Granny's Blog

Did Better!

2012-02-13T17:15:00.000-08:00

It was Monday and I taught at the center. About 2/3rds of the way through our class, some people started playing a game where they threw metal washers at a target. When they missed, it made a loud clanging noise and it disturbed our class. If they do it again, I'll have to say something so it won't disturb our class.

Went to Curves and then to Herbs and More to get Frank some pills. What I got weren't the things he wanted so we took them back and I got a $40.50 refund check. The store owner is ordering what Frank wanted. Walmart's cheaper on a lot of things I saw in that store!

I came home with nothing to do but I wasn't going to waste the day like I did on the week-end, so I tackled the bathroom closet. It's been years since I've cleaned it out. I threw away a lot of things and carried stuff to the basement. The closet really looks good now. After I finished, I had to keep going back into the bathroom just to look at all the organization! Tomorrow will be wash day so I'll have something to do.

Nothing

2012-02-11T17:04:00.000-08:00

I see I have another do nothing day. I went to the neighborhood breakfast today and came home and did nothing the rest of the day. I did read some and took a short nap. Frank vacuumed and I went over a piece of music for choir tomorrow, but that's it. I just didn't have any "do anything" juice today. A sad story. We could have dusted Frank's headboard if we had planned it but we didn't. Wo is me! Got to do better.

Friday Trip

2012-02-10T14:36:00.000-08:00

I taught at the center today and then had plans to go to Curves but decided to go to Sam's and buy some food. I got to H'ville at 10:00 AM when they opened so it wasn't crowded. I mostly bought veggies and some paper products. After I loaded up the car, I headed for Trudy's house. I went the back way and wasn't certain of the way to go. I haven't traveled it by myself many times and only had one wrong turn which I corrected immediately. I helped Trudy finish some Relief Society invitations she was making. We had a bar-b-que sandwich for lunch which was really good, and finished it off with some Blue Bell ice cream. Forrest works at Blue Bell and brings home samples. It was very good. I haven't had ice cream in months and I enjoyed it.

Got home and Frank helped me unload the car. I drove it around back and we unloaded in the basement where the food was going to end up. We found some green beans that were several years old and I brought them upstairs so we can eat them before the newer beans are opened.

It was colder today and rain moved in. We're to have winter weather tomorrow and Sunday. The neighborhood breakfast is tomorrow at 8:00 AM at Shoney's. It seems to come up quickly. I will go and hope Maryleen is there.

Thursday

2012-02-09T17:08:00.000-08:00

I forgot to bring my white towel today but we didn't work as hard an we did last week and I didn't sweat as much. The work out was good, like always. I wish I could afford to train with her three times a week!

Frankie called today. I had sent him an email last night and he was answering it with a call. Rachel hasn't had as many episodes with her health since he has come home to run the day care business. It's taken a lot of stress off of her. They all are doing fine. He didn't mention the children so they must be doing alright.

Tomorrow, I'll teach at the center and then go to Curves and then on to Trudy's to spend the day. She has some invitations for something that I can help her with. I have some things, jewelery, scarves and a night gown for her and/or Sadie. It'll be a fun day.

Piano Student Day

2012-02-08T16:48:00.000-08:00

Carrielee came for her first piano lesson today. She is going to be a quick study and I look forward to teaching her. I must begin playing the piano more so I can enjoy it again.

I read some and then took a nap to kill some time. Frank wanted steak burgers for supper so I fixed them. I didn't enjoy mine like I used to. It was a bit greasy and I'm not used to that much grease. I guess we got a boost of protein with it too.

The weather has been in the 50's which is still too warm for this time of year but nice. I work out with Janet tomorrow. I must remember to bring a small white towel with me for I was sweating last week from the exercises I did. It was still great.

Tuesday

2012-02-07T16:58:00.000-08:00

I had laundry to do today and I did some cooking at lunch. I cooked some brown rice to go with the beans. I heard that the added rice makes the beans a complete protein. It was good to have more variety in the diet. I cooked a cauliflower too. The birds like a bit of raw cauliflower.

The weather is in the 50's today. Frank found a yellow bellied sapsucker drilling holes in the Maple tree and he was concerned about the health of the tree. He called the extension office to ask about the bird. I told him it wouldn't hurt anything and Doug Chapman said the same thing! I looked at the holes it was drilling and they were perfectly round and the sap was oozing out of the holes. The bird knew what it was doing.

We had a good day together. We exercised a while and then watched the Glen Beck show. Glen always shows the news that no one else is showing. He's interesting and sometimes disturbing, but it's the truth.

Busy Day

2012-02-06T16:44:00.000-08:00

I taught at the center today. I got a small sack of apples but I left them sitting on the table by the radio! We had 10 people today which was a large group. I left for H'ville after the class.

I had an appointment with Dr Sharp at 11 AM. I got there an hour early but sat in my car and read until it was time to go in. I got my prescriptions and then drove to Costco to get some things that were on sale. I came home and had time too fix lunch and then left to go to Karen's for scripture study. We studied the life of Solomon.

This afternoon I had to make more hamburger mix and we had it for supper. Tomorrow, I'll need to cook a pot of beans. I think Frank is ready for more variety but I don't know what to fix since he's so sensitive to spices.

Wet Again

2012-02-04T16:59:00.000-08:00

It has rained all day. It's been raining a lot lately. It was a good day to settle in a do a lot of reading, which I did. I'm reading "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen. It's a good book and I'm enjoying it.

We did vacuum the floors and cleaned the air filters and bathed the birds. Gert gets his cage wheeled into the bathroom and gets sprayed while he sit inside of his cage. His cage is the cleanest of all the three! The birds were ready for the shower and really enjoyed it.

After I get through on the computer, I'll go to bed and read some more. Reading is by hobby now!

Again?

2012-02-03T16:46:00.000-08:00

Friday again? The days just go clipping by and it's Friday again. I taught at the center and came right home instead of going to Curves. I had Carrielee coming for a piano lesson at 10 AM. I dusted the piano and got ready but she didn't come. They had problems at home and will be coming Wednesday at 10 AM.

After lunch, I loaded up the car with lots of children's books and things and took to the Re Store. And then I went on to the pharmacy for an Rx and then to Walmart to take back some magazine holders that Frank didn't like and picked up some groceries. We're fortunate to have the funds that I can buy extra groceries each time I go shopping. We'll never run out of peanut butter! Frank is the only one eating it right now but I usually buy a jar or two when I go shopping. I bought 20 lbs of sugar this time.

It's still in the 60's even though it's February now. Rain is expected tonight. We got about 1 1/2" a couple of days ago. The forsythia is blooming and the buttercups are blooming. If the trees begin to bud and we have a hard freeze, it will kill the new leaves. I hate it when the car is all frozen and I have to start it early or scrape the frost off before I can go.

Working Out

2012-02-02T16:56:00.000-08:00

Had a great work out with Janet today. We did hard exercises and I was sweating! I'll need to take a small towel with me next Thursday. I stopped by the bank on my way home and made a deposit.

We watched Glen Beck on the Roku tonight. It was about the forces of good and evil in the world and how the worship of Baail was going on in our world today. I can see it in society in the way everything has gotten coarser, and society seems to be going down hill. The Wall Street Occupation was an example of degradation, filth, and attacks on women that goes along with Baail worship. It makes a lot of sense
since I watched Beck's program. He said there would be upheavals when we have the elections-like there were in 1968 when there were riots at the Democratic Convention. I remember those. That was the year we got married. There will be more occupying of more places and more violence and filth. What a future to look forward to. Knowing it's going to happen will help us make sense of it all.

Still Warm

2012-02-01T16:51:00.000-08:00

It's February 1st and still in the 60's! I'm getting worried about the weather now. What's going to happen when it does get cold? Will it be colder than usual? I wish the weather would not act strange.

We did bills today. What bills were in. We still have a couple more to come in the mail. Doing bills online is much easier than doing them by check. I'm glad I've learned how to do them. This old dog can still learn a few new tricks. It just takes longer to learn!

I'm reading a book about Quakers and the underground railroad. I liked the reviews about it and the price was right. I felt I needed a rest from the Kirk Wallender mysteries. I still have several of his books to read and I still enjoy reading them. I just thought I needed to read on another topic.

Seed Show

2012-01-31T16:54:00.000-08:00

Karen and I went to H'ville to the extension center for the meeting on starting seed indoors. The room was full. We had a seat on the front table. We got a packet of seeds. I gave mine to Karen for I won't be starting any seeds from scratch. It was a worth while trip and the traffic coming home wasn't that bad, maybe because I had someone to talk to, instead of just fighting the traffic.

It was in the 60's again today, the last day of January. We didn't wear and coat or sweaters when we left home. We are so spoiled now. When the cold weather does show up, we'll all be crying about it.

Monday Things

2012-01-30T16:48:00.000-08:00

It's hard to come up with a unique title for a Monday blog because I do the same things every Monday.

The day started off cool, 32 degrees but warmed up to 60 in the afternoon. We have not had any January weather this January! It's supposed to be cold in January and February and in February it warms up and the frogs start singing and then it gets cold again until the end of March. No telling what the weather will be like in February since it's January 30th today.

Tomorrow we go to H'ville to an Extension service meeting on how to grow seeds into plants indoors. The meeting starts at 3:00-5-00 PM. We'll be getting out when all the H'ville traffic is so bad but hopefully the meeting will be so good that we won't sweat the traffic! I'm looking forward to it.

One of the ladies at the center asked me to not do some of the arm exercises because it hurt her shoulders. I skipped the exercises she told me about and still had time for everything. I plan to type up a new sheet with the exercises on it and maybe have it where I won't forget to do some of the exercises. Now, I glance over at my notes and miss an exercise. I don't like to forget anything. The imperfect perfectionist in me...

Just Today

2012-01-28T16:51:00.000-08:00

Stayed in the house today. Washed three loads of clothes and took a nap and read and didn't do much else. I did use some weights and did some ball exercises but didn't get on the bike. We didn't even vacuum the floors like we usually do on Saturdays. I guess I'll just sweep tomorrow.

Gert is funny. When we let him out on his cage, we move the cage so he won't go across and get on top of Rosko's cage and bother him. Sometimes I forget to move the cage or don't move it far enough and Gert will go on Rosko's cage and will cause Rosko to fuss. When this happens, I just go over and tell Gert to go back to his cage and he does. He knows that he's not supposed to be on Rosko's cage but does it anyway just to be getting away with something! He's smart. If he's out on his cage when it's bed time, I just go over and tell him to get into his cage and he usually goes on it without much resistance.

No Pain, No Gain?

2012-01-25T16:42:00.000-08:00

No pain at all at my work outs. I worked with Janet today and we did some lounges. I held onto a chair for support but I put my foot back and then dropped my knee down as low as I could. That was a work out! I took my ball to see if it was the right size and it was. 55cm I think. I believe I will get some stretchy pants to work out in. My pants today didn't have much stretch in them and it was uncomfortable.

The food was supposed to be delivered today but it's being delivered on an 18 wheeler and it can't get to our house. Frank talked to Bobby and he said they could unload onto his truck and he could drive the truck around to the back of the house and we could unload it from there. The trucking company said they would give us $50.00 off and we can give the money to Bobby for helping.

We had pancakes tonight for supper. I was so tired of eating the same stuff and I wanted some comfort food. I ate too much and now I wish I hadn't eaten so much! The pancake mix is good! It's Aunt Jemimah and it makes really tasty pancakes. I need to grind some whole wheat and then fix whole wheat pancakes. Maybe so, maybe not!!

Pain

2012-01-24T17:01:00.000-08:00

Trudy believes the thing in her back that was part of her pain pump has shifted and is causing her some major pain. She got an emergency CT scan today and is awaiting the results now-6:45 PM. She's in as lot of pain right now and has called the Dr for some pain medicine. The Dr is supposed to call her with the results of the CT scan so we'll hear more later.

Frank and I saw Dr Walker today. I thought I was to see him Thursday but we both saw him today. He's in the James Waddell Family Health Clinic on Washington Street. It's not far from us at all and it's a fairly new building. It was four doctors in it. We didn't have any wait time and saw Dr Walker immediately. In his old practice, we would have to wait 45 minutes to an hour before we saw him. Frank is getting a scan of his stomach area for he has pains there. I just got a blood test and prescriptions filled. We got a three page print out of what we had done and all the meds we were taking. I was impressed! I guess the computer age is come to the Dr's practice.

I worked out some this afternoon. I just did 15 minutes on the bike and was eager to get to the other exercises. I had put more air in my ball and did some exercises with it. I'll take it tomorrow when I go work out with Janet and see if it's the right size for me and that I'm doing the crunches the right way.

Seeds

2012-01-23T16:29:00.000-08:00

The Master Gardener's of H'ville are having a meeting at the extension office in H'ville Jan 31 and they are going to teach how to start plants by seed. I called the lady whose name was in the paper to get reservations and she wasn't there but she did call me back. The registration fee was $5.00 a person and I registered for Karen and me. Karen is always trying to start plants from seed and failing so I knew she would like the class. I never could do it myself either so it will be a learning process for both of us. I wrote the check out and put it in an envelope and took it out to the mail box and it got taken today. The lady should get the check tomorrow.

It has been in the 60's all day. South Alabama had storms last night but we only got rain. So far, out January has been very warm. I think we are supposed to have more rain soon.

My house needs a good detailing. I over look so many things. I try to keep the house picked up but it's the little things that I don't do. I finally dusted the closet doors in my room and Frank's and they surely do look better. It's just something I don't notice very often.

End of the Week

2012-01-20T16:18:00.000-08:00

I taught at the center today. At first, it didn't look like there would be many there but as time went on more came and we had a nice crowd. I went onto Curves. There were no other people there. Pam said that Fridays are slow plus it looked like it was going to rain, but it didn't. I came on home after Curves. Frank wasn't feeling well, so I didn't bother him. I read some magazines and some in my book until lunch time.

Work Out

2012-01-19T17:24:00.000-08:00

I love working out with Janet. There's something working out with a personal trainer that's mighty fine. I love the way I feel working out and afterwards. I need to be more diligent with my workouts at home. I said I didn't feel like I got a work out at Curves the last time, but I might have slowed down and not worked as fast as I should. I'll try tomorrow and see if I can work harder.

It was another warm day today. The buttercups are coming up and Janet said she saw two blooms on a friends forsythia the other day. I haven't noticed mine to see if they are trying to bloom or not. January is half gone and we haven't had any really cold weather. When it comes, it will probably be horrid!

H'ville Dr Appointment

2012-01-18T16:44:00.000-08:00

Took Frank to the Pain Clinic this morning. We got back early afternoon. It was cold, in the 30's, but we didn't have to out in it very much. The sun was shinning and it was a bright day.

I came home and read and then took a nap. Will read some more tonight. Frank had a good day todayl Tomorrow might not be as good a day until the afternoon. Not much to say tonight.

Out And About

2012-01-17T12:53:00.000-08:00

My new glasses had come in and I wanted to pick them up and I had a blouse to take back too Goody's. Then I went to Curves. Afterwards, I stopped by Walmart to get some magazine files Frank wanted. I got a hot chicken and some bananas. We ate the chicken when I got in-we were hungry! I got a diet Pepsi for I needed a new water bottle for the refrigerator. My old ones were getting goopy since I put the soluble fiber in the water. That's the easiest way to get more fiber into my diet. I just drink the water and voila! I get my daily dose of fiber, too. I don't have a small bottle brush to clean the bottles out so I have to keep changing bottles.

I ordered some food and water purifier and some chemicals to put in a porta potty we have. Never know when it might be needed.

I like my new frames. The lines in the progressives are a bit different. I see clearly at a distance, but I have to put my head down more than I had to in my other glasses. Getting new frames is always exciting!

It was 60 degrees outside when I went to town today. I had short sleeves on and just wore my new vest. A cold front is coming so we'll be getting rain. In fact, we've already been hearing thunder at times.

MLK Holiday

2012-01-16T16:25:00.000-08:00

I knew it was Martin Luther King, Jr Day today but I guess I thought it didn't figure into my life. I went to the senior center to teach and it was closed. I went on to Curves and it was closed! I came home early and I had some cooking to do, so it all worked out.

I had gotten the birds some veggies (and us too) and I cooked a cauliflower, some string beans, a sweet potato and a pot of 15 bean soup. And by 10:15 AM I was through in the kitchen, except for the beans. Most of the birds liked the cauliflower but I noticed Gert didn't eat any of his. I'll give them sweet potato tomorrow morning. I still have two yellow squash to cut up and put in the freezer for them.

Frank winterized the faucets outside the house and we have to get some straw to put over the well. I think it's alright but he wants to get some more straw to put over it. It was in the 50's today and I guess it will rain sometime soon. That's what it usually does. The weather warms up and then it rains. That's okay, I don't mind rain.

Gun Show

2012-01-14T16:41:00.000-08:00

Trudy called around 9 AM and we made plans to meet at Hobby Lobby at 1 PM. Forrest was air softing and Sadie was baby sitting so it was just Trudy, George and me. We looked around and found where Ruth was sitting. Bubba was sitting at a table out front. Don't know what he was doing but he was sitting there. We enjoyed seeing things and talking with Ruth. We sat and talked about 30 minutes and then we left. I had planned on treating George and Trudy to lunch but Trudy didn't feel well so I gave them the money I was planning to spend and let them get what they wanted when they wanted it.

Didn't do much when I got home. We had left-over pizza for supper. I did iron some things that I hadn't gotten out of the dryer in time and brought them up but that's about all I did. I'm looking forward to getting to bed early so I can read more in my book, Firewall, a Kirk Wallender Mystery by Henning Mankell. I bought several more of his books last night. I really enjoy reading them.

Nothing Out of the Ordinary

2012-01-13T17:29:00.000-08:00

Taught at the center today. There were four people there. It was very cold today and maybe people decided not to come because it was cold.

Mary Kate called and we chatted for a while. I was in the middle of ordering books from Amazon for my Kindle. I think I ordered 6 books, all by the same author. I'm glad the wrote so many books for I like reading his stories.

I came home after teaching in order to read. I read for a while and then had to take a morning nap on the couch! I also took an after lunch nap too. Don't know why I was so tired.

I'll go to H'ville to the gun show to see my brother and sister-in-law tomorrow. I'm trying to get Trudy and the kids to go with me too, but I don't know if they will. I need to hear from them before tomorrow.

Snow!

2012-01-12T14:55:00.000-08:00

What was it, rain yesterday and snow today! Actually it had been misting all day and the cold front finally came in and we had some snow flurries but nothing stuck. If it snows during the night and the temperature goes down below freezing which it's supposed to, it may stick. I hope it doesn't for I have to teach at the senior center tomorrow.

I had my eye appointment today. My left eye had changed a bit, enough to get new lens so I picked out a pair of new frames too. They're the kind that have no bottom rim. Frank went too and got his glasses adjusted. I had gone back into town to get the birds some veggies and stopped by Poppa Johns and got an all veggie pizza. I thought it tasted really good but Frank only ate one piece. I think I finished off three pieces, hopefully not four!

I went to Janet's to work out today. I remember two exercises I can do on the new ball I bought at Walmart. It's smaller than the balls we use but she said it was probably just right for my size, under 5' 4". I'm way under that! 5' 4" is tall to me. Ho-ho-ho!

Rain

2012-01-11T17:03:00.000-08:00

Somehow, the rain kept me from going to Curves...I rode my bike for 20 minutes and lifted some weights but I really didn't do much. I washed 3 loads of clothes and took care of that then waited around to take Rikki to the vet.

I didn't have to wait long to see Dr Jan. She took Rikki back and got some blood and trimmed her beak again. She had to get the blood from one of Rikki's toes because she was so stressed she couldn't get it out of her neck. I got some more Rx to support her liver, but it's just a matter of time until the cancer takes over her liver and she dies. What a dark thought! She is such a gentle, sweet bird and a real part of our family.

Tomorrow it's going to be in the 30's and we may have a snow shower in the afternoon. After these 50-60 degree days, it's going to be a shock to us all for the cold weather to come in. I have an eye appointment tomorrow at 9:00 AM and then I will go and get the birds some veggies. I see Janet at 2:30 PM and sometime I need to get Frank back to the optical place to get his new glasses adjusted.

Missed A Day

2012-01-10T17:09:00.000-08:00

I don't know why I didn't post Monday. After all, it was my birthday; my last birthday in the decade of the sixty's. Frank gave me some money and Kathy sent me some jewelry and Karen made me some brownies and gave me a small pot of flowers and a DVD, The Testaments. Mary Kate posted on my wall but the other two children forgot it was my birthday. They would hate if if we forgot their birthdays for they get a check from us!

Ruth came up today and took me out to lunch for my birthday. We shopped at the Country Lane Discount store first and then stopped by the Re Store. I found a room that I didn't know was there. I have some children's books and some of Frank's shoes that I can take by there. I'd been wondering where I could take the books. We also shopped at Goody's and both bought some blouses and I got a red plaid vest. I will take one shirt back for it doesn't fit that well. It only cost $7 something.

After Ruth and I parted, I took Frank to Jody's Optical to get his new glasses. He got a pair of reading glasses and a pair of progressives to see far away and near, too. They are like mine, except in a much weaker prescription. They are nice looking frames. He got the kind that you can literally tie in knots and not hurt the frames. He's got to get used to having real glasses. He's used to the $1.00 a pair reading glasses that he can clean with his shirttail. Tomorrow, I take Rikki to Dr Jan's. I need some more medicine to put in her water and will get several bottles of it and some more of the herb pills I sprinkle on her food. We've been feeding her Nutriberries to try and fatten her up. She eats all that I will give her, so maybe it's working. I'll see tomorrow. I'll need to stay up and do some laundry and go to Curves. I see Dr Jan at 3 PM.

Slow Saturday

2012-01-07T17:25:00.000-08:00

I didn't get going until after 11:00 AM. I didn't have anything planned so I read for an hour. Frank forgot to take his caffeine pills so he slept 'til 2 or 3 PM. After he got up, he vacuumed the floors and even did the blinds in the living room. He wants to get new blinds that will block out the sun from coming in the windows. The windows face South and in the winter the rays of the sun are more slanted and really shine into the house.

I've read about half of the reading assignment of 1 Samuel 1-15. It's about Saul and David. I'll finish reading it tomorrow. I'm all enthralled in my mystery now.

Church will be exciting tomorrow. We'll see who will be our new Bishop!

Activity Day

2012-01-06T16:16:00.000-08:00

I taught at the senior center this morning. I forgot what day it was and asked the women to stand and say the Pledge of Alligence to the flag but then asked what day it was and found out it was Friday instead of Monday! Got a few chuckles with that. I went to Curves after that. I had a hair appointment with Kari at 10:45 AM so I didn't have enough time to go to Walmart. I stopped and got a coke and killed some time until it was time for my appointment. She did a nice job on my hair. Then, I went to Walmart.

We are getting a new bishop Sunday. Bishop Falconbury has been bishop for 7 years and that's a long time for a bishop to stay in the calling. It will be wonderful to see who is the new bishop and his counselors. Don't know if "bishop" needs to be capitalized or not...

My birthday is in three days and today my good friend Kathy sent me a card and some Avon jewelery that is stunning! I love the necklace and it's just the right size to go with my clothes. She also sent me a beautiful pair of silver earrings with sparkling pink stones. I can't wait to wear them Sunday! My birthday is three days away and I'm already getting presents. Makes it kind of special! (still, old age is not for sissies...).

Great Exercise

2012-01-05T14:23:00.000-08:00

I just love working out with Janet. The first 20 minutes is cardio on a bike and then we do strength training. I'm learning new moves I can do at home. I'll teach at the senior center tomorrow, then go to Curves and then to Walmart for some grocery shopping. I'll be getting back into a routine and that will be nice.

I finished The White Lioness, a Kirk Wallender Mystery by Henning Mankell. He's Swedish and his books have to be translated but they are great novels. I just finished my second book of his and may start on a third tonight. Then, again, I may just watch some TV. I've read 31 books of the 51 I've bought. Some of the books have been too bad for me to read, but the majority have been decent books.

Rikki has liver cancer. We don't know how much longer she'll be with us. We're giving her Rx's to support her liver and feeding her all sorts of goodies to help her gain weight. We moved her heater closer to where she sits in the day time. She's such a good bird and has such a great vocabulary that I hate to think of her not being around. We've had her 16 years, and expected to have her 16 more years. We've had Rosko 21 years and that's old for a nanday conure. Gert is in his 30's. I don't know exactly how old he is but I would believe he's in his 30's. He likes to sit on top of his cage and survey the surrounding territory. He won't associate with Frank or me but he's a good part of our flock. He'll get Rikki's cage when she dies.

Eye Dr Visit

2012-01-04T17:13:00.000-08:00

Frank had to ride in my car to the Dr because the old Honda wasn't home yet. They brought it home tonight after dark. He got a prescription for his reading glasses. We'll go Friday to Jody's Optical and get the glasses made. They will probably be bifocals. I didn't like bifocals for I couldn't see well enough so I got the no-line kind. They are bifocals but you just don't see the line. I took my Kindle to the Dr's office and did quite a bit of reading while I was there. I'm about 75% through with the book I'm reading. It's a Kirk Wallender mystery. I've already read one of his books and liked it enough to buy two more. I read some more after I got home. I haven't had much to do since the holidays and will get back into a routine soon.

I called Cay to see about Trudy. She had seen her Sunday, Monday and would see Sadie tonight at church.Trudy's under the Dr's care so we won't worry about her any more.

Cold Weather

2012-01-03T16:23:00.000-08:00

Our weather has gotten a bit colder now. It was 35 degrees today but the wind wasn't blowing like yesterday. I think it got down too 17 degrees last night. Now that's cold!

Today has been a long day. I washed two loads of clothes and ironed a few things. I read for a while and it was only 3 PM. TV is bad because of the Iowa Caucus is in the news and that is boring. I guess I was restless because I didn't do any exercise today. Instead of being bored, I should have exercised. Maybe next time I will.

We'll see the eye Dr tomorrow. Maybe Frank will get the prescription reading glasses he needs to read. I need to call Kari to get a hair cut. It's finally grown out from the time I cut it so it can be trimmed. She tends to cut it too short but it always grows out. I'll be glad to get back into the routine of going to Curves and the senior center for exercise. It breaks up my week. Still haven't heard from Trudy.

No Tree

2012-01-02T17:07:00.000-08:00

I put the Christmas tree up in the closet today. I didn't take any of the decorations off this time. It'll be ready for next year when I take it out. I'll miss the lights. I always liked the Christmas tree lights.

I watched The Music Man for the first time last night. It was good. I knew the song 76 Trombones but I had never seen the musical. And there was another song I had heard but I can't remember the name of it.

The senior center won't open until tomorrow so I didn't have exercise. I called Curves but no one answered. The mail didn't run today so I guess it was a holiday for everyone. I can go to Curves tomorrow and stop by Goody's to check on the sales. I have 2 $10.00 off coupons that are dated so I need to use them before they run out. Just something to do. Trudy's not answering her phone. Don't know what's going on with her.

December 31, New Year's Eve

2011-12-31T17:26:00.000-08:00

I got the turkey ready to go into the oven at 11:30 AM. It cooked in three hours. I had forgotten to put it in a turkey bag but it did just fine. About 1 cup on juice cooked off and it wasn't real fatty. It was a 9 lb bird. After it cooled, I took it off the bones. Even the breast was juicy and moist! It was a Lit'l Butterball turkey. After I got on the computer, I learned that Trudy and her family won't be coming over tomorrow. She's not feeling well and that they will come maybe next week. We pigged out on the apple salad and had turkey sandwiches for supper! We'll surely miss them. I had presents and everything for them.

I'll take down the Christmas decorations tomorrow. I'll miss them. I've enjoyed my little tree with the blinking lights on it. I really didn't decorate much, just the tree and a few Christmas cards. It'll be easy to clear away.

Rikki has a liver disease and has been loosing weight. I've been feeding her her medicine and walnuts and Nutriberrys, anything to fatten her up. Frank has made a special perch he can put on the postal scale and weigh her. Sometimes life is short and sweet. We've had her 16 years.

Exercise Was Good

2011-12-30T14:00:00.000-08:00

After a week of being sick and missed appointments, I met with Janet today. I hadn't exercised all week so I didn't know what to expect. We did some new things and I wasn't tired at all. I forgot my water bottle and missed it when I was on the bike. Mary Kate has two women she is training now and is enjoying it.

Frank installed a grab bar in his bathroom and it is going to work well. He enjoys being able to work with his tools and things.

It was so warm, 65 degrees today, that I didn't even wear a coat or shirt.

I'm thawing the turkey now and plan to cook it tomorrow, Saturday, the 31st. I made the apple salad today. The apples weren't that flavorful and I used Kool Whip instead of mayo. I did put some mayo in it because the Kool Whip didn't want to mix smoothly. Hopefully, it'll all get eaten. I believe it will. I'm giving Forrest the pair of lounge pants I got for Frank for Christmas because the pockets aren't deep enough, and I'm giving Sadie a necklace and a crocheted doilies. I inherited lots of them from my mother who got them from her mother. Someone make them and they are valuable items. I use several of them on the tops of speakers and things. Trudy's getting a selection of semi-precious stone heart necklaces that I don't want anymore and I got a Whitman's Sampler for George. It should be a nice visit Sunday when they come.

An Outing

2011-12-28T17:03:00.000-08:00

Out to Walmart, that is. I felt better and I needed of shop for groceries, so after lunch, I went to town. Walmart was full of people for a Wednesday, but I usually go in the mornings and there are usually not that many people there. I found it hard to concentrate with all the people around.

I got a 9 lb turkey. I think I will cook it on Saturday so I won't have that much to do on Sunday. I got the ingredients to make an apple salad. Instead of using mayo, I'm going to use Cool Whip. That should make it really good.

After shopping, I was really tired out. I don't know if I'll be able to go to the temple tomorrow night. I'm still feeling the effects of the stomach virus I had over the Christmas week-end. Hopefully, I'll be better by tomorrow afternoon.

Day After Christmas, Monday

2011-12-26T14:16:00.000-08:00

Church was really nice. Christmas falling on a Sunday, we just had sacrament meeting. I had thrown up twice the night before but wasn't running a fever so went on to church for I was singing in a ladies group and I thought I had to play for the choir number. Kursten was back and she played for the choir and I got to sing. We had a lot of musical numbers and Bishop Harris gave a talk and the sang "O Holy Night". It's rather a tradition for him to sing that song sometime in December. His daughter, April, is very talented musically and she accompanied him on the piano. She plays the organ, too. She hasn't had any organ lessons but she is doing a fantastic joy on the organ.

I started getting queezy in church and when I got home, I was really feeling bad. I lay around all Sunday hoping to get better. I think it was the 24 hour stomach virus, for Monday morning, I felt well, but still a little weak. I made it to scripture study but have had some activity in my colon. I've been very fortunate. I rarely get sick.

Night Before Christmas

2011-12-24T13:45:00.000-08:00

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house...We'll just watch TV I guess. No one is coming over tomorrow. We'll eat the turkey and dressing TV dinners I got for Thanksgiving. They may be too salty for Frank, but he can eat some of the food. I got him a lightweight jacket and a pair of lounging pants. Didn't even wrap them up-Bah, humbug! Trudy and her family will be coming over New Years Day and we can celebrate then.

It's in the 50's today so they'll be no white Christmas for us this year, yeah! Snow is for youngsters, not the seniors. I feel like I'm getting a head cold. I've been forgetting my nose spray in the mornings and it may be an allergy, but a runny nose by whatever cause is still a runny nose!

I'm almost through with another book. The last one took me 4 days to read. It was a short one, but I enjoyed it. I like the one I'm reading, too. Amazon keeps me in books.

Car Fixed

2011-12-23T17:06:00.000-08:00

I got up at 6 AM and was at Big 10 Tires by 7:15 AM. I thought I needed new rear brakes for the dealership had told me I needed to replace them but the guy at Big 10 said I had about 50% more left on them. My rear tires were slick though and I got two new tires and they were all balanced and alined. The tires will needed to be rotated every 6,000 miles and I can get my oil changed there too at the same time. I have a great little car.

I had a long day starting at 6 AM. I went down to the basement and rode the bike for 20 minutes and then worked with the weights and did some tubes. I guess I'll read some more tonight. I read about an hour at the car place today. The Kindle just fits into my purse and is a handy take-along.

Visiting Day

2011-12-22T12:53:00.000-08:00

I got up this morning and got ready to go over too Wanda's house for a visit and to cut her hair. It was raining pretty hard but I found the street fairly easily. There used to be an old drive-in theater screen that could be used for a land mark, but it was gone. I did turn at the right place though and found it pretty easily. Wands' hair was too long for her liking and I did the best I could under the circumstances of not having any clips and only bobby pins that wouldn' open wide enough. Wanda said she liked the cut. We had lunch and then I had to go. They took pictures and she gave me an early birthday present of two soup mugs and a big jar of homemade soup for supper.

The rain is still coming down. There's a chance of bad weather but so far no warnings. Wanda and Mike went through the bad tornadoes that hit the area last spring. The tornado hit their travel trailer they were living in. They were injured but survived. Even their cockateil, was spared and reunited with them later.

Vet Trip

2011-12-21T17:08:00.000-08:00

Rikki and I went to see Dr Jan this morning at 10:30. We had about an hour wait and then Dr Jan needed to run some tests on Rikki and that took a while and finally we were on the way home by 1:45 PM. Rikki has lost weight and her stools were yellowish which means her liver is not right. I have two Rx's to give her each day. She's 16 years old and may not reach the ripe old age of 60-70 years. Rosko is 21 years old and seems to be holding his own. I have no idea how old Gert is. He may be in his 30's.

After I got home, I took Karen's presents over to her and came back home and helped Frank put things back in his bathroom. He had mopped the floors in his bathroom and had taken most of the bottles & things off the floor. It looks nice. He still has too much stuff in that small bathroom but it's his.

Friday, I need to take my car into Big 10 Tires and get the back brakes changed and have the tires rotated and balanced , if necessary. I've been putting it off because I have really been busy lately but I have to have it done. I'm going to see Wanda tomorrow. Hope I can find her house okay.

Christmas Party

2011-12-20T18:23:00.000-08:00

I almost didn't go to the senior center Christmas party. I had gone back to bed to read the scriptures and before I knew it it was 9:15 AM and the party was at 10:00 AM. I rushed and got dressed. I had made the brownies and had a present. I got there and there was already a large crowd sitting in a semi-circle. I sat with Ethel and another girl that comes to the exercise classes outside of the semi-circle. Everyone got a ticket with a number on it, if you brought a present. That way, if you brought a present, you would get a present. When my number was called, I "stole" a present that was already unwrapped. It was a small water fountain and I thought it was nice. No one "stole" it from me but Frank didn't sound too excited about it when he said, "Are you going to put water in it?"

I exercised with Janet at 2:30 PM and had a good work-out. She said I was doing good and had increased in weights. She gave me a pair of very pretty earrings that she had made. She said she had noticed I liked earrings and she made me a pair. I had been admiring her earrings and will have to tell her that next week.

Next, I went to Lowe's to get Dad a grab bar for the bathroom. We had installed two bars in the large bathroom when I had my knees replaced two years ago and they are a big help. They didn't have the one I had a paper for and it would take two weeks for it to come in, so I looked at what they did have and found one that would work.

Out to Lunch

2011-12-19T17:12:00.000-08:00

I taught at the center and then made a mad rush to K Mart to buy some presents for my brother and sister-in-law who were coming up to take me out to lunch. I got Ruth two pair of earrings like I have, a pair of diamond-like studs and a pair of gold hoops. I got my brother a pair of gloves. Ruth made us a loaf of white bread and some peach preserves and three other baked goods that were absolutely delicious! I ate more than I should have, but I enjoyed every bite. I'm hoping to save some for when Trudy and her family come for Christmas dinner. If not, then I can bake some brownies.

The party at the senior center is tomorrow at 10:00 AM. I'm taking some brownies and a present of white gloves. If you don't bring a gift, you can't play dirty Santa. I don't know that game but I'll find out tomorrow. I exercise with Janet at 2:30 PM. Maybe after that I can stop by Lawler's bar-be-que and see if I can buy a smoked turkey. I don't know if I have room in the ice box for it just yet. I need to get in touch with Trudy and see what she's thinking about for Christmas.

Bubba and Ruth followed me home and came in a saw Frank a few minutes. He had his camera out and took some pictures. It'll be fun to see them.

Dedication

2011-12-17T18:09:00.000-08:00

I went back to bed and listened to Kim Komando on the radio and later got up and washed 2 loads of clothes. I vacuumed the floors and practiced the piano for a while while the clothes were washing. I was a bit nervous about playing the piano at the dedication, for the choir only, but it all went well. I don't like to have an event in the afternoon or night, for I get anxious about getting there on time, etc.

The dedication was very nice. The Bishop spoke and the Stake President and Brother Bluth of the Seventy spoke. Bro. Harris gave his testimony and the choir sang We Love Thy House, O God. The chapel was full and the spirit was strong. We now have a dedicated building to meet in, and hopefully we'll out grow it soon.

Rainy Day

2011-12-16T16:46:00.000-08:00

I taught at the center today and then went to Curves. It was gloomy, rainy weather and only one other person had been to Curves. It only takes 30 minutes to do two rounds and I was through. I had to stop at Advance Auto and get some transmission fluid for the old Honda and I had to stop by Collin's Supply to get a snake to open the bathroom sink. The snake got stuck in the drain and Frank had to go underneath the sink to free it. It's running freely now.

Karen and I went out to the Walker's home to help one of the children make a Christmas gift for her mother. Sarah had a small embroidery piece she wanted to make for her mom. I'm glad Karen was with me for she took over and helped Sarah do it. It has been years since I've done any embroidery and I don't think I could have helped her that much. We got there at 2:15 PM and left at 4:00 PM. We got into the awful traffic on Hy 72. It thinned out after we got under the train bridge in Athens. It sort of bottle necks in that area of the highway.

Tomorrow, our building gets dedicated and Sunday the Primary sings the Christmas songs they have been practicing all month and Shelley and Evonne sing the song I'm playing for them. We really haven't had enough time to practice together but sing we will Sunday. I hope a few angels are singing and playing with us! So, I have a busy two days ahead of me.

Another Dr Visit

2011-12-15T17:18:00.000-08:00

It wasn't raining when we went to our appointment with Dr Thomas, just grey and cloudy. While we were waiting to be seen, it began to rain lightly. We waited an hour to see him but it was good to see him. He is closing his practice and moving to Arizona. It will be good for him since he has asthma and he said he feels much better in Arizona than Alabama. We signed up to see a new Dr that is in Athens, right behind the hospital. Now, we'll have two Drs in Athens and won't have to go to H'ville all the time to see a Dr.

I had visiting teaching to do after I got home. Ann came to my house and I drove us to see Mary Lou and Karen. We'll try to see Joy next week. She works so we have to see her at night.

We heard from Frankie tonight. He is quitting teaching. Rachel is pretty sick and he needs to help out with the day care more. He said he felt good about his decision. There is a house to rent right by the day care business and they are thinking about renting out their house and renting the house by the day care. It would be easy for Rachel to go home if she felt sick and the kids elementary school is just a couple of blocks away. Hopefully, things will work out for them.

Middle of the Week

2011-12-14T16:47:00.000-08:00

I went back to bed today but did get out at 10:30 AM to go to Curves. Frank was having a bad day and was still asleep when I left. We get up at 7 AM and eat breakfast and then he usually goes back to bed and sleeps till lunch time. He feels better in the afternoons.

My case of corn meal and the one can of whole egg powder came in the mail. We still have a 50 lb sack of bird pellets we're waiting on. That much food usually lasts the birds about a year. We keep it in the freezer and take out a gallon zip-loc bag and keep it in the refrigerator-freezer and use out of it until it's gone. I had to use some baking powder that was several years old to make pancakes the other day and I guess it was still good. The pancakes tasted good. I bought a small can of baking powder to have some fresh on hand. I don't do much baking so I don't use much of it.

Frank has some lessons about the Constitution that we're going to watch on the TV. We'll do after lunch, probably. It will be interesting. What I know about the Constitution I have forgotten after 50 years of studying it.

Not Much Today

2011-12-13T17:18:00.000-08:00

I did go to town and stopped at Goody's. There was nothing to tempt me with there. I went on to Walmart. I saw Sophrona and her children. She showed me where the shelf paper was and I got a roll for Frank. I only had a very few items to get but it still cost $74.00. Wow! The prices have surely gone up on everything.

Frank gave the birds a shower this afternoon. We took Gert's food and toys out of his cage and wheeled it into the bathroom and sprayed him down good. He enjoyed getting wet. Rikki has gotten a good case of bumblefoot. It's caused by an infection of the feet. We've changed her perches to help her feet but they've seemed to have gotten worse. I'll have to call the avian vet tomorrow to see when I can take her in to be seen.

It was almost balmy out today. Later in the week it's supposed to be in the 70's with rain. It usually rains when it gets warm in the winter.

Our church building will be dedicated this Saturday, December 17th. A member of the Seventy will be here to do it. The choir is singing and I will be playing the piano for the number.

Usual Monday Things

2011-12-12T17:17:00.000-08:00

Guess what I did today? Yes, the usual Monday things. I didn't go to Walmart. Frank wanted me to go but there wasn't many things on the list yet, and when I go, I usually manage to spent $100.00 or more. Maybe I'll go tomorrow! I need to buy some Christmas cards. I got a nice Hallmark card from the CEO of Goody's with a $10.00 coupon in it, good until January 1st. I might have to go cash it in on something!

Dad had a bad day today. He was feeling somewhat better this evening. We got to talking about a Kindle Fire, but I'm not interested in all the bells and whistles it has. I'm happy with my Kindle. I'm almost through with a mystery novel now. It's been a good book and I will finish it tonight. I love reading on the Kindle!

It was rather cold this morning when I went out, but it got up to 66 degrees, I think. Our weather is really nice until January or February and then it turns cold. Brrrr! I like Spring and Fall.

Whole Wheat Day

2011-12-10T17:16:00.000-08:00

This morning was the neighborhood breakfast at Shoney's. There was a nice crowd. I had two sausage biscuits and ate one and brought the other one home. I guess the food was too greasy for I didn't feel satisfied and ate a small bowl of cereal when I got home.

I read some of my book, The Fifth Woman, and then got up and got the Vita Mix out and ground 2 cups of whole wheat and made whole wheat pancakes. Yum, were they good! I ate mine while I was standing up cooking the rest of the pancakes. I made several large pancakes instead of 18 smaller ones. I used my new iron skillet. If I had a griddle, maybe I would have made smaller cakes.

Rosko is full of pin feathers. We put the birds to bed but Rosko is still putting up a ruckus and throwing his bell around. He must be uncomfortable. The first night he did it, we worried about him and the next day, we changed the cover in his nest and washed out the nest and gave him a shower. But he still is agitated so I guess it's all his new feathers growing in that are causing him trouble.

I practiced the piano today but didn't work out. I was just too lazy.

Missing Posts

2011-12-09T14:41:00.000-08:00

Don't know why I didn't write Thursday...had a nice workout with Janet. The weights are getting heaver! But I can still do them. I was a little sore after the workout but it's gone today.

Today, I taught at the center. Only had 6-7 people but the workout went well. We'll have our party the 21st instead of the 20th. I bought a pair of white gloves. I went to Staples after the exercise class. Frank wanted some notebooks and some calendars. It was over $60.00! I got the wrong size calendars and two notebooks he didn't need so I had to make another trip into town to get the extra things off of my debit card. After Staples, I shopped at Walmart. I bought a 10" iron skillet and made corn bread when I got home! I haven't had an iron skillet since I gave mine to Trudy when she got married. I feel like a real Southern woman now that I have an iron skillet!

We made up some vitamin pills after lunch and I have run 2 loads through the laundry. I'll have two more to do tomorrow. I haven't practiced the Christmas song on the piano today. I did hear it on the radio last night and got a better feel for the tempo. That will be something I will do tomorrow also.

I made out Christmas cards and got three birthday cards ready for the 3 birthday kids this month. Dad just now has to write the checks to put in the cards and they will be ready to mail. They'll be early this year instead of a few days late like normal!

Duel Dental Appointments

2011-12-07T13:36:00.000-08:00

It was raining again today. I hate going 70 mph on wet roads but we take the interstate to go to H'ville to see the dentist. We had a safe trip and there weren't any problems but I still dislike driving in the rain. It's nice to both go to the dentist at one time. I'll go back in 3 months but Frank won't go until 6 months.

Don't know why I didn't write Tuesday. I did go to the pharmacy and to the bank and to Walmart. I needed a gift for the senior center party and I found a pretty pair of white gloves that would do. I, of course, bought a few extra things but the cost was $94.00. I got three cartons of powdered milk and they cost $17.58 a piece and that's what made the bill so large. But we have a good supply of milk on hand now.

It's raining and turning colder now. It's 38 degrees and falling. Maybe our nice 60 degree weather is behind us now. Anyway, it's December!

Rain Today

2011-12-05T17:08:00.000-08:00

I did my usual things for a Monday-taught at the center and went to Curves. Then I went to K Mart to buy a pair of cz stud earrings I saw that were on sale. I missed the sale for it was on Sunday, but I got a pair of studs and a pair of hoop earrings for under $20.00 and I was happy. I went on to Goody's to return a pair of exercise pants I had ordered online. I was there about 20 minutes for the computers don't want to recognize mail order things. The manager finally got things right and I got the price put back on my card.

Frank had called me and told me to stop by the collision center and pick up the old Honda for he had an appointment with the eye Dr today at 3:00 PM. It had begun raining when we left home and was really coming down in buckets when we left the Dr's office. We stopped by the collision center and found that the part they were waiting on to fix the old Honda had come in, so we left the car with them and rode home in my car. It's still raining.

It'll be raining tomorrow but I have to go by the bank and the pharmacy so I'll probably get out in it.
Like a little duckling, I'll be paddling around in it!

Bird Food

2011-12-03T13:36:00.000-08:00

I got on the computer and looked for Rosco's and Rikki's low fat maintenance mini pellets. After several fruitless tries, I noticed a "low fat" bar in a list of things. Fortunately, for the birds, I found a 50 lb sack of low fat mini pellets and ordered it.

Saturday is a slow day since I have no laundry to do...oh yes, there are towels to do downstairs, but it isn't urgent that they be done today. I'm cooking beans but the stove does all the work and I just have to time them.

I read the books of Judges and Ruth last night so I am on target and a lesson ahead for the scripture study. I still have Just Run to read and I'm about half way through the book. It's interesting reading.

Friday, Friday, Friday

2011-12-02T17:08:00.000-08:00

I taught today at the Center. They have a huge Christmas tree up and a little red jeep-like car beside it, all very festive. Dec 19th, a Monday, we are to bring a small gift and some food and play dirty Santa, a game I believe where the gifts are passed around but everyone ends up with a gift. Since it is my time to teach, I won't have to and will get to enjoy everyone's company.

I went to Curves and at 2:30 PM I worked out at Janet's house. I did bicep curls with 8 lb weights and didn't get tired! I was really surprised. I enjoy working out with Janet. She loaned me a CD with music on it to work out with. I was getting tired of the CD I was playing, even though it is a good CD.

We tried to order some bird pellets on-line today but weren't successful. They had a 50 lb bag of mini pellets but we didn't want over a 25 lb bag. We'll search again tomorrow.

Missed Appointment

2011-12-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

Being a Thursday, I just piddled around the house. I washed a load of clothes and checked my mail on the computer, nothing exciting. I had an appointment with Janet that I forgot. She called and we sset it up for tomorrow at 2:30 PM.

I have been reading a e-book on my Kindle and it is called, "Just Run" and that's what it is doing! The main character is being hunted by some bad guys and I get caught up in the story and fear for the life of the character! I just finished a book written by the same author and it was good. This one is entirely different from the first one. The author is Christ Culver and he's only written two books. I like his writing style and will read any other books he writes. I read about 1-2 hours a night when I have a book I like. It beats watching TV shows.

Almost Curves

2011-11-30T16:49:00.000-08:00

I set out at 9 this morning aiming to go to Curves and then on to H'ville, but I decided to go to H'ville first. I got to Penny's just when the Mall was opening. Penny's didn't have the pj's I wanted for Dad so I went on to Belk's. There I found a light, all weather jacket for Frank and got him a pair of lounge pants too. This will be his Christmas present. I shopped at Belk's and found a black skirt and a white pull over for me. At Penny's, I got 2 pull overs and a pair of black pants. I hope Dad gives me money for Christmas so I can replenish the "well".

When I got home it was 12:15 PM and I fixed lunch. Later I took up the pair of pants by hand. It was stretchy material and I didn't want to mess with the sewing machine on that fabric. It would have worked but I just hemmed them by hand. I will finally have enough pants that fit right.

Bama Wins!

2011-11-28T17:13:00.000-08:00

Alabama beat Auburn this year! I watched the game and it was good. It's always good when we win.

Monday was Monday. I did the usual things. Found out that Frank didn't take his medicines Saturday and that was why he has been so sick over the week-end. He took them this morning and is beginning to feel better. I was distracted by our guests and didn't notice he hadn't taken his pills. I'll have to do a better job next time.

Sad Farewell

2011-11-26T09:34:00.000-08:00

Our guests left at 11 AM. They were going to Trudy's house but no one was going to be home except Trudy. The others had gone air softing. Mary Kate and Richard were disappointed that no one was going to be home. They left to do some more shopping in H'ville, eat lunch somewhere and then go on to Trudy's house. It was sad to see them go. It's always good to see them come but it's getting sadder to see them leave. I guess my heart is getting musher the older I get.

Frank had a really hard morning and is still in bed. He didn't get to tell the family good-by.

The Auburn-Alabama game is today. I'm going to watch it. Hope Alabama wins!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T17:53:00.000-08:00

We had a nice Thanksgiving. Mary Kate and her family were here because Sadie got sick and we couldn't go over there. I got a smoked turkey and MK made her dressing and we all had a feast! Dad was having a bad day and joined us later on. We stayed up until 10:30 PM watching "Elf" which was a cute movie.

We left the house this morning at 7:30-8:00 AM and drove to H'ville for Black Friday. We went to several stores and I got to go to Penny's and get two purses. I got a red and a dull green one. They are both rather alike because they are made by the same company, Liz Claiborne. They were marked $50.00 but I got each for $20.00. I love the sales on the purses! I bought a pair of long white socks at Target and that was all I spent. We went to Dick's, Target, Michael's, and stores in the Mall. We were away from home 8 hours! It was great fun and not too tiring. I love to shop! We ate lunch at the food court in the Mall and saw Trudy and Sadie, who were out shopping, too.

We're trying to watch a movie at home tonight, but we have never used the DVD before are we're having trouble getting the machine to work. It's almost 8 PM now and I think going to bed early is a good idea! Sophia and MK are working on a project Fia has for school on Wednesday.

No Stormy Weather

2011-11-23T17:40:00.000-08:00

The cold front wasn't all that cold and we didn't get any storms. It was in the 50's today. I took Dad to H'ville to the Dr and I just wore a button down shirt and a vest. I was a little chilly at the Dr's office and would have liked to have had a light coat on. We got home and had lunch, and I had to go to Janet's house at 2:30 PM. After that, I went to Lawler's Bar-be-cue and had to wait in line for 30 minutes to pick up the smoked turkey! Everyone had the same idea at the same time! Then I went to Walmart for some milk and veggies and bread for Mary Kate's family. Walmart was a madhouse! I had to park in the last parking space right before the highway. I got checked out fast and was soon on my way home.

When I got home, Frank got into the turkey. It was cold and wrapped in plastic. He didn't much like it and will warm his up tomorrow. I had soaked some beans and had to cook them. They will be done by 9 PM tonight. I think MK will make her stuffing. There is no room for anything else in the refrigerator so I hope she's not bringing anything. I did get some fresh veggies so we can eat healthy tomorrow. I have no dessert planned but I do have cake mixes and brownie mix. We will be well fed on Thanksgiving day.

I tried calling Trudy to see how Sadie was doing but got the answering machine. I still want to go shopping Friday. Hopefully, we will.

Change of Plans

2011-11-22T16:39:00.000-08:00

Trudy called to say that Sadie was sick so Mary Kate and her family will coming to spend the night at our house Wednesday night. I called around and found a smoked turkey at Lawler's Bar-be-cue and I plan to pick it up tomorrow afternoon. I'll go to Walmart and buy some bread, milk, and veggies so MK's family can have something to eat while they are here. We'll go to Trudy's after Sadie is well. The turkey will cost $33.98 for a 10 lb smoked turkey. It's worth it having someone else to cook it. I don't know when we'll go shopping.

We had another warm day but with dark clouds. The paper said we could have some rough weather tonight when the cold front moves in. Hopefully it will only be rain and no tornadoes.

So Usual

2011-11-21T17:43:00.000-08:00

My life is so uneventful that anyone who reads my posts for a while can predict what I am going to say. I did the usual Monday things. Because it's Thanksgiving week, Curves won't be open Wednesday so I'll only go once this week. I'll have to be sure I exercise in my home gym this week. I see Janet Wednesday at 2:30 PM. Frank has a H'ville Dr appointment at 10:15 AM but we will be back in time for me to see Janet.

We finished Deuteronomy this lesson. Saturday, I read from chapter 11 - 32. Moses was a great man. All he did for the children of Israel in teaching them and leading them to where they were ready to go into the promised land was dynamic. Joshua is next and I need to read it before next Monday.

I got all the ingredients for the peas and asparagus casserole for Thanksgiving. I got a couple of TV dinners for Frank. He will be alone while we all are celebrating at Trudy's house.

Good News

2011-11-19T17:19:00.000-08:00

Frankie called tonight. Said Rachel was home from the Mayo Clinic a few days early. The Dr said her
problems were caused by her migraine headaches. They gave her some different medicine to take and hopefully she will get better. Frankie still hasn't decided whether to keep teaching school or not. He needs to help Rachel with the day care business.

I went to the neighborhood breakfast at Cracker Barrel. There were about 12-15 people there. Maryleen sat across from me and another neighbor I can't remember her name sat next to Maryleen and I listened to their conversations. The breakfast I ordered was too much. I don't go out to eat enough to know what to order. Maryleen ordered two biscuits and two sausages and ate one and took the other one home for later. That would have been enough for me. I'll order that next month. I liked Cracker Barrel better than Shoney's.

Dad and I vacuumed the floors and I mopped them. They surely look nice now!

Friday Dr Visit

2011-11-18T17:16:00.000-08:00

Frank saw Dr Moody for his eye check-up and all was well. He got to take off the clear eye shield he was wearing. He's still putting drops in his eye. He'll see Dr Moody one more time and will get a prescription for some glasses that will help him read better.

I went to Curves after the Dr visit and then went to Isom's orchard to get 1/2 peck of apples and then stopped by Walmart to get Frank a turkey TV dinner. I got a couple of them and three cartons of powdered milk and 4 loaves of bread. We eat lots of bread. Well, I only eat 1 1/2 pieces a day but Frank eats more. I like to have plenty of bread in the freezer so I won't run out.

I wanted to know how many calories were in cooked wheat berries so I Googled it and found an answer! 1/2 cup of berries have 151 calories in them, 6 g of protein and 4 g of fiber. I also wanted a recipe for the peas and asparagus casserole I am to take to Trudy's for Thanksgiving and I found one that was just right! The computer is a marvelous thing.

We got a sample of freeze dried food from Wise Foods and I fixed it tonight for supper. It was lasagna and I just boiled 4 cups of water and then stirred the food in and let it set for 15 minutes. It was gross! Frank wouldn't eat it but I have more will power and I forced myself to eat a cup of it. It had 49% of you daily dose of sodium in it! We won't be buying any fancy, costly, freeze dried food in the future.

Operation Okay

2011-11-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

Frank's cataract operation went well. It surely was quick. I had no more than settled in the waiting room until the nurses station was calling me back. We got to the hospital at 8:30 AM and were home by 11:30 AM. Frank has a plastic guard over his eye and has to put drops in his eye every 2 hours and we go see the Dr tomorrow morning for a check-up.

Came home and had to cook lunch. Frank had some beans left but the hamburger was all gone. I had 2 eggs and bread and Smart Balance for lunch. I made a full skillet of hamburger, tomato, Rotel tomatoes, and bean mix. I put 3 cans of beans in it to make it go farther, plus I like the extra beans.

I need to get serious about making the peas and asparagus casserole for Thanksgiving. I've got the peas, just need the asparagus and mushrooms and mushroom soup and maybe some shredded cheese.

Rainy Weather

2011-11-16T12:55:00.000-08:00

It was 72 degrees at 5:00 PM last night and we had a cold front move in and it really rained this morning with more to come tonight. Mississippi had tornadoes and some bad weather went over LaGrange, GA. I hope we don't have any bad weather out of this front.

I took my pants over to Karen's today and we got them fixed all except the red pair. Instead of getting a pair that fit but was way too long, I got a pair that was a size too big but I wouldn't have to hem them up much. What faulty thinking! The pants had pockets and a fake thing on the front and that kept them from being altered the way I had figured out. Money down the drain! I did learn that you measure your correct inseam and add 3" to that and that's were you cut the pants off. In the case of my petites, I take out the hem and then measure and don't cut anything off. I think the inseam of the petites is 27" and I'm 25 1/2".

Dad is getting ready for his eye surgery tomorrow. We'll go to the hospital at 8:30 AM and he'll be operated on at 10:00 AM. It's an out patient thing and we'll be home that afternoon, with a follow up at the Dr's Friday morning. I think he'll still need some prescription reading glasses.

I work out at 4 PM today.

No Shot

2011-11-15T17:05:00.000-08:00

I saw Dr Shergy but it wasn't for a Prolia shot. I guess it was a visit prior to my shot in January. I asked him about the mouth problems and he said that all the drugs for osteoporosis had the same side effects and that changing wouldn't help. The next time my mouth hurts, I'll go see the Dentist. I had to stop by Walmart to get some Smart Balance and bananas and found a neat winter gown that I got too. The sleeves are too long but I'll probably just roll them up.

I got the sewing machine out today and was going to hem up the four pair of pants I've had waiting for a while. I cut off the hem of the new pants I bought but started on a pair that Mary Kate had tried to take up for me but cut too short. I was going to sew some lace on the edge and then turn up the hem with that but I realized the pants were of a stretchy material and the lace wasn't and I chickened out on doing it myself. I called Karen and asked her to help me and tomorrow I'll take my pants and go over to her house and get them fixed. She will show me how and I'll do the work.

At 4 PM, I have a work out at Janet's. I enjoy going and working out with her.

So Many Mondays

2011-11-14T17:15:00.000-08:00

Coming up with a different title for each Monday is a challenge. The Primary program went well. We had several members of the congregation make comments about how good and spiritual it was and how tender the songs were. The children and adults worked hard all year to get the program together. Next, we prepare songs for Christmas. The children already know two of the three songs we'll sing. Then, come January, and we'll begin working on another Primary program!

I did the usual Monday things. Taught at the Center and did Curves and went too Walmart. Dozed a bit in the afternoon but didn't really get in a good nap. I go to see Dr Shergy tomorrow for my Prolia shot. I'm going to see if I can switch to the shot I would have to take just once a year. The Prolia makes it hard for any surgery to be done in my mouth and it may make my gums sore, don't know. I just thought about insurance...the new shot may have to be okayed by the insurance before it's given. I'll find out tomorrow.

Beautiful Fall Day

2011-11-12T17:24:00.000-08:00

It's been cool in the mornings but warms up in the afternoon. We removed the hoses outside and drained on and I took the bad ones to the burn pile to be disposed of. I had three sprinkler hoses to put in the shed. The first one I tried to coil up nicely but by the third one, I was just trying to cram it all in so I could shut the door of the shed!

Dad checked the level of the gas in the propane tank and we lit the heater downstairs. We don't need it yet, but it was one of the things we had on our list and now it's done. There are still lots of boxes to get rid of downstairs.

Tomorrow's the Primary program. I've got my songbook fixed so I'll know what song comes where and when. I'll be glad when it's over. The parents love the program and I bet the kids like to be in it too. Next we'll be learning Christmas songs.

Up And Away

2011-11-11T13:09:00.000-08:00

The title has nothing to do with my post. I had a lot written and this update come on and I updated it and when it came back, most of my post was gone!

I took Dad to the Dr in H'ville today. We ate at Wendy's. The Singles weren't good. One without cheese has 460 calories and the chocolate milk had 160. I should have had a diet drink instead.

I dated all the cans of veggies Trudy got me and put them in the shelves. Most of the downstairs is in shape, but I have lots of empty boxes that are in the way. We have many large boxes that need to be thrown away if I could just get Frank to let go of them. Some have been downstairs for years! Maybe next trash day...I need to work out today but I am tired so I might not do anything today and wait until tomorrow to do it (put off until tomorrow what you don't want to do today!).

Empty Bedroom

2011-11-10T19:08:00.000-08:00

Trudy and Forrest just left. Trudy had shopped a Kroger sale and had gotten me a bunch of canned veggies and they brought them over and they got the bed that was in Trudy's old room. Forrest needed a new mattress and I gave him the mattress and the bed furniture. I hope it will be firm enough for him. I noticed I had a board between the mattress and box springs but maybe it'll be an improvement over what he had. They brought over a metal shelf to put the veggies on and will come back next week-end to help put it together.

We go to see Dr Phillips tomorrow. I bought some more clothes at Goody's today. I got some button down shirts and a pair of pants. I have several pair of pants that I need to hem up. Even the petites are too long! Standing next to Forrest, I look as tall as a toad stool! He's over 6' and is only 17 yrs old and is still growing!

I cleaned out my closet and gave Trudy 2 large sacks of clothes that I have outgrown. They have a "sisters closet" at church that everybody gives to and can take out of when they need it.

Easy Day

2011-11-09T17:19:00.000-08:00

I didn't have anywhere to go today, so I went back to bed for some good, sweet sleep. Got up at 10:00 AM and got dressed. In the afternoon, I practiced the song I'm singing with a group Shelley got up for Christmas. The alto is really low and tricky at places so I want to practice it well before the next practice at church. I also ran through the music for the Primary program. I'll need to read the parts in full so Sunday I'll know where the music comes in. I'll be glad when it's over.

After playing the piano or maybe I exercised before playing the piano...I rode my bike 20 minutes and worked with some weights and tubes. I waited too late to go to Curves and it will be closed Friday for Veterans Day. The Center will be closed too. Frank has a Dr appointment in H'ville Friday and I won't miss out on teaching since it's a holiday.

Got another Stronger Seniors Chair Exercise Program. It's nice but too easy for me now.

Exercise Session

2011-11-08T17:15:00.000-08:00

I had a good work-out with Janet today. It was a warm day, got up to 74 degrees, I think. I had on sweat pants and really got a sweaty work-out! I cycle for about 20 minutes and then I lifted weights. I sat on a big ball to lift weights some times and placed the ball on the wall to do squats with. I'm lifting 6 lbs on the bicep curls now. I only have 5 lbs to work with at home. I'll go to Curves tomorrow, and will work at home Thursday. I missed working at home a day or two last week.

I washed a load of clothes this morning and read my scriptures. I went back to bed and got up at 10:00 AM. Even though I was up earlier, I didn't feel quite up to doing anything. 10:00 is the time my body wants to begin work. The times I have to leave the house by 8:00 AM are okay for the bed isn't there calling my name! Frank has cataract surgery next Thursday and I have to have him back to the Dr the next day, so I'll have to tell the ladies at the Senior Center I won't be able to lead the exercises on that Friday. Tomorrow was a temple day but I forgot to plan for it. I need to get on the ball for I also forgot my sister-in-law's birthday which was the 7th of November. Wo, is me!

Good Monday

2011-11-07T17:25:00.000-08:00

I did the usual things for a Monday...Senior Center and Curves then home. I cooked some hamburger chili for lunch and after lunch went to Karen's for scripture study. We're studying Deuteronomy. It's pretty cool. I read the first 10 chapters last night. Next week it will be the rest of the book.

I was sleepy after study so I came home and finished the book I had been reading and then took an hour nap. I guess I was still tired after driving to B'ham and back. Tomorrow I'll do laundry and have my session with Janet.

The leaves are almost gone on the maple tree that's outside the kitchen window. It was a pretty yellow color and now the ground is littered with leaves. When the sweet gum tree out near the road finishes getting rid of all of it's leaves, I'll have to clean out the drain pipe. I left it full of leaves last year but with two years of leaves clogging it up, we might have trouble with it. Maybe, I'll get the neighbor boy to help me do it and pay him to help.

Great Week-end!

2011-11-05T19:56:00.000-07:00

Trudy and I left Athens Friday at 1:55 PM. We didn't have any trouble finding the hotel. We got there before Mary Kate and we checked into the room. The TV didn't work good so when Mary Kate got there they put us in another room. The room had too large beds, a micro wave and refrigerator that wasn't too cool. The girls went wild jumping from bed to bed and having a great time! The beds were a little too high for me to just sit on-I had to jump up to get on the mattress. It was funny.

We went out for supper and ate at a Mexican restaurant. I didn't know what to order but found some talapia that was broiled with a bunch of veggies. It was pretty good and the girls got this flaming, sizzling pan of veggies and meat to make tacos with. We wanted to eat healthy and it was a good meal. I paid for it and it was $28.00. Next, we went to this giant thrift store and I think the girls got a few things. We went back to the hotel and watched two movies and finally fell asleep around 12:00 AM. We had to get up for breakfast at the hotel by 8:30 AM so we went without make-up! It was a good breakfast with eggs, bacon, bagels muffins, waffles orange juice and milk. It was a hearty breakfast for us. We then started out for a morning of shopping!

We found an even larger thrift store and wandered around there for some time. We wanted to try on the clothes but this store didn't have any dressing rooms. I put some shirts back but got four. Both Mary Kate and Trudy got clothes. Then, it was time for lunch at 1:45 PM. We ate at the Olive Garden. It was pricey but the girls shared one entree and I got some ravioli that I knew I could chew. The salad was excellent and the waiter was very attentive. When we first got there, he offered us a taste of wine! We declined and ordered our food. It was a nice leisurely lunch. We next went to some outlet stores.

The outlet stores were all new. I went into the Famous Shoe Store and bought a pair of Sketchers tie up tennis shoes. The size 8 was a tad too big so I got a wide 7 1/2. I hope I didn't mess up by going down a 1/2 size. Mary Kate bought some work- out clothes and we wandered around looking. we finally got our fill of shopping and went back to the hotel where MK's car was parked. She had complained of smelling the car, so we checked her fluids. She was almost out of oil and her radiator was lot. We went to a Shell station and bought 2 quarts of oil and put it in. We put some water in the radiator too. We said out good-byes at the service station and went our separate ways. Trudy and I got home about 4 PM. She helped me get all the things in from the car. She came downstairs to look at the bed and headboard Forrest is getting. We'll have to move quite a bit of stuff for them to be able to get the mattress and box spring out of the bedroom. The bed is full of storage. It was a great Fri-Sat for us and we plan to do it with Sophia and Sadie next time and make it a temple trip, too.

Dreary Day

2011-11-03T17:06:00.000-07:00

It had rained during the night and more leaves fell off the trees and it was dark outside, so I went back to bed and read the scriptures and then some in the book I'm reading now. It's about the life of a slave girl in her own words. It's pretty interesting.

We made papers for Rikki's and Rosko's cages and cleaned the eyes of the stove after I let the beans boil over and spill all down into the stove top. I had given up on ever cleaning the pans under the stove eyes for they were so dirty and it takes really hard scrubbing to get them any way clean. But Frank took the eye off the spilled part and then proceeded to get all of the pans out, so I had to clean them. They still have some stains on them but I was able to get them shinny looking and clean anyway.

I rode 20 minutes on my bike but didn't take any time to lift weights or work with the tubes. Maybe I'll skip Curves tomorrow and just work downstairs. I'll be needing to get ready to go to B'ham too but that won't require much time. I'll have to read Trudy's e-mail to see if we need to buy any supplies before we go.

Buying Fever

2011-11-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

Went to Curves this morning and the pharmacy and by Goody's today. I bought some clothes. I have a lot of pull-overs that I think are too small for me now so I'm looking out for some blouses and other pull-overs. I need another pair of tie up tennis shoes or other kind of tie up shoes for the Nike's I have aren't comfortable and they are fairly new. My mule-type tennis shoes are very comfortable but I need a pair of tie up shoes too.

Looking forward to girls night out Friday! It may rain Thursday but hopefully Friday will be clear. I don't care...we'll have fun no matter what happens!

Bill Day

2011-11-01T16:58:00.000-07:00

Paying the bills was almost the only thing we got done today. I had an appointment with Janet at 3:30 PM and after that I went by the PO and mailed the bills, the ones we didn't pay online.

I'll go to Curves in the morning and will go by the pharmacy to get two prescriptions filled for Frank's eyes getting ready for the cataract surgery. This will be his second eye and his vision should be good after the operation. It's scheduled for the 17th of November.

We didn't have any trick or treaters last night. We live in a neighborhood of older people plus we are out in the county so no one comes by.

Day Afster Sunday Conference

2011-10-31T17:27:00.000-07:00

President Draughon is the President of the new Madison Stake and a Bro. Drake and Mike Campbell are his counselors. President Vaughn is the President of the H'ville Al Stake. It was a good meeting but I got tired of sitting for two hours right before the meeting closed. Bro Decker was called to be a member of the High Council. That means that he will be gone one or more Sundays of the month visiting another Ward and helping them out.

Today was a usual Monday. I taught at the Center and then went to Curves and then to Walmart. I had to get come candy for the trick or treaters who never come to our house. I buy candy or cookies and then Frank eats it all up before Halloween! I got some peanut M&M'S and I just had to eat some tonight. I still counted them in my calorie count. I go to see Janet tomorrow for exercise. I've gained a pound and I want to see if that's muscle like Frank thinks it is. It's a real insult to gain a pound when I've been counting calories and haven't gone over 1,750 and that was for only one day.

This week-end is girls night out for Mary Kate, Trudy and me. MK has made reservations in B'ham for us to spend the night and we plan to look for thrift stores while we are down there. I have to start paying for my mattress and that with the personal trainer will take quite a chunk of change from my spending money! It's all worth it, I guess. I know Janet is worth it. I'm still getting used to my mattress. I think I may have a year to see if I like it.

Frank had a bad day today but he got to feeling better later on in the evening. It's bill paying tomorrow. Nothing is certain but death and taxes!

Saturday night of Stake Conference

2011-10-29T21:18:00.000-07:00

Saturday night in Stake Conference is reserved for the adults. Entire families come Sunday morning or afternoon. The church was packed and we had to double park outside to get a place to park. We got there about 10 minutes before the meeting was to start. Two of the Seventies were there to conduct the meeting of splinting the Huntsville AL Stake into the Huntsville AL Stake and the Madison Stake. We'll be in the Madison Stake. Bro Decker is going to receive a new calling and I won't know what it is until it is announced in church even though I'll be riding up with them in the afternoon! Everyone will know when it's announced at the afternoon meeting. It could be a stake job and probably is.

The meeting was very spiritual and I enjoyed all of the talks. It was two hours long and I had to get out of the building quickly for I was double parked. The traffic in H'ville was fierce it being a Saturday night.
Saw Trudy and George and Cay and met Trudy's Relief Society President she's counselor to. We sat right in front of then.

It's time to go to bed now, it's 11:15 PM and I'm tired.

Rainy Friday

2011-10-28T16:30:00.000-07:00

I taught at the Senior Center and Frank had an eye appointment today. I got home at 9:30 AM and we left for the Dr at 9:40 AM. It was in Athens and it didn't take us long to get there. The rain was messy but it wasn't coming down so hard that we got wet. I used the umbrella and Frank just walked in it. By the time we got home, the rain had stopped. It has gotten quite a bit cooler than it has been. It's the end of October and one would expect it to be cooling off some. The weather doesn't get really bad until January, most years.

The old Accord's trunk still leaks. The man said he would have to take the back window off to fix it and it would cost money. It didn't leak until we had the back window replaced so maybe they will be able to fix it this time.

My new mattress is sleeping better and better each night as I get used to it.

High Five

2011-10-27T17:32:00.000-07:00

I had two articles of clothing that needed to be altered and they had been waiting for me to find my "round tuit" so I could fix them. Well, today I got around to it. I have a nice blouse with the right colors and everything but it was too long for short little me. I got it online and was pleased with it but a large was rather large. I took up the hem of the shirt and hope it looks better. I also had a pair of pull up jeans that I got from Walmart that were too big. I sewed around the inseam and took them up in the waist and now they fit better. I still have two pair of pants to alter but I must have Karen's help in that. My inseam in 25 1/2" and if I can find out how to measure and allow for the hem, then I can do that for myself.
I found a pair of men's jeans for the harvest festival that were too large but they felt so good. I think I'll check back there later and see if they have any smaller jeans and I just might get some. I can try on so I don't have to buy blind.

Frank is still trying to get the Roku working right. We like to watch the Glen Beck show but the voice has been out of synch with the mouth movements. I wonder if other people are having as much trouble as we are?

Whew!

2011-10-26T12:51:00.000-07:00

Mary Lou came by the house on the way to Madison to a Dr's appointment and picked me up and dropped me off at the collision center to pick up the old Honda. We had found another leak in the trunk and they had the car for several days fixing the leak. I came home and changed cars and headed for H'ville.

I stopped to pick up an Rx and then went to Costco to return some clothes. Then I went by Sam's to pick up some protein bars that Frank wanted. Next, to Sear's to return some clothes I bought from Land's End that didn' fit. Then I went to Dick's Sporting Goods to return a yellow (easiest) tubing that was too easy for me. I stopped for a drink and then on to Athens and to the pharmacy and then I stopped for gas and then came home! I've got two loads of laundry in the works and the fall festival is at 6 PM at the church.

I stopped by Good Will before I left town and bought a pair of jeans (men's) and an orange shirt. The shirt turned out to be a large size in a boy's size so I can't use it. I'll wear the jeans and maybe one of Frank's shirts to the fall festival tonight plus the black wig I bought at the Halloween store today. I'll make up my face and maybe I won't look too frightful for the little kids! I enjoy dressing up. I wish I knew where all of my wigs were. I have this one that is really awesome but I can't find it-don't even know where to look so I bought one today. Maybe I need a little box with cards in it to remind me where I put stuff from year to year.

Good Work Out

2011-10-25T17:30:00.000-07:00

Had a good work at Janet's today. I'm using 5-6 lb weights now and it feels good. She said I am progressing and have good form. I feel like I'm getting stronger. When I pick up my sewing machine it feels lighter! I was dreading to have to pick it up to use. Now, it's not so bad. I have a pair of jeans that are too large and I need to take them up. Getting around to doing it is another story!

The old Honda is ready to be picked up. I called Mary Lou to see if she was going into town tomorrow and she said she was and she wouldn't mind stopping by to pick me up and carry me to the shop to get the car. Then, I have to come home and get my car and the things I need to take back to Costco and go to H'ville to pick up an Rx and go by Costco. Then there's the fall festival at church tomorrow night. It starts at 6 PM. It's a chili cook-off and games and trunk or treat for the kids. It should be lots of fun for the whole family.

Monday

2011-10-24T12:57:00.000-07:00

Senior Center exercises and Curves then home. Frank wanted to order some things over the mail and I had to help him. I hate calling the automated bank account but he wants me to learn how to do it, so I did. When the balance was announced, I wasn't ready for it, plus when a large number is read off to me I can't picture it in my mind. I'll get better.

Dad had some paper he wanted me to sort and I did that plus I got out some '05-06 bills that needed shredding and I did that. I filled two very large plastic garbage sacks full of shreddings. I still need to sweep the remainders up and put the small table up. Frank's still working on the TV in the living room.

I found some old pictures of family and I made three piles for the children and gave the rest to Frank. I want to get rid of any pictures that are just laying around. I have some in an album but don't want any more. The pictures now go into the computer.

Frankie called last night to say hello. Rachel is still having health problems and has been sent to the Mayo Clinic in Florida. She has relatives there and will probably go alone. Frankie might leave school teaching after the Christmas break. He's needed at the day care and he would love to stop teaching school.

Bed Comes Tomorrow

2011-10-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

I thought my bed was coming today and I moved furniture around so they could get the box springs and mattress in my room. I called the place and was told it was coming tomorrow, Saturday, so I'll sleep on the air mattress one more night. Actually it's more comfortable than the bed I took back to Costco. I've not had one back ache since sleeping on the air mattress, but I'm looking forward to having a real bed again!

We had some ice on the car this morning. I started the car and turned on the defrosters and it car was de-iced in no time. I did stop by Advanced Auto and got two ice scrapers and a squeegee. When I got home, I noticed an ice scraper in the door of my car!

We had a good exercise class. I explained why we wouldn't be doing the two neck exercises. I need to tell Jan about them so if/when she comes back, she won't do them.

Frank finally finished working on the TV. Now all the ugly wires that were hanging down are tucked neatly into a brown strip that is attached to the wall. After my bed arrives and the living room is cleaned up, and the floors mopped, the house will be in order once again.

Last Night

2011-10-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

Tonight is my last night for sleeping on the air mattress on my box springs! My new mattress and box springs should be here sometime tomorrow. It hasn't been too bad, but I will be glad to have a regular mattress-one that doesn't leak air! Ha-ha! It's been like camping, minus the bugs, the sweat and the heat! It's been an adventure but I'm glad to have it over.

I had my work out with my personal trainer today. She told me some exercises not to be doing with the seniors and I was glad to get the information. We shouldn't tilt our heads up and down or rotate them and we had exercises that do that. I'll explain tomorrow why we won't be doing them any more. I had an enjoyable work out. I was using 6 lb weights for bicep curls. That will really cause by muscles to burn. We have some 5 lb weights that I will use until I go back to see Janet.

Frank worked some more on getting the TV wires hidden but isn't finished yet. He got the vacuum out and did the living room floors and behind things, where the large dust bunnies live. I'm bad about not moving things and dusting behind things. If I don't see it, it's not there!

Wednesday

2011-10-19T16:27:00.000-07:00

I slept in this morning and didn't go to Curves. I had to go to town to get some things that Frank wanted but unless I go to Curves in the morning, I don't go.

Frank had the living room all messed up because he was installing the Roku. It upsets me to have the living room messed up and I'm not happy until order is established. He still has some work to do, but I moved the recliner back to its usual place and moved a box downstairs that didn't need to be in the living room. I also moved a brown wicker-like storage cube out and hope to give it to Trudy.

It rained yesterday and the temperatures were in the 50's today and the wind was blowing. I hope our nice Fall weather returns and this isn't the start of the colder weather. The trees are turning beautiful colors, but the rain and wind makes them fall from the trees.

Our old 1990 Honda is still in the shop getting the trunk waterproofed. We don't need it unless Frank has to go somewhere. We need to renew our pistol permits but that can wait until we get the car back.

Blog Printed

2011-10-18T17:20:00.000-07:00

I had about a year of blogs printed by Blog2Print last night. The dedication of the book got me to thinking. If I want my posterity to get to know me by my blogs, then I need to share my testimony with them.

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and I believe in Jesus Christ. He is at the head of his church directing the affairs of the church through his prophet who is Thomas S. Monson. There will be other prophets to take President Monson's place after he dies. I believe in the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ by the prophet Joseph Smith. Through the authority and power of God, he translated the Book of Mormon from the golden plates. I have read this book many times and know that it is the word of God. It is a collection of books written by ancient prophets on the American continent and is true scripture. One only has to read this book and pray and ask if it is true to gain a testimony of it. This I have done and know that it is true scripture and is the word of God to us in our day.

May my friends and posterity know that I am faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ. It has made my life better than I could have imagined. It fills me with hope for the future and gives me the hope I need to live every day of my life in joy and thanksgiving.

May I leave this witness to you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Monday Again

2011-10-17T17:31:00.000-07:00

Mondays seem to roll around quite quickly. Taught at the Center. We did 10 reps of most all things and really got a work out! I added one thing I got from the Silver Sneakers tape. It was with the ball and it was easy. Hopefully, I'll remember to do it again this Friday. I apologized for missing last Friday. I told them my daughter and grandchildren were here and I totally forgot about the exercise class. They said they understood. If I had remembered, I would have gone.

I went to Curves and had a sweaty work out. It's a good work out if I get to sweating! I came home and had to fix some lunch. I put three cans of beans to the one pound of hamburger meat this time. More fiber now.

I moved my cropped pants downstairs and brought up my winter things. It's not quite time to get into the winter clothing, but today was the day I did it. I can still fit into most of the shirts I brought up.

Mary Kate printed off some exercises for downstairs and I can't wait to do them. Tomorrow is the day that I work in my home gym. I'm looking forward to the time when I know the exercises and won't have to look at a book or paper to do them. Surely, it won't be too long!

We got the whole house filter installed and now the water tastes great. I hope I can get rid of the water filter we have at the sink. It will give a bit more room on the sink.

Family Gone

2011-10-16T16:48:00.000-07:00

Mary Kate and the kids went to Sacrament meeting and then came home and got packed and ready to leave. She had the kids fed and ready when I got home. They left at 1:30 PM. We had a very nice visit. It never lasts long enough but kids have school to go to and MK has work at the gym to do and life goes on. Richard needs his family around him too.

Our home teachers came at 4 PM. We had a nice visit with them.

A letter was read at church that the Stake had split. We will have a Madison Stake and a Huntsville Stake I believe. We'll fine out the particulars at the Stake Conference in a few weeks. We'll be in the Madison Stake since we live West of Madison. Change is good at times.

Shopping Again

2011-10-15T18:06:00.000-07:00

I haven't been able to blog in two days for I couldn't get into my blog. Don't know exactly why.

Mary Kate and kid and I went to H'ville Friday and shopped. We carried my Sleep Science mattress back to Costco. We carried it out to her big Honda and folded it in half and got it in. We got an orange dolly at the store and wheeled it in for a refund. They refunded the entire price of the mattress even though I had slept on it for a year. It hurt my back. We went to Hobby Lobby and Mary Kate returned some things. We came home and the kids played with Grampie.

Today we went to Walmart in Athens and I got two pair of black sweat pants and a long sleeved shirt. Then we drove to H'ville and went to the Mall and to The Shoe Dept. I found the shoes like I have and like a lot and I bought two pair and a pair of house shoes. Sophia got a pair of boots and a black pair of shoes for her choir outfit. Nate was wishing for some shoes but didn't get any this time.

After shopping, we went to Trudy's. She wasn't going to be there when we got there, so we stopped at Subway and got lunch. Trudy was getting a pizza for the rest of the family. We had a nice visit with everyone. Even George was there. And of course it was great fun seeing "the boys", Carhartt and Benny (the dogs!).

We got home at 4 PM, fixed supper and walked down the road to feed Danny Boy some apples. It was good to get out and walk although we were tired. Mary Kate took up the hem of my sweat pants. I had bought a pair of jeans at Kids Mart that were the wrong size but fit Mary Kate, so we had the sewing machine out and she took up her jeans. I have one more pair of pants to take up but will get Karen to help me for they are expensive pants and Mary Kate doesn't want to fix them. I think I have enough pants now with what I had from last year. They plan to leave for home after church and lunch tomorrow. It'll be sad to see them go.

My new mattress won't be here until next Friday so I'm sleeping on an air mattress on the box springs. We had two air mattresses which was good for MK was sewing on the bed and forgot about the air mattress and stuck a pin in it! I didn't want to end up on a flat mattress in the morning so I got the other air mattress and Dad blew it up for me with the vacuum cleaner. The kids slept on the injured mattress and the air stayed in. I will really appreciate my new mattress when it gets here!

Finally!

2011-10-12T17:32:00.000-07:00

We have been unable to get on the internet for about a week. I hate to see my emails! Frank has spent 2 hrs on the phone with tec support learning how to fix the router and finally got it fixed.

I didn't go to Curves today. I needed to go to Walmart and get a few things for when Mary Kate and the children get here tomorrow. I didn't have milk on the list and will have to get some tomorrow. I came home and cooked some hamburger mix with rotini in it instead of beans because MK and beans don't go together very well.

I worked out downstairs this afternoon. I did 10 minutes on the Gazelle and 20 minutes on the bike. I did the various tube exercises and did some squats. I have a book that came with Frank's tubes and Janet worked through some of those exercises with me. She said to call her and she could show Mary Kate her studio. Maybe we can do that tomorrow. I found my pedometer and Janet can show me how to us it and how many steps are in a mile. That will be fun to use.

Fiddler's Convention

2011-10-07T17:44:00.000-07:00

It was a lovely Fall day to be going to the Fiddler's Convention! The temperature was about 85 degrees and the wind was slightly blowing. My brother, Ruth and I went strolling around the various booths looking at all the things people had been making and selling. I bought a pair of earrings and a lanyard made out of pretty turquoise beads. What I'll use it for I don't know, but I have it and it's pretty! Ruth had a list of people she had to buy Christmas presents for and found a lot to things for all the people on her list. We walked around for about 1 1/2 hours and then bought some Kettle Korn an a drink and sat on the bleachers and waited for the music to begin. The first group were three sisters, all fiddle title holders, who fiddled and sang and sounded great. They were from Texas and played Texas swing music. They were very good. We left after they finished. The other music didn't start until later.

We had eaten lunch at Taco Bell and I had some chicken on flat bread which was very good. I usually don't like Taco Bell, but I have found a couple of things I like on their menu. I pretty well shot my diet today but I did exercise by all the walking I did. I'll have to make up for it by exercising in the basement tomorrow.

day Before Fiddler's Convention

2011-10-06T14:37:00.000-07:00

I took my car to H'ville to the dealership to get the oxygen censer fixed or replaced. Trudy picked me up and we went to Books a Million while we waited for Costco to open. I had to get some Triple Flex for Frank while they were still on sale. He called us and said he wanted some double sided tape and we went to Sam's for that. I got two pair of pants at Costco. One was a pair of sweats and the other was a pair of black slacks. I'll have to cut almost 1' off of both pair to make them short enough! I think I'll take the black pair back. They were size 12 but they were tight in the fanny and legs-tighter than I like to wear, anyway. They were an impulse buy. I got two pair of pants from Land's End. One was hemmed up for me and the other pair I will have to shorten. I'll take them over to Karen's house and get her to help me take them up. I need to cut off some and it always makes me nervous to cut because I have cut off too much material before.

The car was ready right as we were getting ready to go to Trudy's house, so I didn't get to see Forrest and Sadie. I was looking forward to sharing my testimony with them. I can go up next week and do that plus get the genealogy that I forgot last time. A new job might be in the air for George. Time will tell about it.

We're getting a whole house water filter and the guy was here today. It's ordered and will be in next week.

Tomorrow, Ruth and my brother will come up to go to the Fiddler's Convention with me. It's always a fun time. We don't care that much for the music but we love walking around the college campus and looking at all the booths and the things people have made to sell. What fun it will be!

Curves

2011-10-05T17:23:00.000-07:00

I went to town to get some more bolts and to cash a check and then on to Curves. No one else was there.

I got a good work out. Driving home sweat was dripping down on my neck as I was driving! Sign of a good work out.

After lunch, I went downstairs in my little gym and did some tube exercises and rode the Gazelle 15 minutes. Frank was down putting up some bolts that he wanted for himself. I put all of our empty boxes into black garbage sacks to be taken out with the trash tomorrow. I have to take my car to the dealership to get the oxygen censer replaced, so I'll need to get up at 6:30 AM to be able to take the trash bags out. I don't know when I'll get home. Trudy is going to pick me up from the dealership and I'll go home with her. Getting the car in early hopefully will mean that I can pick it up in a couple of hours. I'll try to remember to get my genealogy from Trudy. She got it out for me last time I was over, but I forgot to take it home with me.

I'd like to go the the church Family Center and do some genealogy work. It will really be a learning time for me for I have never done any research. I've just gathered names and taken them to the temple. Now, I'll have to learn to do research, I expect. Should be fun!

Work At Home Day

2011-10-04T17:17:00.000-07:00

I washed some clothes and rode the bike and did the Gazelle while the wash was going. Frank had put the eye bolts into the 2x4's yesterday and I was able to use them to exercise with the tubes. I like our little "gym" in the basement. I can't wait until I can remember all of the tube moves that Janet has me go through at her home gym. Then, I can show Frank the moves and I can do more than the 16 reps that I do now. I have a book that came with Frank's tubes but I don't know exactly which ones I should do.

I'll go out to Curves tomorrow in the morning and get a check cashed. I'll need to have money when Mary Kate and the kids come, plus I've used most on my "mad" money up buying necessary things.

We are getting a whole house water filter next week. Frank is tired of tasting the water and smelling it, too. I can't taste or smell it but he is hyper sensitive to it, so we'll get a filter.

I received two pair of pants I ordered from Land's End today. One pair was hemmed for me and are just right. In fact, 1/2" could have been taken up and they would have been better, but they are still just right. The other pair, a stretch knit, will have to be taken up. Both pair are grey.

Busy Travel Day

2011-10-03T18:17:00.000-07:00

I taught at the Center and then came home. Frank was going to work on the plumbing and I thought he may need my help, but he was still asleep when I got home, so I went downstairs and worked on the bike and Gazelle. I did some squats on the Total Gym and did about 4 tube exercises, the ones I could remember.

Frank had too go get some supplies for the plumbing job and we stopped by Collins Supply to get some bolts to put into the 2x4's downstairs. I'll hook the rubber tubing onto the bolts with a "thing" that I don't know the name of, and can then do the exercises.

After we got home, we learned that I could go get Gert from the vet, but I had to wait until 4-4:30 PM. I read some and took a short nap and then it was time. Gert surely was glad to get home and get into his own cage. I think the other birds were glad to see him back!

General Conference

2011-10-01T17:09:00.000-07:00

We watched General Conference today from 11:00-1:00 PM and from 3-5 PM. I went out after the first session to buy some apples at the orchard and a few things from Walmart. I got back in time to watch the second session. I wrote down all of the speakers and the topic of their talks and maybe a few more notes that I was inspired to write. The talks will come out in next months Ensign and we can read them. We'll watch Conference again tomorrow.