My First Cancerversary and Other 'News'

What in the heck is a cancerversary? Is it something to celebrate? I believe it it something to celebrate. It can be a bit hard to determine the exact date. I chose the date of my final surgery; chemo was over and the tumor was out of my body.

The original surgery was the 28th, but I developed a hematoma and the doctor wanted to take care of that. I agreed, after all she is the surgeon and has more knowledge than I do. It turned out that the first surgery did not produce clear margins so the 2nd one, (on Jan 31) was indeed, necessary.

I posted earlier this month that my first mammogram since the surgery was good.

Am I cancer free? I am not sure if I like that choice of words.....is a person who has ever had cancer free of it? I think the fear of it returning is always in the back of a person's mind.

Yesterday I primed the bedroom that I am working in. When I removed the wall paper some of the paper backing came off from the drywall, leaving yellow splotches, so I covered that with primer. I hope it looks better when I get the paint on the walls. Just that small job on 2 walls tuckered me out. I plan to do the ceiling next (white) and then the light gray walls. The way I felt today I might be doing one wall at a time, which is fine with me because I have furniture in there and will have to move it to get at the different walls....the ceiling should be fun (not).

First I have to buy the paint, maybe Monday. A big snowstorm for overnight Tuesday into Wednesday is predicted for this area....so we shall see. Hubby is taking that prediction seriously because he finally went to get a new belt for the snow blower saturday....nothing like putting it off for 3 weeks.

I'm sure, if you're a Christian, there are things that you know you can not do anything about, all you can do is to hand it over to God. It hurts me to see my grandson be so sad (and to see my step son so miserable) his parents (who are separated) just keep digging their holes deeper and deeper. They have 3 boys who are so loving and smart and deserve so much better than the lives they have. Yesterday when I talked to them I asked if anyone wanted to go to Sunday school. The 2 younger boys want to attend Sunday School so I will try to talk to mom and see if I can take them next weekend. The struggle is that she doesn't answer my texts or phone calls....she might listen to a message and have one of the boys call me back. After I said I'd try to ask her the 5 year old says "Mom won't talk to you." and with that thought I say.....

Calgon take me away!

Don't Underestimate The Power of A Small Cabbage

Cabbage is one of those vegetables that not a lot of people like, I like it though, with lots of butter and salt and pepper on it..............but no salt now. It's good for you! and for a funny story.

My mother used to, and now I, make a cabbage based vegetable soup. I could eat it for days and days. I finally picked up a small head of cabbage the other day. 

Last night I made a baked potato for hubby but I didn't feel like having one so I just had a side of cabbage with my pork chop.  He opted for corn and a potato...no surprise there.

 Now for the not so funny part:

*I have CHF (congestive heart failure).

*Since the dr increased my BP meds I ache when I go to bed at night. My back hurts, my hip bones hurt, I toss and turn and just can not get comfortable. 

*Sometimes I have a dizzy/light headed spell.

As I am thrashing about in bed last night I developed a bad pain in the center of my chest. Indigestion? but I ate dinner 4 hours earlier. Oh no, what if I am having a heart attack....I check to see if I can smile, that's ok. I think, "if I do have a heart attack I am better off just calling 911 than trying to wake hubby who is downstairs, probably asleep with the TV on".

And for the funny part:

I remembered that almost 2 years ago, just before I retired, but had already started chemo, l had such a bad chest pain that Kev  picked me up from work and took me to ER and they ran ALL SORTS of tests for my heart............only for me to figure out that it was gas from the cabbage soup I had the night before. I started burping up a storm and that's when I put 2 & 2 together.

Aha! I forced myself to belch last night and after a few minutes I was starting to feel better.

I still have cabbage left, but at least now I'll know what is going on. And that's my funny story for the week. 

Do you have one?

Just A Couple Of Things

Tuesday morning we woke up to several inches of very fluffy snow. I think it's beautiful....especially because I don't have to clear it. 

 I had a few errands to run in town so I took a few photos while I was out and about.

This is the scene I see from my table as I sit at my computer.

 I'm glad the snow started late the previous day, because Monday I had an appointment with my cardiologist in Milwaukee.

 Before I saw the doctor I had an ECHO and blood work. My blood work is always good. I had to wait until Wednesday to find out what my ECHO was. My ejection fraction was at 46%, that's up from 35% three months ago. Normal is 55-65, so I' pretty happy. 

The doctor doubled one of my heart medications....I should have asked him why. Tuesday and Wednesday I was sooooo tired and didn't have a lick of ambition. I didn't even make it to book club, and I enjoy book club! I believe that drug increase is why I was so tired, many of the heart patients I talk to on facebook are so tired from their meds. Today I feel a lot better, not perfect,  but not so tired. I think my body needed a chance to adjust to the new dose. I had a list of places to stop at today and I completed it. 

I have osteopenia and the doctor wanted to write out a prescription....I don't like prescriptions if I can take care of the problem another way. I had my vitamin D level checked and then I was off the the health food/pharmacy to get what I needed. After I spoke to the consultant and many $$ lighter I left the store. I need to take care of myself. I think in another month or 2 I'll get my vitamin D level tested again to see if what I'm doing has done the job. Well, I'll have to keep it up. Staying healthy can be expensive. 

Speaking of staying healthy.....tomorrow morning I am off the the Y again. I've been going twice a week....trying to make it a habit. It really helps to have another person to hold me accountable. 

It's almost the weekend. Hope you have something fun planned.

Thank You's And The Weekend

First I want to thank those of you who commented on my last post and tried to understand and to those of you who talked to me/hugged me. It wasn't a post that was looking for pity, I just wanted to share how I felt, and it wasn't how I expected to feel.
Tomorrow I am off to the cardiologist to see what he has to say. Another ECHO is scheduled. 
In December I signed up for a weekend scrapbook retreat, and this was the big weekend! It's a 3 day retreat but we only stay for 2 days, which works well for us. I go with 2 friends and we share a hotel room. The beds were so comfy, I like those pillow mattress toppers. The retreat is in the neighboring city but it's really nice to be at a retreat and spend the night and not even have to think about housework. The pool is available, our tables are set up and we can use them when we want (early or late), there are plenty of tools and paper available if you need to use/purchase something, lots of snacks are on the snack table, the only downside is that meals are not included. There are restaurants nearby, some within walking distance. Saturday morning we walked to breakfast and to the thrift store where one of the gals got a 'new' swimsuit, we each found something we 'needed'. Saturday night we ordered out for dinner.
To be honest I didn't get a lot accomplished. I was working on a trip from 2008, a trip to Naples, Florida. I've been there a couple of times but had all my photos from 2008 to work on. I started an 8"X8" book several years ago, but after I saw how many photos I had I decided I needed to upgrade to a 12"X12" book. Soooo I put the 8" pages onto 12" paper and went forward from there. 

BUT.....here's the kicker.............Thursday night I get a call from grandson J..........he's pretty happy because he can come over and stay until saturday. He hasn't stayed here since New Year's Eve and he used to come over every saturday night. Hmmm, I'm leaving friday morning for the retreat and coming home Saturday night. I knew he'd cry if I said "No" but I paid for the retreat and wasn't going to stay home. I decided to take a chance and take him along, he was all for it. I thought the worst thing that could happen is that we spend our time at the pool and scrapbook in our room. He scrapbooks also.
I talked to the organizer (Brenda) as soon as we got there and she was OK, I don't think she was thrilled but she said he could stay. After lunch J was able to go swimming with her grandson. Brenda's mom watched the boys for over 2 hours while they were in the pool. The boys are less than 2 years apart and they had a good time. That broke up the day for him. After supper Carolee, Gwen, Jalen, and I did some water aerobics. Yes, we got a workout. Yes, we all enjoyed it.
I'm happy to report that Jalen got along with everyone (I knew he would), got his photos scrapbooked, and wasn't too annoying.....although I had some trying moments on saturday. Thanks Gwen, Brenda, and Carolee for letting Jalen join us. I didn't get as much done as I had hoped but we had a good weekend.

We got home about 8PM on saturday, we waited for J's mom to call and I called Kevin earlier to see if she called the house because  my phone did not get reception at the hotel. No word from mom, even when J tried calling her. We were beat, he was asleep before 9. As usual I couldn't fall asleep, but I did get some good zzzz's in. Jalen stayed another night and was able to go to Sunday School, a good thing. He has to go home tonight because I am leaving early on Monday for my appointment in Milwaukee. Did I mention that he always comes over without any extra clothes? It's not a problem because I always have extra clothes here for him, and swim trunks too.
I have another weekend retreat coming up in March, I'll be working on my Florida scrapbook again. I'll be a little more organized by then (I hope!).
Hope your weekend is going well and not too fast!

Gray

It's a gray, cloudy day.

I feel gray. 

 I feel like I am sitting all alone on this single, cold, gray bench.

No  one really understands. No one really cares. That's not unusual, I've felt that way since I was a teen. As an adult those feelings don't plague me often. But I feel that way today....cold and gray and alone. 

I didn't think it was bothering me, it never did before, but I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. I trudge on to the task ahead.

I walked into the building and smelled that awful odor. I could feel that grim, determined look overtaking my face.

I took the elevator to the 3rd floor and checked in for my appointment and started a new book. The main character's mother has just passed away from cancer. That is not what I needed to be reading as I await my mammogram, the first one since my breast cancer diagnosis. 

Bonnie calls me in and I give her the pertinent dates, highlights, etc. She puts markers on certain areas and tells me my scar looks great. OK. She does her best to make me feel comfortable and does a good job. They have a new 3D machine and I like it better than the old one. Since I have lymphedema on my right breast that side hurts a little, but is nothing to complain about. She takes several 'pictures' and we hope we're done. I put on a warm robe and she

Bonnie leaves to speak to the radiologist so I pull out my book and do some more reading. A few minutes later both of them enter the room, we shake hands, etc. Dr Stephani asks how I am. Of course I say something to the effect of  "I'm not sure. How am I?" He assures me everything looks good, no signs of a tumor. 

I'm good! I'm great! I'm happy!

My one year cancerversary is almost here. If you haven't had cancer It means nothing to you, you don't understand, but to a cancer survivor it is a big deal.

A New Purse?

Yes, I picked up a 'new' purse the other day. I grabbed it as soon as I saw it. It's just so unique, I have never seen anything like it. I know no one else will have one like it.  The tag says Spencer and Rutherford in Australia. I paid $2 for it. I just love it and the fact that I won't see one on every other person's arm. I don't care to look like a carbon copy of the next person. 

I found one purse like this on etsy, the color of the front flap (light teal) and flowers (blue) is a little different. That one is over $46.
Here's the description 

"Vintage collectible Spencer & Rutherford faux snake skin and embroidery hippie boho shoulder bag"

It's in great condition, has inside & outside pockets, and the size is good. Sometimes I'll purchase an item and think that if I don't use it I can always take it to the consignment store. I am using this one!

I'll be donating the one with the ripped lining instead of repairing it. I like to change purses....they don't make me look fat *wink*. I wish the handles were longer, not a good fit for a shoulder bag, but I'll deal with it.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Remember this vintage furniture post? Guess what, it's sold....only in the store for 2 weeks. I really wonder who bought it. Hopefully I can stop in one morning and talk to the woman who is usually in the back where the furniture is and she can give me the scoop. I tried to convince the employees to start a lottery and sell squares for how long they'd have the set in the back. They didn't go for it tho. 
Happy Hump  Day!

Doctor Week

Yes, especially as we get older, doctor time comes.....Just 2 years ago I was a once a year visitor. Suddenly it changed to almost every week I was seeing some sort of doctor. Now, some months I don't have any appointments (excluding the INR check for my blood thinner).

Thursday is my first mammogram since my breast cancer diagnosis. I am delighted that I do not have to go out of town for it, our local facility has the same machine that is used at St Luke's so my surgeon is OK with me staying here, just a few minutes away.

Monday I am traveling to Milwaukee to see the cardiologist and to have another ECHO. Early next month I have an appointment with my new primary Dr (actually she's a PA).

I am really not a worrier, but I'd have to lie if I said I am not experiencing a wee bit of trepidation regarding these upcoming appointments. IF there is something to worry about I'll handle it then. I don't see any sense (never did) in thinking 'what if?'

I am exercising and feeling great ...but.... lately there are times when I almost feel light headed, it's hard to explain but I know what those episodes feel like and have had them before. The last time I had an ECHO my ef (ejection factor) was down.....did it go down again? And what would  that mean?

After water aerobics yesterday and my usual Monday errands I'd love to stay in today.........but no.......I have to run to Manitowoc to get the painting supplies I forgot on my last trip. So, off I go!

Hope you are having a good week!!!

Been Doin' Some Readin'

As a member of the Lit Wits Between the Covers (book club) I read the chosen book and meet with other members about every 6 weeks. Sometimes we meet at at restaurant or sometimes at someone's home. I've always enjoyed reading and wanted to be a member of a book club as an adult. I was afraid of it because I thought you had to be an intellectual and be able to discuss the plot of the story, the conflict, or the protagonist. I read for pleasure. That's what I did this weekend, this quiet (unsure if it was a), rather boring weekend.

This afternoon I finished A MAN CALLED OVE and thoroughly enjoyed it! It evoked several different emotions and I'm sure we'll have some good discussion next week.

We're a fun lovin', down to earth group of women, with varied backgrounds, who love to read.  There is usually wine and always laughter involved. I have to admit that some of the gals take notes on the book. We read many different genres of books.

The month before we read THE PARIS WIFE, well most of the group did. I started it and just couldn't get into it. I remember trying to read it once before also.

Since we read about Ernest Hemingway we wanted to read something he wrote. That means we have 2 books this month, the second book being THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA. I'm glad I read it but am not interested in reading any of his other books.

What have you been reading?

Do you have any recommendations for our book club?

A Different Kind Of Day and Other Trivia

That seems to be my motto for this weekend. I slept in today...and it felt good. After 3 days of workouts at the Y this week today was lazy, very lazy by my standards. I go with a friend (the best way to make yourself go) and we participate in the water classes. Even though I shower after class I could still smell the chlorine when I took a bath today.

Yesterday we took a drumming class, it was tons of fun! After that we did the water aerobics (for seniors) and Candy gave us a good work out both times. Thursday we tried Ai Chi, it's a relaxing water class, we decided we like the faster paced class better.

I got my fit-bit earlier in the week and am enjoying it. I love keeping track of my steps, over 7,000 yesterday with the drumming class. It is amazing how many steps I get in just wandering around my house, I don't stay in one place very long. It also tracks sleep. Today I learned how to reset it, it was not syncing. It's an easy fix and is working correctly now. 

Since I had to run to the drug store today I had to get properly dressed....I blame that for not feeling like working in the bedroom today. I did a teeny bit of sanding. I will finish tomorrow or early in the week. I need to buy some paint rollers before I can prime the walls. As you can tell, I am not in a hurry.

I just didn't know what I felt like doing this afternoon, so I did some laundry, took care of some paperwork, and baked some cookies. Kev went to his brother's this afternoon to watch the football game.  I decided to read in the middle of the afternoon! No radio, no TV, just me and my book. I read a lot more in the summer than I do in winter, odd, eh? In the winter it's a waste of time because I 'should' be doing something. In the summer I'm enjoying the nice weather. 

It's late enough that I can call it a day; time to turn on the TV while I fold laundry and then veg some more.

Need New Furniture?

Last Wednesday after I dropped off my donation I checked out the thrift store and found this set of living room furniture. It's in great shape and I am guessing you can get all 3 matching pieces for $250. What a deal, huh? I am sure it's made much better than some of the items we'd see in the stores today.

 Isn't that sofa calling your name for a nice, long nap? It sure looks comfy. And this big round chair would be perfect for a grandparent to read to a child. I tested it and it is roomy. It's rather low to the ground though, a little difficult to get up and out of. 

 Or, for the more traditional person, there's a standard side chair (upper photo).
I'm sure, for just the right person, this set would be perfect....but  not for this person. How about you? Do I need to get this post out to more people? 
Yes, I do love thrift stores. I don't need to buy anything to have a good time. The simple things in life make me happy.
It's friday! Have a good weekend!!!

Donations

Earlier this week I thought I'd have the day at home to accomplish some things....but I had to run (again), to get my scratched lenses replaced and have my INR checked for my blood thinner. I also had more donations to drop off. I only take what I can carry in one trip inside...lazy, you know??? I like to visit different thrift stores and share my 'gift's' with all of them. So I was off to another thrift store. 

Two ladies in the car next to mine got out of their car at the same time as I did, and they commented on the rattan suitcase I had in my hand. They wanted to buy it.....I almost gave it to them, but then I said $1 or $2. The one woman gave me $5 and said I made her day, she was really tickled. I found the exact same one for $15 on ebay. She got lucky because there was a smaller one inside of it. She got a deal and it is out of my house...a win win for both of us. Things have been sitting for years and if I haven't found a use for it by now I'm not going to.

I then took the bag I was carrying and inside and proceeded to look around. Besides the items I donated I also left some cash there. 

 One of the things I found was this book like thing....I don't know how else to explain it, but it really was just what I was looking for. The pockets/pages inside are small zip lock baggies (not the snack size you get at the grocery store) and are perfect for sorting and storing my bling. Now I do not have to dig around in a box and try to find matching sparkle. I can just page through my booklet. All like items are together and I have extra baggies for more colors, etc. When I travel I'll probably put a rubber band or ribbon around it so it doesn't flop around, it depends where it will fit in my tote. How cool is that?

I also picked up some solid scrapbooking papers...............they had TONS of patterned papers there. I received some gorgeous Tim Holtz paper for Christmas and have other patterned paper so only need some solids to compliment that.

I found a 2 piece swim suit (long top, no bikini) for the Y, hope it works....I did not try it on. I am not going to wear a good suit to the Y and a 2 piece is good for bathroom breaks, right?

I also found a lime green pillow for the bedroom I'm painting. I found way too much stuff that day! At least I still got rid of more than I dropped off.

Time to look for more items to donate, right? It feels good to free myself of 'stuff'!

Gray? Lime?

As you know I am redoing our spare bedroom. It's a small room with a daybed, dresser, and vanity. Oh yeah, a TV (of course). The carpet is a gray/light gray 'tweedish' bur-bur. Previously the room had white & light pink walls (wall paper - YUCK!!!). The daybed cover and other accessories were blue. I just got tired of it and am planning to paint the room gray. Yes, gray. I'll understand if you are turning up your nose. I've heard several uncomplimentary remarks: "reminds me of a prison cell, gray?, dull, boring". I am attempting to make one room in my house serene and restful. My idea is for pale gray walls, this stone gray daybed set, and accents of lime green.

I ordered this from Overstock, it looks bluish here, but it's stone gray. Our grandson hates the idea of gray walls, he wants something bright, not boring. He uses that room when he is here and calls it his room. But mom seldom lets him come over and this is not his house. I've toyed with the idea of painting one wall lime green....but....I found some twin sheets that are the perfect lime green...2 flat sheets....how often do you see that? So what I am thinking of doing is, on the wall behind the bed (long side), is to hang a 'curtain' with the sheets. The bed fits into a small alcove-like area so that would be a perfect fit. I know you can put fabric on the wall (like wall paper, with starch, and it is easy to remove) but that would be more work.

Any other ideas? Suggestions?

I have a gift card for Hobby Lobby so I stopped in to see what I could buy myself. I'm pretty cheap and nothing I liked was on sale, so, nothing this time. I did find a few accents in the clearance aisle. We have some shelves in the room and I just love this basket, it's so colorful. (woven paper, can I make one?) The little pail is the same color as the sheets I have....hmmm   I can use it for something on one of the shelves.

 The LOVE ornament is 5-1/5" long.

I paid a little over $6 for all three items.

I'll get some green pillows for the bed, paint the lampshade green or gray (lamp is white) , and maybe I'll find a throw to toss over the bed. The room will need some art (lime green frames?) and a lime green bulletin board. Maybe a huge lime green bulletin board behind the bed instead of the 'curtain'? There really isn't a lot of wall space.

I hope it turns out 1/2 as good as it looks in my mind. 

Feel free to share any of your decorating secrets!

Stripping and Giving It Away For Free and Some Yukky Stuff

Remember I am a respectable grandma to 9!

One day I just woke up and decided to start stripping....wallpaper, that is. That was between Christmas and New Years day.....why would common sense stop me? I moved things around, and the big stuff got shoved into the center of the small room. Our Christmas tree was still up and all my other decorations were in place, but I started making a big mess anyway....hubby is still not pleased.

It's a small room and only 2 of the walls have wall paper, but it must have been put on when they built the house, because it was under the window casings and wall boards. Whomever papered that room did a good job! I've been watering it down and letting it soak (per Google) and I usually only get small pieces to come off, and only one layer at a time (2 layers to remove). Last Sunday Eastin and the boys came over and stripped quite a bit. This past week I took a break and put away Christmas stuff. I finished the last section this afternoon, now to patch holes, sand, prime, and paint. 

Skylar worked at it a LONG time.

His little brother, not so much. He found other things to get into.

As long as I have all the crap out from under the bed I am purging....giving it away, some to friends, some to the thrift store. I can't wait to see how much more room I have. I'll have to tackle the closet too. 

I picked up the boys that morning while dad was still working. They decided to do some unusual smoothie challenges, like they've seen on You-tube. I wasn't too thrilled about them wasting good food, but I did let them do it. If they do it again I think I'll give them a list of things they can put in the challenge smoothies.

No one liked the first one.

The 2nd one was much worse....it contained milk, lemon, and lime juice, and Jalen was generous with the juices.

No, he is not just looking into the garbage can.

The other one is using the kitchen sink. TMI? Maybe, but that's what grandkids are for. :-)

It was quiet here this past weekend. Hubby had a bad headache and I attended a 1st birthday party for my great niece on saturday. Jalen was not allowed to come over this weekend so I had time to myself.

Sunday was just a lazy and quiet day. Kevin went to his brother's to play cards and watch the football game. I finished stripping wall paper, picked up most of the paper from the floor, and will take it easy for the rest of the evening.

I hope you had a nice weekend, stop back again!

Grandchildren Again and More

Last saturday I went to my grandson's basket ball game and then stopped at their house to give the kids their Christmas gifts. I don't see them often and it was Christmas so they each got an 'expensive' (in my mind) gift and cash. They are good with their money so I don't mind giving them cash. Both of them have jobs at a neighboring farm and the girl babysits after school. Their parents have taught them the value of money. In fact, both my son and daughter have been good examples for my grands regarding the value of saving and being thrifty. Good job Amy and Tim!

I did get a few good action shots.

 They played 2 games and were stomped on both times. :-(

The winter sunset on the way home was so beautiful that I had to stop and snap a photo. 

On the way to my son's home I passed an Amish (or Mennonite) wagon pulled by a team of 5 or 6 horses with a load of those big, round, hay bales. I wish I would have pulled out my phone and snapped a photo...I thought about it but wasn't sure if it would be rude or not.

Yes, I finally have all of the Christmas decorations packed away. The living room is so clean now and looks bigger without all of the clutter. I love it! As I put things away in our small storage room I am purging. I can notice the difference....the storage bins and boxes are not 3 deep anymore, and I can walk in the room without moving something out of the way. I still have a lot of junk, but I am making progress. 

Our microwave died....and I was dreading the thought of buying a new one. After all we have Christmas bills to pay, hubby makes considerably less than last year, my SS is not a lot. At least they are not as expensive as they used to be. Weeellll, someone I know has been cleaning out her mother's house and trying to decide what to sell and what's OK to give away. She gave me her mom's microwave, it's smaller, but YAY!!!!

So what did I do??? I rewarded myself with a fit-bit. It was on sale and using my phone to keep track of activities is a real pain. I didn't get it yet, but I'll keep you posted. Exercise is really important, especially for me to keep cancer away. I am going to get back to the Silver Sneakers exercise classes and I joined the Y. Yesterday  a good friend and I took a seniors water exercise class at the Y. We loved it and plan to go 2 or 3 times a week. I want to take a few other classes also. I don't like the machines, cycling, or strenuous classes, but I can take some fun ones: laugh yoga, drumming, etc. I can just walk if I want to. Wish me luck!!!

My Wifi has been a pain in the tush the last day or 2. I could not get online with several of my devices so I reset the router. But my iphone would still not connect. I tried everything......finally I called AT&T only to have the service tech tell me to do a simple thing that I had not tried. Of course, it was something I had tried previously, but not this time. I'm glad it was something so simple! We have a teeny, tiny data plan and I often use my phone to listen to the radio...but I have to be online, problem solved.

BTW thanks so much for your comments on the 50's Housewife Tips, good conversation. I don't think we need to follow it to the letter but, like I said, the article does have some good points. 

I have plans for the day so I best get dressed and be on my merry way! Have a great weekend!

Thoughts on Thrsuday/'50's Housewife Tips

I copied this from a blog of a radio talk show host (that I often listen to.)

1950's Textbook Lessons on Preparing Girls for Married Life

Monday, Jan, 4 2016

The following is from a 1950's Home Economics textbook intended for high school girls, teaching how to prepare for married life.

Have dinner ready
Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal - on time. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him, and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospects of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.

Prepare yourself
Take 15 minutes to rest so you will be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with alot of work-weary people. Be a little happier and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.

Clear away the clutter
Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gathering up school books, toys, paper, etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift, too.

Prepare the children
Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces if they are small, comb their hair, and if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.

Minimize the noise
At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of washer, dryer, dishwasher or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and be glad to see him.

Some Don'ts
Don't greet him with problems or complaints. Don't complain if he's late for dinner. Count this as minor compared with what he might have gone through that day.

Make him comfortable
Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax and unwind.

Listen to him
You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first.

Make the evening his
Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment; instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to be home and relax.

The goal
Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can relax

It does go a bit overboard, but

I actually think it has some
 
validity...not that everything is

 about putting our husband on a pedestal, or worshiping  

him, but it has some good points. Sometimes we do just think about
 

ourselves too much and don't put our loved ones ahead of 

ourselves.

Philippians 2:3 . 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves

Your Thoughts???? 

Crazy Bark

We were surprised by a New Years Eve visit from grandson J. Mom hasn't been letting him come over like she used to, but when I got home from errands Thursday afternoon he was here! Grandpa picked him up. He's easy to have here because he likes to watch TV, go on the computer (he has hubby's old one), play a game or 2, scrapbook, or cook. He takes care of himself  most of the time. Thursday night he decided to make something....he felt like making Ree Drummond's Crazy Bark all by himself. Of course, first we had to hit the grocery store to pick up a few things.

Chopping up the chocolate before melting it. I never chop it in such  small  pieces...but he did. He watches cooking shows and says he learns a lot. He does. 

 He melted it in a double boiler and then lined a pan with graham crackers.

 I spread the melted chocolate on top of the crackers. 

He added plenty of toppings. You can use anything you like.

 He prefers white chocolate but the grocery store was out of it. I found a few squares left over from a different project so he drizzled that on top.

The finished bark before it goes in the fridge to cool.

The next day he broke it up and put in tins so he could take it to his dad's and share with the rest of his family.

I only had a small piece, but it was quite good!

I hope you didn't notice my messy, well lived in, house in the background. I AM starting to put away Christmas decorations.

I Was Impressed

We went from fall to winter overnight, literally! Over 13" of snow fell last Monday night on what had been bare ground. Our first snowfall was a doozy. It was a wet, heavy snow. Thank goodness I don't have to do any snow clearing (not my job and per doctors orders).  We were lucky to have had power all through the storm. There was thunder and lightening to be seen and heard. Kevin was 2 hours late for work on Tuesday...a rare event. I had an appointment later that morning but cancelled it. 

Thursday morning I picked up our 3 grandsons and took them to their dad's so they could go sledding with him. I watched for a bit. It's so good to see them all having so much fun with dad. I know they'll go again.

The snow hills were busy. 

We watched one guy as he tried to take his dog down on the sled. Nope, the dog wouldn't stay on, but he sure had fun running alongside the sled. 

I had 2 returns to make and some errands to run while they were sledding. While I was in Shopko I remembered to finally ask about my glasses that I purchased last March. They are scratched and I inquired about any warranty; no warranty, scratches are considered normal wear and tear. BUT she said she'd replace my lenses (both are scratched - no wonder I am always adjusting them and trying to see).

Yup, I was impressed and pleasantly surprised. The worst she could have said was 'no' but instead I got a 'yes'.
I have my new, pretty, red computer. So far everything is working just great for me! The wireless printer likes this computer and I was able to back up my Silhouette (cutting tool for scrapbooking) library and download it.
The year is off to a good start. How's your's starting out?

The Friday 56

I've never read this series. My grandson and I started reading it today.

p.56  "This is going to be exciting enough without pretending," said Peter as he began leading the way forward into the forest.

I joining Freda at the Friday 56

Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56 or 56% in your                                                                             eReader(If you have to improvise, that's ok.)
 *Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it)
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. 
*It's that simple.

Christmas Eve

Yes, I know Christmas is long gone....but I am playing catch up again.

I like to attend Christmas eve service at our church and the 4 grandchildren that were here wanted to go along also. I think it's because we always hold candles and the lights go out as we sing the last hymn.....Silent Night.

I was a little concerned about the 5 year old, who is a bit rambunctious and has never been to church. No need to be, he was really good. 

Here they are posing for a before church photo...you know kids love the silly photos....so I'm posting this one instead of the nice one (for a change).

We usually open gifts Christmas day but the boys weren't going to be here so they opened their presents that night.

Jalen is getting into chess and really loves this Mario chess set. He thinks he's going to teach me to play.....I don't know if you can teach an old dog new tricks????

Landon saw all of my necklaces and wanted one so I gave him one of my old ones...he wore it all night, even to church. I wonder what mom thought when he got home. *smile*

I love hugging grands!

Dad and Skylar checking out one of the gifts.

Grandson J (10) finally told me he doesn't believe in Santa....I knew it but wasn't about to ask. Gosh, they grow up so fast.

We have one small extra bedroom with a day bed in it. If more than one child spends the night they have to sleep on the floor. If someone stays for more than one night I'll get the air mattress out. Mackenzie (7 and extremely outspoken) was NOT going to sleep on the floor...and neither was mom. Finally grandpa convinced her that it would be OK to sleep on the floor and not to have to go home.

Here's what I saw in the morning when I got up. I guess Mackenzie climbed into bed with mom early in the morning. If I wouldn't have so much junk stored under the bed I'd like to get a trundle bed.

Just visiting with Jessica.

Christmas day was quiet and lazy. Mackenzie's dad brought the Santa gifts from their house, she opened them, Kev made breakfast and did all the dishes. The ONE and ONLY time he does that.

 One of her presents was new roller blades. It was sunny and we didn't have any snow so she went out to try them.

The first time on roller blades is pretty scary.

Christmas was very nice.

I am behind already...our tree and all the decorations are still up. 

Tomorrow I am going to watch another grandson play basket ball and give that family their presents. 

I'm not sure when I'll get the tree down....but I will ...sooner or later.

Oh yea, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!