Turkey Day, Shopping, Time Out Chair

Okay, we all have our memories of Thanksgiving, including the wish to one day sit at the big table and no longer be stuck at the kid's table, right? Well, I gotta tell ya, when I finally reached the age when I could be at the big table I was totally irked because (1) the little table got served first, (2) once seated at the big table, it was pretty crowded and you could hardly move and heaven forbid if you had to get out and (3) grown ups have this knack of keeping at least one serving dish constantly moving from person to person, it never ever hits the table.

Sunday we invited out daughter and grandson to join us for lunch and then grocery shopping, and as she needed items too, this was a good plan. Well, enroute to the store the boy fell asleep so we decided Dad and Dau would shop and I would sit in the car with the sleeping boy, when he woke up, we'd go get some lunch or as we intended to hit two grocery stores, he could be awake that outing, right?  Come on two years old, grocery store, shopping cart, what's not to like!!!

Five minutes after they walked into Hannaford's he woke up,so I got him out, locked the car and went looking for the shoppers.  Oh shit, Grandpa had left the keys in the ignition and now we were locked out...lovely.  So call triple A and wait an hour, during which time, we kept buying stuff, checking out, coming back in and by now even Hannaford had to wonder what in hell was wrong with us.  Oh well, car unlocked, groceries in the car, now let's get lunch. Oh crap, the two places we wished to go were  closed -- screw it, we're gonna go home and make sandwiches.  On the trip back, the boy fell asleep again and this time, he wasn't gonna wake up for a good two hours. And this my friends is what is known as memories!!!

Now the other day our grandson informed us the time out chair was broke. He uses this chair to reach the sink in the bathroom so he can wash his hands and brush his teeth.  Grandpa puts him in this chair if he misbehaves but Meme tends to use a box in his kitchen play room as his time out area (my sister says, "can you see him at school, when they tell him he's in time out...where in hell is my box?).  So as this chair has a crack it needs repair and Papa and Clint are gonna fix it.  Now, before you get to goofy about this, this chair has been in our family for years and I mean years, my son is 42 and he remembers sitting in the time out chair.  The photos below show you how this repair went:

Happy Thanksgiving to all and remember your blessing and be sure to thank those serving in our military.

Tractor Ride

Regardless of the age, boys like tractors and "big" toys, like back hoes, bull dozers, dump trucks, etc.  My 18 month old grandson is just learning how to drive his tractor...hasn't got the steering down, way to interested in watching the wheels go around. Take a look...kinda cute:

Ride in the big tractor

Vacuuming the garage

This is one busy little boy and loves being outside.  He also likes to use the water hose...unfortunately, he hasn't quite got the full purpose and tends to hose grammie, the deck and misses the plants and his little garden. But hey he will learn.

He really is a big helper at the grocery store and very careful, courteous and good natured about pushing his small shopping cart.  What a kid!!  Wish my other grandkids lived closer, had a great time with them earlier in the month but miss they so much.



Minnesota and Cold

Ya, its now the first of June but northern Minnesota did not get the memo and the damn rain and chilly weather continues.  It is 46 degrees--holy crap.


However we were here to witness our oldest grandson's graduation from HS and it was wonderful.  The party, that his parents planned, was awesome and he was most gracious about greeting people and thanking them for coming to his party...he was truly sweet about this and it was duly noted.

The grad and his Mom...both were happy and proud.




The photo on the right is Alex and Nick, while everyone else was celebrating the accomplishments of the graduate, these two were getting night-crawlers. Which Alex would sell the next day and then, he was about to start his own summer business.  He would collect night-crawlers and sell them to the local bait shop.  Monday night he (with help of his Grandpa Cass and Daddy) managed to collect 19 dozen.


With all this rain, the foolish worms come up and you merely grab'em and he's damn fast and the worms don't stand much chance of ducking back into the ground.


Now Miss Ella and I, were are content to play pictureka and go to the local stores looking for "girlie"stuff.  When we head to Fargo I have been advised she loves some store, Claire's, and this supposedly really brings out the girl in the girl.  Lemme tell ya, she is a doll and so much fun.

Ella & Kyle

More updates as they occur.  Yes, good trip and fun hanging with my son and daughter-in-law.  Keep smiling folks.

Spring Forward

Ya, ya, everyone is gonna remind us, before we settle down for the night, push that damn clock forward an hour.  Hey, did you know doing this supposedly saves electricity?  Ya,that's the story behind all this crap!!!

Well, its Saturday and not too bad a day. Got a light dusting of the white stuff yesterday but hey the temp is 34 degrees, light wind and not too shabby.  I did manage to get a walk around the block in yesterday, roads were bare and except for some massive potholes and puddles, I did fairly well.  Hey, this was quite an accomplishment and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I miss my walks more than you can imagine.

My appetite is slowly coming back too but not to fast and I am still eating small meals, 4 or 6 a day vs the big three meal number. This is kinda nice now that I am getting use to it.  And slowly I am reintroducing stuff I was prohibited from having until now...oh man, I can't wait to sink my teeth into fresh veggies and fruit.

My Lent number was no sweets and so far I haven't given in to that desire.

So you all have a lovely Saturday and weekend.  My energy level doesn't stay up long but I sure am liking my chair naps.  My lovely dau-in-law sent me an electric blanket and no more cold for this Mama. What was stupid was I didn't realize it was electric, just thought it was this nice fleece blanket, until I unwrapped it and the cords fell out -- ye gads!

March First

Don't ya just love how creative the title line gets -- man, this requires some deep, deep thinking!!!

Personally I can hardly believe it is March but hey, one can always hope that when the 20th rolls around it will not only be but feel like the first day of Spring.  This has been a long, cold winter and I felt the cold more than ever before and yes, ready for some warmer temps.

I was doing just great until last Wednesday when I woke up with horrible abdominal pain and decided, much to my displeasure, that I needed to go to the ER.  I mean, when I use the ER, I really need the ER.

The took a urine sample, blood and even had a CT scan and all the ER could say was possible pulled muscle but considering surgery was just a month ago, check in with the surgeon in a day or two just to be sure.  In the meantime, here's some Percocet -- take one tablet every four hours.  Oh man, I had no idea this contained or is just another name for oxycodine (something I do not do well taking and avoid as much as possible)--I did take one tab and that was that, ibuprofen worked much easier and didn't have me having these horrible nightmares. 

Long story short, saw the doctor on Monday and yes, it is a pulled muscle.  Lemme tell ya, it hurts like hell but just knowing this is what it is, is a huge relief. Come on, like you wouldn't think of other crap -- like something was out of whack from the surgery, now its kidney stones, hernia, etc.  I mean, its your belly and its hurting, you just don't know, so when you discovered pulled muscle, hell, you wanted jump for joy.  Still hurts but hey, at least you can deal with it now.

 I just over extended myself and now the Wii Fitness program has been shut down and I must allow myself time to heal, I cannot rush this process --damnit.

Behave Grammie cuz I wanna play and have fun again...you being sick is not fun!!!  I have no idea where this expression came from -- he's been showing many new faces lately and some are pretty damn cute....

Cold Season

Ya, it never fails, this is the time of year when colds hit because we have this back and forth weather.  Rain, sunshine, slush (maybe white stuff), temps in the 30s, then the 40s and wham 60s...we dress inappropriately and catch cold -- hello people, it is November, the days of shorts and short sleeve tops are over -- a light jacket and hear gear is now necessary.

I know, I hate to wear a hat too but come on, we all know heat escapes via the head and we need to keep heat inside our bodies not allow it to escape. So don some silly ass hat, the goofier the better and wear it.  Everyone else will be, so you won't look totally stupid.

Hey, did you know turning up the tunes and dancing for 20 minutes is a great way to burn 104 calories and relax the body, and mind?  Sweet Mama, let's dance...but please, close the curtains first...thanks.

I know he doesn't look sick but poor little boy caught his first cold, runny nose and fever, and wham off to the doctor. Temp of 102 and an ear infection.

So while Mommy works today and Daddy attempts to fix the boiler and do some household chores, Grammy has her boy and we got the humidifier going full steam and he is currently napping and looking much better today too.


So, it is Saturday and this year, my son, who finally is able to go to deer camp after his rough last year experiences (Mayo Clinic for treatment of follicular lymphoma and then open heart surgery)-- has his son with him. This is a first for Alex and he is dressed just like Dad, orange hat and coat!  He won't get to shoot anything, too young, but he can sit in deer stands and learn how to be quiet and wait for the deer (this should prove interesting).  It's a great bonding experience and I know my son is loving every minute of this adventure.  Back home his wife and daughter are having a Mother/Daughter outing at the community center...wow....the fun just never stops, does it!!!

Hey, its gonna reach 60 degrees today, so why don't ya don a hat and jacket and get outside for a little while...that fresh air is the best thing in the world for all your ailments.

Another Trip

Yup, planning another trip...first airplane ride for my newest grandchild and because we had such an early morning departure, we plan to spend the night at a Hotel in Ottawa -- ten minutes from the airport--hurrah!!!

Granddaughter and uncle preparing for a short bike ride.  I girl needs help in the shoe department if she plans to ride bikes very often,eh?

Maybe I can convince uncle to take me on a ride while out there. Years ago I rode alone but that was way too many years ago.



So, as we endure the countdown prior to departure its the normal crap...laundry, sorting, lists and wondering "am I taking too much? Do I really need this outfit?  Wait, what about this?"  As for me, over the years I have realized that less is best.  Most places have washers n dryers, so I can wash my clothes and packing so much that never gets worn just makes for a heavier bag -- screw that!!! So my motto is "go light,"and I'm definitely attempting to do just that!!!

I know my son will read this so listen up:  Don't forget your passport, the kids birth certificates (as I understand they are coming with you too) and the car seat for Clint.  We'll stop to eat somewhere on the trip from Winnipeg to Warroad...my treat -- order that steak I dare you, just dare you!!!

Ta-dah---last load of laundry in the dryer -- now if the shit would fold itself I'd have it made.  Going to my daughter's for dinner, so no cooking being done here today..wow.  Yup, life is good.

Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.

Again, let me remind you BEER is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy!!


Okay, everyone smile and remember, you're on this side of the dirt and life is good!!!

Yo Hornets Sting

Okay, the 4th of July started out really nice, weather was great and of course this was the day hubby decided to -finally -clean the gutters.  No big deal, right?

I was watching the Wimbledon finals and happy to announce that Rafa Nadal won his second Wimbledon title.  In the midst of this hubby came in and announced he would need my help and I said; "you need to wait, this match is almost over and I'm not leaving until it ends."  Eventually I did go outside to see what in hell he wanted. Well, first he wanted me to steady the ladder..dud! Then he was dragging the hose and gonna run water down the gutters and wanted me to go to the end and see if the water was coming out..simple, eh?

Simple, my ass!  This little hike to the end of the house had me passing by this hornet nest and he stirred them up and now, they came at me with friggin pitchforks. 

Got stung on my arm, face and worse, right between the eyeballs -- now that sucker hurt and hubby was on the ladder watching all this and saying; "is the water coming out?" 

Do you not see me on the ground?  You really think I care about water down a gutter -- how about some mud or something to ease this freakin pain?  Finally he realized I was actually in pain and asked if I was okay? Define okay!!!

Went inside and got my iphone and found this lovely photo on it -- yup, that's my granddaughter and she was in the parade in Warroad...what a doll.  She can hardly wait for Grandma's visit later this month, she just had her room redone,can't wait to show me the hot pink, lime green and white walls and of course, we love to read books to each other -- now that is great snuggle time.

Now it was time to grab a water bottle, cap and head downtown to watch the Norwood Parade. I was sick of this watch the water come out the gutter number and just wanted to get away from the hornets (bees or wasps or whatever in hell was biting me).   Keep in mind I had no idea how swollen my forehead was and started to wonder why folks were giving me odd looks --I thought I had dressed rather patriotic today --Eventually ran into some who alerted me to the swollen forehead. 

Norwood really does offer a fantastic parade and it was hot but folks endured and stayed to end...it was a long sucker but well worth it.  My only gripe and it happens every year is that folks do not show the proper respect for the US Flag. Oh, they salute for the first one that is seen but after that, they just sit back, clap and never again salute the Flag. Really irks me because that suggests to me, you don't have a clue why we celebrate this day do you? And you don't have a clue how many have died to preserve the freedoms you and I enjoy...so sit right there, don't salute or even rise, dumb asses!!!

After the parade, I hike my butt home and sat in an air conditioned home for couple hours, cooling down and then, hubby and I headed out to my brother's place for a BBQ, simple and fun...and had a great time.  Thanks so much for in the invite Shirley and Warren -- we truly had a good time.

So this morning, it was get up and go on a walk -- no stroller so I could pick up the pace and really sweat the beer I drank yesterday out of me.  Beautiful morning and just look at the early sunrise -- how can you not be thankful you are on this side of the dirt?

Memories

Lawrence O. Dean, 1913-2000

Today I wish my Dad happy birthday – and as I do this I wonder, why in hell do we do this when someone is dead? And my answer, it helps to keep their memory alive!

Dad was born in 1913 and was on this earth until age 87, and he witnessed many changes, challenges and wonders during those years. He also witnessed seven children bringing all sorts of activities into his life, some good and some, well, let’s just say, sufficient to find him shaking his head more than once, okay?


Now, Dad was a very pragmatic type person and he firmly believed in getting your “hands” into projects. He could grow anything and we had HUGE gardens (much to my chagrin as we had to weed those suckers) but with that many mouths to feed, a good amount of food was needed. However, Dad was also a dairy farmer and he loved to walk “behind” the plow and feel the blade rip thru the soil--instead of having the plow attached to the tractor (this caused many issues, arguments and dislikes over the years because Dad also insisted on straight furrows and we were not overly inclined to drive that straight, so he yelled a lot. Plus, as this was boring, we’d be daydreaming while some rock had yanked the plow from Dad’s hand and tossed him aside as we continued on…him yelling and us not hearing – getting the picture?).


Yet Dad was my hero – he taught me how to swim, hunt, identify plants, trees, animals, etc. He loved the outdoors and a fishing trip was never just about fishing, hell no, it would also include hikes back into woods for some of the best berries known to mankind. He was “steward” of the land all his life and did all he could to insure nature’s beauty and bounty would be here for generations. He hated trash(all trash) being tossed into ditches, lakes, rivers and fields, and would literally stop whatever vehicle he was driving to pick it up and dispose of it properly. Trust me as a kid; you did not like trash in the car with you!


Oh he was not perfect, none of us are, but Dad believed in hard work and in his mind, 12-16 hours of hard labor was considered a good day’s work. Not all of us could keep up that pace but he didn’t seem to mind. He worked at the Alcoa Plant and also ran a dairy farm; he slept when he could and somehow managed to find time for his family too.

Best of all Dad was a devoted, caring, loving and thoughtful husband. He went home in 2000 and I still miss him, so Dad Happy Birthday!

TGIF

Yup, it is Friday -- hurrah!

Sad news, Fess Parker aka Davy Crockett has died -- I am sad...he was 85 years old. Damn, I thought he was much older! Whatever, he was a beautiful man and I loved his movies! Rest in Peace Fess.

Health Care Bill -- is your phone ringing off the hook? Do we say yes, pass the sucker, or do we say No, leave it to hell alone? What about Congress-- shouldn't that have to pay too?

I know I am messing with the template and header in this blog..for some strange reason the photos ain't sitting right and that irks me beyond words. I have the little "shrink to fit" box checked thinking, shit nothing is working, maybe I should unclick that box?

Looks like its gonna be another beautiful day and my grandson is really starting to get into these stroller rides. However, he has definitely decided the sunglasses are for the birds, yanks them off almost as fast as I get them strapped around his head. I think we need a different pair of glasses, as these just ain't working. The bright sun does cause him issues (hey, me too) and the wind, but he loves the ride -- who wouldn't, eh? Yesterday's walk was short, that breeze was just a tad too much for the little guy and while that was almost taking his breath away, Gramma was dressed way to warm -- fleece jacket was a bad choice!!!

And on the Minnesota front, hockey tournaments continue and my grandson team is doing awesome this year. I think they have lost only one game -- kicking some butt these Mighty Mites. Last weekend it was games in Grand Forks, this weekend I think its Thief River and soon, or please soon, the season shall end. Hockey is a long season for Minnesota and my grandson loves it...he is a good player and even loves hockey practice. Plus, he keeps it all balance (with a bit of help from his parents) -- meaning, he plays hockey but he still has to keep his school work up and he has time to enjoy family activities too.

So a few more weeks and I shall head to Florida --sun, beaches, booze, sisters and laughs...what's not to like?

Last I heard my nephew is doing great -- recovery takes time but most of the tumor was removed, had some swelling in his neck but he is up and walking about..good news...hey, he comes from good stock, nothing keeps us down for long. But it was a wake up call. If you start experiencing headaches and they just won't go away, no matter what you take, you might want to get checked!

Hey, have a great weekend -- any above ground is great in my book.

Great News

Our son is now in remission! He still has some spleen issues but the drugs being used stay in the system and keep working for many months and he'll be checked again in May. It doesn't matter, his CT and PET scans all show remission and that's good enough for me!


Congrats Bubba, way to go...Love ya

Positive Thoughts

Big week this week. Our son heads back to the Mayo Clinic today so they can run test to find out if the trial drugs worked on his f cancer and he sees the cardiologist who repaired his valve. So good news SHOULD be coming our way soon. Positive vibes to Bubba!!!! Travel safe today.

Today is the second day of my babysitting my grandson. I have decided that as soon as WE are on the same schedule, all will be fine. He is a breast fed baby, so getting use to the bottle takes a bit of time and Grandma insists we stop after each ounce for a burp and he's not happy about that either. But Grandma isn't happy with the mad spit ups, so who shall win? Put your money on Grandma folks!

All in all this is great fun. We have never had a grandchild this close and I gotta tell ya, its a hoot. He is so damn cute and at current time, 3 months, he is just starting to really look around, grab at things and stay awake longer. He can be a pistol and I love it. I think this weekend Grandma's gonna need to head to store and find some toys or something to occupy his active little mind and body. His Mama said she'd bring over books and I can read to him...excuse me, at 3 months how long will he sit still for that?

So, he is due any second, cranked up the heat, so its warm in here and once he is fed, burped and napping I can fire up the Wii and do my workout -- oh life, is so much fun...Keep smiling.

Thought for the day: "If Stupidity got us into this mess, then why can’t it get us out?" - Will Rogers (1879-1935)

November Almost Over

I don’t know about anyone else but November seems to have flown by, at least the latter half. The first part, not so much as my sister would say.

In the fact the first half was the freakin pits as far as my family was concerned. Our son was undergoing cancer treatment, had some kind of reaction to a trial drug and wham, now he was undergoing open heart surgery to repair a leaky value…sweet Mama, what else could happen. However, he is doing great and we are very thankful for that too.

And our newest grandson is putting on weight and just keeps getting cuter by the day (well, minute if you insist) and Grandma is having a hard time staying away –want to hold him constantly. I also miss the Minnesota grandkids – at least they could and did play games with me (mind and board games).

Went for a brisk walk yesterday morning – had no idea it was that chilly until the wind kick up and then, well, then I realized I should have worn a bit more than just a sweatshirt and vest. Oh well, walk faster and you warm up quick. One thing I noticed and heard was the geese all flying, honking and looking for directions – guess it’s time to head south. What cracks me up is the flock above my head was no where near a V shape – they must have flunked that course.

Later hubby and I put up some outside decorations. Hey, it was a great day for this except for the wind, when that sucker blew you felt it and began to get the idea, colder weather is gonna hit and soon. Oh well, that is life in the North Country.

I suppose next week I shall hit the stores and begin the Christmas shopping (our daughter-in-law is already reminding us in no uncertain terms, she needs a wish list and she wants it ASAP). I have damn little idea of what to buy anyone so it’ll be one of those walk around and let something call to me…hey, this idea has worked for years and years.

Have a grand Sunday – it is football day, so get the snacks prepared, find a comfy seat and sit back and enjoy….oh ya, I doth like my football games!!

Home

Good Morning,

Yes, I am finally back home and came directly from the airport to see and hold my newest grandson. OMG the photos do not even begin to show how much hair this boy has -- its amazing.

Of course he is beautiful, handsome, adorable, snugglable and just flat out wonderful. Grandma is just gonna be spending lots of time with him now and later...he is just too cute.


However, I miss my Minnesota grandkids too -- only been a day but man, I got use to seeing their smiling faces at breakfast, doing homework and playing games with them too. Oh well, once Mom and Dad got home, I was pretty much chopped liver...naw, they love me but they missed their parents and that is only fair.

Our son is doing nicely. Had a cancer treatment on Monday, what a long, drawn out day that was and yes, I was there. That is one slow dripping IV process and then, he got the chills, so everything had to stop, he needed to warm up, get things back in sync and finally, resume the treatment. What normally takes 5 hours, took a bit longer and his butt was numb as was mine. If I understand all this crap, he has two more treatments, then he gets a break and 8 weeks after that he'll head back to Rochester aka Mayo Clinic for "tests," and then we shall hear "you are in total remission." Ya, we live for that day.

As for his open heart surgery, he is doing nicely in that department too. It's a slow process and small steps and he is learning to take things slow and easy (not an easy thing for him to accept). Most likely he'll start cardiac rehab soon too...whatever in hell that entails (walking, light weights, etc). Mostly tho he still tires easily and takes naps..so he joined (temporarily) the senior citizens happy hour each day and took a nice nap!!!

More later...have a lovely day and a fantastic Thanksgiving...we all have so much to be thankful for and we need to say thanks more often!!!

Santa Workshop

Here are my grandkids making "trains" at Santa's Workshop. Later we visited with Santa.

What was interesting was the parents were looking for us and neary put out an APB -NY Grandma missing!!! They didn't know about the workshop and had no idea I would be there -- silly parents.

Lovely weather here in Warroad. Our son is slowly getting around better but tires easily and actually looks forward to his afternoon naps (hey at my age, happy hour is a nap, so this works out nicely).

More later...have a great day and yes, by all means, keep smiling!!!

Soon

Great news!

Our son came through his heart surgery with flying colors and is now home. He cannot drive and tires easily but he is following the doctor's orders and taking things slow and easy. This involves going for short walks, 3 or 4 times a day and of course, no driving. Think he over did it a bit yesterday, long walk, got the kids ice skates sharpened, visited his office for an hour, walked about in a store and then we did lunch. Whew, even I was exhausted. Today he is definitely taking things a bit slower.

Oh yes, the kids were most happy to see their parents and I am currently chopped liver -- grandma was great while the parents were away but hey, they are home and they are glued to them like white on rice. Ya, it'll last a bit longer and then, grandma will once again be the person to hang with -- or so I think!!!

As it now stands, unless something changes, I shall head back to NY next week and then, I shall get to meet my newest grandson. Hell, stay here much longer and he'd be in pre-K!!! Yes, life is good.

Weather has been beautiful here in Warroad. Sunny, breezy and chilly but not that horrible cold one expects in this northern tundra.

Keep smiling...and again,thanks for all your prayers and support....deeply appreciated.

Saint Mary’s Hospital

This was taken inside, looking out...said tubes connect various building through this hospital...it is truly amazing and a fantastic medical facility.


Saint Mary’s hospital opened on Sep 30, 1889. Its history however began six years earlier when, in 1883, the Sisters of Saint Francis were called upon to care for the sick and injured after Rochester, Mn. Suffered a devastating tornado. The Sisters opened their teaching academy to house the critical patients. Dr. William Worrall Mayo directed the medical care.

Today, Saint Mary’s Hospital is one of the largest private hospitals in the world. I gotta tell ya, this sucker is HUGE. Inside the building are 5 other buildings: Mary Brigh Building, Francis Building; Joseph Building; Domitilla Building and Generose Building and each of these have various floors, rooms and patient services. It’s just amazing and a maze of long corridors but well mapped out and although you walk a lot folks are there to assist if needed.

My son began his Rochester adventure at the Mayo Clinic in a clinical trail for follicular lymphoma and he and his wife left home on Oct 25th and figured to be back Nov 2nd. Well, it was during these trials and a leaky heart value was discovered and then, it was more tests and finally the decision to have heart surgery.

That took place on Monday, November 9th and here we are Wednesday, Nov 11th and he is slowly having tubes removed, sitting up, getting nourishment and with any luck, a few steps this afternoon. He is strong but this is gonna be a long healing process and at the moment, he has all ready been informed, for awhile, he can lift nothing heavier than 5 pounds. This will be his hardest test to mind the doctor’s and follow orders – he will just need to relearn to take things slower and give his body a chance to heal completely.

Yes, Mama was with him and glad she was because he wanted his Mommy too. He loves his wife and she has been there the entire time and attentive, supporting, caring and loving but no matter how old you get, if possible you still want Mommy! Mama got pretty tired tho – sorry but a long drive to Rochester (8 hours) and then a lot of sitting and waiting, and that just wears you out. So I am using today to rest and doing damn little.

I am anxious to see the grandkids and although this is “deer week,” and limited school days, they did attend yesterday and today, but it will be a 4-day weekend from this day on. BUT next week to make up for this time off, get this crap, they will go all FIVE days and the same hours – ouch!

Sun is shining, it’s 47 degrees and if the energy level ups just a little, I think a walk would be wonderful – I’m gonna talk myself into a walk, you can see that happening, can’t ya?

Take care, keep smiling and again, thanks for all your prayers and good thoughts.

Monday

Whew, what a weekend and in this neck of Minnesota that's 3-days of weekend fun. Ya, no school on Friday...ye gads!

Halloween was fun...the Grandma's did a great job...what the hell, we can brag too. I was a little puzzled when we "drove" kids almost house-to-house vs. having them walk and as it was not all that cold, this was even more of a puzzle to me. I am not saying kids did not walk door-to-door, they did but driving around town was also necessary. And we took them ONLY to places we knew they knew the kids. Then of course, we had to check all the candy and before long, a sugar high was seen, felt and heard...try getting them to bed when that is going on -- holy sheet!

The next day we headed over to the Black Bear for breakfast and my grandkids ate like this was their first meal in days...ye gads. Oh I was proud of them, made "happy plates." Then as it was Sunday, it was come home, play a few games and settle in for football. You wanna piss kids off, tell'em the TV is yours for the day..ye gads. Oh give me a break, they have a TV in their room, they can watch things up there. Why is it kids insist on having you in the same room to watch shows?

It has been a rough week and weekend for my son as the treatments put him thru the ringer. Then he was retaining fluid and needed help getting them out and was also experiencing some pain. Hopefully today's treatments will go smoother, better meds will be given to deal with pain, nausea and fluid retention. They really hope to head home today -- both are anxious to see their kids...they have NEVER been away from them for this long.

And on the home front (meaning there) my grandson, Clint, is now home too. Mommy is taking him for his blood work and other check ups this morning all by herself and a tad nervous. Of course Grandpa has seen and held him and again, everyone is doing this but me...oh well, when I get home, he's all mine for a little while. I'm sure his parents will want a break by then too.

So the sun is shining, the dog and I have had a short walk -- it was chilly and that little Shih Tzu take very small steps...I had to adjust my pace to accommodate the damn dog -- how sad is that?

Have a great day, and keep smiling...

Happy Birthday

X-years ago in the land of sun and surf, [aka California] I was in a delivery room, waiting for the surgeon to arrive, perform the C-Section and announce “it’s a girl!” Only to have him show me her head and me replying, “Turn her around, from this angle I can’t tell what it is?” Hey, I was awake and cheeky but I got my girl – now put me to sleep and shut down the bassinet!


I know everyone has special memories and thoughts about their kids and their younger years and all that good stuff. Mine is full of wonderful memories and many, many laughs. Also some scary moments as this girl is an asthmatic and we spent many a night in an ER and she in ICU getting her breathing under control. Today she is a fitness nut; likes to workout, jog, yoga, Pilate's and of course a health nut too…loves organic food and checks every thing to insure the contents are she considers healthy and/or safe. Oh ya, she is great fun to grocery shop with – holy sheet!

What is cute is she is now expecting her first child, and like her Mama, she knew long before it was confirmed that she is having a boy. And due to her pregnancy she is no longer running each morning but still doing her walks and as much exercise as the body can endure. And yes, damnit, she looks cute as hell in preggers clothes!

So, today’s blog is HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEL – see ya for din-din and dessert!

Oh ya, her Uncle and her also share the same birthday, 40 years apart, so Happy Birthday Bro -- have a good one!!!

Congrats

I'm gonna keep this short and simple but also meaningful and sincere -- holy sheet, that's a hard act to make happen, eh?


Here goes: Congratulations to my son and his wife on their 10th anniversary which is today -- way to go!!!

To anyone else who is celebrating a birthday, birth, anniversary, or any milestone, congrats and best wishes for continued happiness and success!

Now remember, as far as anyone knows we are a normal family!

Git rid of ants -- seems some folks are having this issue and here's a cheap and easy solution...ready?

Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it "home," can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works and you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed.

That's it folks, have a great weekend -- I'm headed to the big ciTAY - Syracuse!