and so it goes.....

With my previous post being so low, and feeling alone; I will attempt to lighten the mood a bit.  I blog mainly for memories.  I have kept a journal for years, needing to remember what I felt true in the moment.  I enjoy writing.  I admire authors, especially those who care for multiple characters in the series of books they complete.  I enjoy the stories, but to be more truthful I really enjoy the characters more.  If the author does not gift their characters personality then I usually toss the book aside quickly.  Janet Evanovich not only is humorous, but you really know each of her characters.  When  a great series like Stephanie Plum is made into a movie; I believe most of the population knew it would bomb at the box office simply because of the actors they chose to play each character.  Shonda Rhimes is another writer I enjoy.  I use to watch all her shows; Grey's, Scandal, How to get away with murder...etc.  In my opinion, she's spreading herself too thin, and her characters are suffering.  So I no longer watch as much television, which is not at all a great loss.   I would rather watch a cooking program than what the "industry" calls entertainment.  Sure there are programs I enjoy, but honestly most is too vulgar to sit thru.

Of course to pass along the time I really enjoy crocheting.  My latest creation is this Amigurumi gourd set.



 It's simple stitching, quick, but harder on my hands/fingers to recover.  I want to make Indian corn to bring a variety as well as a bit more color to the arrangement.  I have my eyes on the next project.  These cute scrubbies.  I think I'll add them to a gift basket for my mom.  I love getting different little things for a gift basket.  My plan is to go to my favorite local farm; gather jams, jellies, wine, etc.  Hopefully, I can get these done in time.

Finally, an update on Eldest. Each dialysis day is different.  Sometimes it's easy no issues, other times he's totally wiped out.  Yesterday was a difficult day, but we also had the opportunity to meet the surgeon that will be doing a procedure soon.  We just need to confirm what type of dialysis we want to continue.  We found out another treatment option was done at home dialysis which sounded ideal, but I do not think Eldest would really be as dedicated to the set up at home as with his current setting.  I know hubby & I could handle the set up, but sterilization is primary, we would need to trust Eldest not to get up during the night causing a disruption with the dialysis procedure, and honestly I'm not up for watching him 8 hours each night then sleep thru the day. 

I cancelled the Thanksgiving plans with the extended family members. This is the holiday I usually host, but dialysis rules our home now, and that weeks schedule is going to be super hectic.  I finally learned to say no, it's a bit difficult to not feel bad, but it is a learning process for me.  I know that I'm physically not able to do ALL, but my WANT to do it all is still hollering at me.  

Lost Spirit.....

I am emotionally, physically, spiritually exhausted.  Our current life path is as dark and lonely as the grief I felt when my sister was killed in a car accident 18 years ago.    For me, good news has never happened in the month of September.

I remind myself, that God would not give me more than I can handle, but I remember speaking those same words when we received our information about Eldest's limited ability of comprehension.  I surrender to him, I gave our son to God.  I knew my biggest responsibility as a parent was to lead Eldest to Christ.   If his comprehension was to live a life of limitations, then how do I even bring him to believe, so I fell to the floor and surrendered.  I will lead the best I can, but he is yours.  My prayer was answered immediately.  The burden lifted.  We understood.  I surrendered.  I have battled ignorant teachers, social workers, principals you name it.  I have met these challenges head on, knowing Eldest has been given to Christ. For every step we have walked together.

 My sister's death, another moment of surrender.  Another time I fell to ground begging, but the shattered pieces of my broken heart has never healed entirely.  A large piece of my heart is gone, that is the best I can do, I still surrender.

My RA. Wrapping your head around a chronic illness is challenging, but he will not give me more than I can handle. He walks beside me, he carries me, he leads me through, and I surrender. Daily I awake in pain.  Daily I emotionally dig deep to find the physical strength to make a meal, or laundry as a matter of fact any chore.   I have mini self celebrations if I have made it through a week without laying in bed for an entire day, but everyday I awake I'm in pain; emotionally I dig deep.  I surrender.  I walk each step hand in hand.

Now I must somehow find the strength yet again. Eldest diagnosis of stage 5 kidney failure is at a level beyond my comprehension.   Surrendering is not enough.  I've been given too much. I can not give any more. I feel alone.  Peoples pettiness is so bothersome to me.   Yet, I weep, I tell myself I should care about what others are going through.  I should pray for them, yet I weep.  I cry in self pity, because I have no more.  My plate is running over. I can not give compassion.  I find myself angry.

Angry with family members.  They celebrate their lives.  Giving me stories of how wonderful it is being a grand parent.  How great traveling with their spouse. How blessed they feel.  How exhausting work is going.  How exciting planning various trips.   I'm planning what to do between dialysis treatments 3x a week.  Scheduling doctor visits, surgeries for Eldest.  Menu planning, diets, pharmacy errands. While strapping a blood pressure cuff on Eldest 3x daily recording his hypertension.  Handing him a cool towel after he is finished vomiting a meal.  Worrying if he'll be able to keep the next one down.  Worrying, if we are making the right or correct medical decisions.  Praying for relief.  Deciphering his incomplete sentences. Giving him comfort, easing his fears as best as we can.

My family means no harm, I just roll my eyes.  Envy, bitterness, jealously running thick through my body. Wishing I had their life.  I don't understand.  When is God going to stop giving me the load to carry.  How much more?  I can not take any more, my plate is full. I wish I could erase it all.  I'm done....

Chemistry 101...

As I feared, our whole life style has changed.  Overnight I have become a chemist.  I need to know potassium, phosphorus, sodium, protein...calcium levels.  Gradually I will develop into a dietitian. The old ways of cooking for my family thrown out the window.  Thirty some odd years of baking, memorized recipes, I have to forget them, gone.  Now I must adhere to a renal diet.  The diet itself is not difficult.  The menus are easy, but I must read nutrition labels; something I never thought was necessary.  

Eldest has ALWAYS been my best eater.  I could get him to eat any vegetable.  As a matter of fact Spinach/kale/strawberry/banana smoothies were one of our favorites.  He would rather have a smoothie over ice cream any day.  Every morning he would make himself a protein milk shake for breakfast, followed with a glass of Orange juice.  Who knew these were the vary items making him vomit? This is all good for ya stuff.  The items pounded into your brain from childhood.  Which is true; they are all great food items, but for someone with bad kidneys the phosphorus, potassium levels are atomic.

I'm learning salt is the number one enemy.  As it is on a regular diet.  I have always made our meals minus salt.  If you want to season your dish after I make it that's fine by me.  So I thought I was pretty knowledgeable about salt.  Come to find out, Eldest needs to have less than 5 grams per meal.   Since most box items are greater than 28, fresh foods are best.  No more can vegetables, which was out of convenience. No more potatoes, which Eldest is perfectly fine with; this has always been the one vegetable he didn't favor.  When we order at fast food joints he would opt for fresh fruit over french fries, boggled my mind, but that's what he like.  He will miss foods like pizza, hotdogs, or Auntie Anne's fresh pretzels.  He can no longer have tomatoes or ketchup (salt & potassium)  same with avocados. bananas..etc  

The dialysis center has been very useful, passing along information; recipes, cookbooks, menu plans.  I keep asking questions to the Dietitian, she doesn't mind, but her answer are pretty much the same.  Too high in Potassium, sodium, phosphorus.  So, as with everything moderation is key, but the high potassium, sodium, phosphorus foods I would rather eliminate.   It's easier thankfully to remember the foods that are eliminated.  Seasoning your meals with herbs rather that salts (garlic & onion).   Fresh garlic, or onion are far better.  

Po-boi wanted to get a better understanding of our new family routine.  He made our Sunday meal following a recipe from the renal diet cookbook we received from dialysis.  Hawaiian turkey meatballs. Served with rice.  It was very tasty, we found it to be a tad bland, which is appropriate, but when we used soy sauce it brightened the flavors up.  Eldest wanted soy sauce too, but I told him I would have to buy a different kind, he understood. 

He's grasping  the concept better than I gave him credit.  All these foods just make him feel awful.  The sodium harms his already high blood pressure which at the age of 30 he should not have, nor take 5 different pills 2x daily to keep it under somewhat control.  He retains water like a sea cow; so he must only have 1000 cc of liquids daily.  He's puffy, complains about his feet, it feels like walking on jelly.  Breaks my heart.  

I have little sympathy for others when they complain about cramps, aches or whatnot.  I know I should be understanding but currently I have no more to give to others, it's overwhelming to give to my family.  Hubby is a rock.  He's got a woman by his side battling RA, his eldest child battling a new disease with limited abilities of comprehension.  He's second child seeing various doctors for his injures due to his recent car accident.  I tell ya, when it rains it pours.  Our household has had enough, and I am well aware there are others in this world battling harder life styles or situations, am grateful that we are currently handling our own.  God will carry us through this process I am sure of that!

These past few days...

I blog today, not for attention, not for comments, but a reminder. A day I can go back into my journal, and remember where we were.  I fear our days ahead are changing, or life style as we know it is turning on an axis, once it complete's the rotation we will never get back what was comfortable, what I thought I hated, what I thought was annoying, what I thought was dull.  I want it all back.


  I do not want to walk this path.  It's dark, gloomy.  I'm looking for the road that will circle us back; back to dull routine, boring; to a time where I can reflect.  THANK YOU LORD.  Thank you for opening my eyes, thank you for letting me see what I thought was boring, dull, uneventful day to day. I will gladly take it back.  Our current path is filled with too much, too much pain, too much unknown, just plain too much.

Eldest is receiving his 2nd round of dialysis today for his kidneys.  The road leading us to this point is a blur.  I thought I was treating him for the flu, not knowing his kidneys were failing causing him to be vomit.  Once in the ER waiting on the labs, everything went from zero to sixty in seconds, when lab results came back with renal failure readings.  Mind my went blank, I thought it was the flu, maybe just maybe the worst was gallstones.    I just want our old comfortable, boring, dull life as we knew it back.  I would give anything for the to get back what we had 7 days ago......

Add that to the Christmas list...

We experienced a little mishap while visiting the beach.  Eldest has and likes routine.  I like disrupting these routines.  This is not to be malicious, it's to challenge he's abilities, otherwise we would be living with a person who prefers solitude in front of a television or some sort of electronic device watching endless hours of sports.

He is a sports nut.  Anything sports related.  ESPN, is his bread and butter.  Every morning as I'm wiping the crud out of my eyes, sipping coffee attempting to bring some sort of life into my being. Eldest pops out of his room chipper as a blue bird ready to give me the day to day analyst of the previous evenings sporting events.  He's rattling off the scores, injury reports a what what.  I usually response with mild head nod, on occasion Oh no or Oh boy...blah blah blah.  I'm really just concentrating on breathing air to my lungs, and the sweet taste of coffee.  

When we plan our trips to the beach;  we arrive set up our site with the tents, everyone empty their pockets placing the cell phones, keys, wallets into the plastic bag I bring.  I tend to my nest, spreading out mats, towels, cooler, chairs etc.   Minutes late  enjoying in the waters, just having a grand old time.  About 30 minutes later we decide its time for some munchies.  We make our way back to the chairs.  I hand the guys their towels, as Eldest is drying off, something on the side of his pocket clinks the beach chair.  Giving him a questioning look, I ask; What's in your pocket?   He hesitation is brief, replies I don't know.  I wonder; Hum, let's have a look ok?  Naw, that's ok ma, look at the boats.  

So that was interesting.  He has brought something, but doesn't want me to know, and has thought it best to distract me.  hum?  I reply, Naw, let me see what you brought.  Reaching into his pocket he brings out a soaking wet IPOD.   It's ok ma, I turned it off.  Hubby and I exchange glances.   

Eldest likes his IPOD because he can check sports scores, or listen to music.  We don't mind that he brought it, as a matter of fact I wish I knew he had, but for some reason he thought I should not know he had it with him.  I was about to say something to that fact, when Eldest pipes up; Dad wanted to listen to music ma, I wasn't watching sports or anything. Hubby and I look at each other in silence once again, then Eldest replies.  Add that to the Christmas list, geesh Dad.    

Sunday Sayings...

Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.

Margaret Mead

We went to the beach recently.  Oh, how I enjoy a beach day.  The weather was perfect, the water was warm.  Come to think of it, I can't remember ever having a bad beach day.  I've already planned our next visit.  We will be going to the east coast.  I love that we can experience the Gulf & Atlantic waters.  We are also chatting about maybe going down to the keys over the Christmas holidays.  Keeping my fingers crossed.

We've also have had to pay attention to our recent storm Erika.  Thankfully she is currently hanging out in the Gulf.  There have been so many different scenarios.  Today has been rainy, but we are expecting to get the gusts of wind later this evening into the morning hours.  Now I see that the next named storm Fred is on the horizon.  We will continue our good luck rituals, praying this too will evade.

With all the current rains, the little critters are trying to find dry spots.  This has led to the tiny ants marching inside.  I carry a can of go away critter spray everywhere.  I HATE those little ants.  Since Im a lunatic with regards to insects, I've created a bigger monster in Eldest.  He now looks at every little speck, holla's at me to bring my spray.  I've told him no worries, I've got this under control.  Hubby finally was able to spray the perimeter of the house.  I want him to spray the roof, cuz we have two large trees near the house.  They host an army of insects, but again we have to wait for a day without rain.  With all the water the mosquito will be out in force. I'm going crazy locked up inside.  Fall can not get here soon enough. So ready to open up this house.

Im going to a anesthesiologist this week.  Wishfully I will be getting injections in my back and hip.  Im exhausted all the time from the Opioid meds.  I wish a simple tylenol would take the pain away, but RA is such a nasty booga.  I got a steroid injection a few weeks ago, but it did little to aid the inflamed hip. I might just keep the anesthesiologist on speed dial, right next to my rheumatologist.  I wish I were kidding.  Oi!

Stay-cation

We went to Orlando for a few days.  We almost extended an extra day, but we decided to come home to use as a day of rest, and I'm so glad we did.  We always need a vacation from our vacations.  lol

The following are pics from the condo. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, long large entry.  Included a washer/dryer.     Our room was huge with a king bed, extra large bathroom.  Massive shower, jetted tub.  Oh, I could live in that bathroom.  Which reminds me do you say bathroom or washroom?  I've heard both, just curious.

master bdrm

hall to living area

2nd room w/Queen

3rd w/full beds

eating area/screened porch behind

Eldest enjoying living area

Welcome committee

The stay-cation came along because Po-boi started to plan a trip to Disney with some college buddies.  Soon they started to plan golf into the vacation.  We wanted to see his college friends.  We think of the kids as our own, so we decided the best approach was to invade their vacation.  lol  When they were in the planning stage I found the resort, offered to get the condo, the only stipulation I put was they needed to play golf with hubby one day.  They all jumped on board.  We were thrilled.  

The resort was not on Disney property, but very very close.  They have 3 golf courses. Several swimming pools, a lazy river, 2 arcades, 2 putt putt courses,  9 restaurants and large lake for jet skis, paddle boats. and mini market to stock your refrigerator prior to your arrival for extra convenience.   It was a super find. 

Upon arrival we were given a huge list of hourly activities/ entertainment.  It had the same feeling as a cruise, but on land. Comedy clubs, dancing at certain eateries.  Only the swimming was free, any activity you wanted to participate came with various fees.  The grounds were impeccable.    We had a late afternoon check in time, the kids already at Disney were planning to stay until after the firework show.  This left us to entertain eldest with a quick dip in the pool, followed by a game of air-hockey located at the arcade.  Eldest was on a high, and didn't want to leave.  When we got back to the condo, we were greeted by the Sandhill Cranes.  They must mate for life, because we always see them in pairs.  This foursome mom, dad & babies,  The babies were almost as big as the adults, their feathers were dull in color, and the red was missing on top their heads.  Sandhill Cranes are very curious, friendly.  They wreck havoc on your lawn digging up grub worms.  People usually try running them off their property.  I imagine the green's keeper on the golf courses despise these birds.   When in flight they make a loud annoying  pterodactyl noise.  Not that I know what an actual pterodactyl sounded like...lol

They next morning the guys left to play golf, this left one of the kids girlfriend, eldest and I to trek off to the putt putt.  Eldest lives for putt putt.  That's another question do you say Putt-putt or Miniature golf?  We sped thru the game as it was getting a lil steamy out.  The course had a few tricks, but was fun.  We took in a dip at the pool, the lazy river was packed, so I said let's go back to our pool.  It seemed so private after what we just witnessed. 

 The only downfall would be the price of some of the activities. The late check-in(3pm) and early (10am) check out.  I don't like being rushed in the morning. anytime.  We were there mainly to visit with the kids.  If planning a trip to Orlando for Disney, stay on Disney.  Po-boi lives 35 minutes away, so they were planning on staying at his place, traveling back/forth. The resort made it easier for the kids to use their 3 day pass.  All in all it was great to see everyone!

 

Yes, we do have Gators...

This is not unusual. Nor is it rare.  If you live in the sunshine state of Florida you understand you live with Gators.  If you live near water, by the way water can be found EVERYWHERE in the state of Florida, you have Gator.  We live in a lake community.  Our home is located on a canal to the lake. Very shallow waters.  

I have posted previously what lives in the shallow canal waters near our dock.  This is not new information.  Remember if there is water, you must assume there will be Gator.  This lil guy did not have to appear for me to know he was living (probably still there) near our dock.  We have some reeds to the right of the dock where he likes to sleep.  Anyway, Gators are here.  Everyone seems to ask have you seen a Gator?  Yes, I reply.  Are they scary?  Yes, they are a wild animal. They are a extremely large lizard with razor sharp teeth.  They prefer to chomp on their prey, drag them to the bottom of the water, wait patiently for the prey to die a brutal death of drowning before they chomp, chomp, chomp gobbling them up. 

 Humans are not on their priority list.  Rotting meat, small fowl, rodents.  They are lazy giant lizards.  People get hurt because by accident they have stepped on this giant lizard, while playing in the water and they're reaction is chomp.  Plain and simple.   Let's repeat what we have learned.  Where there is water in the sunshine state of Florida there is Gator.

Now, what no one ever talks about is the giant lizards kin.  This gnarly beast is elusive.  Daring, down right scary.  He can, does appear out of nowhere.  The mire sight has produce the highest girly squeal released from my inner being.  Followed by quick high solitary kicks, jumps.  Causing near death experience each and every time.

Note, it took every bit of energy for me to take this picture.  I lost sleep after said picture.  I present to you the evil gator kin.    The Hemidactylus.  The common lizard.

Do not be a fool by his mire size.  He is a cunning, cold-hearted, calculating killer.

This is a infant. The worst of the worst.  Unpredictable, elusive.

 I went to brush my teeth last night, turn on the light.  TA-DA this little beast appears.  Immediately I become girly girl, squealing, dancing in one spot, elevating heart rate.  I know stroke imminent. The beast runs down the wall nearing his prey.  I become silent, realizing my reactions have brought forth near doom.  He stops, bobbing he's head sizing his prey. I know he can take me, he knows he can take me.  My only options is to back away slowly.    I back further away, grab my camera.  I need proof.  My only option.  This beast has eluded me before.  

I show hubby my picture.  Proving the beast exists.  Living in my sanctuary. 

 Immediately we return to last know location.  Gone, disappeared silently.  Houdini!.  I have produce film this time.  The beast never shows himself to hubby.  Only me, his prefer prey is female flesh.    Again, another night of restless sleep.  Each night I wait, days go by.  I know he is watching my every move.  He will attack, I know this, it's just a matter of time.  He will pick a weak moment.

That weak moment happened this morning.  

Our shower in our bathroom was his choice.  The beast knew where his prey is most vulnerable.  What he didn't anticipate is this.  Our shower takes forever to produce warm water.  I must run the water for a few minutes prior to entering  or you freeze your bottom off.  Just as I turned the knob the beast appeared out of nowhere.  Again, I squeal, causing all rational thought out the window.  He knows my weakness, but this time I'm able to think quicker than normal.  Luckily I still have my robe on, I turn on the water, the beast runs towards a corner on the shower floor.  With the water running I have trapped the beast.  I run to get Eldest.  Eldest believes as does hubby that I'm a loony loon, but complies.  He gathers said beast, softly holding him in the palm of his hand.  I tell Eldest no need to the gentle with the beast.  Eldest laughs.  Just like his father.  He has no clue what the beast is after.  

Again, another day, another hour has passed.  I have survived.  I know where the Gator lives. People always talk about the mean ol nasty Gator.  I never know where the vile cousin will appear, thus he is the most dangerous lizard living in the sunshine state of Florida. In my opinion.

Gardens, flowers ah heck,....

 I'm so jealous.  I do not have a green thumb.  These cute lil flowers are a result of me killing herbs.  Here's the story.

            Recently hubby heard me mumble something about I would love to have some fresh herbs when cooking.  A few days later he surprised me,  he came home with 3 plants.  Mint, Rosemary, and Basil.  I love having mint with my ice tea.  I was tickled to go purchase 3 cute pots, great potting soil.

Following the packing instructions given from the nursery, I then transferred the herbs to the cute pots.  I noticed a couple of leaves dropping a day of two later.  By the end of the first week multiple leaves have fallen, stems turning brown.  Overnight 3/4 of each plant brown, dry dead.  After 2 weeks in my care all dead.  I read the instructions.  Water once when I transfer.  It was like I poured arsenic all over them.  These were beautiful, thick, healthy plants.

 

This is not my first kill.  I had a beautiful 2' bamboo plant.  They grow in water!  All I had to do was keep water in the bowl. By the end of the third month, gone. A mushy mess. Remember the story of the bougainvillea bush.  They grow like weeds down here.  I killed it.  We transferred 3 Aloe Vera plants when we moved to our current home.  Hubby's selected one place.  I selected another location.  About a month in Hubby's aloe is spitting out babies.  Mine was on it's last leg, and all I did was choose it's location. Hubby relocated the plant, it is doing much better.

Anyway,  I had 3 cute lil pots with nothing inside them.  Again hubby and I go to the nursery.  We found this cute cedar barrel.  Select some plants. With my history, we agreed I do not feed, water, and barely look at them.  They're flourishing.  lol

So jealous, but happy we have cute plants!

This and that...

Summertime is in full swing.  The hot, sticky, humid days are upon us.  I can not wait for the cooler temps to arrive.  I look forward to the afternoon rains just to cut the temps by a few degrees.  We are in hurricane season once again.  Nothing popping up on the horizon, keeping our fingers crossed for another boring season.

Last week I met with my RA doctor.  We increased the pain meds again, and he will be referring me to a spine specialist to receive injections to my back.  Praying this works. So far I have had injections in my shoulder, foot, hand, and hip.  I will gladly take injections over surgery, and if it keeps me from using a cane or wheelchair even better.  

We received news another niece is expecting.  YAY!! This is my brother's daughter.  Now all my siblings will be a gpa and gma's, leaving me out of the loop.  To be honest I'm a lil sad we are missing out.  First it was missing out from marriages, now all the kids are having babies.  Not real sure this is in our future.  Eldest we know will not provide us with grandchildren.  So it all rests on Po-boi shoulders.  Since the broken engagement he certainly hasn't rushed out searching for someone new.  Instead his focus has been on his professional career.  He is doing exceptionally well, and we are very pleased he is climbing that ladder.  Funny how "plans" do not work out.  We were married so young, had our kids early with the expectation that we would be grandparents at our current age, but it just wasn't in the cards.  We know now that we are blessed with happy, HEALTHY, children.  I certainly do not pressure Po-boi to rush into anything.  He needs to enjoy his life, and live how ever he chooses.  My parents allotted this free will to me, it's the least I should do for him. So I will just have to suck it up buttercup!  lol

I made a hamburger mac casserole for dinner tonight.  I haven't made a casserole in forever!  It brought hubby back to our newlywed days when our pantry was completely bare. I could make a casserole and feed us for a week.  (giggle)

  Eldest recently celebrated a birthday.  We bought him the ninja blender.  He is making himself a smoothie everyday.  I'm so happy he is getting tons of fruit into his diet.  He likes the green spinach smoothies too.  Money would be wasted if we bought on of these for Po-boi, unless it was a beer smoothie machine. lol

Autograph anyone??.

My mother's day was spent at home relaxing.  Several weeks back I surprised hubby with tickets to a PGA golf tournament.  The Players Championship is played at TPC Sawgrass near Jacksonville.   When I purchased the tickets I did not know it was mother's day weekend.  Po-boi and Hubby were thrilled to be going, they were trying to figure out how they could go to the tournament and make mother's day weekend special for me.  They did not want to hurt my feelings.  Once they told me it was mother's day weekend I told them just go, watch and have some fun.  I'm not into golf like these two are, so it was nice being alone with eldest.  Honestly, if I'm only celebrated once a year, then I think I'm in the wrong relationship.  I pretty much feel that 350 - 365 days a year the boys treat me special, so I can afford to give up a day or two a year.

The guys wanted to go all out, book a hotel near the beach.  That way I could be included in the trip.  I just saw extra dollars being spent on me to be without them for their peace of mind.  Nope, I wasn't interested.  This was something I purchased the tickets for hubby and Po-boi to enjoy, mother's day didn't need to throw a wrench into the plans.

When they arrived, hubby gave me a call letting me know they arrived safely.  He told me to watch the tourney I might find him on TV.  We both had a good chuckle, cuz me watch golf on TV??? Seriously? I like black/white movies, comedies anything is better than golf or bowling on TV..... So I told him maybe. (wink, wink)

My day was spent crocheting, napping and crocheting some more.  Late in the afternoon I thought ok Hubby I will look for ya.  I flipped the channel to the golf tournament.  The last group of players were on the 15th, 16th and 17th greens.  I knew through listening to the guys talk in their excitement of the golf course that the 17th green was "the ta-da of ta-da's".  So, I started to pay attention to the people behind the players.  About 5 minutes in I was bored, thinking this is crazy no way am I going to find hubby.  I decided another show starts in 1o minutes, so hubby better show up before I change the channel.  I kid you not, about a minute later the pro golfer Sergio Garcia takes a swing, then the camera turns to get Sergio's reaction, I flip out because who's in the background.  Hubby.  He's the guy covering his mouth watching Sergio's shot.  Po-boi is out of the frame, he's next to hubby you can see his ear.  LOL.   I sent them a text, told him I waved to him.  Sure made my mother's day special!!!

Blueberries and honey....

Yesterday while out about running errands.  We went to one of the local farms.  I just love this little place.  It is decorated so cute.  I have mentioned it before.

They sell farm fresh eggs, jams, jellies, wines an assortment of Knick-knacks.  I go for the raw honey.  We heard to buy local raw honey building your immune system to combat allergies  and  hubby's asthma.  It has helped tremendously.  Common sense, I love that God has provided us with everything.  We just need to open our eyes. 

We had a pleasant surprise awaiting upon our arrival.  They were celebrating their 8 annual Blueberry festival.  What a blast.  They had a band playing blue grass, a local bbq vendor selling turkey legs, another vendor selling bird baths made from old coffee cups, glass plates or pie pans glued together.  We I went inside the little shed/shop to grab my honey.  On one table there was 40 or so brown lunch bags half full of fresh blueberries to purchase.  The display to the right fresh blueberry pies, and to the left blueberry wine, jellies etc.  So, I grab a little bit of everything, except the fresh pie.  We made our way outside to walk around the farm.  Tons of chickens, couple of roosters too.  I took eldest to see the goose in it's pen.  beside the goose was a pot belly pig.  Eldest has never seen a pig before.  The fence around the pen was only 3 foot high, thus he was able to pat the pig.  This made eldest & the pig very happy.  Next on our walk was the hen house.  A couple girls were inside laying eggs, Eldest yelled. "Jeesh, you gals make a lot of noise, hold it down in there".  Made me giggle.  I told him if he was laying eggs, he'd be yelling and making noise too. E'ldest replied, "I don't make eggs, what's wrong with you Ma? Oh, Jeesh!"

Fun day!  

Got my beach on......

borrowed from Tampa Bay Tribune

I am so happy.  Finally was able to go to the beach.  It was a beautiful day, cool breeze, hot steamy sun, the water was a bit rough.  The riptide had is claws out.  We had a  constant watch on the little kiddos playing, they're struggles to get on shore.  Even the adults realizing the undercurrent after they got in the water, started to pay closer attention.  Our usual private little beach was overflowing.  This was really the 1st warm weather weekend.  We saw many collecting seashells, this is my identifier for  visitors.  Oh, in the pass I too picked a shell or two, three, ten....lol  Most have found the trash, would have been best to keep them at the beach I think.  You have the "artist" whom collect,  you can identify them as well.  They are specific. They only grab what they want, no extras rarely toss.   I got such a giggle when a newbie grabbed a tiny claw, plucking a hermit crab from his hasty safe retreat burrowing into the sand.  Oh, the look on her face realizing she had a crab in her hand.  I suppose the hermit crab had the same horrid look...lol 

ahhh, I luv the beach.  Wishing for another day......soon.

Shopping spree...

I enjoy shopping off the internet.  I was resistant for so long.  There are plenty of deals. Most of my Christmas gifts I purchased on the internet.  No crowds, or fighting for the best parking spot. Free shipping is a must or no purchase. Nothing can replace walking into a bookstore though.  Give this gal a bookstore & coffee...ahh the best.

  I had a coupon burning in my email.  Today was the final day to use it.  I can hear Hubby in my head saying by NOT using the coupon would save more money, but where's the fun???     I purchased a couple white shirts.  I need to replenish my white shirts.  I ALWAYS always spill something on them.  If we plan a dinner or meal out, the menfolk remind me NOT to wear white.  Better yet if we've been out and decide last minute to got to a restaurant, they see I'm wearing a white shirt oh boy the teasing begins.  I'm not a sloppy eater, but inevitably something will drip/spill/dribble/splat onto my white shirt or white pants for that matter too!  lol 

It's been happening for as long as I remember.  Some would say stop wearing white, but I  can't give in, I'm a fighter not a quitter.  Yesterday I had a mishap I was doing laundry.   I had the dirty clothes in a basket on the floor.  I reheated a plate of spaghetti for lunch.  I walked to the table with my plate tripped on a piece of lint, (cuz nothing was around for me to trip on) sliding off my plate was the spaghetti. BLOB right onto the white shirt in the laundry basket.  Apparently I don't have to be wearing white to ruin my shirt. lol

Am I the only person that has issues with white apparel?

 

Cooking blahs...

I'm moving around a bit better, it has only been 2 days in a row.  Let's see if I can make it to 3 before I throw a party.  lol

I wish I had the desire to cook or bake.  Must be going through a rough season, of I don't wanna.  Estimating with my age, marriage, children I have made well over a million meals, ok maybe less than a million, but it seems as much.  I'm currently in a rut.  I look at a cookbook, or different recipes on line, thinking eh?  Nothing seems to sound/taste like eating.  I usually have fruit or fruit salads, greens and yogurt on hand in the frig or ice box as grandma use to say.  That's really all I want to eat, but the menfolk desire something a bit more.   I'm the type of chef, that if I'm hunger for something, I make it.  Since I'm not hungry, then I'm not making.  It's more difficult then it seems.  I have all kinds of protein in the freezer, but draw a blank as to what to make with them.  I'm craving chocolate milkshakes.  One should not live on chocolate milkshakes alone.  Such quandary...hum??

 Have you ever gone through a rough patch?

A load to get off.....

The beaches are still calling me to be near them.  I'm desperately yearning the need to smell the salty air, feel the sand between my toes, and soak up the hot steaming sun.  Hubby is full aware, so what's the problem??? my RA...as usual.   Hopefully, we will be able to make plans soon...

Po-boi has settled nicely to his new digs.  Stella is extremely happy with her new living arrangement.  No more threats from the evil Miss Mercedes.  Po-boi says she has become very loving, almost cat like.  We have rearranged our furniture back to prior his moving back home.  Amazing how the house is so much bigger.  I'm grateful we had the extra square footage to store his belongings.  

   We have been busy decorating Po-boi's apartment.  He has taken some of our artwork.  Since we downsized from our other home I was holding on to a few pieces he liked waiting for him to move out.  I loved purchasing the stuff at Kirklands & Home Goods are my favorite home decor places to shop.  We currently rent our home, now that all the ruckus in our lives have settled a bit, I'm curious about purchasing a home again.  The owners of this home are the adult children to their deceased parents. The siblings live 4 hours away, the parents have been gone for a few years.  They tried selling it prior to our moving in, but brother wants a small fortune, sister would be glad to have it off her plate.    We know the real value, but brother won't budge on his dream price.  We live in a tiny town, inventory does not move quickly.  So, we plan to start shopping in a month or two, we will submit our reasonable offer on this place, cuz why pack??  If rejected like we anticipate we'll look at other properties.  I really want a swimming pool.  With my RA I never go on the wave runner, so I miss the enjoyment of living on a lake.  The hot tub helps, but I know the therapy of a swimming would be wonderful.

My RA has been giving me fits.  I had to wait a month to get approval from our insurance for the new injection,  I want to scream at the people delaying this.  They see another endless supply of paper on their desk.  I wish they could feel what I'm going through, I bet the paperwork  wouldn't stay on someones desk.    Each week I would call, the people taking my information would put "urgent", thus another week would go by, and would repeat the process.  So frustrating.  Meanwhile, the RA flares are happening, I'm gobbling up pain meds like candy.  I finally received my injections, but the effect of the medicine takes time.  I inject myself weekly, but I should expect results 30 to 90 days. God willing.  I was so proud giving myself an injection.  In the pass I had hubby give it to me.  It's a little mind game putting a needle into your body, but I thought just do it you big baby.  lol

I've been taking notes to share with the doctor.  I have had an average of 3 separate areas flaring each week.  Insomnia, exhausting too boot. Oh,  I pray the injections kick in at the 30 day mark, not another 90 days of this happening.  My body developed a resistance to my previous drug cocktail, why I needed to change to an injections.  The doctor wants me to have infusions, but I've been down that road too.  Having to make an appt every month for a 30 to 45 minute I V stuck in your arm is very unpleasant.

Hubby has been so good. I feel bad for him that I'm the one he needs to care for, I would rather care for him so he doesn't have the burden.  I'm in bed most of the time trying to survive the pain.  I only prepare 1 or 2 meals a week.  I planned a great meal for Easter.  The boys enjoyed themselves. By the time evening rolled around I was paying the price.  I stayed in bed for 2 days.  My hands were swollen from chopping up the veggies, my hip  and left foot decided to add to my misery.   Seriously? ugh

Well I did not intend to blog about so much, but it feels good to get things off my mind.  Now to kick back, and enjoy my cup of joe.   

the beach is calling....

So, we are going through another move.  Po-boi's employer has requested a relocation.  We anticipated this happening.  It still hits the gut a little knowing he will be moving away.  He will be closer to home.  We won't be required to travel 14 hours, 4 states away for an occasional visit.  I always try to find a brighter side with life situations.  The bumpy part comes with tomorrow he's leaving on a trip to Colo.  He will be back for only a few days before he packs up and moves.  Leaving us only a few days together.  Ugh.  I need a beach/calgon day.  lol

I have another doctor's appt soon, I haven't been as open as I should be in regards to my health.  I go back in forth in my head stating what I should tell him, but I feel the answer will be the same as always, all roads lead back to having Rheumatoid arthritis, so why bother stating the obvious.   I want a beach day....ugh

I have been reading  a few posts regarding the weather.  Winter is a beast, this only confirms why we relocated to Fl.  When you chat with the people of Fl, you will find winter is the reason why they left their regions.   As much as we miss our families, friends, we do not miss winter.  Our weather may very wellbe warmer in the summer, but that far out weighs the cold, sleet, ice, snow of winter.   I'm a native to Colo.  Rule number one.  Know how to drive in adverse conditions, they happen quickly. They only close schools, roads if they is more than 8" of snow.  Snow is your friend on the road, ice is the enemy.  You need snow to gain traction.  Icy roads are difficult, but manageable if you have the confidence to drive on them.  Colo makes you confident.  

I remember a time when I just dropped the kids off at school, I planned on going to the grocery store.  The quickest route would be the a busy street nearby, but had a 6% steep grade.  Not a favorable advisory with an inch of ice.  The neighborhood roads were less steep, but all were covered with an inch of ice as well.  I opted the neighborhood route, feeling that less traffic, less stress, and less of a grade would work in my favor.  Just routine day to day decision you make when dealing with winter conditions.   I was 3/4 of the way up the neighborhood street when the ice and grade were just a bit too much.  I started to lose traction, pressing the brake, sliding backwards, brakes not making a difference on the ice,  then the car turns side ways.  I started to go down the street SIDEWAYS.  It doesn't matter if you press your brakes when traveling sideways fyi....  I just hoped for the best, kept cranking the wheel, was able to turn the car around, go forward down the icy hill.  Sure I had a bead of sweat on the brow as I was in a awful situation, but I made it out able to tell the tale.  I still needed to make it to the grocery store, so I cranked the wheel again, this time I made it up the hill without a problem.   I now live in Florida, because that was just one typical day living in the land of winter.  I need a beach day tho....lol

I'm wide awake...again.

Well, I got 3 1/2 hours of sleep.  Let's try for 6 - 8 next time eh?   Making a reservation in town at the local hotel not a bad idea currently.  The kittehs officially have gone coo coo.  Hopping up/down on the bed all night.   The moon must be doing something to have this affect on our household.  Hubster has slept through it all. It did seem as though his snoring was a louder than norm too.  Maybe not, I'm sleep deprived. This has made me a tad sensitive to those sleeping through all the ruckus.  What will really burn my buns, when he arises asking; Why you up so early? You feel ok? All sweet, and sincere like.  Ugh. lol

What finally got me out of bed was Bentley hacking up a fur ball.  My side of the bed, on the floor.  Seriously? Bentley.  When it rains it pours.
Now that I've moved out to the living room, the kittens are all settled down sleeping. I want to be ornery, poke them constantly to keep them awake see how they like it.

At least the coffee is good this am.

Granite...who need's it?

Dorel Golf Resort

I'm so anxious.  The only way to solve my anxiety is the beach.  Well, maybe a resort spa.  I have ideas of living the million dollar lifestyle.  It's the funding for my ideas that are troublesome.

Winning Publisher Clearing House 5k a week would solve the lack of funds.  Hiring an assistant would be a top priority.  Their responsibility make the necessary arrangements for us to visit golf resorts in Fl. This would occupy the men. Follow up with arrangements for me to visit the near by beaches at these resorts.  Aww, now that's living.  At least for a few months.  I haven't thought of any long term goals.  

I suppose I would build the dream house.  Nothing overly large, not my idea of dream.  New would be a dream.  Furniture, bedding, accessories.  Everything. I would have no problem tossing 99% of our stuff.  Knick-knacks, family photos would be about all I would keep.  Maybe the few antiques, not that they have a monetary value. They're family hand-me-downs, so I must keep them for the sake of fond memories. My dream home is traditional style with the wrap around porch.  A splash of rustic/county accessory would work as my theme.

 I like the beach, but not the beachy decor, blah!  I have never been a fan of starfish, dolphin, sea shells or coral cluttering the area with teal green/peach as the  primary colors.   Makes me seasick just thinking about it.

I'm not a fan of log cabins either. I know, I can't believe I admitted out loud.  Sorry, log cabin lover people.   I would travel & stay in log cabin, but to live with all that wood on a  daily basis? Nope, not for me.  Also, log cabins attract decapitated large game animals as the main decorating accessory.  I don't like looking at dead animals, not attractive.

I couldn't live on a boat either. Too confining. Plus, you are a small gnat in a boat relative to the size of an ocean, that includes ships.  Naw, tis lady is a lover of ye land ... arrr...

A modern home is so cold, sterile.  Architects, Doctors like sterile environments.   The decorating people of TV always make a big production, about the clean lines. They also like stainless steel appliances.  I hate stainless steel.  Sure it looks good in a magazine, but to live with it.  Ugh, the fingerprints would drive me batty.  They love the extra large glass door enclosure for the shower too.  Try cleaning that booger after you've had a shower!  Can you imagine the water marks.  Speaking of  decorating shows why do they brag about granite counter tops?

My anxiety is beginning to build....yep, I need a beach day.

How's the weather?...series final.

I reread the message.  Hopeful it would trigger something maybe recall who was sending the email .

****Hello, I saw your car in the parking lot, so I know you're here today.  Are you going to talk to me today, or are you mad at me?**** 82374FTL

Oh, I was racking my brain.  Using the email a handful of times.  I only replied to one person .  Pierre Paul 79232PPL .  He was my assigned Operator.  Any program issues, tech problem either hardware or software I typed my messages to him.

I now had 2 emails, that needed a response.  My dilemma was the approach. Should I ask a long series of Who? What? Where? Should I request formal information via email? Am I allowed to use the email with someone other than 79232PPL?

Maybe I will call Pierre Paul to ask the best response?  No, Pierre Paul doesn't seem the type to care about strange email memos. I could ask one of the Secretaries outside my door?  Again, I nixed the idea. I really can not pester them.  They will state a personal message should be ignored in a professional environment.

That's it! Be professional.  I decided my approach would be curt, direct.  Placing my fingers on the keyboard I began to type my message.

***Who is this?*** 63827CCJ

*** Finally you decide to respond.  I guess you're not mad at me.*** 82374FTL

I am getting mad at you, thinking to myself.  You didn't answer my question.

Now my dilemma was growing.  I should have done what the Secretaries would have recommend.  I've been in my office for only a few minutes.   I haven't removed the vinyl cover from my typewriter yet. I was reviewing the current contract revision. Minding my own business.  
I can see this needs to be address in a serious manner.  I adjust my chair, remove the vinyl cover.  Click on the computer monitor, word-processor.  Lighting a cigarette briefly inhale gathering my courage I began to type my next response.

*** Who is sending this message? Please identify. *** 63827CCJ
*** Who am I? ok?  I'm Frank.  You identify.*** 82374FTL
*** Frank in building two?***63827CCJ
*** Building two? No, we work in building 15.***82374FTL
*** No, I work in Building 4. ***63827CCJ
*** Ok, enough with the jokes Carla.  I will contact you later. ***82374FTL
*** My name isn't Carla. ***63827CCJ

The keyboard printer went silent.

Finally,  I was now able to start my work day again.   A few minutes pass, the shaky printer sprang to life once more.

*** Who is 63827CCJ? What is your location? ***82374FTL
*** My name is Cindi.  I'm in Building 4. ***63827CCJ
*** Hello Cindi, my name is Frank.  I work in Building 15. ***82374FTL
*** Hello Frank.  I'm in Business Park One. I'm unfamiliar with Building 15.  Is that in Business Park Two? *** 63827CCJ

My very first chat via the World Wide Web. My Hello Watson moment.

Frank explained his mistake.  My email 63827CCJ handle was similar to Carla's 63287CCJ email handle.   The eight and two in reverse.  So our whole conversation started because of a typing error.  How ironic?

Frank was a contracted employee same as myself.  He was a Operator located in the Virginia area.  Me, Denver Colo.   We worked for the same corporation allowing us to communicate via email.  Carla was Franks girlfriend.  I'm sure he got an earful when he called her, probably why he contacted me again so quickly.  Always a paper trail.

Periodically when I arrived to work in the morning I would have a message waiting for a reply.  Frank sending his greetings. Never anything flirtatious.  A simple:

*** Hello, How's the weather? ***82374FTL

Thrilling times indeed.

*** "Wishing" all the best *** 63827CCJ

part 2.. baffling...

The computer room Operators are the beating heart of the business system.  Imagine a group of 20 -30 people maintaining the computer room itself, and handling the "Office" network so dependent on its speed of function.   Talk about grace under pressure.  You made "friends" with your tech operations guru.

The rickety keyboard printer, was used as  high tech telephone.  The brilliant Computer Programmer and Operators would use the email system daily.  These guru's hated to communicate via land line.  Since their positions required the literal hands on the massive expensive pieces of equipment.   Adapting to the multiple conversations via email was second nature to them.  Why go to the trouble of picking up a telephone to call someone about an error, or system update.  It was up to us "corporate" office folk to learn the new ways of business.  

Pierre Paul was my assigned guru.  If the computer was delayed from the nightly backup.  I would arrive in the morning to an email identifying a problem or notation. A simple sterile message, directing your attention to that days hassles in the work environment.

Opening my office door, I noticed a email had been sent.  Each night before going home I would properly prepare the rickety keyboard printer.  I made sure a sufficient amount of paper in supply.  I would double check the perforations, align the holes on the printers load bar.

I wonder what Pierre Paul had to tell me today.

**** Nightly backup delayed.  Hour of operation available 9 am. ****79232PPL

Thank you Pierre Paul,  I say silently.  I wonder if he could be make a more cheerful message though? Operators seldom have the luxury to engage in a deep formal conversation.  Just once it would be nice to see.

***Good morning  everyone.  I hope you slept well.  The system had a bit of a struggle last night during back up.  This will leave us with a delay until 9 am.  So, please enjoy your coffee.  You have time to make those copies you've put on the back burner.  If the time changes we will inform immediately. ***79232PPL

Once or twice I called Pierre to ask him a tech question, but he's main function as far as I was concerned was a paperboy.  He said, if I wanted my supply faster to call him instead of email.  He received too many email messages, my paper request could get loss in the masses.

The current email baffled me.  It was more elaborate than any previous message I had ever received.  It was possible to have a human-like conversation.  It started with a Hello. That was a nice greeting.  How's the weather on the 3rd floor today?

Hum?...Who would be sending this email about the weather?  The Operators in Building One know very well what our weather is like today.  If this is a joke, I wonder if I will get into trouble typing an email about weather?  Who's handle sent this message?  I don't recognize those initials.  About this time the old keyboard printer came to life again.  Spitting out another message.

****Hello, I saw you car in the parking lot, so I know you're here today.  Are you going to talk to me today, or are you mad at me?**** 82374FTL

Saw my car? Who is FTL? I know a Phillip Lancer, but his 1st initial begins with a P.  There's a guy named Frank, he works in Building Two as a tester.   I don't know Frank's last name.   I rarely interact with either of them.  What about this 3rd floor? and Who am I mad at?

The dark ages.....a 3 part series.

I have been on the 'blog sphere' for 9 1/2 to 10 years.  At least the 'internet' world as many know today.  AOL journals was the best time.  Our kids were peeking their noses into the MySpace world about the same time. But, let us begin a few years prior to the formal age of the WWW. 

 Newlywed, I successfully landed a new job as a Data Entry operator.   The company I worked for provided tech support to the defense department.  I was assigned to the procurement department entering contracts, revisions and such.  I was so important. I had my own office. It housed a desk, file cabinet, typewriter, word processor, and a computer which was linked to a main frame 4 buildings away in the very large business park.  Fancy digs for a young corporate girl. Yes, the dark ages of IT, this is why Jobs (Apple) vs Gates (Windows) fight was worth fighting.  It took 4-5 separate machines doing individual functions.  When Gates won the fight this was my demise as a young corporate girl.

Attached to the large word processor was a stand alone keyboard printer.  It's primary function was to print anything I typed on the word processor. Secondary, it would provide email.  This was the dark ages of IT.  Email was used so rarely.  For the Government rarer still.  They wanted everything in triplicate form.  Typed neatly on the nice IBM typewriter, always needing a paper trail.  I loathed carbon copies!  I am a lousy typist. Too many typing errors.  They would allow, oops here and there on edits, but when whatever paper, memo, letter made it to the final final stage, having all your edits in order, it was now ready for the Triplicate carbon copy final final stage.  

No errors allowed, because if an error was typed on a final final.  Ugh, you would still have to enter, staple, attach all copies into the paper trail book.  Mark a X in red permanent ink on all copies, noting this final final had an error.  The Secretaries would remind us lonely bottom Data Entry feeders. You made a ERROR on a final FINAL.   I was Data entry for a reason, the "professional" gal i.e. Secretaries were Gods on any electronic keyboard. Respectfully so, gosh I remember in amazement how their fingers would zip along the keyboards. Some would appear to type faster than the other, racing along, never hesitating or removing the eye from the form they were typing.  Nothing could disrupt them, however you could disturb them with your lingering or loitering.  They had not the time for dilly dally.  Curt, professional, steadfast.  State your business, move directly on. They would treat their bosses in the same manner.  

As I was saying, rarely would you receive an email, so when the printer sputtered to life, it would shake back/forth on the wimpy legs, make a ruckus as it sucked in the paper feeding from a large case located on the floor nestled underneath.   I nearly jumped out of my skin, each time because it seemed I would get an email sitting in a silent office concentrating on a contract revision.  

 One such occasion I received an email that said.  Hello, how's the weather on the 3rd floor today?  I looked around my lonely office, noting it's location was on the ground level of a 2 story building.   Hum,......

Sunday Sayings.....

Gasparilla Is

With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.  Eleanor Roosevelt

I'm so ambitious laying awake in bed at 1 a.m.  I have many thoughts of reorganizing the closets.  If I buy tubs, or boxes I could....  I should set up a system one tub for give-away, one throw away, one for keeping then I should.....  Maybe if we......  I will need the boys to help.....  The boys can, well they, they .....nope they are not going to be willing to help.....   

I can not even begin to remember how many times this has come into my mind.  According to Eleanor each day I'm to have new thoughts, well honey let me tell ya something.  Until I organize my closets there won't be any new thoughts.  Why wait for Spring to clean, I live in the land of eternal summer.  geesh!

So today, I will go out into the world, purchasing tubs.  Cute boxes, while I'm out the boys are going to remove all items in my closet.  When I get back, we organize.  Sound determined, I say to myself.  Be bold, be firm.  Think of Eleanor.  You need a new thought.   I know as soon as I mention my bold, firm idea to the guys.  They will look at me with a face that says...Seriously? Really?  Not again, ugh!

They will remind me of their aches, pains.  Soreness from the previous days golf game.  I will not falter.  Steadfast, I will prevail. Chanting Eleanor in my head.  Oh, they will put up a good fight.  Honey, remember your RA.  I don't want you stuck in bed for 3 days.  Let's just wait, we just got done with Christmas, packing away all that stuff....  Just relax, we can do it another day....  I know we need to get this done, we will.  But first, we need to relax, have fun on the weekend, watch football, you can crochet....Speaking of football maybe we can make some new snacks...

I saw this new crochet stitch I wanted to try, we do need to.....(this is Eleanor, dear reminding you...)   You're right, stay on track....I will... I will... Ok, new plan, I will go out into world purchase the tubs, and cute boxes.  If I buy the tubs first, THEN I can put my plan into action.  Yes, I should have the proper organization inventory first, yep, NEXT weekend we can organize the closets.....  Wait, next weekend they're playing golf at.....

Amish puzzle ball

Yesterday, while the guys were out on the course.  I made this fun baby toy.  I've never crocheted a ball before, it is super easy.  I thought the next time I make a baby set with the blanket, booties.  I will add this soft toy too.

 

The recent chilly temperatures have kept me indoors.  Thus the need to reorganize, making me coo coo crazy.  We are now on a warming trend.  Will probably be able to turn the heater off.  Open up this stuffy house....  Hopeful I can reorganize the closets, but then again...Ugh Where's the fun in that.....

'Wishing' you the best day.....