Hit With A Vengance

Another good morning.  I finally finished pulling the weeds in front of the deck!  Yea!!! Next step is tomorrow morning I will go back and tweak the front, spray some roundup and dump the dirt out of the flower pots that don’t have anything growing in them.  It sure feels good to be getting this done.  I’ve also done my morning chores and taken a shower.  After lunch I am heading to the doctor for my annual checkup.

Interesting afternoon.  After lunch I stopped at Walgreen’s to pick up my prescriptions on the way to my doctor for my annual checkup.  I get there in plenty of time and after about twenty minutes the receptionists informs me that the doctor is at the hospital and not sure when he will be in the office.  I can either wait or reschedule.  I decided to reschedule.  This happens quite frequently when you have an appointment with an OB/GYN.  Babies don’t understand about office appointments.

So from there I went to Barnes and Nobel and bought one book that had come out on 9/20.  Then it was on to Walmart for a few groceries.  On the way home I saw a sign that said it was 97 degrees.  I believe it.  Still no rain in sight.  Don’t have any plans for this evening.  Maybe watch a little television or read.  I may even start one of my craft projects. 

Actually all I did was watch some television.

Well, best laid plans…… This morning instead of working outside I was inside killing ants.  They were coming in where the addition joins the original mobile home.  Penny is on guard right now and will let me know when more arrived.  Ants are an on-going battle here in Alabama.  Especially when it is hot and dry.  They are looking for moisture.  I can’t spray anything because of Penny so she watches for them and I kill them.  Such cooperation!

Since it was up in the nineties again today I did some inside chores.  Kevin invited me for supper.  He grilled chicken and it was really good.  Renea is sick so it was just me and Kevin.  We watched part of the Auburn game at his house.  I am sure he watched the whole thing.  I came home and watched a little more than switched to NASCAR. 

This morning I worked outside for about an hour.  It sure is hot.  I finished up the first section I started on in the front yard.  I have a spot where I need to spray roundup.  Will get that later.  Had to come in and cool off and sit down for a few.  After cooling off a little I did my morning chores.  I have seen only a few ants over on the inside steps.  Paid a few bills.  Now I am watching the Bengals.  Didn’t really do a lot today.  It was kind of a lazy day.  I did pay some bills.  Other than that not so much.

Didn’t work outside this morning.  I had to go to the doctor for bloodwork.  By the time I got back home and had breakfast it was getting hot.  So, I did my morning chores.  However, I did change the sheets on my bed with a lot of help from Penny.  Have you ever tried to change sheets with a cat deciding it was play time?  That’s okay.  We have a lot of fun!

By the afternoon I had some kind of stomach bug hit me and I was down and out.  Back at y’all later.

Back At It

ONWARD! has been on hold for almost a week now.  I have been busy getting ready to go to Ohio for Samantha’s wedding.  So, as of now I need to get back to my goal.

Sunday was a day of travelling.  We didn’t get home until after six o’clock.  By the time we

unloaded the car, had a little supper, it was time for bed.  We were all really exhausted.  It rained all the way home until we crossed the Georgia/Alabama border.  When I say it rained it rained!  You could hardly see to drive.  However, our driver did a great job and got us home safely.

Monday I had a day of recuperation.  I picked Penny up from Companion.  Put a few things away.  Took a nap.  Watched DWTS.  Then went to bed.  I was really tired from the trip. 

Today is Tuesday and I am back to working on my goal.  I worked outside for about 45 minutes.  I have maybe two more days left in the area in front of my deck.  Then it will be time to touch up the areas where I started.  Of course, I still have the area around the birdbath.  I also have the two azaleas in my front yard.  However, I think they are dead. 

I paid a few bills.  Walked up to the mailbox and emptied some trash.  Went through my mail.  I did some laundry.  I will finish that tomorrow.  I added information on my blog about Samantha and Brandon’s wedding.  They are such a neat couple and so happy.  One of the reasons they married now was because the Navy said this weekend or we don’t know when.  He will be going out on “float” soon and not sure when he will be back.  Samantha will be staying with Brian and Tracy so she can finish school.  I also added Brandon to our family tree.

After supper I relaxed and watched DWTS.  I was not surprised at who went home. 

Good Morning!  I worked outside for about 45 minutes again.  I found the azalea bush in all the weeds today and cleaned it out.  However, I think it is dead.  With some luck, I should finish the area in front of the deck tomorrow.

Next was morning chores.  I actually feel like I am accomplishing something again.  After supper I did some reading.  I am reading Bill O’Reilly’s book, KILLING THE RISING SUN.  I am actually learning some things.  The only television I watched was the news so I could see the weather.  Still no rain in sight.  We are in a severe drought here.  I could have told them that. 

Kevin and Renea came over to visit for while this evening.  She is not having a good week.

Now it is good night time.

Back at it again.  Just spent an hour outside.  I did not get finished.  I should hope tomorrow will be the last of the area in front of the deck.  After tweaking the areas already weeded, I will spray some roundup where I can, cut back the iris, fill in the holes and hopefully be finished with that area for a while. 

Morning chores are finished.  Did some paperwork.  Decided this would be a good day to make my Christmas pillow covers.  I made two.  They are both the same, but here is a picture of one.  You can just barely see the edge of the other one sitting next to it.  I don’t think I did too bad for my first try.

SAMANTHA AND BRANDON

Samantha and Brandon were married on September 17, 2016.

We left Alabama early Friday morning and arrived in Cincinnati about supper time.  I was dropped off to stay with Jana and the rest of the family went to Brian’s.  We all freshened up and then headed for LaRosa’s.  We met there after they had their rehearsal.  We all arrived at about the same time.

We had a fantastic time.  Had plenty to eat and it sure tasted good.  Brandon and Samantha met at LaRosa’s two years ago.  They were both working there.  In fact, Samantha still works there.  At one time all of the Aker family worked there in one capacity or another.  Bradley is even back working there as a part time cook. 

After eating everyone went to Brian and Tracy’s for the evening.  We had a great time there also.  Lots of stories and laughs.  Jana and I didn’t stay too late.  I was really tired.

The wedding on Saturday was not until 5:00 p.m. so Jana and I just took it easy during the morning.  We decided to stay out of everyone’s way at Brian’s because we figured it would be a little hectic there. 

Samantha and Brandon were to be married at Grace Point Church of the Nazarene in Trenton, OH.  Brian walked Samantha down the aisle.  He looked so proud.

After the ceremony pictures were taken in the church.  Everyone else went into the gym for drinks (soft drinks) and snacks.  After pictures Samantha and Brandon had their first dance.  And, of course, Brian danced with Samantha and Jenny (Brandon’s mom) danced with Brandon.

Since Steven couldn’t be there because he is still in Hawaii, a computer was set up so he could attend via Skype.  The pastor allowed them to set up a tall stool and put the computer on it so he could see.  They angled it in a way that he had a clear view. 

From there we all went to an Italian Restaurant in West Chester called Bravo Cucina Italiana.  The meal was delicious.  Toasts were made. (Where Samantha announced that she is NOT pregnant).  Apparently, that was a rumor since the wedding happened quicker than was expected.

The cake was beautiful. 

A great big shout out to Brian and Tracy for putting this together in one week’s time.  They did a fantastic job.  They had some help from Jenny and her fiancé.  Two lady friends of Brandon’s grandmother made the cake.  Everything was perfect.  Samantha and Brandon have many good memories!

The pictures included in this blog were taken by family and friends.  The photographer has not submitted her pictures as yet.

My New "Smart" Phone

Typical Sunday.  Dinner at Kevin and Renea’s.  Stephanie, Ryan and his friend, Karoline, was there.  Kevin grilled steaks.  We also had baked potatoes, salad and cheesecake.  Watched some football.  I even had the Bengals game which is unusual.  And…the Bengals won – barely.  We had a light rain shower.  We were in the donut hole for the bad weather.  Folks around us had lightning and hail.  Watched a little more television in the evening and called it a night.

This morning I didn’t work very long outside.  It is hot, humid and buggy!  In other words, miserable.  So, I have been doing a few things inside. 

Watched Dancing With The Stars. Should be an interesting season.  Had a lot of thunder and lightning tonight with very little rain.  Renea stopped over to tell me that Lenora’s cat got outside and took off into the woods.  He is a pretty all white cat and completely deaf.  Kevin, Renea, Ricky and Lenora have been looking for him.

Had too much to do today so I didn’t work outside at all. I figure with the rain it would be pretty buggy.  Checked with Renea and she said Lenora stayed up until 2:00 a.m. and Cotton never did come back.  As far as I know he still hasn’t returned.  That doesn’t sound good.  Too many wild critters around here.

Today I went to Kroger’s, Books A Million and Verizon.  I now have my own account and a new smart phone.  I HATE THAT PHONE!!!!  Should have kept my old one.  I have screwed up my email on both the phone and computer.  I am done with it for today. 

Okay, on to Wednesday.  I didn’t work outside again today because I had to go to Columbus bright and early for a dexa scan.  After that I stopped at Walgreen’s and picked up my prescriptions.  Then it was on to Walmart for a few items.  Stopped at Goodwill to drop off a few items.  Home for lunch.  By the way, I contacted Yahoo help to get my email working again.  They told me it looked like it was working.  Not sure they know what they are doing.  I may have to change my email again.  I still have my Hotmail account.

Good Morning!  It is Thursday now, and I worked outside this morning for a short time.  It started getting hot and miserable again so I finished up and came inside.  I heard from Yahoo and my Yahoo email account is now working on my computer.  Now it is on to the phone.  Wish me luck. 

I have finished packing for my trip to Ohio.  Samantha is getting married Saturday.  Details in the next blog.

I have taken Penny to Companion where she will stay for the weekend. 

P.S.  I don’t really hate my phone any more.  I am getting used to it and my apps seem to be working okay.

GOOD MORNING!

Good Morning.  I have been sticking to my ONWARD! goal.  The area in front of my deck is at least half finished.  It is looking so much better.  I am hoping to finish it this coming week.  After that I need to buy a lot of “rocks” since most of the original ones have disappeared.  I also need to clean out the area around the birdbath.  If this heat would just go away and cool down so it is comfortable to go outside and work.

I bought new curtains for my bedroom.  I only have one window and since I bought my new bedspread the curtains I had do not go well at all.  I hung the new ones this week and I really like the way they look.

I cleaned out a shelf and a half of the bookcase in my dining/craft/computer room.  I guess I should call it my multi-purpose room.  Anyway, I have a stack of papers to go through on the bottom shelf and that will be finished. 

One of the things I got most excited about this week was the fact that I heard from a relative I didn’t know I had.  I had my DNA tested through Ancestry.com and when they send the results they also send a list of trees that have matching names.  One of the names on the list showed that their tree listed the same great grandparents that I have.  Of course, the name is their screen name so I didn’t know exactly who it was.  However, I sent an email through ancestry and she answered me.  We are going to stay in touch, compare information, and plan to get together at some point when I am in Cincinnati.  I called Jana and we are both so excited to find family on the Althoefer side. 

During my research I have also found distant relatives that lived in Columbus, GA.  In fact, they are buried in a cemetery here.  I told Jana we are going to have to visit a cemetery when she comes to visit over the holidays.  I also found distant relatives that lived in Alabama.  I need to do a lot more research to see if there is anyone still around.  These relatives are on my mother’s side of the family.

I have been finding a lot of relatives on Jim’s Aker side of his family.  However, as for the Hennessy side I have hit more than a brick wall.  I can’t even make a crack in it.

I have now gotten my sewing machine out of “storage.”  I have several projects to complete and start.  I also have quite a few ornaments left from last year to complete, some plastic canvas projects and some crocheting projects. 

It’s a good thing I started my ONWARD! goal, or I would never get anything accomplished.

Mom had embroidered several pieces at some point before she died.  One was a small tablecloth that would probably work for a card table.  The other piece was a runner for either a small table or dresser.  She did beautiful embroidery.  I have been planning to hem both pieces, and finally got around to it today.  At least, I hemmed the tablecloth.  After a short break I hemmed the runner.  Not sure what my next project will be.

Probably won’t do much this evening.  I plan to watch the NASCAR race.

Moving On

Good Morning!  This is the last post I will be making of ONWARD!  DAY XX.  I have established a routine now and as long as I stick to it I will not post my daily activities.  Thanks to all who encouraged me. 

ONWARD!  DAY 16

Good Morning!  After breakfast I went outside to do my hour of pulling weeds.  Didn’t make quite an hour.  It is getting really hot again – upper 90’s.  It doesn’t take long to get that hot.  I did get another container of plants cleaned out.  There was some green left on the plant so we will see what happens.  I also finished cleaning around the sad looking hydrangea bush.  I will water both of them this evening.  If it wasn’t for all of the nocturnal animals (coyotes, deer, etc.) I would work for a while after the sun goes down.  Not sure I should do that.

Morning chores are finished.  I washed my support socks by hand.  Next time they will go in the washer with a load of wash.  They will probably take days to dry.  I also added some t-shirts and collar shirts to my Goodwill bag.  Just finished my first set of physical therapy.  I know I haven’t been real faithful doing the p/t, but I am trying. Just sent a couple of emails.  Now I am going to eat an early lunch so I can run some errands.

Lunch is over and I am on my way to Walmart.  I went to the one in Phenix City because the road is all torn up going to Tigertown.  They are putting down new blacktop.  What a mess.  And, the Walmart in Phenix City is being remodeled and it is a mess.  However, I went anyway.  Bought what I needed and headed for home.  Upon arrival, after bringing in my groceries and putting away the cold items, I sat down on the couch for a much needed rest. 

Rest time is over.  I put away the rest of my groceries, fed Penny and had supper.  I think that is going to be it for today. 

ONWARD DAY 17!

It’s after breakfast so it’s time to pull a few weeds.  I didn’t stay out quite as long this morning because it is getting really hot again and there is no breeze.  However, I did find another container this morning that I had forgotten about.  Just hope I don’t find any snakes in this mess.  Anyway, it was one that had daylilies in it.  I cleaned it out and cut back the daylilies.  I feel really good about the progress I am making.  Now it is time for morning chores and a shower.

Ok, morning chores are finished.  Took my shower.  Finished some more paperwork.  Paid a few bills.  Ate lunch.  Talked to Jana.  Finished the book I was reading.  WOW I am really making progress, and it feels really good.  I have been so lazy and feeling so sorry for myself the past few months that I have basically done nothing!  I believe my ONWARD goal has really helped me.  I’ve even done the first set of p/t. 

Took a short nap this afternoon.  Ate supper.  Ran the dishwasher.  Did my second set of p/t.  Now I am going to call it a day/night.  Plan to watch a little television then go to bed.

ONWARD! DAYS 13 - 15

ONWARD!  DAY 13

What a difference a day makes.  I feel really good today.  In fact not only was I up bright and early, but after breakfast I worked for an hour weeding the area in front of the deck.  It is so bad that I only got a small portion done, but I am making progress.  Finished my morning chores, took a shower, talked to Jana, and now it is almost time for lunch.

After lunch I did a set of physical therapy.  Also did a load of laundry.  The rest of the day was just some odds and ends.  I did watch the Xfinity NASCAR race.  After supper.  I watched the first half of the Alabama game.  Would have watched some of the Auburn game but it was on past my bedtime.   

ONWARD!  DAY 14

This morning I woke up to ants on my kitchen counter again.  After I finished fighting them (I haven’t seen any for about an hour now) I had breakfast.  I then went outside and pulled more weeds, etc. in front of the deck.  I know I am making progress, but it doesn’t look like I have done much.  Not only am I pulling weeds, I have been cleaning out flower pots of dead plants, and pulling weeds out of the flower pots that still have live plants.  I deadheaded the hydrangea bush.  It has a lot of new growth.  I can’t find the other one because of the weeds.  This year I planted several day lilies, but I think they have died.  They bloomed once and then just curled up and died.  I cut them back and maybe they will come back next year.

Morning chores are finished.  I even finished going through the last two book shelves in the bookcase in my bedroom.  After lunch Rebecca came over and visited for a while.  When she left I did a set of physical therapy.  Watched the final 20 laps of the Camping World Truck Race.  Ate supper.  Did my second set of physical therapy.  Now I am watching the NASCAR Sprint Race.

ONWARD!  DAY 15

I told you that you would probably be bored, but I’m not done yet!  Good Morning.  After breakfast I started the dishwasher.  Killed a few ants.  Then headed outside to pull some more weeds and work on the area in front of my deck.  I am almost half way finished.  It is starting to look decent.  I even found the other hydrangea bush.  I thought for sure it would be dead, but it actually has new leaves.  Yea!  Came inside for a break.  Talked to Jana.  Now I am going to shower and do my morning chores.

Okay.  Took my shower and finished my morning chores.  Also did one load of laundry.  I changed the bed sheets and that is the laundry I am doing.  Yesterday was towels.  After lunch I emptied the dishwasher; visited with Jennifer, Rebecca and Bethany.  Rebecca is finished house/dog sitting since Kevin and Renea are due back today.  In fact they arrived home about 5:00 this afternoon.  They had been at Ft. Polk, Louisiana, visiting Rick and Beth.  I watered the plants on the deck and the ones I weeded that are in containers in front of the deck.

Bethany tried to pet, hold and/or play with Penny while she was here.  Of course, Penny was being a little stinker and would run away.  Then when Bethany left Penny went to the door trying to find her.

I visited with Kevin and Renea for a few minutes.  Also took them their mail.  After supper I talked to Jana. 

That’s it for today.  I’m tired.  Going to watch some television before I go to bed.

ONWARD! DAYS 10 - 12

ONWARD! DAY 10

I feel really good about myself.  I am sticking to my goals, and making progress.  I did get a little later start this morning.  Penny has been full of it most of the night and this morning.  She has been running from one end of the house to the other.  That’s okay.  I’m glad she is active.

I did go outside and do a little yard work.  I have one corner left in the marigold garden.  Maybe – just maybe I can finish that this evening.  Depends on the weather.  When I came in this morning from working outside I put on my new support hose.  They look dorky with my shorts, but so be it.  They do make my legs feel better.  I have sent a few emails this morning.  Morning chores are finished.  Roast is in the crockpot.  Backed up my family tree info.  Making progress this morning!

After lunch I spent most of my afternoon catching up on paperwork.  I didn’t realize I was so far behind until I started working on it.  However, I am caught up now.  I do think my printer is dying though.  I had to make a bunch of copies and it sure doesn’t sound too good.  It is really old.  It traveled all over the county with Jim and me.  Usually sitting on the dashboard of the motorhome.  So, I guess I can’t complain.  I also did set one of my physical therapy. 

Supper was delicious.  I added potatoes to the crockpot to cook with the roast, so I had a one pot meal.  I have enough left for another meal and a sandwich or two.  I did my second set of physical therapy and watched a little television.  Then called it a night!

ONWARD!  DAY 11

Good Morning.  Up bright and early again.  After breakfast I finished up the marigold garden.  It looks pretty good.  Better than it did anyway.  I also cleaned up the two concrete planters next to my steps leading up to the deck.  One now has no flowers and the other one has a couple of plants that I trimmed up.  Not sure if they will survive.  Next it is on to the front of the deck.  Wish me luck.  I will need it.

After my shower I headed to the tire place for new tires.  I bought two tires which were put on the front of my car and they moved the front ones to the rear.  Should be good to go now.  After arriving home I had lunch, then went over to let Lola and Copper outside for a while.  When I came back I finally did my morning chores.  Then I “organized” four of the six shelves of books in my bedroom bookcase.  I put some books in the Half Price Book bag because I have so many I will probably never read those.  I still have two shelves to go plus the two in the bookcase in my dining/computer room. 

Didn’t do much after supper.  Actually, I had a very lazy evening.

DAY 12

I didn’t even title this ONWARD! because it sure hasn’t been a productive day.  It has been a really bad day with a headache, dizziness, nausea and my fibromyalgia.  I did my morning chores, but other than that I just mostly spent the day laying on the couch.  I have a feeling it was because of HERMINE that I felt this way.  We didn’t get any rain or wind from her because she wasn’t that close, but it must have been close enough to cause my problems.  I am just considering this a lost day.  Tomorrow will be better.