My Affairs With Art & Daily Life

2012-02-16T18:25:00.002-05:00

My winter block is done. My friend Cris crocheted the snowflake in the middle and did the bead work on the diagonal. Also did the snowman from buttons. I did the rest of the work on it. The snowflake charm in the left hand corner is one from a swap I was in in the Art Charm Group in yahoo.

I can't believe where the week has gone to! Hope everyone had a nice Valentine's Day. It was just another day here, but on Wednesday my girlfriend MaryAnne and I checked out the new Michaels (it had moved) and then had lunch at Rocknies. I had never eaten there before. Food is good.

Today I was home, sinus issues. Also went to the grocery store and stocked up on some more meat that is on my list. Norm is fine, I saw him yesterday and tomorrow is our usual Friday out.

2012-02-13T20:11:00.002-05:00

Recently I was in a couple swaps (actually it's never ending, but it's fun...ha!) over in the Art Charm Yahoo Group (I am learning a lot there really). The one swap was anything hearts, the other was pink/red/silver findings. I incorporated both of them into this bracelet.

It has been an interesting couple of days. My printer decided not to work anymore (it's probably a good 6 years old). So when I went to see Norm on Sunday I stopped at Walmart and bought one nearly the same as what I have, just upgraded Hewlet Packard 4500 one. It has taken me 2 days to install the thing. Talk about frustrating! I finally got the thing up and running today. Not sure how that totally happened, but I'm not messing with anything regarding it believe me. Didn't realize how much I missed my printer til I couldn't print with it!

Norm is fine, I did not see him today as I finally got our taxes over to the accountant who is in Rocky River (other way from Norm). I kind of was laughing at myself because I went one way and came home another, but as it turned out the way home was better as I missed all the tie up on the freeway due to construction. I will have to remember that when I go pick up the taxes.

I'm planning to go see Norm tomorrow. When I do reach him by phone he is doing fine so that is the main thing.

2012-02-11T09:21:00.002-05:00

These are some of the handmade paper birthday cards I received.We have snow on the ground! That is something different for us this winter. So I am in today and maybe tomorrow as well. Went to see Norm yesterday and he's fine. I think the next month and a half will be long for him, but I told him to just keep getting better.

I made up a shamrock quilt block last night for embellishing back and forth with Cris. I've done work on my heart one. I'm waiting for some floss so I can work on the winter one.

Went to Drug Mart yesterday morning and I've started stocking up on meat, canned things, etc. for when Norm comes home.

Have a great weekend.

2012-02-09T08:44:00.002-05:00

This is our friend Emily at the Civic Center New Year's Celebration. I took her and Norm yesterday to IHOP (International House of Pancakes). None of us had been there before and we enjoyed our meal. Emily is 94 and I cook for her because she's losing her eyesight. Today I will take Norm for his workout rather then tomorrow. There is to be weather changes and so today is sunny and we will have a meal at Bob Evans after. Norm is doing well and looking forward to coming home end of March.

I finished up the orange color block last night and did some more beading on Clancy last night. He is coming along.

2012-02-07T08:00:00.004-05:00

Recently I was in a torso swap here http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FabricInAlteredArt2/?yguid=388140631 My partner was Kathie and her blog is here http://beyondthestorybook.blogspot.com/ Alas I put the wrong zip on her package and even though I mailed it on January 6, she never got it until the beginning of February. I thought it was lost, so made up another for her and guess what they both got to her on the same day! Her torso is the top one which I have and it is awesome. She included beads and buttons. The 2nd torso is the "replacement" torso from me and the 3rd torso is the one that took a month to get to her. It was a fun swap.

Yesterday I wen to see Norm and he's fine. Took down his pictures and brought them home. Today I'll bring home the decorations that are sitting on his shelf.

Also yesterday my neighbor Dennis was here and took down the rest of the layout from the train, so all that is gone. We also worked in Norm's workshop and another bench area is cleared...yea! There is an underneath bench that has to be done yet. Then we will have to go back and put things together that we are keeping. I have actually kept a few things aside that he and I don't know what they are and we will test Norm's memory when he comes home...lol! They are definitely going to be pitched, I just want to know if Norm know what they are.

Brandy let Dennis pet her, so she's good to go where people are concerned. She lets me know she misses me when I'm gone, I've been letting her run the house. Still no messes, but pillows are on the floor and usually some paper is chewed (nothing serious). So she is comical where this is concerned.

2012-02-06T08:02:00.002-05:00

While rummaging around the attic (as everyone knows I have been doing this year) I found this Capodimonte tea pot that I forgot I had. So this is a nice addition to my tea pot collection.

Friday went well with Norm. Weather wise it was dry and this is always a plus! He finished his workout early and is up to 161 pounds. Before the stroke he was 171, so we don't want him gaining much more weight. This will be more controlled after he gets home. For lunch we had spaghetti and meatballs, salad, roll, dessert all for $3...truly amazes me..

Brandy did well and I was gone 4 hours. She did haul my clothes that were on the cedar chest into the living room...lol! Also the pillows on the couch were on the floor and chewed a bit of batting. The batting was fine as it wasn't attached to anything. Guess she was letting me know she had been busy.

The girls were at the groomers on Saturday. I'm learning Brandy doesn't like riding in the car, so apparently her previous owners never took her anywhere. She's fine at the groomers and the granddaughters there love her. While they were gone I cleaned house, did laundry and some cooking.

Yesterday was a wash, did not sleep well, could not get warm and got up with a huge sinus headache. So I did not get to see Norm Saturday or yesterday. Headache (afer 5 excedrin at one time) finally cleared out about 3:30.

I did do some sewing on my heart block, beading on Clancy (a beaded doll) and got the green/yellow and gold dangles in their baggies for swapping).

Today is a much better day!

2012-02-02T09:04:00.002-05:00

I was in the heart charm swap in the charm group in yahoo. This is what I received. Mine is on the bottom right. This is a quick moving group and I've been happy with all the returns from it.

This has been a busy week due to it being my birthday on Monday. The rest of the month shouldn't be so busy thank goodness..

Monday was lunch with my cousins. Tuesday we had dentist appointments and had lunch at a Polish restaurant. Today is haircut/highlight and lunch with my girlfriend.

Yesterday was normal. Went to see Norm and he's fine, he did great both days out. Yesterday was a test for Brandy, I didn't put her in the bathroom, but let her in the house while I was gone. She did fine. I told her no chewing and told Bonnie I didn't want to see blood when I got home...lol and that it was a test for both of them. When I go today I will leave Brandy free. She has really been a good dog and I don't think that will change.

Weather wise we were warm beginning of the week. Today is cloudy, but I think it is to stay dry the rest of the week which is good. I did get the car washed yesterday.

2012-01-30T09:00:00.002-05:00

This is the next pink page I received from Janny for my fabric book. I think there may be 2 or 3 pages left for this round.
The weekend was quiet. I was home on Saturday due to a front of weather coming through. Yesterday I did see Norm, he's fine. Friday went well for his workout and lunch. The Civic Center celebrated Chinese New Year and had sweet/sour chicken, rice, green beans, sherbert and a fortune cookie.

Today we will be going out and having a meal with my cousins to celebrate my birthday which is tomorrow.

2012-01-26T13:18:00.002-05:00

This is the next fabric book page I did for Kath. Her theme is the sea. I was working with needle felting and I think it came out rather well.

I was under the weather yesterday, but did go and see Norm. He's fine. I rested most of the day. I'm better today, but stayed home because our drive was ice this morning. Now we've had nothing but rain most of the day, so definitely a good day to stay in.

Tomorrow is Friday lunch with Norm and his workout.

2012-01-24T10:20:00.002-05:00

Brandy made her debut over at assistant living today. She did fine obviously being here on Norm's lap. She seems good around people and I'm happy with that, let people pet her, etc. Norm's roommate shocked me (he rarely says anything) and said oh a Norfolk terrier! I almost fell over and said yes you are right!

I ran some errands yesterday. It was almost up to 60 yesterday and today back into the 30s and really damp. This up and down temps is not great, but all the snow is gone again.

Last night I made some Egyptian charms from clay and they turned out well. I'm trying to work with more clay as I have tons of it.

2012-01-21T10:52:00.002-05:00

These are a couple of fabric postcards I did. The images are from Artchix.

We got snow overnight, probably 4", it will be in the 40s next week again, so it will be a slushy mess.

Took Norm for his workout yesterday and we had lunch at the Civic Center. He's up to 160 lbs now.

I'm home today, have cleaned and I'm doing laundry. Will go see Norm tomorrow. Hope everyone has a good weekend.

2012-01-18T16:54:00.003-05:00

Recently I was in an art charm swap over in yahoo. These are the charms/dangles that I received in return. The one I did is on the lower right side.

Nothing much going on here. I've been to see Norm and he's fine. Today he wanted to know when I was going to tell Woodside that "I'm springing him from the joint". I laughed and said January 30 and we'll move you out the last week in March. They have to be given 2 months notice.

Today Time Warner was there to fix his TV, so I'll be interested to know what was going on with it. His wasn't the only one that wasn't working, but I'm thinking that each person has to call rather then Woodside themselves because we pay the cable company. No one else's got fixed as far as I know.

We are to get snow after midnight and through tomorrow, so I may just stay home.

Brandy is a trip, I just took her out and let her run around the yard. She greeted the UPS guy and was very friendly with him, so I'm happy about that one. She missed the fox earlier that was coming down our drive. She is actually about the size of a fox and almost the same color.

2012-01-15T13:10:00.002-05:00

Here's Brandy in a content picture, she is actually chewing a piece of rawhide.

Things have been quiet here. I spent time with Norm on Thursday and took him to his workout and had a meal at Bob Evans. It was nice.

Friday was nasty and that's why I opted to take him on Thursday. We had around 4" of snow and it was windy, blowing etc. The snowbelt received a lot more snow then we did.

I saw Norm yesterday and today, he's fine. I've been working on some sewing projects and Valentine cards. Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

2012-01-11T18:48:00.002-05:00

Christmas week here is what happened to the car. Yep someone backed into it scraping the corner as you can see. Monday finally took the car into the dealership to have it fixed. Nope, no one claimed that they did this, so yep I had to pay for it... I picked the car up yesterday, so let's hope I don't have to visit the dealership again! Not a good way to end the year..

My girlfriend took me over both days. The first day I treated her to breakfast and then on Tuesday we had lunch at a Mexican place that we like. Norm is fine, I had lunch with him at Woodside actually. Because his birthday was January 2 we were able to choose a special lunch for 2. We had a choice of lobster or steak and we both chose lobster. The lunch was good...besides the lobster there was cream of spinach soup (it was delicious), broccoli and mashed potatoes. Dessert was a pound cake.

I'm changing his workout day to tomorrow because Friday is suppose to not be so good weather wise with a cold front coming in. Snow/wind/colder...so I'm staying home. But will get him tomorrow and bring him back over here to the Civic Center for his workout and then probably to Bob Evans to lunch.

I've been working on some quilt blocks. I have the orange corner study robin almost done. Today was a decent mail day! I received some charms from a swap in the mail (need to get a picture of them), a torso from a swap and some silk ribbon that I had ordered for embroidery.

2012-01-08T16:30:00.003-05:00

Below is a round robin block I did. The plain blue is the block and then 4 others worked on the block and sent it back completed. I'm amazed at the great embroidery work on these things. I'm in an orange color block study round robin now and and will post pictures when mine is done.

We continue to be very mild. I saw on the news yesterday some golf courses are opened! Amazing for January...

Saturday was busy as Bonnie went to the groomers. Our mailbox came of fits stand, so my neighbor took care of that for me. I cleaned and cooked...pot roast, pork roast, vegetables, potatoes, etc. Also did some cleaning.

I did not see Norm yesterday, but did today and he's fine. I ran food over to my senior lady friend today. I have several quilt blocks here now and so I'm working on one of the orange study ones. Also have a beaded doll I am working on.

Trying to work with training Brandy in certain areas and she is a quick study, it's just me keeping up with it...lol! Hope everyone had a good weekend.

2012-01-06T08:53:00.002-05:00

Patches memory book. This is a small memory book I've done for Patches. I have various pictures of her inside (it holds we pictures) and so now I can finally put some closure to this. I'm doing one for Bonnie as well. Patches has her own letter type inside about her life with us.

Yesterday I had lunch with an art friend that I hadn't seen in a long time. The weather is now mild again, so the snow is melting which is good. We had lunch at an Italian place down the street and enjoyed catching up on things.

Today is my day with Norm. I'll pick him up for his workout. We'll go to Applebees for lunch, not enough signed up for the senior lunch. Then tonight we'll go hear the band...yea! That is always a treat.

Brandy continues to do well and her personality is coming out more. I really want to get a DNA test done on her so I know what other mix/mixes are in her. Enjoy your weekend.!

2012-01-03T16:59:00.002-05:00

Recently I was in a swap in the yahoo Art Charm group. I had posted what I received, but I finally got the bracelet all together and I think it turned out well. I wore it to the New Years celebration on Friday at the Civic Center.

We do have snow and it is very cold, but didn't get as much snow as I had figured or they led us to believe. I'm sure it is widespread where the inches are concerned since it was coming from all the Great Lakes. But we probably don't even have 5" which is fine with me. Brandy does fine in the snow, we'll see how she does when it's deeper, but so far the cold doesn't seem to bother her...hmm..."Norfolk" terrier?

I was home today and yesterday and got several things done. Haven't been able to reach Norm by phone, but I do know his middle son and 2 grandchildren went to see him on his birthday yesterday. David said he was happy to see how well he is doing and I'm sure this helped Norm out a lot. I will go see him tomorrow and by the end of the week we are to be in the 40s!

2012-01-02T09:37:00.002-05:00

Here is Norm on Friday at the New Years celebration lunch at the Civic Center. The picture underneath is him yesterday when he and I celebrated his birthday which is actually today.

Norm is doing well and looking forward to coming home end of March. I'll be glad when I tell Woodside end of this month that the move is going to happen.

I am home today and tomorrow. They have been calling for nasty weather. So far we only have a coating on the ground, so we will see as the day progresses and Norm knows I don't do snow.

Brandy is doing well. I let her loose in the fenced in front yard and she flies around and that helps let off steam. She's funny to watch...so she's an nice addition to the family.

I did laundry over the weekend and put away what Christmas decorations I had out away. I'm hoping this time next year we are a whole family again.

2011-12-31T10:42:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone. May 2012 be a better year for everyone!

2011-12-29T10:17:00.003-05:00

These are the next two fabric book pages for my shades of pink fabric book. The top one is from Anne and the 2nd one is from Brigit.

The sun came out yesterday and melted some of the ice, so this is good. We are to get sun and rain later I think today. I've been over and back to the grocery store.

Brandy gets her first bath (at least from this house) at noon. She has really been a very good dog and a nice addition to this house!

2011-12-28T08:50:00.002-05:00

These are the handmade Christmas card I received. The lower right one is a fabric card.

We finally have snow on the ground. Snow I can handle for the most part, but we had rain first and then when it got colder of course that turned to ice. So our drives are ice underneath which is not pleasant. I cleared the drive twice last night and each time it had about an inch of slush on it, so I'm glad I didn't leave it overnight.

Today I go for a haircut. I spread ice melt on the drive. Roads look like they are fine.

2011-12-27T11:14:00.005-05:00

I'm showing gifts I received from friends. The ornament is from Cris.

This ornament below and card are from Norma.
This quilted portfolio is from Pam.

Thank you ladies for being my friends!

We are to get snow today into tonight. So far nothing on the ground. I am staying home today, have phone calls to make and just need some down time. Norm was fine yesterday when I went and when I called there earlier Dan said he was fine.

2011-12-26T08:49:00.002-05:00

Recently I was in a charm/dangle swap in the Art Charm group in yahoo. I showed what I had received, but this is what I did with all of them...made it into a necklace.

I hope everyone had a nice Christmas. Ours went well...the weather was wonderful...nice and dry!

For dinner at my cousins we had ham, potato salad, baked beans, green bean casserole, fruit salad. Carrot cake and nut roll for dessert. A good time was had by all.

I will go see Norm this morning and stop back at the Civic Center to pay for Jan/Feb lunches. Enjoy your day!

2011-12-24T09:27:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone. This was one of my paper greeting cards. Face is from Gumball Graphics. Enjoy your weekend!

2011-12-21T10:48:00.003-05:00

Recently I was in a steampunk jewelry swap in Fiber Art Traders yahoo group. The top pins are the ones I did (they are wrapped with wire around the edge). These pins are from Glo and Sandra. This was a great swap.

Once again we are getting rain. It is so soggy outside! I'm sure more flooding!

Went to see Norm this morning and he is fine.

Yesterday I treated my senior friend to lunch at a Chinese place.

2011-12-20T09:01:00.002-05:00

This is my Christmas present from Mary Wilkins...thank you! Most everyone knows I love and collect tea pots. I like the ornament she sent as well. Brandy had a coughing spell on Sunday with phlegm, which is part of getting the kennel cough out. She only had one more dose of the antibiotic yesterday and so our vet called in another prescription for her as I don't want Bonnie getting this. Brandy is fine and yesterday the cough wasn't as bad, hopefully it is on its way out. She has one more dose of worm meds and then I take a stool sample in on the 29th when she goes to the groomers.

She got out on me Monday. Wow is this dog fast and I'm glad we are fenced in! She flew through the yard and wanted to get out, if she had, she would have been gone, so I can see how she slipped out on her previous owners. Now I either hold her or put her in the bathroom when I let Bonnie out.

I saw Norm yesterday, he is fine. Today I'll be taking my senior friend to lunch over to a Chinese place.

2011-12-18T09:15:00.002-05:00

Hanukkah will be starting soon and I want to wish everyone a Happy Hanukkah. This is the cards I did for my friends. The symbol stamp is from All Night Media and I thinkt he branches may be from Hero Arts.

This week has run smoothly with Brandy and Bonnie, which is very good. Brandy has worms from being out on the street, so we are taking care of that.

Norm is doing well. I saw him yesterday morning. He had these black spots on his forehead and I asked him if he had been to confession! Everyone cracked up. From what they told me when he was sitting at the table where the magazines were, he fell asleep (it is soooo warm in there) and his head went down onto the table (not hard), but the print from the magazine was on his forehead.

We had our first snowfall yesterday. I definitely will not be driving there when it's snowing. There are hills and that area is not as good as salting the roads as they are over here. So I was very glad when I got back into our area and the roads were just wet!

I am home today. I hope everyone is having a great weekend.

2011-12-15T08:40:00.003-05:00

Recently I was in a swap over in the Art Charm group in yahoo. These were the returns. The one on the bottom left is mine and the one on the right was a gift from the hostess.

The week is running smoothly. Weather wise it is mild with rain. So needless to say my sinus is bad and so are my fingers. They swell when it's humid out.

On the other hand Brandy is doing well. She goes to our vet today. I still have not heard her bark and it may be due to the kennel cough issue, I will ask. It should be just a routine check up as she's had her shots, etc. From what I can tell the surgical area is healing nice though she won't let me roll her over to look at it. This is where Patches was very obliging as she loved rolling over on her back. Bonnie wouldn't let me look at it either if it were her.

Have not done much are due to fingers and also I usually take the last of December off from it. I actually have no swaps pending...hard to believe!

2011-12-13T20:12:00.003-05:00

Here are new pictures of Brandy. Do you think she has settled into our home?

I picked Brandy up late yesterday and she is doing just fine so far! I'm amazed! She does have the kennel cough and so she is on meds for it and for pain from the spaying, but she seems fine. I kept her in her cage overnight and she seemed ok with it and will do it until after she goes to the groomers on the 29th. She's scruffy from being out in the elements, but there's no fleas on her which is good, heartworm negative which is also good. She has had all her shots now. She and Bonnie are doing fine.

Stayed home all day today and Brandy stayed on the couch unless I moved of course or if she had to go out. Tomorrow when I go see Norm I will leave her in the bathroom as there's more room to move around then the cage and we'll see how she does. Have yet to hear her bark! She whined this morning when I got up, but that's all, it's very quiet...

Weather has been mild, but sigh...more rain moving in tonight and through Thursday. Today is the first day I have done nothing (except take the dogs out) in a long, long time!

2011-12-12T09:09:00.002-05:00

This is a birthday card I did for my aunt. The tea cup is from Stampendous, the tablecloth from Azadi Earles, Happy Birthday from Mostly hearts and the other stamps have no names on them...old, old, old... The weekend went fast, but spent a good part of the time cleaning and running errands. Weather has been mild which is very good.

Went to see Norm yesterday and he is fine, I will see him today.

Late today I bring Brandy home if she goes through the spaying surgery well. I call there late this afternoon. We are all ready here for her.

2011-12-09T08:50:00.002-05:00

This was the next book page I did for the fibre fever group. It was for Helina and she wanted the painter Czeanne. This is simply titled The Three Pairs. Today is myh day with Norm and if he's up to it we'll stop and see Brandy on the way back to Woodside.

I was home most of yesterday and worked on Patches little journal. It is done and I will be able to put it and the rest of her things in a box back in the closet now.

We have a dusting of snow on the ground and it's pretty cold out. I hope everyone has a good weekend.

Brandy

2011-12-07T12:16:00.003-05:00

Here's a full size picture of her outside of her cage. She may be part cairn terrier now that I look at her...like Toto!

2011-12-07T00:50:00.003-05:00

Meet Brandy, she will be coming home with me on Monday. I found her at the county shelter on Saturday. I took Bonnie back today with me to meet her and they did fine. Brandy was found wandering the streets of Parma, no info on her. They say she is 2,weighs 15 pounds and is a terrier mix. She gets spayed on Monday, has had her shots from them. I will take her to our vet on the 15th. She seems pretty reserved for being 2, but she is a cute and mine! No name with her either, that's why I got to name her.Norm is doing well. They were coming down the hall when I got there and going over to the library area where they have loads of jig saw puzzles set up and when I left he was working a jig saw puzzle.

I took my senior friend Emily to Olive Garden for lunch. We stopped at Pets Mart and picked up a few things for Brandy. It was another drippy day, but we were happy to be out.

2011-12-06T09:36:00.002-05:00

These are a couple of Christmas cards I made this year. Top one has Hero Arts, Printworks and Inkadinkado stamps used. The 2nd one has Hero Arts and Stampin Up stamps used.

2011-12-04T11:59:00.002-05:00

Recently I was in a charm swap over in a yahoo group. The theme was red/green/gold. The top picture are the charms/dangles that I did, the bottom picture are the ones I received in return. It is a great group and great returns.

Norm is doing fine, falling has stopped which is good. Friday lunch went well and I did get the check back, which is now on it's way back to the Credit Union so I am glad that is settled.

Friday I took Bonnie to the vet for her blood work, etc. They gave her the shots she needed so I don't have to go back in January. All her results came back fine. The vet said I did good by Patches it would not have been fun to watch her go downhill. She still had some personality left and that is good...

Saturday Bonnie went to the groomers and while she was gone I went to the county shelter. I did see one small dog that had just been brought in. I plan to take Bonnie with me on Tuesday to meet the dog. The dog was in heat and so they have to spay her, etc. Not saying this is the one, but she had been roaming the streets and they don't know much about her. I had my senior friend laughing because I said I can picture a little "old" lady owning her and somehow the dog got out on her. The dog has no collar or tags of any kind. I sat on the floor with her and she did come to me and when I gave her a treat I got licked on the nose! When I went to leave, she actually wanted to come with me! I need to know if she's had shots or if they intend to give her shots, etc.

I went to see Norm this morning. HA! They had him back in bed as he had been falling asleep in his chair all hunched over. When I went in his room he was wide awake. They keep Woodside so hot and today was no exception, plus it is very mild outside and so it makes it that much warmer inside. Norm keeps his window opened in his room and so it was very pleasant in there. Dan said he was going to move his work back there and Norm said ok...lol! Dan wanted to know why I was looking for another small dog and I said I have no one in bed with me now...he lost it!

Nothing else planned for today.

2011-12-01T08:38:00.002-05:00

This is my block for the orange round robin study group over in Yahoo crazy quilting for newbies group. My block has been sent to New Hampshire. It will be enroute for a while, but it will be fun to see it when it is fully embellished on its return home. I was home all day yesterday which was nice for a change. Norm has been falling a few times again, but not getting hurt. I guess this is who he is, but it certainly isn't fun for any of us. I'm hoping to get the check today to get it back to our Credit Union, but who knows with this, I still feel I'm getting a run around with it.

We had some snow, nothing serious, but one would think it's everyone's first time driving in it!

Today is senior lunch. They bumped it up a day, so I will be picking Norm up in about an hour. He will do his workout first. I miss my little Patches big time especially at night since she use to sleep with me...

2011-11-28T08:56:00.002-05:00

This is another fabric birthday card I made for the fibre fever group in yahoo.

Weekend was quiet, but nice. I went to see Norm on Saturday and he was doing fine. I'll head out there this morning in about a half hour.

Cleaned house on Saturday and have a few things out for Christmas. I am going to start once a week and take boxes down and clean them out of Christmas things I no longer use, etc. There's too many to do it all at one time!

Yesterday I worked on some beads made from aquarium tubes. They came out well and I will post them once they are swapped out. I also finished the stuffed torso I was working on. Hope everyone had a good weekend.

2011-11-25T23:27:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving at my aunt's. Norm is at the head of the table and this kind of speaks for itself. My aunt is facing the camera, her daughter-in-law is in the blue and her daughter-in-law's friend is next to her. Everyone commenting on Norm. This below picture they are still looking at him. My aunt to the left and her daughter next to her and her daughter's son-law. Then her son is across from her with his wife next to him This is the cousin who has helped move Norm so many times.

Tonight (Friday night) I picked Norm up and we went to hear the band. We had a good time and I got over and back with no glitches which is always a plus. Even getting him back into Woodside this time had no glitches. We both enjoyed the evening and the food is always good at Becky's.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T09:16:00.002-05:00

May everyone be filled with wonderful blessings!

2011-11-22T20:40:00.002-05:00

Past could of nights I have worked on these, they are fabric beads and fun to do. I will add accessories as I use them on projects.

Things have been quiet here. Norm is doing fine. I did not go yesterday as I thought they were doing flu shots, but found out they have not done them yet, not sure why, but he was fine when I went today.

I'm clearing off one of the benches in his workshop. There are several new tools that have never been used and so I've put them on the other bench that is cleared. There are also empty tool pouches...sigh...who knows where the tools are, so I've put them in one spot and hope to fill them as we find the tools.

We've had rain a good part of the day, tomorrow I go for a haircut, so will not be seeing Norm.

2011-11-19T08:55:00.003-05:00

This was the next fabric book page I had to do for a gal in Germany. The theme for her book is Mola art, so I had to research that. These themes this time around have been hard!

Yesterday was senior lunch, so I picked Norm up for his workout and brought him to the Civic Center. Things went fine. We talked about snow on the way back (we don't have any) because of the horrible parking at Woodside. I told him I'm not looking forward to getting him over the mounds if I can't pull up to the door, he said he would crawl over them...lol!

Dennis and his wife came yesterday afternoon and we started in on the workshop. We have one end of it cleaned out...we can actually see the floor! Dennis installed a couple of more smoke detectors for me and put new batteries in the other ones, so I'm set where that is concerned.

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

2011-11-17T08:30:00.002-05:00

This is a fabric post card I did for a swap over in Fabric in Altered Art2 yahoo group.

Went to see Norm in the morning he is doing well. This morning I have some errands to run and then Dennis is coming over to haul the rest of the wood from the train layout from the basement.

He and his son were here yesterday and his son paid me for the rest of the gun stuff and hauled out a bunch of stuff. Dennis fixed another hinge on one of the kitchen cabinets for me and they took the doll house down to the basement out of Norm's room for me.

2011-11-15T09:06:00.003-05:00

Here's a picture of Norm over at Woodside. He's in the activity's room. I have no idea who the lady is, he probably does.

Norm is doing well. Yesterday when I got there he was back in bed, they the gal that took care of him said the previous shift had him up at 6:00am (I was there at 10). When I went back to his room he had the comforter over him and his t-shirt pulled over his head...lol! I asked if he wanted to get up (he was fully dressed) and he said yes. So I got him up and showed him some art I had been doing, then I took him to where the rest of the residents were.

We had a horrendous storm last night thank goodness the power stayed on. The rain really came down. Bonnie is enjoying the extra attention...

In Memory of Patches Recker 1/12/01-11/12/11

2011-11-12T12:21:00.002-05:00

Today I put Patches down. Her blood count had gone down in 2 weeks. She was my beloved Patches for 9 years from when we adopted her. She is buried between the lilac bush and rose bush in our front yard..

2011-11-12T09:07:00.003-05:00

I know they destroy plants, etc, but they are still one of the most beautiful animals. I love the color of their coat this time of year. They were in the upper part of our yard.

Thursday the scrap guys were here to clean out the rest of the garage. My neighbor and his wife were here also and they came back yesterday afternoon to take more of the wood from the basement out.

Norm and I had lunch at Bob Evans after his workout at the Civic Center. He did well and this time chose his own meal, usually I order for him.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

2011-11-09T08:59:00.002-05:00

Sunday I made a tuna casserole, it'sa pretty standard recipe. I do like to add savory flakes to mine. Yesterday I made a pork roast, saurkraut, spaetzles and butternut squash. I was not up to par yesterday, so I stayed home literally all day. I was suppose to go to the Art Guild class, but opted out. I didn't pay for it as it was pay at the door. I didn't even seen Norm yesterday. Haven't talked to him since Monday morning when I went, so I will see him today.

Weather is still mild, but it is suppose to change again. We've actually gone 12 days with no rain, set another record with that.

2011-11-07T11:44:00.003-05:00

One lonely forsythia blossom and my lavender is still blooming. We are pretty mild for this time of year and it has been dry.

Norm is doing well. Patches is holding her own, but she's not Patches, so I plan to take her back into the vet before Thanksgiving to see if there's any improvement, if not, then I will have her put down. I can't go through winter with her like this or the holidays for that matter.

Now there's a mix up with the billing of Norm's room. This has been more of a nightmare for me then for him. I don't know if it will ever get straightened out.

I've been working on some swaps to keep my mind occupied.

2011-11-05T09:14:00.005-04:00

These are Halloween greeting cards I received from Sharon Schuman, Peggy Gatto, Mary Wilkins (hers is a shape from ArtChix and done on cardboard), Diane Bruce and Diana Facemyer.

Patches seems to be holding her own, I don't know if the meds are working or not, keep her in your prayers. The dogs go to the groomers today. The vet said it is ok to take Patches

The weather has been beautiful. Yesterday was my usual day with Norm. He did fine with his workout and we had a good lunch.

This will be pretty much a normal weekend. I hope everyone has a good weekend.

2011-11-02T19:45:00.002-04:00

This is the next page I received from HelgaB for my fabric book. I am not in the best of moods today. I took Patches to the vet on Monday and learned she is very anemic. There are two options for her, put her on prednisone or a bone marrow transplant. There's no way I would put her through the transplant, the cost alone is out of the question. So I started her on prednisone today and hopefully it will keep her in check for a while. She'll be 11 in January and I certainly didn't except this on top of everything else I'm going through. She wasn't great on Saturday, but seemed more herself today, so say some prayers for her please. I know they don't live forever but...

2011-11-01T09:29:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I made Beef Cabbage Stew, one of our favorite recipes.
1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat cut into 1" pieces
1 large can of beef broth (I use low sodium)
1 cup water
1 large onion chopped
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 bay leaf
2 medium potatoes peeled and cubed
4 cups shredded cabbage
1 carrot sliced
1 large can tomato sauce
salt to taste

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, brown stew meat; drain. Meanwhile, boil water and broth, add beef and onion, cover and simmer 1 1/4 hours or until tender. Add potatoes, celery, cabbage and carrot. Cover and simmer until vegetables are tender. Stir in tomato sauce and heat through. Remove bay leaf before serving.
I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!

2011-10-29T10:55:00.002-04:00

This is a needle felting leaf I did over a year go, but felt it was a good picture to post since the leaves a pretty this year. I need to do more of these. This went on a fabric book page for a swap. I've been scanning leaves to do some more, so probably during the winter I'll play with my machine again. The October fest at the Civic Center went well yesterday. I picked Norm up and he did his workout upstairs first. Joe O'Brien (who helps him) said his balance is real good and I'm always happy to hear this. I do know that Dan (nurse at Woodside) said now if Norm wants to stand up and move he makes the girls let him...yea for Dan! Also Norm's weight is holding steady which is also good.

Meal yesterday was pork tenderloin, a half a bratwurst, cabbage and noodles, green beans, applesauce, a slice of rye bread and apple pie for dessert. We always get as much as we want to drink and yesterday we had root "beer" along with the long pretzels sticks. All this was only $7 (most Fridays it's $3), they also had Halloween candy.

I was over to see Norm today and he's fine. Not sure what I will be doing today. Hope everyone has a good weekend.

2011-10-27T10:00:00.002-04:00

This is a round robin block I'm doing with one other person. I did the flower part and this last part I did was the pumpkins.

Today is a lousy day weather wise, so I'm not going to go see Norm. I did go see him yesterday and he's doing fine. Poor guy, the one caregiver had a sweatshirt on over the t-shirt, so when I took him back to his room to give him a haircut and shave I left the sweatshirt off. He had told her he didn't want it on, but she put it on anyway. He's very warm blooded.

I worked on some scrabble pieces for Christmas charms. They are coming along nicely.

Another load of trash got picked up today so I can start filling the can again for next week. Tomorrow is our Friday lunch and at least it is suppose to be sunny!

2011-10-25T11:11:00.002-04:00

Fall has been pretty here this year. These are some of the reds in our backyard.

Yesterday I did not go see Norm as I had a dentist appointment. Crown is back in for now, but next time I will need a new one. Somewhere along the road I fractured it and we have been "playing" with it for a while. I don't think any serious drilling needs to be done, so that will cut way down on the cost. Hopefully this will hold for a while.

Neighbor was here in the late afternoon and all the track is gone from the backyard now. He is suppose to come today and take down more wood in the basement. I know he wants to get this done as I do, but there's just so much stuff and it takes time. There's no way I can do a lot of it due to the weight of the stuff.

Norm is doing well. I went to see him today. Rain returns and we are to go into the 40s by the end of the week.

2011-10-24T09:21:00.004-04:00

This is a new piece I beaded over the weekend. The heart is clay (not polymer) and was made by Lydia Fairbanks a few years ago.

The weekend was gorgeous weather wise. Saturday I pulled out the begonias so that is done. Our major killing frosts use to be middle of October, but now they go into November. So while we had the nice weather I got that done. Also did laundry and cleaned house.

Sunday I reorganized my bead boxes and moved all the stringing stuff into another area that is more organized as well. Dennis was here in the afternoon to take up some of the track in the backyard. I also cleaned up a corner in the garage.

Norm continues to do well. I saw him Saturday and Sunday.

Today we are back to rain this morning. I go to the dentist this afternoon to have the crown cemented back in, I hope it stays in longer this time.

Hope everyone had a nice weekend.

2011-10-21T17:52:00.002-04:00

Here's Norm and I on Mad Hatter day at the Civic Center. My girlfriend took the picture. It came out well and you can see how well Norm is doing. Today was Friday lunch at the Civic Center and Norm did his workout upstairs at the rec center. We had light rain off and on most of the day, but it was a real good day with Norm. He is so funny, which is good and his balance has really improved and this is very good.

Got my haircut yesterday and also stopped at JoAnn's. The next quilt block round robin I'm in is feature colors and the color is orange! Yikes, I don't have a lot of that color, so had to get orange stuff. Also the gal who cuts my hair has ordered the clip on dangle earrings from me. She's so excited that I can do them since her ears aren't pierced. She can find plain clip ons, but not dangles. So I will eventually show those.

The upper crown that came out and was recemented in came out again, so I will most likely need a new one. I will have to wait until Monday. I would like one month where we don't fork out extra $$ for things...maybe November? Have a great weekend everyone!

2011-10-19T08:48:00.002-04:00

This was the next book page I did for HelgaB over in Germany in the fibre fever yahoo group. Can you tell it's a backgammon game board? Her theme is games. Norm has been good the past two days. I trimmed his toe nails on Monday, they were really long. We decided to leave everything as is at the bank. So when his 401k is done he will be home which will be the end of March. Just can't afford to keep him there.

Yesterday was a run around day, at least it was dry. I also cooked over the past couple of days. Chicken breasts in cream of mushroom soup and chili yesterday. So my senior lady is stocked up again.

Today is just plain bad with rain and I'm home today. When I talked to Norm last night I told him I wasn't coming and he said fine. They stay busy during the day. Tomorrow I go for a haircut, so will tell him tonight I won't be there tomorrow as it's in the other direction.

2011-10-16T22:36:00.002-04:00

This is a greeting card I received from my friend DianeB who lives in Colorada. Love the colors.

Saturday was pretty quiet. I decided to stay home and basically crash. Today was busier and of course it rained...sigh. I went to see Norm this morning and he was sleepy, but most everyone was today, it was pretty rotten with rain. When I talked to him tonight, he was more up and moving around a bit, which is good as long as he doesn't fall!

Today I did laundry, made some corn chowder. Also did my next fabric page, so that is done and ready to mail, along with a charm swap. So I stayed busy most of the day and watched some TV tonight.

Tomorrow I'll see Norm in the morning and I have the appointment with the bank. Hope everyone had a good weekend!

2011-10-14T08:57:00.002-04:00

The pin on top is the pin I did in the button class on Tuesday night. The heart pin below is the one I had wanted to do, but didn't have the right glue (she provided the glue) and so I did it at home. The class was fun and I enjoyed being around people who like to do what I do.

Wednesday and Thursday were sunny and nice. I did some more work in the yard. I'm about done now. The guys were here to cut on Thursday. In the afternoon my neighbor's handyman and his friend were here to start clearing out the garage. They made a huge dent. I need Dennis here to help with the other side, but he's on vacation right now. I just need to know what to pitch (which is probably most of it) and what not to.

Norm has been real good and today is my day with him. Tomorrow is our 28th anniversary which will be celebrated today. Of course it's raining...sigh. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

2011-10-11T22:23:00.002-04:00

Recently I entered a giveaway (I probably haven't done this in a year!) through here http://therustythimble.blogspot.com/2011/10/orders-everywhere-and-it-is-raining.html and I actually won a 4th place (I think) prize from Julie here http://oakleafhollow.blogspot.com/ She paints softballs. This is the cutest thing I've ever seen. The tag she threw in is made of wood. Thank you Julie it made my day! Yesterday was on the quiet side which was fine. Weather was gorgeous, so I worked on cutting some things down in the yard. I did visit Norm and he's doing well.

Today one of the girls at Woodside ordered a pin from me. I think another wants a bracelet, so I have to check with them tomorrow when I go. I took Norm an unpainted birdhouse that I found in the basement in his workshop, so he will paint it while he is there.

Made a quick trip to JoAnn's with my girlfriend and then we found a neat "bistro" here http://verso-restaurant.com/ The food is very good!

Tonight was the button class through the art guild. I will show a before and after of what I did. Now I know why I am not crazy about glue guns. I plan to redo the pin tomorrow. The teacher had a wonderful selection of buttons and it was fun getting together with the art guild gals. Tomorrow rain returns...sigh...

2011-10-09T16:14:00.004-04:00

Halloween and Fall have arrived. The weather has been gorgeous and I notice a lot of reds in the leaves this year.

Friday was our usual senior lunch at the Civic Center and Norm did his workout upstairs. It was nice not taking him over in the rain for a change! He is doing well. It sadden me to find out that Woodside's business manager Holly Gray lost her husband to a heart attack during the week. She is only 37 and he was 36. They have 3 small children, please say a prayer for the family.

Yesterday I took the dogs to the groomers. They really needed it due to all the rain we had over the past several days. While they were gone, my neighbor's handyman was here to fix the downspout by the front porch. I am so glad it wasn't a serious matter and when they dug down they said the foundation of the house is fine. So that is all taken care of now.

Today I too my senior friend over to Woodside to visit Norm. Emily was happy to see the place and Norm was happy to see her. Other then that, it has been a very lazy day today. Hope everyone has had a good weekend.

2011-10-06T11:45:00.004-04:00

Recently I was in a sewing tray swap here http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FabricInAlteredArt2/?yguid=388140631

My tray is the top one and we used picture frames. I have nothing on the back of mine. We were also to do a pin cushion which is in the upper right hand corner.

I received Pam Snow's tray. She put the glass of the frame back in hers (I left mine out).
This is the back of her tray. It was a great swap. She also put in a wooden scissor holder that I haven't gotten a picture of yet.

Went to see Norm yesterday and today. He's doing well. Guess he had a blister on his heel from his shoes, so they have a bandage on it (the blister did pop) and they only have his footies on him.

I treated my senior lady friend to here http://babushkafoods.com/ yesterday. Today I have no plans. The weather is gorgeous.

2011-10-04T18:53:00.002-04:00

This is the bracelet I did to go with the turquoise earring set. So that is now finished officially.

Monday was another rain day. I was home, but in the afternoon I took our oldest dog to the vet for her every 2 month check up. She is fine, I hated going over there because of the rain and time of day, but things worked out better then I thought.

This morning I went to see Norm, he is fine. My cousin came this afternoon and we went to Lowes. We also discovered where the leak from the tub is coming from and it should be a fairly easy fix and he will do it...yea!

I just about got home and my girlfriend came to drop off a voucher for Norm that he had won. We decided to go to lunch at Parma Tavern and then stopped at the pet shop in town.

So it has been a full day, but the sun is out and I think the rain is gone for a while at least I hope it is!

2011-10-02T21:05:00.002-04:00

This is BarbW's round robin block. I did the left hand corner of it.

Norm's middle son visited him Friday afternoon after work. He called and we compared notes. He said his dad looks good, has put weight on and is moving around better as well as carrying on a conversation. So this is all good.

Yesterday was busy. I went to the Art Guild brunch in the morning. It is always a nice affair with plenty of food. They had a nice crowd also.

In the afternoon I cooked quite a bit as I have not cooked much due to the heat. We have cooled down and so I stocked my senior friend up again. I also put out some Halloween decorations.

Went to see Norm this morning and he's fine. Spoke to him tonight and he was funny. Today I worked on a fabric page as I have to mail it tomorrow. I won't see Norm tomorrow as I have to take Bonnie to the vet.

We are still getting rain. Guess this is the wettest year on record! No wonder I'm tired of it. Hope everyone had a good weekend.

2011-09-30T08:53:00.002-04:00

Here's my bead cabinet. I do have on container that won't fit in this cabinet. So I really don't need anymore beads...HA! Famous last words. I was home all day yesterday...well most of the day. In the morning the new hot water tank went in, so that is taken care of. There's still a leak where Norm's oldest son worked a year ago, so I will have to have a plumber back in. It only happens when I drain the tub, so it might be something simple.

Garden railroad is sold. Dennis (neighbor) came yesterday and started hauling it out. He and his wife came back in the evening and hauled some more out. There's not much left and he will take the rest this afternoon.

I had dinner with my girlfriend late in the afternoon.

Today is senior lunch so I will pick Norm up and bring him over for his workout. I also called the Director at Woodside and told him Omnicare has not gotten back to me regarding these bills and I cannot afford to pay these copays. So he will get back to me on this.

We are to have rain today and tomorrow. Grass cutters were here Wednesday, I was shocked, but I think they are trying to keep up because of all the rain.

2011-09-28T20:33:00.002-04:00

One more necklace that I've done. Oh if you could only see my bead cabinet along with my many pendants for stringing.

Today was a pretty full day. The hot water tank guy came to check it out and we will be getting a new one tomorrow...thank goodness as I'm tired of taking tepid showers. Middle of summer I don't mind, but not this time of year. He's coming first thing in the morning. I think Dennis (neighbor) is coming in the afternoon to haul out more wood. A guy came last night to look at the large train set that is left and I think we are going to sell it to him, it will pay for the hot water tank, plus...

This afternoon I left early to pick up Patches urinary tract food at Pet's Mart. Our vet doesn't order it anymore, so she sends the script over to them and I go pick it up. From there I went to the allergist. Guess this is all purely eczema. He did two different tests...the usual on the back ones and then the arm and nothing showed flared up. I don't now if I'm happy or not. He told me what he wants me to do and wants to see me in 2 months. So that was that.

The guys were here very late this afternoon to cut. I was shocked, but more rain is on the way...Peggy

2011-09-27T08:49:00.002-04:00

This is another fabric post card I did for the Fibre Fever group in yahoo. I was home all day yesterday which was different. Until this rash/sinus issue is figured out I won't be going much of anywhere.

Today I do pick up Norm this afternon and we go to the dentist. When I talked to Norm last night he sounded good.

We have been getting rain, rain, rain again. I'm still plugging away at the cross stitch picture I'm doing. I'm also working on another fabric book page. This round of them have been hard where the themes are concerned.

2011-09-25T08:52:00.002-04:00

This is a recent necklace that I strung. It has been a quiet weekend, but I've had headaches and sinus issues still, so I'll be glad to go to the allergist on Wednesday.

Went to see Norm yesterday, he's fine, was sleepy when I got there, but due to him being warm also. I keep telling them don't put him in a sweatshirt unless it's 50 below inside...lol! Dan (nurse) said he would take the wood working books so this is good, will get them in there this week. I'm not going there today, unless I go this afternoon if my sinus clears up, I'm just not up to it now. Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

2011-09-23T08:42:00.002-04:00

The mystery bushes! By that if you look close enough you can see that a good part of them have been chopped down! They have been like this about a week from when I first started to notice them. Nope the landscapers didn't do them (they would have done all of them). I don't have a clue as to who did them or when they were done and why they were completely done! Justin (grasscutter) said yesterday possibly they had the wrong house! We were all in amazement over this.It was quite an afternoon yesterday. The furnace guy came and checked everything, but noticed a gas smell. So then the gas company came and checked everything and centralized the leak (which was the pipe to the hot water tank). Then the furnace guy came back and took care of the pipe. Now the gas company told him to turn the gas off when he changed it, but he didn't so I'm assuming this is why we still have the smell the basement (I never did smell it). It's the same furnace guy who comes everywhere. I remember when Norm worked (he was an electrician) many times he rarely turned the power off depending on what type of job it was. I will keep an eye on this though and I am glad it wasn't anything that required a lot of work.

After they left the landscapers came and then in the early evening the train guy came to look at the trains that are left. I doubt this is a go as I could hear him remarking about how much is there. So we'll see.

Today I pick Norm up for the rec center workout and then lunch downstairs. Oh joy it's raining...would rather not have this when I have to take him out.

2011-09-21T10:27:00.002-04:00

This is another fabric postcard I did for the Fibre Fever Yahoo group. The "grape" are from http://www.etsy.com/shop/RavioleeDreams I was to the doctor yesterday and he is sending me to an allergist. I go a week from today. I have to stay off any kind of allergy meds for 3 days prior, fortunately I can still take headache meds. Hopefully something will turn up from this.

My neighbor was here yesterday afternoon and a good portion of the wood from the HO layout is now gone. Tomorrow evening he's bringing a guy over to purchase (we hope) the garden railroad set. Also tomorrow during the day the furnace guy will be here to check the furnace out and make sure it's good for winter.

I saw Norm this morning and he's fine. Wednesdays on he is more awake. I'm still not sure what happens overnight with him...HA...I don't think there will ever be an answer for that.

The gal who order the turquoise wants a bracelet to to match, so I will work one up today, she loved the set. I have a charm pin to do for her also. I think I will have a steady customer where she is concerned.

Last night I worked on a round robin quilt block (one corner of it) and I'm almost done with it. My favorite programs started last night...yea!

2011-09-20T09:37:00.002-04:00

This is a silver/turquoise necklace set I did for a caregiver over where Norm is. She's a large gal and I think it turned out great. I'm no farther ahead with the prescription issue for Norm. It is still being worked on so I just have to sit and wait.

I did see him yesterday and Sunday and he's fine. I'm not going today because I have a doctor's appointment at 12:30 for myself. The rash is back and my sinus is just as bad. So I'm definitely not in the mood to do much of anything.

We had rain yesterday and this morning. I can see the leaves starting to change. Fall is my favorite season.

Oh on a happier note, I did learn that I won a giveaway over on another blog. Hope everyone has a great day!

2011-09-17T09:15:00.002-04:00

This is a Fall paper card I did for the month of September. The large stamp is from Hero Arts and the wording is from Mostly Hearts.Yesterday I learned my girlfriend's father passed away early in the morning. He was 92, please say some prayers for her and her family. From what I understand he closed his eyes and was peaceful, which is good.

I picked Norm up for his workout and lunch about 9:50 and was shocked that he even had his coat on and was ready to go. It was a nice crisp Fall day. He did well with his workout and then we had lunch downstairs at the Civic Center. I had a couple of jewelry orders from Jamie who is one of his caregivers. The other caregiver is now calling him grandpa...lol...he actually loves it.

I'm back to battling with Omnicare and these bills, but at least yesterday I spoke to a man who is a higher up at Omnicare, knows Woodside, etc. I told him that generally we don't even have a co-pay on prescriptions. Only prescription I ever pay for is for Bonnie our dog! He laughed at that, but understood so is checking into this as these bills are terrible.

Today the dogs finally make it over to the groomers. While they are gone the house will get a good cleaning. Hope everyone has a good weekend.

2011-09-16T08:51:00.002-04:00

This is the next fabric book page I received for my book (Shades of Pink) from Helga in Germany. This makes the 6th page for my book now. This is the Fibre Fever group over in Yahoo.
Yesterday morning we had a good amount of rain. Had to go to Enterprise to sign the title of the car. It was done differently due to the fact that we have everything listed (will included) under The Recker Family Trust. I stopped and saw Norm after and he's fine. Also talked to him last night.

Of course I keep clearing out the shelves in the garage and I actually have 6 free shelves now. I'm getting down to where I am not able to lift things. I will then have to give my neighbor a call. I will probably have to have another special pick up through the city, but some of the stuff I can't even pick up.

Treated my girlfriend to lunch for her birthday yesterday. We went to Red Lobster.

Today I pick up Norm and we go to the Civic Center. He does his workout, I talk to my friends downstairs and then we have lunch. Today is much cooler, but the sun is out. The dogs go to the groomers tomorrow.

2011-09-14T08:43:00.002-04:00

This is the infamous door with just primer paint on it.

Here is the door after 2 coats of pain on it. Not bad even if I say so myself.
Yesterday was warm, more humid then anything, at least I felt it more then usual. The rash on my neck isn't good. I expect I'll head to the doctor tomorrow or next week. The itching is horrible.

Finished up the inchie "plus" sizes yesterday. I found an old stamped cross stitch I had started years ago and so I have been working on it again. The theme is herbs. I pulled out fabric to start working on a stuffed fabric torso for a swap. It isn't due until December.

Went to see Norm yesterday and he's fine. It's kind of funny as I talk to the help more then him. I took in some sweatshirts for him and his winter jacket. We are to get cooler after today. Today I won't see him as I get a haircut/highlight and it's way in the other direction. So I will call him tonight.

2011-09-12T12:08:00.002-04:00

This is one of the fabric birthday cards I made.

Saw Norm yesterday and today, he's doing fine. Before I went to see him this morning, I cleaned out the flower bed up by the turnabout. After I got home, I put another coat of paint on the door to the garage. It definitely needed another coat, when they say one coat, don't believe them!

I finished up my Halloween cards yesterday. Also worked on 1 1/2" size "inchies" in fabric. I have one more set to decorate, then I can back them and that is done.

Weather we're in the low 80s today and so this was a good day to paint. We are to cool down later in the week.

2011-09-10T21:36:00.002-04:00

Here is a picture of our new car without people standing by it. I am enjoying it. Norm keeps hinting he wants to drive it, we'll have to see about that one.

I picked Norm up for his workout yesterday and he did well with it. I watched him get up from the machines and that has improved as well as his balance. I hadn't watched him in a long time. We stopped at Applebees for lunch.

Didn't go see him today as the dogs had grooming appointments. I cancelled them due to all the rain this morning and they are to go next Saturday. So I actually never left the house today except to take them out.

I've been working on some sewing projects and just have been puttering around here. I did talk to Norm tonight and he sounds fine and will go see him tomorrow.

2011-09-09T09:15:00.002-04:00

This is the kielbasa dish I made a couple of days ago. The potatoes are the finger yukon potatoes and they had dill on them. After I sauteed them I then added the mushrooms and the grape tomatoes. So it was a very easy dish.

Norm is fine. I'm headed over there in a little bit to bring him over for his workout at the Rec Center, then we'll stop for lunch on the way back. He was doing fine yesterday also.

Some of my jewelry has sold over at Woodside, so I'm excited about that. I'm not sure what though, so when I take him back, I need to sit down with the girls and give them prices, etc.

When I stopped at the car dealership they had found the 2nd set of keys so that another stop I don't have to make.

Weather is bad, we have a low pushing through and it's not pushing fast enough! It's very dreary here with rain off and on.

I hope everyone has a good weekend! The dogs go to the groomers tomorrow.

2011-09-07T09:56:00.002-04:00

I actually cooked! This was the chicken I had out for Norm and since it was cooked, I made it into a casserole. I took the chicken off the bones, then cut up celery and onion (about a half of a cup of each) and sauted it in margarine. Then mixed it into the chicken along with a jar of pimentoes. Mixed in 3 chopped eggs and sprinkled savory flakes in with it as well as salt and pepper. Then I mixed about a half a cup of mayonnaise and cream of chicken soup. Baked it at 350 degrees for a half hour. Sprinkled cheese on it for the last 5 minutes. It turned out very good. I saw Norm yesterday and he was fine. When I got home I was in the cooking mood and so made the casserole up. I also had a hunk of kielbasa and sauted it on the stove, then added some finger size dilled potatoes to it and cut up mushrooms and tomatoes. My senior friend Emily will be getting these.

Had another burst of energy and painted the new back door that had been in since May. I had also had the paint since then. Being short, it was an experience! Also there's no place to put the paint down. So I was standing on a stool, holding the paint in one hand and painting with the other. It got done! Anyone comments, I'll hand them the can of paint and the brush! It ook me about an hour and a half. There wasn't a lot of humidity yesterday and so this was the day to do it.

2011-09-05T09:37:00.002-04:00

I received this card from my friend DianeB. Nice and bright...thank you Diane.

Friday went well. It usually takes an hour or more for Norm to do his workout, but he did it in 45 minutes and Joe wanted to know what he had for breakfast. He said he was very alert and went through everything perfectly. Senior lunch was a typical picnic lunch with hot dogs, macaroni salad, baked beans, cupcake for dessert. The firemen fixed the hot dogs.

The weekend has been quiet. Saturday and yesterday I woke with a huge sinus headache. Saturday I did not go see Norm. Yesterday I did and he's fine.

Weather has cooled down and we received rain, so the up and down of weather doesn't help sinus headaches. I am picking Norm up later today and bringing him back here for a meal.

Hope everyone is enjoying their Labor Day Weekend.

2011-09-02T08:53:00.002-04:00

This was the next book page in line. It went to Holland, her theme was cream/beige colors. I enjoyed working on it. We are back to being hot again...ugh. I thought we were done with this. Yesterday I went to see Norm. He's fine. Gave him a haircut, shave and trimmed his nails.

I had been a little concerned about him not having a shower from Thursday to Tuesday, but the girls explained there's 21 in the unit that they have to get up in the morning. Norm's showers are Tuesday and Thursday. However, with the bathroom issues everytime he is changed the area is thoroughly washed and he's washed in the morning when he gets up. So I'm fine with this.

My girlfriend and I went to dinner at Long Horn last night.

Today is senior lunch, so I will be getting him, bringing him back for a workout and then we stay for lunch. I hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend.

2011-08-31T16:14:00.004-04:00

WOW what a day, but the big news is I bought a car today. I've been looking online all month at them. Norm is right in the middle of all the dealers. I went to Enterprise today and below is what I got. It's a 2010 Chevy Malibu with 38,200 miles on it. Paid for it with the Taurus and rest of the money from the Credit Union. Our Taurus was 6 years old and was starting to have things happen with it...one of the main things the alarm goes off whenever it feels like it. Anyway, it's a done deal and the car is home here in the garage. Insurance company has the info. It drives very nice and is smaller then the Taurus, which I also like.

Norm is doing fine. He was more up yesterday then today, but he did smile about the car, so I'll show him tomorrow when I go see him.

I turned the rest of our gold in yesterday and got a very good price for it.

VNA (visiting nurse association) called me once again today...sigh. However, there is an order there now from our primary doctor for therapy for Norm. She did say she is winding down with it (I never knew she was there this month). She is ordering him a new wheel chair. It is a type of lift chair and will have a safety belt on it. Medicare covers 80%, our insurance covers part of it and I only pay out $200, so I agreed with that. So she will put that through. I did call Woodside and Dan (nurse) did say yes the order is there and the talk about the wheel chair. It really all just happened today.

I've been finishing up some projects I had here today. All in all the week has been good, just a little crazy today.

2011-08-28T09:19:00.002-04:00

This is a wooded arch that I received from my friend Mary Wilkins in NC. I do hope she is safe from Irene as well as everyone else who is in her path.

Friday was a full day, but it was a fun day. I picked Norm up for Friday lunch and his workout. Things went well. Lunch was a Tuna salad croissant with tomatoes and dill pickles. For dessert it was my favorite kind of cookie with macadamia nuts in it.

Friday night went well at Becky's Bistro. The place was picked. My girlfriend's dad came along and we picked Norm up as well. Food is always good at Becky's. We had a glitch (or I did) when we got back to Woodside, I didn't know I needed a swipe card to get back in! Since it was almost 11:00 there's no one at the desk at that time. Good thing there was a guy there who lives there and let me in and told me about the swipe card. So I will check into that tomorrow.

Yesterday I stayed home. I did get my senior friend's laundry because she is without a dryer, so just threw the stuff in with mine and will take it over to her after I come back from seeing Norm. I did work on some Fall cards. I have ideas for the holidays, just need to get going with them.

We have cloud cover and some wind, which may be from Irene. Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

2011-08-26T09:04:00.002-04:00

I'm in a quilt block round robin and we do a quarter of the blocks with various stitches. This is Flora's block that I did and just mailed it onto the next person.

I went to see Norm yesterday and he's doing fine. After that it was just a plain lazy day for me. I am still working on cleaning out the garage and basement as the trash can will allow. This will continue to take a good amount of time.

Today will be a full day with Friday lunch and then Becky's Bistro in the evening. Norm is looking forward to it. My girlfriend will be going with us tonight.

2011-08-25T09:22:00.002-04:00

These are the bees buzzing around the white butterfly bush. I did get stung the other night, but must not be allergic to them as I couldn't even see where it had stung me.

I was to the doctor on Tuesday and he gave me some low dosage pills for my eyelids. So they are feeling better and clearing up once again.

It has been a pretty quiet week. I did go see Norm yesterday and he was up. When I left he was in the main living room doing exercises with the group. At&t was there after I left, but I was finally able to call him last night, so his phone is back to working which is good. I'll be headed over there today.

Not sure what the rest of the day will bring, but we had storms come through last night. The lightning was awesome. They didn't affect our area too much and we did get rain which was good as I haven't been watering and we aren't suppose to get any for a while now.

Tomorrow is the busy day and someone asked who Becky is, so this is where we go to hear the band http://beckysbistro.com/ she has awesome food. I'll be taking my jewelry into her tomorrow night.

2011-08-23T09:12:00.002-04:00

These are the earrings I made during last week. Earrings can be made up quickly one I get ideas going. I'll be taking these into Becky's this Friday.

Yesterday was beautiful weather wise. When I went to see Norm he was still in bed at 10:30! Now I don't know if it's him or them not getting him up earlier, maybe a combination of both. But they will have to make sure he's up and dressed by Friday when I get there. He seemed fine, so could be lazy on his part, not sure. They did say he's letting them know when he has to go to the bathroom, so that is getting better.

My girlfriend had a horrendous day, so we had a meal at Outback last night which was nice.

Today I'm headed into the doctor at 10:30, my sinus and eyelids are no better. Hopefully he can work his magic! I'll go see Norm at 1:00, he better be up by then!

I'll treat my senior lady friend to dinner tonight.

2011-08-22T09:12:00.005-04:00

Here is the new apron. They still have the sides take care of, but at least I can drive in and out now, which is good.

I am not a whole lot better from Friday til now and I feel guilty about not takine Norm out on Friday like I usually do. I learned Saturday that he was really up about going only to learn that he wasn't going and it is his only day out. But my legs were just exhausted from moving his stuff on Thursday.

My sinus and eyelids continue to be bad, so I may head into the doctor tomorrow. I know he can't give me the shot, but maybe a low dosage of prednisone pills like he did before will work. This has just been a bad year for me where sinus, eyelids are concerned.

The weekend was quiet. I did see Norm both days. Yesterday I didn't get in there until the afternoon and I guess he asked if I was coming and they said no. Matt (nurse) said they were going to put him back to bed because he was sluggish. He was eating lunch when I got there and perked right up. So he and I went and hung the rest of his pictures. I gave him a haircut and shaved him. He went back to the main living room when I left and was fine. Falling is less and less. He also said he's letting them know when he has to go to the bathroom...keep your fingers crossed this continues on the upswing!

My senior friend Emily got home Saturday from TX, so I dropped a few things off to her yesterday.

Saturday I turned half my jewelry in and got quite a bundle for it and will turn the rest in today. As I clean out my collectibles I will take them in to this same shop, but it's nice to be able to do this at my own pace, which is easier on me. I was worn out from the train, tree, etc. episodes.

Weather has cooled down, which is also nice!

2011-08-19T20:00:00.003-04:00

Recently I was in a swap through here http://inkstainswithroni.blogspot.com/2011/08/altered-charm-swap-results-pt-ii.html These are what I received. It was a great swap. These are the charms I sent. The "arm" part is a fabric roll made from batik material. The top bead is a garnet crystal and the hands are from Artchix.

I went to see Norm Wednesday morning and he wasn't even up yet! They couldn't get him up and it was 10:00. So I did get him up, got him cleaned up and dressed and out to the dining area for breakfast. He has been sleepy this week for whatever the reason. The safe is now gone. Our landscaper was here Wednesday night and took it, so that is out of here.

Yesterday I spent two and a half hours moving Norm's things over to the next room. Talk about walking, I'm glad it wasn't any farther away. While I was there Time Warner cable company came and got the TV hooked up. Norm was in the lethargic mode yesterday and probably didn't even know I was there, which was good because he stayed put in the large living room area and I didn't have to worry about him. My cousin came in the afternoon and got the bed, etc. moved. My girlfriend and I had a meal at Champs later in the afternoon. In the evening I went to the grocery store and Pet Supplies.

I did not go today, I was completely warn out. Today was Friday lunch at the Civic Center and I didn't even do that though it was one of my favorite lunches. The car never left the garage and trust me I have not done much!

2011-08-16T20:00:00.002-04:00

This is my card for August. Flower stamps and shadow stamp is from Hero Arts, wording is a Bookman stamp (don't even know if he's still in business!Once again I just seem to be so overwhelmed with things. I wish things would settle down. I did get an upbeat phone call late yesterday afternoon. We will be physically moving Norm once again on Thursday. However, just right next door to where he is and he will get a roommate sometime next week, so his a good portion of rent will come down. This means dealing with utilities, etc.

I saw him yesterday and today and he's fine. The activities' director in his wing showed me a birdhouse that he was painting. Tomorrow I'll take in the scrapbook he was working on and see if she can get him to finish it. Today I took down things from the walls and boxed them and put other little things in a box so I can move them Thursday. My cousin will be helping out on Thursday thank goodness!

The HO and Lionel trains are gone. They were here today to finish up. The boarded part is still up and Dennis (neighbor) will be taking that down. Eventually I will need to order a small dumpster from the city to get rid of basement stuff and garage stuff. Thank goodness for Dennis! His son was here and bought several things, which is good. I just can't get over the stuff Norm has. I laughed as Dennis said the one tool came over on the Mayflower (so that will tell you how old some of this stuff is that Norm has).

After Dennis left around 6:00, I had a good cry and still just feel out of it. Oh, I had a hefty bill from Omnicare (pharmacy for assistant living/nursing home facilities) and almost fainted. I learned for some reason Norm's insurance never got filed with them (trust me I filled out all the paperwork necessary). So today I got a call from them and they had talked to Health and Welfare and got everything straightened out. I should be getting a check from them and the rest will be on the next billing cycle (I won't have to pay a dime thank goodness).

Our we had tons of rain over the weekend and yesterday and some more wet spots showed up in the basement. It will all have to wait until the basement is cleared up more. At least we aren't so hot!

2011-08-14T22:53:00.003-04:00

These actually look different as I am no noticing. But we have several flying around here now.

Friday I picked Norm up and brought him back to the Civic Center for his workout. We had lunch at Bob Evans. He did fine, can still fiddle with his food and eats every last crumb, so I have to learn to make more time for this.

I just about got home and the train guys were here. Half of the stuff is gone. I'm hanging onto the large stuff for now because the offer wasn't good enough. Dennis (neighbor) was here and he put most of the large stuff into their boxes. Seems Norm took stuff out, but never put it back...sigh. Most of the HO layout is gone, I finally had to ask them to leave or they would have stayed until they finished which could have been 10:00 at night! I was exhausted and I could tell Dennis was tired.

Saturday I went to see Norm and he was really good. I didn't go today because we've had rain off and on most of the day. It has cooled down which is nice.

I ended up doing a lot of beading. The gal who owns the place where we go hear the band wants me to bring stuff in to see if it will sell as she has jewelry shows! So it couldn't hurt!

2011-08-11T09:13:00.002-04:00

This is a positive energy pillow I received from Barbara in NJ (same Barb who made the crazy quilt doll). I certainly do need all the energy I can get!

Yesterday I went for a haircut in the morning and the rest of the day was quiet thank goodness. Our weather is gorgeous "finally". Now if the eyelids would stop itching and the sinus stop running things would be great!

The driveway is done for the most part, we can drive on the aprons now so that is the main thing.

I spent a quiet afternoon to myself and in the evening I watched the movie The Rite with Anthony Hopkins. It was a good movie, but then he's always good!

Today I go see Norm and then will have mammograms done. Enjoy your day!

2011-08-09T12:28:00.005-04:00

These are pictures of the dead tree and work in progress regarding it. The tree got cut down yesterday. They can't haul branches out yet as I have to cut across the grass where they would put them so I can get in and out. The apron got done today, but we have to wait 2 days for drying purposes.

The weekend was quiet. I kind of did the usual clean/laundry stuff, etc. I did see Norm on Sunday. He's doing fine. Yesterday I could not get out of the drive with work being done in front and in back.

I saw Norm today and he's fine. I had him walk to and from the living area. When I got back home there was a huge truck parked right in the area where I pull in on the grass. I'm like how am I going to get in now! I squeezed between our large pine trees and the truck and actually managed to drive over the water drain that was in the middle of both. Ha! Our landscaper would have been proud of me.

Our weather has finally cooled down thank goodness!

2011-08-07T08:55:00.002-04:00

My blackeyed Susans are blooming.

The weekend has been quiet for the most part. I am overwhelmed with all that has been going on and need to learn to settle down until one thing is done at a time, which has always been hard for me.

The apron in the drive is a big hole right now and I expect they will pour concrete this week. I'm having to drive over the grass to get in and out which is fine, but nothing about the trains or tree can be done until the aprons are done.

Friday I picked up Norm and brought him over to the Civic Center for a workout and lunch. This was the first time he wanted to come "home" to Hillside. Who knows in 8 months if there's no $$ left that may happen and most of me is fine with it because I miss him a lot.

Saturday the dogs went to the groomers and then I cleaned house and yesterday did nothing! It remains hot/humid. We had rain yesterday so at least I don't have to water.

2011-08-05T09:07:00.001-04:00

This is a picture of artwork received from friends through swaps. Yesterday was a quiet day. I did go see Norm, but he was very lethargic when I was there. When I called Dan later in the day, he said he was much better. So some things haven't changed, he just doesn't get this way often which is good.

They haven't started on the apron yet, they are down at my neighbor's now. I still don't know what S means...maybe skip?! As nothing is really wrong with it.

The rent check finally came, so I can take that in today. Hopefully Norm will be fine as I want to bring him back over for his workout and lunch.

My girlfriend and I had a meal out last night and then went to see the Art Guild showing. There were some different things there.

We continue to remain hot/humid.

2011-08-03T10:20:00.002-04:00

This is a pin cushion I received a few years ago from a gal I had met over in one of the yahoo groups...she knew I like sunflowers.

I am very upset about the rent check as it still isn't here. Our investor is totally ticked at the company and he told the company their pr people need to be reamed. George is one of the calmest men I know. Holly at Woodside said not to worry about it as there is a grace period, so that settled me down.

Several men were in and out ofhere yesterday looking at train stuff and while I don't have $$ in my hands yet, I do believe it will all be sold. I need to take a before and after picture of the basement...ha!

I finally called my neighbor down the street who has Lionel stuff and Dennis was kind enough to come down while the men were here, also told me what to settle on price wise. He bought the air compressor and there are other things he wants tools wise, but he said wait until the train stuff is gone and he will help with cleaning out the workshop and the rest of the garage as well as give me prices for things. He said garage sale, Kay (his wife) looked at him and said NO she's going through enough right now! I said you got that right.

Now we were informed by the paving company that our aprons will be torn up and redone because of being hit while tearing up the street. This should take 3 days.

I did not make it to Woodside yesterday and I'm not going today. I'm too stressed and need time for me even if it's just sitting and doing nothing, I'm mentally exhausted again, still or whatever. I finished up a sewing tray I had started and I have a few other projects to work on. The weather remains extremely humid. I could hardly breath outside yesterday, we had rain overnight.

2011-08-02T09:18:00.003-04:00

Thought I would show Bonnie and Patches! Bonnie (black) is 12 1/2 and Patches is 10 1/2. Neither show any signs of slowing down! Bonnie is on all kinds of meds and weighs 31 lbs. Patches is the bossy one and weighs 10 lbs.

Yesterday was crazy. I'm staying home today. The rent check isn't here from Norm's 401k. Norm's fine, since he's in a group session most of the day there is really no point in me going everyday to see him. I had to check 2 mail boxes out there. His old one which was packed, but most of it was for someone else. Then his new one. No check...

Came home and called the investor, he called back and said there had been a glitch and it had never been sent...grr... Now it is suppose to come directly here today, so we will see.

I did discover the At&t bill at Woodside mail box as well as Time Warner, so I had to try and call them...very hard talking to a human and for some reason the accounts wouldn't let me do this online. So I wrote directly on both bills and said they need to come here not there (which I told them when I initially signed up). I noticed on the At&t (actually it was a letter) that there was no account number or bill, however, the street address was right (Rockside addy), but the city was Seven Hills (next to Independence). It's amazing the thing ever arrived anywhere.

I did get a call from a guy who is interested in seeing the HO layout, so he's coming at 4:00 today. I learned from my girlfriend that the train museum in Mentor is not doing well and is closing it's doors, so that isn't going to work for me. There is a neighbor on the street who may be able to help get rid of the stuff. I'm thinking if we divide it up I may get more for it.

Last night I worked on the sewing tray for a swap. I just have the handles to do on it. We remain hot/humid. They say we had the hottest July ever on record.

2011-07-31T09:43:00.003-04:00

This is one of my bicolor roses.

It remains hot and I know it's summer, but as I get older I don't like the heat much above 80. Then there is also the humidity to deal with, so I'm really not outside much.

Friday I picked Norm up and brought him back to the Civic Center where he had his workout and we had the Friday senior lunch. He did well and was glad to get out.

Yesterday I really did nothing. Since I craft mostly during the cooler months I don't do a lot with it during the summer months. I did go to a craft store though and I did go see Norm, but my sinus has been so bad, there's just no let up with it. Lastnight my girlfriend and I went to see the band...yea...at Becky's. Ran into some old friends that I was glad to see. It was a fun night and the food is always good there.

2011-07-29T09:11:00.003-04:00

I'm in a round robin over in crazy quilting international. This is Kathy's plain block that was sent to me. It's a little intimidating to be the first to do someone else's block! Below is the quarter that I did for her. We had to do two seams besides the quarter of the block.

Yesterday was a very full day. It feels like we are in the tropics here. My sinus is horrible and Bonnie's (our older dog) is also. I even have her on benadryl.

First thing in the morning I went to the doctor to have my blood taken. I went back at 3:00 for the rest of the appointment as it was my physical. I took a urine sample in with me. They did an ekg while I was there. First year with no pap test...yea! But he did give me a script for mammograms. Also he wrote out a script for the generic form of zantac and allegra as it gets costly when you have to take it twice a day. My blood pressure was fine which is good considering what went on before I even got there.

I had spoken to our landscaper about a dead tree in the back yard. We have several maple trees. So they stopped and were going to take it down, but started in on cleaning out the garage. I should have taken a before and after. We have a two car garage, but one car can barely fit in. They are not done with the cleaning, but it looks a lot better. I don't know how they could do it (only factor that I considered was youth!) because of the extreme humidity. I was sweating and I basically told them what to do with the stuff.

We bartered with the tree as it would be $1600 or more to take it down. So John got Norm's gun collection (he has quite a collection) and the safe as well. It's quite a good deal because not only was the tree factored in, but also the cleaning out of the garage which is not done yet and they will do his workshop also. I will take a before and after picture of that. Norm was a hoarder.

The basement guy came and they will take care of it once the safe is gone because that's an area that needs doing also and no cost to any of this. The guy was interested in the guns/safe, but I'm glad it worked out with John because I know where they are and they will be handled properly.

I talked to Norm last night and asked if he cared if the HO layout was split up and he said no, so this may make it easier to get rid of. Our basement is huge and it covers the entire basement. I have two more people wanting to see it and then we'll decide if it needs to split up. I'll have my landscaper set prices for me (he's one who wants part of it as well as the basement guy).

My girlfriend and I did get out for a meal last night which was nice. I definitely was tired last night! Have a great weekend everyone.

2011-07-27T08:42:00.002-04:00

My purple butterfly bushes are blooming. I think there are 6 of them across the fence in the front yard.

Below is an impatients basket in the backyard that has filled in nicely. Yesterday was a beautiful day weather wise. The humidity didn't seem bad and there was a nice breeze.

I picked Norm up about 2:50pm and we came back here to our primary doctor. He was quite impressed at how alert Norm looked and that his speech is much better. Norm weighed in at 157lbs and his bp was fine. Dr. took his stitches out. He also gave me a script to take back to Woodside for a urine recheck and wrote out directions for the issues with Norm's bowels and we can get that squared away again...hopefully!

Took Norm to Bob Evans for dinner. The only things I see is that he still needs work on walking and getting in and out of the car. I think the new wing is really good for him because they have group discussions and he's out of his room all day which is good also. I'll go see him this morning as I have some things to take over to hang on the walls. My cousin is suppose to install the 2nd grab bar for the toilet this afternoon.

2011-07-26T09:20:00.003-04:00

This is the doll I purchased from http://pinelandstreasures.blogspot.com/2011/07/scrappy-quilt-girl-spirit-doll.html her work is truly amazing!

Yesterday didn't seem so bad with the heat. I did get to the store and I took some food items over to my senior lady friend. In the evening I also got out and weeded the back flower bed. It's small and didn't take long

This afternoon I will go and get Norm and bring him back over here to our primary doctor at 3:30pm and he will take the stitches out. While I am there I will get a script for the recheck of the UTI and also for the bowel situation. The dr tells me verbally, but Woodside wants it in writing which is fine. I will take Norm to Bob Evans for dinner before I take him back to Woodside. At least it is not suppose to be 90 today (ha! 88)...

2011-07-25T09:21:00.003-04:00

These flowers are up by the turnabout. This is a fern ground cover it has a pale blue flower to it. Below is the coreopsis.

Norm seems to be doing well in the new wing. He's really very easy to get along with. They actually got him shaved with his electric razor. I did show her where he misses so she will keep an eye on this. I was there Saturday and yesterday, but will not go today. We still need to get the grab bar from this bathroom and get it installed over there. I have some pictures and a shelf to take over for his room as well. I believe they keep several of the people in that wing in the "living" room most of the day to keep an eye on them. There are various activities for them to do, so this is good.

Yesterday the car never left the garage...yea! I did some trimming of dead flowers yesterday, but basically just chilled. Oh, I did work on designs for Christmas cards, so at least I know what I'm going to do for those and the other holidays. Today I'll do some grocery shopping. I haven't cooked much since Norm's been in Woodside. But I do have to eat...lol!

Yesterday my girlfriend and I did go to Panera Bread for a late lunch..she drove. It remains hot and will be in the 90s again towards the end of the week. Hope everyone had a good weekend!

2011-07-23T08:50:00.002-04:00

This is the next page that's going in my shades of pink fabric book. The page is from Helina over in Fibre Fever yahoo group.

I decided not to go to Friday lunch at the Civic Center yesterday as it would have just been too much. We had another lousy day of heat/humidity and then thunderstorms in the afternoon.

We did get Norm moved yesterday afternoon without too much trouble. I do like the wing that he is in. They don't let the residents lay. They have a room set up like a living room right by the nurse's station where they all meet. They can have anything from group discussions to watching an old moving and naming who the actors are. I was also told Norm put together 2 children's puzzles without any trouble. So I really think he will be more active in this unit.

I need to go back today because I had planned to shave him yesterday but he was a mess with a bowel movement...I mean bad. So I gave him 2 immodium and the aides were cleaning him up when I left. I will go back this morning and get him shaved and a haircut and talk to the nurses more in that wing. There is a code to get in and out of the wing. If anyone pushes the metal bar on the door the alarm sounds. So now it's a matter of the help in that wing getting use to him which will happen.

Have a good weekend everyone.