Hey, Y'all,
It has been a few days since I last posted, so I figured it was time to update a little bit. Sunday was a very quiet day, and not much happened then. Monday, when Gramps' therapist came to work with him, I took off for the Wal-mart (withdrawal pains were hitting me) and so I stopped at the Food City Gas n/ go and filled up my little car, and stopped at the bank to rob it....ha, not really....just withdrew a little cash and headed on to Wal-mart. I was only gone a couple of hours, and when I got back, I fixed some supper for Gramps and me.
Yesterday, some of my teacher friends and I had lunch at the Hillside Grill in Morristown, and had a wonderful time. Most of us are readers and exchanged some books while we were there. What fun! I look forward to reading those that I borrowed. We met at 11:30, and did not leave until 1:45. Just sitting and talking about anything and everything. You know how women can talk. It was a regular "hen party". Ha ha. One of the teachers brought bags of sweet potatoes that she had grown on their farm. Of course, we appreciated that and I look forward to cooking some for supper tonight.
I think I will make some parmesan chicken wings for supper as well. Yum!
I decided it was time to do a little furniture polishing yesterday, so I dusted and polished furniture in our bedroom. Today, the living room gets it. Please don't faint!!! I have been sick for so long, I knew it was time to be doing regular cleaning stuff and feel extra blessed!
Also, when I got up this morning, I knew it was time to clean off my work table and get ready to sew again, so I did. I will be stitching on the quilt I am making for my grandson, Will (BJ). I hope to get started on the hand stitching by next week.
"I've stayed around and layed around this old place too long...Summer's gone along and winter's coming on..I've stayed around and layed around this old place too long , and I Feel like I gotta quilt right on..." Ha, old song paraphrased.
Lately, Gramps has been talking about putting all of his cars that he has been collecting together and dividing them out to give to his grandsons. The other day he started talking about it again, and wanted to go to the basement and get cars he thought were down there. He told me that he knew we had some in a desk down there. I said, "honey, we don't have a desk down there" and he said, "oh yes, we do. I was down there the other day and saw them". Of course he has not been in the basement. I keep it locked and if necessary, I will put a padlock on it to keep him out of it. Anyway, I went into the bedroom and found the cars he was talking about and finally convinced him (I think) that all his cars are up here. Why don't I want him in the basement? Because I am afraid he would fall going down the steps. He is not too steady on his feet even on level ground.
I have been playing a game on my computer that I am totally addicted to. It is called Luxor Mahjong, and has 3 skill levels, and on each level there are 21 stages, and each stage has 3 or more sections. I have played it on all levels and am repeating the expert level right now. I belong to Realarcade.com and download a game each month for 9.99 monthly membership. This is one of their games. I absolutely love Mahjong games and have several of them. I also like the jigsaw puzzles I get from them. This is not a commercial for them, by the way. Just info about what I like to do.
Well, that is about it for today. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Much love to each of you. Bye for now. More later.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Saturday Update
Hey, Y'all,
Here it is Saturday again, already. We just got back from "movie day" in Knoxville with Imazo and Mae. I had taken a movie called "The Over the Hill Gang" with Walter Brennan and other old actors. After the movie was over, Gramps said he could really identify with being "over the hill". ha. He said we were all over the hill. We thought that was funny.
Thursday was a not much doing day, but Friday, I went to visit my cardiologist (one of my former students, and I must say he has turned out nicely-he was a very nice student as well) and he said I am doing well and to just keep on doing what I am doing. So that was good. When I got home around 10:45, I went into the bathroom, ready to use it, and discovered the commode was stopped up, (courtesy of Gramps). I immediately went out to purchase a 'plumber's helper', and found one at the local dollar store. I came home and began trying to unplug the commode. NO Luck! I called my neighbor, Scott, to see if he was coming home for lunch (hoping he could help me) and he said no, he was working in Morristown. He said to call his wife, Laurie, because they had a really good plunger. I called her and she came down with it, and tried her hand at unstopping the commode. No luck, there, either.
Then Laurie called a neighbor who is a plumber, and fortunately, he was at home with his children at the time (doing some home schooling with them), and he came after a few minutes (which were really long minutes for me - I still hadn't had a chance to use the bathroom - I was praying, "Please Lord, help me get this commode unstopped". Then my neighbor, Walt, came with his plumbing snake. He proceeded to put on his rubber surgical gloves, and then to unstop the commode. Not only did he unstop it, he asked for toilet bowl cleaner and a general bathroom cleaner, and cleaned the commode for me. What a wonderful thing to do! I appreciated it so very much!
It was clean, and my problem was soon over with. Then it was time to prepare some supper for us. I made a really good meatloaf, with a container of scalloped potatoes, and some green beans. We really enjoyed our supper, because we had had a late lunch. This morning I got up and made breakfast for us: biscuits, bacon (just a little), grits, eggs, and coffee to drink. A little later, Gramps had his shower (helps when we are seeing people later), and then I took mine.
We headed on into Knoxville to have our Movie day, and after the movie we went to O'Charleys to have a late lunch/early supper. We enjoyed that and then we dropped off Mae at her home, and headed on to Imazo's, where we left her and got back into my car, and headed home. That is about it for today. I am sure Gramps will want something to eat before we go to bed this evening, and I may snack with him. Hope you all have a lovely weekend. I've had a lovely chat with daughter, Teresa, this afternoon. It really helped make my day.
Tomorrow is the birthday of granddaughter, Whitney, (grandson, Daniel's, wife). Happy Birthday, Whitney! We love you and appreciate you so very much! You are very dear to us.
This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. More later. Love to all of you. Bye for now.
Here it is Saturday again, already. We just got back from "movie day" in Knoxville with Imazo and Mae. I had taken a movie called "The Over the Hill Gang" with Walter Brennan and other old actors. After the movie was over, Gramps said he could really identify with being "over the hill". ha. He said we were all over the hill. We thought that was funny.
Thursday was a not much doing day, but Friday, I went to visit my cardiologist (one of my former students, and I must say he has turned out nicely-he was a very nice student as well) and he said I am doing well and to just keep on doing what I am doing. So that was good. When I got home around 10:45, I went into the bathroom, ready to use it, and discovered the commode was stopped up, (courtesy of Gramps). I immediately went out to purchase a 'plumber's helper', and found one at the local dollar store. I came home and began trying to unplug the commode. NO Luck! I called my neighbor, Scott, to see if he was coming home for lunch (hoping he could help me) and he said no, he was working in Morristown. He said to call his wife, Laurie, because they had a really good plunger. I called her and she came down with it, and tried her hand at unstopping the commode. No luck, there, either.
Then Laurie called a neighbor who is a plumber, and fortunately, he was at home with his children at the time (doing some home schooling with them), and he came after a few minutes (which were really long minutes for me - I still hadn't had a chance to use the bathroom - I was praying, "Please Lord, help me get this commode unstopped". Then my neighbor, Walt, came with his plumbing snake. He proceeded to put on his rubber surgical gloves, and then to unstop the commode. Not only did he unstop it, he asked for toilet bowl cleaner and a general bathroom cleaner, and cleaned the commode for me. What a wonderful thing to do! I appreciated it so very much!
It was clean, and my problem was soon over with. Then it was time to prepare some supper for us. I made a really good meatloaf, with a container of scalloped potatoes, and some green beans. We really enjoyed our supper, because we had had a late lunch. This morning I got up and made breakfast for us: biscuits, bacon (just a little), grits, eggs, and coffee to drink. A little later, Gramps had his shower (helps when we are seeing people later), and then I took mine.
We headed on into Knoxville to have our Movie day, and after the movie we went to O'Charleys to have a late lunch/early supper. We enjoyed that and then we dropped off Mae at her home, and headed on to Imazo's, where we left her and got back into my car, and headed home. That is about it for today. I am sure Gramps will want something to eat before we go to bed this evening, and I may snack with him. Hope you all have a lovely weekend. I've had a lovely chat with daughter, Teresa, this afternoon. It really helped make my day.
Tomorrow is the birthday of granddaughter, Whitney, (grandson, Daniel's, wife). Happy Birthday, Whitney! We love you and appreciate you so very much! You are very dear to us.
This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. More later. Love to all of you. Bye for now.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Midweek Stuff
Hey, Y'all,
Here it is Wednesday already! This month is 2/3 gone, and winter is on its way to us! I have been just doing "regular stuff" and that includes laundry (washing, drying, folding and putting away clothing). Monday was a "shower day" for Gramps, (another one tomorrow, whether he wants it or not) ha. We did the shower early and thus were ready for his therapist, Carson, who came to visit and work with Gramps around 1:00 p.m. Since I had cleaned the dishes and the kitchen was clean, we decided to go to a local restaurant and use a gift certificate Gramps had received for his birthday. So soon after Carson left, we went to Lisa's Kitchen, and had cubed pork steak, whipped potatoes, green beans and a roll, along with our drinks, and then had pie for dessert, all for less than $20.00. We cashed our certificate and got 75 cents back. You couldn't beat that with a stick, as the old saying goes.
Yesterday, we didn't do much of anything, except laundry, computer games and watching tv. Gramps did the watching of tv, and I did the laundry and played the games, and just generally stayed in my gown all day. Love those easy days, don't you?
This morning I was up early, showered, headed out to Knoxville to pick up Mae and Imazo, switched cars, and then stopped at Hardee's for breakfast, and came on back here to check on Gramps and get him up to eat. We left Gramps to then pick up our neighbor, Laurie and her daughter, Olivia, and went on to check out the jewelry sale taking place at the local hospital small lobby area. Imazo's grandson, Tom, works for the company that set up the sale..Everything is just $5.00 per item. We had a great time looking at the jewelry and other items, hugged Tom and talked with him for a while, and then made our purchases and then left.
We went then to Burger King for a light lunch, and really enjoyed our time together today. We returned back here to our house and Laurie and Olivia went back to their house and I ran in to check on Gramps, and we soon were on our way back to Knoxville. When we got back there, we dropped off Mae at her house, and I proceeded on to Imazo's and switched cars again. I was back home by 2:00 p.m. and was soon sitting on our couch telling Gramps about our day. Carson, his physical therapist had been here and worked with Gramps, but was gone by the time I got home.
Soon, though, I got a call from his occupational therapist, saying she would be here soon to work with him on his upper arm strength exercises. Her name is Leanna, and she is a lovely girl and very easy to work with, just like Carson is.
Tomorrow is the day to carry off the trash, because it has been piling up and I do need to do that. I will probably go to the grocery store for a few items as well. It is supposed to begin raining in the next day or so, and on Friday I have to see my cardiologist for my six month appointment. Hopefully he will tell me I am in great shape (for the shape I'm in, ha.)
Well, that is about all for today. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. More later. Much love to all of you. Bye for now.
Here it is Wednesday already! This month is 2/3 gone, and winter is on its way to us! I have been just doing "regular stuff" and that includes laundry (washing, drying, folding and putting away clothing). Monday was a "shower day" for Gramps, (another one tomorrow, whether he wants it or not) ha. We did the shower early and thus were ready for his therapist, Carson, who came to visit and work with Gramps around 1:00 p.m. Since I had cleaned the dishes and the kitchen was clean, we decided to go to a local restaurant and use a gift certificate Gramps had received for his birthday. So soon after Carson left, we went to Lisa's Kitchen, and had cubed pork steak, whipped potatoes, green beans and a roll, along with our drinks, and then had pie for dessert, all for less than $20.00. We cashed our certificate and got 75 cents back. You couldn't beat that with a stick, as the old saying goes.
Yesterday, we didn't do much of anything, except laundry, computer games and watching tv. Gramps did the watching of tv, and I did the laundry and played the games, and just generally stayed in my gown all day. Love those easy days, don't you?
This morning I was up early, showered, headed out to Knoxville to pick up Mae and Imazo, switched cars, and then stopped at Hardee's for breakfast, and came on back here to check on Gramps and get him up to eat. We left Gramps to then pick up our neighbor, Laurie and her daughter, Olivia, and went on to check out the jewelry sale taking place at the local hospital small lobby area. Imazo's grandson, Tom, works for the company that set up the sale..Everything is just $5.00 per item. We had a great time looking at the jewelry and other items, hugged Tom and talked with him for a while, and then made our purchases and then left.
We went then to Burger King for a light lunch, and really enjoyed our time together today. We returned back here to our house and Laurie and Olivia went back to their house and I ran in to check on Gramps, and we soon were on our way back to Knoxville. When we got back there, we dropped off Mae at her house, and I proceeded on to Imazo's and switched cars again. I was back home by 2:00 p.m. and was soon sitting on our couch telling Gramps about our day. Carson, his physical therapist had been here and worked with Gramps, but was gone by the time I got home.
Soon, though, I got a call from his occupational therapist, saying she would be here soon to work with him on his upper arm strength exercises. Her name is Leanna, and she is a lovely girl and very easy to work with, just like Carson is.
Tomorrow is the day to carry off the trash, because it has been piling up and I do need to do that. I will probably go to the grocery store for a few items as well. It is supposed to begin raining in the next day or so, and on Friday I have to see my cardiologist for my six month appointment. Hopefully he will tell me I am in great shape (for the shape I'm in, ha.)
Well, that is about all for today. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. More later. Much love to all of you. Bye for now.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
A False Alarm
Hey Y'all,
No need for alarm...we did not have anything terrible happen to us or even bad...
I will tell you a little later in my post about the alarm. Friday evening around 11 p.m., I finally got around to sweeping and mopping my kitchen floor and bathroom floor, and then got up early on Saturday and vacuumed the carpet in the rest of the house. While I was vacuuming the hallway, I saw a good sized black spider come running around the corner. I must have scared him out of his hiding place. I couldn't catch him to kill him (he was running too fast, and I didn't have a shoe in my hand to kill him with). Unfortunately, he rounded the corner and ran behind my computer desk.
Now, some people I know would have chased him out from behind the computer desk even if they had to dismantle the computer and everything connected with it, but I didn't do that. I figured if he had not bitten me by that time, I was not it a lot of danger. However, a few hours later, I found him in the bathroom (or at least I think it was him) and chased him around the bath rug with a piece of toilet tissue I grabbed off the roll until I finally cornered him under the rug, and smushed him good. I saw another one and smushed him or her (his brother, father, sister or mother) or maybe it was his mate, who knows. So....I felt like I had done my good deed for the day. They looked just like the spider that Garfield smushes every once in a while, when I got through with them.
A little later in the day, I had finished gathering up the trash throughout the house, and Gramps and I got ready and left to carry it off and head on into Knoxville for our movie day with the two sisters-in-law, Mae and Imazo. We went out to eat almost as soon as we got there, and headed to the (you guessed it) Cracker Barrel, where we all ate breakfast. When we got back to Imazo's, we sat down to watch the movie that I had brought with me-"Are We There Yet?" and laughed and enjoyed it. We had just finished watching it and were getting ready to go when Imazo's youngest, Jeff, rang the doorbell. He was at the back door, and within seconds of Imazo opening the door, her newly installed burglar alarm started sounding. She said, "Oh, my the police will be coming and everything if I don't get this thing shut off at once." So she proceeded to shut it off, (she thought).
She had already told us about how it had accidentally gone off the other day when she had forgotten about having it and had the police and the neighbors and everyone all running to see if she was okay. Well, anyhow, yesterday, she thought she had it shut off and went on outside to talk to Jeff. Then I hear a voice asking if everything was okay. It was coming from the keypad installation and I said, "sure, it is." The voice then asked "what is the password?" and I said, "I don't know, I am Imazo's sister in law and she is outside with her son." The voice said, "What is your name?" and I told her. She said, "What is the password?" and I said, "danged if I know!" The voice said, "Okay".
A little later, here came the lady patrol officer, and she was talking to Imazo and they were trying to figure out the combination of how to disarm the alarm. I said, "I know how I would disarm it. I would take out my trusty old .44 and plug it. Blam!" Of course, they laughed and went on talking. The patrolman (woman?) told Imazo that she needs to have the company come back out and check it out. Anyway, that is all about the "false alarm".
We soon said our goodbyes and I took Mae home and then came back for Gramps.
This morning about 5:30, I turned over in bed, and noticed Gramps was not in his bed beside me. I hollered and asked where he was and he told me he was lying on the couch in the living room. He apparently hadn't been able to find our bedroom after going to the bathroom (bathroom is just next to the bedroom) and went into the living room, sat down and put on his shoes and then crawled up onto the couch.
I went in and got him up from the couch and helped him back into the bedroom and onto his bed, took off his shoes and covered him up.
He is seeming to become more confused lately. Several times over the past few weeks, he has mentioned his mama, and saying "I wonder what has happened to my mama?". Of course, I tell him the truth, that she passed away over 43 years ago. He asked me about her again on Friday, and I reminded him that she had passed away before we met and that I had not known her. I told him that he had said that she had a stroke and he said, "Oh yeah, now I remember. She is buried next to my dad." and I said, "yes". It is heart-breaking to see a once vital man becoming so lost in his mind that he can't remember so many things, isn't it?
Well, it is Sunday morning and I am going to close this out and go make me some hot oatmeal and toast for breakfast. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Much love to all of you. Bye for now.
No need for alarm...we did not have anything terrible happen to us or even bad...
I will tell you a little later in my post about the alarm. Friday evening around 11 p.m., I finally got around to sweeping and mopping my kitchen floor and bathroom floor, and then got up early on Saturday and vacuumed the carpet in the rest of the house. While I was vacuuming the hallway, I saw a good sized black spider come running around the corner. I must have scared him out of his hiding place. I couldn't catch him to kill him (he was running too fast, and I didn't have a shoe in my hand to kill him with). Unfortunately, he rounded the corner and ran behind my computer desk.
Now, some people I know would have chased him out from behind the computer desk even if they had to dismantle the computer and everything connected with it, but I didn't do that. I figured if he had not bitten me by that time, I was not it a lot of danger. However, a few hours later, I found him in the bathroom (or at least I think it was him) and chased him around the bath rug with a piece of toilet tissue I grabbed off the roll until I finally cornered him under the rug, and smushed him good. I saw another one and smushed him or her (his brother, father, sister or mother) or maybe it was his mate, who knows. So....I felt like I had done my good deed for the day. They looked just like the spider that Garfield smushes every once in a while, when I got through with them.
A little later in the day, I had finished gathering up the trash throughout the house, and Gramps and I got ready and left to carry it off and head on into Knoxville for our movie day with the two sisters-in-law, Mae and Imazo. We went out to eat almost as soon as we got there, and headed to the (you guessed it) Cracker Barrel, where we all ate breakfast. When we got back to Imazo's, we sat down to watch the movie that I had brought with me-"Are We There Yet?" and laughed and enjoyed it. We had just finished watching it and were getting ready to go when Imazo's youngest, Jeff, rang the doorbell. He was at the back door, and within seconds of Imazo opening the door, her newly installed burglar alarm started sounding. She said, "Oh, my the police will be coming and everything if I don't get this thing shut off at once." So she proceeded to shut it off, (she thought).
She had already told us about how it had accidentally gone off the other day when she had forgotten about having it and had the police and the neighbors and everyone all running to see if she was okay. Well, anyhow, yesterday, she thought she had it shut off and went on outside to talk to Jeff. Then I hear a voice asking if everything was okay. It was coming from the keypad installation and I said, "sure, it is." The voice then asked "what is the password?" and I said, "I don't know, I am Imazo's sister in law and she is outside with her son." The voice said, "What is your name?" and I told her. She said, "What is the password?" and I said, "danged if I know!" The voice said, "Okay".
A little later, here came the lady patrol officer, and she was talking to Imazo and they were trying to figure out the combination of how to disarm the alarm. I said, "I know how I would disarm it. I would take out my trusty old .44 and plug it. Blam!" Of course, they laughed and went on talking. The patrolman (woman?) told Imazo that she needs to have the company come back out and check it out. Anyway, that is all about the "false alarm".
We soon said our goodbyes and I took Mae home and then came back for Gramps.
This morning about 5:30, I turned over in bed, and noticed Gramps was not in his bed beside me. I hollered and asked where he was and he told me he was lying on the couch in the living room. He apparently hadn't been able to find our bedroom after going to the bathroom (bathroom is just next to the bedroom) and went into the living room, sat down and put on his shoes and then crawled up onto the couch.
I went in and got him up from the couch and helped him back into the bedroom and onto his bed, took off his shoes and covered him up.
He is seeming to become more confused lately. Several times over the past few weeks, he has mentioned his mama, and saying "I wonder what has happened to my mama?". Of course, I tell him the truth, that she passed away over 43 years ago. He asked me about her again on Friday, and I reminded him that she had passed away before we met and that I had not known her. I told him that he had said that she had a stroke and he said, "Oh yeah, now I remember. She is buried next to my dad." and I said, "yes". It is heart-breaking to see a once vital man becoming so lost in his mind that he can't remember so many things, isn't it?
Well, it is Sunday morning and I am going to close this out and go make me some hot oatmeal and toast for breakfast. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Much love to all of you. Bye for now.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Back to Normal Activity
Hey, Y'all,
Well, things are back to normal around here. Gramps slept late this morning (it is now 12:30 and he just got up). I have been doing my regular stuff (breakfast, dishes, filing important papers in the filing cabinet, filing credit card receipts, computer stuff, and just trying to put different parts of our house in order) since arising around 7:30 this morning. Of course, listening to the radio when I get up and have breakfast is one of the regular things I do, and reading a paperback while I have breakfast. It is almost time for my lunch and Gramps is just going to be eating breakfast in a little bit.
I guess I will get back to doing vacuuming this afternoon, because, goodness knows, the house needs it. It hasn't been vacuumed in a while since there was no one to do it. Of course, for a while there was no one here to get the carpet dirty. Tomorrow, I may even sweep and mop the kitchen.
Oops, it is later this afternoon, and so far the vacuum sits where it has been sitting for the last little while, unused. I just got the dishwasher loaded, and waiting for the supper dishes before I turn it on.
An update on Gramps...his home health care individuals have been coming and working with him on his strengthening of muscles and also with how better to deal with showers. We have some really nice health care helpers and I look forward to all the help they can give us. Right now, he is in the living room following his shower, and he is shaving with his electric razor (one of his favorite pastimes). He will put it down and later, having forgotten that he has already shaved, will shave again. A harmless occupation, don't you agree? Oh yes, he found the watches he has been looking for for some time. He has several that he likes to wind, and was just sure that someone had come in and made off with them. (He had put them away and forgotten where he had put them.)
I am sending out Happy Birthday wishes to nephews, David and Jeffrey. They are Hugh's and Imazo's sons. Today is David's birthday and tomorrow is Jeff's. Happy birthday, dear ones!
We had intended to go to Knoxville today to have a movie day and eat out, but it did not work out, so we plan on going in on Saturday instead. It is rainy today, so it would have been a little soggy for us. I am still in my nightgown, because it suits my rainy day mood. Well, that is about it for me today.
This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Much love to all of you. Bye for now. More soon.
Well, things are back to normal around here. Gramps slept late this morning (it is now 12:30 and he just got up). I have been doing my regular stuff (breakfast, dishes, filing important papers in the filing cabinet, filing credit card receipts, computer stuff, and just trying to put different parts of our house in order) since arising around 7:30 this morning. Of course, listening to the radio when I get up and have breakfast is one of the regular things I do, and reading a paperback while I have breakfast. It is almost time for my lunch and Gramps is just going to be eating breakfast in a little bit.
I guess I will get back to doing vacuuming this afternoon, because, goodness knows, the house needs it. It hasn't been vacuumed in a while since there was no one to do it. Of course, for a while there was no one here to get the carpet dirty. Tomorrow, I may even sweep and mop the kitchen.
Oops, it is later this afternoon, and so far the vacuum sits where it has been sitting for the last little while, unused. I just got the dishwasher loaded, and waiting for the supper dishes before I turn it on.
An update on Gramps...his home health care individuals have been coming and working with him on his strengthening of muscles and also with how better to deal with showers. We have some really nice health care helpers and I look forward to all the help they can give us. Right now, he is in the living room following his shower, and he is shaving with his electric razor (one of his favorite pastimes). He will put it down and later, having forgotten that he has already shaved, will shave again. A harmless occupation, don't you agree? Oh yes, he found the watches he has been looking for for some time. He has several that he likes to wind, and was just sure that someone had come in and made off with them. (He had put them away and forgotten where he had put them.)
I am sending out Happy Birthday wishes to nephews, David and Jeffrey. They are Hugh's and Imazo's sons. Today is David's birthday and tomorrow is Jeff's. Happy birthday, dear ones!
We had intended to go to Knoxville today to have a movie day and eat out, but it did not work out, so we plan on going in on Saturday instead. It is rainy today, so it would have been a little soggy for us. I am still in my nightgown, because it suits my rainy day mood. Well, that is about it for me today.
This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Much love to all of you. Bye for now. More soon.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Movie Day Yesterday
Hey, Y'all,
It is good to be back home again, doing all the stuff I am used to doing. Friday morning, I got up and had my shower, fixed breakfast (which meant hot oatmeal, with toast, for me, and Cheerios and coffee for Gramps). Then some laundry, and cleaning the kitchen, got Gramps into the shower and clean clothes, and by one o-clock, I was out the door to take the car to Morristown Toyota for servicing. While I was there, I got to talking to a couple of ladies who were also waiting for their cars (naturally, I can't keep my mouth shut when I see someone who could be interesting to talk to). One of the ladies was also a retired school librarian and we all three discussed books, since the other lady had been reading a paperback book. Then we started talking about gall bladder surgery (and I am afraid I initiated that discussion).
The lady who had been reading a book told me she had the surgery fifteen years ago, and when I asked her about pain which followed the surgery, she told me that she had had the kind I am having in the upper part of my belly (or I could say abdomen) that is just really sharp but disappears after a few seconds. She told me that she had experienced the same thing and I asked her how long had she had those pains before she didn't have them any more. She said about six to eight months. Hmmm. She also said that there are certain things that she can no longer eat and named them as onions, lettuce, and eggs. They cause the pain to come back. I guess I will just have to notice and eliminate certain foods that could be causing the pain. It always seems to occur within three hours after eating.
After I got my car back, I headed on home and stopped in Jefferson City at the Verizon store, where I upped the minutes I can use during a month. My last bill was almost $200.00 and man, I can't afford that every month. I know it was because I was at Terrace Estates and had no room phone and would only have had local calling on a room phone anyway. Most of my calls are not local anyway, except for a few from relatives who live in Knoxville. Then I headed on home. We had a late lunch and then watched some television for awhile.
(On Thursday, Mark and Allie came to visit and brought Pizza with them for lunch. Their visiting time was limited because they were soon to be on their way to Memphis to spend some time with family). Also on Thursday, I received a call from the nurse for Dr. Wright, my surgeon at Vanderbilt. She was reporting on the blood work I had done on the day before. She said the results were good, and she is going to fax the report to both my other doctors. Then I will get a copy from my family doctor, so I can know the numbers. (Inquiring minds want to know, you know.)
Yesterday, I was up early and doing more laundry, and then collected the trash throughout the house, and we were on our way to Knoxville, with a movie to watch in my possession. We stopped and picked up my sister-in-law, Mae, and went on to Imazo's, where we switched cars, and off to Louis' Restaurant, where we partook of his wonderful spicy spaghetti and meat sauce. YUM! In the background, the game between University of TN and Georgia was playing on the radio, and were pleased to hear that Tennessee had won the game. (Finally! We won a SEC game this year!) Final score was 45-19.
We then went back to Imazo's where we made our selves comfortable and watched "Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates" which is an old Disney movie. By 6:30 we were on our way back home after taking Mae home and bidding goodbye to Imazo. Last night was very quiet and I spent some time playing a game on my computer. Believe it or not, I got at least eight hours sleep last night, and it was wonderful! Up this morning at 8:30 and made breakfast for us. I had bought some Bisquick a week or so ago, and made two pancakes for each of us, and had a piece of sausage and an egg for each of us, along with coffee.
Well, folks, that is about it. More later. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Love to all of you. Bye for now.
It is good to be back home again, doing all the stuff I am used to doing. Friday morning, I got up and had my shower, fixed breakfast (which meant hot oatmeal, with toast, for me, and Cheerios and coffee for Gramps). Then some laundry, and cleaning the kitchen, got Gramps into the shower and clean clothes, and by one o-clock, I was out the door to take the car to Morristown Toyota for servicing. While I was there, I got to talking to a couple of ladies who were also waiting for their cars (naturally, I can't keep my mouth shut when I see someone who could be interesting to talk to). One of the ladies was also a retired school librarian and we all three discussed books, since the other lady had been reading a paperback book. Then we started talking about gall bladder surgery (and I am afraid I initiated that discussion).
The lady who had been reading a book told me she had the surgery fifteen years ago, and when I asked her about pain which followed the surgery, she told me that she had had the kind I am having in the upper part of my belly (or I could say abdomen) that is just really sharp but disappears after a few seconds. She told me that she had experienced the same thing and I asked her how long had she had those pains before she didn't have them any more. She said about six to eight months. Hmmm. She also said that there are certain things that she can no longer eat and named them as onions, lettuce, and eggs. They cause the pain to come back. I guess I will just have to notice and eliminate certain foods that could be causing the pain. It always seems to occur within three hours after eating.
After I got my car back, I headed on home and stopped in Jefferson City at the Verizon store, where I upped the minutes I can use during a month. My last bill was almost $200.00 and man, I can't afford that every month. I know it was because I was at Terrace Estates and had no room phone and would only have had local calling on a room phone anyway. Most of my calls are not local anyway, except for a few from relatives who live in Knoxville. Then I headed on home. We had a late lunch and then watched some television for awhile.
(On Thursday, Mark and Allie came to visit and brought Pizza with them for lunch. Their visiting time was limited because they were soon to be on their way to Memphis to spend some time with family). Also on Thursday, I received a call from the nurse for Dr. Wright, my surgeon at Vanderbilt. She was reporting on the blood work I had done on the day before. She said the results were good, and she is going to fax the report to both my other doctors. Then I will get a copy from my family doctor, so I can know the numbers. (Inquiring minds want to know, you know.)
Yesterday, I was up early and doing more laundry, and then collected the trash throughout the house, and we were on our way to Knoxville, with a movie to watch in my possession. We stopped and picked up my sister-in-law, Mae, and went on to Imazo's, where we switched cars, and off to Louis' Restaurant, where we partook of his wonderful spicy spaghetti and meat sauce. YUM! In the background, the game between University of TN and Georgia was playing on the radio, and were pleased to hear that Tennessee had won the game. (Finally! We won a SEC game this year!) Final score was 45-19.
We then went back to Imazo's where we made our selves comfortable and watched "Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates" which is an old Disney movie. By 6:30 we were on our way back home after taking Mae home and bidding goodbye to Imazo. Last night was very quiet and I spent some time playing a game on my computer. Believe it or not, I got at least eight hours sleep last night, and it was wonderful! Up this morning at 8:30 and made breakfast for us. I had bought some Bisquick a week or so ago, and made two pancakes for each of us, and had a piece of sausage and an egg for each of us, along with coffee.
Well, folks, that is about it. More later. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Love to all of you. Bye for now.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
A Good Report
Hey, Y'all,
Yesterday, my gracious friend, Ina Ray, and I traveled to Vanderbilt Clinic for a final visit (we hope) to see my doctor, Dr. J. Kelly Wright. It was a good visit, and Dr. Wright told me that my incision was beautiful (it has healed nicely) and we were able (after I donated a sample of my blood for bloodwork), to leave and head for home.
I had driven my little Toyota down to Ina's and we took it, with Ina driving it. We stopped on the way down for breakfast at Hardee's, Yum!, and then proceeded on. I was wearing a skirt, and blouse with a linen type lavender jacket, and the little crocheted cap that Ina had presented me with the other day. The cap was lavender as well and matched the coat nicely. The cap produced a lot of compliments, and some of them from my doctors. They commented on how nice I looked and I told them that I felt my visit should be a special one, so I "dressed" for it.
After we left, we headed east, and stopped down the road to have some lunch. We found a Cracker Barrel, (of course), and enjoyed that stop. However, a few minutes later, we needed to stop for a few minutes, so Ina pulled off the interstate, and when we were going to get back on, there was not a return entrance to the east direction, so after wandering around for awhile, we found an entrance several blocks from where we came off. I told Ina Ray that she and I are such "kindred spirits" that we are both somewhat "directionally challenged". Ha.
When we got to Crossville, we decided to stop at a couple of antique stores that she knew of and had shopped at before. She collects the Jewel Tea dishes of a particular design, and is trying to get a full set of them. We stopped at an upscale one, but it had not what she wanted, and then we went across the parking lot to the Stonehaus and Winery building, and had some ice cream (buttered pecan, of course), and then were directed to the store she was looking for to begin with. It was just across the road from where we were.
When we looked at the other store, we walked in and the man behind the counter said he liked my hat and what would I take for it. I replied that he didn't have enough money to buy it. He commented on it again as she was paying for her purchases. I told him it was a gift from my friend, and put my arm around Ina Ray.
We were soon on our way home, and of course, I had to go in to see Ina Ray's kittens and cats. She has "rescued" seven cats from outside her house. There are two sets of kittens, one set of three and one set of four. The set of three are older and she has had them for several weeks and named them. She will be keeping one of them and giving the other two away. they will be spayed and neutered. The newest set of four, she says she is not naming so that she won't be tempted to keep any of them. She is having them spayed or neutered and then giving them away. She already has two older cats that she has had for a very long time. All the cats are adorable, of course!
After I left Ina's, I hurried on home and trusted that Gramps would be okay. Our very good neighbor, Laurie, had checked in on him during the day. How very fortunate we are to have such wonderful friends and neighbors! I had left him food and written directions when I left, along with coffee maker ready to turn on and make his coffee. I really did not have a lot of choice on something to do with him for the day. Thank God for Scott and Laurie!
Well, a lot to do today. I have to get busy with stuff to be done and not be a slacker. Ha. I have still been trying to get "stuff" put away and out of sight. You would not believe the amount of lotions and skin creams that we have. People have given us a lot of them and one would think that we must look "crusty" to have received so many of them. Ha. I have more than a decorative basket full of them. I think I will begin giving them as hostess gifts to visitors. Hmmm. Good Idea? We certainly appreciate each of them, but one can only use so many in their later years. Let's admit it, we only have so many years to use them.
Oops, it is breakfast time, and the old belly calls to me. Ha. (Food! Please!). This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Love to each of you. More later. Bye for now.
Yesterday, my gracious friend, Ina Ray, and I traveled to Vanderbilt Clinic for a final visit (we hope) to see my doctor, Dr. J. Kelly Wright. It was a good visit, and Dr. Wright told me that my incision was beautiful (it has healed nicely) and we were able (after I donated a sample of my blood for bloodwork), to leave and head for home.
I had driven my little Toyota down to Ina's and we took it, with Ina driving it. We stopped on the way down for breakfast at Hardee's, Yum!, and then proceeded on. I was wearing a skirt, and blouse with a linen type lavender jacket, and the little crocheted cap that Ina had presented me with the other day. The cap was lavender as well and matched the coat nicely. The cap produced a lot of compliments, and some of them from my doctors. They commented on how nice I looked and I told them that I felt my visit should be a special one, so I "dressed" for it.
After we left, we headed east, and stopped down the road to have some lunch. We found a Cracker Barrel, (of course), and enjoyed that stop. However, a few minutes later, we needed to stop for a few minutes, so Ina pulled off the interstate, and when we were going to get back on, there was not a return entrance to the east direction, so after wandering around for awhile, we found an entrance several blocks from where we came off. I told Ina Ray that she and I are such "kindred spirits" that we are both somewhat "directionally challenged". Ha.
When we got to Crossville, we decided to stop at a couple of antique stores that she knew of and had shopped at before. She collects the Jewel Tea dishes of a particular design, and is trying to get a full set of them. We stopped at an upscale one, but it had not what she wanted, and then we went across the parking lot to the Stonehaus and Winery building, and had some ice cream (buttered pecan, of course), and then were directed to the store she was looking for to begin with. It was just across the road from where we were.
When we looked at the other store, we walked in and the man behind the counter said he liked my hat and what would I take for it. I replied that he didn't have enough money to buy it. He commented on it again as she was paying for her purchases. I told him it was a gift from my friend, and put my arm around Ina Ray.
We were soon on our way home, and of course, I had to go in to see Ina Ray's kittens and cats. She has "rescued" seven cats from outside her house. There are two sets of kittens, one set of three and one set of four. The set of three are older and she has had them for several weeks and named them. She will be keeping one of them and giving the other two away. they will be spayed and neutered. The newest set of four, she says she is not naming so that she won't be tempted to keep any of them. She is having them spayed or neutered and then giving them away. She already has two older cats that she has had for a very long time. All the cats are adorable, of course!
After I left Ina's, I hurried on home and trusted that Gramps would be okay. Our very good neighbor, Laurie, had checked in on him during the day. How very fortunate we are to have such wonderful friends and neighbors! I had left him food and written directions when I left, along with coffee maker ready to turn on and make his coffee. I really did not have a lot of choice on something to do with him for the day. Thank God for Scott and Laurie!
Well, a lot to do today. I have to get busy with stuff to be done and not be a slacker. Ha. I have still been trying to get "stuff" put away and out of sight. You would not believe the amount of lotions and skin creams that we have. People have given us a lot of them and one would think that we must look "crusty" to have received so many of them. Ha. I have more than a decorative basket full of them. I think I will begin giving them as hostess gifts to visitors. Hmmm. Good Idea? We certainly appreciate each of them, but one can only use so many in their later years. Let's admit it, we only have so many years to use them.
Oops, it is breakfast time, and the old belly calls to me. Ha. (Food! Please!). This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Love to each of you. More later. Bye for now.
Monday, October 5, 2009
We're Home (and other stuff)
Hey, Y'all,
Yeah, we are back home (and have been since last Wednesday afternoon), but somehow, I just haven't posted since last Tuesday. There was visiting with our grandson, Daniel and Whitney and their children to do. Then there was unpacking and laundry to do, and then there was just relaxing to do. This morning, after getting up around 6:30, I began unpacking boxes and bags of stuff we had brought back and realized that I really needed to post.
We had a wonderful time with our grands and great-grands last week. They arrived on Tuesday about 6:30 and we spent a couple of hours with them at The Terrace Estates just visiting and then they left for the night to go to their motel. I had spent part of Tuesday packing up some of the things we had accumulated over the past 40 days there. Wednesday morning, after breakfast, I finished our packing, and we waited for them to return to take us home. We turned in our code alert alarms to Glenna, the manager, and hugged her goodbye.
Daniel, Whitney and the four children made short work of carrying out our belongings. Even the youngest, 3 year old Ellie, was given something to carry out. In no time, we were on our way home. Whitney took their van and the two youngest children, plus Gramps, and I took Daniel and the two oldest children and drove my car (which they had brought from our house as they came that morning). We were home in no time and they soon had our things carried in and stashed where they could find a place for them. (Our house is small, you know, and places have to be found to place them).
We later went to Burger King for our lunch, and we had a wonderful time, and the great grands got the King Hats and had lots of fun with them. After lunch, Daniel and Dub and the two smaller children (Noah, 4, and Ellie, 3) went home. Whitney and I and the two older children (Hannah, 8, and Austin, 6) went to the grocery store to get a few items to refill my fridge and pantry. After we got home, the children had a lot of time to play and the adults had time to talk and visit. Later in the evening, we had sandwiches and salad for supper, and after supper, we had fun watching the kids play.
The weather was beautiful, and we went outside, where we saw our neighbor mowing his yard. I waved to him to come down and we had a really neat time chatting with him, and later, we came in while he continued talking with Daniel. (They talk about women talking....ha! Men can talk longer than we can, anytime). Of course, it didn't bother us; I was glad to see them both enjoying the conversation.
On Thursday morning, we met Daniel, Whitney and the children at a local Shoney's restaurant for breakfast and had a good time there. They came back to the house and we visited and the children played. After some really sweet hugs and kisses, they were ready to leave. In too short a time they got back into their van and were waving goodbye to us. It was so wonderful to have them with us, even for a short time.
When Friday came, I got up early, showered and got dressed to go to Jonesborough with my friend, Ina Ray, who got here about 8 a.m. I got Gramps up and he had his breakfast, and got dressed for the day. Our friend, Mark, came over later that morning, and they spent the day together. I cannot leave Gramps alone all day without someone checking on him. I drove my car to Jonesborough and Ina rode with me. We had a great time listening to professional storytellers regaling many people with their stories. We left Jonesborough at 2:30 or 3:00 and drove back to Dandridge where we stopped and had a late lunch/early supper.
Ina was soon on her way back home, and I went into the house and spent some time visiting with Mark. Later, as I sat on the couch (napping), our friends, Gene and Judy,
came in and wished Gramps a happy birthday (Saturday was his 83rd. birthday) and I passed on to them the tickets for the storytelling festival for saturday and sunday, since I could not go on those days. I always buy tickets for the whole weekend. Friday was Judy's birthday, and Sunday was Gene's birthday, so that was a birthday gift to them. I think their anniversary is in there somewhere, too.
Saturday morning, I was up early and made my breakfast and headed up to the Terrace Estates to pick up our bath stool that I forgot to bring home with us on Wednesday. Later, I stopped in Jefferson City to pick up prescriptions and made it home just in time for the interview conducted by the home health care nurse. She arrived here soon after I returned home. Gramps is being picked up by Jefferson County Home health care providers. We were both on home health care in Morristown while we were in the assisted living facility. They pronounced me as having made great improvement and no longer really needing it, and we left Gramps on home health care to provide additional strengthening for his limbs.
Yesterday was very quiet here and this morning has been also. I will probably take a nap in a little while. Gramps is already taking a nap following breakfast. I have been trying to get things put away. I have done 3 loads of laundry over the past three days, and am also trying to get my finances back in order. I am behind in all of that, and have a lot of filing to do of my papers. Well, that is about it for right now, and I am going to go take a nap.
By the way, I am feeling fine these days and am grateful for the recovery time I had to get back on my feet for sure. I go in a couple of days to Vanderbilt for a (I hope) final check up and blood work. Will let you know how that turns out. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Love to all of you. Bye for now. (Sorry it has taken me so long to post.)
Yeah, we are back home (and have been since last Wednesday afternoon), but somehow, I just haven't posted since last Tuesday. There was visiting with our grandson, Daniel and Whitney and their children to do. Then there was unpacking and laundry to do, and then there was just relaxing to do. This morning, after getting up around 6:30, I began unpacking boxes and bags of stuff we had brought back and realized that I really needed to post.
We had a wonderful time with our grands and great-grands last week. They arrived on Tuesday about 6:30 and we spent a couple of hours with them at The Terrace Estates just visiting and then they left for the night to go to their motel. I had spent part of Tuesday packing up some of the things we had accumulated over the past 40 days there. Wednesday morning, after breakfast, I finished our packing, and we waited for them to return to take us home. We turned in our code alert alarms to Glenna, the manager, and hugged her goodbye.
Daniel, Whitney and the four children made short work of carrying out our belongings. Even the youngest, 3 year old Ellie, was given something to carry out. In no time, we were on our way home. Whitney took their van and the two youngest children, plus Gramps, and I took Daniel and the two oldest children and drove my car (which they had brought from our house as they came that morning). We were home in no time and they soon had our things carried in and stashed where they could find a place for them. (Our house is small, you know, and places have to be found to place them).
We later went to Burger King for our lunch, and we had a wonderful time, and the great grands got the King Hats and had lots of fun with them. After lunch, Daniel and Dub and the two smaller children (Noah, 4, and Ellie, 3) went home. Whitney and I and the two older children (Hannah, 8, and Austin, 6) went to the grocery store to get a few items to refill my fridge and pantry. After we got home, the children had a lot of time to play and the adults had time to talk and visit. Later in the evening, we had sandwiches and salad for supper, and after supper, we had fun watching the kids play.
The weather was beautiful, and we went outside, where we saw our neighbor mowing his yard. I waved to him to come down and we had a really neat time chatting with him, and later, we came in while he continued talking with Daniel. (They talk about women talking....ha! Men can talk longer than we can, anytime). Of course, it didn't bother us; I was glad to see them both enjoying the conversation.
On Thursday morning, we met Daniel, Whitney and the children at a local Shoney's restaurant for breakfast and had a good time there. They came back to the house and we visited and the children played. After some really sweet hugs and kisses, they were ready to leave. In too short a time they got back into their van and were waving goodbye to us. It was so wonderful to have them with us, even for a short time.
When Friday came, I got up early, showered and got dressed to go to Jonesborough with my friend, Ina Ray, who got here about 8 a.m. I got Gramps up and he had his breakfast, and got dressed for the day. Our friend, Mark, came over later that morning, and they spent the day together. I cannot leave Gramps alone all day without someone checking on him. I drove my car to Jonesborough and Ina rode with me. We had a great time listening to professional storytellers regaling many people with their stories. We left Jonesborough at 2:30 or 3:00 and drove back to Dandridge where we stopped and had a late lunch/early supper.
Ina was soon on her way back home, and I went into the house and spent some time visiting with Mark. Later, as I sat on the couch (napping), our friends, Gene and Judy,
came in and wished Gramps a happy birthday (Saturday was his 83rd. birthday) and I passed on to them the tickets for the storytelling festival for saturday and sunday, since I could not go on those days. I always buy tickets for the whole weekend. Friday was Judy's birthday, and Sunday was Gene's birthday, so that was a birthday gift to them. I think their anniversary is in there somewhere, too.
Saturday morning, I was up early and made my breakfast and headed up to the Terrace Estates to pick up our bath stool that I forgot to bring home with us on Wednesday. Later, I stopped in Jefferson City to pick up prescriptions and made it home just in time for the interview conducted by the home health care nurse. She arrived here soon after I returned home. Gramps is being picked up by Jefferson County Home health care providers. We were both on home health care in Morristown while we were in the assisted living facility. They pronounced me as having made great improvement and no longer really needing it, and we left Gramps on home health care to provide additional strengthening for his limbs.
Yesterday was very quiet here and this morning has been also. I will probably take a nap in a little while. Gramps is already taking a nap following breakfast. I have been trying to get things put away. I have done 3 loads of laundry over the past three days, and am also trying to get my finances back in order. I am behind in all of that, and have a lot of filing to do of my papers. Well, that is about it for right now, and I am going to go take a nap.
By the way, I am feeling fine these days and am grateful for the recovery time I had to get back on my feet for sure. I go in a couple of days to Vanderbilt for a (I hope) final check up and blood work. Will let you know how that turns out. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for today. Love to all of you. Bye for now. (Sorry it has taken me so long to post.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
