HI Everyone,

Again, no email that anyone had posted. I will just have to check in daily.
We are working like mad on DD's house, trying to finish it up before she moves in. It's going well, but I'm seriously tired of doing it everyday. DH and I think if we ever did flip a house, it would be like this, but we won't be on such a close time line. This was fun, but it's turning into a job
Lucyee, when are you leaving again? How long will you be gone? Hope you have a safe trip and yours sister is getting better everyday.

Anne, speaking of sisters, best wishes to your sister this week. I know it's going to stressful for her, your mom and you.

Ali, yesterday, gas had gone down to 2.77 a gallon. I wonder if anyone will get into trouble for price gouging when this is over with. Oil companies are reporting record profits (that is only what they are reporting, I tend to think they might not report everything ). Gas is still available everywhere here so far. I am sorry you can't make your trip home. At least you will be safe. I would be worried about making that trip too.

Hi Kate, what is your job that you do? Working with children is a very noble profession, I admire you for doing that.

Barb, I hope your taking care of yourself. I know it's hard to eat and resting is hard to do too when your going through this. Hugs to you .

I better get going, I have to lay some carpet that I'm having some trouble cutting. Take care everyone, Nikki

Hi Everyone! Happy labor day! Where has the Summer gone??

Nikki, Boy, it sounds like you are really working full time, on your DD's house. I ca imagine how hard it is to be at it, everyday, but I know the rewards will be great for you, when you and DH complete all your work. I return to my Sister's on Friday and if she continues to improve the way she has been, I am sure that things will fall into place and then, I will be going back to visiting every couple of months, as I usually do. Otherwise, it is too hard for me, to keep up the pace, anymore. Thanks for your good wishes.
Big waves to Ann, Ali, Kate. Hope you are enjoying the day.
Barb, You are in my thoughts, I know how hard each day is for you. Prayers for all of you.

Take care and I'll TTYL. Lucyee

This is the first day of the rest of my life. How many times have I heard that said, and said it myself, but today it takes on new meaning. I have to start realizing my mom is no longer around. She was not only my mom, but my best friend. We did almost everything together, we live only a couple of blocks apart, and I either saw her or talked to her every day.

The funeral is over, and everyone is back to their own homes and lives. My sister Val & I went over to her house yesterday and cleaned out the refridgerator and freezer and locked up the house. My brother is the executiter of the will and the "estate" such as it is, so I'm leaving all those detail to him.

So other than laundry (which I've put off much too long) I plan to get my act together, plan my meals for the week, and get back to the exercise mode

HI Everyone,

I have been working on DD's house (bet that's news, ). It's getting there. I'm wishing it was my house, I love that place.
Barb, it is so difficult to face the day to day things when your feeling this way. I've always thought that if you stick to a routine, then the routines seems to carry you along, if that makes any sense.

Lucyee, I never did know, what problems is your sister dealing with? You are a very good sister for helping her out. Bless your heart

Hi everyone else. It's getting to be fall around here. I find leaves in my water fountain everyday now. The tomatoes are starting to look like kind of leggy and the impatients are too. Hope your all doing well. I have to get back on track with my diet plan and exercise. I have moved back into the next size of pants, It is uncomforable being this large and trying to work.

I better finish this up and get going. Take care all, Nikki

Hi! Nikki, I was glad to get your post, before I head off to my Sisters tomorrow. Nice to hear that you are enjoying your DD's house. It does feel strange, when Fall starts to come our way. Watching the things of Summer, fade away. However, when the leaves start changing and all those beautiful colors are here, they are wonderful to look at. My Sister has been ill, for some time. She was suffering from Depression, after she lost her two Dear Sons, 38 and 32 yrs. old, one had Brain Cancer and the other, an accident. They were like my sons, as well. I was never blessed with children of my own, but I am a second Mom, to all my Nieces and Nephews and I have quite a few. Anyway, even though, it was 10yrs ago, she has had a difficult time of it. On top of that, she lost her Daughter In Law, 42 yrs., 3 yrs. ago. Besides that she has a Bladder problem, which the urologists say they can't fix. She is 10 yrs. older than I am, but she has been a great Sister to me, so I am glad to help. The good part is that we finally found the right Dr., for her and he has given her new medication, which is really helping her, with her Depression. Also, a good physical therapist, to help her, with her walking and back problems. A lot going on, at once. It is looking good, though, finally.

Thinking of you, Barbara. I found out myself, that what Nikki mentioned about Routine worked a lot for me. It still does not take away our pain, but it helps us get through each day. You are in my prayers.

Hi, Annie, Ali and Kate. Hope you all have a good day. I am going away tomorrow, so I won't be able to post to you all, until I return. Until then, take care and you'll be in my thoughts. Lucyee

Good afternoon,

Thankfully we won't be seeing much of anything of Ophelia in our neck of the woods. It's a good thing we cancelled our trip because we'd have probably run right smack dab into her along the way.

Lucy, sorry about all that your sister has gone through these past years. How awful losing both your children and a DIL. It's good that you're there for her. Like you, I don't have any children either. I hope you have a safe trip and have a good visit. I'm glad that things seem to be working out for her.

Nikki, I bet you're DD's house is shaping up nicely. Why don't you ask your DD if she'll switch houses. Pretty soon you'll be raking leaves. That was one chore I didn't mind doing in the yard.

Barb, what Nikki and Lucy said about keeping a routine to help you through is good advice. I've been where you are now. A routine kept me going plus leaning on my friends and family.

Anne, your sister has her surgery this week, I'll be thinking about her. Please let us know how she's doing.

Kate, are you busy now that school has started? I'm sure the first week of school things will be in a turmoil.

The weather has gotten a bit less humid. It's still hot, but doesn't feel as bad. We also have a pretty nice breeze. It won't be long now before I'm able to open up the house and let in some fresh air.

Hope you all have a wonderful day.
Ali

Hi all,

I agree that a routine helps keep things going, but somehow I can't seem to get it together yet. I intended to go work out everyday this week, but couldn't seem to make my self actually do it. I'm sure that part of it has to do with the fact that that was me and Mom's special time together. We would meet at the health club and walk or do water aerobics and sit and visit for a while before I'd go to work, and she'd go home. There zre a lot of ladies who have been very supportive of me there, and I'm just having a hard time going back. I think that I know that they will all be sympathic to me and my usual way of handling thing is to ignore them. If I go back I will not be able to ignore the feeling I've been trying to ignore. Does that make any sense?

This has been a very long week for me, but at least I've had a job to go to. We got word yesterday that one of our doc's son was killed in a car wreck Thursday. We dod not get any details.

Then there was all the stuff trying to get mother's estate settled. My brother is taking care of all the legal stuff, but my sister and I have had to do a lot of the "house-keeping" aspects and I got the job to handling all the insurance stuff.

Well thanks to all of you for letting me vent and get some things out in the open. Maybe now I can deal with them

Hi Everyone,

We're still working on DD's house. I'm enjoying it to no end, DH hates it passionately and never lets a moment go by without letting me know that. Later, he apologizes for being such a whiner. Today was a good day, he went to visit his son, so I worked alone most of the day. DD came over and helped too, but she is no problem, and can't wait to move in. Tomorrow, he is suppose to help some with the cabinets, so maybe I'll be busy in another room and only have to hear the complaining from a distance

Ali, I'm glad that the last Ophelia missed you. Isn't that the same one that is still going by the east coast now? Sure seems to have hung around for a long time.

Lucyee, have a safe trip and can't wait till you come back. Thanks for sharing that about your sis.

Barb, your going through a really hard time right now. I lost my parents about 15 years ago. Dad died of cancer and mom of alzheimers. Not at the same time, but fairly close to each other. It takes a long time to work through your feelings and you have every right not to rush it.
Sorting out possessions is especially difficult. My folks lived through the depression, so their house was filled with stuff from the past 50 years of their lives, if not longer. It took me a good year to get through it all. Finally, there was basically garbage (probably priceless antiques these days). I couldn't stand it anymore, so I hired some people that came and hauled everything away for $50. I never did miss any of it. I found that if I made lists of things to do it helped. If you can only do 15 minutes of sorting a day, you will make progress.
As far as exercise goes, maybe you should think about trying something else for a change. Walking outdoors or join Curves. Personally, I really enjoy doing Leslie Sansones walking tapes. Exercise of any kind is great for helping with stress. I find I can walk in there (exercise room former known as DD's bedroom ) with my teeth clenched together and by the time I'm done, I'm more relaxed than I've been all day. Well, I'm a great one to talk, I haven't exercised all month. I have been working my behind off at DD's house, unfortunately, my behind is not listening and is not getting any smaller. I will have to get back on track myself and soon. BIG HUGS to you Barb

Anne, hope your sister is doing well and you too. I know your really busy with eveything, take care.

Kate, how's the school season going? Bet your hopping.

I better run, DH just got home, take care all, Nikki

Hi everyone,

It's a beautiful morning, cooler than it has been. We're still in the 90's during the day though.

DH & I took a ride to Sanibel Is. yesterday. Just about everything was closed. I'm sure it's because it's the off season.

Nikki, glad you're enjoying yourself working on your DD's house. I like working alone, then I don't have to listen to what I'm doing wrong and how it should be done. I just hear it the next day after it's done. I'm glad Ophelia missed us too. It's just spinning around out in the Atlantic. It's supposed to hit in someplace in the Carolinas.

Barb, I know what a difficult time you're going through now. I lost my Mom 26 yrs. ago this month from cancer and I lost my Dad 4 yrs. ago. I know it's hard to go places where you used to go with your mother or where you would see her every day. The first time you go back to the health club will be the hardest. But, it will get better with time. Is there someplace else that offers water aerobics? If so, then I would go there for a while until you are ready to go back to the health club. Nikki had a good suggestion to join Curves or get some exercise videos. Let us know how things go.

Kate, I just picked up The Da Vinci Code to read. I haven't started it yet. I'll let you know how I like it.

Lucyee, hope you had a good trip to your sister's. Hope everything goes well.

Anne, how is your sister doing? I wish her a speedy recovery.

Well they say the first time for everything is the hardest. I made it to the health club today, and it was hard. Most of the people knew about Mom, but some didn't and asked about her. But I got through it, and I do feel better having exercised, so I guess things will even out now.

Nothing else it going on around here. I'm still selling off stuff on ebay, but it has slowed down a good bit. But every little bit helps.

Today was a big mail day at work, so I was busy all afternoon. Nothing else much to say.

Hi,
Barb, I'm so sorry about your mother. It's difficult no matter how old you are. I lost my mother when I was 11 and even now there are times when I get sad. You were so close to your mother that it will be especially hard. I'm glad that you got that first trip to the health club over with. This will be a year of a lot of firsts. I'm keeping you in my prayers. Take care.

I don't have much going on except work. This has been the worst opening of school that I can remember. We still have people coming in to register. There have been over 200 since the 1st of August We've gotten a few from Louisiana and Mississippi who are staying with relatives.

Ali: Hope you enjoy the DaVinci Code. To me it was a story, not factual. I'm reading the Peach Shortcake Murder....it's fluff Glad that you're getting some good weather. I'm sorry that you weren't able to make the trip north. Gas prices were terrible around here, $3.49 a gallon! This week they're coming down some.

Nikki: You've sure been busy! Your DD must love how it's coming along. What a nice gift to her! I think my DH and I are the original packrats I hate to part with my things and he's the same. Maybe I should clean his stuff out and he should do mine!! I don't want my kids to have to do it.

Anne: How are things going? Is your sister doing okay? Did you make it to the Elton John concert? The weather has been just beautiful. We've had weekend after weekend of sunny skies...a rarity for us.

Lucyee: Your sister has had many ordeals in her life. It's good that you're there to help out and able to spend time together. Have a safe trip and let us know when you get back.

We had friends from PA for the weekend. It's always fun, but I was exhausted and haven't accomplished much since. Time to get a move on and do something before bedtime.

Take care,
Kate

Hello everyone,

When DH went into work Mon. he asked if he could get his 2 weeks off again. He was able to get the last week in Sept. & 1st week in Oct. off. So, we're heading north on the 24th. As soon as we had hung up I ran to the garage and got our suitcase out.

Barb, I'm glad you got your first visit to the health club over with. Also, it gave the people there who knew you and your Mom a chance to talk about her. It will get easier as time goes on.

Kate, it sounds like a mad house at work. I've read that some victims from Katrina are going to a few of the northern states. MA took some of them in. I read that they've housed some of them on the Cape. I am so sorry that you lost your mother at such a young age. It must've been very hard on you, especially during your teen years. I was 31 when I lost my mother and remember how hard it was. I can't imagine what it would be like to lose her at 11. I still haven't started The Da Vinci Code yet, But, I'm viewing it as fiction rather than non. I should get crackin' on it so that I can give it to either my cousin or MIL when we get to MA. I enjoy reading fluff after a book I have to concentrate on.

Anne, how are things with you? Hope everything is ok.

Nikki, how are things progressing on your DD's house? When does she move in?

Lucyee, hope you're enjoying your visit.

Have a great day!
Ali

Just checking in to say hello.

HI everyone,

Wow, it's getting cooler here. It was 45 last night and we had to wear a jacket. DH was kidding me that in a few months, we would think that was warm and run around in shorts and short sleeves when it gets to 45. We are still working on DD's house, but it's starting to get finished up, finally. She moves in next Thursday or Friday.

Kate, gas is back down to 2.50 a gallon around here now. How's it doing up where you are?

Ali, Iowa has taken in around 500-600 survivors from Katrina so far. When they were loading buses, some of them were told they could stay where they were, or come to Iowa and they chose to stay there. I couldn't figure that out, I guess they were waiting for something better. The ones that have come here have been given housing, clothing and jobs. I don't know if they will all stay, but several of them that were interviewed said they will.

Anne, hope things are ok with you, think about you often.

Barb, Hi back at you. That is great that you went to the health club. Hope work is getting better for you.

Shoot, I got to run, take care everyone, Nikki

Hi everybody!
Anne: Did you get those torrential rains yesterday? We had 3" or more. There was lots of flooding. A picture in the paper today showed one section of an expressway that looked like a lake. Lots of people were stranded in their cars around the city. It just came so fast that the drainage systems couldn't handle it. I hope everything is going okay for you and your sister.

Ali: I'm so glad that you're going to be able to come north!! You must be so excited. Is your suitcase packed? Have you started The DaVinci Code yet? I couldn't get into The Peach Cobbler Murder....it was a little too much fluff

Nikki: Your daughter must be getting so excited about moving into her new home. You really accomplished a lot so quickly. Our gas prices are down to $2.89 and we're jubilant! There's something a little out of whack about that!

Barb: Keeping you close in thought. Hope that things are settling down a bit and you've been able to get back into some sort of routine.

Lucyee: Hope you're enjoying your time away.

Went to a wedding last night. It was a girl (early 30s) from work that I've known since she started in the school district. She did some really different things that I thought were nice touches. On each table she had the name of a city and a computerized list of interesting facts connected with her and her husband related to the city. It was fun to switch them between tables and got people talking.

Tonight we're getting together with friends and Monday I'm REALLY going to get serious about choosing an eating plan to stick to. Work has been nuts so I haven't even gone to Curves much either.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Take care,
Kate