Ever since Mother adopted the Siamese-mix female kitten a few weeks ago, we have been waiting for the kitten to tell us her name. She's been giving us hints, but we've been led astray by her color (Taffy? Toffee? Amber? Muffy?), her markings (Cinders?), her personality (Tinker? Mischief?), her energy (Friskie? Skittles? Zipper? Jazz?).
None seemed quite right. The name needed to fit the kitten's intense inquisitiveness. "I thought about calling her Dora," Mother said, "for Dora, the Explorer." But Dora didn't strike a chord, either.
Then, as I was getting ready for the day this morning, the kitten's name came to me. I suggested it to Mother, and she agreed that it's the right one.
Finally, the kitten has told us her name..."Snoops."
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Saturday, December 20
Started the day with a treadmill session and workout with weights, as usual. Mother came over after that and began working the edges of a jigsaw puzzle. We'll take this puzzle with us tomorrow, when we go to another town to celebrate Christmas with Hubbie's side of the family. It has become a tradition for us to set up a puzzle as part of the entertainment for this gathering.
For years, Hubbie's family gathered at our house for a Christmas get-together, usually on December 26, but for the past few years, one of his daughters has preferred that we gather at hers and her husband's lake home on the weekend before Christmas.
We made a variety of dips and a cream cheese ball this morning as part of our contribution to the festivities. We'll take spinach dip, jalapeno dip, onion and chives dip, and an Italian cream cheese ball, plus snack crackers.
Later in the morning, Hubbie and I shopped for groceries at the WDCS. I really wanted to avoid the Christmas rush today, but we decided that a pot of chili (for Hubbie and me), and chicken noodle soup (for Mother) would be good to have for supper Monday night, when the temps are predicted to drop dramatically. But of course, we didn't have all the required ingredients.
After we got back from shopping, we put the pot of chili on to simmer, and boiled the chicken. This will save us some work on Monday, when we'll probably want to do some last-minute shopping and watch Christmas movies.
After lunch, Mother and I settled in to watch the 1954 movie, "White Christmas," while Hubbie groomed Shih Tzu for a bath later.
Supper was a choice of hamburgers or turkey burgers, served with baked potatoes and no-salt creamed corn. Mother went home afterwards, and Hubbie and I watched our favorite college basketball team win another game.
For years, Hubbie's family gathered at our house for a Christmas get-together, usually on December 26, but for the past few years, one of his daughters has preferred that we gather at hers and her husband's lake home on the weekend before Christmas.
We made a variety of dips and a cream cheese ball this morning as part of our contribution to the festivities. We'll take spinach dip, jalapeno dip, onion and chives dip, and an Italian cream cheese ball, plus snack crackers.
Later in the morning, Hubbie and I shopped for groceries at the WDCS. I really wanted to avoid the Christmas rush today, but we decided that a pot of chili (for Hubbie and me), and chicken noodle soup (for Mother) would be good to have for supper Monday night, when the temps are predicted to drop dramatically. But of course, we didn't have all the required ingredients.
After we got back from shopping, we put the pot of chili on to simmer, and boiled the chicken. This will save us some work on Monday, when we'll probably want to do some last-minute shopping and watch Christmas movies.
After lunch, Mother and I settled in to watch the 1954 movie, "White Christmas," while Hubbie groomed Shih Tzu for a bath later.
Supper was a choice of hamburgers or turkey burgers, served with baked potatoes and no-salt creamed corn. Mother went home afterwards, and Hubbie and I watched our favorite college basketball team win another game.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Friday, December 19
The first thing I did this morning was call the doctor's office to make an appointment for Mother, who has an infected wound on one of her fingers. She got the wound last Saturday, when she cut her finger on the serrated edge of a wax paper box. She has been treating the wound herself, but it has gotten worse, so I felt she needed to see a doctor. The appointment was set for 1:15 this afternoon.
After that, I hopped on the treadmill for 35 minute, and then exercised with weights.
Once I was ready for the day, I put together a small goodies gift, including a nutcracker ornament, for a friend, and then addressed my last Christmas card, to be mailed to an old high school friend with whom I had lost touch after graduation in 1960, until this year. She has recently moved back to this state from Utah, and I'm hoping that she will be able to plan a trip in the spring to meet me and another high school friend of ours in that friend's state.
After that, I got ready to go with Hubbie and Mother downtown to a new soup and sandwich shop about 11:30 a.m. Several friends have mentioned how good this eatery is, so I decided we should try it as Mother's eighth "12 Days of Christmas" gift.
On the way to the eatery, we dropped a contribution off at a food pantry for the disadvantaged, and then delivered the goodies gift to the business where our friend works.
The soup and sandwich shop is located inside an antique mall, and is interesting in that it features mismatched tables and chairs. The centerpieces are pint canning jars holding a variety of twigs and other "outdoorsy" stuff. Food is served in plastic baskets, with soups served in Styrofoam bowls. Hot drinks are served in mismatched mugs.
The shop has a certain charm, but the chicken and rice soup I ordered was much too salty, and I told the waitress so. However, the chicken salad sandwich on wheat bread was good. The soup and sandwich was served with potato chips, saltine crackers, and a dill pickle, none of which I ate.
Hubbie ordered taco soup and a ham and cheese sandwich. I tasted his soup, which wasn't salty tasting, but was very spicy hot.
After we'd eaten, we toured the antiques part of the shop, but didn't find anything of interest. So we went to the store that has a sale every weekend to see if we could find anything we could use $10 coupons on. We spent about 30 unsuccessful minutes in the store before it was time to leave and go to the doctor's office.
We only had to wait a few minutes at the doctor's office before being called back to an examining room. The doctor prescribed an antibiotic for Mother, and told her to bathe the finger several times a day in clear, warm water, or warm water with a little mild soap, Epsom salts, or hydrogen peroxide.
Back home, Mother and I watched the San Francisco Ballet's interpretation of "The Nutcracker," which I had recorded on DVR from the public television channel. The performance was over at 3 p.m. Afterward, Hubbie and I went to the pharmacy to pick up the medication for Mother, and then to the WDCS to pick up groceries for the weekend.
It's obvious by the congested traffic and the packed stores that Christmas is upon us. Of course today is Friday, the last payday before Christmas, which increased the number of shoppers. Maybe when we decide to shop on Monday, there will be fewer folks out and about...but probably not, since school will be dismissed for the holidays, and lots of workers will be on vacation next week.
We got back home in time for supper, which was baked talapia fish, baked sweet potatoes, and English peas.
Afterward, Mother went home, and we relaxed and watched TV.
After that, I hopped on the treadmill for 35 minute, and then exercised with weights.
Once I was ready for the day, I put together a small goodies gift, including a nutcracker ornament, for a friend, and then addressed my last Christmas card, to be mailed to an old high school friend with whom I had lost touch after graduation in 1960, until this year. She has recently moved back to this state from Utah, and I'm hoping that she will be able to plan a trip in the spring to meet me and another high school friend of ours in that friend's state.
After that, I got ready to go with Hubbie and Mother downtown to a new soup and sandwich shop about 11:30 a.m. Several friends have mentioned how good this eatery is, so I decided we should try it as Mother's eighth "12 Days of Christmas" gift.
On the way to the eatery, we dropped a contribution off at a food pantry for the disadvantaged, and then delivered the goodies gift to the business where our friend works.
The soup and sandwich shop is located inside an antique mall, and is interesting in that it features mismatched tables and chairs. The centerpieces are pint canning jars holding a variety of twigs and other "outdoorsy" stuff. Food is served in plastic baskets, with soups served in Styrofoam bowls. Hot drinks are served in mismatched mugs.
The shop has a certain charm, but the chicken and rice soup I ordered was much too salty, and I told the waitress so. However, the chicken salad sandwich on wheat bread was good. The soup and sandwich was served with potato chips, saltine crackers, and a dill pickle, none of which I ate.
Hubbie ordered taco soup and a ham and cheese sandwich. I tasted his soup, which wasn't salty tasting, but was very spicy hot.
After we'd eaten, we toured the antiques part of the shop, but didn't find anything of interest. So we went to the store that has a sale every weekend to see if we could find anything we could use $10 coupons on. We spent about 30 unsuccessful minutes in the store before it was time to leave and go to the doctor's office.
We only had to wait a few minutes at the doctor's office before being called back to an examining room. The doctor prescribed an antibiotic for Mother, and told her to bathe the finger several times a day in clear, warm water, or warm water with a little mild soap, Epsom salts, or hydrogen peroxide.
Back home, Mother and I watched the San Francisco Ballet's interpretation of "The Nutcracker," which I had recorded on DVR from the public television channel. The performance was over at 3 p.m. Afterward, Hubbie and I went to the pharmacy to pick up the medication for Mother, and then to the WDCS to pick up groceries for the weekend.
It's obvious by the congested traffic and the packed stores that Christmas is upon us. Of course today is Friday, the last payday before Christmas, which increased the number of shoppers. Maybe when we decide to shop on Monday, there will be fewer folks out and about...but probably not, since school will be dismissed for the holidays, and lots of workers will be on vacation next week.
We got back home in time for supper, which was baked talapia fish, baked sweet potatoes, and English peas.
Afterward, Mother went home, and we relaxed and watched TV.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Thursday, December 18
We got up at 5 a.m. this morning, and were ready for a two-hour trip to the hospital where Daughter was scheduled for a catheter procedure to determine if she was having heart problems.
It was cold this morning, with ice remaining along the shoulders of the road and in the fields. Winter-bare trees stood eerily in fog, like bony black spectres, along the icy banks of the gray river.
We listened to Christmas music on CDs, which helped cheer us on this bleak day.
We arrived at the hospital around 9 a.m. I called Granddaughter, who directed us to the building where the procedure was to take place. After we parked in a handicapped space, a hospital van came by and picked us up to drive us to the door of the building. It was no small order for Mother to lift herself into and out of the vehicle, which had no running board.
At the building, we rode the elevator to the third floor, as directed by Granddaughter, but noticed that there were only what looked like offices on that floor. So we realized we were in the wrong building. Before we left, however, Mother decided she needed to visit the ladies room, where she was fascinated with the motion-sensor paper towel dispenser. As we left the bathroom, laughing, there was lady waiting in the hall. We explained what had amused us, and she said commented that in today's world, it's healthy to find humor wherever we can.
We walked to the appropriate building, and found the right waiting room on the third floor. Both granddaughters and a great-grandson were there, and in a few minutes, Daughter came back from an exam room. I hadn't told her we were coming, so she was surprised and happy to see us.
We all trooped down to the first floor, where Daughter was admitted on an add-on basis, meaning she was to be worked into the doctor's schedule, which was anticipated to be around 1 p.m. Daughter was taken back to be prepared for the procedure, and later a nurse escorted us to her room.
We stayed there until about noon, and then went to the hospital cafeteria for lunch. I was surprised by the unhealthy array of foods, including cheeseburgers and French fries. We speculated that maybe they are grooming future heart disease patients for the hospital. In fairness, though, the cafeteria did offer salad with fat free dressings, fruits, and grilled chicken sandwiches, which is what Mother and I ordered.
We were back in Daughter's room before they took her to surgery, which they did promptly at 1 p.m. We adjourned to the lobby area to wait. In the meantime, I called Son and Daughter-in-Law to let them know about Daughter, and to inquire about Granddaughter who is in the Army. I learned that Granddaughter is home on a 30-day leave. She arrived yesterday. So we look forward to seeing her sometime soon.
Daughter's procedure went well. It revealed that Daughter has a strong heart and no blocked arteries. So her complaints of being tired, getting easily winded, and having a rapid heat beat, are caused by something else. Right now, she is on medications to slow her heart rate, and she is scheduled to see her doctor again in a month.
Following the procedure, Daughter had to keep her leg absolutely still for two hours, and not raise her head, which she did from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. After that, she was dismissed to go home. We left around 3 p.m. Daughter is to take it easy for three days, being careful not to lift anything or drive. After that, she can return to her normal life. As it happens she has two weeks paid vacation, anyway, because the college where she works is on Christmas break.
It was really, really foggy on our drive back home, but we arrived safe and sound just before 5:30 p.m. Mother and I immediately set about heating up the leftover spaghetti, as well as various veggies, for supper.
After that, Mother went home, and we relaxed and watched a few favorite one-hour TV shows.
It was cold this morning, with ice remaining along the shoulders of the road and in the fields. Winter-bare trees stood eerily in fog, like bony black spectres, along the icy banks of the gray river.
We listened to Christmas music on CDs, which helped cheer us on this bleak day.
We arrived at the hospital around 9 a.m. I called Granddaughter, who directed us to the building where the procedure was to take place. After we parked in a handicapped space, a hospital van came by and picked us up to drive us to the door of the building. It was no small order for Mother to lift herself into and out of the vehicle, which had no running board.
At the building, we rode the elevator to the third floor, as directed by Granddaughter, but noticed that there were only what looked like offices on that floor. So we realized we were in the wrong building. Before we left, however, Mother decided she needed to visit the ladies room, where she was fascinated with the motion-sensor paper towel dispenser. As we left the bathroom, laughing, there was lady waiting in the hall. We explained what had amused us, and she said commented that in today's world, it's healthy to find humor wherever we can.
We walked to the appropriate building, and found the right waiting room on the third floor. Both granddaughters and a great-grandson were there, and in a few minutes, Daughter came back from an exam room. I hadn't told her we were coming, so she was surprised and happy to see us.
We all trooped down to the first floor, where Daughter was admitted on an add-on basis, meaning she was to be worked into the doctor's schedule, which was anticipated to be around 1 p.m. Daughter was taken back to be prepared for the procedure, and later a nurse escorted us to her room.
We stayed there until about noon, and then went to the hospital cafeteria for lunch. I was surprised by the unhealthy array of foods, including cheeseburgers and French fries. We speculated that maybe they are grooming future heart disease patients for the hospital. In fairness, though, the cafeteria did offer salad with fat free dressings, fruits, and grilled chicken sandwiches, which is what Mother and I ordered.
We were back in Daughter's room before they took her to surgery, which they did promptly at 1 p.m. We adjourned to the lobby area to wait. In the meantime, I called Son and Daughter-in-Law to let them know about Daughter, and to inquire about Granddaughter who is in the Army. I learned that Granddaughter is home on a 30-day leave. She arrived yesterday. So we look forward to seeing her sometime soon.
Daughter's procedure went well. It revealed that Daughter has a strong heart and no blocked arteries. So her complaints of being tired, getting easily winded, and having a rapid heat beat, are caused by something else. Right now, she is on medications to slow her heart rate, and she is scheduled to see her doctor again in a month.
Following the procedure, Daughter had to keep her leg absolutely still for two hours, and not raise her head, which she did from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. After that, she was dismissed to go home. We left around 3 p.m. Daughter is to take it easy for three days, being careful not to lift anything or drive. After that, she can return to her normal life. As it happens she has two weeks paid vacation, anyway, because the college where she works is on Christmas break.
It was really, really foggy on our drive back home, but we arrived safe and sound just before 5:30 p.m. Mother and I immediately set about heating up the leftover spaghetti, as well as various veggies, for supper.
After that, Mother went home, and we relaxed and watched a few favorite one-hour TV shows.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Wednesday, Dec. 17
I had trouble falling asleep again last night, and we overslept this morning, but I got a treadmill session in just the same.
Daughter called just as I was finishing with my exercises. She wanted to tell me that following a treadmill stress test, her doctor decided she should have a catheter test to check for blocked arteries. She's to undergo the test at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning. We want to be there when she has the procedure, so we'll need to get up in the morning by 5 a.m. in order to be at the hospital, about two hours away, by around 8:30 a.m.
For the rest of the morning, I put together food gift packs for our hairdressers, a member of the Extension Homemakers who gives us a gift of beauty products each year, and for the Cardiac Rehab team.
After lunch, Hubbie and I ran errands. There was still ice in our yard and on the driveway, but traffic and higher temps had cleared the roadways.
As we left our yard, we noticed a policeman directing traffic on the highway, in front of our driveway. Hubbie asked what the problem was, and the officer said there had been an accident just down the road from our house. Our errands took us in a circle around town, so we passed the accident site on our way back home. Apparently, someone slid in the curve of the road and plowed the ditch on the right hand side.
Our errands took us first to a jewelry shop to check on Hubbie's watch, which only needed a new battery. Then we stopped by the art gallery to leave an expense reimbursement report and a CD of photos of the kids at the graham cracker cookie Christmas house workshop. From there, we went to the newspaper office to pick up papers that had not been delivered during the past couple of days due to the ice storm. After that, we went to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription, and then to the florist from which I'd ordered a plant for tonight's visitation. Seems our credit card had been declined, but when we checked with the florist, we found she'd taken the number down wrong.
We went to the other store that has a sale every weekend, so that I could look for a new Christmas sweater, before we went grocery shopping at the WDCS. I found a cute brown sweater vest with Santas and snowmen on it in pinks and blues that match a couple of turtleneck shirts I have. The sweater was on sale, plus there was a senior citizen discount of 15%.
After shopping for groceries, visiting the bank, and filling the van with gas, we were finally ready, about supper time, to head home. On the way, just before we reached the accident site, I saw a gray-haired lady doing the splits on her icy driveway. Apparently, after she had checked her mailbox, she was attempting to walk back to her car, which was parked on a slight incline, when her legs slipped apart, and down she went, spread-eagle, until her hands touched the ground. We were traveling too fast to stop, so I hope she got control of herself, or that someone helped her. I'd bet she'll be pretty sore tomorrow, though.
While we were gone, Mother had prepared a spaghetti dinner, and we were all hungry and ready to sit down to it. After supper, we changed into dark suitable clothing and went to the visitation for the husband of our scrapbook club friend. Both the wife and the sister of the deceased were very happy to see us, and hugged us for a long time.
The widow commented that her plane had been delayed in Texas yesterday because of ice storms, and she just about panicked over the idea that she might not get home in time for the funeral tomorrow. She said she would have lost it, if a very kind high-ranking military man had not seen that she got a hotel room, and then returned in the morning to escort her to breakfast and to the airport.
This lady, who had to leave the bedside of her dying son to come home and bury her husband, was praying, saying, "Lord, You promise not give us more than we can bear, but right now You're getting pretty close."
It was obvious by the dark circles and puffiness around her eyes, that she is grieving deeply, but she still appeared to be coping. I don't think I could be as brave and strong as she is.
When we got home, we watched a movie about the life and death of John Kennedy, Jr. We chose a strange night to watch this film that points to the unbelievable number of tragedies suffered by the Kennedy clan.
But on a high note, we followed the movie by watching our favorite college basketball team win over their opponents.
Daughter called just as I was finishing with my exercises. She wanted to tell me that following a treadmill stress test, her doctor decided she should have a catheter test to check for blocked arteries. She's to undergo the test at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning. We want to be there when she has the procedure, so we'll need to get up in the morning by 5 a.m. in order to be at the hospital, about two hours away, by around 8:30 a.m.
For the rest of the morning, I put together food gift packs for our hairdressers, a member of the Extension Homemakers who gives us a gift of beauty products each year, and for the Cardiac Rehab team.
After lunch, Hubbie and I ran errands. There was still ice in our yard and on the driveway, but traffic and higher temps had cleared the roadways.
As we left our yard, we noticed a policeman directing traffic on the highway, in front of our driveway. Hubbie asked what the problem was, and the officer said there had been an accident just down the road from our house. Our errands took us in a circle around town, so we passed the accident site on our way back home. Apparently, someone slid in the curve of the road and plowed the ditch on the right hand side.
Our errands took us first to a jewelry shop to check on Hubbie's watch, which only needed a new battery. Then we stopped by the art gallery to leave an expense reimbursement report and a CD of photos of the kids at the graham cracker cookie Christmas house workshop. From there, we went to the newspaper office to pick up papers that had not been delivered during the past couple of days due to the ice storm. After that, we went to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription, and then to the florist from which I'd ordered a plant for tonight's visitation. Seems our credit card had been declined, but when we checked with the florist, we found she'd taken the number down wrong.
We went to the other store that has a sale every weekend, so that I could look for a new Christmas sweater, before we went grocery shopping at the WDCS. I found a cute brown sweater vest with Santas and snowmen on it in pinks and blues that match a couple of turtleneck shirts I have. The sweater was on sale, plus there was a senior citizen discount of 15%.
After shopping for groceries, visiting the bank, and filling the van with gas, we were finally ready, about supper time, to head home. On the way, just before we reached the accident site, I saw a gray-haired lady doing the splits on her icy driveway. Apparently, after she had checked her mailbox, she was attempting to walk back to her car, which was parked on a slight incline, when her legs slipped apart, and down she went, spread-eagle, until her hands touched the ground. We were traveling too fast to stop, so I hope she got control of herself, or that someone helped her. I'd bet she'll be pretty sore tomorrow, though.
While we were gone, Mother had prepared a spaghetti dinner, and we were all hungry and ready to sit down to it. After supper, we changed into dark suitable clothing and went to the visitation for the husband of our scrapbook club friend. Both the wife and the sister of the deceased were very happy to see us, and hugged us for a long time.
The widow commented that her plane had been delayed in Texas yesterday because of ice storms, and she just about panicked over the idea that she might not get home in time for the funeral tomorrow. She said she would have lost it, if a very kind high-ranking military man had not seen that she got a hotel room, and then returned in the morning to escort her to breakfast and to the airport.
This lady, who had to leave the bedside of her dying son to come home and bury her husband, was praying, saying, "Lord, You promise not give us more than we can bear, but right now You're getting pretty close."
It was obvious by the dark circles and puffiness around her eyes, that she is grieving deeply, but she still appeared to be coping. I don't think I could be as brave and strong as she is.
When we got home, we watched a movie about the life and death of John Kennedy, Jr. We chose a strange night to watch this film that points to the unbelievable number of tragedies suffered by the Kennedy clan.
But on a high note, we followed the movie by watching our favorite college basketball team win over their opponents.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Our small town, and indeed the whole state, has practically come to a standstill, thanks to a generous coating of ice on the roadways. Predictions were that the temp would rise enough to melt it by afternoon, but it did not.
We got up late, and I headed to the treadmill. Just as I was finishing my exercises, a water aerobics friend called. I was scheduled to interview her this afternoon for a story about her recently published book. But it was apparent that we would not be able to do it today. We decided to schedule for a later, as yet undetermined, date.
Hubbie helped Mother come from her house, across the slippery yard, to our house, where she continued to work on the jigsaw puzzle. After I got ready for the day, I completed several tasks, including finishing the coffee filter angels, and putting together a food gift basket for the Cardiac Rehab staff.
After lunch, I called one of the members of our scrapbook club to tell her about the death of another member's husband. We agreed to split the cost of a plant, on behalf of the club, for the visitation and funeral. The visitation is scheduled for tomorrow evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. We plan to attend.
I spent the rest of the afternoon at my computer, putting together an expense report for the graham cracker Christmas house workshop last Saturday, to be submitted to the arts council for reimbursement. And I also wrote cut lines for photos I took at the workshop, and e-mailed the snapshots to the regional newspaper that I freelance for occasionally.
I tried to burn a CD of these snapshots to give to the arts council director, but the CD burner on my PC doesn't seem to be working. I'll try to burn them on my laptop later.
Supper was meatloaf, baked potatoes, and green beans. It's good to get back to ordinary food after so many holiday meals.
We got up late, and I headed to the treadmill. Just as I was finishing my exercises, a water aerobics friend called. I was scheduled to interview her this afternoon for a story about her recently published book. But it was apparent that we would not be able to do it today. We decided to schedule for a later, as yet undetermined, date.
Hubbie helped Mother come from her house, across the slippery yard, to our house, where she continued to work on the jigsaw puzzle. After I got ready for the day, I completed several tasks, including finishing the coffee filter angels, and putting together a food gift basket for the Cardiac Rehab staff.
After lunch, I called one of the members of our scrapbook club to tell her about the death of another member's husband. We agreed to split the cost of a plant, on behalf of the club, for the visitation and funeral. The visitation is scheduled for tomorrow evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. We plan to attend.
I spent the rest of the afternoon at my computer, putting together an expense report for the graham cracker Christmas house workshop last Saturday, to be submitted to the arts council for reimbursement. And I also wrote cut lines for photos I took at the workshop, and e-mailed the snapshots to the regional newspaper that I freelance for occasionally.
I tried to burn a CD of these snapshots to give to the arts council director, but the CD burner on my PC doesn't seem to be working. I'll try to burn them on my laptop later.
Supper was meatloaf, baked potatoes, and green beans. It's good to get back to ordinary food after so many holiday meals.
Mr. Christmas
Early this month, Daughter-in-Law e-mailed to let me know that Grandson had been voted most popular boy in all the sixth grade classes at his school. He was to escort the most popular girl at an event at the school last Friday.
Grandson, dubbed "Mr. Christmas," was told that for the event, he needed to wear dress pants, shirt, and tie. So his mom scrambled to find an appropriate outfit for this boy who lives only in jeans, t-shirts and the like. Grandson is husky, so it was no small order to find suitable clothing on such short notice.
The event occurred last Friday, at a time I was unable to attend, but a professional photographer was on board, and yesterday I visited her website to see several snapshots of him and "Miss Christmas."
I wanted him to know I'm proud of him, so I sent a card and a little cash, and I'll be looking forward to getting photos of him to work into a special scrapbook page.
Grandson, dubbed "Mr. Christmas," was told that for the event, he needed to wear dress pants, shirt, and tie. So his mom scrambled to find an appropriate outfit for this boy who lives only in jeans, t-shirts and the like. Grandson is husky, so it was no small order to find suitable clothing on such short notice.
The event occurred last Friday, at a time I was unable to attend, but a professional photographer was on board, and yesterday I visited her website to see several snapshots of him and "Miss Christmas."
I wanted him to know I'm proud of him, so I sent a card and a little cash, and I'll be looking forward to getting photos of him to work into a special scrapbook page.
Funny Story From "Water Babes" Christmas Party
At our "Water Babes" Christmas party and Dirty Santa gift exchange last Thursday at the Italian restaurant, I sat next to the regular leader, a retired school teacher, who has been absent from water aerobics lately with an undiagnosed illness.
When one of the ladies asked where she had taught, she said she'd spent 30 years teaching first at a junior high school, and then at a high school.
"When I taught, I always had five rules," she said, inadvertently holding up four fingers. She looked at her hand and grinned. "Oops," she said, "I mean five," and held up the fifth finger.
"Now, how many years did you say you taught?" I teased
"Thirty years," she replied, "but obviously I wasn't a math teacher," she laughed. "I was an English teacher."
When one of the ladies asked where she had taught, she said she'd spent 30 years teaching first at a junior high school, and then at a high school.
"When I taught, I always had five rules," she said, inadvertently holding up four fingers. She looked at her hand and grinned. "Oops," she said, "I mean five," and held up the fifth finger.
"Now, how many years did you say you taught?" I teased
"Thirty years," she replied, "but obviously I wasn't a math teacher," she laughed. "I was an English teacher."
Monday, December 15, 2008
Monday, Dec. 15
I had trouble going to sleep last night. It was nearly 3 a.m. before I finally drifted off. Despite that, we got up around 7 a.m., because we wanted to go to our favorite computer store in another town to pick up a laptop tote and cooling pad that we'd ordered. I skipped exercising this morning so we could get on the road before a predicted winter storm arrived.
We learned a couple of days ago that the lady who owns the computer store with her husband had a baby boy recently. Since she is a friend with whom I worked several years ago, I wanted to take a small gift to her. So I looked through my tote of miscellaneous gift items and found a cloth book that the baby will be able to use in a few months.
I didn't have any baby wrapping paper or gift bags, so I used a tan bag with the word "Joy" printed boldly on it in an off-white color. I wrote "It's a Boy" in white ink inside the letter "J," turning the subtle Christmas bag into a baby gift bag.
I also didn't have a baby congrats card, so I used a card I'd made from blue scrapbook scraps that said "Thinking of You," on the front. Inside, I wrote a congratulations message.
It was about 8:30 by the time we got on the road to the other town. It began sleeting on our way home. Back in town, we stopped by the bank, and then went to the WDCS for a few items needed for making Christmas goodies. We were back home before it started sleeting in earnest.
After a few hours, the ground was covered in sleet, and the road in front of our house was slick. TV reports warned that this weather would continue through the night and into tomorrow. Schools began dismissing early.
When we got back home, there were a couple of messages on our land line phone. One was from a member of our scrapbook club, telling me that her brother (husband of another scrapbook club member) had died of a heart attack Sunday morning. The member, whose husband he was, was in California when this happened, at the bedside of her son, who is dying of cancer.
How on earth will she cope with this? The lady has already lost one husband, and her older son. She is the only survivor of her family now. The other lady, sister of the man who died, lost her husband a little over a year ago, as well as her twin brother during this year.
I called my friend back, and we talked for quite a long time...actually, she talked, and I listened. She said that the family had all gathered in November for her brother's birthday, which he really enjoyed. And then a couple of weekends ago, he went with other family to Branson, coming back, my friend said, looking healthy, rested, and happy.
But this past Sunday morning, the family was due to gather again, and when he didn't show up, his son went to check on him, and found him slumped over on his bed. He had already died. His dying left his son the only remaining member of his immediate family.
Our hearts are heavy for both of our friends.
It continued to sleet throughout the afternoon, so we were glad to be able to stay indoors, where we spent the afternoon making Christmas goodies, including an onion and chive dip, and gingersnap cookies, to be used in food gifts.
While we worked, we distracted ourselves from the bad news of the morning by watching several Christmas shows that I'd recorded on DVR. We saw three episodes of "Frosty the Snowman," and Celtic Woman Christmas.
When the sleet did not stop by 4 p.m., Mother decided to go home while it was still daylight. Hubbie helped her walk from our house to hers, so she wouldn't slip and fall on the icy stuff.
During the evening, I completed addressing my Christmas cards while we watched a couple of more Christmas shows. Then I skimmed through two editions of our local newspaper that I hadn't gotten around to reading last week. The Sunday newspaper is still waiting for me.
We learned a couple of days ago that the lady who owns the computer store with her husband had a baby boy recently. Since she is a friend with whom I worked several years ago, I wanted to take a small gift to her. So I looked through my tote of miscellaneous gift items and found a cloth book that the baby will be able to use in a few months.
I didn't have any baby wrapping paper or gift bags, so I used a tan bag with the word "Joy" printed boldly on it in an off-white color. I wrote "It's a Boy" in white ink inside the letter "J," turning the subtle Christmas bag into a baby gift bag.
I also didn't have a baby congrats card, so I used a card I'd made from blue scrapbook scraps that said "Thinking of You," on the front. Inside, I wrote a congratulations message.
It was about 8:30 by the time we got on the road to the other town. It began sleeting on our way home. Back in town, we stopped by the bank, and then went to the WDCS for a few items needed for making Christmas goodies. We were back home before it started sleeting in earnest.
After a few hours, the ground was covered in sleet, and the road in front of our house was slick. TV reports warned that this weather would continue through the night and into tomorrow. Schools began dismissing early.
When we got back home, there were a couple of messages on our land line phone. One was from a member of our scrapbook club, telling me that her brother (husband of another scrapbook club member) had died of a heart attack Sunday morning. The member, whose husband he was, was in California when this happened, at the bedside of her son, who is dying of cancer.
How on earth will she cope with this? The lady has already lost one husband, and her older son. She is the only survivor of her family now. The other lady, sister of the man who died, lost her husband a little over a year ago, as well as her twin brother during this year.
I called my friend back, and we talked for quite a long time...actually, she talked, and I listened. She said that the family had all gathered in November for her brother's birthday, which he really enjoyed. And then a couple of weekends ago, he went with other family to Branson, coming back, my friend said, looking healthy, rested, and happy.
But this past Sunday morning, the family was due to gather again, and when he didn't show up, his son went to check on him, and found him slumped over on his bed. He had already died. His dying left his son the only remaining member of his immediate family.
Our hearts are heavy for both of our friends.
It continued to sleet throughout the afternoon, so we were glad to be able to stay indoors, where we spent the afternoon making Christmas goodies, including an onion and chive dip, and gingersnap cookies, to be used in food gifts.
While we worked, we distracted ourselves from the bad news of the morning by watching several Christmas shows that I'd recorded on DVR. We saw three episodes of "Frosty the Snowman," and Celtic Woman Christmas.
When the sleet did not stop by 4 p.m., Mother decided to go home while it was still daylight. Hubbie helped her walk from our house to hers, so she wouldn't slip and fall on the icy stuff.
During the evening, I completed addressing my Christmas cards while we watched a couple of more Christmas shows. Then I skimmed through two editions of our local newspaper that I hadn't gotten around to reading last week. The Sunday newspaper is still waiting for me.
Sunday, Dec. 14
We slept late this morning, but I still managed to do a treadmill session and work out with weights. After I got ready for the day, Mother came over and chose a jigsaw puzzle to begin working on, and I typed letters to be included in Christmas cards.
The puzzle Mother chose is one of several included in a box that Daughter gave me as a gift for my birthday last year. We've already worked one of the puzzles, of a famous mill in our capital city.
After a lunch of beans, sauteed potatoes, and boiled turnips, Mother went home, Hubbie went outdoors to plant azalea bushes, and I worked on my computer.
During the evening, while we watched Christmas shows on TV, I addressed Christmas card envelopes, added letters and photos to some cards, and wrote short notes in others. I got all but four or five done in the couple of hours that I worked on them.
Hubbie, who has a very large family of children, grandchildren, sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins scattered all over the country, sends a lot more cards than I do, so he started working on his several days ago. I think he's completed the task now, though.
The puzzle Mother chose is one of several included in a box that Daughter gave me as a gift for my birthday last year. We've already worked one of the puzzles, of a famous mill in our capital city.
After a lunch of beans, sauteed potatoes, and boiled turnips, Mother went home, Hubbie went outdoors to plant azalea bushes, and I worked on my computer.
During the evening, while we watched Christmas shows on TV, I addressed Christmas card envelopes, added letters and photos to some cards, and wrote short notes in others. I got all but four or five done in the couple of hours that I worked on them.
Hubbie, who has a very large family of children, grandchildren, sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins scattered all over the country, sends a lot more cards than I do, so he started working on his several days ago. I think he's completed the task now, though.
Funny Story
Mother is enjoying the company of her new, as yet unnamed, Siamese mix cat.
A couple of days ago, she was standing and talking to the curled up bundle dozing at the foot of her rocking chair, when she turned around to see the cat sitting right behind her, gazing up at her quizzically.
Mother took a second look at the dozing bundle. She'd been talking to her fuzzy slippers.
A couple of days ago, she was standing and talking to the curled up bundle dozing at the foot of her rocking chair, when she turned around to see the cat sitting right behind her, gazing up at her quizzically.
Mother took a second look at the dozing bundle. She'd been talking to her fuzzy slippers.
Gingerbread House Workshop
We got up early Saturday morning, so we could be ready to go downtown to the art gallery to do a graham cracker cookie mini Christmas house workshop. Daughter, Granddaughter, and five great-grandchildren were expected to arrive before 9 a.m., for the 9:30 workshop. Hubbie went downtown ahead of us to open the gallery.
When Daughter and Granddaughter hadn't arrived by 8:45, I called Daughter on her cell phone, and learned that they had gotten into town safely after a two-hour trip, and were on there way to the art gallery. So Mother and I hopped in the van and went downtown.
The great-grandkids helped set up places for the workshop participants, who began arriving just before 9:30. Nine children, including four of mine, had a great time making very creative houses (the example above was done by my two and a half year old great-grandson). The workshop lasted until 11 a.m.
By the time we cleaned up the gallery and came back home, it was getting close to lunch time, and we were all ready for chicken noodle soup, with deli turkey and cheese sandwiches. Dessert was individual cups of chocolate pudding with whipped topping, and sugar cookies.
For the rest of the afternoon until family had to leave around 4 p.m., we visited, opened gifts, and had a photo session. It was a delight to see five-month-old great-grandson rocking back and forth on his knees, getting ready to crawl, and hear the older grandchildren giggle and play on the stairs. It was a noisy and happy time, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Later, Hubbie and I continued our "children" day, when we attended a piano and voice recital at a local college. One of the children who performed is the five-year-old son of a staff member at the home medical service where I am an advisory committee member, and another child is the daughter of a woman that I serve with on the community theater board. The five year old was one of the participants at the Christmas house workshop today.
We enjoyed the recital, which was all the more enchanting because of missed and sour notes. The kids were adorable all dressed up in their Christmas finery, and even though they were visibly nervous, they were brave to perform in front of a large and appreciative audience, who enthusiastically applauded every performer.
We got back home about 8 p.m., ready to relax in front of TV for a while before calling it a day.
When Daughter and Granddaughter hadn't arrived by 8:45, I called Daughter on her cell phone, and learned that they had gotten into town safely after a two-hour trip, and were on there way to the art gallery. So Mother and I hopped in the van and went downtown.
The great-grandkids helped set up places for the workshop participants, who began arriving just before 9:30. Nine children, including four of mine, had a great time making very creative houses (the example above was done by my two and a half year old great-grandson). The workshop lasted until 11 a.m.
By the time we cleaned up the gallery and came back home, it was getting close to lunch time, and we were all ready for chicken noodle soup, with deli turkey and cheese sandwiches. Dessert was individual cups of chocolate pudding with whipped topping, and sugar cookies.
For the rest of the afternoon until family had to leave around 4 p.m., we visited, opened gifts, and had a photo session. It was a delight to see five-month-old great-grandson rocking back and forth on his knees, getting ready to crawl, and hear the older grandchildren giggle and play on the stairs. It was a noisy and happy time, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Later, Hubbie and I continued our "children" day, when we attended a piano and voice recital at a local college. One of the children who performed is the five-year-old son of a staff member at the home medical service where I am an advisory committee member, and another child is the daughter of a woman that I serve with on the community theater board. The five year old was one of the participants at the Christmas house workshop today.
We enjoyed the recital, which was all the more enchanting because of missed and sour notes. The kids were adorable all dressed up in their Christmas finery, and even though they were visibly nervous, they were brave to perform in front of a large and appreciative audience, who enthusiastically applauded every performer.
We got back home about 8 p.m., ready to relax in front of TV for a while before calling it a day.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Friday, Dec. 12
I started the day with water aerobics this morning. Only fourteen of us showed up for this last day at the pool until January 12. There was a printed invitation from one of the members, who was absent today, inviting everyone to her house on Dec. 18 for her third annual "Cup of Cheer" drop-in party. Mother and I went last year and enjoyed it very much.
After water aerobics, I dressed in a new jewel green sweater and black slacks to go to the group's "Water Babe's" Christmas party at a popular Italian restaurant. This was a Dutch Treat lunch and Dirty Santa gift exchange. Mother went, too. The water aerobics ladies always enjoy visiting with Mother.
I chose a grilled chicken sandwich for my lunch. I didn't want to overeat, since Hubbie and I were scheduled to attend a Christmas dinner during the evening. Mother opted for a plate of spaghetti, so she could eat half at lunch and take half home for dinner.
During the Dirty Santa gift exchange, I first chose a swim tote that held a container of half-caffeine coffee. That gift was immediately stolen. The second gift I chose was a bag containing bottles and tubes of lotions, bath oils, etc., with a card thanking the recipient for all she did at water aerobics. I realized that this gift had been mistakenly placed on the Dirty Santa table, when it really belonged on the table of gifts for the regular aerobics leader.
So I chose a third gift. This one was a pair of crystal-like angels, holding a votive candle. The ladies were kind this time and didn't steal it, so it's very pretty sitting in my China cabinet.
During the lunch, the lady who is hosting the "Cup of Cheer" event, announced again that everyone is invited. When I got home, Hubbie handed me a postcard invitation to the event. So there's no excuse for me to forget it. To be sure, though, I wrote the date on my calendar.
As we left the Christmas party, the regular leader asked us to choose an ornament from a box she had brought. They are very pretty gold balls banded with white glitter stars. Mother and I each got one, which we hung on the white Christmas tree in the living room.
After we got home, Hubbie and I went shopping at the WDCS for several grocery items needed over the weekend, especially deli turkey and cheeses for Saturday's lunch.
Later, I changed into a dressy holiday jacket, and at 4 p.m., we attended an open house event sponsored by an investment group. Two tables were laden with goodies, including the makings for small rye bread sandwiches, plus fresh fruits, like pineapple and blackberries, and homemade treats like pumpkin roll, fudge, and peanut clusters.
I didn't eat anything at the event, but I filled a plate with fruits, pumpkin roll and a couple of pieces of the candies to bring home for later. Mother ate a sandwich and other goodies, as did Hubbie.
We stayed about an hour, long enough for me to learn that a member of the visual arts committee that I serve on is in the hospital, with, of all things, a ruptured vocal cord. I wonder how she fell victim to such a strange malady. She's not a singer, as far as I know.
From this open house, we went to an open house at the art gallery, where I delivered a big bowl of baked fruited popcorn for the goodie table to add to the cookies and brownies, etc., already there. I didn't eat anything here, either.
We spent about an hour at the art gallery, visiting and looking at a series of boxes decorated by local dignitaries and donated to the gallery as part of a silent auction. The arts council is celebrating its 20th anniversary, so tonight's event was a part of the celebration. The council decided to have the reception and silent auction tonight because it was "Second Friday" downtown, and lots of people would be milling around.
We couldn't attend "Second Friday" events, however, because we were due at a Christmas dinner party at a hunting lodge outside of town. As a member of the advisory committee for the home medical business that sponsors this dinner, Hubbie and I are invited.
This is always a very nice event. The lodge is uniquely decorated all times of the year with a great variety of hunting and fishing stuff, but at Christmas, it is especially festive, with beautifully decorated tables. No two tables are decorated alike, because the lady who owns the lodge is on a constant search for unusual linens, dinnerware, and goblets.
The meal at the lodge is served buffet style, with choices tonight of thinly sliced beef, chicken breasts baked with cheese (which I couldn't have), garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, a creamy corn dish, homemade rolls, and a tasty salad using a special sweet house dressing over lettuce, Roma tomatoes, walnuts and Craisins.
Dessert was a choice of apple cobbler with ice cream, or chocolate brownie with ice cream. Hubbie chose the apple cobbler and I chose the chocolate brownie.
The lady who works as the business's public relations representative, was late getting to the event, because she was at the "Second Friday" event, where her daughter was performing in the pocket park. She said it was freezing downtown, but it didn't seem to keep people from attending.
This lady asked if I'd be willing to work as a volunteer with the hospice group, taking pictures of family in ordinary situations with the ill loved one to be included in a scrapbook for the family. I wouldn't mind doing this, if my camera wasn't acting up right now. I'm having trouble with focusing and lighting on it, which probably means I'll need to start thinking about getting a new camera. I've taken thousands of pictures over the many years that I've used my current camera. But I gag at the thought of how expensive it will be to replace it.
Each year, the advisory committee members are presented with a gift. This year, they were baskets containing two jars of jelly...apple and muscadine...as well as a package of white chocolate covered pretzles, and a package of peanut clusters.
The staff of the business played a Jeopary game, answering questions for money prizes. One of the questions asked was the name of the ship the pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock in. I misunderstood the question, and leaned over to Hubbie, saying "The Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Marie."
"No," he said, "that was Christopher Columbus. I can't think of the name of the pilgrim's ship."
"The Good Ship Lollypop?" I grinned, because the name escaped me, too. Apparently, it escaped the contestants, as well, because the moderator had to remind us all that it was the Mayflower. Wow, did we all feel dumb. Obviously, we aren't as smart as a fifth grader.
We left the party around 8:30 p.m., ready to relax at home.
After water aerobics, I dressed in a new jewel green sweater and black slacks to go to the group's "Water Babe's" Christmas party at a popular Italian restaurant. This was a Dutch Treat lunch and Dirty Santa gift exchange. Mother went, too. The water aerobics ladies always enjoy visiting with Mother.
I chose a grilled chicken sandwich for my lunch. I didn't want to overeat, since Hubbie and I were scheduled to attend a Christmas dinner during the evening. Mother opted for a plate of spaghetti, so she could eat half at lunch and take half home for dinner.
During the Dirty Santa gift exchange, I first chose a swim tote that held a container of half-caffeine coffee. That gift was immediately stolen. The second gift I chose was a bag containing bottles and tubes of lotions, bath oils, etc., with a card thanking the recipient for all she did at water aerobics. I realized that this gift had been mistakenly placed on the Dirty Santa table, when it really belonged on the table of gifts for the regular aerobics leader.
So I chose a third gift. This one was a pair of crystal-like angels, holding a votive candle. The ladies were kind this time and didn't steal it, so it's very pretty sitting in my China cabinet.
During the lunch, the lady who is hosting the "Cup of Cheer" event, announced again that everyone is invited. When I got home, Hubbie handed me a postcard invitation to the event. So there's no excuse for me to forget it. To be sure, though, I wrote the date on my calendar.
As we left the Christmas party, the regular leader asked us to choose an ornament from a box she had brought. They are very pretty gold balls banded with white glitter stars. Mother and I each got one, which we hung on the white Christmas tree in the living room.
After we got home, Hubbie and I went shopping at the WDCS for several grocery items needed over the weekend, especially deli turkey and cheeses for Saturday's lunch.
Later, I changed into a dressy holiday jacket, and at 4 p.m., we attended an open house event sponsored by an investment group. Two tables were laden with goodies, including the makings for small rye bread sandwiches, plus fresh fruits, like pineapple and blackberries, and homemade treats like pumpkin roll, fudge, and peanut clusters.
I didn't eat anything at the event, but I filled a plate with fruits, pumpkin roll and a couple of pieces of the candies to bring home for later. Mother ate a sandwich and other goodies, as did Hubbie.
We stayed about an hour, long enough for me to learn that a member of the visual arts committee that I serve on is in the hospital, with, of all things, a ruptured vocal cord. I wonder how she fell victim to such a strange malady. She's not a singer, as far as I know.
From this open house, we went to an open house at the art gallery, where I delivered a big bowl of baked fruited popcorn for the goodie table to add to the cookies and brownies, etc., already there. I didn't eat anything here, either.
We spent about an hour at the art gallery, visiting and looking at a series of boxes decorated by local dignitaries and donated to the gallery as part of a silent auction. The arts council is celebrating its 20th anniversary, so tonight's event was a part of the celebration. The council decided to have the reception and silent auction tonight because it was "Second Friday" downtown, and lots of people would be milling around.
We couldn't attend "Second Friday" events, however, because we were due at a Christmas dinner party at a hunting lodge outside of town. As a member of the advisory committee for the home medical business that sponsors this dinner, Hubbie and I are invited.
This is always a very nice event. The lodge is uniquely decorated all times of the year with a great variety of hunting and fishing stuff, but at Christmas, it is especially festive, with beautifully decorated tables. No two tables are decorated alike, because the lady who owns the lodge is on a constant search for unusual linens, dinnerware, and goblets.
The meal at the lodge is served buffet style, with choices tonight of thinly sliced beef, chicken breasts baked with cheese (which I couldn't have), garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, a creamy corn dish, homemade rolls, and a tasty salad using a special sweet house dressing over lettuce, Roma tomatoes, walnuts and Craisins.
Dessert was a choice of apple cobbler with ice cream, or chocolate brownie with ice cream. Hubbie chose the apple cobbler and I chose the chocolate brownie.
The lady who works as the business's public relations representative, was late getting to the event, because she was at the "Second Friday" event, where her daughter was performing in the pocket park. She said it was freezing downtown, but it didn't seem to keep people from attending.
This lady asked if I'd be willing to work as a volunteer with the hospice group, taking pictures of family in ordinary situations with the ill loved one to be included in a scrapbook for the family. I wouldn't mind doing this, if my camera wasn't acting up right now. I'm having trouble with focusing and lighting on it, which probably means I'll need to start thinking about getting a new camera. I've taken thousands of pictures over the many years that I've used my current camera. But I gag at the thought of how expensive it will be to replace it.
Each year, the advisory committee members are presented with a gift. This year, they were baskets containing two jars of jelly...apple and muscadine...as well as a package of white chocolate covered pretzles, and a package of peanut clusters.
The staff of the business played a Jeopary game, answering questions for money prizes. One of the questions asked was the name of the ship the pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock in. I misunderstood the question, and leaned over to Hubbie, saying "The Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Marie."
"No," he said, "that was Christopher Columbus. I can't think of the name of the pilgrim's ship."
"The Good Ship Lollypop?" I grinned, because the name escaped me, too. Apparently, it escaped the contestants, as well, because the moderator had to remind us all that it was the Mayflower. Wow, did we all feel dumb. Obviously, we aren't as smart as a fifth grader.
We left the party around 8:30 p.m., ready to relax at home.
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