My Craw 4 Jun 2016 9:00 PM (8 years ago)

I gotta new craw. And yes I know that I am not using this word in it's proper definition yet any of you folks over 50 will know what I mean.

I gotta a new craw. The store within the store. I know, I know it's been around for a long time, Most of you are probably fine and used to it but yet I find it a bit strange.

I live in a small town. O.K. city by definition. I think it's so funny to have a hardware store inside the grocery store.

A coffee store inside the book store.

Another coffee store inside a grocery store.

Good Lord I must be aging myself!! I'm just waiting for a store inside a store inside another
store!

It's alright, I can handle it. My lid is still on if you know what that means.

Lord knows I am showing my age. Thats alright. We all grew up in a different generation.

Now I will tell you something that I told my husband today while grocery shopping at Wal-Mart. He had noticed that some transexuals were going into the bathrooms of thier choice.

I think he was a bit confused as to what he should be feeling about it. This is what I told him, without shame or embarresment.

We grew up in a different generation. A different era. At our age we too should be allowed to feel what we feel. To us it feels wrong and I refuse to be embarresed or wrong. I am 58 years old. I am not going to change my believes or feelings at this point in my life.

I don't like it. Use your own bathroom. Don't shove your transgender shit in my face.

I am a senior citizen and I refuse to change my believes that I was taught growing up. That my Dear friends is my right.

So in summary I say, Pull up your pants, use the bathroom that you were taught to use, feel free to be beautiful and express yourself, just do me a favor and get a job in a store within a store!

A Magical Night 10 May 2016 9:25 PM (8 years ago)

It is Wednesday May 11th, 12:09 A.M.

I just took my dogs out for their final walk for the night.

I've been inside most of the day cleaning house as it was my day off.

Ahhh, Final chore of the day, walk the dogs before bed.

I don't know that I can put into words what a beautiful night I discovered. It was warm but not too much so. Comfortable.

Oh so quite but for the tree frogs that were singing in such beautiful harmony. It was if they were getting paid to sing in such lovely , low, quite beautiful tones.

And then there was the fog. This ethereal , calming, quite fog.

I tell you this was a beautiful night. I think it will be a very long time before I see another one like this.

Nesting 12 Jul 2015 7:51 PM (9 years ago)

So you do realize that I am 57 years old right? I have six grandchildren, two from my son and four we picked up when he got remarried all of whom are all sweet as apple pie!! And now I am expecting my seventh grandchild who will be delivered from my youngest, I repeat, youngest, daughter.

I repeat this because I have discovered that it is totally different when a son has children then when your BABY girl has a child. I was fortunate to be close , at the time, with my ex daughter in law so I was very involved. Since then she's become a bit batty but thank heaven my son his an amazing dad.

Back to my BABY girl having a baby. She is twenty years old. I was nineteen when I gave birth to my son so I know how grown up she , O.K. I know how grown up "SHE" feels at this time. However I still feel as though she is my baby having a baby.

Right now she is in the hospital two hours from home. Complications. The good news is tomorrow she will be 35 weeks and the baby "Boy" is doing fine. Yet my baby girl's health is at risk. What a messed up situation.

My husband has been on vacation and I had four days off from work as the baby shower was supposed to be yesterday. No shower. Vacation ends tomorrow and I go back to work tomorrow. What a messed up situation.

Fortunately, baby's daddy will be able to stay with my daughter for two days before he has to go to work again. Tomorrow we are supposed to find out if and when but mostly if, she will be able to come back home before delivering our new grandson. I know in my heart that she is in the best place for her right now. But my heart hurts because I can't be there with her.

I am packing a bag in case I have to leave work on short notice. But a two hour drive on short notice can seem like forever.

As for the nesting part. I did it with all three of my children and surprisingly I found myself doing it tonight for my daughter and her little boy. They live upstairs from us.
You can be sure that it will be all ready, cleaned, and in tip top shape before the week is out.

I'm probably just working the worry and stress out by doing all of this cleaning. But it sure as shit feels like I'm nesting!!!

Long Time No Post 7 Jul 2015 9:33 PM (9 years ago)

Gosh it's been a year since I've posted! I wasn't sure what if anything has changed at Blogger so I thought I'd give it a go.

Since I've been working full time I sort of gave up on posting. It was a bit difficult keeping up with it and also reading other blogs. I may not post again for another year but whatever I'm here now.

My job and home life consumes every waking moment that I have. This is not always a good thing but it's also not so horrible. I still love my job which I've been at for two years now but it also makes me realize that I am aging as I hurt most of the time. And according to my youngest daughter of twenty, I look tired. She thought it was just that day but I went on to tell her that is how I look all of the time now. The only thing I can do is cover it with make-up!

Over the last year a lot of events have taken place in our family. My oldest daughter got married in October of last year. Hard to believe they are coming up on a first anniversary already! My son remarried on April 1st of this year which also means that my husband and I acquired four new grandchildren for a total of six. Our youngest daughter is 34 weeks pregnant so it will soon be seven. It's been a good year for all of us. A happy year.

The baby shower is this coming Saturday. We will be having another grandson for a total of four. How awesome.

Well I did it, I posted. Don't know if I'll do it again or not. But either way, thanks for reading if you've come this far.

Wow I haven't Blogged in so, so long. I don't even know where to begin!!
I must say that I don't even remember how to do it at this point so it may seem a bit random.
So here goes.

I love my job. I am considered a Dementia Care Specialist. Never in my wildest dreams would I have expected to be where I am today. I've had many small jobs, raised a family of three. All I ever wanted to do was to be a housewife and mother. I achieved that and more. I am a grandmother now as well. This is what I thought my life would always be.

One year ago I took my Certified Nursing Assistant class and exam . I hadn't planned this at all. I was just trying to give my youngest some moral support at the time. She dropped out of class after two days and I stayed on and LOVED it.

I passed every test with an "A". I am very proud of that being that I was 55 years old at the time. What a trip people. Doing something that spur of the moment that you've never thought of doing before.

Alzheimer's/Dementia is my specialty. I love it. So challenging, and mostly rewarding. For now I am very happy with my choice however I have been considering Hospice work.

" Adventures in Cleaning." 10 Sep 2013 5:30 PM (11 years ago)

My usual morning at work starts pretty early around 6:30 a.m. From then on things go pretty fast and furious. The very first thing that I do is clean twenty-two bathrooms.

Yes ya'll heard me right. Twenty- two bathrooms. And if the good Lord see's fit that day, I will get them done by 11:00 a.m. Mind you, not EVERY bathroom gets the "works" every single morning but they do get at the very least, tidied.

In addition to the bathrooms which are THE most important rooms to be cleaned, I also clean 13 double apartments and 4 singles. 2 full dining room/kitchens as well as 2 huge living room areas, various offices and activity rooms. It's a big house. I am the only housekeeper and I love it. I also do a bit of C.N.A. work on the side. It's funny how God works. I'm a trained C.N.A. yet here I am "The Housekeeper". They like my work apparently. It's fine with me as I get to do two things that I love. I know each and every resident, all 30 plus of them and love them all. So keeping their living areas clean for them is important to me. I feel, in essence, The Keeper of the House.

Before I even walked in the door this morning, one of our fellow C.N.A.'s proceeded to tell me that Mr. X's room had been invaded by ants last night. Seriously invaded. I had been seeing them here and there and was assured by my boss that it was time for the exterminator's to make a visit.

My place of employment, I would say, is cleaner than my own home. Being that I am a cleaning nut and have been referred as "Anal" ( A word that I had to look up !) by my family, when hearing about the infestation, I knew we had a problem.

Shortly after my arrival this morning, feeling sick as a dog on top of the infestation warning, I was asked ever so sweetly by my boss to do a thorough cleaning in Mr. X's room. So of coarse I went to the task immediately.

It wasn't long after that when the exterminators showed up. It was time for our yearly treatment anyway.

I tell you my friend it was pure joy doing a thorough cleaning of Mr. X's apartment. I only wish that I had the time to clean everyone's apartments like that. The down side was most of my regular duties were a bit neglected today, add to that as as soon as I finished Mr.X's room, I was told of a "Mess" that also needed a thorough cleaning in Mr. Z's room.

I didn't have any spare time to spend with Mr. Y, who is competition for my husband!! Yesterday he fell out of his wheelchair while trying to get into his recliner. I heard his calls for help and ran to his rescue as quickly as my artificial knees would take me. The first thing we are taught to do is access the situation. Check for anything that may be an immediate danger and then ask if the resident is hurt. Silly me, I didn't ask Mr. Y if he was hurt but instead asked him if he was alright? To which he replied, "Of coarse I'm not alright, I'm laying on the damn floor!!". I felt the idiot while checking his body for any physical abnormalities that may have occurred from the fall. I walkied for help to get him into his chair. I just hope he's still willing to share an afternoon ice cream treat with this idiot!!

I did get to sit for a few minutes at the end of the day with Mrs. A. today. She drives everyone batty. But She loves me and I her !! She has a mouth on her!! It would make a young woman blush. Maybe that's why I love her so!! She also loves coffee. I always bring her coffee. She calls me her sweetie pie.

I have some sort of bug which has been going around my place of employment and have been so tired and sick the past two nights. But my heart is still full of happiness and love. Enough to share with them all. Prayerfully, I will feel better tomorrow. There's a lot of work to be done.

More on Mr. Y later !!

" What A Difference A Day Makes. Or Rather, Five Months. " 27 Jul 2013 9:34 PM (11 years ago)

Life is so full of twists and turns. I believe most of us would like to think that we have some sort of control over those twists and turns but the fact of the matter is that we really don't have too much of a say in the matter of where our paths will lead us.

Case in point.

Almost exactly five months ago I was just going along with my normal self. Ha, I bit boring but somewhat contented at the same time. Always the mother that I am, I still lived most of my life for my children, always having this feeling of needing to be there for whatever they may need. I held off on going to work full time as I felt that would be selfish in some strange way as I wouldn't "BE THERE" at a moments notice for whatever trial and or tribulation that may pop up at a moments notice for my children.

The children that I speak of being 35, 32 and 18 years of age.

Silly I know. I do believe that I raised them well.

Not perfectly mind you but well.

Back to five months ago.

My youngest daughter, Katie. My baby, decided that she wanted to sign up and try a C.N.A coarse. Her father and I never stopped any of our children from trying out something that interested them so we agreed to pay for the coarse.

Now for a dream of mine that was always in the back of my mind. I have always wanted to be a nurse but never ever had the confidence in myself to go for it until 19 years ago when I actually signed up for a college entrance exam for nursing school.

I passed all but the math. I would have had to taken a math coarse in order to take the nursing classes . Back then my confidence level was very low so I used that as an excuse to not pursue my dream which was just as well because shortly after that I discovered that I was pregnant with Katie.

It turned out to be a difficult pregnancy at 36 years of age for me. I was put on bed rest for the last six months. The dream sort of faded away. Sort of.

Five months ago when Katie signed up for the class, she wasn't in a very good place. I suggested and decided that I would also sign up for the C.N.A. class with her. I thought "Why not.", I have nothing better to do.

Truthfully, knowing my children as I do, I didn't think that Katie would make it through this class as she can't even clean dog messes without complaint but I went with her the first day anyway thinking that perhaps she may be serious about this.

She dropped out after the second class. I stayed. By myself. A bit odd for me but I did it none the less. I went everyday of the eight week class. I went through my clinicals, met some pretty awesome people and impressed myself with my "A" average.

I have always lived for my children and husband so this was a major accomplishment for me. Doing something completely for myself. It felt very strange yet very good as well. It felt right.

I took the state exam after the class. I passed. Wow. What an accomplishment for me. I never would have dreamed that I could accomplish this. But I did.

Because of Hippa laws I cannot write or talk about where I have worked or where I am working. I can however reveal this much, I feel very, very blessed right now. Come back in six months and I may tell you something different. For now though I can see myself staying where I am at until I cannot work anymore.

I work strictly with Alzhiemers/Dementia residents and I do love this work so much. I have researched, learned and am learning more about this disease everyday. I am now qualified as a Dementia care specialist. How and why I still don't quite understand. I just know that it feels right and I love what I am doing. I think I will be very good at it!!

Now back to five months ago.

If you would have told me then that I would be doing what I am doing, I don't think that I would have believed you.

And this just goes to show you how fast life goes.

You may be going along thinking that your life is what it is and then all of a sudden you may be thrown into a completely different place.

Life is a highway..

" Pencil's Down " 22 Jun 2013 5:44 AM (11 years ago)

The class has ended. The test was taken. It is over.

I already miss the class. We had a great group of students. All of us with our own individual stories of life. Our own struggles. Our own triumphs. And although we will all go our separate ways in the end, we all had the same goal in mind, passing

the State of Illinois Certified Nursing Assistant Program.

Some of us became friends during those days and all of us had laughs. In particular about a substitute teacher that we "ALL" , well, lets just say, were " Not pleased with."

Looking back, this was most likely because of the excellent instructor that we had already been used to!!

It was an eight week coarse. Lots of reading, testing, lab work and then the hands on clinical work. That's when everything gets real !!

Now, here comes the most important part of this group. This dynamic. This moment in time.

Our instructor.

It would be crazy not to mention our instructor. For without her, we wouldn't have made it through these eight weeks. Well maybe we would have but I really think it would have been horrible. Yes Horrible!! Our instructor made the class fun. Special. Interesting and most importantly I think, she touched our hearts along with teaching us some very important skills.

I may be speaking for myself here, but I learned so much in her class and much more than what was in the book.

You know who you are and you are a wonderful teacher. Don't ever doubt that.

She made the most boring and mundane things interesting. I think most of us stayed awake during the lectures!! She also listened to us. Really listened and did her best to answer even the most silliest of questions all the while not making us feel stupid.

What makes a good teacher? In my mind it's a person who cares about what they are teaching. Someone who takes the time to help each student. Someone who can laugh, so important, at themselves and the silly student jokes!

This is exactly the instructor that we were fortunate to have.

You know who you are girl. I'd be so proud of you if you were my daughter. And please don't get discouraged with those that you cannot reach. It was you that taught us to do the best we can in a professional manner. And you have done that.

For that, you get an "A + ".

" Twenty Seven Days " 25 May 2013 6:19 PM (11 years ago)

Alzheimer's/Dementia is a very sad disease. And it truly is a disease. I think there are still misconceptions about this when in actuality, it is a physical " Death " so to speak, of certain parts of the brain. There may be several causes including heredity and stroke that can cause portions of the brain to die. This leads to many, many different behaviors both physical and mental.

This being said, it is also very challenging for family members, care givers and most importantly, the loved one that suffers from Alzheimer's/Dementia themselves.

While I could get into the physical dynamics of this disease in more detail, I'm not here to write a medical journal entry about the disease at this time. I am by no means an expert in this subject but have researched, observed and cared for these very sweet, loving, scared, intelligent, active, combative, sad and depressed people.

Caring for the resident's with this disease has been such a challenge. During my C.N.A. clinical's, I took an immediate interest in this subject, surprisingly, to myself.

I consider myself very fortunate to be caring for these residents. I love each and every one of them in their own way despite the sometimes and often difficult behaviors.

I truly cannot explain what it's like to be in their world. All that I can say is that I am learning new strategies every day in dealing with this difficult disease. I have many stories to tell. I am working as a C.N.A. everyday with them and I feel blessed to be next to them even through the sometimes violent moments.

There but for the grace of God go I.

That's what I told my C.N.A. instructor our class should be called. And it's true. It could be me.

It could be you someday in that situation.

Although I am not satisfied with my current place of employment right now, I will continue to learn and give the best possible care that I am able to.

In the meantime, I have Twenty-Seven days until I Take my state exam. Once I pass that or if I pass that, I will have more doors that will open up for me and I hope that I will be able to serve the Alzheimer's/Dementia patient or resident at that time.

I haven't decided yet where my path will lead me to. Or should I say, where God's path will lead me to. But I can honestly say that if I leave this place, I will sorely miss these residents who have taken a hold of my heart.

Good Lord it's empty in here. I've been walking around inside this page for quite awhile now. Surveying this spot. I can hear the echoes of my footsteps as I am swiping away the cobwebs that have found their place here.

I ended up in a very strange place that I never thought I would be in my life. So this page has been ignored. Not because of disinterest. No.

I've found myself in another world so to speak. Truthfully, I can't even do justice to it with my words. I am speechless. Well I guess that's not really right either as I am trying to explain this situation and have to put it into words!

In a word, School. It sounds silly when I say it because it's so common. We've all been there. I've helped all three of my children through it and at the same time, I can honestly say, I hated it.

Until now. It was a fluke. It was a surprise. It was unintentional. It was my daughter Katie's fault. It was her boyfriends sister's fault. It wasn't in the plan although it was a past dream of mine. A long forgotten desire I gave up long ago. And than an imaginary truck hit me. I felt a bug in my butt so to speak and I said "Why not?".

So here I am walking around in this much ignored space that is still decorated for fall. I think I see a rotted Pumpkin on the floor and some much neglected housework as well. All because of an instantaneous moment.

My Katie enrolled in a C.N.A. class in February. I was hopeful and happy for her but knowing my daughter as I do, I didn't feel that this was for her. But her boyfriends sister talked her into it. My husband and I agreed to pay for it. If she didn't go through with it, she would have to go to work to support herself.

The wheels started to turn. I always wanted to be a nurse. I actually took my college entrance exam almost nineteen years ago, before I found out I was pregnant with Katie. That ended that.

I continued to stay at home to raise my three beautiful children. Good children, well, good adults now.

Present day, cobwebs and all. Katie dropped the class at the second day of the eight week coarse. I stayed. She moved to Texas. She seems happy. That's all that I care about. I miss her terribly but she has to find her own way. I have to trust in what I've taught her.

God works in mysterious ways. You've heard that before right?

This class has kept me so busy that I can barely remember my own name. I love it. I discovered that I am smarter than I thought. I've learned a lot about myself. I am very happy.

As of now I am carrying an "A" average which doesn't count when applying for a job but it matters to me. At this point I am just going along with what God has put before me. The task at hand so to speak. My house needs cleaning, my yard has been ignored . I have been feeling stress that I've never felt before. My brain is on fire!

We have six more classes to go. Five more Clinical days to go. I love being in the nursing home. I love the work. I really took an interest in the Alzheimer/Dementia unit. I want to go there some more. I'm starting to feel that there is something for "ME".

That probably sounds selfish but it's not meant to be. If I can speak frankly here, I feel as though God is directing me to this destination. I have a few plans in the back of my mind but I don't pay too much attention to planning. I sort of like following direction.

I also love making people feel good, important, worthy, productive and loved.

Isn't that how you'd like to feel?

Yeah, there are a lot of cobwebs around here. But there's also a lot of other more important work to be done.....

" Why I've Been Gone." 23 Feb 2013 5:57 PM (12 years ago)

Gosh I know I've been gone for a while and I haven't visited anyone's blogs. There's no need for concern, everything is going fine here just very busy.

It took some time for me to get Kate back to good health since she moved back home. She is doing well now. I think she is even getting over her first heartbreak which we all know is really tough. But I think we've got her back on track, at least I hope and pray.

It was a rough and rocky road for a while.

So much has been going on here and I just haven't had time to do much online and when I do, I've been doing word search puzzles. I love them. Always have. When I do them, I think of nothing else which we all need sometimes. Mindless work.

I've had the grandkids every other weekend which has been fun yet I realize how much energy they take from me. It makes me realize why we have children when we're young!! They seem to be doing fine. My son's divorce will be final the end of March. He and my DIL are now on good terms with each other, Thank God. We are all getting along and my DIl will always be in my life. I love her so much despite the problems that they've had. They have been together for 17 years so she has always been a daughter to us and will always be.

My oldest daughter landed a new job recently as a web manager at a major video game company but doesn't seem to be happy there. The company has great benefits and perks but she isn't comfortable with it. She has some thinking to do for sure. I miss her so, so much. I don't even know when we'll see each other again as we've all been so busy. She lives in North Carolina and we in Illinois.

My husband is totally burnt out on his job but still he carries on. There is nothing that I can do for him which is a nightmare for me because all I ever want to do is help people. My Pastor tells me that I cannot help everyone. That people have to make their own choices and all that we can do is be supportive. Yet it's so hard for me to disassociate from his feelings. I have to for my own good however as his stress also effects me.

I had my six month check up recently and everything was pretty good. I have lost about eight pounds in the past two months and my cholesterol has dropped to a manageable number, FINALLY!!!!! However my I.B.S. has been acting up more than ever before. Doc gave me some medication for it. I had a horrible bout last week. Lots of pain. Doc thinks it's all stress related which I agree with. On a good note, I am weaning off of the antidepressants that I've been on since Kate moved back home.

As I said before, it was a really rough time. But now Kate is making me laugh constantly! And she cooks like a seasoned chef.

I am happy to have her back home. I am happy to see my Kate back.

Here's where my most recent stress point is coming from.

Kate and I are redoing her entire room. It was in such BAD shape. Lots of holes to patch. Trim to remove. Lots and Lots and Lots of sanding. Fitting that all in between working two jobs and taking care of this old house that is falling apart, getting my daughter back on track, well lets just say, it's been a bit of a challenge.

We are almost done sanding, almost. Then we have to wash the walls and ceiling. Prime and paint. Not to mention she has lots of furniture she wants to paint to match the room. The fact that she's 18, doesn't stop her from wanting a princess room. What a challenge. Anyway we have exactly 20 days until school starts.

We are both taking C.N.A. (Certified Nurses Assistant) classes. Here I am at almost 55, starting a career that I wanted 20 years ago. I've always dreamed of becoming a nurse. I actually took my college entrance exams 19 years ago to become an L.P.N. (Licensed Practical Nurse) . Then I found out I was pregnant with Kate. Which was a miracle as Jake and I gave up after five years of trying to have a baby together.

So I had my miracle baby after a long hard pregnancy at 36. I had to stay in bed for the last six months of the pregnancy because of blood pressure problems and gestational diabetes. I was so sick that they didn't know if I would make it, or Kate.

So as many head and heart aches that she has given me over the years, well, I still feel blessed. But now it's my turn to do something. Menial as it may be. If I can become a C.N.A. it will help our family. I may not make it to nursing classes, but if I can pass this, I will be proud of myself and Kate. Kate wants to go on to become a P.A. (Physician's Assistant) Well at least for now .

We will see.

So I hope you can understand why I haven't been around much. Life has just taken over for now. I can tell you this much though, I will be back and I will visit soon!!

Love Di ♥

"Retention" 14 Feb 2013 6:40 PM (12 years ago)

It's my blog and I'll blog what I want to!

I looked up the definitions of "Retain" and "Retention". Neither one struck my fancy. In my my mind, at this very moment, "Retention" is a scary word to me.

I've recently signed up for C.N.A. (Certified Nurses Assistant) classes with my Katie girl. There is a two fold reason for this.

#1 - Katie needs some back-up.

#2- I've wanted to be a nurse for over twenty years. I've been to afraid to take the classes.

#3- In the state of Illinois, you must pass this class before you can go on to the L.P.N. (Licensed Practical Nurse) class. Which is much more difficult and expensive.

#4- "Retention". I will be 55 in April. I don't even know how much my brain can retain. It's been almost 40 years since I've been in school.

#5- The L.P.N. class is nine months long. And the tuition is much higher the the C.N.A. class.

#6- I am scared.

#7- I am excited.

#8- I am tired already.

#9- I think I can do this.

#10- I'm sorry that I haven't visited you.

#11- My daughter has consumed my life.

#12- I am taking these classes for myself as I am so, so tired of thinking of everyone else.

#13- Please pray for "Retention". As I truly don't know at this point in my life, how much I can retain at one time.

#14- My life has been so busy that I don't know when I'll blog again.

#15- I love and miss you all...

Love Di ♥

" Moonlight Serenade " 27 Jan 2013 6:48 PM (12 years ago)

Well here we are with yet another full moon. It is beautiful. Yet sleep escapes me for several days when it arrives.

Precious sleep. It's hard to come by with age. And the beautiful full moon,
she doesn't help at all.

So I just go with it knowing that it will pass. My mind races. My body protests.
My children complain of their lack of sleep, all the while telling me that I am crazy for suggesting the fact of the sleepless full moon.

Ah yes, the beautiful yet sleepless full moon.

" Where Was I ? " 25 Jan 2013 5:44 PM (12 years ago)

Oh yeah, I was at the grocery store. I'll bet you thought I was there for quite awhile right? Truth be told, I did give grocery shopping quite a bit of thought after my last post.

I truly was a bit confused as to what I wanted to eat. So many years of pleasing other people, I guess I just forgot what I liked. Well except when someone else cooks for me. I'm not very picky at all when I don't have to think or work for food!!

I did however learn a few interesting things about myself after 54 years. The strangest thing that I discovered was that I don't eat much.

It's true! When no one is around, I don't have much of an appetite. As a matter of fact I think I've lost about five pounds in the last month without even trying. Food, when I am alone becomes a necessity to survive. I really don't have many cravings and do quite well one two meals a day with a yogurt, glass of V8, whole wheat toast with jelly or a few pretzels in between.

Another very interesting discovery that I have made while being alone is that I can live on mostly vegetables and a little fruit. I've had about 12 ounces of fish and 16 ounces of meat, mostly chicken, in an entire week with the rest of my food intake being vegetables, whole grain bread, yogurt and or cottage cheese.

I'm not a huge dessert person. Don't get me wrong here, I love dessert as much as the next person, I just don't crave sweets very much. Example, I buy a large Hershey Dark Chocolate Bar, every two weeks. I have a square or two a day, sometimes skipping a day.
That satisfies that!

When my husband comes home on the weekends I splurge and prepare something special. It's sometimes fattening but not always. Last week I made Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas in which the ingredients included, sour cream and Velveeta. Yeah, that was fattening! But we also had a delicious salad with the help of Lean Cuisine.

Perhaps you've heard of the Lean Cuisine Salad helpers? They are fairly new and you can find them in the freezer section. See, I found my way around the grocery store after all!!!

All you need is lettuce. There is a package of microwavable black beans, chicken, corn, and red peppers. Just microwave and pour on top of lettuce. Meanwhile there was a nice spicy dressing included along with tortilla strips. I also added sliced onion and avocado.
Very tasty. My husband even liked it! They have a few different flavors which I am anxious to try.

It's been nice having a candle light dinner with my husband on the weekend. Something we aren't used to doing together and it looks like will be coming to an end now as our Katie has returned home like a boomerang. It's o.k. I wasn't ready for her to leave yet anyway.

But just so you know, I'm not going to let other people dictate how I eat anymore. From now on, I am eating for myself and I rather like it that way. I've taken care of everyone else long enough. It's time to think about myself. At least once in awhile right?

" Grocery Shopping " 10 Jan 2013 3:35 AM (12 years ago)

Grocery shopping. This is not a task that I generally give a great deal of thought to nor do I enjoy it in any way.

For instance, I can never remember a time when I've had enough money to get all of the things I'd like let alone need. Never. We've always paid the bills first and whatever was left over, well, that would have to make due.

When my children were all at home, grocery shopping proved to be quite a challenge. Buying enough food to keep everyone fed and for the most part happy, wasn't always easy.

I do believe this is one of the reasons that I've never liked cooking. That's not to say that I am not a good cook. I am, tooting my own horn here, a good cook. My specialties being soups, a talent that I picked up from my grandmother Laverne and my ex in-laws. I also have a great talent, or so I've been told, for making something out of nothing. This I think came from my father who was a cook in the Sea Bee's. We didn't have much money in those days either. What extra we did have, my father drank so he was good at making something out of nothing.

Back to grocery shopping. I had to do a bit of it yesterday and it was an eye opening experience for me. You see this was the first time that I can remember, being able to shop for myself. I found this to be quite confusing as I quickly realized that I didn't know what to buy for myself. Oh there were those items, staples, we used to call them that we needed, but I truly didn't have a clue what I wanted to eat for the next few days!

I've always shopped for food with my children and husband in mind and I actually did buy a couple of things I could cook that my husband would like. Even though I rarely cook anymore much to my husbands dismay. I've put my own tastes on the back burner for so long trying to satisfy everyone else that I really didn't know what I liked or wanted anymore.

I love vegetables, all of them except for Eggplant which I'm allergic to. I always try to keep a big container of salad in the fridge for lunch and or dinner. Unfortunately finding good fresh vegetables right know is costly so I resorted to a lot of frozen ones. I only eat red meat a couple of times a month. Chicken and fish is my norm.

I like to eat healthy. Something the rest of my family could care less about. And now I can. My biggest problem now is cooking. I still hate it and I certainly don't like doing it for myself. I consider it a huge waste of time. I don't like food THAT much !!

So after my little adventure in the grocery store yesterday I came to the conclusion that I need to take some time to find some fast, easy and healthy recipes. It's much easier to buy the frozen lean meals but they really aren't that healthy for you. The sodium content is usually pretty high and I don't find them very satisfying.

So I will be giving this some more thought in the coming weeks. I will gladly accept any QUICK, EASY, HEALTHY recipes you may send my way!!

" Period of Adjustment " 5 Jan 2013 3:45 AM (12 years ago)

I know I've been gone for sometime now from Blogland. Haven't really felt like sharing. So many of you have emailed, facebooked messages and even called to make sure I am alright.

I want to thank all of you for your concern. I am alright now but it was a rough road there for a while. Right now I am going through a period of adjustment.

The custody problems with my son and DIL have settled down for now. After mediation with attorney's, they both seem to behaving in a more adult manner concerning the sharing of my grandchildren.

Which is good for all concerned.

My husband had to have yet another sinus surgery in November. Not a pleasant surgery. It was his fifth or sixth one and I just pray it will be his last. After that he was very sick and home from work for sometime.

In the meantime our little girl told us just days before Christmas that she was moving out. Our last bird flew the coop.

I don't think she was ready for this. My husband doesn't think she was ready for this. Neither one of us was ready for this so soon.

However, I don't know that we would have ever been ready for this. She left before Christmas and it was a difficult time for Jake and I. It still is. But she is 18 and and we couldn't stop her.

Needless to say this broke our hearts. We both became very depressed. Jake and I celebrated our 23rd anniversary on December 29th and it was the first time in 23 years we've been without children.

With my husband being gone five to six days of the week, this is the first time that I have ever been alone in 54 years.

This has been a very big period of adjustment for me.

Although I do enjoy my own company, it seems so strange being alone all the time. Lord knows I have plenty to keep me busy, so much so that I have trouble keeping up. That's not the problem.

I miss Kate so much. I have seen her a few times and we talk on the phone. It's just so hard for me to accept that she isn't a little girl. She still seems like one to me.

Some good has come out of it though. Jake and I have time alone now and have discovered that we do just fine when we are alone together. It's pretty peaceful. We worried about that for years.

But not anymore. It's actually very nice.

I couldn't do anything with Kate's room for awhile. I just kept hoping that she would change her mind and come back home.

But the other night I couldn't take it anymore and started taking all of the things off the walls that she didn't want to take. She took pretty much everything with her. What she didn't, we agreed that I would pack it up and she would get it at another time.

The walls in that room are just terrible. Full of tape and nail holes.

I plan on fixing all of the walls, repainting and turning it into my craft/sewing room. The sunlight in there is wonderful and it has a south and west view of my entire little yard. It will be nice to sit and look out the windows while working on a project.

Of course Kate could change her mind and want to come back home. In which case I'd let her have the room back.

I just don't know what the future holds but for now I am taking things one day at a time trying to move forward.

It's been tough but I'm working through things.

I'm slowly making my way through life without children. It's been filled with them for 35 years. The grandchildren help with that end.

I don't know when I'll blog again. I've been doing a lot of rearranging in my house and my life.

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am, for the most part,

alright.

" Diana's Household Diaries. Finding Humor Through Troubling Times." 30 Nov 2012 3:56 AM (12 years ago)

Thanksgiving Day conversation.

Youngest daughter says sarcastically to oldest daughter,

" We're going to have so much fun going through all of mom's crap when she dies."

To which oldest daughter replies in a bubbly voice while smiling,

"Yeah I know, I can't wait!!!".

Enough said.

" Hello Everyone " 15 Nov 2012 3:01 AM (12 years ago)

Hello my friends. This is just a quick post to let everyone know that I haven't been online much at all or visiting blogs.

My family is going through two crisises at the same time.

We're all physically alright but the emotional toll has

been exhausting to say the very least.

I'm still praying daily and hope to see some light soon.

For now though my mind is consumed with worry, pain, anger, and lots of sorrow.

Please pray for my family and I hope to be back visiting soon.

I just can't focus on anything else right now.

Love Di ♥

" For Rebecca " 1 Nov 2012 4:20 PM (12 years ago)

I have a wonderful Blog friend who's name is Rebecca.

She has a few different blogs, all very interesting on there own but I came to know her through her Blog,

"Life and Godliness"

Now I can't honestly say how long we've been following each other because well, it seems to me that the older I get the faster time

goes by. But that's not really important.

Rebecca's post's always seem to inspire me in one way or another.

Whether it be through God's word, crafting, thrifting or just striving to do the best that she can everyday.

This brings me to why I am posting this today. Over time Rebecca has requested to see certain things of mine and I always intend on posting about them but always put it off for one reason or another.

So today I decided to just go ahead and do it.

On her blog today she had a great idea for her fireplace which I thought was ingenious!! Then I explained what I do to my Mantle.

She said she wanted to see it so without further ado...

here you go Rebecca, the Mantle.

I apologize for the poor picture quality. I don't know if it's me or my camera. So here is another photo.

I have made different "Skirts" I guess you'd call them, for different seasons. This one is the Autumn one. I used to have a Halloween one but have since stopped decorating for Halloween.

I also have one for Christmas but I think I may make a new one this year. It's very simple. I just measure the length around the Mantle (sides included), double that measurement and just sew it as you would a simple curtain. I leave a small pocket across the top to thread some elastic through and tack it up.

Very simple. The one above also has a leaf garland that I hung over the skirt. You can make it longer if you want, mine is about 8 inches counting the quarter inch hem and half inch pocket.

I don't think Rebecca knows this but I did a post about my Tin Collection because of her. She had posted about her Tins quite awhile ago. It had to have been over a year ago at least.

Do you remember that Rebecca? Well after I read your Tin post, I started thinking and took a look around my own house and realized that I also had a Tin Collection. I never gave it a thought and wasn't consciously collecting them until AFTER I read her Tin post.

So you see how simple it is for other's to inspire us?

I couldn't begin to tell you how many times I've felt down in the dumps and read one of Rebecca's posts only to be picked up by God's words and wisdom.

Now before I end this post I will tell you that Rebecca's really been wanting to see my little upstairs apartment. I call it my apartment because no one likes to go up there!! They don't like the stairs!!

It is my refuse. My sanctuary. I love it up there.

It's not very fancy or beautiful but it's so, so quite up there and peaceful. So I am going to end this post with a few photo's for Rebecca, of my little apartment!

Here sits Pixie, guiding the way.

My cats live up there too as they don't like the dogs!!

Notice the Tin sitting on the old stove.

You've reached the top of the stairs.

What's behind the curtain?

Here's what you'll see first.

Spare bed used mainly for grandchildren!!

The view facing the spare bed.

This is what you'll find behind the spare bed.

All of those books and magazine's,

All crochet patterns!!

Also behind the spare bed,

all of my girly stuff !

The long hallway, closet on the left.

At the end of the hallway there are lots of children's books and some toys for the grandchildren.

Self Explanatory!!

My craft room

next to the bathroom.

My room,

small yet cozy!!

View from foot of bed.

Almost done.

My favorite chair.

So that's it Rebecca.

It's not the most beautiful little apartment

but it's mine and I love it.

As a matter of fact now that I think about it,

Jake liked the house for the fireplace and I liked it for the upstairs.

There are also two bedrooms downstairs.

I just want Rebecca to know that I haven't forgotten her requests.

If I've forgotten anything else, blame it on my brain!!

Please visit my friend Rebecca if you haven't already.

She is very inspirational too me,

And we are both

THRIFTAHOLICS!!!

" One of THOSE Days " 23 Oct 2012 11:54 AM (12 years ago)

And it's not even half way through!!

It all started this morning, well last night actually. I haven't been feeling myself since the surgery. I've been feeling very tired but I chalked that up to having surgery twice within a bit over a month.

My hands are doing great by the way or else I wouldn't be typing right now. No my hands aren't the problem. I started feeling sick last night while trying to sleep. It wasn't until this morning that I realized that I have a cold or something, I think everyone I know has or has had whatever it is that I have!!

Anyway I wasn't going to let not feeling good stop me from my day of thrifting! No sir not me. I started my morning by taking a shower which in turn ticked off my teen who wasn't done getting ready for school. "To bad I say, you're out!" as I kicked her out of the bathroom. Which as it turned out, was good that I did. We had a water main break shortly after that. I did manage to get the shower done before it broke.

No water. None.

Here they are working on it.

They said we would have water in a couple of hours, that was four and a half hours ago. I'm still waiting. Good thing I had four gallons of water in the pantry but that doesn't help when flushing!

I left the water problems and the house behind as I got in my car and left. Heading the thirty or so miles to the thrift shop which is just past my son and DIL's old house that they used to occupy together. That's when the tears started to flow. I don't know what came over me other than sadness for the loss of what used to be I suppose. But I felt the fool driving down the road crying when the whole purpose of the trip was to get away and enjoy myself!!

Road to thrift store.

There's a lot of farmland around here and trees that are looking more and more naked.

How ridiculous I felt driving and crying so I found a good song on the radio, turned it up and dried my tears.

I arrived at the thrift store and as usual had a great time looking around. I had my mind set on some more Autumnal decorations but they were pretty much all gone. I did grab these two little statues however. Last time they weren't priced but today they had a $3.00 price tag on them so I bought them.

I thought they were very cute! I also bought a small vase similar to the one I posted a few weeks ago only this one was orange. I used both of them for my reed diffusers.

I found a beautiful, brand new, satin, quilted, full size bedspread and shams, again BRAND NEW, the color of my bedroom, for $8.00.

I was going to throw them in the wash to soften them up today but well, no water.

Pleased with my finds today I headed home. On the way I took a detour to my DIL's house. What the heck, right?

I was so glad that I did. I was welcomed with open arms and a cup of tea which I was desperately in need of as my throat was feeling funky not to mention the rest of me.

That was a decision I was glad that I made. We talked and talked just like days gone by. The love is still there and I don't think that will ever change.

My grandson was home as well so I was able to visit with him a bit before he would be off to pre-school.

I didn't stay too long as my DIL had to go to work but it was a good visit. I was glad that I stopped. I'm pretty sure she was too.

I really miss her.

I'm on my way home now and it's raining, dreary. Again I turn up the music and sing on my drive home. I make it in the door to find there is still no water as I stated previously.

Then my daughter Katie calls me from work/school. She works in the cafeteria at school now which is much more convenient than McDonalds as there is no driving involved. Also no late nights.

It seems that she is having a bad day at work. She wants me to call the school and have her sent home. I can just picture my husband right now. I know he would be thinking, if only I could have Di call my work to have them send me home because I'm having a bad day, LOL!!! He'd be home everyday. We'd be homeless!!

I told Katie that she's tougher then that and that she could stick it out for another hour and a half. She's due home any minute and I know she is going to be irritated with me. Teenagers are so much fun (Sarcasm).

I sure hope the rest of the day goes a bit smoother. Water would be nice. I think I'll go make myself a cup of tea and pray they get the water main fixed soon.

So how was your day?

Update: We have water!!!!!!!
Praise Jesus and the City of Mt. Vernon.

" Hello Friends ! " 17 Oct 2012 3:52 PM (12 years ago)

Good evening from Southern Illinois!

It's a beautiful Autumn evening here, windy yet mildly warm with a storm on the way. I went outside and sat on my front porch earlier to take some pictures of the pretty fall trees around the house.

This one was taken of the trees across the street.

The corner.

The next one I took from my upstairs window.

The building is the top of our garage.

It's getting darker outside now and I can hear the rumbles of thunder off in the distance. I have already brought my weather radio downstairs in expectaion of it going off later.

I can hear it from upstairs but don't like having to run upstairs to fetch it so it's already handy!

As I was walking the dogs around the yard yesterday I thought I had better take a few photos of the last of the bloomed flowers in the yard. They are still going strong but I don't expect that to last much longer as I'm sure a frost will be visiting here soon.

The Lantana's still have gorgeous color!

Although the leaves are stating to yellow.

The Ice Plant.

This was a close up.

They are quite big actually about four to five feet in diameter.

I have two of these pretty yellow perennials.

I don't remember what they are called but I do have it written down somewhere.

They look very delicate to me.

The next one is a combination of Petunia's and another plant that I forgot the name of ! My husband loves this plant and calls it a Snowball flower!!

Oh my!! My dogs Ruby and Roxy are having a fit !!

It's thundering and lightening out now and they don't like it at all.

Ruby runs around and barks at the thunder...

And poor little Roxy sits as close to me as she can and just shakes

and shakes !!

Not a very good photo of little Foxy Roxy but it does show her scared face. Poor little thing.

I will finish up here so that I can cuddle her.

That's what's going on in and out of the house.

I have to be at the hospital at 6:30 tomorrow morning for my left hand Carpel Tunnel release surgery. It's a quick and easy surgery, about 15 minutes.

My right hand is almost completely healed now and the numbness is completely gone from that hand. So if all goes well, I should be all healed up for my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving Day.

Ready to cook and entertain. I can be very entertaining you know!!

Another thing I'm looking forward to is crocheting again. I really miss it.

Oh there goes that thunder again. I better close the windows and calm the dogs. I hope you all have a wonderful evening.

I'll be back soon, God willing.

Goodnight...

Taking My Husband's Advice!" 15 Oct 2012 3:41 AM (12 years ago)

After church yesterday, I didn't really have much to do. My husband who had left for work before church, suggested that I do a blog post but I just haven't been feeling it.

Picture of husband. I believe our granddaughter Sarah, took this as I was surprised to see it when I looked at my photos!!

I suppose there were plenty of things that I could have done but I just decided to be lazy.

It was a peaceful weekend. I bought some groceries on Friday, picked up husband from the truck that afternoon and then we both came home and cooked.

I made a pot of potato soup while Jake made a pot of chili. The chili went over better than the soup did. It was really delicious. Jake fixed me a bowl with cheddar cheese, sour cream and oyster crackers on top. It was DELICIOUS!

Saturday we went outside. Jake picked up all of the yard ornaments as I packed them. Then we cleaned the garage, made room for the big table, chairs and hose that will be brought inside in a few weeks. We're leaving them out for now in anticipation of having another fire before winter. We worked well and quickly together. And that's all out of the way before I get my left hand done this coming Thursday. The only things left outside are a few potted plants that are still hanging in there as well as the Cannas that aren't ready to be dug up yet. Unfortunately we don't live far enough south to leave them in the ground, they freeze.

When we were done and came inside, husband wanted to play video games and I wanted to clean the shadow box in the dining room. It's been awhile since it's been cleaned really well so it took some time. I think it came out rather nicely!!

Also as I was looking through my China Cabinet I found a little teapot that my mom had given me years ago. When I took it out, I noticed that it went rather well with the salt and pepper shakers that I picked up a few weeks ago!

Isn't he cute!

That evening we went out on the front porch to enjoy the beautiful fall weather. Talked to a few of the neighbors and then my husband pointed out that the Lilac bush that my girls gave me on Mother's Day, was still blooming!!!

It's supposed to bloom all spring and summer. It's not very big yet but it is very pretty and here are the blooms...

I love this little bush and hope it makes it through the winter. I think I will put some extra mulch around it.

As I said before, I took Jake to his truck Sunday Morning and went to church. The rest of the day I played "Lazy" !

This morning I am going to the doctor for my pre-surgical visit for the left hand carpel tunnel release surgery on Thursday. My right hand is doing very well, no problems at all. So I will be glad to get this hand done and get this SURGICAL year behind me!!!!

Until next time, thanks for stopping by!!

" What Have I Been Up to ?" 5 Oct 2012 3:42 PM (12 years ago)

Well I will tell you! First off I had my stitches taken out on Wednesday, YaY !! The hand is doing very well in fact I am looking forward to getting the left one done on the 18th of this month, October.

Now I'd like to say that I've been feeling much better but in fact I seem to have caught a little bug. It goes something like this:

My son and/or granddaughter caught a bug.

My son and /or granddaughter passed it to my grandson who in turn passed it to Katie my teen who then shared it with her dad whom I suspect shared it with me or perhaps Katie shared it with me.

Or my grandson and/or granddaughter shared it with me and I kept it a secret unbeknownst to me and shared it with my husband and/ or...

Oh never mind, I think you get it!!

So anyway I was feeling better today so I decided to get out the ladder from the basement, clean and rearrange the shelves above my kitchen sink. Something I've been needing and wanting to do for some time now. I took down several old nick knacks and put up part of my tin collection. So now it's all clean and looks like this...

I like the change. Hey look out my kitchen window and you can see all of the Morning glories growing on the fence!!

Here's a better picture that I took this morning. I can't believe it's October and they still look so beautiful!!

I took so many photos of Morning Glories this year. I'm ashamed to say that I took more photos of them then I did the grandchildren!!

Oh well, I will probably have them overnight this weekend so maybe I can get some photos then.

Last weekend, when my husband was just starting to catch

"The Bug", we spent three days helping my son to move. He rented a small yet very cute house. This is actually the first house that he has lived in alone. Sort of strange that he owns two houses, both of which are being occupied by my DIL and her family. But I think this is good for him. Good to get away from all of the constant memories. I pray for him everyday.

He may be 34 but he is still my first and will always in my heart, be my baby.

On the second day of the move, I was sort of useless being one handed and all. Oh I helped pack some kitchen things but paid dearly for it later on!! So anyway I had earlier (Thanks to my son) in the month, discovered a NEW THRIFT STORE !!!

Yes you heard me right, and let me tell all of you thriftaholics out there, this is the best one yet!! I've been twice so far and have spent over twenty bucks there. If you are a true thrifter, you know that means I came home with some good buys.

Here's just a few of the bargains I found...

This cute little necklace opens to hold medications or secret

scrolls!!! $ 1.00

Old canning jar and pretty vase, $ 2.50.

Large fruit bowl, I paid $ 6.00 for this which I thought a bit high but I really needed a bigger fruit bowl!

Since we will be having Thanksgiving dinner this year I wanted different set of salt and pepper shakers. I have an older pair but the kids love to play with them so I picked these up for $ 1.50!!

I already have two or three gravy boats but I thought this set was more suitable for Thanksgiving Day.

I believe it was $ 1.50. It's probably hard to tell from my photo but it's nice and big.

I've been doing a lot of thrifting this summer. I'm going to end this post with some of my other finds from the past few months.

Lord help me, I think I'm addicted !!

One of my favorite finds. This really is an old tin.

I added some new/old hankies to my collection. When my daughter Ginny visited this summer, I gave her a few of the one's she really liked.

This is one of my favorites. It's a perfume amulet. I wear it all of the time.

Oooops!! My two cats, Pixie and Dixie.

I didn't get them from the thrift shop! My mom actually gave them to us several years ago, Hi Girls!!!

Pretty blue plant mister.

Oh Dear!! I don't know how these found their way to my house! I promised my sweet husband that I wouldn't buy anymore Christmas stuff but they matched my snowman collection!!!

Sorry Sweetie!!

Look closely in the Autumnal picture frame.

That's me, Hi !!

I found this at the "New" thrift store. It's obvious I hadn't dusted or cleaned it yet! It's a napkin/flatware holder. I thought I could maybe put some other kitchen do dad's in it.

It was cleaned today!!

I did buy more things while thrifting this summer.

These were just the latest.

Thrifting is like therapy to me and apparently,

I needed a lot of that this summer!!

Until next time, enjoy the weekend.

Fall is here!!!

"So, I'm Here, Sort Of." 25 Sep 2012 3:01 PM (12 years ago)

I've been so lazy since I've had this surgery. Lazy, lazy, lazy.

Haven't felt like reading books or blogs. I did find a Word Search puzzle game on line that I liked. I love word searches and have been doing quite a few of those.

I cheated for Katie whenever she would bring word search's home for homework. She hated to do them so I would do them for her. She say's she was never any good at them, probably because I did them for her, oh well. I'm sorry to all those teachers that sent them home with her. But it is what it is and she always got an "A" for them.

How about that Green Bay- Seattle game last night? I think that Ref strike needs to be settled. That was crazy stupid! The Packers won that game, I don't care what the Refs called. Not a big football fan but I do watch with my husband when the Packers play. He's a big Packers fan. I like Dance Mom's.

So I discovered these past few days that it is possible to do dishes one handed!! Don't freak out, I just got really bored and wanted a challenge. Jake was hovering over me all P.O.ed because I was even attempting it. The hardest part is washing the silverware. But I discovered that if you put a soapy, wet dishrag across the sink, you can wipe the silverware on that. Mind you this all takes a long time with one hand but it can be done damn it!!!!

I was able to go to church Sunday and my husband actually came with me, will miracles never cease? Pastor talked about our Baptism's and how we as Lutherans consider it a sacrament.

Later after service Jake and I talked about our own Baptismal experiences. Well mostly his as I was a baby and don't remember that day.

That same afternoon Jake and I went to my son's house for a B.B.Q. It seems so different now that he is separated but he cooked us a great meal and we had a good time with the grandkids.

It was a GOOD day. I just want my son to be happy.

That's what I pray for.

I've been able to use my right hand pretty darn well. I just can't get it wet because of the stitches. I get the bandaging off tomorrow and then the stitches should come out next week sometime, not sure on that yet. This whole experience brought back a memory from the fourth grade for me. I was living in Chicago and it was a typical cold winter day. I remember looking out the window to see if the sidewalks were clear enough for me to walk to school without wearing my boots. The sidewalk just looked wet so I wore my street shoes. That's what we called them back then.

As I started my walk to school that day I realized that the sidewalks were covered in ice. So being that I only had my slippery leather shoes on, I walked more cautiously. There was a group of older girls walking behind me and I remember over hearing them say something to the effect that there was no such thing as Santa Claus.

I guess that statement erased my caution as I slipped and fell hard on the ice. Those same girls saw what happened and helped me walk the rest of the way to school and took me inside to the office. There was a very cranky secretary inside that kept telling me that I was being a big baby because I was crying while telling her that I broke my arm. I couldn't understand why she would not believe me.

Several hours later and a trip to Chicago Children's Memorial hospital confirmed the fact that I had a compound fracture of my upper right arm. I don't know what that bone is called but it was broken in half and nearly sticking through my skin.

I had to wear a cast that went completely around my arm and chest for several months. Needless to say it was then that I learned to use my left hand so well. I can even write with it. So now you know why it hasn't been so bad for me not being able to use the right hand completely.

I am going to have Thanksgiving dinner this year. My son will be here and I do believe that my oldest daughter from N.C. will be coming up as well. I plan on making this a very special Thanksgiving as our family has been through a great deal this past year and we have a lot to be Thankful for.

I'm going to try and schedule my left hand Carpel Tunnel surgery for the last week of October. If the doctor will let me. He said we could set that up tomorrow. This way I should be all healed and good to go before the Holidays. Although my husband is a great cook and always helps me with the food anyway, I'd still like to be able to give it my all if you know what I mean.

I'm really hoping that we'll be able to have our grandchildren here as well but I don't know if that will happen as of yet. I will talk to my D.I.L. about it and see what she says. We are still talking, she's been like a daughter to me for 17 years. That just doesn't go away.

I've been around a little here and there to visit everyone's blogs. If I haven't gotten to you yet please don't take it personally. I just follow so many and have been tired lately. Next week my husband will go back to work from his vacation and I will have more time and hopefully more energy by then. Thanks for stopping by!

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