New Year's Eve

Hey everyone! I hope you are all having a great and safe evening. In about two hours Roberta and Mike will be picking me up to go to Aldario’s Restaurant over in Devon. They have a dinner going on there tonight with Continental Breakfast at 1 am. When this is posted I will be there.

Today went pretty well. I got up around 6 and the snow hadn’t arrived yet. It came around 8:15 and it came down hard. It got very slick. I don’t hint very many people came in to work this morning but I managed to get a lot done including the readdress mail. It is now piled in the outgoing trays. I just hope Susan doesn’t question it. She won’t be in until next Monday and by then they will have been delivered.

I was able to leave after 1:30. It was cold and still snowing but not hard. I got to the car and drove to the highway. Two guys were on ATV’s and were cutting ahead of me and were smart asses.

As I got to the highway entrance I started sliding and I got a little nervous. I got through it okay and from there was slow driving. I suspect I took that entrance a little faster than I should have been.

I stopped at the bank to take some money out before I went home. Webster bank just finished renovating this branch and it looked very nice. After the bank I got home.

I was home by 2:30 and Mom was upstairs on the computer. Earlier she had started putting away the Christmas decorations and reorganizing the attic again.

I tried to take a nap for an hour and then got up and checked emails. I checked my suit already and it looks fine.

Now I have to get ready and go out. Have a happy and safe holiday and God Bless you all.

Another Fine Day

Well another fine day has passed. I got to work late after going to the gas station. Any other day would have been not a good day to be late but because we are on our recess (second to last) day. It didn’t matter. I worked on yesterday’s mail but didn’t get it finished until mid afternoon. Everything seemed to get overwhelming. Campus mail was bombarded for me as it threw my whole schedule off. Happily more OT for today was offered so I stayed until 4. I had to remake a new document for my daily mail count. I have to finish opening today’s and sort it but it will be done early I hope. I have a lot of readdress mail to do. I am still trying to figure out what else I did that caused me to get backed up.

I had to go the back roads (secondary roads) on the way home. Traffic was heavy on the highway and I didn’t want to take the chance getting into a long line. I went through West Haven and down past Bob and Ethel’s house. I managed to get home not that much after 4:30. I had called Mom to let her know I might be a little bit later than I told her.

Mom was cooking dinner when I got home. Actually she was baking pumpkin bread loaves. She made a makeshift shepherds pie as well. Instead of using lamb she used the pork that we had for dinner last night. We ate around 6 and was finished by the time the Newshour was on.

I also spent time watching NCIS and playing telephone tag with Roberta. We didn’t actually talk but she left me messages that she and Mike will be picking me up tomorrow at 7 and sort of dress up. The weather is very questionable. Actually there is snow expected tomrorw night. There expectations of three 3 ½ inches of snow.

Now that it is after 9:30 I think I am going to bed.

Not a bad day

I had a pretty good day today. Work went well still have to finish today’s mail for tomorrow but it won’t take long. I was quite surprised to find the parking garage at normal capacity when I left for my meeting with Debra.

I met with Debra at quarter of 3. We talked about the holiday and mostly about what was going on with Jim. We also discussed how to take things a little at a time so that I am not so overwhelmed.

I stopped at the card shop to by another sympathy card for my friend shirley serrano. I also bought so birthday cards for those who have birthday’s coming up. I also bought some jelly beans.

I am so tired that I think I will go to bed.

What a Warm Day

It really is a warm day. On the MSN site it says its 55 on weather.com site the temperature for Milford is 52 degrees. Most of the snow has melted away at least in our yard but along the curbs there is still some substantial amount of snow. Someone told me it will be snowing by week’s end. Well I just checked and the report read snow showers New Years Eve, and then again on that Friday and on the following Monday but that the rest of the days will be sunny.

Bingo went well. Andrea and Marisa came in to help as always and we had fun. Virgie was working today and she told me that she has a few more weekends left before she leaves the nursing home. She will be going back to her full time job in Fairfield. I really will miss her.

I got back to the house just about Noon. Mom was on her computer doing stuff. We talked about dinner. I will be helping out. I washed the potatoes and will be cutting them up when it gets closer to dinner.

I did some laundry and tried to clean my room. It is a work in progress. I will get it done without too many problems. I tried to keep up on the cleaning but with the cellulitis and work and being tired at the end of the day and the weekends being the way they were I just didn’t have time.

I supposed any of you who are animal lovers have heard the latest news about the pod of dolphins in New Jersey. Apparently one of the dolphins in the original pod died this past Christmas Day. The latest thing I read was she was pregnant. The AP article hit every newspaper across the country. The NOAA who has been monitoring the progress of the pod has at this time no plans to intervene and this has many people questioning the reasoning for this. Personally these people know more than the detractors. Unless they have a degree in animal biology or doing this out of just compassion they may want to let the authorities take care of it if they feel the need to.

Aunt Rosemary called today. I am not sure what was talked about but I suspect the topic of health and family was among them especially about Jim. I just walked towards the office and Mom was telling Rosemary about the time she was supposed to go into the hospital for the UTI and opted for the at home stuff. After they hung up I did ask Mom and the one bit of news is my cousin Judy and her husband are expecting their second child in June. Whoohoo!

You know it’s been weeks since I wrote my weekly letter to the groups and to Michele. I guess I was a little gun shy because I had heard Susan and Maria talking about Michele knowing about Susan leaving and wondering who had told her. I guess I can write and just say work is going well.

Mom’s back is really giving her grief. It happened around Dinner time. I had to walk her up the stairs but she managed to come down with out any problems. I was a little worried.

Telka called today. She had just gotten home from her vacation in Florida. She told me our friend Shirley Serrano had lost her husband Rob. Roberta called her and left a message. I called Roberta around 8 to see what she was up to. She wasn’t home. I guess she was at Hanukkah services.
I have been watching SOM and will go finish it and then go to bed. I will see you all tomorrow.

Happy Birthday Christian

Hello Christian! I don’t know if you go online or even read people’s blogs but I just wanted to let you know I love you and wish you all the best this year has to offer. I know you are going through a rough time and it seems hopeless but you have your beautiful kids, Mom, Nelson, your brothers, and sisters, your Grandma, and Your Uncles, and of course me in your corner. You will get through this.

I got up around 8 and am finishing up laundry and watched a little bit of Charmed but since I saw this particular episode a few weeks ago I will skip it for now. I don’t have major plans for today perhaps cleaning and getting this room back to order.

Mom was up before me and she apparently didn’t sleep very well. She was thinking about Jim for most of the night. She did get a chance to speak to his Dr. Because of the HIPAA regulations all he could do is listening and thanked her. She told him her concerns and observations. Now she is wishing she had said more. She also got a call from Claudia yesterday very upset. It wasn’t a good day on Christmas Day.

The rest of the day I watched the NCIS Marathon on USA and it is still on but I want to go to bed. I am not really feeling that well.

We went to the 4 o’clock mass at St John Vianney’s in West Haven. After that we came home and had dinner. We had lasagna and stuffed peppers.

The rest of the time we watched TV. Now I am going to bed.

The Day After

Hey everyone. It is now after 9. I had a pretty good day. I went to work and to the Doctor’s today. The drive in wasn’t so bad the drive to the doctors was less then thrilling but what did I expect the day after the holiday?

Apparently all these sales across the country will not be helping the economy at all this year and from what I gather into the future. According to the news reports people were just not buying anything but more like swapping or returning. According to this NY Times the post holiday shopping sales will not help what is being called dismal holiday shopping. One analysis predicted that we could see some stores either reduce their sales staff or even close in the near future.

I was late for the Doctor appointment but not by much. I did call them before getting off the highway because I wasn’t sure how long I would be there but whatever was holding up the traffic seemed to disappear (as is the case most times)

Dr. Spanolios was pleased at the progress of the leg and told me to continue with the antibiotic and will see me again in a few years (or when the next major crisis occurs). I told him I would be scheduling a full physical sometime.

When I left the office I called Liz and Nelson to see if I could drop off the gift from PA to them Liz said yes but she reminded me she still had her Bronchitis. When I arrived Nelson was cooking and Adam and Liz were picking up stuff. We chatted about Christmas Day. I made no mention that Mom spoke to Jim. I did that for two reasons. I just didn’t want to get into it with Liz about the methodology or ideology between Mom and Liz. When Liz went to bed I left and headed to the post office.

That was a nightmare. I picked up the envelope I thought Mom recommended I get to mail the gifts to Allentown. I waited in line for a short time only to find out their Credit Card/Debit Card machine was down. They were only accepting cash and checks. I had just over $5 in cash. I went out to get my check book and it was all out of checks. I think I may have caused a little scene. I told the guy that thing should have been repaired. He nearly yelled at me and I left. I had to come home get more money and my other check book. The whole thing came to $7.50. I asked both Mom and the Post office guy what would be better he showed me (it cost a lot less and only pay for postage.

As I was driving home for the second time I thought to myself just once during recess I would like to come home at the time I am supposed to and relax. I would like to watch TV (I had missed my "Charmed" episodes).

Actually I was happy to miss them. Diane and Ethel came over for a visit. They brought over their gifts to us. Mom got Cambodian spices, table runners, and shawls. I got a bath and body works encyclopedia and perfume. We had pie and tea and talked about Diane’s trip to Cambodia and her trip to the Philippines.

We had a great time because Diane is so incredibly wise and sure of herself. She talked about her plans for her career and some of the things she has discovered on while there. I am certain she will attain any of the goals she has planned.

After they left it was nearly 6. Mom and I weren’t sure of what we wanted to have for dinner. I settled for a bowl of Coco Krispies and Mom had liverwurst. We finished off the strawberry pie.

After dinner I did some laundry and watched TV. Mom got into her pajamas and has been watching TV and the TV has been watching her.

Speaking of the TV did you notice how all the news programs (local at least) are now starting with “The Best of 2008”? For example “The newsworthy items over the past year. The Elections, the weather, and the economy among many of the newsworthy reports. This will probably last all week until New Years Day.

The weather was a major news item tonight. All across the country there has been major snow storms, icy conditions, rain and it is causing a lot of problems for the Holiday travel. We are supposed to be getting rain over night I am not sure what the rest of the weekend is going to be like.

Well I better go. I have been sneezing a lot today and I have taken the night time cold meds and I am expecting to get really tired soon.

Have a great night and I hope you enjoyed your shopping day.

Christmas Day 2008

Well Another Christmas holiday has come to an end for me. It is after 8:30 at night and I am heading to bed. Why so early? Well for a couple of reasons. One I didn’t really sleep that well last night and I am not feeling that well right now despite helping myself to two pieces of strawberry pie Mom made yesterday.

How was today? Well this morning was fine despite the fact I didn’t like Mom’s comments about me not being ready for Christmas. I had just finished wrapping Bob’s gift this morning. If she ever knew I didn’t wrap Dave’s gift she would be infuriated. I figured she was giving me attitude again or just being annoying.

We exchanged gifts despite the fact she wasn’t really feeling good (her back was bothering her) She liked her Gift Card to Talbots I gave her. She gave me two Audio books, one called White Fang, and the other how to speak in groups. I also got the sonic care toothbrush. We also got things from the kids. They sent a beautiful pocketbook, notepaper for me and the Kureig Coffee Maker for Mom.

We went to the 11:30 Mass at St Agnes. The church didn’t seem full but I figure they either went to midnight mass or the 10 am mass. The music was lovely and the homily was punctuated with Father Callahan’s wit. After Mass we came home and did our own thing.

I did some laundry and watched the Star Trek Marathon that was on SCIFI Channel. Mom did some email writing. She got a call from Jim that really didn’t last long or long enough but they did talk.

Around 3 we left for Bob and Ethel’s. We were greeted by Diane’s friend Richard. He is really a terrific guy. He helped us out of the car and walked us into the house. Bob and Ethel were in the kitchen cooking. They had gotten a new oven.

After a while more people arrived and then we sat down to eat. There was so much food roast beef, turkey, dressing, vegetables, wine, soda, and water. There was bread pudding for dessert but we didn’t have any. Some of the guests went into the other room and began playing guitars and harmonica while the rest of us sat around the table and talked.

Mom and I left around 6:30. Mom wasn’t feeling well and I was getting tired. I was also getting a little headache with the noise.

Overall it was fun and I enjoyed the company.

Christmas Eve 2008

Greetings everyone I hope you are enjoying Your Christmas Eve holiday! As I am writing this it is after 10 and in about an hour I will be attending the Midnight Mass at St Agnes here in Milford. I am tired but I would rather be here tomorrow doing last minute things.

Today was pretty good. I got up early and got ready for work. Mom got up just as I was leaving. It was starting to rain. As I was leaving I was talking to Mom. She wanted me to move along to get the paper and I told her I didn’t want to close the door in her face. A neighbor Sean called out and said something along the lines of “don’t be yelling at your mother!” How is about minding your business? I was trying to give him that signal. I am sure he got it.

The roads were light in volume despite the rain. I got to the garage by quarter of 8 and to the office just before 8. I was the only in the back there but many others were through out the department. They had to sign in at Gayle’s office. I started working on yesterday’s mail and then when Lou came in I worked on the campus mail. Gayle came in mid morning.

When I finished with the lockbox from yesterday I worked on today’s. The post office mail as light in volume as it was there was a lot of campus. Well it seemed like it. I was finished with it by 1. I finished the bad addresses and did the lobby mail and then worked on the readdress mail.

I was on my way by 2:15. When I got home Shannon Dolan was coming over and we walked in to the house together. Mom was cooking and Shannon gave us our presents. After a few minutes she had to get going.

Then Mom and I talked about the gifts for the PA branch and it was bout then when it went to hell very quickly. She started getting agitated that they were not mailed by now. I told her I just got them Monday! She was starting to really get on my nerves. I went up and got the gifts wrapped and it was getting late. I even watched TV but I also did notes for Jim. At some point it was nearly 3:30. Mom was calling to me. I told her I was wrapping. She wanted me to move along.

I left around then and got to the Post office and it was closed. It had closed at 3. When I got home Mom was disappointed and I suspect annoyed even if she wouldn’t admit it. We had already discussed why I hadn’t gotten it done (cellulitis and the fact I didn’t get them until Monday).

Later on I went and started to ask her about having something to eat. She didn’t give me an answer I either liked, or appreciated. When I walked away mad she started to yell. I yelled back at her I didn’t like her attitude and tone. I went back to her later and apologized that I perceived she was having an attitude with me. Honestly I think she still was. I have been feeling she has had one for several days now and I am not sure why.

This entry isn’t supposed to be a negative but unfortunately this maybe be a reflection of the holidays I am not sure. I also have certain attitudes myself I am not blind too.



Mom had wanted me to get the gift certificate but said she would get it as I was getting dressed but I wioudl take the stuff to Liz’s.
It was nearly 5:30 when I got there. Rich was there and his friend “Nick” who would be fulfilling “ST Nicholas” shoes. ;) I called into the house when I arrived. I asked Rich to come and help me because I had visions of me falling on my backside. Mom came a half an hour later. Food was being served. Conversation flowing and watching the kids were just awesome and sweet. They all loved their gifts.

I got a beautiful bound journal with a cherry pine wood covering on it and candy from Juniro. Stuff I have been eating since I got home.

Mom and I left after 8 when we realized we missed the 8 pm Mass. I had decided to go to the midnight mass. After realizing I was tired and wanted to watch TV I didn’t go.

It is now late and I am going to bed. Merry Christmas.

I finished shopping tonight

Hey gang sorry I didn’t write yesterday but it was not a good time to write. I was pretty exhausted. I worked, we had our luncheon at the restaurant and even though the food was good the service was not. We did get a free dessert out of. We exchanged our “secret Santa’s”. I found out this morning that mine was Cami when she came and asked me about the store.

After the party we came back here and there wasn’t much more time to do anything so I started cleaning up. I got the car and drove it to the parking lot on Elm and went to meet with Debra. I told her about the day and about the week’s events. The session went by quickly.

When I got back to the car I headed to the stores. For the next three hours I shopped to the point I wanted to scream. My first stop was Catherine’s for Liz’s gift. Then I went to Costco, Barnes and Noble, Starbucks, and Bath Bed and Beyond. I pretty much got a lot of stuff. I got gift cards, books for the kids, Dave’s gift, the place mats Mom wanted and she loved them when I showed them to her.

It was nearly 8 when I got home. I wasn’t hungry but I got into my pajamas and watched TV. I can’t remember what else I did. I also was feeling under the weather (: p)


I tried to get up early and do things this morning. It didn’t work. I got up at around 6. I watched TV, ironed my clothes, showered, and still managed to leave for work late. A fact Mom mentioned when I called her later on in the day.

I spent most of the day working on the mail from yesterday and did work on today’s mail as much as I could. I do have the lockbox to work on plus the readdress mail.

Paula’s Restaurant had a little festive party at the end of the day. I am not sure what it was but it was good. I didn’t eat a lot of it because I knew I was eating dinner tonight.

I left work way after 4 and headed to the Stop and shop and got gift cards and 6 lbs of coffee (2 each for of the boys). I feel it was inappropriate to just by 3 because it would come out to $8 and they deserve a little more. After that I went to Costco, after Costco I went to Talbots to get Mom’s gift.

I got home by 6. Mom had dinner ready but I was so tired I needed to lie down. I did and the got up to watch TV. Mom had been eating. There was a failure to communicate. Actually it wasn’t the only one today.

Jim the courier wanted to know about the mail next week. I told him three times that we will be here until 2 (except Christmas Day). It got so aggravating the Liz R had to chime in. He will check again tomorrow.

Oh I was removed from one of the pen pal groups. The reason was for not putting my info in. I did over the last few days. I sent an email to the moderator but haven’t heard from her. I have reapplied but don’t know if I will be accepted.

Right now though I am going to bed, I told Mom I will be getting cards tomorrow so htat I can wrap these things and get ready for Liz’s. We are tentatively planning on attending the 8 pm mass tomorrow night.

It's Snowing Again

Good Morning! It is after 8 am and it is snowing again. It is supposed to be for the rest of the day again. Today I have bingo, church and Dave’s party at 2. I will come home after church to get changed and bring the appetizers I promised.

Yesterday was pretty good. Dave after calling to say he wouldn’t be coming until after 10 came around 10:30. He felt it necessary to take time to have a conversation with Mary in Torrington. When he called Mom thought I was outside clearing off my car to get to the bank. I called him back but he didn’t answer. When he arrived he made a comment to me along the lines of “well I guess you clear off the car.” I told him I called him. He went on to tell me he had talked with Mary had to do all these things before taking off.

As we were leaving I decided to clear off the front porch stairs in case Mom had to go out. It was a quick one because I didn’t want to keep Dave waiting. Once that was done we went to the bank. I had him read the email from Liz. He thought it would be awkward for Liz to get involved and at the same time he didn’t understand why Jim would take so long to get help. He also didn’t have a clue as to why Jim would go into Rehab yet again. I tried to answer his questions without hitting him up the side of his head. An action I wanted to take several times during the outing.

Around 11 we stopped in the Branford Area McDonalds so that Dave could get the ice off of his windshield wipers. I got some “lunch”. We were on the road a short time later. We stopped in New London to get a picture of the inlet. I also noticed a guy in Army uniform and his girlfriend who were from GA and heading to Rhode Island. They were freezing. We chatted about John and about the differences in GA and here.

It was a bout 1:00 when we got to Newport it had been snowing a little again. We headed to the Mansions and our first stop was the Elms. It was quarter of 2 by then and we decided after some debate to buy tickets for all three Mansions. The first tour at the Elms was 30 minutes. My little audio player was giving out. I was complaining because it was annoying and I felt it should have been taken out before it was handed to me. Dave said to go back and get another one.

The second house was the Marble House. The first of the two Vanderbilt homes and it was another audio tour and mine audio player worked but Dave’s didn’t. It talked about the different rooms and the members of the William K and Alva Vanderbilt. It was mentioned that at the time this was built the woman were in charge of the “cottages” and ran them like inns (or businesses). All the social activities came from here. Each room was described and how the people lived.

The Second Vanderbilt estate The Breakers Mansion was commissioned by the same architect by and was built for the Grandson Cornelius. The Newport Preservation Society was preparing the first floors for a holiday ball so we were the last of the tours. It was guided tour of the first and second Floor and the kitchen. It was very nice and we were done by 5 I think.

Dave and I made our way to each of the gift shops and in one of them I managed to get a book about Christmas for the little Morgan’s. OF course Dave took his time which annoyed the living bleeps out of me.

Once we made it back to the car we headed back to town to find a place to eat (the Red Parrott) and mail some bills and a letter I wanted to mail. We both had some type of chicken dish (mine was chicken strips) on a lettuce bed. I also had a salad and 2 hot chocolates and water. No dessert.

After we ate we got the car I called Mom and told her we were on our way home. We had to stop at a gas station in Kingston/Jamestown to get gas and it was starting to snow again. The drive home was good except for a guy who was trying to get us to move over to the next lane so he could get off and my leg started getting irritated. I was getting upset because I didn’t want to scratch it (I did).

We got home by 9. Mom was in her pajamas and watching TV. I showed her the book I got and my leg that was then went upstairs to change and get the powder and lotion on it. I also got them back up on the pillows. I also watched TV for a bit.

I also read the mail I received earlier in the day. I receive a beautiful get well card from Tessa M so I sent her a thank you email. I received three holiday cards from fellow pen pal groups.

I am not sure what time I finally went to bed but I know I was awake early this morning but stayed longer. Around 7:30 I got up and started laundry and then got ready for bingo. It took me some time to get the car cleaned off.

There was some power outages along Woodmont Road by the highway. I called Mom and I called Dave and told him to be careful. I was first to arrive for the girls club and staff for Rec. I started setting up for the coffee and Andrea and her daughter were starting to serve. Natalie came in around 10:30.

The next hour went by fast. I was glad because I had so much to do. I did have a chance to talk to Natalie before going to church. She moved to West Haven just up the street from here. We talked about the holidays and then I went off to church.

I sat with Andrea and Marisa. I also started falling asleep again during Mass. Needless to say I missed the first two readings. I don’t like doing that.. After the Mass was over I headed home. By the time I got to Woodmont Road the power was restored.

Mom was baking when I got home and so I started getting ready and got on line for a bit. I puttered around too.

Mom asked me if I had forwarded Liz’s email to my address and I answered her. She was a bit annoyed (she needs to grow up). We discussed what I thought it was. She was getting re-affirmation that I agreed with her.

I left for the party by 5 of 2. The appetizers (spinach ones) were just coming out of the oven by then. I really didn’t appreciate her doing it so damn close to me leaving but it worked out okay. I took off for Daves.

When I arrived Rose was already there. The house was nicely decorated and the kitchen table filled with food. We talked and then the phone rung. Mary, Diane, Julie and their prespective partners bailed out of the party. The roads were not that great and were expected to get bad.

Dave’s friend Frank came and we spent the next several hours talking and arguing politics. Dave pissed me off a few times with comments he made. As though he had to speak for me or even change the subjects of what we were discussing. I also was a little bent out of shape that I was cut off from speaking on certain subjects and I find that very frustrating.

Dave gave Rose and I our gifts and around 9 we left. It took us a few minutes to leave because of the ice covered cars.

I was home ten minutes later.

I told Mom about the party and she still had some type of attitude and when I asked her about it she got annoyed. Too Goddamned bad woman! I was infuriated. I vented a little bit ago.

I got changed and checked my leg and it was much better. I have been watching a little TV. I had a surprise when I turned on Cold Case and found Lee Majors on the Tube.

Now I am going to bed.

Today is Ethel's Birthday

Good Morning! Today is my Sister-in-law Ethel’s Birthday. She is probably late 50’s now she is Bob’s wife and the mother of Diane, John, and Robert. She continues to share the home with Bob in West Haven. She is an accomplished Real Estate Agent in West Haven. She enjoys cooking all of her Chinese and Pilipino foods (none that I can remember having though).

I have no idea if Bob is having anything for her but I don’t think I can make it. I will be leaving some time in the next 20 minutes for Newport Rhode Island to see the Decorated Mansions. Yes if you read this blog yesterday you will remember we had snow here and it is doing it again. It is supposed to be doing it all day.

I am not sure how long we will be there but I do know I have to do some form of shopping and get it done considering there is five days of shopping left.

Well around 9:20 I got a call from Dave and he said he wouldn’t be ready until 10. I decided to get some e-cards sent.

The Holiday Breakfast

The Holiday breakfast was very nice. It started around 8:30 and had the regular foods. We were greeted by Alita F and the management team all served us. Marianne asked me how my leg was doing I told her it was coming along and that I had decided to forgo the party that night I spoke with her.

Later on in the morning we were given our annual gifts. They were sweat shirts with the YMG Logo on them. I left mine at work. I can always get it on Monday.

The morning went by quickly. The mail came and went and I was finished with it all by 2. The snow started shortly after 12. It came down in fine form and became heavier by 1. By then there were many who left for the day. Many opted to leave “at the first flake”. I chose to leave by 2:30.

Debra had called earlier in the day to reschedule for Monday at our regular time. I took the opportunity to read the email Liz sent to Mom. She really couldn’t comment on it as she didn’t know Liz well. She knows there is history between us and I know her (Liz) better.

I called Mom earlier in the day and told her I would be home way before 4. .She was glad to know it but was on her way to the post office.

After having a chat with Zaneta in the parking garage I headed home. The roads were awful but I managed to keep to 20 miles an hour and had the flashers on as required by law. I slid a little bit but I managed to not freak out. Mom was really worried and anxious for me to come home because she slid as well (she told me later). I got home by 3:15. She was relieved when I arrived home.

WE moved our cars further into the driveway as the street was being plowed. Sean Neschke called out to us and wished us a Merry Christmas. He was plowing all the sidewalks on the entire street.

Since I have been home I watched TV, and we had dinner and I paid some bills. The snow has now stopped and won’t do anything until tomorrow.

The Night before the storm

Well it is the night before the big storm is to hit. According to the panicky overpaid weathermen in this state (well maybe one) has said the storm should come around 12 noon. The shoreline is supposed to get 2 to 3 inches but the sleet is supposed to make it worse. The forecast is more explicit.

The day went pretty well. I was able to finish the daily mail and worked on the readdress mail. I still have some more to do but I can finish it tomorrow. Guess what I found in our mailbox downstairs? An envelope of mail from Bank of America that was supposed to be part of the courier delivered mail. Apparently it has been missing since the 16th. They decided to send it via US Postal service instead of courier. I became the finance’s new best friend. AT least a lifesaver for them

I called Liz and Nelson today to ask what they are getting Mom. I come to find out they are both sick with some kind of bug. After a brief chat with Nelson discussing possible gifts I called Mom up and told her they were sick. She told me she had just gotten off the phone with Liz. She was very upbeat about it. She had gotten a long email from Liz about the situation with Jim. They have come to an understanding of sorts on how to handle it. I read the email and I even saved it to this journal and printed out a copy for my session with Debra tomorrow. I am pleased they have come to an understanding.

Oh I got a lovely gift from Dottie C AKA Mommy C. I found it waiting for me in my office. There was a holiday pin, a coffee mug, and memo pad and pen. I felt guilty because I hadn’t even discussed or thought about it. I ran to Lee Ann and she showed me a gift I could pay $10. It was a watch, 2 pairs of ear-rings and a necklace.

The team party was moved to Monday the 22nd. It will be at Hot Tomatoes. Christina was really being immature about it. She was whining and bitching about it. Grow the fuck up child! You are an adult not your kids. It isn’t all about you! She was really pissing me off.

I think I wasn’t feeling that well. I had a little accident and I had to wash out my clothes a little. I was afraid I was a little ripe. Happily I wasn’t but I was so self conscious about it. I had even got some reinforcement from very close friends.

Roberta invited me to go out with her and Mike and their friends to Aldario’s Restaurant on New Years Eve. It will be so cool. I probably will wear a suit like I will tomorrow.

I got some really beautiful holiday cards from my pen pal Susan Hixon, Aunt Rosemary and Uncle Peter, my cousins Tim and his wife Wendy in MI. I have to get on the ball and get some more out.

I best get to them. Have a great night!

Today is Richard's Birthday

Today is my oldest nephew Richard’s birthday. He was born 34 years ago today. He was born to my sister Liz and then BIL Tom in Norwalk. He spent a short time in Norwalk before his family moved to West Haven, then eventually into Milford. It wasn’t an easy time for him. His parents divorced when he was maybe 10. Both had dependency issues and other issues. Now his parents live their own lives both sober for a long time (Tom has been seven now).

Rich graduated from Platt Tech nearly 20 years ago in a trade and has been very successful in it. He is now running his own business and works in Fairfield County. I am so proud of him. He is a loving son, a loyal and loving brother, and a doting uncle like you would not believe.

Usually his family will have coffee and cake but because the way Liz is feeling towards Mom right now about her methods to help Jim I don’t think we will be invited. At least I don’t think so I haven’t heard anything from Liz and she didn’t mention it during the weekend.

I have a card that I bought on Saturday so I will mail it tomorrow. I think I should have mailed yesterday (because I think his birthday is really tomorrow). I probably will give him Money.

It started snowing last night. It had to have been between 8 and 9. I was lying in bed and had to get up for the bathroom and looked out and saw the blanket of snow. It wasn’t sticking to the roads but it was to the grass and tops of the garage and surrounding houses.

Well it is now 12 hour later. Work went well and I managed to get everything up to but not all of the readdress mail done. The snow had pretty much stopped by the time I got to the office. I found my meds for the cellulitis and the plaquenil in my desk draw. I had already called the Dr’s office to see if they found it.

Many of the teams were having their holiday party today. Some went out others had it in the board room. Ours may or may not be on Friday. It all depends on the weather we have. The wonderful weather forecasters in this state (cough, cough, choke, choke) were causing a panic with their weather report last night.

I told some more people about the cellulitis including our CEO Marianne. When I told her I could have it hit on a tub or bins or something all I could think is “she is probably thinking why you are still working?” When I told another coworker she said she had gotten in her cervix after her hysterectomy. I told a few people the splotches that are on my leg (they have since lessened) and wondered if it was because it was the way I was washing myself with the soap. Some suggested that I do the leg last. I have been really cautious about washing my hands to the point of obsessive. I was even afraid it might be on my fingers. I have to take another dose at 10:30 since I took it last when I got in.

Well I have some cards I need to get sent or I will be so far behind in this Christmas spirit I will be the next Scrooge.

I saw the Dr. Today

Evening everyone! I just thought I would write a quick entry before I had to elevate my leg for the rest of the night. I called the Dr’s office and they had me come in this afternoon. Dr. S looked at it and said he would give me another 10 tens prescription and that I have elevate it again for the next ten days. I get to see him the day after Christmas. It does look better but like I said have to keep it elevated.

Today was okay but it got a little hairy when I had forgotten to get a chart from one of the insurance follow up reps. I had to call Jim the courier back. Happily he was only at the loading dock. He was very accommodating.

I managed to get the mail done from yesterday and the return mail piles done for both days. I just have to finish lockbox from today. There wasn’t much in the post office mail area which is okay but a little odd for a Tuesday. I have a feeling it will hit me tomorrow.

We got a flyer today that all hotplates, coffee pots, holiday lights and anything of that nature is not to be in our cubicle offices any longer Me thinks it was because Mary found my cup warmer plugged in and an envelope on the wire. She should have just left it alone it wasn’t doing anything.

I got a beautiful card today from my friend Mardi and her family in Kent CT. It is a snowman on the front and it was just so cool. I will be sending her an e-card. I still have to send a whole lot out. I do this every year. I really should start them in August or September and then schedule them to go out starting the day after thanksgiving.

The gift I ordered for Bob over the weekend came today. I will wrap it closer to Christmas. I will have to do some major Christmas shopping this weekend. Although I don’t know how I am going to do it. Dave and I are going to Newport RH for the Christmas at the Mansions. Then on Sunday we have his party.

We are supposed to get some messy weather starting tonight and into tomorrow. That’s the way it started this morning but it didn’t amount to anything. Let’s hope it’s the same way tomorrow. I would really prefer not to wear my boots until this thing is cleared up.

Well I best go put the leg up. I will see you all tomorrow night.

Ever Have one those Days?

Have you ever had one of those days where things tend to go wrong? It didn’t upset the entire day but it made for some dicey moments.

I overheard a conversation between Susan A and Maria R talking about how Michele P found out that Susan was leaving. I thought I was going to piss my pants. I also got a little panicked. A short time later when Carol Hildebrand came in I told her about the conversation. I also told her I was the one who had told Michele P. I explained that I do a newsletter to my pen pals and the groups. She understood and I asked her if she thought I would get into trouble. She felt no that I wasn’t lying about it. I even asked Liz R and she agreed with me when I said it is public knowledge and I could say whatever I wanted to whether it be blogs or what ever. I am not sure what if anything I should do about it.

The second bone head thing I did was to leave my headlights on this morning. I couldn’t get the car to start so a girl in Registration suggested I call/or walk to the security force and ask for a jump. I did go to them and asked and they were very helpful. 25 minutes later I was on my way home.

When I got home it was nearly quarter of five. Mom was on the phone after she got off I told her what happened. I also showed her my leg that seemed better but still needs to be elevated. I am going to do it as soon as I get this written.

Mom left for her meeting around 5:30. she got my dinner ready and I just put it on around 6. I spent the time watching TV and warm compress around the leg. Unfortunately it leaked on to the chair I was using to prop up my foot. I am going to try again shortly.

I got some really nice cards today at work. I received a couple of thank you emails from people I have already sent cards to.

Gayle wasn’t in today I don’t know why but I believe she will be in tomorrow. Evette H broke her ankle over the weekend so she didn’t participate in the party for Christina. The party was fun for the most part except some of the conversation was a little inappropriate.

Well I am going to go to bed.

The Gift Delivery

Hey it is Sunday night and I have been fussing around. My intentions were to get a lot of e cards done and all I have managed to do is five of them for the family. The computer was slow I was not really in the mood to deal with it. So I found myself doing other things such as watching TV and taking a bath.

Mom was at her Knitwits holiday party and came home around 9:30. She had a great time but was tired.

Today went well. I had a very strange dream and it was disconcerting. I was taking the kids somewhere and we got on the highway the wrong way (into oncoming traffic) the next thing the girls were missing and I went looking for them but not far because Jamie was still in the car. The people wouldn’t let me near the girls.

Bingo went well. Mr. Merly helped with the cards and the bingo chips and Verge brought down the residents. I told them about the Cellulitis. By the way it’s starting to come back. I have been scratching it and it is itchy.

The gift delivery went very well. WE had some left over as well. Those will be for next year.

It is time I went to bed.

December 13, 2008

I actually got some shopping done today. After having a slow start and then got ready to go shopping with Dave. It was a bit aggravating though. I couldn’t get the information I wanted from Catherine’s Store (Liz’s sizes) and they out and out lied about it too. I went to get a gas card at Costco and didn’t have my AE card. I had to run back and get it with the hopes of getting it later.

We made stops at Napoli’s deli to order the food for his party next week. Then we headed out to Trumbull and went to Ruby Tuesday’s for a late meal. Afterwards we stopped at various stores and I got some “snacks”. He was starting to bug me because through out the afternoon even back in Orange he says are there any stores around here you want t go into. No.

After a while we went back to his house and he walked Lulu and we relaxed and then went to the movies. We stopped at Stop and Shop and I got a gift card. We saw Four Christmas’s I wasn’t overly thrilled by it but I am thinking I have a very weak sense of humor. The movie was over by 9:30 and we headed home.

I am glad it is Friday Night

I am really glad it is Friday night. I went to bed last night well after 2 pm. I had been writing the letter to Jeanette and from that result sleeping later than I really wanted to. I managed to get to work at a decent time but not enough to get a jump on the work. Then again I really didn’t need to. I managed to get a lot done through out the entire day. The only things left are yesterday’s and today’s postage tally and the readdress mail. I even got about 4 EOB’s pulled.

I had a lovely chat about traveling with Gayle. It started off with the flying and then it went into cruises and she suggested I come on one some day. It would be great. We even talked about bus trips.

After work it was dark and cloudy after the day long rain session. I waited with CC for her husband. He drove me down to hte parking garage but you know something incredibly scary happened. I some how got my head caught in the car window (they didn't have their back seats up) and some how the window closed on it. Now I am not sure if my leg hit the button or what. It really hurt.The rain caused problems all over the state too. The Town of Goshen was powerless. A Housing complex in New Haven had a tree smash a hole in the roof of the house. There was flooding in a Mobile Home complex. I also had my sun glasses on which made it very odd.

When I arrived there was a gift on the door. AT first Mom and I thought it was for her from the Mulston’s. It wasn’t it was from Telka to me! It was a bath ensemble. I need to get a thank you note to her very soon.

While Mom made dinner I relaxed. I got into my pajamas and watched TV. I think we had dinner around 5:30 and it was Salmon, potatoes, and sweets and salad. It was very delicious. Mom cleaned up and I decided to watch TV.

The movie Chronicles of Narnia was on the Family Channel and I decided to see it. I didn’t realize it was starting at 6. I think I missed about 5 minutes of it. I had fallen asleep about thirty minutes into it but watched the rest of it. It ended at 9:30. I did do some channel surfing but stayed with this mostly.

I sat in the chair directly across the room from the TV. I had to put my foot up for a few reasons. It looked like it was getting red to me and it was really getting dry. It was a week ago yesterday actually that the whole Cellulitis started. I still have a few days worth of meds to take with it. I am so afraid I will reactivate it if I scratch it or not take care of the leg. I don’t want to go through all this again.

Well I have to check some emails. I sent an email to Etain after a bit of drama happened on one of the lists. Apparently someone got her knickers in a knot and huffed off. She called the group snobs because we didn’t answer her stupid ass emails. I hate it when people start getting stupid. I basically sent an email of support to Etain.

You know what? For get the emails I need to go to bed.

December 11, 2008

It is getting late and I just finished writing and posting yesterday’s entry to the web. I also saved some emails and read some emails. After I read a few more and send an email to relatives I am going to bed

Work went extremely well and managed to get pretty much caught up. I still have to finish today’s mail and do the return mail tallies and readdress mail and of course tomorrows stuff I think I will be all set for next week. My leg was up for the day but it won’t be tomorrow. Mom and I feel it that if it starts to hurt I can raise and it got a little irritated a few times being on the crates.

There is a collection for Christina’s Birthday and we are going to celebrate it Monday. I have to get some money to Terry tomorrow. I also have to have the money for our luncheon next Friday and of course get the grab bag gift too. Marianne will be having the annual Christmas Brunch on Friday as well.

I am planning on going in early again tomorrow. Gayle is approving me doing it she has for the last three days and she will get it approved. She was confident that I would be able to get the mail in order again. I Love the girls but I am teaching them how to do it better the next time. I hope to never be behind again like that.

I got an email from Dave today wanting to know if I wanted to go to the movies with him tonight. I told him I was exhausted and that it would be better if we went during the weekend. I sent that email around lunch time.

I was very pleased with myself that I made progress with the mail and that I kept the phone and email use to break time. It was good and I think I can continue with that I would be getting things done faster.

I left the office on time and it was still cold and rainy. The traffic was slow and it was dark too. This van came in to my lane. I blew the horn at him and gave him enough room to move over to the other lane (it was by the Church Street South Area). Unfortunately that was one of a few idiots that were agitating me. One guy nearly walked into traffic and another driver didn’t signal he is intention. I was never so happy to get home.

I was home by 4:30 and Mom was getting dinner started. I looked at the mail I received a Christmas card from my friend Tina and her family in OK. Tina is from what we fans like to call the “Herc-averse”. I met her online while the HTLJ was still on TV and on the message boards for the show. We finally met in person doing the 2001 Trek Expo when we had a fan gathering in one of the hotels near the Convention. We have been exchanging cards and letters ever since then.

We had dinner by 5 or 5:30. Mom was expecting a call from a friend in the Mental Health field in PA in her quest for solutions for helping Jim. She got it but he said he would call back later on in the evening. They just got off and he is going to help her.



We got an email from Cousin Chuck in New York. He announced that he and his wife recently became grandparents and they moved closer to be with the baby. I need to send them a card for the baby news and for the holiday.

After those are done I think I am hitting the sack. I am really tired and need to get up early again tomorrow.

This was a long Day

I got up early and headed to work. I got to the office by 7:20 and started working and then got some coffee and food so I could take my meds at the “good time”. I got to work on opening the mail. I had my leg up through out the day and it ached and it made my entire backside stiff.

Cami came back yesterday even though the doctor said she shouldn’t but as she explained it she doesn’t have the time accumulated to take off. She did tell me though she is no longer seeing her friend Mike. Apparently he is seeing his “other friend” again. In other words he is being a freaking weenie. She has a new friend though and that’s good.

I left work after 4 and headed home. Mom was getting dinner ready and spent the time trying to relax and get ready for the meeting/party. I read my mail, checked emails. I received a thank you note from Bryan Maratea in the last couple of days and got a card from my cousins Frank and his wife Gloria in California.

I noticed that I got a letter from Jeannette Viers in CA. It was from late last month so I need to reply to her letter. I moved into my Journal Folder for last month.

WE had our dinner around 5. It was pork and gravy and it was delicious. Mom was telling me how she made the gravy with butter and rue. She doesn’t normally make it that way but it turned out excellent.

We talked more about the search for help for Jim. She talked to Barry and asked him NOT to talk to Liz and he disagreed with her decision and the decisions she made. She has been searching for more factual information with other Liaisons she knows and is seeking their knowledge.

After 6:30 Roberta picked me up for the meeting. We talked about the Cellulitis and how it affected her friend Debbie and she related the story about how she (Debbie) got it while on Cape Cod. We arrived at Telka’s house as it continued to rain.

The newly formed Hospitality committee greeted us and sent us in the direction of the gift table and then Telka met us and told us where to put things. After a while the meeting started and we had the meeting. It went a little bit longer because all the different committees had to make a report. After the meeting was finished we had the grab bag and then the party. We stayed until 10. We chatted about everything including the Cellulitis, and how we should respond to the Chamber of Commerce mini grant denial of one of our grants (I am sure I could phrase it differently but it doesn’t come to me yet). We also talked a little about the current political Scandal in Illinois.

When we left Telka’s we drove to the post office to get some Fed forms so that Roberta could mail something for a job she was working on. We ended up laughing because she couldn’t find the forms and she finally found them under “forms here”.

Once we got here we said goodbye and I came in and put out the garbage and recyclable stuff. Mom was sleeping and the only time I woke her up was to ask about some boxes. She didn’t fall back to sleep after that until I came upstairs.

It is getting late and I want to get up early and get to work. Have a great night.

It has been a long time

I can’t believe I am actually sitting up in a comfortable position here at the computer! Why you ask? Some time Thursday I got cellulitis. I didn’t know it was until the next day when my leg was in excruciating pain. I called the Internal Med of Milford and asked for an appointment the next day after Mom asked me to have it looked at. At first they wanted me to come in at 11:30 (they had returned my call at 11:15) I told them couldn’t do it. The very nice Dr. Golden took one look at and said that’s cellulitis! After taking pictures and sending out prescription he gave instructions for me to go home and put my leg up. He told me I couldn’t work until it was cleared up. HE did ask me to see Dr. Spanolios for follow up. I left in such a hurry I didn’t make the follow up or finish the info sheet. They called me at the office as I was trying to the things I had left behind and organize the other stuff (the work) before I left. I told everyone within ear shot what happened. After I said my goodbyes and that I would call them next week to see what was going to happen I left and headed to pick up the prescription. After having to wait I went home and prepared myself for the weekend of healing.

I had called Mom and she had already known it was Cellulitis because I had it when I was a child. She was glad to know what it was but felt bad because I was in so much pain. At first every time I would go to stand up it would hurt and I had a little trouble walking on it. Then as the weekend progressed it would hurt after standing for a short time.

That night I called Roberta to tell her what was going on and so that we could make arrangements for the cat. After a few telephone calls Eddie Hernandez came and got the key and fed the cat. Later that same night received a call from Roberta’s friend Debbie whom I roomed with in Boston for the wedding weekend. She had a case of cellulitis that day and she gave me some tips and cautions. She has had it before as well.

Liz and Nelson stopped by that night to remove the AC from the window and saw the leg and felt terrible. Liz told Mom she could baby me tonight. J I told her if she wanted to rub my legs like she did when we were children I wouldn’t mind. She did (mind that is). They left a short time after.

Saturday I spent most of it either in front of the TV watching whatever was on that day or in the bed with my legs elevated. It was very frustrating because the pillows would slip and slide and fall, I had to also apply my own warm compresses. My leg felt numb because of being elevating and enclosed in a bag. Every time I would get up I screamed bloody murder from the pain. God would definitely be unhappy with me!

Mom left around 10 for the train. She felt terrible at leaving me alone but I also had phones around me if I needed anyone. Liz called me a couple of times and I made calls to my long time friend Mardi when I had seen a beautiful red Tail Hawk.

Mom came home that night from the show just about 6. She had called at intermission to see how I was and she said the show was good. It was Cirque du Soleil Wintuk show at Madison Square Garden.



When I asked her how the kids were she said ‘the same’. I asked her how was Claudia about reprimanding them was she any different or better than Jim? She didn’t quite answer me. She did say the crowds overwhelmed Jaime and Emily so they behaved a little better ‘than normal’.

The rest of that night is becoming a blur. I think I decided to watch TV in the front room for a short time and let Mom sit in the back room. I came upstairs and lay across the bed with my leg on the three pillows.

I did talk to Telka that night and told her what was going on. I forewarned her I might not be at the meeting on Wednesday. She said take it one day at a time. I am glad she said that. I will be going with Roberta. She also helped me out by getting me a gift for the grab bag. Telka also gave me the numbers to the girl’s club members (Terry and Lea) who help me at Bingo. I couldn’t get a hold of them but I did find out they did run the bingo games for me.

Sunday I woke up to a snow. It started during the night and kept on going through out the day. It was very pretty and it finally disappeared today. I was glad I didn’t go out in it. I spent a lot of time on the bed or in the back that day too. I did get a little bit of headache. By Sunday night I was getting dog tired of watching TV. It had been Harry Potter weekend.

It was also by that night the leg didn’t hurt as much as it did at the beginning of the weekend. I was thrilled because it could have been “deadly’. I don’t remember what time I went to bed that night but it took me forever to fall asleep.

Monday I got up and continued to feel better and continued to elevate my leg. By Mid Morning Mom and I got ready for the appointment. Mom would drive me and do some errands while I went into see Dr. Spanolios.

The appointment went extremely well. Dr. Spanolios and I caught up on my health history and shared a good laugh when he told me he read my blog where I first mentioned him. He was pleased with the healing progress and told me I could return to work the next day as long as I continued to elevate my leg and not stand on my feet all day and of course continue to take the medication until it was done.

Mom was waiting for me when I finished. I had gotten my note to return to work and we headed to the cleaners and then home. I spent the next several hours doing laundry and trying to answer some emails (it didn’t last long). I spent a few hours watching TV, making calls and then got ready to meet with Debra.

I had gone to the bank to get money out to pay for parking at the garage next to Debra’s office. I didn’t think it would be a good idea to walk from Temple to her office. I managed to get there on time and we had a great session. I told her about the cellulitis and how I spent my weekend. We talked about family stuff and what my plans are for the rest of the week.





After the session I got the car and went home. By then I was anxious to get home because my leg was tired and needed to be up. I was home by 5:30. Mom had gone to her Bridges meeting and so I had dinner by myself. I watched TV for a while and then went upstairs. The phone rung once it was my Aunt Rosemary. I just let the answering machine pick up.

Around 8:30 I got into bed and rested my leg. It was uncomfortable for a bit like it was through out the weekend but I think I fell asleep sometime after midnight. Mom had been home by then a few hours.

I woke up around 6 or so and started getting ready for work. I was out of the house by 7:10 and in New Haven by 7:30. I had hoped to get into the parking lot across the street from the office but no such luck. It would have cost $12 for the entire day and I had only $6. I headed to my normal spot and came back to the office. I could feel the leg starting to ache. I was anxious to get to the desk to see what was there for me to do.

Many people saw me and welcomed me back and were surprised to see me. They asked how it happened and I told them not quite sure but it could have been a scratch or a cut.

The girls (Liz and Stephanie) tried to do the best they could but were unable to finish Friday’s or Yesterdays work. I spent most of the day working on Friday’s. Unfortunately we were interrupted for a staff meeting and it took me a long time to get the charts done. I couldn’t have done it without them.

Through out the day a few people were worried about me and told me I should have stayed home. I told them the Dr believed I could work as long as I could keep my leg up. It was difficult to say the least. I stayed until 4:15 and was home by 10 of 5. I told Gayle all that was done and what needed to be done and that I would be coming in early. She felt it was okay.

When I left it was drizzling. I was afraid I would slide with the shoes I had on but I didn’t. My leg was getting tired and achy and I was anxious to go home. Mom was her way down the stairs when I arrived. She was just about to get dinner ready.

I asked her how her day had been and she admittedly said “not good’. Her worries about Jim were continuing to haunt her and she had been getting advice from her friend Barry K of Bridges and had included Liz in them. Barry suggested that they find a way to get Jim help. Liz balked at it and accused Mom of conspiring against Jim. I told Mom that Liz would react that way. I told her I am staying out of it but to expect that Liz and Jim would fight it all.

All in All it will be a very stressful time but Mom tells me that Barry told her he would talk with Liz and try to convince her this was the best solution. She is (from what I understand) willing to listen to Barry. Mom has acknowledged that she knows Liz is the way she is and already knew all the things I was saying happened.



Well it is getting to be after 8 and I am debating whether or not to get online for a short time. I think I should go to bed early ( I have the alarm set to go off for my next medication time). I want to get to work early.

I best just get to bed.

I felt like Crap Today

OH I felt like crap today. I was fine until I took my plaquenil with water only. As the day progressed I felt like I was going to heave. Most of the morning I felt terribly chilled and had to wear a coat and the blanket we got as a gift last year. I couldn’t even eat the rice and peas Mom had put aside for me. I slept at lunch time which isn’t something I do usually. Happily the mail volume was light. I have some type of rash on my lower right leg and it also hurts at time when I turn (it seems as though I whacked it or something).

Around 2 after taking some ibuprofen I felt better and had some lunch from downstairs. By then everything was done so I did readdressing and pulling EOB’s. I left for the day before 4 and headed to Milford.

When I arrived at Roberta’s house the pups weren’t out. It was okay by me. I wanted to make sure the cat got some attention and did she ever. I stepped on her foot and scared her and I. She headed for the cellar stairs. I felt terrible. I coaxed her out and then gave her some treats. Then I fed her and then left for home.

There was some daylight still left when I arrived. The lights were not on but that’s okay. I turned them on for Mom. I spent the next 45 minutes watching TV. I wasn’t hungry and wasn’t when Mom arrived.

We talked about the text message I sent jim (I apparently sent it twice). I showed her the rash on the leg she wants me to keep an eye on it. I took a bath and put ointment on it. It still hurts when I move it a certain way.

I did a load of laundry and it is in the dryer now. I am starting to not feel good and getting chilled so I am going back to bed for a bit.

Goodbye Surra

I met Surra 16 years ago at my Sister Liz’s house when Liz lived on prospect Street here in Milford. Surra was a kitten and along with her Sister Kitara belonged to my nephews Rich and Christian. As the boys grew to men and moved out on their own the cats become the owners to Liz and Nelson. Surra’s Sister died last year in Liz’s arms. Surra found the same comfort in Liz’s arms last night as her battle with cancer ended. Surra would always be very affable and would want you to pay attention to her. She will be missed. I know I will miss her.

When I emailed Liz last night to ask her about taking the AC out of the window for me I didn’t realize she had sent the email w/pictures of Surra. The pictures can be found at www.MYspace.com/katep06460 under pictures

I finally worked on my outlook express and it is currently filling up again. I think it will be for ever before it stops. I have been trying to empty it and move emails around.

I couldn’t sleep so I went to have warm milk. I don’t think adding ice cream helped one bit. I was still awake at quarter of 3. I tried everything including taking night time cold medicine. Nothing helped.

I don’t know what time it was when I fell asleep but it wasn’t long before I heard the alarms go off. I turned them off and turned over and overslept! It was quarter of 7 when I got up and rushed around and left by 7:20.

I stopped at the gas station got some gas and headed to Roberta’s house. I got the cat fed and I think I got a few minutes with pups. After that I headed to the highway.

It was after 8 when I arrived the morning gifts were there. I got to work on them and called Donna to pick them up. I had to reorder the charts I ordered a week ago for tomorrow. I am hoping they will be pulled for tomorrow.

I found out today that PJK a dear friend of mine for the last 18 years became a grandmother. Her Daughter Pia had a baby. A baby what you ask? I forgot to ask her. I will have to send PJK a card soon.

On a more disheartening note Liz R was told as of the end of the year she will not be needed. She found out last night and this morning she found out why. Budgetary reasons were given for the layoff. Gayle got into it with Sue over it and lost.




I managed to get most everything done. I still have more readdress mail to do but again I will be able to get it done tomorrow. I was feeling very comfortable when I left even though I was kind of worried about Gayle being in a sour mood. I was afraid I may have done things wrong. I was much better about staying off the net and getting the work done (even though it did take me all day).

After work I managed to get to Kitty before dark and see the pups too. Everyone was fine and fed. I was home by quarter of 5.

Mom was upstairs when I arrived. She was doing some paper work and I wanted to relax Dinner was almost done. I watched TV and opened my mail. I got a letter from a pal and my insurance bill.

The rest of the night I watched TV and played with my outlook express and talked with Telka and made calls.

Now I am going to bed.

Totally Tubular Tuesday

Today was totally tubular. I got up early and got my day started. I ironed my clothes made my bed and folded the clothes I left in the dryer downstairs. I even managed to catch some of Angel on TNT. It was the one where Holt takes baby Connor to the other dimension.

I got to Roberta’s house to find the pups waiting for me and so gave them some attention and then went inside to get the cat fed (and get some treats for the pups). It didn’t take long and I was on the road again a short time later.

The drive was okay even though I thought the highway seemed busy. Maybe it was where I got on. Once I got to New Haven it seemed better. I was glad because I didn’t want to be late.

It was before 8 when I got to the building so I got some coffee and then went upstairs and got settled in. It took me some time to start my work. I really should have started on yesterday’s work immediately but I didn’t. I chatted with Joan for a bit and with Terry. A short time later the charts and morning mail came.

I was expecting more charts than I got. Apparently Medical Records didn’t pull the list I was expecting yesterday. They did pull the ones I sent yesterday. I am hoping tomorrow they will send the others or I will have to reorder them tomorrow for Thursday.

It took me nearly all day to finish yesterday’s mail. I did stop to open today’s mail and get the checks out but I didn’t open and sort them until the very end of the day after I finished everything else. I managed to get the bad addresses down as well as some of the readdress mail.

I realize that I could have probably gotten the mail done sooner if I had done two things. The first was to stay off the internet. I did go on at break time but I also went on a few times before and after that. The second was to wait to write a letter to Debra until I got home.

The reason I wrote the letter to Debra was to see what she thought about the events I mentioned to her at our session. I explained that Mom had asked me what Debra thought and I told her she was more concerned on how I dealt with it. I was curious to see what Debra thought. I also told her about the Telephone bill and the letter I would be sending to get the bill straightened out.

I left the office at 4. I walked to the garage with Lucinda. We talked about a range of things that we couldn’t talk about in the office for all different reasons. We could get into trouble for chatting and getting backed up in our work and we talked about issues that we don’t agree with for the union (IE GESO) and we discussed the upcoming membership meeting.

I didn’t realize it was nearly 4:30 when I left the garage. I still had the pups and cat to see. I was glad the traffic went along smoothly. I got to the house by 20 of 5 and saw the pups and then went inside and took care of the cat. Missy got more treats. I don’t know how it happened but they ended up on the floor. The dog ate them and then we left. I gave more treats to the pups and headed home.





When I arrived I could smell pork chops cooking and Mom was in the other room watching the National Governors meeting with President Elect Obama and Vice President Elect Joe Biden. They made some opening speeches and outlined what they would do. It was very interesting. I guess the meeting was held earlier today. It has been all over the news today. President Elect Obama and VP-Elect Biden shared their ideas and wanted to know what the Governors had in mind and warned them they could disagree but are willing to listen.

After Dinner I watched TV for a bit. Nothing of great important but I didn’t watch it for long. I got really bored so I did some laundry and wrote the letter to the telephone company and wrote some emails.

Now I am going to send some holiday e-cards and then try and write some letters and move some emails around to the journal folders on the computer.

I think I am getting a sore throat

Hey all, it is me heading to bed. I think I am getting a sore throat. Throat has been hurting for a couple of hours now and I took the night time cold medicine and I suspect I will be getting tired soon.

I slept late this morning so I found myself rushing around getting ready for the day. As soon as I could I went to feed Junior. When I finished and was about to leave the pups were out waiting for me but I had no treats (or so I thought). I gave them some hugs and kiss and drove away.

Traffic was a bit heavy but it was also just after 7:30. I managed to get to work before 8 and hung out for a bit. I told a lot of people about the weekend and the holiday.

Today was hectic after the holiday and semi long weekend. There were no charts delivered because no one worked at the Medical records department. So that means today’s charts will be send along with the ones I ordered from today. This time I left the list from Wednesday and put today’s on with it. I found stuff to do (including going online) while I was waiting for the lockbox. I worked some EOB pulling as well.

I will have to finish the lockbox tomorrow. Everything else is done. I am not sure why it took so long but it did. I plan on getting to work early so I can jump start it so that the next bunch won’t be delayed.

A discussion about grouply showed up on the lists again. Most if not all of the owners are now making it mandatory for those who join with the grouply address to rejoin using another one or be banned. I had to send Tracy S in WI an email asking her to not use the grouply address she has. I haven’t heard from her but it is here. I also made it a requirement on my groups that I own and moderate.

After work I went to Debra and had our session. We talked about the weekend and how it went. Mom had asked me what Debra thought of the situation and I told her she was more concerned on how I handled it. I think I am going to write her and tell her what Mom asked me and see if I was off the mark.

After my session with Debra I headed back to Junior. It had been raining and traffic was terrible. I got to the house after 4:30. I came inside and was about to start feeding her until I saw one of the pups at the door. I let her in and she ate the leftover food for the cat. I called Roberta to find out where the dog treats were. I found them after I hung up. I gave Missy some and fed the cat. The cat waited until the dog left.

I gave equal treats to both Missy and Charlie. I rubbed Charlie’s back and then I went home and found the downstairs in total darkness. Mom was working upstairs and it was nearly 6. A short time later she started dinner.

For the next hour Roberta and I played Telephone Tag. We were not connecting on the phone very well but in the messages she told me where to find the treats (done that) and she said that wehre she and Mike were it was snowing. We finally got to talk with each other and talked aobut the weather.

I have also been trying to write some letters but I just can’t seem to do it tonight. I have been moving emails around and stuff like that. Now I am just going to bed.

It Snowed Today!

Mom and I got up around 7 and started our day. She got her meds and paper and I got online and stripped the beds in the blue room. Then about ten of 8 I was in the bathroom on the throne and looked out the window to see the white flakes. I ran downstairs and told Mom to look out the window and she said where? Just look! She couldn’t believe her eyes! The snow then turned to rain then sleet and then back to snow and for the rest of the day rain.

It was after 9 when I left to go feed Junior. She welcomed me at the door and then ran to the middle of the room and rolled over so I could rub her belly. After that I got her breakfast and gave her fresh water. I was finished with her 10 minutes later and on my way to Dunkin donuts.

After picking up a Pumpkin Spice coffee I headed down to the nursing home. By this time it was slushy and turning back to rain. Virgie was getting things together and so I chatted with them and then started serving coffee. A short time later Andrea and Marisa arrived and they started getting the residents. I continued to serve coffee.

We started the games around 10 after 10 and all three of us noticed through out the games the residents were cranky. They were demanding and at times belligerent. We were anxious for the hour to pass so we could get out of there and to church and to our homes.

I arrived to the church on time. This was a first in a while. I sat in the second row in what is supposedly the crying room. Andrea and Marisa joined me a few moments later. Today is the first Sunday of Advent so the advent Wreath was lit and the blessing after the homily was done. It seemed like the mass was long but the room was cold. After Mass we said goodbye to each other and headed home.

Mom was home when I arrived and was starting to prepare the soup. I decided to do laundry and Mom folded the sheets I started earlier in the morning. After a while we decided we would go shopping.

We needed a few things at the grocery store and Mom said she wanted to get more sheets for me. So around 2 we went to Macy’s first and spent an hour shopping. We even picked up utensils Mom has been interested in getting. After that was done we headed to Costco. We picked up the things we needed and headed home. It was nearly 4.

It was after 4 when Claudia called. Mom wanted to know how the trip home was and to talk about next week. The idea that the kids would come to Milford with us that night was nixed. It would be too late and mostly too much for us. They will come another weekend.

While Mom talked with Claudia I went over to feed Junior and try out the new U-Verse Cable system. They have more channels and at different allocations. I fed the kitty had some snacks and watched Bonanza. I even played with the kitty and then came home.

We had leftovers (I mean what else we would have?) for dinner. We watched Great Performances on PBS and then after that folded the sheets and watched TV and started to make the bed with the sheets we bought at Macy’s.

I took my time making the bed. I was also watching the original Star Wars trilogy. As I write this The Return of the Jedi is on. It is the revamped one where they have the image of young Anakin (before he turns to Vader) at the end of the movie.

I have some things to do before going to bed. I would like to write some letters and move some emails around. I will see you tomorrow. Be well!

Kate

Kids Going Home today

It is after 9:30 Saturday and it has been a long weekend and the weekend hasn’t even ended yet! The day started around 8 this morning. Mom and Jamie were up and then I got up and then the girls and then finally Jim. He has been miserable and unhappy this weekend but knew when to put on a front. He was really obnoxious to the girls and Mom led into him and I finally had to tell if she pushes he could very well say “never again”. She understood where my anxiety laid but she also had to be fair that what he is doing is just as damaging. The kids also don’t make it easy.

The kids played and did their required reading while Jim continued to hide in the blue room. That was just about the time that Mom told him off. I think that was also the partial reason he left the house before the appointed time. Mom was packing him a cooler of food and he took off to the Famous Jimmie’s restaurant in West Haven. Mom is so very worried about his behavior and later came to the realization he doesn’t know what he is doing or realizes it.

We got to Cheryl’s just after 3 and this time didn’t get lost. They started serving around 4 we had snacks first and since I hadn’t eaten since the waffles. I was getting hungry. We were there for about 2 hours. Jim and the kids left by 4:30. Liz and Nelson arrived at 5. Liz’s train was late. We stayed for dessert and then left. Liz was disappointed that Jim refused to stay until she arrived and I suspect any answers she didn’t get from Mom tonight she will get from me (or try).

Roberta called me today and she called from North Carolina. I had completely forgotten she was leaving today and I had to go take care of the cat. I did do it. I just was late because of traffic.

Thanksgiving at the Phelans

It all started Wednesday night when I arrived home to find Claudia and the children and Ethel and Bob in the kitchen with Mom. Mom had been cooking and baking for the next day. They visited for about an hour. Ethel and Bob had stayed only 15 minutes. A short time later Claudia left. Mom did some more cooking and wanted to finish a good portion before we had dinner.

We went out to dinner and then to the store for cereal. We came home and the kids had some ice cream at one point and the rest of the night let Mom cook and we did our own thing. Through out the night the kids were trying very hard to push buttons and basically see what they could get away with and it proved to be at times stressful. We ended the night with The Polar Express.

On Thanksgiving we slept fairly late and Mom continued to do more cooking. It was then I found out her Turkey brine leaked all over the kitchen. It caused a mess. I managed to get showered and dressed and we went walking while Mom did some cooking. Around 2 I set the table the kids played quietly. We had a visit from Liz and Nelson and then around 3 the guests started arriving. Jim called to say he would be late. There was a tie up on the Tappan Zee Bridge. He had asked us not to hold dinner for him. We had no choice.

It was just about 4:00 when we realized the turkey wasn’t done. It put a monkey wrench in the whole production. We had to move stuff around and cook the turkey for another hour. We were just about to sit down when Jim arrived. We sat down and had our meal. It turned out really nice.

Our guests started to leave by 8:30. I helped clean up as much as I could and by then Mom and I were exhausted. The kids played and Jim did his own stuff. I think Mom went to bed around 10 and Jim did too. The girls were downstairs and I was in my room watching the rest of the POTC3.

A few hours later I heard Jim yelling and crying out. He was having a nightmare. The noise frightened the girls. I think Jamie slept through it. I went to him and talked him through it. I told him where he was and that Bob is home safe in his house and Mom is safe and in her bed and then he woke up and asked where everyone was. I told him every thing is okay and that everyone is okay. I thought I heard Jamie stir and told him to stay in bed. I think he fell back to sleep after that. I went to check on the girls and told them everything is fine. They decided to sleep in my room. Although that wasn’t the first order of business finishing POTC 3 was and that’s what we did.

After the movie was finally done we went to bed. After a small argument about who had more room then who we settled down and went to sleep.

6 am came too quickly for me. I got up and started getting ready for work. I also took care of the rest of the garbage and by 7:20 or so I was on my way to work. I was envious that everyone else was still sleeping.

While I worked things here were a little chaotic. They had breakfast and Mom finished cleaning the kitchen. Work was a little slow at times but I managed to keep busy.

When I got home Mom told me about the days events. Jim and Jamie went to visit Bob and Ethel for a while and the girls played with the Lego’s and watched TV. When I got home found out we were going over Liz’s. Jim and Jamie met up with us there and we all visited. Pictures were taken and we got to see Jason and Audrey. Jason hugged me! The kids played downstairs while the adults talked. I ended up watching Land before Time with Audrey when she wasn’t following Liz around.

While Jim and Jamie went to get a hot dog Mom and I took the girls home and got ready for the movies. Jim and Jamie were going to meet up with us there. I took the girls to see Matagascar 2. We got out of the theater by 6:15. WE came home and Jim and Jamie went back out (this time back to Bob’s) after Jim relaxed for a bit.

The girls and I had dinner and they continued to play. Jim and Jamie came home and the girls got into their pajamas at 9 (or shortly after that). Mom gave them a deadline and once again they tried to manipulate their way around it.

Now Jim and Jamie are going to sleep I think the girls are continuing to play and Mom is watching TV. I have been surfing the net and probably will go to sleep now.

Tomorrow we have the party to go to and the Pennsylvania Phelans will be heading home. I will catch up on laundry and stuff like that. I have a few letters to answer and write.

This has been quite a week

This has been quite a week and it is only Tuesday! First there was a flood on our floor in the aisle behind Patti M (she was out sick yesterday). Then there was the problem with the Credit card that I mentioned yesterday. There was Susan’s Party at the end of the day. The night ended with Bryan’s Confirmation ceremony at Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Then today we had an early morning problem with the Network. We couldn’t access IDX or any other program that needed to do the work. I was exempt from it (except the Internet) because I don’t use the IDX or the other stuff regarding insurance and patient stuff. The lockbox came late because of it but I managed to do everything else.

I found out from Mom that our friend Claire Doyle lost her husband quite unexpectantly on Friday. He was on his way to Dialysis and while he was waiting in the wheelchair he died. There have been no services and Claire called tonight she was so upset. She says she wants to talk to me when she gets everything together. I am not really looking forward to that. To be honest I am not really fond of her. Over the years she has become unpleasant and very difficult to be around. I don’t know why but all I know is she has become bitter and unkind.

It looks like Jim will be here for Thanksgiving. The kids will be arriving tomorrow and leaving Saturday. The original plan was to leave Sunday but after a phone call from Claudia this evening it looks like they have homework. Anyway, I had sent a text message to Jim earlier and Mom finally heard from him. Mom called me and let me know that I helped. She asked what I said I told her that I said I loved him, and looking forward to seeing you. She was relieved and pleased to finally hear from him.

I didn’t leave the office until about 4:30. I wanted to finish the Return Mail/Bad Address pile before leaving. It was getting dark when I left. The traffic as it has been lately slow. I got home by 5.

Mom was cooking and baking when I got home. She had my dinner almost ready so I relaxed for about 15 minutes and then I had dinner while Mom continued to cook. After dinner I got into the vacuuming and the laundry. I just have straightened up my desk again.

Now that it is after 11 I need to get to bed.

An Interesting Monday

Well where can I start? I stayed in bed longer than I should have or wanted to. The same goes for the bathroom/bathtub. I always like soaking in a hot bath but it always makes me sleepy so I lie there sleeping a little.

I managed to leave on time and the drive was fine. I did have a bit of a hairy time getting to the garage but made it okay. I got to the office with little or no problem. Jim from Gofor courier brought the regular Monday morning fare but he told me there were no charts but they sent the request forms back in the block box. Does that make sense to you?

The Mail volume was heavy for the lockbox I counted it but I still have to finish opening it and tallying it with the others. The postal mail was very light. I was able to get the charts ordered for tomorrow early.

There was a flood in one of the aisles (in Pattie’s area and it came down on Joanne O and Wanda B). Apparently there was some pipes getting installed upstairs and weren’t done properly. It made a mess of a lot of stuff.

I had an embarrassing time at lunch I ordered food and the credit card I used didn’t work. Lee Ann paid for it for me and brought it up to me but I was really upset and was calling the credit card. The reason was I have a past due. I looked at them and said I have a $10,000 credit limit. I told them there is a $300 payment being mailed today (it was by the time I left for Debra’s). That means I can’t use that card for a while.

After work I went to Debra’s office and we had our session. I told her of the week’s events including receiving the attorney letter and the incident earlier in the day. She said that these things will be okay.

After the session I drove home and mom was waiting for me for dinner. It was lamb shank stew. We had to sit down quickly because I had very little time to dawdle. I was going to Bryan’s Confirmation Service in Hamden. It was at 7 and I need to leave by 6:15.

I had some time before leaving and I got a moment to read a letter I got from my new pen pal Missy in Columbia PA. She sent me a pen pal info sheets to fill out. I will have to do it tomorrow sometime.

I got to the church on Time. They were surprised to see me because they thought I wasn’t coming. At first I stood in the back then Jess and Mike came to the back and told me to sit with the others. Appaerntly one of the deacon’s or Euchristic minister was rude to them. I sat next to liz and Cheryl. For the next hour and half the service went on. Liz chatted with Cheryl’s MIL and I chatted with Cheryl at times. Cheryl was not pleased with the Arch Bishop. For lots of reasons. Anyway the service was over at 8:30. There were pictures to be taken downstairs so I said goodbye and headed home.

Mom was watching TV and we chatted about the service. After a while I came upstairs got the eaves for the table and then watched TV and the got ready for bed.

Pie in the Sky

It is almost 8:30 Sunday night and I am exhausted. First I did my bingo with “my team”. I was the first to arrive and started the coffee. After a while the girls came and they started getting everyone. I had made the announcement so the residents were starting to come down anyway.

The Bingo session went well. I started the games and the girls finished them. As soon as it was done we headed to Telka’s.

The girls had to do some things first and came later. I arrived just as Donna K and her Mom were arriving. Telka greeted us at the door. Roberta was near by. I was pleasantly surprised because I expected her to be with family today. Roberta had the days mixed up.

We got started on the whole process. Telka gave us instructions and then the assembly line began. The 120 lbs of apples were washed and then we started the peeling and coring while the toehrs got the other ingredients done. The next several hours there was fun, laughter, food, and stories. We even had our pictures taken and we were featured on local cablevision 12 news. NO I wasn’t on TV but it was fun to watch. We made 35 to 44 pies. We even got to have some of the pies because we even took some orders.

Roberta and I left Telka after the second clean up (we had been cleaned up when the media arrived) there were still several pies to be baked. It was nearly four when we got to Roberta’s house. I stayed for a short visit because the sun was setting and all I had were my sunglasses. I had left my regular glasses at home.

When I arrived home Mom was out shopping. I wasn’t sure where she was at first. I looked around for a note but there was none. Only a candle she had left going. I decided to sit down and watch TV or actually let the TV watch me. It is Sunday so most of it was whatever was on the PBS stations. I did watch the News on Cablevision 12 but the segment didn’t go on until 5:18. Mom arrived home shortly after that.

Over the last several hours I spent time watching TV, emptying out the dryer, moving the roll away bed down to the blue room, and writing up my weekly newsletter for the lists. As soon as I am done with that I am going to bed. This week will be a very busy week.

November 22, 2008

It is nearly 1:30 in the morning and I am freaking still awake. I woke up around midnight in a start. Something was bothering me. First off I posted an email to the Pen pals USA Group to tell them that a male member there has been emailing me after I asked him not to. I have found a couple of his emails in my spam box. It is the guy who wanted to share photos with me and didn’t bother to ask if he could send them. I also announced I would leave the group if it continues (also letting on that I can’t really block him from the web). I have a feeling he will continue.

I decided to stay up and watch some TV and have ice cream. Mom had gone to bed by Midnight. Then I decided to empty my mailbox online. Do you know I have done it at least three times and every time I would go back the messages would be right back in the inbox. I have had a few error messages “like can’t access you mailbox”. I have emptied these so many times that I know when I go back it will be there. I am also sitting here swearing at it. “Do as you are Goddamned Told!

I have decided to empty my outlook express of some emails that I don’t need nor want. I don’t want to have to put up with the crap from the web one.

Hey it is nearly 11:30 in the morning now. I didn’t get up until 7 and started the cleaning by 9. I am still having problems with the mailbox and it is pissing me off.

I am heading to bed now. I am not feeling well and I am still stewing over events that occurred earlier this evening. While I was at church my cell phone went off. It was David. I had forgotten I still had it on. I tried to tell him I was in church. He calls back again. I get on again to tell him I am still in church. I finally turned it off. After the service and after I got the document I came for I was about to turn on my cell phone and this SOB who I knew started lecturing me about having the cell phone on. I looked at him and said excuse me? I walked away and said whatever. He was the father of a classmate of mine. I wanted to tell him to get a life and a few other things. I called Dave and told him what was going on. Dave was calling to tell me he was at the Chinese food place.

A short time later I was at Dave’s and we were having dinner and talking about the holiday and activities coming up. It sounds like things between him and the sisters are getting a little dicey. After dinner we looked at his computer and I couldn’t help him.

While dave was trying to find the times for the movies I watched TV. We watched NCIS and after that Pirates. I was starting to get aches and pains in my arms and legs and I couldn’t get up out of the chair. ON top of htat Dave was falling a sleep. I decided we would do the movies another night. The movie we were going to see started at quarter of 10.

It was cold today

Well it was a pretty cold day today. It barely made it out of the 30’s. I didn’t go out until it was time to go home. The day went very well. Managed to get almost everything done except for a small amount of readdress. It can be done Monday. Late in the afternoon Michele P came over from the Best Practices Administration to take pictures and she wanted to have Gayle and myself as the “subject”. I am not really sure what it was for but I came home with three different photos. All I could think is “I didn’t comb my hair!”

Mom talked with Claudia tonight. It looks like the kids will be here on Wednesday with or without their father. Jim apparently isn’t responding to any communications with her about the holiday. I have offered to come home early on Wednesday. Mom has the “wait and see approach”.

I have a lot to do before Wednesday. I think that to do list will be coming back tonight. My intentions were to do it tonight but my hands and the back of my leg is bothering me at the moment.

Well I paid the bills that needed paying. One of them did get bigger but I will have to make a concerted effort not to use it until Christmas. I have put more money into the “Christmas Fund so that should be okay. I still have two more Pay periods to get that balance up.

Dave called me today. He had some questions about the computer again (the modem) and wants me to help him and have dinner with him tomorrow and a movie. I think I will need to ask him if we can go to the church for Mass and then do the other stuff afterwards. I am expecting him to call in the morning.

Well I am starting to lose any energy that included writing letters so I better go and do some stuff. I am thinking of emptying out my mailboxes. At least for a little while and then go to bed. I will be getting up very early. I Hope.