After visiting Silver Fox and seeing her new babies I went by Jeff’s Blog and read his coming home story.  All this reminded me that I had turned two stinky ladies into roses today!  I started with Brandy because I figured I would be half washed by the time I got her bathed.  After I turned her over to Jay to get dried off I started “painting the courthouse’ as I mentioned earlier.

I think I’ll have Jay bring up a couple of plastic containers so I can slowly start putting the tree ornaments away.  I know I’ll need help with the tree but I can at least start working on it.

Had a call from Micheal (of Micheal and Dar today) it was good hearing from them.  We have not been able to visit yet since they moved back to Michigan due to illness in her family and me playing pirate but maybe soon. 

I haven’t picked up a crochet hook or a knitting needle in days.  I wanted to work on a project that takes pinning sequins on Santa Boots but I can’t find a thimble any where that I can get at it.  My other project was door jangles but that involved a glue gun and I haven’t gotten excited enough about it to do it.  I will tell you I’m just being a bit lazy around here as far as reading or crafts are concerned.  But at least I’m keeping my washing, dishes, and animal care up! 

Three days of quiet and relaxing have passed since our family get together. It is like having a half a week of Saturdays.  We have played the CDs we got for Christmas.  We have had lovely little lunches made from the Banana bread loaf that Kathleen ( Anne’s Mother) gave us.  We have enjoyed the Paul Potts Cd she Included in our gift.  I now have all 10 of the volumes of Neal Gaiman’s The Sandman to read.  Also received Patricia Cornwell’s Book of The Dead.  I received Orleans Cd that includes You Are Still The One and a copy of Dr. Hooks Greatest Hits.  Jay received another Dry Branch Fire Squad Cd, and another Seldom Seen Cd   rounding out the audio addition to our collection.  I also received The third Pirates of the Caribbean Dvd.

We had a meal of stuffed squash leftover that Debra had made for our Eve dinner.  Also a lunch of ham sandwiches, left over pie, and sweet potatoes. There were about six deviled eggs left over from what Anne brought.  We still have cookies that Debra made to munch on.  So all in all we have been eating quite well on the leftovers.  But this can’t go on forever and we will soon have to start cooking again. 

The update on the Cactus show more blossoms opening.  But the biggest surprise came when I check the other part of the plant that I had separated several weeks ago.  It had lost the biggest part of the roots and looked like it was not going to survive. 

It looks like we have another plant started off our original.  It makes me feel a little better about the separation now. 

It has been snowing softly all day long and Jay’s says there is about an inch accumulation out there. It is 37 degrees and calling for rain but who knows.  The weather man has been forecasting a snow storm north of us so I guess we can call ourselves lucky! 

I forgot to brag that I change the sheets and made my bed for the fifth time by my self.  Doesn’t sound like much but when I can make a bed with the help of a walker (on one foot), unload the dryer, fold and hang up the clothes I feel pretty proud of myself.  Tomorrow I’m going to attempt bathing Brandy in the laundry tub because she is a little stinky right now. 

I hope your celebrations are all you had hoped for and that the New Year will bring better things happening to you all.  We all have had some rough times (some more than others) and it is time for a change.  May this coming year bring good health, prosperity, and happiness to each and every one of you because to truly deserve it. 

When you are in a wheel chair and can’t be in charge. 

The family steps in and takes over the Christmas Eve Supper. 

This has been for me one of the best Christmas celebrations in several years.  The willingness to help make this year a success made me appreciate the time and money spent by my family.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

The first blooms have made their appearance on the Christmas Cactus with a promise of more to come. 

The kitchen floor got a lick and a promise yesterday.  (Boy that sure sounds unappetizing).  Of course I mean with a mop not my tongue!!  The bedroom was vacuumed just now and I will do the living/dining room next.  It is a good work out when both your wheelchair and the vacuum are not self propelled.  Still to come are the bird cages and the cat box.  Just the highlight of my life for the day before Christmas Eve. 

Oh my goodness there is sunshine beaming in the French Doors—that makes the corners of the mouth turn upward and the heart beat a little faster.  Our snow is about gone—but then I don’t have ice skates or a sled to try out anymore.  Now that presents a great mental image—-72 years old,  fat hanging over the edge of a sled, with this look of despair because nothing is gliding swiftly down the hillside like a feather in a summer breeze!! 

Jay has his pumpkin-pecan pie recipe out and just found a crumble topping for a blueberry pie.  I have Debra bringing Cool whip as a topping for the pies if anyone wants it.  Jay has changed the Sweet potato recipe a couple of times now and I don’t think he has settle on which one to use yet. 

Debra with family will be up around 1 pm tomorrow and Les and family will probably be up early also.  Cindy has to work until 3 pm as does Jeanie.  Jay will be in dialysis until around 5 pm so that means dinner will be a little later than normal. 

Glancing out the window this song comes to mind!

I’m Dreaming Of A White Christmas!!!!

Today we started our Holiday countdown.  With the help of neighbor, Phyllis the final purchases for Christmas Eve dinner are under control.  Debra and I have finalized the time she will be up on the 24th to start our supper.  The ingredients for Jay’s Pumpkin Pecan Pie have all been located, and the decision for a second pie is still in the planning stage.  We have an Ice Cream cake from Schwans in the freezer. 

I pulled the sheets, wash them, then remade the bed.  I don’t want to think about how funny it must look wheeling back and forth around a queen size bed trying to pull out the wrinkles and tuck it in neatly.  But it can be done and this is the third time I have accomplished it by myself.  Tomorrow I will attempt mopping the kitchen floor.  I bought one of those Libman Mops.  It is very light weight and flexible enough to get into corners without too much effort.  I also want to pull the extra silverware out and make sure it is ready to go.  If I don’t accomplish the vacuuming Debra said that my granddaughter Jasmine will do it on Monday afternoon. 

Sunday is reserved for cage cleaning, cage cover washing, dish and place mat washing of the furries’ food areas, and of course the beloved cat box.  I’ll try to get a little dusting in but I don’t hold much hope for that. 

It is hard to believe that we only have about two and a half days left until family will be here to spend the evening with us. 

A call from my personal physician’s office said that I must stay on the blood thinner medicine until the walking cast is put on.  My guess is that will be on 1/8/08.  Oh Goody another cast.  I can hardly wait.  But at least I will be able to crawl into the truck and have Cindy drive me places.  I promise not to let my mouth fall open in wonder when I finally leave these four walls for the outdoors. 

The Christmas cards that are usually hung up over the pass through between the kitchen and the dining room are all around the dining room walls at kindergarten room level.  I kinda have to smile when I see them. 

I hope your Holiday plans are progressing well.  It is usually a hectic time for everyone and we get a little panicky about now.  But it all smooths out before ‘show time’. 

Good Morning !  Well the three boxes of jam are packed and on the front porch for the mail lady to pick up today.  One goes to Hildegarde who was my roommate at Beaumount Hospital during this last surgery.  Just a few years older then myself and she reminded me of Jay’s Aunt Trudy. She had fallen and broke her hip which means she has quite a recovery time facing her.  The day I left I promised her jam and I always try to keep a promise. 

Box # 2 goes to Bernice my friend and for years my mentor at work. Some people come into your life never meaning to be really close but yet never leaving you entirely.  That is my feelings for Bernice.

Box # 3 is going to the family of a woman who had been my co-worker several years ago, Who held my youngest while I made arrangements to bury my first husband.  Who was my bridesmaid at my wedding to Jay.  Who over the years even though we may not believe in the same things has always been there when I called her.  Who hooked me on making seven inch squares for her major project.  Who has proven through over 35 years that even though body ages the heart only gets stronger.  Merry Christmas Pammie and family. 

That little project accomplished yesterday with Jay’s help plus the kicks in the butt sent along from you have almost boosted me out of the hole I was starting to fall into. 

Tomorrow Cindy was to take Jay down to get his haircut but she is having trouble with her truck so I guess we will have to find an alternative plan or skip it.

Yesterday when the tractor was delivered Jay did a super job of clearing the driveway so we don’t have to worry about people getting in, out, or finding a place to park for our dinner. 

I have to call Debra today and make arrangements to get her some money for preparing for the Eve dinner.  She has a great menu planned but her helper will be in dialysis until around 5:30 pm that day so I have to see how I can pitch in and give her a hand.  But I think just having all the family here will be the most important part of the day. 

How are your holiday plans progressing? 

That so many can be so kind when you are in a bit of trouble almost brought tears yesterday.  It had snowed all day yet my neighbor Phyllis was going out to the store and asked if there was anything I needed . This morning her hubby Steve was in the driveway with his snowblower clearing it so the Your Ride bus could get in to take Jay to dialysis.  Then my visiting nurse was here and left these on the counter as she asked on the way out did I need anything. 

My son had taken Jay shopping on Saturday.  My daughter will take him to get a haircut on Thursday morning before she goes to work.  My oldest son’s wife will be up here to do Christmas Eve supper for us. 

When Jay got a call this morning that the tractor had been fixed and was ready to come home he arranged for delivery Tuesday.  Then this evening we called Phyllis to have her tell Steve that the tractor will be available anytime he needs it. 

What bit of shopping I needed to do is done.  I have only to wrap a couple of boxes and then I have it under control. 

Well I have my bath over with and supper isn’t exciting me this evening so I think a small dish of fruit, a piece of toast,  and may be one of those cookies. 

I do have to pull out the 5X feeling because the daily routine is starting to drag me down.  I can’t find anything to do that seems worth the effort.  So it will be a kick in the butt mentally to get back right on track!  Keep warm and send me my kick please!!

This is what we have outside this morning!

Les was up yesterday to take Jay grocery shopping and Anne gave Brandy a bath. Thank goodness they made it yesterday. That puppy smelled almost as bad as Momma a couple of days ago.  I was trying to figure out how to stand on one foot, hold her in the tub, get her soaped, rinsed, and dried in one session.  Anne came to our rescue and Brandy is sweet smelling now. 

  The snow has been falling all morning and doesn’t seem to be letting up.  There are a good two dozen small birds at the feeder fighting for a good spot to eat at.  Brandy is asleep on the couch, the birds are quiet, Molly has found a warm spot to curl up in.  Jay is feeling a bit under the weather.  Having trouble with some dizzy spells so he is napping right now. 

Phyllis, my neighbor just called wanting to know if I needed anything from the store.  She will get the I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter that Jay forgot for me and bring up the Sunday paper.  Even though she is busy with her job and an ill, elderly father she still makes time to check on us.  Bless everyone’s heart they have been more than gracious helping us get through this mess.

In checking the house plants for water I found the Christmas cactus is starting to develop buds again this year. 

We will be keeping a close eye on it’s progress now and reporting back to you.

Our tractor is in the shop getting a long overdue oil leak fixed and the change over from mower to snow plow made.  So the driveway will be a pain for a while but   we will get through it with a little help. 

I started another Mr. Flurry yesterday but haven’t gotten too far on it.  I think I will pick of the needles again as soon as I check out the blogs. 

Take care and stay warm—-Brandy is!!!

Yep what you see is true.  It is indeed 3:13 am in wonderful North of downtown Otisville!  What am I doing up?  I haven’t the foggiest!  All I know is the alarm clock smiled 2:35 am through the darkness and I thought it said you are awake why are you laying there and I couldn’t for the life of me think of a reasonable answer.  So it was warm up a cup of coffee in the old microwave and go find some one to visit.  You see that is the joy of blogging !  You can sit and ramble on aimlessly and sometime later on in the day someone will sit shaking their head at their screen and wonder why they are reading this! 

Well yesterday Jay and I revisited a game that we used to play a lot .  Time spent with my Dad and Grandmother came flooding back as I sat across from my loving husband and got my butt whipped at Double Nine Dominoes   You youngsters know don’t you?  It is a game with no mouse, joysticks, or remotes to master.  It is an old game taught to you by old people who want you to have just a bit of the past to remember. 

Speaking of old—now I know what a Cotton Mouth feels like.  The pain medication leaves you with a sensation of unrolling cotton when wake up and try to unfold your tongue.

When I got my sponge bath the last few days I was reminded of something my first husband used to say.  I had big feet so he would say if I would polish my shoes for a nickel I would paint the courthouse for a dime!  Well believe me baby that sponge bath is like scrubbing down a whole city block. But at least I have a hubby that will wash my back and my hair to help me along. 

While we are on the subject of old——-

Both of these ornaments have been on our tree for longer than Jay and I have been married.  The plastic angel has always been near the bottom of the tree so that if children or animals knocked it off it didn’t break.  The other ornament has been one the grandchildren loved but all my hunting never turned up some like it to give to them.  Now I must confess I haven’t tried online but maybe Jay will check that out for me. 

Well all my snowmen but one have found a home to grace next Christmas.  I really should make a few more for the kid’s houses—we will see.

It is now almost 4:00 am and I believe that another pain pill is due because the dreaded dragon has started gnawing on that foot again.  So my friend I shall pop a pill, bid you good night ( or shall I say good morning) and climb back in that big warm bed for a couple more hours of shut eye!

Good morning !  It is a little later than normal to start a post today but I have already visited the blogs and and read the e-mail so I thought a post was in order.  The two ornaments today are presents from the gracious people around me.  I thought I would update you on the gift situation.  As I said before this may not be as lavish as we would like but at least we have the ability to show our love to our family. 

I finished the two scarves to go with the other part of the gift for the granddaughters.  My sweet husband, with the help of my son-in-law David picked up three items when shopping the other day and the majority of the on line purchases have arrived so today will be wrapping day.  It looks really bare under the tree so I want to dress it up a little. 

The sun is brightly shining outside my windows and it makes the day a little happier than normal.  The snow is still hanging around but at least it isn’t icy as some people in the country are experiencing right now. 

Today is bath day ( and oh boy do I need it)!  A couple of more days and even my poor puppy couldn’t come near me!  To try to shower isn’t yet been accomplished but that problem will be addressed soon.

My next step is to look in my box of Christmas projects and see what to make now that the gifts are done. 

Well I’m a little behind in my routine this morning seeing that it is almost lunch time and I haven’t even consumed my bowl of cereal.  So I guess I’ll fold up my tent and slip away for today—take care .  Remember to laugh, love, and stay healthy because the big exciting days are coming up.!!!!!