Mississippi State football game started at 2:30 PM CT. Miss State was undefeated whereas we were 8-1, but Alabama dominated the game. I've forgotten the final score but we were more that a touch down ahead of them. It was a good game to watch.

I went out to the Dollar General 11/2 miles down the road and got 3 gallons of milk but other than that, we didn't go anywhere.

We're going to try to try and stay for all of the meeting tomorrow so we'll stay from 9-12 PM Sunday School meets in the chapel where the sacrament meeting is held and when I go to Relief Society, Frank will move back into the room the curtains separate behind the chapel. I'll see if I can get Bro Knowles to sit with Frank. Bro Knowles and Bro Wright are our new Home Teachers, and I want to tell them we look forward to their visits. We need someone to install new outside lights on the house. I have the lights and a long pole that screws the lights in with and just need some kind soul who will do it for us.

Friday

Janet was back from Paris and was at exercise. She leads the Silver Sneaker's work out. I learned the name of another member of the group. Her name was Kathryn. Slowly, I am going to try to learn the names of everyone who comes regularly.

I took two pictures by the frame shop to get new frames. I need to call or go by and tell them to put new glass in one of the pictures. It's a crewel picture of a house my mother did long time ago, maybe in the 1920's or later. They were open at 9 AM. A lot of the stores on the square don't open til 10 AM. Then I went to the Dollar Tree and got some tissue paper. I got a small present for Janet and I had a small sack to put it in but it needed some tissue paper to go in it. It's a small plaque that says, "Paris flea market" on it. It was very inexpensive but I thought she would like it since she's just returned from Paris. 

Frank didn't go to exercise today. He asked for a bottle of expectorant and I did have one bottle. I'll have to get some more. His cold has gone into his chest but he feels all right.

I ordered two smoked turkeys, about 10-12 lbs. The lady said one would feed 15 people but I don't think it will. I got one for our house and one to take over to Trudy's house the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Both of them will be $80.00. But it's worth it to me to not have to worry about what to fix for family. Frankie and Mariam and Josh will be here Tues and Wed and Mary Kate and her family will arrive Wed night. My refrigerator isn't large enough to fit all the food in. I'll have to clean it out and get rid of things like the Greek yogurt no one is eating and we'll have to eat the cottage cheese that's in there and make room for turkey and potato salad. Frankie likes my potato salad and when he's home I try to have some. Last time I used 3 lbs of red potatoes and it made 3 lbs of potato salad! A gallon Zip Loc bag held it all and the bags take up less room in the refrigerator. I get nervous when I know I have to cook for people. 

Thursday

Didn't do anything this morning. Tried out my new blanket and it was very cozy. Trudy came over this afternoon and will stay until 8 AM in the morning. She brought her guitars over to jam with her Dad but his fingers hurt and they just got out two or three chords and I know nothing about playing the guitar. My hands are too small to make the chords. I'll stick with the piano.

Flat Tire

Frank had a sore throat and didn't go to exercise. I went and had a good time but when I came out of the senior center, I notices my right rear tire was very low. I had planed to go to Walmart and The Dollar Tree and then to Pep Boys to get the tire fixed but when I saw how low the tire was I went straight to Pep Boys. As I was stopped at a light waiting to turn right to go to Pep Boys, a couple from the exercise class, Larry and Mary, drove up beside me and told me I needed some air in that tire. I replied that I was headed to Pep Boys then. I had to wait an hour and couldn't sit any longer and walked across the grass to Dollar General. I got Frank some sore throat things to suck on and found some fall double-walled plastic glasses for the girls when Carol  comes over Friday to make a craft. I got a few other things and then walked back. The car was ready. It didn't cost anything and I was on my way. I stopped at The Dollar Tree and found 5 Christmas mugs to give the Walker girls and son if they come to make a craft in Dec. Even if they don't, I'll have a small present for them. Jacob is their son's name. He doesn't come to craft but I've included him in the things I get the girls. There's Kathryn, Sarah, Emily and Samantha and they are all such loving girls. I bake cookies for them so they have something from me while they bring me a craft. It's a lot of fun.

Blanket

 We slept in and after lunch went to Khol's. Being Veterans Day, I guess, everybody was at Khol's. There were no buggies and I had to wait in line to check out. I was looking for a down-alternative blanket for my twin bed and I almost didn't find it. There were lots of blankets in the wrong size but somehow I lucked up and found the right color and size. I got Frank a blue and brown plaid long sleeve shirt and got him a tie to match. It was expensive but I can always take them back if he doesn't wear them. I forgot about getting him a belt but I found one in Walmart and it probably cost $20.00 less. Probably not as pretty, but it will do the job. After going in Kohl's with Trudy and I, Frank decided to stay in the car and I was glad. With all the people and no buggy to lean on, it would have been more hectic with him with me.

I used the rest to the large cabbage to cook the cabbage, smoked sausage, onion and tomatoes in a 4 qt pot instead of the large skillet which wasn't large enough. It is very good and an old college roomy saw I had put it on Facebook and tried it too and liked it. It was nice hearing from her.

Carol and the girls are coming Friday to do a craft with me. I'm looking forward to it.

Trudy had a better night last night and feels like coming over tomorrow to spend the night with us. We're going to have some really cold weather, 43 degrees, so I may have to turn the gas stove on in the basement for her.

Monday, Monday

Frank was feeling dizzy this morning so he didn't go to exercise but I did. Two new people came, a husband and wife, Larry and ...., Mary, that's it! Janet still has another week in Paris so we'll have subs two more times.

Came home and dozed in the recliner. I've got to turn the TV off and read or play the piano or do something. Having so much time on my hands is driving me crazy.

We'll go to Khol's tomorrow. I need to get a blanket for my bed. I can't have an electric blanket on it. I have a light blanket on it but when we have the cold weather that's coming, I will be cold if I don't get another blanket. Kohl's advertized a down alternative blanket I think I'll get. I hope I can get it in the color I want. Frank will push the stroller for me. That will take the morning or early afternoon up.

Trudy's been in a lot of pain. She was to get some more pain patches today plus she can't sleep. I can't imagine being in such  pain and not being able to sleep and get some relief in sleeping. I hope she'll be up to having us all for Thanksgiving. Frankie and Mariam and Josh may come down Wednesday and Thursday. He has to work Saturday, the day the rest of us have our Thanksgiving meal. That means I have to cook a Thanksgiving meal. I'll get a smoked turkey from Lawler's barbeque and can pick it up Wednesday afternoon. Stove Top Stuffing sounds good if it doesn't have and corn syrup in it. Mariam is allergic to corn products. I'll make potato salad. I'll have to give some thought about what to plan for the meal. I've still got a few weeks to go.

Football

After I did all our pills for next week, we had to go to the pharmacy and get two refilled. After lunch, Frank went to his room to read and I found a football game on TV. The next game was Auburn vs Texas A&M. No one had beat Auburn at home for 20 something games but A&M did it today. They lead most all the game but Auburn came within 3 points of A&M but fumbled the ball with only seconds left and Texas won by 3 points. Now the Alabama vs LSU game is on. I've been sitting all day and I don't know if I can sit through another game! Alabama is #5 and LSU is #15. It should be a good game.

Talked to Frankie and he said he'd see if he and the younger kids could come for Thanksgiving Wednesday and Thursday. The family gathering will be the Saturday after Thursday. He can't stay for it for he has to work on Saturdays. That means I'll have to have a Thanksgiving meal at my house on Thursday for them and then another meal on Saturday. I'll order a smoked turkey or maybe two. It's probably time to order them now, but I'll have to pick them up Wednesday before Thanksgiving. I'll cheat and use Stove Top Stuffing and sweet potatoes in cans. I'd better start planning the meal now and not wait until the last minute.

Trudy isn't doing well at Mary Kate's. Had to go to the hospital to get some pain meds and she is having trouble sleeping. She has to slow down when she comes home. The drive home will be painful. Mary Kate was going to take Sophia and Sadie skating tonight. Richard and Nate are at Richard's brother's house, so it's just the girls at home.

Air Conditioner Fixed

I got up at 7 AM and got ready to go to exercise and around 7:45 AM got a call from Kevin saying he was on his way to look at the air conditioner, so no going to exercise. Frank went back to bed and I cooked two pounds of ground turkey and fixed goulash and cut up broccoli and microwaved it. Kevin said the filters were clogged up and he replaced them and took some gas out of the air conditioner and it was fixed. It's been cool today so we haven't had to run it, but I did notice that the temperature was at what we had set it to, 78 degrees. I knew the filters were dirty but I was procrastinating doing anything about it. Tomorrow, I will vacuum the air filters upstairs and the floors and curtains and blinds and mop the floors.

The day was very long since I got up early and was ready to go by 8 AM. Tomorrow, we have to go by the pharmacy and get the Rx filled and the cleaning I'll be doing should keep me busy.

Trudy called and said she spoke with her lawyer and he said her disability was assured with the double fusion of her back. She will bet back pay and will be able to get some dental work done and pay some bills. Too bad it won't end her pain. She's having what she calls nerve pain at Mary Kate's house. She's going to get a Priesthood blessing for it tonight and hopefully she'll get some relief. She's got to slow down and be content to rest and heal. Her mind says "go" but her body says, "I'll get you for this".

H'ville

We left early for the Pain Clinic appointment. When we got there, Trudy was just checking out. She and Sadie were then leaving to go to LaGrange, GA to visit Mary Kate. It was nice seeing them before they left.

We were about 15 minutes early for our appointment but they took us on back. There's never any waiting at the Pain Clinic. We decided to eat at home instead of eating at Chick-fil-a because it's so crowded at lunch time. When she gets back from visiting MK, Sadie will be working for the H'ville Chick-fil-a on University Ave again.

I took a short nap in the recliner after lunch and when I got up Frank had already gone to his room. Said it was hot in the living room. It was 80 degrees and it was set for 78. I lowered it to 76 degrees but it wouldn't cool so I called J&J and told them we had just had the air conditioner fixed and it had run right for several days but now it wasn't cooling. It's been cool outside but the house gets hot so we've been running the air conditioner. Soon, we'll have it on heat again. J&J said someone will be out to see about it tomorrow sometime. We have exercise  at 8:30 AM and have to have the Rx filled but we should be home by 9:45 AM. Surely, no one will be coming out that early.

The tree man isn't coming very soon. He has to work for the farmers, said that was his bread and butter, but that he hadn't forgotten us. I'm afraid the money I put in the account will get spent before he gets to the trees. Every time someone comes to do a service, they charge a service  charge and it comes out of that account. Doesn't do any good to worry about it.

We Won

The Senate is Republican now after being in the Democratic hand for 8 years. People are so tired of nothing getting done in the government except what Obama wants and he is trampling all over the Constitution, like it didn't even exist. His oath of office was a lie. He promised to uphold and to defend the Constitution and he's not doing it.

We had a lazy morning and in the afternoon, we and Trudy went to Kohl's. Madison is 20 miles East of Athens. Except for the traffic, it's not a bad drive. Frank went in and walked around with the cart. I didn't try any of the shirts I got on because I didn't want to leave him alone. Trudy found 2 shirts and a pair of exercise pants for Sadie. My shirts fit. They are just a little long. I didn't go to the petite section. Kohl's doesn't have a good selection of petite clothes so I usually just get the women's size.

Trudy was in a lot of pain with her back. She and Sadie are traveling, 4 hours, to Mary Kate's house tomorrow. It's Fall break for Sadie and she wanted to go see MK. They will have fun. Richard and Nate will be gone to see his family so it'll be just MK, Sophia, Sadie and Trudy plus the two dogs.

We have a Pain Clinic appointment tomorrow. It's supposed to rain tonight but clear up tomorrow. Don't remember what was said about the temperature. Usually, it has to warm up to rain. Frank has been traveling well. His pain from the RA hasn't been bothering him like it used to since he's had dementia. The Dr said it was a mild case of dementia. I still have to run the house and finances but he is pretty calm and manageable. He enjoys going where I go, so I take him with me except for the times I run to the Dollar General to get milk. I was in Walmart yesterday getting the Allegra D and I got milk and veggies and when I got home I found that I already had 2 gallons of milk and now we have 4 gallons of milk in the refrigerator. But we drink a lot of milk and it soon will be gone.  

Tuesday

We went to vote around 19 AM. There wasn't a line but there were a good many  people coming and going from voting. We drove by the nuclear plant but the road was blocked so we couldn't get close to it. The morning was a nice one for a short drive.

Dr Walker's office called and said Frank's prescription was ready to be picked up at the office and we needed to go to Walmart to get some Allegra D and then by the pharmacy.

Trudy came over after supper. Her appointment is over at 5 PM and she's half way here so she comes over every Tuesday.

It warmed up enough that I turned the air conditioner on. It was 81 degrees in the house and it was just too hot. It's warmed up during the day, too. Maybe it won't get too cool tonight.

Monday

Had a hard time realizing it was Monday today. We went to exercise this morning and then by the pharmacy and then to Lowe's. I had to get some replacement bulbs for the outside lights and I got a pole-thing that helps you put the lights in without a ladder. Now, to get someone to do it for us.

Karen stopped by yesterday after church for a visit. She said Ken was sick with a sinus infection and also said that he found out that he is diabetic. They just got the news and the shock of it all hasn't sunk in yet. I gave her a crock pot recipe book. Ken only likes meat and potatoes and hates veggies.
Frank's blood sugar was 213 yesterday after lunch. I fed him some apple crisp that a friend had made plus a piece of cornbread and I guess that's why is was so high. Last night after supper it was 93. Go figure. I need to talk to the nurse and see if we need to check it more or what.

We finished Matthew and Mark and are half was through the study guide on the New Testament. I already have the next books we need, Acts through Revelation. We really enjoy reading from these study guides and are learning a lot.

November 1st

It was in the 40's when I got up this morning. This is the first batch or cold weather we've had. I turned the heat on last night. It's set at 76 degrees and it took the chill off the house.

We all slept in this morning. Trudy said she got some sleep. After lunch, I went to the Dollar General and got some milk. If I have plenty of milk, I don't have to run to Walmart so much. It cost more at DG but it's the convenience that counts.

 I watched some SEC college football this afternoon and then got another game on after supper. We turned our clocks back and then went on back to our rooms. Trudy is at the Wright's visiting and getting her and her Dad's guitars tuned. She wants to learn how to play the guitar and she hopes Frank can help her but I don't know if he remembers the chords or not.

Tomorrow is Fast and Testimony day. I am thrilled that I get to bare my testimony. It's been months since I've been to church and now that Frank gets to go with me, it's really nice. Trudy will be with us also. George is home working on their kitchen floors trying to get them ready for when we all come over for Thanksgiving. It won't matter if they are finished or not. We will still have fun being together.

Halloween

I wore my wild black and grey wig with black clothes to exercise. The wig I had for Frank was too small and it hurt his ear that he hurt when he fell down yesterday. I've never seen a bruised ear before but his has turned blue and is swollen some. Thank goodness he wasn't hurt worse. The best costume this morning was the man who wore the Elvis mask. It wasn't a full face mask but it made him look like Elvis.

Trudy over-slept today and will come over later this evening.

The man came to fix the air conditioner today. We drove in from exercise and he was right behind us. It took him a while to do it but it's good to know it's ready for winter. We have frost warnings for tonight. It's getting long sleeve weather now.

Forrest has hurt his back some way and is having to go to the chiropractor. It's going to take him 20 visits to get it fixed. It'd better be fixed after 20 visits-$$$$! His spine is straight instead of being curved.

Better Day

It was a much better day than yesterday. I got Frank up at 10 AM and we went to the PO and bought some stamps and then went to H'ville to Hobby Lobby to buy some card making things to send to Mariam. I put one card that I had made with instructions on it in the box. I'll mail it off tomorrow after exercise.

We can dress up for Halloween if we want to for exercise and I'm going to wear black and my old wild hair wig. Frank doesn't want to wear anything. I have an extra black wig he could wear but he's fuddy-duddy and won't participate. I'll look good going into the Post Office with my wig on. My hair will look as wild after wearing the wig for an hour so I might as well leave it on. Maybe I'll take if off, who knows.

Trudy will be coming over around 2 PM and will spend the night with us.

Do Nothing Day

We enjoyed exercise but came home and did nothing. Frank went too his room to read and I watched some news on the TV. Trudy had washed all of my clothes while she was here. I did sweep and dry mop the floors, but after that, nothing. We had lunch at 12:00 PM but after that, nothing. I didn't even want to play the piano. I had all the time to do it, I just didn't.

Tomorrow, we'll go to the PO and buy some stamps and then to Walmart to take back a robe I bought that will be too warm. I must practice or find something to do so it won't be another wasted day.

Eye Dr

I got my eyes checked today and they hadn't changed in a year so I don't have to have new lenses. That's good for they are very expensive since they are the no-line bifocals. I went to Walmart for groceries afterwards. I got three small pumpkins to decorate with. I had changed out my summer flower arrangements to the fall colors and the TV stand didn't have any orange, so I got the small pumpkins to go there. It looks good. I got home and Dad was still in bed and was okay. My eye appointment was at 9:00 AM so I was home by 10:45 AM.

Trudy came over after a therapy appointment. She will have to leave early in the morning to go to a Dr appointment with Forrest. I will get up at 6 AM to shower and wash my hair. We will leave to go to exercise at 8 AM and Trudy will leave around 8:30 AM. It's been a short visit but she said she would come over another time when she could stay longer. We are anticipating Thanksgiving when most of the family will be at Trudy's house. We don't know about Frankie and Rachel, whether they will come as a family or just Frankie and the two little kids. It will be fun. Trudy will spend the night Thanksgiving and stay with Frank while the rest of us go Black Friday shopping. That's always fun. I usually get a new purse then. I've had so many new purses lately, 2, that I probably don't need another one but I love purses and will probably get a new one anyway.

Dr Visit

We didn't go to exercise today for I had a Dr visit with Dr Sharp at 10:40 AM in H'ville. My left hand has been shaking and he said it was because of the Abilify and that we would try to go down on the dose and see if that helps. It may or may not help. I got my other meds and we went to the pharmacy after getting back to Athens.

Tomorrow, I have a eye appointment. I think it's time to see the optometrist. My right eye is bothering me a little. I had a friend that had cataracts taken off and she sees much better. I wonder if I'm getting a cataract in my right eye.

I got another shipment of CD's in today. We listened to the Reader's Digest Amazing Grace. The first CD was interesting and I will listen to the 2nd CD while I go to sleep tonight. I got come Celtic tunes and 4 Christmas CD's.

Friday

Went to exercise. It was Friday and the month of October we were to wear pink each Friday for breast cancer awareness. I wore my long sleeved pink shirt I got from the Wellness Ctr. Some thought it was the dress up day for Halloween. I'll have to find out when the dress up day is because I found my favorite wig.

We didn't have anything to do in town so we came home and Frank lay down on his bed and I forgot what I did. It was a slow day. I didn't have to cook for I have all kinds of food in the refrigerator. I have some goulash, barley soup and chicken I did in the crock-pot. Plus I have some yellow squash in the refrigerator that I must cook tomorrow or it will go bad. I need to clean the refrigerator out and get rid of some of the stuff that we're not eating.

Thursday

I went to the Dollar General to get some milk while Trudy was still here. Dad was still in bed. Trudy left a little before lunch. Had to get home so she could help Sadie study for her ACT test Saturday. Sadie and Forrest are taking it Saturday. Trudy ordered a cover for her ipad and it was quite expensive and I went in on half with her and she wrote me a check. I gave her $10.00 in cash to buy crickets and she gave me a check for $35.00. While Frank and I went to the pharmacy, I stopped by the bank and got the check cashed. Then we stopped by Cream Delite and got an ice cream. It was really good.

After reading the scriptures tonight, we listened to a CD by Vocal Point. It's an a Capella vocal group of 9 BYU boys. I don't know if they are still in school or not but their voices match and blend so well it was a treat for our ears. It was mostly hymns and it was beautiful. I have another CD that I will listen to tonight,  a Thanksgiving of American Folk Hymns. It's by the choirs and orchestra of BYU. I love folk music of all kinds and this should be a good CD, too.

Funeral

We didn't go the exercise today. We went to Dr Walker's lab so I could get my thyroid tested again and then we went to Walmart to get the Allegra D. It's about $6.00 cheaper there than the pharmacy. We came home and it was time for me to get ready to go to church for the funeral. I was dreading seeing the family but it was necessary. I'm so glad I did. The children were grieving but it was nice to see them again. The service was nice. Bro Decker gave the eulogy and it was about him knowing Charlie for 10 years and some of the things that he remembered about him. Charlie's daughter, Jill, spoke and then Charlie's older brother spoke. The chapel was full and the Relief Society had dinner fixed for those who were going to the cemetery in TN. I remember the cemetery from the time Charlie's first wife was buried. I didn't go but came back home. Trudy was here asleep on the couch when I came in.

I had but a hen in the crock pot this morning and we had it for supper. It turned out good. I put some seasoning on it I got from Sam's and it made it taste good.

Trudy ordered a cover for her ipad and I ordered 3 books from Deseret Books. Two books for Dad and I, Acts through Revelation, and a Book of Mormon study guide for Trudy. My money is getting slippery.

Called Off

I was dressed and ready to go to Relief Society tonight-I got dressed in the morning with what I was going to wear-when Karen called and said the meeting had been called off because of Bro Crosby's funeral tomorrow. Now, I have all of this beef barley soup in the freezer and we are eating on the other batch I made for us. I now have plenty of fixed food in the freezer. I have a big hen to put in the crock pot tomorrow and I have the funeral to go to. I've got to go by Dr Walker's lab and get my thyroid levels  checked again and then go by Walmart and get some Allegra D for Frank's allergies. I guess I'll do all of that after the funeral. Trudy will be coming over at 11 AM and I will go to the church around11:30 AM or a little later. I want to see the family and the funeral starts at 12:00 PM. Bro Crosby was a fine man and was a good example of Christian living. He was only 62 years old.  His 1st wife proceeded him in death and his 2nd wife was deported and lives somewhere in Mexico. His three kids and their families will be there and possibly others. LDS funerals are nice and the gospel is usually preached in them, except for Bro Mitchell's. He wrote his own eulogy. I want to do that but I don't know what to say. I will plan my funeral, too, and will have lots of music in it. I may have to consult the Bishop with my plans. This won't be anytime soon. Just something to think about.

I played in one of my songbooks this afternoon. They are love songs. If somebody loves you, it's no good unless they love you, all the way. Can't remember the name of that song, but I love it. I've got to practice it so I can put the feeling in it. It's really a neat book, and a big book. I have one of Gershwin's songbooks. I have a Peter, Paul, and Mary Anthology that I've read through. There's a lot of songs in that book I'm not familiar with. I've got plenty of music to keep my busy for quite a while. I've ordered more CD's too.

Soup Time

Went to exercise with Dad and enjoyed it. Then had to go to Walmart to get some soup fixings. Tomorrow night is Relief Society and we need to bring a soup. I got some barley and some lean ground beef and some mixed frozen veggies and some garlic. I had the rest of the ingredients. It called for 1/2 lb of ground beef and I decided to make a double batch so we could have some too. One recipe called for 5 cups of water and I put in 10 cups. I had to go to the Dollar General to buy some containers large enough to put it all in. I have a big hen thawing that I will have to cook Wednesday when Trudy comes over. Some of the food will have to go in the freezer for I'm running out of room in the refrigerator.

Maybe tomorrow I'll clean downstairs. It's not too dirty for I just cleaned it for Frankie's visit. I do need to use the new spin mop. I have a little vacuum I can use instead of just sweeping.

The trees are starting to turn colors. The Dogwoods are really pretty. Our colors don't get as vibrant as the colors up North do but it's nice to see what we do have. It was 43 degrees this morning when we left for exercise and we wore light wraps but by 9:15 AM we didn't need the jackets at all.

Saturday

We didn't do anything today. I washed some sheets and clothes. My ring I ordered from The Danburry  Mint came in and I like it. It is very pretty. I now have two rings on my right hand.

We read tonight and then listened to some hymns played on an acoustic guitar. It was very soothing.
We won't get the sacrament tomorrow for it's Stake Conference. I think driving to H'ville, and sitting through a 2 hour meeting would be too much for Frank, so we aren't going. The next Sunday we will go to church.

Bro Crosby died today. Trudy texted me and I called Bro Decker and asked him. He didn't know anything about it and said he would find out and let me know. Karen called later and said it was true. Evidently, the men in Charlie's family all died young. He was just 63 yrs old. His funeral will be next week. We will go to the funeral.

Trudy will come over Wed/Thurs. I have Relief Society Tuesday night and Bro Decker is coming over to visit with Frank and Karen and I will go to church. We're to bring a soup and the recipe. I haven't made soup in a long time. I have  some barley and I could make some barley soup, I guess.

It's getting a little cooler and I hope the really hot weather is gone for good. I love the seasons.

Friday

Went to exercise as usual, stopped by the pharmacy and came home, no, went to Walmart for a few groceries and then home. Carol Walker and her girls were coming over at 1 PM and I wanted to make some cookies and have nice plates and cups. I got some Fall plates and red cups that you could write your name on after you pulled off the strip of paper that covered a black part of the cup. The girls liked that.

I got some Toll House frozen cookies to bake and we had milk with the cookies. Carol brought some card making materials and we all made a bazillion cards. They were pretty easy to do with flowers and brads and a kind of name tag that was glued by the flower. I think I made about 20 cards. The girls were Katherine, Emily and Samantha. Sarah wasn't feeling good and didn't come. Carol has a son, Jacob. He was helping the Bailey's move. All of her children are great and the whole family is very nice. James is a member of the Bishopric now. I'm glad we're going back to church and I can see him preside.

After the Walker's left we watched TV until supper time. We listened to rock 'n roll music after supper.

Nice Day

We went back to sleep this morning and it was great. Being lazy is what it's called. Listened to the radio instead of watching TV. Some man was on the TV talking about Ebola to the Congress. President Obama seems to be doing every thing he can to cause the spread of the virus in the U.S. He's sending soldiers to the West African countries and they will be exposed to the Ebola virus and bring it back to the States. My Patriarchal Blessing says that when the plagues and pestilences are poured out upon the country, that I and my family will be blessed to  be spared to go on and finish our mission in righteousness.  Even without this blessing, I don't know if I would be worried about it. We don't travel and don't go out much to mingle with people who would be exposed to the virus. It's the signs of the times. More will be poured out upon this nation because of its wickedness. The safest thing to do is to keep the commandments and stay close to the Lord.

The young boy that usually takes our trash to the road missed last week and I forgot to look to see if he had done it, so we missed having the garbage picked up. Today, I took it out myself. The garbage container had two weeks of sacks in it and was very heavy. Then I had two bags full of boxes and three boxes that weren't in sacks to put out. And another box came in the mail today, so I took it out, too. I do a lot of mail order and the boxes pile up. The garbage is picked up Friday mornings but we have to get it out Thursday evenings or get up early Fridays to take it out.

We're having lovely Fall weather. There's a breeze blowing and the humidity is low. Tomorrow, it's supposed to be up to 86 degrees. Lovely, lovely weather.

I spent enough money at Khol's that they sent me another card. I don't know what the value is of the new card but I'll activate it and get 15% off my next purchase. I really like Khol's.

Birds to the Vet

Exercise was great. Came home and Frank lay down. Said he was tired. After lunch, we loaded up the birds and went to Hartselle to the bird vet. It only takes 30 minutes to drive and I keep forgetting that so we sat outside in the car for 15 minutes because we were so early for our 2 PM appointment. The birds were well, they just needed their wings and nails and beaks trimmed. It's always a pleasure to see Dr Jan. She  gives us a hug before we leave. Now, just who gets a hug from their vet? It cost $43.00 per bird and we had a $30.00 credit. Having pets is not cheap.

It was a little cooler today after the cold front blew through. It's supposed to warm up in the mid 80's by Friday. It was cloudy all day but we didn't have any rain. Tomorrow, I'll clean house. I can try out my new spin mop downstairs...maybe, we'll see.

Relaxing Day

We slept in today. The storms last night were fierce but we didn't have any damage. There was damage in Colbert Co and in Athens. Downed trees and trees of houses but we were spared. It is 10 degrees cooler now. The cold front was what caused the weather uproar.

I washed three loads of clothes and played the piano while that was going on. I love the new books I got. I also got two CD's in the mail today. I don't even remember ordering them! I've been on a CD ordering rampage lately and have to stop. Frankie was telling me that CD's were becoming obsolete and the digital music was the way to go. I don't have any mp3's or a smart phone to download music too, so I have to stick to CD's.

Since Frank can sit for a long time, we are going to go back to church in two weeks. Next week is Stake Conference and that would be too long for him to sit but the next week, we are going to church. We'll go early so to get a good seat. I know a lot of older people who remember Frank will want to say, "Hello" to him. It will be so good to get back to church. I have missed it so much. I have many church clothes that I can't wear at home-jackets and things-that I'll be able to wear now. I dress in Sunday clothes at home for the sacrament, but it's not the same as dressing in Sunday clothes and getting to go to church and being  with the other Saints.

Usual Monday Things

We went to exercise and enjoyed it. Frank's nose runs so much-his Allegra D pill hasn't started working by then-and he has to blow his nose a lot. It doesn't last 12 hours. It almost takes an act of congress to buy Allegra D. It contains sudafed that people use to make meth with and you have to show your driver's license and almost sign your life away to buy it.

We stopped by Dollar General and got 3 gallons of milk. It's more expensive there but Walmart is on the other side of town and convenience is nice.

I wrote a letter to Frankie and gave him a $50.00 check  to  pay for half of the doll Mariam wants for her birthday. She wants an American Girl doll. Karen makes clothes for dolls that size and sells them at the consignment store and I will buy some for Mariam's doll. I also wrote notes to Mariam and Josh. I took them out to the mail box and later remembered it was Columbus Day and the mail wouldn't be picked up so I brought them in the house just before a huge storm blew up. Tonight and tomorrow is supposed to be bad weather wise. A cold front is moving through and we can have wind and maybe tornadoes. We prayed for safety. Last April the tornadoes came too close to the house to want any more. Our woods are still all torn up with downed trees. The tree man is supposed to come this month and clean them up. It will cost a lot but it needs to be done.

I hear thunder now-I call it the clouds are growling. It may be a wild night.

Saturday Written Sunday

We left for the H'ville Space and Rocket Center around 9:30 AM. We took the wheelchair for Frank and Frankie's family pass got us all in. We looked around, got our picture taken and the kids rode the space needle (I think that's what it's called) Frankie rode with them, and another ride. It rained on us going in but the rain stopped after we were there for a while. Afterwards, we went to Chick-fil-a for lunch. When we got home, a college football game was on. Auburn vs Texas A&M, I believe. Auburn won. Next, it was Alabama vs Arkansas. Alabama won by one point. It was a game full of mistakes. Then Ole Miss played, I forgot, I might have gotten the teams wrong, but Ole Miss won. All three of the teams we were rooting for won their games. Frankie went to Ole Miss and he was glad they beat Alabama even though he roots for Alabama normally. I root for Auburn when they are not playing Alabama. I graduated form Alabama so that's my school team.

Frankie, Mariam and Josh left after lunch and went over to see Trudy. She had her in-laws there and Frankie knows them and they had a good visit. I called him and they are at the Knoxville exit now and should be some soon. It was great seeing him and getting to love on the grandchildren.

Visit

We got to Trudy's house about 12:15 PM. We had to stop by West Side Chevron to get $5.00 worth of crickets for Forrest's Bearded Dragon. Sadie was there and we had BLT's for lunch and a donut for dessert. We didn't stay longs for Trudy didn't sleep well last night and today she and Sadie had gone to the Pain Clinic to pick up the Rx's and I imagine she was tired from that. We got to see Carheartt and Benny, the dogs, and then we came back to Athens and went by the pharmacy to get the prescription filled. I do believe they are getting slower at the pharmacy.

When we got home, there were two packages waiting for us on the ramp. The spin mop and the small folding step stool came plus the CD holder I got for the CD's I use in my room. We're all set up for music now, plus I can have clean floors. With the upstairs floors, I use Bona and a special flat mop but I had nothing for the downstairs floors. I don't clean them very often since no one lives down there, but now I have a mop I can use after I've vacuumed the floors.

Frankie called and he and Josh and Mariam are coming tomorrow night about 6 PM and staying until Sunday around noon. I will have to go to Walmart after exercise to get another pork roast. It always turns out nice and tender and the family likes it. I'll also make another pumpkin chili. That should feed us for the week-end. I can get some sandwich meat and some white bread in case they like that. I have a loaf of homemade white bread that they can make sandwiches with.

Frankie said they would stop by Oak Ridge, TN and get a family pass to the museum there and it is good for a lot of other places so we will all go to the Space and Rocket Museum in H'ville Saturday. We could take the wheelchair for Dad in case it's too much walking for him.

Frankie said he had lost 18 lbs since he's been on his ADHD medicine. I guess it's helping him with his nervous eating. Looking forward to a good week-end.

Going to get my hair cut tomorrow. When it gets this long, it looks good but is too hard to control. It's too thin to roll and to use a curling iron on so I just let it air dry and comb it. So far, so good. My stylist always cuts it too short, but it always grows back!

Amazon Goodies

I got the 2 Joan Baez DC's today. Tomorrow I'll get the spin mop and small step stool and Friday I'll get another music book, a Gershwin song book. I played through the family song book today. It's fairly easy music and I sight read it all. The other books will take some practice but that's good for I need to  work on my technique. I'm really going to enjoy playing this music. Frank likes to listen to it too.

We're going to Trudy's tomorrow for lunch. Sadie called and wanted to know if I could print her a work application. I told her I wasn't that good on the computer. She is going back to work at Chick-fil-a. The babysitting job she had she had to drive to South H'ville and that was 45 minutes away and it didn't pay that well. She knows the works at Chick-fil-a and will enjoy it and she can use the money.

Sadie said Trudy wants us to stop by West End Chevron and but $5.00 worth of crickets. I'll have to get a carrier for them too. Oscar, the Bearded Dragon needs some food.

Trudy is getting to know Forrest's girlfriend's mother and Georgia, the mother, is interested in what Trudy has been telling her about the church.

After exercise today, we went to Walmart. Frank stayed in the car listening to the radio. I found two rugs I liked and got them. I washed the one rug that was in the bedroom and it looked better but it still has a red stain on it. I'll just have an extra rug on hand now.

I need to go the the frame shop and get an 8 1/2 x11" frame or have a picture a friend of Frank's drew of him when he was in the Navy framed. The old frame broke and it won't hang up. I have a crewel picture of a cottage my mother made that needs to be put in an attractive frame. I have it in my bedroom behind the TV and it would look so much better in a new frame. Things to do next week. 

Lazy Day

We didn't have to go any where today so we slept in. I got another order from Amazon. It was "The Great American Songbook, The Composers", Music and lyrics for 100 standards from the golden age of American song. I went through it and smoothed all of the 416 pages flat so it will be easier to read from at the piano. I'm familiar with most of the songs and will enjoy playing them. I don't remember the name of the other music books other than a family song book that has a variety of songs in them.

Tomorrow will be exercise and maybe I can get a hair cut. It's not long in the back but on top and the sides. I've enjoyed having it over my ears and will ask Kari to leave it that way. She usually cuts it too short, but it always grows. I've known her since she was in high school and love her like family, so I keep going to her for hair cuts.

I've decided to get new rugs for the downstairs, just runners. I looked on Amazon but they didn't have the size I needed so I'll go to Walmart or Lowe's. Since I got a new quilt for the bed, I want the other parts of the room to look good.

I get a lot of catalogs in the mail and I order from them from time to time and ordered a spin mop from one of them this morning. Then I got on Amazon and found the spin mop and ordered it and canceled the one from the catalog. Amazon will get it to me sooner. I can't ring out a mop any more and the spin mop looks just right. I'd like to mop the downstairs bedroom and maybe over by the washing machine. I love ordering things from Amazon because we have prime membership and I get things in two days. I've even had deliveries on Sundays which I don't want and have to be careful when I order stuff so I won't be getting anything on Sundays.

I have two CD's coming in tomorrow. It's some old Joan Baez songs. I remember when I first heard her sing and her voice was so beautiful and the songs she was singing were English folk songs . I was in college then. I don't care for her activist songs and I don't care for her politics.

We have 30 CD's in our new CD holder. Many of them are rock and roll songs, some country and other kinds of music. Now I need one for the CD's I play in my room at night. I fall asleep listening to the radio or music from the CD player.

Monday

After exercise, we drove to Madison to Khol's. I had $20.00 Khol's Cash and I wanted to buy a blanket for my bed. It cost $39.99 on sale so I got it for $21.00. I didn't get the color I wanted but it's a nice soft blanket and I think I'll enjoy it. We drove back home and later went to the pharmacy to pick up some meds and some Allegra D for Frank's allergies. It takes an act of Congress to buy Allegra D because you can make meth with it. We came home and I made a pot of goulash.

I'm using fresh ground turkey instead of the ground turkey in the small rolled packages and there is no liquid to pour off. I like that for with the rolled packages I would have almost a soup can of juice to siphon off and discard. I finished the pumpkin chili I had made. It was made with 2 pounds of ground pork. Not a lot of fat there either. I will make it again for Trudy when she needs some food. The Relief Society sisters are still bringing her food every other night. It had a can of pumpkin in it and some pumpkin pie spice too. I could taste the pumpkin but if I had put the chili spice in it, maybe you couldn't taste the pumpkin. It wasn't a bad taste, just an unusual one.

Trudy is going to pick up her Rx at the Pain Clinic and she'll pick up Frank's too and we will go up and eat lunch with her Thursday.

I gave the two small goal bears that Nutrisystem sent me to Mary Kate and her small dog, Athena, has taken up with it. She'll go get it when they come in the house and hold it in her mouth for hours. She's chewed the nose off of it, she does that the first thing. I don't know if Obie likes the other bear or not.

Conference Day

Dad, Mary Kate, Sophia and I watched General Conference this morning and afternoon. Mary Kate had a project she was doing. Covering a large W with twine and then making and gluing cloth flowers on it. The W is for Walker and we will take it to Trudy's house tomorrow. We are going to watch conference with them in the morning. She has a V she is making for Villamor. Sophia had a book about drawing figures she liked and I provided her with a sketch pad and pencils and she drew. The second session, I washed clothes so I didn't get much out of the talks. I'll have to watch them again. Tomorrow will be the third and fourth sessions of Conference and hopefully I'll be able to concentrate on them. We will take two cars so Mary Kate and Sophia can leave from Trudy's house and not have to come back to our house to leave for home.

Tomorrow, MK will take up a denim jumper I have that's too long. It won't take too long.

Between sessions this afternoon, we went to Madison to Books a Million to get Sophia a book. She loves to read and I usually buy her and Nate a book when they come to visit. They didn't have one of the books she wanted but the H'ville store did so we drove on into H'ville and got the book.

Fiddler's Convention

We met Bubba and Ruth at Arby's and had lunch at 11:30 AM and after that we went to the Fiddler's Convention held at Athens State University. Founder's Hall, where the seating for the music was, was saved from being burned by the Yankees during the Civil War. It is a two or three story edifice with four great columns in front of it. It's an upper level University and Calhoun Jr College feeds into it since it's only a two year college.

There are booths set up all over campus where venders sell their wares and where you may find fiddlers and banjo players and bass players warming up and playing a little music before the competitions.

Ruth and I  go every year and this time my brother, Bubba, and Frank came, too. Frank has never been physically able to go because of his RA but since he has dementia, the RA pain has lessened. We like to walk around and look and buy things at the venders. I got a necklace and matching earring set and when we stopped by Eddie and Pauline's booth, they gave me a chap stick and a bar of soap and some cleaning oil. They make the products themselves. I got hugs from both of them and I was pleased. Frank and Bubba didn't walk around with us, but sat in chairs in front of Founder's Hall. We got some Kettle Korn and some diet drinks and sat and talked. Frank finally got tired so we left. I don't know if Bubba and Ruth went back and listened to the entertainment or not. All in all it was a great day.

Mary Kate and Sophia are driving up for a visit. We will go see Trudy tomorrow.

Thursday

I got up early and after Frank went back to bed, I went shopping. I stopped by the bank and then went to Walmart for groceries. Mary Kate and Sophia are coming Friday night and I needed some more food.

I got another port pot roast kit and will prepare it Friday morning and it can cook on low all day. My brother called this morning saying it was supposed to rain tomorrow for the Fiddler's Convention but the forecast I heard said it would rain mainly this afternoon and tonight. Perhaps, by tomorrow afternoon it will be clear. I called Ruth and told her that if it was raining at their house, it didn't mean it could be raining here. She wants to go by a couple of stores and then we will meet at Arby's for lunch. I already got a ball cap for Frank and will get a good folding chair to take too. The Event Center is showing a Smithsonian exhibit about the way Limestone Co worked in the past and if it's raining, we could go see that. It will be a fun day, rain or shine.

I cooked a small blueberry cobbler today using gluten-free Bisquick and Splenda. I've never cooked with Splenda, just used it in my cereal. Can't wait 'till it cools off so I can taste it. I have a recipe that calls for 2 bananas, 1 cup of oatmeal and a heaping tablespoon of peanut butter. Oh, and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Mary Kate is gluten sensitive but she could eat these cookies. Sawdust and chocolate chips would taste good.

I ordered 4 CD's of Appalachian folk music. The other folk music I ordered is really, old time country music and not very interesting to listen too, although I listened to all 3 CD's. I also bought a CD case that would hold 120 CD's. I have two cases that are mostly full of various kinds of music and  really need another for all the new CD's I've been buying. I bought a DC of the Kingston Trio. They mostly sang folk songs if I remember correctly. I bought a CD holder that goes in the car. It fits on the visor and they  are handy to have out in the open. I have my car CD's in the console and it's out of sight, out of mind.

Good Day

I got some wash done and cooked the pumpkin chili dish in the crock pot. We had it for dinner and it was good. I couldn't tell it was pork. I left the chili seasoning out because the beans were chili beans plus we don't like chili seasoning. I'll make it again and will probably use ground turkey and see how that does plus it could use another can of beans and it would make more and last longer.

After scripture reading, we listened to a rock and roll CD. Blueberry Hill, Rock Around the Clock, Wake Up, Little Susie and many others. We enjoy listening to the rock and roll music. I can't dance through a song because my legs won't hold up but it's fun trying!

Trudy got her staples out yesterday and had nerve pain all night and couldn't sleep. She had the nerve pain today, too. Maybe some day she'll be out of pain.

Mary Kate said that Rachel would call her tonight. We think Frankie's bipolar has gotten in the way of his marriage. We'll know more after we hear from Rachel.

Monday

Had a good time at Silver Sneakers. Frank is able to do most of the exercises now. One lady said that he was an inspiration to her. She had a hard time getting there but she said if Frank could do it, so could she. You never know who you're being an example to. We went to the bank and then came home.

The pork roast I did in the new crock pot was very good. It was tender and the veggies were just right. Now, to be able to find one for the week-end when Mary Kate and family come. If not in a kit, I can buy a small roast and the veggies to put with it. I think I'll make a blueberry cobbler using Splenda and gluten-free Bisquick. Then Mary Kate and Frank could both eat it. His blood sugar was 108 tonight. I was pleased. We don't take it every night but I still cook the way I do when we got it under control. Occasionally he'll have an ice cream or a piece of cake but that is rarely. I don't bake any because I would eat it and if it's sweet, I can't say no to just one piece. My greatest evil now is diet Pepsi.

I get a lot of catalogs in the mail and I order things from them and then I get more catalogs. I use them for bird papers so they don't go to waste. I've ordered a bed skirt for the queen sized bed downstairs. I bought a new quilt and shams for the bed and the bed skirt will complete the ensemble. There is a single mattress on the floor at the foot of the bed that the kids can sleep on. I used to blow up an air mattress for them, but when I bought Frank his new mattress, we had this one left over. Being so low on the floor, I can't put the mattress cover or sheets on it. Mary Kate will have to do it for me. I also have a new denim jumper that needs taking up. MK can do that too. She will get my fancy sewing machine when I'm gone so she helps me take up things when she's here. I could do it myself, but I don't want too.

Looking forward to Friday and the Fiddler's Convention. Actually, we don't stay for the music much, we go for the crafts and things. Hope Frank will be able to stay the whole time.

Saturday

We slept in again and got up late. Had lunch and after I did our pills I discovered that I was short on some medicine so we went to the pharmacy. That was our trip for today.

I got the new crock pot out so I'll remember to put the pork roast and veggies in it in the morning. I was thinking I would save if for next week-end for Mary Kate but it said not to freeze it so I will cook it tomorrow. I hope it will be tender for I hate meat that I can't chew. I guess I could get the blender out and tenderize it if it's tough. We've been eating breaded talipia and chicken strips and it's been a good change.

I bought some new music books so I would be enticed to the basement to play the piano but it hasn't happened yet. Maybe tomorrow I can do it. My fingers are stiff just typing this. You loose what you don't use and I can't let that happen. Not having the choir to play for has taken away my incentive to practice and play.

Shopping

We went to exercise and then came home. Jennifer was already here when we got back at 9:30 AM. Frank doesn't want a babysitter anymore so I'll be taking him where I go. This was Jenn's last day until we need her again. I'll call Home Instead and tell them I'll be on a "as needed" basis.


Frank will be going with me to the Fiddler's Convention. I'll carry a lawn chair for him to sit in while Ruth and I walk around the place and see what the people have to sell. I've asked my brother, Bubba, to sit with Frank and keep him company. Frank can walk around some but the walking is on grass and the walker won't work well on it. We'll see what happens. He seems to want to get out and go with me. His arthritis pain has lessened quite a bit and he can sit for long periods of time where he couldn't before.

I went to Kohl's and bought two quilts for the beds. One is like the one I gave Trudy, for my twin bed, and the other one is a full/queen quilt for the bed downstairs. I had a 30% off coupon. It's guaranteed
that I will go and spend money when I get one of those.

I had a long list for groceries but it didn't cost as much as I expected. I got everything on my list. I bought some ground pork for a recipe but didn't get any ground turkey. I think I still have some in the upright freezer.

Mary Kate may be coming up this week-end. It's conference week-end. I usually wear myself out at the Fiddler's Convention and am not too frisky the next day. In fact, it takes me two days to recover from all the walking. I don't get tired while I'm walking but the next day, whew! But it's a tradition in our family that Ruth, my sister-in-law, go and this year we'll have my brother and Frank. It'll be fun.

Thursday

We slept in and I was showered and ready to go by 11 AM but there was no place to go! I got Frank up for lunch and we watched the news during lunch. I meant to work downstairs cleaning and did get the steps swept but instead, stayed upstairs with Frank. Tomorrow, Jennifer is coming at 9:30 AM and I will do some shopping. I've got a long list of things to get at the grocery store. I need to stop by Staples and get some invitation envelopes and by Lowe's to see if I can find a lamp shade for a light in the living room. That light has been needing an upgrade for years and I'm ready to do it now.

I have a 30% off coupon for Khol's and I will probably spend some money there. I have to stop by the bank and have them help me with the check book. I do the bills online and my balance and the bank balance is off quite a bit. I need to find out why. I try to keep the check book in order and most of the time I'm just a few dollars off.

We're having very nice weather-in the mid 80's and not much humidity. I guess. I don't go out much and the times I do I'm in the air conditioned car and then into a store with air conditioning. We'll go to exercise tomorrow and then I'll bring Frank back home and then run my errands. He wants to go but there will be just too much walking around and he would have to sit in the car by himself too long. He could stay by himself but I'm afraid he might fall and I could never forgive myself if I left him along and he fell and I or Jenn weren't there for him.

The seroquil makes him calm and gentle and polite and manageable. I hope as the disease progresses he doesn't get like he was before the seroquil-obstinate, pushy, demanding and uncontrollable. The dementia will flavor the rest of our lives together and will end his eventually. I guess I'll need to live at least another 10 years or more. I don't have any say about that but the Lord being merciful, maybe I'll live long enough to take care of him until he's gone.

Exercise

We enjoyed exercise this morning. One of the ladies commented on how much better Frank was doing with the exercises. I sit beside him and don't notice how he's doing unless he's having trouble with something. I expect he is catching on to what's going on.

We came home after exercise and I did the laundry and Frank watched TV. Fox News is always on the TV whether anyone is watching it or not.

Trudy text me and said she had times when she was up that she didn't have any pain and she was looking forward for more of that feeling. I expect her pain meds are still pretty strong.

Nothing on the agenda for tomorrow. It will be a long day.

To Trudy's House

I carried out all of the food and things for Trudy, put them in the car and we left the house at 9 AM. Had to stop by the PO and send a package back. I got too excited about opening the package instead of looking to see who it was from. I could have put "return to sender" on it but since it opened it, I had to pay $12.65 to send it back. It was some septic tank material that we hadn't ordered. It was in a flat rate box and would have cost me another $8.00 if I had taken the material out and then had to use another box to send it back in.

We had a nice visit with Trudy. Her pain level was manageable and she could get up and move around with her brace on. I took some food and the Relief Society sisters will bring meals every other day for three weeks. That should help her and her family.

We came back home and I called Dr Sharp's office about a medicine I needed and the nurse called the pharmacy and I had that prescription on file and didn't need the Dr to call it in for me. So Frank and I got in the car again to go to the pharmacy. He wanted an ice cream so we stopped by Cream Delite and got a "small" chocolate cone. Frank gobbled his up right away and I still had some when we got home. We had had a piece of the chocolate cake I made for Trudy and the ice cream on top of that probably made his sugar rise. We don't usually go for the sweet stuff but it is nice to have some once and a while.

The Fiddler's Convention is in another week. It's hard to believe it's almost October. Our weather has been in the high 80's with a cool wind-very nice days. Ruth and Bubba and I will meet in Athens and all go to the Fiddler's Convention together. Ruth and I love to walk around to the different venders and buy jewelry, towels, etc. She has a collection of rolling pins and there's two men who make beautiful wooden pieces that we always like to visit. Of course there's the music. We usually don't stay long for the music. I'll have to see if the sitter can come at 12 PM and stay 'til 6 PM. That should give me enough time for everything.