Sugarloaf Cottage

Ouch! That was Dumb!

2011-11-29T18:20:00.000-05:00

I did a not very smart thing this morning... I woke up for work after DH was already getting dressed for work in the guestroom where his closet is located. (Yup... I took all the closet space in our room.) I failed to turn on the light, relying on light coming in from the open door across the hall... and I walked directly into Punky's crate door. I managed to stab myself in my right knee pretty darn good. I have a lovely bruise and I am sore clear down to my toes.

I did make it to work today as I had an important conference call that I didn't want to miss. I took some "pain-away" medicine from our first aid kit and once it kicked in, I was talking and laughing a mile a minute. My call lasted about an hour and I stayed until lunchtime. I came home 3 hours early to elevate my knee and ice it. I will work tomorrow, but I think I will still be doing the elevate and ice thing while I make all my calls.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Taking a Breather...

2011-11-26T14:54:00.001-05:00

I don't know where the time gets to... one day it's September 16th (the last time I posted) and now is the 26th of November! No one really lets you know that the older you get, the faster the time flies! So much has happened in the last 2 months, I don't know where to begin!

DH has been blessed to land a job that took him 4 months to get. He's working as a maintenance mechanic for a major chocolate company. It's a super fabulous job and has so many benefits. We are very blessed and excited about this turn of events. He also starts school this next week at a top ten university and the company is picking up the tab for his classes.

I am still working and driving a crazy commute each day. I love what I do... but can't wait for the day that we have enough money saved that I am able to look for something part time or stop working all together. My right knee is still giving me fits... and I don't think I can go for another set of injections. Last time, she (the p/a) thought it would be the last set of shots as there isn't any room for anything in between that joint. It's too close together to even get a small needle in between! (Yeah... that even hurts as I type this.)

We are trying to get things ready for Christmas. DH has the house lights up and on a remote switch... he is loving that! We were going to put our tree up yesterday, but DH was working on the windows and discovered that one window that has been wrapped in aluminum has totally rotted out at the top... so we spent the day doing repairs and finding a glass shop to replace a pane of glass. That all started because he decided to put lights in the windows before the tree goes up. I am hoping to get it up be the end of the weekend.

DH is working overtime this weekend. (It's not really over time as much as making up for holiday hours that he won't get paid for this year as he hasn't been there long enough.) It feels kind of strange to be home on a Saturday all by myself. It's kind of nice since I rarely get time to myself these days. I hope to have a little bit more time to write as I am missing being creative these days. I am doing what I can on crocheting for the local prayer shawl ministry. It goes slow because of all the work I do, and having to deal with the pain in my hands and wrists... no one said getting old was for sissies!

And my newest addiction is Pintrest! Oh... that is total fun for me. I can't tell you often I wished I could pin something that was wonderful or a good idea... and now I have pintrest! If you need an invite, please let me know.

Thanks for reading... be blessed~!
Suzanne

Five Good Things on Friday...

2011-09-16T21:27:00.000-04:00

1. I have managed to stay home in bed for most of the week to heal my body from Pneumonia.

2. We are going to be helping a family out who are flood victims... they lost all their appliances and we just happen to have a spare washer and dryer!

3. We are also hoping to help out their neighbors who lost everything with extra furniture taking up space in our basement.

4. The weather has turned and it's quite cool at night... good sleeping weather!

5. My DH took me to Cracker Barrel for dinner... I have leftover shrimp and hush puppies for lunch this weekend.

That was fast... I could think of a few more things... Punky is happy to have me home, she really missed me while I was in the hospital. It's time to clean up flowers and get some mums purchased... maybe next week tho! I made my first batch of pumpkin bars for a bake sale at work... and came home with none left!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Waiting For It...

2011-08-28T00:27:00.001-04:00

We"ve been at storm prep for a few days... as soon as the storm was announced and we started tracking it, we went into "prep" mode. The biggest thing for us is the rainfall... and how many inches can fall in an hour. We are the only people around that sought out sandbags. We practically cleaned out Big Red of "tubesand". DH told me he bought almost all of what they had. We wanted to make sure we didn't flood the garage and basement and our front landing. Our front neighbors also have an issue with rain run-off... so DH purchased sand bags for them as well.

We have our spot set up in the basement... and we have our foodstuffs ready to down. We are really worried about trees falling because of ground saturation. We are also concerned with power being out. We are prepared for that, but don't like the thought of having power being out for days or even weeks.

So... we are praying it won't be as bad as predicted. Irene is on her way here... and I know she's not bringing dessert with her! Makes me wish I had remembered to buy something sweet! (I always wants something sweet or salty when I'm stressed. Ice Cream sandwiches!) Hoping to get some sleep tonite... and wake up on the other side of this thing... with our home and yard mostly intact!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Rainy Saturdays and Good Books

2011-08-06T22:15:00.000-04:00

I have been working my way through the book "The Help". I have spent every spare moment I had reading it. I finish it this morning since it was raining and I didn't want to go anywhere. I loved the book... and I was totally engaged in it. I read until I fell asleep last night... I can't wait until Wednesday for the movie to come out!

Since it was a rainy Saturday... DH and I worked at going through old boxes of "stuff" that we had left stacked up since moving (3 years ago!). It was mostly paperwork or old clothing... lots of things to be donated to Goodwill and lots of stuff that needed to be tossed out. It felt great to get that done and make more room! As a reward, DH took me out to dinner... we stayed local as the weather was turning a bit crazy...with heavy rains and wind. I didn't feel like being gone too long and having dinner too late. It was an enjoyable meal and we had a great time.

Tomorrow will be a day filled with grocery shopping and laundry... another day at home. I do love being at home!

Thanks for reading! Be blessed!
~Suzanne

How Did It Get to be August???

2011-08-03T21:39:00.000-04:00

I cannot begin to fathom that it's August 3rd! How did that happen? I haven't posted as I've been busy with work and trying to keep up with everything. Fatigue regularly kicks my tail... and before I know it, another week has passed with stuff getting piled up to do!

We really haven't done too much this summer with DH being out of work. We've done one fun day trip to the west... one day of yard sales... and we went out to a minor league ballgame with a wonderful luxury box on my company. We had a ball!

We've spent time at home... enjoying our flowers and working around here. DH has spent time working on his truck... but that's about it. We've really had a very uneventful Summer so far. We kind of "hid out" during some of the heat waves we have had... I still don't adjust well to high temperatures or humidity... one of those "great" side effect hold overs from thyroid cancer.

I can't tell you when I will be back to blog again. It depends on my energy level and time available. Punky is doing well and thriving with being an only dog. We are still grieving the loss of Nolli-dog. I guess the most exciting around here lately besides going to the ball game, is that I backed into a low sign and scraped the right rear quarter panel of my new car from the bumper to the back door! Ouch!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

A Door has closed... On to a New Chapter!

2011-06-26T21:02:00.000-04:00

This past Friday... we received a huge surprise! DH was summoned to his Supervisors house and was told that his position was being terminated. He sent me a text message as he was driven back home with his tools. I was at work and luckily I only had to "hold it together" for about an hour before I left for the day.

We have often discussed whether DH should quit, go looking for another job or just wait. We choose to wait and pray on God's timing... that either DH would come across another job or God would close the door. We have both prayed and truly believe that God has another job and great things waiting for my husband. I know that DH has worked diligently for his former company and has always gone above and beyond in his daily duties. He has given hours and hours of his time in travel and in admin work that someone else who had paid admin time should have been doing.

We know that this "situatuion" has many factors that played into the decision made. Travel time, gas prices, and contract issues with customers are just some of the factors. We also know that when we said "no" to moving closer to Philadelphia at our own expense was a factor as well. The company has had other issues with capital and not having enough trucks for all employees... so what better way to fix that problem then to eliminate the position of the one who works farthest away.

These things listed are just part of many parts... and we are not bitter in any way. It's time for a new chapter in our lives and will only serve to make us closer to each other and reinforce our trust in our loving Father and claim our favorite scripture of Jeremiah 29:11 that He knows the plans He has for us; they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give us a future and a hope.

I write this to simply ask you to keep us in your prayers for wisdom and peace in this new chapter of our lives. Thanks for reading... be blessed.

~Suzanne

Well... What Do You Know!

2011-06-12T16:43:00.000-04:00

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth... just into a huge pit of work, and trying to keep up with everything else. I have also been fighting a double ear infection, sore throat and bronchitis. I've been on lots of antibiotics and have 2 new medications added to my regular regimen, one being a bronchial inhaler. I've been working through all of it... and it makes me extremely tired by the end of the day.

I've also been dealing with DH traveling more. He's was gone all of last week, and worked yesterday. We have spent most of today getting him repacked to be gone this week as well. It makes for a tough week for me with extra trips up and down the stairs to walk to the dog (which is fabulous when you can't breathe!)

I did manage to get lots of work done in getting my closet organized while DH was gone. And I did get a little bit of shopping and found some great maxi-dresses for work this summer.

We have yet to get all the flowers planted that we usually do... I don't seem to have the stamina to do all the watering that I did last year. I am not doing nearly as much as I did last year now that I am working full time. I am hoping to add having a weekly housekeeper this summer so that I have more time for the things we want to do. We shall see if the does infact happen, as it depends on how much travel DH will have this summer.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Friday List

2011-04-01T19:22:00.000-04:00

1. It's officially the last day of the month at work... I didn't quite make my goal... but I did beat last month by 2 points!

2. The dreaded Nor'easter we suppose to get last night... ended up going farther east! Yay! No snow to plow!

3. I started working this morning and started to get a panic attack. Luckily, my friend Janie had a xanax as I had left mine at home. (Holy Cow!)

4. I was able to go to lunch with my "condo-buddy" and my friend Tammy today. We went to the sweetest little diner... and the food was to "die for!" And they had a "pickle bar"... with lots of different kinds of pickled things and it comes as a side for your meal!

5. DH is not feeling all that well... but it also means that I don't have to cook anything for dinner.

6. I got good news from my auto insurance this week... they are covering me on my uninsured motorist coverage for all my lost work while being off from my car accident.

7. The house is fairly picked up... so cleaning will be a breeze this weekend.

8. I discovered a mexican eatery north of where I work... and it's a grill type restaurant, much like my so-beloved Chipotle... can't wait to eat there! (I crave good guacamole all the time!)

9. My Darling Husband gave me a wonderful gift this last week... he bought me a Kindle... with a great cover! My first book was "Water for Elephants"... and I loved it! Finished it in 2 days.

10. I am still deciding if I am going to keep XM radio on my car... I only really listen to just a few stations. I have to make that decision soon!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

5.

Weary... Bone Weary.

2011-03-30T21:31:00.000-04:00

This past couple of weeks has gone by in a blur. My DH traveled out of town last week, so the week before was spent getting ready for that trip. Making sure that all the needed laundry was done, all the snacks and lunch staples were acquired along with things like gatorade and iced tea. Making sure that all prescriptions were filled for the trip as well.

Then it was all assembled and packed, lists crossed off, and he was on his way in the midst of an pretty good "winter snow event." I was left at home to take care of the dogs and keep the home fires burning in between working. Work it's self has been quite stressful for me, with numbers not moving in the proper direction and the pressure to "work my magic" as I have in the past was intensified.

We spent a busy last weekend doing things like getting Nolli-dog groomed and spending a little bit of money at the "electronics store"... and getting everything charged up and set up. I've been trying to grocery shop, get my own prescriptions, get some cooking done... and still get to work on time and find time for all the things that need to be done around here.

Tonite... I am very bone-weary tired. While at the pharmacy, the clerk asked me my birthday... and I gave her my best friend Lizzy's birthday instead of my own! (Her's is the day before mine!) DH was laughing at me and told the clerk that I was really quite tired... that I was not my usual self! So, here I sit after running errands tonite, having dinner at the Chinese buffet.... and I still need to make lunches for tomorrow. I think I will fall into bed now and make lunches when I get up in the morning. It's been over 5 years... and I still have the same fatigue... oh, how I miss my thyroid!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

It was Dip Day

2011-03-17T21:43:00.000-04:00

Today was dip day at work... it was so much fun and all the food brought was really good. There was a good variety of things to choose from... taco dip, queso blanco, red pepper relish dip, spinach dip, pepperoni dip, crab dip, and my own cream cheese, bacon and scallion dip. It was fun to visit and eat with my coworkers that are always so busy during the day that we don't get that opportunity often.

Tonight, DH was tired and wanted to go out to eat. We went to a local coffee shop/ice cream shop for dinner. It was really good food as well. The only draw back of the entire evening was some guy who was seated behind me who whistled through his entire meal. I was so distracted by his endless chirping, I thought I was going to go ever the edge and go "ballistic" on him. Luckily, DH and I chatted and enjoyed our dinner that once he left, it felt positively wonderful!

After dinner, we hit the Wal*mart to pick up DH's medication... and ended up doing some shopping for his trip for work next week. We stayed out much longer than we anticiapated and we are both really tired. The upside is that we won't need to do any running this weekend... we can stay home and relax!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Hangin' It a New Way!

2011-03-05T21:01:00.000-05:00

It's beginning to feel like Spring is in the air. It was a fabulous 50 degree day today and we even had a little bit of sunshine this afternoon. To celebrate the coming of Spring and all that it means... we dove into our first project of the year... we re-did my closet!

It's been on my "honey-do list" for quite awhile. I had added some organizers and shoe shelving last year... but this time we took everything out and started over. We are only doing a "fast -job" of it this time. We are going to re-tape the dry wall and paint when we re-do the carpet in the bedroom this year. This time, we put in new closet rods with support brackets, raising one side higher to add a second clothes bar under it... adding so much more space for hanging all my cardigans and my assortment of t-shirts and tops. It's starting to look more like a closet instead of something that was pretty much slapped together and second thought. This house is over 45 years old... and has been a rental for over 24 years... closets weren't such a huge deal back then.

I can't wait to get into my closet tomorrow and work at hanging things by category and color! (I know... weird, right?) We're both tired this evening... I ran errands and grocery shopped, and had to run back to the home improvement store with Punky to return one clothes rod that was broken in the package. It's been a busy day... but a good day too! Thank you to my wonderful Hubs for doing such a fabulous thing for me!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Tired Beyond Words...

2011-03-02T20:44:00.000-05:00

This past week has been kicking my tail... and DH's tail as well. We're up early... and running all day long. I have still been feeling the after effects of having the flu... and being out of one of my maintenance medications. I tried to to errands and shopping on Saturday and ended up getting ill in the middle of it all... and had to come and sleep. I was gone for most of Sunday, attending a baby shower, which involved a drive and then having to be "entertaining" while feeling puny.

I've also tried to cook ahead and make things for dinner during this week. I've been made some good things to reheat... but it hasn't made any difference as DH has been working overtime and had night calls 2 out of 3 nights so far. He's tired... and I've been having to pick up the slack where he usually helps me. It's been making us both very weary. Running errands after work, shopping, and cooking and cleaning have tuckered me out... and tonite I voted for eating take-out. (So much for reheating what I made!)

Tomorrow I have an appointment after work... the upholstery guy is coming to do repair work on my sofa. We had seam failure on one of the back cushions and it's under warranty. He's coming around 6 pm... and so I have been picking things up and straightening and dusting. I hope I can convince DH to run the vacuum for me... I still can't do the push and pull of the vacuum cleaner.

Work is going well for me... my month turned out better for February than I first thought. I had lots of "old money" come in and it shows that I worked very hard last month. I am running hard to get a good start to this month... not too certain just what my goal will be for March. I do know that my location has lots of work to do to keep up with me... I keep finding problems and issues and I know that they are sick of getting my emails asking for them to do what needs to be done and my checking for accountability. They are not used to having someone hold them accountable for issues that have a way of being swept under the rug... guess who keeps looking under the rug and showing them what needs to be cleaned up!

I've got wrap this up and get busy so the house is a little more under control... still need to pack lunches for tomorrow and get the dishwasher unloaded. I think I hate house work!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Reflections and Thoughts...

2011-02-27T10:17:00.000-05:00

As I am enjoying the quiet of the morning... I began to think of the last 2 weeks. We've both had the flu prior to this past week. Work wise... we've both been busy. DH has had such a busy week this past week that I've tried be quiet and let him sleep as much as possible. I seem to be back on a regular sleep cycle of only needing between 7 and 8 hours of rest.

We've had appointments to keep and extra drive times because of weather. We've also begun to take a hard look at finances and where we can cut back to keep up with the rising costs of everything else. I think we are going to be trying to stretch our food dollars and eat at home much more. It's hard to not want to go out for a meal when I fight fatigue as much as I do... living with the after affects of cancer can be really tough sometimes. Yes... I am cancer free... but the changes a body goes through and the maintenance medications also take it's toll on you, be it in energy to carry on through the day or in a myriad of other ways.

We've decided that we are either going to go back to cleaning the house ourselves or have the cleaning lady only come twice a month. We have projects that we want to do this Spring... but we are wondering if we should do them, given the state of world affairs and how they are affecting each of us directly in the pocket book. We've had some big set-backs in the last 6 months... and we don't have our nest egg anymore. We need to be diligent in saving as much as we can but also be smart in how we spend our money. I know that God does supply our needs... but it's also my responsibility to be wise in my spending habits.

Well.... this has gone in a different direction... but it's out there now. We continue to seek what God would have us to do... and we continue to struggle with being human and having wants and desires. I need to remind myself to be content with what I have... it's more than a lot of people have... and I don't want to worry about having to "keep up with the Jones or the Smiths". We are happy and we love our quiet life... and we take great comfort in knowing that God is a restorative God who loves us.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Flu and Love in Action

2011-02-19T16:58:00.000-05:00

It's been a trying week at the cottage... we've both been hit with the flu. I was struck down Tuesday night after coming home from work... and if it hadn't been for my wonderful DH, things would have been pretty ugly around here. Poor DH was hit with it on Thursday morning in the course of his work day... and he happened to be over 100 miles from home with a drive up the turnpike that doesn't offer many stops. Needless to say... he grabbed some medication from the first aid kit and was able to get home before it got too bad. We are still suffering from some of the lingering aspects of this bug.

We braved the cold temperatures and high winds today to get our errands done. We finished at one store and decided to have a bit of lunch. We pulled into a fast-food joint on the side of town we were on... and I noticed an older man standing near the door. We parked and walked inside... ordered and sat down. We enjoyed our meal, talked and played on our phones, and right before we were leaving, I noticed the man walking from up the street at brisk pace. It was so windy and cold and there were snow flurries.

We went out to the car and went down the road to our next stop, a strip mall where my pharmacy is. We parked and went inside to get my meds... and we weren't really lingering. As we came back out of the store, the man was standing inside the glassed in area of the strip mall, looking out. As we came to him, we both smiled at him and he asked... "Do you have 39 cents so I can catch the bus?" Of course we did... and DH reached for his wallet to give him money. I asked him, "Do you need something to eat?" The man looked down, and said, "I didn't want to ask..." DH reached in his wallet and gave him the rest of what he had. It wasn't much, but we knew he needed it and he headed to the grocery store. I wish I had taken him shopping to get more of what he needed.

It was a humbling experience... and it made me so grateful that I was able to walk to a nice car to drive home. We had more than enough to share with someone who needed it. It's tough out there for so many, and by all accounts in the media lately, it's not going to get any easier. In the past few days... I have been able to enjoy friends and good fortune, and also to help someone else. It felt good... and I hope God gives me more opportunities like this one to give without judgement or reservation.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Work Week Wrapped Up

2011-02-12T09:21:00.000-05:00

Well... I went back to work this week. After being home for 3 weeks healing my brain and my body, I hit the ground running at full speed on Monday. It felt good to get back into the groove and do my thing. It felt good to have support from other team members... even as I struggled to grasp what they had accomplished in my absence and how the work was divided up. Now... at the end of the week, we have done some good work and I think we shall see our goals met for the end of the month.

I have to admit, my energy and stamina were taxed that first day. But as I look back on the week, I paced myself, dug in my heels when I needed to, and got it done. It's been a bit taxing on me as I drive past the accident scene every day, and see where my car went over... but I calm myself with deep breathing and focusing on where the cars are and listen to music... and get myself through it.

I've had some help medically... or chemically as it were. My doctor and I agreed to put myself back on a very low dose of anti-depressant medication to help me cope with post traumatic stress syndrome. It has been a very trying time to get my mental health back on track after surviving what could have been a very traumatic accident. (It still is traumatic, but not in a horrible traumatic injury way... make sense?) I try not to fixate on the what if... or the why... cause it can only me feel crazy after awhile. So... instead both DH and I focus on feel grateful, feeling blessed and knowing that God truly does have it all under control while my scrambled brain still heals. It's good to see my progress and it's good to see laughter and joy return to our home after such a stressful event.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Simple Woman's Daybook...

2011-02-01T11:16:00.000-05:00

FOR TODAY (February 1, 2011)...

Outside my window... there is snow everywhere you look... and lots of icicles.

I am thinking... that I cannot wait to go back to work once I am able to go.

I am thankful for... God's Love and Hedge of Protection around me... to be recovering from only "moderate injuries" instead of major head trauma and broken bones or internal injuries.

From the kitchen... there are ginger snaps in the cookie jar, baked my darling husband, and plans for a good hearty meal of meatloaf and baked potatoes for dinner tonite.

I am wearing... jeans, a long sleeve t-shirt and warm socks.

I am creating... order out of chaos from totalling my car two weeks ago.

I am going... absolutely no where... the weather dictates staying in.

I am reading... lots of blogs when I feel like it, facebook and... really, not much else as it's too taxing right now.

I am hoping... to overcome this small obstacle and give God the Glory for seeing me through this time.

I am hearing... the heat coming on, the dogs snoring behind me... and someone's sno-thrower in the distance.

Around the house... things are fairly orderly, I've done some handwashing and have sweaters drying flat.

One of my favorite things...having my husband call me to let me know he made down the turnpike safely in this snow and ice.

A few plans for the rest of the week: only to continue to rest as much as I can, and see the doctor again on Friday and hopefully be well enough to return to work.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

A Post I Thought I'd Never Write...

2011-01-18T17:42:00.000-05:00

Today has one of those life-time moments.... That stop you literally in your tracks. I've had a few of those moments in my life... and you get past them.

Today started out like any other day in NE PA in the winter. You check the weather forcast... figure out if it's safe to leave the house... and plan accordingly. We had snow and freezing rain this morning. I decided I was going to go late and take my time getting there.

The yard service came and plowed... and the weather changed just a little... and it felt safe to leave. I was half way there when my moment happened... I was in a roll over accident this morning. I was in the 3rd land, all by myself, when a tractor-trailer changed lanes 6 feet in front of me and the draft from his truck pushed me into the shoulder, where I lost control of my car and rolled over. I rolled up the embankment and then rolled back down facing the other direction. I wasn't sure where I was.

All I knew was that when I started to roll over, I put my hands over my face to keep the air bag from hitting me. (Fortunately, my airbag didn't deploy.) Once I got my bearing,I realized my passenger side window was gone and so was my purse and cell phone. The drivers side door was damaged and I could not get out. I hit the emegency flashers and just sat and waited... not more than a minute went by when someone stopped to help. It was 20 something girl who works at the arena north of here... and she was adept at assessing my situation and health status. She called 911, she called DH and she called my boss... and found my purse and cell phone. She worked with the paramedics and the state trooper so that I wouldn't become too stressed.

I was transported by ambulance on a backboard and neck brace. I spent most of my day at the level 1 trauma center, being evaluated. I can tell you that I literally walked away from this with nothing more than a huge contusion on my head... and lots of bruises. I know that God protected me and I also know that seat belts saved my life. DH, as always, was my hero and came to the trauma center to be with me and stayed by my side and advocated with the nurses on my behalf.

I never, ever thought I'd write about totaling my car. I never thought I'd ever be in a roll-over accident... I am ever so thankful for the first-responders and to Sarah, who stopped to help me. I'm also thankful for my DH... who manages to always take such good care of me. I'm glad to be back home with Nolli and Punky... and I will miss my wonderful car... she was such a good ride!

Thanks for reading... be blessed.
~Suzanne

What a Mess!

2011-01-09T13:10:00.001-05:00

We have been enjoying a quiet Sunday. We slept in until almost 9... I walked the dogs and grabbed the paper. We decided on what to do for breakfast... DH cooked some bacon while I made oatmeal along with toast and juice. I read the paper after breakfast and clipped coupons.

Later, I jumped in the shower to get ready to go to the grocery store. I was just going to the local one about a mile or so away. I did my shopping and loaded the groceries into the car. It was a little windy and it's very cold. I got winded and had a hard time catching my breath. I drove home and called DH from the driveway to help me unload the groceries.

He carried it all inside for me and helped me put it away. I was sitting at the small table we have in the kitchen and I had fixed myself a tall cold glass of diet soda because I was soooo very thirsty. DH was still putting things away and I reached for something to hand him... and I knocked my tall, cold glass of diet soda over... spilling it across the table, down the wall, into the heating unit and on to the floor... brown, fizzy soda and ice cubes went everywhere... and I burst into tears in embarrassment and horror of the mess I had just made.

DH calmly comforted me and we both sprung into action. I cleaned what I could and he cleaned the rest. He's my hero... but then anyone who ever read this for long knows that! He works so hard for us... and he loves us all so much... I can't tell you how much he has had to take on lately with this latest health thing... I can't do a whole lot... and he takes up all the slack. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful man. He didn't get mad at me for making such a sticky mess... and yet, he could have. That's such wonderful Sweet Sunday Love!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

PS... DH said there really wasn't that much soda to clean up... and then he went into the basement, where upon he discovered the rest of my soda had gone through the hole in the floor where the heating pipe goes through to the furnace... and all my soda had landed on the top of the washer and the empty laundry basket that was sitting on it. Ewwww... two messes for him to clean up. (I'm so sorry!)

Dreaming of Days Gone-by

2011-01-03T20:42:00.000-05:00

Last night, both DH and I went to bed at a reasonable hour. We had gotten our lunch bags prepped and we both feel asleep right away. I slept fairly well last night... but early this morning, I kept having a continuing dream... I kept dreaming about my old job from 10 years ago.

I used to work at a small community college... doing support services for 2 different programs. I totally loved my job and often think about what my life would be like if I still worked there. (Of course I wouldn't have met DH and married him if I were still there.) I worked with a drop-out retrieval program and also an early childhood education assistance program that was state funded. I loved my teen moms and their babies... and I adored my pre-schoolers. My assistant and I had developed an extensive read-along books on tape library... and I had such a great time with leading songs and buying small manipulative's and stickers and soft toys for my little kids.

I don't remember all the books we had... but sometimes, some of those animated stories will have lines that stick inside your brain... and pop out at some of the silliest times... like when I'm sleeping. I woke up this morning thinking about my little office, tucked into the end of the hall of a house we used as an office. I mainly used my desk to stash stuff I needed quickly... and I used the basement of the house the other program owned for their office to store some of the bigger things we had and our many storage totes for books. My day was spent going all over campus... accessing 7 different buildings during my day and having to park at each of them... in a 12 passenger van. I amaze myself when I think about driving that monster sized van and getting in and out of all kinds of crowded spaces... always with someone inside, needing to get somewhere, and I had a certain amount of time to get there and back again. It was a challenge and I loved it.

Back to those books on tape... again, I don't know the name of the book or the what it was about... I just remember a line... that will come to me in stressful times... a pouty, scared voice that says, "I don't want to do this.... " I had that voice in my head as I went to work today. It came into my head again when I printed the book for my new location and saw just how much money I have to collect this month... and I can't even touch $200,000 of it. With that kind of number... I'll never hit 8%, no matter how good I am.

I dreamt about some of the people I worked with... dreaming about funny situations and all the laughter we shared over the course of each day and some of the situations we'd find ourselves in. Sometimes, you couldn't help but laugh at what our kids would do... or laugh so we wouldn't cry at other situations. I would love to go back and work that job... even though my knees would kill me for all the climbing in and out of the huge van everyday. (Actually, the van is no more... we had to upgrade our vehicle to meet federal standards and we bought a 24 passenger bus... that meant I needed a CDL with 2 years of experience, which I didn't have.) When I shared my dream with DH, he said we could move back there someday! By then, everyone I knew will have retired~lol.

Thanks for reading about good memories... be blessed!
~Suzanne

A Slow-Down...

2010-12-30T19:38:00.001-05:00

This week is usually one of the hardest of the year in what I do for work. Not too many people have money, and the rest of those who do have money, or do the doling out, are on vacation until after the first of the year. It makes collecting a very hard thing to do. It doesn't help that I have a brand new location in our system... and that the in-house A/R person is also doing my work. Tuesday was really bad... as I worked through part of my aging report, she was also working the same section. It became a race to see who could contact the most customers... she was told that I would be handling all accounts from now on... and I will make certain that's the case at the beginning of the month. For now, I will take the help.

Anyway... because it was so slow, I did some training, and I got to leave work early because the phones were so quiet. My boss asked me if I was interested in taking today off... and I of course said Yes! So, I get to enjoy 4 days off... and it won't involve going to a hospital or having a medical procedure. Today... I tried to be lazy in the morning... and then I needed to run a few errands and needed to go north. So I packed Punky up in her pink Rock Star coat and took her with me... stopping into my office on the way, to introduce her to my office mates. She was a huge hit... everyone needs to have a little "puppy break" during the day. (Of course, everyone was leaving at noon today anyway due to mandatory shut-down. I told you, it's been slow!) It was fun for me to share my Punky with the people I work with... and everyone was so happy and smiling when I was done. How fun is that?

I am also beginning to take down my Christmas decorations. I am so going to miss our Christmas tree this year. We both have enjoyed it so much... watching it evolve as we shopped for new decorations and we now have our own family tree instead of just all my decorations from years past. It's been fun to collaborate with DH and get his ideas of what he likes... he really enjoys being able to have a say about things like that... he always tells me that the decision is up to me... but he has a pretty good eye for design! I think the tree will come down on Saturday... that's usually when my Mom did it. But it was always after we watched the Rose Parade and had a good breakfast.

Oh... and speaking of breakfast, I had breakfast for dinner last night. We stopped into Cracker Barrel, and I ordered the cinnamon french toast... and oh my! It was so delicious. I only ate half of it, and enjoyed the second half for breakfast this morning. I will be having that again soon!

Thanks for reading... Have a Happy New Year... and be blessed!
~Suzanne

Waiting for it!

2010-12-26T15:09:00.001-05:00

We are waiting and watching... for the snow to begin. They are calling for between 10 and 15 inches to fall on us between this afternoon and tomorrow. And calling for high winds as well.

I managed to get up and out of the house fairly early for a Sunday morning... as I wanted to be sure we had everything we needed in the event we don't get out in the next day or two. It's not really a great thought as neither one of us has any personal time to use. DH has used all of his with my being in the hospital last week and I don't get any for another 9 months. Oh Well... as they say!

I have butter beans slow-cooking in the oven, and glazed ham from yesterday. We have yummy rolls from Christmas eve, and lots of other goodies to munch on when the need arises. We also went to the movies last night and had chinese food for dinner. (Yeah... we can be "heathens" like that! lol) It is something that I have always done since I was first married and living 3000 miles away from family. After getting divorced, I still did it... and it's something DH and I decided we wanted to continue... again, as we don't have family very close by. We loved having time away from home and just laughing... and we both ate sparingly on the chinese food as DH was rather full... and I didn't want the MSG headache. (I did get the headache later tho.)

Our Christmas has been quiet... we didn't really exchange gifts this year. We did adopt a family through work, and donated to give them a nice holiday. We did a few other charity things... and it was easy and not hectic to try and get all that shopping done, and have to get wrapping done. We did buy gifts for Nolli and Punky... it's always great fun to give gifts to Nolli as he understands presents and unwrapping things. He gets so excited and so happy about having a present. They got new collars, new bowls, each got a new toy, and DH splurged and bought them a new running fountain water dish. Nolli really likes it... Punky, I'm not too sure about. She doesn't understand presents and really just wanted to be in my arms through it all. She gets so shy and uncertain when there are new things introduced to the house.

There you have it... we had a wonderful day at home, a fun evening out at the movies and yummy chinese food... a peaceful and joyous holiday!
Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

A Fast Update...

2010-12-22T21:37:00.000-05:00

Because I am suppose to be on my way to bed right now! My back is killing me... because I managed to get a huge burst of energy tonight! I stopped at the store on my way home for a couple of ingredients and then came home to get busy. Along with cooking dinner... I whipped up some peppermint bark (thanks to DH for getting the peppermint crushed!) and made chili cheese dip for work tomorrow. I bagged up the bark for gifts for a few of my coworkers (friends!) and baked some toll house cookies without chocolate chipd for another coworker that sits right next to me.

I've cleaned and loaded the dishwasher, and washed the rest of the stuff that won't fit into it.... and I'm more than a little tired. I also managed to write a few more Christmas cards. Whew..... that's enough for tonite... as I still need to lay out what I am wearing tomorrow. We do have an early release... but haven't been told what time we will be done. It makes for a long day... because I am pretty much done with my work for the week. I did have my weekly one on one with my regional manager... and she is very happy with my work. She loves that I have answers and have already been through my book twice since getting it on Friday. (I have lots and lots of issues... but I look forward to dealing with all those challenges and seeing good results.)

It's still bitter cold here and I just heard the wind rattling the windows facing the south. We're looking forward to some time off and just being home. We don't have any big Christmas surprises for each other... we decided that we want to do some electrical work in the kitchen so I can move a few things around and then add a small flat screen tv to one wall. That's my present and one I really wanted! lol

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

He Bakes!

2010-12-19T17:17:00.000-05:00

I just have to share with you that DH baked gingerbread cookies for me today to take to work tomorrow. We are having a cookie swap... and he knew that I wouldn't have to endurance to roll and cut out cookies. He did it for me... and they turned out perfect and yummy! I sat and frosted and decorated them. And I can't wait to take them in tomorrow!

He's been taking very good care of me... making sure that I don't over do things and being sure that I sit and rest when I feel dizzy and winded. We've had a great weekend, which included taking me to the eye doctor to get my eyes dilated and also pick up my new glasses, we did a little Christmas shopping, and had lunch out. We came home and worked on a few things around here and then went to the little pizza shop down on the highway... it was deserted for a Saturday night, but we had a fabulous pie! And I think I became a fan for life... they sprinkle the entire pie with fresh oregano... and it has such good flavor! Yummmmmmm! I think I gained 2 pounds from all the good food we had this weekend.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Rock-and-Roll Kinda week...

2010-12-16T14:27:00.000-05:00

Ok... here goes... I haven't been feeling good for over a week. We all know I have health "issues"... and we know that I really hate to go to the doctor. DH made an appointment to see my primary care physician on Tuesday to see about my "issues." I was having trouble breathing, having chest pain and pressure, dizziness and fatigue. I cannot carry anything upstairs... without having to rest. On Monday at work, I sounded like I was talking underwater. So, DH made the appointment... and I went.

While I was in the doctor's office, he observed my having one of those episodes... and call an ambulance to take me to the hospital. Once there, I stayed in the ER for about 2 hours and was then admitted. While there, I had another echo cardiogram and then had the "distinct joy" of having heart catheterization. Long story short... (I have aortic stenosis that has passed the 5 year mark) The cardiologist didn't see any blockages and that my aortic valve has dilated some, but that as a cardiac patient, I was is very good health... giving me a cardiac clearance.

I will still need to go see my primary care doctor, and I will have to go see my general surgeon to have another endoscope done. And I am thinking I need to see my endocrinologist as it could possibly be that my Vitamin D levels are too low and can cause some of the issues I am having. So... I still don't know too much other than my heart is ok... (which really is a huge deal!) So... I'm off to have a light snack and a nap... able to rest with the knowledge that even if my chest feels like it will explode, it's not my heart!

Thanks for reading.... and be blessed!

Grateful Times

2010-12-03T22:01:00.000-05:00

We've just passed Thanksgiving... and we had a wonderful holiday. The weeks before that holiday, DH had medical testing, and had to go for a second test. We've held our breath and decided not to really talk about it until we knew. Yesterday the call was made... and DH got the final results... he does not have cancer as previously thought. We are quietly thankful and grateful that God has heard our prayers.(I only freaked out twice in the last month...)

We are both working very hard these days... and today I was awarded a free vacation day for all my hard work in the past month, bringing my collection percentage down over 8%... it's a good thing if you can move your aging report down 5%... and I am on my way to moving it another 5% this next month as well... and it's only the 3rd of the month. Work is getting easier for me... I am getting used to the routine and I am not stressed as I was in the beginning. Other people are seeing my value and how hard I work at what I do... I am lucky and blessed that I seem to get a response when I call and I'm not afraid to dig around for information or ask for someone else if need be to get what I want or need.

Tonite we are home after having a nice dinner out to celebrate. We stopped at the local Big Box store and finished purchasing the rest of our decorations for our tree. We've decided that we wanted a new look for our tree, something that we both liked that reflected who we are now. I hope to finish getting it decorated and post a picture here soon... that is if I am still posting. I'm still undecided on that issue. We have much to accomplish this weekend... I hope I get all I want to do... done!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Waiting... Waiting... Waiting...

2010-11-28T18:51:00.000-05:00

That seems to be the theme for our lives this month. There are many things that make us wait... and many things that we wait for... and I am trying with great determination to keep from being impatient while we wait for answers on some things and decide when to move on some other things.

On the lighter side of life... we attended my company holiday party... and had a hilariously good time. We also attended a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with friends... literally going over the river and through the woods... along with snow (2 1/2 inches of snow in 2 hours) and then ice. We stayed until the storm had passed over our area and traveling home was quite easy.

We've put up our tree and have strung lights up... I still need to finish getting things decorated. It mostly depends on my touchy gall bladder and how good I feel at any given moment. Both dogs have had baths and Punky has been groomed, looking very much like the show dog she is... she takes my breath away with how cute and fluffy she is... such a little charmer. And Nolli-dog, he knew what I was up to... and he was quite agreeable to let me give him a shower and later as DH helped me, use the blow dryer on him to get him dry.

We've had a few laughs and giggles along the way... the best one being from my niece who was making her first turkey. She had gotten up at 5am (pacific time) to get the bird in the oven and didn't know who to call when she couldn't find the giblets. I finally heard my phone beep as I walked into the bedroom and saw that I missed a call. I called back and explained that a turkey has 2 cavities on it... and sure enough, I received a text message that they had been found. The bird had only been in the oven 2 hours by then.

So... here I am... back on the Internet... and I will play it by ear for now. DH has plans and he bought me a new net book for my birthday. I'm not totally sold on it yet... I may give it to him and continue to use my desk top at home and use my laptop when I travel or need to be somewhere other than my living room. I'm not really sold on using my laptop at work since I'm on a computer all day anyway... and I don't really have desk space to use it at lunch and wouldn't want to take into the lunch room anyway.

It's been wonderful to have 4 days off... a rare occurrence that won't happen again for quite some time. I do love being at home but there are a few things that I need extra money for... things I want to add to the house that could break a budget if I didn't work.

That's all I've got for now... Thanks for reading... be blessed.
~Suzanne

To My Readers...

2010-11-03T19:47:00.001-04:00

Now that I am working full time... and having to keep track of lots of details as DH is traveling more and working crazy hours, I think it's time to draw this blog to a close. It's been fun... it's been an outlet to help me vent and keep a little sanity in my life... but I am finding that as I struggle with life in general and sometimes share my frustrations of being busy or being angry and upset about DH's work issues, that negative comments are left and I don't really enjoy that.

I also must say to one certain person who is anonymous... the reason for my getting my husbands work clothes laid out was that he was getting home from work at 11:30 at night (after leaving at 3:00am) and it was so he wouldn't have to disturb my sleep as he was going to nap on the sofa before he headed out for work again at 3:00 am. He does get his own clothes ready... I was trying to be helpful during a very tough and stressful week for both of us... m'kay????

This started out as a way to journal my thoughts and opinions as I adjusted to married life for the first time in 20 years. It's been 2 years and just about 500 posts, lots of recipes and trips to the Amish Market, along with lots of dog stories, rants about work and tales of what we found on our short road trips. It's been fun but now, it's time to end... maybe I'll be back... but for now... I'm done!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Life... This and That...!

2010-10-30T18:15:00.000-04:00

This week has been a syringe filled, pill stuffing week for Punky and Nolli. They have yet to have any dog treats and only yesterday had kibble mixed with the rice and beef mixture they have had for dinner all week. Today after coming in from a walk... Nolli kept sliding across the kitchen floor. He has spaniel blood lines and gets quite furry under his feet... it had gotten to be a little too long, so we headed to the groomers to get doggie pedicures for both Nolli and Punky. It is always an interesting trip to the shop as Nolli is so social and wants to meet every person and every dog. Pumpkin, on the other hand, prefers to be held in my arms and really doesn't want to have any interaction with any dogs... people can scare her as well... but big dogs freak her out.Now that we are back home, Nolli is quite pleased to have had an outing and some pampering. Punky is in her crate and isn't too certain that she likes me right now.

DH is home resting tonite... he had quite a week this past week. He worked 63 hours this week, had 2 night calls and also had 6 hours of drive time everyday. (So much for that light duty stuff.) He slept so hard last night, he barely moved. It's been a hard week for both of us, as we haven't really seen each other and I've had to take up the slack for his absence.It would have been easier to have him out of town the whole week instead of him leaving in the middle of the night, and making sure he had clothes out for each day, and having things ready to be loaded into his lunch pail. It was a pressure filled week in so many ways.

For me... this week was "end of month" for me... and trying to bring as much money in as I could along with collecting on my 60 and 90 day buckets. I was at over 25% at the beginning of the month. My percentage for yesterday was at 14% and I still had credit cards and a huge check to apply after that. My book closes at 5pm on Monday and I can't wait to see what I end with... I'm already below what I ended with last month. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I hand this location over with things buttoned up quite nicely on November 2nd. I can hardly believe that I have been working for 8 weeks... I don't get my new location and team until December. That means I don't have conference calls until after my location rolls over... Yippee!

Thanks for reading... be blessed.
~Suzanne

Wow... It's been CrAzY...

2010-10-26T21:06:00.000-04:00

It has been more than a little nutso around here for the past week. DH has gone back to work... on "supposed" light duty... but it's not. (Yes, I'm holding my tongue.) I've been working like crazy and trying to keep up with the house and the dogs. I also had a HIDA scan on Saturday morning... and felt sick on Sunday and the radio-active contrast showed up on my face yesterday.

Add to that... a weekend of Punky being sick... and not letting anyone know. It gets worse... I woke up to find both dos having been ill during the night. They were both very pukey... and I gave my "little green machine" a huge workout. I took Punky to the vet after work last night... and he gave me 3 different meds for both dogs. It's been a bit of a challenge to get medicine down both of them... but Nolli has been a trooper for me and has let me pop pills down him and give him nausea medicine in a syringe like it's no big deal. (What a Good Dog he is!) Punky doesn't like the liquid medicine at all.

And... Poor DH... his work schedule this week is a real nightmare. He's up at 2:30 and on the road by 3am... and his supervisor has no mercy. It's grueling, ugly and really unfair. It feels a lot like retaliation because of DH being injured... I wouldn't put it past the (a$$-hAt, cough, cough) idiot to do something like that. We are only on Tuesday and feels like it should be Thursday... and I can't wait for Friday! I'm looking forward to just being home and doing stuff around here for the weekend. I don't want to go anywhere, and I don't want to do anything but be home and put things in order around here.

Thanks for reading, be blessed!
~Suzanne

M.I.A.

2010-10-17T10:22:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry... I have been missing in action this week. It's been a little crazy around here. I ended up being really sick last Sunday and Monday. I missed work on Monday... a huge no-no! And because I missed work, I ended up working extra hours on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. It was exhausting... I managed to work an extra 6 hours to make up time. I would have been able to make up the entire 8 hours except that I had to take 30 minutes for lunch.

Also this week... DH went back to work on Wednesday. He 's on light duty with a 10 pound weight limit for the next 4 weeks. His supervisor doesn't seem to understand the concept of light duty and sent DH to a job that required him to do welding, pulling an air compressor around and to replace an overhead chain that weighs 80 pounds. (Does that sound like light duty to you? Yeah, I didn't think so either!) DH went to physical therapy and the therapist was quite worried that DH could suffer a set-back if the light-duty order is not followed. DH had great discomfort, swelling and pain in his shoulder on Friday... he couldn't work that day. Hmmmmm... I think someone needs to get a clue about light duty and causing someone additional harm when they refuse to comply with a doctor's note. (Don't even get me started!)

Yesterday was spent getting things ready for the next couple of weeks... getting groceries, trying to find a pharmacy that carries a certain manufacturer of medicine that will work with DH and his blood pressure. We used to get it at Wal*Mart, but they have decided to carry another brand because it's better on their bottom line. They have decided to carry a brand that does not work... it has to do with the fillers that are used that cancel out the affects of the medicine for DH... and even after writing to them, they don't care... and won't be carrying the one that DH has used, any longer. So much for really caring about your customers, Wal*Mart.

Anyway, while we were out... we were able to enjoy the fall colors at their peak. Last year I missed it because of my knee replacement. It was so nice to go down quiet country roads and view such spectacular color. It was very windy and quite cold out... but it was fun. Today, we are going to be starting with winterizing the house, getting plastic over the windows and making sure that the storm windows are pulled down. I know that I will be quite soon placing an order for winter heating oil as well... bye-bye money!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

On "Catch Up" Duty

2010-10-10T19:08:00.001-04:00

That seems to be what I've been doing since I was sick on Tuesday... catching up on everything that fell behind by being sick on one day and taking half a day off on the next. Work is work and I'm behind. It will show on my conference call tomorrow... not that I'm looking forward to it.

This week has taken us to see Doc Williams for DH's post surgical checkup. He got a light-duty work release for the next 4 weeks unless something else happens. We are in a holding pattern with the company until at least Tuesday... then we should have an idea of what we are looking at as far as DH going back to work.

I've been trying to get things caught up around here... I am never finished with everything. I really do feel that we do need a housekeeper to help me keep up as we will still have to do physical therapy 2 times a week. There are so many things to do... and just not enough time... I'm sure that you all can relate!

We did have a little fun yesterday... we went garage-saling. We found lots of good things at some great prices. We hit an estate sale that had a few good finds... I bought 2 pin-up lamps, both vintage and in good working condition. I also found a vintage hooked rug that looks great on the porch. We also found a great basket with a hinged lid to keep throws and blankets in... wonderful for 3 dollars. We had a great time... and had breakfast out after we went scouting. The last place we went had a great wicker settee and chair and side table with cushions for $10... but we couldn't fit in our car. It was a great deal... maybe next spring I'll find one like it... but I know it won't be $10!

Today I have been trying to take it easy... and I've slept alot. I felt sick most of the afternoon... I've been more than a little cranky... and I am hoping to go to bed early tonight.

Thanks for reading... be blessed.
~Suzanne

Home on A Sick Day.

2010-10-05T13:47:00.002-04:00

When my alarm went off this morning... I was met with not only the crazy noise it makes, but also a pounding headache. So much so, that I knew I was not going to be able to function enough to even get ready for work, let alone drive there and sit at a desk with tons of noise all day. I went out to my desk and zipped off an email to my boss. (I couldn't even find her phone number.)

It was because of last night... I was pretty tired and fell asleep on the sofa while curled up next to DH. I only snoozed for maybe 15 minutes, but knew I had to get to bed. I got in bed by 10:15 and promptly fell asleep with my wonderful ear plugs and my blessed dosage of ambien. Sleep came fast and hard. DH woke me just around 11:25... he needed help with Punky. She had gone out to her crate in the living room and had a seizure. He was trying to get honey down her to keep her blood sugar from plummeting from expending all that energy. She takes awhile to recover from those events and needs to be calmed. So... that's what we did. I held her, cleaned her up, and got her back to her happy little self, including a walk to go potty.

When I finally fell back into bed... it was after 12:30... and sleep was not anywhere near by as I laid there with Punky by my side. It's no wonder why my head hurt so badly this morning. I have spent almost the entire morning in bed, listening to the rain and snuggling with my little red dog. I don't know what to do or what we are facing as this is her 3rd seizure in the past year. I did some thinking... and it's possible that it's diet related. We don't have any problems unless we go off our routine and I break down and give her something that she really shouldn't have... like a bite of bacon or chicken. So... it could be my fault that she's having issues. I will have to be more vigilant about no treats... though it's so hard to say no when looking at that sweet, adorable face.

It's a cold, damp and rainy day here... makes me feel as though I was back in Washington State. We did break down and turn on the furnace today. We just needed to take the chill out of the air. Soon, I will be calling for one of many oil deliveries to made through out this Winter season. My head still aches just a little bit...but for me to go to work now would be futile as I would have to leave to take DH to his physical therapy appointment. This is his last one before he goes to see the Surgeon on Thursday.

Is it just us... or is anyone else having an invasion of creepy crawlies? ... we just killed a HUGE spider in our living room. And DH hates spiders... they creep him out and he will do anything to avoid them. I just knocked it down out of the drapes and thought I had it under my foot... but it crawled out from under it... and DH nailed it with his shoe. Yuck! (Don't we live an exciting life around here?)

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Soooo Busy... I'm Spinnin'!

2010-10-02T21:54:00.000-04:00

This past week has gone by in a blur. Work is going pretty well so far. Friday was a rather intense day as the entire office was down to using one printer that is on it's last legs. We had a new one at the front... but somehow it's not working at all.

Moving on... I was pretty tired yesterday, so we went out for chinese food. We got there before the big dinner rush and we were able to get seated with our favorite waitress. She's around 70 and her parents were doctors. She has always been wonderful to us since we first moved here... and we hadn't seen her for awhile. Last night was hugs and well wishes as we left... she took good care of us and we were happy to have seen her.

Today... was super-duper crazy busy. I tried to sleep in, but Punky had some crazy dream and howled in her sleep around 5:30. She woke me up and I couldn't go back to sleep. I got up and went to try and go to sleep on the sofa so I wouldn't wake DH up. I snoozed in front of the tv after falling asleep after 6:15. I woke up at 8:00 with Punky licking my face and hand... so much for sleeping in. I took her out and then got dressed... heading up to McDonalds for breakfast from the drive-thru and brought it home to DH. After that, DH got dressed and we headed to the Amish market up in the Pocono Mountains.

We found our usual eggs and butter, smoked sausage and produce. We also found some great pumpkins, squash and beautiful mums. We came home... and I went straight to work. I had to clean up all my summer flowers and get all my flower pots and containers and terra-cotta pots put away for the winter. It was a little sad for me to pull up all the flowers and fill up the wheel barrow with all that stuff. I got things put away and moved. We also decided to do some painting... our doors all needed some spiffing up and we got that done too. We finally got finished just before 5:00.

Tonight, I am back from going to dinner with DH and stopping to pick up a couple of things I needed for work. I'm looking at a pretty big to-do list for tomorrow... but I'm certain I will be moving quite slow while I do it. All I can say is... I'm glad my day started out with a large mocha! I'm sure I'm gonna need one tomorrow too!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

What I Did at Work Yesterday!

2010-09-30T20:36:00.001-04:00

Yesterday at work... it was spirit day. Since I'm a new employee, I really didn't know what it entailed. We are also doing a fundraiser for the Light the Night Walk for Leukemia and Lymphoma... our site has a team and we're all walking...(remember that!) Anyway, we were treated to one of the best catered Italian lunches... with penne pasta in a rich tomato sauce and lots of yummy cheese and some of the best meatballs ever. There was salad and fresh italian rolls. And a very yummy dessert spread, with pies, cheesecake and a sheetcake to celebrate birthdays. It was lovely and good and everyone enjoyed it, so much so that there were NO forks or plates left in the lunchroom today!

We all went back to work after... but only for a few minutes... because it was "Toss the Boss" time! We all went outside to the back loading area where all the supervisors were sitting in chairs... in shorts and t-shirts. And we all got to purchase water balloons with the money going to the cancer walk for our team. There were more than a few hundred water balloons sitting on a portable work cart... and anyone who wanted could partake in throwing a water balloon at the bosses. There were more than a few who took great joy in throwing balloon after balloon at their supervisors. Sometimes the sups would catch the balloon and throw it back. It was great fun... to go outside and have a water balloon fight after lunch. Some of the guys who service the fire extinguishers got in on the action by having some of the large tanks filled with water and hosing off their supervisor with the hose... from behind all the action. So much fun and so much laughter!

What a great concept to get paid to have fun and throw water balloons while being on the clock~ I don't know who was answering the phones... but it was fun to let 'em ring! It was so much fun to come home and say... "Honey, you won't believe what I did at work today!" It was also fun to share with customers on the phone about what we did and hear... "I wanna work where you work!"

Thanks for reading.. be blessed!

Paying For It... Still!

2010-09-26T19:53:00.000-04:00

We went to the Bloomsburg fair yesterday. It was opening day. We braved the crowds... and yet took our time seeing all the FFA, 4-H, Grange and Homemaker and Garden Club entries and exhibits. We watched timed fence jumping by the 4-H kids. We ate all sorts of good junk food... and had some of the best onion rings ever!

It was warm and sunny! And I forgot to wear sun screen... didn't even think about it until it was too late. I fried my face... I look a bit like Rudolph today. DH did really well... managing to avoid anyone bumping into him. He fried his face too!

We walked and walked... probably around 2 miles yesterday. We did stop and rest... and I did take a couple of anti-inflammatories. But with my new knee... things don't exactly measure up straight anymore. My left leg is actually straighter and longer than my right, which is crooked and turns in. I really felt it in my hips and lower back as well... and today, I can barely move. I am really paying for that trip to the fair today!

DH discovered something on this trip around the fairgrounds that we ladies can relate to... he discovered that with his arm in a sling close to his body, his weight is more forward, and it causes his back and shoulder to hurt! But he only has straps that dig in on one side!

It's time for me to go get ready for work tomorrow. It's going to be a busy start to the week... and I am hoping to be able to keep up.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

I Managed...

2010-09-24T21:25:00.000-04:00

I did it! I managed to make it through this week. I managed to get my "speed" up at work. It seems as though I hit it hard, but because leaving voice mails don't count, I took a hard hit on my work today. I had "8" calls that were voicemail contacts. Those don't count against the end of the day count... so I only managed 54 contacts today. I also managed a huge amount of email contacts and faxmail contacts too.
It's tough to bring in the money... and I am going to have a huge amount roll over into the 60 day bucket, but I have a lot of payments coming in after it rolls over. Such is life. I hope it puts me in a great place at the end of October.

I am also excited to be going to the 'Bloomsburg fair this year. Last year I missed it because I was busy having my knee replaced. DH has told me recently that he finally understands what I meant when I couldn't get my leg and knee to do what I wanted after surgery. Your muscles are in shock from the trauma and go to sleep... and it takes awhile for the nerve path to regenerate and wake those muscles up. He's trying to get his arm and shoulder to work together and raise his arm up. It's a process, for certain. Between the 2 of us, we only have 3 good arms and 3 good legs to get things done!

I'm still tired at night... I have to remember to stay hydrated and to eat enough during the day. It's hard to have a bowl of cereal a 7:00am and eat breakfast at 12:30. I only eat half my lunch because it's so late. We can eat at our desks, but I'm too busy to take the time... I gotta keep it rolling!

Thanks for reading/// be blessed!
~Suzanne

I did try!

2010-09-22T20:10:00.000-04:00

I tried to post last night... but I just couldn't get it all together. I had a post almost done and I deleted most of it. My laptop mousepad is set too sensitive. (Or at least it was until after DH fixed the settings.)

My workweek is going by in a blur. I stay so busy all day long, I don't have time to even remember to take a break or get something cold to drink. Yesterday was also physical therapy day for DH... it was a long session and by the time we stopped for dinner and gas and for an ATM run... I was more than ready to get home. (Which was at 8:00 pm last night.) I vaguely remember falling into bed close to 10:00 and I woke up in the same position I fell asleep in.... that's tired!

I did manage to watch GLEE last night. I am always surprised by what they manage to pull off and I love the music! We also managed to watch Two and a Half Men... that show makes me down right belly laugh. Tonight is Survivor... and speaking of Surviving, I came home in a horrid thunder storm that had high winds, hail and rain drops as big as your fist. It was pretty bad... and our patio flooded like crazy. The stream went up over it's banks too... and we took a little water in our basement, but it wasn't too bad down there. Our new neighbor has put in new downspouts and splash guards. One is right near her basement door... and I've tried to tell her that it was only going to fill up her basement door area faster, but she doesn't want to listen. Something tells me she's going to be a real trial to live with... and I already miss how cordial and easy it was to live with our old neighbor.

Time for Survivor! Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~S.

Where Did It Go????

2010-09-19T19:34:00.000-04:00

Oh Wow... did this weekend ever go by in a blur! Where did the time go? I think I last relaxed on Friday evening and the rest is a sheer blur. We ran errands, got DH's phone reprogrammed with features he used to have, shopped for Punky, DH has his hair cut, we picked up prescriptions and I think we went to the Wal*Marts at least twice on Saturday and once today. Oh... and I forgot, we went to Target too... got a new blue tooth there.

And today... DH did laundry, I cleaned in our bedroom and got things straightened up. Then I tackled something I have been wanting to do since we moved here. I went through all of my jewelry and organized it, cleaned it, and DH has a nice pile of things that need to be repaired. At least now, when I get ready for work, I can pick things out without having to search and dig for what I want.

We did grill out for dinner tonight. It was good... thick steaks, grilled corn, fresh cauliflower with cheese sauce. DH went to take Punky out after dinner... and it was rainy like crazy! We managed to get dinner done in just the nick of time! So, here I sit, contemplating what I am going to wear to work tomorrow, watching the movie "The Family Stone" and trying to cool off after running my legs off this weekend. Really, seriously... where did the time go???

Sitting here wondering... Thanks for reading, be blessed!
~Suzanne

3 Days Ago?

2010-09-17T19:31:00.000-04:00

Was that the last time I sat down to really look at my computer and blog? Alot has happened in 3 days... trips up and down the freeway, trips downtown to physical therapy, trips to buy groceries and work supplies, and work and a little bit of sleeping in between. I did read in my comments that I won an award from Maranda over at http://glimpesofmyjourneythrulife.blogspot.com. Happiness 101! That's really cool!

Thank you, Maranda for giving me such a wonderful award! It makes me very happy to recognized.

We woke up this morning to sick puppy dogs. DH decided to give them some leftover hotdogs... that didn't sit well with them... poor babies. I had Nolli dog pacing and racing to the door to go outside. Because I had to get ready for work, that left DH to clean up the messes that were made during the night. (Ear plugs and Ambien keep me out for most of the night... I really don't hear much at all!)

DH had done 2 sessions of physical therapy. He's weaning himself out of his immobilizer, doing some exercises and stretching. He's been ahead of the game by using his hand to do small tasks and his therapist is pleased with his progress. He has a very long way to go before he'll be able to raise his arm up, let alone up over his head. But it is progress and we are glad for that.

I've finished an entire week of work... and it's been a little tough for me. I am feeling it in my back and my right arm and hand... all that typing I do and dialing a phone... it does take it's toll. But I like the people I work with... and yes, there is stress with the job, but I remind my supervisor that I am on a steep learning curve and it will come with a little more time. I actually did quite well today, much to her surprise, I covered quite a bit of ground along with phone calls and email, given the mess I inherited from the person who left. She didn't too good of a job with notes, and left alot of old stuff on the books that should have been addressed a long time ago. I get my first shot of getting it taken care of on Monday morning with my first conference call to the location and managers and service reps that I cover. It's a little daunting that it's my meeting and I get to run the show... but I think I can do it.

Well... I've rambled on long enough! Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Tuesday Whine and Snivel!

2010-09-14T22:09:00.000-04:00

Well... today is Tuesday. It has been a very long day for me. I rolled out of bed at about 5:45 or 5:50 to start getting ready for work. I hit the road about 7:15 after having a bowl of cereal. I did the work thing all day, taking only half my lunch break today to help a new coworker sign into our online hr department to set up her profile for benefits and payroll.

I flew back home after 5:00, stopped in the driveway long enough for DH to climb in the car and we headed downtown for his first physical therapy appointment. That's what my Tuesdays and Thursdays are going to be like until after the first week of October. We did stop to get a bite to eat for dinner... and then I came into the house to get dogs fed and walked, figure out what I am wearing tomorrow, pack a lunch, cook up fresh green beans that DH snapped for me and get the dishwasher loaded. I finally sat down with slippers on my feet and jammies about 8:30. If I had kids... I think I'd be dead by now!

Honestly... I don't know how working Moms do it... and homework? I don't even think I could even begin to have to help with homework. It's now 10 pm and all I want to do is fall into bed and sleep. I do have to say that it was very sweet and cute to see Punky dance and leap when she realizes that I am home. She is always so thrilled to see me... and I have started making sure that she realizes that I am leaving each morning. I tell her good-bye and DH says that she spends all her day in her bed now that I am working. Poor little dear... she has started sleeping on the bed with me as well... (she woke me up around 4am this morning because she wanted to snuggle and play...)

I'm so done tonight... my contact lenses are having a hard time staying on my eyes. Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Big Oops!

2010-09-12T23:02:00.001-04:00

My poor husband has not had the best weekend... yesterday while we were at the Wal*Marts, (picking up more pain meds for him) I also needed to get a few things for home. Dog food was one of those items. It can be rather close in that aisle for some reason. And some (rude) lady ran right into him, hitting his injured shoulder. She didn't even blink, let along apologize or ask him if he was alright. He was in pain... and remained that way for most of the weekend.

Today, he tried to do a few things for himself... and it seemed as though most everything he did was a struggle. He made me a glass of diet pepsi and missed the glass, pouring soda on to the dishwasher top and the floor. Later, he tried to pour himself a glass of ginger ale. He managed the pour, but as he tried to put the cap back on the bottle, he knocked over the glass he had just poured and it went all over the freshly washed kitchen floor...and his pants and his new sneakers. Tonight at dinner, he had issues again... this time it was with his burger... he couldn't hold on it.

The kicker for his whole weekend.... was that he dropped his cell phone out of his pocket... it was two feet from the floor and broke the screw type key that holds the battery to the phone. He has the G'zone phone... the expensive, Army rated device that is shock proof, dust proof, water resistant and does a bunch of other stuff... and it broke... from hitting our kitchen floor. It's not hard wood and there is no cement.. it's a floor that is done from douglas fir and has a 40 year old piece of linoleum on top of it. It should have been just fine. So... I just hung up from our wireless provider... and also with the insurance company. It will be $50 to replace it... (and I already know that it's going to be a refurbished device.) And after he gets all of his pictures off the phone, I will be activating his old phone.

I'm heading to bed now... my ambien has kicked in... and I don't type so well when I'm woozy.
Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Well... that was fun!

2010-09-11T21:06:00.000-04:00

Things have gone by in a blur the last couple of days. Work went fairly smooth on Friday... and I am sure that what I did will be reviewed and scrutinized on Monday. The best of the day was going out with a few of the girls to a little neighborhood bar for a few libations and noshes... don't worry, I had diet Pepsi. It was fun to laugh and be silly and get to know some of the ladies that I work with... they are all hard working and have overcome some of the same stuff I have... so I feel that I am in good company!

DH and I decided to go up to the Amish Farm Market again. We always find such good produce and this week was no exception. We finally were there early enough to purchase some of the best looking cauliflower I've ever seen. I can't wait to cook it and eat it! We also bought more fresh green beans, oatmeal whoopie pies (so divine!) and smoked sausage sticks. I just love getting goodies from there!

We also met our new neighbor this afternoon. We had a good visit with her, getting to know her and learning about what had brought her to our small town. We were able yo give her feedback and suggestions about what she needed to set up and what utilities she was going to have to have. Since we are familiar with the house she's moving into, DH was able to help her figure out if she had the correct electrical hook ups for her washer and dryer. After they had gone down to the basement... I figured I'd go down to the basement as well and then go outside. I didn't have what I would call a successful trip down the steps. They are old, wooden, and worn. I got half way down and my foot slipped on the worn part and ended up stopping 2 steps down with my left foot on the step and my right knee being bent straight back. It hurt... alot! I've been up the stairs twice now and it feels as though things in my right knee are loose and want to separate. Not the best feeling... and I am now parked on the sofa with ice packs and tylenol. (That part was not fun!)

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Changing It Up

2010-09-08T22:12:00.000-04:00

I've been blogging lately about going back to work... it's time to write about something else.

I haven't mentioned him much lately, but I need to write about Cannoli. That's his name... Cannoli Etore~ his first name is because he's as sweet as the dessert he's named for and his middle name is italian for loyal, which he certainly is...his my good old dog... also known as Nolli-dog. He's been my baby for over 7 1/2 years, a pound puppy that had been 2 little boys Christmas puppy. They became too busy with baseball to take care of a pup. I found him at the shelter, in the midst of blaring music, wet concrete and 80 other barking dogs. Most dogs, as you go through a shelter, will come to the kennel gate and jump and bark to get your attention. Not Nolli... he was the only dog that was calmly sitting in the center of his cage. I knew instantly that he was a well adjusted dog... and he proved me right when we entered his kennel to get to know him. He came right up and sat in my then boyfriends lap and nuzzled up, inspite of the noise and chaos going on.

Nolli has been with me through a huge break up, moving into roommate situations 3 times. He's endured having to share his toys and have his dish invaded by other dogs. He's always been able to make the transition, no matter what I have done to make our lives better. He's my trooper. He was in a kennel for 12 days as we prepared to move and find a new house. He became quite ill while in the kennel and I made him a promise that I'd try to never do that to him again. He's just too sweet to leave behind anyway!

When I met DH and brought him to meet Nolli, it was rather late in the evening. Nolli barked at having someone unknown enter the house with me. But once I reassured Nolli that it was ok, he calmed right down. It was so fun to see the relationship grow between Nolli and DH... and Nolli loves his Daddy very much. They are now so bonded that most of the time, Mommy isn't all that important anymore.

Last year when I was in the hospital for my knee replacement, DH brought Nolli to visit me as he was very depressed and missed me. Once he was able to see me and licked my outstretched hand, he was his happy self once again.

It's been interesting with the new transition in our lives of Mommy going back to work. It might have had him wondering the first day as I got dressed, but not anymore. He's once again adjusted and he does not seem fazed in the least about my leaving each morning.

I have noticed in the past week that he has been asking for belly rubs more often. And I have relented about having him on the sofa... he loves to come up between us and to have a little snuggle time between Mom and Dad. He loves his evening snack and will ask us to have one after he's had dinner. DH hasn't been able to give him as much love attention as he usually does with his arm in the immobilizer. so he's been coming to me a little more than usual for attention. Tonight, as I am writing this, he's sleeping at the end of the coffee table, with his outstretched paw resting on his dog treat, guarding it from a little red dog who likes to steal them and bury them in her dog crate in the living room.

He's got such good manners... we've had a great deal of activity in our yard and driveway in the past week or so... lots of visitors... and even though he may bark at noise, he listens when reassured that it's okay. He enjoys meeting new people. And he loves when our neighbor is in her yard... he goes to the edge of the patio and waits to be greeted and to be told it's ok to go and greet her. It's sweet and touches my heart that he appreciates being recognized and greeted. Even our landlord likes to greet him and pet him. He's my sweet old boy... and I am so glad to have such a wonderful dog like him!

Thanks for reading about my special boy! Be blessed!

~Suzanne

Working Girl

2010-09-07T22:09:00.000-04:00

That's what I am... I seemed to have made it through 4 days of work... and they seem to like me! I still don't have my own computer and have to share with someone after they have left for the day. I managed to spend 1/2 the day on the phones all by myself. I can't wait until I can do this job at my own desk.

We are still slowly working on the mouse issue. DH has put traps out and today he caught one very big mouse. It was an adult... at least 2 years of age according to DH. (He used to have mice for pets. Shuddddderrrrrrrrrr!) I still have a couple of things to put away... but I didn't seem to get to it tonight by the time I got home, did a couple of things and then headed back out for dinner. After dinner, we came home to get a few other things done, like watering flowers and such. I am very tired... but I will eventually get use to a full time schedule.

Keep me in your prayers as I adjust to working again and learn the ins and outs of this particular job. It's a little more aggressive than my last 2 jobs... but I'll get there! Everyone else seems to have gotten "there"... there are a lot on the team that have been there for less than a year... but to listen to them on the phones, you'd think they had been there forever. I hope to sound that good soon!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Unexpected Visitors

2010-09-06T19:59:00.001-04:00

Today started as a quiet and peaceful day. We had a simple breakfast... and made plans to go to a local dog park. We drove over the hill, but a new batch of gnats hatched over night... it was way tooooo bad to go for a walk. We all would have ingested more than our daily quota for such things like bugs! It really was bad.

We came home and on our way, stopped at one of the local farms to buy some sweet corn for our dinner. We decided that we would grab our laptops, a cool drink and chill out on the patio under our umbrella. I made more than one trip up and down the stairs during the time we were outside starting at around 11:30. The longest stretch we were out at any one point was about an hour.

We came back inside at 2:00... I was going to make a sandwich for each of us. I had the under cabinet lights on, and to my surprise... there were mice droppings on my counter. Wha???????? It was cold last night... and apparently they came up into the kitchen~ and I went into "freak-out mode." (Mind you, there was nothing on the counters all day until between 1 and 2!) We have spent the rest of our day carefully cleaning our entire kitchen area. DH has discovered their mode of entry and we have obtained traps. He made a customized piece of 1/4 inch plastic to cover the hole that the mice have been using. I think we have seen the last of them up here. (I prayerfully hope so!)

We have boxed up all of our food that is in cardboard or cellophane or anything that a mouse could chew through... and placed all of it in huge rubbermaid tubs that we use for moving. Everything in the entire kitchen has been washed, bleached, dried and put away on clean shelf liner. I am so terribly tired at this point, I can't even begin to tell you. I don't know how I will be able to go in and make a lunch for tomorrow... I think I will probably do take-out tomorrow.

DH is working on putting things back in proper form... even with his one arm! He's an amazing man and I cannot thank him enough for helping me with such a huge job. I am totally "yucked out" by this whole entire thing. I once had baby mice invade a desk drawer at work, about the time it started to get cold. It was a horrid mess and I had to throw some treasured things away because they ruined them. I still get so skieved out! Traps are going out... tonight. It will give DH something to do tomorrow while I am at work.

Sorry to share such horrid news. Thanks for coming by.... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Fall... and Life in Town

2010-09-05T10:14:00.001-04:00

Wow... it seems as if the weather here has turned to Fall already. We went up to the Pocono Amish Market yesterday... on the way, there were so many trees that have started to turn red, orange and brown. It's much colder and windy... I needed a jacket this morning.

We did enjoy the market yesterday... it was busy as all get out with lots of people from New York. You can always tell... because they cut in line, don't read signs and are pushy. It's a holiday weekend, so there were lots of them. Anyway, we did buy eggs and butter, green beans, zucchini and squash, cookies and whoppie pies and of course we bought sausage from our favorite Amish guy Mr. B. It's fun to go up and then be able to chat with him for a brief moment... I know that he appreciates that we take the time.

I came down with a cold yesterday. It's my own fault as I went to lunch with some of the girls in the office and they smoke. It's no wonder I am sick... stupid, stupid, stupid! So I am taking sudafed to dry up the fluid in my ears. I am certain that I will be asleep soon.

We had a huge 3 alarm fire down on Main Street this morning. The building is almost behind us but half a block straight down and 2 lots over. It gutted the entire building and when I walked down at 8:30, they were still doing clean up and check work. There were 4 businesses downstairs and 4 apartments upstairs. There are 2 elderly ladies that live up there, and 1 had to be rescued. Poor dear. Everyone got ok but 1 of the firemen fell and broke an ankle. Ouch! That was probably the 4th or 5th ambulance (siren) round that came through. Poor DH was trying to sleep in the recliner and heard the entire thing... he said he couldn't see flames because the smoke was so thick and black. I talked to Miss Millie that lives on Main Street across the way and 2 doors down... she woke up to see the orange flames on her walls and first thought her house was on fire... scared her to death!

I'm going to be working on laundry today... as much as my stuffy head and my achy back will allow me. Yeah... my back... I turned wrong trying to get comfortable to go to sleep and it's been achy ever since! I probably need to see the chiropractor... but it's going to have to wait now! So... I'm off to sort clothes, and try to keep my head clear from all this stuffiness!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

Whoa... I'm tired!

2010-09-02T21:39:00.001-04:00

This has been a very long day! I woke up at 4am and after trying to get warm, going to the bathroom, and having to Punky back to bed, I managed to just doze and I was finally sleeping well when the alarm went off. My saving grace was that I knew what I was going to wear to work today.

Work today was training... sitting side by side with top collectors and learning the computer system. It's really not that hard, but I get going to fast and hit keys in the wrong sequence and have to back track. The first trainer was not too patient with me... but it's okay.

I came home with very little traffic or slow downs and even stopped at the post office. I was livid at the envelope I received from the local Social Security office. I went in on Tuesday to get a new card, didn't have the correct document but the agent gave me a mailing envelope and told me that since she had seen me in the office, that all I would have to do is copy the document and mail it back to her. I got it all back in the mail today with a note that said I would need to come in with the original documents... and she sent me back the copy that she made on her scanner! Grrrrrrrrrrr.... I hate stuff like that. I don't know when or how I will ever get back there.

Anyway... I quickly made dinner and got it in the oven, did a few things around here and then served up what I made. As soon as I was done eating... I picked up my keys and headed back out the door. I headed up the hill to the pharmacy, to the gas station and then to Wal*Mart to get a couple things I need for work. I did it all in an hour and ten minutes. I came home... loaded the dishwasher... and then said I was done!

We have dress down tomorrow... but I need to hem my jeans, and I am too tired to do it. I cannot wear my regular jeans... they are just not "casual Friday jeans" anymore. I will probably just wear something casual with out too much fuss... I am still thinking about it.

I'm tired and headed for bed after Project Runway... if I can stay awake that long!
Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Working! And Other Stuff...

2010-09-01T20:47:00.000-04:00

My first day of work went well... the day was actually short as I reported a 1/2 hour later than normal and I was in training for the day.I was sweating bullets as I drove to work this morning as I left about 8 minutes later than I planned... and as I got near the freeway construction 5 miles from my exit... I got stuck in a rolling slow-down! I thought for certain I was going to be late on my first day... but I made it with 2 minutes to spare. Yikes! Anyway... when my last training session was done, I was introduced to the person that I will be sitting with tomorrow... and then I was free to go. It was nice to come home early... an easy way to break myself in to going back to work!

In coming home early... I was greeted by a big surprise. My healing and handicapped husband was finished defrosting our "old" freezer. (This freezer was a Craigslist find, it's a very old model and is not frost-free.) I accidentally didn't get the door closed after removing veggies for dinner last night... and I melted all the ice cream... because there was ice build-up. We were going to defrost it over the weekend. but DH did it for me. I can't believe he was able to do it with one hand and arm. He is amazing. I was able to help him got through old stuff and replace the keepable stuff into the clean freezer. Awesome.

Oh... last night the deer were present in the area. Before I made it outside, the fawns were playing in the stream and splashing each other. I missed it, but Miss J was out on her deck and got to see the whole thing. I love stuff like that.

We decided to head to our favorite pizza place... and just our luck, our favorite waitress was working! We haven't seen her for a long time. She only works 2 days a week now and then works at an Alzheimer's unit over in Weatherly. She is going back to school to finish getting her LPN. She's a smart girl and we love spending time with her. It's always great fun to see her!

Speaking of fun and seeing someone... I think I am finally getting Punky to spend time with us in the living room in the evening. For several months, she has been spending time in her crate in our bedroom. She will come out when we call her to the living room, but will go back to her crate right away. Tonite... I got her to sit on the sofa with me and we played and snuggled for over 45 minutes. That is huge in bonding for her. We are starting to really change her memories... and she even took a snack from me earlier... something that is very difficult for her to do. She is making great strides lately. She has been so happy since I gave her a bath on Sunday... and she does smell so deliciously good!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Whirlwind busy!

2010-08-31T13:39:00.001-04:00

Today is my last day at home and there is so much to do. I already know what I am wearing to work tomorrow... a cute navy blue travel dress for Coldwater Creek. It is very office appropriate and should work with whatever weather we are having tomorrow... it should be really hot!

Last night as I came up from watering all the flowers, I heard DH on the phone. It was his supervisor, calling to say that he was coming up tomorrow (today) to take his truck. (Bahhhhh! I hate that!) Anyway, I've been busy getting the rest of the house put in order, as I don't know who is coming with him or if they will be coming inside. It's hot today and very humid. Yuck!

We also got the call from the doctor's office that our copy of DH's surgical report was ready. We quickly went over to Bloom to get it. It's nice to know what took place during the procedure and what they found. DH does not have a rotator cuff issue.. it was intact. He actually has impingement syndrome and they went in and did debriedment and removed his bursa. (I didn't know they could do that.) He had complete inflammation everywhere it was possible. No wonder he couldn't move his arm or raise it up.

I am satisfied that I will have this house back in good order before the day is done... really... it's just laundry that is left to be done. Yesterday was spent getting slacks hemmed up. My hands were hurting by the time it was all done, and felt great to get it all accomplished. I do prefer to wear dresses or skirts and jackets when I work, but these slacks will really expand my wardrobe as I do think office dress is more on the casual side of things.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Simple Woman's Daybook...

2010-08-30T14:39:00.001-04:00

FOR TODAY (August 30th, 2010)...

Outside my window... It's beautiful, warm and sunny... and will be hot this afternoon!

I am thinking... of all the things I need to get done this coming week.

I am thankful for... getting the good news that I am going back to work!

From the kitchen... the smell of fresh baked brownies fills the air. Yummmm!

I am wearing... a navy and white dotted tank dress... and sandals. Quite comfortable.

I am creating... not much to create this week... I'm hemming slacks!

I am going... to start my new job on Wednesday... I've already been to the post office, bank, Fed Ex drop box, grocery store and gas station today. That should cover it!

I am reading... nothing as of this morning, as I finished the last book in my trilogy series... it was so good!

I am hoping... that DH starts to feel better and stronger soon. I wonder just how he will make it when I am not here during the day.

I am hearing... the fan blowing, computer keys clicking, and sleeping dogs.

Around the house... things are fairly picked up... I could do a load of laundry... (always!)

One of my favorite things... is how Punky waits at the top of the stairs for me to come back... it worries me a little that she will do that all the time after Wednesday.

A few plans for the rest of the week: get things ready for work... start work... survive a new schedule!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

Tick Tock, Tick Tock!

2010-08-29T17:56:00.000-04:00

Sunday is here already? Where has the time gone? I have been very busy being "nurse" to DH. I have been a constant watch-dog over his pain level and trying to keep it within reasonable bounds. It's a lot of work to keep him fed, hydrated, managed on pain and get him showered and dressed. I don't know how he will manage once I go back to work this week.

I am so excited about that last sentence! I am going back to work... I start on Wednesday. I have missed having a routine and actually having to go to work. I seem to have the house in the shape that I want it for now... and in the coming days, I think we will begin to interview for housekeepers. I want to have someone come in 2 to 4 times a month. We agreed that having a housekeeper come in once a week would go a long way in keeping things going because of busy schedules and commutes. Now we just have to find that person that isn't afraid of dogs, because I don't really want to have to crate the kids if I don't have to... they tend to stay out of the way anyway when cleaning is going on.

So... for now and the next couple of days, I will continue to take care of DH, work on getting my working wardrobe into shape, and make sure that the house is ready for me to return to the workforce full time! I know that Nolli-dog will take into stride... Punky will adjust, she's such a needy girl sometimes.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

A Busy Day...

2010-08-28T16:23:00.000-04:00

Today... I left myself sleep until 8:30.... it felt so good! The dogs couldn't let me sleep any longer, they both were at my side of the bed, begging to be let out. I checked on DH... he was having a lot of pain this morning, so he took more meds and went back to sleep. I spent a quiet morning working on simple projects that wouldn't wake him.

I did errands as well, today. I went to the post office, ran to the grocery store... and got things straightened up. Then this afternoon I got really ambitious. It started out with just brushing Punky out... and ended up with me giving her a bath in the kitchen sink and Nolli getting a shower in the tub. They are both shiny clean and smelling much better. I let Punky air dry and her coat is looking very nice.

This afternoon is very nice and pleasant. We are relaxing and I am going to be grilling steaks on the grill. DH isn't up to that task, for sure! I may have to take a power nap before hand... I'm a little tired from just reading about my day.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

A Deep Sigh of Relief!

2010-08-27T13:55:00.001-04:00

This has been a tough week for me... last week I received a job offer from a national company and went for a drug screen last Friday. They also had to do a criminal background check and credit check... the last one being the one that worried me the most as I have mountains of medical bills. Being a 2 time cancer survivor isn't a "cheap thing" in life... and I keep working on paying stuff... but y'all know how it goes! Anyway... I just got the call that I cleared and I now have a start date of 9/1! It also makes things much easier on us as we don't have income coming in with DH recovering from surgery.

One thing (or two!) that happened today... I found quite humorous! We decided to go up to the Amish Market to get eggs and produce... as I was headed east, we came upon a company truck, driven by DH's supervisor! What were the odds of that happening!?! DH hit him up on the company phone... he was up in the area servicing an CVS. We were very surprised that we came across each other! Also while we were at the market, one of the Amish vendors that we like shared a little about his life with us... I asked where he was coming from and he told us the area that he lives in. We are familiar with it and know about where he lives. He told us his wife had passed this spring... and how hard it was for him. She had had Alzheimer's for 12 years. His kids had come to see him on Sunday... and it made him appreciate the time he had with his wife and all his children under his roof. I told him that my Mom had passed in February with Alzheimer's and it's hard to have her gone. He appreciated that we had reached out to him to care. (Who knew? Amish??? But he does see us quite regularly at his stand.)

So... I am very relieved and so happy to know that God is so faithful to us in our time of need. I get so worried about things and have very little patience for the things I have no control over. (Don't we all?)

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

Recovering...

2010-08-26T18:20:00.000-04:00

It was a loooooooooonnngggg day yesterday, and an even longer night. I managed to get things under control by midnight... but DH was not able to sleep. He said he just laid there all night long. He did wake me up twice, but I managed to get a little rest, probably out of sheer exhaustion!

Today has been interesting... DH has needed a lot of prompting in his self-care. He has to be prompted to take his pain meds... and to remember to hydrate. He doesn't think to eat unless I ask him. I only hope that he can remember what he has to do to get well by next week.

I had a busy "mom" kind of day... I did lots of cooking and cleaning up and acting like the mom... and I'm tired. I can honestly say that if we had small children right now... I'm certain someone would take them from me... because I just don't have the patience nor the energy. My hat is off to all of you Moms right now!

My nerves are shot today... and I have found myself in tears more than once. Please... as I have asked before... please pray for us, and for me.

Tomorrow, I am going to try and get both dogs bathed... am I asking for punishment or what? I also need to try and get to the post office as well... I have to keep reminding myself that I have to do it all right now... DH is definitely on the "Disabled List." So... I'm gonna go and fix myself an tall, icy glass of diet pepsi and go "veg" in front of the tv for a bit!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~S.

Back Home...

2010-08-25T20:03:00.000-04:00

It's been a long day... and we are home again. DH has his arm immobilized... and he was in a lot of pain... now that we are home and he is in bed, with pain meds administered, I am taking a moment to breathe. We don't really know the outcome of the surgery... and notes won't be available for a couple of days. I am going to call the office tomorrow and speak to the P/A about what they found. The doctor had already left the hospital by the time DH had come back from recovery. (I think that is wrong... but what do I know?)

So... I'm off to feed and walk dogs, return phone calls and get DH as ready for sleep as I can. I am hoping to get his pain under control before we go to sleep... and I think I can do it with careful monitoring and tramadol for break-through pain.

Peace, Love and Joy! Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

We're Off!

2010-08-25T11:28:00.001-04:00

Yeah... ummm.... off to the hopsital for DH to have his right shoulder scoped. I'll be back later!

How My Heart Feels...

2010-08-24T10:52:00.004-04:00

Have you ever felt that things were moving too fast and that you were suppose to be on the bus that had already left the terminal? I have had a heavy heart for a dear friend for over a week... and last night I decided to send her a text to check on her... she had to told me in the past that she didn't like to get phone calls while working, as she owns a boutique and is often the only one there. Anyway... she told me that she didn't have many minutes left on her phone but she could text me. Her last text told me to call her at her shop.

I did call her... and it was a very awkward and strange conversation. I hadn't talked to her in a long time... and it felt awkward, to say the least. I have known her for 20 years now, we've been there for each other through many, many tough times and it was this friend that I stayed with my last 2 days before I moved across the country... she drove me to the airport. I don't know if it's my fault (or no ones! The phone and email works both ways!) that we have lost touch and aren't really a part of each other's lives anymore. It was also awkward to hear her ask me. "How's married life?".... ummm... it's good, we've been blessed so far... and it's been over 2 years now, not exactly a newlywed anymore. And I found I wanted to ask her the same question about her marriage... but I didn't. Like I said... the whole thing was awkward.

I do know that my heart hurts as I remember a time of life that we were closest friends... and that time has passed.

Life does go on... and I am surprised that I do feel closer to people that are able to embrace change and embrace technology as part of that change. I know that I have readers who are my friends, some who are family, and some who are readers because they like my style and that I am who I am... as open and transparent as I can be and still not get into too much trouble.

We talked about health stuff... and she sounded more than a little contrite about her health issues, and I decided that I wasn't going to go into any issues other than having my right knee injected recently. I am struggling with this phone call and how it has made me feel... I guess no matter who we are and where we've been, we all want to go home again... only to find that you really can't. Home is actually where you make it... and friends are family you choose for yourself. It just hurts sometimes when friends decide to pull up their walls and won't let you in anymore. To those of you who still let me in... thank you for your love and friendship... it means more than you know.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

PS.... we still covet your prayers for DH and his surgery which is scheduled for tomorrow and for me... as I've applied for a job that I would do very well at... I hope I get it.

Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-08-23T11:54:00.001-04:00

FOR TODAY (August 23rd, 2010)...

Outside my window... it's cloudy and overcast... rain is in the forecast for today.

I am thinking... of all the things I need to accomplish in the coming week, getting DH ready for his surgery.

I am thankful for... health insurance, the good company that DH works for, prayer, family and friends.

From the kitchen... there are yummy leftovers from yesterday, homemade thick crust pizza, a really good stew and cookies!

I am wearing... a long black and white striped tank dress and my black birki sandals.

I am creating... a more orderly closet... and working on my cookbook.

I am going... to the bread store later, and to tackle my sewing pile... it's more getting slacks hemmed... but it's several pairs of slacks!

I am reading... an oldie but a goodie... Lake Wobegon Days.

I am hoping... for a good outcome on DH's shoulder surgery... and good news about something else.

I am hearing... the tv in the bedroom as DH rests, Nolli-dog snoring behind me, and traffic through the open window.

Around the house... there are only a few things out of place, it's fairly neat and orderly.

One of my favorite things... leftovers for dinner...

A few plans for the rest of the week: DH's surgery on Wednesday... and just keeping him comfortable before and after the procedure.

That's how life is this week. Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

Saturday Morning Special

2010-08-21T11:09:00.000-04:00

I woke up super early... I do that when things weigh on my mind and heart. DH had a tough evening with pain... and I worked hard to get his pain level down. We did ice packs for awhile, then later, I switched to moist heat with the heating pad. I rubbed his shoulder and arm down with Biofreeze. I stayed on a tight schedule of meds and added a muscle relaxer at bedtime. He said that he only woke up twice during the night and was able to go back to sleep. He woke up feeling much better today. He decided to immobilize his arm today to rest his shoulder. That should go a long way in helping to manage his pain.

I did lay back down for a little while this morning... and got about 2 more hours of rest. Then I went out with the dogs, got the paper and had a quiet time, reading and enjoying the cool morning air. (It went down to the mid 50's last night!) When DH finally woke up for the day... I set to making some breakfast... fresh Amish eggs, scrambled with Amish made colby cheese, toast spread with Amish butter, orange juice and good coffee. Good, wholesome flavor... and I loved that as I used Jumbo eggs, most were double yolkers.

Later today, we'll be headed out to one of the local farms to get fresh picked corn for dinner. We've tried several farm stands, and Burgers Farm has the best... and they do pick it fresh everyday. I'm sure I get some tomatoes and hopefully they'll have green beans too... All good stuff to have while it lasts. I love summer time and how good such fresh produce makes meal planning so easy and delightful!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Still Holding My Breath!

2010-08-20T14:44:00.000-04:00

We are waiting on the Lord to move in mysterious ways... I don't know how... I don't know what... but God does... and that's all that matters. Please keep us in your prayers. The stress of it all is about to do me in... and I have to constantly keep letting God have control over what is going on. (And that's never been my strong suit... I always want control!)

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

Thursday Silliness... trying to keep my sense of humor~

2010-08-19T12:44:00.000-04:00

Silliness abounds around us... I woke up at 8:00 this morning... I made myself sleep a little longer. I was pretty wiped out by yesterday. It was very cool this morning, in the low 60's. I got myself together, ate my breakfast and surfed all my usual sites this morning while the news was on. (Remember that part... )

I decided that I was going to go outside and enjoy the cool morning air, plink around on my laptop and just generally chill. I also needed to water the flowers. DH decided to come down with me... and who should we run into, but none other than the landlord. He had been hanging around since about 8:30 this morning. He was getting antsy because a recycling service was going be coming to remove the fridge from the house in front. We somehow managed to say that we would take care of it for him so he could go on with his day... heck, we had nothing else to do!

Anyway... I got cold, so I came upstairs. DH was already back upstairs, taking care of his meds and icing his shoulder according to our little "set schedule". I realized that I needed to go to the post office this morning to mail out our water bill... (we aren't allowed to pay in person... mail only!) I mentioned to DH that I was leaving... and Pumpkin decided that she wanted to go along. (It was only 70 degrees at that point, so it was ok.) We headed to the post office, I did my thing... picked up the mail, etc.) I came home to DH sitting in my chair at the patio table... with his laptop. I sat down at the table and we went through our little stack of mail.

We had to laugh because there was an envelope from Child Services from Connecticut... and inside was a check... for a whopping $1.76! While we were sitting there... a very loud warning siren came blaring from the center of town... and it was very LONG... and very LOUD. DH looked at me... and asked if they had ever done this before... I could only tell him that it was a county wide test... and it had been announced on the morning news cast... to which, he had been sitting next to me on the sofa when I heard it on the news! (ahhh... silliness!)

Great Googly -Moogly! I came upstairs... and as I came into the living room, Nolli-dog let out a whimper, he was quite frightened by all that noise. I decided to make myself a sandwich for an early lunch... (cereal doesn't really last that long with all the trips up and down the stairs.) Just as I was done making my sandwich and deciding if I was going to eat in the kitchen or go back down stairs... the door bell rang. It was the recycling service, and they were instructed by the landlord to come to us to get into the basement to remove the item they were coming for. I got downstairs... took them over to the basement.... and then my phone rang. It was my landlord asking if I minded letting them in.... ummmmm... yeah, I told you that I would do it!

Now, as I sit here... the yard guys have shown up to cut the grass. Yet again, I have to ask them to be sure and cut the areas that are suppose to be cut... they have a great tendency to miss a lot... they can be very quick with the cut... so you have to get out there fast and let them know... I sent DH to do it! (Aren't I just evil!) So... on with the rest of this crazy, silly day. We have DH's last physical therapy appointment tonite, he won't go back until 2 weeks after his shoulder surgery. I just want to get through these next few days... and try not to worry about things... I have to keep faith that God will work it all out!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Ummmm... It's Wednesday.

2010-08-18T13:06:00.000-04:00

I am still stressed to the max. Worker's Comp is starting to yank our chain. I went on a job interview today... I really hope I get this job... because it's a job that I can do well... and leave at the office. I won't know about it until early next week. Please send up good vibes and silent prayers that I will be the one they want.

I was good and went to Good Will today and donated several bags of clothes, shoes and handbags. They didn't even bother to give me a donation slip for taxes... don't they do that anymore? My house is fairly clean... I think I will dust again today. (See? ... my mind is cluttered with stuff, I can't even write a decent post!) .... breathe... remember to.... breathe.... breathe... nice and slow.

Thanks for reading this drivel today! Be blessed.
~Suzanne

Tryin' not to lose my mind!

2010-08-17T13:41:00.000-04:00

It's been a crazy few days around here. DH is still home... we are at 3 1/2 weeks. We went to the doctor today. I went to get my 3rd and last knee injection of this series. (I can have another set in 6 months! Thereby prolonging having my right knee replaced until... say.. next summer?) I also discovered that I can have injections in my other knee... that may help with my healing process. (It still hurts alot when I am sitting or using stairs.)

Anyway... we also discovered that DH is going to need to have surgery on his shoulder. We were fortunate enough to get on the schedule for next Wednesday, the 25th. If not, we would have had to wait another month. I have all kinds of emotions about this... panic, fear, oh crap!... all being some of those. It's a process... and we both would appreciate your prayers in the days ahead. We (I) need lots and lots of grace right now. All I can say is that at least I have a date for something to happen and then a date for when DH won't be so far up my backside that he practically blinks before I do! (It's bad... the man is always at my side these days... and I swear, he makes my mind up before me! I love him... but I need some space too!

That's what is new around here! Thanks for reading... be blessed!

Lost in the Closet...

2010-08-15T19:04:00.000-04:00

I've been in my closets today... doing more purging and some organizing. I am making headway... and can actually see where are my (remaining) shoes are now. It's a good feeling, but I still need to add a couple of organizing pieces to my closet. And I need to move the clothes bar back about 4 inches. (I really don't want to do that because I'll have to take all the clothing out on that one side.) But if I did that... I would gain some valuable real estate just inside the door for the aforementioned closet organizer.

In the guest room closet... I was able to really organize a good deal of our linens, some Christmas stuff and odds and ends of things I am not yet ready to part with. One of my goals this summer was to get a handle on how things have a tendency to either not get put away (because of space issues) or get tossed into the guest room to be dealt with later. I can confess that I am a card carrying member of the procrastinators club for most of my life. I understand that I come by that tendency genetically, no matter how hard I try!

That's what's happening here! Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Saturday Random Bits...

2010-08-14T18:16:00.001-04:00

We are continuing to rake it easy today. I am continuing being the "scheduler" to remind DH to take his ibuprofen on schedule and to ice his shoulder. He's getting the hang of it... I just need to keep reminding him.

We ate a quick lunch and then headed up to the Pocono Amish Market... we actually got there rather late. There were no yummy handdone sausages... and most of the bread and eggs were gone. We ended up getting some yukon gold potatoes, carrots, more small red onions, a couple more zucchini and a dozen snicker doodles. (I need to bake my own... maybe when it becomes fall?)

We took Punky with us... she is such a little nervous nellie in the car sometimes. This trip was no different... she couldn't decide if she wanted to be in the front seat with us or in her little bed in the back. I held her for a good portion of the trip and then sat in DH's lap. Coming home, we put her in the backseat and she settled down fairly well. We turned on Colby Callait and enjoyed the drive home.

I did stop at one of the local roadside stands... one that actually has a farm west of town and they grow their own corn. We picked up corn for dinner... and after we have that, we can decide who we think has the best in the area... as we've sampled just about everyone in the area now. We just love having corn roasted on the grill next to a good NY steak smothered in montreal steak seasoning. That's good summer eating!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Cool... Friday!

2010-08-13T18:13:00.000-04:00

It's a much cooler day... and it feels good to have the windows open wide and the fans blowing fresh air into the house. We had to talk Nolli-dog into the vet this morning... it was stitch removal day. I waited out in the car since my track record with that stuff hasn't been too good. (I get very queasy... not good while holding a dog!) DH took him into the exam room and Nolli did get quite anxious... but he did really well with the stitch removal... it didn't even phase him!

We did end up going up to Wilkes-Barre today... the trip involved a work related thing. While I was sitting in the waiting room... there was a guy who came in and he worked for Service-Pro. He sat next to me... and told me about his hand. He was on a job site removing an old storm window and it fell, hitting his left hand. His middle finger won't stay in place now... yuck! He said that he tried to cut and break a piece of sheetrock using his left hand... and it wouldn't hold it in place. That's got to feel weird and yucky! He told me about a few other jobs that they have been on... and that they also do work-site accident clean-ups. Ewwww!

Enough of that... we are home... and DH is taking a nap. He really didn't get any sleep last night. I can't let him sleep too long or he won't sleep tonite! I have left over grilled chicken that I am going to slice and put homemade pesto on it... and serve with 4 cheese tortellini with fresh diced mozzarella, green onions and tomatoes... some alfredo sauce and fresh basil and flat leaf parsley thrown in.... sounds quite good to me!

We are glad for cooler temperatures... that should help on my electric bill. Punky and Nolli are happy and hanging out near the kitchen door... waiting for their dinner.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

A Quiet, Rainy Day.

2010-08-12T22:49:00.000-04:00

Today has been a quiet day at home. It was rainy when I woke up and I left DH to sleep in... he needed it. He hasn't really been sleeping these last couple of weeks. He has trouble falling asleep and wakes in the wee hours of the morning. To see him sleeping was a good thing. Nolli-dog is partial to sleeping in as well... he is a cave dweller, he likes it when it's dark and cool. So it was just me and Punky in the dampness of the morning.

With the quiet and the emptiness of both the flower shop and the front house... sometimes, we are the only ones around here during the day. Sometimes, the workers that are coming to give quotes for work on the house will come to our door looking for the landlord... today was one of those times. We are as helpful as we can be, but I sometimes feel bad that I don't have the information that those workers are seeking.

It's been raining off and on today... and we were coming across the city this evening and got caught in a huge downpour. (I know that it may be confusing... we do live in a small town... just 3 miles away from a fairly large city of 85,000.) DH had another physical therapy appointment that was downtown. I had intended to stop at the store to pick up ingredients needed for dinner, but with the rain, we decided to swing into one of the fast food places that we pass on our way down into the valley where we live. By doing that, we ate dinner much sooner than if I had cooked... it would have ended up being quite late and we don't like to eat after 6:00 if we can help it. But tomorrow... I plan on gathering those dinner ingredients and fixing a good home style Italian pasta dinner! Did I tell y'all that last weekend, we harvested a good portion of the basil that we grew this year? We made some pesto (without the parm) and IOF froze it. It's in nice little portions, ready to thaw and add Parmesan cheese and have for dinner! Yummm!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Grace Under Pressure

2010-08-11T11:58:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was a bit of a crazy day with getting paperwork in order, having lab work done and my having mu 2nd knee injection of Eufflexxa. By the time we got back home, ate lunch and sent off paperwork, I was more than a little fried.

We decided to grill chicken for dinner and decided that we would eat dinner before we left for DH's physical therapy session as we wouldn't be back home until 7:30 by the time we made the trip back across the city.
We made it home at about the time I estimated, 7:30 and I rested for just about an hour. Then I went down to water the flowers as it was just after sunset and I could still see what I was doing... ( for a little while at least.)

Just as I was finishing up with the watering... DH came outside to join me. We still needed to get a couple of things done... like take the trash can up to the road. (Thank goodness it's on wheels and I can do it!) Anyway... Punky came downstairs with DH... I got everything watered and then sat down in one of the patio chairs with Punky-dog. She wanted to be held and I snuggled her and talked to her and even sang to her. She seemed to enjoy it... and then I realized that she was going into a seizure. DH was down at the bottom of the stairs and he ran upstairs to grab honey out of the cupboard. I ran to the top of the stairs with Punky in my arms to meet him. We got about 3 good doses of honey down her... I just held her and calmed her. It took about 3 minutes for her to totally stop with her tremor. Of course, after expending all that energy, she was ravenously hungry. (That is normal after a dog has a seizure.) We spent quite a bit of time on the couch, keeping her calm and quiet. I was very surprised at myself for being able to run up the stairs while holding 10 pounds of trembling dog. And also surprised that I didn't cry... that's usually my first response to something that scares me! And as of this morning, all seems well.

Please keep us in your prayers as DH is still off of work and we are going through the process for Worker's Compensation. Things are going to be tight around here for awhile. I am in hopes of going back to work myself... it's all in what the good Lord leads as of this point.

Thanks for reading...be blessed!
~Suzanne

Record Round-Up Race Around

2010-08-10T14:24:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, being Monday, meant that we were home for the day with no scheduled appointments. My local supermarket was having a great sale on chicken and I actually went to the store all by myself for the first time in 2 weeks! It felt great... even though I was worried I'd spend too much money. (Hey... I saved $12.99 on all the chicken I bought!)

When I got home and unpacked all the groceries, the phone rang. It ended up being the insurance adjuster for DH's work claim. He said that he needed all of DH's paperwork from all of his doctors visits... and... the deadline for all of it was tomorrow! I quickly made a battle plan... and we set out to retrieve all the records. We hit the 2 doctors offices, and the hospital and DH called P/T and made arrangements to pick up their records the next morning... meaning today! We have everything to date now... and DH is preparing to get them sent off now.

I also went to see my Orthopaedic doctor today for my second injection. She managed to inject my knee on the inside this time... and it still hurt like heck! But, once again, I started to feel better as soon as it was done. I did have her check my left knee... I still have clicking and stiffness. I am due to have an annual x-ray on it at the end of September. She said she'd have an appointment for me on my last injection. Seems that she didn't like the feel or sound of my knee. (See... there's a reason I'm not ready to have the right knee done!)

So... for now, we are hunkered in under the air conditioner... it's still blazing hot and humid! (I could not get my hair to dry this morning... it was awful.) But they tell us cooler temperatures will arrive tomorrow. I hope so! I want to sit outside and use my patio table while it's still summer. Signs of fall are already making a few appearances... leaves are starting to drop off a few of the maple trees. (That and I can't believe that school starts in 2 weeks.)

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-08-09T10:23:00.000-04:00

FOR TODAY (August 9th, 2010)...

Outside my window... the sun is shining bright, there is a slight breeze and there is virtually no traffic.

I am thinking... of errands that need to done in the next couple of days

I am thankful for... a good report back from the Vet, that Nolli is fine and his lump was benign. He finally let us get his bandage off last night!

From the kitchen... there are good leftovers for lunch, and marinade waiting for chicken to soak!

I am wearing... my usual... jeans, white t-shirt of some sort and sandals.

I am creating... not much more than good food since DH is home.

I am going... to the grocery store in awhile. Then the post office (What I call the bad news box... )

I am reading... a fairly good murder mystery called "Lethally Blond"... pretty good so far.

I am hoping... for good MRI results for DH's shoulder.

I am hearing... the fans blowing in the windows, and DH reading the morning paper.

Around the house... there are dishes to be loaded in the dishwasher, and the frozen pesto that we made from our basil plants needs to be bagged into freezer bags. Rugs need to be laundered today.

One of my favorite things... having tacos for dinner last night... so good and filling... and having left overs!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Fasting blood work tomorrow, my knee injection tomorrow as well... P/T appointments for DH... and waiting for test results. Oh.. and Nolli needs his stitches removed.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

It's hard to believe that we will be celebrating her 1 year anniversary of coming to live with us!

Thanks for reading... be blessed! ~Suzanne

Quiet Sunday... we hope!

2010-08-08T12:17:00.000-04:00

Sunday mornings around here can be pretty quiet. This one is no different. We have been enjoying good coffee and the morning newspaper and a simple breakfast of cheese omelette's, toast and juice. As I look around the house, there are a few chores that need to be done, dusting being one of them. (I dislike dusting... I sneeze all the way through it!) Once the house is in order... I think that we will just be outside on the patio for a good portion of the day... at least until it gets too hot to be outside.

This morning during breakfast, we discussed some of the projects we would like to do on this house in the coming year. (Note... that means not in the near future... but after things return to normal... maybe starting things in the spring.) We are thinking of painting the dining room... and we are thinking of recovering the dining room chair seats. We will decide at that time, if we are taking down the false ceiling in the living room or just painting the panels of the false ceiling. If we take down the false ceiling... we will have to trim out the top of all the paneling in that room. (I hate paneling... but can't remove it, because what's underneath is worse!) We also have fabric to make cornices for the living room. But we are not ready to start that project until later on in the fall.

We are striving for a peaceful and fairly relaxed day... tacos are on the menu for tonight. (A nice and filling dinner!) Last night we had a great dinner outside... bbq'd chicken done with a dry rub, deep fried zucchini and jalapeno poppers for DH. We ate rather late, but it was nice and cool outside. We could hear the band playing up at the municipal building for Valley Days. We loved hearing the crowd sing along to some of the songs... it both gave us quite a chuckle. Later, there were fireworks lit off... we stayed home because of the crowd... there's only one way in and one way out... so we weren't up for crowds and my knee's have been hurting so I wasn't up for a hike either. There was a lot of foot traffic from families going up with their kids and lots of teenagers as well. Life in a small town in the summer! So... I'm off to get my chores done... and then go outside and sit with the DH and the dogs amidst the flowers.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Sanitized

2010-08-07T18:44:00.000-04:00

Sorry everyone... I had to shut down my blog for maintenance and content removal. Everything that needed to be changed has been done... You may now commence to reading! =)

~Suzanne

Layin' Low

2010-08-07T17:36:00.003-04:00

We are layin' low today... the most exciting thing we did was go over the mountain to a farm market to buy string beans, corn and tomatoes. We did sit outside for a little bit and enjoy the afternoon sun. Sitting outside, we could hear the music playing up at the borough building on Main Street. Lots of traffic up and down our avenue today for Valley Days.

Last night was the firemen's parade... we brought chairs up to our neighbor's front yard to watch. It was fun and we saw so many well kept trucks and units from our surrounding area. One ladder truck even had a beautiful dalmatian riding up front. We like our little town and how the simple things in life can mean so much. Later, after the sun went down, we came outside to water the flowers and sit in the dark. The cooler low front moved through and dropped the temperature way down to 60 degrees. It felt so good! We sat and talked in the dark and looked at the stars... and listened to crickets and frogs. Sometimes... it really is all about the simple things in life!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Trying Not To Eat A House...

2010-08-06T13:18:00.003-04:00

The events of this past week have made me quite nervous and tense. (I am not always so sweet and pleasant when it comes to health issues, worker's comp and not having a paycheck coming anytime soon.)
I know I'm suppose to have faith in God the Father, that he will indeed work things out... but I have it in my nature to sometimes "freak out" beyond my wildest dreams. When I get stressed... I want to eat... and I want to eat everything in my path. Any leftovers in the fridge now don't stand a chance of being around for tomorrow!

I can say this... my house is clean. My kitchen is spotless. My bathroom is clean... and the dogs are taking cover at the sound of the vacuum cleaner running every couple of hours, because they've been laying around on the floor. Stress is just a wonderful motivator, at times!

There are a couple of bright sides to all my turmoil. We still have a little money in the bank... and we have some investment money that we can "cash in" if need be. AND... I got a call from the Vet's office, Nolli-dog's tumor was benign... it was a subcutaneous mass on the outside of his elbow. (Poor baby... he won't let us take off his bandages yet.) AND... DH contacted my computer manufacturer... my laptop is still under warranty and they sent him a new hard drive and software to reinstall in my laptop. It took him just over 2 days to get it all up and running, in between going to doctor's appointments, physical therapy and his MRI. I am actually once again sitting outside, writing at my patio table.

And... tonite is the start of Vally Days... we will be able to sit on the porch at the front house and watch the annual fireman's parade. Yesterday, they were working on out street and had the road closed. It was very quiet... and all the neighbors who needed to leave out block had to come through the front driveway and turn up through ours to get to the street. It was actually kind of humorous as we were sitting outside reading the newspaper as people were leaving for work... we just kept our heads buried in the paper and ignored what was happening. It was very quiet for most of the day... It's rare to have our road closed... but it was so nice and peaceful too!

It suppose to be cooler weather here for the next few days... that will be nice for everyone going to Vally Days. I am certain we will just be sitting out here, enjoying the weather, the noise, and some good food.... I need to watch just how much I eat these days! (I think I hear a rind-ding call my name!)

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Tonight... We Recover!

2010-08-03T21:10:00.004-04:00

Almost everyone in this house had a doctors visit today! We took Nolli-dog in for surgery to have a growth removed from his elbow this morning. We picked him up around 11:30. He was groggy, but it wasn't as bad as when he had his dewclaws removed, his teeth cleaned and had 2 tumors removed from his tummy all at once. I think where his IV catheter was placed in his left front leg bothers him the most. (They went and left all the tape on it... he does not want us to try and take it off.)

(Removed from prying and sneaky eyes... ahem!)

When the P.A. came in to examine DH, she did a double take... and realized that it was in fact, me sitting in the next chair! She was very interested in why I hadn't scheduled my right knee yet. I told her that I was not "mentally ready" and I still had pain in my left knee while on the stairs. I was thinking of having my right knee injected with Hyalgan again. She said she had something new that was only 3 injections and that she could inject me today! I said ok... and when she was done with DH, she did bring in a box of injection medicine and injected my knee... and she didn't use any freezing spray. And it hurt!!!! She told me that I had the tightest knee joint she'd ever injected and that I didn't have much room in there! I told her that I already knew that... my right knee should have been first one done, but the pain in my left one over-ruled that. I am scheduled for the next 2 Tuesdays. She really wants me to schedule getting my right knee done. I will have to think about it... but as of tonight, my right knee feels so much better!

So... tonight, Nolli is getting lots of extra attention from Mom. He gets to hang out on the sofa with us and gets lots of pain relieving massage. DH continues to do his therapy and ice... and I am trying my hardest not to over do it. (I did take a huge nap (of 30 minutes) after the news. Please pray for us as we go through this next week without any vacation days or sick leave... it's gonna be very tight! Pray for DH to be able to recover from his shoulder issue.

Thanks for reading... be blessed.

A Busy, Worrysome Day Ahead.

2010-08-02T19:18:00.005-04:00

This morning I have to take Nolli-dog back to the vet's office. Yesterday we took him to be examined as he has a new red growth that showed up this week on his elbow. It's not in a good spot. And it grew fast. The Vet didn't think that it was too serious, he felt it and Nolli didn't flinch... so that was a good sign. He's more concerned about where it is on his body, being right at the elbow, where it gets a lot of pressure and it gets all of Nolli's weight on it when he gets up.

It's been tough this last evening to keep Nolli quiet... and to keep him from constantly begging for treats and wanting water. Punky seems to be adjusting... and she's taken up residence in her little crate in the bedroom.

(Content removed from prying and sneaky eyes... ahem!)

I am holding it together quite well as I write this... but then, I can fall apart at any moment. I usually do hold it together and lose it later!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-08-02T09:09:00.003-04:00

FOR TODAY (August 2nd, 2010)...
Outside my window... the air is cool and pleasant. It's very quiet this morning.
I am thinking... of all the things that need to be done today, taking Nolli-dog to the vet.
I am thankful for... a comfortable home, a hardworking husband and my 2 loving dogs.
From the kitchen... there are still good things to eat from the Amish Farm Market. Lots of donut peaches, vegetables and baked goods.
I am wearing... my usual outfit, jeans, white t-shirt and sandals
I am creating... a new lap quilt... done is colors to compliment my sofa.
I am going... to take Nolli-dog to the vet today, Over the weekend, we discovered that he has a new growth on his right elbow that is the size of a quarter.
I am reading... my quilting pattern, over and over before I cut anything.
I am hoping... that my laptop can be revived, or at least we can get the hard drive replaced... (I just paid it off!)
I am hearing... the is on... DH is blow drying his hair, and someone is speeding down our street.
Around the house... Punky is asleep in her crate, laundry needs to be done and the dishwasher needs to be ran.
One of my favorite things... going to the Amish Market, and all the good food we get, and being able to interact with such interesting, hardworking people.
A few plans for the rest of the week: DH has an appointment with my Orthopaedic Doctor to have his shoulder evaluated, and I am hoping my laptop can be fixed.

Thanks for reading... be blessed.
~Suzanne

Sunday Morning HaHaHa's!

2010-08-01T14:08:00.003-04:00

This was sent to DH by a wonderful friend from one of his work facilities... we apologize in advance if we offend anyone... we are not people who are prone to be descriminatory to anyone. We just found this joke to be very funny... given the circumstances of how we each grew up.

~~~~~~~~~~~
Bacon Tree

Two Mexicans are stuck in the desert after crossing into the United States ,
wandering aimlessly and starving. They are about to just lie down and wait for death, when all of a sudden Luis says.........

"Hey Pepe, do you smell what I smell? Ees bacon, I theenk."

"Si, Luis, eet sure smells like bacon. "

With renewed hope they struggle up the next sand dune, & there, in the distance,
is a tree loaded with bacon.

There's raw bacon, there's fried bacon, back bacon, double smoked bacon ... every
imaginable kind of cured pork.

"Pepe, Pepe, we ees saved. Ees a bacon tree."

"Luis, maybe ees a meerage? We ees in the desert don't forget."

"Pepe, since when deed you ever hear of a meerage that smell like bacon...ees
no meerage, ees a bacon tree."

And with that, Luis staggers towards the tree. He gets to within 5 metres,
Pepe crawling close behind, when suddenly a machine gun opens up, and Luis drops
like a wet sock. Mortally wounded, he warns Pepe with his dying breath,

"Pepe... go back man, you was right, ees not a bacon tree!"

"Luis, Luis mi amigo... what ees it? "

"Pepe.. ees not a bacon tree. Ees...

Ees...

Ees...

Ees...

Ees...
a ham bush...."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HaHAhAHAHAHA!!!!! We both laughed so hard at this. Mostly in part because we watched "Everybody Loves Raymond" last night before we went to bed. We love a good laugh around here... and we often wonder what people think as they walk past our house in the evening's when we are doubled over in laughter as we watch our favorite shows like 2 1/2 Men or reruns of Everybody Loves Raymond.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

The Last 2 Days

2010-07-31T16:31:00.002-04:00

Yesterday... I spent my morning at the doctors office. It was an 8:45 appointment, his first of the day. My complaint was that I have been ill for a week... cannot sleep on my right side without becoming ill and being in pain. I had like 90% of all the gall bladder symptoms. Or... maybe it was my appendix.

So... he decided to send me to the hospital for labs and a "stat" CT scan. We sailed through the labs, that was no problem for me. Then we hit radiology. And we were there for eons! First, the doctor's order sent by one of his nurses, was wrong. So... we had to wait for over an hour to get the correct order. Then, because it was a CT scan with contrast... it was going to take me 2 hours to drink the nasty contrast stuff. And the tech brought me out "ice tea" flavored contrast... which I despise! I was a "pain in the neck" and asked for a different flavor, because I knew that the one she brought me wasn't going to go down. I soon received lemon-lime flavored contrast drink. It was still hard to get it down!

Once my test time arrived... no one came. And no one said anything. While we were sitting in the waiting room... I heard the front desk receptionist mention, "Did the lights just dim or am I going crazy?" Nope... the lights did indeed dim... and caused the CT machine to have to be reset, making all scheduled exams to be pushed back.

I finally went back around 2:30 ish... was put in a dressing room to wait for another 10-15 minutes. I walked out of there at 3:00 but not before having to argue with the tech that my exam was "stat" and that I was to wait for the results to be read. She said the order didn't say that... I told her that the first one had it on it... and that order still stood. Long story short... we had to wait until 4:30 for the results to be read, faxed to the doctor and then have him decide if I was to be admitted or get to go home. All the while... I have not eaten anything all day, and it's friggin freezing in that place. We are held captive in a waiting room with a tv set on 1 channel that has nothing but soap operas on. I was not a happy camper! Not one bit. DH was my hero and got me a blanket so that I could at least try and stay partially warm. (I was wearing my birkenstocks... my feet were frozen!)

Anyway... we were quite anxious to get the test result since it was going on 4:45 on Friday afternoon... and we were certain that the doctors office was going to close and we'd have no information. DH came to the rescue again, and got into the receptionist face... and prodded her to actually look up what was happening. He also called the doctors office not just once, but 3 times trying to get information. We finally found out just before 5 o'clock that all my labs are normal, my CT shows that my gall bladder and appendix are still fine and that I am quite healthy. (In spite of the radiology tech that told DH that they had found something and the doctor would be calling us.)

I came home last night, still having the same ache in my side. It's still there today. I can only eat small amounts, and nothing on the "rich" side. The doctor seems to think that I have another bout of "flu"... but I think that my gall bladder is not working and they just don't see it in the CT scan.

Today... we slept in, ate a light breakfast and then headed to the Pocono Amish Farm Market. We got up to Highway 115 and realized it was also Race Weekend for the Pocono 400. There were people and tents set up everywhere. It was a banner weekend for the farm market, I've never seen the parking lot so full. There weren't any eggs left to be bought! We did come home with some good stuff... fresh green and yellow string beans, donut peaches, fresh corn, Amish butter and sausages and fresh colby cheese. We are having a farm stand dinner tonight... I can hardly wait! I just hope I can eat some of the stuff we bought... and keep it down or not be sick. Sorry to end on a note like that!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

What A Day It's Been!

2010-07-29T17:10:00.003-04:00

When I last posted, (only yesterday) DH was on his way home from Philly so that I could take him to the ER. He made it home, took a shower, and out the door we went. We arrived to a fairly quiet hospital waiting room and it wasn't long before we were taken back to the triage room. Once vitals and history were taken, we were put into Exam room 1. The doctor was very quick in coming into the room. That's where I end most of my "nice comments" about him.

Anyway... when DH told him of his aggravated rotator cuff issue and that he really needed a cortisone injection, the doctor was quite adamant that he would not be injecting DH with anything! (Then why were we wasting our time and money here?) He did take x-rays, but did not offer for us to take them with us even though we told him that DH would be seeing our family doctor the next day... (I had made the appointment while I was waiting for DH to return from x-ray.) The only thing the doctor did was write a prescription for tramadol... a pain medication that I already have from my knee surgery.
He gave us the impression that he thought we were only there for pain meds... ummmm... if I said that I still had lots of pain meds left over from my knee replacement, wouldn't that tell you that we aren't out to just get pain pills? Anyway, we realized that this was the same good for nothing doctor that sent DH away with " just a scratch across his eye" when infact he had metal stuck in it back in December!

Anyway... we went to the doctor today... the girl that I spoke with yesterday, entered the appointment in for "yesterday" and it showed DH as being a "no-show" appointment in the system. We were able to see the P.A. today... and lucky for us, she finally understood what DH has been telling her. She consulted with our doctor and he came in and gave DH the injection that he so needed at least 3 weeks ago!

(No comments will be made regarding how his company is dealing with this!)

I haven't had the best of times with all of this. I haven't felt well for most of the week, ever since I made those yummy seafood enchiladas. It seems that my gall bladder is not working correctly... and my last tests in March showed that I had no gall stones. I have an appointment to see the doctor tomorrow morning and I am certain that I will be sent for testing. (Oh joy!) The best thing about this day is that even though the humidity level was off the charts, the wind has blown through some nicer temperatures and it's once again pleasant outside. (I'm not bragging... just grateful... it was tough to get dressed this morning.)

My Poor Husband

2010-07-28T13:14:00.003-04:00

I went out to do errands around 10 o'clock this morning. I went to get the oil changed in my car. I had a really great coupon to have it done for $19.99. We have all the stuff to do it as DH bought all the stuff for it back in May. My computer in the dash finally said it was time.

(Content removed from prying and sneaky eyes... sorry! Ahem!)

I did go over and see Miss A. at the flower shop today. She was over there doing the last of the cleaning and sweeping up. There is nothing left inside. The phones are turned off... she's done as of today. It's sad... and I am going to miss my visits with her... and Punky will miss her as well. Time continues to march on!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

PS... Sandy, I didn't mean to sound like I am bragging... it's more than I am overjoyed to have cooler breezes blowing. After all... I live at the end of the Poconos! We're not suppose to have those nasty temps and humidity. (Today is turning out to be hot and HUMID though!)

Once Again... Random Bits!

2010-07-27T14:45:00.005-04:00

I hope that this won't be my regular format... I wouldn't want you all to get bored with me! It's just that it's Summer... and I am getting to sit outside in the afternoon at my covered patio table and enjoy the breeze, my flowers, and not be inside the house. I can hear great jazz music being played by my neighbor as he works at packing up his household belongings to move up to town. My other neighbor is out weeding her flower beds. And
I've been working on my cookbook. Some of my recipes are not written down... and it can be a little taxing to my brain as I recall ingredients and think out the preparation order. I will be including the recipes that I have shared here... and that means I have pictures to upload as well. I am going to have to get busy in the kitchen and make a few things and get my little camera out and take some pictures of finished products. There goes my diet! (Not that I've been trying too hard on that!)
(Content removed from snoopy and prying eyes... ahem!)
I treated myself this morning... I went and got a pedicure. It was fun to walk in 2 minutes after they opened and get right in. They got really busy about 30 minutes after I got there... and they were waiting for 2 employees to come in... they hadn't made it to the salon by the time I left. It's so nice to have my toes looking pretty in the middle of Summer! Feels so good as my feet slide into my sandals!

I haven't heard from anyone at all lately. My phone has barely rung. My family has abandoned me and my friends seem to be too busy. Oh... and my face book page got hacked last night! That was embarrassing! I have reported it and changed my password yet again! DH made sure that I scanned my laptop for viruses and I came up clean! I just despise hackers and the havoc that they wreak on us! (It makes me angry... and what's the point, Really?)

Tonite, I have to come up with dinner using left over roast beef... not sure what I will be putting together. And today is my best friend Cheryl's birthday! Happy Birthday, Hollywood! Hope your day is filled with tons of good times!
!
Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Afternoon Enjoyment!

2010-07-26T14:30:00.002-04:00

Ahhhhhhh.... this is the life. (At least for today!) We've finally had a break in the weather and it's quite enjoyable outside today. It's around 84 degrees with a nice breeze... a few clouds are coming through, making it perfect to sit outside at my umbrella covered patio table and play on my laptop. To make it even more perfect... DH worked out to the west today and he was home by 1:30. He's busy cleaning out the cab of his work truck to use up his time for the day.

I stopped over at what is left of the flower shop today. Poor Miss A. was there, working away in the warm morning air... no fan, no a/c. Most of the shop has been cleared out. Today will be her last day. The new leasers will be coming tonite with their decorator to begin on plans to set up their new shop. It should be exciting to see when they are all done. It's sad to see the flower shop go, but I think it will be a nice addition to the area with the new store going in. It will be updated and from what I know about these ladies... they do everything with taste and great class.

I have still been dealing with my tummy (gall bladder) issue and was feeling very ill last night. It seems to get worse when I lay on my right side. I have tried to take it easy today, but I had to get things tidied up from the weekend. Now that the house is in order... I can relax. So... for the rest of the afternoon, you'll find me sitting outside, enjoying the breeze and chatting with DH (Content removed from snoopy and prying eyes! Ahem! Sorry!)
Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Taking the Day Off

2010-07-25T14:47:00.003-04:00

That's sort of what I did yesterday... I had made shrimp enchiladas for dinner on Friday... there were fabulous, but it didn't sit well with me. I ended up being deathly ill around midnight. DH was quite worried about me and wanted to take me to the ER. I declined to go... and once I felt "stable", I was able to sleep. (They tell me that I don't have gall stones, so my gall bladder must be "very touchy"!)

When I woke up, I felt much better. We made it a "slow" morning and then decided to take a ride over to Kingston so that I could get some quilting supplies. We came home and tried to cool off, as the humidity level was well into the 70's and was very oppressive. I really felt it and I was very uncomfortable. It was so hot in the center of the house, there was no way I was going to cook anything in there. We went out for dinner and came back to hear that we were under tornado warnings until 1am.
We got busy and battened down the hatches so to speak... and endured quite a lightening show.

I am feeling much better today... and we ran out to the hardware store when we realized that our kitchen faucet sprang a leak along the underside of the actual faucet. We had a torrential downpour while we were out... it was another spectacular storm and we both got drenched getting to and from the car. DH is currently being plumber and installing the fixture. While we were out, we also purchased new equipment for his work, new knee pads that are super padded and also elbow pads to protect his arms as he climbs under all that conveyor equipment. Gotta protect his joints as much as possible these days!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Time Marches On...

2010-07-23T14:25:00.003-04:00

I intended to write a whole different post... but I just deleted it with my bracelet.

DH and I stopped into the flower shop yesterday when he got home from work... they had ripped out the coolers already. It was quite shocking to see the glass doors gone and just the back wall of cedar. Today, Miss A. is busy with packing up all the glass and crystal vases, all the different silk arrangements and such. She's still taking orders for delivery. We discussed that there won't be a flower shop in the valley anymore... there's been one down here for almost 100 years. Miss A. doesn't know what she'll be doing after next week. (Sigh...)

I also discovered that one of my former co-workers from VZW was killed last night in a car accident. She was a single mom, and leaves behind a young son who is 12. Today, I know that there are many people who are in shock and hurting over the loss of a good friend and co-worker.

Yesterday... I went outside with my laptop to sit at my patio table. I took Punky with me... she usually sits at my feet. Nope... not this time. She wandered off, nowhere to be found. After calling her for a couple of minutes... she came running up the driveway, looking so happy to have been called back to the house! (I nearly had a heart attack!)

I went to a quilt shop yesterday... I've decided to work on a quilting project to help fill my afternoons now that I won't be going to the flower shop. It's a pin wheel pattern called Iced Mocha... but I will be doing it in sages, dark purples, and ivories.
If I can figure it out, it should be fun to do!

So looking forward to this weekend. We aren't really going to do anything... and I want DH to rest his shoulder. He's still doing physical therapy and is going to see the doctor next Friday afternoon... hopefully for a cortisone shot.

I'm still on my mexican food bender... we're doing shrimp enchiladas for dinner tonite.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

My Bender...

2010-07-22T08:52:00.002-04:00

I've mentioned this before... I have a real weakness for Mexican food. Those wonderful trips to Chipotle Mexican Grill... are some of my favorite days. Those trips don't happen often, but I love them when they happen.

It seems as tho I have been on a mexican food bender this week. Twice this week, I've made Cilantro-Lime Rice. The first time I served it with Hawaiian style meatballs and then again with Taquitos on Tuesday... along with some jalapeno poppers. Last night, because it was storming and pouring down rain, we went to Wendy's where I ordered the Baja Salad and a side of chili with cheese and onion. See a trend, here?

Last week, I had lunch at Taco Bell twice... and had Chalupa's both times. Everytime I go to the store... I bring home a small container of pico-de-gallo... I love it with chips or nacho's for lunch.

As I mentioned this "trend" to DH... he laughed and said, "Well, we know you can't be pregnant." Then he said, laughingly, "Maybe it's your Thyroid?" We both laughed at those ideas... because we know I can't have kids and I don't have a thyroid! lol
I told him that I must be missing my Mom... she loved mexican food as much as I did. I guess it's just my way of grieving for her. Ole`!

Time to get my shopping list done and figure out what's for dinner tonite.
Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

A Heavy Heart...

2010-07-21T16:34:00.004-04:00

Have you ever known someone, that no matter what the circumstance, they end up smelling like a rose? Someone who could have a pile of smelly crap fall on top of them and they walk out of it with a grand piano? I have such a person in my life. I'm not naming any names... but he owns lots of stuff like a couple of flower shops and rental properties, just to name a few things. I swear that he's made a deal with the devil for things... and now someone I deeply care about is going to be out of work very soon. This makes me very sad. I cried yesterday and I cried today... and I don't like to cry... it messes up my contacts!

My favorite little gathering spot is going away... and now I won't be able to sit and visit and take Punky to the flower shop anymore. I won 't be able to get fresh flowers without having to drive into town. And my dear friend is going to be without a job... she's worked in that place for over 40 years. She tried to retire, but she kept on working. And to make matters worse for her... her husband has decided that he wants to move to North Carolina... without her. My heart is breaking for her... but I have to continue to pray that God has it all under control and my dear friend will be ok. It makes my heart hurt.

To top it off... my front neighbor has been out of work for months. He really hasn't worked in almost 18 months except for a job that he only held for 4 weeks. He's moving out at the end of the month. I'm sure that Mr. Smells-like-roses will have no problem getting a new tenant. He won't have to even advertise, he'll just put it out there, by word of mouth... and he'll get it rented. I only hope it goes to someone who is quiet and clean. (We like no hassles around these parts!)

*** We will be having new neighbors... I forgot to add that part! The flower shop is already leased... and new proprietors are a very old family that has a prestigious jewelry store and they are going to open a gift shop here. *** (Here's hoping our rent doesn't go up because of it!) All it took was one of them to ask Mr. Smells-like-roses if he knew of any place down in the valley, and he stepped right into that opportunity!

My heart is heavy... and I am very tearful these last few days. They say change is good... but sometimes, I just don't know!

Thanks for reading... be blessed.
~Suzanne

Simple Womans Daybook...

2010-07-20T13:54:00.005-04:00

FOR TODAY (July 20th, 2010)...
Outside my window... it goes between partly sunny to completely overcast
I am thinking... about changes coming to the neighborhood and how it will affect people that I care about.
I am thankful for... always, my loving, hardworking Husband.
From the kitchen... there is fresh fruit ripening in the baskets on the counter, fresh corn on the cob to be purchased from the farm soon!
I am wearing... jean shorts and a colorful summer top and sandals, of course.
I am creating... 2 new sundresses... as soon as I figure out the tension settings on my sewing machine.
I am going... outside and sit at my patio table if it doesn't start raining.
I am reading... lots of blogs... catching up!
I am hoping... to catch up with friends this evening... both in person and on the phone.
I am hearing... the sounds of fans blowing in the windows (cool enough not to have air conditioning!)
Around the house... Nolli-dog is sleeping behind me, Punky is sleeping in her crate. Dishes need to be put away... but the house is quite clean and straightened!
One of my favorite things... I ordered new pink striped birkenstocks... they arrived this morning... I think I may be in love with a new pair of shoes!
A few plans for the rest of the week: it's really still up in the air... if it doesn't storm, we may take a little road trip out to Amish country west of us.

I haven't done this format in awhile... it's nice to catch up like this!
Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Summer Monday Weather

2010-07-19T16:00:00.002-04:00

It started to be a beautiful day... the weather was nice and cool and DH left the fans running in the living room windows and the porch. It felt really good when I woke up. Then around 11:00... it turned hot and humid again. I shut everything in the living room and got the a/c running to keep cool today.

I went into to town to pick up a few things for DH... it's so hot and humid down in the city where he's working, that the perspiration just pours off his face. He finally took my advice and did a make-shift headband to help keep his face dry. So... I went in search of a few things to help him out.

Once I got home, I sat outside and ate my lunch and went through the pile of mail that I picked up on my way home... (lots and lots of doctor bills and insurance paperwork.) I came inside... grabbed up Punky and headed to the flower shop for a visit since they have new hours (shorter). We had only been there for about 20 minutes when the sky went dark all of a sudden and one of the worst thunderstorms let loose on us. Lightening strikes were all around us... and then the rains came. Hard, fast and sideways! So hard, that you couldn't really see outside... it was all a blur, like being inside the car wash. Needless to say... we were stuck inside until it was over... but it really only lasted about 20 minutes. And within 20 minutes after it was done... the streets were dry again.

Punky and I headed for home once it seemed safe to go again. It's getting ready to let loose yet once again. The skies are very dark.... I won't need to water the flowers tonight. But it had better clear up or my dinner plans will be foiled, as I plan on grilling a pork loin for dinner! DH is on his way home from work and should be pulling into the driveway soon, if the storm doesn't stop him.... Yikes, the rains just let loose again!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Tickled Pink!

2010-07-18T16:43:00.004-04:00

I am doing something that I have wanted to do since the beginning of Spring... and that is to sit outside at my patio table and blog! DH had bought me a laptop back in February and I have struggled to use it anywhere except sitting in the living room within 6 feet of the router. Today, that is history because we bought a wireless network adapter thingy that gets me online outside!I have 4 times the signal strength in this adapter than I had with my original built-in antenna. I really am thrilled to be sitting outside, in the heat, (really it's only 87... with a strong breeze, rather nice!) and be able to write to the sounds of traffic and lawn mowers! As I sit here... DH has brought me a nice cool drink and has brought his laptop outside to join me. Ahhhhhhhh! Life is Good!

It's amazing how something so small can make such a difference in my life...

Oh, yesterday... I was a total Domestic Goddess and got so much accomplished in the house. Together, DH and I tackled almost all of the chores and laundry, I managed to get several bags ready for Good Will (if I'm repeating myself, I apologize) and I fixed an awesome dinner, making some fabulous Lime Rice to go with Hawaiian Meatballs and a crisp green salad. To say that I was wiped out is an understatement... when I finally made it to bed... I conked out!

We are trying to take it a little easy today after doing so much. We did go to Olive Garden for a lunch date today... still more than a little full from that, so supper will be fairly light and much later on! It's been a wonderful weekend with lots accomplished and lots of laughter along the way as well.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Purging Domestic Goddess

2010-07-17T12:01:00.003-04:00

I woke up this morning with more energy than I've had for awhile. It was also much cooler than it has been for many days. I have had a long list of things to get done this week... with rarely getting the most mundane chores crossed off the list because it is just too hot.

Today... DH and I needed to do laundry... it's been put off for 2 weeks now, other than doing his things for work. So... he decided that I needed to sort the laundry and while I was at it... I went to work in the closet too. I have 3 big bags of clothes, shoes and handbags that are headed to either Good Will or the Salvation Army. I could drop it in one of the Planet Aid boxes, but I heard that people take that stuff and sell it for their own profit and not for charity. It shouldn't matter... only that I am finally getting rid of some old clothes that I really don't need and have been hanging on to because to the memories or dreaming that I will ever be that small again.

So... I am being a Domestic Goddess today... getting every thing cleaned and shined and sparkling and getting the house smelling good again. (It's amazing how bad dirt can smell and you don't notice it... until you start to clean... ----> telling on myself! I hate cleaning... and the dogs can be soooo piggy!) So, as I go... things are getting pitched in to the trash, thrown in a bag for donation... and a few things like my little pine bench, my wood plant stand and my wicker antique rocker are getting put up in the loft of the basement. I need room and I need organization... and NO CLUTTER!

Here's to a clean and happy house and that I have the energy to keep going until I'm done! Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Just This and That...

2010-07-16T15:33:00.002-04:00

I can't believe that we are half way through July already. I guess time flies much faster than I remember! Yesterday was another very warm day... and I thought I was "Superwoman!" I did shopping and then carried all of it into the house and put all of it away. Then I figured I'd go ahead and roll up the garage door and pull out the hose and water all my flowers. I'm feeling it today!

And to make matters worse... it's wicked hot and even more wicked humid! Thankfully, there is a strong breeze blowing this afternoon that is suppose to bring thunderstorms (and rain?) so that I won't have to do much watering. It's too hot for me... and my poor flowers. (I know... whine and snivel!)

I went to the flower shop this afternoon... things are so slow that the owner is cutting the shop hours to 11:00 to 3:00. (I personally think that's ridiculous... he could try and advertise and do something to perk things up outside... but what do I know?) I need to win the lottery so that I can buy the place and put it back on the map! (It won't happen any other way!)

Well... I took a sneak peak at my electric bill online... it's only going to DOUBLE this next month! Yikes... it's expensive to try and stay cool.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Yay For Thursday!

2010-07-15T09:34:00.003-04:00

It's Thursday morning... and even though I didn't sleep exceptionally well... I still woke up feeling good and in a very happy mood. I hope I can maintain my energy level because there is so much that I need and want to do today. I need get my house dusted and picked up so that DH can vacuum for me. I also need to get my grocery shopping done... although I don't have all that much to purchase this week.

I also want to take Pumpkin to get her nails done... she's overdue for a trim. And I want to give her a bath... and I should buy dog conditioner so she doesn't end up using all of my hair conditioner. (It does make her fur feel sooooo silky and she smells so good!) So I guess my day should start with a trip to PetSmart with Punky. That's always fun since she's so little, everyone just melts when they see her.

DH has a physical therapy appointment tonight. His shoulder is still hurting and burning. In fact, both shoulders are beginning to hurt him. He is working as carefully as he can and takes ice packs to use during his lunch break.

This morning is cool and overcast... but they are telling us that it's going to be scorching hot today. I have the fans blowing in... and soon I need to close the windows to capture that cool air, close the blinds and get things buttoned down to keep the house cool this afternoon. I guess I'd better get myself out the door and taking good advantage of this cooler morning air.

Thanks for reading... be blessed.
~Suzanne

Girls Night Out

2010-07-14T12:39:00.002-04:00

Last night was a rare occurrence for me... I actually went out to dinner with a wonderful group of ladies for the time in over 2 years! Everyone that went was currently, or had been involved, with the flower shop... with me being the only one that has not actually worked there.

We went to a local Japanese steakhouse. It was tucked into a strip mall with a "dollar-type" store and an auto parts store for neighbors. Once inside, you'd never know that you were in a strip mall at all. We were seated at a hibachi grill with 2 grilling areas with the entire space seating about 30 people. Anyway... I was the first in line to our table because of the way we were situated in the waiting area. I ended up sitting at the very end of the bar in our area, right where the hibachi chef would be standing and our food would be waiting on a cart, ready to go on the grill.

Everything started out well... we all got our drinks. Then we placed our order... and then they brought out our soup and then our salads. The usual stuff... then they brought out our food cart... loaded with all our entrees. I was the "odd person out" as I ordered the chicken and steak combo. Everyone else ordered seafood. I could feel my face getting red just thinking about my iodine sensitivity. We all also received 2 sizzling shrimp as an appetizer. It was good... I did go ahead and eat it.

Then the chef put on all the veggies and got them steaming up.... and as part of the "show", he diced up zucchini and would pitch you a piece to catch with your mouth. If you were successful, you were rewarded with "free sake"... I was on the end... I passed on catching veggies, as did the rest of my group. Then the chef came around with the Sake... as I was opening my mouth to say "No, Thank you"... he began to pour it in my mouth... I was trying to get him to stop, but it took a moment for him to understand that I was saying no. Just what I needed... Japanese alcohol! I have no thyroid, I cannot process alcohol. It ended up making me feel sick to my stomach... and it was hard to eat my dinner and have fun while my stomach pitched and rolled every few minutes.

I didn't finish my dinner, and I was the only one to not take my left-overs home. We talked about dessert... and it was decided that a few of us would order and we would share deep-fried cheesecake. My order came... and my friend Jackie and I both tasted it... and didn't like it. It was greasy and tasted like the oil it was cooked in. I asked the girl to take it off of our bill... and the next thing I knew... I was talking to the manager. He tried to convince me that it was a great delicacy and that I should be enjoying it. I told him that both my friend and I took a bite and neither of us like it.... it was yucky and I didn't want to be charged for it. He finally relented and gave me my money back.

We all enjoyed our evening... and we had a great time talking and laughing. The only 2 things that were not great, happened to me. But I am thinking that it was just one of those things where the stars lined up just right! I was so looking forward to spending time with these ladies... and I did have a great time with them.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Random Bits...

2010-07-12T21:24:00.003-04:00

We've been laying low the last couple of days, trying to keep DH's shoulder immobile and either on ice or the heating pad with a 20 minute interval in between. At least the last 2 days were more like normal summer days instead of being in the grips of hell fire. We ate well... I made taco salad on Saturday and we grilled some really good rib steaks and corn on the cob yesterday.

Today... DH went back to work. He tells me that he used his left arm much more and took ice packs to use on his right shoulder. He goes back to p/t tomorrow. I was glad to have a little bit of quiet time today after almost 9 days of togetherness. But I was glad to see him come home through the door tonite.... actually it was pouring down rain and I had to take Nolli-dog outside, so I actually met him outside with the umbrella so he could get all of his stuff out of his truck without getting drenched. (Yeah... it was raining that hard! But I don't have to water flowers tonite! Yay!)

I've spent some good cuddle time with both Nolli and Punky today. I can't believe that we've had Punky almost 11 months now. She is so happy and comfortable in our home. Last night, I had Punky on the bed with while I watched some tv and rested my back. When DH came in to go to bed, she will usually stay on the bed for a few minutes and then go and get in her crate. Last night she kept walking up one side of me and I would tell her to go "nite-nite" and then she would go back to the end of the bed for a few seconds and them come back to my face going up my other side. We laughed as she tried to cuddle on top of me. Finally, DH called her to him and she cuddled with him and then went to sleep on his feet. She's such a sweetie... and so funny too.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Perc... Perc... Percolating!

2010-07-10T16:12:00.003-04:00

Yeah... I've got lots of ideas running through my head. Unfortunately, I can't really share what I've got going on... and of course, that is causing me to lose sleep. I am trying to wrap my head around what I am thinking about and how best to put it all together. (I know... it's vague, and gives you NO Information.)

Besides that... we've been trying our best to survive the week-long heat wave. I am so glad that we put in a second air conditioning unit... I no longer have to be holed up in the bedroom when it's so very hot. We've also been busy keeping the flowers from dying... and keeping Nolli-dog and Punky cool as well.

DH has been home this past week, he has really injured his shoulder according to the physical therapist. Having to work in such dangerous heat with all the repetitive motion in doing cleaning and maintenance work has caused not only his bursa to swell, but the sublangial(?) tendon that runs under his bursa has become irritated, and could easily begin to "fray" and that would really put him out of work for quite awhile. We are praying that resting it and having physical therapy will help. He did go back to the doctor yesterday and the P/A refused to give him a shot. The therapist was extremely surprised by that, given the amount of discomfort and disuse DH was experiencing. Sometimes, his job really is very, very hard work.

Sorry to be missing this past week, now you what I've been up to!
Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Of Air Conditioners and Owwies!

2010-07-08T10:42:00.003-04:00

It's been kind of a crazy week around here. We enjoyed a quiet and fairly peaceful holiday weekend. Lots of people went away for the holiday and it really was quiet around here, until dark when everyone lit off their fireworks. We stayed inside trying to keep Pumpkin from climbing the walls, it was her first 4th of July here and I wasn't sure what to expect.

Monday, we decided that we wanted to get away and beat the heat. We packed a picnic lunch and DH packed his fishing gear. We drove up to a small state park and reservoir to spend the day. I had a book that I had started, so I was happy in the shade with a cool drink beside me. DH headed for the water... and he was down there for an hour.
We ate lunch and chatted about how long we were going to stay. I tried to move my chair to a shady spot and was overcome with feeling the heat. We decided that we should go since I have a hard time cooling down. We got to the car and the temperature gauge said it was 104 degrees in the shade. Oh my!

It's been brutally hot... and it's been a real job to keep the flowers watered and the dogs cool. Thank goodness we purchased a 2nd air conditioner for the living room this year.

Poor DH went back to work on Tuesday... down in Philly, where the heat and humidity are worse than it is here. He did alot of repetitive motion in his work and he has aggravated his bursa in his shoulder... having great pain in the smallest of movement. (I can relate very well with having issues with both my bursa and femoral bursa being aggravated in my left knee. Owwww!) I ended up taking him to the doctor yesterday and he's been put on complete rest until Monday. It's a good thing that I've been feeling better and stronger this week... I've had to take over some of the things that DH normally does for me.

So... for now, we are staying cool, trying to avoid the middle part of the house because it's too warm. Trying to keep ice packs, hot packs and Motrin going in the proper sequence for DH... and trying to keep food in the house that won't make me spend too much time in the all too warm kitchen! (I love my outdoor grill!)

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

2 Thieving Dogs!

2010-06-28T22:50:00.005-04:00

Today was a very humid, sticky day... I could not bare the thought of turning the stove on. So... we went out for dinner! (Like that is a big surprise!) Anyway... DH and I are both chocolate lovers. I tend to go in "spurts"... needing Dove milk chocolate. DH loves Lindor's white chocolate truffles and those truffles that are white chocolate with milk chocolate bits on the outside. We have stashes in strategic spots about the house. And one spot we have them in, is an antique bowl on the coffee table.

Tonite... after dinner, instead of going right into the house, we called the dogs downstairs while we (DH) watered all the flowers. It took quite some time, over 30 minutes and I realized that the dogs were hungry. I went upstairs to fix doggie dinners and when I was done.... I walked into the living room. To my surprise... the candy dish had been raided and there were candy wrappers and foil bits all over the floor. They had munched down about 7 of them. I don't think Nolli-dog was the instigator but he went "all-in" once the dish had been breached and the candy hit the floor. (He's never helped himself to anything since he was maybe 3 years old.)

Lucky for us... white chocolate is the least harmful chocolate for dogs... Punky would need to eat 125 pounds of it, before she would be in trouble. They maybe had about 3 ounces each as there were 2 truffles left on the floor that weren't eaten. Needless to say... the truffle bowl has been moved. Some body will be having "foil laced" poops tomorrow... Yuck!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne

Strange Adventures in Dining Out...

2010-06-27T14:14:00.002-04:00

It might be the full moon... but yesterday and today we had strange things happen as we were dining. Last night, we had 3 things happen. The first took place as we were about to cross the threshold of the restaurant. A young family of 3 was coming across the parking lot behind us and as they stepped up on the sidewalk, their young son took a huge tumble on the sidewalk. He pretty much did a face plant with his hands flat down on the concrete... along with his knees. We were both horrified by the sound of it as well empathetic to his pain. He cried briefly, but his Dad told him he was okay and he pulled himself together.

The second thing was as we were seated... the table right behind us had 2 twenty-somethings on a first date. The young man was quite loud as he talked above the din of the noise. We learned so much about him and his opinions... and I will get to all of that in just a moment.

The third thing that happened was after we received our meals. Unfortunately for DH, he had a hair in his food. I tried to get the waitress's attention, but she didn't see me. DH tried to get the hostesses attention... and there were several of them, to no avail. Then I spotted a manager... and DH was up out of his seat in an instant. He came to the table immediately and took his plate. He went and placed an order for another, came over and gave us a discount coupon for our next visit and took a discount off our check. We had a good humor about the whole thing because we were being entertained by Mr. First Date. The waitress apologized as well... and we told her it wasn't her fault.

And then today... we went to Cracker Barrel for a late breakfast. As we were sitting there... the table behind me was finishing their meal. The very tall man sitting right behind me went to get up, and caught his feet in the feet of the table... and went tumbling down face first in to the floor. He missed the table across from them, but he was pretty shaken up. All the men at his table laughed at him. The manager came over and checked him out... asked him several questions and if he were going to seek medical attention. He declined to do so.... no one bothered to check with me, but my back was spasming because his chair hit mine and caused me to jump. What an interesting chain of events.

Now... back to Mr. First Date. He was the kind of guy that I would have excused myself from the table and came back with a headache and left early. (Or called someone to call me and fake an emergency!) When we first got there, he was in the middle of discussing alimony and divorce lawyers... and that everyone needed a pre-nup to be sure they were really into the marriage and planning a life together or just into having a wedding. He had several opinions on divorce lawyers as well... thinking it was better to spend the money on a pre-nup than lose so much more later. He clearly didn't know when to shut his pie-hole.

He also broached the subject of office affairs and who was sleeping with whom and what his take on the whole thing was... he also told the young lady that whom ever he dates should know that she would play second fiddle to his brother, who comes first and she'd better understand that right off. Only if she was laying on the floor bleeding and would need medical attention, would she surpass his brother.

We also learned how he felt about smokers, and how hard he is on anyone he cares about who smokes. He rambled on about the affects of smoking on the body and was fairly obnoxious about that issue. (It was tough to stomach his opinion about the bodily affects while I ate.) We had to listen about his work, how he signs all of his documents at work, and what his name was.

I laughed during so much of dinner... I was quite glad that I was eating small bites because there were many times I could have choked on my food otherwise. I felt sorry for the girl and I wanted to tell her to "run the other way and don't look back"... but of course that would have been rude. We both thought she was sitting there because he had picked her up for the date and she was stranded... but alas, when they finally left, she had driven herself to the restaurant. It was truly an first date nightmare... and one that I am glad to only had to witness with my husband instead of actually be a part of!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!
~Suzanne