Cough...Try to Think...Cough...

Well, once again it has been a week since my last post. So...Let's catch up!!

Tuesday, Jan 19th I got my hair cut. Then I had the rest of the day in my home. This doesn't happen often and I truly appreciate it when I get a day to do things in my home.

Wednesday, Jan 20th I sang with Papa at the nursing home in the afternoon. Then had a presidency meeting with my counselors and secretary at 5pm. We haven't been together as a presidency for a bit and it is just a joy to meet with these 3 ladies and catch up. Grandkid pictures to share, stories of trips, concerns for friends, and we even managed to cover our agenda. These ladies are a treasure and huge blessing in my life.

Thursday, Jan 21st Claude and I headed to Chelsea, Michigan. Claude made Jake a table for Christmas and refinished a chair we bought near the beginning of our marriage to match the table. Jake got the table home after Christmas in his car but he couldn't fit the chair in there as well. We told him we would try and find a time in January to get the chair up to him. This was the time...so off we headed in my red chariot.

We had a stop at Cabelo's on the way up. They have great socks that Claude loves. Sometimes he also needs to replenish his spices and rub supply for the grilling season. Claude parked out front and he and I walked toward the front of this HUGE store. As we neared the entrance there were all these seats up on tall chairs. I'm observing this and commented to Claude, "I think they must be shooting something here for an advertizement or something like that. Look at all those chairs." My very amused husband looked at the tall chairs and then quietly explained, "Those are for deer stands." Okay, my son in a movie/theater guy and we're on our way to see him so I'm sure that is why the thought that that is an outdoor person's dream store and not a movie store never entered my mind. We both just laughed at the silliness of it all.

We managed to find socks on sale and men's slippers on sale. It was a good shopping trip.

Then we hurried on down the road and met Jacob at Mager. We put the chair and other items we brought for him into his car and then we all loaded in my car and headed to Ann Arbor for Joe's Crab Shack. We each ordered well and had wonderful dinners. Wish there was a Joe's Crab Shack closer but we are grateful we get to eat at one when we visit Jake.

Then we headed back to get Jake's car. He followed us to the hotel and we checked into our room for the next few days. Wednesday evening I made and brought with me the fake turtles for a snack while we visited. We had a nice visit until about midnight.

Friday, Jan 22nd Jake had to work. Claude and I slept in. Now Claude's plan was to have me rest and get over this ridiculous cough and cold I've had since right after Thanksgiving. I really felt like it was going away but, alas, that was not the case. So sleeping in was part of the plot to help me recuperate.

Jake had recommended Mike's Deli as a potential spot for lunch. We headed into downtown Chelsea and found Mike's Deli. It is a cute little cafe like building right off Main Street. We talked with the man at the cash register. They have a lot of sandwiches to choose from. Not as many as Roy's Place in Gaithersburg, Maryland but enough till you needed time to 'digest' the possibilities before making your selection. The nice man suggested we take a menu and sit at one of the tables to look it over. With a grin he assured us, if the table was close enough, we could just yell out the order to him and that would work just fine. We chose a nice table near the window along the front of the restaurant. I figured out what I wanted first and Claude was a little slower coming to his conclusion. He was just about to stand up to talk to the man when a huge group of customers came into the building. Claude was now at the back of a long line. We were in no hurry but could tell this was a great place to get lunch for those people in Chelsea. When Claude got to the counter the nice man apologized for Claude having to wait in the line.

The wait was not very long considering how many people there were and many were actually picking up bags of sandwiches for their offices. We did learn that they make a very BIG sandwich and we really could have each ordered 1/2 of a sandwich and a cup of soup and been just fine. The food was great.

I noticed as I entered the restaurant a sign for an ice cream that looked like Dippin' Dots. I LOVE Dippin' Dots ice cream. When my meal was finished I went to the freezer and picked the flavor I wanted. Then went to the counter (not much line now) to pay that nice man and get a spoon with which to eat my hoped for delicacy. When I showed him my intended purchase, he took my dollar and then said, "Just a minute, let me make this better for you." He then proceeded to squeeze and strike this container against the counter. He explained that sometimes when they sit it helps to eat them if you separate the bits before opening the container. I appreciated his thoughtfulness, took the spoon and my ice cream, and headed for the table. I explained to Claude about the squeezing and banging principle and did a little more myself for good measure. When I opened the container, I knew why the nice man was trying to help me. As he explained, they don't sell a lot of this during the winter (there was still snow on the ground). There was ice holding the middle portion of my dessert in one clump even with all the squeezing and whacking. Not to be detered from my quest to try this Dippin' Dots knock-off, I took my spoon and ate the loose part around the sides first. Then I tried to take the chunk in the middle and turn it over thinking the bottom of this chunk would be the next place to eat. Imagine my surprise and Claude surprise as I turned this over and found a tiny little plastic spoon frozen through the middle of my clump of ice cream dots. Such silliness. It was good nonetheless and I'm happy I tried it and didn't leave with a question mark in my mind about this ice cream.

Our next stop was the Chelsea Teddy Bear Factory. It seems we always hit this store every trip we make the Chelsea. Miss Bailey's Wah-Wah (a stuffed monkey) came from the Chelsea Teddy Bear Factory. Once it became a sure fact that Wah-Wah was her favored lovey, we purchased a 2nd Wah-Wah on another trip to Chelsea. Over Christmas while taking Bailey to the mall for pictures or to see Santa or something, Bailey was allowed to take Wah-Wah in with her. This is usually not allowed but to make the experience go well she was allowed this one time to take her precious Wah-Wah with her. You guessed it...she left it in the mall. Andie went back to find it and called repeatedly but it was never found. This leaves Miss Bailey with only one Wah-Wah and leaves Andie with a much more difficult time running it through the washer with no back-up. Jake tried in December to get Bailey another only to find they didn't have any in the store. In October when we were there during Claude's 60th birthday celebration, there was an entire shelf, front and back, FULL of Wah-Wah's. In December, not a one to be found. Jake was told they didn't carry them any more. Andie called and found that they didn't have them anymore. Michael and Andie checked eBay and found a possible one. So on this trip, Claude and I figured it wouldn't hurt for Grampa and Gramma to make another attempt at getting a back-up Wah-Wah for Miss Bailey. They had a rack full of stuffed animals made in the same style as Wah-Wah but not one Wah-Wah. I asked the girl at the counter. She thinks they will be making them again but she is sure they sold their entire stock to Barnes and Noble bookstores outside the state of Michigan. I did find a small Wah-Wah on the end of the counter. It has magnets in the hands and feet so you can place it on a metal surface. Claude and I determined to purchase one of those just in case it might be helpful. I called Andie and suggested she call her Barnes and Noble in Louisville and see if they were one of the fortunate stores to get the Wah-Wah supply. Being a grandparent takes dedication!!!

Then Claude and I headed back to our hotel. This time we stayed at the Comfort Inn in Chelsea. There are really only 2 hotel options there. We have always stayed at the Holiday Inn Express. We've had 3 family get togethers at the Holiday Inn Express. This time the Comfort Inn was about $10 per night less expensive and they also have a hot tub which the Holiday Inn Express does not have. When we arrived at the Comfort Inn the first night, Jake said, "Do you feel like you are being a traitor when you pass the Holiday Inn?" (or something close to that) We both had to admit we did feel a bit that way.

Our afternoon was spent in the hot tub and in lounge chairs reading books and magazine and resting. We headed back up to the room in time to get dressed before Jake came to join us for dinner. It was just a wonderful, restful afternoon.

Dinner was at the Las Fuentes Restaurant in Chelsea. Again, we all ordered well. Jake probably enjoyed his more because he only had soup for lunch. Claude and I ate those HUGE sandwiches and enjoyed our dinner but were starting from a more full place.

After dinner we headed into Ann Arbor to do a little shopping. Then Jake came back to the hotel with us for another evening of visiting. I love having my kids be adults. I loved having them be kids also but it is really a good thing to enjoy all the phases of our lives. Having your kids be like friends with you is just a wonderful place to be. Jake is just so well read and thoughtful about things that he is a joy to visit with.

During the night Friday I awoke feeling very bad. By the time morning came I was spinning in circles in my head even when laying down on the bed. We managed to get packed and ready for the drive home. Every time I tried to lay the car seat back or even just close my eyes to rest my head I could feel each turn of the car like it was amplified. Poor Claude was feeling frustrated that his plan to relax and get well was not working. But I truly appreciated the idea, effort and opportunity to visit with Jake.

Sunday I went to our meetings at Church to hear Claude speak. Then I headed to Lexington to a ward conference for our Pioneer Ward. I was going to visit mom that afternoon but I just was worn out. So I hurried home, got in sweats and snuggled into the love seat in our living room.

This morning I called my doctor as soon as his office opened. This sick stuff has been a part of my life since right after Thanksgiving. It was time for me to admit I needed to see the doctor. Dr. Culbertson got me right in. He determined I'm working with bronchitis. I'm now taking my antibiotics and a really tasty cough syrup. I haven't coughed for an hour now at least. So I'll spend today and tomorrow snuggled up at home resting and drinking my grape/cranberry juice and hoping that in a few days I'm really, really, really done with this junk!!

Life and Its Ups and Downs...

Went to Georgetown today to visit with Mom while Papa fed her lunch and then to practice singing with Papa for Wednesday's performance at the nursing home. I should preface this by saying that last week when Papa was feeding Mimi lunch he got the first two bites in just fine. On the third one she balked and then turned and tossed her cookies, hurled, etc. all over everything. The nurses came and took her for a shower to clear her up. Papa headed home for a shower to clean him up. Then he went back to the nursing home to check on Mimi. She was sleeping. She was not running a fever. They think she just got a stomach bug. She was really weak and very pale for several days. Saturday when I visited her she was very subdued. Today however she was grinning at us and would laugh along with Papa and I when we would talk and say something we found humorous. It was good to see her in better spirits and with some color in her cheeks. The new thing she was sporting was a wheel chair. She was not in one Saturday. But today she is in a wheelchair. Her only exercise has been to walk from her room to the multi-purpose room between meals. She sleeps a lot in her chair. It was interesting to see her stretched out in this wheel chair. This may be a permanent thing now. Every times she gets sick she drops down another step on that ladder of life. I noticed that my mom has long legs. We have wondered where our little Bailey gets such long legs. Maybe she gets them from Mimi. While at nursing home I learned that Ron died. He was the dietician/nutritionist for the nursing home and over all the food service stuff. They found him at a rest stop. I knew he had a bad heart and big time blood pressure issues but he looked very healthy all the time. It was a shock to learn he passed away. Saturday Claude and I went into Lexington after I sat with Mimi for a bit. He needed a new top coat to wear on Sunday's with his suit. He left his at the Church last year and we can't find it now. At least that is what we are thinking. When he went to use it the first time this year (a couple of Sunday's ago) we couldn't find it in the house anywhere. So we figure he left it at the Church last year and it went out with the lost and found to Goodwill. We went to Hamburg Pavillion, a shopping center area in Lexington. It was a zoo. So many people, so many cars, so much busyness. Claude took me to Montana Grill for a bison burger for lunch/dinner. We drove from there to Krispy Kreme for a treat. Then we went to Fayette Mall to find the Disney Store. Again, way too many people, way too much traffic and congestion on the roads. It only served to reaffirm why I only go down to shop during the week during the daytime. That my friends is one of the perks of retirement. This was the final day of a sale at Joseph Banks and we needed to get the coat on a really good sale. We were successful in that endeavor so the trip was worth the hassle. I left a spoon at my neighbors home after our Countryside Homemakers Club meeting on the 6th. She returned it to my mailbox with a Christmas ornament she made and instructions on how to make the ornaments. Now isn't that a truly thoughtful neighbor. Such is the wonderfulness of living in Eagle Bend. Great people on this block. Our home is that last on on this side of the street. While washing dishes I looked out the dining room window and noticed another neighbor walking her dogs. I went to my door as she came back down the hill and invited her in. She asked about her 2 little dogs. I assured her they were welcome as well. We gave the dogs a chew stick each and sat down for a nice chat. It was just wonderful to visit with her again. I don't do this very often. It is so easy to get caught up in just getting things done that I don't take time to just sit and visit unless I'm out visiting teaching. It was delightful to visit with my neighbor. Her hubby is very, very ill and she cares for him in their home. It is a 24/7 job and her walks are one of her few breaks. She is the neighbor who makes loaves of zucchini bread and quietly leaves them at your front door. It was uplifting to feel her strength and purpose for what she is doing. She is a great example for me. She keeps in touch with others who have moved from our little neighborhood. One time she even called on a holiday to tell me which day to set my garbage out since the holiday would change the schedule. She was calling all the neighbors to make sure they knew the change in the schedule. Sunday I visited with a dear little sister who is my mother's visiting teacher. I had not seen Anne is a while. She is an older lady and she is having really big problems with her blood pressure. Several times, as she explained her recent medical history to me, she would pause and say, "Pray for me." In the years I've known Anne, even with her broken hips and her open heart surgery, I don't remember her asking this question. This time, in earnest, she asked me several times. I know that means she is really concerned about her health at this point. I'll remember her in my prayers. As I reflect back on all these little moments in my week, I'm aware of the ups and downs of this life. I'm grateful for the bundle of burdens I have to help me grow and learn. I'm grateful they are no bigger than they are and that they are tailored to help me learn the things I need to learn in this life. I was reminded that I need to be really aware of things for life can be taken quickly. I hope I can always be aware of the joy that others bring to me, and of the needs of my family and friends and then be of help wherever I can. I like the saying that I read where someone thought they needed to "make it a good day". I hope I can learn from the things in my life and "make my life a good life". Not just hope it turns out to be a good life but actively "make my life a good life".

Now That's Just Silly...

Oh for a camera...I'll never describe this as funny as it was to me and then to Claude, but I'll give it a try just because I want to keep the memory. This morning Claude had a meeting to go to in Lexington. He needed to leave the house by 8am to get there on time. He quietly got up and got his shower so I could sleep a little longer. I officially gave in and stirred just before time for him to leave. I rolled over and said something to Claude as he was finished buttoning the sleeves on his shirt. I can't even remember what it was. Then this Big Guy of mine took his two pointer fingers and held out his arms just a bit and said, while pointing repeatedly at the ground with those two pointer fingers, "I'm down with that!" It was just toooooooo funny. Claude and I could NEVER be accused of being 'hip' or whatever you say today. See, I can't even say it right for today. Maybe he thinks Sadieville is 'the hood'. I don't know but I just laughed out loud and said, "Oh to have had a camera right now!" I got up and headed to the kitchen for some chocolate milk and a bagel with my vitamin and calcium. As Claude was leaving the kitchen to go to the garage he reviewed something I wanted him to pick up while in town. Then he said something to me about it and I quickly said, "I'm down with that!" I could see his shoulders shake with a laugh as he left the room. Such silliness for two old people! And such a fun start to my day!!

Do You See What I See???

Sunday, while sitting in Church I watched some really cute relationships. A young girl turned 14 and was to enter the Mia Maid class in the Young Women's program at Church. She was invited by the Bishop to the stand and he complimented her on her achievements. He asked her to share some feelings over the pulpit. Now, I've learned over the years the best thing to observe at this time is the parents sitting in the congregation. So I turned to my left to find her parents. The smile, really a HUGE grin, on her mom's face said volumes. What a sweet and joyous moment. Then later in the meeting I watched the families that always sit in front of us. One of these families has 5 children. The youngest is about our Hayden's age. The older brother is 10 or so. They were sitting on the pew together. I watched the younger brother look up at his older brother. Then that older brother did just the right thing. He reached his arm around the little brother and just sat there snuggling that little brother. What another sweet and joyous moment. Okay, I really was paying attention to the speakers but my mind just flits around sometimes and I see these things that bring happiness and peace to my heart. Then I noted the mission president and his sweet wife sitting on the stand. I thought of all the hours they put into their service. They both spoke and I felt really good about their example and leadership to all those young men and young women serving missions in the Louisville Kentucky Mission. What a comfort to these young men and women's parents to know they have such a valiant and dedicated couple leading the mission their young people are serving in. What a sweet and joyous moment. Tuesday I went to orient a new Relief Society president in our stake. It was about an hour drive to and from her home. Her hubby works from home and he answered the door. We had a wonderful visit about dogs, Hawaii, family, and other things. Then I sat with this good sister from Church and shared with her the things that I hoped would get her off to a good start. I love this part of my calling in the Church. I have been a ward Relief Society president two times in my life. It is a very demanding calling in the Church. I believe I know a bit about what this good sister is being asked to do. And as I visited with her I appreciated her honesty, her cheerful desire and eagerness to serve. I appreciated her understanding of what good counselors and a secretary she has to serve with her. It was just wonderful to feel that energy and enthusiasm. What a sweet and joyous moment. Tuesday evening I went to City Hall for a meeting with the President, Vice-President and myself (Secretary/Treasurer) for the Friends of Sadieville Renaissance committee. We are new to these positions and wanted to get our agenda ready before the meeting with the board later this month. Their are a lot of good things happening with learning and preserving the history of Sadieville. It will take a lot of work and it can only be done by volunteers working together because they love their little town. Ideas were shared, possibilities discussed, and areas we felt we could contribute best were noted. We left ready to begin our time of service to our community. What a sweet and joyous moment. After this meeting the City Clerk and I walked up the hill to our cars together. She shared with me a CD that she enjoys listening to. It is of a man who is a Christian Jew. The music her performs has actually been recorded often in Israel. The 9th track on the CD reminds her of me. She loaned me the CD to listen to. I put the CD in and played that track on my way home. She was right on target. It is just the kind of soothing melody I enjoy and tender words that make you feel and appreciate. I've enjoyed listening to that CD today and am grateful she felt comfortable sharing it with me. I'm going to share my Bruce Feilor books with her. What a sweet and joyous friendship to have. This afternoon I went to the nursing home. Usually I take a bag with pictures and bits of needlework for my mom to look at. The last two weeks I have not taken that bag. Instead I've covered my mom in the huge granny square I crocheted of many colors of crochet thread or the lap blanket that Katelyn made her a Christmas time. Today I set my purse on the table in front of her. It is a homemade purse out of quilted purple floral stripped print fabric. It zips shut and I had it zipped. It was sitting in front of Mimi. She worked at unclasping her hands so she could touch the fabric. I went to her room to get the big crocheted square for her. When I returned she was still playing with the cloth straps on this purse. I put the crocheted square close to Mimi's face and shoulders and left her hands free. She squeezed the outside pockets of the purse and played with those straps the entire hour Papa played and sang and while I joined him in singing. I asked her at one point if the fabric felt familiar. She didn't respond. But I just couldn't help but wonder if, after all those years of sewing everything from suits for Papa to lingerie to wedding dresses and on and on, that it didn't strike a cord with her. I have an old purse that is cloth with cloth straps. I may label it Virginia Lawrence and take it to the nursing home for her to touch. What a sweet and joyous moment. Life is good. There is a lot to be grateful for and to enjoy. It is beginning to be too busy and too hectic again after vacation and Christmas and bad colds. But it is nice to know I can pause and look at what is really happening of importance and find it sweet and full of joy.

This and That Tidbits...

Tidbit #1: I'm reading along in my Old Testament while curling my hair (I love multi-tasking, what can I say). I'm reading in Proverbs and trying to learn from the words of Solomon the Wise Gangi (oops, I just watched the Lord of the Rings, just melding things together a bit). So...I'm in Proverbs and I come to Chapter 11 Verse 22 and have a really, really good chuckle. Steel yourself..."As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion." Those people who find reading their scriptures boring are just not looking closely enough!!! Tidbit #2: My Andie sent this wonderful link she received thru her Mom's Club. This helps St. Judes Children's Ranch, keeps us a little greener living, and is just wonderful idea well worth sharing. I'm mailing my 2009 cards and making an envelope to keep the cards received through 2010. I'll mail the 2010 cards received throughout the year and the 2010 Christmas cards next January. It just seems like a good thing worth sharing. St. Jude's Ranch, http://www.stjudesranch.org/, We are accepting used, all-occasion cards from: November 15, 2009 - February 28, 2010 You can mail your donations to: St. Jude's Ranch for Children Recycled Card Program 100 St. Jude's Street - Boulder Tidbit #3: Today is my parents 62nd anniversary. Claude and I are leaving shortly to take Papa to his favorite Mexican restaurant for liner/dunch or whatever you want to call that middle of the afternoon meal that is the main meal of the day for us more mature people. Congratulations Mimi and Papa for 62 years of marriage!!