We Sure Don't Stay Home Very Much

The weather has been on a roller coaster this week.  It has been cold, warm and we have had two inches of rain in 24 hours.  The rain was on Tuesday.  Today is sunny and cold.  Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and warmer with rain moving in by tomorrow night/Sunday. 

Last Monday we spent the day running errands.  In order, we went to the bank, Walmart, Kroger for gas, SAM’s, Office Depot, Books A Million, Petco, Target and Kroger.  In between we stopped for lunch – just a quick sandwich at McDonald’s.  We left the house at 9:30 a.m. and didn’t return until 4:30 p.m.  We were exhausted, but we sure accomplished a lot!

Tuesday was a day of recuperation.  Of course, I did my morning chores, two loads of laundry, and made a pot of chili.  We had hamburgers for supper.   Wednesday was a day of odds and ends around the house.  We took Kevin and Renea to Red Lobster for supper.  Had a great time.  Kevin drove my car, and when we pulled in the driveway upon arriving home there was a beautiful doe laying in my front yard.  She got up, looked at us, and slowly walked away.  Several times she looked back.  Eventually she was to a point where we couldn’t see her any longer.  Kevin and I both have deer in our yards most nights. 

It seems that in the late afternoon Penny and Mattie usually decide to chase each other.  On Tuesday Jana had just set the table and put her pills (which she puts in a small plastic cup by her plate) on the table.  About that time the “girls” started their chase.  Penny jumped on the table, slid across and the cup of pills went flying. My first reaction was chase the girls out of the room so we could get the pills picked up before they decided to eat them.  Not sure if they would, but didn’t want to take any chances.   

Thursday, for some reason, was another lazy day.  We had the chili for supper.  Then after supper Jana and I played the game Sorry.  She bought the game just for the heck of it.  The rules are different than we remember, so we adjusted the game to be the way we played it when we were kids.  We had a lot of fun and had a lot of laughs. 

However, today has been busy so far.  Before I showered and dressed I got my morning chores done.  Paid a few bills and ran the sweeper in the living room.  Jana is now playing cards on her computer after checking her emails and bank.  I really need to get outside and fill the birdfeeders. 

Beautiful Day In Alabama

Good Morning.  It’s a beautiful, but cold, morning in Alabama.  Jana and I are ready for Christmas.  We are just hoping the trees remain standing.  Yesterday afternoon Penny started messing with Jana’s tree.  We have found if we ignore her she just stops and goes about her business.  However, this time she got caught in the strand of lights and couldn’t get out.  The tree was shaking, Mattie was barking, and Penny was starting to panic.  When I tried to help her she got scared and didn’t want me to touch her.  So, Jana held the tree and I finally managed to get her untangled.  She wasn’t hurt, but she was not happy.  Didn’t last long though.  Next thing we knew Penny and Mattie were chasing each other around the house.  Oh such fun!

Our whole day was kind of like that.  One or the other was constantly getting into trouble.  Of course, it all started Thursday night with Jana and me.  We went to Mass at St. Patrick’s and decided to eat supper at Ihop before going home.  When we arrived it was not crowded, but there were people sitting on the benches waiting to be seated.  We waited patiently (J) for someone to seat us.  However, no one came until several people came to pay.  That woman asked for our name so she could put us on the list.  We questioned why a list when there were a lot of empty seats.  She said that was how it was done.  There were people waiting ahead of us.  We also heard a waitress telling a family that their order would be out “shortly.”  This was our clue to leave.  Apparently, they were short of help and things were not going well. 

So, we decided to stop at Wendy’s since we passed that on the way home.  (There isn’t a lot of places to chose from along that portion of Hwy 80.)  When we arrived, it was dark, there were boards blocking the driveway.  We knew they were remodeling, but they had been open.  Check that one off our list.  We finally decided to pick up a sandwich at Subway and take it home to eat.  Turned out to be a good choice.

The burn ban has been lifted since we had some rain, so Kevin decided to burn the pile of brush that has been accumulating from his cleaning out the woods.  It was huge!  He checked with the fire department to make sure it would be okay.  They said to go ahead.  He hooked up the hose, dug a trench around the pile, added water to that, and started the fire.  This was Thursday.  Today is Saturday and it is still smoking.  When we talked to him yesterday he said when it cooled he would clean out the barbed wire and other “stuff” to take to the dump.  He would then bury everything else, spread some dirt and grass seed.  Sure looks different when I look out my back window. 

I have definitely been feeling better now.  I moved a lot of things to the shed for storage.  That was something I had been putting off.  I have been keeping the birdfeeders filled.  The birds eat a lot in this cold weather.  I have even been doing some cooking while Jana is here.  I don’t do much cooking just for myself, so this has been nice.  Sure glad I have a dishwasher.  Also, the new shower has been a blessing.  Of course, Penny loves the new shelves.  We never know where we will find her.  I think both Penny and Mattie wore themselves out yesterday.  Both are having a lazy day.  Right now Mattie is laying in the sun.  Not sure where Penny is resting.  She has been getting on top of the pantry cabinet in the kitchen and snoozing. 

Not sure what we will be doing today.  The Christmas cards are written and mailed.  We will be going to Mass at St. Patrick’s later today.  This might be a lazy day for us.

Almost Ready for Christmas Holidays

Good Morning!  I am going to try and do better with my blog.  Yesterday Kevin and Renea stopped over so Kevin could put the topper on my tree.  Looks good! 

 

Jana and I finished the decorating and found that we need to buy a few more items (of course).  I think we have enough Christmas dishes.  We bought two of this and that and different stores and now have two cabinets full.  I had to pack my everyday dishes and put them in the shed.  Well, actually, Kevin carried them to the shed because they were too heavy for Jana and me. 

The house is ready except for my bedroom.  That room is a disaster.  I will get to it later.  Have too much other stuff to do right now.  As long as I can get in my bed I am happy. J

This morning Jana and I took all the plastic containers out to the shed.  We had them stacked in the laundry area, and could barely get to the bathroom.  I bought a new hanger for my shower to put my shampoo, etc. on.  It looks good and should work well.  I bought two small pump containers for my shampoo and conditioner because they are so heavy.

I finally took a few pictures of my Christmas tree, Jana’s tree and some new decorations.

 

My Christmas Tree

Jana's Christmas Tree

The Stockings Were Hung on the Railing With Care

The Wreath Above the Door

The Bow Above The Window

Candy Canes Above A Different Window

The New Top Ornament

(you really can't see it on the picture of the tree)

Straightened up the bedroom.  Jana and I went to Mass at St. Patrick’s on Saturday night and then went to Applebee’s for supper.  Tasted very good.  Neither of us had been there for a while.  After supper we came home and watched some television.  I had recorded several of our favorite shows so we watched Designated Survivor.  In the afternoon we had watched the end of the NASCAR drivers show.  Of course, it ran overtime and we didn’t get to see the very end.  But that’s okay.  We enjoyed what we saw. 

 

It started raining during the night and will be doing so today and for the next couple of days.  We are planning to stay in and watch some football.  I have a couple of gifts to “bag” yet.  I hope to finish that today.

Busy Times

It has been so long since I have added to my blog that I am not even going to try and say much except what has been done in no specific timeline.  I haven’t even been on the computer very often.

Jana and I have finished Christmas shopping.  Still have a few gifts to wrap.  The decorations, including the trees, are up and looking great.  However, I bought a top ornament for my tree that I am going to ask Kevin to put on for me.  I cannot get it to stay upright.  We both bought a few new ornaments.  I may have to get a bigger tree next year.  Pictures to follow.

I am sorry to say that I did not make any ornaments or gifts this year.  With all the problems I was having I just could not concentrate or do the type of work required.  I sure have a lot of kits and ideas for next year though so my family better be prepared! 

Jana and I have been running a lot of errands.  I am getting caught up on so many things that I let go for most of this year.  We have been to Barnes and Nobels twice.  We have made several trips to Tigertown to shop at Petco, Target, Hobby Lobby and Kroger.  We also went to Walmart in Opelika. 

Jana has her Christmas cards written and ready to go.  I haven’t even started mine.  Anyway, we needed stamps and decided to try and find the post office in Opelika.  SUCCESS!!!!  It is tucked away in an area where I had never been.  I will go there from now on.  It is one of the nicer ones I have been to.   Jana has her stamps and will be mailing her cards tomorrow. 

The girls (Penny and Mattie) are still doing fine.  They chase each other all over the house and then collapse for a nap.  Mattie tries to smell Penny’s butt and she doesn’t like that.  When she does it that starts the chase all over again.  Today Mattie licked Penny on the nose.  Penny was so surprised that she didn’t move.  The only thing I am not used to is Mattie following me everywhere I go in the house.  Penny follows me to certain areas, but Mattie is always “under foot.”  I am so worried that I will step on her or fall.  I just have to be careful.  Penny has been a bit of a problem with Jana’s Christmas tree.  She doesn’t bother mine as much as she does Jana’s.

This past week I picked up my new glasses.  The frames aren’t much different than my last ones, but I sure can see better.

As most of you know I have been interested and involved in doing my family tree on all branches of the tree.  Anyway, I had my DNA done and when I checked the list of people who have some of my family on their tree I contacted one of them.  We have been in touch with each other now.  The gal I have been corresponding with lives in Cincinnati, and I hope to see her the next time I am there.  She is related to me on the Althoefer side, and is a cousin several times removed.  That’s okay.  I think it is exciting that I found a relative!

That’s it for now.  Back at you later. 

Good News!

I have good news!  I have had such a good week since Elizabeth gave me the treatment for vertigo.  I am feeling really good.  I had my therapy appointment yesterday and Elizabeth checked me for vertigo and I am fine.  I am no longer going for therapy.  I am not to do the home exercises.  She said I still have the VOR and I will probably have problems the rest of my life.  There is no cure.  Also, I will probably have spells with the vertigo.  When I do I am to call her and she will give treatments as necessary.  I feel so much better.

After we left the therapy office we, of course, went to Barnes and Nobel.  I had a book that came out yesterday and since we were over there we stopped and picked it up.  Next we went to Petsmart since Jana had a few things to buy. We also bought a tray to put under Mattie’s food dishes because of Penny splashing water all over the floor.   FYI – I used my garmin to get there since I had not been to there from B & N.  Traffic was awful!  However, we made it just fine.  I recognized where we were so I knew how to get back.  I just hadn’t been there for a long time.  Next we headed up Hwy 280 so we could go to Tigertown.  We usually have to get on the interstate for a short time, but it was backed up on the entrance ramp and now moving.  So…..I took a guess at how to get to where we were going.  I recognized the Ford dealership and again knew where I was.  No problem getting to Tigertown.

Since it was lunchtime, our first stop was McDonald’s.  We considered that our “big” meal of the day even though we only had a fish sandwich and French fries.  Our next stop was Best Buy where Jana bought a Kindle.  We went to Hobby Lobby so Jana could buy a picture frame and we both bought several other items – of course J  Our last stop was Kroger.  By the time we got home we were exhausted.  We left at 8:30 in the morning and didn’t arrive home until 3:45 p.m.  I put away the cold items and left everything else sit while I took a break. 

We had a light supper. After supper it was DWTS time.  This was the final show of the season.  Even though we wanted James to win I told Jana it would probably be Laurie.  I went to bed after the first hour.  I was tired.  Jana stayed up and watched the whole show.  Sure enough, Laurie won.  I found out in the morning. 

Penny and Mattie are still doing fine.  Of course, I have another Penny Mattie story.  On Monday when we were getting ready to leave for our all-day errands Jana filled Mattie’s “kong” with her treats.  For those of you who don’t know, the kong is a hollow rubber like toy that you fill with treats for dogs and they play with it to get the treats out.  Jana always gives Mattie one when we leave the house to keep her occupied.  Anyway, after Jana filled the kong she put it on the countertop while she went to the bathroom.  Penny then jumped up on the countertop, Mattie was sitting on the floor waiting for her kong, and Penny obliged by knocking it on the floor for her.  Mattie was happy eating her treats, and Penny was sitting on the countertop looking all innocent. 

WHAT A WEEK!

Brian left for Cincinnati during the night Friday/Saturday.  He had to be at work at 6:00 Saturday evening.  He arrived home safe and sound.

Saturday Jana and I went to Mass at St. Patrick’s and I had an extremely bad dizzy spell.  I ended up sitting through the Mass.  It happened while I was standing and reading the prayers.  Not real sure at this point what happened.  Jana drove home.  We stopped at Papa John’s and picked up a pizza and chocolate cookie.  Sure did taste good.  I hadn’t had that since last year when Jana was here.  Sunday was not the best of days.  I did my therapy.  We watched the race (started here at the house and finished at Kevin’s).  We went to Kevin’s for supper.  Renea fixed an awesome meal. 

Monday was therapy day.  The first thing on the agenda was telling Elizabeth what happened in church on Saturday night.  She said it sounded more like vertigo than the VOR problem.  She did a test of my ears and eyes and said, yes, the crystals were all over the place.  It was vertigo.  She gave me a treatment to settle the crystals.  I did not do any therapy at all.  I was told to stay upright and not move my head any more than necessary for 24 hours.  I was also to sleep sitting up.  I was not to use the computer or read.  I am so glad Jana was here.  She was an enormous help.  I was miserable.  Elizabeth also told me not to do any of my home therapy until she saw me again on Thursday.  We did watch DWTS.  I was not surprised at who was eliminated.

Tuesday I woke up and had the best day I had in a long time.  Tuesday afternoon I went to the eye doctor for my annual checkup.  Jana went with me so she could drive me home.  The cataracts had not changed so no surgery. Next stop was Barnes and Nobels since they are just down the road from the eye doctor’s office.  We had a late lunch at TGIF.  From there we headed home.   No lunch since neither of us was hungry because we had such a late lunch.

Wednesday we were up before the sun came up.  I was scheduled for an 8:00 a.m. echo of my heart.  Jana and I decided to not eat breakfast, but to go to Ihop after the echo.  We stopped at Walgreen’s and picked up my prescription.  Then went to Ihop for breakfast.  After breakfast we went to Phenix City Walmart for several items.  Then it was up Hwy 280 to Opelika Tigerstown.  First stop was Petco for dog food.  Next stop was Kroger.  Last stop was for gas at Kroger.  We finally headed home. After lunch it was nap time.  A well deserved nap.  We were tired. 

Thursday it was back to therapy.  I was still feeling better than I had in a long time.  Elizabeth checked my ears and said the crystals were still moving around a little so she gave me another treatment.  Again there was no therapy, and she told me not to do any home therapy until she sees me next Monday.  When we arrived home I put a couple pieces of chicken in the crockpot and we had that with applesauce for supper.  It tasted good.

Friday we didn’t have to go anywhere!  Yea!  It felt good not to get up and rush around to leave.  So, I put a chuck roast in the crockpot.  Later I added potatoes and carrots. The meal was delicious and we have enough left over for another meal.  I did a few odds and ends during the day, but it was basically a lazy kind of day.

UPDATE ON PENNY AND MATTIE!  They are getting along fine.  Every morning after they greet each other they chase each other around the house.  The Penny gets up on the bookcase and Mattie looks up at her and barks.  Penny just looks at her like what’s wrong with you J  At times they lay next to each other in the sun.  We have to watch Mattie because she will eat Penny’s food.  However, Penny plays in Mattie’s water.  She sticks her paw in the water, splashes it around and then licks her paw.  She has made several messes.  She has even offered Mattie her wet paw to lick.  The other night I was sitting in the recliner and Penny came over to get on my lap.  However she wasn’t fast enough and Mattie jumped on my lap and looked at Penny like Ha Ha I beat you.  They are so funny.  We do put up a gate to keep Mattie in the living room when we leave, but we are sure Penny joins her.  It has been a fun and interesting week.  We are just glad the girls get along.

So Much To Do And So Little Time

The bathroom is finished!  It looks really good.  I took a couple of pictures, but since the bathroom is small they do not do it justice.  I had the bathtub removed and a shower stall installed.  Gerry also installed some shelves for me for storage.  I did not have a door installed just pulled the shower curtain across.  Gerry came back Thursday morning to finish up a few odds and ends.  He left about noon.

Jana and I have been very busy. She spent the morning unpacking and settling in.  We went through the books that she brought and the ones I had for her.  Thursday afternoon she went with me to my therapy session.  Elizabeth had her sit in with us so she would know what I had to do at home.  She was shocked at how “bad” I am.  We joined Brian, Kevin and Renea for supper then came home and relaxed.  We were tired and so were all of them. 
 

Brian and Kevin spent the day working in the back running wire for the electric and digging a trench and running pipe for water.  Renea’s parents are moving here in January.  They will be living in a camper on the back of Kevin and Renea’s property.  A septic system has been installed, the water has been run and is ready, the wiring has been run and now it has to be inspected. 

 

Friday Kevin and Brian finished a few things in the back yard then Brian joined Jana and me for lunch and an afternoon visit.  After he left I did my therapy.  Jana and I joined the three of them for supper.  Ryan visited for a short time to say hi to Brian.  Stephanie wasn’t able to visit since she was working.   We left early because Brian was going to sleep for a while.  He wanted to leave for Cincinnati around midnight.  Not sure what time he left (we were sleeping) but we do know he arrived home safe and sound.

 

Saturday Jana and I did a few things here at the house.  I did my therapy.  We watched some football.  We went to Mass at St. Patrick’s in Phenix City.  We stopped and picked up a pizza and chocolate chip cookie at Papa John’s on the way home.  It sure tasted great.  We watched the NASCAR Xfinity race and then went to bed.

 

Jana downloaded a game on her phone and we have been having the best time playing it.  It is called WordBrain.  It is very challenging.  A lot more fun than cards.  I have it on my Kindle. 

 

Now for Penny and Mattie.  They have been extremely entertaining.  We had to put up a gate to keep Mattie confined to the living room and dining room because she eats Penny’s food.  However, Penny plays with the water in her water dish.  The first time she did this I was doing my therapy and did not see what was happening.  She puts her paw in the water, splashes around then licks the water off her paw.  At one point she put both paws and her head in the dish.  She also got her paw wet and offered it to Mattie to lick.  I have taken a couple of movies of this. I didn’t post them because they take so long to load.

 

Last night Penny tried to play with Jana’s phone case, and when Jana took it away from her she used her paw to open the book Jana had sitting on the end table and started actually turning pages.  Don’t know where that came from since she has never done anything like that before.  They also chase each other around the house.  When Penny gets on top of the bookcases Mattie sits looking up at her and barks.  They are getting along just fine.  At times Penny shows Mattie that she is in charge; and at other times Mattie shows Penny she is in charge.  Just think, we have three months of this.  I can’t wait until we put up the Christmas trees and decorations. 

Continuing On

Sunday was a really early morning.  Penny’s schedule is so mixed up because of the time change.  I didn’t get my extra hour of sleep because she woke me up earlier than usual.  We are going to have to work on that.

I did go to the grocery today.  I bought the items I need for when Jana arrives plus the food I need for me.  I went to Kevin and Renea’s for supper.  Stephanie, Ryan and Ryan’s friend (Karoline) were there.  We had homemade Larosa’s pizza for supper and brownies for dessert. (hate that word because I always get confused if it should be one “s” or two)  If I have it wrong – tough!  After supper I came home and watched a little football (the Packer’s who lost) and then part of the NASCAR race.  I found out Monday morning that Carl Edwards won.  Glad to hear because he is one of my favorites.  I hope either him or Jimmie Johnson win the Sprint Cup.

Monday morning was physical therapy.  Elizabeth is really working me hard.  She had me do several new exercises and told me to add them to my list of home exercises.  I now have so many, and such a variety, that I do half for three days and half the other four.  I may have to do that second half for three days and rest on Sunday.  They just do me in!  She also added a second day of therapy with her.  I will now be going on Thursday also. 

The birdfeeders have been up for a couple of days now.  I haven’t seen very many birds, but they are starting to come back. 

Did a few odds and ends this afternoon.  Gerry delivered my new shower insert.  He will be installing it on Wednesday.  He said he plans to come early and stay until it is finished.

Good Morning!  It’s a really nice day today.  The first thing I did after breakfast was VOTE!  I hope you all did the same.  Morning chores are finished.  House is ready for my out-of-town company coming tomorrow.  Laundry is done.  Bathroom is ready for shower install.  Also did my home therapy this afternoon.  A lot has been accomplished today.

I didn’t watch much of the election results because I just get so aggravated with how the media “calls” the election before any of the votes are counted.  I believe that they should not be allowed to even go on the air until all voting precincts are closed across the country.  But we know that isn’t going to happen.  Ratings is the name of the game!  Anyway, I didn’t know until I got up this morning who won.

I actually got my morning chores done.  Jana and Brian are on their way.  Should probably arrive around 10:00 tonight.  Gerry is here and taking apart my bathroom.  Hopefully, by tonight I will have my new shower.

Gerry worked all day, but will have to come back tomorrow to finish.  He is about 90 percent done.  Brian and Jana arrived about 7:00 p.m.  We had supper at Kevin and Renea’s.  Kevin grilled hamburgers and hot dogs.  Sure did taste good.  So far Penny and Mattie are doing pretty good.  Penny only hissed at her once.  They do okay until Mattie runs up to Penny.  As long as she approaches Penny slowly, or allows Penny to approach her they do okay.  Right now they are both taking a nap with one eye on each other. 

It was a very early night!

A Couple of Busy Days

Yesterday Renea had to go to Birmingham for an appointment with her neurologist.  She goes to the University of Birmingham Alabama.  She also has a neurologist in Columbus, GA.  She asked me if I would go with her and drive.  Of course, I said yes.  Kevin suggested that we go straight up Hwy 280 because the neurology clinic is just a couple of blocks off that highway.  We left here bright and early because we knew it would be at least a two hour trip.  Traffic wasn’t bad until we got to Birmingham.  Then it was stop and go. The parking garage was also crowded and we had to park on the fifth floor.  However, we were on time.  She has some problems, and they will be keeping an eye on her.  She has found out that she doesn’t have MS  like they thought at first.

After seeing her doctor we headed for home.  Traffic was even worse on the way home.  A couple of times police were blocking lanes but we never did find out why.  Didn’t see any reason either.  We stopped at Steak N Shake for a late lunch.  When we got to Opelika the police had the expressway blocked off heading toward Atlanta.  Thankfully, we didn’t have to get on the expressway, just cross over it.  We did have to put up with a lot of trucks though.  We were both really tired when we arrived home.  I laid down for a while, but could not sleep.  Did get some rest.  After eating a light supper I did my therapy, watched a little television and went to bed early.

Today I slept in until all of eight o’clock.  I was surprised Penny left me alone that lone.  However, by eight she was becoming rather insistent that I get up.  She was hungry, of course.  After eating breakfast, finishing my morning chores and take a shower it was time for lunch.  Afterward I headed out to run some errands.  I stopped at Walgreen’s and picked up three prescriptions that I had renewed, then went to Barnes and Noble land bought four books (I had three coupons and my gift certificates and some birthday money), next was WalMart.  After leaving there I took the car through the carwash – it really needed it.  Between the pollen and dust it was dirty!  Next stop was the gas station for a fill up.  Then it was home.  After unloading the car I took a short rest, and had a light supper.  It’s probably going to be an early night again tonight.

I still have to do some grocery shopping before Jana arrives.  That will be either tomorrow or Sunday.  I have therapy on Monday, we vote on Tuesday and Jana arrives on Wednesday.  I will need a nap by Thursday.

Today is get caught up around the house day.  I have been gone for three days (more or less) and haven’t gotten much else accomplished.  So far I have washed a load of towels and they are in the dryer.  I changed my bed clothes (Penny helped) and they are in the washer.  I took down the old birdfeeders, filled the new ones and hung them.  It will probably be a while before the birds come around since it has been so long since I had put feed out.  This has been in addition to my normal morning chores.  Oh yea, I put my supper in the crockpot.  I still have a few things to do, but they will be done after lunch. 

I am ashamed to say I didn’t do my home therapy yesterday.  I was just too tired.  However, I did my therapy this afternoon!

Making Progress Re: The Shower

 Gerry, my maintenance guy, was here this morning and took the final measurements for installing my new shower.  I am getting rid of the bathtub and just going to have a shower.  It has gotten to be too much for me to step over the side of the tub, and since I never take a bath, only a shower, I thought it was time to do this.  He will be doing the install either late next week or the beginning of the following week.  Yea!

It took me a little longer to get my morning chores finished, but that’s okay.  I also updated Kevin’s blog.  I had taken pictures this weekend of the work he has been doing in the woods.  He is making such great progress.

Kevin and Renea are going to put a travel trailer back at the edge of the woods for her mom and dad.  They will be moving here in January, and this is where they wanted the trailer.  They have a beautiful spot.  The septic tank has been installed.  Now it’s water and electric. 

I didn’t do my physical therapy today because I was having a bad day.  Just did some easy chores.  I also watched DWTS.  Wasn’t surprised who was cut.  Will be interesting to see who wins.  I am not going to say who I am rooting for because I don’t want to jinx that person J  Then it was off to bed.

I am feeling somewhat better today.  Finished my morning chores.  Cleaned off a shelf in the bathroom for Jana to put her things when she arrives.  I don’t think Gerry will get to the shower until after Jana gets here.  That’s okay.  We will manage.  I also brought in the crate for Mattie from the shed.  I need to clean it out.  Hopefully, Penny and Mattie will get along and we won’t have to crate them.  Thought we should be prepared just in case.

I went out back and took some more pictures of the work that was accomplished on Sunday.  Bruce and Nicholas came early to help Kevin.  Then Ryan and his friend Steve came and also helped.  They accomplished a lot.  The “trash” pile and “burn” pile has both grown considerably.  Not sure when the dumpster will arrive, but it will fill up quickly.  If we ever get rain we will have a fire. 

I have uploaded the pictures.  I did my physical therapy.  I ate my supper. Walked up and got my mail.  And now I am finished for the day.  Back at ya tomorrow. 

It’s tomorrow!  How about that.  I spent the morning with the physical therapist.  Renea went with me so she could drive me home.  I have a new p/t.  I really like her.  She did a very in-depth review/evaluation.  She informed me that she would like to start seeing me twice a week instead of once.  Her name is Elizabeth.  Elizabeth informed me that I would never be 100% but I would be better than I am now.  She went over the home exercises with me, and said I should continue with them.  Elizabeth also said I should add back in the exercises Ashton had given me to do (four of them).  She also added four new ones.  One of the goals is for me not to have to rest after finishing these exercises.  There are several exercises I cannot do that she had me try.  They all have me closing my eyes to do them.  We shall see how things go.

I have completed most of my morning chores. 

Back to the Nineties - Degrees that is!

Good Morning!  I think it is summer again.  The next couple of days are going to be around ninety degrees.  Not sure what happened to fall.  At least it isn’t quite as humid as summer.  We are still in a severe drought.  There is no rain in sight.  Most of our grass is dead and it crunches when you walk on it.  I am really concerned about our trees.  Not sure how many of them will survive.

 

I have finished Christmas shopping and everything is wrapped and ready to go.  I did not make any gifts this year.  With all my “head” and “eyesight” problems I just couldn’t work on anything without getting a headache and getting sick.  Maybe next year.

 

Yesterday I went to Kroger.  Today I am home doing laundry.  I went out to the shed and got the sheets and blanket for Jana so I will be washing them also.  I need to get to SAM’S and I am hoping that Renea and I can do that tomorrow.  Today is Kevin’s day off, and I notice he is down in the woods on his tractor.  I also heard the chainsaw so I am assuming he is cutting up the tree he had taken down. 

 

This morning (Saturday) Renea and I went to SAM’S while Kevin continued working in the woods.  After we got home and emptied the car bringing in all of our groceries I ate lunch.  After lunch I took my camera and went down to the woods to get some pictures of Kevin’s progress.  And, wow, he is making progress.  I will be putting a few pictures on karsakerfarm.com if you would like to check them out. Since it is a blog some of you may have to type karsakerfarm.blogspot.com.  In one area he got down to the creek.  Since we are in a drought he can get down there with the tractor and not get stuck.  I thought our property stopped at the creek, but it seems we go at least sixty feet further. 

 

He has several huge piles to burn, but again since we are in a drought that will have to wait until we get some rain.  He has a deer stand down there, and plans to move it.  We know we have deer in the back yard.  We also have coyote, squirrels, birds, snakes, etc.  I think we are going to have to take a class on trees.  We know oak and maple trees.  We also recognize magnolia trees.  Some of these trees are huge. 

 

I’m about done for today.  I did my physical therapy which, of course, leaves me dizzy, etc.  I have had supper and the dishwasher is running.  Time to call it a day.

 

Penny’s two new favorite places:

What A Crazy Day!

  

Arose earlier than usual, I actually set my alarm, because I had to take Penny to the vet for her annual checkup.  Everything was going fine until it was time to put her in her carry crate.  It’s like she knew.  She would not come near me.  She hid under the bed.  She got on the highest piece of furniture I have where I could not reach her.  I could not get her to come to me with treats.  I did everything I could think of.  She usually tries to follow me into the bathroom, so I went into the bathroom and she was nowhere to be found.  She usually snuggles up to me on the couch, so I sat on the couch to read.  She was nowhere to be found.  If I am using the computer she comes and lays on my desk – not today.  I made a phone call.  She usually pesters me when I am on the phone, but not today.  I called the vet’s office and told them I would be late and why.  They laughed and said that was okay.  Just come in when I succeeded in catching her.  I talked to Jana, and she had the nerve to laugh.

Finally after about forty-five minutes I came up with another idea.  When I make my bed she comes in and gets on the bed to play.  She goes under the covers and we play.  So, I went into the bedroom and started making the bed, and, guess what – here she comes.  I ignored her, at least I didn’t look at her, and she slowly got up on the bed and started playing.  I walked to the side where she was and grabbed her.  SUCCESS!!!! We made it to the vet’s office about thirty minutes late.  And, yes, they laughed when I arrived.

She weighs 8 ½ lbs.  The vet said she should not gain any more weight.  She got two shots and had blood drawn.  So far everything checked out fine.  They gave her a couple of her favorite treats, but she would not eat them.  She just totally ignored them.  But, I will say she was good when they examined her and gave her the shots and drew blood.  The only part she put up a fuss about was getting her temperature taken.  She pouted the whole way home, but she is happy now.  That’s it for a year.

I received the results for my pap smear today and they were good.  That’s it until next year.

I also heard from the therapy center today.  It seems there was a mixup and my first session with the new therapist will be on Wednesday instead of Tuesday.  Then after that my sessions will be on Monday.  My new therapist is Elizabeth.  I have not met her as yet. 

I had contacted Alice about the one exercise that was making me feel like I would pass out.  She told me to stop doing it until I came in for my evaluation.  However, I should continue to do the others every day.  I am doing that.

As of this morning, Wednesday, I no longer have peace and quiet.  The loggers have invaded the property across the street.  They are so loud I have a headache.  I hope they finish quickly.  They had been working up the road.  It is awful!

This morning I have been busy wrapping Christmas presents.  I need to finish them before Brian brings Jana here so he can take his family’s presents back with him.  That sure is a lot better than mailing them.  I do not trust the post office!  They have just lost too many packages that we have mailed.  I have one more package to receive and three more cards to buy then I will be finished.  I am almost finished wrapping.  Yea!

I guess I am going to have a break and fix lunch.  Penny is getting rather pesky.  She always lets me know when it is time to eat.  She also lets me know when it is time to get up in the morning and when it is time to go to bed at night.  If I stay up later than usual she is just beside herself going back and forth from the bedroom to wherever I am. 

Getting Ready For Jana's Visit

Good Morning!  It is sunny.  However, we are under a wind advisory all day with winds gusting to thirty miles per hour.  Penny is having a great time running from window to window to storm door watching the leaves blow around.  She is easily entertained.  For me, today is laundry day.

Okay, laundry is finished.  I am not having one of my better days so I haven’t been doing much in between.  Did my physical therapy which always leaving me feeling dizzy, etc.  After doing the pt I always need to rest.  The doctor and the therapist both told me that I would feel worse before I feel better because they are trying to get everything in my head to work again.  Sure wish it would hurry up.  This evening I watched two of the television programs that I recorded.  It seems that all the shows I like are on at the same time.  It is early to bed now.

Here I am, back at it.  Again, today is not a good day.  I think part of it might be the weather.  It is sunny and on the cool side.  It is windy again today.  Probably going to be a lazy day.  My morning chores are finished.  Not sure what I am going to do next.

I’ve been rearranging furniture for when Jana comes to visit.  I needed to clear the area in front of the door in the living room so she can go in and out with Mattie.  Jana doesn’t do well with steps so she uses that door.  There is only one step.  I also need to make room for our Christmas trees.  Her tree is not a problem.  I know where I want to put mine.  Just don’t know what to do with the furniture.  The biggest problem is Penny’s crate.  It takes up a lot of room.  I also have a chair I don’t know what to do with.  But, I’m working on it.  I also have to bring in a crate from the shed for Mattie.  We are not too sure how well Penny and Mattie will do when left alone.  Should be interesting.

I forgot to do my physical therapy yesterday.  And, no, that does not mean I will do it twice today.  I have enough trouble getting through it once.  And, yes, I did my therapy today.

Kevin and Renea came over and moved Penny’s crate into the dining room.  I had dragged a piece of furniture into my bedroom to make room for the crate.  I think this takes care of my furniture problem. Of course, I can’t walk around the one side of my bed in my bedroom.  I have made room in my closet for Jana’s “hanging” clothes and emptied the hassocks in the living room for her “drawer” clothes.  I think I am ready.  Next on the agenda is wrapping Christmas presents for Brian to take back with him when he brings Jana down. 

Penny, Ants and Fog

I celebrated my birthday on Sunday with Kevin, Renea and Stephanie.  Renea fixed a really good meal of ham, green beans and new potatoes along with cornbread.  She also fixed a pineapple upside down cake for desert.  Kevin’s family and Brian’s family combined their gift to me and gave me gift cards for Barnes and Nobles.  What better gift could I get? 

This past week was also Penny’s Gotcha Birthday.  She was my birthday present two years ago.  At that time she was eight weeks old.  Now she is two years old.  I have a teenager again.

Her and I made it through the “terrible twos” so I know we will make it through her “teenage” years.  She is extremely spoiled and independent.  Only will let me hold her when she wants to be held.  However, she lays next to me when I am sitting on the couch.  She has been known to walk across me if I am in her way.  If I am reading she head butts me for attention.  Then when I put my book down and go to pet her she walks away.  That’s okay.  She is my buddy, and I’m glad she lives with me.  As we all know cats don’t live with you, you live with them.  They are in charge J.

Today she is not happy with me.  I put her in her “crate” because Renea and I sprayed the kitchen for ants.  She is not happy.  She tried to climb out.  I don’t know what she thought she could do.  It is completely enclosed.  She climbed all over the inside.  She even knocked down the shelves that she normally lays on.  She did a lot of meowing also.  Now she is sleeping in her bag.  I will be letting her out soon.  The information said it was safe for pets after it dried.  It has been dry for a while now. 

Good Morning.  The good news is there were no ants in Penny’s food this morning.  However, that does not mean they will not be back.  I did see several in other places in the kitchen.  I have been killing them.  So much fun.

I had planned to go to Phenix City to the bank and grocery this morning, but the fog was so bad I didn’t think it would be a good idea to drive down Hwy 80.  That highway is bad enough without the fog.  I may go this afternoon.  Instead, after I finished my morning chores, and killed a bunch of ants, I did two loads of laundry.  Also did my physical therapy this morning.

Yes, I had planned to go shopping this afternoon, but my physical therapy did me in.  I didn’t do much except walk up to the mailbox and back, fix supper, clean up, and then watch the debate.  Went to bed as soon as it was over.

No fog this morning, so after breakfast I did my morning chores and then I got ready to go into Phenix City.  I stopped at the bank first and then went to Walmart.  Was able to get most of what I wanted at Walmart.  When I arrived home I found my kitchen counter filled with ants.  I set out the ant traps I bought.  I put them in places I don’t think Penny can get to.  Sure hope they do the job.  Had a quick snack because it was so late, and put my groceries away.  I rested for a little while.  Had a very small supper.  I was very hungry, but I thought I better eat since I had to take some pills. 

I probably won’t do my physical therapy today.  I am having a really bad day since I got home from shopping.  Maybe later this evening.  This afternoon I ordered several Christmas presents on the internet.  I am just about finished!  If I can stay awake long enough I will watch some of the football game tonight.  I know I won’t make it for the whole game.