I took Papa Wednesday, April 16th, to have his blood density checked. This time it was 3.3. The accepted range is between 2 and 3. The larger the number the thinner Papa's blood. Dr. Weckman told us to just continue as we are with Papa taking 1 1/2 Warfarin each day and come back in a month.
Tuesday, April 22nd, Papa was to have had his check-up regarding his diabetes. He awoke that day with a very messed up tummy and just couldn't leave his home. He was too weak. I canceled the appointment and headed in to check on Papa. We will reschedule that appointment but have not done so yet.
Monday April 28th, Papa had an appointment with Dr. Slabaugh, Jr. He sees Papa for a growth on his prostate. That has not changed and so we will not go back for another 6 months. This time we will be able to go to Georgetown instead of Lexington. Yippee!! If the October appointment shows now change in the growth and his PSA test is the same as the past two years, we will then only have it checked each year. Yippee again!!
Papa really has done well this winter. With the warmer weather he is out walking more and is very careful to only walk away from his apartment as he can comfortably return.
His little dog Tiny is going deaf and loosing sight. We have located her leash and now Papa is walking her using a leash. They are a pair!
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Easter 2014...
This year I had a new outfit. Not that, that is the most important thing about Easter. But I have one summer suit that I save and wear each Easter Sunday. That way I do not have to do that 'shopping for an Easter dress' thing. This year I wanted some new items to wear to this 'dinner season' when we have to attend a lot of functions. The shopping yielded a nice blouse with a t-shirt under it. I took one of Mimi's old skirts and shortened the hem, Mimi was taller than me, and it was a perfect match for my blouse. It was fun.
The choir sang two numbers. I will just say we performed so much better than we did in rehearsal. I truly believe there is truth in the enabling power of the Atonement. We practiced so hard and worked so hard and when it was time to perform we were richly blessed to perform beyond our ability. It was a testimony building moment.
Primary was the highlight. Amy Coyne, my 2nd Counselor, prepared the best sharing time lesson for the kids. She had a recipe for Easter cookies that fits with the Easter story. She used that recipe and the kids helped her prepare cookies to bake. Then Amy served them cookies she made the night before. They are yummy in their own right. Sort of like a divinity candy kind of cookie. The kids were mesmerized. Amy held their attention the entire time. Then each child was given a sugar cookie Amy made with the recipe to take home to their parents for the special sharing time recipe lesson. I will copy the recipe at the end of this post.
Music time in Primary was also fun. Kathy Alexander substituted for Amber who was home with a child with pink eye (even that sounds like an Easter illness). Kathy had the kids sing 'Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree'. Her fun take on this classic Primary song was to have the kids sing it just like it is written the first time. Then she had them sing with a Kentucky hills accent, then a British accent and finally like they were underwater by quickly running their pointer finger up and down over their lips while they sang. Great fun.
After all was done, I headed to Papa's. I would take him on a lovely drive through Kentucky trying to wake up for Spring. There was even a colt jumping up and down in a field by his mom like a rabbit. Red bud and dogwood trees were blooming. It was just a gorgeous day and Papa totally enjoyed his ride. We found a boat ramp into the Kentucky River with a campground beside it.
We ended our drive in Frankfort for a quick ice cream treat. Papa can't have sugar but occasionally a treat is in order. Then I took him home and headed to Sadieville to spend the rest of my Easter with my hubby.
It was a good Easter Day!!
Now, the Easter Cookie recipe can be found at Sugardoodle.net under the Primary tab. There is a section on that page about holiday ideas and the cookie recipe is about the third idea on that list. Here is the link: http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9462.
The choir sang two numbers. I will just say we performed so much better than we did in rehearsal. I truly believe there is truth in the enabling power of the Atonement. We practiced so hard and worked so hard and when it was time to perform we were richly blessed to perform beyond our ability. It was a testimony building moment.
Primary was the highlight. Amy Coyne, my 2nd Counselor, prepared the best sharing time lesson for the kids. She had a recipe for Easter cookies that fits with the Easter story. She used that recipe and the kids helped her prepare cookies to bake. Then Amy served them cookies she made the night before. They are yummy in their own right. Sort of like a divinity candy kind of cookie. The kids were mesmerized. Amy held their attention the entire time. Then each child was given a sugar cookie Amy made with the recipe to take home to their parents for the special sharing time recipe lesson. I will copy the recipe at the end of this post.
Music time in Primary was also fun. Kathy Alexander substituted for Amber who was home with a child with pink eye (even that sounds like an Easter illness). Kathy had the kids sing 'Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree'. Her fun take on this classic Primary song was to have the kids sing it just like it is written the first time. Then she had them sing with a Kentucky hills accent, then a British accent and finally like they were underwater by quickly running their pointer finger up and down over their lips while they sang. Great fun.
After all was done, I headed to Papa's. I would take him on a lovely drive through Kentucky trying to wake up for Spring. There was even a colt jumping up and down in a field by his mom like a rabbit. Red bud and dogwood trees were blooming. It was just a gorgeous day and Papa totally enjoyed his ride. We found a boat ramp into the Kentucky River with a campground beside it.
It was a good Easter Day!!
Now, the Easter Cookie recipe can be found at Sugardoodle.net under the Primary tab. There is a section on that page about holiday ideas and the cookie recipe is about the third idea on that list. Here is the link: http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9462.
Some April Moments with Company...
April 2014 gave us visitors in two of it's weeks. Neffie, my youngest sister, was able to come for a couple of days to see Papa. He was very happy to have her visit. Unfortunately, Neffie and I were both suffering from whatever that was we had during her visit. We coughed and sneezed together.
The next week in April Jacob came for a visit. Jacob is our youngest child. As I type that I see how it might give a false impression. While Jake is indeed our youngest, he is a full grown man, not a little child.
We were very happy Jacob chose to spend part of his vacation with us. He arrived Wednesday evening. I brought Papa out from Georgetown after he and I played a DVD at the nursing home. This gave Jake time to visit with Papa and all of us to enjoy a nice dinner, prepared by Claude, together.
Thursday, April 17th we took Jake to Keeneland. It was such a lovely afternoon watching beautiful horses run and eating barbecue in the grandstands. On the way home we made a stop for ice cream.
Friday, April 18th, Jake wanted to make a drive through the mountains of eastern Kentucky. He made this drive by himself allowing him time to hike a bit and pause to reflect. He showed me the video he took. Jake has a Papa gene that likes to walk out to the very edge of a high point with no barrier and look down and around. This can give a mother a bit of heart trouble, even if that son is full grown and knows what he is doing. Loved the video and the selfie Jake took.
He had a wonderful time and made it home in time to join Claude and me for the Annual Chamber of Commerce dinner in Lexington.
This date was also Jacob's birthday. When he got home I had a cake baked for him, no candles, just a very special cake, a Dr. Pepper Cake. Yummy!!! We had a piece after Jake got home and before going to the dinner.
Claude is the president of the Scott County Chamber of Commerce this year. He would be the keynote speaker. Last year he was asked to announce the winner of one of the awards. He had everyone rolling in the aisles. Throughout this year people have been telling him how they were anxiously awaiting his speech as president. No pressure there I tell you!! Claude carefully crafted his speech as the comments from others who would attend increased.
Claude made his address at the dinner. We were rolling in the aisles. He did say some things that were serious and profound. The Georgetown NewsGraphic managed to get a nice article about his speech.
After the dinner, Donzetta Hughes was kind enough to take a picture of Claude, me and Jacob.
Saturday, April 19th, Jacob headed to LaGrange to visit the Marx family. Bailey and Hayden loved having Uncle Jake around. He loved being there. Claude and I helped weed flower beds in Sadieville and then attended a funeral for Logan Sagester. When Jake got home we had burgers and a movie. Good evening.
It was good to have family visit in April. So grateful for this quiet spot in which we live to relax with family when they visit.
The next week in April Jacob came for a visit. Jacob is our youngest child. As I type that I see how it might give a false impression. While Jake is indeed our youngest, he is a full grown man, not a little child.
We were very happy Jacob chose to spend part of his vacation with us. He arrived Wednesday evening. I brought Papa out from Georgetown after he and I played a DVD at the nursing home. This gave Jake time to visit with Papa and all of us to enjoy a nice dinner, prepared by Claude, together.
Thursday, April 17th we took Jake to Keeneland. It was such a lovely afternoon watching beautiful horses run and eating barbecue in the grandstands. On the way home we made a stop for ice cream.
Friday, April 18th, Jake wanted to make a drive through the mountains of eastern Kentucky. He made this drive by himself allowing him time to hike a bit and pause to reflect. He showed me the video he took. Jake has a Papa gene that likes to walk out to the very edge of a high point with no barrier and look down and around. This can give a mother a bit of heart trouble, even if that son is full grown and knows what he is doing. Loved the video and the selfie Jake took.
This date was also Jacob's birthday. When he got home I had a cake baked for him, no candles, just a very special cake, a Dr. Pepper Cake. Yummy!!! We had a piece after Jake got home and before going to the dinner.
Claude is the president of the Scott County Chamber of Commerce this year. He would be the keynote speaker. Last year he was asked to announce the winner of one of the awards. He had everyone rolling in the aisles. Throughout this year people have been telling him how they were anxiously awaiting his speech as president. No pressure there I tell you!! Claude carefully crafted his speech as the comments from others who would attend increased.
It was good to have family visit in April. So grateful for this quiet spot in which we live to relax with family when they visit.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
How to Brighten a Sick Weekend...
Thursday evening I really started to feel bad, sore throat, coughing, achy. I thought a good night's rest would be the trick to feeling better. Not so.
I awoke Friday morning really sneezing and coughing. We were to go to Keeneland for the Chamber of Commerce day at Keeneland. Claude is the president of the Chamber of Commerce so we really felt like we needed to be there. We headed out and I did my best. We made it through 6 races and then Claude graciously took me home where I collapsed on our love seat and fell asleep. Claude awoke me at bedtime and I headed to the bed. It was a very rough night.
Saturday I was taking Tylenol to stop the feverish aches and pains, drinking lots of liquid, and resting as much as I could.
This morning, Sunday, I thought I was better. Then something gripped my tummy and I knew I was in further trouble. I hurried upstairs and hurled my cookies big time. Yep, I was definitely not better.
I have spent all day Friday and Saturday laying down or catching up on my Blogs. But I have found great joy in watching General Conference (4 session) and the Priesthood Session and the rebroadcast of the General Women's Meeting. They have each provided a lift to my soul.
After each I have posted on Facebook little thoughts or phrases that caught my attention and touched my heart. The following are those Facebook posts.
I awoke Friday morning really sneezing and coughing. We were to go to Keeneland for the Chamber of Commerce day at Keeneland. Claude is the president of the Chamber of Commerce so we really felt like we needed to be there. We headed out and I did my best. We made it through 6 races and then Claude graciously took me home where I collapsed on our love seat and fell asleep. Claude awoke me at bedtime and I headed to the bed. It was a very rough night.
Saturday I was taking Tylenol to stop the feverish aches and pains, drinking lots of liquid, and resting as much as I could.
This morning, Sunday, I thought I was better. Then something gripped my tummy and I knew I was in further trouble. I hurried upstairs and hurled my cookies big time. Yep, I was definitely not better.
I have spent all day Friday and Saturday laying down or catching up on my Blogs. But I have found great joy in watching General Conference (4 session) and the Priesthood Session and the rebroadcast of the General Women's Meeting. They have each provided a lift to my soul.
After each I have posted on Facebook little thoughts or phrases that caught my attention and touched my heart. The following are those Facebook posts.
Favorite phrases from the first session of
General Conference. (Saturday Morning)
1) "The joyful burden of discipleship." Elder Rasband
2) "The world will not glide comfortably to the 2nd Coming. " Elder Andersen.
1) "The joyful burden of discipleship." Elder Rasband
2) "The world will not glide comfortably to the 2nd Coming. " Elder Andersen.
Favorite phrases from the second session of
General Conference: (Saturday Afternoon)
1) What does the phrase "no corrupt communication" mean to you? Elder Zwick quoting Ephesians 4:29.
2) Spirit of Elijah=the Holy Ghost bearing Divine witness of the family. Elder Cook
3) Our Family History Centers are now in our homes. Elder Cook
1) What does the phrase "no corrupt communication" mean to you? Elder Zwick quoting Ephesians 4:29.
2) Spirit of Elijah=the Holy Ghost bearing Divine witness of the family. Elder Cook
3) Our Family History Centers are now in our homes. Elder Cook
Thoughts from Priesthood Session of General
Conference: (Saturday)
1) Forget rights, think about responsibility. Elder Oaks
2) Who we are is not who we can become. Elder Hallstrom
3) Agency is your power to become. Elder Ridd
4) Owning a smartphone does not make you smart. Using it wisely does. Elder Ridd
5) Addiction: Imprisoned with straight jackets of our own making. Pres. Uchtdorf
6) Courage not compromise brings the smile of God's approval.
1) Forget rights, think about responsibility. Elder Oaks
2) Who we are is not who we can become. Elder Hallstrom
3) Agency is your power to become. Elder Ridd
4) Owning a smartphone does not make you smart. Using it wisely does. Elder Ridd
5) Addiction: Imprisoned with straight jackets of our own making. Pres. Uchtdorf
6) Courage not compromise brings the smile of God's approval.
Thoughts from the rebroadcast of the General
Women's Meeting: (Sunday morning)
1) Words of the music:
"We are daughters of Heavenly Father"
"Teach me to walk in the Light"
"Come, little child and together we'll learn"
"The errand of angels is given to women"
2) We are all daughters of a loving Heavenly Father which makes us sisters. Sister Oscarson
3) Hands to help and hearts to hasten the work. Sister Burton
1) Words of the music:
"We are daughters of Heavenly Father"
"Teach me to walk in the Light"
"Come, little child and together we'll learn"
"The errand of angels is given to women"
2) We are all daughters of a loving Heavenly Father which makes us sisters. Sister Oscarson
3) Hands to help and hearts to hasten the work. Sister Burton
Thoughts from the Sunday morning session of
General Conference:
1) Bottle if bitterness OR Goblet of gratitude. Pres. Uchtdorf
2) See gratitude as a way of life that stands independent of our circumstances. Pres. Uchtdorf
3) Choose to be grateful no matter what. Pres. Uchtdorf
4) Gratitude of the soul, not gratitude of the lips. Pres. Uchtdorf
5) Why do we resist endings. We are made of the stuff of eternity. Pres. Uchtdorf
6) Testimonies recorded in heaven. D&C 62:3 Quoted by Elder Ballard
7) The Lord accomplishes His miracles one prayer at a time, one person at a time. Sis. Stephens
8) It is the load that provides traction. Elder Bednar
9) Note the centrality of covenants to deliverance. Elder Bednar
10) Love is the essence of the Gospel. Jesus Christ is our Exemplar. Pres. Monsoon
11) Blame keeps wounds open. Only forgiveness heals. Pres. Monson
1) Bottle if bitterness OR Goblet of gratitude. Pres. Uchtdorf
2) See gratitude as a way of life that stands independent of our circumstances. Pres. Uchtdorf
3) Choose to be grateful no matter what. Pres. Uchtdorf
4) Gratitude of the soul, not gratitude of the lips. Pres. Uchtdorf
5) Why do we resist endings. We are made of the stuff of eternity. Pres. Uchtdorf
6) Testimonies recorded in heaven. D&C 62:3 Quoted by Elder Ballard
7) The Lord accomplishes His miracles one prayer at a time, one person at a time. Sis. Stephens
8) It is the load that provides traction. Elder Bednar
9) Note the centrality of covenants to deliverance. Elder Bednar
10) Love is the essence of the Gospel. Jesus Christ is our Exemplar. Pres. Monsoon
11) Blame keeps wounds open. Only forgiveness heals. Pres. Monson
Thoughts from Sunday afternoon session of General Conference:
1) Things which cannot be taught but can be learned. (Instruction from on high) Pres. Packer
2) Faith is the noble heritage of Latter-day Saints. Elder Walker
3) Be ready to receive the gentle tug of the Spirit. Elder Perry
4) Today's complexity demands greater simplicity. Elder Perry
5) The truth will always be opposed. Elder Corbridge
6) It is critical to recognize when we have enough. Elder Teh
1) Things which cannot be taught but can be learned. (Instruction from on high) Pres. Packer
2) Faith is the noble heritage of Latter-day Saints. Elder Walker
3) Be ready to receive the gentle tug of the Spirit. Elder Perry
4) Today's complexity demands greater simplicity. Elder Perry
5) The truth will always be opposed. Elder Corbridge
6) It is critical to recognize when we have enough. Elder Teh
Now my dear hubby is preparing me something we hope will settle on my tummy for dinner. Then we will end our evening by watching James Taylor with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Isn't it interesting that in the waste of illness we find peace to our souls and strength for our spirits.
Baileyisms...
While the Mini's were here Bailey happily used my cell phone. Andie taught her how to use the voice recorder to send texts. She was very happy sending texts to me and her mom that she recorded, not that she typed. Auto correct is deadly even when you type but it can be more so when you use the voice recorder.
As they prepared to leave LaGrange Bailey had Andie's cell phone and sent me these messages:
- D we heard your message and we are coming to chat today. It is Bailey I love you the best the best. Lead (little emoticon that looks like a space man's head grinning). at.
- You said that wrong know if config you said yeah wrong shut down I didn't say shut down grandma I said grandma (emoticon) I said (emoticon) a play smiley smiley smiley.
- Mom's in the side you will find a video. That you are the best.
- STOP IT NOW MOST MOM. THANKS BABY BUT I'M YOUR NOT BAILEY.
- Thanks Todd night at your house to myself that is the best songs of all-time low and high school tomorrow morning we can see if you are smiling.
- Just finished eating dinner now for the last night of the word Out for you! Claude Christensen tomorrow morning? Michele Bachmann.
- Please share your family. Thank goodness for you.
- (Picture of our family room) Nsgd ydgwh Schafer Foxx to the 30st run ethnic and training trying it was just grand theft years that we should be okay tgey Tate years that type ywyetwyyyt and writ target x zdf bbc.co Eva Asia xhazgxsg A BBC crab - Zzzzzzz.
- Quip qwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnm. Thank goodness for you to understand if he said on Wednesday night to work with you well kiss on Facebook. Thank you.
- Smooch Smooch Smooch Smooch Smooch Smooch Smooch Smooch Smooch Smooch Smooch quality and qwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnm.
- I just wanted to offer a wonderful birthday dinner yummy to you?
As I cleaned up after the Mini's left, I found this on my kitchen counter:
I quickly sent an eMail to Andie titled 'Bailey is learning'. Andie's response: A ha! She is practically ready to make her own grid, a proud day indeed!
Then I had to send one to Laura, my dear friend who teases me about my lists. I titled it 'Bailey has my genes!!!' Laura's response was
"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! HELPHELPHELPHELPHELPHELPHELPHELPHELPHELP.....(well, you get the
picture!!!) Too funny! What a little 'lister' she is!
That's why You da boss O-Be-Wise!!! you're a natural
leader!!!!!!!
Children do provide us with lots of cheer. Especially grandmonsters.
Homemakers Havin' Fun...
Wednesday, April 2nd, was our Countryside Homemaker's meeting. We met at Anne Zeyzing's home.
I taught the lesson on "Life Story". It was a good lesson and I gave each lady a folder to begin creating their own life story. I started by giving each lady a family tree with blank spaces for their own four generations. They filled out what they could from memory. Then we shared fun memories from these people in our past. This set the tone for the importance of writing our own Life Story.
Anne served a nice ham dinner and we all provided side dishes and desserts to accompany her ham. It was yummy!!
Kathy Dunaway brought the craft for us to make. She and her mom made these clever and beautiful beads out of paper strips so we could make bracelets with them. Kathy did bring a couple of paper strips to show us how to make the beads before we made our bracelets with her previously prepared beads. She was sure the mod podge on the would not dry as quickly as needed for us to complete the craft in a short time. We had lots of fun creating the bracelet that we wanted with all the supplies Kathy provided. It was a fun craft and we all enjoyed this learning experience.
Here are the bracelets created. Mine is the green on at the bottom of the picture. I brought back a necklace from Ireland with green stones in it. Hopefully this little bracelet will be a nice match for that necklace.
As I was taking pictures of us making our bracelets, in Anne's living room Sue and Elaine were have a lovely chat. I couldn't help reflecting that this is the purpose of these meetings. Sharing with each other on so many levels.
I taught the lesson on "Life Story". It was a good lesson and I gave each lady a folder to begin creating their own life story. I started by giving each lady a family tree with blank spaces for their own four generations. They filled out what they could from memory. Then we shared fun memories from these people in our past. This set the tone for the importance of writing our own Life Story.
Anne served a nice ham dinner and we all provided side dishes and desserts to accompany her ham. It was yummy!!
Kathy Dunaway brought the craft for us to make. She and her mom made these clever and beautiful beads out of paper strips so we could make bracelets with them. Kathy did bring a couple of paper strips to show us how to make the beads before we made our bracelets with her previously prepared beads. She was sure the mod podge on the would not dry as quickly as needed for us to complete the craft in a short time. We had lots of fun creating the bracelet that we wanted with all the supplies Kathy provided. It was a fun craft and we all enjoyed this learning experience.
Here are the bracelets created. Mine is the green on at the bottom of the picture. I brought back a necklace from Ireland with green stones in it. Hopefully this little bracelet will be a nice match for that necklace.
Mini's in Motion...Again
It is Spring Break time. Usually Scott County, where we live, is one week and Oldham County, where the Mini's live, is the next week, or vice versa. This year they both fell on the same week. And, April came much faster that I thought. We had talked with Andie about a possible plan for the Mini's to come for a visit during their spring break but nothing was finalized. I was here in my home thinking I had a full week before April when my phone rang. It was Andie wanting to confirm their visit. It seems as soon as school was out on Friday, the Mini's asked her, "Are we going to Ma & Pa's or are they coming here?" Then I realized I did not have that week I thought I did, I better get Papa's bills paid, I better prepare for the Mini's to invade and step up my game of getting things done.
We settled on the Mini's and Andie coming Sunday evening, March 30th. They would stay Sunday and Monday nights and leave Tuesday. That was the plan. However, Andie got a very bad migraine Sunday and could not drive. Plan B, they would get up Monday and leave for Sadieville. Andie did send me a text Sunday evening that said, "Bailey came up to change for bed and 'love on me'. I told her I was sorry my head hurt. She patted me on the head and said, 'That's ok Mom. Maybe your head can hurt some at Ma and Pa's. Then we can stay longer.'"
They stopped in Georgetown on their way to Sadieville and picked up Tiny and Papa to bring them out to visit. Bailey was beside herself that they got to bring Tiny in their car.
I love this picture of the Mini's with Papa. More because of the expression on Tiny's face. She is his entire world. She dominates his attention as it is just the two of them in the apartment all the time. I have noticed over the years that, as much as she loves the Mini's visits, she also gets very jealous of the attention they get. In this picture she looks like she is just perplexed that someone else has her spot by Papa.
The Mini's brought the movie 'Frozen' to show to Papa. So we paused in our day to watch the movie while I fixed lunch and they ate it picnic style in front of the movie.
After the movie it was time for some 'outside' time. The day was beautiful and a good one to be out and about. The Mini's love going to the bridge into Eagle Bend and playing on the islands that are sometimes there. There had been a rain storm and their island was very soggy with water but that did not deter the Mini's from enjoying their outing. Papa even said he would walk down with us. I told him I would bring him in my car if he wanted but he insisted on walking. He strolled along at a leisurely pace and chatted with Andie the entire walk there and back. We found a place at the end of the bridge where he could sit to watch the kids play and not have to walk down that slope to the creek.
Bailey set to exploring and Hayden set to finding the perfect rock to chuck into the creek. Somehow throwing rocks in water never gets old.
As I have driving in and out of Eagle Bend, I noticed what appeared to be a hub cap in the trees. The interesting thing to me is it would have become lodged in the tree branches during one of our flood. It showed just how high the water can get in Eagle Creek. I mentioned to the Mini's that there was a hub cap in a tree. Off Bailey and I went to find it.
Can you see it in between the branches with Bailey looking on? The creek is below and a little higher than normal. This is below the dam so the creek is pretty shallow right here. Bailey was intrigued to say the least. That object needed to come out of that tree so she could touch it and know what it was. She set about finding a pole to dislodge it. Hayden came down the creek and found us and he also set about looking for a pole. Bailey found a cane pole of some kind. Hayden found a tree limb that seemed long and sturdy enough to dislodge the object. As we were standing there, I could tell it was not a hub cap but I didn't know what it was. The Mini's started calling it hubba bubba. I guess that is derived from hub cap. They each took turns with their respective sticks standing at the edge of the ledge and trying to push the object with their sticks so it would move. Andie and I watched to be sure no one got to close to the edge and fell down that ledge into the rock and then the creek. Bailey finally gave her cane pole to Hayden and with one final push he dislodged the object and Bailey ran down the hill to pick it up.
It turned out to be a piece of one of the roller things you store a garden hose on. Behind this wheel was a thick spoke. What a treasure for the Mini's. They lugged that thing home and it stayed in the living room and kitchen the remainder of their visit. In addition they brought home their respective poles. Building memories folks, building memories. Trust me, we don't need a broken hose holder or two long sticks but we can build all the memories we can possibly fill into a day.
About the time the Mini's successfully retrieved their treasure we knew it was time to get Papa back to the house. He had enjoyed the walk and watching the antics of the Mini's but he was clearly worn out. Andie came up with an excuse that she needed to head back to the house to go to the bathroom. She would go on ahead and get her car if needed. Papa said he could walk it. Eagle Bend is not a flat subdivision. And the last little bit of the walk is all up hill. I stayed to play with the Mini's but they quickly decided they would head for home also. We caught up to Andie and Papa and all trudged on home. I kept looking back to make sure Andie and Papa were okay. Papa seemed oblivious to the difficulty of the walk until the final hill. I told him I would get my car and come back for him. He said he wanted to try it. He kept walking slowly and telling his same stories and Andie kept listening and responding appropriately until he made it home. He was beat and said, "That hill was steeper than I thought!" Understatement. We got him a root beer and nestled him in his spot on the couch with his foot rest. The Mini's went in search of Pa (Claude) to be sure he knew of the treasures they brought back to his house. Fortunately, Pa understood we were building memories.
Claude had a meeting in Georgetown and Papa was ready to head for his comfortable chair. Claude took Papa home, the Mini's set to playing and Andie and I had a visit before making dinner. It was a nice quiet evening on our hill in Sadieville.
Tuesday morning, April 1st, I slept until 7:30am. When I got to the living room, the Mini's were quietly waiting for the older people to wake up. I set to preparing breakfast.
Andie brought some boiled egg molds. This child of mine does love anything to do with food art. The egg molds were in the shapes of flowers. You hard boil a large or extra large egg, peel it while it is hot, place it in the mold and close the top over it. It sets for a few minutes and, when you take it out, the egg is in the shape of the mold, in this case a flower. I only had medium eggs. It worked but it would work better with a larger egg.
Claude covered our shift at the Family History Center. We would enjoy a leisurely morning at home while Andie gathered and packed. Then we would head to Papa's apartment. Hayden brought is Leonardo Da Vinci costume to perform his Wax Museum sketch from school.
We got to Papa's driveway and Hayden quickly put on his costume. Then he rang the doorbell and entered Papa's apartment in costume. Papa had a surprised but happy grin on his face. His toothless face. He really doesn't wear his dentures at home anymore. Hayden did his performance and Papa was so happy. Papa said, "When I was that age I could never have memorized all those words." Hayden's response was wonderful. He said, "That is one of the nice things about ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). It helps me to memorize and learn lots of details." Love that he recognizes there are benefits to his Autism. Very positive.
The Mini's think Papa's apartment is a pretty cool place. Bailey took Tiny outside and played under the pine trees and over the hill in Papa's back yard. Then it was time to have a jam session with Papa's musical instruments.
Our big outing for the day was to be at the Lexington Arboretum. We said our good-byes to Papa and headed to Lexington. The Arboretum is next to the Lexington Stake Center where the Family History Center is located. Pa would join us as soon as he finished his shift. We took the Mini's to the Arboretum last fall. They loved it then. We came prepared this time with towels so they could dry off after playing in the stream. Turns out there was no water running in the stream. I am sure with our late winter and temperatures often in the teens they were just waiting until they were sure it would not freeze. The Mini's found lots of other things to do at the Arboretum and we stayed until they closed at 2pm.
Andie and I were amused at the determination the Mini's have to stand with their fishing poles at the pond as if they will actually catch a fish. There are no fish and there is no bait. But they try nonetheless. Bailey is using a scrub board (these were used in my childhood). Hayden is grinding corn in the one picture. It was good outing on a beautiful day.
Pa treated us all to lunch at 5 Guys. Then the Marx van headed back to LaGrange. Another spring break for the records.
We settled on the Mini's and Andie coming Sunday evening, March 30th. They would stay Sunday and Monday nights and leave Tuesday. That was the plan. However, Andie got a very bad migraine Sunday and could not drive. Plan B, they would get up Monday and leave for Sadieville. Andie did send me a text Sunday evening that said, "Bailey came up to change for bed and 'love on me'. I told her I was sorry my head hurt. She patted me on the head and said, 'That's ok Mom. Maybe your head can hurt some at Ma and Pa's. Then we can stay longer.'"
They stopped in Georgetown on their way to Sadieville and picked up Tiny and Papa to bring them out to visit. Bailey was beside herself that they got to bring Tiny in their car.
The Mini's brought the movie 'Frozen' to show to Papa. So we paused in our day to watch the movie while I fixed lunch and they ate it picnic style in front of the movie.
After the movie it was time for some 'outside' time. The day was beautiful and a good one to be out and about. The Mini's love going to the bridge into Eagle Bend and playing on the islands that are sometimes there. There had been a rain storm and their island was very soggy with water but that did not deter the Mini's from enjoying their outing. Papa even said he would walk down with us. I told him I would bring him in my car if he wanted but he insisted on walking. He strolled along at a leisurely pace and chatted with Andie the entire walk there and back. We found a place at the end of the bridge where he could sit to watch the kids play and not have to walk down that slope to the creek.
About the time the Mini's successfully retrieved their treasure we knew it was time to get Papa back to the house. He had enjoyed the walk and watching the antics of the Mini's but he was clearly worn out. Andie came up with an excuse that she needed to head back to the house to go to the bathroom. She would go on ahead and get her car if needed. Papa said he could walk it. Eagle Bend is not a flat subdivision. And the last little bit of the walk is all up hill. I stayed to play with the Mini's but they quickly decided they would head for home also. We caught up to Andie and Papa and all trudged on home. I kept looking back to make sure Andie and Papa were okay. Papa seemed oblivious to the difficulty of the walk until the final hill. I told him I would get my car and come back for him. He said he wanted to try it. He kept walking slowly and telling his same stories and Andie kept listening and responding appropriately until he made it home. He was beat and said, "That hill was steeper than I thought!" Understatement. We got him a root beer and nestled him in his spot on the couch with his foot rest. The Mini's went in search of Pa (Claude) to be sure he knew of the treasures they brought back to his house. Fortunately, Pa understood we were building memories.
Claude had a meeting in Georgetown and Papa was ready to head for his comfortable chair. Claude took Papa home, the Mini's set to playing and Andie and I had a visit before making dinner. It was a nice quiet evening on our hill in Sadieville.
Tuesday morning, April 1st, I slept until 7:30am. When I got to the living room, the Mini's were quietly waiting for the older people to wake up. I set to preparing breakfast.
Andie brought some boiled egg molds. This child of mine does love anything to do with food art. The egg molds were in the shapes of flowers. You hard boil a large or extra large egg, peel it while it is hot, place it in the mold and close the top over it. It sets for a few minutes and, when you take it out, the egg is in the shape of the mold, in this case a flower. I only had medium eggs. It worked but it would work better with a larger egg.
We got to Papa's driveway and Hayden quickly put on his costume. Then he rang the doorbell and entered Papa's apartment in costume. Papa had a surprised but happy grin on his face. His toothless face. He really doesn't wear his dentures at home anymore. Hayden did his performance and Papa was so happy. Papa said, "When I was that age I could never have memorized all those words." Hayden's response was wonderful. He said, "That is one of the nice things about ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). It helps me to memorize and learn lots of details." Love that he recognizes there are benefits to his Autism. Very positive.
Pa treated us all to lunch at 5 Guys. Then the Marx van headed back to LaGrange. Another spring break for the records.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
A Visitor From The East...
Tuesday, March 25th, we had visitors from Washington, DC to Sadieville. They were Stephanie & David Deutsch. David is the great grandson of Julius Rosenwald. Stephanie is his wife.
Julius Rosenwald worked with Booker T. Washington to build simple school buildings for the African-American children living in the south. Booker T. Washington died only a year or so into the project. Julius Rosenwald created a foundation to keep their efforts going. One of these little schools is in Sadieville and we have restored it.
Stephanie Deutsch, has immersed herself in the history of their journey. She has written a book about this huge part of American history. She was in Kentucky to speak at Kentucky State University in Frankfort, Kentucky. She became aware of our little school and wanted to visit it. So, Stephanie and David drove to Sadieville Tuesday afternoon to see our Rosenwald School.
It was a very cold day with snow falling in spits and starts. Stephanie and David met Cindy Foster, our city clerk at City Hall. Claude and I drove over and we all drove to the Rosenwald School.
When we entered the school Stephanie was near tears. She and David visit lots of Rosenwald schools as they travel. She was particularly touched with how we tried to stay true to the original format of this school. That, and the cold air, made her feel as the children would have felt as they went to this school. Our school has no running water. There is a pot-bellied stove in the school to heat it. We have electricity there now but there probably was not in their day. Stephanie related how the tradition throughout the south in these schools was for the boys to arrive first and start the fire in the pot-bellied stove so it might be a little warmer for the others as they arrived.
Cindy also showed her a brochure that lists each of the Rosenwald Schools. There is an icon beside those that were burned down. A vivid reminder of the social and political climate in which they were built.
Here are a few pictures of Stephanie and David Deutsch, Cindy Foster and Mayor Claude Christensen. In the second picture, David is looking at the picture of his great grandfather, Julius Rosenwald. In the third picture, Stephanie is signing her book. It was a lovely visit and we felt so pleased that Stephanie and David appreciated our efforts to preserve this important part of history.
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