NORTH??? IN THE WINTER????

Yep, that’s me.  North in the winter. 

I arrived last week on Thursday, and will be staying for about 6 weeks.  Had a nice trip up here.  I am staying with Jana and David.

Last Saturday we went to Mike and Penny’s house.  Mike is David’s son and Penny is Mike’s wife.  We had a really nice time celebrating Christmas with their family along with Vickie (David’s daughter), her husband and their family.  Deborah also joined us.  The food was awesome.  Penny is a great cook.

Kevin came up on Sunday and spent five days working on Jana and David’s bathroom.  He got a lot done.  The bathroom is really looking good.  He left the following Sunday so he could be home for Christmas.

Jana, David and I visited mom a couple of times.  Kevin joined us for one visit, and then he and Brian stopped to visit her later in the week. 

Thursday Jana had her hip replacement surgery.  She is doing just fine.  She came home yesterday (Sunday).  I went to WalMart and had her prescriptions filled.  She slept in her recliner last night and I slept on the couch so she would not have to go up or down the steps.  Tonight we are going to go upstairs to the bedrooms.  The physical therapist was here this morning and had her walk the steps both up and down.  It gave her a little more confidence. 

I also spent a couple of hours today cleaning the bathroom.  We all plan to take showers tonight.  Today was the first chance I had to get it done. 

Tomorrow I will be picking up mom and bringing her to the house for Christmas.  She will be spending the day with us. 

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas.

Continuing On.....

Since my last posting I had a doctor appointment.  Went to see my GYN for my three month checkup.  Right now, no news is good news.

Last weekend Kevin, Renea and Stephanie went to Cincinnati.  Kevin stayed with Brian; Renea and Stephanie spent Friday night with Renea’s parents.  Then Saturday night Stephanie stayed with Samantha.  However, on Saturday afternoon Renea and Stephanie visited Granny.  It was a surprise and Granny was really surprised.  She was so glad to see them.  They took her flowers and candy and Granny gave them a tour of the nursing home.

 

I had mentioned in a previous blog that Kevin, Renea and I rented a booth at the Lee County Flea Market.  We did not do well.  We did not have the right kind of items to sell.  The reason Kevin went to Ohio was so he and Brian could rent a booth at Traders World.  They set up on Saturday and did pretty good.  We are learning a lot from these sales.  We don’t expect to get rich.  We just plan on having a good time.

 

While they were gone, I dog sat.  I had a good time with Roscoe and Lola.  On Friday I went over at suppertime (they had spent the day outside).  I fed them their supper and gave them a treat.  They both wanted to go back outside for a short time.  After “doing their business” I brought them back in and the cuddle on the couch with me while I watched some television.  Roscoe kept trying to push Lola away from me so I sat between them.  When we went to bed they both slept with me.  This was an experience.  Lola slept at the bottom of the bed by me feet.  I don’t think she moved all night.  Roscoe was a different story.  He needed help to get up on the bed.  It was easier to help him than listen to him cry.  He would get in bed, turn circles, settle down, then snore.  After a while he would repeat this process.  And, of course, he had to go out during the night and the routine would start all over.  Saturday morning I fed them, put them outside and then took a nap since I didn’t get much sleep Friday night.  Saturday was better.  Lola slept at the bottom of the bed again, but Roscoe slept on the couch.  I think he was tired also.  Sunday morning I fed them and then went to church.  After I got home I put them outside.  Kevin and family were home by suppertime.

 

The rest of the week was just doing normal things. I did get my Christmas cards signed and addressed.  It sure was weird signing just my name.  I even put up my Christmas tree and a few decorations even though I won’t be here for Christmas.

 

On Friday night I went to the Prime Timers Christmas Party at church.  We had a great time.  Plenty of good food, played a couple of games and lots of laughter.

 

Saturday I didn’t do much.  Sunday I went to church and then started getting ready to head for Ohio.  I will be staying with Jana and David for a while.  She is having hip replacement surgery and I will be her caregiver.  I will also be taking care of David and Smoky.  In between I will visit with family and friends.

Prime Timers Weekend

We had a great time!  FYI – the Prime Timers is the senior group at the church I attend.  We all met at the church early because we were leaving at 9:00 a.m.  The church has a bus and we all rode the bus which was driven by Scott.  Scott and Linda are the directors/organizers of the Prime Timers.  There were fifteen of us.  Kevin drove me to church so I would not have to leave my car parked there for three days. He also planned on changing the oil in my car. We headed out at exactly 9:00 a.m.  The first thing they did when we got on the road was put a cassette (yes, I said cassette) in the cassette player and we all sang ON THE ROAD AGAIN.  They consider this their theme song. 
 

Next came food.  I could not believe the amount of snacks we had to eat while travelling.  Linda even made up goodie bags for each of us.  We had donuts, cookies, candy, etc., etc., etc. 

 

Scott is real good about stopping every 45 minutes or so.  Everyone gets off the bus for a short walk and a potty stop.  The first stop we made was at a gas station.  It was one they had stopped at before, so they knew where it was.  We all got off the bus and headed inside for the potty.  And guess what – the ladies restroom was out of order!  So, we all used the men’s room.  It was stinky, but we survived.  They guys thought it was funny and they actually stood guard outside.

 

Then, it was back on the bus for more snacks and drinks.  We also played a few games.  Bingo was one of them, and I actually one!  I never win at games.  After going thru Atlanta it was time for another potty stop.  So, we stopped at another gas station.  This time the restroom was outside and we needed it a key.  By the way, it was unisex J  Again, there was a long line.  This time it was not as stinky.

 

Next on the agenda was lunch.  We were going to stop at Wendy’s, but it wasn’t where it was supposed to be (according to Google).  We ended up eating at Burger King.  Which was fine.  Okay, lunch is over so it’s back on the bus.

 

According to the plan, our next stop was supposed to be the grocery store in Blue Ridge.  However, we started having technical difficulties with the bus.  It kept bogging down.  A couple of people on the bus had phones with internet so they all started looking for a Ford dealer.  One was found and we stopped.  Luckily someone was there to help us.  After much looking under the hood, etc. it was decided that it could be major or minor.  Scott thought it was water in the gas tank.  After spending about an hour there it was decided we would continue on.  Out next stop was the grocery store.  By this time our four hour trip had taken seven hours (kinda sounds like Gilligan’s Island right?). 

 

We were divided into four groups (this had been done before the trip) with a group leader.  Each group was responsible for one meal.  Each group was given $70 to buy their groceries.  We then headed into the store for our supplies.  The group I was with had breakfast on Sunday morning.  (I forgot to mention we left on Saturday morning and planned to return on Monday.)  We made a breakfast casserole and muffins.  Three of the four groups stayed under budget.  One went over.  The three groups that stayed under  gave them some of their money.  It was only $5. 

 

Next stop was the cabin.  We all stayed in the one cabin.  It was beautiful.  It was in the mountains, and we were surrounded by farmland and woods.  There were cows, horses, sheep and goats.  Beautiful trees.  The weather was great.  Had a fireplace and a deck.  By this time it was getting late and the Saturday supper team fixed supper.  They fixed spaghetti and meatballs, salad, garlic bread, sweet tea, and we had plenty of dessert.  Didn’t stay up very late.  We were all tired.  There were four married couples and they got the separate bedrooms.  Three sisters shared the bunk beds (it was a double on the bottom), one lady took the futon, another took the couch upstairs and Janet and I shared the bedroom downstairs that had two double beds.  It worked out just great.  Three of the bedrooms and two bathrooms were on the main level, the rest was on the lower level.  There was also a pool table in the rec room downstairs.

 

Sunday morning we had Sunday School after breakfast, had a great lunch and supper.  We also watched the Georgia football game Sunday afternoon.  In between we played a variety of games.  To keep the teams even, I was the scorekeeper/judge.  Grandma (Evelyn who everyone calls Grandma) kept trying to get me to cheat because the team she was on was losing.  Anyway, we laughed a lot and really had a good time. 

 

After breakfast Monday morning it was time to head out.  The Monday morning breakfast team fixed biscuits and gravy, eggs, and grits.  I think that was the best biscuits and gravy I have ever eaten.  Then it was time to load up the bus and head back to Phenix City.  We didn’t eat as much going back, and a lot of us took naps.  Sunday night we had grilled chicken so Linda used the leftover biscuits and chicken to make sandwiches for us on the bus.  They tasted really good.

 

The trip back was uneventful.  No out of order restrooms.  And, since it was raining we ate our lunch on the bus in a WalMart parking lot.  We took a scenic route back so it took a little longer than four hours, but it was much prettier. 

 

Kevin and Renea picked me up and we headed home.  I had a great time!

THANKS BOB!!!!!

I spent the rest of the day on Thursday getting a few things caught up, and sitting on the deck reading.  It was such a beautiful day.

 

Friday morning I drove to Brian’s and Andy greeted me like a long lost friend.  He started barking as soon as I walked in the house.  When I sat on the couch he was quiet, but as soon as I moved he started barking again.  He must really love me.  Bradley was home when I arrived, but taking a nap.  When he woke he came downstairs and visited with me.  Then Steven came home and we visited.  Brian called and asked if I would pick up Samantha.  Steven went with me since I wasn’t sure how to get to the high school because of construction.  Brian arrived and packed the camper.  Tracy then got home and we headed out for the campground.  None of the kids went with us.  Of course, Andy did and he actually quit barking at me.  He sat next to me in the car, sat next to me around the campfire, sat next to me in the camper, and slept next to me (on the floor). 

 

We had a really nice weekend.  When we arrived Brian built a fire (after setting up), and we fixed hot dogs over the fire.  Haven’t had that in a long time and they tasted really good.  Of course, we also had a drink.  Anyway, after eating the rain came so we went inside.  We were all in bed early.  Saturday we went to Traders World.  After leaving we took a different route back to the campground just to check out the area.  It was a sunny pretty day.  We had a great supper.  Brian fixed potatoes and chicken in the crockpots.  After supper he built a fire and we sat outside for a long time.  Got a good night’s sleep. 

 

Morning was rainy and yuky (is that a word?).  So we packed up and headed back to Brian’s where we watched football.  Had another great supper.  Brian fixed a pork loin on the rotisserie.  I spent the night at Brian and Tracy’s.

 

Monday morning I drove to Jana and Dave’s.  Spent the day on the couch because I felt so lousy.  I caught this really bad cold from Bob.  THANKS BOB!!!!  I actually started feeling bad on Saturday.  I also found out that Rita caught the really bad cold from Bob.  She also says THANKS BOB!

 

Tuesday I drove Jana to get her shot in her hip.  She is doing fine.  We are just hoping the shot helps.  Both Monday and Tuesday evenings we watched Dancing With the Stars.  We were surprised at who was voted off.  They are all so good I hate to see any of them leave. 

 

Now I am off to have lunch with Gail.

I'm Here.....

Here is Ohio.  I would say Cincinnati, but I am staying in West Chester, Liberty Township, and Cheviot.  So, I will just say Ohio. Left Alabama Saturday morning and drove to Franklin, TN, for the night.  Had an uneventful trip.  My new car handled the drive beautifully.  Before I left home I checked all the schedules of the college football games, the Tennessee Titans schedule, and the NASCAR schedule so I wouldn’t get caught in any major traffic jam.  After a quick breakfast on Sunday morning I headed to Ohio.  Arrived at Jana’s early afternoon.  NOTE:  I got 35.5 mpg with my new car.  Jana had picked up Mom from the nursing home so she was also there.  Jana fixed an awesome supper (which we all enjoyed) and then we took Mom back to the nursing home.
 

Monday we just kind of got organized, then picked up Mom and took her with us to Frisch’s for supper.  We met Jana and David’s friends from their camping club.  It was good to see all of them.  When we left it was raining really hard.  We took Mom back to the nursing home.

 

Tuesday David went to the movies with his son Michael so Jana and I went shopping.  We really went so I could get a watch (I forgot mine).  We bought a lot of stuff and forgot to get a watch.  We then picked up Mom from the nursing home and took here to Jana’s for supper.  Took her back after supper.  We keep taking her back because she is not allowed to spend the night away from the nursing home due to insurance regulations.  She probably napped all day Wednesday.  She was pretty worn out.

 

Mom is going to start getting physical therapy this week.  She has been evaluated.  She is having a lot of pain in her feet.  It has been determined that it is arthritis.  The PT is to help alleviate some of the pain.

 

Oh yeah, on Monday and Tuesday we watched Dancing With The Stars.  Was surprised who was voted off. 

 

I am now in West Chester with Rita and Bob.  I arrived here yesterday afternoon.  Rita got home from work shortly after I arrived.  While waiting for her I took a nap.  Bob was out of town and didn’t get home until later.  So, Rita and I went to Skyline for supper.  It was soooo good.  However, it was “kids eat free night” and I think there were at least 10,000 kids in Skyline.  We were able to get a booth all the way in the back so it wasn’t bad.  Bob was home when we got back from supper.  So, we all had a drink (or two), watched the debate (YEAH ROMNEY!), Rita worked on some homework, and I don’t think we ever stopped talking. 

 

Their yard looks great.  Rita gave me some advice on a few of my plants.  In all the years that we had a Dawn Redwood on Boomer Road I did not know that they produced fruit.  She had a piece of the fruit that she picked up on one of her field trips with her class.  It was awesome.  I will have to watch the Dawn Redwood we have in Alabama more closely. 

 

Tomorrow I head for Brian’s for the weekend.  It’s going to be great seeing him, Tracy, Bradley, Steven and Samantha.  I’m looking forward to getting caught up on all the news.

Busy Busy Busy

What a week!  I’m getting ready to head for Ohio.  I have cut my front grass and Kevin’s front grass.  I bought the paint for my shed, which Kevin is going to paint while I am gone.  Renea will be watering my flowers.  I also finished the rocks in front of my deck.  Sure looks good.  Not sure what area I will tackle when I return. 

 

 

I finished digging up the bulbs of the Red Spider Lilies that are growing in odd places in my yard.  I put them in a long planter with some dirt.  Hopefully, they will come back next year.  I really like them.

 

Renea has been picking up bags of pecans.  I have helped her a couple of times.  We sure do have a bunch of them and are trying to get them before the squirrels do.  The last time we were picking them up the squirrels were not happy with us.  We could hear them chattering away up in the trees.

 

Earlier this week Reggie came over and detailed my car.  It was decided that the car should have a good coat of wax before taking my trip.  Thank you Reggie.

 

I’ve also been to the store to pick up a few items to have with me in the car; snacks, oj, etc.

 

I’m really looking forward to going to Ohio and seeing family and friends.  It’s been quite a while since I’ve been there.  Kevin, Renea and my granddogs will be taking care of my place while I am gone.  I think maybe I should leave them a “to do” list. 

 

I even found time to put up a few Halloween decorations.  I will be back in time to vote and go on my weekend trip with the Prime Timers. 

 

Yesterday was laundry and starting to pack.  Other than that I’m just getting everything caught up so I can head out. 

We Shall See

When Isaac first entered the gulf it was supposed to head north, hit the panhandle of Florida and we were going to get a lot of rain.  As you all know, Isaac went northwest and hit Louisiana (again).  At this point we were supposed to get a lot of rain from the outer bands.  However, we were in the middle – rain to the east and rain to the west.  We didn’t get anything but a few drops.  Then Isaac went north and northeast.  Now, according to last night’s news, we are going to get rain from Isaac today and tomorrow.  We shall see. 

 

Meanwhile, I’ve been going about my daily routine; laundry, cutting grass, watering my flowers and trees, etc., etc., etc.  It has been really hot and humid so I do most of my outside work in the morning or evening.  I still haven’t started my “other” rock garden.  It’s just been too hot. 

 

Last year, before Jim passed away, he and Kevin planted a couple of cuttings from Kevin and Renea’s pampas grass.  They put one on each side of the driveway near the front of the property.  Well, I’m sure you all remember that I told you both Ryan and Renea ran over the one on the south side when they cut the grass.  Needless to say, it died.  However, the one on the north side of the driveway is doing great.  It even has a stalk with one of those feathery things on it. 

 

Last posting I mentioned about my azalea bushes.  Bush #1 only has a few sad blooms left, bush #3 is doing great, and bush #2 is now blooming.  I can’t believe I get so excited about my plants, but it makes me feel good to know all my work and TLC is working. 

  

While digging around doing my planting, etc., I found some bulbs and didn’t know what they were.  I had a pot of dirt sitting in my backyard, so I threw them in there.  Well, the other day I found this growing in the pot.  I have no idea what it is.  I will be doing some research, but if anyone has any ideas feel free to let me know.  I’m really curious. 

 

 

For my next project I would like to plant two tulip poplar trees on the north side of my driveway.  We had one in our backyard on Boomer Road and I really liked it.  I’m also planning to plant a couple of crepe myrtles.  I have two that I received from the Arbor Day Foundation and so far they are doing good.  They are still in pots next to my house.  Also, Kevin and Renea have a couple in their yard and I have been researching how to take a cutting from them and start them.  Wish me luck.  All the ones around here are pink, deep pink and red.  I would like a white one, so I guess I’ll have to buy that one. 

 

I’ve been busy with the Prime Timers at church.  Friday before last we had an International Dinner.  Linda made up a list of countries and each person chose one.  We then had to bring food specific to that country.  I chose Italy and took lasagna and garlic bread.  It was a hit.  We also had Chinese, Mexican, southern soul food, and a salad.  Great selection of food.  Linda brought the desserts and one was better than the other. 

 

Our business is on hold right now.  Kevin’s job has him working 12 hour shifts on rotating nights.  He is either sleeping or working.  Brian is getting everyone’s yard work caught up, including his own.  We are hoping to get an inventory built up over the winter.  I will let you know when we are a go again.

 

Doing laundry today.  Time to go fold some clothes.