The Year In Review

It seems like 2017 moved along a lot faster that previous years.  A time warp perhaps????  A lot has happened and we've been busy.  Life is good!

The year started out with a little work on the house; had all the trim wrapped and supposedly we will never have to have painting done again.

Then we got into February and March.  Cabin fever set in and we took a couple days to go to Myrtle Beach.  Nice trip and it got us through the rest of the nasty weather here.

Then it was time for regular check-ups and re-checks with our various doctors.  All was well until I had my mammogram and was told they found something.  I had something called PASH.  That ended up with me having surgery for removal of the small mass of irregular blood cells. Biopsy was good, nothing malignant. But that was followed up eleven days later with a massive hematoma that required further surgery.  Still don't know what caused all that, but I am okay.

Les had the "guys' golf trip" in early May.  He always enjoys that and I think uses it as practice for the Retirees Tournament.  I use it for "me time" and projects I want to do.  😊

A couple weeks later it was time for us to go to Myrtle Beach for the Tournament and we had a very nice time with our friends, and with the guys playing golf.

And then we were into June!  Jacquie and Pam gave us a party for our 50th Wedding Anniversary!  It was beautiful and we had a very nice time.  I had said if we had anything I didn't want fancy.  So it was at Jacquie's home in their large back yard, complete with a bounce house and water slide for the grandchildren.  Family and friends, can't ask for more!

Shortly after our party, Les and I left on our Western Road Trip.  We had been planning this for a few years.  The trip was wonderful!  Twenty-four days and 7,643 miles of seeing our great and beautiful country.  We went to many places that were new to us and also revisited some of our favorites.  I love our road trips!

The rest of the Summer was spent taking care of the house and yard, and just enjoying life.  And of course, golf for Les.

In September we went to Ohio to visit family and to attend my 50th High School reunion.  Because of the life we have lived, and moving around, we have not stayed in touch with classmates.  Les has with a few from his class, but I had not.  But, we went, and it was very nice!  And if there is another reunion, we will definitely go.

It was our year to go to Pam's for Thanksgiving, so we had a trip to Georgia and it was wonderful to see all of them.  She prepared a lovely meal and we had a nice time just visiting with them all.

And that brings us to December.  When we got home from Georgia, the activity started with decorating, baking, getting cards out, and finishing the shopping and wrapping, and just general catching up.  Les and I had a quiet Christmas.  Jacquie, Chris, and the girls went to Chris' Mom's for Christmas, so we had an early Christmas with them before they left.

And now a new year is beginning.  We've decided no big trip this year.  Les will still have the guys' golf trip and we will go to Myrtle Beach for two golf tournaments, but that will be it for travel this coming year.  We plan to do some work in our kitchen.  We're checking out contractors now.  We want new cabinets, probably a new counter top, and a new dishwasher.  And all that work will more than likely require some touch-up painting.  You know how it is - one thing leads to another.  😊

Time moves on, things change, we adjust.  But, life goes on, and life is good!  Stay safe!  God Bless America!  And Happy New Year! 

Bring On The Sun!!

Myrtle Beach sunrise, taken from our balcony on our last trip

I love Christmas!  I love the decorations, the lights, the music, the Christmas movies, the cookies, the cards, the gifts, the feelings of peace and joy, and being with family and friends.  It's all wonderful; and I enjoy it all from the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas evening.

Those of you who know me well, know that I have often said I am ready for Summer on December 26th.  And that feeling involves getting the decorations down and lovingly put away until next year. 😊  And to be perfectly honest ---- the sooner, the better.

But alas!  The weather does not care what I want and it is Winter and it will be cold for a while. As I write this, it is very sunny, but only 34 degrees outside. It is freakin' cold!   But in my mind, I am already planning May's beach trip.  😎

Stay safe and God Bless America!  I am off to pack up some decorations!

Have a Wonderful Day!

Wishing everyone peace and joy and a wonderful Christmas!

Enjoy the day, stay safe, and God Bless America!

All Is Calm

All is well here.  Les is playing golf when the weather permits.  I am keeping busy.

We've been catching up on our recorded shows and have even started watching the final season of  "Longmire".  I wish they would change their mind and keep producing the show!

Here is Angus relaxing with me the other night while we watched TV.

As you can see, he was all snuggled in!

Stay safe and God Bless America!

May the Force Be With You!

In some un-Christmasy news, we went to see "The Last Jedi" yesterday!  Great movie!  Can't wait to see it again!

And here is a timely comic from Pearls Before Swine on that subject......

I was surprised that the theater was not crowded.  We were in the Dolby theater - the one where the seats vibrate from the sound.  :)

Stay safe and God Bless America!

A Beautiful New Decoration!

We received a package from Pat and Gil and she told us to open it early.  Inside was this beautiful wooden puzzle tree!  I set it with Santa and Mrs. Claus that Les' Dad made years ago.  So pretty!

In other news this week, we had some appointments and all went well.  My lab work was good.  We kept up with all the usual things and made it to the "Y" a couple times.  I survived a pre-holiday Commissary trip - always crowded and busy this time of year.  😊

It's been cold but the only snow has just been a few flurries.

Life is good!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Oumuamua

The first interstellar asteroid from outside our solar system was discovered a few months ago.  It is traveling at a high rate of speed, so studies are being done quickly.  The scientists who discovered it from the observatory in Hawaii have named it "Oumuamua" which is Hawaiian for "Messenger".

I have so  many questions!  I have always thought that God must have put other beings out there somewhere and that it was just a matter of time before contact.  This asteroid is unusual in shape, speed and flight path.  I am waiting for more discoveries to be published!

Most asteroids are more round shaped, not cucumber shaped like Oumuamua.

Life is good (everywhere)! Stay safe and God Bless America!

Whew!

Saturday evening we had an early Christmas with Jacquie's family.  It was a very nice, very fun, and very exhausting evening.  😊  Jordan had requested spaghetti so dinner was relatively easy.  Les ordered a cheesecake for dessert from the wonderful place we discovered when we were in NYC, Junior's.  Very good!

Little Miss E was absolutely fascinated with the Christmas trees and all the other decorations.  She was in constant motion all evening.  Cutie Girl was very well behaved and even helped clear the table and put things away.

It had been raining almost all day and right about the time they had to go home, it changed to snow.  It was lovely out there with our Christmas lights. 

The weather is now in the midst of changing.  We had a lovely sunny day with 50's yesterday.  Today is cloudy and a bit cooler.  Tomorrow won't get out of the 30's and is supposed to be very windy.

We have several appointments this week and so far, so good.

There was sad news this morning.  The cat shelter where we have gotten most of our furry babies was broken into and someone stole five little kittens.  Went in through their kitchen window, opened cages and let the kitties out, but did at least close the window so they wouldn't escape.  No word yet if the kittens have been found.

So, all in all, life is good.  Stay safe and God Bless America!

This beautiful picture is from Wild Birds Unlimited.  I am posting it because I like it.  And because the pictures from Saturday were blurry from excessive movement 😊 

A Public Service Announcement

This post is for all of you who are busy getting ready for Christmas.  Your minds are on decorating, sending cards, planning meals, shopping, wrapping gifts, baking, etc.  I know how you feel.  I am there.

So here is some knowledge I would like to share.

It is not a good idea to start your dishwasher and start filling your kitchen sink with nice hot soapy water, and then get distracted looking through your cookie recipes while standing with your back to the sink.  When it gets full, it will overflow.  When it overflows, the pile of suds with the hot water will flow down the front of your cabinets and into them.  This will in turn give you an excellent and urgent opportunity to clean said cabinet out and mop your floor.  After you have done all that, you can get back to your cookie making.  You are welcome for this advice.

Life is good.  Stay safe and God Bless America!

A Couple More Pictures

Hello!  It is a nice, sunny, 45 here this morning.  Les is playing golf.  I am doing some odds and ends and feeling good about things.

Here are a couple more pictures...

           Wooden tree from Jacquie, mini tree skirt from Pam, and a couple of my Jim Shore Santas

           Cecil enjoying the tree.  I wonder if he remembers how he and Cinder used to nap together under the tree on this white tree skirt?

Life is good!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Taking An Easy Day

I have not been feeling 100% for various reasons and have been pushing myself and I am tired.  But the decorating is completed!  And I think it looks pretty good and Les likes it, so all is well.  And the furry boys are enjoying the tree skirts! And here are pictures!

Living room tree

China cabinet

My favorite Nativity set; a Hummel from Germany

Little fat Santa, and Santa and Mrs. Claus that Les' dad made.  The large Santa on right is an antique Coke ad.  My Mom loved him and always had him out at Christmas.

Dining room tree

A night view of the outside decorations

Stay safe and God Bless America!

Huh.

When I was a little girl, Mom and Grama always said that age was just a number.  Grama lived into her 80's and Mom died at 101.  When someone asks me how old I am, I have to think about it to be sure I answer correctly, because it is just a number.  But you know what?  I miss being able to do all the laundry, all the cleaning, yard work, decorating, cooking, and whatever in one day!  Obviously, those days are over; I just plain get tired.

So, I have decided to just take my time with the Christmas decorating and pace myself as I do with just about everything else.  It is coming along, the outside is done.  I arranged things a little differently this year since we have the new porch rails and the spindles are closer together.  I did not want to wrap the garland between them.  We have a new projection light that puts moving designs on the front of the house.  It's hard to get a picture of that, but I like it!

I think we might go ahead and set the trees up this afternoon.  Then I will take my time and get them decorated.  I have opened up a couple containers and set some things around the house.  So things are progressing.

The furry boys were all combed and had their nails clipped.  When I was upstairs pulling things out of our storage, I saw I needed to wash the bed skirt, so that was an additional job.  And then it was time to do a bunch of desk work and bill paying, and then filing. 

I hope everyone is well and happy.  I started the day off with the sad news and disappointment about Matt Lauer being fired.  I felt bad for Savannah who had to do the initial report when the show started.  It was obvious that they had just gotten the news.

On a happier note, the new "Golic and Wingo" show on ESPN is pretty good.  Can't help but wonder what Greeny is doing though.  His show doesn't start until at least April.

Stay safe and God Bless America!

The Gnome Is Getting Ready!

Lots to do here so a short post to show that the Gnome is getting ready!  Time to get out containers and get started decorating.  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Back Home!

We went to Pam's for Thanksgiving and just returned last evening.  It was wonderful to see her and her family.  She prepared a delicious Thanksgiving dinner for us and set a beautiful table.

Boxer and Bloomer are doing well in school and keep busy.  While we were there, Bloomer helped her Mom in the kitchen and did other chores.  Boxer wasn't feeling well, but he still managed to strip his bed and change it, and do all his laundry.  We had a nice restful visit with them.  And the furry family members were not at all shy around us!  When we sat, we had someone on our lap!  Les and Fred went for a walk one nice afternoon.

If only those happy feelings could have overlapped into the traffic!  This was the worst year ever for the traffic.  I-85 is a disaster.  As much as we loved seeing Pam, it was wonderful to finally get out of traffic and be back home.  We were both exhausted.

So, now it is time to catch up.  The laundry still has a couple more loads to go.  I will do a little cleaning and then get started on some of the decorating. 

Stay safe and God Bless America!  I need to go eat some of the peanut brittle Pam made and sent home with us!

Happy Thanksgiving Week!

I thought that before things get more hectic I would just take time to say "Happy Thanksgiving!"  I hope everyone has a wonderful day.

It has been cool, windy, and we've had some rain here.  Today is still cool, but sunny.  Les and I had both done leaf clean-up during the past week but due to the wind you certainly can not tell we did!  However, we bought a bagger for the new riding mower and Les got that set up so I am sure it will get used in the near future to gather leaves.

And while the leaves are coming down fast, we have azaleas blooming and things are still green.  When we get that first heavy frost it will be time to cut back Liriope, day lilies, and do final pruning  on things.  Always something that needs to be done in the yard.  😊

And next week the decorating and baking begins!

I have been having some reaction to the steroids that were prescribed for the recent case of hives and I will be very glad to finish those pills this week.  I know it takes a while to completely leave my system, but I hope it is quick.  Today is a slow day for me; I woke up with a muscle cramp and nerve spasm in my left leg.  This has happened before but today's is a bad one.  It has calmed down but is still tender.  I am being careful.  And did I mention that steroids can make you emotional?

I used to watch the "Today Show" every morning; would even record it so I wouldn't miss something.  I stopped doing that quite a while ago because I just simply can't/ don't want to hear and see any more about politicians, criticisms, blamings, shooting, stabbings, bombings, attacks, protests,  and riots.  There comes a point where you need to protect your mental state.  After Les retired I got used to seeing Mike & Mike on ESPN in the mornings instead.  I really enjoyed them - Greeny and Golic.  Their show ended last Friday.  I am sad.  Golic will have a new show starting next week.  Greeny will have a new show starting next April.  Good for them, but I miss their show already.  I can see my morning routine might have to change.  If there is no Mike & Mike and I can't stand to see the news.....???

Well, life goes on.  Things change. People come and go.  Every now and then something or someone does something good and makes you smile.

We recently saw that the Christmas parade back home had been postponed due to bad weather.  When I was little girl, this parade was always held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in downtown Massillon.  The Christmas lights would be hung over the main street and the stores decorated.  Mom and I would take the Greyhound bus up to Massillon and spend the day to see the parade and everything.  The parade always ended with Santa arriving.  In my mind, there was usually snow, too.  That may or may not be right.  😊  It seems to me that we frequently had snow from Thanksgiving through Spring; even lasting through Easter some years! But maybe a child's mind just remembers snow as a good, happy thing.  I also remember Mom and I would pull my sled up to where they sold Christmas trees and then haul a tree back home.  Mom did not have a car until I was old enough to learn to drive.  It was a small town and we could walk everywhere.  BTW, Mom always picked a tree with small pinecones on it so they would open when the tree warmed up in the house.  They crackled and smelled really good.  And entertained Louie, our orange tabby cat!

Well, enough nostalgia.  Memories are good!  Life is good!  Stay safe and have a great holiday!  And God Bless America!

The Sun Is Out!

I hope all is well with everyone!  It is sunny and in the upper 40's right now, a good Fall day.

My hives are getting better.  The itching is gone and the spots are fading.  I am having some reactions to the steroids though and am hoping those will get better as the dosage is decreased every two days.

Les is doing well and no further dental problems. 

I've just been doing the usual daily chores and keeping up with things.  Got outside a couple days ago before it started raining and did just a little yard clean-up.  Also got a few errands done. 

Our girls are doing well.  Everyone is busy.  The kids are all healthy at the moment.  Little Miss E has had a lingering cough that really has made her mad, but she is getting better.  Cutie Girl is busy with her dinosaurs.  Jordan is studying for tests.  Boxer and Bloomer are doing well in school and are keeping very busy.

Pam is getting settled into her new job and new office.  She got moved the end of last week and is experimenting with drive times trying to find what time to leave the house for the commute that might be the quickest and easiest.  Not an easy chore in Atlanta traffic, but she is handling it.  And here she is by her window.  😊  Reflections of Atlanta skyline.

Life is good.  Stay safe and God Bless America!

"Interesting" Week

I hope you are all well and happy!

We have had some cold, windy weather for a couple days and it is now trying to warm up and is supposed to be in the 50's for the week, with rain again tomorrow. 

I had been feeling a little "off" for a few days and then started getting itchy spots so I had an urgent visit to our doctor.  My fear was another case of shingles, but I was wrong.  Hives!  So that was good news, although I was still itchy with tingly, burning spots.  Doctor prescribed steroids and some Benedryl and things are getting better.  The burning, tingly, itchiness is gone but the spots are still  here. We have no idea what caused the hives.  In the past when I have had them it has been after taking antibiotics that are now on the NO-NO list.  And one bad case when Les left for Thailand for a year a long time ago.  I may be having a reaction to the steroids but I have had to take them in the past and had to problems so I am not concerned right now. 

And while all that was at the worst, Les' new crown fell out while we were eating dinner.  I called the after-hours number for our dentist and we got a return call.  Sadly he is out of town for the week but he arranged for another dentist to see Les on Saturday afternoon to fix it.  It was a little more involved than just falling out since the post had broken, but YAY! it is fixed.  Les is much happier.  And the dentist is a retired USAF dentist with his own practice now so they had things to talk about.

All in all, we have not been doing much the last few days.  We did get to see "Ragnarok" earlier in the week.  Loved it!  I mean, really, who doesn't like looking at Thor with his new haircut??

I've done some "quiet" easy projects like making large red bows for the front porch when we decorate.  And I've worked on the Christmas cards.  Also started a new book that is very good - the new Louise Penny Glass Houses.

Life is good.  Stay safe and God Bless America!  I am closing with something a friend posted that I agree with 😊

Did You Remember?

Did you all remember to change your clocks?  Ours have all been done, either by us or automatically, except for the phone and answering machine.  Les will take care of that one later.

The idea of that extra hour of sleep is nice, but I am sure that I am not the only person who needs a couple days every Spring and Fall to adjust to the time change.  I know our furry boys need to adjust, especially Angus who likes to do "wake up calls and pats" in the early morning.  I told him to forget it at 3:39 a.m. and went back to sleep.

Our weather has continued its back and forth and currently we are having a mild day of a cloudy 70 with high humidity.  One of those days where you just don't know if you need the A/C on or the heat or the windows open.  Tomorrow might be 80 again and then in 50's for Wednesday if you believe the forecast.

Les and I have been busy.  He finished everything on his to-do list. 😊 We cleaned out the garage and had a large pile of stuff for the hazardous waste drop-off.  We had collected a bunch of old paint and old car fluids we were never going to use.  Time to go!  We also had a pile for donation to the DAV.  When we were done cleaning up out there we loaded it all in Kirk and the next morning I took things to drop off. 

We've done yard work also.  All the usual weeding and clean-up, mowing, trimming, and the leaf clean-up has started.  After our first frost it will be time to go out and cut back the Liriope and day lilies and do the final clean-up before Winter sets in.  I say final, but you know that when we have a nice day I will go out and check on things and do clean-up as needed.

We also swapped out the floor mats in our cars.  Cleaned the carpet ones and put away, cleaned the inside of the cars and Les put the WeatherTech mats in. 

My most recent project has been cleaning the woodwork and baseboards and doing some touch-up painting.  Just little dings in the paint here and there.  I brought my little jars of paint in with other supplies and it is going well.  Just have a little more to do and then it will be done.

I have no Thanksgiving prep to do since we will be at Pam's this year.  The Christmas prep is going well.  Almost all of the shopping is done and everything is wrapped so far.  I've gotten as far as getting the cards out and printing mailing labels.  And I may or may not do some baking and freezing before Thanksgiving.  We will see.  When we get back home there will be a flurry of catching up and decorating. 

As far as I know all the family is doing well.  Everyone is busy.  Kids doing well in school. 

Life is good!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Happy Halloween!

I hope everyone is having fun!  Halloween activities are spread out over several days now.  Used to be it was just the evening of October 31st, but now some areas have trick-or-treat on the Sunday afternoon before Halloween so the children can be out in the daylight.  Lots of places have Halloween parties and activities.  We went along with Jacquie when they took Cutie Girl and Little Miss E to a Trunk-or-Treat.  Lots of fun, very safe, great time!

When I was a little girl, our town always had a Halloween parade.  It ended up at the school gymnasium for a party and costume judging.  Mom liked to participate and made our costumes.  One year we were Red Riding Hood and Grama;  one year we were Robin Hood and Maid Marion.  My favorite was the year she was Aunt Jemima and I was a huge pancake!  That probably would be called politically in-correct now, but then it was just considered fun, everyone loved that pancake syrup.

However you celebrate, have fun!  And stay safe!

And here is a "not Halloween" picture of Jordan and me at a Harry Potter night at the Boxwood Inn.  Les and Jacquie were also in attendance, but they went as Muggles! 

Bullies

There is a lot of discussion on bullying lately.   Anyone can be a target.  Most of what we hear about is bullying on  children and young people.  But bullies come in all shapes and sizes and ages - young kids, teenagers, adults, athletes, clergy, politicians, entertainers, producers, etc.; it just doesn't matter.  We often hear the sad news reports after the target of the bullying can't take it anymore.

Somehow, over the years, there has been a breakdown in parenting and how children are taught.  There is an alarming number of people in the world today who think they are entitled to whatever they want and that everyone else must cater to their whims and wishes. If they don't get what they want they have a hissy fit and attack.

Somewhere along the way while absolutely everyone who did anything including just being in attendance for something got recognition, things went haywire.  Trophies are given out just for having your name on a list.  I believe recognition, trophies, awards, etc. should be given for hard work and performance, not just for taking up air space.

Les and I have never claimed to be perfect parents - there is no such thing.  But we did our best and raised two beautiful daughters who are smart, responsible, and caring.  They are raising their children to be that way, too.  Parenting is hard work.  Sadly, too many parents have decided it is easier to be their child's friend and let them have whatever they want, and that is how we ended up with so many entitled, selfish, uncaring bullies.

In later grade school years and in junior high I was the target for teasing and bullying.  Then, you were told that if it happened, you should tell someone - teacher, bus driver, parent.  If you did, the bully would be dealt with at school and then more than likely again at home. That rarely made it stop completely and sometimes just made it worse.  However, in cases where the bully's parents got involved, it did get better.   Those were different times. It happened, I moved on, and I put it out of my mind; by high school it was better.  To be honest, I was probably an excellent target.  I was the child of a divorced mother in a small town where everyone knew everyone else's business.  I wore glasses from age six or seven, I was always "chubby", I LOVED school and was a good student, and Mom made my clothes.  She was an excellent seamstress, and clothes were expensive; it was just the two of us and she was not getting any child support or assistance.  That is a lot to work with and bullies are rude and cruel.  None of that made it right for them to take my books, my homework, call me names, or push me around though.

I would like to add here that never in my childhood did I feel deprived of anything and I always felt loved.  And guess what?!  Those bullies and teasers are not around anymore!  I don't know where they are or what happened to them.  I don't care either.  I am guessing they are gone due to bad behavior and bad life choices.

Having said all this, bullying has seemed to get much worse with all our modern technology. Or at least we are hearing about it more.  It's one thing to tease another child face to face, hurt them, and make them cry. What goes on today with all the insults, threats, and attacks is quite another situation.  Parents, please, please, teach your children, be aware of what they are doing, and raise them well to be compassionate and understanding human beings.  And if you see something, say something!

Stay safe and God Bless America!

Weather Update

Huh. 

We had some sun yesterday afternoon, but this morning it is dark and rainy, and breezy again.  A front is coming through and is dropping our temperature down in the 40's by tonight.  It is down to 62 as I write this at 10:00 a.m.  Our temps have been in the upper 80's.  Very light rain right now, but supposed to get more serious later.  Obviously no yard work is getting done today although more branches have come down so the pile will be bigger when we do get out there.  IF the forecasters are correct, the rest of the week will be cooler and sunny.  We will see.

Life is still good!  God Bless America!

Just Saying Hi!

First, a weather update.... it is trying to dry out.  It is not actively raining as I write this, but the air is thick, and feels wet.  But it was dry enough for the guys to get out on the golf course.  The forecast said the sun was going to come out today, but I have not seen it yet.

I have been trying to get a few errands done and I made a Commissary trip.  No other huge plans for the day.  It is definitely still too wet to get out and do any yard clean-up.

Les and I have several appointments this coming week; nothing major, mostly just check-ups.

Jacquie is doing okay and returning to work tomorrow after her knee surgery.  She says they are all doing okay at their house.  The little ones are fascinated with the movie "Moana".  I have seen small bits of it and it looks cute.  The girls would watch it all day if they were allowed.  Even Little Miss E has learned how to start it with the remote!  Cutie Girl was ready to watch it again when this picture was taken!

Pam says they are doing well at their house and everyone is busy.  School is going well for Boxer and Bloomer. 

So, all in all, life is good!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Be Careful What You Wish For

Remember how in a couple previous posts I said we needed rain and things were so dry.  Not any more.  It is still gray and cloudy and wet. I have lost count of how many days this has been.  Today there have been showers alternating with periods of drizzle.  So, no yard work, no golf, and I hate doing errands in the rain and only the most pressing ones have been done.  Sigh.

At least a front has come through and the temperature has dropped a few degrees.  We are hopeful that tomorrow will be dry.  We'll see.

We have been keeping up with things inside though and we have watched some of our recorded shows, read some good books, gone to the "Y".

The grass seed appears to have sprouted and is busy growing.  Been too wet to go take a good look but the ever-growing grass is waving in the wind out there.  😊

The furry boys have been taking lots of naps, I think they miss having some sun spots to rest in though.

Life is good, stay safe and God Bless America!

Well!

It's been an interesting few days here.  Saturday morning Les went to play golf but left the course  after the eighth hole because he was not feeling well.  He had several symptoms, and thought maybe he was de-hydrated again in spite of drinking Gatorade and water as usual.  Symptoms increased and by afternoon we were at the Urgent Care.  The doctor thought perhaps pneumonia and had said he would call after he got the radiologist's report on the lung x-ray.  That did not happen.  In the meantime I picked up the prescription and was warned about side effects and then we read the printout and found out about many more - all of them said to be much more of a risk for persons over 60.  We both feel like the doctor should have discussed this.  Les decided not to take the antibiotic.

First thing on Monday morning I started calling our PCP's office and found out he was out of the office this week, but got an appointment with another doctor who was covering for him.  To sum up, after examining Les he said he did not suspect pneumonia, but more than likely everything was a reaction to the flu shots we got last week.  The good news is that after seeing the doctor we are both relieved, Les is feeling better and things are getting back to normal.  And the doctor said he wouldn't have taken the antibiotic either with those side effects.

During all this, I spent a lot of time just watching Les.  😊  So, today I am working on catching up on some things. 

It has been hot and humid and we finally got some rain.  We've been watering that new seed but a good rain is always better!  Although, by the time Les gets to mow he may have to bale the grass!  I would love to get out and do a little yard clean-up but right now it is pretty wet out there.

We had the check-up on our heating system and all is okay there. We are ready for cold weather to come, but I am not expecting it any time soon.

Pam will be starting a new job with IBM in November and she is happy about that!  We know she will do a great job!  The kids are doing well in school and all is good there.

Jacquie is recovering from her knee surgery and doing okay.  They are busy as ever at her house - never a dull moment -  and all is well.  Chris has been planting berry bushes and hopes for a big crop in the future. 

I rarely post a picture of myself, but here you go!  After the good doctor appointment yesterday we went to the mall - we hardly ever go to the mall - to go to the watch repair place.  Les needed to get a watch band resized.  During the wait time, we strolled through Macy's.  After looking at IZOD golf shirts, I stopped at a Vera Bradly display that caught my eye and Les took my picture.  I had to check out the new patterns!  Did not buy any, but always fun to look!

Life is good!  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Great Show!

But first, let me say do not take children or sensitive adults to see it. 

Last evening Les and I went to see "Book of Mormon" for the second time.  First time was a couple years ago.  We liked it the first time, and this production was even funnier!  Hilarious!  But... it is irreverent and touches on things that some would find offensive.  We saw a great bunch of talented young people with great voices and wonderful dancing.  And even better - we got our tickets through Groupon and we had really good seats!

Today I am taking care of household chores and other things around here.  Les is playing golf.

The weather has warmed up again and the A/C is on.

Life is good.  Stay safe.  God Bless America!

Communication

Do you remember when we used to wait for the mail to come every day?  Hoping for a card or letter

from a loved one?  Or just being anxious to receive something we had ordered?  Of course, there were the bills and statements, and ads, and magazines, etc. but it was all communication.

I miss receiving letters.  For many, many years I made it a point to write to our mothers every week.  We also called them, but our Moms liked letters.  And they would write to us.  Even after they could no longer write return letters, I sent them our letters.  It was important.  I truly miss getting their letters.

I still have a stack of letters that Les sent to me while he was stationed in Thailand shortly after we were married.  Back then you couldn't just pick up a phone and call.  And the Internet had not been born yet, so we wrote long letters to each other.  We also had small tape recorders and would record messages to each other and put the small reels in snail mail.  It was so good to hear his voice.

Remember receiving thank you notes?  Acknowledgements of  gifts or good deeds?  I don't know about you, but I like to know when a gift is received and if it is appreciated.  There is no excuse, ever,  for not thanking the giver of a gift.

I have heard people saying that when they don't get an acknowledgement of a gift, they just don't give that person another gift ever.  Drastic, but I can understand how they made that decision.  Others say that when they send someone a check, they don't sign it so the receiver has to contact them.  Also, drastic.  Somehow, in the busyness of life today, manners have fallen quite often by the wayside.  So, please, remember to say "please", "thank you", and respond to people.

I also just like to know what is going on in the world of my family and friends; to know that they are well and happy.  The world news and the political news is such that I often tune a lot of that out.  I want to hear about happy things.

Almost all of our bills come electronically now.  And I use the secured online bill pay feature through our credit union to pay them.  So that cuts down on incoming and outgoing mail.  Most days we just stand by the waste basket when we bring the mail in.  As we sort, almost all of the mail goes in the trash or the recycle bin.  Hardly a day goes by that we don't receive offers to get another credit card and requests for donations; those requests are often from groups we've never heard of.

I think we get more packages now since more shopping is done online.  I've been working on Christmas shopping and almost all so far has been done online.

But, here we are.  Technology has changed the world.  For better in so many, many cases.  But I truly think it has ruined the art of communication.  Sometimes a one sentence email, a text, a tweet, or an emoji  just doesn't cut it.  It is not the same.

Stay safe and God Bless America!

Ahhhh!

Yesterday was a gorgeous day here.  The sun was out, the humidity was lower, the windows were open.  This morning it was low 50's when we got up.  It's a little bit cloudy and still just a bit too cool to open the windows again yet. 

I've been taking care of some errands and some odds and ends around the house.  I got to the farmer's market and bought a few pumpkins and gourds and that finishes up the exterior Fall decorating for us.  😊  (I took the picture from the side because I didn't want to step on the dirt chunks from the aeration)

We watched several new shows last evening.  Some are keepers, others probably not - at least for me.  We usually give them a couple episodes to see if we want to keep watching.

Stay safe and God Bless America!

Just Some Other Updates for Today

I am looking forward to some more "Fallish" weather in the next week.  They are saying only in 70's for daytime and into 50's at night.  If the humidity stays lower, we can have windows open!

Maria passed by close enough to give us a little rain and some wind, but nothing too much.

Les and I worked on the yard this week getting it ready for the yard guys to come and do the aeration, seeding, etc.  They are actually out there working right now.  As of this moment, things are weeded, trimmed, pruned and in pretty good shape.  We have a call in to the sprinkler guy to have him come and rearrange some sprinkler heads for us.  There are a couple areas that are not getting enough water and the grass is pretty much non-existent.

I've been keeping up with all the usual household chores and getting errands done, and getting to the "Y".

Les was occupied for a full day getting Chromecast set up so we can watch the new Star Trek Discovery.  That job required two trips to Best Buy and a talk with the tech guys over there, but it is up and running! Les did a good job.  If you haven't watched it yet, we think it is pretty good.  And speaking of science fiction, The Orville is pretty good, too!

The new TV season has started and the DVR is filling up with old favorite shows and new ones we want to try.  I'm pretty sure a couple of the new ones will be weeded out and off the list, but we will see.

Jacquie and Pam are busy and well.  All the grand-children are doing well.

Les and I saw  Kingsman: The Golden Circle this week.  We liked it and it is full of action.

I am still working my way through the Longmire books and loving them.  Les is currently reading the latest one in the series.  And the next season of the show should be released by Netflix soon.  Yay!!

Christmas shopping is coming along and it will be time to start sorting and wrapping soon.  😊

I will close with this recent picture of curly-headed Little Miss E, who was too tired to eat her pancakes.

Stay safe and God Bless America!

Reunion

It has been said that I haven't posted much about the reunion.  So here you are.

Our recent trip to Ohio came about because my high school class - Fairless H.S. '67 - was having a 50th reunion.  I will be honest, at first I was not interested in going.  I didn't  have any really close friends in the class.  I had lots of classmates I was friends with, but no special buddies I did things with.  I have not kept in touch with anyone from our class as we have moved around, and Les and I have never lived there since we got married.

But... Les said I should go, it might be the last reunion the class has.  He is almost always right about everything 😊 so I agreed.  He was right this time, too.  (I told him that and thanked him)

The 50th reunion was very nice!  It was great to see old friends and get to visit and catch up.  I think most of the classmates still live in the area.  Some of us are a lot farther away.  I heard California, Florida, and Texas mentioned.  I got big "hi's", smiles, and hugs from people I didn't think would even remember me!  Some of my classmates and I have known each other since we were little, tiny kids and attended the same church.  Others I've known since the school districts consolidated and put all the town schools together.  A couple girls from my class married guys from Les' class, so he had a chance to see a couple of his classmates, too.

The class photo has arrived so I can take a good look at the people I did not talk with that night.  And I also received a list of names so I can tell who is who. 😊

All in all, it was a good time.  It is nice to have good memories.

The Fairless Falcon

Stay safe and God Bless America!

Fall in the Gnome Garden!

The Seasons have changed for the gnome, too!

Stay safe!  God Bless America!

A Fall Memory

This is one of my favorite Fall photos.  Our sweet Cinder watching the leaves blow around.  We miss her.

Enjoy the season, stay safe, and God Bless America!

Happy Fall!

Looking forward to crisp, cooler air and lovely colored leaves.

Stay safe and God Bless America!

UGH, It's That Time Again

Don't get me wrong, I do like pumpkin!  But I like it in pie, not in every other conceivable thing offered for sale.  I do not want pumpkin coffee, pumpkin drinks, soups, soaps, lotions, candles, air freshener, etc.  I know there are a lot of people who wait all year for all this and  more power to them.  But please, enough.  Some stores give me a headache with all the pumpkin spice.

Photo from I Can Haz site

Stay safe and God Bless America!  (even the pumpkin spice worshipers)

Back Home!

Well, actually, we got home on Sunday, but it was a long drive and there were many things to get caught up on when we got here, so this is the first I've be able to post.

We are fine.  It was a short trip to Ohio and very busy.  Les got to play golf with Larry a couple times, and they went to an Indians game.  GO TRIBE!  We got to visit with family and we did a lot of reminiscing.  And we attending my Class of '67 reunion.

I will be honest, I was not particularly looking forward to it, but it was not bad.  I have not kept in touch with classmates over the years as we have moved around, so I didn't know what to expect.  😊  But it was a nice evening.

There was a touch of cool air there and we could feel Fall coming.  Lots of pumpkins and decorations were out!  I took this picture at Sunnyslope Orchards Market.

We also did some shopping - the usual Trail Bologna and Swiss Cheese to bring home and new shoes from the store I like so much.  But we also bought a piece of new yard art.

The extremely short Liriope have provided salads to the bunnies that live in our yard.  But that makes it easier to see the stone and I know they will grow back. :)

We are home now, and busy catching up.  Hurricane Jose is out over the ocean and will only bring us some wind and rain, but the coast area is under flood warnings due to the rough water.  Too soon to know what Maria will bring, and Lee is still out there somewhere poking along.  I think the news said only nine more weeks of hurricane season to get through!

I have not heard from Jacquie or Pam since we returned, so have no news from them.

Life is good, stay safe, and God Bless America!

Definitely Feels Like Fall Here

It is currently 57 outside and extremely foggy.  Ohio weather!  It will eventually clear up and should be a nice day, but right now I can just barely see across the parking lot here at the hotel.  Violet had warned us to bring warmer clothes so I packed to layer.

The alarm was set for early this morning.  Les and Larry are supposed to be playing golf right now but I am pretty sure they have a delay due to the fog. 

We've had a busy time on this short trip.  We had a nice dinner and visit with Pat and Gil.  We've been to the cemetery, drove around a little and looked at familiar places.  Went to a couple of our favorite places and I bought new shoes at the New Balance store.  Got a couple Indians items at another store.

BTW, there is a New Balance store in Virginia Beach;  Les keeps reminding me.  We've been there once.  It's nice but not the same.  I like the store here better.

Les and Larry are going to the Indians game this evening!  GO TRIBE!!

Violet and I are going out to browse around in a couple antique shops later this morning. 

My high school reunion is Saturday night and then we're headed home.

In other news, Pam survived the first ever tropical storm warning in Atlanta area.  They had heavy rain, some wind, but no damage, no power loss and the new roof did not leak.  The kids were out of school for two days but things are getting back to normal now.

Jacquie is doing okay.  Busy as usual.  Cutie Girl got glasses this week and looks beautiful in them.  I have not heard how it's going or if she's keeping them on.  :) I am hoping Little Miss E doesn't take them!  Jordan is watching our furry boys and taking care of things at the house.

Life is good.  Stay safe.  God Bless America!

Just Checking In

We are currently in Brunswick, MD, on our way to Ohio.  There is a lot of construction on the interstates along with lane closures.  But somehow we are not staying where we usually stay on our Ohio trips and we got off the busy roads and had a nice drive through pretty country past quite a few wineries on a two lane road.  (sorry Mrs. Toot for that rambling sentence (high school English teacher))

When you check in at the Oak Tree Inn you go to the counter at the 24-hour diner.  Everything is clean, quiet and friendly.  Across the road is a large corn field and some silos.

Life is good!  And also an adventure!  God Bless America!

Hoping Everyone Is Safe

We've been thinking of our friends and family and all those who are in the path of Irma.  She is a monster storm.  And now the forecasters are keeping an eye on Jose who has decided to make a turn and maybe head for the Southeast coastline.  I've heard people say they will be glad when hurricane season is over.  Me, too, but there is still at least a month and a half to go.

Pam is prepared at her house.  They just got a new roof last week and I hope it does not get hurt in the storm.  This is the first time ever that her area of Georgia has had a tropical storm warning.  Boxer and Bloomer won't have school for a couple days.

As for us, since Irma changed direction, we will have some rain tomorrow.  The rain we had during the past week brought us 3 1/2", so what's a little more?  Right now it is sunny, breezy and 66.

There have been lots and lots of things to think about lately.  Stay safe and God Bless America!

Adding a Smile to Watching the Weather

picture by kenbaker from I Can Has site

Stay safe people!  And God Bless America!

Sharing Space

This is what happens when you share desk space with one of your furry kids.

Life is good.  Stay safe!  And God Bless America!

Happy Labor Day!

I hope everyone is enjoying today.  Stay safe!

Rosie here is the logo that was used on the front page of the paper this morning.  I thought she was a fitting tribute to Labor Day.

It's supposed to be around 80 here today.  But it was in high 50's early this morning.  I actually had to wear my jacket when I went to Starbucks!  Fall is coming!  Of course, tomorrow, when school starts it is supposed to be around 90.  I hope the A/C is working in all the schools for the kids.

The guys have missed some regular golf days due to weather recently and Les is playing today.  I hope they have a good round.

I've been relaxing and doing the usual morning stuff.  I need to go out in the back yard and pull up a colony of toadstools that is growing in one of the mulched areas.  Looks like Smurfs moving in!

Everyone is keeping a watch on Irma to see when and where she goes.  We're all hoping she stays out to sea, but we'll have to wait and watch.

Take care, stay safe, and God Bless America!

Summer Is Winding Down

Even though we will still have hot weather here for a while, Summer is coming to an end. The "official" end of Summer is not until September 22nd, but school starts the day after Labor Day.  Outdoor pools close.  "Normal" routines start to return.

There will still be plenty of yard work and other chores to do as Fall approaches.  I love Fall - crisp air, pretty leaves.  Sometimes Fall weather is really short here, but still it is the changing of the seasons.

As things are winding down, here are a couple pictures of two adorable little girls enjoying Summer that are sure to make you smile.

Stay safe!  And God Bless America!