Merry Christmas!

 

                                                                                                                                        December 25, 2020

 

 

Dear Debra:

 

                Good Morning and Merry Christmas!  It is nearly 7 in the morning and I have been up or awake since the normal 5:30.  The normal routine has been completed and now the cats are beside me at either end of the bed.  Tiger is on a pillow beside me and Sky is under the covers at the foot of the bed.

As it was predicted it’s raining.  It’s been raining since early yesterday evening.  It has washed away most if not all the snow from last week’s storm.  Some neighborhoods in town lost power.  Happily I am not one of them and neither is the complex.

I have been surfing the net and avoiding the one thing I haven’t looked at in what seems like days.  I haven’t gone over my budget.  I want to update it before the year ends and I start the next year.  I have a feeling once the new year starts Liz, who has made it known to me she wants to be the trustee, will want to check my budget and she will criticize the way I have been doing it.  I really don’t want to hear it or have it.

This morning besides updating and making sure bills get paid, I will be finishing some housecleaning that I started with yesterday.  I didn’t finish it because I was getting tired and fighting another headache.  I can’t complain about the house cleaning there are not that many rooms here.  It’s the Livingroom that is left.  The office is still a mess so that’s not going to be a factor just yet.

I am expected around 1 at Liz’s and it will be quiet dinner.  The menu will be Ham, and sides, and dessert and a card game and puzzles.  We are not exchanging gifts or so I have been told.  As it is Liz has spent a lot of time with me at the expense of her own holiday preparations.  She has repeatedly told me that they are not in the Christmas spirit this year.

So Christmas Eve Day was spent doing some house cleaning, TV watching, and getting a hold of the plumber.  So I set up an appointment for Monday morning at 9 am.  I will need to go to the bank over the weekend. When I spoke to Frank he did say not to use Raps plumbing and heating that they are not good. 

Liz had done a search or something for their website and sent it to me.  I had heard of them and seen their ads but didn’t really think much of it. When I called to tell her about the appointment she conceded to the President’s experience with them.  So for now that’s a good thing.  Although I just read some of the google reviews and there were only two negative/critical reviews. 

 

I also called my 2 of my three remaining aunts.  They were both short (the conversations).  Actually my call to Aunt Betty may have been a little longer.  When she starts to criticize what the Governor of CT does or says I have to roll my eyes. What he plans, or decisions he makes for our state doesn’t affect her all the way in TX.  I wasn’t able to speak to my Aunt Rosemary.  Her phone was busy. 

I had a late dinner from McDonalds.  I didn’t feel like cooking and I still had the headache.  It was a double cheeseburger, Fries and a shake.  I had spilled a little of the shake on my rug but it’s cleaned up.  The cats thought they could have my dinner. 

I went to bed early and took no time at all to fall asleep. 

Well I am going to close for now.  I Hope you and your family are having a wonderful day….

 

Easter 2019

Good Morning and Blessings to everyone on this most joyous day.  This morning will be semi quiet for me but later today I will be heading to my Sister’s first for coffee and social (they are having dinner around 1) and then to the nursing home for my bingo session with the group.  I got this schedule earlier this month when I contacted N to confirm my schedule.  I have already let Sis know that this was going to be in place before I left for home from LV. Liz invited me yesterday via text.  So I accepted with the codicil that we move it to 12 for coffee.  

This morning hasn’t been all that different then any other Sundays.  I got up at my regular 5:30 and did the normal routine.  The kitties ate and I went back to sleep for a bit.  Since then the kitties have disappeared in the house. I suspect they are still in the cellar (since I opened the door to let them down) and haven’t come back up even when I called them. Well I stand corrected.  Just as I was writing this i decided to get up and check on them.  As I got to the top of the stairs sky bounced up with what i think was spider web on him so I brushed him off (he didn’t like that) went looking for Princess but I am thinking she has returned to her favorite sleeping spot under the couch in the living room.  She didn’t come when i called.

There is a light rain going on right now.  Earlier I saw some sun and according to the weather report the sun is supposed to come back out later.  The Temperatures are in low 50’s right now.

I am very pleased I got an email from my niece E today.  She works in the Hospitality industry in Hershey PA.  So she has to work this weekend.  She is hoping to come up during the summer some time. 

I got an email from one of the meetup the hiking one for women (the one with leadership training) and it's confusing me. She wants to know if I would like to be a leader and if I am coming.  Well yes I am coming but I want ot know when and where!!! May be I am missing something.  I can’t think about it now need to get ready for the day.

OH and on Siduri’s recommendation i signed up at instacart and they don’t deliver to my part of milford.  I signed up for them to deliver from Shoprite and it was a little more confusing.  I have to wonder if it depends on the stores I use?  

Still no groceries yet.  I did show up at Shoprite and balked and left.  That’s when i signed up for instacart.  I did manage to go to Outback for a late lunch yesterday (it was 3 by the time I got home).

Well I need to get going..

Easter weekend 2018

Happy Easter to all who building today I hope you are having a great weekend. It is day 2 of Easter 2018 weekend is the beautiful and right now quiet afternoon.

Yesterday I had off and was waiting for Mama and Papa's arrival they arrived in Milford just about noon and we met at Pop's restaurant has lunch it was quite crazy but it usually is on the weekends and being a holiday it's twice as busy.

After lunch they went to the store to buy some bialys and I went home to do Jen's they came back and relaxed until it was time to go to the Seder.

The Santa was very nice I enjoyed myself and of course the food it was great seeing her friends Carol and Gary. We've got caught up with each other it looks like I'll be joining them on Sunday after my family activity for Mexican train. Anyway we left around 10.

Interesting know I met some people who blog on some of the platforms I use and I would love to know that I would be able to find them. They talked about getting ads or whatever I'm not sure I want that on my blogs though.

They had been raining when we left for the stator but by the time we left it was all gone by 11 we all got ready for bed and we had an opportunity to chat and watch TV. By then the kitty start to come out of their hiding places and stayed with me.

This morning the kitties and I were up first and did a routine I was afraid the Rope vocalization was going to wake mom and pop up so I got them fed and then came back to bed and eventually love them into the spare room. I was able to sleep for a little longer.

When Mama and Papa got up we chatted and then got ready for breakfast at Maxine's Restaurant a few miles away after breakfast we went our separate ways they went to the friend they will be staying with the next couple days and I went home to relax and then to the gym.

You can wait about my session today my health blog on Blogger dot-com.  Let's just say my plans to follow the list hasn't been successful. I have already had a smart one and I have been eating tomatoes. I've already bailed on the idea of shopping today. I will have to pick up my contribution to the potluck tomorrow. I probably will do it later on in the week (the shopping).

When I get home this afternoon I checked in on the couch and they were both sleeping and just came out of hiding around for your both laying down against guys on the back of the chair by the bay window and tiger is probably up in the spare room.

It was so beautiful today that I opened a few windows for a couple of hours I ended up closing them after getting cold .  Tomorrow it's supposed to be equal lovely at least I hope. Going to news however we are supposed to get snow on Monday.

What she plans on where can we decide to wear dresses so I'm going to wear the one I wore last night.

I haven't been to help today crossword puzzles and TV watching the newest episode of This Old House is about.  I am very curious to see what they will be doing!

So before I go what am I going to do tomorrow I will be having dinner at my nephew admin Olga's house in Fairfield with about 25 other people including Liz, Nelson. It is a potluck dinner which will include salmon which I can eat. I hope we bring pasta salad which I will not be having.

Well This Old House just started so I will see you tomorrow. Bye bye.

Christmas 2016

Christmas eve Day was getting last minute things done and preparation for the Christmas Eve dinner at my Nephew and Niece’s house in Fairfield.

Unfortunately as I started getting ready for the day  i found out I had no hot water.  I had so much to do but couldn’t do it until the guy came about an hour later.  Luckily he was done by the time I had to meet with my friend Nancy.

I originally was supposed to go to Nancy’s house to pick up the new house keys and get instructions on the menagerie I would be taking care of at the end of the week but because of the water emergency we made arrangements to meet here..  The house was still a mess and I am not sure she was comfortable about that.  Either that I was not comfortable with it.  Anyway she had a two page instructions for each of the Animals.  There are some slightly new things for Preston such as breaking the dog treats in smaller portions because his teeth aren’t as good as they used to be.  Anyway I also got verbal instructions from Olivia as well about the mice, and fish.  Nancy would prefer if the Beta fish would just up and die.  I think they were there for about 30 minutes or so.   They also forgot the keys at home.  The whole point of coming was to bring me the keys.  So needless to say the keys will be waiting for me.

After they left I got ready to meet up with Liz and Nelson and Rich. It was so nice to have a hot shower.  I actually nearly burned myself to make sure it was hot enough.  Not smart.  It just felt and I figured the steam would help the infection more.  

When I left the sun was starting to come out.  I found the traffic to be very light and I even had time to stop and pick up the rest of the meds to help clear it up.  A short time later I was at my sister's and then we took off.  I even took some of the meds before we got there.   On the way there Liz offered some advice and invitations that if we got too tired or had enough that we would be allowed to leave early.  

When we arrived the sun was still shining and Adam met us outside and invited us to go through the garage.  Everyone was pretty much in the kitchen we walked by where we would be eating.  It was beautifully decorated and set up.  We all greeted each other with hugs and kisses (guaranteed to prolong what ever anyone may have had).  Over the next few hours we had enjoyed a Traditional Polish Christmas eve Dinner with the sharing of a type of bread that can only be described as manna for communion masses.  It was mostly a fish and cold food (there was beef stew (I really can’t think of the word they used to name it).  I enjoyed it immensely.  After watching most of us open gifts it was time for us to go home.  Adam and his family gave me a mug in the shape of a cat face and a small candle from Yankee Candle.

We got home at a fairly decent hour.  I was glad to get home early because I was tired and the meds were kicking in (I found myself having coughing fits and I found it better to excuse myself from the general populace and take care of it).  When I did get home I found the kitties ambling around again.  I got them their kibble and set them up for the night.  I opened my gifts from my Sister in law from PA.  She sent me a lovely sweater, a pair of wooly socks, and money.

Once I got that opened I did a little straightening up and went to bed.

Christmas Day.  i had some of the Coffee cake that my neighbors left me along with a few other things.   Around 11 I headed over to my Sister and BIL’s house and spent the entire day there.  We had Christmas Brunch of eggs, bacon, sausage, and some type of Cinnamon bread dish.  We opened presents afterwards.  Liz and Nelson gave me a cat journal, cat ice tray, calendar, two mugs.  Christian and Jennifer gave me a picture of Liz and me with Chris’s kids.  I am putting that on my desk at work.

After that I spent most of the afternoon on the laptop.  We made several attempts to face time with Jim that time and we were finally successful mid afternoon.  He looked good.  Kitten kept getting in on the conversation.    Everyone else was either napping, watching games or reading.

Dinner time rolled around and we had soup and sandwiches.  It was delicious.   Roast beef was tender and delicious.

Once Dinner was cleared up we got ready to leave.  I was home a short time later and in bed even sooner.

All in all a great holiday.

Christmas eve 2015

I am at the house doing laundry and other chores before I head to the doctor and back to Preston. 

Yesterday was busy with the eob piles I got.  I have gotten some really beautiful gift s from Ann and Mary.

Last night I got some more things for the kids and the candles.

I had dinner from on the border restaurant.  I ran into neighbor Shea and asked her to keep an eye out for the coffee delivery. They would.

It was pouring out and I was anxious to get back to Preston.  He was much more cooperative last night.  We did not get out either.  I watched TV and slept.  I wasn't feeling great.

I heard from brother j and he has a pt job at a car rental place in Allentown.  Will find out more tonight when I call.

Had a great Easter

Got up to sunshine and cool temps.  Fed the cats and had an early breakfast and decided to watch the iconic Willy Wonka and the chocolate Factory for a while.  While the kitties played for a while.

I got ready for church and met Liz and Nelson at their house.  I was able to see my Nephew Rich and he looked great.  He wasn’t sure he was going to come to CHeryl’s or not (He decided not to come after all).  We got to church and as usual it was pretty packed.  It is one of two holidays that has the highest attendance (and I am not judging because today was the day I decided to go back to church).  It really felt good to be back.  Liz bought some flowers to bring to Cheryl for later.  

We ran into SIL Ethel after Mass.  She looked great.  We talked about dinner and that I would try and come by (it never happened and I didn’t call) we talked about going to see Diane in the King and I at the Lincoln Center.  I would love to do that.  

After we went our separate ways we headed to CVS for more candy for the adult kids for the dinner.  I picked up cough drops for this cough.  We then went back to the house and I came home for a couple of hours.

The kittens were sleeping and i grabbed something to eat since we would be eating around 3 or 4.  I took the time to make some calls to DAve, Aunt Rosalie, and Jim.  DAve was heading to his Aunt’s for Easter but he told me he did the marathon in DC and did well but he seemed more interested in the museums and memorials then the race.  We talked about trips and stuff.

My conversation with my Aunt was a little shorter than that.  Her kids had just left for their respective homes.  They had their Easter celebration last night.  It was two of her children’s birthdays today.  My Aunt tells me she doesn’t go too many places these days (she reminded me at least twice she was 90)  She did spend time in the hospital for pancreatitis.  

Jim left me a voicemail message that he was doing something and did well with it.  The message was a little garbled but I will have to get back to you on that one.

Around one thirty I headed back to Liz’s and we headed to Cheryl’s.  As we got there the weather changed a little.  It got colder and rained for a little bit.   For the next several hours we ate, laughed, watched the kids play and I got to meet Alex.  There was soo much food.

The only thing that really dampened it for me was noticing my nephew and Niece not getting along (N & Lisa)  Lisa was pretty upset and I mentioned something to Liz about.  Apparently they have been doing this regularly.  I feel bad because I love them both and I would really hate to see anything happen to them.  So I am asking you for good thoughts and prayers while they go through this rough patch.

It was nearly 6:30 by the time I got home.  We were exhausted.  The sun was heading for the horizon as were the temps.  Sky was looking out the window when I arrived.  THey ran around a little and once they realized it was me they were a little more receptive.  Since i have been home they have been cuddly.

Over the last few hours I put a load of laundry, watched TV, cleaned out litter boxes, refilled the kibble, and surfed the net..

The kittens are at the foot of the bed sleeping again and I am heading there too.

Tomorrow is just going to pick up a few things and get a couple of thank you notes done.  

Hope you had a great holiday...

G’Night.

 

Christmas Eve

It is after 8:30 in the morning and I Have been here since 8.  I managed to see SKy and I think I got him back in the closet again but can’t find Tiger-lily.  They ate a lot of the kibble last night.  They also have made a couple of spots on the rugs.  I cleaned out the boxes and put fresh stuff in.  I did some laundry and got the gifts ready to be delivered and I played some more with sky.

The boys were pretty good.  THe night was good.  We didn’t go out anymore last night and I went to bed.  I was so cold. Preston stayed in the bed with me.  He didn’t even growl.  When I got back here around 3 I took them out and and then relaxed with them.  I gave them an early dinner and then took off for Liz’s.

I did stop by Mike and Roberta’s before coming back to the house.  We got caught up on all the news and gripes we had.  

I spent about three hours at Liz’s.  I wasn’t feeling that great but I ate and listened and talked about the cats and got more advice.  Most of them reiterated that they will come around and they will let me know..

I have taken the dogs out and now am heading to bed to watch the L&O marathon on WE.

JIm may or may not come up for tomorrow.

Easter 2013

Well greetings and Happy Easter.  I hope all of you had a wonderful day.  I did despite the lack of sleep I had.  I got up by 8 and did some surfing and then got ready for bingo.  I was going to make DD run but the line was far too long. 

It was nearly 9:30 when I arrived at the nursing home. Robin the newest Recreation staff member was on duty today and it was good to see her.  We chatted for a bit and then started to get ready.  We started bingo early (or at least tried) so that I could leave earlier or on time for church.  We also had Communion Distributed as well.  So we ended up playing for 45 minutes.  I left by 11 and got to the church by quarter after.

When I arrived I sat with Nelson and Liz.  She was getting ready and then she sat with us.  She was serving communion and not the lectern today.    I really should remember and know my catholic teachings better.  I was expecting today’s service to be long (and not unlike Friday’s readings).  It was long but not the same readings.  They were shorter then what I was expecting.  After church I we ran into my cousins on Mom’s side.  I haven’t seen them in quite some time.

I said goodbye to them and headed home.  When I arrived Jim and Kristina were in the kitchen talking with Mom.  Pretty much everything was set for dinner.  Kristina cut her hair recently it is VERY short. Apparently her mother isn’t speaking to her and thinks it makes her look like a boy.  I agree it does but I happen to like my hair that short as well.    

While Jim took a nap until dinner and Mom was putting last minute things together Kristina took a short walk along the beach and sat and talked.  I tried to impart some advice to her and reminded her we loved her no matter what she is doing. 

It was just about then we decided to go back to the house.  Dinner was really ready but not all the guests were there.  I had to call SIL to get them to come.  They came a short time later and we got to sit down and eat. 

We started off with Shrimp, Roast Beef, the spinach artichoke dish, sweet potatoes, creamed onions (that’s what I had), there were mashed potatoes, rolls, and of course a few desserts. After dinner we talked about photos strategically placed that indicated the kids status in the family.  We wanted to make sure Rogier knew he was part of it when we showed him the picture of him and Diane in Mom’s office. 

WE also shared stories of Diane as a child and her relationships with Dad (my father) and of course I shared the letter with Rogier that Bob wrote me many years ago.  I can’t believe I started crying when I looked at a picture of Bob.  Its picture I have looked at a million times a day. 

After dinner Jim, Kristina, Ethel, Diane, Rogier and their friend Kevin all went back to Ethel’s to use the new trampoline Ethel bought.  That was about an hour.  When they were done they came back and said goodbye and headed points south.  While they did that our friends Mike, Tessa, Susan and I helped cleaned up (actually they did most of it)  WE sat and talked about different things.

Everyone was pretty much gone before 6 pm.  Mom did some more cleaning and I put some stuff away and then we relaxed.  I have been watching the NCIS marathon and answering some emails.

In a short while I think I am going to bed.  As I mentioned I didn’t get to sleep until maybe 2 am this morning.

Easter Traditions

Earlier today when Liz was making her annual Easter Visit we talked about traditions.  She was saying that every Easter in my BIL’s family they always have rice and beans.  On the Italian side there is Lasagna.  In our family We either had some sort of meat (beef, lamb, pork).  Tonight I was looking over the last three years of Easter Sundays.

Last year Mom and I were sick so we were keeping it low key.  In the years before that we seem to always have it at our house.  I can’t remember what we had those times but if you read the entries at the blog you might enjoy it.

The one tradition I will not be upholding is getting into arguments with Mom.  It is usually due to stress and aggravation on both parts.

As always I will be going to bingo and church.  I can only hope that I get to both places either on time so that I can be home to help as much as I can since oh well dinner should be at time.

What are your Easter Traditions? 

I hope I am not getting sick

I noticed I was coughing a little more yesterday morning.  I hope I am not catching what the cruise people got.  The cold weather isn’t helping either.  Oh and it was snowing for most of the day. It only landed on the grass apparently.  Really?  Seriously?  Come on.  We are supposed to get more next early next week.

Work went well despite the feeling yucky.  I got a lot done and off my desk.  I stayed until six helping out with the scanning and was out the door by 6 and home by 6:30.

Mom had warmed up some eggplant and meatloaf for my dinner.  She had gone out to lunch with the Knitwits to GoodFellas in New Haven so she wasn’t hungry.  We did talk about Easter and as I suspected we will be having dinner here.  She talked with both Ethel and Liz.  

Liz offered to pick JH up when she goes to pick up Rich on Monday (he is spending a weekend in Ireland to see a soccer match).    JH is coming just about the same time.  We definitely will get together at Easter and it will be great to see him.  Now I am wondering if I should get his Christmas Gift?

After dinner I went to the DTC cocktail party.  I ate some more and I really shouldn’t have.   I was getting achy when I got home.  I had a lovely time spent about an hour and half there.  THe only downer is only 20 people showed up out of 110.  As you can imagine the organizers were a little put out.

It was around 9 when I got back to the house Mom was sleeping in front of the TV so I left her there for a bit and then when I heard her walking around again I went down and talked with her.  We talked about the party and then we said goodnight to each other

Well I have to finish getting ready for work.  I will be staying until 6 again tonight.  When I get home though I need to do laundry and stuff like that.

For the first day of Spring

It was pretty cold for the first day of spring.  Then again it usually is.  I was reading last year’s entries and it was just getting into the sixties by Palm Sunday and Easter.  Actually I think there was a flood warning going on at the time.

I was pretty busy with work today.  I got a lot done and was able to stay until after 6.  I was in the middle of something and wanted to stay with it until it was done.

I was late for dinner but luckily the traffic didn’t slow me down.  It was quarter of seven when I got home and put out the garbage.  Mom was watching TV when I finally came in. 

We had pork and rice for dinner.  It was good and satisfying.  Mom didn’t go out at all today except for a few errands and the rest of the time she was inside.

I asked Mom about the plans for Easter and she hasn’t come up with anything definite yet.  She forgot to ask Liz about her plans which I am pretty sure (97%) they will be either of their kids house for dinner. She says she will call Ethel also to see what she wants to do.  I came away with the feeling that it will be here because Mom feels that Ethel will be too tired of cooking all week to cook Easter dinner. That’s the week JH is coming home.

After dinner I did some chores and watched TV until 10.  Now I am going to bed.  Mom went a little bit ago (to read actually).

Tomorrow I will be working until 6 and then head home to get ready for the DTC cocktail party.  It is at Bridgehouse in Devon this year. 

Well Good night hope you had a great day today.

Did OT

I worked until 5:30 tonight because the volume of the mail was heavy. The lockbox was heavy and I got it around 9. I worked on it for an hour or so before the post office mail arrived. Happily that was normal volume. I went to Ash Wednesday Services over at the hospital with DK, TJ, DC afterwards DK and I went to pick up lunch at the hospital.




GC is having some issues with her bosses. I tried to ask her if it was about the mail and she said no. However, I am not certain that is completely the truth. I think it is just part of it. That mixed in with the situation with the milk lady. She didn’t come into because (at least we seem to think) because GC said something to LG about picking up speed with the work she is doing. She has been given the assignment to log in and out the batches of cash batches to be prepped for scanning. She takes far too long to get them done. Where it takes JN or AC an hour to do it LG takes six hours.



I had forgotten that mom had a meeting to go tonight (I thought it was earlier today) she didn’t get home until 9. I even got a little scared as I could see there was a shooting at hospital in New Britain. Mom was no where near New Britain. She was in Milford for Bridges Executive Board meeting. She is having dinner right now and watching TV.



I talked with Liz today. I was open with her about how things went this past week. She had asked me if they felt I was goofing off or around on the job. I couldn’t answer but a small part of me was wondering if she was judging me or criticizing me for things.



She did promise to look at the emails I sent on about activities at the Peabody museum this week. Apparently they have some programs for kids and since it is Winter break they need stuff to do. She did say that they are supposed to come spend time with her and nelson but they have been sticking close to their Mom and brother of late.



I talked with Jim. He sounds much better than when I last talked with him. We talked about the article on Cousin Ray and we talked about the kids. It seemed a fairly routine discussion.



I was going to watch NCIS again but I am too tired and I want to get to bed.

Have a great night and see you in the morning.

Family Update

Hello and Happy Mothers Day to all of you. I hope you had a wonderful day today. I know I did. As in the past I spent the morning playing bingo with the residents at the Nursing home. The rest of the afternoon was enjoyable. We had hot dogs and hamburgers at My sister’s and BIL’s home.




Things for me are going well. I had some Doctor’s appointments in the last few weeks and they were fine. I continue to make progress with the WW @ work program. My last weigh in was on Friday and that was very successful. Each day is a progress and I am enjoying it.



Work continued to be a little hectic as I had to change my vacation plans around when a co-worker had some serious health issues come up and we were a little understaffed and of course heading to end of FY. I have been taking long weekends to use up excess vacation time I need to use before the end of the year. The volume of work for every one has tripled. We have some challenges ahead as we get new billing assignments and new methods of doing the work.



I have been procrastinating these last few weeks at getting my passport renewed. Even though it’s only a few documents they seemed to overwhelm. I got the pictures taken Friday and submitted the application at the Post office Saturday. I am supposed to go to Niagara Falls in the late summer early part of fall.



The Woman’s club is planning on doing a fashion show at the West River Healthcare Facility here in town. WE are hoping to do it some time in June and July and we hope the residents will enjoy it. We have elections coming up in a few weeks as well as other year end activities. We are still planning on some summer activities before we start up in the fall so we should be fairly busy. Our Girls Volunteer Club was a finalist in our towns “Mayor’s Youth Award presentation and we are incredibly proud of them.



The DTC (Democratic Town Committee) has some really exciting activities and fundraisers coming up. Our State organization is having The 2011 Jefferson Jackson Bailey Dinner in May. I have been invited a few times. It basically is a get together of all the democrats and has a good time.



Locally we have an awards banquet and auction fundraiser. WE also continue to prepare for the municipal election in November.



Mom is doing okay. She did have some back issues that caused concern but she is much better these days. She received news late last month regarding my Aunt Rita. Her youngest sister and it isn’t good. She had been losing weight and not eating and various other signals. Sadly it was discovered she has Advanced Stage Pancreatic Cancer. Mom left here on Wednesday to visit. She returned on Saturday.



Bob and Ethel and their daughter came for dinner on Easter Sunday. It was a lot of fun. Bob is finishing up the semester teaching. I don’t know if he will be doing it during the summer. I think he would like to but it depends on the colleges will need and pay him.



My talented and wonderful niece and her boyfriend moved into an apartment in Brooklyn NY together last month. They are having a great time putting it together. I am not sure when she starts touring with the King and I. Her Boyfriend is awesome and we like him a lot he is from the Netherlands and they have been together (dating wise) for a few years now.



We-or I should say Mom got an email from John last month. He has been very busy in Korea. He has informed us he will be transferred to Washington State in September 2011. We are very relieved.



Rob has been kind of quiet. He has been posting now and then on Facebook. He is working still.



Jim was hoping to bring the kids up for Easter. He has been working steadily most weekends. That is until this past couple of weeks I guess the temporary assignment came to an end. He is trying to get them to hire him part time. The kids seem to have colds this past week. Jamie started Lacrosse but was sidelined for a week because of a minor strain.



Liz and Nelson and their family are doing pretty good. Liz has been a Dossier at a local museum and Nelson just graduated from Citizen’s Police Academy in Milford. Liz was nominated or asked to organize our family reunion recently so she is jumping into that with both feet.



Each of their children is doing well. The eldest Cheryl and her family are preparing for her youngest son’s HS Graduation in June.



Nelson and his wife Lisa are enjoying their baby son immensely. They have had visits with the in-laws and are both working.



Rich continues to work in construction and doesn’t bartending when construction is slow. He is a great Uncle to all the younger kids of the family.



Chris continues to work as a cook/chef at Quinnipiac College in Hamden. He spends time with his kids as much as possible.



Adam moved into an apartment in town and continues prepare for his October wedding with Olga. They have been having been spending time with their families as well.



Well its time for me to close out I am hoping you enjoyed this and if you have any questions feel free to ask.

Family Update

Greetings everyone I hope this finds your Friday happy and special. I am just finishing up the first week of my two week vacation today buy some long over due spring cleaning. I have other things planned besides the spring cleaning but this was something I have wanted to do.




Since my last update I have been keeping busy with work and that was going well. I was able to take some time off and visited family but when I got back I had still a lot of work. I had a wonderful person filling in for me and she will be doing the same for me these next two weeks. I attended a Rally last week for Labor in New Haven along with many of my fellow union members. To remind the leaders of our state, cities and town to do what’s best to repair the economic problems that are affecting the people.



I am happy to report that I am doing pretty well health wise. I am completely over the Double Pneumonia I had at the beginning of March. Still have to check on the possible COPD. I had a follow up last week and he still waiting on for that x-ray. I have a few doctors’ appointments coming up and don’t expect any bad news.



I joined the Weight Watchers @Work program and will be attending the third meeting this week. We officially started last week. It’s been years since I have joined and doing this is going to be fun. It will be helpful with the lupus.



The Woman’s Club is going well. We just had our annual Dinner at the local homeless shelter and we had fun. WE had our Carnival at the nursing home last week. It went very well. We had music and arts and crafts and games. This was our third one and we always have fun. We have elections coming up for officers and then we are making plans for our summer activities. A few membership parties along with membership drive and they all are usually a lot of fun.



On the political front in our town we are in the early stages of finding candidates to run for our municipal elections in the fall. It means getting the voters involved by having meet and greets and fundraising activities. I have a feeling we are going to work very hard to win in Nov.



Our City Budget hearings will be starting very soon and as you can imagine it is going to be (at least I think it will) explosive.



Our new Superintendent of schools began her job this week. She was hired in the last few weeks after the last one was fired for misconduct. The interim Superintendent did an excellent job but he just didn’t want to have the position.



Mom is doing well. She performed a wedding at our home last month. There were twenty guests in attendance. The weather turned out lovely for it and it was great. She continues to keep busy with all the boards and committees and she continues to retain “The energizer bunny” tag I have placed on her. We have all noticed her hearing has gotten progressively worse and it is frustrating for her.



Bob and Ethel are doing okay. Bob was really sick last weekend so he couldn’t help Mom out with picking up and transporting some rugs for a friend of ours back to our place. Ethel is working and keeping busy.



Diane (My niece) returned to NY to prepare for another national tour this time she will be returning to the King and I cast. I was quite surprised when I heard this because Diane had made it clear she was finished with touring. I don’t know if she will be returning to the role of Tupta or not.



John continues his work in Korea. I have to admit I haven’t heard much from his postings on Facebook.



We found out that Rob broke up with his girlfriend last month. We are saddened by the news because it seemed she was encouraging him to interact with the family.



In mid March I took a trip to visit Jim and the kids. It was very laid back visit. We really didn’t do much except relax. Jim had meetings and appointments to go to and near the end of the week he works at the Amazon Warehouse in Allentown. We had dinner with the kids a few times and Jamie spent a few nights with us



The kids were at school for the week. The girls had tennis and Jamie had Boy Scouts. He had a two week spring break and started Lacrosse this week. Emily has had her Facebook privileges taken away recently and I am not sure when she will be if at all getting them back.



Liz and Nelson had a big family party last week to celebrating the newest additions to the family and it was a huge success. Of course there was lots of food and fun. I got to see some people I hadn’t seen in a while.



Nelson is currently a member of Milford’s Citizen’s Police Academy and has enjoyed it very much. It communities relations program to teach people what is entailed to being a police officer.



Miss Audrey registered for 2011-2012 Kindergarten this past week. She will be starting in September. Liz is going to have a tough time with this because they spend a l of time together.



My nephew Adam moved back to Milford this past week. He will be commuting to NY for now until he finds a job closer to Milford. He and Olga are continuing the plans for their October wedding.



My Nephew Chris (Audrey and Jason’s Dad) is currently working as a cook at Quinnipiac University in Hamden/North Haven. He hasn’t been there very long but seems to be enjoying it as he does like to cook.





All in all everyone is doing pretty good and we are looking forward to the Easter Holiday.



I will sign out for now and will chat with you all later! Peace.

Christmas Recess 2010

Well it is here Christmas Recess 2010 has begun. I have been here since 8:05 and I am not sure just how many people are here. We have to sign in with Claudia. I know there are at least three people of my team here. I was afraid I would be in this office alone.
The best part of Recess aside from the hours is being able to dress down. I mean I don’t normally get into suits or skirts. My wardrobe is usually business casual. I have worn skirts and dresses before but it is hard to do when you are bending over or something. Mom was a bit concerned when she saw me in the jeans but I explained to her its recess as of today. She nearly panicked for a minute because she thought it was Christmas Eve.
After work I will head over to the pups and give them there walk and then head back to the house to do some stuff. Mom urged me not to over do it. I just want to make sure things are done. I just know I have left things undone for the holiday. Many of my family members (cousins mostly) will not be getting cards this year. My intention was to keep sending until New Year’s Eve. I am not sure that will work.
Yesterday work went well. I got a lot done and managed to keep civil with certain people. Before leaving I had a chat with Cami and Joanie. I was afraid it was going to get contentious. It worked out. Cami did tell us that Gayle asked about work (and the mail job particularly) and that made me uncomfortable. Cami didn’t lie to her (and I really didn’t want her to but) and told her what was going on. They reminded me again to be careful with CM.
I heard from Ron K yesterday he added me to the Facebook App for yearbook. I signed up for it but in order to do more I have to upgrade. Brother Jim sent me a message and asked about it and that’s when I found out more about it.
My Gift for Bob finally came yesterday. Mom was concerned that I got my tea from the place. She was pointing to the different signs on the box. I told her it was the coffee that I order from the same place. To reassure her (and I was pleased at the way I handled it) we opened and she was relieved.
We got some more cards with holiday newsletters. Those I love cause then you get to catch up with people you don’t get to during the year. I tried a couple of times rather unsuccessfully I might add.
You should have heard the wind this morning. It sounded like it was a tornado. It is the second day in a row for this too. The weather reports are calling for snow showers for the southern part of the state. After that nothing until closer to the New Year I am really hoping it isn’t a lot as I have only my sneakers on and no boots.
Well I better finish lock box and then order lunch from downstairs. Its Angus Cheeseburger…

Easter 2010

Easter Morning started out cloudy and foggy and temperatures in the mid 40’s. It got better by 9 and was sunny for the rest of the day and just touching 70 degrees by the end of the day.

I had some breakfast and watched Law & Order Mom came down around 8 and got her coffee going and reading the paper. She says she was extremely tired.

I got ready for Bingo and church around 8:15. I made my stop at Dunkin Doughnuts. It’s been a while since I did that. I usually get coffee or some of the potato medallions.

The morning was eventful. PJ was on duty but was elsewhere in the building and the coffee was delayed because not enough pots. One of the residents spilled tea all over herself. We also had to keep the door closed for a period of time so that one of the residents who expired could be moved to the morgue. Annie who plows right through anyone and everyone was getting excited and wanted to leave the room. It was really frustrating at times.

Because I started bingo late (yet again) we played until 11:20. I had to clean up the room from bingo as PJ had to be on the floors serving Danish for the residents. I was late for church.

As customary Mass was standing room only. I parked in the back of the school and walked to the church. I met up with my cousin Bob and Donna and chatted with them after church. I didn’t tell them that their brother Joe would be joining us for dinner. Bob asked how the family was and mentioned that Joe would be coming to see Jim and I played it as “I think he is there now”. I let Mom know but she understood how I was feeling.

I have to tell you this as customary at holiday meals here in the Phelan estates the two of us (Mom and I) were getting testy with each other. We are fine now but I really wanted to rip into her. There still may be a chance of that.

Jim and Joe arrived shortly after 2 and they looked handsome. I got dressed again (I changed to help with dinner). Jim took a nap and Joe occupied his time with the TV and newspaper and then we chatted. I am sure while Mom was getting other things done that talked too. Jim brought Mom beautifully framed pictures of the kids. Around 3 Mom’s friend Brian arrived. Joe and Brian kept each company. I probably should have been a better hostess but I chose to come up here and get on the computer.

We got a call from Ethel around 3:30 that Cousin Jane would be joining us. I had expected this earlier and mentioned it to Mom. She figured since they didn’t say anything yesterday we shouldn’t expect her. Mom really didn’t want her to come but she relented.


Now here is my rant for the day. Okay second rant for the day. I don’t care if you are family. If there were more people coming you should have made a point to call us and tell us in a reasonable amount of time. We had the table set already and there was barely any room to begin with. I don’t think its always bad to have family members invite themselves to holiday dinners but at least give the person an option.

We were supposed to eat at 4 pm. As customary we didn’t. Gee what a surprise.

Good Friday

After a short sleep (I went to sleep sometime after 2) I got up around 7:30 and started on some chores. I got some ironing done did some laundry and vacuumed the blue room in preparation for the visit from Jim and Joe Easter Morning.

I did manage to watch some of charmed and Angel. Well we all know I watch Angel while I get dressed for work most mornings but I don’t always have an opportunity to see Charmed unless I am on vacation or sick.

Mid morning I ran to the bank and did some errands for Mom. They didn’t take long as I had to be at the hair dressers by 1. Mom spent some time baking and I hung out waiting for the bed sheets from the blue room to dry.

Around 12:30 I left for the appointment forgetting to tell Mom that afterwards I would be going to the store and then going to see Liz. I got to my appointment and it too about 45 minutes. I filled out a 3x5 card and then we talked about the style I was looking for. I am not good about taking pictures and posting them to the web. You will just have to take my word that it looks great. We had some pretty good discussions about the flooding and about babies and then about health. When I was done with that I drove to CardSmart store at Cherry Street mall and got some cards and candy and then some pens at Dollar Tree Store (I am so not impressed with Dollar stores.) From there I went to Liz and Nelson’s and spent time there.

I got a rude phone call from Mom. She was objecting to the fact I promised to do things and they weren’t done yet when I told her I would get it done she cut me off. She said I should have told her I was going there. Um excuse me but no I don’t. Besides I had just decided to do that when I got out of the hairdresser.

While she was at church I came home made the bed in the blue room and vacuumed the upstairs. I did some laundry and folded her clothes that she had in the dryer and put the rugs she had in the washer into dryer.

Mom came home around 6 I figured she had gone to the store and she made a comment that she wanted me to come with her. Well she should have told me that when I called her back. I would have met her at the store. She has had an attitude since she came back. She does like the haircut. We had pizza for dinner and now she is watching PBS and I am sort of watching NCIS.

I think I am going to call it quits in the cleaning department for tonight. I am starting to get tired and I don’t want to deal with Mom’s impending attitude.

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.

How was your Easter?

Well mine went pretty well. I was up by 7 and mom was too. I didn’t have a card for her but I told her I was her live Easter Card. Actually I didn’t send any cards to anyone this year.

I worked on the computer for a bit before going to the nursing home. Then I got ready for the nursing home. I left after 9 and then stopped at the Dunkin Doughnuts for coffee. I didn’t get a big one this time.

When I arrived at then nursing home Virgie was just coming out of the closet. We spent some time catching up with each other and then after a while we served coffee and then I started bingo. Virgie got the residents. There were 17 players that day. It went pretty well.

After the bingo session I had gone to talk to some old classmates of mine. It was Mark Bernard and his family. They were there to visit a relative. His son is the spitting image of him. After that visit I headed to church.

I really should have left the nursing home sooner than I did. I was late and had to park out on the street. It was a little bit of a hike but it didn’t help my ankle much yesterday. It was standing room only until just before communion. Father Cronin invited us to sit on the altar behind him. I could never do that.

After church I was heading back to the car and saw Christine Hoyt. She works in the Reimbursement Dept at work. I got to meet her family. I told her about my little trip down the stairs. She felt bad. We said our goodbyes and I headed home.

When I got home mom was cooking. For the next couple of hours I spent the time watching TV, and resting my ankle for a bit and also helping Mom when I could. I spent some time on the computer.

Bob and Ethel came around 4. Bob was not feeling well. Just as we were about to sit down Jane arrived. It was a good thing that I suggested to Mom earlier that she should put out a setting for her. Bob said she was invited.

We had dinner and the food was good (although some of it was under cooked-the meat was fine). In light of a conversation I had with Mom earlier in the day I tried to cut back and didn’t go for seconds. Mom said that I could have everything but in moderation (not big helpings) it really worked. Bob and Ethel left around 5. Jane left by 5:30. Mom and I finished the kitchen.

For the rest of the night I watched TV and was on the computer until I went to bed.

Today was a full day. I got up and got ready for work. Mom was up before I left. I got to the garage by quarter of 8 and the elevator was out of service. I was not looking forward to walking down the six levels of the garage. I took other elevators. I walked to the office with Joyce B.
We got coffee and then went to our floor and we went to our cubes. After a while I got started on work. I started off doing readdress mail. Then the charts came and then I got into that. The mail volume was heavy. I managed to have it all opened by the time I left but it still needs to be sorted. I also have to do the bad address/postage tally. I did get some bulk mail done.

I told a number of people of my little trip down the stairs on Friday. They were glad I didn’t break anything. They reminded me to be careful for the day.

We got word today that my “other Mommy” Joanne A had a very scary moment this weekend. On Friday her daughter Fran took Sugar Joann’s dog out for a walk to the park and they were attacked by two pit bulls. Fran was taken to the ER and had serious injury to her hand. Sugar had two drainage tubes in her neck. There were kids there that were playing ball and when they heard Fran calling for help they came running and beat the two pit bulls until they stopped.

After work I came home. I was too tired to go get gas and my ankle was starting to act up. It was just 4:30 when I got home. There had been an accident on the North Bound side of the highway. It slowed traffic for some time.

When I got home Mom was upstairs. She was working on the computer and would be cooking our dinner soon after. She had me heat up the oven and put the grilled vegetables back in the oven. I watched TV and after a while Mom came down and finished the rest of the preparations.

Rich’s plumber friend was repairing the shower when I came home too. He was there until 5. It shouldn’t leak now

After dinner I split my time between watching TV and being online and making phone calls for the club.

Telka had emailed me and the other members to suggest a girl’s night out for a fashion show being held at the Waters Edge Spa and Resort this coming Friday. I had to call the women. It didn’t take long. It gave me an opportunity to talk to Lois C and Roberta R.

I also spent time setting up some more pen pal files and just finished them about 10. I still have to put them in the binders but I will have to do that tomorrow. It is now late.

St Patrick's Day 2008

Hey all Happy St. Patrick’s Day to one and all. Today is also Mary A Coulombe’s 111th Birthday. She has been gone for 13 years now. It is hard to believe. Mary A is my maternal grandmother and she was a pip. No not always in a good way either. She was born in New Haven and one of several Moriarty children.

Both her parents were gone by the time she was a teenager. She married my maternal grandfather many years later and they had seven children. The moved to Milford and started their lives there. Some years later they would move to Cherry Street in Milford and live there for man years. My Grandfather died when he was in his mid 40’s and Nanny supported her family by working at the Westport State Police Dept until they were able to support her and then have their own lives. She stayed at Cherry Street until her mid 90’s when she would be moved into nursing homes until her death in august of 1995.

Many people have their green on today. It is really cool. Work is going fine. I am working on the lock box for now. I am just waiting on the second part of the US mail. Okay it is here now so I better go….

I started getting another headache right before lunch. I decided to get some chips and soda. I took some ibuprofen. I hope it works. I am now starting to be low-key.

I talked with Mom around noon and she said the doctor wants to have her get an MRI to see what the back is doing. I am not sure when she is supposed to get it but that will be on the near horizon. Later on she has a meeting at six. She won’t be having dinner with me. So she is trying to figure something for dinner.

Evening everyone it is almost 7 and it is still light out. Sunset is in about 6 minutes. I have been home since 4:30. Mom was up in here office doing some work and cooking beef stew for dinner. It will be for a couple of dinners. Mom had a meeting to go to at 6 so she left around 5. She had to pick up a client.

I finally got my new Macy’s card today. Anytime I have had to go to Macy’s for shopping I had to use my Filene’s card. I don’t have to anymore!

I called Roberta and Mike to thank them again for this weekend. I also called to see how Mike was feeling. He was sick on Saturday. I hope he was feeling better.

I think I am going to write some letters. I probably will only get one done tonight. I am starting to get tired and I am probably going to bed early again.