Monday, August 11th, would see me preparing for Claude to make his trip out west while I held down the home fires. I was creating a mini-list of things I wanted to accomplish while on my own. I was getting laundry ready for Claude to pack. I was getting my home cleaned so I didn't have to do that with my free time.
In the afternoon, we went on another of our purposeful dates. I love to do Sudoku puzzles. I used to be happy with the Sudoku puzzle books I found at the Dollar Stores. Now I like something a little better made. Half-Price Books usually has a good selection. I needed to replenish my stash. Half-Priced Books is in Lexington. We combined me getting more Sudoku books with an early dinner at BD Mongolian Grill. We have really refined the dating process!! It was a good outing.
Tuesday, August 12th, more preparing for travel and time alone was accomplished. We felt good that we were on track for this to happen. No last minute rushing would be necessary.
In the morning, I went to the dentist for my semi-annual cleaning. No issues found. In the evening, we went to the Louisville Temple. Some heavy rain as we finished in the temple and began the drive home. Ugh. Love going to the temple. Do NOT like driving in the rain.
Wednesday, August 13th, was final prep day. I suggested we start with day with a donut breakfast. We did. Thank heaven for Frank's Donuts.
Claude had PT at 11am. I had a pain in my back and got an appointment to see the PA, Mandy, while Claude was in PT. They are in the same office park full of medical offices. Still not sure what my back is about. They really worked Claude with his PT. We came home tired puppies.
This was Michael's birthday. I posted this on our family Facebook page: "Today is a special Wednesday. This Wednesday we celebrate the birth of Michael (Ryan Marx). He officially enters that phase of life where it will only be him, Andie and the cats as he moves his youngest into her dorm this week. You have always been good to Claude and me. Remember bacon!! Hope you have a great birthday and the coming year brings you good times. We love ya bunches, Michael. Happy Birthday!!"
Thursday, August 14th, was a very busy day for Claude. He had an appointment with Dr. Slabaugh in the morning. This was a follow-up for his prostate cancer. He is doing great and is not to return for another year! Yeah!!
He came home for a bit and made sure he had the last minute items packed and ready to go. Then he went to see the audiologist. It seems one of his hearing aids is not holding the charge long enough. They are still under warranty. He received a loaner pair and his are being shipped off to be refurbished. I road with him and we went to Jimmy John's one more time before he would fly away. We commented to each other that it takes an army of doctors to keep us going anymore!
Claude left for the Cincinnati airport after we had our meal.
I spent the evening clearing off the DVR. Isn't life exciting when you are on your own!
The Marx family had a big day with Bailey. Andie and Michael took her to Campbellsville and got her set up in her dorm. She had to be there a week before the other kids as she is in the marching band. They will be having practice all this week. She is happy to start this next phase of her life. Andie and Michael are tired.
Claude made it to Utah. He found his hotel room Thursday night by the airport.
Friday, August 15th, during the night, I awoke to a sound in our home. I got up and quietly tried to locate exactly where it was coming from. I thought it was in the kitchen and was possibly the fridge not getting completely closed. Nope, that wasn't it. I thought it might be something around Claude desk in the study. Nope, that wasn't it. I finally found it coming from the smoke detector in the hallway between the two bedrooms on that side of the house. I tried to reach it with the folding step stool. I am too short for that. I went back to bed knowing it was nothing to worry about.
Friday morning, I went to the shed and got the small ladder. I had to climb up three steps. I am losing some feeling in my feet and not steady as I once was. Climbing that ladder was not an easy these. On the third step I was able to put my hand on the top of the door facing so that I felt steady. Then I turned and reached up and was able to open the top and get the battery out of the smoke detector. I figured the would stop the problem. I could not stay steady enough to put in a new battery.
I folded the ladder and put it in the guest room so Claude could put a new battery in when he gets home. As I walked away, the beeping started again. Apparently, It didn't need the battery to beep. There was a button on the front of the smoke detector. I got my Swiffer sweeper and held the handle up so the tip was on that button. I pushed with all my might. The red light came on and I had one long beep. Then silence. Yeah!! I thought I had it so it would be quiet till Claude got home.
I set to work accomplishing some of those 'to do's' I created for while I was on my own. I went to CVS and picked up a prescription. I ordered myself a new Kindle and some chargers and cables for my cellphone and Kindle. I seem to have left mine in Zanesville! I set to work making a crockpot of soup for a funeral on Saturday. I would leave the house once more to go to Midway and pick up a bean salad from another lady contributing food for the funeral. It was a good day.
Claude started his day by driving the Tremonton and out the Thatcher to visit is sister, Tami, and her hubby, Bill.
Then he drove to Brigham City to attend his Bear River High School reunion. Not sure which one this is but I believe it is their 48th. The class has dwindled in size over the years. They now simply all bring their own meal and they sit under that pavilion at the park and visit. It seems to work great. The first picture is of the group of classmates from Thatcher. Betty Dean Peterson Stokes (Claude had a huge crush on Betty Dean in school, as did all the other boys), Claude, Stacy Little (Stacy was Claude's very best friend). The second picture is all who attended.
Claude believes this is Grades 3 and 4 from his old elementary school in Thatcher, Utah. The building in the background is the church. Claude is on the front row, fourth from the left with his arms folded. Isn't he a cutie!?
It was a good day. I was ready for my Saturday. And, the smoke detector went off again. The Swiffer handle again did wonders!!
Saturday, August 16th, I would help with serving the family attending the funeral lunch after the funeral. We prepared and brought food from several ladies. When we got to the church. The tables an chairs were all set up and there was a TON of extra food in the kitchen. The lady for whom the funeral was being held had worked in food services at Keeneland. They sent wraps and sandwiches, chips and soda. There was a LOT of food for this family to consume from these two sources. This is my vegetable beef soup.
Claude went to visit John Johnson, his brother-in-law, who is in a care facility in Brigham City, Utah. Then he drove to Manti, Utah to spend time with his brother, Cordell, and sister-in-law, Kris. He would stay here till Monday when time to return home.
Sunday, August 17th, I was invited to substitute as Primary pianist again. Such a fun thing to do. I wanted nothing to eat. I came home and watched documentaries on the History Channel. When I felt perkier, I started working on my puzzle again. I LOVE making puzzles. I bought this one at the Half-Priced Book Store. It must have been previously owned as there was a piece missing. Can you find where the piece is missing?
Katelyn called to tell me a cute moment in their family. She and Drew are called to be the Sunbeam teachers in Primary. As part of that, they are each 'set apart' for the calling. This is a special blessing given to you by a member of the bishopric to help you in your calling. After giving Katelyn and Drew each their blessing, little Joel said, "My turn!" He kept repeating it. The member of their bishop told them it was fine. He gave Joel a blessing. Joel sat still in the chair with his arms folded throughout the blessing. For Joel to sit still is a miracle. What a tender moment for this little family. So grateful Katelyn shared this with me.
Just for the record, I had to use the Swiffer broom handle on the smoke detector in the morning, afternoon and right before going to bed.
The weirdest thing about this time alone is that I kept feeling Claude here in our home. I would be watching television and turn to his recliner to tells him something, then realize he was in Utah. Claude has traveled a fair bit in our marriage. I am no stranger to being alone. We are at the age where several of our friends have passed away leaving a widow behind. I have listened to these friends speak of trying to make that transition to a single woman in the home. Maybe it is because we are now into our 70's and you know there are really only so many years left. But this time, it wasn't just that I missed Claude, but I could sense him near all the time even though he was miles away. Then I missed him more. These words don't really describe it well but it felt very different without Claude being here.
Monday, August 18th, I received some pictures today of Kris and Cordell and of Claude and Cordell. Treasures of pictures for sure. Kris even gave the brothers some questions to answer and then recorded their answers. She sent me four little clips of that. I am ever so happy they got to spend time together.
And that is my week in review. My hubby returns tonight. My side is still hurting. I have to shut off the smoke detector about every 6 hours. Life is good. Life is really good.
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