Good morning to you all. My situation was so bad yesterday I couldn't even get upstairs to do chores and at the moment it looks like today is going to be a repeat. Jack said not to worry about it, but I hate not cleaning, you guys know that.
Dr called last night and said she got my ultrasound results and though my leg was clear, my lymph node in my groin was enlarged but it was nothing to worry about as it could just be an ingrown toenail or something. She said she would send me back for another ultrasound in July. I have to tell you ladies I just sat and cried when I got off the phone. I am so sick of having something wrong with me. I seem to solve one issue and another one pops up. I am now stressing about this lymph node thing especially since I don't have a toenail that has an infection and nothing else in my right leg area either. Hopefully it is just a shadow or something.
I bought tickets for the July game of the Redbirds and the Iowa Cubs in July here. We got Redbird Club seats, which are expensive, but you do get a 2 hour buffet and drinks, seat service, and outdoor and air conditioned seating. It also has a fireworks display after the game. The bad part is they built this ballpark right in the middle of downtown and parking is non existent except for lots. It is a night game so it is a little scary for me to stand and wait for Jack to go get the car from a lot, but the lots are not nearby. I will just have to make sure I stay where the crowds are until he can pick me up and have 911 on speed dial.
Jean: I bought a Vera Bradley handbag that was supposed to be delivered today and they said the address was wrong and are sending it back. This is the second screw up with FedEx smartpost in a week and I am tired of it. I sent Vera Bradley an email and said if it was returned to just refund my money and keep it. The last time the stuff was delivered the same day I issued a trace on it even though it said it was in Ohio. Hopefully it is the same situation that the online is just screwed up. Because it is smartpost I have no idea who screwed up FedEx or the post office and I am in no mood to deal with that idiot woman at the post office giving me excuses. Did you get to the game or did it get rained out? Our church either used those prebought little communion squares or used broken saltine crackers with communion.
Susan: Who knows, maybe you will learn something about knitting you didn't know. I sure did with the sewing class, though I didn't go into it as an experienced sewer. Have fun anyway. I should make my own pot holders, but I never have. I have knitting projects up the wazoo at the moment and haven't been working on them much. I also have a mirror I want to repaint the frame and haven't touched it either.
Well the washer clicked off so I better get the laundry in the dryer. I need to let Jack know what I decided about which tickets too. Have a great day all.
Good Morning! It's another wet chilly morning in my corner of the world, more rain is on the way. Maddy's game was canceled last night and I'm guessing it will be the same tonight. I have bell practice so couldn't go either way. Kolby is scheduled for tomorrow night, as is Zowie. She has a game at 9:00 Saturday morning which means we would have to leave here by 6 since we have never been to that field before. It will be six weeks "on the road" between soccer games and concerts. I'm not sure when Ian's baseball games will begin. I'm just glad we can go! I have lunch bunch this noon and laundry to do in the meantime.
"Gma," I hope today is a better day for you! Your situation has to be so frustrating; it would be wonderful if your insurance would stay out of it and let the doctors direct your treatment options. I would also be very concerned about the lymph node. The "or something" would scare me, only because of my mom. I hope the ball game is a good one and you can enjoy it. I got the mailing envelope from Shutterfly yesterday. Makes me wonder if the customer rep could read English! When I talked to the real person on the phone she said the free shipping and envelope charges were included in the "discount" amount shown on my email. We have three different gals who bake bread for communion. The pastor breaks the loaf in half and he picks off small pieces then hands them to us. All of the servers/helpers use the hand sanitizer before handling the communion trays.
I need to get dressed and get moving. Hope you all enjoy a day of sunshine, or at least warm temperatures!
Good morning everyone. We are in for days and days of rain starting tomorrow, but today is supposed to be warm and sunny. We had a lovely day yesterday and it sure is nice to have warmer temps.
I got my jewelry hang up bags day before yesterday and was going to transfer my stuff into when I saw that the little pockets didn't close so I ordered some of the Velcro disks and when they come I can get my jewelry all straightened out. Right now it is all in plastic bags. I have a jewelry box the kids bought me a long time ago, but it is loaded with stuff that I pretty much don't even look at. The back of these hang up bags have strips of Velcro so you can hang necklaces, which is nice.
There were so many positive things said, I ordered a pair of Skechers sneakers that stretch. I wear Keds, but they have no grip on the bottom and can be slippery in rain or in the winter. Everyone that reviewed them loved them and I saw a lot of older folks were reviewers. We shall see if I like them and like the fit so I can get more walking in.
Jean: Sounds like you are going to be busy with lots of kids sports to go to. Jackson is playing soccer this year and when I talked to him he said he liked playing. Thomas is now only in band and their concerts are so screwy that we go and watch him play then leave. The seats are unbearably uncomfortable and they take a inordinate amount of time between the different bands and blabbing that the concerts are way too long. I guess I can understand the insurance point of view as they are looking at the fact the uterus is healthy so why are we spending thousands to take it out. He has to have a reason and frankly he just doesn't. I am keeping my fingers crossed as this morning and last night it had slowed down to nothing pretty much so hopefully the hormone has eeked out of my system. I will still have to go and have the test though but I am putting it off for another couple weeks I think before calling his nurse.
Good Afternoon! It's another cold, windy, wet, crappy day in my neighborhood. I'm thinking Mr. Sun has been awol too long! Both soccer games have been canceled for today and I am thankful for that. I don't think I could wear enough clothes and blankets to keep warm. I got my nails done this morning and had a list of April and May birthdays, anniversaries, and Mother's Day cards to buy. Holy cow have card prices ever gone up! A small card that used to sell for $.50 is now $4.49 with a sparkle, dodad, or some ribbon that won't likely go through the mail system undamaged. Have been trying to catch up on laundry and ironing this afternoon.
"Gma," I have my grandma's and my mother's jewelry boxes and lots of antique jewelry no one in my family will ever wear. The local jewelry store will buy antiques but I just haven't gone through them. Someday I will, or someone will. Have fun sorting through your jewelry -- maybe you will find something you forgot you had. Hope you continue to feel better and better.
I need to unload the dishwasher and balance the gift shop checkbook with the bank statement. Rumor has it they have hired someone to replace the accountant they let go. Guess I will meet her eventually if she does the gift shop check entries. Hope you all enjoy the rest of the day!
I received an order I placed a few days ago and am going to be happy with it. It is 4 soup mugs. They are large 4 inches tall and 4 inches across the top and 3˝” across the bottom so they will hold a goodly amount for a meal of soup or stew or whatever. They have plastic locking lids with a tab on the top that you pop up to vent the contents. I have a set of glass ones that we use a lot and wanted a lighter weight kind and I am so glad that I found these. I have been successful in finding replacements for items for in the MH of some of my favorites I use in this house. Instead of white china soup mugs I now have bright green plastic ones. Not nearly as classy but serviceable for sure and weigh a lot less.
I also received a new cook book by Sunset that features all outdoor cooking which I went through then took it downtown and am having it spiral bound. There are many, many recipes that I will be making.
We got the MH back this afternoon with a new fridge, windshield wipers, & heavy duty deep cell batteries. We have it parked out front so I can line the shelves with “non-skid” tomorrow before placing any of the items in it.
JEAN Don't you just wish Summer would get here and we would be rid of this wind. Some of your "old" jewelry may be worth a lot now-days.
DONNA FAYE I can't wear stretch shoes for I need the support but I wish I could for I have seen some real cute ones. Is most of your jewelry of costume jewelry type? I have one small jewelery box about the size of a stand up Kleenex box with 3 drawers that houses my silver and gold jewelry I am allergic to the costume type or would have lots, lots more.
Good morning to you all. We had a big thunderstorm around 1 AM last night. I had gotten up to go to the bathroom and I was cramping and my right thigh ached so I had trouble going back to sleep with the lightening and thunder and such. I put a heating pad on my thigh and my cramping finally subsided so I could go back to sleep but all too soon the light upstairs shown down the stairs so I knew Jack was getting ready for work.
I have been working on my sweater so now am up to the armholes for the back. It shouldn't be too long and I can have the back done and can start on the front.
I finished cleaning upstairs yesterday so should start the downstairs today but I may just be lazy today. I still don't feel the best. I know some women like the attention they getting from being sick, but I hate it! I am sick of being sick or having something wrong with me. Everyone has aches and pains when you get into your senior years but something being wrong with you all the time is the pitts. If I get enough sleep and feel great in the morning, by noon I am feeling bad with something or I feel crummy all day and feel ok in the evening or whatever. I just think about how much better off I am than some of my family and friends though and just put one foot in front of the other. I don't have to go to work hurting or sick like my poor sister does. Her husband didn't get the job so now he has given up and she is the bread winner. She has serious female problems and her dr is dragging his feet about doing stuff for her. She has no more paid time off so her husband basically makes her work when she is sick. So, I think about that and feel very lucky for my little problems. Today is her birthday, but I doubt it will be a happy one.
Jean: We cooled off last night and will be cooler today but not really even jacket weather. Cards are ridiculously priced these days. You buy one card and you have blown a $5 bill it seems. It is just like everything else I guess. Hopefully the new accountant will know her stuff.
Maggie: I have a few real pieces but the majority of my stuff is costume. I have a lot of earrings, bracelets and necklaces in every color and style for sure. Enjoy working on the MH.
Everyone have a great weekend. We have commissary shopping on Sunday but that's about it for the weekend.
Good Afternoon! The sun is shining and the wind is blowing but what a great change from the last few days! We had snow covering the ground last night and yet this morning. The poor robin looked pretty forlorn perched on the cat food bowl. Someone said the robins get snowed on three times before winter is finished. Well, they've had snow twice now. I subbed in the gift shop this morning, wrote checks for several invoices, delivered them upstairs, and even sold a few things. After I did the end of the week paperwork, I brought the money home to count, made that deposit, and went with Bob to the farm store. He was looking for work boots but we came home with a new bird feeder and no boots. Now I'm ready to sit for awhile.
Maggie, have fun using your new soup mugs and cookbook! It's a good thing you like to cook!
"Gma," I guess tornadoes touched down in eastern Iowa and west of Chicago last night. That was on the morning news when I was getting ready to leave for the gift shop. Someone in a car took a video of the funnel cloud hanging over the road in front of them. Scary! I don't know why but thought you had finished your sweater. I never did start a lap blanket for myself. I know what you mean about being better off than some others. When my mom was having chemo, she always said there were people there worse off than she was, and I know she didn't feel the best. I also know people who have had something wrong, then will say they didn't realize they felt so bad until they were feeling good again. It is your turn to feel good again!
Not much else is newsy from Iowa. Hope you all enjoy the rest of the day and evening.
Good Morning! The sun is shining again today and the temperature is climbing steadily. We decided to pass on the 9:00 soccer game this morning. We would have had to leave here by 6:30. Make up games will extend the season for sure. I have clean sheets on the bed, sheets in the washer, and then made a quick trip to the grocery store. We must not be eating as much bread these days because it sure dries out fast, and I don't like dry bread unless it's for toast. The store was a mad house with special weekend gas cents off items, and the more you spend overall the more cents off you get. $.10 for $10 on any items except alcohol and cigarettes, $.20 for $20 spent, etc. I think $.50 was the limit but every cent sure counts up. Last week I used a $.50 off tag from a Boy Scout thing Kolby sold, and Bob figured he saved $1.87 a gallon on 20 gallons. Not bad! I need to dust and vacuum after lunch then maybe get back to sorting and pitching.
Remember to take a deep breath once in awhile, smile, enjoy yourself, and have a great day!
Good morning to you all. I got up later than usual yesterday and fixed breakfast then hurried around and got ready and out the door so I never did get in here. Gonna be sunny and warm in the low 80's for us today but again expecting rain during the week. Temps are up for us permanently though thank goodness.
I went to the fabric stores yesterday and felt like a deer in headlights. I would have gone with Kelly, but I wasn't feeling the best and just wanted to pick up a couple things so I could practice and she had all the stuff she had to get for the class. I ended up having to go to two places anyway because the first store didn't have the insulbrite for in the potholders. I then ran to the grocery store and was in there forever, came home and crashed until dinner time.
We have commissary shopping today and I put a rotisserie chicken in the crockpot for dinner. I haven't decided what veggies I am going to have, but I am fixing Jack some mashed potato and gravy I guess. I have to get upstairs in just a bit and get a shower and get dressed. I sure wish I was a man sometimes. They shower and dress and that is it. I shower, dress, blowdry my hair and style it, put on makeup, perfume, pick out jewelry and put it on, etc.
I got bored with tv and noticed the QVC channel had on an hour of Doony and Burke handbags. Wrong thing to watch. Jack came down from his office and glanced at the tv and said, "Ok, which one is the one you want?" I told him I was just watching and nothing else. Boom the lady says, "In our next half hour we will be showing this beauty." Oh boy, I had to have the bag so I went to their website and the thing was expensive but on EASY PAY! Jack told me to buy it and it could be my Mother's Day present. So here it is in what they call lilac. Don't have that color!! I am so weak.......
Jean: Hopefully your colder weather will leave you permanently. I know I sure would be ready for it. I had to chuckle at your going to the farm store. It reminded me of my mom as it was her own little department store. The went to a chain called Tractor Supply something or other. She sure did love going in there and shopping. Now that I have the pills out of my system, the female stuff has slowed almost to a stop. So, I am hoping fingers crossed that it will stop completely. I am going to watch and see for the next couple weeks before I make an apt to go in for the hystereoscope.
Everyone have a super day and look on the bright side of life!!
Good Afternoon! The sun has been in and out all day, rain showers are predicted but none so far. Church was one traditional service today combining the two for the bishop's visit. The bells played for the last time until fall, the sermon was meaningful, and it seemed strange to go later than usual. I've changed clothes, had lunch, and read the paper. Now to decide what to do next; I should start putting away some winter clothes and donate what I haven't worn this past winter. I saw a huge walk-in closet full of drawers, shelves, and clothes rods on the HGTV channel. It was the size of a room with more than enough room for two, if not more, people. Wouldn't that be wonderful? I would love to know what some of the young couples have for jobs, to be able to afford million dollar homes. I think it would be fun to visit some of the homes they show.
"Gma," this farm store recently moved into a larger building so has expanded their inventory. They now have women's jeans and tops plus some summer sun hats. I like to browse through the seasonal aisles to see the new lawn decorations, bird feeders, and furniture. It is part of a store chain that recently purchased some Alco (I think) stores around the area. Another store in Sioux City carries live baby chicks, ducks, and bunnies, but our store does not. They also have bulk candy which is not good because some of my favorites are included. I hope you continue to feel better. I love the new handbag color! I am looking for a new spring purse even though I'm sure I could find one if I would clean out the coat closet.
The load of towels should be dry by now and the laundry fairy has disappeared so guess I will have to fold them and put them away. Hope you all are enjoying a relaxing Sunday!
Good morning gals. It stayed warm overnight and will heat up today. It can't decide whether or not it is going to rain.
We had commissary shopping yesterday and I told Jack not to go our regular way because the interstate would be backed up or closed around where they are putting all the new flyovers in. Thankfully for once he listened because when we came back the other direction, which is not effected by the construction as it is already done, the traffic was down to one lane and backed up for miles. The commissary was crazy busy as soon as it opened yesterday, but thankfully we got in and out quickly enough we didn't have to start standing in line to check out.
I did part of the downstairs cleaning yesterday and just need to clean countertops and dust this morning then it is done. I want to put up my little sewing table and cut out my potholders today so that I can make them this week.
I made a rotisserie chicken in the crockpot and it was great. It doesn't dry out like it does if you put it in the oven and much easier to clean up than using my rotisserie thingy, which stays really hot for a long time so you can't clean up the mess very quickly. I made Jack some mashed potatoes and gravy and an ear of corn and I had the corn and veg for dinner. We sat and watched the Cubs game while we ate and I cleaned up between commercials so it wouldn't get too late.
Jean: We bought tickets to see the Iowa Cubs here in July. They were just in town over the weekend, but with the commissary shopping I didn't want to have to feel rushed to do stuff so we decided to wait until July. I know what you mean about those closets in those huge houses. They are so organized. Once we get everything downstairs done, we will start tackling upstairs and we are going to take the spare bedroom and turn it into a closet. I already have the clothing racks for it and they can just be rolled into the bedroom once it is all cleared out. I am going to decide how I want to store my shoes and folded clothes, like sweaters. It is a small bedroom, only about 10 x 10 or so and I can't do a whole lot with it, but it would give us more space clothing wise. Those units they put into houses when they remodel are expensive. I looked at some of them and they can be thousands of dollars. I watch the house hunting shows all the time and wonder how couples can have a home then buy some expensive property on a Caribbean island for vacation or have some home worth millions of dollars. I think a lot of time they over extend themselves, but maybe not. This is a society nowadays that is instant gratification.
You all have a great week. I am off to finish off the downstairs cleaning.
Good Evening! It's been a nice sunny day in my corner of the world. Counting went smoothly at church and I was home early since I did the gift shop money on Friday. I had to go in this afternoon and close out for the day. Earlier this afternoon I sorted through the paper pile of catalogs and magazines pitching most of them. I did some laundry in between, or vice versa. Our electricity was off for almost an hour around 10:00 last night. A quick thunderstorm went through and left 1/4" of rain. It sure is dark when the whole neighborhood is out.
"Gma," your chicken dinner sounds good. Someday I will have clean and organized closets, cupboards, and drawers! That will probably be when I retire from my volunteer jobs! I sure hope the Iowa Cubs win their game when you go. The house across the street is going to be for sale soon. Bob checked and their taxes are a little more than double ours. It's not much bigger than our house but a different floor plan.
Tomorrow night is soccer games in Sioux City. Enjoy the rest of your evening!
Good morning to you all. Going to be cooler today so won't need the ac on. It wasn't particularly hot yesterday, but very humid with the rain moving in and I made stuffed shells for Jack and a stuffed bell pepper for myself for dinner so had the oven on.
Tonight is shrimp and Chinese vegetables in garlic sauce. Jack is going to even eat this so it is a one pan wok meal. I do have to have another veg so am going to make some cauliflower.
My new sneakers should be in today so I hope I like them. I am hoping the stretchy fabric will be just what I need and hope they aren't a heavy shoe. I got my red sandals yesterday and boy are they comfortable. They have memory foam in the foot bed. It is like walking on a cloud.
I cut out all my material for my pot holders yesterday so will make them today and got my Velcro disks so will put them on my jewelry hanging bags so I can put my jewelry away today. So, I should be able to keep myself busy.
Jean: We got rain last night too. It moved through while we were watching the Cubs game on tv so the hd channel didn't work for a bit, but the regular one did so we didn't miss any of the game. I know the Iowa Cubs pounded on the Redbirds here pretty well. We have a kid in triple A that is a kind of phenom and should move to MLB in about two weeks. It has something to do with his contract. Wow, wonder why their taxes are so much higher. Ours are around $1300 a year for the condo.
Good Morning! I've been to WM in search of specific birthday ideas/gifts for Kolby who turns 10 on Sunday. I thought we were getting together the next weekend so thought I had plenty of time to shop. Our WM is pathetic when it comes to the toy department! You know who lets their kids roam unsupervised so boxes are open and pieces could be missing. The sun is sort of shining and so far no wind. The no wind would be nice for the games tonight.
"Gma," I haven't made stuffed shells for a long time. Yum! Are you supposed to take your pot holders to the next class? The house across the street is on the lake so that is why their taxes are higher. There is nothing fair about how they figure taxes imo. Bob checked the lake house right next door, just a plain, smaller than our house, ranch style and their taxes are triple our's, double the one going on the market. When they started building houses out here they staggered the houses on our side of the street so that we have a view of the lake. Everyone's deck and/or patio, on our side, is on the backside of the houses so you never see anyone enjoying a view of the lake.
Bob is at the farm working on his plow. He is going to plow again on Saturday if it doesn't rain. I need to get lunch stuff ready. Will be heading to Sioux City this afternoon. Bob has to pick up light bulbs for church, and I want to check toys at Target. Hope you enjoy a terrific Tuesday!
We bought the neatest little Webber Smoker® which is 14 inches across which will be just right for the two of us. They make 3 sizes and this is the smallest and the only one we could find in town and it was already assembled. I am anxious to give it a try. We are going to give it a tryout before we clean it up and put in the basement of the MH. We have been weighing everything that we plan on putting in the MH for we have a weight limit and it only weighs 22 pounds. We like slow cooked smoked meat and this will make it so we can still have it when we want. No way could we take along the big smoker we have in the back yard. Like I said we are finding smaller sized things that will work for us. I imagine the first meat we will slow cook in the Webber Smoker® will be a chicken.
We found a nice small TV that will fit in the space where the old tube one was and will buy it soon. We don’t need one in the bedroom so will use that space for books and not replace that TV. I had my Sunset book Great Outdoors Cookbook spiral bound and got it back to day and it it great for now it will lay flat when open. It is about an inch thick and is chock full of great recipes.
I have been putting “non skid” sheets between all my dishes which prevents breakage and holds down noise of things clanking together.
JEAN Kolby's 10th birthday should be real fun for her no matter what you buy her she will cherish it.
DONNA FAYE I like using a Wok for one dish meals. Such a variety of dishes can be cooked in a Wok.
I got the mailing envelope from Shutterfly yesterday. 
Makes me wonder if the customer rep could read English! When I talked to the real person on the phone she said the free shipping and envelope charges were included in the "discount" amount shown on my email. 
We have three different gals who bake bread for communion. The pastor breaks the loaf in half and he picks off small pieces then hands them to us. All of the servers/helpers use the hand sanitizer before handling the communion trays.
Hope you continue to feel better and better.
Thursday & a Very Nice Cool, Windy Cloudy Day
Make up games will extend the season for sure. I have clean sheets on the bed, sheets in the washer, and then made a quick trip to the grocery store. We must not be eating as much bread these days because it sure dries out fast, and I don't like dry bread unless it's for toast. The store was a mad house with special weekend gas cents off items, and the more you spend overall the more cents off you get. $.10 for $10 on any items except alcohol and cigarettes, $.20 for $20 spent, etc. I think $.50 was the limit but every cent sure counts up. Last week I used a $.50 off tag from a Boy Scout thing Kolby sold, and Bob figured he saved $1.87 a gallon on 20 gallons. Not bad! I need to dust and vacuum after lunch then maybe get back to sorting and pitching.
Someday I will have clean and organized closets, cupboards, and drawers! That will probably be when I retire from my volunteer jobs! 
I sure hope the Iowa Cubs win their game when you go. The house across the street is going to be for sale soon. Bob checked and their taxes are a little more than double ours. It's not much bigger than our house but a different floor plan.