If The Wind Would Just Quit Blowing…..

The weather has been a little weird here lately.  It seems everyday is windy.  The temperature has been in the 70’s for a high some days and in the 40’s for a high other days.  The nights have been in the 30’s sometimes and in the 50’s others.  It just can’t make up it’s mind if it wants to be winter.


The Christmas shopping is finished.  The presents are wrapped and under the trees.  The stockings are hung on the bannister with care (just had to throw that in).  I have a big stack of boxes to get rid of.  I (we) bought a lot of things on the internet this year.  I hate to get rid of the boxes because they are so nice and sturdy, but I don’t know what else to do with them. 


The Christmas cards are written and mailed.  It’s interesting how times have changed.  Years ago when Jim and I lived in Cincinnati and we belonged to all these organizations, etc.  I would send at least a hundred cards.  This year I sent 25.  Of course, I don’t receive very many either.


My embroidery machine has been repaired.  I picked it up last week.  They had to replace one part, but other than that they cleaned and oiled the machine.  I haven’t had a chance to use it yet.  After the first of the year I will be embroidering t-shirts and sweatshirts for both Jana and me.  We have bought the shirts and picked out the patterns.  I watched several You Tube videos to refresh my memory on what stabilizers to use, etc.  I am ready!


Now Jana and I are just getting the house in order (that means dusting and running the sweeper) and doing our laundry.  Last night we went to Kevin and Renea’s for pizza and hot wings.  We only ate pizza.  Stephanie and Ray were there along with friends Patrick, Kara and their two children.  Had a really nice time.  Tonight is Mass.  Tomorrow is celebrating Ryan’s birthday.  His birthday is the 21^st of December and we usually celebrate a few days early. 


Last weekend Kevin and Renea were out of town.  Renea visited her Aunt Pat and Kevin went to Cincinnati.  They took the dogs with them.  I took their mail into their house along with several packages that were delivered.  It amazing how you get used to certain things.  I told them when they returned that going into their house and not being greeted by the dogs was very strange.  I missed them.


I’m not sure (or I don’t remember is more like it) how much I told you about Penny losing hair.  Both her sides were almost nude along with her tail, back legs and belly.  She was constantly licking and throwing up hairballs.  I took her to the vet and they were not sure what was going on.  Everyone thought it was anxiety over me being gone so long in the hospital and every time I left the house she thought I wasn’t going to return.  We got the hairballs under control, but she still was losing hair.  I got the bright idea that maybe it was the litter I was using for her.  I had been using the same littler from the time I got her, but they had changed it by adding fabreze and other ingredients to eliminate dust, smells, etc.  I bought her Tidy Cat Fresh and Clean.  It has no additives.   It’s been two weeks now and her hair is starting to come back.  Yea!


I guess that’s about it for now.  Just in case I don’t write another blog before Christmas….Merry Christmas Y’All!

Thanksgiving Plus

We had a really nice Thanksgiving.  We went to Kevin and Renea’s for dinner.  Ryan, Stephanie and Ray were there.  Renea brought her mom home from the Nursing Home.  It was good to see her.  We had turkey, ham, sweet potato casserole, candied yams, Renea’s family’s cornbread stuffing, the Althoefer’s stuffing (made by me), rolls and other goodies.  We had pumpkin pie, apple pie and pecan cheesecake for dessert. 


Friday I put the decorations on my tree with help from Jana.  We also put a few more decorations around the house.  Jana put all the empty boxes in the back of my car to be put away on Saturday.  I also decorated three small trees, one of which I designated Penny’s tree.  Of course, she hasn’t paid any attention to that tree.  She just goes to the big ones. 


Saturday Jana and I finished decorating.  We took all the empty boxes to the shed for storage.  Kevin and Renea went to the Iron Bowl.  For those of you who don’t know what that is that is the football game of the season (here in Alabama) when Auburn University and Alabama play each other.  This year Auburn won.  WAR EAGLE!  By the way, it was me that let the dogs out……before Jana and I went to church.  Yes, I did let them back in before we went to church.  Also let them out when we got home. When I let them back in I fed them supper, gave them fresh water, and gave them a treat.  Kevin and Renea made good time getting back home so I didn’t have to let them out again.


Sunday I fixed a turkey breast in the crockpot for Jana and me.  There were no leftovers after dinner on Thanksgiving, and Jana and I like leftovers so we fixed our own.  I also fixed mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing.  I had made some extra stuffing on Thursday so we had some left for us.  Tasted good as always.


I also did several loads of laundry.  I had several Christmas quilts to wash so we could use them since they had been stored in bins in the shed.  I also washed two lap blankets that we had been using, and I put them away until after Christmas.  In fact, I made the mistake of putting them on top of a bin in my bedroom and Penny has claimed them for her own.  I also washed my Christmas t-shirts. 


Monday we went to the post office in Opelika to mail a few things.  From there we went to Walmart and then to Opelika Sewing Center.  I have been having a lot of problems with my embroidery machine, and I have two years of service at OSC since I purchased it there.  I had to leave it since it needed to be cleaned.  They were also going to check some of the problems I have been having.  Two of the problems were resolved before I left.  I was using the bobbin thread that came with the machine.  It was not the right weight for embroidery.  I now know what to use.  They changed the bobbin and put in the correct thread.  The other problem was I had the presser foot too high.  They showed me how to fix that and that corrected another problem.  I am so glad I took the machine to them and getting the problems fixed.  I actually learned a lot in the short time I was there.


Leaving there we went to Arby’s for lunch.  What a mess, not our lunch but traffic.  We usually go out through Lowe’s parking lot.  However, they were repaving the lot and had quite a bit of it blocked off.  We did some maneuvering and managed to get across the highway to Tigertown.  Jana went into Target to get another Christmas plate.  I had bought three and she bought two when we were there the other day.  Now she has three.


Next we went Krogering.  Bought quite a few items.  Came home.  Unloaded the car.  Put the cold stuff away and collapsed.  Didn’t finish putting the groceries away until suppertime.  We had leftover turkey breast on croissants for supper.   Sure did taste good.  Spent the evening watching television.

A Couple of Busy Days

What a day!  Started out bright and early this morning taking Penny to the vet.  She was due for a checkup because of her bleeding and hair loss.  Of course, it was interesting getting her into her carrying case.  The first time I got her in she escaped before I could close it.  Then it was a game.  Eventually she went into my closet and I was able to get her from there.  Success.  I had been sent a text on Saturday telling me that she was not to pee for two to three hours before her exam because they needed to get urine from her.  Now…..how was this going to work.  Her appointment was at 9:00, so we got up at 6:00, I fed her and put her into her carrying case (after catching her that is).  We left at 8:15.  I figured she would be good to not pee during that time.  If she did we had a problem.  We made it just fine.  Her exam went fine as far as her urine is concerned.  However, she is still losing hair.  They gave me some topical spray for her.  Let’s hope this works.  If not, more testing.  She goes back in three months.

After arriving home and turning Penny lose, Jana came over with Mattie and Jana and I headed out to go shopping.  We had a list of places to go, and a definite plan.  First stop was the Post Office for Christmas stamps, regular stamps and a couple of boxes.  Office Depot was next on our list for Ryan’s Christmas present.  Next on to Kohl’s for a new purse for me.  Then on to Target for several miscellaneous items.  Naturally, we had to stop at Hobby Lobby.  I needed another thread holder, a wall hanging for my bathroom (after all I did get a new shower curtain and towels) and a few other items.  Stopped at Kroger for gas.  FYI – I hate their new pumps!  PetSmart for some dog and cat Christmas presents.  Then Outback for lunch.  We were exhausted when we got home.

Now I have a Jana story.  When we stopped at Target Jana bought a case of beer.  I don’t know how it is done in other states but here in Alabama they at least ask your birth date even if you are my age.  Jana did not know this and when she was checking out the cashier asked to see her ID.  Jana looked at her and said, you want to see my ID?  I am 73 years old and you want to see my ID?  The cashier said Yes Mam.  I was quite a distance from Jana and she yells at me:  Marilyn, I am 73 years old and they just carded me!  Needless to say we had a great laugh.  Everyone in line, the cashier and a lot of other people were laughing with us.  She has been telling everyone!  It made her day.

Didn’t eat supper since we had such a late lunch.  Watched the finals of DWTS.  Not happy with who won!  Turned it off as soon as they announced it.  I don’t care if they ever have another season.  I probably won’t watch it if they do!

After a good night’s sleep we had another busy day.  I did my laundry plus a few extra loads of odds and ends.  Jana and I went to the shed and brought up my Christmas tree, ornaments and other decorations.  We took the car down so we could do it in one trip, and we succeeded.  All the Christmas stuff is in the house and we have an obstacle course to get around.  Tomorrow is putting up the tree and decorating day.

While out and about in the yard we also filled the bird feeders.  Since I haven’t had the feeders up since last winter it is taking a while for the birds to come back.  They seem to have found the ones in the back yard a lot quicker than in the front.

I hung the picture I purchased for the bathroom today.  It is definitely not a bathroom picture, but the colors go with the shower curtain, towels, etc.  It’s one of those pictures that probably no one but the owner will like.  Jana likes it though.

I had planned an early night, but I forgot that I hadn’t folded and put away my last load of laundry.  It was laying on my bed so I had to get that done.


Another busy day ahead of us.  Jana is doing her laundry.  I ran the dishwasher last night and now I have to empty it.  I washed all the Christmas dishes.  Now I have to decide where to put them. 


Jana and I tried to hang the three wreaths we had from last year on the doors outside.  However, it didn’t work.  We tried using the suction cup hangers.  They kept falling off.  So we decided to put them away and try something different next year.  In previous years we hung them on the deck railing.  I don’t have a deck any longer so that doesn’t work.


I put up my tree.  No decorations yet.  The ornaments are sitting in boxes on the floor next to the tree.  Maybe tomorrow.  I did go through several boxes and put some items around the house.  Now those boxes are in the back of my car to go back to the storage shed.  I still have one more box to go through, and three small trees to decorate. 


I would like to mention here that Mattie is still in protection mode with Penny.  Neither Jana or I can correct her.  If we do Mattie gets between us just like Smoky did.


It’s bedtime now.  Tomorrow, which is Thanksgiving, is going to be another busy day.

A Kevin Story

It has definitely been a while since I have posted a blog.  I am going to start this one with a story about Kevin on Veterans Day.  He was busy cleaning the front yard of pieces of wood and other “stuff” that had accumulated during several jobs that he had done.  Previously he had dug a pit in the back yard as a burn pit, and he was throwing all of the “stuff” in there to be burned.  Since it was such a nice day, and the fact that it was supposed to rain that night, he decided to burn the “stuff” in the pit.  He checked and found that the burn ban had been lifted. 


I was working in the She Shack and he stopped by on his tractor to let me know that he was going to be starting the fire.  Of course, he goes prepared.  The water was turned on and the hose hooked up.  He was on his tractor and he had his six pack of beer with him.  He also carries a gun when he worked down by the woods because you never know when you might see a snake, coyote or other wild critter.  Shortly after he started the fire I heard a series of very loud bangs.  I assumed he was shooting snakes, mice or some other critter.  I didn’t really think too much about it. 


After I finished what I was doing in the Shack I got on the golf cart and rode down to find out what he had shot.  He didn’t shoot anything.  They had fireworks for the fourth of July, and there were several that didn’t go off.  They threw them in the fire pit.  So, on Veterans Day, mid- afternoon, Kevin had his own fireworks display in his backyard.  Now you know the “rest of the story.”


That has been the most exciting thing that has happened.  Jana and I have cleaned the house getting ready for Christmas.  Ginger had mentioned that she was putting her tree and decorations up early because Thanksgiving was late this year.  That put Jana in the mood.  Her tree and decorations are already up in her house.  She has her tree up and decorated in my house.  She even has her cards written.  I have my Thanksgiving towels up along with a sign saying Happy Friendsgiving.  I am not as efficient as her.  However, my house is ready for the decorations. 


Penny loves Jana’s tree.  She is being pretty good about it.  She hasn’t climbed it, but she has tasted it.  When Jana and I get after her, Mattie comes to her defense just like Smoky did.  After the way they chase each other around I was surprised to see her do this.  I guess they like each other after all.  Penny just doesn’t like her butt being smelled. 😊


I have finished all of my sewing.  Most of our shopping is finished.  I had two doctor appointments.  Both for my kidneys.  Everything is fine.  I don’t have to go back for six months.  Next appointment is in December with my heart doctor.  Jana is enjoying her new computer.  It sure works a lot better than her old one!


Most evenings we have been seeing deer in the front yard.  This won’t last because hunting season has started. 


That’s about it for now.  As you can see things have been very exciting around here lately.

Early to Bed

Brian left early on Monday morning.  He arrived home safe and sound.  He did stop somewhere in KY and delivered a couple of fishing rods for Kevin.  The guy called Kevin and told him he was very happy with them.


Jana and I had a busy shopping week.  We spent one day in Columbus, GA.  We went to Barnes and Noble and bought several books each.  We both had gift cards.  Jana’s was “free.”  I had to add a little to mine.  From there we went to JoAnn’s where I spent my two gift cards.  I actually have $3.00 left on one of mine.  Only because there were several coupons I could use.  I bought needles, thread, scissors, and jelly rolls.  It was a lot of fun!  Next stop was PetSmart so Jana could get a couple of leashes for Mattie.  Then it was on to Cracker Barrel for lunch.  Then home.  We were exhausted.


We spent another day at Tigertown.  First stop was Hobby Lobby (of course).  Didn’t have any coupons, but I did have the weekly coupon.  We both bought a couple of ornaments and I bought a couple of Christmas presents.  Then it was on to Kroger.  We both needed a few groceries.  Then the most important stop – Best Buy.  Jana bought a new computer.  She decided to do this after we tried to do a couple of things on her old one and it just wasn’t working.  We had lunch at Arby’s.  When we got home, we unloaded the car, put the cold stuff away and collapsed.  Didn’t do much the rest of the day.


Friday was the big day!  It was Christmas Made in the South.  We have been attending the past several years and always enjoy it.  We also spend a lot of money.  Again, this year, we were able to park in the garage.  Of course, there was a long line of cars waiting to get in and we had to park on the roof.  That was okay.  I used my cane this year and Jana used the walker.  Renea was not able to join us this year.  This was the first year the line waiting to purchase tickets and get into the craft show wound outside the door.  There were four lines inside where you could purchase tickets and they had someone there directing you.  It went fast.  Jana and I decided we would probable skip next year.  The show was great but most of the vendors were the same ones we have seen the past couple of years.  There were a few new ones, but it was mostly food such as cakes, pies, donuts, etc.  Jana and I both bought a couple of ornaments.  Jana bought Mattie a Christmas present.  We also bought a couple of t-shirts.  We stopped at Wendy’s for lunch on the way home.  The lines were so long for concession food, we were tired and our legs hurt.  Again, we collapsed when we got home.


After resting a while we set up Jana’s new computer.  We got most of it completed, but we plan to do a little tweaking on Saturday.  She has to learn how to use it because she upgraded to 10.


Saturday was recuperation day.  We spent a lazy day.  Tweaked Jana’s computer.  She did some work on it to get used to and learn how to use it.  We went to Mass and stopped at Zaxby’s for supper.  Watched the 4^th quarter of the Alabama LSU game while eating. 


Sunday was another lazy day.  Watched the NASCAR race.  I did go to the She Shack for a while and put away the items that I had bought at Joanne’s and Hobby Lobby. 


It was early to bed both nights.

Busy Couple of Days!

Brian and Jana have arrived.  They drove from Cincinnati to here in miserable rain.  They still made good time and arrived safe and sound.  It was so good to see them.  I should also mention that Mattie was also with them.  Brian will be leaving early Tuesday morning (They arrived on Wednesday night about 10:30).  Jana will be staying until approximately the first of February.  It will depend on the weather and when someone can take her back to Cincinnati.

All of us have been busy since they arrived.  Kevin took off work.  He will not return to work until Tuesday.  They are busy doing some jobs for me.  This is my birthday present.  So far they built a wall across the front of my patio.  They filled that area and the area at the end of the patio with rocks and then river rock.  It looks really nice.  

 
They also put my downspouts back up on the house.  Brian, with help from Kevin, hung my ceiling fan which had fallen earlier this summer.  They moved some things for me.  Brian hung my “quilt wall” in the She Shack.  Of course it came advertised as 6’ x 6’.  It was definitely out of square, but it still looks nice.  I also purchased a shelf rack for the She Shack which they put together for me.


In between they did a few things for Jana that she needed done to finish setting up her camper.  Now they are working on putting on a barn door on the shed where the boat is stored.  Hopefully, this will keep the birds out of the shed.  

The three Christmas tea towels are ones I embroidered for Jana.  I gave them to her early so she could hang them in her camper.  She is very happy with them.  I think they turned out pretty good.

I have these in my kitchen.

Thursday while the guys worked on the wall Jana got her camper in order.  She put everything away that she brought with her.  Brought the books over to me that she brought for me.  I gave her the books I had been saving for her.  I also went to the orthopedic doctor about my knee.  Regular checkup.  Everything is fine and I don’t have to go back for a year.  He also gave me a cortisone shot in my hip since it has been bothering me again.  It was a busy day for all of us.  Kevin grilled pork chops for supper.  Brian did the inside work.  Supper was delicious.  We spent the evening watching Mrs. Brown on television.  We did a lot of laughing.  We also played with Copper and Shelby.  It was a fairly early evening because everyone was tired.



Yesterday we went to morning Mass, then we had breakfast at Ihop.  Hadn’t been there since last year.  We both had French toast which is our favorite.  After that we went shopping at Walmart. Jana and I went down to the She Shed and moved some things around.  They had put together my shelf rack, and we started putting stuff on it.  Took a break for a while.  By then the guys had started on the barn door.  They stopped and grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for supper.  Renea had made broccoli slaw which everyone likes except me, but that is okay.  Brian had requested it.  Then we watched Two and a Half Men and did a lot of laughing.  We also played with the dogs again. It was another early evening.

Saturday Kevin took Renea to Atlanta for a baby shower.  When he returned he and Brian started work on installing a barn door on the part of the shed where Rick’s boat is stored.


Jana and I went to evening Mass.  When we returned Brian and Kevin fixed us supper.  He grilled fish he had caught earlier and froze.  It was delicious.  We had mac and cheese, broccoli slaw and rolls with the fish.  Since it was pretty late by then we did not stay.  Everyone was tired.


Early Sunday morning Kevin and Brian came over to be sure they had taken care of everything I needed done.  The two of them decided that Brian would return home on Monday.  They were not going to go fishing.  They both had too much to do.  They did finish the barn door on Sunday except for painting.  Kevin said he would do that later. 


In the afternoon Brian and Kevin went to Atlanta to pick up Renea.  When they came back they grilled chicken.  We had left over mac and cheese, salad and rolls.  Again it was an early evening because Brian wanted to leave about 4:00 a.m.

I don’t like this time change.

Penny

I will definitely be glad when 2019 is over.  It seems like I get over one thing and then another pops up.  This time it isn’t me.  It’s Penny.  This past week she has been having trouble urinating.  I kept watching her and Thursday she was urinating blood.  She would just go little drops of pee, but then there would be lots of blood.  So I called the vet and took her in to see her.  They ran some tests and found she had bacteria in her urine and crystals.  She was put on pain medication and antibiotics.  The pain pills she took with no problem.  I gave them to her with her treats and she ate them without giving them any thought.  However, the antibiotics are liquid and given with an eye dropper.  She doesn’t like that.  Three more days of antibiotics.  She seems to be improving.  Last night was the worse.  I think she passed the crystals (at least one) because there was a lot of bleeding.  Today not so much.


I am working on those Christmas presents I mentioned earlier.  I am happy with the way they are turning out.


This coming Wednesday Brian will be bringing Jana down.  She will be staying through January.  The weather will determine when she will go home.  Brian is coming down to work.  He and Kevin will be doing a few projects that need to be done around here. In fact, I have made them a list of what I need done so they don’t miss anything.  Hopefully, the weather will cooperate.  If all goes well they will spend one day fishing.


I also have a list of groceries to get for Jana before she arrives.  (I actually went to Kroger and bought the items today.)  She also gave me a list of a few things to turn on in the camper.  I’ve done two of them.


I am getting ready to wrap the Christmas presents for Brian’s family.  He will take them home with him when he goes next Tuesday. 


The weather here today is beautiful.  We were supposed to have rain starting last Saturday and ending next Saturday.  Over the weekend we had a few drops here and there, but not much.  Tomorrow is an 80% chance of rain.  We shall see.  We really need it.  I hope it gets out of here before Brian and Jana arrive since most of Kevin and Brian’s work is outside.


Jana and I are thoroughly enjoying the Saints books we ordered.  Right now I am reading a book called JOSEPH, THE MAN WHO RAISED JESUS.  I am learning a lot.  Jana has been reading a book where it tells a little about a lot of Saints.  She has a list of books for us to order.  We have both been reading the Bible.  We have read the New Testament.  Now we are working on the Old Testament.  She is a lot further along than I am.  The problem is, sorry Jesus, we don’t understand most of it.  But we said we would read all of it, so we are.


Penny seems to be doing better.  She has finished her pain pills, but we are still working on the liquid antibiotics.  She still doesn’t like to take that.  There is still some blood in her urine, but not as bright.  One other note, the hair is growing back where she licked it off.  She is looking better.


Our church bulletin has a quiz in it every week called WHAT IS YOUR CATHOLIC IQ?  There are five multiple choice questions.  The answers are on the back.  I cut them out and send them to Jana.  We both got hooked on this quiz the last time she was here.  It’s interesting because you think you know something and then you find out you don’t.  Some weeks we get all the answers correct, some weeks we are lucky to get one.  Some weeks we do a lot of guessing.


 Penny is doing much better.  No more blood in her urine.  She was up most of the night playing.  I am finding her toys everywhere.


We are getting some much needed rain.  Of course, Jana and Brian are to come to Alabama today.  Jana will be staying until about the first of February.  Brian will be here until Tuesday.  Since Brian and Kevin have a lot of outside work they want to do (and some fishing) it is supposed to rain for the next two days. We had a lot of rain yesterday, it has rained most of the night, and it is raining today.