Made it to work! Happy, Healthy, Grateful, Blessed! Yes yes yes yes...

Oh Holy Batcrap, Batman! Where to start. Samantha is doing a bit better each day. Since I had to work today, her ex-MIL will be coming by to get the boys this morning after they are up and fed. Dan (her BF) is there helping with that. XMIL will keep them until this evening when Chris picks them up from her as it is his night with the boys. We still need to get her car from the parking garage at the hospital. Thank goodness it is free. C and I may do that this evening as she cannot drive yet. Anyway...the baby/sac had attached to the entrance of the tube therefore the docs were able to save the tube and not remove it or the ovary. Just cleaned out the end of the tube. She did have an ovarian cyst about the size of a quarter that they drained. Full slow recovery. That is the bright side. Blessed and grateful. Emotionally I think maybe she is more relieved as this is definitely not good timing for a pregnancy. Still sad tho.

Thank you all for the good thoughts and prayers.

SHADDIE...glad the chemo is just a preventative rather than a cure. I understand your boys concern with their momma. Especially since your are so independent and rarely have many health issues. Hugs sweet sister.

SUSIE...I am very proud of your exercise and healthy eating progress and that you are sticking with it and seem motivated. Does the heart good to get a little flirt action now and again. You are very beautiful and I can see why he would flirt with you.

CEEG...yahoooooo on the tile installation. You must post a picture of the final work of the kitchen. Taxes. bleh, don't even want to think about that right now. Yuck.

LAURA...how is the foot? Goals and yearly reviews make me whence. Do not like.

HAPPY...thank you my friend for your love, support and texting with me the other night. Good Lord the drama at the thrift shop. Woman, how do you do it. Now a chip reader machine. That will probably blow all their minds.

Must get busy. Hugs all.

Good morning chicks,

It's another sunny day even if it's only 3 degrees (F) outside. A good day to be happy, healthy and blessed. I am grateful that I am sitting here by myself and no one can smell me as I must be rather stinky from this fantastic garlic salad dressing I made for supper yesterday as well as the residual smell of chemicals from the hot tub. I usually take a late dip in the tub just before bed. The warmth relaxes me. But I'm starting to notice the chemical smell so I should take a shower afterwards but that will just wake me up. DH says that is why he hardly ever uses the hot tub - it's a hassle to shower afterwards. I usually try and warm the room up a bit before I get in the tub but yesterday I tried to be brave and just run like the wind into the tub. I didn't realize the outside temperature had dropped so much - it was about 5 degrees outside. When the wood deck or floor gets wet as it does when I open the hot tub cover and it drips a bit on the floor - well the wet wood when it's very cold tends to make the wood BANG like something ran into the house. It was happening last night and scared the beejeezus out of me a couple of times. I do lock the entry door off the deck when I'm in there and I can see out the windows so I can see if someone comes up on the deck to try and jump in and join me

I am home during the day today - only thing is another cooking class tonight. I was hoping to tackle a bunch of things like noisy housecleaning and changing the bed linens. For some reason DH woke up and could not fall back asleep so he got up at 4:30am. He just went back to bed to see if he can catch a few hours of catch up sleep so there goes my best laid plans... I guess I will do my quiet data entry instead. I remembered I was supposed to do some things for the shelter but honestly, I am just not in the mood for it right now. So it will wait a bit longer. Many people on the board give very little effort and I am tired of volunteering the equivalent of a 40+ hour work week for this.

Got the eating back in control again. But I sure woke up my sweet tooth. Fortunately I am loving the honeybell oranges I bought and I am telling myself that's what I will have to satisfy myself with.

Anne - glad to hear Sam is resting up. Funny how things work in the body - I didn't think those little swimmers would go in every nook and cranny in search of that egg but I guess they do. That's good that Chris and his family are still involved in the kids lives and are stepping in to help out right now. Glad I could be there for you the other night - it's tough sitting by yourself at the hospital. I can't wait - oh yes I CAN - to see the shop daily sales next week to see how people mess up with the new credit card machine. Well... at least I don't have to do the bank reconciliation - that's going to be the fun part. Hope your day back at work is not too crazy. Is your dreaded report a weekly or monthly thing? How is your foot doing? And that was an excellent suggestion from Susie to ask your outgoing boss if he will give you a reference letter. You never know when that will come in handy.

Susie - Glad you enjoyed the concert. You are fortunate to live in a city that gets a wide variety of music talent you can enjoy. It's always fun when someone flirts with you - kind of like getting carded when you're way past 21 It makes one feel good to be noticed. That's interesting that your foot bothers you more on the bike than the treadmill. Usually they recommend the bike because it's not the impact that you get walking. Must have a good treadmill and shoes with good cushioning. Best rule is always to do what works without pain so keep truckin' :walker:

Ceejay - I felt that I got more dings and scrapes (and rock holes in the windshield) within 2 years of living in Memphis than I did in all the years I was living in Chicago I don't think people are very mindful of not scratching cars any more. I hate it when you park at the end of the lot away from everyone only to come out and find someone parked right up next to you and no one else around. Do that do that on purpose or do the cars snuggle up to one another when we are in the stores shopping? I did not know you liked to play the piano. Probably good exercise for keeping your hands limber. Yes, please post pictures of the finished remodelling when done.

Laura - one thing I learned long ago - was advice to DH from a work friend after DH had back surgery - look out after yourself. People see you at work and unless your are all cut up and bruised - they assume you are at 100% when you are not. If you need some time to work from home to help that foot heal, do it. Get a doctor's note. I had bunion surgery and they put me in a boot and I worked in an office that was a former warehouse so there was lots of walking, even to just get coffee or go to the ladies room. That boot hurts your back and hips after a while as you are tilted and not level. I came back the Monday after Friday surgery and by Thursday I was crying in pain from trying to get around. No one said - oh you look like you are hurting, go sit down. Instead they made me do more walking - can you take this over to L's office, go make copies, etc. So best I can tell you is read your body and act accordingly. Especially with having to commute in and out. Yikes on the monthly train ticket! What does it cost to ride the bus now? I guess you use the paper fare tickets for the bus instead of change, right? I haven't been on a bus since they built the Orange Line.

Shad - I found that extra water, extra fruit and a wonderful gentle product called Senekot helped me with the medicine induced constipation. There's another popular product here Colace that the doctors recommend. I have some of that too but didn't try it. I hope you are feeling better.

Well DH just woke up so that means I can go downstairs and get busy. Happy Hump Day ladies.

Um HAPPY...it is Thursday, I think. Not hump day. Hope the food class is not a repeat of last time.

Afternoon all. I’m happy, healthy, blessed & grateful! And it’s a sunny day to boot!

Annie – Glad to hear Sam is feeling better. Was that a surgery with a large incision, or could they get in another way, or do a keyhole surgery? Glad to hear the XIL’s are helping out. == This performance review junk - bleh. Our company is trying to streamline it, so we don’t have to use the online software for our goals anymore. But the boss wants us to use a spreadsheet template with a specific format. It won’t be as streamlined as anyone hoped, I’m sure.

Ceejay – Huh, somehow I don’t recall anything about you being a piano player. Are you new to it, or are you coming back to it?? My bf plays piano and keyboards, and we have both in the house. == And for some reason I don’t recall a basketball goal falling on your car!! Your poor car. But now you’re putting it to rights. ==Yay for the tile job coming to a close! == I think instead of a tanning bed, you can get one of those special lights they sell for SAD – seasonal affective disorder. You sit in front of it for a certain amount of time each day?? Do some research, see what your doctor says. == My orthopedic dr who I just saw this morning gave me another hard-bottomed shoe, lighter and better quality and more comfortable than the one the hospital gave me. He also gave me an orthotic to put inside it for arch support. We’ll see how I like this one.

Susie – LOL re the roadie flirting with you! You hottie!! Glad you enjoyed the concert.

Happy – Doesn’t sound very motivating to be volunteering so much time when others who are also part of the organization don’t. I think some people just want to say they sit on the board of a not-for-profit, but don’t want to really do much more than that – attend a few meetings and events and that’s it. As for you – don’t let it take over your life if it cuts into all the other want-to-do and need-to-do activities! I know, easier said than done…=== I did get a letter from the ortho doc this morning for working from home. We do have a work from home policy at my employer, but our weasely HR group includes a lot of “at supervisor discretion” in their policies. My boss does not embrace work at home, so I haven’t even bothered with it unless absolutely needed. This is one instance. And after the crutches day, I really didn’t even bother to ask, I told. == Not sure how much it is to ride the bus since I don’t do it very often – I think it’s a $2 cash fare for CTA, same on Pace. Less if you have some sort of prepaid fare card. No more transfers on either as far as I know.

Hi Shad. Hope you’re feeling better and better as the days go by. And keeping cool.

==

So re my doctor appointment today: The doctor said he thinks I might have a stress fracture. Not visible on x-rays. I guess it might take a while to actually show up, and even then, they don’t see the actual break, what they see is new bone growth. I got a better rigid shoe thing from him, and an OTC orthotic to put in it for my arch support. I don’t need to use the crutches. Can put weight on my foot in the shoe, but need to stay off it as much as possible, no exercise. Aleve is okay. Got a letter to hopefully get out of the Pilates class without losing too much of my fee and also a letter to work from home. I go back to see him in a month.

I’m rid of those crutches, yay! Walking in the boot now. There’s some pain – yup - but no crutches is a good thing. I think I’ll do okay in it, but I’ll still be getting dropped off and picked up from the train and still using a taxi downtown. I’ll figure out some sort of work from home schedule because I won’t want to hobble too much, especially if it’s icy/snowy. Even when I’m at the office, like Happy commented, it’s a bit of distance to the bathroom, coffee/copy room, atrium (kitchen/vending). Less steps at home.

That’s about it for me so I’ll get this posted. Oh, Happy, be sure to check your calendar for your cooking class - don't want to miss it!

Indeed it is Thursday. I even posted a Throw Back Thursday on my FB page. I am a ding a ling today.

Isn't it Groundhog's Day too? Wasn't that a movie with Bill Murray where they kept reliving the same day over and over?

Tip to the wise - don't waste eating a Dove dark chocolate Bliss square after you had garlic dressing for lunch. Yucko.

Morning,
I'm happy, I'm healthy and I'm blessed.
I'm still in my pj's. I'm so glad I don't have to rush around today.
The tile work is completely finished. There is one area I don't really care for but I will leave that to my sister to make the final decision.
Didn't make it to the gym yesterday but road my bike at home for 20 minutes. Food is still not under control. UGH.

---------
Annie
Glad that Sam is feeling better today and that you have some help with the boys.

Laura
I've always played the piano. Just hadn't had a piano nor the interest in it until lately. Right now I've taken over my nieces keyboard. My brother in law wants me to play in the special music part of our church service. I don't do well in front of people though so we shall see where that leads. Re-the basketball goal- the neighbor's grand kids pretty much took over my yard and drive way when I wasn't home. They set up the basketball goal in the drive way and I almost ran into it. I had the grandmother come and get it. It took both of us to move it. But it fell as we were taking the weight off the goal. So glad I'm not having to deal with them. I'm blessed.
I'm glad that your doctor gave you one of those shoes to walk in.

Happy
It's colder here this morning at 22 degree's. I really don't know how you handle all the drama at the Thrift Store! Did you figure out what the noise was.

Morning all.

Happy – Yes, yesterday was Groundhog Day, and as I have learned from a news report, the groundhog very rarely lets us have an early spring. And I also learned that I should just delete my TV Guide cell phone app because it rarely finds a show I’m looking for. So nothing came up for an airing of Groundhog Day the movie on the app, but lo and behold, of course it was being aired last night - on several different channels. == That must be some garlicky dressing to have that staying power.

Ceejay – Oh, that damage from the basketball goal was from before you moved. Yes, I’m sure you are really feeling happy, grateful and blessed to not have the neighbor’s grandkids taking over your place anymore. == I would also be nervous about performing in front of an audience, especially if you haven’t been playing lately.

Hellos to the rest of the Worldies.

==

Nothing much to report. TGIF. Went to the office and my commute was okay. Foot is okay, but hurts when I first stand up and the first several steps. Hoping I’ve got new bone growing and healing that foot!

I have a hair appointment tomorrow morning and that’s all for the weekend. I can drive with this shoe I’ve got, so no issue getting to the salon. I need to catch up on laundry and some shopping. Our basement stairway is odd – the top half is walled in on both sides and the bottom half is open with railings on each side. I have no idea why there’s no railing on the upper half… but it’s probably gonna keep me from going down those stairs. So that will have to be a project for bf. Sooner rather than later.

No plans for “the big game” on Sunday, and I’m fine with that. I’d like to get to the library for a book and maybe a movie.

That’s it for me. Everyone have a good weekend. TTFN.

Hi kids,

Yesterday's cooking class was nice. Supposed to be a small class of 6 people and there were only 3 of us there so it was more like a private lesson and more food for all of us! I'm really glad we didn't eat supper before class and I just had a light lunch and DH only had oatmeal earlier in the day. The class was Taste of the Virgin Islands. We started out with a lobster stew - veggies and lobster tails in a clear broth with vegetables served over white rice. Yummy. Then he made a cerviche - a seafood based cold dish where you use acids like lime juice to "cook" the seafood. He also put lobster in that (I thought it was shrimp but I was wrong). It had red onions, fresh carrot slivers, thinly sliced tomatoes, cilantro and maybe something else. Very crunchy and spicy as he put poblano and serrano peppers as well as maybe a bit of jalapeno. I tried it but too hot for me and the other attendee Tammy so DH just gobbled it right up, veggies and all. Then he made this awesome dish of chicken drumsticks roasted in a cast iron pan. He marinated them with some warm spices and also used one of the honeybell oranges I gave him last week as the acid. After cooking the chicken he made a glaze using pan drippings, some brown sugar and he cooked some diced pineapple in that. Served it over rice - fantastalisticfabulouso. Yum. Double yum. I am not the keenest on pineapple but it was the right balance of a bit tart with a touch of sweetness. He made some shrimp on skewers with a jerk marinade but by that time I was getting full so again, DH got to eat his fill. For dessert he took ripe bananas and sliced them lengthwise, topped them with some shredded cheddar cheese and topped them with a drizzle of brown sugar and popped them in the oven until the cheese melted and the sugar caramelized. Also quite wonderful. I'd never think to pair bananas and cheddar cheese. The recipe was supposed to be made with plantains which are less sweet and more starchy but there's no plantains within 100 miles of here so he did bananas instead. I loved it! We had great conversations, we all really enjoyed last night. Chef is quite accomplished in the culinary world and has won many competitions and awards and he and his wife are just good people.

The other attendee Tammy came to one of his other classes. She sat at our table and in the course of conversation we found out that she is a young mother of 3 - kids aged 3 to 5 years old. Recently divorced she is working 3 jobs (very typical of the work here that is close to minimum wage with no full time and no benefits). Many women often work multiple jobs cleaning cabins, waitressing or bartending. Tammy said she sees her kids a little bit in the morning and by the time she gets home, the kids are in bed for the night. She seemed like a shy but sincere woman - the kind you want to hug and tell her things will be ok. She is attending classes because she works p/t at a restaurant preparing salads and wants to learn more to eventually become a cook and figures this is the closest she can get to cooking lessons. I feel for her because I'm sure the $13 class fee is a big sacrifice with money being tight but she is determined to do better for her and her family. I was thinking I would slip her a note the next class and pay for her next 2 classes. I got a break when I was young when someone believed in me and helped me get a start in my career. I pay it back whenever I can and I also believe that kindness is like a ripple on the water. Send it out and it cascades all over the place. Chef also listened to her story and he is really passionate about cooking and helping people. He gave her his business card and told her to call him. He does a lot of catering events like parties and weddings and is always looking for people to help him. Would be a great opportunity for her to sous chef, learn to cook, plate, serve and learn the ropes of a professional kitchen. I thought that was super wonderful of him. After all this ugliness of politics lately, this was the moral boost I needed to see. Came home and called my Mom and listened to her tell me about people I don't know for 2 hours. She had a story to tell, it was about someone my sister went to school with - not me and once she started, she just had to keep going even though I had no idea (or interest) in these people.

I skipped Tai Chi today. My arthritic knee keeps locking up and when I move my leg, it bangs as loud as one of the deck boards popping. And hurts like the dickens. I will practice my Tai Chi as I have a You Tube video and take smaller, more careful steps. Not sure if the weather or combination of Tai Chi and the hot tub is messing me up but I am feeling pretty badly lately with both knees and ankles. I just keep moving though and think of my Mom who feels worse than I do.

We are going to dinner tomorrow - back to the Italian restaurant that we ate at the last 2 weeks. They keep making these delicious specials - stop it already!!! Monday is DH's birthday. At 67 he's an old man. I'm not sure what he wants to do. We might go to the German restaurant we went to a few weeks ago. I'll have to ask him. Also need to decide if we are going to an overnight trip to St. Paul for our anniversary. Friends recommended a beautiful hotel and restaurant. We've never been to St. Paul. Guess I should not wait until the last minute since I am the travel agent for the family DH is waiting for his birthday present - a new camera. They were supposed to ship it early last week and then by last Friday and here we are a week later. He said if they can't ship it today to keep it. I know he's eager to get it. He is going on a 5 day trip to North Dakota in May to a photography camp. And he wants to understand and know how to work the new camera. So he's eager to get it.

That's about it for here. I'm going to find some lunch and do some laundry and cleaning. I need to go to the laundromat to wash cat hairy blankets but I feel like a slug and don't want to leave the house. Especially when it's zero degrees outside. But it is sunny so it's deceptive when you look out the window.

Laura - I know the basement set up you talk about - we once considered opening the stairwell downstairs like that and decided it would not be very practical. I hate our basement stairs too because they are at a sharp pitch and not easy to navigate until your legs are in top shape. Be careful moving about. Glad you are able to get into the office. Have you decided to work in the office after all? I'm a bit surprised BF did not decide on a Superbowl party but that's probably a good thing for you in your present state. Yes because the salad dressing has raw garlic in it - it's on the potent side! But still tasty. I'm sure I got the health benefits of garlic double time with this batch.

Ceejay - what's with the tile - don't like the color or the way they finished the job? I'll bet you are totally relieved not to have to deal with the errant children running around and creating havoc near your stuff. I don't mind kids playing, just be mindful of other people's property. I also meant to say - stay AWAY from the tanning beds. They make a special blue light for SAD that you can buy at Amazon. It gives you the light you are missing from this time of year without the dangers of the tanning beds. I think you spend 15 minutes in front of the light each day. A friend had it and said she thought it helped her.

Hello to Shad and Suzie and Annie. Hope you are doing well. Enjoy the weekend folks.

Morning all,
Days are slipping away from me again. It must be all this resting up. I will be able to go back to driving next week. That can't come soon enough. Then I don't have to inconvenience others anymore. My neighbour has been wonderful and I really should get her something to thank her, but the stubborn old b*tch will probably come down on me hard if I do. Petrol vouchers or grocery vouchers might be good - if she will accept them.
I'm feeling good most days. I manage to get a few things done in the morning and am usually prone on the couch by mid day. I did pot up all the plants that DS2 brought home but I still have to clean up the mess I made. That could be today, all things considered.
Add to that the extreme heatwave we have been having and you can see that I nod off a lot. One more month to get through before things cool off enough to get on with our lives. We are like troglodytes here - only go out between the hours of 5.30am and 7.30am and again at 4.00pm to when the mosquitos decide to attack.

Happy - that chef night sounded amazing. No wonder you love going there. I would forfeit my daily rations for food like that as well. Hope the DH's camera/ lens arrives soon. His photos will be wonderful.

Annie - sorry to hear about Sam. It is not your fault as her mother that she does things you don't like. She's adult and she makes her decisions and she lives with those decisions. It's not setting a great role model for her sons, but there's nothing you can do about it. The world is what it is. We will end up with a whole generation of mixed up kids who have no idea about commitment and genuine love for others. You and I might feel it is time she settled down and got a real job, but there's usually a difficulty with work as well. Single parents etc. not to mention many bosses don't seem to like working mothers.

Laura - hope that foot heals completely and soon. It must get very tiring dragging it around during the day. Is it not legal that you should have at least one handrail on a set of stairs? It is here.

Ceejay - sad that you don't like the tiles in the house. Who picked them. Who should we use the cattle prod on.

Susie - on the weight loss. You seem to have it sorted at the moment. Long may it continue.

Okay - back to the little house. It will be so nice when this bowel sorts itself out. I will again feel human. I've gone from not going at all to explosions in gas in odd places to going 6 times a day. It's getting somewhat old. But at least it is working again. Sorry if that was TMI

Good morning,

Got a call very late last night at 10:30pm from a friend asking if I could fill in for his morning slot at the thrift shop this morning. EEK. Don't call me at 10:30 when I have a 90 year old mother! (always anticipate bad news from a late night phone call) I certainly didn't want to go in but he is a friend so I will. That kills my day. We're supposed to get some snow today, I hope it's on the lighter side. Tuesday we might get a whopper of a snowstorm - too early to pin it down exactly yet so be prepared. We always seem to get weather when I have to work!

For some reason my nose is running up a storm here too. I must have gone through a dozen tissues already. I'm not sure it's the loose cat hair on my computer either.

Shad - it's nice that you want to thank your friend for helping out - I'm sure her refusal is one of "we're friends to help each other, no need for payment, just reciprocate". Still a petrol card is a nice thought - do something small so it's received more as a token rather than a large gift (through her eyes). Glad you are on the mend and getting better and that things are "circulating" well in the plumbing department I wouldn't mind some of your heat - getting a bit tired of the dry skin and constant cold feet this time of year. I guess no matter what we are on both sides of extremity.

Hello to the rest of the chicks. Enjoy your weekend and have fun if you are having a Superbowl party for the Sunday football game.

Morning all.
Re the tiles. I'm very happy with the tiles but there is one area that kinda throws me off but sis is okay with it therefore I will also. It is growing on me. I'm glad she was happy with it.
My sis is baby sitting her grand sons and she's going to bring them here so I will not have to drive out to Ash Grove. She is picking them up not far from the house. Can't wait to see the little ones.

Happy
The cooking class sounds like a lot of fun. But sea food I simply don't care for. Your dh and I are the same age so don't call him and old man yet. Wait till he's at least 70. I understand your pain with the arthritis. My practicing the piano has aggravated the arthritis in my hands. And can ouch a bit especially when I forget about picking up something heavy.

Shad
A gas/petro or food card would be a nice jesture for a gift of appreciation for your friend.

this system sure logs you out quickly and then you have problems getting your post in

Ceejay - you made me laugh with your comment about not calling DH old until he was 70. Thing is I have known him since he was 22 - so now, yes. He is an old man to me mostly because he acts like an old grandpa more than the fact that he looks like one. And I will be 63 in April so I am also feeling like quite the old lady myself. I'm thinking I will never walk straight again. I looked up clicking and clunking on knee implants and that is a VERY COMMON effect. So learn to deal with it. Hope you have a great time with the kids and they don't wear you out.

I have developed a bit of a small cough. Not sure if it's from the hot tub or just seasonal. I did do some research and we stopped at the hot tub place yesterday. Got some tips which I will try out. And got some cleaner to clean the filters. Even tho it's pretty much just me who uses the tub. I think DH might have used it 3 times since we refilled it in October. I used to close up the room, warm it up a bit and then open the cover and let the jets run to circulate the water and get some of the chemical smell dissipated. Now I think I will have to bite the bullet and open the windows a bit and run the hot tub to get more air circulating. Which means the room will be rather cold with a sort of frozen fog from the steam of the tub itself. Or I have to cut back my use of the tub to about 3 times a week. There is plenty of fresh air flowing through the room - there are small gaps in the flooring done intentionally to allow the water from the opened cover to drip down to the ground. It's sunny now which means the room warmed up on it's own so I think I'll go add some chemicals, open the windows a bit and let things run for a while and take a soak later tonight while DH is watching the football game.

Trying to figure out munchies for him for the game. Maybe some cold shrimp and some cheese queso dip. He pointed out a honey chicken dish that looked good to him but I think I will make that tomorrow for his birthday instead.

I just went to the bathroom and apparently the clock in there needs a new battery. It reads 4:45pm I was like HOW did I lose the day again? I was rather relieved to see it's no where near that time.

We have a white bunny hanging around the house - not a pet, a wild bunny. DH thought it left but he saw it again today checking out the yard. It probably can't believe it's bunny eyes that it found such a wonderful place to live! I haven't seen raccoons around in ages although DH did see a coyote or wolf a few weeks back so I hope bunny can find a safe place to live and hide.

Not much else going on. I should go and take the shrimp out of the freezer to defrost if we are going to eat tonight. Hope you all are enjoying your Sunday.

Happy, Healthy, Grateful, Blessed!

Good Morning Chicklets. Last week for my boss. His last day is the 10th. I am really sad and NOT looking forward to this change. Especially when I have to report to his boss. Yeeee. I am going to miss him something awful. Like a death of a loved one.

I took Friday off as Samantha was still down for the count. Made for a really busy day. I did a ton of laundry. Took Jacob to school, picked him up, made dinner, dishes. Well you all know the routine. work work work. This is not what I am grateful for, will maybe, I have a home in which to do all of this. Baby boy came up to spend the weekend. He was actually a great help with Sam and the boys.

Saturday was meeting then we all met my SIL for lunch at Cracker Barrell. I had the 4 veggie plate. Before we all got there I told everyone, WE ALL WILL HAVE WATER TO DRINK. I just cannot see adding 15.00 to the bill for beverages when water is free and better for you. Everyone agreed and stuck to the law. Came home and did some more work around the house. DS had some friends pick him up and they all went to the casino that is about 30 minutes from the house. He was up 700 bucks but lost it all. What a goof ball. I would of cashed out. He broke even as he put his starting money back in his wallet once he was up. Royce and I went to the grocery store that evening. He rode in the back of the cart, standing up, holding onto the sides. I said Royce, I am looking for lemon juice. Only I pronounced it Lay-Moan. So he proceeded to go down the aisle catching everyone's attentions saying Lay-Moan over and over again. I about wrecked the cart laughing at him.

Sunday was church then up to the hospital to get Samantha's car. THe rest of the day I spent preparing super bowl food. I made chicken hot not wings as wings were too expensive so I got legs and thighs. Turned out nicely. Also made a cheddar cheese ball, ranch dip, sweet pickle dip, salsa, baked mac n cheese, all delish. Took me all afternoon. Also had made a coffee cake before church.

And here we are back to work.

Will come back for personals.

Yesterday was church and book club which is a little over my head but I'm learning.
Talked to my friend last night for almost 2 hours on the phone. Should have put her on speaker phone and let my hand rest.
I slept late this morning. It rained earlier today.
After I go to the gym I'm going to scout out the location for my appointment in the morning. Having my bone density done.
Will do personals later.

Morning all. Before I start to whine…I’m happy, healthy, blessed and grateful.

But today I’m not that enthusiastic about life in general. When I or bf and I drive through the neighborhood, I feel like I’m out of touch with it because I’m not out walking doggy anymore on the weekends and on my days off. I’m still missing doggy and the dog activities that went along with him. I haven’t even been out in the backyard in a long time. And now I couldn’t go out for a dogless walk even if I wanted to.

Saturday was a hair appointment and Sunday I did a couple loads of laundry, went to the library, and then to Walmart for a few things. Otherwise, some reading and tv. (BF went to a friend’s house to watch the football game.) Dull weekend.

Today I’m in the office and the toes on my right foot - wearing that shoe thingy - are cold because it’s really a sandal not a shoe. The boss will have another performance discussion with us this week even though we already had our discussions in December. Whatever. Hopefully it’s really just to tell us what our annual adjustment and bonus will be. I did submit this year’s goals to him this morning.
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Ceejay – that’s a long phone call! Did you enjoy seeing your grand-nephews over the weekend?

Annie – Busy weekend for you, as usual. Sweet of your DS to come visit and help out around the house. ==Smart to just have water when you’re out to eat. BF and I have pretty much stopped ordering soft drinks if they come from a fountain system – they can be so inconsistent and yucky depending on how those systems are maintained by the restaurant. We now order iced tea or Arnold Palmers – I still like to have a bit of sweet with certain meals. And sometimes we just have water. == Lay-moan.

Happy – Glad you enjoyed the latest cooking class. How nice you had a small group. It would be great if that chef was able to help your classmate get some exposure to the world of catering/food service. == I hope you figure out what is causing the cough. I sometimes really notice the pool chemicals when I enter the recplex facility. My lungs don’t like it. == I only know a couple people who have/had hot tubs and they had them outdoors on a deck. In our climate it just doesn’t seem like something that would be appealing in the coldest parts of the year. == I hope that bunny has a safe place!

Shad – How nice to have a good neighbor like you have, helping you out when the need arises. I’m sure you’ve done that for her, so I understand her not feeling you need to re-pay her for that. I agree with Happy – a token sign of appreciation might be enough. == Re handrails being required – yes, probably a building code for that, but as far as I know there aren’t any building inspections for residential in my area unless a specific project is being done that requires a permit and inspection related just to that. Otherwise who knows what people have modified in their homes over the past 50+ years… unless it comes up during a home inspection associated with a purchase of the home.

Hi Susie! Hope you had a nice weekend.

Okay, I’ll get this posted.