2 Movies in Less Than a Week, Really???

Last month Kevin asked me if I wanted to see Sully...I said 'sure.'

Sully
Excellent.

We haven't been to the movies in a LONG, LONG time. We really enjoyed it. The theater is new, has comfy and roomy seats.

A few days later I went to the movie with friends from book club. I prefer to read the book and then see the movie, since we read the book a few months ago it worked our perfectly. I didn't cry (I don't) but we all liked the movie.

Light Between the Oceans

Pain

the dictionary definition of pain is: 

• : the physical feeling caused by disease, injury, or something that hurts the body
• : mental or emotional suffering : sadness caused by some emotional or mental problem
• : someone or something that causes trouble or makes you feel annoyed or angry

Pain is not only felt physically, it can be felt emotionally......that hurts too.  Worry is a form of pain...will I be OK? What is going to happen? Do you care about me? Who will care for me? What is happening to me? Am I getting worse? Why can't I remember -fill in the blank???

I am not going to talk about physical pain because i don't suffer from it. 

But, sometimes aren't there days when you just want to take 15 minutes to cry for yourself?

I have been feeling more like that lately.The cooler weather? My emotions? Cancer?

The sinus infection I have?

If you're  a friend of mine you probably haven't heard me speak of it.......and you probably will not: b/c I don't want to burden anyone, I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me, and I do not have a reason. I just want to vent and see if anyone else feels this way.

A Rebel

Once a rebel, always a rebel?

Whadda think about that?

I'm not sure....my mom might agree.

She always said I was a thoroughbred, didn't listen, had a mind of my own, etc.

I had to be: my dad passed before I was 2 and my mom was not totally with me (she doesn't remember that part of her life), I didn't really listen to my step dad and was a bit 'mouthy',  I stood up for myself because mom was on the quiet side. My first marriage wasn't ideal either. I made most decisions on my own too. When he had a nervous breakdown and was hospitalized, I, a very pregnant, young mom with a toddler was left on my own....my parents were there for me but they both worked. I even found a different, cheaper apartment for us....at $40 a month, can you believe that?? Can you see why I don't  really care to ask for help? Why I don't need to ask what I should wear? What should I do? What's the best answer? What are you ordering? I have a mind of my own and was taught 'where there's a will, there's a way'.

As one of 2  redheads in town I was teased, I was different, I stood out in a crowd. As a teen I got  a bit bolder in my choices, I didn't mind being different sometimes. I was always a quiet person and kept things to myself, but I can be outspoken and opinionated. I still keep feelings to myself at times.  I like my way of doing things. I usually follow  my superior's orders......   I was taught to respect  my boss, dr, teacher, etc. BUT......sometimes I don't follow orders very good. Sometimes I made my own rules: ie 'don't take pictures' (I've been reprimanded for that), speed limits (I drive 5mph over),

don't do this or that. I don't always agree. My dr said to stay out of the sun, which I did for the summer. BUT, now that the sun is lower and the days are cooling down I might sit in the sun for 1/2 hour...I love the sun. Shhh....don't tell my dr!  

 Right or wrong "I did it my way"

Well?

Yes, a well is where ya get water, but I am wondering well? what da ya think? My mother always said I was a thoroughbred, one of  a kind....As a small town girl, the only one in school with red hair, I am used to standing out in a crowd. Usually I wanted what everyone else had but once in awhile I opted for a unique outfit. Today I put on these hot pink leggings and purple Red Hat shirt. Is this appropriate to wear in public?

Probably not...........The t- shirt is not right, and my legs are not my most attractive feature. My leopard shoes look nice?? But, I was feeling  adventurous, and wore it anyway.............I didn't care.............went to 2 thrift stores only. I don't believe I wore this out. Kevin is not a fan of the pink pants......he does not like to stand out in the crowd, I don't give a hoot. In the future this will be an at home outfit, only. I hope to get some nicer leggings to wear in public. Maybe tomorrow??? I am going shopping with my friend to return some items I bought last week. LOL

This afternoon I wanted to go to the Stamp a long and make some cards, but I also wanted to clean out my trunk, it was full of sand from spending 2 weekends at the beach.

Bering the Martha that I am I decided that I needed to clean the trunk. I also did a bunch of laundry and sat and read for a while, after a week of rain the sunshine felt good.

Time to fold that darn laundry....it never, ever folds itself.

Sleuthing, Shopping, And Sand

Yes, I'm still here , a little sad because of my health , and a little sleepy , because I can't fall asleep at night . If I'm still awake late at night , or if I wake up for an hour or two in the wee hours of the morning and I get up before 8 o'clock a.m. I'm so tired , that shortly after supper  I  go upstairs and go to bed to watch TV . That's usually not me. I'm kinda disgusted with myself because I can't get any housework or much of anything else done. Seems like for the past week I am more tired. 

 But I have been busy ! Thursday morning I had a 2 hour coffee break with a friend that I don't see often. Her son is not speaking to her right now and he has a storefront three doors away from the coffee shop , he doesn't know me, so she asked me to walk  past the store and look inside to see what he was painting. He is an artist. So I slowly walked up the street and looked inside the store , and then I waited for a few minutes and walked back . I didn't want to be obvious so I just glanced up on the way back. Then my morning was shot, because I didn't get home until afternoon .

 Friday afternoon I went shopping with a friend to buy some things that I will probably have to return . At least this time I got to go to a real store not only just a thrift store , that was really nice to get out and check out the new clothes, even though I don't need anything.

 Saturday night I went to an out-of-town wedding with another friend . We were 2 miles away from our destination when she got a phone call from her brother-in-law , and he said we should pull over to the side of the road so he could talk to her . We both knew what he was going to say by that time , Her sister passed away that afternoon. She was bedridden and barely had a life , but it was still so very sad for Michele. The wedding celebration was bittersweet, as you can imagine . Michelle got to talk to a good friend whom she hadn't seen in a couple of years and the food was excellent, but she was still really upset about losing her sister and had to explain  many people.
And Sunday I attended the famous Kites over Lake Michigan, along with 40,000 other people. Ok, a good amount of folds were there on saturday too, but that was the total attendance.

It's a GREAT festival and I love it!!!
My stepson and stepdaughter were able to go, along with their children. The weather was perfect. 

Dad and 2 of the boys built a sandcastle. It's so good to see dad play with the boys. 

The other 2 cousins played in the water, a lot.
I really enjoy sitting on the beach and watching the kiddos. I didn't get to do that this summer.  

There are many more kite photos online....these are just mine.

Our little group.

Let me see, when I got home my shoes were FULL of sand. I had to wash towels and swimsuits.....because mom never sends that stuff, and my trunk is still full of toys/kites. Sunday we are heading to that same park to have a small birthday gathering for our 6 year old grandson. 
Last monday I was happy to spend some time at home....until Kev and I went shopping and to dinner.
Tuesday I went grocery shopping and ran my errands. That night was our Red Hat meeting...it was nice, a small group and we had a short meeting and visited.
Wednesday morning my 'nurse' came over. Later I took a class and made Christmas cards....well, they are almost finished. 
Today I made zucchini bread...that fell, why???  Tonight I have 2 baskets of clothes to fold....I'm a little behind. 
 How has your week been???

Dumb Miscellaneous Stuff

This picture doesn't really go iwth this post, I don't feel outstanding today, but I guess that's OK.

It sure gets dark early lately *sad face*, fall is definitely in the air *sad face again*, and you know what that means.....winter is next *another sad face*.

Today I just hung out at home doing a little of  this and a little of that. First some food (that I stuffed into the freezer) fell on the floor so I had to clean up the floor. 

Then I washed the windows on our screen doors....a real pain because they have grille work on them and I couldn't get the windows off so I had to stuff a towel behind the metal and try to get it clean. GRRRRR.....all that on my hands and knees.....not the easiest position to get up from. 

I am still working on our extra bedroom.....putting vinyl letters on the wall isn't as easy  as you might think.....I have 3 lines and only 1 on the wall. I'll get it done this week. I worked on that this afternoon too. 

I burned the french fries I had in the oven for my supper...none for Kev, he was golfing.

I got my 250 steps every hour today on my fitbit...won the 'game' I play with my friend. I'll also get my goal of 5000 steps for the day....not a lot, but it's my goal.

Nothing exciting planned for tomorrow.....WHAT WILL I DO???

My Facebook Post For The Day

"I am sitting here bawling...not because I am having a pity party, it is the exact opposite. People are so kind to me, I wish I could acknowledge everyone on here but it is not possible. I truly appreciate the cards, kind words, gifts, prayers, the phone calls, texts, etc .My hubby takes such good care of me. My kids love me. I also cry b/c there is so much sadness/illness in the world but there are tons more people who help/show kindness to others.I need a better antidepressant!!!! Thanks to all......I think you know who you are."

Some more beautiful cards came in the mail today, some from friends and some from strangers. Some bearing (unnecessary, but appreciated gifts- thanks Bev - I didn't win anything on the scratch offs last week).

It's still too windy and cold for me outside...in the meantime I'll blog, and read my book, good book, post coming soon.

Pictures From My Life

Beautiful miniature rose from my bff and her sister. I'll be a couple of weeks before I can put it outside.

These short stories make a person feel really good! They are very similar to the Chicken Soup books, and I received this gift from another friend. I was extremely emotional the other day and had to stop reading because I got all teary eyed. I'm over that now.

What grandma wouldn't love this pretty necklace?

I am not a teddy bear person..........but in the last 2 years I'v accumulated a few of them and each one has a special meaning for me.

This gorgeous, paper napkin, lotus,  candy dish is one of the favors we had at our Red Hat Anniversary Party. They are adorable!

I wasn't able to attend but Deb brought cupcakes and the favors over for me. Thanks!

These are just some of the photos of what's happening in my life.

I received gifts because last saturday was my birthday...............yes, I am on Medicare now. 

Yes, big expensive gifts are nice............but it's not about impressing anyone. It's about the gift of  my favorite soda, my favorite tea, it's about the thoughtfulness, the Grandma Is Special bear.

Sunday was my mom's birthday. I will never forget.

I am glad she is rejoicing in heaven and not here to see me. Love you mom!!!

Good Morning!

I'm up early today. Boy, did I sleep good last night, I didn't even move once I got into bed (early). As you know, Monday I had surgery for a pluerix drain. 

My emotions have been raw lately, I am not surprised, with all the drugs I am on. I am hurt, angry, and can get teary eyed over people who profess to love me but yet ignore me. It hurts me when I don't get a message, text, card, call, any acknowledgement, or anything from some people. 

I was thinking about my upcoming surgery yesterday, it wasn't a major procedure, but still something new to me. 

My sister and her friend came to visit in the morning, at least that got my mind off of the afternoon. The surgery was scheduled for 1:30 with nothing to drink after 7:30. Damn, I was thirsty!

We were at the hospital at 12:30, the nurse asked all the questions. Then the anesthesiologist asked them again and explained what he'd be doing. The surgeon came in to talk to us and said they were running behind.

Damn, I was thirsty and anxious! I just wanted to get it over with so I could have an ice tea............oh yes, the nurse was aware of what I wanted. I was starting to be a wimp and tears were rolling down my cheeks. I hate it when I do that.

Finally, the nurse came in to get me.....I just wanted this to be over with. The last thing I remember was having oxygen put over my nose.............bye, bye.

I woke up to a lot of talking.........no sure who or to whom.

I got back into my room and the dr had already spoken to Kev. I sorta remember what was happening. I had a lot of gas pain circling from under my rib cage to my back. The nurse, Patty, was super nice. Tears started to fall again when she said she had lots of scrapbooking supplies and I commented that I had 9 grandkids that I had hoped to complete scrapbooks for.

I know she got my ice tea, or someone did. My first swallows were of sweet tea...but I was so thirsty. Someone fixed that for me tho. She did get me something for my gas and also for pain. I think the last time I had pain pills was when my back was out 11+ years ago. No, nothing when I had my lumpectomy or port placement.

Finally I felt good enough to go home.

I did take one pain pill last night, but I am sure I don't need anymore. I slept so soundly last night....I didn't wake up until morning nor did I mess up the covers. 

The incision is under my arm on my side (so I am told). I do have some discomfort.

The home care nurse is supposed to call today. She will come tomorrow to check on the incision and she'll be the one who drains the catheter. I THINK I will be able to do it later.

Friday is the last day I have to  go to the clinic to have my port flushed.  YAY!!!!!

Kevin was with me all day yesterday and he stayed home again today. That man has been through so much......cancer twice with me and his first wife passed away from metastasized breast cancer also.

Yes, I am breathing better, but not 100%. I will never be 'normal'. 

Over a liter of fluid was drained yesterday and I am not sure how long that will last...........a week maybe? At least now I won't be miserable for so long, I can have it drained when I need it done.

It's strange to be able to breath 1/2 way decent, I am so used to walking a few feet and then plopping down.

Thanks for your prayers and concerns!

I have a better post planned for tomorrow :-)

Need New Furniture?

Last Wednesday after I dropped off my donation I checked out the thrift store and found this set of living room furniture. It's in great shape and I am guessing you can get all 3 matching pieces for $250. What a deal, huh? I am sure it's made much better than some of the items we'd see in the stores today.

 Isn't that sofa calling your name for a nice, long nap? It sure looks comfy. And this big round chair would be perfect for a grandparent to read to a child. I tested it and it is roomy. It's rather low to the ground though, a little difficult to get up and out of. 

 Or, for the more traditional person, there's a standard side chair (upper photo).
I'm sure, for just the right person, this set would be perfect....but  not for this person. How about you? Do I need to get this post out to more people? 
Yes, I do love thrift stores. I don't need to buy anything to have a good time. The simple things in life make me happy.
It's friday! Have a good weekend!!!

Thoughts on Thrsuday/'50's Housewife Tips

I copied this from a blog of a radio talk show host (that I often listen to.)

1950's Textbook Lessons on Preparing Girls for Married Life

Monday, Jan, 4 2016

The following is from a 1950's Home Economics textbook intended for high school girls, teaching how to prepare for married life.

Have dinner ready
Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal - on time. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him, and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospects of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.

Prepare yourself
Take 15 minutes to rest so you will be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with alot of work-weary people. Be a little happier and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.

Clear away the clutter
Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gathering up school books, toys, paper, etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift, too.

Prepare the children
Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces if they are small, comb their hair, and if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.

Minimize the noise
At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of washer, dryer, dishwasher or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and be glad to see him.

Some Don'ts
Don't greet him with problems or complaints. Don't complain if he's late for dinner. Count this as minor compared with what he might have gone through that day.

Make him comfortable
Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax and unwind.

Listen to him
You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first.

Make the evening his
Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment; instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to be home and relax.

The goal
Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can relax

It does go a bit overboard, but

I actually think it has some
 
validity...not that everything is

 about putting our husband on a pedestal, or worshiping  

him, but it has some good points. Sometimes we do just think about
 

ourselves too much and don't put our loved ones ahead of 

ourselves.

Philippians 2:3 . 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves

Your Thoughts???? 

My Extended Weekend Update

Whooosh,Summer is passing me by...or so it seems. I know the people who live in HOT parts of the country are looking forward to cooler temperatures, but I'm not. Our summer has been pretty nice, although the past couple of days have been hot and humid. 

The girls left wednesday about noon. It sure was quiet here ....and no smiles here either. Friday I had errands to run, one of them was to stop at a local veggie stand to get some fresh sweet corn. As I was on my way home I decided to stop in and see a friend of Kevin's...actually Bill is his 'adopted' dad. I'm like that....I'll stop in on the spur of them moment....and I don't mind if you stop in here either. I don't have a dad and haven't seen Bill for quite a while and I do like to talk to him. He lives in AZ and has been here all summer. We usually get together several times, but this summer it hasn't worked...so I just popped in. He was home and happy to chat and show me the improvements he and his son are making at Greg's house (where he is staying). 

By the time Kev got home from work I decided we needed to have a cookout here....for most of the summer we did not have a grill. I don't know if we've been to any at all this summer. Kev said saturday night was good. One day's notice is good enough for me. I don't get all stressed about having someone over. By this time the people I know are used to seeing my kitchen counter full of papers, etc. (I did clean it off ....I do that once in a while. Why doesn't it ever last?) I love having people over when the weather is nice. I invited just a few people with whom we normally do things; and Kev's sister and her hubby (b/c I had just spoken to her on the phone friday morning), Bill, and Kev's nephew and his wife (they are an adorable young couple). 

Saturday I cleaned up the house and bit and threw together a pasta salad. Eight people came over....if I had my way I would have invited a lot more....if I'm having a few over, why not everyone I know???? Kev was kinda cranky at first, but he got over it. It was a really nice night to sit outside and visit. Everyone was gone by 8:30...we're old...we go to bed early....

Grandson J was here too and so was Kileey....Kev's twin brother's 7 month old granddaughter, she's the cutest thing. 

Sunday afternoon Jalen and I cleaned out the kids books and games....I am so happy that got done, I had way too much stuff. I have 2 grocery bags of books for various Little Library's and 4 grocery bags of games to donate. Next I need to get rid of more toys. Jalen also tried to teach me how to play chess....that's a funny situation...he's so serious about teaching me.....guess I'll have a new hobby.

Today I had to drop off my donations.....I'm an 'equal opportunity donator' so stopped at both thrift stores. I picked up a nice Columbia brand, fleece jacket for Jalen for $3. If he doesn't want it I'll take it to the consignment shop and get my money back. I also found a pair of shorts for myself (for those really HOT days) for 25 cents, that store was selling all summer clothing for a quarter. 

It's been sooooooo dry here, several times the sky has threatened us with rain...but we'd only get about 6 drops...not today. The rain clouds just dumped on us, and this is what I drove home in (part of the time). I did see at least one car stranded in the road and at one point I wasn't sure if I'd make it...but I did. 

Tuesday I and a friend are off to another doctor appointment in Milwaukee. We're going to stop at the new Meijer store and see what kind of low sodium offerings they have...and of course, we'll have lunch, and a nice visit. 

In Love

I LOVE my home grown tomatoes. Usually I have 3 plants........last year I had more but this year it's just 3. I have to plant them in pots and it works pretty darn good for me. They are barely keeping up with my appetite....yesterday I had to buy one *sad face*.

This is my first tomato I picked, just a normal one. It tasted so good on my BLAT (bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato) sandwich.

 This is a new variety I am trying. I've eaten 1/2 of one so far....delicious. 

You can see that I left it on the vine too long....I have to stop waiting for the top to get red...it doesn't.

This is the tag.

Random shot of some wasps (?) stuck in the hood of my car. The blobs are rain drops.

 Have a great weekend everyone!!!!

Random Thoughts Today

Have you ever been shopping and were not quite sure what size or  brand of clothing that fits you well and you really like?

I do that all of the time....and I am usually at a thrift store....I'm kinda lazy and do not like to try things on, but if I know it's the brand/size I like I will buy it or get undressed and try it on. Yesterday when I put on a pair of capris I don't wear very often I was delighted...they fit so good  (off white)....just like my favorite denim pair. I had an AHA moment....I'll take a photo of the brand name and size tag and that info will be available on my phone at any time I need it.  Guess what I found out? Both of them are the same brand & size....now I know and won't have to guess.

Why is this chick turning pink? It was dug out with all the other ones that look like the plants on the right?

Back to shopping.....I haven't been doing much of late...well, except for grocery shopping. I haven't shopped in a 'real' store for anything for myself in a long time. I am so spoiled, I like thrift store prices. After I retired last year I was sick and didn't care what I wore. This year I just don't need anything new. If I see something I really like at the thrift store I'll pick it up, but I am trying to purge. This summer I cleaned out a bunch of my capris and tank tops. I took care of my jeans early in the spring. In another month I am going to get rid of a lot of sweaters, when I was working I liked variety. Now that I am home I only need a few things for church or 'going out', for everyday I prefer sweatshirts. We're not even going to talk about jewelry....that I don't wear much of.

Unfortunately my estranged daughter in law and I don't get along, we never have. She's a waitress and usually works nights so doesn't see much of her boys (ages 11, 10, almost 5). Lately she hasn't been working as much though. They all live at her parents house. I try to do as much as I can with them b/c she doesn't. In the past week I have spent a good portion of the day with them on 4 different days and had them over for a couple of hours on another day. That must not give her enough 'me time'. The one boy spent the night on saturday (as usual) and apparently she wanted all 3 to stay overnight on monday night when I had the girls here also.  I just had to say no b/c the youngest is 'high maintenance' as Ava says. The girls are very low maintenance. My house was a mess, it was the girls week, Claire goes to bed early and Skylar and Landon stay up late. We (the girls and all of the boys) had plans for tuesday morning/afternoon and I just needed to get my head together and things ready. Jalen was here and when mom called and he told her I said no, she hung up on him. When his brother called a little later and Jalen told him what I said, he hung up on Jalen. What???? A half hour later she dropped the other 2 boys off here to play for a little while. I was fine with that, they like to play with the girls.

It hurts me so much to see these smart, good boys lead their lives as nomads....they have no home...they spend some nights with their dad, some nights with one of mom's friends, some nights at mom's parents, and J has one night here. The only place J has an actual bedroom is here...........otherwise he has a bed in the basement or sleeps on someone's couch or the floor. I know it bothers him.

I, also, pick up a lot of things for my grandson at the thrift store....lots of shorts this year, 2 pair of flip flops for the summer, clothes, boots, etc. I sent a bag of school supplies home with him (to share with his older brother), not everything they need but some items. So what does Skylar say? He tells me what day mom will take them to get everything they need for free. *^%$#  I try to help out, have done it for 10 years. The boys often make cards for birthdays for mom, nana, etc (when they are here). Do you think I ever get a 'Thank You', 'Thanks', or 'I appreciate it' from mom? nope.
I don't do it for the thanks...but it would be nice to be acknowledged. 

I'm going to end on a happier note. I found someone locally who can build little libraries out of recycled and leftover materials, so they will be affordable. (Ava I'll call you in about 2 weeks about this....in the meantime......sh......)

Now you know why I can't fall asleep. Enough cranking...tomorrow's post will be better!

"All You'll See Is Face"

This post may resonate more with those of you who have lost your hair for any reason. I love my new, very short hair; even though I am not sure what color it is. It's going to stay short and I'll keep the color...unless I decide to play with it at a later date, but I like the light color. It has opened a whole new color scheme of clothing for me.

Everyone who sees me tells me they love my hair and I believe them.

Anyway.........

I was walking and talking with a friend the other day, we were talking about what she wants to do with her hair. Most of my friends deal with "Should I leave it go grey?" Some don't want the hassle and expense of coloring it so they have let it go naturally grey. One friend has really pretty grey hair, another doesn't even need to cover the grey, because there is none. Coloring is not what this is about.

My friend has longish hair, past her shoulders. It's just a loose style. I told her I think she should get it cut short, really short. I guess she talked about short hair with the gal who does her hair and was told  that if she did that "All you'll see is face". Is something wrong with seeing a person's face? I have come to believe that we hide behind our hair....I did. I never wanted my ears to show, I always had some kind of bangs, I often had big hair. But I was forced to have short hair, really short hair and I love it. It's curly and so easy to take care of. I've always had a natural curl so I can't say if this is different, because my hair was never this short. I know my mom would love it too!

I loved my long hair when I had it....but those days are over. My hair was curly and red and I didn't care if people noticed my hair first, but now I want the focus to be on me, on who I am.

Does society associate long, flowing hair with youth?

 I think so and I don't believe it. Just because your hair is long it doesn't make you look young. I think a good short cut will accentuate your face and youthfulness.What's wrong with seeing your face???

A couple of months ago I attended an art night and noticed a woman who had her head shaved so I approached her as a fellow cancer patient. She wasn't, she had shaved her head a year ago for her nephew who had cancer. She loved it so much that she keeps it up. She says people notice her face now.

If you love your long hair that's ok, but don't rule out short hair and it's benefits. I'm a believer. 

Some of My Weekend

Finally, on Saturday, we had some nice, sunny weather so I went outside and did some weeding. I was unable to get at it last year so I had a mess....so much quack grass it was hard to find the flowers.  The flower bed that I was working in has to be dug up and redone. I was going to rent a small tiller but hubby says no....so he gets to do it. I can't, I have no doubt that he can, it's a small area....but WHEN will he get it done????

Mid afternoon my grandson called and the boys wanted to come over, It was nice day so I said yes. We went to the park for a while and I got roped into playing foursquare (the normal way). When grandpa got home from golfing he picked up broasted chicken from the deli (yum) for supper After we finished eating he took the boys to the park. It is the school playground across the street from our house. He lost the game of funnel ball so he ended up walking another block to the Uni-mart gas station and buying each boy a treat. He took J's 2 brothers home and the rest of the evening was uneventful. 

actually being quiet and playing a game

When I looked out of the window this morning this is what I saw. 

Do you see it?

Look at the sidewalk.....part of it is wet. Hmmmmm

Looks like a sprinkler, it's not. We seldom water.

Moisture dripping from the leaves? Nope, there is a big tree next to this birch and the sidewalk under it is dry.

I guess we had a small shower in our front yard.

Can you say fog?

We live next to Lake Michigan and have had some very foggy days.

This is what main street looked like this morning. 

Better weather is predicted for later in the week. Woo Hoo! I have more weeding to do. And hubby is power washing the deck.

Have a great week!

It Doesn't Happen To Me

It only happens to the other guy.....but oh, it does happen

 to me!

Last year I had breast cancer. Thank God that is behind me.

This year I had a long lost cousin, first cousin, contact me.

I was away on a short vacation with some Red Hatters....more on that to come.

When I got home last night Kevin tells me that someone left me an unusual message on our answering machine. He says "I don't know if it's a scam or not and I don't know what you're going to do about it. Be prepared."

By this time I am frightened......so I call up the voice messages. I hear a woman asking if I am so and so's daughter. Nope.....but she has all the other information correct. Hmmmm After I think about it I guess that she mispronounced my mothers name. I called Lori this morning and we had a nice visit. Her dad was my mom's youngest brother and he had 2 daughters that we do not know. Lori is in WI and her 1/2 sister (whom she recently met) doesn't live very far away from her. In July they will be nearby so I hope to meet them. One of them is a redhead too :-)  (from our grandma and her mother)

Yesterday I found out that I am married to a man without a job. He was called into work (he's been laid off every 2nd week) and told that the company has closed it's doors. We have insurance until the end of the month....after that??? I pray God will provide! There is a minute chance that some investors will put up money and purchase it.

I have not unpacked from the 3 day trip but I have thrown papers all over my kitchen counter and washed clothes. I, at least, want to clean up the kitchen....so.....bye for now.

Throwback Thursday & I Love/Hate Options

Deb from Sharing Interests shared this photo on facebook and I LOVE it.  We both want to look like this again, my hair is shorter now and hers is longer. (1996)

Yes, I have a love/hate relationship with options. I HAVE to have options, yet I hate having them. SOMETIMES I wish I didn't have so much clothing, purses, jewelry, shoes, etc. Actually I have considerable pared down my pants and capris....I am retired and don't need that much! Tomorrow at 12:35 pm we will be in El Paso and the temp should be about 70 degrees. **smile** But when we leave our house it will be about 45 ...... clothing layers, here I come. I have been packing all week....taking things out, putting things in...and I'm still not done...... the bedroom floor is covered with suitcases and clothing. I say I don't need anything new...but then I buy something. I have some things to return, I'll take care of that when we get home.

It's going to be 75-85 during the day and 50-55 at night. Do I need a pair of jeans for at night? Will we be out in the evening? What if I don't feel like wearing the shirt I have packed for that day??? I need to bring some extras. I know I'll need a sweatshirt or sweater for air conditioning. Since I've been on my wonderful new meds and my BP is low I am often cold. 

Do you have problems packing like I do? Michele (who is going with us does....makes me feel a little better). Kev will pack tonight and it will probably take him 15 minutes...how I envy men.

I slept in today and am taking advantage of not having to be at radiation at 9:30 so I NEED to shower and get dressed.

I might schedule some posts for the next few days.....have a good weekend. I plan to!!!

I'm Giddy, I'm Excited!!!

Last night I was so happy with anticipation that I could hardly stand it. I felt like a child who's waiting for a birthday party, the gifts, the cake and ice cream..... Like a schoolgirl waiting for her first real date to arrive......like a 6 year old watching for the ice cream truck to stop in front of her house.  My last radiation treatment was scheduled for the next day. I felt like I would be free....free to get up when I want....free to get dressed if and when I want... and free to stay home all day if I want. Oh, I could hardly wait, Silly? Maybe, but sometimes it's nice to enjoy the simple things in life.

And now it IS over, I've completed 33 treatments, the last 5 were boosts, the only thing I was able to notice that was different regarding the boosts was the machine's positioning. Yes, my breast is sore, it is uncomfortable when I wear a bra,  but now it will start feeling better! Yay!!! The bad sunburn feeling will diminish. **smile**

 There were now bells, balloons, or confetti but I did get a card and 2 small pins from Carol and Leah,the EXCELLENT nurses who saw me every day. They said they will miss me  and we hugged.

 After I opened and read the card I did shed a tear. They are great and I will try to visit when I am there.

the inside of the card they gave me

Remember this about cancer!!!

Today was a wonderful day....not just b/c I finished my radiation treatments, but the weather was fantastic!!! I raked the leaves out of nearly the whole flower bed next to the house. Then I sat on the deck with my book and finished it....you know that is almost heaven to me. I also decided to clean the bathroom so it's clean when we come home next week. I have most of my clothes packed, still need to get my carry on packed, figure out what I am wearing (it's always difficult when you travel from 50 to 80 degrees), and pack a few other last minute items.

Thanks for stopping by...........time for the never ending task of folding laundry....you know the feeling...I am sure.

My Corner Of The Basement

 I didn't have to get up at any certain time saturday, but I was up again before 8. It's so much nicer when I don't have to be some place.

I am SLOWLY organizing my scrapbook area and this is what I did.

I started collecting J's and put this one inside a 24" tall frame. I think it looks cute and personalizes my corner.I am thinking of putting a white background behind the J, what do you think?

The adjacent wall of my corner is pretty dark. It's brighter if I have the lights on, only had one on today. I don't know what I am going to do with the frame hanging on the wall....something...someday.

Here's the after. I covered a 32" X 22" ugly bulletin board with this colorful fabric. It is bright, cheerful, and busy, and I love it! Of course I found the fabric at the thrift store. If you look closer you can see some more J's.

As you can see we have really ugly, old wood paneling on the basement walls. I detest it...but no way am I or hubby going to paint it. I also refuse to take everything off the walls and pay someone to paint it....so I am destined to have ugly walls..........FOREVER. So I will keep covering the walls with stuff to hide the paneling. 

The basement is never going to be all white and a pretty scrapbooking room like in the magazines, but I try to organize it a bit so it is somewhat inviting for me to 'play' in.

I also took one binder and cleaned it out and got rid of it. I know it's not a big thing but it is one more item that is not taking up space. 

Ahhhh, what else can I do now???