OMG, the sun shines!

It's been raining here....a LOT.  This morning, though, the sun shines if only for a short while since we're supposed to get MORE rain.  We are about 16 inches above the yearly average. To see the sun gladdens my heart.  What also gladdens my heart is the fact that I'll be taking a trip shortly to where it's sunny and warm and far, far away.  These next few days will be busy deciding what to take, making sure bills are paid, and doing some housekeeping.  I'm going to the place my parents honeymooned ever so long ago.  While I know the place(s) have changed it will still be a memorable trip.  I'll take lots of photos and will try to post some so you know where I went.  Meanwhile, y'all have a blessed day.

News wanted

There are a few people I follow here.  Unfortunately if something goes wrong I have no way of finding out what it is or how that person is.  I don't have emails or such for relatives or friends.  I do know that one is in the VA and if his baby sis could let me know how he is doing I'd appreciate it very much.

Meanderings

I've become tired.  Tired of the violence, tired of the gimme generation, tired of political correctness, tired of listening to the liberals who want to take from the haves to give to the have nots, tired of helicopter moms, tired of university profs who think their students' feelings shouldn't be hurt, tired of seeing children's games banned because a child might get a skinned knee.  Just plain tired.  It's gotten to where I just want to curl up in my recliner, knit and forget the outside world even exists.  Of course I can't do that.  Life must go on after all and I have much to do. So I will smile and carry on.  And I won't watch the news.
Y'all have a good day. 

Is there something in the air?  Or is it in the water?  What is it with people these days?  So many senseless attacks, so many senseless murders.  And that's just in this country.  The story of the two toddlers, left alone in their apartment, who put their baby sibling in the oven and turned the oven on just absolutely floored me.  What is going on with humans?  Is there some kind of subliminal signal being broadcast over the airways?  I am not ordinarily a conspiracy theorist but something sure as hell is going on.  Or is it just that the news stations have to provide us with violence for ratings.  I don't watch U.S. news but I do read some stories on Facebook.  Once in a while I turn on BBC news to see some of what is going on in the world that the U.S. stations wouldn't broadcast.  Violence seems to be the new entertainment these days and it is distressing, to say the least.  It's as if Rome is falling again.  I'm glad I don't have to raise children and that I have lived the years I have.
Questions.....I'm told that Syrian men are fleeing so they can get work in another country so they can establish a place for their families to come to.  The question is...why aren't they fighting to keep their country instead?  And why aren't our law agencies doing a better job going after the arms dealers who are supplying the enemy (such as ISIS)?  And why does our government continue to give money to countries that want to destroy us?  Something's gotta give and I'm afraid it's going to be soon.
Am I a doomsayer?  Maybe, but I sure don't see things getting better soon without something being done to stop the madness.

Sunshine

The sun has been shining for the past few days which has improved my mood greatly.  Also my cat, Cleo, had the stitches removed and the cone which improved her mood greatly.  One of the side effects of her surgery is that she now sleeps snugged up next to me on the bed.  This will help keep me warm when it gets really cold out. 
Not much going on here.  The world is in turmoil and that's enough for me.  More than enough actually.  I'm glad I grew up when I did.  Enough said.
I will go about my life day to day and keep my fingers crossed that sanity once again reigns.
Y'all have a good day.  I'm going to count my blessings.  You do, too.

Gray

It's another gray day.  I'm beginning to think we've switched location with Seattle.  More rain to come and that does not do good for my state of mind.  I have diversion at the moment with family here but they will be going home this afternoon.
My kitty, Cleo, had to have some surgery.  She had a weird cyst growing out of the side of her face.  It was hard and conical in shape.  The vet has sent off a piece for biopsy.  She thinks it's benign but wants to be sure.  I'll pick kitty up after the family leaves.  That way it will be quiet when she gets home since my four-year old granddaughter is somewhat rambunctious.
I will be going to TN on Monday and hope the weather is better there although the forecast doesn't look like it.  At least I'll be with a friend and who knows what trouble we'll get into.
Y'all have a pleasant day.

Dreary

It's another dreary day.  And that's just how I feel.  I don't like the time change and the weather has not made it any easier to adjust.  I don't think babies adjust well either.  Wish "they" would leave it the hell alone.  Or at least set it half-way and leave it alone.  You know, 30 minutes....in the middle and leave it there.  We are going to get up in the dark and go to bed in the dark anyway.  But right now I could use some sunshine.  People do suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD and I am one of them.  Why don't I move to Florida or the Caribbean?  I like the change of seasons and as long as the sun is prevalent I'm fine.  Give me days on end of rain and I'm not so fine.  And where I live we don't get hurricanes, once in a great while a tornado will pass close by, a very minor earthquake has been known to occur and an ice storm has taken out the power a couple of times.  These I can handle.  Days on end of drear not so much.  I hope to stay busy so I don't think about it.  What about you?  How do you handle days on end of rain?

Blessed sleep

Yesterday was an all day (and I do mean all day) art festival in which I participated with 5 others with whom I "play" on Fridays.  In anticipation of it being all day I went to bed quite early the night before (yes 7:30 is early) because I had to get up really early. Just because I went to bed doesn't mean I went to sleep right away. I had the same thing for dinner, except the brand of cheese was different.  Around 2:45 a.m. my body decided it was time to get me up to go to the bathroom......in a hurry.  I don't know exactly how long I sat but my legs started to go numb.  I didn't know if this was going to continue during the day so I took my friend Immodium before I went back to bed to try to get at least another hour of sleep.  I made it through the day with no problems except being exceptionally sleepy so when I got home around 6:30 p.m. I ate a bowl of cereal and went to bed.  I fell asleep almost immediately and didn't wake up until 8:15 this morning.  I think I was tired.

Power

Isn't it amazing how much we rely on electricity?  We've had so much rain that the ground couldn't hold some of the trees when the winds picked up.  I went about 30 hours without power along with over 2,000 other folks here.  For all I know there are some still without power.  The EMC called out for help from other places and yesterday I observed at least two dozen power trucks parked together in one spot one town over.  When I called the power company to let them know I still didn't have power the young lady on the other end started to explain about how there were so many people without power and that others had been brought in, etc.. I then asked her about all those idle trucks.  About 20 minutes later I had power.  Hmmmmm. 
Being without power shows us just how much we rely on it.  I'm fine for a few days if need be but miss the light most.  I can stay warm in the winter.  I wish I had a gas stove, but can cook on the wood stove in the basement.  I'm beginning to rethink food supplies.  Hate to think of those in the cities if the grids go down.  Gives one something to ponder once in a while.
Y'all have a good day.

Still soggy

It's still raining here...and lots of other places which are getting it worse.  For the first time in my memory the John C. Campbell Folk School has cancelled their big crafts festival this weekend.  There's a big race going on at Road Atlanta today that is supposed to last for 1,000 miles but it may be cut short to 5 hours due to the weather.  We used to joke that the former owner made a pact with the devil for good weather but ever since NASCAR took over well.......
Since I can't work outside I reckon I might get some sewing done. Y'all stay dry and have a safe weekend.

Feeling Soggy

I'm beginning to feel soggy.  I've lost count of how many days of rain we've had.  There was one day where the sun peeked out for a bit but not long enough to amount to anything.  It's supposed to rain all weekend.  Guess I won't be getting any yard work done.  There's a group of us that meet at a local gallery every Friday and that will be the bright spot of the week.  These ladies are fun to be with.  There is another bright spot, though.  It's my new truck.  OMG, this thing has more bells and whistles than I could ever imagine.  I haven't bought a new vehicle in 12 years (I'm keeping my 12 year old Astrovan).  I'm going to have to sit in the truck with the manual and get acquainted with all those bells and whistles.  Of course, to me, it means all that gadgetry just means more to go wrong but one cannot buy a simple new vehicle anymore.  At any rate, it's going to have to last a long time so I'll take care of it just as I have the van.  The reason for the truck?  The ability to haul stuff from the big box store and 4-wheel drive.  I had a truck before and liked that ability, especially when we've had snow or ice storms.  I've decided that, if I can't figure something out, I'll take it to the dealership and let them show me (if they can).  I think I'll wait until tomorrow to get acquainted 'cause I don't have anything else scheduled and it may take me all day.
Y'all have a good weekend and I hope you don't get too soggy.

Not much going on in my little corner of the world.  Fall is in the air and the leaves are beginning to turn.  I harvested a bunch of pear shaped tomatoes from the garden yesterday and some red carrots the day before.  I'll get more tomatoes until the first frost.  Didn't have any luck with corn and squash.  But then, I didn't get to the garden much this summer.
Went down with my friend D to check out the pond.  Although the level is okay there's a lot of work to be done on the dam.  Weeds, weeds and more weeds.  Some taller than me.  We'll work on that one day when she comes over.  She is the weed destroying queen.
Have been getting some sewing and knitting done, but that's about it.  I think the one thing I hate most about aging (especially after breaking the leg) is that I might think I can keep going physically doing something but the body just isn't up to it.  I'm extremely thankful to have D as a friend as she is so willing to help with the outdoor work.
Y'all have a lovely day.

I wonder

I wonder if people realize how easy it would be (or is) for Isis militants to infiltrate the EU by "fleeing" along with all the others who are doing so.  I also wonder what Isis thinks it is accomplishing by destroying ancient buildings.  I'm planning a trip to Germany next year....I may have to rethink that.

Thoughts

I sure do wish that some of the people I used to follow here would come back.  Guess they went to another social medium.  Oh well, at least I still have a few to read.
I have to wonder what ISIS thinks it's accomplishing by destroying ancient buildings and monuments.  And what is China thinking?  Really?
Thank goodness I grew up when I did.  I don't know how many years I have left but at least the majority of the life I've had didn't have to put up with the madness that's out there now.  I fear for my grandchildren and the life they may have to look forward to.  If things don't change Orwell and Ayn Rand will have truly predicted the future.
Were you of the age would you bring a child into this world as it is today in hopes that s/he might be able to change things?

Visit

My sister flew in last Sunday and Monday we drove to NC to visit with my brother and sister-in-law.  What a visit.  They really went all out.  A ferry ride to Ft. Fisher to see the aquarium, a helicopter ride to view the area in which they live, a boat ride on the Cape Fear river to learn some history of the area (and a view of a battleship).  We drove back to my place on Friday and on Saturday I took her on a tour of where I live and also the town of Helen.  She couldn't believe the number of people tubing on the river.  I told her I wouldn't want to eat any fish that came out of it.  Alas, she had to fly home yesterday.  It was a wonderful time with family this last week and I look forward to the time she and I will spend together next year. 

Glitches

Twice now my computer has come up with a message that it cannot load.  Then you have the choice of letting it try to fix itself or start Windows normally.  I think it has something to do with updates not downloading properly.  The first time it couldn't fix anything but just kept running the 'fix' program.  Then I tried shutting it down, turning it back on, and highlighting "Start Windows Normally" and it worked.  Yesterday the same thing happened so I let the fixit program run for a while.  Nothing happened so I turned the computer off.  This morning it works.  Go figure.  It happened both times after it downloaded updates before shutting off the computer.  Wish Microsoft would get itself straightened out.  I may have to look into a Mac if this keeps up.

When someone says he's going to do something for me I expect it to be done.  When he says he's going to do it. Right now my grass is so high I'm losing sight of my giraffe (just kidding).  It was supposed to get mowed on Saturday.  Then I get a call asking if it would be okay to mow it Monday.  I agreed and let him know that the check would be in the usual place because I wouldn't be home.  Then I get a call from his wife or mother (I'm not sure which because they both sound the same) asking if it would be okay to mow another day because he had to take child to school open house.  I said okay.  Got home Friday and still no mowing done.  So I called him yesterday and left a message telling him I'm going to find someone else.  I hate it when I can't rely on someone.  I was really trying to be tolerant because he has significant health problems and I know he could use the extra money.  However.....this was the second time the mowing was put on hold and when he and his family did mow the first time the clippings were everywhere in clumps.  Why can't people just admit they can't follow through?  Sigh.

Getting away

I'll be away next week.  Going to learn some more about making baskets.  It'll be good to get away now that my leg has pretty much gotten back to normal.  I still can't do some things but that will come eventually.  I'm no longer in therapy but will begin going to do some exercising when I get back.  One of the nice things about getting away is that I don't have to deal with drama....others' drama. 
A friend is going to take care of my kitties.  I just took care of hers.  It's nice to know that one can reciprocate.  And while I'm away the yard will get mowed.  It's nice to know I don't have to be here.  It'll be great to come home to a yard that looks good.
I'm hoping to get a pole barn built.  Found out one has to have a building permit!  Really?!  Guess the building department needs the money.  At least it doesn't require a set of plans.  I mean there's no power going to it, nor water.  It's just a pole barn!
Geesh.
Oh well, y'all have a peaceful day and a good week. 

Comments

I wonder how many bloggers check to see if there have been comments made regarding their blog.  I do and I usually put an acknowledgement that I have seen the comments.  So how many people check to see if the blogger has acknowledged the comments?  I know a few of you do 'cause I go back to check.  It's nice to know that there are people out there in the blue nowhere that actually take the time to read what you have to say.  Even if it's a somewhat controversial blog it's always interesting to view someone else's take on things and no one is going to come challenge you to a duel.  Blogging is a great way to vent.  Not everyone is going to agree with what you have to say.  If they did there might be some peace in the world but it would be dull.  Of course, there are some things I won't write about because well, just because.  I have pencil and paper for that and I can destroy what I write so it can't be seen.  The act of writing, however, has at least let me vent and that calms me down.
Y'all have a good day.

Progress

Progress has been slow.  While my knee has improved greatly, now my foot wants to bother me.  Ever since the therapist had me do an exercise involving standing on my left foot and tossing a ball against a soft surface then catching it as it bounces back the top of the arch of my left foot started to hurt.  Arrrrrrgh!  I have been putting Arnica on it and will be putting ice on it, maybe even see if I can use my TENS unit.  It's getting to be downright depressing! Meanwhile the pond (remember the pond?) has not gotten so that the pipe needs to be cleared.  However, now there are more lily pads than ever and stuff that never grew in it before is beginning to grow.  Nothing I can do about it now.  So frustrating!  Did I mention that patience is not one of my strong suits?  Guess I'll just have to grin (grimace) and bear it.
Y'all have a productive day for me.

Where Have All The Bloggers Gone?

It used to be that I could connect with about a dozen people every morning through their blogs.  Now it's down to 3 maybe 4.  One I know passed away and another may have.  Have they gone to another site?  Facebook?  I may just see if that's the case this morning.  I happen to like this site because I can vent without worrying about people going ballistic publicly.  I like reading my daughter's blog and the few others that continue to post here.  I don't always leave a comment, but then I know I don't have to.  And when I do leave one at least I won't be lambasted, mostly because I agree with a lot of what's being written.
I think it's important to have a place where one can put one's thoughts, vents, anger, sadness, etc.  I know it helps me.  Sometimes, when I just want to lash out or break something, putting how I feel in words helps soften the sometimes gut reaction.  I don't write often because I often can't find the right words.
If you know of some interesting people who you think I might enjoy connecting with let me know.  (yeah, yeah, not proper grammar).  Otherwise, have a GOOD day.

Back on my feet....sort of

Yesterday was the first day of therapy.  I've been given a series of exercises to do at home, some of which I have already started doing.  While I try to walk without help I do depend on one crutch in certain situations, particularly going up and down stairs.  I still sit a lot, which is frustrating, because my house is beginning to get so dusty, etc. that you could write a novel on the mantel piece.  Oh well, I'll get to it one of these days.


My friend DeeDee continues to spoil me with baked goodies.  This time it's chocolate banana bread.  Interesting taste.  I think she's trying to help me put back the 20 pounds I lost.  I've lost a lot of muscle mass, too, and not just in my legs.  My arms look like  skinny chicken legs with lots of wrinkles.  Time to get out the weights.  My appetite is coming back but I still prefer light foods and fruits.  My friend B is coming over tonight and she's bringing pizza.  I think I'll enjoy that.  And her company, of course.


This break has taken more out of me than I ever imagined.  Just goes to show that age does have its drawbacks.  I hate the thought that I just can't do what I used to.  I'll be working hard to get back the strength I used to have and then some, if possible.  I don't want to go through anything like this again.


Y'all have a really good day and enjoy it.

It's Slow Going

I'm getting there slow but sure.  I can now feed the kittehs and clean their litter box.  I'll be doing that also for a friend who's travelling with my daughter.  With the exercises I've been given to do and therapy which starts on Tuesday I should be fully mobile soon.  It feels like it's been a long haul but, I guess, in the grand scheme of things it could have been worse. 

I'm finally, finally, back up on crutches after surgery.  If you ever have the choice of letting bone heal itself slowly or having glue put in,...let it heal naturally.  The other option may be a mite quicker, but a lot more painful.  My friends know I have a high tolerance for pain but this.....on a pain scale of 1 - 10 it's a 15 at best.  The Hydrocodone made it worse.  It didn't help ease the pain and also screwed up my head.  After taking two of them, as directed, I switched to the Tramadol once they wore off..  It isn't as potent as hydrocodone but it helped with the pain, let me sleep and is non-narcotic.  Why is it so painful you might ask.  Well, it's because the good Dr. drills into the bone to place the glue.  Then he might have to chase after errant globules of the stuff so it doesn't harden where it isn't supposed to.  At any rate, I'm back on the road to walking with the help of exercise and therapy starting tomorrow.  It's been a long road and I hope to never have to travel it again.  If there is a next time I'll let the body heal itself instead of trying to take a short cut.
As a side note....you find out who your friends really are, especially if, like me, you live alone.

Surgery

Tomorrow is the big day.  The good Dr. is going to drill into my knee and put bone glue where the break is.  He told me that I may curse him for a few days while the glue hardens, or I may not.  Some people take longer than others to heal.  I'm hoping it's the I may not and start getting around without crutches SOON.  The muscles, particularly in my left shoulder, are telling me they aren't happy.  I reckon that if I had to get around on sticks longer they'd adjust.  I've gotten pretty antsy, particularly this week.  It's been over a month since I first broke the bone and sitting around the house is definitely not my cup of tea.  There is lots that needs to be done around here.  I'm lucky to have a friend that loves to play in the dirt.  Thanks to her my veggie garden is showing signs of maturing. 
Don't know how long it'll be before I give a progress report (if you really need one).  Meanwhile I'd appreciate any healing vibes you send this way.

It's been a little over three weeks since I broke my leg.  I'm going stir crazy.  I can at least drive now so getting out of the house is not the issue.  The issue is that I can't do anything around the yard or garden or pond and there is lots to do.  In two weeks (I wish it were sooner) I'm going to have out-patient surgery.  The way the good doctor explained it to me when I saw him was.....I could go six weeks or more on the crutches or I could have surgery and be on them for maybe one week after the surgery.  Guess what I chose.  Yup...surgery.  What he's going to do is drill into where the break is and insert bone glue.  Yes, bone glue.  Who'd a thunk it?  Apparently it hardens in about a week or less.  He told me I'd curse him the first few days as it is hardening but after that I'll be good as new or better.  I was lucky when I fell that the coral he put in the first time I broke that leg acted as a rock which prevented this break from being worse.  The bad thing is that a partial break takes longer to heal than a full break.
At least now I don't have to wear that darn long leg brace.  After I'm healed, though, I think I'll get a small knee brace to wear when I'm out and about in the yard, etc.  It is said that third time is a charm but I don't think that applies to broken bones.
Y'all have a safe day and remember:  believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see.

Made it

Well, I made it!  Got up the stairs and had my bath and washed my hair.  It wasn't easy but I was determined.  I've done this before, you see.  About ten years ago.  Same leg, almost the same spot.  Just not the same way.  Anyway, it felt good to be clean.  Also was able to get clean clothes.  So now all I can do is get more used to using crutches and then, perhaps, I'll be able to start driving....sometime next week.  You know, "they" always give you advice in the ER or whatever about being careful at "our age" watching our steps, being careful on stairs, gravel, etc.  Well, I am careful even though I am in pretty darn good shape for my age.  But sometimes the unforeseen can happen.  Many friends have called offering their help if I need it.  It's nice to know there are still folks out there who will take the time to help if needed.

I've been sleeping....a lot.  It isn't the medication 'cause I'm not taking any of the pain med, just Tylenol if I need it.  I need to get my butt in gear and get a bath and wash my hair!  I'm just so tired I feel like my get up and go got up and went.  Guess that comes with injuring yourself at my age.  Today, however, I'm determined is the day.  Wish me luck.

Laid up

As of this past Monday I've been laid up with a partial break in my left tibia.  It happened when I walked down to the pond to check on things.  I was wearing my boots which have no traction and when I stepped on the top step (wet, slick railroad tie) my left foot went out from under me and down I went.  I heard something go as I fell.  Somehow (must have been adrenaline) I managed to make my way back to the house and up the stairs where I got my purse and then called 911.  I made it back down the stairs and waited for the ambulance.  The x-rays at the local hospital didn't show a break.  My daughter made an appointment for me with my orthopedist for the next day.  His x-rays didn't show a break either so an MRI was ordered.  Sure enough, it showed an occluded break.  The fun part was getting into the Dr.'s office.  Imagine, if you will, my daughter trying to hold me up while I tried to hop on one foot to get into the building (she couldn't find a wheelchair).  A thank you goes out to the lady who tried to support me on the other side.  Luckily one of the two medical staff who were going to lunch went back into the building and got a wheelchair.   So....I've been scooting around the house in my desk chair (just like I did the last time I broke my leg....same one).  Neighbors, friends and daughter are making sure I'm taken care of.  Happily my daughter found my crutches so those get to be used starting today.  Had to cancel a class I was going to take at the Folk School  :(  but will hopefully be able to take it next year.
Something must be going on with the alignment of the planets.  My sister's oldest granddaughter broke the same leg in the same place on the same day as I did.  Another person I know was accidentally shot by his friend when his friend was buying a gun.  Totally accidental but what idiot hands a potential buyer a loaded gun without telling him? Happily the shot was through and through which is fortunate since the bullet was a .45 hollow point.  The victim will be without some small bowel but will otherwise be fine.
Another friend is going through major depression and severe anxiety.  The list goes on.
Enough already!
So....today I'm going to try to take a bath and wash my hair.  I've done it before I can do it again.  After that I'll take a nap.
What's going on in your life/

New vehicle

I want to buy a new vehicle.  A pickup truck.  Why?  With all the yard work I do my van is inadequate for hauling mulch, soil, etc.  And my van is getting old(er).  Even though I take care of it when needed it has almost 250,000 miles on it.  A truck will be extremely handy also in the winter when I need 4-wheel drive.  I had a truck before and used it well.  Now it sits in my daughter's driveway.  It's being used by her roommates.  It has over 250,000 miles on it and still runs.  It's a Chevy and that's what I'm going to buy after I get all the things taken care of that need it here at the house.  House comes first.  It may mean that I can't put as much down on the truck as I'd like but I can always make it up by paying the truck off early.

A mouse in the house

My cat Cleo managed to sneak a mouse into the house last night.  She brings in lizards, too.  All so her little sister PB has something to play with.  PB isn't allowed outside since she only has the use of three of her legs.  At any rate, there was this poor little field mouse dashing hither, thither and yon with PB chasing it.  It finally ended up in the pantry, which the cats can't get into.  Although I opened the doors I couldn't see it for all the stuff stuffed on the floor.
If the mouse moved around during the night I didn't hear it. 'Course my hearing aids were out so....  But this morning I awoke to PB making a racket in my bathroom.  She was desperately trying to get behind the door which I keep open via a water filled jug and old iron.  I knew there was something behind there so got my handy-dandy flashlight (just in case I had to smash something).  And there it was....a tiny field mouse....trembling and almost paralyzed with fear.  So much so that I was able to reach down and take it in my hand.  I think PB thought I was going to give it to her.  No such luck, cat.  Instead I went downstairs, opened the front door, went out on the porch and let the mouse do a high dive into the grass below.  Not to worry.  When Cleo wanted out I went out to check and there was no sign of mouse.
This is not the first time Cleo has managed to sneak a mouse into the house.  I try to check every time I let her in but sometimes, well..........
Needless to say I had a talk with Cleo.  She pretty much just sat there and stared at me.  Her expression was such that I knew she was thinking I'm an idiot to believe she won't get another one past me.
Such is life in the country.  Wouldn't change it for the world.  Y'all have an interesting day.

The trip

The trip to FL was short but sweet.  I stayed with my brother and his wife.  They are great hosts and I shortened my stay by a day because I didn't want to wear out my welcome.  The visit with them was great.  Unfortunately D was not feeling up to par.  Apparently her ulcer is trying to come back so her appetite wasn't very good.  We had dinner with a nice couple who are golfing friends.  Neither D nor I could eat the ribs unfortunately.  They were quite fatty and neither of us were up for that.  I managed to do away with at least one, sticking to as much of the meaty part as possible.  I think one of the meds I'm on is making me not want to eat.  Will talk to Nurse Practitioner when I see her next week.  I also think I'm developing an allergy to the medicine I was put on post endoscopy.  I don't like that I am on so many meds.  Think I will talk to family doctor about that.  If I can go off at least one I'll be happy. 
The old friend I went to see in FL is doing better than I expected.  Although his short term memory is slipping he is well aware of it and trying to take steps to alleviate the problem.  His health issues are such that he needs to go hither, thither and yon for appointments.  He can no longer drive but is lucky enough to have transportation in the form of his wife (they've been separated for 40+ years, never divorced, but that's another story) who lives not far away.  He doesn't want to go into a home but realizes that he may have no choice.  He would much rather have someone come to his home.  If he has to go into a home he'll do so kicking and screaming.  We had some good times, he and I, and I will sorely miss him when he passes through the veil.

April

Yesterday was sunny and warm.  Last night there was a brief thunderstorm with great lightning.  April is "possible" tornado month here in GA.  The weather is pretty unpredictable.  We don't get tornados often but, when we do, they can be quite devastating.  I'm just glad it's April and spring is in the air. There are daffodils blooming and the hyacinths have already shown their color. The dogwoods are beginning to bud out and the grass is beginning to green up.
 I haven't started any seeds yet since I've seen it snow in April and last year we had a hard freeze late in the season that totally killed the fig tree.  Patience is not my strong point but, much as I'd like to get things going, I'll wait 'til the end of the month.
Y'all have a pretty day.

Purging

You can tell Spring is in the air.  I'm "purging".  That means I'm getting rid of stuff.  Stuff I don't use or haven't used in over a year or no longer find useful.  The back of my van is loaded and ready to take the trip to the local thrift store, the one that supports the women's shelter.  Why don't I have a yard sale you ask.  Too much work.  I'm lazy by nature and purging is about the only work, other than gardening, that I'll be doing.  I feel the need to organize, especially my basement!  There's lots of stuff down there just waiting for someone else to enjoy.  I'm even going to get rid of a lot of the craft stuff I no longer even think of.  There's an organization here in town that helps mentally handicapped people and one of the persons involved has great ideas for the group.  They make some incredible things.  Do you get the itch to spring clean?  Is it something in the air?
Y'all have a glorious day.

I haven't written in a while.  Didn't see the "need" to since it doesn't look like anyone, except one, actually comments on what I write most of the time.  Sometimes, however, I feel the need to put down how I feel about something.  I'm a bit down right now.  Although my health, for the most part, is good I still have stomach problems and it's downright frustrating.  I've been given another medication to take for these next 30 days to see if it will solve the problem.  I'll take it even though it didn't work the last time.  This time, though, I'm taking more every day and for a longer period of time.  I used to laugh at my mother-in-law's train case of prescriptions.  Not any more.
I need to go to Florida.  I have an old friend whom I haven't seen in a long time and it's getting to that time when if I don't go I might not see him.  I've know him for over 50 years.  A long time.  He now has macular degeneration and has been in the hospital a number of times over the last two years.  Seeing as how he travelled to Alaska many a year, working in the ER at the air base, he collected a lot of stuff.  I hate to see what his condo looks like (unless he's had someone in to clean).  The point is I hope to help him de-clutter and get some order in his life before he has to go into a home.  He's offered me an air mattress to sleep on which won't be bad for a few days, but definitely not for any longer.  I'll visit with my brother and his wife, also, as they live not that far away.
Even though we haven't been close in a number of years it's almost like no time has passed when we do get in touch.  I have another friend in Houston that I've known almost as long.  Unfortunately, although I'd love to see him again, I don't think it'll happen.  But who knows?
Y'all have a peaceful day.  And if you do happen to read this, let me know would ya?  I check to see, you see.

The weather is warm right now but I am resisting doing too much outside.  It's only March and I've seen snow in April.  This next Sunday, however, I'll be going to a friend's house and we are going to make pots to start seeds in.  We'll be making them from newspaper using a handy little gadget we acquired from Lehman's catalog.  It looks something like a mortar and pestle.  I have a place on my back porch where I can set up a table on which to place the little pots so they will get sun.  I'm holding off on the seed starting, though, until next month.  I'm going to try to grow some corn, beans, squash, tomatoes and various herbs.  All the seeds are heirloom, so no GMO.  Next year I'll be experimenting with straw bale gardening.  Do you garden?

A Rant

I just saw a headline that stated U.S. Schools to close for Muslim Holidays.  WHAT?!!  So are they going to close for Jewish holidays, pagan holidays, any other religion's holidays?  What is this country coming to?  Should I go buy my burka now?  Where are we going and why am I in this basket?

Snow, bleh

I'm guessing I won't get my hair cut today.  It snowed during the night and there's about an inch to an inch and a half on the ground.  People are advised to stay off the roads.  Yesterday it was near 60 outside.  Go figure.  At least I got more firewood to the house and went down to the pond to make sure the pipe cage was cleared.  Of course, there's no school.  Poor kids will have to go more into the summer..waaa.  It really has been strange weather, though.  We're supposed to get more snow today or tonight.  I knew there was a reason I like to get away this time of year  The month of February is not a good one for me.  I love my daughter who was born in this month, but the month itself sucks.  I suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).  This means that depression sets in with winter weather.  I did have some sunshine yesterday, thank goodness.  I've thought of getting a sun lamp, but that just isn't the same.  Maybe a condo in the Caribbean?  I'd have to take my daughter 'cause she goes through the same thing.  Anyone know of an inexpensive place in St. Thomas?

It's Cold!

I live in Georgia.  It isn't supposed to get this cold.  Monday, in the middle of the night, the power went out due to trees on power lines.  Ice storm.  We've had them before.  I was without power for 16 hours.  Some are still without.  The temperature in the house plummeted but I was able to keep it bearable with a fire in the fireplace and one in the wood stove in the basement.  Also a lot of clothing and quilts over the lap.  It's still bitterly cold for this part of the country.  Into the single digits night before last and into the low double digits last night.  My heat pump had to really struggle once the power came back on and finally reached temperature yesterday afternoon.  I broke down and bought a heater to put in one room simply because it was not getting warmed up to my liking.  I live in a log house and can feel the cold coming in from between some of the logs.  It's also the room that has my computer in it and the computer doesn't like the cold.  I've been avoiding going out if possible.  I don't like the cold, can you tell?  Today I have an appointment about 45 minutes away so I'll be warming up my van well before I leave.  Luckily the skies look clear and even though it was in the low twenties this morning I should be warm enough in the van.  I'll look like the Michelin man with all the layers of clothing I'll have on but I'll be warm!
My hope is that those folks who have it worse than I will be safe and with power and warmth soon.  I keep telling myself that I am so lucky not to be living in New England right now.   Have I told you lately that I hate winter?

Retreat

Just got back from a 5 day quilt retreat.  It was a good time with friends and there was a lot of laughter as well as some swearing when things didn't turn out right.  I had a time of it with what I was working on.  A while back I bought a complete block of the month set at a yard sale.  All the patterns and fabric were included for the entire year.  I did all the cutting before the retreat so I wouldn't spend time doing that while there.  I was hoping to get all 28 blocks done (some months had two blocks, some had three).  Unfortunately for me  some of the cutting directions were incorrect and some parts missing altogether.  Needless to say the frustration level was high and if it weren't for the friend sitting across from me I probably would have chucked the whole thing in the trash.  As it is, with her help, I was able to get 7 1/2 months worth of squares done.  One month is going to have to wait until I see her again since she is going to show me how to cut and put together a particular block (one that had totally wrong cutting instructions and not enough fabric to correct them).  I'll be searching for the right fabric to replace the one that was sooooo wrong.  I wish I could get in touch with the woman who designed the pattern but I can't find her name anywhere and the pattern came out in 2000.  I will get all the squares done and the quilt put together, just not immediately.  And when it is done I will throw the pattern in the fire.  I don't think I'll be buying old entire block of the month patterns again.

They Lied!

This may get a little gross, folks.  Just warning you.  Yesterday morning I had an upper GI with air series done. No need to go into why.  The process isn't painful.  You are given some white stuff to drink along with some fizzy stuff (that's the air part) and pictures are taken with a fluoroscope and x-rays.  You drink more white stuff (Barium), more pictures are taken as the substance wends its way through the esophagus, down to the stomach and into the small bowel.  The whole process takes about 2 hours if you are lucky.  If your system decides not to cooperate it could take up to 5.  I was lucky and it took only 2.  On the way out of the hospital I was advised to drink plenty of water for the next 2 days as the Barium has a tendency to stop up your system.  THEY LIED!!
I got home and fixed myself some brunch since I hadn't had anything from midnight the night before.  As I took my first bite the flood gates opened and I had to sprint to the bathroom.  Laundry was going to have to be done.  Okay...thought all was well and went back to consuming brunch.  Uh, oh.....more laundry would have to be done.  Here comes the gross part....it was like peeing out my butt.  I sat on the throne for about 2 1/2 hours, maybe more, I lost track of time.  Looked through numerous catalogs, played some games on my phone, spoke with my daughter, wondered how I was going to get through the day and how much laundry I would have to do.
Things finally started to slow down but I still wondered whether I could move around or would I have to spend the rest of the day just sitting there with my legs going numb.  Then I happened to remember that my daughter had left some nappies here.  Hmmmm. They are very absorbent...much better that maxi pads.  Sooooo, even though they are for a 2-3 year old I managed to wedge one into my undies and then spent the whole day in my recliner knitting and sleeping.  Luckily no accidents for what was left of the day.  Just to be on the safe side I slept with one.  My gut has had much to say over the last 24 hours.  It's still talking as I type.  Guess I won't go anywhere today either. 
So you are warned just in case you have to have an upper GI series with air.  If they tell you to drink plenty of water, etc. for the next two days don't believe them and be prepared.
Uh, oh.......

Brrr

It's really cold outside again this morning.  Went down into the teens again last night.  So glad I covered the outside faucets.  There's a skim of ice on the pond again but it will probably melt as the day goes on.  It's supposed to get above freezing.  I don't plan on going down there until it warms up a bit.  It's supposed to rain again soon so I'll wait until that goes by.  When I do go down I'll look like the Michelin man I'll have so many clothes on under the waders! 
Daughter is coming up this morning.  Little dude has an appointment for a physical.  Daughter switched him to her doctor up here since she is not happy with the group of pediatricians down where she lives.  Sprout will still be going there maybe.  Daughter needs to see Dr. also.  She sounds terrible and probably feels the same.  Being sick and being a single mom with two kids is difficult.  Been there, done that.  Somehow we get through it.....because we have to.
I'm going to "play" with my friends this afternoon so I won't be home long when daughter gets here.  Hopefully all the germs will have died by the time I get back.
Y'all have a blessed day and remember:  When things get tough, hold your ground.

It is freaking cold here!  It went down into the low teens or below last night.  It was all of 20 degrees when I got up around 8 this morning.  Cleo usually wants out first thing but when I opened the door she changed her mind.....quickly.  So glad I found my LLBean flannel lined jeans so I can bundle up.  My heat pump is madly pumping away and I can just picture the meter spinning at great speeds and the electric bill climbing into the stratosphere.  I have to go to run errands so it's leg warmers, turtle neck, sweatshirt, flannel shirt, long johns today.  It's supposed to get up to a whopping 34 today and down to 18 tonight.  I can see ice forming on the pond which, by the way, I will avoid dealing with as long as possible while it's this cold.  Perhaps there's a silver lining to it being this cold, though.  Fewer people out and about so I might be able to get my errands done quickly.
Y'all stay warm today and remember:  cold is a four-letter word.  Hmmm, but then again so is warm.

Many of the people I have followed in the past no longer post here.  I miss them.  I know I don't post often mainly 'cause I don't have much to say.  I could write out all my complaints about life but who wants to read that?  My life really isn't all that interesting.  I suppose I could chronicle my adventures with my pond.  I still have to go down to clear the pipe periodically and right now the water is pretty darn cold.  Putting an extra pair of socks on under the waders helps keep my feet warmer and double rubber gloving helps with the hands, but still.
I plan on having a bigger garden this year and could let people know how that's coming along.  I could write about my trip to Mexico but it wasn't very exciting.  Fun, but not exciting.  The best part was playing with a sea lion.  And there were lots of soldiers and police everywhere. 
So, I guess I'll try to write some interesting stuff.  I'll keep hoping to see some of the people who used to post.  Y'all have an interesting day and remember:  believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see.

Donating

I've begun to get irritated about all the ads on TV wanting my money. Yes, there are causes I donate to and there are those I wouldn't touch.  The thing is, if I gave to all of them all the amount they want, I wouldn't be able to continue supporting myself.  There's a new one now....Disabled Veterans.  Ummmm, couldn't that be united with Wounded Warrior?  As for the animals.....I'm sorry but humans come first.  There are "charities" for foreign children.  What about the children in this country?  The Native Americans sure could use our help.  Now there are two children's hospitals asking for help.  They both help children without charge....that's good and I try to help when I can.  But don't hound me.  And just how much of my dollar really goes to whatever cause I've given to?  Some discriminate against certain lifestyles.  Some pay their chairman way too much, which means you and I are paying said chairman.  I want my donation to go to the cause not the chairman.  Luckily, so far, I'm not getting soliciting phone calls.  If that happens the first question I'm going to ask is, "How much of my donation goes to the cause?"  Nine times out of ten the solicitor doesn't have a clue.  So, do yourself a favor.  Before you open your wallet, investigate the cause.  Find out just how much of your hard-earned money will go directly for helping the veterans or children or whatever.

New Year

My hopes for this new year aren't many.  I hope humanity settles down and quits fighting.  I hope the government gets its collective head out of its a...I hope people will realize that they, and only they, are responsible for their actions.  I hope people would actually talk to one another instead of texting.
See?  Not much, eh?  I'm sure there are other things I could come up with but I don't want to appear greedy.
Hope your new year is filled with unexpected blessings.