Today is Great-Granddaughter's first birthday. Happy Bithday, Great-Granddaughter!
Up at 6:30 to get ready to go to water aerobics. But I was no sooner ready than a thunderstorm with lightning cropped up. I don't do swimming pool in thunderstorms. So I had to be satisfied with doing stair stepping, resistance bands, and weights exercises.
The storm eased around 9:30, so Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, where she grated white American cheese and then made pimento cheese for sandwiches. While she did that, I got ready for the day.
Back downstairs, I gathered ingredients for making blueberry muffins. I helped Mother measure the ingredients, and once the batter was ready, she spooned it into the muffin tins, and I put the muffins in the oven for twenty minutes. We made a double batch of the muffins, so there'd be enough for Hubbie's and my upcoming trip, and for Mother and Sis to have while we're gone. Mother loves blueberry muffins.
Once the muffins came out of the oven, it was time for a sandwich lunch. Mother and I chose the remainder of the cold meatloaf, and Hubbie opted for ham and cheese on rye bread. For dessert, Hubbie and I had slices of fresh pineapple...we'd bought a couple at the WDCS for $1.98 each.
Mother headed the to couch for a nap afterward, and Hubbie and I ran errands...to the bank; to a pharmacy store; to the Caring Hands Hospice office to drop off the sympathy cards we made yesterday; and to the WDCS for a few groceries.
Back home around 3 p.m., Mother was awake. We relaxed until time to prepare supper. Hubbie did the honors of fixing French toast and scrambled eggs. Tonight, we used bread rounds for the French toast, which gave them the texture of pancakes. For a topping, we had sugar-free maple flavored syrup mixed with blackberry syrup, because I didn't note that the bottle of sugar-free syrup was so low before we went grocery shopping today. I was glad to find a jar of blackberry syrup in the pantry that I'd bought at last fall's craft fair.
After supper, I accompanied Mother to her house, and then Hubbie and I watched TV, as usual.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Thursday, Sept 20
Slept later than I meant to, until 8 a.m. Skipped my exercises so I could get dressed and finish tasks necessary to get ready for the scrapbook club meeting this afternoon.
Around 9:30, I accompanied Mother to our house. Once I was satisfied that the house was ready, and refreshments were prepared, Mother and I began work on making sympathy cards for Caring Hands Hospice.
We had an early lunch, around 11:30. And then we continued card-making until the other two ladies arrived. One of the ladies had made a stack of sympathy cards after I'd called her Monday to say Mother and I would be working on some today. Altogether, we produced twenty-six cards.
We had a nice visit with the ladies, and around 2 p.m., I served oatmeal raisin, chocolate-nut oatmeal, and no-bake chocolate-fruit cookies, along with coffee. Naturally, the ladies wanted the recipes for the cookies.
The meeting ended at 3 p.m. Once Mother and I had cleared away the mess from our projects, I encouraged her to go take a nap. She was afraid it was too late in the afternoon, but I pointed out that it was two hours or so before suppertime, and she had plenty of time. She gratefully agreed. I think she fell asleep the minute her head
hit the pillow.
While she slept, Hubbie called the computer store in another town and learned that the laptop charger had finally arrived. So we went to pick it up. On the way back, we stopped at a friend's house to pick up another 40 lbs. of sweet potatoes.
We were gone about 45 minutes, and when we got back, Mother was still snoozing peacefully, unaware that we'd left.
We got back around 4:30, and I immediately put leftover pork roast and veggies in the oven to heat for supper. Around 5:30, I served the meal with gravy, and sliced tomatoes topped with cottage cheese. Mother was up and ready to eat by that time.
Afterward, I accompanied Mother to her house, and waited until she showered before returning home. Later, Hubbie and I tried to watch the movie, "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," on DVR, but couldn't make heads or tails of it, so abandoned it for a mystery movie on DVD, called, "Pride and Glory." Corruption touches members of a multi-generational family of New York cops, threatening their long-standing moral code. This movie is peppered with "language."
Around 9:30, I accompanied Mother to our house. Once I was satisfied that the house was ready, and refreshments were prepared, Mother and I began work on making sympathy cards for Caring Hands Hospice.
We had an early lunch, around 11:30. And then we continued card-making until the other two ladies arrived. One of the ladies had made a stack of sympathy cards after I'd called her Monday to say Mother and I would be working on some today. Altogether, we produced twenty-six cards.
We had a nice visit with the ladies, and around 2 p.m., I served oatmeal raisin, chocolate-nut oatmeal, and no-bake chocolate-fruit cookies, along with coffee. Naturally, the ladies wanted the recipes for the cookies.
The meeting ended at 3 p.m. Once Mother and I had cleared away the mess from our projects, I encouraged her to go take a nap. She was afraid it was too late in the afternoon, but I pointed out that it was two hours or so before suppertime, and she had plenty of time. She gratefully agreed. I think she fell asleep the minute her head
hit the pillow.
While she slept, Hubbie called the computer store in another town and learned that the laptop charger had finally arrived. So we went to pick it up. On the way back, we stopped at a friend's house to pick up another 40 lbs. of sweet potatoes.
We were gone about 45 minutes, and when we got back, Mother was still snoozing peacefully, unaware that we'd left.
We got back around 4:30, and I immediately put leftover pork roast and veggies in the oven to heat for supper. Around 5:30, I served the meal with gravy, and sliced tomatoes topped with cottage cheese. Mother was up and ready to eat by that time.
Afterward, I accompanied Mother to her house, and waited until she showered before returning home. Later, Hubbie and I tried to watch the movie, "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," on DVR, but couldn't make heads or tails of it, so abandoned it for a mystery movie on DVD, called, "Pride and Glory." Corruption touches members of a multi-generational family of New York cops, threatening their long-standing moral code. This movie is peppered with "language."
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Wednesday, Sept. 19
Hubbie and I both had problems sleeping last night, waking up several times, and tossing and turning. I seemed to have some bad dreams, too, one involving umbrellas, though I have no idea now what the plot was...got my adrenaline up, though. In the morning, I thought about our disturbed sleep, and decided it was probably a reaction to our flu shots yesterday.
We were up at 6:30, so I could get ready to go to water aerobics. Chilly today, so my fleece outfit with a fleece hoodie felt very good. The sun waa absolutely blinding, though, when I tried to exit our driveway. I could not turn left, because visibilty was zero to my right, where there is a curve obscured by undergrowth on the neighboring acreage. So, I went to the right, and turned around in the neighbor's circular driveway. I was blinded once again on the hill leading to the college, and had to slow to a snail's pace to navigate that street.
An unprecedented thirty of us showed up this morning, making the shallow end of the pool pretty crowded. Our leader warned us to be quiet so everyone could hear the instructions. Most of us have been around so long that we've memorized her routine, so we can chat and still keep up. There is a group in one corner, though, that talk loud and perpetually. The funny thing is, though, the leader herself is pretty good at keeping up a running stream of conversation with those up front.
One part of the routine has us dancing across the pool. Some of us go one way, and some go the other. Today, as one of the "talking" ladies passed me, she said, in a conspiratorial tone, "I guess she (the leader) has forgotten how close Christmas is," indicating that her monetary take (each of us donates to the gift) might be less this year.
The discussion before aerobics was about armyworms, which are decimating pastures and yards in our county. In researching the problem, I learned that legions of the worms are competing with beef and dairy cattle for pastures. So far, 30 counties are affected, but they are marching deeper into the state. It's reported that the higher incidence of the insects is caused by recent rains and greening grass.
Back home afterward, I gathered ingredients for making no-bake chocolate/fruit/nut cookies. Then I melted the semi-sweet morsels, margarine, and large marshmallow, which seemed to take two forevers on low heat. Once the mixture had melted, though, Mother was able to take over and add the vanilla, coconut, nuts, Craisins, and tiny marshmallows, and drop the mixture by teaspoonfuls onto wax-paper-covered cookie sheets. The cookies were then placed in the refrigerator to set.
Note: yesterday, Mother wanted to look for the recipe for these cookies, so I gathered several cookbooks, which she went through at the little table in the kitchen. By the time she came to the end of the books, she had forgotten what she was looking for.
I told her not to worry about it, because I thought I might have the recipe in a computer file. When I looked, I found I did have it there, so I printed a copy and broght it downstairs. Today, then, I searched high and low for the recipe, but couldn't locate it. When I mentioned this to Mother, she said she had folded it up, put it in her pocket, and taken it home with her. I guess she forgot that she can't make cookies at home anymore.
While Mother completed the cookie recipe this morning, I got ready for the day. By that time, it was noon. Hubbie had already fixed Mother's usual Raman Noodle soup lunch, and then he and I fixed sandwiches...deli ham and turkey and cheese on rye bread for him, and cold meatloaf on whole wheat toast for me.
After lunch, Hubbie met a haircut appointment, and shopped for a few groceries, while Mother and I played with card making supplies, searching for what we will need to make sympathy cards during a scrapbook club meeting tomorrow.
Mother has several times mentioned that she'd like to locate some wallpaper samples we had gotten from a store years ago that she liked to use as greeting card backgrounds. I've searched for them, with no luck.
Yesterday, after Hubbie and I returned home from running errands, she proudly announced that she'd located them. I wondered if she'd been plowing through totes unassisted, but she said they were in an easily accessible tote on a chair in the dining room.
Okay, so today I looked for the samples, and didn't see them. She couldn't remember where she put them...somewhere in the dining room, she thought. I searched all the totes again. They simply weren't there.
I think that while she napped, she dreamed she found them, and it seemed so vivid to her that she was convinced they were there somewhere. She finally agreed, though, that it was possible she'd dreamed it.
Around 2 p.m., I insisted she head to the couch for a nap, and she didn't argue. She slept until nearly suppertime. While she snoozed, I busied myself doing various chores getting ready for the club meeting tomorrow. And then I pressed clothing to take on an upcoming camping trip.
Later, I put leftover pork roast and veggies in the oven to heat for supper. Heated the gravy, and served individual cups of applesauce with it. Afterward, I accompanied Mother to her house.
Back home, I did a few more things in preparation for tomorrow, and then Hubbie and I watched TV, including another episode of "Jesse Stone," from the DVR.
We were up at 6:30, so I could get ready to go to water aerobics. Chilly today, so my fleece outfit with a fleece hoodie felt very good. The sun waa absolutely blinding, though, when I tried to exit our driveway. I could not turn left, because visibilty was zero to my right, where there is a curve obscured by undergrowth on the neighboring acreage. So, I went to the right, and turned around in the neighbor's circular driveway. I was blinded once again on the hill leading to the college, and had to slow to a snail's pace to navigate that street.
An unprecedented thirty of us showed up this morning, making the shallow end of the pool pretty crowded. Our leader warned us to be quiet so everyone could hear the instructions. Most of us have been around so long that we've memorized her routine, so we can chat and still keep up. There is a group in one corner, though, that talk loud and perpetually. The funny thing is, though, the leader herself is pretty good at keeping up a running stream of conversation with those up front.
One part of the routine has us dancing across the pool. Some of us go one way, and some go the other. Today, as one of the "talking" ladies passed me, she said, in a conspiratorial tone, "I guess she (the leader) has forgotten how close Christmas is," indicating that her monetary take (each of us donates to the gift) might be less this year.
The discussion before aerobics was about armyworms, which are decimating pastures and yards in our county. In researching the problem, I learned that legions of the worms are competing with beef and dairy cattle for pastures. So far, 30 counties are affected, but they are marching deeper into the state. It's reported that the higher incidence of the insects is caused by recent rains and greening grass.
Back home afterward, I gathered ingredients for making no-bake chocolate/fruit/nut cookies. Then I melted the semi-sweet morsels, margarine, and large marshmallow, which seemed to take two forevers on low heat. Once the mixture had melted, though, Mother was able to take over and add the vanilla, coconut, nuts, Craisins, and tiny marshmallows, and drop the mixture by teaspoonfuls onto wax-paper-covered cookie sheets. The cookies were then placed in the refrigerator to set.
Note: yesterday, Mother wanted to look for the recipe for these cookies, so I gathered several cookbooks, which she went through at the little table in the kitchen. By the time she came to the end of the books, she had forgotten what she was looking for.
I told her not to worry about it, because I thought I might have the recipe in a computer file. When I looked, I found I did have it there, so I printed a copy and broght it downstairs. Today, then, I searched high and low for the recipe, but couldn't locate it. When I mentioned this to Mother, she said she had folded it up, put it in her pocket, and taken it home with her. I guess she forgot that she can't make cookies at home anymore.
While Mother completed the cookie recipe this morning, I got ready for the day. By that time, it was noon. Hubbie had already fixed Mother's usual Raman Noodle soup lunch, and then he and I fixed sandwiches...deli ham and turkey and cheese on rye bread for him, and cold meatloaf on whole wheat toast for me.
After lunch, Hubbie met a haircut appointment, and shopped for a few groceries, while Mother and I played with card making supplies, searching for what we will need to make sympathy cards during a scrapbook club meeting tomorrow.
Mother has several times mentioned that she'd like to locate some wallpaper samples we had gotten from a store years ago that she liked to use as greeting card backgrounds. I've searched for them, with no luck.
Yesterday, after Hubbie and I returned home from running errands, she proudly announced that she'd located them. I wondered if she'd been plowing through totes unassisted, but she said they were in an easily accessible tote on a chair in the dining room.
Okay, so today I looked for the samples, and didn't see them. She couldn't remember where she put them...somewhere in the dining room, she thought. I searched all the totes again. They simply weren't there.
I think that while she napped, she dreamed she found them, and it seemed so vivid to her that she was convinced they were there somewhere. She finally agreed, though, that it was possible she'd dreamed it.
Around 2 p.m., I insisted she head to the couch for a nap, and she didn't argue. She slept until nearly suppertime. While she snoozed, I busied myself doing various chores getting ready for the club meeting tomorrow. And then I pressed clothing to take on an upcoming camping trip.
Later, I put leftover pork roast and veggies in the oven to heat for supper. Heated the gravy, and served individual cups of applesauce with it. Afterward, I accompanied Mother to her house.
Back home, I did a few more things in preparation for tomorrow, and then Hubbie and I watched TV, including another episode of "Jesse Stone," from the DVR.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Tuesday, Sept. 18
Up at 6:30, so I could get ready for a doctor appointment at 9 a.m. Today, I was to have a fasting lab test, so I couldn't eat anything after midnight. Also, I'd made appointments for the three of us to get our annual flu shots this morning.
We arrived at the clinic around 8:45, and even at that early hour, all the handicapped spaces were full, so Hubbie stopped in front of the door, so we could get Mother into her wheelchair.
At the reception area, I was told I would receive my flu shot at the same time I met with my doctor, but Mother and Hubbie would be called back presently. In a few minutes, a nurse appeared and told us all to go back. I reported what the receptionist said, and she assured me she could take care of it. She's the head nurse, and someone we've known for years, so I don't doubt she can override the office staff.
Following our shots (Mother hates shots, but suffered it quietly today) she and Hubbie were directed to the waiting room, while I was ushered to an exam room. "So you're here because of flu symptoms?" asked the nurse.
I was puzzled. "No, I don't have flu." Then the light dawned. "Oh!" I said, "I made an appointment for a flu shot."
The nurse laughed. "The info here says flu symptoms. The receptionist got it wrong." New people in the receptionist area, I guess, because when I got recorded messages yesterday confirming our appointments, they stated that all of us were to meet with our doctors, when only I was scheduled. I alerted the nurse to that today, and she said all but mine had been corrected.
I was pleased that my blood pressure registered at 124/66, and my pulse was 64.
During the time I was with the doctor, I presented her with photos I'd taken of her performing with a group of Zumba dancers at a local river carnival. She really appreciated them.
She said that she loves doing the dance/exercise routines, because she has always loved to dance, but her husband does not. So this is an outlet for her. She said that when she was in college, she was part of a dance group, and even choreographed dance routines. But then she stopped, when she realized she wanted to pursue a career in medicine.
Somehow, we also got on the subject of organizing our homes. She said she was messy as an only child, but now she is disturbed by clutter. Her husband and children love to clutter, so every weekend, she is busy de-cluttering their home.
She is expecially disturbed by her attorney husband's very messy home office. This year, as a Mother's Day gift, her husband surprised her by organizing his office.
When the doctor came into the exam room, I was playing with my e-reader. She asked if I was a tekkie. I told her that I am absolutely not...I know enough to operate our four-remote TV, the two computers, my cell phone, and the e-reader, which neither Hubbie nor Mother are able to do, but I'm far, far, from being saavy. She said the little computer she's required to use at work is about all she knows how to handle...her husband takes care of the rest. There always seems to be one person in the household to whom the operation of electronics falls, simply because the others are completely baffled.
Everything seems to be okay with me, so I ended the visit by stopping by the lab for a blood draw, one of my favorite things to do (not). And now I have a big bruise in the crook of my elbow, the result of drawing four vials of blood.
Afterward, since I was very hungry, and Mother had had only toast at 5 a.m. this morning, we decided to have breakfast at the new hospital cafeteria in the new wing.
The entrance area in that wing is very pleasing, featuring a little corner area that simulates a cozy front porch, with several white rocking chairs.
The cafeteria is pleasing, too...airy and spacious, with an al fresco dining area, featuring round tables with black umbrellas, just outside the main dining room. Polished wood is evident everywhere, on the floors, on the tables and booths, and in the decorations.
Meals are served buffet style from sparkling clean islands. There's a wide variety of items that include healthy choices, though we didn't opt for "healthy" today. We chose biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, and bacon, with coffee. The price is certainly right...all four meals cost $4.25.
Back home, Mother relaxed, while Hubbie and I ran errands...to a roadside vendor to buy yellow squash and tomatoes; to the library to return DVDs and select four more; to the newspaper to drop off this week's word search puzzle contest; to the bank; to the pharmacy; and to the the WDCS.
At home again, the three of us prepared a pork roast for the slow cooker...Hubbie peeled and cut potatoes, while Mother fixed the onions, garlic, carrots, and yellow squash. Then I browned the meat with spices, and put it and the veggies in the slow cooker, along with more spices, and a can each of low-sodium chicken broth and beef broth.
Spent the rest of the afternoon doing this and that. Our supper later, served with gravy made from the roast drippings and more beef broth, and individual cups of applesauce, was yummy. Accompanied Mother home afterward, and waited for her to take a shower before returning home.
Hubbie and I spent the rest of the evening watching TV, including a PBS episode of "Wallander," a British detective, who solves murders.
Note: at the library, I asked the librarian if more people are visiting and checking things out in this economy. She said that lots of folks have had to drop cable and satellite services, so that now about 3,000 people a month check out DVD movies, and 2,000 frequent the computers. And now that the library has e-book capabilities, this is popular, too.
Of course, regular books and audiobooks remain popular, along with programs for children, and movie showings for pre-teens and teens...all free. Recently, a book club was formed, too, though I don't know how many members it has. I thought about joining, but don't think Hubbie would appreciate my getting involved in another activity that would occupy my time and take me away from home some more. He wouldn't object, but I just don't think it would be fair to him.
We arrived at the clinic around 8:45, and even at that early hour, all the handicapped spaces were full, so Hubbie stopped in front of the door, so we could get Mother into her wheelchair.
At the reception area, I was told I would receive my flu shot at the same time I met with my doctor, but Mother and Hubbie would be called back presently. In a few minutes, a nurse appeared and told us all to go back. I reported what the receptionist said, and she assured me she could take care of it. She's the head nurse, and someone we've known for years, so I don't doubt she can override the office staff.
Following our shots (Mother hates shots, but suffered it quietly today) she and Hubbie were directed to the waiting room, while I was ushered to an exam room. "So you're here because of flu symptoms?" asked the nurse.
I was puzzled. "No, I don't have flu." Then the light dawned. "Oh!" I said, "I made an appointment for a flu shot."
The nurse laughed. "The info here says flu symptoms. The receptionist got it wrong." New people in the receptionist area, I guess, because when I got recorded messages yesterday confirming our appointments, they stated that all of us were to meet with our doctors, when only I was scheduled. I alerted the nurse to that today, and she said all but mine had been corrected.
I was pleased that my blood pressure registered at 124/66, and my pulse was 64.
During the time I was with the doctor, I presented her with photos I'd taken of her performing with a group of Zumba dancers at a local river carnival. She really appreciated them.
She said that she loves doing the dance/exercise routines, because she has always loved to dance, but her husband does not. So this is an outlet for her. She said that when she was in college, she was part of a dance group, and even choreographed dance routines. But then she stopped, when she realized she wanted to pursue a career in medicine.
Somehow, we also got on the subject of organizing our homes. She said she was messy as an only child, but now she is disturbed by clutter. Her husband and children love to clutter, so every weekend, she is busy de-cluttering their home.
She is expecially disturbed by her attorney husband's very messy home office. This year, as a Mother's Day gift, her husband surprised her by organizing his office.
When the doctor came into the exam room, I was playing with my e-reader. She asked if I was a tekkie. I told her that I am absolutely not...I know enough to operate our four-remote TV, the two computers, my cell phone, and the e-reader, which neither Hubbie nor Mother are able to do, but I'm far, far, from being saavy. She said the little computer she's required to use at work is about all she knows how to handle...her husband takes care of the rest. There always seems to be one person in the household to whom the operation of electronics falls, simply because the others are completely baffled.
Everything seems to be okay with me, so I ended the visit by stopping by the lab for a blood draw, one of my favorite things to do (not). And now I have a big bruise in the crook of my elbow, the result of drawing four vials of blood.
Afterward, since I was very hungry, and Mother had had only toast at 5 a.m. this morning, we decided to have breakfast at the new hospital cafeteria in the new wing.
The entrance area in that wing is very pleasing, featuring a little corner area that simulates a cozy front porch, with several white rocking chairs.
The cafeteria is pleasing, too...airy and spacious, with an al fresco dining area, featuring round tables with black umbrellas, just outside the main dining room. Polished wood is evident everywhere, on the floors, on the tables and booths, and in the decorations.
Meals are served buffet style from sparkling clean islands. There's a wide variety of items that include healthy choices, though we didn't opt for "healthy" today. We chose biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, and bacon, with coffee. The price is certainly right...all four meals cost $4.25.
Back home, Mother relaxed, while Hubbie and I ran errands...to a roadside vendor to buy yellow squash and tomatoes; to the library to return DVDs and select four more; to the newspaper to drop off this week's word search puzzle contest; to the bank; to the pharmacy; and to the the WDCS.
At home again, the three of us prepared a pork roast for the slow cooker...Hubbie peeled and cut potatoes, while Mother fixed the onions, garlic, carrots, and yellow squash. Then I browned the meat with spices, and put it and the veggies in the slow cooker, along with more spices, and a can each of low-sodium chicken broth and beef broth.
Spent the rest of the afternoon doing this and that. Our supper later, served with gravy made from the roast drippings and more beef broth, and individual cups of applesauce, was yummy. Accompanied Mother home afterward, and waited for her to take a shower before returning home.
Hubbie and I spent the rest of the evening watching TV, including a PBS episode of "Wallander," a British detective, who solves murders.
Note: at the library, I asked the librarian if more people are visiting and checking things out in this economy. She said that lots of folks have had to drop cable and satellite services, so that now about 3,000 people a month check out DVD movies, and 2,000 frequent the computers. And now that the library has e-book capabilities, this is popular, too.
Of course, regular books and audiobooks remain popular, along with programs for children, and movie showings for pre-teens and teens...all free. Recently, a book club was formed, too, though I don't know how many members it has. I thought about joining, but don't think Hubbie would appreciate my getting involved in another activity that would occupy my time and take me away from home some more. He wouldn't object, but I just don't think it would be fair to him.
Monday, Sept. 17
Up at 6:30 to get ready to go to the pool. Foggy, drizzly morning that called for fleece wear. The pool was wonderfully warm, and 27 of us attended the session.
One member, whose barn lost a newly constructed roof during the last thunderstorm, commented that her husband had ordered a trailer load of metal sheeting to use in constructing another roof. The supplier had loaded the sheeting on a trailer, with the intention of delivering it the next day. Overnight, though, thieves stole the load. Fortunately, the member and her husband had not paid for the sheeting, yet. But I'm thinking that is one bad-luck barn!
Back home, before getting ready for the day, I called the scrapbook club members to remind them of our Thursday meeting. In talking with one, I learned that a former member recently made a trip to Florida to visit her granddaughter and new great-granddaughter. But no sooner had she arrived than she fell violently ill and had to be hospitalized. She is now in ICU. This is the same lady who has suffered the loss of two sons, as well as two husbands, and who has herself had health problems over the past few years.
By the time I was ready for the day, it was noon. After lunch, Mother hit the couch, as usual, while I reviewed the lesson plan for my ESL student. I met her at the appointed 2:30 hour.
Today's lesson was about using maps and understanding geographical terms, as well as vocabulary about the four seasons. She also learned terms related to cooking appliances, and about catching a cold.
This led to a discussion of seasonal allergies (she had an awful bout of pollen allergy in the spring); and which seasons we prefer. She loves fall for the beautiful colors, and winter for the cold, while I prefer the spring and summer for the warmth.
I'm simply not a winter person. But since the student comes from a very hot-weather country, she relishes winter.
In conversation, we also talked about her store in Venezuela. She said she was able to find several garments on sale in the capital city that are suited to the hot weather in Venezuela. She said she buys at the lowest possible price, then triples the price to cover the cost of purchase, shipping, and profit. Women in that country are used to paying high prices for clothing, and they like American goods.
We agreed that tripling is a common practice: crafters often triple cost of goods to cover their time, travel, etc., and volunteers should do the same on reports...we often forget that travel and preparation time should be added to the actual on-site hours spent in volunteer activities.
We also talked about our children when they were young. Both of us had scary incidents with our boys...one of hers jerked out of her hand and ran across a busy highway, nearly getting hit; and one of mine, at age three, jerked out of my hand and ran behind the car as my former husband backed out of the garage. I screamed, and he stopped just in time.
At home, Hubbie had heated the leftover meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans, and I made a recipe of brown gravy to go with it.
Afterward, I accompanied Mother to her house, and then Hubbie and I watched a couple of "Jesse Stone" movies from the Hallmark Movie Channel. We'd seen them before, but a long time ago.
Sad note: tonight's local newspaper reported the death of the husband of one of the Extension Homemakers members that we know. We were acquainted with the husband, too, since he frequently accompanied her to Council luncheons. He was 87 years old.
One member, whose barn lost a newly constructed roof during the last thunderstorm, commented that her husband had ordered a trailer load of metal sheeting to use in constructing another roof. The supplier had loaded the sheeting on a trailer, with the intention of delivering it the next day. Overnight, though, thieves stole the load. Fortunately, the member and her husband had not paid for the sheeting, yet. But I'm thinking that is one bad-luck barn!
Back home, before getting ready for the day, I called the scrapbook club members to remind them of our Thursday meeting. In talking with one, I learned that a former member recently made a trip to Florida to visit her granddaughter and new great-granddaughter. But no sooner had she arrived than she fell violently ill and had to be hospitalized. She is now in ICU. This is the same lady who has suffered the loss of two sons, as well as two husbands, and who has herself had health problems over the past few years.
By the time I was ready for the day, it was noon. After lunch, Mother hit the couch, as usual, while I reviewed the lesson plan for my ESL student. I met her at the appointed 2:30 hour.
Today's lesson was about using maps and understanding geographical terms, as well as vocabulary about the four seasons. She also learned terms related to cooking appliances, and about catching a cold.
This led to a discussion of seasonal allergies (she had an awful bout of pollen allergy in the spring); and which seasons we prefer. She loves fall for the beautiful colors, and winter for the cold, while I prefer the spring and summer for the warmth.
I'm simply not a winter person. But since the student comes from a very hot-weather country, she relishes winter.
In conversation, we also talked about her store in Venezuela. She said she was able to find several garments on sale in the capital city that are suited to the hot weather in Venezuela. She said she buys at the lowest possible price, then triples the price to cover the cost of purchase, shipping, and profit. Women in that country are used to paying high prices for clothing, and they like American goods.
We agreed that tripling is a common practice: crafters often triple cost of goods to cover their time, travel, etc., and volunteers should do the same on reports...we often forget that travel and preparation time should be added to the actual on-site hours spent in volunteer activities.
We also talked about our children when they were young. Both of us had scary incidents with our boys...one of hers jerked out of her hand and ran across a busy highway, nearly getting hit; and one of mine, at age three, jerked out of my hand and ran behind the car as my former husband backed out of the garage. I screamed, and he stopped just in time.
At home, Hubbie had heated the leftover meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans, and I made a recipe of brown gravy to go with it.
Afterward, I accompanied Mother to her house, and then Hubbie and I watched a couple of "Jesse Stone" movies from the Hallmark Movie Channel. We'd seen them before, but a long time ago.
Sad note: tonight's local newspaper reported the death of the husband of one of the Extension Homemakers members that we know. We were acquainted with the husband, too, since he frequently accompanied her to Council luncheons. He was 87 years old.
Sunday, Sept. 16
Slept late, until around 8 a.m. Skipped my exercises today, as I usually do on Sunday. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house mid-morning, and she helped put together a meatloaf, which we had with mashed potatoes and green beans later.
Today, before lunch, we watched one of the movies we got from the library: "Matzmag, an Appalacian Folktale." This short feature, intended for pre-teens and teens, tells the tale of a girl who must save her sisters from a witch-like woman, and her giant husband. It is somewhat reminiscent of Cinderella, with Jack the Giant Killer thrown in. It's clever, but improbable, as folktales usually are.
After lunch, we watched another library Masterpiece Theater movie: "Frenchman's Creek," based on a Daphne Du Maurier novel. It's a romantic adventure. A wealthy married woman retreats to her country estate for peace and solitude, but meets up with a swashbuckling pirate.
Mother retired to the couch for a nap afterward, but only slept about an hour before joining Hubbie and me in watching a 1943 black and white movie from the library: "The Ox-Bow Incident." This classic movie, starring Henry Fonda, Dana Andrews, and Anthony Quinn, centers around a couple of drifters, who happen into a frontier town just as an angry posse is formed to hunt down and hang cattle thieves, who have killed a rancher. Anyone who has not seen this movie, should, since it graphically illustrates what can happen when folks rush to judgement, and take the law into their own hands.
Following the movie, we made another batch of oatmeal cookies, these with chocolate chips, instead of raisins.
Then we watched the last of the library movies: The 2009 "State of Play." This one stars Russell Crowe, Rachel McAdams, and Ben Affleck. Investigative reporters and the police work to solve the murder of a congressman's mistress. I think we've seen this one before, but it had been a long time, so we forgot the story line.
After the movie, I accompanied Mother home, and waited for her to shower, before coming back home.
This evening, Daughter called. She was babysitting several of the great-grandkids, and she let each one talk with me. I was so surprised at how mature Great-Grandson sounds. His voice has changed. No more little boy voice. Boo, he's growing up too fast. He's very proud to have a driver's permit. I'm happy for him, but a little edgy about it, too. It's always scary when kids, especially boys, start driving.
Today, before lunch, we watched one of the movies we got from the library: "Matzmag, an Appalacian Folktale." This short feature, intended for pre-teens and teens, tells the tale of a girl who must save her sisters from a witch-like woman, and her giant husband. It is somewhat reminiscent of Cinderella, with Jack the Giant Killer thrown in. It's clever, but improbable, as folktales usually are.
After lunch, we watched another library Masterpiece Theater movie: "Frenchman's Creek," based on a Daphne Du Maurier novel. It's a romantic adventure. A wealthy married woman retreats to her country estate for peace and solitude, but meets up with a swashbuckling pirate.
Mother retired to the couch for a nap afterward, but only slept about an hour before joining Hubbie and me in watching a 1943 black and white movie from the library: "The Ox-Bow Incident." This classic movie, starring Henry Fonda, Dana Andrews, and Anthony Quinn, centers around a couple of drifters, who happen into a frontier town just as an angry posse is formed to hunt down and hang cattle thieves, who have killed a rancher. Anyone who has not seen this movie, should, since it graphically illustrates what can happen when folks rush to judgement, and take the law into their own hands.
Following the movie, we made another batch of oatmeal cookies, these with chocolate chips, instead of raisins.
Then we watched the last of the library movies: The 2009 "State of Play." This one stars Russell Crowe, Rachel McAdams, and Ben Affleck. Investigative reporters and the police work to solve the murder of a congressman's mistress. I think we've seen this one before, but it had been a long time, so we forgot the story line.
After the movie, I accompanied Mother home, and waited for her to shower, before coming back home.
This evening, Daughter called. She was babysitting several of the great-grandkids, and she let each one talk with me. I was so surprised at how mature Great-Grandson sounds. His voice has changed. No more little boy voice. Boo, he's growing up too fast. He's very proud to have a driver's permit. I'm happy for him, but a little edgy about it, too. It's always scary when kids, especially boys, start driving.
Saturday, Sept. 15
Up at 8 a.m. on this rainy day. Even though it was rainy, Mother wanted to come to our house, so Hubbie accompanied her around 9:30.
After stair stepping, resistance bands, and weights exercises, I gathered oatmeal cookie making ingredients, so Hubbie and Mother could put a recipe together while I got ready for the day. But I soon found that I needed to hang around until the dough was made, because the two of them became confused. Once the dough was ready, though, they were able to spoon it onto cookie sheets and bake them.
The cookies were done and cooling by the time I came back downstairs. It was lunchtime by then. After lunch, Mother retired to the couch, while Hubbie and I watched a football game. I did laundry, ordered shampoo/body wash online for Mother, and did other chores, while keeping one eye on the game.
Later, Mother helped make veggie pizzas and salad for supper. After supper, I accompanied her to her house, and then Hubbie and I watched our favorite college football team as they suffered a horrible, awful, disappointing, embarrassing, shut-out loss.
Dismal day, dismal loss. But the cookies are good.
After stair stepping, resistance bands, and weights exercises, I gathered oatmeal cookie making ingredients, so Hubbie and Mother could put a recipe together while I got ready for the day. But I soon found that I needed to hang around until the dough was made, because the two of them became confused. Once the dough was ready, though, they were able to spoon it onto cookie sheets and bake them.
The cookies were done and cooling by the time I came back downstairs. It was lunchtime by then. After lunch, Mother retired to the couch, while Hubbie and I watched a football game. I did laundry, ordered shampoo/body wash online for Mother, and did other chores, while keeping one eye on the game.
Later, Mother helped make veggie pizzas and salad for supper. After supper, I accompanied her to her house, and then Hubbie and I watched our favorite college football team as they suffered a horrible, awful, disappointing, embarrassing, shut-out loss.
Dismal day, dismal loss. But the cookies are good.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Friday, Sept. 14
Up at 6:30 to go to the pool. Cool enough this morning to wear my fleece outfit. Twenty-six of us attended today. The water was warm and wonderful. Hope it stays that way.
Back home, Hubbie called the computer shop and learned that the laptop charger is still not in...drat it! This means it will be sometime next week before we can get it.
Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house mid-morning. She relaxed while I got ready for the day. As usual, it was noon by the time I was dressed.
After lunch, Mother napped, of course, while Hubbie and I ran errands. First, we stopped by the college where I swim, to tour an art gallery exhibit. The artist, a Hispanic, who was born in another country, but has lived in the U.S. for many years, centered his work around not really knowing what his identity is. Is he a citizen of his homeland, a citizen of America, or something in between? Each piece compared and contrasted his conflict. Very interesting.
From there, we went to a grocery store to pick up Mother's favorite brand of yogurt, for which we had a coupon that Hubbie forgot to present to the clerk. The clerk advised us to go to the customer service counter, where we would be given fifty cents for the coupon. However, the clerk there gave us a dollar. We're not sure why.
Then we went to a bank, where I bought season tickets to upcoming events at the college down the road from us.
From there, we went to a shoe store, where I hoped to buy new athletic shoes suited to wearing in the swimming pool. One of the members said the store had this kind of shoe on sale. But obviously my idea of a sale and hers aren't the same, because I don't intend to pay thirty or forty dollars for shoes to wear in water!
After that, we stopped by a department store, where I used a $10 coupon to buy a couple of on-sale, three-quarter length sleeve, plaid shirts. At the checkout counter, the clerk rang up the total for more than I thought was right. I asked about it, and she said I'd received a discount with the coupon, but I pointed out that the shirts were already on sale, and I should get another $10 off. I showed her the sale sign on the rack, and she immediately changed the total. Customers have to be vigilant to get discounts, because often either the register doesn't show the right price, or the clerk is unaware.
Our last stop was the WDCS for a few grocery items and a baq of cat food.
At home, Mother finished her nap, and went to the kitchen to help me prepare supper by chopping onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers for omelets. She also mixed leftover mashed potatoes with egg substitute, flour, and spices, for potato patties, and grated Monterey Jack cheese for the omelets.
It was my job to put egg mixture and veggies in freezer bags to be boiled, saute' the potato patties, and make toast. The potato patties cooked beautifully in my new saute' pan. In my old pans, the patties always stuck.
After supper, I accompanied Mother home, and I waited for her to take a shower before I returned home. Hubbie and I spent the rest of the evening watching TV.
Back home, Hubbie called the computer shop and learned that the laptop charger is still not in...drat it! This means it will be sometime next week before we can get it.
Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house mid-morning. She relaxed while I got ready for the day. As usual, it was noon by the time I was dressed.
After lunch, Mother napped, of course, while Hubbie and I ran errands. First, we stopped by the college where I swim, to tour an art gallery exhibit. The artist, a Hispanic, who was born in another country, but has lived in the U.S. for many years, centered his work around not really knowing what his identity is. Is he a citizen of his homeland, a citizen of America, or something in between? Each piece compared and contrasted his conflict. Very interesting.
From there, we went to a grocery store to pick up Mother's favorite brand of yogurt, for which we had a coupon that Hubbie forgot to present to the clerk. The clerk advised us to go to the customer service counter, where we would be given fifty cents for the coupon. However, the clerk there gave us a dollar. We're not sure why.
Then we went to a bank, where I bought season tickets to upcoming events at the college down the road from us.
From there, we went to a shoe store, where I hoped to buy new athletic shoes suited to wearing in the swimming pool. One of the members said the store had this kind of shoe on sale. But obviously my idea of a sale and hers aren't the same, because I don't intend to pay thirty or forty dollars for shoes to wear in water!
After that, we stopped by a department store, where I used a $10 coupon to buy a couple of on-sale, three-quarter length sleeve, plaid shirts. At the checkout counter, the clerk rang up the total for more than I thought was right. I asked about it, and she said I'd received a discount with the coupon, but I pointed out that the shirts were already on sale, and I should get another $10 off. I showed her the sale sign on the rack, and she immediately changed the total. Customers have to be vigilant to get discounts, because often either the register doesn't show the right price, or the clerk is unaware.
Our last stop was the WDCS for a few grocery items and a baq of cat food.
At home, Mother finished her nap, and went to the kitchen to help me prepare supper by chopping onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers for omelets. She also mixed leftover mashed potatoes with egg substitute, flour, and spices, for potato patties, and grated Monterey Jack cheese for the omelets.
It was my job to put egg mixture and veggies in freezer bags to be boiled, saute' the potato patties, and make toast. The potato patties cooked beautifully in my new saute' pan. In my old pans, the patties always stuck.
After supper, I accompanied Mother home, and I waited for her to take a shower before I returned home. Hubbie and I spent the rest of the evening watching TV.
Thursday, Sept. 13
Up at 7:30, so Hubbie could get ready for a Master Gardener meeting at 10 a.m. Before he went to the meeting, he accompanied Mother to our house.
I skipped my exercises this morning, so I could help Mother make sympathy cards for Caring Hands Hospice. We made six of them before lunch.
Hubbie returned home around noon. After lunch, Mother went to the couch for a nap. I took this time to finally get ready for the day, since I ran around all morning in my exercise clothes.
After that, I went outdoors to snap photos of the few remaining flowers in the yard. Then I went upstairs to play on the office computer and print some things that have been waiting for a new printer.
Later, we had a supper of leftover Dragon Soup, served with ham and cheese sandwiches on rye bread.
Accompanied Mother home afterward, and then Hubbie and I watched TV, including the 2002 movie, "The Touch." A Buddhist monk sect asks a brother and sister of the last acrobatic family to retrieve a precious artifact. An action-adventure, obviously.
I skipped my exercises this morning, so I could help Mother make sympathy cards for Caring Hands Hospice. We made six of them before lunch.
Hubbie returned home around noon. After lunch, Mother went to the couch for a nap. I took this time to finally get ready for the day, since I ran around all morning in my exercise clothes.
After that, I went outdoors to snap photos of the few remaining flowers in the yard. Then I went upstairs to play on the office computer and print some things that have been waiting for a new printer.
Later, we had a supper of leftover Dragon Soup, served with ham and cheese sandwiches on rye bread.
Accompanied Mother home afterward, and then Hubbie and I watched TV, including the 2002 movie, "The Touch." A Buddhist monk sect asks a brother and sister of the last acrobatic family to retrieve a precious artifact. An action-adventure, obviously.
Wednesday, Sept. 12
Up at 6:30 to go to the pool. Cool enough this morning to wear my fleece outfit. The first thing I noticed in the dressing room was that a shower was running. I thought maybe one of the lap swimmers was back there, but when I went back to rinse off, I found no one there. One of the aerobics ladies must have left it on, and I figure I know which one. She's a nice lady, but she sometimes forgets to flush after herself, so it's not a stretch to figure she also left the shower on.
In the pool, I commented to the lady abuot the shower being left on, and she stated it was probably one of the lap swimmers, but I figure she'll be more careful from now on.
I asked the lady that we got the pots of amaryllis from if we'd done the right thing. No, we hadn't. She insisted there were two small pots on the porch. But she said it was okay, since she has hundreds of the plants in her back yard. But she would like to have her large decorative pots back, since they were a gift from her son.
Back home, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house. By the time I was ready for the day, it was lunchtime. As usual, Mother retired to the couch after lunch, while Hubbie and I ran errands.
The first thing we did was return the washed pots, along with a large bag of potting soil, to my water aerobics friend. She appeared to not be at home, so we just left them on her porch.
From there, we went to the post office, and then to Caring Hands Hospice to drop off the sympathy cards Mother and I had made. I was told that seven patients have died in the past week and a half, which is sad.
We finished our errands with a trip to the WDCS, after which we went to a fast food restaurant to use two free coupons for wild berry drinks.
On the way home, we saw several wild turkeys in a field where in months past we've seen deer grazing.
Supper tonight was leftover fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and Lima beans from Sunday.
There was an art gallery meeting tonight, but I opted out, since the discussion was to be about something I'm not involved in. Once I'd accompanied Mother to her house, Hubbie and I watched TV for the evening.
Before we went to bed, Hubbie decided to get the new printer out of the box and set it up, so it would be ready for me to install tomorrow. But he fiddled with the functions enough that I was forced to complete the installation tonight. So by the time I went through several false starts and finally ironed out the kinks, I was pretty late getting in bed.
In the pool, I commented to the lady abuot the shower being left on, and she stated it was probably one of the lap swimmers, but I figure she'll be more careful from now on.
I asked the lady that we got the pots of amaryllis from if we'd done the right thing. No, we hadn't. She insisted there were two small pots on the porch. But she said it was okay, since she has hundreds of the plants in her back yard. But she would like to have her large decorative pots back, since they were a gift from her son.
Back home, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house. By the time I was ready for the day, it was lunchtime. As usual, Mother retired to the couch after lunch, while Hubbie and I ran errands.
The first thing we did was return the washed pots, along with a large bag of potting soil, to my water aerobics friend. She appeared to not be at home, so we just left them on her porch.
From there, we went to the post office, and then to Caring Hands Hospice to drop off the sympathy cards Mother and I had made. I was told that seven patients have died in the past week and a half, which is sad.
We finished our errands with a trip to the WDCS, after which we went to a fast food restaurant to use two free coupons for wild berry drinks.
On the way home, we saw several wild turkeys in a field where in months past we've seen deer grazing.
Supper tonight was leftover fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and Lima beans from Sunday.
There was an art gallery meeting tonight, but I opted out, since the discussion was to be about something I'm not involved in. Once I'd accompanied Mother to her house, Hubbie and I watched TV for the evening.
Before we went to bed, Hubbie decided to get the new printer out of the box and set it up, so it would be ready for me to install tomorrow. But he fiddled with the functions enough that I was forced to complete the installation tonight. So by the time I went through several false starts and finally ironed out the kinks, I was pretty late getting in bed.
Tuesday, Sept. 11
Up at 8 a.m. The first thing Hubbie did was hang the flag of the well house in honor of a national day of remembrance and moourning for Americans lost in the terrorist attack of Sept. 11, 2001.
Since it was pleasant this morning, Hubbie and I went for a bike ride. As usual, lots of grasshoppers were warming themselves on the pavement. Sandpiper-like birds skittered here and there, taking advantage of an easy breakfast of the critters.
Only two dogs followed us today...the neighbor's black lab, and her offspring, a chocolate lab female. Along the way, a herd of black cattle were gathered under a tree near a shallow pond.
After our ride, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and once I was ready for the day, we watched the second half of "Lawrence of Arabia." This is a really great movie, but the director, for some reason, chose to feature a black screen, while the intro to all the film's music played. This lasts several minutes, and is annoying.
Following lunch, Mother went to the couch for a nap, while Hubbie and I ran errands...to the library to return the DVDs we borrowed last week, and choose four more; to the newspaper office to drop off this week's word search puzzle contest; and to my water aerobic friend's house to pick up pots of amaryllis.
I thought we were to pick up small pots of the plants, but we didn't really see any on her front porch except two really large pots of them. We decided these must be the ones, and so Hubbie lugged them to the van.
After that, we went to the WDCS, where I purchased a new printer, and we picked up photos I'd ordered, plus a couple of $3 DVD movies, and a few groceries.
Later, around 4 p.m., we went to the college down the road to attend a free picnic, where hamburgers and hot dogs were served, along with chips, and cookies from one of the bakeries. I opted for a hamburger, Mother chose a hot dog, and Hubbie had both.
Afterward, I accompanied Mother to her house, and waited for her to shower before coming back home.
Hubbie and I spent the rest of the evening watching TV.
Since it was pleasant this morning, Hubbie and I went for a bike ride. As usual, lots of grasshoppers were warming themselves on the pavement. Sandpiper-like birds skittered here and there, taking advantage of an easy breakfast of the critters.
Only two dogs followed us today...the neighbor's black lab, and her offspring, a chocolate lab female. Along the way, a herd of black cattle were gathered under a tree near a shallow pond.
After our ride, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and once I was ready for the day, we watched the second half of "Lawrence of Arabia." This is a really great movie, but the director, for some reason, chose to feature a black screen, while the intro to all the film's music played. This lasts several minutes, and is annoying.
Following lunch, Mother went to the couch for a nap, while Hubbie and I ran errands...to the library to return the DVDs we borrowed last week, and choose four more; to the newspaper office to drop off this week's word search puzzle contest; and to my water aerobic friend's house to pick up pots of amaryllis.
I thought we were to pick up small pots of the plants, but we didn't really see any on her front porch except two really large pots of them. We decided these must be the ones, and so Hubbie lugged them to the van.
After that, we went to the WDCS, where I purchased a new printer, and we picked up photos I'd ordered, plus a couple of $3 DVD movies, and a few groceries.
Later, around 4 p.m., we went to the college down the road to attend a free picnic, where hamburgers and hot dogs were served, along with chips, and cookies from one of the bakeries. I opted for a hamburger, Mother chose a hot dog, and Hubbie had both.
Afterward, I accompanied Mother to her house, and waited for her to shower before coming back home.
Hubbie and I spent the rest of the evening watching TV.
Monday, Sept. 10
Up at 6:30 to get ready to go to the pool. Pleasant morning, but cool enough to wear my fleece outfit. Twenty-seven of us showed up today. The pool was wonderfully warm, and I thoroughly enjoyed my swim and aerobics.
Back home, I didn't accomplish much befoe lunch beyond getting ready for the day. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house mid-morning, and after lunch, she napped as usual, while I reviewed the lesson plan for my student.
I met the student at the usual 2:30 hour. She brought several slices of a moist cake for me that her husband had made.
Our lesson included conversation skills concerning a house fire and how to contact emergency personnel.
The student also learned terms for sleepwear: pajamas, nightgown, robe, and slippers, as well as terms about bedding: mattress, sheets, blanket, pillow. For this part of the lesson, I learned that the Spanish word for pajamas is close to the English word: piyamas.
She continued learning past participles of irregular verbs: shake, shook, shaken; write, wrote, written. For the verb wake, a choice of past participles is given: waked or woken. I prefer woken, as in "Have you ever woken up before the sun?"
In structure focus, the student learned "hope" plus "that clauses:" "I hope that they can save Rose and Joe's house." "I hope that it won't rain today." She also learned to use "so" as a substitute: "Do you think that it will be sunny today?" with a choice of "I think so." or "I hope so."
We finished with a paragraph for listening comprehension.
In discussion, we talked about the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Twin Towers (because tomorrow is the eleventh anniverary of the event). She said that citizens of Venezuela were shocked and saddened about the attack, and folks were calling each other to alert them to turn on TVs to watch the news.
I also learned that the student owns a clothing store in Venezuela, which her daughter manages. Today she wanted to know what stores might have clothing sales, where she could purchase summer items that would be attractive to Venezuelan women. I suggested several stores that might have clearance sales right now.
At home, Hubbie had heated the remainder of the Salmon chowder, and I put a pan of canned biscuits in the oven to have with honey as an accompainment to the meal.
While working on my laptop last night, the battery quit charging, and the computer shut down. I tried everything I knew to get it back, but nothing worked. It was apparent that the charger would need to be taken to our favorite computer shop to see if it was the problem.
Hubbie took the charger and laptop to the shop today, and was told that it is the problem, and a new one would need to be ordered. He was told that the charger should be in by Friday if not before.
Back home, I didn't accomplish much befoe lunch beyond getting ready for the day. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house mid-morning, and after lunch, she napped as usual, while I reviewed the lesson plan for my student.
I met the student at the usual 2:30 hour. She brought several slices of a moist cake for me that her husband had made.
Our lesson included conversation skills concerning a house fire and how to contact emergency personnel.
The student also learned terms for sleepwear: pajamas, nightgown, robe, and slippers, as well as terms about bedding: mattress, sheets, blanket, pillow. For this part of the lesson, I learned that the Spanish word for pajamas is close to the English word: piyamas.
She continued learning past participles of irregular verbs: shake, shook, shaken; write, wrote, written. For the verb wake, a choice of past participles is given: waked or woken. I prefer woken, as in "Have you ever woken up before the sun?"
In structure focus, the student learned "hope" plus "that clauses:" "I hope that they can save Rose and Joe's house." "I hope that it won't rain today." She also learned to use "so" as a substitute: "Do you think that it will be sunny today?" with a choice of "I think so." or "I hope so."
We finished with a paragraph for listening comprehension.
In discussion, we talked about the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Twin Towers (because tomorrow is the eleventh anniverary of the event). She said that citizens of Venezuela were shocked and saddened about the attack, and folks were calling each other to alert them to turn on TVs to watch the news.
I also learned that the student owns a clothing store in Venezuela, which her daughter manages. Today she wanted to know what stores might have clothing sales, where she could purchase summer items that would be attractive to Venezuelan women. I suggested several stores that might have clearance sales right now.
At home, Hubbie had heated the remainder of the Salmon chowder, and I put a pan of canned biscuits in the oven to have with honey as an accompainment to the meal.
While working on my laptop last night, the battery quit charging, and the computer shut down. I tried everything I knew to get it back, but nothing worked. It was apparent that the charger would need to be taken to our favorite computer shop to see if it was the problem.
Hubbie took the charger and laptop to the shop today, and was told that it is the problem, and a new one would need to be ordered. He was told that the charger should be in by Friday if not before.
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