On To The Bridal Shower

Sunday we were up early to attend 7:30 Mass.  Ron fixed breakfast for us and shortly thereafter we were off, thanking our hosts for their hospitality.  We had about a 2 hour drive to Celina which took a bit longer when I directed Ted to Dan and Sue's old house!  He told me I was wrong but I told him I took him exactly where I intended to!  😏

Soon after our arrival their son Ed and his wife Vicki came over followed by son Brandon, his wife Rachel and baby Hudson.  We were all going out to dinner!  It was such fun watching Hudson eat cucumbers and green beans!  

We slept really well and had breakfast and a long visit with Dan and Sue before taking off around noon headed to Michigan.  It was about a 3 hour trip and we hit no construction slowdowns!  Kara was working when we arrived and Bill and the kids were out so we settled in and eventually went out to dinner.  

Here are a few more shots from the reunion.

LaRosa's pizzas

Skyline Chili

Ted pointing his family out.

Kara with cousins Paul, Pam and their son Graham

Kelly with cousins Jennie and DJ

Ted with grandson Sam and younger brother Kevin 

We all had places to go on Tuesday.  Kara and Bill went to a doctor appointment, Ted took Sam to driver's ed and I took Morgan to the orthodontist.  She and I continued on to Walmart to drop off my two prescriptions to be refilled.  She picked out some school supplies and I bought two cards to say thanks for all the hospitality we received.

Usually it takes a day for my prescriptions to transfer so I was surprised when I so quickly received a text saying they were ready and were almost $600!  I estimated about $150.  Turns out the script transferred but not my insurance.  I am glad to report it was less than $100 for both.  While there Ted had new nose clips put on his glasses.  We bought some things and I fixed dinner for us all.

We watched two movies on their new TV subscription, one was good, the other stupid!  I finally turned in around 11.  

Wednesday we didn't do much at all.  We met everyone at Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner including Cameron, Cassie's latest friend and he was very nice inquiring about my health and how I felt.  I ordered a chicken wrap and ended up giving half of it to Larry.  The wings he ordered were too hot for him to eat.  

The next day Ted, Bill, the kids, Kristin and I drove to Addison Oaks to make a camping reservation for September.  They added a circle road in the large grassy area behind the old sites and made many sites pull-thrus.  Our old spot #2 no longer exists.  Our first choice was reserved for the second weekend we will be there so we opted for our second choice which is the site to the right of old #2.  It started raining really hard and Bill brought us an umbrella inside to the office.  We will be there for 11 days, two of which will be spent at a Marriott in Cleveland so we get double dinged for those two!  

We stopped for lunch at a Mexican restaurant for lunch.  I had chicken empanadas that were very good.  It was $5 appetizer specials so I gave them a try.  Just enough after chips and salsa!  Everyone enjoyed their food.  You don't find Mexican restaurants everywhere you like look like in Texas.  

Next stop was BB&B for shower gifts.  I had mine sent awhile ago but Morgan and Kristin needed to shop.  We bought a toaster, a set of jelly roll cookie sheets and a complete set of three sizes of glasses.  Then we wrapped them at the self wrapping counter.  We put the boxed glasses inside two big boxes and ended up with four packages.  

No one was too hungry but Kara started making grilled cheese for someone and pretty soon everyone but Ted and I ate a small dinner.  We did have a dish of ice cream with them afterwards.  After warming up with naps on the couch, I went to bed a little after 10.  I feel fine most of the time but seem to get tired much easier than ever before.

Friday Kara had everyone over for a Mexican buffet.  She cooks and entertains so easily.  Everyone was here except Bidkar, our future grandson-in-law, because he was working.  I straightened up the upstairs bathroom but that was about it.  I am a bit concerned about getting tired so easily.  I have never been a good sleeper and now I am taking naps and sleeping all night.

Next post - the shower and our trip back home.

And We Are Off. 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

We were on the road at 9:30 with the Expedition packed to the gills!  Our first stop was a new truck stop with a Denny's.  We made our bathroom trips and shared a freshly fried peach pie crescent and Ted had coffee.  So good!  Sorry waistline.  I walked around the store a bit then we went on.  Next stop was a roadside park to have lunch, take my walk, bathroom break.  We stopped at the Arkansas Welcome Station to get motel books and free coffee for Ted (bathroom break for me) and eventually stopped for gas before finally pulling into our motel in Bryant, Arkansas south of Little Rock.  We had packed a bag just to be brought into the motel and eventually left for dinner at Brown's buffet.  We have driven past this place almost every year for 16 years and finally tried it.  They had a great selection but their fried chicken was all coating and no chicken and their baked chicken was mushy from being over baked. The salads, vegetables, sides and desserts were great though.  Ted had shrimp and pulled pork and he liked them.  All in all I would go again but skip the chicken!

We woke up on our own Monday, dressed, had a bowl of cereal at the motel breakfast room and were on the road before 9:00.  We planned to stop on the other side of Nashville but it was only about 3:00 so we pushed on to Bowling Green KY.  There is a Russell sportswear store there where Ted likes to shop.  They have some Vanity Fair ladies things so I bought some underwear and one pink top.  After checking into a motel we left for supper.  Ted wanted to go to Cabella's afterwards so he dropped me off.  When he returned the Bachelorette was coming on so we both got ready for bed to watch.  It was a good travel day.

Tuesday was another easy day.  We woke up on our own, had another bowl of cereal and headed out with a stop in Shepherdsville at the Zappo's shoe outlet.  A pair for me and one for Cassie was all we found.  There was a lunch stop at a rest area, a restroom stop in Florence KY and just a hop, skip and jump into Cincinnati.  We made it!

We were welcomed by Karen and Ron who had our room all ready for us.  We had to bring in more than we had taken into the motels but we still had lots left in the car.  When it got to be dinner time we all went to LaRosa's for our favorite pizza.  While there, Ted's oldest cousin (#1 of the 31 Keehan cousins) came in with her husband.  They are in their late 80s but still getting around.  We had a nice chat with them after we ate.  A little serendipity there.  

Wednesday started our marathon of meeting friends over lunch and dinner.  We ate smaller meals to avoid overeating and we chose local, small restaurants instead of chains.  Wednesday lunch was at Ron's Roost with old friend Marilyn and her sister.  She lives in Alabama now but happened to be in town.  She and her husband were our best camping buddies for many years.  He passed away some years ago. It was a delight to see her and she looks exactly the same!  I had a cup of turtle soup and a small hot bacon slaw, two other Cincinnati favorites of mine!

Niece Cindy put together a small family group for our visit and Karen's birthday.  I was so happy to see some of the folks I missed by not attending my family reunion.  I am on the left side at the end!

Thursday we once again had just juice and coffee for breakfast.  We were meeting my oldest friend of 67 years, also named Donna.  She and I started kindergarten together and graduated high school 13 years later.  We were inseparable in high school.  To my surprise another friend who was with us along that journey joined us and we were equally happy to see her.  The four of us had a great visit!  

Larry and Kristin landed in the afternoon so they joined us and my niece, Jill, for dinner.  It lasted 2.5 hours!  I gave her my two bags of T-shirts to make my T-shirt quilt and she gave me Gerre's latest quilt that she had done the quilting on.  So we were a little ahead in the emptying out scenario.

Friday we had lunch scheduled with our best man and maid of honor who married two years after we did.  It is such a delight to spend time with them.  It was a 3 hour lunch!  My choice?  A Kentucky Hot Brown!  They even admit the recipe is from the Brown Hotel in Louisville KY.  I know you can buy a plate at the Louisville airport with the recipe on it.  So good!

While eating, my sister-in-law's best friend Judy walked in.  After hellos she said she was coming to our reunion on Saturday.  She went to sit with a group of 8 or 10 women and we went back to chatting.  Then a lady at the end of that table mentioned to my friend she knew her from Lourdes.  In Westside Cincinnati this means you were a member of our Lady of Lourdes parish and went to school there.  They figured out maiden names and the lady said her group was the last graduating class of St. Xavier high school.  I asked if she knew my friend Diane and up she popped from the end of the table.  You just have to love Cincinnati as your hometown!

The kids all arrived in town and we opted to go to the family cookout at the swim club.  Not everybody was there but we got a good jump on most of the crowd.

Saturday was Reunion Day at beautiful Fernbank Park along the Ohio River.  The weather was perfect!

The Rogers Siblings (Tim passed away in 2006)

Tom, married 61 years in September.  Last Labor Day we were in Phoenix for their 60th anniversary celebration.  Missing is son Brian's family.  He died in 2009 joining his brother Dennis who died in 1966.

Tim, deceased 

Terry, married 56 years

 Ted, married 52 years (my black graphic blending with Ted's shorts gives me a pregnant look!)

Peggy, married 48 years

Dan

Kevin, married 45 years

Kathy, married 41 years

The whole fam damily!

It was a wonderful tribute to Ted's parents, Betty and Les Rogers.  They were two of the best people God put on this earth.  

Counting Down

After church we talked with Jeannette and Dick for some time and then left with Terry and Carol for dinner at the Tournament course of the country club.  They had a great special on fajitas and margaritas.  The bill was so inexpensive that Terry wouldn't even let us reimburse him for our part.  I had hot tea instead of a margarita because the A/C was so cold.  I feared it would keep me awake but it didn't!

Sunday was "get my clothes ready" day.  I laid out what I thought I needed and then put some of it back.  I do have access to laundry so there is no need to overpack.  Now I have a few items to iron.

We have so much to take with us!  Two bags of things for others.  A bear for the newest baby.  I sent the initial gift but just didn't want to spend postage on the big bear if I didn't have to.  Three boxes of  dishes for Ally's fiancé to use in their apartment until after the wedding.  It's a nice Pfaltzgraf set so I think they will hang on to it. A blow up queen size bed just in case it is needed somewhere with so many coming into town.  My two bags of T-shirts to be made into a quilt by my very talented niece Jill.  Also, our carpet samples to use while picking out our new RV furniture, our Yeti cooler, my pedal machine to move my legs while riding and suitcases!!  And people ask why I drive an Expedition!

Monday was PT in the morning and then we received a call that our trailer was fixed.  We went right out to pick it up.  Turns out a ground wire that was just twisted copper at the end had worked loose.  They put a clip on it and secured it properly.  Voila!  12 volt was back!  I was able to get the carpet pads from the steps leading to the bedroom to take with us to Lambright's when we look at furniture.  

 Darker color right?

Tuesday I invited Gail for lunch so we could plan the October party for the nursing home.  We both have two trips before then and I won't be back in time to be here.  I wanted to do all I could beforehand so she has everything she needs.  We divided up responsibilities and chose items to make centerpieces.  We checked supplies and the only thing we need is orange balloons.  We also decided since we have so many red, white and blue supplies we will honor Election Day in November!  

This will be my first time using the computer training I took the morning of the day I ended up in the hospital.  Sure hope all the handouts and notes I took get me through the record keeping for our five events this year!  

Wednesday started early.  Both the PT fellow and Isabelle were due here at 8 am.  I needed to be up, dressed and house in order before they all arrived.  Vinnie was right on time.  We went through my whole exercise routine and then left to take a 10-15 minute walk.  When we got back, Isabelle had arrived and Ted let her in.  I received my second set of discharge papers having received the nursing ones the day before.  They both had said they were sorry to see me finish up because I was their best patient, very compliant.  It's those nuns again!

When everyone was gone, Ted left to get his haircut and I dressed to play Mahjongg.  But first I had to drop my two plants off at Judy's, take Gail's things to her that she left yesterday then finally to Diane's to play Mahjongg.  And I finally won a game!  It was almost 5:30 when I got home.  Ted had dinner ready.

Up again early and out the door by 9:00 on Thursday for my annual eye check up.  This doctor did my cataract surgery almost 10 years ago and I see him once a year.  There was no change in my night driving glasses and the overall health of my eyes remains excellent.  He said he would see me next year.

I was home long enough to eat a bowl of cereal as a late breakfast and headed in the other direction for a haircut, the first in 4 months!  I did a load of laundry when I got back home and Ted grilled some burgers.  Afterwards we went to Wendy's for a 50 cent Frosty.  We were introduced to this promotion last year at Grand Canyon Village.  They are just the right size.  

Friday I finally got the ironing done and finished my packing.  We took Ken and Nancy to lunch.  We were scheduled the day I went to the hospital but they had to cancel which is why I was out shopping alone that afternoon.  I didn't want to give her the mail key again still being indebted for last time.  It didn't seem much like Friday for some reason.  We spent the evening at home.

Saturday we said goodbye to Tucker.  After I mailed the lawn maintenance check, dropped the mailbox key off to Nancy, I headed north to hand off Tucker to another of Gerre's friends for his last week before they come home.  Then I hit the nail salon.  It wasn't long after I got home that we went to church and back home to finish packing!  

On the road again.  🎶🎶🎶

I Can Pack!

Wednesday was my second last PT day.  When we were finished I did my morning chores and then we went to the trailer to measure the couch and media chairs.  But the slide wouldn't go out.  And the level up system screen is blank.  We have 12 volt at the battery and had a new hydraulic pump installed last year and we checked the fuses and breakers so we are at a loss.  We have several calls out to see if there is a small thing we are missing.  If that doesn't do it we will have to call a mobile service because with the legs not going up, we can't hook up.  

So we came home and I went to the doctor because he would not refill the UTI medicine they gave me at the hospital without seeing me.  I had to go to Quest for a urine sample and of course it was closed for lunch so I came home.  I went back later without incident and I immediately received a text that my prescription was ready.  So I went to Walmart right from there.

Isabelle had not arrived by the time I got back.  In fact, she never showed up at all!  I always get my calendar out when I check for the next time and I write it right there in front of her.  She never writes anything down though.  Tomorrow Ted and I are both going to be gone over lunch time so I will just wait to see what her response to my text is.

All in all, it was an aggravating day, not much got accomplished and I don't even know if this medicine (which is not what they gave me at the hospital) will work since he called it in before he had any results.  I am hoping for a better tomorrow!

Thursday was a better day.  It was the neighborhood ladies lunch and I rode with Dana, Gail and Jeanette.  There were 12 in all but they had a 4 seat booth and a small table of 6 set up.  There was a round table next to the 6 topper so I just moved the 4 set ups from the booth, got 2 more chairs and told the waitress we would be needing 2 more set ups because we were 12, not 10.  Mission accomplished.  I liked sitting at the round table because it makes it so easy to talk to everyone.  We had a nice lunch, great conversation and didn't get home until 2:15.  Isabelle was due at 3:00.  

Ted came home and said he had tried everything he could think of at the trailer and all the suggestions and finally someone had suggested something I can't explain but it worked.  So Friday we will jerry rig the battery to get the legs up so we can take it to the repair shop.  

We waited all afternoon and Isabelle called at 6:00.  Her excuse Wednesday was she lost her phone and couldn't call me.  I am not sure what she wanted to tell me.  Thursday's excuse was she waited and waited for the afternoon lady to come home to pay her.  I told her it was too late and call me next week.  I think this arrangement is on the short list now.  Since we are leaving I will worry about it later.  

Friday we were up early and got dressed to take the trailer to the RV repair shop.  Ted used the jumper cable to get power from the battery to the hydraulic pump so he could lift the legs.  The whole road out is under construction with a couple detours but we made it.  He backed into the spot they showed him and we left.  Jay and Stella were coming up this way to have the brakes on their truck replaced.  We had agreed to meet them and Susan and Tommy for lunch and a visit.  Once we got home we called Jay and offered to bring them to our house while they waited so Ted went to pick them up.  We had a nice  visit and eventually left to meet the others. After lunch we came home and it was already 3:30.

Saturday is another work day for Ted for an outing at the gun club.  We have nothing planned except church in the afternoon.  I am going to use the time to get my clothes together for our trip.  Next week will be busy probably with the things we have scheduled and the last minute things that will pop up.

  

And We Wait

Just as Barry and Gerre approached our house the heavens opened up.  They called and asked if we would open the garage door to more easily get Tucker and his things inside.  Once settled, we left in separate cars and drove through a real downpour for several minutes and then ... nothing.  It was dry and hadn't even rained just a few miles north.  

We were seated right away at Saltgrass and had a nice dinner.  Ted picked up the tab because we have been to their house so much recently.  The time they were invited to our house I ended up in the hospital!

9 to 5 The Musical followed the story line of the original movie pretty closely but the music told a lot of the story and was pretty funny.  The two ensembles, one of men and the other women, were not the most talented bunch but it gave interested parties a chance to be on stage.  The three lead women all did a great job.  Afterwards we said goodbye and told our friends to have a relaxing, safe trip.  Hopefully we will be gone by the time they return so we won't see them for over a month.  We will take Tucker to their other friends when we leave.

We woke to no power on Saturday morning.  It lasted about two hours so it only delayed my morning coffee, nothing more.  Ted worked a fund raiser at the gun club and I eventually did laundry.  We went to church as usual and came home.  

Sunday Ted went shooting again and I just putzed around the house until time to get ready to go visit Tommy and Susan who are at the campground nearby.  We visited for an hour or so before leaving to have dinner.  There is an Italian place that has great lasagna and everyone but me had it.  I chose chicken Parmesan.  Afterwards we went back to the campground and sat out and were joined by a couple from Michigan, until it started sprinkling.  We went inside for ice cream and cake to celebrate Tommy's birthday.  Tommy had to walk Ted with an umbrella to get the car and then walked me to the car when he pulled up.

It rained all night and most of Monday.  Tucker hates the rain and wet grass so every "visit out" is a bit of a challenge.  When it is dry he goes right out.  It was a lazy day.

Tuesday we went to the cardiologist and waited an anxious 1 hour and 15 minutes past our appointment time.  But the news was terrific!  My stress test showed not only no damage but a heart functioning above average for my age.  Don't you love that add on?  "For your age."  Translation "you are old."  They did a Doppler on my DVT and it is still there but better than last time with minimal circulation passing through it.  

I will remain on Eliquis and have a passel of appointments in August and September.  In the meantime we can travel!

She gave us the OK to travel to Ohio and Michigan by car.  We need to stop at least every two hours and take my medicine religiously.  We will be gone about three weeks, return home, do all the doctor visits and then HOPEFULLY leave with the RV for a wedding in Cleveland the third week in September followed by our granddaughter's wedding the last weekend in September.  Then, as you already know, instead of flying to Vancouver and cruising to Hawaii, we will come home.  

But we have one more outing to look forward to.  In October my brother Dan and his wife Sue are coming down with another couple.  Then Ted and I along with Pete and his wife will all gather in New Braunfels for a week while the guys shoot in the Sporting Clay Competitions at Nationals in San Antonio.  We are staying at a 3 cabin resort owned by a friend of Dan's.  I am really looking forward to this trip.  

So what do you do to celebrate good news?  We went to the gun range since it has been a long time since I have shot.  I cannot qualify for Concealed Carry with a .22 so I need to practice with the 9mm. It is hard for me to pull the 5# trigger but I just have to do it.  I didn't do too bad.  I am still way better with the .22 just because the trigger is easier for me to pull.  When I had acquired enough points that would have me passing, Ted told me to put the 5 final shots in the head. I did but it looks like 3 regular holes and one big one that is actually two bullets hitting in almost the exact same spot.

"There's nothing more important than our good health - that's our principal capital asset."  

 ~ Arlen Specter

Starting the 4th at Lake Conroe

I made my red, white and blue salad and we went to Pelican Bay to start the 4th of July weekend at Gerre and Barry's.  There were about 35 people in attendance.  I immediately went in the pool hoping hanging on a noodle would stretch the vertebrae in my back enough to give me some relief.  I was fine in the pool but it started acting up as soon as I got out.  I sat several different places trying to get comfortable but nothing was helping.  We had a virtual feast for dinner before heading across the bridge to Fay's house who lives directly on the lake across from the firework display.  

We rode in the golf cart and my back really didn't like that.  Then to add insult to injury, I walked right into Fay's storm door!  I wondered why she had the door standing wide open, but it wasn't!  I left a nose and forehead imprint!  Thankfully, other than startling myself, I was okay.  The decks were full and we had a great display to enjoy.  My back liked the ride back even less than the ride over!  We gathered our swim stuff, left the remaining salad and came home.  I immediately laid down with my ice pack and once my back calmed down, I went to bed.

I was still hurting Sunday morning and Ted said I should skip church so he went without me.  I did my PT, Ted's back exercises and some Kristin had sent from Vancouver.  That along with the ice pack and Tylenol arthritis finally brought some relief.  Ted received a call from Steve so he went shooting.  I kept the ice pack company and not much else.  Ted grilled a flat iron steak for dinner and tomorrow's dinner will be fajitas made with the leftover steak!

Monday the PT examiner failed to show.  I still don't know why.  We waited around and finally gave up and went to HEB for groceries, Kohl's looking for a patriotic shirt but found none, then went to Walmart for a new kitchen garbage can.  The only shirt they had was blue with red and white striped skull and cross bones.  No thank you!  I decided to make do with what I had at home.

Tuesday we spent the morning listening to the music channel that was playing all patriotic music.  I made another salad and mid afternoon we went to Terry and Carol's for ribs and to play cards.  Two other couples came but after we ate, no one wanted to play cards and by 7:30 the party broke up.  Only Jody and Dave were headed to the fireworks but that wasn't going to happen for two hours.  My back was killing me from sitting so long and we headed for home a little after 8:00.

The PT guy didn't show at 9:00 Wednesday but about 10:00 the Monday guy called and asked to come. He said he was too busy to come (and obviously too busy to call!) on Monday.  He was unable to leave the paperwork so Vinnie didn't come Wednesday.  Whatever!  He wants me to continue after we return in August but I don't think that will be necessary but we'll see.  I have to get permission to go first.

Then our sprinkler guys came and went over our entire sprinkling system.  I am not sure just what they all did but they spent a fair amount of time doing it.  Our new sod looks great and I want it to stay that way.

I had agreed to host mahjong on Wednesday.  Ted set up the tables and chairs for me.  All you need is drinks for this group so it wasn't any trouble.  You can't play at the kitchen or dining room tables so I put two card tables in the hall and adjoining sitting area.  Stephanie, the teacher, said it was just fine.  I still haven't had a mahjongg and I am supposed to know what I am doing!

Ted had made himself scarce all afternoon and when he came home he put the two tables and 8 chairs back on the racks in the garage and we went to get a burger at Culver's.  I always get the kid's burger and fries and it comes with a scoop of custard.  They even give their 10% senior discount on it! We came home and watched TV.  We needed to get up early on Thursday for my stress test.

We arrived at 8:30 and I was taken in right away.  They started a line in my right hand, injected one vial and said to go wait for 45 minutes.  When they called me again I had to lie down and the equipment moved over me from right to left.  That took 16 minutes.  Then I went in another room where they put 10 leads on me, injected me with threes vials of something and said the test would take just one minute but would make me feel weird.  It made me a bit woozy and started a headache.  They brought me a cup of coffee to act as an antidote and by the time I finished it, I was fine.  We had to wait 45 more minutes and then with 3 leads on, have more pictures taken for 11 minutes.  Tuesday is my follow up appointment.

Ted made a pot of chili for dinner.  It has been hot but it sounded good to me and it really was!  

Vinny came on Friday and will come Monday and Wednesday next week until the doctor advises me on Tuesday.  I am up to 20 rotations with 3 lb. weights and 10 minutes on the pedaling machine.  

We have a busy weekend.  It just sort of crept up on us.  Tucker is coming tonight to stay for two weeks and then we are having dinner at Saltgrass and seeing Nine to Five at our community theater.  I had given these tickets to Gerre because we didn't expect to be here so when things changed I asked if she had invited anyone already.  She hadn't, so we all are going!

Hope is a good thing, may be the best of things, hope makes a person stronger in his bad times, hope makes you realize that it isn't the end, hope makes you realize there's God and he is with you no matter if you are fighting alone,  hope makes you believe the power of love, hope makes you understand that it's good to share things instead of hiding them,  Never lose hope, it gives you wings and it's up to you where you want to fly.

No Doctors This Week

Monday my PT fellow came and upped my rotations even more.  Then we went for a walk.  I was winded a bit when I got back but some of it is because I talk the whole time!  Ted had gone to shoot with Pete and immediately my phone started ringing.  

First up was Marge from Connecticut saying they had arrived home safely.  We talked about the happenings over the weekend at the reunion and other things.  Then my home phone rang so I hung up to get that.  It was my friend Esther who wanted to come for a visit about 6 pm and I said that was fine.  Then our friends Karen and Dave called from Michigan on my cell phone.  I talked to them for awhile and then the home phone rang again!  It was Esther again saying she was coming over right away!  

She arrived with a vase of beautiful roses for me.  We had a nice visit before she had to leave to accompany her husband to the doctor.  I was finally able to finish my morning chores after enjoying all my phones calls and her visit.

The phone was busy all day - Daughters Kara and Kristin and sister Karen all called too.  My ear needed a rest!

Other than that, nothing much happened.  We had dinner and watched TV before heading to bed.

I didn't sleep well Monday night and was awakened early Tuesday which made for a slow moving morning.  I thought the nurse was coming at 9:00 but she came at noon.  Once I got that word, I hopped in the shower and started my day.  Ted went shooting again and I started the laundry.  Eileen called when they got on the road to Nashville and Gail from Forum called to give me a pep talk on Eliquis which she has taken for two years.  

Diana came at noon and pronounced all my vitals perfect today.  We talked about our desire to leave once given the ok and worked out dates to be released.  I had done that with PT on Monday.  We are keeping our fingers crossed that all continues to go well.

Ted stopped at the grocery for a few things for lunch which we ate when he arrived home.  I had done 3 loads of laundry.  And then we napped!  

I slept better Tuesday night so my morning moved at a faster pace.  I did my PT with Vinnie then my morning routine after he left.  After lunch I dressed and went to Mah Jongg.  It was another slow set of games but the others are learning.  Ted grilled burgers for dinner and I used leftover hash browns and made potato pancakes.  We watched TV.  I am tired of reruns already!

Thursday was a lazy day while we waited for Isabelle to come.  It was very late in the day because she messed up and came Wednesday when I wasn't home instead of Thursday like she told me.  I guess we were third for the day for her and the crew.  It was 6:00 or after when they finished.  That made for a late dinner but we had nothing planned so that was okay. 

Gerre called and invited us to dinner on Friday even though we are going Saturday to a party of about 40 people at their house for a BBQ, swimming and fireworks.  We offered to just go out but she wants to clear out the refrigerator and freezer she said. 

Terry stopped by on Friday to have Ted help him again get his gun back together after cleaning.  There was a step he was missing.  We had lunch and I left for another new nail salon (!) near Gerre's.  Ted was coming up a couple of hours later and he was there when I arrived around 6:00. We had a great dinner of flat steak, loaded baked potatoes, corn and beans.  I had to turn down apple pie because I was so full.  We never did get around to going in the pool.  It was going on 11:00 when we got home.

I have to make my red, white and blue cheesecake salad to take back there today. We left our two beach bags there so we can swim in the afternoon.

Happy 4th of July weekend to all.  Thank you to our armed forces scattered throughout the world sacrificing to protect us.  I will leave you with Fr. Sebastian's frequent quote "God is good, all of the time.  All of the time, God is good."  

Not So Boring After All

We received a gift of frozen Chicago pizzas from my sister Margaret and fixed one for dinner.  It was excellent!  Afterwards we went to Lowe's to buy some begonias to replace some impatiens that weren't doing so well.  I think they are now getting too much sun since the trees have been trimmed.  

When we pulled into Lowe's parking lot, Ted's phone rang and it was Don and Trudy from Nacadoches, TX who spend winters with us in Mission.  They were getting ready to leave for Angel Fire, NM and wanted to check up on me before they get into tough Communications mode.  We had a long visit with them on speaker phones.

We bought a dozen plants and a new hose.  At home I was placing the plants along the wall where I wanted them to be planted when I got a video chat from my niece Amy in Pigeon Forge at the family reunion.  They were all gathered in the pavilion after dinner.  There are 110 people in attendance and Amy took the phone to each group so I could say hello and they could see I am doing ok.  

It breaks my heart not to be there but I have to do what the doctors say.  It is too dangerous not to.  Our RV friends approached "a girl that looked like you" in the breakfast room Saturday morning and asked if she knew me.  It was my niece Cindy!  

Ted's recliner was getting hard to close because the foam padding on the footrest was breaking down and interfering.  This was the second Lazy Boy loveseat recliner we had bought so we decided to buy a new leather one.  This new one is a BarcoLounger.  I hope we have better luck with this one.  

We stopped for late lunch/early dinner at Cracker Barrel before going home and getting ready for church.  We saw a deacon from our church there too.

Saturday was a full day of the reunion and there were several photos posted.  This reunion is for the descendents of Joseph Homer and Pearl Hall, my maternal great grandparents.  They had three children Ted, Joe and Lucille (Ruhe).

The big "kids" waiting to take a ride.

Big Splash Time at Dollywood

The little ones making handprints.  This is Lucas who is going to be a big brother! 

L

Tim and Cindy's family

The Connecticut, Maine and Florida group

Karen and Ron's family

Don Ruhe Family

Dan Ruhe Family

The Homer Family

The whole fam damily!

I was delighted to see them all and appreciate their sentiment that We Should Be There.

I was texting with Gerre in late afternoon and we decided they would come to our house, once we came home from church, to play cards.  Ted and Barry won after a whole game of ups and downs in score.  We had a fun evening and so far we haven't been bored!

We were expecting delivery of our loveseat between 1-3 on Sunday when we received a recorded message at 11:10 that our delivery was in 10 minutes.  We were not dressed and had not moved the old loveseat out of the way.  We scurried and were presentable 13 minutes later when the doorbell rang.  I think we did a great job on color.  We wanted to pick up the reddish brown in the carpet.  

We didn't do anything in the afternoon but did meet Terry, Carol and Sharon for dinner at Kona Grill.  Sharon, their daughter, was in from College Station for a 12th Man doings at our Conference Center.  Her husband Don left for Washington DC to visit their son so couldn't join us.

All in all, not as boring a weekend as I thought it would be.

On Our Own

Kara and Bill arrived home safely and immediately went to bed.  Babysitting your parents can be exhausting!

Wednesday morning the PT fellow came and he has extended the weights and time for each of my rotations.  I am still doing well.  It is also helping my back.  I cannot have any epidural shots in my back while taking Eliquis nor any aspirin based products so it is going to be PT and Tylenol to get by.  

After lunch I went out alone, only the second time, to play Mah Jong.  It is a training class and I am ahead of those learning so I have to be patient while they contemplate their moves.  I will be able to play the next four times and then another 3-4 times before the next season starts.  Hopefully we will all be playing on a similar plane at that time.  

It was dinner time when I arrived home and Ted had dinner ready.  I talked to my sister-in-law Marge who had arrived in the area of the family reunion.  Many are disappointed that we are unable to attend. We are disappointed too.

We watched PBS for some reason and waited for the rains to come from Storm Cindy.  It did rain through the night but we got just the western bands of the storm.  It went ashore near the TX/LA border.  I didn't even know there were A and B storms already!

Before I went to bed, I checked my email and my biopsy results had been posted to my portal.  It was scary to look at but I would rather know going into the doctor Friday than remain in the dark. It said it was benign endometrial tissue.   However, it also said "scant sample so may not be representative."  That is good news but still leaves room to wonder.  I guess we'll know next steps, if any, on Friday.

Ted shot skeet on Thursday and I cleaned out 3 more drawers.  My bag for Paralyzed Texas Vets is full plus I have a few computer bags and a rug.  But I just might get to those brown and black slacks I need to try on.  

Around 5:00, our next door neighbors came over to visit.  They split their time between here, their house in Israel and their son's home in California.  We help out with mail and garbage cans when we are here.  Rafi had his hip replaced this past winter and now needs the other one done.  He wanted to know how I did with my second one.  And they were interested in how I was doing after my hospital stay.  We had a nice visit for a few hours and then we had a quiet evening.

Friday we went to see Dr. LB.  He said the news was good, benign, but I questioned him on the "scant" sample remark.  He said he took random samples circling three times and felt confident it was a good representation of the lining.  He did reiterate that normally he would do a D&C but for now he feels a follow-up ultrasound in 6 months will put us in a better position to go forward with that treatment.  I will take this report to the cardiologist so she knows where we stand.

My family is gathering in Pigeon Forge and they are sending greetings and photos.  One of the two couples we were going on to Nashville with has arrived with the other one due in tomorrow.  All my family should be there by dinner time this evening.  I bet their paths cross!

We are in for a boring weekend so I will end this here for now.  Maybe I will get more photos to post next time.

  

More Doctors

Kara and Bill arrived Thursday evening right on time.  Friday was my biopsy in the morning.  Dr. LB said he didn't see anything that looked suspicious but we have to wait until next week to see the results.  It wasn't too bad a procedure but it certainly wasn't a picnic!  There was no bleeding issue which was our primary concern and that was a major relief.  I spent most of the day on the couch with my feet up.

Bill fixed our closet catches, cleared the bathroom drain, installed a new thermostat that I can control from an app on my phone, installed an outside remote on the garage door, checked our A/C lines to insure they are clear, cleaned out the dryer vent and installed a dimmer for Aunt Carol.  What a guy!

On Saturday Bill checked our 14 year old water heater and pronounced it ready to die!  When he and Ted removed it there was a lot of sediment in the bottom so his assessment was correct.  Because Bill is an HVAC contractor we got a really good deal on a new one and free installation.  Ted took a spill off the tailgate of the truck when unloading the new water heater but said he was okay.  I bet he is sore tomorrow.

Kara made a grape salad for Sunday and I set the dining room table.  Terry, Carol and Irene were coming over and seven people fit easier around that table.  While Kara worked on stuff for her job I did 3 loads of laundry.  Things are returning to normal.  

We went to church at 5:00 and then to the Mexican restaurant we had taken Kristin to before she left.  Everyone enjoyed their dinner and margaritas.  Ted is limping but you know he isn't going to admit his knee and hip hurt.  We will see what tomorrow brings.  

Ted and Bill decided to check out Academy Sunday morning.  While Kara sliced cucumbers and onions for a side dish, I put the beans together and upon his return, Ted readied his grill and burgers.  About 11:30 Sherida and John stopped by on their way home.  They had their two Yorkies with them who were taking great delight in being taken in and out into the yard.  After they left, Bill took a much deserved nap, Kara continued working on her job things and I put out the dishes we would need to serve snacks and dinner.

Ted told me I bought him a bucket of bullets for Father's Day while he was at Academy.  The girls had gone together and bought him a new scope he wanted.  All in all, a good present day for him.

Sighting in the new scope.

With Kara here to help, we had invited Irene, Terry and Carol back for the Memorial Day cookout that never happened!  With everyone pitching in it was not too much on anyone except maybe Kara.  She is a trooper.  Dinner turned out great and we all had a good visit.  It also gave us some leftovers for Monday's dinner.

Thr PT fellow came Monday morning and as soon as I was finished Kara and I took off for bunco.  It was my second outing that wasn't a doctor's appointment or church!  Everyone was very glad to see me and thought I looked great.  That little boost in self confidence helps a lot.  Linda moved from table to table each time and we were all delighted to see her effort.  She looked much better and only needed someone to carry her glass of water for her.  Everyone enjoyed meeting Kara.  She had a nice time too, a much needed break from work and taking care of us.  Ted and Bill had gone to the gun club and shot sporting clays so they had a nice time too.

Ted grilled chicken breasts and we used the leftovers to make a dinner meal.  Ted put the old water heater out next to the recycling can and it was gone the next morning before the recycling truck came so I suppose some "junk man" took it for scrap.  Either way, it was gone!

Kara was still working so Bill took us to Costco since we don't have a card and we allowed our Sam's card to lapse.  But the drinks I paid $16.66 for at Sam's were $24.99 there. I also tried to buy print cartridges but they didn't carry them. Since these are two things I always got at Sam's, I guess I will renew and not get a Costco card as planned.  

The visiting nurse came after lunch and checked me out.  She is very happy with the appearance of my leg.  It has returned to normal size and appearance and she did some pressing and pulse taking and pronounced it as doing very well.  It is impossible to determine the status of the DVT but the lack of swelling, heat, redness and pain are all good things.

A bit later, after Kara laundered the linens and remade the bed, we left for a late lunch/early dinner at Sweet Tomatoes, their favorite restaurant here that they don't have at home.  Then we dropped them off at the airport.  With a huge storm forming in the Gulf, it is good they are getting out this evening!

Now we wait for the biopsy results on Friday.