EEK! A MOUSE!

Yep, that’s what I said.  Wednesday before last when I got home from church the first place I headed was for the bathroom (of course).  While there all of a sudden this “thing” ran across my feet, out the bathroom door and behind the dryer.  Naturally, I jumped and gave a little scream.  Then I realized it was a mouse.  So, now I have another first since this is the first mouse I have seen.  I guess living in the country I shouldn’t be too surprised.  Anyway, I called Kevin to ask if he had any mouse traps and he said no, but said he would pick some up when he went out the next day.  Yes, he did get me some mouse traps and set them for me. 
 

I went to the doctor this week, and he informed me that I am fine and can go back to my normal work.  Just no heavy lifting.  I guess this means I am back to cutting grass.  That starts tomorrow.  Kevin is cutting the back yard today.  I will do the front tomorrow.  It’s supposed to rain this afternoon.  That’s why I decided on tomorrow.

 

I will be heading for Ohio in a couple of weeks.  Renea will be riding up with me so she can visit her family for a few days before CRAP, then she will come back home with Kevin.  I plan on staying with Rita and Bob for two weeks and then I will be staying with Jana and David for two weeks.  I am not going to stay as long this time.  There is just too much going on right now for me to be gone for any length of time.  If all goes well I will be adding a room to my mobile home and building a garage/storage building next to my house.  I will need to get back for that.

 

Okay, so I didn’t get the grass cut when I thought I would.  In fact I didn’t get any grass cut until Sunday after church.  All because of the rain.  At this point it was knee high – and not to a grasshopper, but to me.  Kevin did his front yard and about a fourth of mine.  I did the rest.  It took forever since I had to go slow because it was so high.  Judging from the weather report the grass probably won’t be cut until next week some time.  We are supposed to have a lot of rain.  The rain has been good for the grass, trees and bushes.  However, I have lost a few plants even though the planters had holes in the bottom. 

 

Nothing ever goes as planned.  I had an eye doctor appointment this morning for my yearly checkup.  Since they dilate my eyes Renea was going to take me.  However, when it was time to leave here comes Kevin.  That was fine.  Renea had other things to do since they were leaving in the afternoon for a trip to Arkansas.  We head out for Columbus, and, of course, I had to get gas first.  No big deal.  So far, every time I have been to this eye doctor they have been on time and there have been no long waits – until today.  I was a little early, but they called me back right away and the nurse did all the checkups that she does and took me back to the doctor’s office.  Where I sat and waited, and waited and waited.  I thought maybe they forgot about me.  About the time I was going to go check and find out if they had forgotten about me the doctor came into the room.  Seems they had an emergency and all four doctors on duty were taking care of the guy.  His eye had perforated.  He was still being taken care of and the doctors were taking turns seeing their patients.  My eyes are fine.  No changes since last year.  Don’t have to go back for another year.  When I met up with Kevin in the waiting room he was a little concerned because it took so long.  However, all’s well that ends well.  Now I will just be glad when my eyes go back to normal.

 

Okay, I still have not caught the mouse.  So, I bought four trays of D-Con.  I am going to get that sucker!  I put a tray in each room.  Since I have not seen or smelled any dead mice I don’t know if he is dead or not.  I hadn’t seen any mouse droppings for a couple of days after setting out the trays, but I did see a mouse run across the living room floor while I was watching the race on Saturday night. 

 

Haven’t done much of anything lately.  Can’t go outside because all it does is rain.  Sure would like to get the grass cut before I go to Ohio.  It’s almost knee high again.

 

Off to run some errands.

Just a Quick Update

In less than a week we have had 6 ½ inches of rain.  The trees and grass have loved it.  Of course, that means Kevin has been busy cutting and trimming the grass.  Some of my bushes such as the lantanas loved the rain also.  They are getting big and beautiful.  However, a few of my potted flowers almost drowned.  I am babying them and, hopefully, they will be okay.  The rain has been good for my hydrangeas also.  I am amazed at how great they look.  I thought I had my weeding caught up, but now since the rain I’m back at it again.
 

I’m back.  We had some more rain, but the past couple of days have been sunny.  Kevin and Renea cut the grass again.  I go to the doctor next Tuesday and after that I should be able to cut the grass again.  I’m feeling fine and doing more work every day.

 

As for my potted plants, I transplanted six of them using dry potting soil.  I was afraid they would get root rot and die.  They are looking better.  I hope I got them in time.

 

I’m having computer problems so I’m not able to do much on the computer/internet right now.  Brian is going to work on it when I come to Ohio.  It’s a real PIA not to be able to do what I want on the computer when I want. 

 

My desk is set up at my back window so I can see the back yard.  This morning I am sitting here watching the purple martins flying in and out of the purple martin house.  I think every nesting spot has been taken.  They sure are busy this morning.  I can also see my weeping willow tree from the back window, and it is looking really good.  My weeping cherry tree is in the front yard and is also looking good.  In fact, everything planted in the ground is looking great!

 

The hummingbirds are enjoying my new feeders.  I am now using clear food for them instead of the red and they seem to like it just as well.  I guess since they knew where the feeders were they didn’t miss a day. 

 

I’ve always wanted a mimosa tree.  I had one once in our front yard on Boomer Road.  However, Jim thought it had died and cut it down.  Well, I have one now.  It is in the woods behind my house and I can see it from my back window.  Yea!

 

Next Saturday Renea and I are going to the Lee County Flea Market again and try our luck.  We both have flea market stuff and plan to take a few of our crafts.  Renea and I have added crafts to the BKM Wood Products LLC company.  So, this week we will be busy getting our stuff together to sell.

 

Don’t know when I will post anything again.  I’m glad I was able to post this.    

What's Happening

 

Tuesday when I walked out to my mailbox I noticed water spraying out of the area where my water meter is located.  Apparently, I had a water leak. Renea and I lifted the cover and found that it was located in front of the meter which means the water company has to fix it.  So, I called them and they arrived within a half hour and fixed the problem.

 

After supper, I was sitting on the deck and Renea called me over to their house.  Said they had something to show me. Lola got in the pool and swam a couple of times.  Now you have to know that Lola is a black lab and has always refused to get in the water no matter if it is a swimming pool or lake.  So this was a time for celebration.  I just wish I had taken my camera.  Roscoe, however, is a beagle and absolutely loves the water. 

 

Wednesday – I was awaken by a ding on my cell phone.  I had a message from Stephanie that said “are you awake?”  I texted back and said “I am now, what is wrong?”  It seems Steph found a puppy in a cardboard box at McDonald’s.  Of course, she brought it home.  I just had to go over and see it.  It is adorable.  However, Kevin informed her that she could NOT keep it.  They did not need three dogs.  I don’t want one at this time.  Too much going on. So, now they are trying to find a home for it.

 

I love this picture of her and Lola.  Roscoe ignored her.

What a face!

 

Isn't she the cutest little puppy!!!!

I also went to Books-A-Million, Hobby Lobby, and Kroger.  Filled the gas tank at Kroger for $3.14

After supper we went to check out Patrick and Kara’s new property and mobile home.  They have horses and this property has a big beautiful barn and plenty of space.  The mobile home needs work and Kevin is going to help Patrick.  After checking out the mobile home, barn and property Renea and I sat in the car.  The bugs were really bad, especially the noseeums.  We have them here also and I cannot sit on the deck as much as I like. 

 

When we returned I noticed a couple of “birds” in my yard that I had not seen before.  After closer inspection by Kevin, Renea and me it was determined that they were quail.  So, I can now add quail to my list. 

 

Thursday we had 3” of rain.  Needless to say I didn’t get anything accomplished outside.  Stephanie informed me that she had found a home for the puppy.  One of her college roommates took the puppy.  We were all happy that she found the puppy a good home.  On Friday she came down from Atlanta and picked up the puppy.

 

In the afternoon, after the rain stopped I cleaned the hummingbird feeders and filled them.  I also checked my flowers because they really took a beating with all the rain.  The trees are really looking good.  And, I’m glad I don’t have to water anything for a day or two or three.

 

After supper Kevin and Renea invited me over to watch a movie.  We watched WE BOUGHT A ZOO.  I really enjoyed the movie.  Kevin and I were ready to go buy a zoo.

 

Friday was a really lazy day.  My fibromyalgia was really bad.  There was a big storm coming at us and that always means pain.  It just seemed to be worse on Friday.  We had another inch and a half of rain only this time with lightning and thunder.  I guess I won’t have to water anything for four or five days J

 

Saturday I got up early and Renea and I went to Uptown Market Days in Columbus, GA.  Bought a Carpenter Bee Trap.  I think we are going to try and get a booth there for next year.  Their season runs from April to November.  It is only open on Saturday from nine until noon.  We decided that would work out just great.  So we have to get busy and build up an inventory between now and then.  The cost was reasonable. 

 

The sun is shining so I will probably get a little yard work done this afternoon.  Pain is not so bad today.

Pulling Weeds, Etc.

It took me almost a week, but I have finally finished pulling the weeds.  Next to the one lantana I have an Arizona Sun Blanket flower in a pot. I had never heard of this flower before.  I just thought it was pretty so I bought it.  Anyway, while I was weeding the lantana a butterfly was busy feeding on the Arizona Sun Blanket flowers.  It didn’t seem to matter that I was right there.  I guess I will have to start taking my camera outside with me while I am working.

 

I have been watering my plants and trees every other day since it is so dry.  However, we did have some rain yesterday (Sunday) afternoon.  There is a chance of a shower every afternoon now that it is so hot and humid.

 

The hummingbirds seem to really like my new feeders.  There are two of them at the feeders off and on all day long.  They were also feeding while I was weeding.  Awesome!  Actually, I think they are protecting their feeders.

 

Kevin and Renea were both home on Friday and they invited me to go shopping with them.  Couldn’t say no.  We even stopped at Chill while we were out.  Went to Lowe’s, Hobby Lobby and Kroger.  Came home, had a glass of wine then Kevin grilled pork chops and Renea made fried potatoes.  Good supper.  After supper I filled the birdfeeders and the birdbath.  Then I was done for the day. 

 

One of the reasons we went shopping was so Kevin and Renea could buy some flowers, potting soil, etc.  Kevin spent most of this week putting up a new flagpole.  He finished it on Friday morning and they wanted to put a few pots of flowers around it.  It looks great!

Kevin and his helper

Before I left Kevin and Renea’s Ryan contacted them on Skype and we all were able to talk to him.  He sure looks good. 

 

Saturday Kevin and Renea had a houseful of company.  I guess I should say the usual bunch.  Kevin fixed a pork butt in his smoker for supper and it was delicious.  We also had macaroni salad, cole slaw, backed beans, potato skins, and drinks.  Renea baked a red velvet cheese cake that was absolutely delicious.

 

Sunday morning I became a member of the church I have been attending.  FYI – It is the Landmark Church of the Nazarene in Phenix City, AL.  Kevin, Renea and Stephanie attended with me.  Kara was also there.  Her and Patrick (her husband) were the people who introduced Pastor Andy to me.  My friend Evelyn (Grandma) was also there to welcome me.  I am so glad I have done this.  After church I took Kevin, Renea and Stephanie to IHOP for breakfast/lunch.  Kevin was the only one who had lunch.

I Had Company

Tom and Bertus came to visit last week.  It was awesome to spend time with them again.  I’ve missed them both.  Since I’m still not allowed to do much we spent a lot of time talking and having some wine.  On Tuesday we drove to Opelika and had lunch at Arby’s then went shopping at Lowe’s.  We bought several plants (as if I needed any more).  I just couldn’t resist.  They headed for home on Wednesday and arrived safely on Thursday. 
 

Wednesday I got a few things caught up around here since I haven’t been doing much.  I am doing a little bit of yard work such as pulling weeds, feeding the birds, watering the trees and filling the birdbath.  Sounds really exciting doesn’t it?  The rest of the week I spent repotting my new plants and placing them where I want them.  I did some weeding around the birdbath and the one side of my deck.  I still have a lot of weeding to do on the other side.  I can only work out there in the evening because I have sun in front until about 4:00. 

 

Kevin and Renea went camping this past weekend.  Stephanie had some friends stay with her. She was home because she had to work.  I watched a lot of television this weekend.  I’ve even started watching NASCAR races.  I did really good until Sunday.  I spent that day have a personal pity party.  I watched the Indy 500 and the NASCAR race.  I had several good cries. Jana and Brian both called me and that cheered me up.  Monday morning I had a long talk with myself and I am doing much better now. 

 

It looks like it is now summer in Alabama.  HOT!  IN THE 90’S!  And no rain in the forecast.  So, I am still watering my plants and my trees.

Watching The Grass Grow

I’ve been to both of my doctors this week – my GYN/Surgeon and Primary Care.  They both informed me that I am doing fine.  Everything is healing just the way it should.  However, I am still not allowed to do much; no grass cutting, no vacuuming, etc.  So, I watch the rain, then the sun comes out and then the grass grows.  By the time I get permission to cut grass it will be up to my butt.  Kevin has been trying to keep up with cutting the grass, but it isn’t easy for just one person. 
 

I have been starting to do a little weeding.  My garden looks really bad with weeds.  I just go out once a day and pull weeds for about 10 to 15 minutes.  I have one side of the deck ramp finished.  Now to start on the other side. 

 

My neighbors, Ricky and his wife, have been putting in a garden.  I am also watching the corn grow.

 

Back to the doctors.  I do not have to go back to them for six weeks.  I have been told that I can drive now; just not very far. Besides I get tired really easy.  The pathology report came back showing pre-cancer cells.  Seems we did the right thing doing the surgery.  My GYN/Surgeon said it looks like they got all the bad stuff.  However, I will need checkups for a while to be sure. 

 

 My plants are doing great.  Kevin and Renea gave me a Clematis for Mother’s Day along with a trellis for it.  I have it in one corner of my porch.  It’s looking good.

I am soooo bored!

No, I am not cutting grass, working on my flowers, or any other yard work.  I am also not running the sweeper or mopping the floors. I am not allowed to do anything fun.  J
 

I had my surgery last Wednesday and everything went fine.  I came home on Thursday, and went right to bed.  On Friday my right arm started bothering me a little, but I had gotten a pneumonia shot in that arm and I thought it was just a little sore.  Kevin came over early Saturday morning to check on me and I showed him my arm (Kevin and Renea kept checking on me by coming over, having me over to their house, or texting me.)  He took one look and said I know what that is, and he went and got Renea.  It seems I had cellulitis, which is an infection at the site where I got the pneumonia shot.   It needed to be treated with antibiotics ASAP or it could become very serious.  So, off we went to the Urgent Care in Auburn.  The doctor took one look and agreed that it was cellulitis.  So, I got a shot in the butt and was put on Bactrim.  My arm is getting better.

 

I was given a prescription for Percocet for pain before I left the hospital.  I will not take that again.  It made me loopy.  Since I am loopy to begin with, I sure don’t need Percocet.  I had the same reaction Jana did – I was hallucinating.  I didn’t need the pain medicine anyway.  I did just fine.

 

When the nurse was getting my discharge papers ready this voice came over the intercom and asked if I was familiar with Lovenox which is a shot you give yourself – in your stomach – once a day for 28 days.  My reaction was WHAT?????  She said someone would be right in to explain it to me.  Well, that was what they explained to me.  I just cannot see me giving me a shot like that.  So, about that time Renea arrived to take me home.  I told her what was going on, and she said no problem, she would give me the shot.  Every day when she gets home from work she gives me the shot.

 

Okay, so I have been watching television – daytime television is boring. I have been reading – I can only do that for so long then I fall asleep.  I play games on the computer – I’m still stuck on number 65 in Candy Crush.  I have also been working on my plastic canvas project.  Next I am going to tackle CRAP JEOPARDY.  I have it started.  Just need to make some final decisions.

 

That is what is exciting in my life.  Now, aren’t you glad you read my blog.