Christmas Eve Day 2017

I was up early but not as early as normal.  Preston was buried under a blanket and Vlad on the corner of the bed.  I got up and fed them and gave Preston his med.  I fed the fish and the others get fed  later.  

I gave Preston his walk and he was cooperative and great about it.  The dawn was breaking into red and orange and it was lovely.  While on our walk I noticed that there was a new house being built where another long standing one was before.  I think it may have been anew condo site.

When we got back I gathered everything I was taking back to the house with me.  The gifts that needed to be put into their bags, and envelopes.  I brought the outfit with me and my phone which is completely dead and I can’t find the adapter.  I really need to get a new phone!

The babies were waiting on me at the door.  I didn’t go over last night for a tuck in.  I figured they would be hungry enough.  They were not warming up to the canned food.  I gave them some attention and opened the cellar door and the bedroom door.  They stayed there until I came home tonight for the last time.  Sky came down first.  I checked to see if they both were there.

I spent part of the morning getting the gifts together.  I was relieved to find that I didn’t have to find tissue paper for the gifts.  I found out that I do need to get younger kids something.  Liz left it up to me.  All the kids will be there tomorrow.  When I headed over to liz and was about to give them presents I discovered i had left theirs back at the house (I really hate when i do that).    I had an opportunity to ask Rich what he does for all the nieces and nephews.  He doesn’t get them anything.  He is a struggling self employed construction worker.  .  

The afternoon was great.  The temperatures was in the high 30’s.  I stayed out of the way as much as I could.  Nelson and Liz were trying to get ready for tomorrow and help Rich with the cooking.    They also showed off their newest Nutcracker.  It was a 6ft tall lit up made of mesh and wire.  Very beautiful.  If my sister posts it I will share it on my FB.  

We  had Hors d'oeuvre.  Then opened presents.  FRom Liz and Nelson Towels, another “I love my cat” mug (they got me one last year) and an ornament with a picture of Liz and I from last week.  My niece Jen who stopped by for a visit and is three months pregnant gave me an ornament too.  One with my cats.  Liz’s Friend Andrea gave me natural facial creams I can’t wait to use.  

Our meal was wonderful, ham, string bean casserole, various forms of sweet potato and potatoes au gratin with a myriad of pies.  I was quite full by the time I went to church.

As expected the church was full.  There was a 4 pm and 4:15 (in the school auditorium).  I wasn’t able to sit with Liz at first but during communion I was.  We ddi make eye contact after she did the readings.  She is going to be serving communion at the 10 pm mass (today’s version of the mid-night mass).

After I saw a few of my Ladies guild members I walked Liz back to Andrea’s car (Andrea left mid way through the service) and she took Liz back to her house and I headed home to get a change of clothes for tomorrow and check in on the kitties.  Like I said Sky finally came down before I left.   I cuddled with him for a few minutes (he wasn’t particularly impressed).

When I came back to the zoo.  I could hear both Preston and the neighbors dog both barking.  I chatted with Preston and he waited with me while I was in the bathroom.  I took him out for a walk and then came back and started the whole feeding process for all the animals.  I even washed out Samson’s wheel.  He hasn’t come out of his house in all the time I was here but I promised Olivia I would go and chat with him before I make it to the bed.

Oh I had a lovely visit from the Chris’s down the street.  They brought me gifts for the kitty’s and me.  I also got a couple of presents from the neighbor Dolans.  One of them I promptly dropped all over the floor (they were cookies).    I told Shannan about it when I saw it afterwards.  

Tomorrow I will take a quick run over to Stop and Shop and get two more gift cards and then head over back to the house and spend time with the kitties and straighten up here and there.  I would be lying if I said I won’t watch TV because that also what I did today.

I am going to leave the house by 12 and head to Cheryl’s for the afternoon.  I will celebrate Christmas with them and then come home hopefully at decent time (and if the weather is permitting) check on the kitties and then head back here for the night.

Tuesday I will have to call the Local Insurance Agent as they have been trying to get a hold of me.   I received a letter from them last week. I hope nothing is wrong.  I just paid the insurance on the car.  

Well I am missing Beauty and the beast...

The last few days

Sunday afternoon was great.  I went and did bingo while there was birthday party for a resident.  It was fun.  AFterwards I played telephone tag with Liz who couldn’t hear the phone.  She was cleaning.   By the time we actually talked I was home.  We made plans that i would stop by after church and show off my mani pedicure.  Later on she called back with a dinner invite.  

I went to the 4:30 mass at St Mary’s.  It was great as I also ran into some very dear friends I knew growing up.  They were also in a youth group at another church.  So I sat with them.  After mass we visited with Mary’s father.  They moved to West Haven from the prospective former homes.  I said goodbye to them and headed to my sisters.

They were both resting but had dinner cooking.  We spent time chatting about Liz’s trip and then she went into “MOM” mode.  She didn’t like the way I was dressed, whether or not my cleaning lady was doing a good job.  She believes the house is my legacy.  We also discussed the issues with the dtc committees.

After a delightful dinner of breaded fish, corn, and vegetables we cleaned up and I headed home.  I would have to say it was near dusk.  As I approached the entrance ramp of the highway I saw a small family of deer (breathing and) grazing.  I was tempted to stop but there was a cop at about 50 feet from my spot.  So I missed a great Photo op and opted for safety and freedom (mine from causing any potential accident).  

The rest of the night I watched TV did some laundry and gave the kitties a refill on food, and things like that.

Monday was a beautiful day.  I had a decent sleep and was woken by my furry babes.  I managed to get to work early and show off my nails to anyone who would look.  Then I spent the morning working on the mail from friday and then refund mailing.  Monday’s mail came fairly on time.  However I didn’t get to finish it I thought I would be today but I am home sick.

I had my hemotologist appointment.  He says I am doing good.  Just remember to take the baby aspirin.  I will see him in Nov.  AFter that i headed to MAma Teresa’s to get dinner. Angel hair with Sausage.  While I was there I met up with an old friend’s younger “cousin”.

When i got home I ate and surfed the net.  I went to bed around 9.

Early this morning my stomach starting acting up and around 6 I got sick and so I called out sick.  I called a few times to be sure they got the message.

I went back to sleep after a while and have been watching TV.  

Late this afternoon i called LIz we talked about the health and dinner.  They didn’t go out with family for dinner.  The restaurant was closed so they had a quiet dinner  by themselves.  By the end of the of conversation she urged me to get the measurements of my bed.

We received an email that my  cousin Frank’s mother-in-law passed away.  The Obituary will follow.  Now family members are sending condolence messages.  Not sure if they realize they probably  could send them on themselves.  

I am going to do some more laundry and work on some letters (if my printer is cooperating. I am thinking the ink that i replaced a few weeks ago is gone-again.

Pretty successful afternoon

I am sitting here with The Kratts brothers Wild Alaska Live on in the background.  Part of me is interested and some of it is waiting for the next load of laundry to finish.  

I left here just around 1 chatted with Neighbor ChrisP before taking off for the cleaners to pick up some stuff I left there.  Then I went to the nursing home.  Maria was there doing some paperwork.  We chatted about the activities fo the day.  Reminded me to make sure everyone gets transported either to their room or to  the recreation room.

I had about 17 residents playing and of course some of them were chatting and one woman complained incessantly that I was going too fast.  I was really really wishing the hour would go by faster. Despite that the others enjoyed themselves.  I did have a chance to talk to Chef Phil and he told me what the “atmosphere” in the labor force there.  I didn’t leave there until about 3:30.

Once I left there I headed to my Sister and Brother in law’s.  They were entertaining children and grandchildren.  They were all just getting ready to go but the little ones were being a bit shy.  

I was there for about an hour.  They fed me (cheeseburger and potato salad) Nelson took a nap and Liz and i chatted about a few things on FB and of course church which I was a bit late for.

By the time I got there the gospel was just being read.  Mind you it was Just 4:35.  The mass started at 4:30.  The parking didn’t seem full but by the time I got inside number of attendees it seemed pretty full (I don’t even know if there was anyone in Father Cronin hall).  Near the end the ushers were counting how many parishioners were actually there.  I suspect that if the  numbers aren’t good they will cut some masses.  Then again this is all supposition on my part.

On the way home I heard from Jim.  I was trying to pin him down to a specific time to expect him on Thursday.  In the last texts he says he will be here between 4-5 and we will go to dinner when I get home   (I have a session with Debra).

It looks like I will be attending the trivia game at Scribner's restaurant stag.    Liz will be spending a few days in SC and it will be during the time of the trivia game.  She is really looking forward to it.

Well its time for me to say good night...For those of you in the middle of the wildfires please know i am thinking of you and praying for your safety.  Those in Drought conditions I pray you get the rain...

Good night...

Sunday Objectives

As i was finishing up feeding the cats this morning I walked into the living room and found what looked like a hairball on the window sill that landed on the floor.  Ick  I don’t know why they have so many hairballs.  There is two more around the house.  Cleaned one up in the office upstairs the other day.

I let them downstairs already.  I actually am not sure if both went or just Sky.  I turned around after finishing cleaning up hairball number 2  and tiger was just sitting there.

My other objectives today would include laundry and church and of course bingo.  I know you are surprised about the church but it's time I go back.

Nothing is wrong but this is proactive.  I feel that when I don’t go to church for a long time my whole center seems off balance and things go wrong.  I want to prevent that from happening.  Considering I am also on the Ladies guild Board now.  I best do it.

I talked with Mama Roberta Friday night for an hour.  She told me about her trip to Colorado and how she met the parents of Miriam’s Boyfriend.  It went very nice.  She also ended up with three spider bites on her body.  

She also told me how the trip to her sister Marsha’s went and how they did with Debbie.   They all survived.  At least she didn’t have huge fights with her sister about things but got to meet Marsha’s only friend.

Mama Roberta also told me she found out that Miriam is coming home for her birthday in September.  It was supposed to be a surprise but when Papa found his SIL was planning a trip he had to quash it with the news about Miriam.

It feels like Winter

It is nearly 5 in the afternoon and the sun has all but gone.  It clouded up around 2 this afternoon.  The temperatures dropped too.  I didn’t have a jacket with me the entire time I was out and I wished I had.   When I got home I closed the windows and turned the heat on.

I made it to bingo early and started early as well.  I think it was Chloe who was waiting for me and eventually the other two girls came.  We had a good session but what seemed like a smaller than usual crowd.

After bingo I headed to the Oreck store and dropped off the Oreck.  He also told me that I could trade that one in for a newer model and more updated one that could do both.  I stayed with repair.  I also got some bags and glass wiper.  It came to about $150.  It should be ready by tomorrow night.

I have been craving ice cream for the last couple of days so I stopped at Adams and picked up a quart of ice cream.  Two flavors...party cake and choc cookie.  I had one and I think that may have been a mistake.

Last night I had heard from my friend SuzanneB that there were going to merge the churches in town.  ST Mary’s and St Agnes will now be known as Precious Blood while the other two will be known as St Raphael’s.  Now the third one Christ the Redeemer I am not sure.  The breakdown for that didn’t make sense.  This isn’t just affecting Milford but the Arch Diocese for Hartford, New Haven, and Litchfield.  As you can see by the list.

This will be very interesting in what the future holds for Liz as reader and Eucharistic Minister.  Will she go to both places or keep separate.  It will be interesting about the Ladies guild. 

Oh man I just found out that a coworker of mine has died this weekend.  COD is not certain but one of them thought it was possible heart attack.  The lady who told me got the news via text and it got passed around to few people from the office.  I sent a message to Mary and Ann.  It will be very sad in the office tomorrow.

Well it’s getting late and I need to get ready for bed…

A wonderful Day

It was a beautiful day despite the chilly temps and snow flurries i missed.

The baptism was held at St Rita's churh in hamden after the 11:30 mass.  There was also another baby there for his baptism.  All of madison's cousins were there as well.  I even got blown kiss from james.  He was my nephew adam's son. He was so cute.

A Pretty Nice sunday

I had a pretty nice Sunday despite my doubts as a furbaby Momma.  I went to mass and it was nice.   We had a deacon from the Lake Ontario Area as a representative from Christian Relief SErvices.  THere wasn’t a second collection for them but it was basically an update on their recent achievements

After mass I went over to my sister’s and spent about an hour there.  I got to meet their guests Sam and his son.  Nelson had just gotten home from a Knight’s event (they were serving at another breakfast but at a different church).  By the time I left I garnered a dinner invitation.

I was back home by 2 after grocery shopping and kitty food shopping.  I spent the next couple of hours watching TV and taking a nap before going back to Liz’s.  THe kittens were sleeping until 4 and they were pretty funny.

I did chat with neighbors Chris & Chris.  Chris G starts a new job this week but it is starting off rather weird.  He is only going in for a few hours for the next two days because the admin he is supposed to have a meeting with has somethings to do.

Dinner was very nice.  It pork chops and ribs.  I had the ribs with corn, potatoes, and salad.  We had a nice chat about family, and activities and such. I was there until 7.  Liz had gotten a call from a friend and needed to talk to her so shortly after that I went home.

The kitties were looking out the window when I got home.  THey were playing while a I was out.  For the next few hours I watched TV and straightened up stuff.  I have to put the garbage out soon or the cats are going to try to tear it apart.

Its getting late...so I will chat later.

I am trying to figure out who

I woke up to a mess on the rug at the bottom of the stairs.  It didn’t look like “shit” but there was a mis-shot in the bathroom downstairs.  I am not sure which of the two of them did it but I think its in response to my tax prep frustration or the late night treat.  I tried to reassure them.  I have been keeping an eye on them today.  Some reason I Found what looks like food on the counter.  THey were sleeping when I got home from church and the breakfast.  THey came out when I found them.  Eventually Sky stayed downstairs and has been splitting his time between trying to catch a fly and sleeping on the chair.  Tiger roamed around here and went back upstairs.

There was a three house fire about 7 minutes from here yesterday.  I heard the fire engines around 1 yesterday.  It was on the news (obviously.) No one was hurt but lots of damage. It was caused by a candle near combustible materials.  That’s one reason I don’t have candles around.  I am afraid I would forget them or these two would get hurt.

Today is also where many in town are remembering Officer Daniel Wasson who was killed in the line of duty.   I admit I didn’t know him personally but my cousin Donna and her husband were both officers then and knew him very well and were probably close to him.  I was in college then and working.  I know my neighbor Kim and her family are remembering because they are all part of that family as well.

Today was the Knights of Columbus first communion breakfast.  It was also a newly made day of observance and there was a Knights Color Guard.  Unfortunately there were not many of the color guard (which is apparently often) but there were enough to serve the breakfast.  THe speaker was the principal of ST Mary’s.  The food was good but the turnout was low.  I sat with friends of ours and I had the opportunity to run into Claire Casey.

We talked about things.  She really urged me not to leave the DTC.  If I don’t want to be secretary that’s okay but she feels that I do a lot for them.  She reminded me I could do the lit drops, and stuff like that.  They really don’t want me to leave.  So I may be re-evaluating my decision to leave the DTC.

I think I am going to clean out my car.  It has been looking like a trash barrel instead of a car.  Its starting to be embarrassing for me.  Afterwards I will cook some dinner.  I have had soup already.

Then I have to make sure things are ready for livia.  I have most of the things she asked for but I need to bring up the floor steamer and put away the other vacuum cleaners for now.  I am thinking of putting those in the spare room.

Anyway hope your Sunday has been wonderful...

Dear Mom

Dear Mom,

    I can’t begin to tell you how the last two days have gone.  Last night was an amazing testament to you and your life and the impact you had on the lives you have touched.  There was close to 400 people that came through the greeting line.  Many from Mental Health services, your friends, family, the literary club, the knitwits.  Many of your children’s friends and peers came as well.  LT Governor Nancy Wyman paid her respects, and of course our dearest friends Senator Gayle Slossberg,  St Representatives James Maroney, and Kim Rose presented us with a memorial Citation from the CT General Assembly. 

The funeral today was just beautiful.  The weather was perfect.  There were at least 100 people at the funeral services.  The Pall bearers did an awesome job from start to finish.  Adam and  Cousin Don C  did wonderful job at the readings and Father C even managed a few appropriate Railroad related puns.  Jim did a wonderful job at the Eulogy.  Diane made me cry when she sang Ave Maria.

Lassie’s did a wonderful job catering the reception and there about 50 people who showed up.  The food was delicious.  Eggplant Rollatini,  Chicken, cheese tortellini w/spinach, and salad (potato and garden) and desserts (cookies and brownies) and coffee and  soft drinks.  It started breaking up around 2.  It was a good thing because I was starting to get something.  Roberta and Debi brought me home because I thought Jim was going to come back home before me.  He ended up coming 10 minutes after I did.

The rest of the afternoon Jim and I napped (and in my case) and watched TV.  Through out the afternoon I started to do odds and ends.  I took a part the fruit basket that Rosa sent to us.  I called Liz to see how she was doing and we chatted about stuff.

Liz has already picked up the citations and awards and the complementary video that was there and I will pick them up and go through all the cards we got during the wake.  I am going to bring over the cards we got here as a family and individually.  That we have received over the last several days.

Oh and I talked with Georgina today.  I told her how the services went and how I dealt with it and how I have been dealing with being in the house without Mom.  She is doing great and starts another job on Tuesday in Fairfield.  WE hung up with the promise that I would call her again sometime.  I am not sure why I didn’t do it sooner than today probably because of the minor details that needed to be done.

Jim went out to Pops for a bite to eat.  I really wasn’t up to eating much as my stomach was “yuck” but I did eat a little bit later on in the evening.  When Jim got home we watched Jurassic Park.  Part of AMC’s Throwback Thursday.

 He also told me he apologized to Liz for his behavior recently.  He tells me he said it during mass (the sign of peace moments).  We talked about it.  Earlier before the funeral procession he was joking to move our car ahead of Liz and Nelson’s.  He joked with Selfik and then told Liz and she just sort of smiled.  I had prayed he was joking and I even said it to him.  He said of course he was and hasn’t he caused enough trouble?  It just relieved me so much.    I don’t know if Liz will accept it or not because she has indicated that she would not.

Oh and I got a call from Rosa tonight.  The  phone was in the back and I didn’t feel like answering it.  I wish I had now.  She said she would call me over the weekend. 

Anyway we are done for now he is drifting off to sleep and I am going there myself. 

Gorgous Sunday

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day even with the wind.  I could enjoy days like this..  I am not one for sitting outside a lot .  I would have to have a sweater or long sleeves on and one of those big hats.  

My intention this morning was to get up early and do some stuff like maybe laundry and replace the lightbulb in the bathroom all before Mom got up but only part of it got done.  I did get my jacket at Roberta’s.

Bingo went well.  PJ was there and we had two volunteers.  The hour went pretty fast I thought as well.  There was a Eucharistic Service at 11 so we finished just before 11.  I was out the door and to Dunkin Doughnuts for more coffee before church.

I went to the 11:30 mass.  I knew Liz would be serving as Eucharistic Minister there.I guess she didn’t know where she was going to be sitting.    She was able to sit with me.  After Mass we headed back here.  I don’t know how she got there before me when I left church before her.  I even took the highway.

Mom was out back watching TV and so we gathered for the Eucharist.  Before starting they got some chit chatting in and then we did the distribution.  LIz had to get back with the kids for a few hours before returning for the 4:30 mass.  She was doing the readings for that mass.

My neighbor was having a weekend tag sale that made getting on to the street somewhat of a challenge.  By the end of the day it was normal again.

I had some lunch and then got ready to do some shopping.  Unfortunately i had to come home before going to the next store because I wasn’t feeling well.   My stomach wasn’t cooperating for very long.  ONce it settled I went back out and finished shopping.  

We decided that we would get dinner from Pop’s restaurant at 5 and that’s what we did.  MOm couldn’t finish hers and i really couldn’t either but it was good.

Mom and i watched TV and I did some laundry and now we are going to bed...

Dear Friends

March 30, 2014

Dear Friends:

    I hope you are warm where you are because its a really cold afternoon.  I had to put a couple of sweaters on just to be warm.  It is probably a relieve to some but for me not today.   Its funny I like rainy weekends because if you don’t have to go out you can do stuff that you want (well almost-laundry is a must but not my “want to do” activity)

    Bingo went well.  Marney and Natalie were both there today.  They both did paperwork and I set up for bingo and chatted with the residents.  I did find out that this wonderful lady whom I have known for a number of years had passed away.  She was the only woman Veteran at the Nursing home.  When I got home I sent an email to the women in our club.

i went to the 11:30 mass at St Mary’s and sat with Liz who was one of the Eucharistic ministers today.  A Eucharistic Ministers Are many volunteers who are taught the ways and everything important to know about distributing what is known as the Bread and wine (to symbolize the body and blood of Jesus Christ).  Of course I just read this bit of info about it and I am not sure that’s all of it.  I guess there are various meanings for it.  Anyway in the short time we had we talked about Mom.  

Liz tells me Mom couldn’t remember if she saw me this morning or not.  She did.  She did remember that I got my migraine last night and told Liz about it.  LIz also warned she was cantankerous.  Something I didn’t find at first when I returned home this afternoon.  Anyway Liz had a few things to do before going out to some black tie event in Plainville so she really couldn’t visit long.

When I got home I found Mom in her pajamas and still reading the papers.  I invited her to take a ride with me (anywhere really) but she declined.  She just didn’t feel like going anywhere.  So she has been out back watching TV and had some lunch and snacks the afternoon.  

I have ended up doing two loads of laundry as I am now getting a little tired and my legs are starting rebel on some level.  I haven’t had much problems getting up out of the various chairs or anything but it is time for me to take the tylenol again.  

For now I am going to watch the rest of the NCIS marathon and then read some of F-List blogs (Is that the correct terminology?) that I haven’t replied to in a day or two.

Have a great night....

Dear Friends

March 16, 2014

Dear Friends:

    Good  Sunday to you.  It is just after 8.  Sunday Morning Baroque is playing on the computer.  I have a load of a laundry going and I have already had breakfast and have updated my Penpal  World blog  

Today is going to be a long day or I should say a full day.  I will be leaving in a while for bingo and church and then our annual Carnival for the residents at West River Nursing home.  We have to be there at 1:30 and start it at 2 until 3 (I think).  I don’t know if I will be up for anything else after that.

    I have to say I am feeling better than I was yesterday afternoon and i did get some sleep last night.  I am hoping it stays this way for the rest of the day.

    I am having a concern.  I am beginning to think my eyes and glasses are going back to the way they were before I got the new lenses in them.  Some things seem a little blurry then they were and I am wondering if those pre-moistened biodegradable wipes are doing the damage.  Admittedly if I took my glasses off everything would be very blurry but is just a little nerve wracking.  i Have been really careful with these new lenses since getting them.

Well its time for me to take off.  Enjoy

Dear Friends

March 5, 2014

Dear Friends:

    Hope your Wednesday went well.  I had a pretty good day.  I wasn’t able to meet with Debra today because she was home with a sick kid.  So we will be meeting next next week.  She did offer a phone session but I would rather get the work done.

    Nancy contacted me to watch Packy and Preston.   It will be for the first weekend of Spring.  She promised the pups would behave.  I told her I would do.  I do have to start checking my text message more often...she contacted me late yesterday afternoon.  I hope Preston is in better mood.

    Work went well.  I noticed the morning went by quickly.  I am not sure what caused that either the work or my preoccupation with learning how to use the new system more.  It was mid morning when I realized that today was the most important day in the Catholic Faith (probably in the Christian Faith as well)

AT lunch time I walked over with Terry for Ash Wednesday services at the hospital.  We left just before noon and I did pretty well considering my hip seemed to ache for a while.  The Hospital has been providing this ceremony/service for years and its quite easy to attend.  We stopped at the hospital cafeteria for lunch.

I spent the rest of the afternoon working and checked in with Mary A because neither of us heard from Ann.  WE promised each other to let the other know.  Well I finally did hear from Ann around 6:30 this evening.

After work I headed home.  MOm was upstairs in her office and we talked more about dinner.  I Had offered to make spaghetti and clams.  We started around 5:30.  Mom had put out some of the ingredients.  It came out really well.  After dinner MOm watched TV for a bit and then went to bed.  I cleaned the kitchen until about 8.  By then I was tired and achy (the hip mostly)

I managed to get some laundry going and now I am going to bed.

Dear Friends

February 23, 2014

Dear Friends:

    Hello from the tropics.  Well it is a heat wave of sorts.  Its been in the 50’s for most of the day  The sun shining for now but I did notice it getting cloudy for a short time.  It looks like we are going to get some precipitation over night after all (wheeee)

    The morning activities went pretty well.  I had 15 residents playing bingo and a few of them won a couple of games each.  Unfortunately all they got was my undying love and gratitude.  There wasn’t any change to play with.  For the most part everyone played well together.  

    I did end up going to church late (I really don’t like that btw).  I was so late that I came in the middle of the homily from Father Aiden.   Then after the homily was the financial reports for the church.  I just don’t think that should have been reported during mass.  I am sure they have meetings for that kind of thing (I found it all boring).

    When I got home I found Liz and Young Nelson 3 visiting Mom.  Nelson was being incredibly shy with me today.  He wouldn’t come near me but he did wave good bye to me when they were leaving.  Mom really had a good time with them despite the fact she was having hard time with the dry mouth.

We had a mid afternoon lunch and then I hung out.  Something Mom didn’t appreciate as we discussed my going to the store.  She got really annoyed with me (it was quarter of four).  I felt she was being unreasonable and started on me about “she can’t do it anymore and that you have to take up the slack”.  WTF do you think I have been doing all these weeks?  So after she said that and then added some stuff to the list I went.

It took me an hour to get it all done and I was back at the house a little after 5.   I let her check out all the stuff and except for a couple of bruises on the vegetables it met with some good approval rating.  We decided to have cube steaks for dinner.

WE worked on it together and was finished eating by six or six thirty.  UNfortunately MOm’s taste buds were not working so she didn’t really enjoy it.  She even tried to eat a piece of chocolate cake but couldn’t finish it.  She gave it to me and then came upstairs for bed.   When I came upstairs I noticed she was not there yet but getting ready.  She couldn’t find the NYTs magazines so I went back down and looked for them.  She had them.  

Mom has a doctor’s appointment tomorrow.  When Liz was here she said that Nelson would not mind taking her but MOm said to her that I could do it.  When she asked me while LIz was here I said I could but it was last minute.   So we stayed with Nelson could do it.  THrough out the day I thought about it and I really felt put upon.  If Mom knew she had an appointment she could have told me like a few days ago and I would have put the time in and done it.

I guess it all worked out for the best but it irks me that she does this.  She sometimes acts like everyone else’s schedule is built around her.  For example two weeks ago my cousin calls to ask her if it would be okay if he could change a date for his quick visit.  I had to remind Mom a couple of times to discuss it with me.  She kept putting it of (he wanted to come on March 1 instead of day earlier).  Well I finally sent him a message this morning saying it was fine.  

Well its now late and I am getting tired and even watching the last couple of hours of a Tony DiNozzo/NCIS marathon can keep me up.  Besides my wrist and foot are anxious to rest now as it is.  

Have a great night..

Dear Friends

January 26, 2014

Dear Friends:

          Greetings on this chilly and cloudy Sunday!  It has been a really busy morning and some what emotional.  When I left here I was rather late getting to the nursing home but no one seemed to mind.  Angela was there and inundated with paper work from Natalie.  She brought me up to speed on some things.  I was quite surprised by some of the news (two staff members were suspended for arguing).

I started bingo earlier than usual.  St Peter’s Episcopal Church was coming for their monthly service at 11 and so I wanted to be finished by then.  I stopped to talk to Claudia at the front desk and I really shouldn’t have.  I was really late for church.

By the time I got to church Fr. Donahue was already giving the homily.  How could I be THAT late??? I finally sat day in the pew (legs were starting to bother me) and after communion I took off for home.

When I arrived my Nephew Chris and Mom were discussing more arrangements of the funeral.   I actually participated in this one.  She finally showed me the poem I will be reading during the wake.  They talked about the readings that will be read and they touched on the music and they showed me what will be on the prayer card.

Chris urged me to not be strong for everyone else and that although it will tough at times I will be okay.  I love this guy.  After some more details were being ironed out Chris left to spend the afternoon with his kids.    Chris and Diane will essentially be in charge of the funeral.

My cousin Bob and his wife Donna stopped by with flowers and for a visit.  It was a lovely visit.  We talked about family, technology, and of course Mom’s health a little.  While they were still here it started to snow.

After they left Mom and I did our own stuff.  I have been trying to work on the minutes but found myself surfing the net, watching TV and taking a nap.

Later on in the afternoon a friend of ours came by to pick up the old heater she lent us to use.  We got caught up with her life and new job.  It was a great visit.

Now Mom is watching TV and having some dinner.  I have feeling she will be heading to bed soon.

I have some things to do so I better get to them (been watching TV) and really need to get things done.

Have a great night.

Dear Friends

January  19, 2014


Dear Friends

    I finally went to sleep some time after 3 am Saturday and I know that Its all the coffee I had Friday.  I know at one point it was decaf but I went and added the regular.  I spent the time trying to clear out one mail box and updated the Java program that’s been waiting for me to do it for the past two days.

 Mom had a rough time sleeping herself.  She had a nose bleed at one point.  I asked her how she slept when she got up around 9 and she isn’t feeling well.  We did not go to the lab after all.  I told her we would do it Monday.  She said she didn’t want me to lose more time.  I reminded her I have off.  We were not sure if the Lab is closed that day or not.  I tried to get an actual person but I couldn’t so we will just have to go over and see for ourselves.

Mom spent the day as quietly as possible spent time on the computer and  I did some errands and picked up some cough drops for her.  Since I didn’t sleep well myself I took a couple of naps before going out to Telka & John’s Party.  As I suspected most of their friends and some of their family were there.  I had met them all at past parties and some of them they both worked with and of course know my neighbors Kim and Sean.  Of course some friends I knew too.  I stayed until 9 and was home a short time later.

I had a lovely chat with Barbara G who is very interested in seeing Mom.  Barbara is a friend/former woman’s club member and knows Mom from before I think I was active in politics.   Anyway she wants to visit and she has gift (not a physical but metaphysical) she wants to share with her.  She reminded me again of what I need to do for Mom as well as myself.

Today I went to bingo and church.  Sadly I found out that my one of bingo regulars passed away in the last few days.  I really cried.  Despite the fact he sometimes was a curmudgeon he grew on me.  It was nice that both Dennis and Bob were there to be comforting. 

I found out that Liz was at church but not for the service.  She was picking up communion for Mom.  Nelson had told me when I called after church.  As I was driving away I met up with Liz.  They were at our house 15 minutes later.  She had stopped by earlier and made arrangements.  Nelson came in almost full Knights Uniform.  He looked mighty handsome.  They stayed for a short time and then headed out.

After they left Mom got tired out but worked on her computer and got a call from Jim.  She is sleeping now but when she gets up later we are going to make the tomato sauce for spaghetti.

I have been lazy.  I watched a few movies and now surfing the net while I write this.  I am getting a little aggravated some of the sites are slow loading up today.  I don’t like and I don’t have patience.

Well it sounds like Mom just got up let me go see what she wants to do.

Kate

Dear Friends

December 25, 2013

Dear Friends:

    Merry Christmas everyone.  I hope you and yours have a blessed day.   My intentions were to go to 8:30 mass this morning but that just didn’t work.  My arms were not cooperating this morning so I decided to finish the laundry and walk the dogs and of course watch TV.  I still have to put together the gifts for this afternoon.  I am in a real panic because I can’t find Jim’s and Liz tells me that he will be here today!

I talked with Mom as I am typing this and she hasn’t been up long but is feeling better she says.  I don’t know if that means she is going with me this afternoon or not.  We will see when I get there after church.

I was checking Facebook and my cousin Joe sent me this link from the Piano Guys it is a classic and very beautiful. (I hope it works for you this way if not I will find another option).

Well I better get going.  I have those gifts to get together before heading to the house (I also could probably do it when I get home)  Speaking of gifts Mom told me what she was giving me for Christmas.  One of her cherished necklaces and she wants me to have it.  This is getting a little spooky as though she is preparing to give stuff away.

Well I better go...

Kate