Currently

I am...

Reading... A Diet to Die For by Joan Hess.

Listening... to The Black Keys.

Watching... nothing. Tim had an awful movie called Big Stan on earlier.

Loving... the freedom of letting my hair be naturally curly again. I tend to prefer my hair straight, but lately the effort of drying and then straightening it makes my shoulder ache something awful. I still have a bum shoulder, but leaving my hair curly doesn't antagonize it. I just wash it, throw some product in it, scrunch it, and let it air dry.

Thinking... about the craft show my daughter and I are scheduled to do on Saturday. It's part of the opening day festivities of the local Little League. I'm not sure if I'm excited or not as the weather forecast is all over the place. Depending on where you get your weather, it's either going to be cloudy but dry, sunny and dry, rainy only in the morning, or rainy all day. The only thing they all agree on is that it will be cooler...around 60 degrees for a high. Yes, we have a tent, but it's supposed to rain all day Friday so even if it doesn't rain Saturday it will probably be a soggy/muddy mess.

Feeling... meh. I've had a lot to process in the last few days.

Celebrating... nothing, really.

Enjoying... the warmer weather and the grands being able to run back and forth between our house and theirs all the time once again.

Grateful...

Tim's heart cath went well this time. He did end up getting another stent and had to spend the night, but it was just a precaution. He came home today and he swears he is going to be good and do the rehab this time.

I got to speak to my half-sister again today. She apologized for not getting back to me sooner. I understand. Our father was at her home when he died and she is the trustee and executer of his estate. She's got a lot to deal with. She let me know that he passed peacefully and really wasn't communicative or aware the last few days. Also, that they did follow his wishes for no service of any kind. He wanted his body donated to science and they've had to scramble to make that happen. He'd had something arranged in both PA and TX, but he died in Indiana and apparently these things don't transfer. Anyway, they found a place and she thought his body was being transferred today. We had a good talk and have promised to remain in touch.

Tonight's big storms blew through without causing us any damage. The kids were okay, too, except the trampoline got bent up. The last one got destroyed in a storm (and caused a lot of damage to other things as it blew into and over them) so they had bought anchors for the new one and even put cement blocks on the legs in addition to that. It didn't blow away but the frame got twisted and bent.

Weather... the storms brought a cold front through so tomorrow will only reach 70 degrees, though it will be sunny.

Giggling...

Currently

I am...

Reading... nothing, but I'm ready to start an old Joan Hess Claire Malloy mystery, A Diet to Die For.

Watching/Listening... to American Idol. This year's contestants are so talented. Tonight they have to send 6 of them home to reach the final 14. I can't imagine any of them going. They are GOOD!

Loving... warm weather is finally here to (mostly) stay. I don't think the daytime temps are predicted to be below the 60s for the next 10 days. Yay!

Thinking... about several things. My biological father who is now in hospice at my half-sister's in Indiana. I haven't heard anything in the last couple of days, but he isn't expected to last long once they stopped his medications.

About Tim and his upcoming procedure. He gets his CT-scan Thursday and Monday we are off to Pittsburgh for the cath and stents.

Our daughter has a mammogram scheduled for tomorrow. She's nervous because it's her first and we are all a bit worried because she's having it done due to several lumps found in both breasts. We are praying she is just someone who is prone to cysts.

Feeling... calm and hopeful.

Celebrating... we just celebrated Mom and John's anniversary and John's birthday yesterday while we were all together.

Grateful... for everything the Lord has chosen to bless me with.

Enjoying... Tim working a little closer to home so he's actually here a bit more every day.

Weather... still 65 degrees at 9:50 pm. Rain is due to start in a little while but be over by morning.

Giggling...

  Have great week!

Currently

I am

Reading... The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score

Listening... to the top 24 on American Idol. These young people are crazy good this year!

Thinking... about Tim. He saw his cardiologist today. The news isn't the worst, but it isn't good, either. They've put in the order for him to go to Pittsburgh for another heart cath. The doctor wants them to put in the stent they opted not to do last time and probably replace the one he did get. He feels there may be some sort of blockage. We are just waiting for them to call and tell us when it's scheduled for.

Grateful... Tim didn't skip this appointment.

Feeling... mellow.

Celebrating... We just celebrated our son-in-law's birthday, my stepdad's birthday, his and Mom's anniversary, and Easter are all coming up. The next couple of weeks are busy.

Loving... the temperature hit 72 this afternoon and I had the doors and windows open letting fresh air blow through the house.

Enjoying... reflecting on what Jesus did for us.

Looking forward to... having Friday off work.

Giggling at...

And that's it for tonight. I hope you all have a blessed and reflective Holy Week! 

Saturday 9: Money (That's What I Want)

I'm late getting around to the Saturday 9 this week. Tim didn't work today so we went to Sam's Club for a few things, Walmart to finish up the kids' Easter baskets, and Giant Eagle so I could get our Easter ham with the gift card work gave us this week. By the time we got home, unloaded, and put stuff away, we both needed a nap. Now there's just a short window before the grands get here. We're babysitting while our daughter and son-in-law go out to celebrate his birthday.

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This lyrics mention "the birds and bees." Who told you about the facts of life?  A book, my mom just gave me a library book; friends; and school.

 

2) Barrett Strong sings that love won't pay the bills. How do you handle bill paying? Do you set aside one day a month to take care of all your bills, or do you pay each one as it comes in? What's your system?  I used to sit down every payday and take care of bills. Now it's a pay as they come thing. I have always been the one who pays. I wish I could say I'm organized about it, but I'm not.

 

3) He refers to dollar bills as "lean greens." Can you think of any other euphemisms for money?  Moola, lettuce, dough... 

4) April is tax time, so money is top-of-mind for us all. Do you do your own taxes or do you seek the help of a professional?  We pay a woman we went to school with. She is very good, gives us great advice, and only charges $65.

5) On this week's song, Barrett does a solid job on the vocals and he handles the keyboards well. In addition to performing, he was a talented songwriter. One of his most popular compositions was "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," a song about a lover who listened to gossip and got some useful information. Have you ever been the subject of gossip? If yes, was there any truth to the rumor?  I'm sure I have been, who hasn't at some point? I can't think of any specific instance, though.

 

6) He worked with Motown and its sister label, Tamla, for years, but when they moved their offices from Detroit to LA, he quit. Have you ever relocated for your career?  No

7) In 1959, when "Money" was popular, Huckleberry Hound was a hit with young TV viewers in 1959. What was your favorite cartoon when you were a kid?  It was a toss-up between Scooby-Doo and the Warner Brothers show with Bugs, Porky, Daffy and the rest.

8) While children were enjoying daytime cartoons, their parents were discovering The Twilight Zone, which also premiered in 1959. Decades later, it's still being rerun on cable and streaming services. Are you a fan?  I used to be as a teenager, but I haven't watched it in years.

 

9) Random question: Right now, would you prefer to grab a snack or take a nap?  I just had a nap, so the snack wins, but I think we're taking the grands to Eat 'N' Park for pancakes.

Thankful Thursday

Gosh, the days are flying by and here we are at another Thankful Thursday, already! I'm tired and need to head to bed, but I can't go without sharing at least a short list of things that have blessed me this past week.

This week finds me thankful...

My Christmas present from Tim finally arrived. Don't laugh, it's a lift recliner. My knees are doing okay at the moment, but there have been a couple of times in the past when the inflammation and pain were so bad I had to have Tim help me stand up. You never know when the inflammation will rear its head again and what if Tim's not around? Other good points, it's extra big so the grands can sit with me to watch movies and it has heat and massage.

Tim's feeling a lot better. Whatever had him so sick last weekend was definitely a virus and not his heart or lungs. That is a huge relief.

Our daughter and granddaughter went out to dinner with us on Tuesday. We haven't done that for a while and it was a lot of fun. 

The dip back into the deep freeze was temporary. I won't say we're enjoying warm temperatures and sunshine, it's more like chilly and rainy, but it's not snowing so I'm thankful.

My biological father went to the hospital several weeks ago. It's his heart. My sister went to see him a couple of weeks ago and came home because he was going to be going to rehab and she had started a new job. Over the weekend she was hearing he wasn't doing well so she and my brother flew down Monday. He is still being worked with as they try to strengthen him, but it isn't going well. His blood pressure is 85/58 and that's with them giving him drugs to raise it. He has a hard time breathing and can't really talk because of that. So, I haven't been able to talk to him. My sister told him I knew and that I'd sent my love and he said to tell me he sends his. I might not get to see him again, but I am glad my sister and brother are with him and he knows I'm thinking of him.

We got a new staff member in our department. I like her and she seems to be a worker and she fits in well.

Lastly, I'm thankful that my new extra time with the blind man I care for is working out and not being too difficult. In fact, tomorrow night I am taking him to Blessed Sacrament Cathedral for an Easter concert. It's the church my inlaws were married in and Tim had his First Communion there. It is a beautiful church and I've heard music there once before....AMAZING acoustics. I'm not Catholic, but it should be a lovely evening celebrating the Easter season.

And, of course, I'm thankful for you.

Saturday 9: Heart Like a Truck

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this week's song, Lainey Wilson longs to hit the open road. What do you yearn for this morning?  I'm doing this on Friday evening, so I don't know for sure, but I can guess... Either I'll be yearning to sleep more or I'll be yearning to get all the work that I'm behind on done. Since it's supposed to be a very rainy weekend either is possible as I have no plans to go anywhere. 

2) She says her heart runs on dreams and gasoline. What fuels you?  Diet Coke, helping others, and Jesus.

3) Lainey sings that her heart has been "drug through the mud." The correct past tense of "drag" is "dragged," but in parts of our country, "drug" is sometimes used. Can you think of any other grammatically incorrect song lyrics?  How about 
"We don't need no education?" Um, yes, you do.

4) She tells us her truck could benefit from being dusted off and shined up. Could your vehicle use a little TLC?  After a long winter it could definitely use a good cleaning inside and out.

5) Before making it big in country music, Lainey supported herself by doing odd jobs, including appearing as a Hannah Montana impersonator for kids' parties. What's the most unusual job you've held?  I don't think any of my jobs were particularly unusual.
 
6) In addition to singing, Lainey has acted, appearing in 5 episodes of the series Yellowstone. Are you a fan of the show?  I probably would be if I watched it, but so far I have resisted.
 
7) She loves Southern comfort food like mac and cheese and biscuits and gravy. What's on the menu at your place this weekend?  I don't know yet, but comfort food is probably in order given the weather and the fact that my husband is sick with yet another bug.
 
8) In 2022, when this song was on the charts, Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Have you ever been to Scotland?  No.
 
9) Random question – Let's pretend you're back in Kindergarten. Which of these would young you prefer: a toy kitchen set, kid-sized gardening tools, or a mini trampoline?  I'm 5 years old? Definitely sign me up for the trampoline!

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Thankful Thursday

It's been a long while since I did a Thankful Thursday post. I admit I haven't been all that into blogging lately, but I did always enjoy Thankful Thursday. Focusing on the good things has always been a great mood lifter and a way to feel closer to God. It's about time I get back to it, I think.

This week finds me thankful...

Even though I am now working extra hours with the older, blind gentleman I help take care of; driving one of the vans to pick up a consumer and take him home while the regular driver recovers from major surgery; and working my regular job, where my department is once again without a supervisor and most of the responsibilities fall on me...my pain levels continue to remain manageable.

My daughter is going to be able to help my mom figure out her Facebook problem. Mom swears she didn't do anything or post political stuff, but Facebook has suspended her account for 180 days! To file a dispute she must take a selfie and jump through some other hoops. It's all part of Facebook's new security measures and is rather time consuming (we just had to go through it for Tim's new phone). I just don't have time to figure it out, so our daughter said she'd try.

Our doctor is sending Tim to see a pulmonologist to find out why his breathing is so labored. While it's not good that he's in the shape he's in, it is good that our doctor is working hard to find the cause.

Wednesday's thunderstorm waited to unleash itself until after I was in the car on my way home. Lots of booms, jagged lightning all around, high winds, heavy rain, and even some hail. I was glad to be safe in my car and also that the hail I had to drive through was pea-sized rather than the golf ball sized hail other nearby areas saw.

We've had plenty of rain lately and it looks like the trend will continue. That's good news since in the fall we were under drought watch conditions and our water was brown for a few weeks in December due to the reservoir being so low.

We've had the means to take care of several larger expenses that have popped up recently without it causing hardship.

Even though they have no contract yet, our son-in-law's employer continues to have plenty of work. SIL is working 12-hour shifts and at this time it appears it will continue through the summer.

The young man I'm picking up and taking home is also someone I work with in a one on one setting three days a week. We are getting to know each other even better in the van and most days we end up singing along with the radio. Somehow I learned he likes the Sunday school song This Little Light of Mine. This week I've started playing it on the department's smart screen computer and it's turned out ALL the consumers know it and like it. We've started every day this week by singing it. It's been fun and sets a great tone for the day.

There's so much more to be thankful for, but I could be here all day and that wouldn't be a good thing. 

Have a wonderful, blessed day, friends and take the time to count a few blessings!

Currently

I am

Reading... Lennon, Dylan, Alice, and Jesus by Greg Laurie

Listening... to Jesse Watters Primetime and the furnace (we're having some colder temps this week)

Thinking... about what I need to take with me for work tomorrow. It's my day to plan and lead the program. It'll be peanut butter and jelly day so I'm going to let them make pb&j "sushi." It's also nature day so we're going to learn about caterpillars and even make some out of...toilet paper!

Grateful... Tim kept his doctor's appointment yesterday. They doubled one of his heart meds and they are going to look into his terribly labored breathing. He goes for a CT scan in two weeks and then will see a pulmonary doctor.

Feeling... exhausted and like maybe I'm getting sick again. It wouldn't be out of the question as the bug keeps going around at work, probably because no matter how sick they are, many of the consumers are sent to work anyway. Or maybe it's just allergies? I see my doctor this month so I'm not making another appointment. I'll just ask about the wheezy cough then.

Celebrating... that no one was hurt this morning when another motorist came flying up a ramp onto the interstate and hit the side of Tim's truck. There was a lot of traffic and it was a bad location. The person was apologetic and polite at the time and happily traded insurance info with Tim. Too bad we learned his insurance had been cancelled in January. The man's own (former) insurance agent recommended that even though our insurance will cover the damage, Tim call the police and pursue it through the magistrate.

Loving... I saw the first daffodils at the end of last week. Since then the Forsythia have started to bloom and today I notice cherry trees in bloom. Spring is really coming!

Enjoying... that the nice weather has the grandchildren running in and out after school again.

Looking forward to... staying home this weekend and doing some much needed cleaning and organizing.

Giggling at...