Jana

First of all I like this picture of my quilt better than the other one I posted because the color is truer.

ANOTHER PENNY STORY – PENNY AND THE MIRROR

 

The only mirror I have had in my house is the one in the bathroom above the bathroom sink.  I finally bought what I call a door mirror.  That is one of those tall skinny ones.  Hopefully, it will make me look skinnier J  Anyway, for the time being I have it leaning against a bedroom wall.  I wasn’t sure how Penny would react to the mirror, and it wasn’t what I expected.  When she sees herself she walks around the back of it looking for that “other” cat.  She gets really frustrated when she can’t find it.  I just thought this was funny.

 
JANA AND MATTIE

Jana and Mattie will be heading back to Cincinnati next week (Monday).  Brian is driving down on Wednesday so Kevin and he can go fishing.  He will be taking Jana back on Monday.  I sure will miss her.  It has been so much fun having her here.

 

We are so different.  I am NOT a morning person.  I like to be quiet. Have my house quiet.  Then by mid-morning I am finally starting to function.  I am usually pretty grouchy and snarky when I wake up.  However, Jana is definitely a morning person.  She wakes up happy and talking.  She talks to Mattie, Penny, me, the television and anyone who will or will not listen to her.  She will probably be glad to get a break from me.  She is used to having the television on from the time she gets up until she goes to bed.  I wasn’t sure how much attention she paid to the television, but she talks to it.  That’s okay, I ignore her and the television.  My house sure will be quiet when she leaves.  I will probably have some type of withdrawal.

 

We both like to eat out, and we managed to get to all of our favorite restaurants.  We did a lot of shopping; Kohl’s, Barnes and Nobles, Target, Walmart, Kroger, Hobby Lobby, Petco, PetSmart, Books A Million, Office Depot, Lowes, and a few others I probably haven’t mentioned.  We both had our haircut.  We did a lot of reading.  We have laughed a lot.  We even cried a little when we had our remember when days.  I am sure going to miss her and Mattie.  Mattie and Penny became good friends so I am sure they will miss each other.

 

I am going to finish this on a lighter note.  Jana and I have been going to Mass on Saturday nights at St. Patrick’s in Phenix City.  I even plan to keep attending after Jana leaves.  (Landmark has changed quite a bit, and I haven’t been real happy there.)  Anyway, after Mass we usually stop and get a pizza or a subway to take home. Sometimes we actually go to a restaurant (fast food of course) and eat there.  Last night we ate at Zaxby’s.  We both like Zaxby’s.  We placed our order, they gave us our drink cups and we went to the counter to get our drinks.  They are self-serve.  I was first and I couldn’t figure out how to get the ice.  I figured out the drink, but not the ice.  I was pushing all the buttons and could not get ice.  After much laughter Jana figured it out and I got my ice and my drink.  I walked away to get a lid and a straw.  Jana was next and she got the ice just fine.  However, I turned around and there she was pushing buttons trying to get her drink.  I went over to show her what to do.  Again, much laughter.  Just can’t take us any place.  J

 

The rest of this week will be busy.  So, until later…….

Penny and Mattie Stories

Just thought I would post a few stories about Penny and Mattie.  Aren't the cute!

PENNY AND THE MICE

 

A couple of weeks ago Penny spent a lot of time at staring at the cabinets under my kitchen sink.  A couple of times Mattie joined her.  It was suggested by a friend that I might have mice.  We do get them from time to time – after all we live in the country.  I cleaned out the cabinet and found no signs of mice.  After a few days she moved to the bathroom sink cabinet.  I checked that cabinet and found mouse droppings.  So, I set a trap.  Within an hour I caught a mouse.  I got rid of that one, and set another trap.  Lo and behold! I caught another mouse.  Got rid of that one, set another trap and caught a third mouse.  Meanwhile Penny would not leave the bathroom, or move from her post in front of the cabinet. 

Brian and Kevin both suggested that I put steel wool in the hole that I thought they were getting in.  I took everything out of the cabinet, cleaned it with bleach and put steel wool in the hole.  I also set another trap just in case.  So far, I have not caught any more mice and Penny have left her vigil.  I know they will probably be back somewhere else.  I will just keep watching Penny and Mattie for signs they are around!

 

MATTIE AND THE QUILT

This past week I purchased a quilt that I was going to use on the back of my couch.  I actually ordered, and it was delivered by USPS.  Yes, I actually did get it J  Anyway, when it arrived I decided to hang it on my wall quilt rack instead of putting it on the couch. 

After hanging it, Mattie was beside herself.  She spent the afternoon and evening barking and growling.  The area we set up for her to eat is below the quilt and she wasn’t too sure that the cats weren’t going to get her or her food.  When Jana fed her she stretched out as far as she could to reach her food.  All the while she was eating she kept looking up at the quilt and growling.  She finally settled down when she went to bed.  We actually thought we might have to cover it up with something to get her to go to sleep. 

When she got up in the morning she didn’t bark at the quilt but she did growl.  Mattie has finally settled down.  She does still check on the quilt to make sure the cats aren’t going to get her, but at least she has stopped barking.

 

Yesterday afternoon Penny was sitting on my lap, and when she got up she finally noticed the quilt (observant isn’t she).  She sat on the end table and stared at it for a while as if she was trying to figure out just what was happening.  She finally just walked away, and hasn’t paid any attention to it since.

MATTIE AND HER HARNESS

 

When Jana takes Mattie outside to do her business she puts a harness on her.  She pulls a lot and she doesn’t use her collar because she chokes herself.  Watching Jana put her harness on her is sooooo funny.  She lays the harness on the floor, calls Mattie who runs in circles until Jana can grab her collar and get her to the harness.  She then has to pick her up by the front of her body.  Mattie sticks her legs out in front of her.  Her legs are stiff.  Jana sticks her legs in the harness and then is able to fasten it.  She isn’t afraid of the harness, so we don’t know what her problem is.  She is happy to go outside. 

PENNY AND THE TOILET

 

Penny has decided she likes being in the bathroom and lays in front of the toilet.  She will not move when someone goes in to the use the toilet.  We are supposed to straddle her.  However, when you flush the toilet she goes around the back of it and listens.  I guess she is trying to figure out where the noise (water) is coming from and going to. 

I also had to buy a new toilet paper holder.  I had one where you could store a couple of rolls of toilet paper.  It was not enclosed, so Penny would make a mess of the bottom roll which meant I had a mess in the bathroom.  She not only scratched it, but she also used her teeth.  I think she was actually eating some of it. 

Those are my stories for today.  Yes, Penny and Mattie still chase each other from one end of the house to the other.  Neither one is the good girl.  They take turns pestering each other.  Mattie smells Penny’s butt which she hates.  Penny smacks Mattie on the nose (at least she doesn’t have her front claws so she can’t hurt her).  They keep our days interesting.

It Happened Again

Well, it happened again.  I found out several years ago that I cannot get a flu shot because of the bad reaction.  Yesterday I went to the doctor for my three month checkup and he gave me the pneumonia shot.  Of course, I had a really bad reaction.  Consisted of chills, fever, headache, very sore arm and diarrhea.  At least the rest of my appointment went well.  My lab work was fine.  The results of both my pap smear and mammogram were all fine.  I guess I won’t be getting the pneumonia shot again.

After going to the doctor Jana and I stopped at the new candy store in Columbus.  We bought fudge and candy.  It is delicious!  Next stop was the license bureau where I purchased my license plates for this coming year.  In fact, I got the handicap plates.  From there we stopped at Walgreen’s to pick up my prescription, then on to Walmart.  Needed a few things including potting soil for Kevin.  I didn’t get enough potting soil, so he is at Lowe’s now buying more.

We stopped at Bob’s Burger’s for lunch.  They not only have great burgers, but their french fries are also great.  When we got home we had a piece (or two) of candy for dessert.  We had a light supper, and I was in bed by 8:30. 

Friday was a lazy day recuperating from the shot.  I was so grouchy that Jana quit talking to me. After supper I started feeling better.  Today (Saturday) is a good day.  So far I ran the sweeper, filled the birdfeeders (Jana helped), and walked around the yard checking the trees.  I sure hope we don’t have a hard freeze.  Yes, I know it is only January 14^th, but there are buds on the dawn redwood tree.

I am in the process of updating the KARSAKERFARM blog so you may want to check that.  I have taken some pictures to post there.  If you want to check and don’t remember the address, it is:  karsakerfarm.com.  Some of you may have to use: karsakerfarm.blogspot.com.  Either should work.  NOTE:  karsakerfarm blog has been updated.

Jana and I went to 5:30 Mass at St. Patrick’s.  On the way home we picked up a pizza from Papa John’s.  This will probably be our last pizza before Jana goes home.  We try to vary our after Mass suppers on Saturday night.  We did get to see the last quarter of the Falcons game.  Sure glad they won.  Sorry about the Texans.  We were hoping they would beat the Patriots. 

Today Jana is doing her laundry, and I am getting a few other chores accomplished.  Later today we are going to Kevin and Renea’s for supper.  Also, today is the Green Bay Packers game.  Go Green Bay!  We also have the Steelers/Kansas City game.  Hope they get to play since they have that really bad ice storm happening.  I know they changed the time to be a late game, but not sure that will help.  I can’t decide who I want to win.  I really don’t like the Steelers.  Oh well, we shall see. 

Did have supper at Kevin and Renea’s.  We had pork loin with apple stuffing and sweet potato casserole.  The Green Bay game started before we went to Kevin’s, but we were able to check the score while we were there.  We watched the end of the game when we came home.  Yea! Packers!  Didn’t watch the full Steelers/Chiefs game.  Checked the score when we got up this morning.  The only thing good I can say is maybe the Steelers will beat the Patriots.  I will also be rooting for Green Bay against Atlanta.

Most of the DNA Results Are In!

Shortly before Christmas Brian, Kevin and Jana had their DNA done through Ancestry.  This was my idea so I paid for the tests.  We have received Brian’s results.  There is not as much Irish in his DNA as was expected.  That could be because Jim’s father’s side is mostly German along with my German heritage.  At least I guess that is the reason.

When I received my results I was connected to several distant cousins who turned out to be related through my grandparents families.  It looks like Brian (and Kevin) are going to be related to numerous people through Jim’s father’s side.  I haven’t found anyone related to Jim’s mother’s side.  I really wish I would have done Jim’s DNA before he died.  I would love to see the comparisons.  Looks like I am going to be sending a lot of emails, and doing more research.

I have started a spreadsheet to make our comparisons easier. 

This past week I ordered some trees through the Arbor Society, and some wisteria for the bee area.  They will all be sent when due to be planted.  The trees are the ones they send when you either complete their survey or join their organization.  I am really looking forward to spring this year.  We have so many plans, and since I am feeling better I will be able to help.

Okay, winter hasn’t been listening to me.  It was in the teens this morning and will be again tomorrow morning.  If the wind wasn’t blowing so hard it might not feel as bad.  Sure has made my fibromyalgia flare up.  Today is a lazy day because of it.  Jana still has a pretty bad cough but it is getting better. 

I sure wish I knew bird species better.  Jana and I had my bird book out today trying to figure out what birds are on my quilt.  There are several I am guessing about.  I do know most of them though.  Ginger – I sure could use your help and expertise. 

Yesterday Jana and I spent the day catching up on errands.  In order we went to the bank, Ollie’s (didn’t buy anything), Target (bought a few things), and Kroger (bought a lot of things).  In between Ollie’s and Target we had lunch at Outback.  Sure was good!

When we arrived home the wisteria that I ordered for Kevin had arrived.  He put them over in his garage and we will plant them on Saturday.  I also checked my email and found that Kevin’s DNA results were sent to me.  This is getting interesting. 

We then spent the afternoon putting everything away that we had bought. We had a very light supper.  Watched some television.  Then went to bed.  We were tired!

Winter Can Be Over Now!

All the decorations are down and packed away for another year.  Now I just have to wait until the rain stops so I can take the boxes to the shed.  At the rate it is raining I will probably need a boat to transport them.

 

Penny has started a new project.  She lays on the kitchen floor staring at the base of the sink cabinet.  I have gotten on the floor to see what she is staring at, but I cannot see a thing.  Oh well, at least it gives her something to do.

Yesterday I downloaded pictures of Mattie that Jana had taken to my computer.  Since Jana doesn’t have a printer I printed some 4x6’s, 5x7’s and one 8x10.  They turned out really good.  She is going to do a collage with the 4x6’s.  We just need to get to Walmart or Hobby Lobby to find a frame.  By the way, my new printer worked wonderfully!

 

As most of you know, I love to read.  James Patterson is one of my favorite authors.  I have been reading some of his books known as bookshots.  I have enjoyed a couple, but I think most of them are pretty dumb.  Just an observation J  When Jana leaves I will go back to doing crafts.  I have a whole list of projects, and since I am feeling better who knows what all I will accomplish!

 

Jana and I both bought one of those new small Polaroid cameras.  They work well, however, the pictures are really small and the paper is rather expensive.  Anyway, it’s fun to play with.  We both need a lot of practice though.  And, if I want to save the pictures to download on my computer I will have to buy a microchip.  Oh well, live and learn.

 

Jana had this small quilted piece made for me for Christmas.  I love it and wanted to share.  At first I was just going to hang it as it, but then I decided to frame it.  It looks great as you can see!

We sure were lucky yesterday (Monday).  We did not have a tornado but we had plenty of thunder, lightning, some wind and almost seven inches of rain.  It was pretty rough for a while.  This morning the sun is out and there are just a few clouds.  According to the weather reports we could have snow flurries here by this weekend.  J

 

This morning was really busy.  Jana is doing her laundry.  I cleaned the living room which included moving furniture.  Really needed it.  Sure smells good.  I fabrezed all the furniture, curtains and rugs.  Kevin and Ryan moved all my boxes to the shed.  Yea!  We have some room to move around now.

 

Okay, it is cold.  I am going to complain.  I know it isn’t as cold here as a lot of you are experiencing right now, but when it goes down in the 20’s with wind chill in the teens that is really cold for us.  I am dripping the water at night now so it doesn’t freeze.  The wind is blowing hard which makes the cold even more miserable.  When Jana takes Mattie outside to do her business Mattie pees and poops faster than any dog I have ever seen.  Kevin has covered the lemon trees so they hopefully will survive. 

 

Okay – winter can be over now.  We have had 24 hours of cold weather.

Penny and Mattie

If these two don’t give Jana and me a heart attack it will be a miracle.  They are still chasing each other from one end of the house to the other.  Penny smacks Mattie.  Mattie stomps her feet.  They touch noses. Then they are off and running.  Penny usually jumps up on the book cases or the pantry cupboard.  What makes it funny is that when she does this Mattie loses track of her and can’t find her.  So Penny is looking down at Mattie and Mattie is running around trying to find her.

Penny still plays in Mattie’s water.  We have to watch Mattie because she eats Penny’s food.

When we watch television or read, Jana sits on the couch and I sit in one of the chairs.  Penny likes to lay on my lap and snuggle.  Well…..Mattie has decided that she should be able to do the same.  Of course, she doesn’t sit on Jana’s lap, when she sees Penny coming to sit on my lap Mattie jumps on my lap.  When that happens Penny sits on the back of the chair.  I am surrounded by pets J

 

We had to take Jana’s tree down earlier than we planned because Miss Penny was not only playing with the ornaments and chewing on the tree branches, but we were worried that she was going to jump onto the tree.  She would sit on the railing between the dining room and living room and stare at the tree like she was going to jump.  She had already broken one ornament and we didn’t need her to break any more or damage the tree.  It as safer to take it down.

Jana did get a picture of her trying to hide in the tree.

She didn’t bother my tree hardly at all.  I did catch her chewing on the branches a couple of times, but that was it. 

We have had over four inches of rain in the past couple of days with more expected.  Poor Mattie doesn’t like to get her feet wet so Jana has to carry her over the puddles so she can potty.  As soon as she is finished she wants back in the house.  Jana looks like Nanook of the North when she takes Mattie outside.  She not only dresses for warmth but also for the rain.  It hasn’t been very cold, just damp.

We are not complaining though because we are about fourteen inches of rain short here.  This will help somewhat.  Besides, it wouldn’t do us any good to complain because it will either rain or not.

Penny likes the box my printer came in.  So, when she goes in the box, Mattie lays and looks at her.  She doesn’t understand why she would want to go in there.  If Mattie gets too close, Penny smacks her across the nose. 

Last night I sat down on the couch to watch the news, and Mattie started growling at me as if to say I am not supposed to sit there.  However, it didn’t last long.  She came over and wanted to be petted and started licking my hand as if to say she was sorry.

We are thoroughly enjoying these girls.  They definitely keep us entertained.

Where To Begin

It hasn’t been just a while – it’s been quite a while since I updated my blog.  I have decided to just give an overview of the past few days/weeks to get caught up.  Then, hopefully, I will get back on track.

Christmas Eve we went to Mass at St. Patrick’s.  It was the children’s Mass and we thoroughly enjoyed it. It was different from what we experienced in Cincinnati.  After Mass the children were in costumes from sheep to Mary and Joseph.  One of the parishioners told the story of the birth of Jesus and the children re-enacted it.  Kevin and Renea also joined us for Mass.  Bruce, Jennifer and their children were there also.  Afterwards Bruce and family went home and Kevin, Renea, Jana and I ordered pizza, picked it up and ate at Kevin/Renea’s.  We had a really nice evening.  Jana and I then came home and had our Christmas (exchanging gifts). 

Christmas morning we went to Kevin/Renea’s for breakfast and gift exchange.  Stephanie and Ryan were both there.  Renea had fixed a French toast casserole and bacon along with orange juice.  We had a lot of fun.  (I even got the printer I asked for.  It was from Kevin and family and Brian and family.  THANK YOU!)  Later Jana and I came home because Kevin and family were going to Bruce’s for Christmas dinner.  Jana and I elected not to join them.  We were invited.

The week between Christmas and New Year’s was quiet except for one day.  Jana had started feeling pretty bad so we went to the Urgent Care in Tigertown.  Turns out she had the flu.  She was given a shot and two prescriptions.  While in Tigertown we had her prescriptions filled, stopped at Kroger and Office Depot.  Then we came home and hunkered down for the week.

New Year’s Eve was quiet for us.  We were in bed by 10:30 p.m.  Didn’t see the ball drop.  We figured it would be 2017 even if we slept through the midnight festivities, and we were right.  New Year’s Day was also a quiet day.  We have been watching quite a bit of football.  Alabama won.  Ohio State lost.  Green Bay won.  Bengals won.  Tonight is Auburn. 

Jana is feeling much better.  Today is her last day for her medicines.  She still has a cough, it isn’t as bad as it was.  We plan on taking it easy again today.  She has to get better because we have too much to do for her to be sick!

No pictures were taken so I don’t have any to post.  However, I do have some Penny and Mattie stories and pictures.  Will get to that later.

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.