Up at 7:30, and did stair stepping, resistance band, and weights exercises after breakfast. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and before I went upstairs to get ready for the day, I washed Venus grapes, and Mother removed them from the stems.
Once I was dressed, I helped bag the grapes for the freezer...we got five quarts. Then I washed Reliance grapes that Mother also removed from the stems. We got three quarts of those. Later, in the fall, I plan to make jellies from the grapes.
By now it was lunchtime, so I heated Ramen noodle soup for Mother, and Hubbie and I had pimento cheese sandwiches and chips. For dessert, we had watermelon that Hubbie had cut up this morning.
After lunch, Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle, and Hubbie and I ran a couple of errands. I wasn't needed on these errands, but Hubbie just wanted me to accompany him. We went to a supply store, where Hubbie bought filters for the well, and then we went to a farm supply store to pick up a couple of bags of sunflower seeds for the birds.
Back home, we didn't accomplish much except reading newspapers, playing on our tablets, and watching TV.
Later, Mother helped make bran muffins for supper. This was really a one-person job, but she likes to help, so I gathered the ingredients and read the recipe to her while she put it together and filled the muffin tins.
We had the muffins with bowls of potato soup. Mother was ready to go home shortly after supper, so Hubbie accompanied her. Later, I went over and put drops in her eyes. Then Hubbie and I watched episodes of "The Good Wife."
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Friday, August 1, 2014
Friday, August 1
Hubbie and I both had trouble going to sleep last night, so 6 a.m. came quickly. But I wanted to get up early to go to water aerobics this morning, since the college will be closed for the next two weeks in a break before fall classes begin.
Only eight of us showed up today, but we had a good time, despite the rather chilly pool. I was back home by 9 a.m.
Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house soon after I got home. Before I went upstairs to get ready for the day, we went to the kitchen, where I washed zucchini squash from our garden. Mother sliced it, and I blanched the squash and let it drain and cool while I got ready for the day.
It was close to lunchtime by the time I was dressed, so I fixed Ramen noodle soup for Mother, and potato soup for myself. Hubbie opted for a ham sandwich.
After lunch, I bagged the zucchini, and got five quarts for the freezer. Then I washed Venus grapes, which Mother removed from the stems. We bagged three quarts of those for the freezer.
Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle after that, and while Hubbie went upstairs for a nap, I relaxed with the newspapers and my tablet. After a while I decided to make a recipe of macaroni and cheese for supper. Mother helped with this simple project.
Hubbie finished his nap by them time the mac and cheese was ready for the oven. So we ran a few errands...first to the auto shop, because as I was traveling to the pool this morning, a light came on the dashboard, followed by a warning signal. We were told the signal was a computer alert that probably means nothing. But if it doesn't go out in a couple of days, we should bring the van back for an inspection.
From there, we went to a grocery store to pick up milk and this week's free item.
Our last stop was to the Catholic Church to request a mass for my friend who died.
Back home afterward, I put the macaroni and cheese, and dishes of leftovers, in the oven for supper. The pasta, with sides of green beans, scalloped tomatoes, and steamed yellow squash, was pretty tasty for supper.
Afterward, I changed clothes and went downtown to attend an artist reception at the gallery. Hubbie opted out of going, since he's doesn't feel up to par.
The exhibit was very different. Entitled "All You Can Eat," it featured gray, yellow, and white plastic forks laid out on the floor in a highway design; and an entire wall of brown and blue school milk cartons, with the blue ones forming the words, "It Does Nobody Good."
There was also a large stack of fast food burgers, dripping cheese and special sauce, a stack of the icing centers of a popular chocolate cookie, with the a chocolate cookie at each end (the display was called "stuffed"); nutrition information enlarged onto large panels; and oddest of all, a welcome mat, with the word "welcome" fashioned from cockroaches. Yuk! This artist won the 2013 National Juried Exhibition with a piece called "Home Sweet Home," which looked like an aged cross stitch, but was in fact dead flies on flypaper.
Glad I'd had my supper before attending the exhibit. I did indulge in a chocolate chip scone at the event, though, and brought a couple home for Hubbie and Mother.
At home, Hubbie and I watched episodes of "The Good Wife." Around 8:30, I went to Mother's house to put drops in her eyes.
Only eight of us showed up today, but we had a good time, despite the rather chilly pool. I was back home by 9 a.m.
Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house soon after I got home. Before I went upstairs to get ready for the day, we went to the kitchen, where I washed zucchini squash from our garden. Mother sliced it, and I blanched the squash and let it drain and cool while I got ready for the day.
It was close to lunchtime by the time I was dressed, so I fixed Ramen noodle soup for Mother, and potato soup for myself. Hubbie opted for a ham sandwich.
After lunch, I bagged the zucchini, and got five quarts for the freezer. Then I washed Venus grapes, which Mother removed from the stems. We bagged three quarts of those for the freezer.
Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle after that, and while Hubbie went upstairs for a nap, I relaxed with the newspapers and my tablet. After a while I decided to make a recipe of macaroni and cheese for supper. Mother helped with this simple project.
Hubbie finished his nap by them time the mac and cheese was ready for the oven. So we ran a few errands...first to the auto shop, because as I was traveling to the pool this morning, a light came on the dashboard, followed by a warning signal. We were told the signal was a computer alert that probably means nothing. But if it doesn't go out in a couple of days, we should bring the van back for an inspection.
From there, we went to a grocery store to pick up milk and this week's free item.
Our last stop was to the Catholic Church to request a mass for my friend who died.
Back home afterward, I put the macaroni and cheese, and dishes of leftovers, in the oven for supper. The pasta, with sides of green beans, scalloped tomatoes, and steamed yellow squash, was pretty tasty for supper.
Afterward, I changed clothes and went downtown to attend an artist reception at the gallery. Hubbie opted out of going, since he's doesn't feel up to par.
The exhibit was very different. Entitled "All You Can Eat," it featured gray, yellow, and white plastic forks laid out on the floor in a highway design; and an entire wall of brown and blue school milk cartons, with the blue ones forming the words, "It Does Nobody Good."
There was also a large stack of fast food burgers, dripping cheese and special sauce, a stack of the icing centers of a popular chocolate cookie, with the a chocolate cookie at each end (the display was called "stuffed"); nutrition information enlarged onto large panels; and oddest of all, a welcome mat, with the word "welcome" fashioned from cockroaches. Yuk! This artist won the 2013 National Juried Exhibition with a piece called "Home Sweet Home," which looked like an aged cross stitch, but was in fact dead flies on flypaper.
Glad I'd had my supper before attending the exhibit. I did indulge in a chocolate chip scone at the event, though, and brought a couple home for Hubbie and Mother.
At home, Hubbie and I watched episodes of "The Good Wife." Around 8:30, I went to Mother's house to put drops in her eyes.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Thursday, July 31
Last day of a relatively cool month for a state in the south. We were up around 7:30 to get ready to go to the hospital to meet Hubbie's appointment for a CT scan. His appointment was scheduled for 10:30.
We arrived at the hospital around 10:15, and it was around 30 minutes before he was called back. The test didn't take long, and he was back in the waiting room around 11:15. We stopped by the hospital cafeteria to see if breakfast was still being served, but it wasn't, so we headed home.
At home, Hubbie was in the mood for eggs, so I scrambled some, adding leftover sautéed potatoes from last night, and a slice of American cheese. Served the eggs with toast and homemade jelly, and cups of coffee.
Mother stayed home this morning, of course. She has containers of leftovers in her freezer, and she chose what she wanted to microwave for her lunch today.
After lunch, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and she went to her jigsaw puzzle, while Hubbie and ran errands. First we went to the library to take a DVD back and pick up to that were being held for us. A library staff member called yesterday to tell us the DVDs were available.
From the library, we went to the newspaper office to drop off this week's word search puzzle contest. Then we went to the post office to mail a package of coupons to Granddaughter; to the pharmacy to pick a prescription for Mother; and lastly to the WDCS for a few groceries.
Back home, Mother and I went to the kitchen to start a recipe of potato soup. Naturally, I promptly discovered we didn't have celery, so Hubbie went back to the grocery store to get a stalk. He picked up a bag of sugar while he was there, because I used the last of ours making a large container of lemonade (Hubbie is supposed to drink lots and lots of fluids to flush the dye out of his system).
After making the soup, Mother went back to her puzzle, and Hubbie and I relaxed for the rest of the afternoon. Later, I served the soup with slices of toasted rye bread topped with melted baby Swiss cheese.
Mother was ready to go home soon afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. I went over there later and put drops in her eyes. Hubbie and I spent the evening watching "The Good Wife" episodes.
We arrived at the hospital around 10:15, and it was around 30 minutes before he was called back. The test didn't take long, and he was back in the waiting room around 11:15. We stopped by the hospital cafeteria to see if breakfast was still being served, but it wasn't, so we headed home.
At home, Hubbie was in the mood for eggs, so I scrambled some, adding leftover sautéed potatoes from last night, and a slice of American cheese. Served the eggs with toast and homemade jelly, and cups of coffee.
Mother stayed home this morning, of course. She has containers of leftovers in her freezer, and she chose what she wanted to microwave for her lunch today.
After lunch, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and she went to her jigsaw puzzle, while Hubbie and ran errands. First we went to the library to take a DVD back and pick up to that were being held for us. A library staff member called yesterday to tell us the DVDs were available.
From the library, we went to the newspaper office to drop off this week's word search puzzle contest. Then we went to the post office to mail a package of coupons to Granddaughter; to the pharmacy to pick a prescription for Mother; and lastly to the WDCS for a few groceries.
Back home, Mother and I went to the kitchen to start a recipe of potato soup. Naturally, I promptly discovered we didn't have celery, so Hubbie went back to the grocery store to get a stalk. He picked up a bag of sugar while he was there, because I used the last of ours making a large container of lemonade (Hubbie is supposed to drink lots and lots of fluids to flush the dye out of his system).
After making the soup, Mother went back to her puzzle, and Hubbie and I relaxed for the rest of the afternoon. Later, I served the soup with slices of toasted rye bread topped with melted baby Swiss cheese.
Mother was ready to go home soon afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. I went over there later and put drops in her eyes. Hubbie and I spent the evening watching "The Good Wife" episodes.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Wednesday, July 30
Up at 6 a.m. to get ready to go to water aerobics. Cool morning, but not cool enough for long sleeves. The pool was cool, too, but heavenly once I got used to it.
Twelve of us attended today, and we had a good workout. Learned that one of our members, who is now at an independent living center, recently fell and broke her hip. I hate to hear this and hope she mends okay. Hip fractures are dangerous for the elderly. I'm glad that my recent bone scan showed I still have strong bones. I constantly fear that Mother will one day fall and break something, since she has obvious osteoporosis.
Back home after aerobics, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and I washed more peaches for her to peel and slice for the freezer, while I got ready for the day.
Back downstairs, I helped her with the peaches...we bagged five quarts today. So now we have twelve quarts in the freezer.
It was time for lunch by this time, so we had sandwiches...pimento cheese for Mother, and ham and baby Swiss for Hubbie and me.
Hubbie went upstairs for a nap after lunch...he awakened in the middle of the night and couldn't go back to sleep, so he was sleepy.
Mother and I continued working in the kitchen. I washed green beans from our garden, and we snapped them to be cooked for supper. She diced and onion and banana pepper to go in them, and I added spices and broths and set them to simmering.
Then Mother diced leftover baked potatoes, while I worked on a recipe of scalloped tomatoes. I sautéed onion in olive oil and butter, added flour, then the tomatoes, and a tablespoon of brown sugar, then simmered the mixture for about fifteen minutes. Added spices ...paprika, pepper, no-salt seasoning, a little salt, a little basil, a little oregano, and a little parsley...and three slices of toasted and cubed bread. Poured the mixture into a buttered baking dish, and topped it with shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Baked it later at 350 degrees for an hour. This was a way to use up tomatoes left from the camping trip that had already been sliced and diced.
Before supper, I sautéed the diced baked potatoes with onion, and served them with the green beans, scalloped tomatoes, and the steamed squash from last night, along with the remainder of the homemade wheat bread.
Mother was ready to go home soon afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. I went over to her house later and put drops in her eyes. Then Hubbie and I watched episodes of "The Good Wife."
Tonight, Hubbie had to drink a gosh-awful solution in preparation for his CT scan tomorrow. Then he's to have nothing to eat or drink after midnight, according to written information he got at the hospital. But he called the tech today and was told he could have a little water, or even some coffee in the morning, just no solid food.
Twelve of us attended today, and we had a good workout. Learned that one of our members, who is now at an independent living center, recently fell and broke her hip. I hate to hear this and hope she mends okay. Hip fractures are dangerous for the elderly. I'm glad that my recent bone scan showed I still have strong bones. I constantly fear that Mother will one day fall and break something, since she has obvious osteoporosis.
Back home after aerobics, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and I washed more peaches for her to peel and slice for the freezer, while I got ready for the day.
Back downstairs, I helped her with the peaches...we bagged five quarts today. So now we have twelve quarts in the freezer.
It was time for lunch by this time, so we had sandwiches...pimento cheese for Mother, and ham and baby Swiss for Hubbie and me.
Hubbie went upstairs for a nap after lunch...he awakened in the middle of the night and couldn't go back to sleep, so he was sleepy.
Mother and I continued working in the kitchen. I washed green beans from our garden, and we snapped them to be cooked for supper. She diced and onion and banana pepper to go in them, and I added spices and broths and set them to simmering.
Then Mother diced leftover baked potatoes, while I worked on a recipe of scalloped tomatoes. I sautéed onion in olive oil and butter, added flour, then the tomatoes, and a tablespoon of brown sugar, then simmered the mixture for about fifteen minutes. Added spices ...paprika, pepper, no-salt seasoning, a little salt, a little basil, a little oregano, and a little parsley...and three slices of toasted and cubed bread. Poured the mixture into a buttered baking dish, and topped it with shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Baked it later at 350 degrees for an hour. This was a way to use up tomatoes left from the camping trip that had already been sliced and diced.
Before supper, I sautéed the diced baked potatoes with onion, and served them with the green beans, scalloped tomatoes, and the steamed squash from last night, along with the remainder of the homemade wheat bread.
Mother was ready to go home soon afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. I went over to her house later and put drops in her eyes. Then Hubbie and I watched episodes of "The Good Wife."
Tonight, Hubbie had to drink a gosh-awful solution in preparation for his CT scan tomorrow. Then he's to have nothing to eat or drink after midnight, according to written information he got at the hospital. But he called the tech today and was told he could have a little water, or even some coffee in the morning, just no solid food.
Tuesday, July 29
Slept late, until around 8 a.m. Checked my e-mail and learned that my friend from the capital city with whom I worked years ago died. I was shocked and saddened by this news.
I knew she'd been having health problems the past few years, but since we had lost touch the past couple of years, I didn't know how seriously ill she was. I tried several times to contact her, without success. She was 83 years old. Her visitation is Friday night, and the funeral is Saturday, but of course I can't go. I need to be here with Mother and Hubbie. I'll show my respect in some other way.
After breakfast, I did stair stepping, resistance band, and weights exercises, then got ready for the day, while Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house.
Today, Mother and I prepared half of the peaches for the freezer, and then I washed yellow squash from our garden, which Mother sliced for the steamer.
The temperature was nice today, with lower humidity, so Hubbie finally went out and parked the camper in its spot. He's not up to par, by any means, but he felt a little better today. His stomach is still bothering him, especially right after he eats. I would have thought this indicated ulcers, but his upper GI series recently showed no ulcers.
He also felt up to mopping the new tile in the sunroom. The tile looks great...dirt colored so it won't show foot traffic as much. Now I need to look for patio furniture. But that'll have to wait until we know more about Hubbie's health problem.
Mid-afternoon, I put the squash and an onion in the steamer, and scrubbed potatoes for the oven. I was little put out with myself, though, when I turned the oven on at 4 p.m., then failed to put the potatoes in. At 4:30, I discovered my error, so supper was a little later than usual.
Served the squash and potatoes with sautéed cabbage (made from a package of slaw mix that we didn't need at camp). Slices of Sis's homemade wheat bread rounded out the meal.
Mother was ready to go home afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. I went over later and put drops in her eyes. Then Hubbie and I watched TV for the evening. Hubbie did a lot of dozing during this time.
I knew she'd been having health problems the past few years, but since we had lost touch the past couple of years, I didn't know how seriously ill she was. I tried several times to contact her, without success. She was 83 years old. Her visitation is Friday night, and the funeral is Saturday, but of course I can't go. I need to be here with Mother and Hubbie. I'll show my respect in some other way.
After breakfast, I did stair stepping, resistance band, and weights exercises, then got ready for the day, while Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house.
Today, Mother and I prepared half of the peaches for the freezer, and then I washed yellow squash from our garden, which Mother sliced for the steamer.
The temperature was nice today, with lower humidity, so Hubbie finally went out and parked the camper in its spot. He's not up to par, by any means, but he felt a little better today. His stomach is still bothering him, especially right after he eats. I would have thought this indicated ulcers, but his upper GI series recently showed no ulcers.
He also felt up to mopping the new tile in the sunroom. The tile looks great...dirt colored so it won't show foot traffic as much. Now I need to look for patio furniture. But that'll have to wait until we know more about Hubbie's health problem.
Mid-afternoon, I put the squash and an onion in the steamer, and scrubbed potatoes for the oven. I was little put out with myself, though, when I turned the oven on at 4 p.m., then failed to put the potatoes in. At 4:30, I discovered my error, so supper was a little later than usual.
Served the squash and potatoes with sautéed cabbage (made from a package of slaw mix that we didn't need at camp). Slices of Sis's homemade wheat bread rounded out the meal.
Mother was ready to go home afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. I went over later and put drops in her eyes. Then Hubbie and I watched TV for the evening. Hubbie did a lot of dozing during this time.
Monday, July 28
Up at 7 a.m., but skipped going to the pool this morning, because I wanted to be available when Hubbie called his doctor for an appointment. Turned out he wasn't scheduled until 2 p.m., but it was too late to go to the pool by the time I learned this.
I was already showered and dressed, so I went ahead and did things around the house for the morning. There's always a lot to do after a trip, like laundry. Spent some time downloading photos from the trip, too, and uploading a few to my social network page. I'm just learning how to use my new laptop, so this process took a while.
Lunch was a pimento cheese sandwich and macaroni salad for Mother, and the rest of the Dragon Soup for Hubbie and me. For the next day or two, we will concentrate on using up the food left from the trip.
Just before 2 p.m., we went to meet Hubbie's appointment. The doctor doesn't know what is causing Hubbie's problem, so he ordered a CT scan. The hospital called shortly after we got back home to inform Hubbie that he was scheduled for the scan on Thursday morning at 10:30. He was to drop by the hospital and pick up a solution to drink before bed on Wednesday night. So we went over there right away and picked it up.
Hubbie didn't have the energy to do much else this afternoon, so he spent time in his recliner.
Later for supper, we naturally made a meal of leftovers from the camping trip. Mother spent the day over here, and was ready to go home after supper, so Hubbie accompanied her. Then he and I watched TV for the evening.
I was already showered and dressed, so I went ahead and did things around the house for the morning. There's always a lot to do after a trip, like laundry. Spent some time downloading photos from the trip, too, and uploading a few to my social network page. I'm just learning how to use my new laptop, so this process took a while.
Lunch was a pimento cheese sandwich and macaroni salad for Mother, and the rest of the Dragon Soup for Hubbie and me. For the next day or two, we will concentrate on using up the food left from the trip.
Just before 2 p.m., we went to meet Hubbie's appointment. The doctor doesn't know what is causing Hubbie's problem, so he ordered a CT scan. The hospital called shortly after we got back home to inform Hubbie that he was scheduled for the scan on Thursday morning at 10:30. He was to drop by the hospital and pick up a solution to drink before bed on Wednesday night. So we went over there right away and picked it up.
Hubbie didn't have the energy to do much else this afternoon, so he spent time in his recliner.
Later for supper, we naturally made a meal of leftovers from the camping trip. Mother spent the day over here, and was ready to go home after supper, so Hubbie accompanied her. Then he and I watched TV for the evening.
Sunday, July 27
Up around 7 a.m. to get ready to head home after a great camping trip. Had a breakfast of muffins and fruit before breaking camp. Visited for a while with Son, Daughter-in-Law and the boys, then posed for group photos before leaving. Son and family planned to stay another day and go home on Monday.
We were on the road by 9:30, and arrived at the town where Nephew was to meet Sis shortly after 11 a.m. We decided since it was so close to lunchtime, we'd go ahead and have sandwiches and chips, with ice cream sandwiches for dessert, before finishing the two-hour trip to our town.
The trip home was uneventful. When we arrived, we immediately began unloading the camper. But it was such an intensely hot and humid afternoon, that we wilted before we could complete the task. So I made a batch of lemonade, and Hubbie and I downed the whole thing...two 12 oz. glasses apiece. I guess we needed the fluids and electrolytes.
Hubbie just wasn't feeling well, so he napped on and off in his recliner, and while he did, I continued to unload the camper. Got most of it out before dark. Usually, Hubbie is anxious to get the camper parked in its spot shortly after we get home, but he wasn't up to it tonight. So it remained in the driveway.
Later, for supper, I took a bowl of soup over to Mother, and Hubbie and I had sandwiches and chips. After showers, we crashed in front of the TV for the evening.
We were on the road by 9:30, and arrived at the town where Nephew was to meet Sis shortly after 11 a.m. We decided since it was so close to lunchtime, we'd go ahead and have sandwiches and chips, with ice cream sandwiches for dessert, before finishing the two-hour trip to our town.
The trip home was uneventful. When we arrived, we immediately began unloading the camper. But it was such an intensely hot and humid afternoon, that we wilted before we could complete the task. So I made a batch of lemonade, and Hubbie and I downed the whole thing...two 12 oz. glasses apiece. I guess we needed the fluids and electrolytes.
Hubbie just wasn't feeling well, so he napped on and off in his recliner, and while he did, I continued to unload the camper. Got most of it out before dark. Usually, Hubbie is anxious to get the camper parked in its spot shortly after we get home, but he wasn't up to it tonight. So it remained in the driveway.
Later, for supper, I took a bowl of soup over to Mother, and Hubbie and I had sandwiches and chips. After showers, we crashed in front of the TV for the evening.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Saturday, July 27
Up around 7 a.m., and after a breakfast of banana bread, blueberry muffins, and fruits, Hubbie, Sis, and I, along with Son, Daughter-in-Law, and great-grandsons, went to the Grape Festival grounds to buy grapes.
We were interested in Reliance grapes, but when Hubbie and I stopped by there yesterday afternoon, I bought two cartons of them, and then was informed that that was the last of them, because rainy weather had ruined a lot of the crop.
This morning, though, the vendor said he was able to harvest some more of them, so I bought four more cartons, plus a couple of cartons of Venus grapes for making jelly. Sis and Daughter-in-Law also bought cartons of grapes.
From there, we went to a roadside vendor to buy peaches. The biggest reason for our going to the festival each year is to buy these succulent fruits. Today, Sis and I split a bushel of peaches, and later in the day, Sis went back and bought a basket of Venus grapes. We'll both be busy freezing peaches and making jelly when we go home.
Went back to camp after that to have a lunch of deli meat sandwiches and chips, before returning to the festival, where Great-Grandson was scheduled to participate in a grape stomp. I'd signed him up for the event yesterday, when Hubbie and I went there to buy grapes.
While we waited, I went to the food court to buy a cup of soft serve ice cream for Mother, and a couple of large cups of shaved ice for Hubbie and me. Son bought a wine glass and went off to sample wines, while Daughter-in-Law and the boys went in search of lemonade. Sis also bought a wine glass and sampled a spumante wine.
While we enjoyed our treats, a very attractive African-American woman running for state auditor stopped to talk to us. She happens to have the same name as my daughter. We spent quite a while chatting about this and that, and then she asked if she could get a snapshot with us. We agreed. She also asked if it would be okay to post the photo to her website. We agreed.
At 1:30, Great-Grandson went up to the grape stomp stage and participated with three other people (a man and two teenage girls) in 30 seconds of stomping grapes. The girls won in a tie, but each participant was given a certificates.
After that, Son and family headed off to take the boys to the bounce house, and for a ride in a train (several barrels made into cars pulled by a lawn mower). The mower quit working about a block away, so that everyone had to walk back to the festival.
By this time, we were ready to go back to camp. It was an incredibly hot and humid afternoon, so a few hours outdoors was plenty. And Son family were really overheated after having to hike back to the festival.
At camp, we adjourned to our separate campers for a nap in air conditioning...which was heavenly until the power went out. We were snoozing when Son knocked on the door to ask if we had power. We soon learned that no one in our end of camp had power.
A power company worker finally arrived to repair damage to lines caused by trees limbs falling on them in a Wednesday storm. Campers at that end of the campground said they'd seen sparks on the lines.
Hubbie and I went down to the area and talked with the ranger, who said the campground is served by three different power sources...a local company, a company in another town, and through power generated at the river dam. This is a very small campground, so I'm not sure why it's necessary for three power sources to serve it. Naturally, the power company that came was the one farthest away.
I was glad that power was restored in time to heat food for supper...baked beans, barbecue, and hot dogs. Served the meal with macaroni salad, coleslaw, and sliced tomatoes.
Afterward, we spent time visiting outside, and then near sunset we went to the dam site overlook to a take sunset photos. We weren't there long before Son and Daughter-in-Law began being bitten by mosquitoes. Hubbie hurried to the van to retrieve the repellent, but Daughter-in-Law had had enough by then, and retreated to the truck.
The rest of us stuck around and enjoyed the beautiful sunset, and snapped lots of shots of it. Afterward, we traveled back to the campground to view and take photos of the lighted bridge.
We weren't long heading to bed after that.
We were interested in Reliance grapes, but when Hubbie and I stopped by there yesterday afternoon, I bought two cartons of them, and then was informed that that was the last of them, because rainy weather had ruined a lot of the crop.
This morning, though, the vendor said he was able to harvest some more of them, so I bought four more cartons, plus a couple of cartons of Venus grapes for making jelly. Sis and Daughter-in-Law also bought cartons of grapes.
From there, we went to a roadside vendor to buy peaches. The biggest reason for our going to the festival each year is to buy these succulent fruits. Today, Sis and I split a bushel of peaches, and later in the day, Sis went back and bought a basket of Venus grapes. We'll both be busy freezing peaches and making jelly when we go home.
Went back to camp after that to have a lunch of deli meat sandwiches and chips, before returning to the festival, where Great-Grandson was scheduled to participate in a grape stomp. I'd signed him up for the event yesterday, when Hubbie and I went there to buy grapes.
While we waited, I went to the food court to buy a cup of soft serve ice cream for Mother, and a couple of large cups of shaved ice for Hubbie and me. Son bought a wine glass and went off to sample wines, while Daughter-in-Law and the boys went in search of lemonade. Sis also bought a wine glass and sampled a spumante wine.
While we enjoyed our treats, a very attractive African-American woman running for state auditor stopped to talk to us. She happens to have the same name as my daughter. We spent quite a while chatting about this and that, and then she asked if she could get a snapshot with us. We agreed. She also asked if it would be okay to post the photo to her website. We agreed.
At 1:30, Great-Grandson went up to the grape stomp stage and participated with three other people (a man and two teenage girls) in 30 seconds of stomping grapes. The girls won in a tie, but each participant was given a certificates.
After that, Son and family headed off to take the boys to the bounce house, and for a ride in a train (several barrels made into cars pulled by a lawn mower). The mower quit working about a block away, so that everyone had to walk back to the festival.
By this time, we were ready to go back to camp. It was an incredibly hot and humid afternoon, so a few hours outdoors was plenty. And Son family were really overheated after having to hike back to the festival.
At camp, we adjourned to our separate campers for a nap in air conditioning...which was heavenly until the power went out. We were snoozing when Son knocked on the door to ask if we had power. We soon learned that no one in our end of camp had power.
A power company worker finally arrived to repair damage to lines caused by trees limbs falling on them in a Wednesday storm. Campers at that end of the campground said they'd seen sparks on the lines.
Hubbie and I went down to the area and talked with the ranger, who said the campground is served by three different power sources...a local company, a company in another town, and through power generated at the river dam. This is a very small campground, so I'm not sure why it's necessary for three power sources to serve it. Naturally, the power company that came was the one farthest away.
I was glad that power was restored in time to heat food for supper...baked beans, barbecue, and hot dogs. Served the meal with macaroni salad, coleslaw, and sliced tomatoes.
Afterward, we spent time visiting outside, and then near sunset we went to the dam site overlook to a take sunset photos. We weren't there long before Son and Daughter-in-Law began being bitten by mosquitoes. Hubbie hurried to the van to retrieve the repellent, but Daughter-in-Law had had enough by then, and retreated to the truck.
The rest of us stuck around and enjoyed the beautiful sunset, and snapped lots of shots of it. Afterward, we traveled back to the campground to view and take photos of the lighted bridge.
We weren't long heading to bed after that.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Friday, July 25
Up fairly early so we could get ready to go to another town to tour attractions. After a breakfast of Sis's banana bread, blueberry muffins, and a variety of fruits, we took turns getting dressed and ready.
Headed to the other town, about 35 miles away, around 10 a.m.
Our first stop was a brothel turned visitor's center. The Victorian house was selected in 1973 for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places
.
The furnishings inside the building are much the same as when the madam owned it. In 1992, the building reopened as a Visitor's Center, where tours of the rooms are conducted by docents.
The town where the brothel is located was once one of the wildest in the Southwest. The likes of James Dalton, the Younger Gangs, and Belle Starr were outlaws who frequented the town. This brothel wasn't the only one in town, and one night in 1910, a freak accident happened when an oil storage tank near the houses exploded, engulfing brothels in flames. The incident became known as "the night of the lingerie parade," since "ladies" of the houses ran out into the street in their unmentionables. The house we visited was spared from the fire, though.
Life, we were told, was full of song, dance, gambling, and "other pleasures." Champagne was chilled in a bathtub upstairs and served at no charge. The house features a player piano, the first in this town. There are several exits in the house...designed for men to escape when the house was raided. One room features a pair of men's boots, and clothing, as if the owner has recently fled the house.
The ladies of this house were known as "daughters of joy," the most refined and healthiest of the town. Proof of their health was certificates issued by the state, which the girls prominently displayed above their beds. At the end of the tour, Mother, Sis, and I were given certificates of health and told we could return anytime for a job. "We don't pay anything, but we have a lot of fun," the docent said.
From the brothel, we went to a national historic site that included a building that housed a barracks/courthouse/jail. Because we have a Golden Age Passport, we were admitted free...otherwise, the fee would have been $16.
The second floor features what was called a "Hell-On-The-Border" jail. A journalist of the day said, "This dark, crowded underground hole is noisome with odors of every description...horrible with all horrors - a veritable hell upon earth."
Upstairs, too, is Judge Issac C. Parker's courtroom. He was a reformer who had a reputation as the "hanging judge." It is said that this was an unfair term, though, because he tried to rehabilitate prisoners, and he made the court system honest. But no federal judge hanged more criminals.
On the grounds is a replica of the gallows, which today featured a rope and noose. Information at the site stated that there is only a rope and noose on the anniversary days of when there was a hanging. Today was one of those days.
Tickets were sold to hanging, and large crowds vied for them. I can't understand why people viewed hangings as an entertainment event.
Before we toured the site, we enjoyed a picnic lunch on the grounds. We'd brought along pimento cheese sandwiches, chips, and puddings. The birds were interested in our lunch, hoping we'd drop something for them, so Hubbie crumbled tortilla chips and scattered them on the ground. This suited the birds just fine, and we enjoyed watching them. We also enjoyed watching a train, with a bright red engine, slowly pass very close to the picnic area.
From this area, we went to a nature center...once we found it. The maps provided at the visitor centers are just not adequate, so thank to me, we headed down a street that I thought was supposed to go past an airport, and then on to the road we needed, but it did not. A deer with twin fawns leaping across the road made the detour worth it, though.
Hubbie finally had to ask for directions at a gas station. At last, we found the nature center, and spent some time browsing the exhibits that focus on a variety of animals and birds of the area.
After this, we were ready to head back to camp. We got back mid-afternoon ready to nap. Later, for supper, we had deli meat sandwiches on rye bread, with baby Swiss cheese, lettuce, Vidalia onions, and tomatoes, and a side of macaroni salad.
Son, Daughter-in-Law, and two great-grandsons arrived afterward. They had already eaten supper, but the boys wanted a sandwich, so I fixed some for them. Son spent a time setting up their pop-up camper, then we enjoyed sitting around outside and visiting until bedtime.
It was a good day, but an exhausting one, so we were ready for bed by 10 p.m.
Headed to the other town, about 35 miles away, around 10 a.m.
Our first stop was a brothel turned visitor's center. The Victorian house was selected in 1973 for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places
.
The furnishings inside the building are much the same as when the madam owned it. In 1992, the building reopened as a Visitor's Center, where tours of the rooms are conducted by docents.
The town where the brothel is located was once one of the wildest in the Southwest. The likes of James Dalton, the Younger Gangs, and Belle Starr were outlaws who frequented the town. This brothel wasn't the only one in town, and one night in 1910, a freak accident happened when an oil storage tank near the houses exploded, engulfing brothels in flames. The incident became known as "the night of the lingerie parade," since "ladies" of the houses ran out into the street in their unmentionables. The house we visited was spared from the fire, though.
Life, we were told, was full of song, dance, gambling, and "other pleasures." Champagne was chilled in a bathtub upstairs and served at no charge. The house features a player piano, the first in this town. There are several exits in the house...designed for men to escape when the house was raided. One room features a pair of men's boots, and clothing, as if the owner has recently fled the house.
The ladies of this house were known as "daughters of joy," the most refined and healthiest of the town. Proof of their health was certificates issued by the state, which the girls prominently displayed above their beds. At the end of the tour, Mother, Sis, and I were given certificates of health and told we could return anytime for a job. "We don't pay anything, but we have a lot of fun," the docent said.
From the brothel, we went to a national historic site that included a building that housed a barracks/courthouse/jail. Because we have a Golden Age Passport, we were admitted free...otherwise, the fee would have been $16.
The second floor features what was called a "Hell-On-The-Border" jail. A journalist of the day said, "This dark, crowded underground hole is noisome with odors of every description...horrible with all horrors - a veritable hell upon earth."
Upstairs, too, is Judge Issac C. Parker's courtroom. He was a reformer who had a reputation as the "hanging judge." It is said that this was an unfair term, though, because he tried to rehabilitate prisoners, and he made the court system honest. But no federal judge hanged more criminals.
On the grounds is a replica of the gallows, which today featured a rope and noose. Information at the site stated that there is only a rope and noose on the anniversary days of when there was a hanging. Today was one of those days.
Tickets were sold to hanging, and large crowds vied for them. I can't understand why people viewed hangings as an entertainment event.
Before we toured the site, we enjoyed a picnic lunch on the grounds. We'd brought along pimento cheese sandwiches, chips, and puddings. The birds were interested in our lunch, hoping we'd drop something for them, so Hubbie crumbled tortilla chips and scattered them on the ground. This suited the birds just fine, and we enjoyed watching them. We also enjoyed watching a train, with a bright red engine, slowly pass very close to the picnic area.
From this area, we went to a nature center...once we found it. The maps provided at the visitor centers are just not adequate, so thank to me, we headed down a street that I thought was supposed to go past an airport, and then on to the road we needed, but it did not. A deer with twin fawns leaping across the road made the detour worth it, though.
Hubbie finally had to ask for directions at a gas station. At last, we found the nature center, and spent some time browsing the exhibits that focus on a variety of animals and birds of the area.
After this, we were ready to head back to camp. We got back mid-afternoon ready to nap. Later, for supper, we had deli meat sandwiches on rye bread, with baby Swiss cheese, lettuce, Vidalia onions, and tomatoes, and a side of macaroni salad.
Son, Daughter-in-Law, and two great-grandsons arrived afterward. They had already eaten supper, but the boys wanted a sandwich, so I fixed some for them. Son spent a time setting up their pop-up camper, then we enjoyed sitting around outside and visiting until bedtime.
It was a good day, but an exhausting one, so we were ready for bed by 10 p.m.
Thursday, July 24
Up around 6 a.m. to get ready to go on a camping trip to the northwest part of the state. It was 9:30 before we finally headed out, taking both the truck and camper, and the van, because Mother can't climb into the truck anymore.
We were not far down the road when I had to honk at Hubbie to pull over. He'd left the camper steps down. He also discovered he'd forgotten to lock the door.
The trip was uneventful after that, and we arrived in the town about two hours away to meet Sis, who took over driving the van, while I joined Hubbie in the truck.
Before we left the strip mall parking lot, we went ahead and had a lunch of pimento cheese sandwiches and chips, with individual cups of chocolate pudding for dessert. Afterward, we transferred a couple of watermelons and a couple of cantaloupes to Sis's truck for Nephew to take home. Sis had asked me to buy the melons for her, since she, like us, prefers the melons from our favorite grower about 20 minutes from our town.
We were soon on the road again, and except for Hubbie hitting an orange barrel in a road work area, the trip to the campground was uneventful. Fortunately, those barrels are made to smash and bounce without damaging vehicles. I just hoped the thing didn't fling itself onto the van hood. Luckily, it did not.
We arrived at the campground around 2 p.m. The weather was okay for setting up the camper...not as hot and humid today as it could have been for a July day.
Once we were settled in camp, Mother was ready for a nap, so she laid down on the couch, while Hubbie, Sis, and I went to the town where the Grape Festival was to be held over the weekend. We toured the wineries to sample a few of the wines.
At the first one, we were fascinated with a tree that grows outside the tasting room. The woman inside told us the tree, an ornamental orange, with thorns, is a hundred years old. The fruit is inedible, but the tree is used for rootstock for orange cultivars. It is particularly pretty in the fall, she said.
As for sampling, this winery is noted for its fruit (other than grape) wines. We tried the blueberry one, and bought bottles of that. Today, Hubbie wasn't able to wine taste, because he is taking antibiotics. He wasn't very happy about it, but it couldn't be helped.
At the next winery, we tried a new wine...sparkling spumante. Pretty good, so I bought a bottle of this, too.
Finally, we visited a winery that has this year decided to charge for tasting...$5 for five samples. Guess not. I just opted to buy a couple of bottles of my favorites from this winery. Maybe they are charging for samples to help foot the bill for a new roof...today, stacks of boxed wines were covered with plastic sheeting, and buckets were everywhere. Obviously, the building leaked copiously during a driving rainstorm last Wednesday.
We toured the vineyards while we were here, and were surprised to see how much of area appears inactive...no vines. Maybe they are starting vines on some other part of their property.
Before we went back to camp, we stopped at a roadside vendor to pick up a few peaches for tomorrow's breakfast.
Supper tonight was Dragon Soup, with slices of Sis's homemade wheat bread. After supper, we played a couple of games of Skipbo, both of which I won.
Time for bed after that, and we were all very ready...long day, and we were all tired.
We were not far down the road when I had to honk at Hubbie to pull over. He'd left the camper steps down. He also discovered he'd forgotten to lock the door.
The trip was uneventful after that, and we arrived in the town about two hours away to meet Sis, who took over driving the van, while I joined Hubbie in the truck.
Before we left the strip mall parking lot, we went ahead and had a lunch of pimento cheese sandwiches and chips, with individual cups of chocolate pudding for dessert. Afterward, we transferred a couple of watermelons and a couple of cantaloupes to Sis's truck for Nephew to take home. Sis had asked me to buy the melons for her, since she, like us, prefers the melons from our favorite grower about 20 minutes from our town.
We were soon on the road again, and except for Hubbie hitting an orange barrel in a road work area, the trip to the campground was uneventful. Fortunately, those barrels are made to smash and bounce without damaging vehicles. I just hoped the thing didn't fling itself onto the van hood. Luckily, it did not.
We arrived at the campground around 2 p.m. The weather was okay for setting up the camper...not as hot and humid today as it could have been for a July day.
Once we were settled in camp, Mother was ready for a nap, so she laid down on the couch, while Hubbie, Sis, and I went to the town where the Grape Festival was to be held over the weekend. We toured the wineries to sample a few of the wines.
At the first one, we were fascinated with a tree that grows outside the tasting room. The woman inside told us the tree, an ornamental orange, with thorns, is a hundred years old. The fruit is inedible, but the tree is used for rootstock for orange cultivars. It is particularly pretty in the fall, she said.
As for sampling, this winery is noted for its fruit (other than grape) wines. We tried the blueberry one, and bought bottles of that. Today, Hubbie wasn't able to wine taste, because he is taking antibiotics. He wasn't very happy about it, but it couldn't be helped.
At the next winery, we tried a new wine...sparkling spumante. Pretty good, so I bought a bottle of this, too.
Finally, we visited a winery that has this year decided to charge for tasting...$5 for five samples. Guess not. I just opted to buy a couple of bottles of my favorites from this winery. Maybe they are charging for samples to help foot the bill for a new roof...today, stacks of boxed wines were covered with plastic sheeting, and buckets were everywhere. Obviously, the building leaked copiously during a driving rainstorm last Wednesday.
We toured the vineyards while we were here, and were surprised to see how much of area appears inactive...no vines. Maybe they are starting vines on some other part of their property.
Before we went back to camp, we stopped at a roadside vendor to pick up a few peaches for tomorrow's breakfast.
Supper tonight was Dragon Soup, with slices of Sis's homemade wheat bread. After supper, we played a couple of games of Skipbo, both of which I won.
Time for bed after that, and we were all very ready...long day, and we were all tired.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Wednesday, July 23
Up at 6 a.m. to get ready to go to water aerobics. Road in front of the chapel still torn up. Looks like workers are laying new pipe. Detoured through the chapel parking lot. Muggy morning, but pleasant enough for the walk to the gym.
The pool was chilly, but I got used to it after a while and enjoyed swimming and aerobics. A dozen of us attended the session. No news from the pool today.
Back home, I started a pan of water boiling for macaroni. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and she diced onion and bell pepper for macaroni salad. As soon as the macaroni cooked, I cooled it under cold water, and I drained a couple of cans of mixed veggies to add to the pasta and diced veggies. Added spices, mustard, and salad dressing, and Mother blended the mixture. I think we made enough of the salad for an army.
After that, I got a boxed cake mix ready for making red velvet cupcakes. Mother put the batter into the muffin tins, and I put the cupcakes in the oven for twenty minutes. When they came out of the oven, I was finally ready to go upstairs and get ready for the day.
It was noon by the time I came back downstairs, so I prepared a lunch of pimento cheese sandwiches, with sides of macaroni salad.
Afterward, Hubbie and I ran errands...to the library to pick up season four of "The Good Wife;" to the newspaper to drop off this week's word search puzzle contest; to the farmers market to pick up a few tomatoes; to the bank; to the WDCS for groceries; and to the gas station to fill the van.
Back home, Hubbie and I did various tasks, while Mother worked on a new jigsaw puzzle, and the guy who is laying tile in the sunroom continued his job until he finished it today.
Later this afternoon, a storm cropped up, bringing high winds that blew small limbs and leaves off our trees, and bent the ready-to-bloom surprise lilies, as well as the veggie garden plants. I think all of these will stand back up again, though.
Hubbie was at the vet's office when the storm began, and he said there was incredibly high wind there, and a deluge of rain. He was trapped in the van until it abated enough for him to come home. He tried to call to tell me why he was delayed, but his cell phone wouldn't work...tower problems, maybe.
Fortunately, our power stayed on throughout the storm, though there were a couple of flickers...just enough so that we had to re-set the digital clocks.
Supper tonight was leftover spaghetti, green beans from our garden, tomatoes topped with cottage cheese, and garlic bread. Mother was ready to go home afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. Later I went over and put drops in her eyes.
Hubbie and I spent the evening binge-watching "The Good Wife," as usual.
***********************************************
Funny: this afternoon, before Hubbie and I headed out to run errands, he went in search of his eyeglasses. He looked everywhere upstairs and downstairs. I was checking my social network page while this was going on.
Finally, I handed him a pair of glasses and suggested that he just use those until he could find his. He took them and declared, "These are my glasses. Where did you find them?"
I doubled over laughing and choked out, "On my face." I'd been using them the whole time he was searching for them.
It was one of those you-had-to-be-there moments.
The pool was chilly, but I got used to it after a while and enjoyed swimming and aerobics. A dozen of us attended the session. No news from the pool today.
Back home, I started a pan of water boiling for macaroni. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and she diced onion and bell pepper for macaroni salad. As soon as the macaroni cooked, I cooled it under cold water, and I drained a couple of cans of mixed veggies to add to the pasta and diced veggies. Added spices, mustard, and salad dressing, and Mother blended the mixture. I think we made enough of the salad for an army.
After that, I got a boxed cake mix ready for making red velvet cupcakes. Mother put the batter into the muffin tins, and I put the cupcakes in the oven for twenty minutes. When they came out of the oven, I was finally ready to go upstairs and get ready for the day.
It was noon by the time I came back downstairs, so I prepared a lunch of pimento cheese sandwiches, with sides of macaroni salad.
Afterward, Hubbie and I ran errands...to the library to pick up season four of "The Good Wife;" to the newspaper to drop off this week's word search puzzle contest; to the farmers market to pick up a few tomatoes; to the bank; to the WDCS for groceries; and to the gas station to fill the van.
Back home, Hubbie and I did various tasks, while Mother worked on a new jigsaw puzzle, and the guy who is laying tile in the sunroom continued his job until he finished it today.
Later this afternoon, a storm cropped up, bringing high winds that blew small limbs and leaves off our trees, and bent the ready-to-bloom surprise lilies, as well as the veggie garden plants. I think all of these will stand back up again, though.
Hubbie was at the vet's office when the storm began, and he said there was incredibly high wind there, and a deluge of rain. He was trapped in the van until it abated enough for him to come home. He tried to call to tell me why he was delayed, but his cell phone wouldn't work...tower problems, maybe.
Fortunately, our power stayed on throughout the storm, though there were a couple of flickers...just enough so that we had to re-set the digital clocks.
Supper tonight was leftover spaghetti, green beans from our garden, tomatoes topped with cottage cheese, and garlic bread. Mother was ready to go home afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. Later I went over and put drops in her eyes.
Hubbie and I spent the evening binge-watching "The Good Wife," as usual.
***********************************************
Funny: this afternoon, before Hubbie and I headed out to run errands, he went in search of his eyeglasses. He looked everywhere upstairs and downstairs. I was checking my social network page while this was going on.
Finally, I handed him a pair of glasses and suggested that he just use those until he could find his. He took them and declared, "These are my glasses. Where did you find them?"
I doubled over laughing and choked out, "On my face." I'd been using them the whole time he was searching for them.
It was one of those you-had-to-be-there moments.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Tuesday, July 22
Up around 7 a.m. Delayed my exercises until after lunch. Shortly after breakfast, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and we began work in the kitchen.
Mother diced carrots, celery, onion, and banana pepper as part of a base for Dragon Soup. I sautéed the veggies, then added diced tomatoes, and cans of chicken and beef broth, along with various spices. I let the mixture simmer for a while, then added leftover veggies and gravies from the freezer.
While the soup simmered, Mother snapped green beans from the garden, and diced onion and banana peppers. I put the beans on to simmer, and then did various things around the house until lunch time.
After lunch, Hubbie went out to work in the yard, and Mother and I went to a nearby town to buy watermelons and cantaloupes. Road work delayed us for a time. Workers are repairing a bridge along the way, so traffic was backed up quite a way, until a pilot truck led us through the area.
The work area ended just at the driveway of the place where we get our melons, so it was necessary to wait for a young woman stopping traffic to give me the go-ahead to exit the driveway right behind the pilot truck that was using the driveway as a turn-around point.
I'm glad Hubbie wasn't with us. He gets very impatient with this sort of delay when he's driving. Between the two of us, I'm the more impatient one in most circumstances. But in driving, he's the impatient one. In the interest of self-preservation, I am very calm and focused behind the wheel, because there are enough impatient, distracted, out-of-control drivers on the road. I think maybe men tend to be more impatient drivers than women anyway. It's in their nature.
Back home, I started a pot of spaghetti sauce simmering before relaxing for a while. Cooked spaghetti later, and served the meal with individual salads, and garlic bread.
Mother was ready to go home afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. I went over there later to put drops in her eyes. Then Hubbie and I watched episodes of "The Good Wife."
Mother diced carrots, celery, onion, and banana pepper as part of a base for Dragon Soup. I sautéed the veggies, then added diced tomatoes, and cans of chicken and beef broth, along with various spices. I let the mixture simmer for a while, then added leftover veggies and gravies from the freezer.
While the soup simmered, Mother snapped green beans from the garden, and diced onion and banana peppers. I put the beans on to simmer, and then did various things around the house until lunch time.
After lunch, Hubbie went out to work in the yard, and Mother and I went to a nearby town to buy watermelons and cantaloupes. Road work delayed us for a time. Workers are repairing a bridge along the way, so traffic was backed up quite a way, until a pilot truck led us through the area.
The work area ended just at the driveway of the place where we get our melons, so it was necessary to wait for a young woman stopping traffic to give me the go-ahead to exit the driveway right behind the pilot truck that was using the driveway as a turn-around point.
I'm glad Hubbie wasn't with us. He gets very impatient with this sort of delay when he's driving. Between the two of us, I'm the more impatient one in most circumstances. But in driving, he's the impatient one. In the interest of self-preservation, I am very calm and focused behind the wheel, because there are enough impatient, distracted, out-of-control drivers on the road. I think maybe men tend to be more impatient drivers than women anyway. It's in their nature.
Back home, I started a pot of spaghetti sauce simmering before relaxing for a while. Cooked spaghetti later, and served the meal with individual salads, and garlic bread.
Mother was ready to go home afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. I went over there later to put drops in her eyes. Then Hubbie and I watched episodes of "The Good Wife."
Monday, July 21, 2014
Monday, July 21
Up at 7 a.m., but skipped going to water aerobics, because I wanted to accompany Hubbie to the hospital for an outpatient dye test procedure. Once I was dressed, I had a small breakfast of orange juice, coffee, and a banana. Hubbie was required to fast after midnight for the procedure.
We arrived at the hospital around 9:15, but it was closer to 10 a.m. before he was called back. The tech alerted us that Hubbie would be drinking a solution that might take 30 minutes or might take hours to pass through his system so that the test could be completed. I was asked to stay in a waiting area just outside the radiology room.
The test lasted about an hour, so I was glad I had taken my tablet, so I could read my novel. Besides my novel, I read a short story in a ladies magazine I picked up from the end table in the area.
I had just finished the story when Hubbie and the tech emerged from the radiology room. Hubbie's doctor needs to read the results of the test, but the tech said he saw nothing out of the ordinary on the test. So we still don't know what's causing Hubbie's problem.
Hubbie's and my original idea was to eat lunch at the hospital cafeteria after the test, but we didn't see anything that appealed to us there, so we came on home, where I had leftover chicken noodle soup, and Hubbie opted for toast and jelly and coffee. I'd sent a helping of chicken noodle soup with Mother yesterday for her lunch today.
After lunch, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and she and I worked in the kitchen, while Hubbie ran a couple of errand. First, we made a batch of blueberry muffins, and then Mother made a batch of pimento cheese.
We relaxed after that until time to prepare supper. Tonight, we had baked potatoes, along with leftover zucchini squash casserole, and the remainder of the pork chops. Sliced tomatoes topped with cottage cheese, and slices of French bread completed the meal.
Mother was ready to go home shortly afterward, so I accompanied her. Later, I went to house and put drops in her eyes.
Hubbie and I spent the evening watching episodes of "The Good Wife."
We arrived at the hospital around 9:15, but it was closer to 10 a.m. before he was called back. The tech alerted us that Hubbie would be drinking a solution that might take 30 minutes or might take hours to pass through his system so that the test could be completed. I was asked to stay in a waiting area just outside the radiology room.
The test lasted about an hour, so I was glad I had taken my tablet, so I could read my novel. Besides my novel, I read a short story in a ladies magazine I picked up from the end table in the area.
I had just finished the story when Hubbie and the tech emerged from the radiology room. Hubbie's doctor needs to read the results of the test, but the tech said he saw nothing out of the ordinary on the test. So we still don't know what's causing Hubbie's problem.
Hubbie's and my original idea was to eat lunch at the hospital cafeteria after the test, but we didn't see anything that appealed to us there, so we came on home, where I had leftover chicken noodle soup, and Hubbie opted for toast and jelly and coffee. I'd sent a helping of chicken noodle soup with Mother yesterday for her lunch today.
After lunch, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and she and I worked in the kitchen, while Hubbie ran a couple of errand. First, we made a batch of blueberry muffins, and then Mother made a batch of pimento cheese.
We relaxed after that until time to prepare supper. Tonight, we had baked potatoes, along with leftover zucchini squash casserole, and the remainder of the pork chops. Sliced tomatoes topped with cottage cheese, and slices of French bread completed the meal.
Mother was ready to go home shortly afterward, so I accompanied her. Later, I went to house and put drops in her eyes.
Hubbie and I spent the evening watching episodes of "The Good Wife."
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Sunday, July 20
Up around 7:30, after strange dreams in which I was furiously making notes in a notebook, because I was somehow called upon to establish a town, and in which I was shooting but not killing deer. When I awoke, I wondered what the dreams meant, and decided that the one about establishing a town had to do with making planning notes for a future camping trip (campground=town?), and the one about shooting but not killing deer was about me going into the yard last evening to try to "shoot" a rabbit with my camera, after Hubbie said he saw one out there.
Skipped my exercises after breakfast. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house around 9 a.m., and we headed to kitchen to begin lunch preparations. She sliced zucchini, which I boiled, and she sliced apples and onions for a pork chop dish.
When the zucchini was cooked, Mother mashed it. Then she crushed crackers, minced onion, and shredded cheese, and we added those, along an egg and spices...pepper, no-salt seasoning, paprika, and powdered garlic...to the mixture.
I browned the pork chops, and after Mother layered the apples and onion in a baking dish, I added the pork chops. Mother brushed honey mixed with mustard over the top.
Later, I put the pork chops and the zucchini casserole in the oven, with a dish of sweet potatoes from the freezer. At noon, we had the meal, with slices of French bread.
After lunch, we watched a couple of shows from the PBS channel that I'd recorded on DVR. Then Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle, and Hubbie and I watched TV...other shows from the DVR. Mother was ready to go home around 4 p.m., so Hubbie accompanied her. Then he and I watched "The Good Wife" episodes.
Later, I went to Mother's to put drops in her eyes.
Skipped my exercises after breakfast. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house around 9 a.m., and we headed to kitchen to begin lunch preparations. She sliced zucchini, which I boiled, and she sliced apples and onions for a pork chop dish.
When the zucchini was cooked, Mother mashed it. Then she crushed crackers, minced onion, and shredded cheese, and we added those, along an egg and spices...pepper, no-salt seasoning, paprika, and powdered garlic...to the mixture.
I browned the pork chops, and after Mother layered the apples and onion in a baking dish, I added the pork chops. Mother brushed honey mixed with mustard over the top.
Later, I put the pork chops and the zucchini casserole in the oven, with a dish of sweet potatoes from the freezer. At noon, we had the meal, with slices of French bread.
After lunch, we watched a couple of shows from the PBS channel that I'd recorded on DVR. Then Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle, and Hubbie and I watched TV...other shows from the DVR. Mother was ready to go home around 4 p.m., so Hubbie accompanied her. Then he and I watched "The Good Wife" episodes.
Later, I went to Mother's to put drops in her eyes.
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Saturday, July 19
Up around 7:30, and did stair stepping, resistance band, and weights exercises after breakfast. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house around 9:30, and she went to her puzzle while I got ready for the day.
Did this and that for the rest of the morning. After lunch, Hubbie and I ran errands...to the library, to a grocery store to pick up this week's free item, and a two-pound block of cheese for making pimento cheese.
At the store, I met a member of the Extension Homemakers, We talked about the low number of exhibits at the fair. She is one of the superintendents of the educational building, and she said she thinks that a new system of registering exhibits online caused a dwindling of exhibitors, because most of the ladies who enter items in the fair are older, and many are not computer literate.
She also commented on the large number of white ribbons awarded this year. She said the judge was very critical of everything, and therefore harsh in her awards. This kind of judging is guaranteed to discourage entries next year.
She went on to say that she is not pleased with the fair board, which seems to be trying to squeeze out the Extension Homemakers. They want to tear down the educational building to make room to build...we know not what.
That building is the only one still not air conditioned, and the fair board apparently has no intention of doing anything about it, even though the EH council has offered to pay most of the expense of having it done. It was a bone of contention way back when Mother and I helped at the fair. Some years, when the temp rises into the high 90s, it's insufferable in that building.
There are only a few ladies left who will still agree to work at the fair. And now, we don't even have representation on the board. Once a couple of ladies resigned from the board for various reasons, the board didn't invite another Extension Homemaker onto the board.
Our organization is not the only one being squeezed out...the Master Gardeners are getting the same treatment. It's a puzzle to me in what direction the Fair Board is trying to take the fair. I always thought county fairs were specifically organized for the purpose of exhibiting the products of the local people...livestock, garden produce/flowers and plants, and homemaking skills.
Without these, the fair will only be about the carnival and entertainment.
This year, there was a new supervisor of the Educational Building. She has never done it before, and she was the first to admit she didn't know what she was doing. Always in the past a lunch was provided to the exhibit workers and judges, since the work often extends into the afternoon. This year, no lunch, because the new supervisor was unaware she was supposed to arrange one.
The lady commented on how much she misses Mother and me at the fair. We have been away from it for several years, and after talking to this lady, we know we are well out of it.
Hubbie and I also visited with a lady we know from our community theater days. She commented about the first play that Hubbie and I appeared in way back in the 80s. She said she has often wished that I, and a man who played opposite me, could reprise our roles in a one act play that she found hilarious. She's not the only one who has mentioned this. Over the years, others have mentioned that they'd like to see us do the play again. It's doubtful it'll ever happen.
From the grocery store, we went to the farmer's market to get zucchini and tomatoes; and finally to the WDCS for other groceries and incidentals.
Back home, we didn't accomplish anything much for the rest of the afternoon. I cleared away scrapbooking materials, and then read newspapers, and my novel on tablet.
Supper tonight was leftovers...mashed potatoes and gravy, steamed squash, along with cream corn, and sliced tomatoes, and French bread.
Mother was ready to go home shortly afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. Later, I went over and put drops in her eyes.
As usual, Hubbie and I continued binge-watching episodes of "The Good Wife" tonight.
Did this and that for the rest of the morning. After lunch, Hubbie and I ran errands...to the library, to a grocery store to pick up this week's free item, and a two-pound block of cheese for making pimento cheese.
At the store, I met a member of the Extension Homemakers, We talked about the low number of exhibits at the fair. She is one of the superintendents of the educational building, and she said she thinks that a new system of registering exhibits online caused a dwindling of exhibitors, because most of the ladies who enter items in the fair are older, and many are not computer literate.
She also commented on the large number of white ribbons awarded this year. She said the judge was very critical of everything, and therefore harsh in her awards. This kind of judging is guaranteed to discourage entries next year.
She went on to say that she is not pleased with the fair board, which seems to be trying to squeeze out the Extension Homemakers. They want to tear down the educational building to make room to build...we know not what.
That building is the only one still not air conditioned, and the fair board apparently has no intention of doing anything about it, even though the EH council has offered to pay most of the expense of having it done. It was a bone of contention way back when Mother and I helped at the fair. Some years, when the temp rises into the high 90s, it's insufferable in that building.
There are only a few ladies left who will still agree to work at the fair. And now, we don't even have representation on the board. Once a couple of ladies resigned from the board for various reasons, the board didn't invite another Extension Homemaker onto the board.
Our organization is not the only one being squeezed out...the Master Gardeners are getting the same treatment. It's a puzzle to me in what direction the Fair Board is trying to take the fair. I always thought county fairs were specifically organized for the purpose of exhibiting the products of the local people...livestock, garden produce/flowers and plants, and homemaking skills.
Without these, the fair will only be about the carnival and entertainment.
This year, there was a new supervisor of the Educational Building. She has never done it before, and she was the first to admit she didn't know what she was doing. Always in the past a lunch was provided to the exhibit workers and judges, since the work often extends into the afternoon. This year, no lunch, because the new supervisor was unaware she was supposed to arrange one.
The lady commented on how much she misses Mother and me at the fair. We have been away from it for several years, and after talking to this lady, we know we are well out of it.
Hubbie and I also visited with a lady we know from our community theater days. She commented about the first play that Hubbie and I appeared in way back in the 80s. She said she has often wished that I, and a man who played opposite me, could reprise our roles in a one act play that she found hilarious. She's not the only one who has mentioned this. Over the years, others have mentioned that they'd like to see us do the play again. It's doubtful it'll ever happen.
From the grocery store, we went to the farmer's market to get zucchini and tomatoes; and finally to the WDCS for other groceries and incidentals.
Back home, we didn't accomplish anything much for the rest of the afternoon. I cleared away scrapbooking materials, and then read newspapers, and my novel on tablet.
Supper tonight was leftovers...mashed potatoes and gravy, steamed squash, along with cream corn, and sliced tomatoes, and French bread.
Mother was ready to go home shortly afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. Later, I went over and put drops in her eyes.
As usual, Hubbie and I continued binge-watching episodes of "The Good Wife" tonight.
Friday, July 18, 2014
Friday, July 18
Up at 6 a.m. on this unusually cool, cloudy, morning so I could get ready to go to water aerobics. Street work is still going on at an intersection near the college campus, so I detoured through the chapel parking lot again.
A fleece hoodie felt good for the walk to the gym. But gad the pool was chilly! I wish they would warm it up a little. Took a while to get used to the water, but when I did I enjoyed the workout. I left a little early, though, so I could get home and get ready to go to the fairgrounds for senior day at the fair.
We headed to the fair around 10 a.m., leaving the guy who is laying tile in the sunroom to continue his job. He was gone by the time we got back, since he and his family were scheduled to go on a trip to the southern part of our state.
As soon as we arrived at the fair, Mother and I toured the educational building as Hubbie went to buy lunch tickets and attend the door prize drawing. Mother and I were surprised at how scant the crafts, baking, and canned goods exhibits were. The exhibits are displayed on stair step shelves, and several were completely empty. During the years that Mother and I exhibited, those shelves were stuffed. We were also surprised at how many white ribbons were awarded. Usually, there are far more red and blue ribbons.
We noticed, too, that many of the booths displayed political exhibits. There seemed to be general themes of patriotism, religion, or salutes to our state athletic programs among the individual exhibits, with most of those receiving Best of Show awards. The number of exhibits in the vegetables/plants/cut flowers departments was drastically down, too, as were the animal exhibits.
Just as we were finishing our tour of the 4-H exhibit booths, Hubbie came to tell us that lunch was about to be served. So we headed to the entertainment pavilion, where we had a meal of tuna sandwiches, baked chips, broccoli salad, a half an orange, and a box of "Jungle Juice."
I'm not a real fan of tuna, but it was fine. Not a fan of Jungle Juice, either, but it was probably donated to the Area Agency on Aging, which sponsored the lunch. The orange was hard to handle...the fruit should have been cut into quarters instead of halves.
After lunch, we visited the commercial building to register for prizes. As with the other exhibit areas, this one had few business exhibit booths, too, though there were lots of political booths. Didn't take long to go through the building.
Headed to the animal exhibits after that, where Mother enjoyed petting the goats, and stroking the noses of mules. We were ready to leave the fair after that.
Before we came home, we went to a town about 20 minutes away to buy a watermelon and a cantaloupe from our favorite farmer. Stopped at another roadside vendor to pick up tomatoes, and a box of blackberries.
Back home, I washed and sugared the berries for a snack later. Then we all relaxed until time to prepare supper, which tonight was pancakes. Hubbie did the honors of making the pancakes, after Mother and I made the batter.
Mother was ready to go home after supper, so Hubbie accompanied her, and then he and I attended the visitation for our neighbor, who died suddenly Wednesday.
We learned tonight that the man had gone to check on pasture fences, and simply dropped dead of a massive heart attack. When his wife found him, the truck was still running.
This is a long-established family in our community, so everyone knows them. Therefore, the line at the funeral home stretched around two sides of the building. We inched along in the line for an hour and a half.
We were surprised that there was an elderly woman in line right behind us who is 94 years old. She became visibly tired of standing, so we encouraged her to be seated as the line progressed. There were couches and chairs along the walls, so she could get up and move from one seat to another. But I really think she should not have tried to attend. She could have visited with the bereaved at another, more comfortable time.
We were back home just after 7 p.m. Around 8:30, I took a helping of the blackberries to Mother, and put drops in her eyes.
Hubbie and I spent the evening watching "The Good Wife" episodes, during which we had helpings of the blackberries, topped with ice cream. The berries, despite my generously sugaring them, were quite tart. I wonder if Mother will be able to eat them.
A fleece hoodie felt good for the walk to the gym. But gad the pool was chilly! I wish they would warm it up a little. Took a while to get used to the water, but when I did I enjoyed the workout. I left a little early, though, so I could get home and get ready to go to the fairgrounds for senior day at the fair.
We headed to the fair around 10 a.m., leaving the guy who is laying tile in the sunroom to continue his job. He was gone by the time we got back, since he and his family were scheduled to go on a trip to the southern part of our state.
As soon as we arrived at the fair, Mother and I toured the educational building as Hubbie went to buy lunch tickets and attend the door prize drawing. Mother and I were surprised at how scant the crafts, baking, and canned goods exhibits were. The exhibits are displayed on stair step shelves, and several were completely empty. During the years that Mother and I exhibited, those shelves were stuffed. We were also surprised at how many white ribbons were awarded. Usually, there are far more red and blue ribbons.
We noticed, too, that many of the booths displayed political exhibits. There seemed to be general themes of patriotism, religion, or salutes to our state athletic programs among the individual exhibits, with most of those receiving Best of Show awards. The number of exhibits in the vegetables/plants/cut flowers departments was drastically down, too, as were the animal exhibits.
Just as we were finishing our tour of the 4-H exhibit booths, Hubbie came to tell us that lunch was about to be served. So we headed to the entertainment pavilion, where we had a meal of tuna sandwiches, baked chips, broccoli salad, a half an orange, and a box of "Jungle Juice."
I'm not a real fan of tuna, but it was fine. Not a fan of Jungle Juice, either, but it was probably donated to the Area Agency on Aging, which sponsored the lunch. The orange was hard to handle...the fruit should have been cut into quarters instead of halves.
After lunch, we visited the commercial building to register for prizes. As with the other exhibit areas, this one had few business exhibit booths, too, though there were lots of political booths. Didn't take long to go through the building.
Headed to the animal exhibits after that, where Mother enjoyed petting the goats, and stroking the noses of mules. We were ready to leave the fair after that.
Before we came home, we went to a town about 20 minutes away to buy a watermelon and a cantaloupe from our favorite farmer. Stopped at another roadside vendor to pick up tomatoes, and a box of blackberries.
Back home, I washed and sugared the berries for a snack later. Then we all relaxed until time to prepare supper, which tonight was pancakes. Hubbie did the honors of making the pancakes, after Mother and I made the batter.
Mother was ready to go home after supper, so Hubbie accompanied her, and then he and I attended the visitation for our neighbor, who died suddenly Wednesday.
We learned tonight that the man had gone to check on pasture fences, and simply dropped dead of a massive heart attack. When his wife found him, the truck was still running.
This is a long-established family in our community, so everyone knows them. Therefore, the line at the funeral home stretched around two sides of the building. We inched along in the line for an hour and a half.
We were surprised that there was an elderly woman in line right behind us who is 94 years old. She became visibly tired of standing, so we encouraged her to be seated as the line progressed. There were couches and chairs along the walls, so she could get up and move from one seat to another. But I really think she should not have tried to attend. She could have visited with the bereaved at another, more comfortable time.
We were back home just after 7 p.m. Around 8:30, I took a helping of the blackberries to Mother, and put drops in her eyes.
Hubbie and I spent the evening watching "The Good Wife" episodes, during which we had helpings of the blackberries, topped with ice cream. The berries, despite my generously sugaring them, were quite tart. I wonder if Mother will be able to eat them.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Thursday, July 17
Up at 7 a.m., after a weird dream about losing my purse. Very chilly morning...in fact, our county broke a cool temperature record for July.
Skipped my exercises after breakfast, so I could get the house ready for company this afternoon, when Mother and I, and another lady, were scheduled to have a scrapbook club meeting. One lady couldn't be here, because she needed to attend a 2 p.m. memorial service for a member of her church.
The guy who is laying tile in our sunroom arrived around 10 a.m., and spent the day on the job. He got about half the tile laid, and will be back tomorrow to continue the job. He expects to be finished with the project next Tuesday. He'll be off for a day or so to go on a family trip to the south part of the state.
Once I did what I wanted in the house, I cubed cantaloupe for a snack break during the scrapbook meeting. My original thought was to serve the cantaloupe with dishes of sherbet, but I couldn't find any sherbet at the WDCS that didn't contain yellow dye. But on his round of errands this morning, Hubbie stopped by the pharmacy/grocery store, where he found fat-free pineapple sherbet without yellow dye.
Lunch today was PB&J sandwiches, since I couldn't think of anything else. Afterward, Mother and I began working on scrapbooking projects. Actually, Mother opted to work with Christmas cards that one of the members brought, cutting out designs and greetings to be re-purposed into new cards.
I chose to finish scrapbook pages featuring Great-Grandson's high school graduation. I started the pages last month, but they still needed journaling and decorating. When I finished those pages, I made one featuring a black and white snapshot of Mother and me taken at the museum a couple of months ago.
The lady who was supposed to come never showed up, and she didn't call to say why she couldn't be here. It sort of worried me that I didn't hear from her.
At 2 p.m., I went ahead and dished up the snack I planned for the meeting. I even served it in the pretty glass dishes I'd set out for that purpose.
We quit working on our projects at about the time the meeting would have ended, and I settled in to read today's newspapers, and relax until time to fix supper.
Tonight, we had chicken noodle soup, and slices of French bread. After supper, I baked a batch of brownies for a later snack.
Mother was ready to go home shortly after supper, so Hubbie accompanied her. Then he and I watched episodes of "The Good Wife."
Around 7:30, the scrapbook club member who was supposed to be here today called. Seems she forgot the meeting, and didn't think about it until a few minutes before she called. She's had a particularly stressful time lately, so today's meeting just slipped her mind. I'm just glad she's okay.
I went over to Mother's later to put drops in her eyes.
********************************************
Note one: the hospital called today to advise Hubbie that he is scheduled for a dye test next Monday morning. I'll skip water aerobics and go with him.
Note two: an obituary notice in tonight's local paper announced the death of our neighbor, a 72-year-old man who attended cardiac rehab at the same time I did. He was the husband of a woman who was our insurance agent before she retired.
She also attends water aerobics. She wasn't there yesterday, but her sister was, and she didn't mention anything about the man having medical problems. I guess I'll learn more at aerobics tomorrow. At any rate, there will be a visitation tomorrow night, so of course Hubbie and I will need to attend.
Skipped my exercises after breakfast, so I could get the house ready for company this afternoon, when Mother and I, and another lady, were scheduled to have a scrapbook club meeting. One lady couldn't be here, because she needed to attend a 2 p.m. memorial service for a member of her church.
The guy who is laying tile in our sunroom arrived around 10 a.m., and spent the day on the job. He got about half the tile laid, and will be back tomorrow to continue the job. He expects to be finished with the project next Tuesday. He'll be off for a day or so to go on a family trip to the south part of the state.
Once I did what I wanted in the house, I cubed cantaloupe for a snack break during the scrapbook meeting. My original thought was to serve the cantaloupe with dishes of sherbet, but I couldn't find any sherbet at the WDCS that didn't contain yellow dye. But on his round of errands this morning, Hubbie stopped by the pharmacy/grocery store, where he found fat-free pineapple sherbet without yellow dye.
Lunch today was PB&J sandwiches, since I couldn't think of anything else. Afterward, Mother and I began working on scrapbooking projects. Actually, Mother opted to work with Christmas cards that one of the members brought, cutting out designs and greetings to be re-purposed into new cards.
I chose to finish scrapbook pages featuring Great-Grandson's high school graduation. I started the pages last month, but they still needed journaling and decorating. When I finished those pages, I made one featuring a black and white snapshot of Mother and me taken at the museum a couple of months ago.
The lady who was supposed to come never showed up, and she didn't call to say why she couldn't be here. It sort of worried me that I didn't hear from her.
At 2 p.m., I went ahead and dished up the snack I planned for the meeting. I even served it in the pretty glass dishes I'd set out for that purpose.
We quit working on our projects at about the time the meeting would have ended, and I settled in to read today's newspapers, and relax until time to fix supper.
Tonight, we had chicken noodle soup, and slices of French bread. After supper, I baked a batch of brownies for a later snack.
Mother was ready to go home shortly after supper, so Hubbie accompanied her. Then he and I watched episodes of "The Good Wife."
Around 7:30, the scrapbook club member who was supposed to be here today called. Seems she forgot the meeting, and didn't think about it until a few minutes before she called. She's had a particularly stressful time lately, so today's meeting just slipped her mind. I'm just glad she's okay.
I went over to Mother's later to put drops in her eyes.
********************************************
Note one: the hospital called today to advise Hubbie that he is scheduled for a dye test next Monday morning. I'll skip water aerobics and go with him.
Note two: an obituary notice in tonight's local paper announced the death of our neighbor, a 72-year-old man who attended cardiac rehab at the same time I did. He was the husband of a woman who was our insurance agent before she retired.
She also attends water aerobics. She wasn't there yesterday, but her sister was, and she didn't mention anything about the man having medical problems. I guess I'll learn more at aerobics tomorrow. At any rate, there will be a visitation tomorrow night, so of course Hubbie and I will need to attend.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Wednesday, July 16
Up at 6 a.m. to get ready to go to water aerobics. Chilly morning, in the high 50s, so I wore a fleece hoodie over my tee shirt and shorts. Unfortunately, the water in the pool was very chilly, too. Took a while to get used to it, but after I did, I enjoyed the session.
Today, we got an update on our regular leader, who has been absent in order to have knee surgery. Seems she has developed a serious infection at the surgery site, which may require further surgery to remove the artificial knee, scrape the area, and put in a new appliance. It looks like she'll be away from the pool for much longer than she anticipated.
About a dozen of us attended today. One of the ladies and I touch base via email when one of us has to be away from the pool for any reason. She recently complained of having pains in her head that suddenly occur, and just as suddenly go away.
"My husband suggested I use the vibrator."
Huh?
"So I did, and it worked."
I smiled, but didn't comment.
"I massaged the back of my head, and the pain went away," she said.
Oh!
Back home, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, while I got ready for the day. Spent the rest of the morning sprucing the kitchen and living room in anticipation of one of the scrapbook club members meeting with Mother and me tomorrow afternoon.
Lunch was Ramen noodle soup for Mother, a chicken sandwich for me, and a ham sandwich for Hubbie. Afterward, Mother and I started a pot of chicken stewing. She diced carrots, onions, and celery, and I did the rest. Then she went to her jigsaw puzzle, and I did this and that around the house, before relaxing with the newspapers and my novel on e-tablet.
Around 1 p.m., the worker who will be laying new tile in the sunroom came and did preliminary tasks...removing the baseboards, vacuuming and mopping the floor (even though Hubbie had already swept the room and wore a mop out on it), and filled a crack in the concrete.
Later, I put yellow squash in the steamer, and Hubbie peeled potatoes to be boiled and mashed. Close to suppertime, we had servings of boiled chicken, the squash and mashed potatoes, along with gravy I made from some of the chicken broth.
Mother was ready to go home shortly after supper, and Hubbie accompanied her. Later I went over there and put drops in her eyes. Then Hubbie and I watched episodes of "The Good Wife."
Note: Hubbie's tummy troubles seemed worse today, so he called his doctor to request a dye test. Of course, he didn't talk to the doctor, but was required to leave a message with the nurse instead. She didn't call back today, so maybe she will tomorrow.
Today, we got an update on our regular leader, who has been absent in order to have knee surgery. Seems she has developed a serious infection at the surgery site, which may require further surgery to remove the artificial knee, scrape the area, and put in a new appliance. It looks like she'll be away from the pool for much longer than she anticipated.
About a dozen of us attended today. One of the ladies and I touch base via email when one of us has to be away from the pool for any reason. She recently complained of having pains in her head that suddenly occur, and just as suddenly go away.
"My husband suggested I use the vibrator."
Huh?
"So I did, and it worked."
I smiled, but didn't comment.
"I massaged the back of my head, and the pain went away," she said.
Oh!
Back home, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, while I got ready for the day. Spent the rest of the morning sprucing the kitchen and living room in anticipation of one of the scrapbook club members meeting with Mother and me tomorrow afternoon.
Lunch was Ramen noodle soup for Mother, a chicken sandwich for me, and a ham sandwich for Hubbie. Afterward, Mother and I started a pot of chicken stewing. She diced carrots, onions, and celery, and I did the rest. Then she went to her jigsaw puzzle, and I did this and that around the house, before relaxing with the newspapers and my novel on e-tablet.
Around 1 p.m., the worker who will be laying new tile in the sunroom came and did preliminary tasks...removing the baseboards, vacuuming and mopping the floor (even though Hubbie had already swept the room and wore a mop out on it), and filled a crack in the concrete.
Later, I put yellow squash in the steamer, and Hubbie peeled potatoes to be boiled and mashed. Close to suppertime, we had servings of boiled chicken, the squash and mashed potatoes, along with gravy I made from some of the chicken broth.
Mother was ready to go home shortly after supper, and Hubbie accompanied her. Later I went over there and put drops in her eyes. Then Hubbie and I watched episodes of "The Good Wife."
Note: Hubbie's tummy troubles seemed worse today, so he called his doctor to request a dye test. Of course, he didn't talk to the doctor, but was required to leave a message with the nurse instead. She didn't call back today, so maybe she will tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Tuesday, July 15
Usually, we turn the bedroom TV on at bedtime, then set the timer for it to go off. Hubbie thought he could get to sleep faster without the TV, although I've noticed he's snoring within fifteen minutes of hitting his pillow even with the TV on.
Last night, it was lights out as soon as we were in bed. The TV lulls me to sleep, but since it wasn't on, I read a novel on my e-tablet. The tablet is brightly lighted, but Hubbie said it didn't bother him. I read until I got sleepy...in about the same amount of time as with the TV.
I could have slept late this morning, since I didn't have to go to water aerobics, but naturally I woke up at 6 a.m. Hubbie snoozed on until 7:30. I was plenty ready to get up by then.
I did stair stepping, resistance band, and weights exercises after breakfast. Then I accompanied Mother to our house, since Hubbie had gone to have truck air conditioner serviced. Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle, while I got ready for the day.
Once I was dressed, I updated the anti-virus on the office computer, and installed other computer updates. Then I printed coupons from our insurance carrier website. Out of 30 pages of coupons, I found only fifteen we can use.
By now, it was lunchtime, so I heated leftover egg casserole, with which I planned to have toast, until I discovered we didn't have any bread. So Hubbie went to the store down the road and got a loaf.
After lunch, Mother went back to her puzzle, and Hubbie and I ran errands...to the library to take back a DVD, and get two week's more time on the other one we have; to the post office to mail coupons to Granddaughter; to a grocery store/pharmacy to pick up a prescription and get this week's free item, plus a couple of other items; and lastly, to the WDCS and the gas station.
Back home, I read my novel, while Hubbie went to meet a doctor appointment. He has been bothered by what he calls an uneasy stomach. It has been going on for a couple of weeks, so I thought it was time for him to see about it. Unfortunately, the doctor didn't have an answer. He suggested that if Hubbie continues to have a problem, he will be scheduled for tests. Nothing was done today beyond a blood test.
While Hubbie was gone, I got a call from Mother's doctor's office informing me of her appointment with a podiatrist. We no longer have a podiatrist in our town, so the one in a town about 30 miles away comes each Wednesday to treat patients in our town. Which explains, I guess, why Mother's appointment isn't until August 20. That's way longer than I'd hoped for.
Later, for supper, I heated an odd mix of leftovers...goulash, green beans, ham and beans, and sautéed squash, which I served with slices of French bread.
Mother was ready to go home shortly afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. Then he and I watched episodes of "The Good Wife." Later, I went to Mother's to put drops in her eyes.
Wow, what a wonderfully cool day for July! Temp in our county was in the 70s.
Last night, it was lights out as soon as we were in bed. The TV lulls me to sleep, but since it wasn't on, I read a novel on my e-tablet. The tablet is brightly lighted, but Hubbie said it didn't bother him. I read until I got sleepy...in about the same amount of time as with the TV.
I could have slept late this morning, since I didn't have to go to water aerobics, but naturally I woke up at 6 a.m. Hubbie snoozed on until 7:30. I was plenty ready to get up by then.
I did stair stepping, resistance band, and weights exercises after breakfast. Then I accompanied Mother to our house, since Hubbie had gone to have truck air conditioner serviced. Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle, while I got ready for the day.
Once I was dressed, I updated the anti-virus on the office computer, and installed other computer updates. Then I printed coupons from our insurance carrier website. Out of 30 pages of coupons, I found only fifteen we can use.
By now, it was lunchtime, so I heated leftover egg casserole, with which I planned to have toast, until I discovered we didn't have any bread. So Hubbie went to the store down the road and got a loaf.
After lunch, Mother went back to her puzzle, and Hubbie and I ran errands...to the library to take back a DVD, and get two week's more time on the other one we have; to the post office to mail coupons to Granddaughter; to a grocery store/pharmacy to pick up a prescription and get this week's free item, plus a couple of other items; and lastly, to the WDCS and the gas station.
Back home, I read my novel, while Hubbie went to meet a doctor appointment. He has been bothered by what he calls an uneasy stomach. It has been going on for a couple of weeks, so I thought it was time for him to see about it. Unfortunately, the doctor didn't have an answer. He suggested that if Hubbie continues to have a problem, he will be scheduled for tests. Nothing was done today beyond a blood test.
While Hubbie was gone, I got a call from Mother's doctor's office informing me of her appointment with a podiatrist. We no longer have a podiatrist in our town, so the one in a town about 30 miles away comes each Wednesday to treat patients in our town. Which explains, I guess, why Mother's appointment isn't until August 20. That's way longer than I'd hoped for.
Later, for supper, I heated an odd mix of leftovers...goulash, green beans, ham and beans, and sautéed squash, which I served with slices of French bread.
Mother was ready to go home shortly afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. Then he and I watched episodes of "The Good Wife." Later, I went to Mother's to put drops in her eyes.
Wow, what a wonderfully cool day for July! Temp in our county was in the 70s.
Monday, July 14, 2014
Monday, July 14
Up at 6 a.m. to get ready to go to water aerobics. Muggy morning for the drive to the college. Had to detour through the parking lot in front of the chapel again to get to the parking lot near the gym, since road workers still have that four-way stop torn up.
The water was chillier today than it was Friday, so it took a while to get used to it. But I had a good workout. Road work seems to be the order of the day, because it was happening on the road home, too, where I was stopped for a while, as a road grader did its job on one of the lanes. Got back home around 9 a.m.
Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house shortly after I returned. I washed green beans, and she and Hubbie snapped them while I got ready for the day.
Mother diced an onion and a few banana peppers, which I added to the beans, along with cans of chicken and beef broths, and spices. I simmered the beans for a while.
Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle after that, and I called the other two members of our scrapbook club to remind them of our meeting this Thursday. Whenever I call the ladies, I make sure I have plenty of time to chat, because they both like to talk, which is understandable, since they are both widows. They both have family close by, and they lead very active lives, but I imagine it still gets pretty lonely when they are at home, so they welcome phone calls.
After lunch...Ramen noodle soup for Mother, and burgers for Hubbie and me...we didn't accomplish much for the afternoon. Mid-afternoon I started a pot of spaghetti sauce simmering, adding a can of diced tomatoes, and a couple of scoops of beans and ham.
As I was making the sauce, Hubbie's niece and great-niece dropped by. Niece was returning an ice chest we loaned her for Great-Niece's birthday party. They visited for a while, and then went grocery shopping, because Great-Niece wanted a watermelon.
Not long after I got the sauce started, a thunderstorm cropped up. It got very dark. Lightning and thunder soon followed, along with a call telling us a severe thunderstorm was imminent. No kidding. The storm dropped an inch of rain, but fortunately our power stayed on.
Later, I cooked macaroni for the sauce, and we had the pasta with helpings of the green beans, and a side of cottage cheese. After supper, I bagged some of the beans, and a couple of jars of the sauce, for the freezer.
When Mother was ready to go home after supper, Hubbie accompanied her, then he and I watched episodes of "The Good Wife." Around 8:30, one of the scrapbook club members called to say a friend had died over the weekend, and there is to be a memorial service on Thursday afternoon, so she will not be able to come to the meeting.
Went to Mother's house after the phone call to put drops in her eyes.
The water was chillier today than it was Friday, so it took a while to get used to it. But I had a good workout. Road work seems to be the order of the day, because it was happening on the road home, too, where I was stopped for a while, as a road grader did its job on one of the lanes. Got back home around 9 a.m.
Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house shortly after I returned. I washed green beans, and she and Hubbie snapped them while I got ready for the day.
Mother diced an onion and a few banana peppers, which I added to the beans, along with cans of chicken and beef broths, and spices. I simmered the beans for a while.
Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle after that, and I called the other two members of our scrapbook club to remind them of our meeting this Thursday. Whenever I call the ladies, I make sure I have plenty of time to chat, because they both like to talk, which is understandable, since they are both widows. They both have family close by, and they lead very active lives, but I imagine it still gets pretty lonely when they are at home, so they welcome phone calls.
After lunch...Ramen noodle soup for Mother, and burgers for Hubbie and me...we didn't accomplish much for the afternoon. Mid-afternoon I started a pot of spaghetti sauce simmering, adding a can of diced tomatoes, and a couple of scoops of beans and ham.
As I was making the sauce, Hubbie's niece and great-niece dropped by. Niece was returning an ice chest we loaned her for Great-Niece's birthday party. They visited for a while, and then went grocery shopping, because Great-Niece wanted a watermelon.
Not long after I got the sauce started, a thunderstorm cropped up. It got very dark. Lightning and thunder soon followed, along with a call telling us a severe thunderstorm was imminent. No kidding. The storm dropped an inch of rain, but fortunately our power stayed on.
Later, I cooked macaroni for the sauce, and we had the pasta with helpings of the green beans, and a side of cottage cheese. After supper, I bagged some of the beans, and a couple of jars of the sauce, for the freezer.
When Mother was ready to go home after supper, Hubbie accompanied her, then he and I watched episodes of "The Good Wife." Around 8:30, one of the scrapbook club members called to say a friend had died over the weekend, and there is to be a memorial service on Thursday afternoon, so she will not be able to come to the meeting.
Went to Mother's house after the phone call to put drops in her eyes.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Sunday, July 13
Up at 8 a.m., but skipped my exercises and went ahead and got ready for the day. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house around 9:30, and we did our usual Sunday morning stuff.
Close to 11 a.m., Hubbie went to the WDCS to pick up a rotisserie chicken for lunch, since I didn't have a plan for today. At noon, we had the chicken with baked potatoes, and sliced tomatoes and cucumbers.
Afterward, Mother and I changed into clothes suitable for attending a play. Hubbie and I agreed to usher the show..."Nunsense"...presented by our local community theater. So we were to be there by 1:15. We left the house around a quarter to twelve.
When we arrived, we saw that we needed to help collate programs. Seems the audiences for this production were bigger than expected, so new programs had to be printed. Also, whoever got the information together for the programs inadvertently left out the name of the young man who recently won an award as the biggest fan of our state football team. He had a walk-on part in the play as a monk.
There were still some programs left from last night's performance, which were at the ticket table, but if anyone tried to pick one up, he practically dragged them over to me to get a program, since I had the ones with his name in them.
Finally, the director of the play herded him back to the off-stage area. Then she remarked that he has caused problems in the past by being officious. I remember one time when he was ushering, he would insist that people sit in certain rows of the theater, rather than letting them choose their own seating. When he did this, I went to the folks and told them that they could get up and move to whatever part of the theater they wanted.
Before the theater doors opened, I asked the director if I could seat Mother, because I thought it would be easier to get her out of the wheelchair and up the couple of steps to comfortable seating before people began arriving. The director said this would be fine. So Mother was treated to some pre-show rehearsals.
The doors opened at 2 p.m., so once Hubbie and I had finished taking tickets and handing out programs, we went into the theater. There were no seats available where Mother was, so we had to go to the top tier of seats.
Wow, it was hot in that theater! Obviously, the air conditioning was not on, probably because there are no classes on campus right now. There were big fans, but they didn't stir the air up where we were seated.
The play was wonderful...very professionally done. We knew several of the actors, some of whom I served with on the board.
Before the play began, there was the usual announcement to turn off cell phones. Well, the lady seated beside me just couldn't resist checking her social network page. Cell phones are exceedingly bright in a darkened theater...very distracting.
So I shaded my eyes with my program to block the light. Every time, she checked the phone, I threw the program up to my face. She finally got the message and quit checking it. Why must people be so rude? Surely there is nothing so important that we can't set aside our cell phones for an hour or so. If there is, we should stay home and tend to it.
The performance ended around 4:30. We waited until most folks had left before we helped Mother down the steps and into the wheelchair. Before we came home, we stopped by a fast food restaurant to cool off with cups of frosty ice cream. Chocolate for Mother and me, of course.
We waited until we got back home to enjoy the ice cream, and then Mother stayed to watch a movie with us. She has had a good couple of days...going to the new farmer's market downtown yesterday, followed by breakfast at the hospital, and then to a play today, followed by having a cup of frosty ice cream.
Mother was ready to go home after the movie, so Hubbie accompanied her. Then he and I watched episodes of "The Good Wife." Later, I went to Mother's house to put drops in her eyes.
Wow! It was hot and humid today. So far this summer has been pretty mild, but today felt like a typical July day in the south. Cooler weather is on the way, though, according to the weatherman.
Close to 11 a.m., Hubbie went to the WDCS to pick up a rotisserie chicken for lunch, since I didn't have a plan for today. At noon, we had the chicken with baked potatoes, and sliced tomatoes and cucumbers.
Afterward, Mother and I changed into clothes suitable for attending a play. Hubbie and I agreed to usher the show..."Nunsense"...presented by our local community theater. So we were to be there by 1:15. We left the house around a quarter to twelve.
When we arrived, we saw that we needed to help collate programs. Seems the audiences for this production were bigger than expected, so new programs had to be printed. Also, whoever got the information together for the programs inadvertently left out the name of the young man who recently won an award as the biggest fan of our state football team. He had a walk-on part in the play as a monk.
There were still some programs left from last night's performance, which were at the ticket table, but if anyone tried to pick one up, he practically dragged them over to me to get a program, since I had the ones with his name in them.
Finally, the director of the play herded him back to the off-stage area. Then she remarked that he has caused problems in the past by being officious. I remember one time when he was ushering, he would insist that people sit in certain rows of the theater, rather than letting them choose their own seating. When he did this, I went to the folks and told them that they could get up and move to whatever part of the theater they wanted.
Before the theater doors opened, I asked the director if I could seat Mother, because I thought it would be easier to get her out of the wheelchair and up the couple of steps to comfortable seating before people began arriving. The director said this would be fine. So Mother was treated to some pre-show rehearsals.
The doors opened at 2 p.m., so once Hubbie and I had finished taking tickets and handing out programs, we went into the theater. There were no seats available where Mother was, so we had to go to the top tier of seats.
Wow, it was hot in that theater! Obviously, the air conditioning was not on, probably because there are no classes on campus right now. There were big fans, but they didn't stir the air up where we were seated.
The play was wonderful...very professionally done. We knew several of the actors, some of whom I served with on the board.
Before the play began, there was the usual announcement to turn off cell phones. Well, the lady seated beside me just couldn't resist checking her social network page. Cell phones are exceedingly bright in a darkened theater...very distracting.
So I shaded my eyes with my program to block the light. Every time, she checked the phone, I threw the program up to my face. She finally got the message and quit checking it. Why must people be so rude? Surely there is nothing so important that we can't set aside our cell phones for an hour or so. If there is, we should stay home and tend to it.
The performance ended around 4:30. We waited until most folks had left before we helped Mother down the steps and into the wheelchair. Before we came home, we stopped by a fast food restaurant to cool off with cups of frosty ice cream. Chocolate for Mother and me, of course.
We waited until we got back home to enjoy the ice cream, and then Mother stayed to watch a movie with us. She has had a good couple of days...going to the new farmer's market downtown yesterday, followed by breakfast at the hospital, and then to a play today, followed by having a cup of frosty ice cream.
Mother was ready to go home after the movie, so Hubbie accompanied her. Then he and I watched episodes of "The Good Wife." Later, I went to Mother's house to put drops in her eyes.
Wow! It was hot and humid today. So far this summer has been pretty mild, but today felt like a typical July day in the south. Cooler weather is on the way, though, according to the weatherman.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Saturday, July 12
We were up at 7 a.m. so we could get ready to go to the monthly downtown farmer's market at the pocket park. This is a new endeavor by the downtown merchants association to lure folks to main street downtown.
We left the house at 7:30, and arrived downtown in time to snag one of the new pull-in parking spaces right in front of the pocket park. So it was fairly convenient to get Mother into her wheelchair. There is a low curb there, but Hubbie was able to lift the chair over it. I'm thinking I need to contact the powers that be to suggest they add a curb cut and some handicap spaces in that area.
Lots of folks had, like us, arrived early and were already milling around the pocket park, even though the vendors were still setting up.
Aside from locally grown/organic vegetables, there were also homemade jams and jellies, homemade breads and pastries, flowers, handmade jewelry, and other goods. I was tempted by a loaf of sun-dried tomato bread, but opted against it, since I figured Sis might make this kind.
I did buy a one-dollar box of small yellow squash, a couple of cucumbers, and a baggie of organic lemon-berry muffins. I bought the muffins, because they were being sold by a couple of little girls...daughters of a woman I know from Caring Hands Hospice.
In chatting with her, I learned that after she had her baby a few years ago, she began cooking organic, because the baby had some sort of stomach problem. The pediatrician said she could prescribe medication, or the mother could try organic cooking. She opted for organic, and the baby's problem soon disappeared.
After visiting the farmer's market, we went to the hospital cafeteria for breakfast, where we got scrambled eggs, a biscuit and gravy, and bacon, plus cups of coffee. Cost: a little over $5 total for the three of us.
We were back home by 9:30. I set up a new jigsaw puzzle for Mother to work on, and Hubbie went out to the yard. I spent my time planning meals and making lists for a future trip.
We weren't hungry by lunchtime. Around 1 p.m. Hubbie and I ate muffins, orange juice, and coffee. Mother only wanted coffee.
After lunch, Hubbie and I went to get the truck washed, because we had a $7 coupon for the automatic service, acquired as part of a prize at a Literacy Council bingo event recently. Ordinarily, I wouldn't be interested in going to a car wash, but Hubbie seemed reluctant to go alone, so I assured him it was just the thing I wanted to do.
Even after the wash, though, there were still streaks of dirt on the truck...tree sap, really, which isn't easy to remove. So when we got back home, Hubbie had to get out the old bucket and brush to finish the job.
I spent a lazy afternoon reading the newspaper, and a novel on my e-tablet. I had really meant to snap and cook beans for the freezer this afternoon, but forgot them. Guess now I'll wait until Monday.
For supper, we had leftover ham and beans, sautéed zucchini squash, and sliced cucumbers and tomatoes, along with a choice of cornbread or biscuits.
Mother was ready to go home shortly afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her.
We left the house at 7:30, and arrived downtown in time to snag one of the new pull-in parking spaces right in front of the pocket park. So it was fairly convenient to get Mother into her wheelchair. There is a low curb there, but Hubbie was able to lift the chair over it. I'm thinking I need to contact the powers that be to suggest they add a curb cut and some handicap spaces in that area.
Lots of folks had, like us, arrived early and were already milling around the pocket park, even though the vendors were still setting up.
Aside from locally grown/organic vegetables, there were also homemade jams and jellies, homemade breads and pastries, flowers, handmade jewelry, and other goods. I was tempted by a loaf of sun-dried tomato bread, but opted against it, since I figured Sis might make this kind.
I did buy a one-dollar box of small yellow squash, a couple of cucumbers, and a baggie of organic lemon-berry muffins. I bought the muffins, because they were being sold by a couple of little girls...daughters of a woman I know from Caring Hands Hospice.
In chatting with her, I learned that after she had her baby a few years ago, she began cooking organic, because the baby had some sort of stomach problem. The pediatrician said she could prescribe medication, or the mother could try organic cooking. She opted for organic, and the baby's problem soon disappeared.
After visiting the farmer's market, we went to the hospital cafeteria for breakfast, where we got scrambled eggs, a biscuit and gravy, and bacon, plus cups of coffee. Cost: a little over $5 total for the three of us.
We were back home by 9:30. I set up a new jigsaw puzzle for Mother to work on, and Hubbie went out to the yard. I spent my time planning meals and making lists for a future trip.
We weren't hungry by lunchtime. Around 1 p.m. Hubbie and I ate muffins, orange juice, and coffee. Mother only wanted coffee.
After lunch, Hubbie and I went to get the truck washed, because we had a $7 coupon for the automatic service, acquired as part of a prize at a Literacy Council bingo event recently. Ordinarily, I wouldn't be interested in going to a car wash, but Hubbie seemed reluctant to go alone, so I assured him it was just the thing I wanted to do.
Even after the wash, though, there were still streaks of dirt on the truck...tree sap, really, which isn't easy to remove. So when we got back home, Hubbie had to get out the old bucket and brush to finish the job.
I spent a lazy afternoon reading the newspaper, and a novel on my e-tablet. I had really meant to snap and cook beans for the freezer this afternoon, but forgot them. Guess now I'll wait until Monday.
For supper, we had leftover ham and beans, sautéed zucchini squash, and sliced cucumbers and tomatoes, along with a choice of cornbread or biscuits.
Mother was ready to go home shortly afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Friday, July 11
Up at 6 a.m. to get ready to go to water aerobics. For the past week or so, a road crew has been working right at the intersection of the road where I normally turn to go to the gym. So I've been forced to drive through the parking lot in front of the college chapel to get to the road leading to the parking lot near the gym.
It was cloudy and a bit muggy this morning, but pretty nice for walking to the gym. The pool, however, was a bit chilly today, though it was okay once I got used to it. A dozen of us attended the session.
Funny: during the session, the leader instructed..."touch your toes, ladies, and if you can't touch your own, touch someone else's."
Back home afterward, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and she went to her jigsaw puzzle, while I got ready for the day. In the meantime, Hubbie ran errands and met an appointment for a haircut. Since his barber died, he has been using the same hairdresser as I do.
Once I was dressed, it was close to 11:30, so I prepared lunch.
Afterward, around 1 p.m., I took Mother to meet a doctor's appointment. She has had problems with overgrown tough toenails. She had this problem once before, and it was necessary to visit a podiatrist. Today we learned that she needs to again.
I haven't seen Mother's feet in a few months, so I had no idea how much her toenails had grown...so much so that they are curled over her other toes. I don't know why she didn't alert me to this earlier. I would have known it if I was still helping her bathe, but she insisted some time ago that she wanted to take care of herself.
After I saw her feet at the doctor's office, I felt terrible.. like I've been absolutely neglectful. As thick as her nails are, it's doubtful I could have trimmed them, anyway...even the doctor couldn't deal with them...but I could have seen she got help sooner. After she sees the podiatrist, I'll be more observant, and insist on inspecting her feet from time-to-time. Mother's toes aren't giving her any pain, but they sure are unsightly.
While we were gone, Hubbie took the truck to the shop for an oil change. We arrived in our driveway at the same time after Mother and I returned from her appointment, and Hubbie got back from the shop.
Hubbie said he discovered something unusual while he was gone, and when he opened the back of the truck, I heard a cat wailing. Hubbie coaxed it out, and I saw that it was our black yard cat. We don't know when she got in there...maybe a couple of days ago. We're so glad the temperature has been moderate for a few days. She might have perished if the temp had risen into the high 90s, as it typically does in July here in the south.
We didn't accomplish anything for the rest of the afternoon. For supper, we put together a breakfast casserole. Mother sliced mushrooms, onions, and bell pepper, which I sautéed. She also diced leftover potatoes, and a slice of ham. We layered the potatoes and ham, the seasoned sautéed veggies, egg substitute, French bread that I had crumbed in the blender, and Monterey Jack cheese that Mother had shredded. Baked the dish at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes.
I heated white gravy left from yesterday, and baked a can of biscuits. Served the meal with a side of sliced cantaloupe, and cups of coffee.
Mother was ready to go home shortly afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. Later, I went to her house and put drops in her eyes.
Then we continued binge watching "The Good Wife" episodes.
It was cloudy and a bit muggy this morning, but pretty nice for walking to the gym. The pool, however, was a bit chilly today, though it was okay once I got used to it. A dozen of us attended the session.
Funny: during the session, the leader instructed..."touch your toes, ladies, and if you can't touch your own, touch someone else's."
Back home afterward, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and she went to her jigsaw puzzle, while I got ready for the day. In the meantime, Hubbie ran errands and met an appointment for a haircut. Since his barber died, he has been using the same hairdresser as I do.
Once I was dressed, it was close to 11:30, so I prepared lunch.
Afterward, around 1 p.m., I took Mother to meet a doctor's appointment. She has had problems with overgrown tough toenails. She had this problem once before, and it was necessary to visit a podiatrist. Today we learned that she needs to again.
I haven't seen Mother's feet in a few months, so I had no idea how much her toenails had grown...so much so that they are curled over her other toes. I don't know why she didn't alert me to this earlier. I would have known it if I was still helping her bathe, but she insisted some time ago that she wanted to take care of herself.
After I saw her feet at the doctor's office, I felt terrible.. like I've been absolutely neglectful. As thick as her nails are, it's doubtful I could have trimmed them, anyway...even the doctor couldn't deal with them...but I could have seen she got help sooner. After she sees the podiatrist, I'll be more observant, and insist on inspecting her feet from time-to-time. Mother's toes aren't giving her any pain, but they sure are unsightly.
While we were gone, Hubbie took the truck to the shop for an oil change. We arrived in our driveway at the same time after Mother and I returned from her appointment, and Hubbie got back from the shop.
Hubbie said he discovered something unusual while he was gone, and when he opened the back of the truck, I heard a cat wailing. Hubbie coaxed it out, and I saw that it was our black yard cat. We don't know when she got in there...maybe a couple of days ago. We're so glad the temperature has been moderate for a few days. She might have perished if the temp had risen into the high 90s, as it typically does in July here in the south.
We didn't accomplish anything for the rest of the afternoon. For supper, we put together a breakfast casserole. Mother sliced mushrooms, onions, and bell pepper, which I sautéed. She also diced leftover potatoes, and a slice of ham. We layered the potatoes and ham, the seasoned sautéed veggies, egg substitute, French bread that I had crumbed in the blender, and Monterey Jack cheese that Mother had shredded. Baked the dish at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes.
I heated white gravy left from yesterday, and baked a can of biscuits. Served the meal with a side of sliced cantaloupe, and cups of coffee.
Mother was ready to go home shortly afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. Later, I went to her house and put drops in her eyes.
Then we continued binge watching "The Good Wife" episodes.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Thursday, July 10
Up around 7:30, and did stair stepping exercises after breakfast. The computer shop called just after 8 a.m. to say my laptop was ready to pick up. I was pretty surprised that it had been repaired that soon, and said so. The staff member said that the owner stayed late last night to fix not only my laptop, but several others plagued with the same virus.
Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house around 9 a.m., and then he got ready to go to a 10 a.m. Master Gardener meeting.
Before I went upstairs, I washed carrots and banana peppers, and set out an onion for Mother to dice. I also set out slices of ham to be cubed. Once I was ready for the day, I started pinto beans cooking with cans of chicken and beef broth, the veggies and ham, and spices...pepper, no salt seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder.
Did this and that around the house after that until lunchtime. One thing I did was make a doctor appointment for Mother, who is having a problem with an overgrown toenail. This has happened before, and she was referred to a podiatrist. I'm sure that will be the case again.
For lunch, Mother had Ramen noodle soup, and Hubbie and I had burgers left from last night. Hubbie returned from his meeting just before noon.
After lunch, Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle, and Hubbie and I ran errands...to the newspaper office to leave this week's word search puzzle contest; to the Chamber of Commerce to pick up this month's slick magazine about events around town; then to the computer shop in a nearby town. There was no charge for the laptop repair.
At the shop, a little Pomeranian dog greeted us at the door. She is so cute and friendly. Hubbie and I really enjoyed her. Her owner, the staff member who called me this morning, said the dog recently had puppies, all of which now have homes except two males. We are not interested in another pup, but if we were, I'd be tempted by one of these.
From the computer shop, we visited a couple of roadside veggie stands. I picked up a box of green beans at one (on the honor system, where we put our money in a coffee can), and at another, we got tomatoes, zucchini squash, and more green beans.
Then we went to the WDCS for a few groceries before coming back home. At home, I washed the zucchini, adding a couple of squashes from our garden, and Mother sliced them, along with an onion. I sautéed the squash for supper.
Later, we had the squash, with the beans and ham, leftover Parmesan potatoes, and sliced tomatoes, as well as cornbread for Hubbie and Mother.
Shortly after supper, Mother was ready to go home, so Hubbie accompanied her. Later, I went to her house to put drops in her eyes.
Hubbie and I spent the evening watching "The Good Wife" episodes.
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On the way home yesterday, we were aggravated when we saw folks in a pickup truck ahead of us toss drink cups out of their window....just yards down the road, a sign warned that there is a $1000 fine for littering.
There was no license plate on the truck, or I would have been tempted to report it. Probably wouldn't have done any good, though, since I couldn't prove they littered. I suppose the only way a fine can be enforced is if a cop catches the litter bug. But what fool would toss litter out a window if they know a cop is trailing them?
Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house around 9 a.m., and then he got ready to go to a 10 a.m. Master Gardener meeting.
Before I went upstairs, I washed carrots and banana peppers, and set out an onion for Mother to dice. I also set out slices of ham to be cubed. Once I was ready for the day, I started pinto beans cooking with cans of chicken and beef broth, the veggies and ham, and spices...pepper, no salt seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder.
Did this and that around the house after that until lunchtime. One thing I did was make a doctor appointment for Mother, who is having a problem with an overgrown toenail. This has happened before, and she was referred to a podiatrist. I'm sure that will be the case again.
For lunch, Mother had Ramen noodle soup, and Hubbie and I had burgers left from last night. Hubbie returned from his meeting just before noon.
After lunch, Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle, and Hubbie and I ran errands...to the newspaper office to leave this week's word search puzzle contest; to the Chamber of Commerce to pick up this month's slick magazine about events around town; then to the computer shop in a nearby town. There was no charge for the laptop repair.
At the shop, a little Pomeranian dog greeted us at the door. She is so cute and friendly. Hubbie and I really enjoyed her. Her owner, the staff member who called me this morning, said the dog recently had puppies, all of which now have homes except two males. We are not interested in another pup, but if we were, I'd be tempted by one of these.
From the computer shop, we visited a couple of roadside veggie stands. I picked up a box of green beans at one (on the honor system, where we put our money in a coffee can), and at another, we got tomatoes, zucchini squash, and more green beans.
Then we went to the WDCS for a few groceries before coming back home. At home, I washed the zucchini, adding a couple of squashes from our garden, and Mother sliced them, along with an onion. I sautéed the squash for supper.
Later, we had the squash, with the beans and ham, leftover Parmesan potatoes, and sliced tomatoes, as well as cornbread for Hubbie and Mother.
Shortly after supper, Mother was ready to go home, so Hubbie accompanied her. Later, I went to her house to put drops in her eyes.
Hubbie and I spent the evening watching "The Good Wife" episodes.
*********************************************************
On the way home yesterday, we were aggravated when we saw folks in a pickup truck ahead of us toss drink cups out of their window....just yards down the road, a sign warned that there is a $1000 fine for littering.
There was no license plate on the truck, or I would have been tempted to report it. Probably wouldn't have done any good, though, since I couldn't prove they littered. I suppose the only way a fine can be enforced is if a cop catches the litter bug. But what fool would toss litter out a window if they know a cop is trailing them?
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Wednesday, July 9
Up at 6 a.m. to get ready to go to water aerobics. It was a humid morning, but not bad for the walk to the gym. Thirteen of us attended today. The pool was cooler, but still pleasant, and I enjoyed it.
Back home afterward, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and she sorted pinto beans, while I got ready for the day. I spent the rest of the morning doing this and that, including a couple of loads of laundry.
I also called the computer store about not being able to access the Internet. I was told that Windows 7 is prone to a pesky virus, and I'd need to take my laptop in. What a bummer!
After a sandwich lunch, Hubbie and I took the laptop to the shop. The guy who owns the shop, and also repairs computers, was not expected to return until late this afternoon or in the morning.
So we left the laptop and went up the road to look for cantaloupes. Found a wagon load of them in the yard of our favorite grower. No one was there, but there was a sign telling customers to select what they wanted and leave the money in the coffee can provided.
I wonder where but in a small southern town could fresh produce be sold on the side of the road using an honor system like this? Apparently, there are plenty of honest folks in this area, though, because there was quite a bit of money in the can.
Back home, I didn't accomplish much for the rest of the afternoon except play on my tablet and read newspapers and my novel.
Later, Mother joined me in the kitchen, and we started supper preparations. I washed potatoes, which she halved for a baked Parmesan potato recipe. She also sliced a tomato and a Vidalia onion for burgers, and then she pattied hamburger.
Around 4 p.m., I put the potatoes in the oven, and twenty minutes before 5 p.m., cooked the burgers...beef for Hubbie, and turkey for Mother and me. I topped them all with cheese.
It was a good meal. This is what we call a fun meal, which we would ordinarily have on Saturday. In fact I'd planned to have it last Saturday, while Daughter was here, but we opted for leftovers instead that day, so I decided to have it tonight.
Shortly after supper, Mother was ready to go home, so Hubbie accompanied her. Then we watched "The Good Wife" episodes. Later, I went to Mother's house to put drops in her eyes.
Note: both times I tried to wake Mother up...to help in the kitchen, and then to eat...I had to practically shout to rouse her, because she was so deeply asleep. I wouldn't have disturbed her to help in the kitchen, if I hadn't known she'd have been unhappy not to help.
Back home afterward, Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house, and she sorted pinto beans, while I got ready for the day. I spent the rest of the morning doing this and that, including a couple of loads of laundry.
I also called the computer store about not being able to access the Internet. I was told that Windows 7 is prone to a pesky virus, and I'd need to take my laptop in. What a bummer!
After a sandwich lunch, Hubbie and I took the laptop to the shop. The guy who owns the shop, and also repairs computers, was not expected to return until late this afternoon or in the morning.
So we left the laptop and went up the road to look for cantaloupes. Found a wagon load of them in the yard of our favorite grower. No one was there, but there was a sign telling customers to select what they wanted and leave the money in the coffee can provided.
I wonder where but in a small southern town could fresh produce be sold on the side of the road using an honor system like this? Apparently, there are plenty of honest folks in this area, though, because there was quite a bit of money in the can.
Back home, I didn't accomplish much for the rest of the afternoon except play on my tablet and read newspapers and my novel.
Later, Mother joined me in the kitchen, and we started supper preparations. I washed potatoes, which she halved for a baked Parmesan potato recipe. She also sliced a tomato and a Vidalia onion for burgers, and then she pattied hamburger.
Around 4 p.m., I put the potatoes in the oven, and twenty minutes before 5 p.m., cooked the burgers...beef for Hubbie, and turkey for Mother and me. I topped them all with cheese.
It was a good meal. This is what we call a fun meal, which we would ordinarily have on Saturday. In fact I'd planned to have it last Saturday, while Daughter was here, but we opted for leftovers instead that day, so I decided to have it tonight.
Shortly after supper, Mother was ready to go home, so Hubbie accompanied her. Then we watched "The Good Wife" episodes. Later, I went to Mother's house to put drops in her eyes.
Note: both times I tried to wake Mother up...to help in the kitchen, and then to eat...I had to practically shout to rouse her, because she was so deeply asleep. I wouldn't have disturbed her to help in the kitchen, if I hadn't known she'd have been unhappy not to help.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Tuesday, July 6
Up at 7:30, and did stair stepping, resistance band and weights exercises after breakfast. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house around 9:30, and she went to her puzzle, while I got ready for the day.
I did this and that around the house until 11 a.m., when I prepared a sandwich lunch for Mother. She could have gone with us to the noon luncheon/talk at the hospital, but she preferred to stay home.
Hubbie and I left just after 11:30 to go to the hospital. Today's presenter, a radiation therapy doctor, is the husband of one of the Master Gardeners. His talk revolved mainly around a new radiation unit the hospital has recently installed. He gave us a lot of info on the structure of cancer, by way of explaining how accurately the machine pinpoints the affected area, while not damaging surrounding tissue.
The talk was a sales pitch in some respects, trying to encourage cancer patients to utilize thid hospital, rather than assuming hospitals in our Capital City are the only ones with state-of-the-art equipment.
I was amused when the doctor related the frustrations of removing the old machine and getting the new one installed. Everything that could go wrong, did, of course. Reminded me of our own home improvement project.
Today's lunch was pretty much the usual...chicken in a white sauce, oven fried potatoes, green bean/wax bean/carrot medley, rolls, and fresh fruit medley.
Back home, I posted photos to my social network page using my old laptop, because I couldn't figure out how to import photos to my new laptop. Later, I called the computer shop to find out how to do it. It's quite a bit different from my old one.
Now tonight the new laptop won't let me access the Internet, so I'll have to call the shop again tomorrow.
At 3 p.m. today, Mother and I went to the beauty shop. Nothing much going on there, except that my hairdresser has a foot problem. She's unwilling to see a doctor right now, though. Like most of us do in similar circumstances, she's hoping the pain will just go away. But the way she was limping, she was in obvious pain. I'm sure standing on her feet all day isn't helping.
At home again, I relaxed and read newspapers until time to prepare supper. Tonight, I made a little more white gravy to add to what was leftover from last night, and we had it over biscuits. Served cantaloupe on the side, and cups of coffee.
Mother was ready to go home afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. Then he and I watched episodes of "The Good Wife."
Later, I went to Mother's house to put drops in her eyes. I took her a helping of instant chocolate pudding that I made earlier, and Cool Whip for a snack.
I did this and that around the house until 11 a.m., when I prepared a sandwich lunch for Mother. She could have gone with us to the noon luncheon/talk at the hospital, but she preferred to stay home.
Hubbie and I left just after 11:30 to go to the hospital. Today's presenter, a radiation therapy doctor, is the husband of one of the Master Gardeners. His talk revolved mainly around a new radiation unit the hospital has recently installed. He gave us a lot of info on the structure of cancer, by way of explaining how accurately the machine pinpoints the affected area, while not damaging surrounding tissue.
The talk was a sales pitch in some respects, trying to encourage cancer patients to utilize thid hospital, rather than assuming hospitals in our Capital City are the only ones with state-of-the-art equipment.
I was amused when the doctor related the frustrations of removing the old machine and getting the new one installed. Everything that could go wrong, did, of course. Reminded me of our own home improvement project.
Today's lunch was pretty much the usual...chicken in a white sauce, oven fried potatoes, green bean/wax bean/carrot medley, rolls, and fresh fruit medley.
Back home, I posted photos to my social network page using my old laptop, because I couldn't figure out how to import photos to my new laptop. Later, I called the computer shop to find out how to do it. It's quite a bit different from my old one.
Now tonight the new laptop won't let me access the Internet, so I'll have to call the shop again tomorrow.
At 3 p.m. today, Mother and I went to the beauty shop. Nothing much going on there, except that my hairdresser has a foot problem. She's unwilling to see a doctor right now, though. Like most of us do in similar circumstances, she's hoping the pain will just go away. But the way she was limping, she was in obvious pain. I'm sure standing on her feet all day isn't helping.
At home again, I relaxed and read newspapers until time to prepare supper. Tonight, I made a little more white gravy to add to what was leftover from last night, and we had it over biscuits. Served cantaloupe on the side, and cups of coffee.
Mother was ready to go home afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. Then he and I watched episodes of "The Good Wife."
Later, I went to Mother's house to put drops in her eyes. I took her a helping of instant chocolate pudding that I made earlier, and Cool Whip for a snack.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Monday, July 7
Up at 6 a.m. to get ready to go to water aerobics. I've been away from it for two weeks, so it was high time I got back to it.
Sixteen of us attended this morning. The pool was scrumptiously warm, and I enjoyed being in it. Our regular leader recently had knee surgery, so she will be absent for several weeks. Two other ladies split leadership duties. One led the aerobics session, the other led the water noodle session.
We are amused, because the lady who insisted on doing the aerobics sessions is someone who rarely attended aerobics when our regular leader was there. But she is interested in being in the limelight, so she volunteered for the job. It's just as well she volunteered, because no one else wants the responsibility. Certainly, I don't want it. So I'll suffer this lady, even though she can't seem to remember the regular routine, and just makes stuff up as she goes along
.
It was just as well that I missed the only two days there were sessions last week, since the pool was chilly both days. I wasn't the only one who missed...last Wednesday, only eight attended.
Today, we were brought up to date on three ladies who are no longer attending. Two of them are in their 80s, and both have medical problems that have forced them into nursing homes. One has Alzheimer's Disease.
One of these ladies learned to drive after her husband died about ten years ago. We thought that was very courageous. Most women, having never driven in their lives, wouldn't attempt it in their senior years.
Another lady, in her 70s, has also been having medical problems. She has been in a hospital for several weeks, and recently was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. This one bothers me the most, because she was the strongest one of our group
.
She always arrived at the pool early and did lap swimming (she was once an Olympic swimming hopeful, though she didn't get to compete). She also owned cattle that she cared for on her own. She was very strong, and we all admired her.
Back home after aerobics, Hubbie said the guy who is to lay a new floor in the sunroom had come while I was at water aerobics. He estimated the amount of tile we will need, and gave us an estimate for doing the job.
When he came into the sunroom, he noticed three cats scurry away into the house. So he asked if the cats would be around while he worked, because it seems he's allergic to them. He said that he and his wife used to have cats, but had to get rid of them when he started reacting to them.
Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house shortly after I came home, and then he put color in my hair in anticipation of a haircut appointment tomorrow afternoon.
It was close to noon by the time I was ready for the day. After a sandwich lunch, Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle, while Hubbie and I ran errands
We went first to the library to return a couple of DVDs. A thunderstorm cropped up just as we arrived at the library. I nearly jumped out of my skin when a streak of lightning, followed immediately by a crash of thunder, occurred just as Hubbie was walking across the parking lot. He seemed not to even notice it, though.
From the library, we went to a flooring store to look at tile samples. I found one I like, but naturally it doesn't come in the size we need. So we continued our errands...to the bank, and to the pharmacy/grocery store to pick up a prescription, cartons of fat-free ice cream, and this week's free item, which was an energy bar.
Returned home after that to put the ice cream in the freezer. Then we went to the wholesale flooring store down the road from our house, where we found tile that will be okay in the sunroom. We brought a sample home to try in the room to try against the walls. It isn't quite the color I wanted. But as with any home improvement we've embarked upon, I've always had to compromise.
Then we went to a dollar store to find a birthday card, and finished our errands at the WDCS to pick up a few groceries.
Back home, I relaxed for a while. Around 4 p.m., I put veggies in the oven to heat...mashed potatoes, green beans, and yellow and zucchini squash. Later, I made a recipe of white gravy.
Mother was ready to go home afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. I went to her house to put drops in her eyes around 8:30.
Tonight's TV fare was episodes of "The Good Wife" on DVD. We've seen these shows, but Hubbie wanted to go back to the beginning of the series before we get the later episodes. We enjoy this show, but in the past few seasons, there has been a reality show that preceded it, so that half of every episode was cut. I finally quit recording it. Now we can binge watch it and catch up to date.
Sixteen of us attended this morning. The pool was scrumptiously warm, and I enjoyed being in it. Our regular leader recently had knee surgery, so she will be absent for several weeks. Two other ladies split leadership duties. One led the aerobics session, the other led the water noodle session.
We are amused, because the lady who insisted on doing the aerobics sessions is someone who rarely attended aerobics when our regular leader was there. But she is interested in being in the limelight, so she volunteered for the job. It's just as well she volunteered, because no one else wants the responsibility. Certainly, I don't want it. So I'll suffer this lady, even though she can't seem to remember the regular routine, and just makes stuff up as she goes along
.
It was just as well that I missed the only two days there were sessions last week, since the pool was chilly both days. I wasn't the only one who missed...last Wednesday, only eight attended.
Today, we were brought up to date on three ladies who are no longer attending. Two of them are in their 80s, and both have medical problems that have forced them into nursing homes. One has Alzheimer's Disease.
One of these ladies learned to drive after her husband died about ten years ago. We thought that was very courageous. Most women, having never driven in their lives, wouldn't attempt it in their senior years.
Another lady, in her 70s, has also been having medical problems. She has been in a hospital for several weeks, and recently was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. This one bothers me the most, because she was the strongest one of our group
.
She always arrived at the pool early and did lap swimming (she was once an Olympic swimming hopeful, though she didn't get to compete). She also owned cattle that she cared for on her own. She was very strong, and we all admired her.
Back home after aerobics, Hubbie said the guy who is to lay a new floor in the sunroom had come while I was at water aerobics. He estimated the amount of tile we will need, and gave us an estimate for doing the job.
When he came into the sunroom, he noticed three cats scurry away into the house. So he asked if the cats would be around while he worked, because it seems he's allergic to them. He said that he and his wife used to have cats, but had to get rid of them when he started reacting to them.
Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house shortly after I came home, and then he put color in my hair in anticipation of a haircut appointment tomorrow afternoon.
It was close to noon by the time I was ready for the day. After a sandwich lunch, Mother went to her jigsaw puzzle, while Hubbie and I ran errands
We went first to the library to return a couple of DVDs. A thunderstorm cropped up just as we arrived at the library. I nearly jumped out of my skin when a streak of lightning, followed immediately by a crash of thunder, occurred just as Hubbie was walking across the parking lot. He seemed not to even notice it, though.
From the library, we went to a flooring store to look at tile samples. I found one I like, but naturally it doesn't come in the size we need. So we continued our errands...to the bank, and to the pharmacy/grocery store to pick up a prescription, cartons of fat-free ice cream, and this week's free item, which was an energy bar.
Returned home after that to put the ice cream in the freezer. Then we went to the wholesale flooring store down the road from our house, where we found tile that will be okay in the sunroom. We brought a sample home to try in the room to try against the walls. It isn't quite the color I wanted. But as with any home improvement we've embarked upon, I've always had to compromise.
Then we went to a dollar store to find a birthday card, and finished our errands at the WDCS to pick up a few groceries.
Back home, I relaxed for a while. Around 4 p.m., I put veggies in the oven to heat...mashed potatoes, green beans, and yellow and zucchini squash. Later, I made a recipe of white gravy.
Mother was ready to go home afterward, so Hubbie accompanied her. I went to her house to put drops in her eyes around 8:30.
Tonight's TV fare was episodes of "The Good Wife" on DVD. We've seen these shows, but Hubbie wanted to go back to the beginning of the series before we get the later episodes. We enjoy this show, but in the past few seasons, there has been a reality show that preceded it, so that half of every episode was cut. I finally quit recording it. Now we can binge watch it and catch up to date.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Sunday, June 6
Up at 7:30 this morning. Skipped my exercises, as usual on Sunday. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house after breakfast, and after we did our usual Sunday morning stuff, we headed to the kitchen to begin lunch preparations.
Hubbie peeled potatoes, while Mother sliced green tomatoes that Daughter had provided. I began frying the tomatoes around 11 a.m., while Mother snapped beans that I washed earlier. There wasn't time to cook the beans before lunch, since there wasn't a large burner left for the Dutch oven, after one of them was being used to fry the tomatoes, and the other was occupied by a Dutch oven of potatoes.
While I did the tomatoes, I also started an electric fry pan of chicken breasts frying. While the food cooked, I woke Daughter up, after she'd snoozed until close to noon.
She woke with an appetite, and was ready for lunch by the time the tomatoes and chicken were done, and I got the potatoes mashed and made a pan of white gravy. Since the green beans weren't cooked by this time, I heated a can of whole kernel corn for a side dish.
We did absolutely nothing but visit and watch TV after lunch. Daughter was ready to head home around 5 p.m. She had a dish of peach cobbler and ice cream before she left, and since there was chicken salad, and a lot of egg salad left, I sent some of it home for her to have later. I also sent helpings of today's meal, and a container of the green beans, since I'd cooked more than we needed.
Mother was ready to go home shortly after Daughter left, so Hubbie accompanied her. I would have sent sandwich makings with her, but she insisted she'd eaten way too much at lunch and didn't want anything for supper except maybe a piece of toast, or some yogurt. Later, I went to her house to put drops in her eyes.
Hubbie and I watched a couple of movies this evening. The first was, "Prefontaine," a 1997 movie about the life of a long-distance runner and Olympic hopeful, who broke every imaginable record, before dying in an auto accident at the young age of 24. A very good biopic movie.
We followed that with a movie called, "The Cold Light of Day," starring Henry Cavill. Sigourney Weaver, and Bruce Willis. This PG-13, 2012 film is about a family that is kidnapped while on a sailing trip in Spain. Their grown son is onshore when it happens. When he goes in search of them, he is accosted by the police, and is rescued by his father. He learns that his father is an agent of some sort, and that foreign agents are after him, because he has something they want.
Hubbie peeled potatoes, while Mother sliced green tomatoes that Daughter had provided. I began frying the tomatoes around 11 a.m., while Mother snapped beans that I washed earlier. There wasn't time to cook the beans before lunch, since there wasn't a large burner left for the Dutch oven, after one of them was being used to fry the tomatoes, and the other was occupied by a Dutch oven of potatoes.
While I did the tomatoes, I also started an electric fry pan of chicken breasts frying. While the food cooked, I woke Daughter up, after she'd snoozed until close to noon.
She woke with an appetite, and was ready for lunch by the time the tomatoes and chicken were done, and I got the potatoes mashed and made a pan of white gravy. Since the green beans weren't cooked by this time, I heated a can of whole kernel corn for a side dish.
We did absolutely nothing but visit and watch TV after lunch. Daughter was ready to head home around 5 p.m. She had a dish of peach cobbler and ice cream before she left, and since there was chicken salad, and a lot of egg salad left, I sent some of it home for her to have later. I also sent helpings of today's meal, and a container of the green beans, since I'd cooked more than we needed.
Mother was ready to go home shortly after Daughter left, so Hubbie accompanied her. I would have sent sandwich makings with her, but she insisted she'd eaten way too much at lunch and didn't want anything for supper except maybe a piece of toast, or some yogurt. Later, I went to her house to put drops in her eyes.
Hubbie and I watched a couple of movies this evening. The first was, "Prefontaine," a 1997 movie about the life of a long-distance runner and Olympic hopeful, who broke every imaginable record, before dying in an auto accident at the young age of 24. A very good biopic movie.
We followed that with a movie called, "The Cold Light of Day," starring Henry Cavill. Sigourney Weaver, and Bruce Willis. This PG-13, 2012 film is about a family that is kidnapped while on a sailing trip in Spain. Their grown son is onshore when it happens. When he goes in search of them, he is accosted by the police, and is rescued by his father. He learns that his father is an agent of some sort, and that foreign agents are after him, because he has something they want.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Saturday, July 5
Up at 7:30 on this cool morning. Did stair stepping exercises after breakfast, but skipped the resistance band and weights, because they were in the spare bedroom, and I didn't want to disturb Daughter's sleep.
Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house around 9:30. None of us accomplished anything for the morning. Daughter woke around 11 a.m., and at noon we had sandwiches...a choice of chicken salad or egg salad...with chips.
Afterward, we decided to take advantage of the nice day and go on an outing. We went to a nearby state park to enjoy a view of the river, and go for a stroll on the brick walkways.
We wanted to tour the courthouse museum, but the interpreter was unable to open the door leading out to the wheelchair lift. Another staff member came and finally got the door open...seems that the facility had recently been renovated with new windows and a paint job to the window frames and doors, and the paint around the door sort of glued it shut. The door might as well have remained glued shut, because we discovered that the lift is out of order, anyway, and won't be repaired until September.
That meant that Mother could not get into the building. So she and Hubbie stayed in the gazebo while Daughter and I toured the museum. Daughter is the only one of us who hadn't toured the museum before.
We would have enjoyed the experience a whole lot more if the interpreter had stopped talking after her speech at the beginning of the tour, but she followed us around talking non-stop, not only about the history of the area and the exhibits displayed in various rooms, but about every aspect of her personal life. She absolutely wore our ears out.
At one point, Daughter asked a question, to which the interpreter responded, "I'll answer that in a minute. Just let me finish what I was talking about." She never did get around to answering the question.
We were glad that Hubbie and Mother were spared from having to listen to this woman. Someone needs to clue her in. I wonder if she is discouraging visits to the museum. She asked us to tell others about the museum, and while I think it's worth a visit, I'd hope that anyone who goes there doesn't get her as their guide.
After we got back home around 3 p.m., we watched a movie borrowed from the library, called "Evening." We'd all seen it before, but it was worth watching again.
Later, we had a supper of leftovers from yesterday, and then watched another movie...this was one I picked up at a big box store a few months ago. It's called, "Mrs. Pettigrew Lives for a Day." It's not an award winner, but it's cute, and we all enjoyed it.
After this movie, we indulged in peach cobbler and ice cream, then watched one-hour shows. I put drops in Mother's eyes while she was here.
Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house around 9:30. None of us accomplished anything for the morning. Daughter woke around 11 a.m., and at noon we had sandwiches...a choice of chicken salad or egg salad...with chips.
Afterward, we decided to take advantage of the nice day and go on an outing. We went to a nearby state park to enjoy a view of the river, and go for a stroll on the brick walkways.
We wanted to tour the courthouse museum, but the interpreter was unable to open the door leading out to the wheelchair lift. Another staff member came and finally got the door open...seems that the facility had recently been renovated with new windows and a paint job to the window frames and doors, and the paint around the door sort of glued it shut. The door might as well have remained glued shut, because we discovered that the lift is out of order, anyway, and won't be repaired until September.
That meant that Mother could not get into the building. So she and Hubbie stayed in the gazebo while Daughter and I toured the museum. Daughter is the only one of us who hadn't toured the museum before.
We would have enjoyed the experience a whole lot more if the interpreter had stopped talking after her speech at the beginning of the tour, but she followed us around talking non-stop, not only about the history of the area and the exhibits displayed in various rooms, but about every aspect of her personal life. She absolutely wore our ears out.
At one point, Daughter asked a question, to which the interpreter responded, "I'll answer that in a minute. Just let me finish what I was talking about." She never did get around to answering the question.
We were glad that Hubbie and Mother were spared from having to listen to this woman. Someone needs to clue her in. I wonder if she is discouraging visits to the museum. She asked us to tell others about the museum, and while I think it's worth a visit, I'd hope that anyone who goes there doesn't get her as their guide.
After we got back home around 3 p.m., we watched a movie borrowed from the library, called "Evening." We'd all seen it before, but it was worth watching again.
Later, we had a supper of leftovers from yesterday, and then watched another movie...this was one I picked up at a big box store a few months ago. It's called, "Mrs. Pettigrew Lives for a Day." It's not an award winner, but it's cute, and we all enjoyed it.
After this movie, we indulged in peach cobbler and ice cream, then watched one-hour shows. I put drops in Mother's eyes while she was here.
Friday, July 4, 2014
Friday, July 4
Happy Independence Day to all! Happy Birthday to our great nation!
Slept well last night, and got up around 7:30. Skipped my exercises, though, and went ahead and got ready for the day.
Hubbie hung the flag on the well house, then after breakfast, he accompanied Mother to our house. She peeled boiled eggs, and we made egg salad. Then I washed squashes, and Mother cut them for the steamer later.
Then Mother went to her puzzle, and I cleaned the kitchen. Hubbie did things in the yard. We didn't do much else after that.
We thought Daughter would arrive before lunch, but she did not. In fact, she didn't come until close to suppertime.
After lunch, I made a peach cobbler, and set the steamer to cook the squashed, and new potatoes. Mother helped me put the marinated country ribs in a cooking bag, and I slathered them with barbecue sauce, and put them in the oven after the cobbler came out.
The food cooked for two hours, and was ready by 5 p.m. Daughter arrived at 4:30. The meat, squash, potatoes, and a side of sliced tomatoes was very tasty. But we were too full afterward to enjoy the cobbler. We decided to wait until after the fireworks show to indulge.
After supper, we watched the musical movie, "1776," an entertaining way of remembering how we achieved our independence. The movie wasn't done by the time we needed to go to the river to see the fireworks, but we finished it when we got back.
The fireworks were shot from the opposite side of the river from usual, so we found a place to park that afforded us a great view. It was a pretty spectacular show, and we really enjoyed it.
Back home afterward, we enjoyed the peach cobbler with ice cream. When the movie was done, Daughter accompanied her. Before she went, I put drops in her eyes.
Slept well last night, and got up around 7:30. Skipped my exercises, though, and went ahead and got ready for the day.
Hubbie hung the flag on the well house, then after breakfast, he accompanied Mother to our house. She peeled boiled eggs, and we made egg salad. Then I washed squashes, and Mother cut them for the steamer later.
Then Mother went to her puzzle, and I cleaned the kitchen. Hubbie did things in the yard. We didn't do much else after that.
We thought Daughter would arrive before lunch, but she did not. In fact, she didn't come until close to suppertime.
After lunch, I made a peach cobbler, and set the steamer to cook the squashed, and new potatoes. Mother helped me put the marinated country ribs in a cooking bag, and I slathered them with barbecue sauce, and put them in the oven after the cobbler came out.
The food cooked for two hours, and was ready by 5 p.m. Daughter arrived at 4:30. The meat, squash, potatoes, and a side of sliced tomatoes was very tasty. But we were too full afterward to enjoy the cobbler. We decided to wait until after the fireworks show to indulge.
After supper, we watched the musical movie, "1776," an entertaining way of remembering how we achieved our independence. The movie wasn't done by the time we needed to go to the river to see the fireworks, but we finished it when we got back.
The fireworks were shot from the opposite side of the river from usual, so we found a place to park that afforded us a great view. It was a pretty spectacular show, and we really enjoyed it.
Back home afterward, we enjoyed the peach cobbler with ice cream. When the movie was done, Daughter accompanied her. Before she went, I put drops in her eyes.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Thursday, July 3
Slept well last night, and was up around 7:30. The first thing Hubbie discovered was that our coffee maker died. So he went to Mother's to make a pot.
I did stair stepping, resistance band, and weights exercises after breakfast. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house around 9:30, and she went to her jigsaw puzzle.
Once I was ready for the day, I did this and that, including boiling a big pan of eggs for making egg salad for the weekend. While I did things here, Hubbie ran errands, including going to the WDCS to buy a new coffee maker.
He also stopped by a cafe' to pick up a carton of chicken salad, and to a grocery store to buy bread rounds. We had some of the salad for lunch.
After lunch, around 1:15, I took Mother to the ophthalmologist to meet a 1:40 appointment. The tech checked Mother's eyesight, which meant that she needed to put drops in her eyes. The tech discovered how difficult this is, but she finally managed to pry her lids open.
The doctor later commented that he thought Mother could crack walnuts with her eyelids. Both he and the tech are amazed at how strong her lids are, since nothing else about her is very strong.
Tests revealed that Mother does have glaucoma, so she will need to continue with prescribed eye drops for the rest of her life, which means I'll be prying her eyes open every night from now on. What fun.
It turned out that we should have renewed her prescription when it ran out a couple of days ago, since her pressure was up again today. But the prescription was written for only two months, and it was my understanding that she was to return to the clinic after that time to determine if the problem had improved. I didn't understand that we needed to call for a new prescription as soon as the current one expired.
I thought Mother was to have a test after two months of drops, which would determine if she actually had glaucoma. She had that test last week, while the doctor was on vacation. It was necessary for him to read the results when he returned, and report to us.
He realized that he hadn't made himself clear, but there was no harm done, he said. We'll just get her started on the drops again, and she'll go back every four months to be sure the glaucoma is under control.
As soon as we returned home, Hubbie went to the pharmacy to get Mother's prescription. While he was gone, Mother peeled the boiled eggs, and I prepared the country ribs to marinate overnight. Then we watched TV until time to go to a local restaurant for supper.
I didn't have a plan for cooking at home tonight. I didn't want to prepare a big meal that would yield a bunch of leftovers, since we'll be fixing a lot of food over the holiday weekend. Mother and I had gift cards for the restaurant we went to, given to us as a thank you from Caring Hands. We were saving them for just such a time as this. We used one tonight, and saved the other for another time.
Just down the highway from the restaurant, near the river bridge, traffic was stopped, and police car blue lights were flashing. A large truck was sideways in the road, but we couldn't tell if there'd been an accident, or if the truck was just stalled.
For supper, Mother and I had Hawaiian chicken, with sweet potato fries, and Hubbie opted for catfish and French fries. He and I ate all our food, but we brought home part of Mother's for another time.
Back home, Mother was ready to go home, so I accompanied her. Then Hubbie and I watched TV, as usual, including a murder mystery series from the PBS channel that I'd recorded on DVR.
The weather for July, is very cool. This morning's temp was only in the high 50s. This evening was very pleasant, with little humidity. Both Mother and I needed light jackets in the restaurant, which was very chilly. I'm thinking jeans and jackets will be in order for watching the fireworks tomorrow night.
I did stair stepping, resistance band, and weights exercises after breakfast. Hubbie accompanied Mother to our house around 9:30, and she went to her jigsaw puzzle.
Once I was ready for the day, I did this and that, including boiling a big pan of eggs for making egg salad for the weekend. While I did things here, Hubbie ran errands, including going to the WDCS to buy a new coffee maker.
He also stopped by a cafe' to pick up a carton of chicken salad, and to a grocery store to buy bread rounds. We had some of the salad for lunch.
After lunch, around 1:15, I took Mother to the ophthalmologist to meet a 1:40 appointment. The tech checked Mother's eyesight, which meant that she needed to put drops in her eyes. The tech discovered how difficult this is, but she finally managed to pry her lids open.
The doctor later commented that he thought Mother could crack walnuts with her eyelids. Both he and the tech are amazed at how strong her lids are, since nothing else about her is very strong.
Tests revealed that Mother does have glaucoma, so she will need to continue with prescribed eye drops for the rest of her life, which means I'll be prying her eyes open every night from now on. What fun.
It turned out that we should have renewed her prescription when it ran out a couple of days ago, since her pressure was up again today. But the prescription was written for only two months, and it was my understanding that she was to return to the clinic after that time to determine if the problem had improved. I didn't understand that we needed to call for a new prescription as soon as the current one expired.
I thought Mother was to have a test after two months of drops, which would determine if she actually had glaucoma. She had that test last week, while the doctor was on vacation. It was necessary for him to read the results when he returned, and report to us.
He realized that he hadn't made himself clear, but there was no harm done, he said. We'll just get her started on the drops again, and she'll go back every four months to be sure the glaucoma is under control.
As soon as we returned home, Hubbie went to the pharmacy to get Mother's prescription. While he was gone, Mother peeled the boiled eggs, and I prepared the country ribs to marinate overnight. Then we watched TV until time to go to a local restaurant for supper.
I didn't have a plan for cooking at home tonight. I didn't want to prepare a big meal that would yield a bunch of leftovers, since we'll be fixing a lot of food over the holiday weekend. Mother and I had gift cards for the restaurant we went to, given to us as a thank you from Caring Hands. We were saving them for just such a time as this. We used one tonight, and saved the other for another time.
Just down the highway from the restaurant, near the river bridge, traffic was stopped, and police car blue lights were flashing. A large truck was sideways in the road, but we couldn't tell if there'd been an accident, or if the truck was just stalled.
For supper, Mother and I had Hawaiian chicken, with sweet potato fries, and Hubbie opted for catfish and French fries. He and I ate all our food, but we brought home part of Mother's for another time.
Back home, Mother was ready to go home, so I accompanied her. Then Hubbie and I watched TV, as usual, including a murder mystery series from the PBS channel that I'd recorded on DVR.
The weather for July, is very cool. This morning's temp was only in the high 50s. This evening was very pleasant, with little humidity. Both Mother and I needed light jackets in the restaurant, which was very chilly. I'm thinking jeans and jackets will be in order for watching the fireworks tomorrow night.
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