CHOCOLATE, One of My Many Addictions

What?

2016-11-07T10:45:00.001-06:00

What hubby does when he wakes up too early , but I should be doing.

WHAT we are thinking!!!

What ,are friend are doing.and thinking..................and going to lunch, bringing me giffties, etc.

My sister and me

one of our younger grand girls. It is so hard for me to type and keep my fingers on the keyboard.

You see, I have diagnosed with inoperable cancer. there are too many lesions in my brain. I can think ,can't write, can talk ok. it's hard.

Radiation starts tomorrow. Be back when I can.

it sure does!!!!

2016-11-01T16:21:00.001-05:00

Now That It's Cooled Off I Am Readin More

2016-11-01T16:12:00.000-05:00

I apologize for restoring to the web for reviews ,but I can'y seem to think and type good enough.

I eas in for a CT scan last night and a brain MRI this morning. I do have some bleeding, that is all I know for now.

Masterfully written and beautifully told, Heather Gudenkauf's debut is a stunning novel of family devotion, honesty and regret that will linger long after the last page is turned.

It happens quietly one August morning. As dawn's shimmering light drenches the humid Iowa air, two families awaken to find their little girls have gone missing in the night.

Seven-year-old Calli Clark is sweet, gentle, a dreamer who suffers from selective mutism brought on by a tragedy that pulled her deep into silence as a toddler. Calli's mother, Antonia, tried to be the best mother she could within the confines of marriage to a mostly absent, often angry husband. Now, though she denies that her husband could be involved in the possible abductions, she fears her decision to stay in her marriage has cost her more than her daughter's voice.

Petra Gregory is Calli's best friend, her soul mate and her voice. But neither Petra nor Calli has been heard from since their disappearance was discovered. Desperate to find his child, Martin Gregory is forced to confront a side of himself he did not know existed beneath his intellectual, professorial demeanor.

Now these families are tied by the question of what happened to their children. And the answer is trapped in the silence of unspoken family secrets.

College student Joe Talbert has the modest goal of completing a writing assignment for an English class. His task is to interview a stranger and write a brief biography of the person. With deadlines looming, Joe heads to a nearby nursing home to find a willing subject. There he meets Carl Iverson, and soon nothing in Joe's life is ever the same.

Carl is a dying Vietnam veteran--and a convicted murderer. With only a few months to live, he has been medically paroled to a nursing home, after spending thirty years in prison for the crimes of rape and murder.

As Joe writes about Carl's life, especially Carl's valor in Vietnam, he cannot reconcile the heroism of the soldier with the despicable acts of the convict. Joe, along with his skeptical female neighbor, throws himself into uncovering the truth, but he is hamstrung in his efforts by having to deal with his dangerously dysfunctional mother, the guilt of leaving his autistic brother vulnerable, and a haunting childhood memory.

Thread by thread, Joe unravels the tapestry of Carl’s conviction. But as he and Lila dig deeper into the circumstances of the crime, the stakes grow higher. Will Joe discover the truth before it’s too late to escape the fallout?

Both are similar and excellent books, I HIGHLY recommend them.

This last book is a different genre, I needed too get away from "who dunnit" It's about a young boy, from a dysfunctional family who grow up with his 'grandma". Good story.

Happy Fall Y'all

2016-10-30T21:34:00.000-05:00

I made this card a year or two ago , I guess I never posted it.

2 Movies in Less Than a Week, Really???

2016-10-28T21:46:00.000-05:00

Last month Kevin asked me if I wanted to see Sully...I said 'sure.'

Sully
Excellent.

We haven't been to the movies in a LONG, LONG time. We really enjoyed it. The theater is new, has comfy and roomy seats.

A few days later I went to the movie with friends from book club. I prefer to read the book and then see the movie, since we read the book a few months ago it worked our perfectly. I didn't cry (I don't) but we all liked the movie.

Light Between the Oceans

Gift Ideas For The Home-bound, Ill, Those Hospitilazed, Those Undergoing Chemo

2016-10-27T09:58:00.000-05:00

And anyone else you might be visiting that you want to cheer up.

Yes, I think too much...........about stuff that may not matter.

tic tacs

lip balm

treats for their furry family

purse tissues

small, bright bouquet

home made soup

favorite hot or cold drink from a fast food place
stop in for a visit and just talk

single serving size of sherbet or ice cream

assorted hot drinks for the Keurig (it's nice to offer drinks to visitors)

unscented toiletries

coloring books are all the rage (I don't color)

candy to suck on
ginger ale
ginger candies

While you are visiting offer to:
(maybe JUST DO IT)

clean his/her glasses

water the plants

feed/walk pets

fill the Keurig

wash the dishes

put the dishes away

switch laundry loads
throw clothes in the dryer
fold the laundry

carry something up or downstairs
take the person shopping, some place fun, go out to lunch

Just some things that popped into my head

A Busy Week (for me)

2016-10-26T11:51:00.000-05:00

Going to the dentist, lunch, and a tiny bit of shopping probably doesn't sound like a full day to you,,,,,,,,,,,,,but it is to me. I was hoping to do more than the dentist, especially since I had a great appointment!! No natter that my son called when we were eating. That was Monday.

Tuesday was another good day, a old friend came to see me and took my for lunch! I found out That she sent me this beautiful plant a few days ago, she remembered that from over 25 years ago. Impressive!!!! We visited, looked at old photos, reminisced, laughed, etc.
I did not attend the Red Hat pajama party this year, last year I did. I was too tired.
Today it is rainy, I will stay inside all day.

Bold Spirit

2016-10-23T12:33:00.002-05:00

This an excellent book, don't hesitate to pick it up.

This is a true story. no wonder my friend wants the book back!

'In 1896, a Norwegian immigrant and mother of eight children named Helga Estby was behind on taxes and the mortgage when she learned that a mysterious sponsor would pay $10,000 to a woman who walked across America.
Hoping to win the wager and save her family’s farm, Helga and her teenaged daughter Clara, armed with little more than a compass, red-pepper spray, a revolver, and Clara’s curling iron, set out on foot from Eastern Washington. Their route would pass through 14 states, but they were not allowed to carry more than five dollars each. As they visited Indian reservations, Western boomtowns, remote ranches and local civic leaders, they confronted snowstorms, hunger, thieves and mountain lions with equal aplomb. Their treacherous and inspirational journey to New York challenged contemporary notions of femininity and captured the public imagination. But their trip had such devastating consequences that the Estby women's achievement was blanketed in silence until, nearly a century later, Linda Lawrence Hunt encountered their extraordinary story'

Cutting Back and a COnfession

2016-10-22T10:36:00.001-05:00

I am cutting back on activities of late.......b/c of heath? weather? or what? Since my sinus infection I seem to be more tired. I don't like to be out at night after 8PM. I like to be in bed by 7PM......I play my games, read, or watch TV.......besides that it is dark so early.

Last week I did not go a local live production. I knew it was going to be good....but didn't want to go out at night.

It's cold.............50 is cold to me. I turn the thermostat up to 74 when I am at home.....have to remember to have Kev turn it down at bedtime.

Next weekend I have several reasons not to go to a scrapbook retreat....I get tired so easily. It is only October.....I hope winter goes quickly.

I am cold, tired, and slow.

I have started physical therapy for my neurorpathy ...hope it helps. I am tried of not driving, walking like a drunken sailor, and slurring my words.

Wish me luck!!!!
I want to make a confession..............I have ACCIDENTALLY deleted one of your posts, I hate it when I do that. Sometimes I check comments on my Kindle and my thumb hits the delete button....and it is gone.....:-( so sorry....I love comments!

Wonders of Autumn

2016-10-21T10:50:00.000-05:00

Monday I had an out of town dr appt. It is such a pretty drive to Fond du lac, especially this time of year. I don't get out much so my gf wanted to take me to a gorgeous apple farm. I am so glad she did. It was a perfect day for a lunch visit.

the Little Farmer

the photos do not do the trees justice

It is a great place for younger children: goats to feed, a peacock, cats waiting to be petted, there's a playground area, corn maze, pumpkin patch, apple orchard....just a beautiful place to soak up some fall.

They have cafe with some fabulous looking food on the menu, it was closed so we just drooled and stopped in Valders to eat.

God certainly gave us beauteous trees to gook at

cute planters

View from the craft barn, lots of wonderful stuff...or a great place to enjoy a nice cup of apple cider or hot chocolate

still have flowers

fat person by a water fountain

Halloween's coming

2016-10-14T15:01:00.000-05:00

Pumpkins are everywhere

So are the jack o'lanterns

Not my style

These are cute

Just a few of the pumpkins I've seen around

Dear Lord....

2016-10-14T10:02:00.000-05:00

I hate cancer and what it has done to my body and life!!!

Last night I was sooooo upset....

I am battling with feelings of helplessness, loneliness, incompetence, invisibleness, etc. Last night I just wanted to throw things. I am better today, but not over it. I hate being helpless and having to ask people, I barely go anywhere, where's my life?, I have a hard time walking, I am much weaker than I used to be. I know I shouldn't complain - so many people have it so much worse - most days I can deal with it. I really try not to complain much, it doesn't do any good.
I know I can look up Bible verses and probably should do so.
I am thankful to the people that say I look good, that's a positive I can hold on to.
I am not sure what to pray, but YOU do! Dear Lord.....

Polly's Pumpkin Patch

2016-10-13T09:48:00.000-05:00

Saturday we took a short drive to Chilton, Wi for our annual pumpkin patch visit.

We did not have my car and I really missed my Onstar, but we made it.

In the front are the duck races, (pumping water), hay bale 'castle', in the back are the corn cannons (boys love it) - shooting corn out of 'guns' to try to hit targets. They are more games that you can't see. They're free (the wagon ride, corn cannons, and corn maze are $3.)

40' slide, the kids favorite

duck races

Corn cannons.......boys love it!!!

$5 for 8 cobs

The boys and I went on the wagon ride ($3)

We did not walk thru the corn maze - it was too muddy and I can't walk very good on uneven ground. We had a good time............not sure about Kev, he just stood and watched. Later we ate at DQ, boys are hungry people.

Can't Sleep? Me Neither

2016-10-11T10:43:00.000-05:00

Millions of people can't sleep so we aren't alone, but we still don't like it. It's 2:12, 3AM, 4 and after.....

What do I do?

I lay there and feel: cozy and warm, slight nausea

I crave: a pickle, Bubbies sauerkraut, Mexican food, seltzer water

I hear: a quiet house, wind rustling through the leaves, as it nears 4AM there is a car or 2 driving past

I see: darkness, I have my eyes shut

I want: 10 more years without pain, God's will, to cry (but I can't)

I think: about writing this post and the Zometa treatment I have the following day

As is almost 5AM I fall asleep, and NO I did not fall asleep early the next night.

I really just want to stay home, in my leggings and sweatshirt, covered up with my blanket and read. Life is OK....'cept for one thing......

Synopsis of the Week

2016-10-07T19:09:00.001-05:00

Nausea ✔

Cold ✔

Cold/sinus getting better ✔

Tired, always ✔

Fall weather ✔

Yes, it's time to find my sweaters and pants. I'm still wearing my leggings, I have a new pair of boots that look great with them.

Tomorrow is supported to be cooool......no problem....no hurricane here, we are so lucky here in the Midwest.
Were taking the boys
to the pumpkin patch/corn maze tomorrow.
Yesterday I had lunch with my grandson at his school. We ate and then he read to me. That was really nice. He's the only one that attends that elementary school this year.
Other than that is was a BAD day.....but after today I think it will be OK.
I am still so very tired about lunch time. Today I kept moving and did not lay down. Napping is not normal for me. I don't know if it's my cancer or the weather.
I have lots of plans for next week: therapy so I don't walk like I am drunk, I'm hungry for homemade meatballs, shopping (lucky Kevin LOL), etc.
Good Night.....more next week.

Pain

2016-10-04T15:28:00.000-05:00

the dictionary definition of pain is:

: the physical feeling caused by disease, injury, or something that hurts the body
: mental or emotional suffering : sadness caused by some emotional or mental problem
: someone or something that causes trouble or makes you feel annoyed or angry

Pain is not only felt physically, it can be felt emotionally......that hurts too. Worry is a form of pain...will I be OK? What is going to happen? Do you care about me? Who will care for me? What is happening to me? Am I getting worse? Why can't I remember -fill in the blank???

I am not going to talk about physical pain because i don't suffer from it.

But, sometimes aren't there days when you just want to take 15 minutes to cry for yourself?

I have been feeling more like that lately.The cooler weather? My emotions? Cancer?

The sinus infection I have?

If you're a friend of mine you probably haven't heard me speak of it.......and you probably will not: b/c I don't want to burden anyone, I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me, and I do not have a reason. I just want to vent and see if anyone else feels this way.

It's Not Over Yet

2016-10-03T18:31:00.001-05:00

It's Sunday night, but it won't be over until tomorrow. No matter how old or young, how healthy or sick you are the time just seems to fly by.

The weekend started out with a visit to my sister's. It's an 80 mile trip and too far for my sister to drive, so my friend was nice enough to drive me. We had lunch and visited. Hopefully we'll be able to gather together before Christmas.

OK. it's Monday night so the weekend is over, I get so tired at night that I am ready for bedt at 8pm.

Before we came home our grandson J called me and asked to spend the night.........About a thousand phone calls later we were able to make arrangements. Mom hasn't let him come over for months....the babysitter was sick (so it was convenient for her). Hubby leaves his phone downstairs and does not hear it..... One of my pet peeves.........I can't reach him. Thank goodness my girlfriend was able to stop over and talk to Kevin.

Grandson J made his 'famous' crazy bark.

Another Pet peeve - I don't like putting the dishes away, neither does Kevin.

Saturday I had plans to make my Paper Pumpkin kit from Stampin Up, Jalen went along and only 3 others were there, It was very nice. I was tired saturday night, in fact I have been sooooo tired since last weekend. Sunday I vegged and did not even get dressed, it certainly felt good.

Kev bought cookie dough from work and promised the guys cookies, so sunday night he made some.

Today we saw some. so after I finished at the grocery store I took some time to read on the deck.

It was a pretty, sunny night....

No pretty colors yet, but soon...

Yes, I really need to catch up on my reading.

My Name Is Wonder

2016-09-30T08:46:00.000-05:00

Here is another one of Ronald Chapman's thought provoking, inspirational, educational books. A goat? Why write about a goat?

But he's not any ol' ordinary goat, he's a wondering, wandering, inquisitive, goat who longs to see more of life, what's outside of the barnyard. As his explorations start he is befriended by a wise, old crow. He travels as far as he can before he ends up in a zoo, where he makes a new friend. Wonder learns many valuable life lessons along the way. Let your inner voice be your guide.
One of my favorite quotes is: "Every action matters. Beneath it is meaning that matters even more."
A delightful novel.
A little about the author:

Ronald Chapman is owner of an international speaking and consulting company, Magnetic North LLC. In addition to international accreditation as a speaker and national awards for radio commentary, he is the author of two novels, My Name is Wonder (Terra Nova Publishing, 2016) and A Killer’s Grace (Terra Nova Publishing, 2016 and 2012), two works of non-fiction, Seeing True: Ninety Contemplations in Ninety Days(Ozark Mountain Publishing, 2008) and What a Wonderful World: Seeing Through New Eyes (Page Free Publishing, 2004) and the producer of three audio sets, Seeing True: The Way of Spirit (Ozark Mountain Publishing, 2016, 2005), Breathing, Releasing and Breaking Through: Practices for Seeing True (Ozark Mountain Publishing, 2015), and Seeing True – The Way of Success in Leadership (Magnetic North Audio, 2005). Ron provides a wide array of social media content atwww.SeeingTrue.com, content for people in substance abuse recovery at www.ProgressiveRecovery.org, and other content from his master site, www.RonaldChapman.com. He holds a Masters in Social Welfare from The University at Albany (New York.) Prior to his relocation to Atlanta, Georgia in 2008, he was a long-time resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Ronald can also be found online at:

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1338592.Ronald_Chapman

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/seeingtrue/

Camp Luther Weekend Away

2016-09-27T11:39:00.000-05:00

This was the week we planned a 3 day bus trip to Prairie Du Chien and Dubuque IA.... a Red Hat trip that was cancelled. I wanted to go away.......I had plans...........I Like to keep my plans.

My friend, who was going on the trip with me, couldn't go on the weekend. I found another friend to go with me. Deb and I have gone several time so she is familiar. But she doesn't like to drive so that adds stress.

Maybe I shouldn't have gone: I have a sinus infection and cough, I was feeling very down (for a number of reasons), diarrhea is no fun, my cancer is terminal and has curtailed many of my activities, the chemo drugs make my stomach feel 'icky', etc.....

Three Lakes, Wi is a long drive, but I enjoy it. Of course we made a couple of 'potty stops' on the way (thank God for indoor bathrooms and extra undies). We had lunch at our usual place....I think we are getting old, no one played the quarter gambling machine. Next we stopped to see an 'old' friend of mine, whom I haven't seen in years. That was a very emotional time.......so much of our lives were parallel, we had such fun and sad times. Will I see Marian again???

Drive, drive onto Antigo and to J&P Liquidators, where we made our usual shopping stop - altho much shorter than usual.

We made it to camp, early, as planned, Found our room and settled in. I just vegged under the covers, this time of year may be nice for most people- no humidity and heat, but I am COLD. I chased Deb out of the room with my coughing fits and blowing my nose. I did not attend the evening events, just did not feel good. Friday night sleep did not come easily.

After saturday's breakfast we had Bible study, Bible journaling- I loved it. I was taught not to wreck my Bible, don't bend or mark the pages but now we can color on and write in the margins. I have no artistic tendencies but I like to look at it and pretend I can do it. For the rest of the day I stayed on my own; talked to a few other retreat goers, had a massage, read, spent time in my room, and sat by the water watching the kids swim...........yes, they were in the water-too cool for me....I was sitting in the sun. I did the Bible study at night but did not watch the movie....I'd seen it and was tired so I stayed in my room. Saturday night I slept really good, but had a terrible sore throat upon waking.

We had Bible study and secret sister reveal on Sunday morning. And then we were on our way home on a rainy day.

I had some nice talks with camp friends I met in previous years (so nice to see them), shed some tears, had some bathroom mishaps, learned about Bible journaling, etc. All in all I am glad I went.

A Book, Bingo, My Back, Baking, Bruises

2016-09-20T10:48:00.000-05:00

This is a great book! I would not chosen it on my own, thinking "it's too sad'. It was recommended by one of our members. I am so glad. Until twelve years old Martin was a 'normal' boy. He got sick and no one knew what was wrong, he couldn't talk, eat, or control his limbs....very frustrating. For nine years he just sits in a chair wherever his is placed. He's deemed to be on the lowest end of of the intelligence/rehabilitation scale. Finally he sees flashes of light of his past life and knowledge just appears to him. One of the workers, at the home he spends his days in , takes notice of him, of his eye contact, and she wants to have him tested.

He's tested for the ability to communicate and it is determined that he has the ability. He's outfitted with a word/letter board and finally a laptop. He spells words, learns words and their meaning, he learns to 'speak' the laptop application. Martin works for hours at learning. He studies, works part time, gives speeches, travels, etc. He faced the struggles of every young man, only at an older age. Eventually he works full time and marries.

Another interesting fact is that, although he was not raised a christian or church goer, he knows Jesus and talks to him. How can you not believe???

Last night I went to bingo with a friend.....no one at our end of the table won, but it was a nice group. If I go again I'll have to get a dauber, maybe a pretty metallic one???

All day yesterday my back was so sore, I didn't do anything to it. (sad face) The day started out good, with a call from my son.

I couldn't bend over to pick anything up and I could barely stand up straight when I walked. I was hoping my errands and walking would help, but no. I tried to sleep on my other side last night and today it is better. Cancer? or normal everyday pain? maybe I should go back to the chair yoga at the senior center.
I feel like I cough more.....is it a cold? cancer? Yes, this is how we think.
I am not really a big pumpkin fan but I want some pumpkin bread, I think I have all the ingredients here, I just took my last loaf of chocolate zucchini bread out of the freezer. I know I should flush all of my sugar down the toilet. (cancer loves it)
I've noticed a few light bruises lately.... I've NEVER bruised before unless I really got hit.What is that about?
Friday morning I am leaving for a Christian retreat: "Live, Laugh, Love". It's in Three Lakes, a couple of hours up north. We've gone before and always enjoy it. This is the first year I am not driving. (sad face)
I guess I need to do some laundry and start packing.
Thanks for checking in with me................what's next?

A Rebel

2016-09-18T16:20:00.001-05:00

Once a rebel, always a rebel?

Whadda think about that?

I'm not sure....my mom might agree.

She always said I was a thoroughbred, didn't listen, had a mind of my own, etc.

I had to be: my dad passed before I was 2 and my mom was not totally with me (she doesn't remember that part of her life), I didn't really listen to my step dad and was a bit 'mouthy', I stood up for myself because mom was on the quiet side. My first marriage wasn't ideal either. I made most decisions on my own too. When he had a nervous breakdown and was hospitalized, I, a very pregnant, young mom with a toddler was left on my own....my parents were there for me but they both worked. I even found a different, cheaper apartment for us....at $40 a month, can you believe that?? Can you see why I don't really care to ask for help? Why I don't need to ask what I should wear? What should I do? What's the best answer? What are you ordering? I have a mind of my own and was taught 'where there's a will, there's a way'.

As one of 2 redheads in town I was teased, I was different, I stood out in a crowd. As a teen I got a bit bolder in my choices, I didn't mind being different sometimes. I was always a quiet person and kept things to myself, but I can be outspoken and opinionated. I still keep feelings to myself at times. I like my way of doing things. I usually follow my superior's orders...... I was taught to respect my boss, dr, teacher, etc. BUT......sometimes I don't follow orders very good. Sometimes I made my own rules: ie 'don't take pictures' (I've been reprimanded for that), speed limits (I drive 5mph over),

don't do this or that. I don't always agree. My dr said to stay out of the sun, which I did for the summer. BUT, now that the sun is lower and the days are cooling down I might sit in the sun for 1/2 hour...I love the sun. Shhh....don't tell my dr!

Right or wrong "I did it my way"

Recent Cards

2016-09-15T10:22:00.000-05:00

Looks simple.....maybe it is.

Really pretty

A Lot of hearts

Look at this pretty box

Open it up

Looks what is inside

Lots of goodies

Stuff inside the envelope flaps

Everything is so adorable.

I bet this took a long time go make.

BEAUTIFUL sentiment on this card.

Thanks for the great cards Penny, Melissa, and Debbie!!!

It's me"Martha" celebrating our grandson's birthday

2016-09-13T18:55:00.002-05:00

Sunday I was bad, again. I slept until after 9, as usual.....9:30 is looking better and better.

I planned a small get together for our youngest grandson's 6th birthday. His birthday was last week, but mom isn't having a party until the weekend.......maybe. A few of us just had a get together at the park.

Sunday morning I got up baked, frosted, and decorated his cake. I made a pasta salad. I cleaned up the kitchen, packed up the cooler, hauled it upstairs, packed another bag with plates, etc, found towels and swimsuits for the boys, and packed up the car.

Kevin had a golf tournament planned so he was gone for the day.

I was 15 minutes behind schedule to pick up the boys.....and then I got 1/2 way there when the 'low fuel' light comes on.....Fortunately I was near a gas station and put some gas in the car. Then I was off.

I sent one of the adult kids to get deli chicken from the store, I ran out of time.

Last weekend the beach was packed, it was a real contrast on Sunday.

Finally everyone was getting along and had a good time!!

More weekend escapades coming up....no plans for this weekend, YAY!

Well?

2016-09-12T19:19:00.000-05:00

Yes, a well is where ya get water, but I am wondering well? what da ya think? My mother always said I was a thoroughbred, one of a kind....As a small town girl, the only one in school with red hair, I am used to standing out in a crowd. Usually I wanted what everyone else had but once in awhile I opted for a unique outfit. Today I put on these hot pink leggings and purple Red Hat shirt. Is this appropriate to wear in public?

Probably not...........The t- shirt is not right, and my legs are not my most attractive feature. My leopard shoes look nice?? But, I was feeling adventurous, and wore it anyway.............I didn't care.............went to 2 thrift stores only. I don't believe I wore this out. Kevin is not a fan of the pink pants......he does not like to stand out in the crowd, I don't give a hoot. In the future this will be an at home outfit, only. I hope to get some nicer leggings to wear in public. Maybe tomorrow??? I am going shopping with my friend to return some items I bought last week. LOL

This afternoon I wanted to go to the Stamp a long and make some cards, but I also wanted to clean out my trunk, it was full of sand from spending 2 weekends at the beach.

Bering the Martha that I am I decided that I needed to clean the trunk. I also did a bunch of laundry and sat and read for a while, after a week of rain the sunshine felt good.

Time to fold that darn laundry....it never, ever folds itself.

Sleuthing, Shopping, And Sand

2016-09-08T17:08:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm still here , a little sad because of my health , and a little sleepy , because I can't fall asleep at night . If I'm still awake late at night , or if I wake up for an hour or two in the wee hours of the morning and I get up before 8 o'clock a.m. I'm so tired , that shortly after supper I go upstairs and go to bed to watch TV . That's usually not me. I'm kinda disgusted with myself because I can't get any housework or much of anything else done. Seems like for the past week I am more tired.

But I have been busy ! Thursday morning I had a 2 hour coffee break with a friend that I don't see often. Her son is not speaking to her right now and he has a storefront three doors away from the coffee shop , he doesn't know me, so she asked me to walk past the store and look inside to see what he was painting. He is an artist. So I slowly walked up the street and looked inside the store , and then I waited for a few minutes and walked back . I didn't want to be obvious so I just glanced up on the way back. Then my morning was shot, because I didn't get home until afternoon .

Friday afternoon I went shopping with a friend to buy some things that I will probably have to return . At least this time I got to go to a real store not only just a thrift store , that was really nice to get out and check out the new clothes, even though I don't need anything.

Saturday night I went to an out-of-town wedding with another friend . We were 2 miles away from our destination when she got a phone call from her brother-in-law , and he said we should pull over to the side of the road so he could talk to her . We both knew what he was going to say by that time , Her sister passed away that afternoon. She was bedridden and barely had a life , but it was still so very sad for Michele. The wedding celebration was bittersweet, as you can imagine . Michelle got to talk to a good friend whom she hadn't seen in a couple of years and the food was excellent, but she was still really upset about losing her sister and had to explain many people.
And Sunday I attended the famous Kites over Lake Michigan, along with 40,000 other people. Ok, a good amount of folds were there on saturday too, but that was the total attendance.

It's a GREAT festival and I love it!!!
My stepson and stepdaughter were able to go, along with their children. The weather was perfect.

Dad and 2 of the boys built a sandcastle. It's so good to see dad play with the boys.

The other 2 cousins played in the water, a lot.
I really enjoy sitting on the beach and watching the kiddos. I didn't get to do that this summer.

There are many more kite photos online....these are just mine.

Our little group.

Let me see, when I got home my shoes were FULL of sand. I had to wash towels and swimsuits.....because mom never sends that stuff, and my trunk is still full of toys/kites. Sunday we are heading to that same park to have a small birthday gathering for our 6 year old grandson.
Last monday I was happy to spend some time at home....until Kev and I went shopping and to dinner.
Tuesday I went grocery shopping and ran my errands. That night was our Red Hat meeting...it was nice, a small group and we had a short meeting and visited.
Wednesday morning my 'nurse' came over. Later I took a class and made Christmas cards....well, they are almost finished.
Today I made zucchini bread...that fell, why??? Tonight I have 2 baskets of clothes to fold....I'm a little behind.
How has your week been???