Saturday, Nov. 9

Up at 7:30, and did stair stepping, resistance bands, and weights exercises after breakfast. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house around 9:30.

Once I was ready for the day, I intended to make strawberry jam, but I discovered that pint jars had not been washed in the dishwasher. So I gathered some and started the dishwasher.

In the meantime, I decided to make potato soup. But, naturally, we didn't have enough potatoes. So Hubbie had to go to the grocery store to buy some.

Didn't know what to have for lunch, so I decided to put sweet potatoes in the oven, along with a small butternut squash that had volunteered in the compost heap.

When Hubbie returned, we made potato soup. Hubbie peeled potatoes and sliced them in the food processor, Mother diced onions, carrots, and celery, and then I put the recipe together.

By this time, the sweet potatoes were done, so we some of them for lunch, and then we put the rest in a storage bag for the freezer.

After lunch, Mother and I made a batch of strawberry jam. While we did this, Hubbie and I watched our favorite college football team as they played to another very disappointing loss.

Around 4:30, Hubbie made grilled cheese sandwiches for us to have with bowls of the very good potato soup. It was just the right kind of meal for a dreary evening.

Hubbie accompanied Mother to her house afterward, and then he and I watched TV, as usual.

Friday, Nov. 8

Up around 7:30, but skipped my exercises, because I needed to go ahead and get ready for the day, so Mother and I could meet our appointments at the clinic.

We left for the appointments a little after 9:30. It's not far to the clinic, but I allowed time for getting Mother in and out of the van, and in and out of the wheelchair, as well as navigating the several doors to the third floor. There is a automatic door for entering the building, but after that, I have to open the others with my rear end and then maneuver Mother's chair through. It surprises me that the clinic isn't more accessible than that.

We didn't have to wait long to be called back to the lab, though. Turned out we both needed blood tests. I thought Mother was supposed to give a urine specimen, since I was told there was blood in her kidneys. But to check her kidneys calls for a blood test.

Mother didn't expect this, so she drank a lot of water this morning to get ready for a urine test (she was completely unable to provide a specimen at her six-month appointment a couple of months ago). She didn't drink enough water during those two months, though, because the lab nurse had difficulty finding a vein, and then getting enough blood once she did, since Mother is so dehydrated. She never drinks enough water, no matter how much I bug her to do so. Her arm will probably be plenty black and blue from the nurse having to dig around in it so long.

The nurse didn't have any trouble drawing blood from me, though I do have a small bruise from it. My test was to make sure my white blood cell count has increased sufficiently. If not, I'll probably be put through some other test or tests to find what's causing inflammation.

Back home, we relaxed until time for lunch, which was the remainder of the chicken noodle soup. Afterward, Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle, and Hubbie and I ran errands...to the bank; and to a grocery store to pick up this week's free item, plus a couple of yellow cake mixes.

Next was the card shop, which was having an open house today....bought a couple of jigsaw puzzles for Mother for Christmas, and a couple of greeting cards (I was able to apply a $10 coupon that I printed from the Hallmark online site to the purchase). We also registered for the door prize, and enjoyed the refreshments provided.

From there, we went to a department store, where I hoped to find mock turtleneck shirts for Mother (but there were none in petite size); then to the WDCS to check the price of bed sheets, and to buy several grocery items.

After that we went to another department store, where, when we applied a coupon, we were able to buy sheets and pillow cases at a lower price than at the WDCS, and where I found a table full of various colors of petite sized turtlenecks...I bought six to give to Mother for Christmas.

It was 3 p.m. by the time we got back home. I did this and that around the house until 4 p.m., when I put a variety of leftovers in the oven for our supper.

After supper, Hubbie accompanied Mother to her house, and then he and I went to the art gallery for an artist's reception. The reception was from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and we arrived just before 6 p.m. At 6:30, the artist, a lady we've known for years, spoke about her art, which consists of large clay figures in the form of chess pieces, and a series of collages, constructed from images of historic artifacts.

At the gallery, we spoke with a woman who commented that her husband was not there because he was practicing for a chorale event this evening. She said she hoped that we would attend. I asked when it was, and she said tonight at 7:30. I understood it would take place at the college, so Hubbie and I decided to attend.

But Hubbie was sure she said 7 p.m., so we hurried over there to find there was no one there. Okay, so it was at 7:30, as I understood to begin with. Instead of returning home, we decided to park and listen to an audiobook we started on a trip recently.

When 7:30 rolled around and no one arrived, we knew we'd misunderstood where the event was to take place, and figured it must be at the church instead. By now we were too late to get there, so we returned home and watched TV.

Thursday, Nov. 7

Slept late, until after 8 a.m., but did stair stepping, resistance bands, and weights exercises after breakfast. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house mid-morning and she went to her jigsaw puzzle.

Before I was able to go upstairs to get ready for the day, Hubbie prevailed upon me to help him find a website that sells the China pattern that his daughter is collecting. Hubbie buys one or two pieces for her each year for her birthday, but he likes to find it at the lowest possible price.

I located salad plates for him on a site I frequently use, and they were considerably reduced in price. He was happy, so I placed an order for them, along with a couple of other items...an apple peeler for me, and a jigsaw puzzle for Mother (for Christmas)...which brought the total of the order up to a point that we don't have to pay shipping and handling.

As long as I was at the site, I decided to download a couple of John Grisham books to our e-readers...these will be part of Hubbie's Christmas gifts.

By the time I finished this task it was noon, so Hubbie heated the remainder of the chicken noodle soup for us. Afterward, he ran errands, and after I finally got dressed, Mother and I made a big batch of sugar cookies. I will donate some of the cookies to the college library for a Friends of the Library fundraising chili/soup supper and bake sale later this month.

It was around 2:30 before we finished the cookie baking session. Hubbie returned home around that time, too. His main reason for going to town was to try to locate a door pull for a kitchen cabinet, because one of them broke off.

We had no real hope that he'd find one to match the others, and he didn't. So right now we'll borrow one from an upper and infrequently used storage area, and then super glue the broken one to that door. Maybe someday we'll replace all the hardware, but I can't think about it at the moment.

Spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing with the daily newspapers, and my e-tablet. Around 4 p.m., I started supper, which consisted of heating leftovers in the oven. Tonight, we finished the chili-mac, served with canned whole kernel corn, coleslaw, cottage cheese, and a choice of sour dough or rye bread.

Hubbie accompanied Mother to her house afterward.

Note: called the doctor's office this morning to make follow-up appointments for Mother and me...she for a urine sample, and I for a blood test. Our appointments are at 10 a.m. Shouldn't take long to get the tests done. Our doctor wants to be sure there is no blood in Mother's urine, and that my white cell count has come up. It was only slightly low last month, but she wants to be sure it's normal now.

Wednesday, Nov. 5

Slept late, until after 8 a.m., but did stair stepping, resistance bands, and weights exercises after breakfast. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house around 9:30 a.m., and she broke up stacks of puzzles and put them back in boxes. She works the puzzles over and over again.

Once I was ready for the day, it was close to noon. We had leftover chicken noodle soup for lunch. My plan for the afternoon on this rainy, dismal day, was to make sugar cookies. But the recipe calls for powdered sugar, and I didn't have any. So I decided to make oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. But I didn't have stick margarine.

No cookie making today...instead Hubbie and I went to the grocery store to get the missing ingredients, as well as on-sale canned goods.

From the grocery store, we went to a dollar store to pick up birthday cards for family members. Between us, there are a dozen birthdays during November and December. To buy that number at the card shop would cost around $50. Got the same number at the dollar store for $11.

Back home, I was no longer in the mood to bake cookies, so I relaxed with the newspapers until time to prepare supper. Mother helped by slicing onions and putting the dish together. I peeled and sliced apples for it, and browned the pork chops.

The recipe calls for layering the onions and apples in a baking dish, topping them with the pork chops, and then brushing the chops with a mixture of honey and mustard. It's a simple dish that is delicious. We had the pork chops with rice, and leftover green beans.

I was supposed to attend a visual arts committee meeting at the gallery at 5:30, but I was in no mood to go on this rainy, chilly evening, so I didn't. I don't think I could have contributed much anyway, since the discussion was about mounting a juried art show, and decisions about that are better left to those who have organized it the last few years.

Shortly after supper, Hubbie accompanied Mother to her house, and then we spent the evening watching one-hour shows on TV.

Tuesday, Nov. 5

Up at 7:30. I meant to do an exercise session, but it didn't happen. Instead, I somehow got busy sorting a couple of drawers, trying on clothes, and throwing things away. Once I finally got ready for the day, it was around 10:30 and time to head to the beauty shop. Hubbie had accompanied Mother to our house around 9:30.

Back home, after lunch, Mother and I watched this week's episode of "Dancing With the Stars." As usual, the one who was eliminated was not the one we thought would go.

Didn't do much else for the afternoon other than catch up on reading newspapers. Later, I added noodles to the chicken and broth I cooked yesterday, so supper would be ready for Mother at her usual 5 p.m. hour, while I was gone to an executive board meeting of the Friends of the Library.

I also baked a recipe of brownies, using an inexpensive house brand packaged mix I bought at the grocery store yesterday. I bought it on the recommendation of a lady I know from Extension Homemakers.

I left home around 4:30, so I could have time to find the meeting room, which is the break room on the second floor of the library. I have never been in that area of the library, but when I got to the very back of that floor, a woman I know who works at the library led me to the room, which is near her office.

A minute after I arrived, a young woman who is a student at the college arrived. We introduced ourselves and learned that our names, first and last, are remarkably similar.

By 5 p.m., ten board members were gathered. I am personally acquainted with six. There is another member (whom I also know), but I learned tonight that she is recovering after an accident in which she slipped and fell on wet steps at a local restaurant. She broke a knee cap and spent many days in the hospital following surgery. Now she is at a rehabilitation center. She will finally be moved to an assisted living center until she is able to return to her own home, which could be months.

I was grateful that the meeting moved right along, and we completed our business in less than an hour. Tonight's business revolved around an upcoming fund raising chili/soup supper, bake sale, and silent auction event. I'll provide a stew for the event, as well as baked goods. I'll also either help with setup or clean up afterward.

Back home, I found that Mother had eaten at her usual time, but Hubbie kept the soup hot for my return. He joined me for supper. Afterward, he accompanied Mother to her house, and then he and I watched one-hour shows on TV.

The brownies were delicious, by the way. They are a rich, dark chocolate, and very moist and chewy. They are plain, but nuts could be added to them. We'll be picking up several packages to have on hand for quick desserts at home or to take to potlucks.

 

Monday, Nov. 4

Up at 6 a.m. to get ready for water aerobics. It was a cool, drizzly morning for the walk to the pool, but the pool was warm. Twenty-five of us showed up. In the past, only a dozen or so of us attended aerobics, but maybe that was because the pool was pretty chilly most days. It's really nice that the water is consistently warm now. Water aerobics was scheduled for only one day this week, because the coach/lifeguard has coaching obligations on Wednesday and Friday.

After I warmed up with a couple of cups of coffee, Hubbie put color in my hair in anticipation of a beauty shop appointment tomorrow. While I got ready for the day, Mother diced veggies to be used in stewing chicken. She also snapped green beans (some from our garden, some from the store), and diced onions and banana peppers to add to them.

When I was ready for the day, I set the chicken and the beans to simmering. By this time, it was noon. For lunch, Mother had her usual Ramen noodle soup, and Hubbie and I had leftover chili. Afterward, Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle, and Hubbie and I ran errands.

First, we went to the bank, and then to the post office. As we left the post office, the van dinged that we were low on gas, so we went to the WDCS to shop for groceries and get a gift card for the gas station. Part of our grocery shopping included picking up a turkey and a ham for Thanksgiving. We wanted to get these early, because a couple of years ago, we waited too long and couldn't find what we wanted.

Stopped at the gas station after we'd shopped, and then went to a health store to get a box of no-salt seasoning. Our last stop was a pharmacy/grocery store to pick up a prescription for Mother, and a few more on-sale grocery items, plus this week's free item...a package of muffin mix.

While at the store, we met a lady who is one of the actors in the play we saw Sunday afternoon. She was a member of the community theater years ago...in fact, she directed the first play I acted in when I first arrived in this town 32 years ago. She dropped out of the community theater to become the drama teacher at a local school.

She commented today that she does not intend to ever accept a role in a play again, because she had a difficult time memorizing lines, and remembering her lines onstage this time. She told me that she'd nearly died last December, when three blood clots moved to her lungs. Her husband got her to the hospital just in time, she said. She feels this episode has caused a decline in her ability to memorize and remember. Also, she began resenting having to be at rehearsals when she preferred to do other things.

Hubbie and I determined years ago that we no longer wanted to give up six weeks of our lives to attend play rehearsals. And now, we also have memory problems and would probably have great difficulty memorizing and then remembering lines.

At the store, we also visited with a lady who retired from the same agency that we worked for. I almost didn't recognize her...her hair is very thin, with her scalp showing in several areas, and her eyes are red and puffy. She has lost a lot of weight, too. I don't know what her medical issues are, but I suspect a thyroid problem.

Back home, I spent time reading newspapers, and then finished supper preparations. Hubbie helped by peeling potatoes to be boiled. I mashed the potatoes, made gravy, and sliced sour dough bread, all to be served with helping of boiled chicken and green beans. It was a tasty meal.

Afterward, Hubbie accompanied Mother to her house, and then he and I watched one-hour shows on TV.





    

Sunday, Nov. 3

When I woke up this morning, the time on the cable box clock was jumping back and forth between 7:30 and 8:30, and finally settled on 7:30.

Skipped my exercises after breakfast, and instead went ahead and got ready for the day. Spent the morning after that doing the usual Sunday things. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house mid-morning, and she occupied herself clipping coupons for Granddaughter.

I don't have a menu planned for this week, so for lunch I decided to make chili-mac. Served the meal with coleslaw and cottage cheese.

Afterward, we changed clothes and went to a local middle school cafeteria/auditorium, where Hubbie and I served as ushers for the community theatre production of "Arsenic and Old Lace."

One of the theater board members was there to handle the box office. Hubbie took tickets and handed out programs, and I rented cushions to audience members. The cushions, which belong to the theater and rent for a dollar apiece, are welcomed when productions take place in venues with hard seats. The seating today consisted of metal folding chairs.

My backside does not appreciate folding metal chairs, but we didn't rent cushions, since we brought our own along. We brought three cushions, but since Mother didn't need one (she was in her wheelchair), I used two of them.

The play was okay, if not an award-winner. Some of the actors projected nicely so that we had no difficulty hearing them, but a couple were difficult to hear.  One of the actors, who played an elderly woman, delivered her lines well, but she is a young woman, which even her stage makeup couldn't disguise. Two women  played male cops, and their feminine voices betrayed them.

We might have enjoyed the play more if a fly hadn't kept attacking us. Even the actors were annoyed by flies, though they tried to be subtle in shooing them. Prior to the performance, the play director busied herself swatting the pests. I guess the reason that there were so many flies is that this space is used as a cafeteria. I don't like the idea of flies in a school cafeteria, but I'm sure it's a constant battle to keep them at bay.

It was after 4:30 by the time the play was over, and as we traveled home, we enjoyed the view of autumn trees set aglow by the setting sun. None of us is happy, though, about darkness falling so early in the day.

When we got back home, I accompanied Mother to her house, and then Hubbie fixed French toast for our supper. After that, we watched one-hour shows on TV. Started getting really sleepy by 8:30, since our bodies were telling us it was 9:30.