Currently

I am

Reading... The Surgeon, book one in Tess Gerritsen's Rizzoli & Isles series.

Watching... American Idol

Listening... to the washing machine, the dishwasher, and...the furnace. We've gone from 85 degrees yesterday to 32 right now. So unfair!

Eating... trying to be a bit healthier. I had a fruit/yogurt/granola parfait for breakfast, an apple for a snack, and a salad for lunch. Go me! I caved for dinner, though, and had an Arby's beef and cheddar with fries.

Thinking... about my daughter. She is doing fairly well, but today was her first day back at cyber schooling with the kids and she found it more than a little overwhelming. Her husband was supposed to help, but he is terribly sick. A trip to Urgent Care showed he has an upper respiratory infection, infected ears, and something else all going on at the same time. I'm checking in every so often, but trying to avoid spending time so we don't catch anything here.

Feeling... good, happy, energized.

Celebrating... I went back to work today after being off for 3 weeks. It felt good to get back to my normal life and it was good to see everyone. The welcome back from the consumers was so sweet. They missed me!

Enjoying... a quiet evening all to myself. Tim had to get up at 1:00 this morning and left for work by 2:00 and tonight he was in bed by 6:00.

Weather... we've had it all in the last 24 hours: sun, wind, rain, temps in the 80s, temps falling into the 20s, snow flurries, ice pellets...

Giggling...

 

Saturday 9: London Town

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

1) Have you ever visited London?   No, never.

2) In this song, Paul sings of encountering a London street musician playing the flute. Are there street musicians in your town?  No. My town isn't that big. We have plenty of places to go hear local musicians, but not on the street.

3) It's raining as he wanders around London. How is the weather where you are today?  Well, it's Friday night as I'm answering and the thunder is booming outside. I believe it's supposed to move out by tomorrow.

4) "London Town" is one of a handful of songs credited to Paul McCartney and Denny Laine, his bandmate in Wings from 1971 to 1981. They became fast friends in the mid-60s when Denny was with The Moody Blues, the band who opened for The Beatles on their final UK concert tour. Paul has acknowledged Denny's outstanding vocals and guitar playing, as well as his humor and generosity. Share the good qualities of one of your close friends.  Loyal, supportive, funny, and always willing to get up to shenanigans.

5) Wings broke up in 1981 when Paul decided he was weary of touring. His kids were in school, his Beatle bandmate John Lennon had been murdered, and he simply felt more comfortable staying put and working in the studio, rather than performing live. Denny believed this would mean his role, and his financial compensation, would diminish so he quit Wings. Tell us about why you left one of your jobs.  I had a completely miserable boss who treated everyone poorly, but seemed to especially dislike me.

6) Linda McCartney also wrote and performed with Wings. In addition to music, she is known for her photography and cookbooks. Of these three – music, photography and cooking – which do you enjoy most?  I love listening to music and can't imagine life without it, but I have zero talent for it. I used to enjoy photography with a 35mm camera and later with a digital one...not so much with my phone. I still like cooking and am pretty good at it, but I'm usually tired and don't want to.

7) Paul's first car was a 1964 Aston Martin DB5. He selected it himself before The Beatles went off on their first world tour and it was waiting for him when he got home to London. He drove it when he shouldn't have, as he didn't get his license until spring of 1965. When did you get your driver's license?  I didn't get my license until I was 23 or 24. My son was in his car seat while I took my test. The state trooper giving me the test was younger than I was. My mom always jokes that he gave me a pity pass.

8) Speaking of driver's licenses ... Last year someone bought one of Paul's expired driver's licenses at auction for $20,000. When you get a new license, passport, or state issued ID, what do you do with the old one?  Cut it up and throw it away.

9) Random question – Which do you have more of: dirty dishes in the sink or dirty clothes in the hamper?  Dirty clothes in the hamper. For the last 3 weeks I've been off work to take care of my grandchildren and I've done very little laundry...just enough to keep my husband in work clothes and maybe an emergency load once or twice for me. To say the laundry is taking over is no exaggeration.

Thankful Thursday

There's just one thing on my list today.

My daughter came home today!

Thank you, Jesus!

Top 3's

This is an oldie, but a goodie, that I found in the archives.

Three things that make a lot of sense to me.

    1. Requiring ID to vote.

    2. Skipping the college route unless you are pursuing a career 

    that truly requires a degree...like medicine or engineering, 

    for example.

    3. Good manners and showing EVERYONE a basic amount 

    of respect.

Three things that don't make sense to me.

    1. Blaming every wrong in the universe on President Trump.

    2. Resorting to calling anyone who disagrees with you racist 

    or a Nazi out of frustration.

    3. Adult children cutting all ties and communication with

    parents and other family. The numbers are staggering.

Three things I'd like to explore.

    1. Boston

    2. The Library of Congress

    3. Plymouth, Mass.

Three things I have no interest in.

    1. Trying to impress anyone.

    2. Celebrity gossip.

    3. All the clickbait on Facebook.

Three things I have more than enough of but always want to buy.

    1. Books/journals.

    2. Craft supplies.

    3. Pens/markers.

Three things I am always in search of.

    1. Things to do with the grandchildren.

    2. Shoes that feel good, give support, and aren't ugly.

    3. Ways to simplify life.

Things I've recently checked off my to-do list.

    1. Clean the craft room (the cupboard that houses all the 

    beads is a chore all by itself).

    2. Got my car washed.

    3. Paid the bills.

Things I've had on my to-do list forever.

    1. Clean out and organize the pantry.

    2. Go through all the closets and cabinets and get rid of 

    (trash, donate, or sell) everything we don't use.

    3. Go through the whole house and get rid of anything we 

    don't use or love. Sad fact of life is that the next generation

    doesn't value the things we did. They are not at all senti-

    mental about the majority of family heirlooms.      

Currently

I am

Reading... Livingood Daily: Your 21-Day Guide to Experience Real Health.

Watching... the final season of Rizzoli & Isles.

Listening... to the wind. It sounds like a jet or train going by. We've been under a high wind advisory all day and it doesn't lift until tomorrow morning (Monday). So far, no damage here. Friday's wind left our apple tree lying on the lawn. We were lucky, it missed the corner of the house. We also never lost power. Some still don't have power today.

Eating... We had cheddar cheeseburgers for dinner tonight.

Thinking... about what a full week this will be. My son-in-law works daylight this week so I have to be over there before 6:00 and I will be on my own with cyber schooling both grands. Also, my daughter should be released to come home on Thursday. The kids and I will likely be the ones to go get her.

Feeling... relaxed. I got to go to a basket bash fundraiser today. The only thing I won is a signed Ducks Unlimited decoy. It was really nice to get out and away for the day, though.

Celebrating... that my daughter comes home this week and I will go back to work next week.

Thankful... my stepdad is hanging in there. We still don't know about his leg or if he's going to have to go to a nursing home and he is still sedated, but there haven't been any bad spells and Mom says there are minor improvements.

Enjoying... the longer days.

Weather... I covered the wind, as for the rest...rain tomorrow with falling temps and possible snow overnight and into Tuesday. Tuesday's high is predicted to be 28.

Giggling...

I'm Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover

Selected in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

Play along here.

1) This is one of the songs included in Willie Nelson's Rainbow Connection album. He named it after his daughter Amy's favorite song when she was a little girl. She'd been asking him to record "The Rainbow Connection" for 20 years and finally, in 2001, he came through for her. Think of something you had to wait for. Was it worth the wait?  I think it can go both ways. Sometimes when you have to wait you build a thing up so much in your mind that the real thing can't live up to your expectations. But sometimes, life surprises you and the thing is all you thought it would be and maybe more. My first trip to Chincoteague Island was like that. I read Misty of Chincoteague in 4th grade and dreamed of going to the island until I was in my late 20's. It didn't disappoint and it has become my happy place. I used to feel that way about Disney World, too, back before the crowds got to be so huge.

2) Willie can trace his family tree back to the Revolutionary War. Are you interested in genealogy?  Yes. I'm lucky in that all the branches of my family have valued roots and kept amazing records. I know my roots all the way back to when my ancestors first arrive in America (all were before the Revolution).

3) Today Willie is legendary performer, but as a child, he was very uncomfortable in front of crowds. He recalled that during his school days, reciting in front of his class made him so uncomfortable he suffered nose bleeds. When did you most recently have a bloody nose?  I don't think I've had one since I was a kid.

4) During the 1990s, Willie had problems with the IRS. His management team set up illegal tax shelters and he ended up owing millions in back taxes and penalties. This year's IRS filing deadline is Wednesday, April 15. Will you be early, on time, or will you need an extension?  On time.  

5) In "I'm Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover," Willie sings about appreciating something he has previously overlooked. Is there anything positive in your life you feel you may take for granted?  I don't think so. I'm very aware that what is here today may very well be gone tomorrow. 

6) Four leaf clovers and shamrocks are considered good luck. Do you have a lucky charm?  No 

7) "The wearing o' the green" is one way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Will you wear something green in honor of the day?  Yes. I have a pair of leggings with shamrocks down the legs and a matching shirt covered with shamrocks.

8) According to Irish folklore, if you catch a leprechaun he must either give you his pot o' gold or grant you three wishes. Would you choose the gold or the wishes?  I would take the wishes. I could use two for important things and with the third ask for my own pot of gold.

   

9) Traditional Irish stew is made with mutton or lamb, though here in the US beef is also very popular. What's your favorite soup/stew?  Plain, old, vegetable beef stew or for soup I'd choose ham, cabbage, and potato.

A brief update for those who have been following the rough patch my family is experiencing at this time:

Our son-in-law is going tomorrow (Saturday) to see our daughter at the facility she's been at for the past 2 weeks. They have to meet with her therapist for a joint session. Their marriage may hinge on this meeting. I will be keeping the grands so Mom and Dad will have more freedom to talk.

As for my stepdad, nothing is changed. He is still in ICU. He's on ventilator because they have him heavily sedated to keep him still. He did not wake up at all today (Friday). No word yet if the surgery saved his leg.

Please continue to pray.

More on My Plate

Please add my mom and stepdad to your prayers for us, if you would. While the doctor says it had been brewing for a few days, my stepdad only told my mom yesterday morning that his foot was purple. Mom took him to see his doctor, of course, and the doctor sent him straight to the ER.

They ran tests all day and determined he had a blood clot and an "aneurysm-like" thing behind his knee. At 6:00 or so they took him to do a procedure to take care of it. By 7:00 they said it didn't work and they'd had to put pressure on his groin where they'd gone in for the procedure...for 45 minutes. After that, the vascular surgeon was called in and he was taken to surgery at 8:00. It was around 1:00 before they finished.

The surgeon said she'd cleaned up the hematoma, put a stitch in it, and taken care of the clot. Now he is in ICU and it is a waiting game. The surgeon says it typically takes up to two days to know if it's going to save the leg.

So that's what's new here. 

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful...

* I met Ann Voskamp at a blogging convention years ago and read her beautiful book, 1000 Gifts. That is when I learned about the power of thankfulness in daily life. It set me free from some very negative thought patterns.

* for extra hours of sleep. The clock read 8:00 when I opened my eyes. Unheard of for me, but oh, so wonderful.

* for friends who lift me and my family up in prayer. Just giving credit where credit is due. All of you who have prayed for us have played a part in us getting through a difficult time.

* I finally got a new box of allergy pills. One of my daughter's cats (who used to be mine) leaves my skin feeling like bugs are crawling on me every time I am near him...and I guess he remembers me as his first "mom" because he always wants to cuddle with me.

* I starting making some little changes around the house this week...little nods to spring. New curtains in my office/craft room and some cute suncatchers on the window. A spring valence and table cloth in the kitchen. Spring flower arrangements. A new throw rug in the hall.

* The grands and I had fun doing some easy art projects yesterday. They're going to give them to their mom this weekend.

* I get a bit of a break today and tomorrow. My son-in-law is on afternoon shift this week so I don't have to take over with the kids until lunchtime. Up until today that's meant I have them the rest of the day. Today and tomorrow, however, their other grandmother is coming to stay with them once school is over for the day.

* for so many things big and small and the One who is responsible for all of them.

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Just for today.

Outside my window. At 8:08 in the morning the sun has been up for less than an hour. Low-hanging rain clouds are keeping it gray and gloomy. Thunder rumbled through earlier this morning and later today we are promised more storms, possibly severe. The storms will also drop our temperatures back into the normal-for-March range. 

The recent warmer days and rain have started the greening process and we are losing that blah, gray look that so embodies Pennsylvania throughout the winter months. My mother reports her crocuses have bloomed. So, we've survived "false spring" and see signs that "real spring" isn't too far off.

I'm learning. More than I ever wanted to about cyber schooling. With my daughter away for another 9 days, I am getting quite an education in how this all works and in what kids are learning these days. It's crazy. I took every English course my high school offered, read far above my age level all the way through school, and went to college as a journalism major. Helping a first grader with phonics should not be that hard. HA! Sounds and syllables are broken down and named in ways I have never heard of before. Personally, I think it is way more difficult than the "old-fashioned" way of learning to read. And the vocabulary words for a first grader? I'm having to Google the meanings for myself! 

Also, as I'm trying to get two kids with ADHD to focus on their work, I'm gaining a new level of respect for the teachers my own children (who both have ADHD) had and what they put up with, especially when they had more than one ADHD child in their classroom.

I'm enjoying. Even with all I have to do I'm finding that I'm really liking being at home. To get my full retirement benefits I have to work until I'm 67, but lately I'm thinking I might check at 65 and see if I think I can retire then. I know I'd take a hit in my monthly payments, the question is how much of a hit. At least I could get Medicare at 65 and working 3.5 more years sounds better than 5.5 more.

Things that give me joy. My kitty purring and "making dough" on my lap. Playing with my granddog's long Basset hound ears. Being the first person to dip into a new tub of butter or jar of peanut butter. A day with no pain. The smell of books. Rainy days. Hot showers with pretty smelling soap. Comfortable shoes. Doing crafts. Hugs.

Currently

I am

Reading... still working on Trust No One.

Watching... Rizzoli & Isles and a lot of goofy YouTube videos courtesy of my grandson. 

Listening... to the furnace run. The temperature is going into the 70s today, but it's chilly this morning.

Eating... sporadically, due to the crazy schedule I'm keeping.

Thinking... about the things I need to accomplish today.

Feeling... a little tired. My hip woke me up early with its achiness. I just couldn't get comfortable.

Celebrating... the facility my daughter is in FINALLY came through yesterday with a letter of proof that she is there. It was enough to get a family medical leave of absence from my employer. They had been dragging their feet and stonewalling. This came just in time. My PTO hours run out Wednesday and the only way I could continue to be off to help with the kids was an FMLA.

Enjoying... these quiet, early morning hours before I have to go help with home schooling.

Weather... cloudy and 74* today.

Giggling...

Saturday 9: Linger

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

1) In this song, Dolores O'Riordan of the Cranberries sings that her lover has her wrapped around his finger. Do you feel that anyone has you wrapped around their finger?  I'd like to say no, but my daughter has always been able to get me to give in to what she wants (unless it's truly something harmful).

2) This was one of the first songs Delores and Noel Hogan wrote together. They performed it often live and perfected it before going into the studio to record it approximately two years later. Because they had polished the performance and arrangement, it's not a surprise that it was the biggest hit off their debut album. Tell us about a time when your preparation paid off.  The only thing I can think of right now is our vacations. I'm a planner. I always spend a lot of time researching and looking into the place we are going and find the best places and deals.

3) The Cranberries believed the moody black-and-white video (linked above) playing on MTV contributed to the song's popularity. MTV and VH1 were highly influential when they showed music videos and interviews 24/7 during the 1980s and 1990s. Do you recall watching music videos on MTV and/or VH1?  Totally. Videos were so much a part of 80's culture and a huge influence on style. I loved watching on both MTV and VH1...and even country videos on CMT. In my opinion they did themselves in when they moved away from music to other things.

4) The Cranberries were founded by brothers Noel and Mike Hogan in their hometown in Limerick, Ireland. The River Shannon runs through Limerick. Do you live near a river?  No, but the Loyalhanna Creek (a small river, really) runs through town and meets the Conemaugh River not too far away to form the Kiskiminetas River. 

5) Fergal Lawler soon joined the brothers and became the Cranberries drummer. Today he says he enjoys listening to his early work with the group because, "Songs are like a snapshot in time." Do you often flip through photo albums and look at snapshots?  I used to, but I don't remember the last time I pulled out the photo albums. Like most people I've gone digital and frankly, since our son estranged himself from the entire family, including the extended family, looking back is sad.

6) Dolores O'Riordan showed up for her Cranberries audition dressed casually in a black tracksuit with her own Casio electronic keyboard tucked under her arm. The Hogans were impressed not only by her vocals but her no-nonsense, "let's get to work" attitude. Share a memory from one of your job interviews.  The only one where anything stands out was when I was in college. I was scheduled for an interview for a summer job at Cedar Point. I really wanted it, but the day of the interview found me sick as a dog with a high fever. I went to the interview, but obviously failed to impress since I didn't get a job.

7) In 1993, when "Linger" was released, The Nanny premiered on CBS. It's remembered today for it's catchy theme song, which tells the story of "the nanny named Fran." Can you recall the lyrics to theme of one of your favorite shows?  From back in the day? Sure. Sunday, Monday happy days. Tuesday, Wednesday happy days. Thursday, Friday happy days. Saturday...what a day. Rocking all week with you.

8) In 1993, gas was $1.11/gallon. Could your vehicle use a fill-up right now?  It could. I've been running the grands to appointments all week.

9) Random question: How many pairs of shoes do you own?  Not as many as I did when my feet didn't hurt and I could wear alllllll the cute shoes. Maybe 20, but I don't wear them all.

Thanks to Crazy Sam for the music and questions!

Play along here.

Thankful Thursday

We've made it through the week. That's the first thing I am thankful for. Other things include:

2. I made it through today. Today was rougher than all the rest. There were so many new things to figure out with cyber school. I spent a lot of time on the phone with people at the school trying to get things sorted out. In the end I think we did okay, but I am sure I have more gray hair. The picture I sent to anyone who asked how it was going to day...

3. Our daughter is going to stay at the facility one more week than originally planned, for a total of three weeks. We facetimed tonight and she seems more positive, more on an even keel.

4. Our son-in-law will be working afternoon shift next week and daylight the week after so no more midnight shift before our daughter comes home. Hallelujah! Midnight has been...well, not a lot of fun.

5. I texted a friend of mine who homeschools using PA's cyber school today. She has been doing it for years. She's going to try to come here on Sunday and help us figure out a few things.

6. Tim brought home Chinese for dinner. Just the comfort food I needed on this long, rainy, difficult day.

7. Tomorrow is a new day. 

 

Currently

I am

Reading... Trust No One by James Rollins.

Watching... The Emoji Movie with the grands. I need a night sleeping in my own bed so they are having a sleepover here tonight. It may take a while for them to settle down, though. They got to Facetime with their mom tonight for the first time since she's been gone and they were a "little" excited.

Listening... to them rustling around on the air mattress. They are both notorious for flopping all around before they finally relax and go to sleep.

Eating... we had a pretty normal schedule this evening and I was able to make a big pot of spaghetti with meatballs and garlic bread. Enough for everyone, some leftovers, and dinner for their dad at work tonight.

Thinking... about schedules. There is so much to remember and fit into each day. I'm exhausted. It's no wonder our daughter gets overwhelmed. I don't struggle with anxiety or depression, but it's still a LOT. It's going to be relaxing when I go back to work.

Feeling... tired and sore. That's why we're sleeping here tonight.

Celebrating... each day we make it through and that the kids got to "see" their mom tonight. Also the way our son-in-law has stepped up to do a lot more than he's used to doing.

Enjoying... getting to know our son-in-law better. He's normally super shy and quiet, but we've been having some long heart-to-hearts.

Weather... temps are in the 50's, but we've had pouring rain most of the day.

Giggling...