April Made Me Do It!

I have not done any sort of writing in a very long time. I have even thought about taking this off line and being done with the whole thing. I discussed doing just that today, with my sister April. She felt that I should try and continue, so this is her fault! (Just kidding Sissy!)

This post is going to be in list style as it's 1:45 in the morning and I need to go to sleep.

1. I am recovering from a bout of CHF and a visit to the big hospital in Danville. I have a team of nurses, therapists and aides who are working hard to get me healthy again.

2. My house has never been cleaner. I hired a dear friend to come and clean. She has tackled every room... Every dresser, all the closets and my porch. Really, there are only a couple of drawers in e kitchen that she has not cleaned out and organized.

3. I have purged my closets of a good portion of work wear, shoes and handbags. Tons of household goods have also left this house... All given to those who can use it. Makes me happy to know someone else likes my things and ,asking good use of them.

4. Did I ever share that I finally won my case with Social Security Disability? That was a happy day. 

5. We did have to make a difficult decision about Cooper dog... He was becoming more aggressive and he went after DH one night while DH was assisting me with Punky dog, who had a bad dream and was crying and shaking. We put him down, as we realized he couldn't be trusted not to flip out and try and bite us. We've each been bitten by him a few times previous. It was sad, but had to be done.

6. I have been sick the last few days with a virus. The nurse checked me today and I had a good fever going. 

7. DH called from the freeway his morning on his way to work. Large trucks flew by, kicking a large rock that broke our windshield. Not good.

That's all I have.... Thanks for reading! 

Suzanne

The Sunday Seven...

I have not blogged in quite a long time... because I have been dealing with some health issues. Things that are on-going and some things that are coming up. Here is a list of seven things that are going on or have gone on in the last few weeks! Lists are an easy thing for me to do, so here we go!

1.  We had so much snow this week that my DH's work actually closed for the first time in years!

2. We have so much plowed snow in our yard that the piles are over 8 feet high. Those won't melt away until late April.

3. I made some awesome things in the kitchen recently... homemade macaroni salad, Korean beef, Potato soup, thick cut pan fried ham steaks, just to name a few things!

4. I see my rheumatologist this week... I think she is going to be very surprised to see just how far R/A has progressed in my hands. All 5 fingers and my wrist on the left and 4 of my 5 fingers and wrist on the right all show signs of inflammation and with redness and nodules. I have to be very careful with water in the kitchen now as only light warm water feels ok... hot water is all very hot and very cold water really hurts too.

5. I have been going through my personal closet and so far I have boxed up over 20 pairs of shoes and decided to part with the majority of my handbags. Many of which are bags costing over $100 - $300. I have a former co-worker than is willing to take all of this off my hands. She is a lucky girl!

6. I have been working really hard at trying to get my house back under control from my canning season to now... Yeah, it's been that long since I have deeply cleaned because I over-did it so much at the end of Summer and into the Fall. My Fibromyalgia was diagnosed in October and my body aches and fatigue have been off the charts. My endo changed my Synthroid dosage to 225 mcg from 250 mcg... that has made a huge difference in my energy level to not be so "suppressed."

7. Did I tell you that one of the silliest things to ever happen to me was a few weeks ago. I had taken my usual dose of Ambien and also some pain medicine. I fell asleep at the very edge of my bed. I actually ended up rolling out of bed and hitting my head on the night stand (which is solid maple) and landing on the step to get into bed and then the floor. My husband scooped me up and took me to the ER to have my head x-rayed and to make sure I didn't crack a rib. I had a huge goose egg and my left ear was purple. My goose egg has gone down and my ear is almost back to normal... but for almost 3 weeks, I couldn't touch the left side of my head. (Only me!)

Thanks for reading... have a Blessed Day!
~Suzanne

Simple Woman's Daybook...

Simple Woman's Daybook...

FOR TODAY (September 29, 2013)...

Outside my window... it's been a partly sunny day with temps at about 65  degrees. Fall is here and the colors are coming in brightly on the trees.

I am thinking... that I need to get some of the housework under control, or that it's time to hire a housekeeper to help me keep up.

I am thankful for... a hard working husband that works seemingly endless hours to provide for us.

From the kitchen... there is a meatloaf in fridge and I am making at least one casserole to get through the week.

 

I am wearing... a grey long sleeve t shirt and black yoga pants and silver jewelry with hot pink running shoes.

I am creating... a cleaning list to keep me on track, and hoping to cut pieces for a new quilt.

I am going... to see my friends in Shickshinny today. They have a cute little second hand shop that I always find wonderful things to cheer me up and decorate my home.

I am reading... several books on my kindle.

I am hoping... to plan a little day trip for DH and I in the coming month, provided he gets a day off.

I am hearing... the television on HGTV, a fan blowing, and my DH somewhere in the house.

Around the house... the dishwasher needs to be ran and the house needs to be dusted and vaccumed.

One of my favorite things... snuggling on the sofa with my sweet Pomeranian, Punky!

 

A few plans for the rest of the week: Get as much cleaning and order put back to the house today and tomorrow. I have a day surgery on Tuesday and will be in bed for a couple of days at the least. Having a few meals done ahead and having things in order will go a long way in helping me heal. I need to make something with pumpkin in it for my DH... he loves the flavors of fall!

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

Struggles

I don't really have much to say of late... other than I am having struggles on so many fronts. My health seems to waiver back and forth... good days and bad days seem to fight for balance. I went through a tough arthritic flare a few weeks ago that had me in bed and knocked out for days.

I also struggle with keeping up with house work and chores and keeping my husband ready for his grueling work schedule. He has been working 12 hours days... 21 days in a row. When he finally was able to use some vacation time, it was all spent on getting things ready for winter as he is not certain when his next time off will be. When I have a good day, I grocery shop. The rest of the time, I pack lunches and do laundry.

I have done some canning in the last few weeks. I just couldn't help myself from taking advantage of all the good produce that is grown locally. I just had to put some things up for the winter. That too, has taken it's toll on me. I get exhausted after a day of working... and need to sleep and nap for the next 2 days after that.

I also struggle with things from my past, things that are triggered by news reports. I have done a book outline, preface and have started to write in order to cope with all that troubles me. Someday, I will finish and be able to share it. But for now, it will be a memoir for my family.

I wish this post was more positive... but I do know that I can say that I have a wonderful husband who loves me deeply and takes such good care of me. I have my sweet Pumpkin-dog who adores me, and my silly Cooper-dog who entertains me as much as he drives me crazy. That is quite a lot in scheme of things these days. Yes, I am very blessed.

Thanks for reading!
~Suzanne

Pumpkin... the dog, not the vegetable.

My Pumpkin-dog has been sick for a few days. Needless to say, that has contributed to my aches and pains. (Meaning I've had to clean up a lot of messes at the bottom of the steps, clean carpets and get her out when she is able to communicate her needs during the day. Most messes were done while I was either sleeping or in the shower or just too plain stupid to figure it out.) Anyway... it has caused more than a few angry moments that included some shouting that I am not proud of... poor little confused dog.

I think we are on the upward swing of the episode of illness for her. I sure hope so because my back and right knee are killing me. The fact that we own a small spot-cleaning machine has made it easier for DH to help me. (I am still not suppose to lift or carry more than 10 pounds.) It's been a tough few days. Here's to baby aspirin and pepto bismal to help her out.

I've been trying to do a little more lately. DH does not like when I buy bananas for a whole week, so it seems like all I ever do is go to the grocery store. Yesterday I went to buy bananas and found they had his favorite energy drink on sale for 10 for $10. That's what I bought. And I took my own bags to the store... and the clerk put all 10 bottles in one bag. Along with the yogurt and a few other items. ALL in ONE Bag. I wasn't paying attention as I was distracted by looking at the flowers in the floral department next to the register I was at. I checked out and took my groceries out to the car. I tried to catch the courtesy clerk at the curb but he was on a mission to collect shopping carts. I lifted that bag full of quart sized bottles into my trunk. That move pretty much put me out of action for the rest of the day. (No, I didn't carry it into the house as DH was home.) But, I don't remember much of my drive home because I was hurting so much.

I have an ultrasound on my neck and collarbone tomorrow... right where my pain is. Holy cow, even using the computer and keyboarding is not comfortable. Time to end my little story, hydrate Punky-dog and grab the ice pack for my shoulder and neck.

Thanks for reading!
Suzanne

Thursday This and That

1. I have become totally engaged on the Jodi Arias trial. I didn't know she was from Siskiyou County... the same county I went to grade school in and later lived with my first husband.
2. DH had vacation 2 weeks ago... we ended up not going anywhere. Instead we tore apart our guestroom and painted it. We moved our bedroom into that room. We are still working on putting stuff back into both rooms. (My house looks like a bomb went off.)
3. I decided to keep the car yesterday and took DH to work. He ended up having to work until 3 am... just my luck!
4. Things escalated with the neighbor kid and his Dad, who rang our doorbell yesterday to talk to us... the kid can no longer come to visit me because he was lying to all of us about his situation at home and his grades among other things. Makes me sad.
5. My bestest friend in life is graduating from college tomorrow in North Carolina. She's been working on her teaching degree for the last 5 years. She is graduating with honors. So proud of her!
6. One of my dearest work friends became a grandma yesterday. She is over the moon!
7. I have been buying flowers... and need to get my pots from the basement and get stuff planted.
8. Punky dog went to the groomers for a grooming session and they did exactly what I asked them not to do... they shaved her down instead of cutting half of her coat off... I know it will grow, but she looks like such a different dog when she's cut so short with the classic Pomeranian cut... and it changes her coloring.
9. I need to get 3 doctors appointments in this month... and have a huge ct scan coming up next month. I hate having to go to the doctor so much.
10. DH thinks he may have the weekend off... I won't get my hopes up until its here!

That's all I have for now... Thanks for reading!
~Suzanne

Cancelling

I am still not feeling well. I am not sleeping more than a few hours due to congestion and coughing. (TMI???)  I am still taking my antibiotics and using inhalers along with a decongestant. It's keeping some of the crap at bay... but I still am hacking up crud.

We are suppose to go to my friend Miss Jane's for Easter dinner. She has been following my progress on feeling better on Facebook. She left me a voicemail tonite to call her... and to not feel obligated to come on Sunday. She's also afraid that I could pass this on to her mother-in-law or her father, both of whom are quite elderly. I totally understand that issue and wouldn't want to pass this on to anyone.

DH and I discussed it briefly before he went to work today. We didn't come to any conclusion but now I have confirmation that I should cancel this visit. I need to plan on what we will have for our own Easter dinner... likely a ham and a potato casserole that won't be taxing on me. It's also a matter of still having enough air in my lungs. I went out with Punky tonite and made it to the top of the drive way. I came in and climbed the stairs and got winded... but I only had to rest a little bit and my coughing was as head splitting as it has been. So, there is a little improvement.

Tomorrow begins a 4 day weekend for DH... and some much needed time off for him. We are planning on doing some catch-up chores and laundry. (There's always laundry!)

Thanks for reading.
~Suzanne

It Abounds Here!

Sickness.... upper respiratory infections... Z-packs.... they all hang out here! I am wheezing so badly that in a quiet room you would swear we had peacocks outside! Even after doing Symbicourt, Albuterol rescue inhaler and albuterol breathing treatments... it's not letting up.

I am going to the doctor in the morning. I am afraid I won't get to come home. I have no real appetite, a slamming headache and fever and chills. This is really sucky! I am suppose to go to a birthday party on Saturday afternoon... but I quietly cancelled today.  DH was home from work on Monday and Tuesday. He's doing a little bit better than I am. He's stronger and gets more fresh air.

Oh... and that's another thing... No fresh air! It's been so cold and I've had such chills, it's rather like being in a germ incubator in this house. I am so sick of the wind, cold air and snow... we are thinking that someone needs to take out a hit on a stupid groundhog named Phil!

Thanks for reading... I have no more energy than this.
~Suzanne

Contemplating

This has been a rather tough week for me...

We ended up rehoming Sophie Jean and it has broken my heart. I miss her big, goofy face and her sweet, tender kisses and her big, clunky paws that left bruises on my body. I cried all the way home.

Punky-dog has had a few issues this week... she decided she was upset with us for taking Sophie Jean away. She left more than one "warm little gift" in several places on Sunday and Monday. Thank the good Lord above that I have one of those handy pet steam carpet cleaners! She's settled down and is enjoying being the only dog in the house again. (She's NOT spoiled... at all.   ahem.)

I've been having issues with being cold, not being able to move when the cold air hits me... causing some crazy stiffness and pain in both of my knees. Add the stupid neuropathy in my feet trying to settle into my bunion... and it makes being "mobile" much harder. It makes it hard to walk the dog, and to really get anything done.

I haven't had much reason to go out... we did most of our grocery shopping on the weekend, altho I did have to go and get DH's prescriptions for him Monday night. I am just wondering what has changed that I am feeling all this pain?

I have also been contemplating the desire to get into my craft area and paint. I have several ideas that would like to do... I just hope I don't go blank when I get in there. (I often find that I do go blank once I sit down to start! It's frustrating! More than a little aggravating, no?)

I have been also contemplating working on my cookbook again. It's a project that I started almost 3 years ago and I would like to finish it. I know that I need to work more on discipline and also that ability to cook and photograph the recipes to make an eye pleasing book. It takes time and creativity... and I need to just work on a section at a time.

I've also been contemplating why it is that when I try and go to sleep at night, I find that I am thinking of crazy things such as recounting all the places I lived when I was married to my first husband. Isn't that nuts??? Or laying awake thinking of some of the crazy things I did in my 20's while I was married to that man and how difficult he made life for us. Crazy, crazy, crazy!!!

Thanks for reading... have a blessed day!
~Suzanne

Pure Random Bits

It's Thursday... I was going to blog yesterday, but couldn't seem to get anything to come to mind. (Insert "Big Sigh" here.)

We are still in the adjustment phase with Sophie. She is adjustly rather slowly. We feel that she may not be adjusting well as she was very bonded to her Foster family. She's had a few issues with commands and listening. She actually got away from me one morning during the weekend. She would not come and instead, went running across the neighborhood. Not fun in jammies, slippers and a winter coat. She started to run around the entire house... so I stood at the front door and called up to DH to help me. She finally came to the door and ran inside. Crazy girl. We did have a good day yesterday with her being fairly comfortable with noises and the house sounds and wasn't too "barky." We bought her a rawhide bone... and finally got the first real smile out her. She recognized what it was instantly and got very excited about it.

We are all waiting to hear just how much snow we are going to get with the storm headed this way. They can't decided which weather model is correct... but we are going to getting "plowable" snow with this storm... anywhere from 3 to 6 inches or... 6 to 12 inches, but it depends on how it tracks. It's all very confusing to me... all it means to me is that I will not be going anywhere for a few more days. We went and did our shopping last night so we are ready for whatever comes our way.

DH has discovered that he may have some engine problems with his truck. It's been parked in the garage for a week... and he is going to work on it tonight. We will basically be using it for short trips while he tests things out... and so I am adjusting to being a one car family. I told him that it would fine once the weather gets a little better and I wouldn't mind having to take him to work on occasion. (That would be for going to doctors appointments or having lunch with the girls on Fridays!)

Once we get Sophie dog adjusted, I am going to be spending some time in my craft area. It's a little crowded in there right now to have a huge dog at my feet. We need to move Pumpkins crate to the living room in order to move my sewing cabinet... this place is so small... and it shows when I have to plan on where I am moving the dog crate.

Since this post is about random things... is anyone watching "The Bachelor" this season? DH and I have been watching and we both think Sean is being duped and is clearing not making good choices with keeping the drama queen known as Tierra. (Hello... her name is a "crown" associated with being a princess and... DRAMA!) I know... it's reality tv... and it's for entertainment. So... we are being entertained!

I think I've done enough randomness to qualify for a blog post! I am still staying at home... I am fighting a cough and chest pain. I also started a new medicine this month and today I "upped" the dosage per the doctor's instruction... and I don't like it. It hurts my side... very uncomfortable. So... I am on the sofa, wrapped up in a warm throw and have Pumpkin on top of me to warm me up. Life right now is slow and lazy... I am hibernating for the winter! Send a prayer up for DH as he just called me to tell me he's working late... and he's working on Saturday. He's going to be a tired man. Love him so much for how hard he works for his family.

Thanks for reading... have a blessed day!
~Suzanne

A Long Overdue Daybook Post

FOR TODAY (January 17, 2013)...

Outside my window... it's 32 degrees, with 4 inches of snow on the ground.

I am thinking... it's time to start looking for another dog for our house... one that I could train for therapy work.

I am thankful for... a hard working husband that works seemingly endless hours to provide for us.

 

From the kitchen... I made chili last night and plan on making a Frito Pie with left-overs.

 

I am wearing... a black and pink dressing gown... still haven't hit the shower yet today.

I am creating... a new crafting area in the guest room... excited about that!

 

I am going... likely "nowhere" since it's cold and icy out. I like to stay in!

I am reading... the autobiography "Rod"... about Rod Stewart.

I am hoping... to plan a little day trip for DH and I in the coming month.

 

I am hearing... the laundry going in the other room and cars going by on main road.

Around the house... I am working on slowly cleaning things, dusting and putting things away.

 

One of my favorite things... is that Punky dog has become so bonded to me since I am no longer working. She loves to be next to me or even better... being in my lap for a belly rub.

 

A few plans for the rest of the week: To continue to get things back under control after being sick with the flu for 7 days. To be able to sit at my craft table and work on a project.

Thanks for reading... be blessed!

~Suzanne

Freezing

Yep... I said it's FREEZING!

Actually... for December, the weather has been quite good. Only a few days of severe weather. Most of the month has been rainy with a few good days thrown in here and there. But for me, it doesn't really matter as I have been in a Crazy state of Hypo-thyroidism and I am nothing but COLD and sleepy.

Poor DH is sleeping in the guest room so he can have a fan blowing on him since I have the heat cranked up and 25 blankets on the bed. My feet are so cold that they keep me awake... distracting me from being able to fall asleep. I have a thick fleece throw that I use during the day, all bundled up with a wool pashmina wrapped around my arms and chest.

I am happy to say that yesterday was my "labs" day and today I started back on my synthroid. I can't wait for this to build up in my system and get back to a semi-normal state. I find that I have short bursts of energy and then I have to sleep... at least 2 hours at a time. I am trying to get myself on a normal schedule since quitting work... but it has been impossible to get one started as of yet.

I am grateful to DH for allowing me to be home while I go thru this medical stuff. He was right in wanting me to stop working. I would not have made it. Along with being cold, I have a terrible lack of attention span and short term memory as of late. And I am cranky from time to time. I am really working on trying to recognize my crankiness and redirecting myself... not easy in this state.

So... I am keeping on... and dealing with a foggy brain while trying to do the basics at home. Yikes!

Thanks for reading... Please stay blessed!
~Suzanne

Five Good Things on Friday...

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

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

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

Hangin' It a New Way!

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

Flu and Love in Action

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

Simple Woman's Daybook...

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

What a Mess!

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!)

Where Did It Go????

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

Unexpected Visitors

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