Storm Rolling In

    It sounds as though the wind has died down from earlier this evening. The temperature has dropped a good 30 degrees and they are saying we will still get some snow tonight. Yesterday in the 70's, today 60's, it is unreal. I just know the wind has been howling.The C-130's from across the river are flying tonight. There is several different countries in here for school. I guess they are learning how to fly in this kind of weather. They went right over the house. If the wind is just right, you can hear them warming up the engines. We had fighter planes in this week. You never know what will land at our air port. 

     My friend who has MS has been unable to work this week so I have been filling in for her at the office. I feel so sorry for her. They are now talking of giving her three days of steroid IV's to see if that will help. I just do what I can, I keep praying for a miracle that will cure a lot of diseases. 

    I went to the nursing home this afternoon and took hubby outside so that he could get some fresh air. It wasn't as warm as yesterday, but he still enjoyed his once around the parking lot. It is also a way of talking without being over heard. The wind changed to the north and the temperature started dropping as I headed home. I went by the funeral home before I came all the way home. One of our friends passed away that I worked with her husband for a lot of years  long ago. They watch my kids grow up. They died almost within a year of each other.

    I am sorry I have been missing from blogland, but I have had a lot on my plate since we went to see the doctor. We go for an Ultrasound on Monday which is St. Pat's. They want to see what is going on. I know that his blood sugar is all over the board. One day high and the next day low. It just makes you wonder if his liver is working at all. I try to stay positive, but at times it is awfully hard to do. I did get a copy of the lab work. Not much different then the last one. 

    Myrtle Turtle is just about ready to be added to my shop along with a new Miss birdie and cow. The hands have been very busy. I just need a change of scenery to keep the mind occupied by other things. This weekend is the Blue and Gold Banquet for my youngest grandson. The other two will be at the State 4H horse judging contest. My oldest will be competing with 4 others all girls excepting him. Little brother gets to hang out with mom. He is going swimming for one thing and I don't know what else. Dad is going to be with the oldest. 

    Enough just this and that, but I wanted to let you know I am still here, just busy. I will pop in as time allows. Maybe things will get back to being a little more normal. I hope at least. Take care. Stay safe and warm. 

    

SNOW AGAIN !!!

    I have seen Robins so it must be closer to Spring when we can look at the pretty flowers instead of the snow again. It makes you wish for a fireplace with a nice warm fire where you can curl up with something hot to drink, maybe a good book, or one of your projects that you are working on. At least we are warmer then we started the week off with a minus 21.

   We were blessed with sunshine on Tuesday when when we went to the city to see the Liver Doctor. We will go back for an ultra sound in a couple of weeks. He got the blood work done yesterday and I felt sorry for him. They had to stick him twice to find a vein and then you wondered if they were going to get enough. I didn't really care for what she said mainly because I don't want to accept it yet. Basically we are at the point where they are trying to maintain him. How I hate the word maintain, but then we have had a lot longer then we expected. We know we are living on borrow time, but you keep praying for a miracle and each day you are given. He is trying his best to walk, he just doesn't want to have to stay in the wheel chair all day. 

     I went to the nursing home today because he was talking about a paper they wanted him to sign. I told him to sign nothing until I could check into it. I am not trusting anymore because you get lip service so much anymore and nothing happens. I am so glad that he moved to another room. They take better care of him. I do have copies of the doctor's orders so if they don't follow instructions I know what I can do about it. I just want them to do their job.

    I ran into snow between here and the nursing home which was really light. Coming home it was more then snow flurries, but we didn't get that much. I was glad for that. People must be staying home because I haven't heard the traffic tonight. 

    I am working on a new tea towel pattern for  me. I may have it sold it will depend on whether she likes it or not after I get it done. I can't complain because somebody will buy it. I have to keep the hands busy. The boys are marking the days off the calendar until the end of the month. They can't wait for their Uncle John to get home. He was having freezing rain down there yesterday and today.  People don't know how to drive in it for sure. I am glad we haven't got that although they say we could have rain Friday and Saturday. I don't think they really know what we are going to have. 

    The first week of March is almost gone. Where has it gone??  It seems as though you blink your eyes a day passes by. Maybe it is just a sign we are getting older. We are just a  little over two months from the first horse show for the boys. I have missed being able to visit you all as much as I would have liked, I am hoping to do better. Take care, stay warm and safe.

    

Ready

     Aren't you ready for Spring?I know I have been ready for quite a while for the warmer weather. They are predicting bad weather for later today. Just what we need some more freezing rain or snow. It depends on where you live if you look at the weather map. You might not get to much and then you could get quite a little. Yesterday, we had sunshine and 51 degrees. It is no wonder people are sick with all of the ups and downs. I have a cold that seems to be hanging on, but you don't know how to dress. Whether to wear multiple layers or cut down on how many.

      I know I have been missing for the last week which has been very trying in more ways then one. Have you ever felt like that you get lip service, but nothing  happens. I won't go into that I have to play Family Services a visit to find out about the two letters I got. I just get so mad that I cry and I have shed enough tears this week. But the good news is that I got the results of my lab work back which was good. 

     My magnolia tree is probably not going to look like the picture. I have quite a few small branches laying underneath it from all of the winds that we have had.

     I'll pray a lot for good weather and warmer weather  because we are suppose to go see the liver doctor Tuesday. I want safe roads so that we don't have to cancel the appointment. You have to wait so long for the appointments. 

     My youngest grandson got to go to his first concert last night. They got seats in an upper level right on the front row to see Florida Georgia line, Jason Aldean, and another one. They didn't want people in front of him so that he couldn't see. He has been marking days off the calendar. All of my grandsons sing with the radio in the car. I like to listen to the younger two sing together. You never know which one they like the best, but it is country music. The younger two have their own version of Ol MacDonald's farm. It is a mixture of animals, but you laugh because one will name the animal, then the other one.You never know what kind they will pick.

    I am looking forward to the end of the month. My oldest is coming home for a visit. We are all anxious to see him. It has been home for over a year since we have seen him. I asked if he was sure and he told me  his vacation has been approved. Of course, the boys are anxiously awaiting for him to get home. We will celebrate his birthday while he is home. 

   Enough of this and that. I hope you all stay safe and warm. I know I will. Take care.

LONG WEEK

     It has been a long week for me in dealing with some issues. I found out that they had stopped hubby's eye drops. I don't really know why, but he got one dose today so we will see what happens next. I just get tired, why can't they do their job the way it is suppose to be done. 

    The basketball tournament was fun to watch even though they lost. They didn't get beat that bad and I found out that the teams they played all they play is tournament ball. They all want to play again and hopefully they can all be on the same team next time. They learned and that is the main thing. 

     Supper was yummy last night. My daughter-in-law was cooking on the grill. She was cooking hamburgers, brauts, and a potato dish that is seasoned sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, and onions, Of course, I just love food cooked outside. They do that quite often. They are in the process of building a shed. When I got there they were putting on the trim. Dad started the screws and my basketball player would finish them off. My oldest grandson put the metal roof on. Dad helped him with the first piece. Dad doesn't like heights, but it didn't bother my grandson. It will look good when it is finished. He had gone skiing the night before  down at Snow Creek. They came home early. Two kids got hurt, one with a broken collar bone and the other possible broken shoulder. They found out why they wanted insurance information, doctors name and etc. They still had a good time. 

    I went to the city today for my doctor appointment. I had to have lab work and EKG, you know those yearly kind of things. Of course, my blood pressure was high from the drive and being told I owed money that I don't think I do. I think they filed the claim wrong. It means phone calls and be prepared to be transferred several times. We now have our picture taken for identification purposes. You know it is strange they don't require a photo id to vote, but you have to have one for everything else. Maybe it needs to be there too. The good news is that my EKG was normal, now just to wait on the lab results. I will go back in six months at least we won't have to deal with the cold. Probably hot then.

   We are back to the cold weather again, it is no wonder people get sick. You go from one extreme to the other. I am just tired of the layers. I notice the price of gasoline jumped a dime after I got gas this morning.  Enough of this and that. Well I hope you all have a good week. Take care.

Spent the Day With

    I got to spend the day with my oldest grandson. We were going to check on belt buckles for high point for a horse show they are having this summer. When we got there, the place didn't look like it was a business. As a matter a fact it look like something else. When we asked about it, we were told you had to make an appointment. I told my grandson, I didn't like the looks of it and I was afraid that maybe they wouldn't get what they were wanting. I know what I thought about it look more like, but I will keep those thoughts to myself. 

   They are in the process of selling advertising for their program booklet getting sponsorships and etc for their horse shows.  His dad found out about the first  one because he had them send it to his dad's e-mail address. He told him that he had the second one when he called wanting to know about e-mail he received. He ended up with the three all total  and then we went to see his grandpa, my hubby. He was surprised to see us. We were a little later then I thought, but I enjoyed my day of being chauffeur. I needed some light bulbs put in here at the house and he took care of that for me. I was suppose to get to spend time with both him and his little brother today, but his brother was sick. His brother ended up at the doctors office and he has strep throat. They put him on meds and he was feeling better this evening when I took his brother home.

     We only got lost once and had to turn around. We were actually right to start with we just hadn't gone far enough. The place that we were looking for was out in the boonies. We  looked around, but the saddles that they had were used. The money was almost as much as if you bought a brand new one. I wasn't that impressed. We had lunch at a new restaurant with him buying because he knew I wouldn't let him give me money or pay for the gas. For me it was just a grandma fix by spending the day with him. Sometimes having that change of scenery helps a lot. It gives you something else to think about.

     Today other then the wind, it was beautiful melting a lot of our snow. Just in time for possible more later in the week. Spring is just about a month away  only roughly a month away and really I can't wait. I will be happy to quit dressing in layers. To be able to wear something different. 

    Have you been watching the Olympics? I watched the ice dancing where we won gold. They made it look so easy. I have watch them grow up and skate on television. I have watch some other  sports that I don't normally watch. I just don't watch that much television anyway. I just have to have noise in the house. Do you have to have either the radio or television on whether you are watching or not. 

   Time to call it a day. Hope yours was good.

Meet the King

 A lot has happened this past week, my hubby was crowned the 2014 King at the nursing home. It was a shock to us both. I had gone to look at a new room with him. He wanted my approval. As we were walking back toward his old room, they took him into the activity room. They had been telling him all day that  he had to go to the party and he kept telling them he wasn't . He was really surprised. It was fun and he gets to wear his crown whenever he wants for this year. 
    We did move him to a new room and he has a new roommate.  A quiet gentleman who just wants someone in the room with him. They talk if they want and  its just a better situation all the way around. I know he is  much happier. They both sleep at night and don't get unruly with the nursing staff. I have seen him smile more in the last two days then I have seen for quite a while. His room is on the south side of the building which makes it warmer for him. He can watch out the window and see who comes and goes which is really nice. A better view if you ask me.
    My youngest grandson is working on his ice skating badge for scouts. He isn't brave enough yet to turn lose and skate without holding on to something. I am glad that he wants to try whether he does anything else or not. It is something they can have fun doing. His mom skated and her last competition was the National Collegiate competition. It was the only one that I didn't get to go to, but we couldn't afford to fly and to far to drive. 



     His mom and dad  were getting ready to race their cars at the pinewood derby. They had to race each other. They both laughed about it, but it was where the adults could race cars. They didn't have to follow the rules like the boys do. 

    Basketball has come to an end today excepting  the tournament at the end of the week. I can watch and then stop by the nursing home to see  hubby on my way home which should work pretty good. They lost today, but it was fun to watch.

    I am glad my hubby is moved. I can rest a little easier because he is already sleeping better. He is making up for all of the sleeping that he has missed. Well I hope you all have a wonderful week, mine will be busy with getting taxes figured. a trip to the city for a doctor appointment, staying with the two oldest grandsons, just to name a few. Take care and stay warm and safe. 

Valentine's Day

     Do you have a  special Valentine's Day plans or is it just another day? Did you have a Valentine Party at school when you were growing up? We all have our own special way of celebrating a day. It is fun to watch the younger ones how they do for their celebration. My middle grandson decided he was just signing his name on the from spot then he could just put one in each of his classmates boxes without worrying about putting the wrong one in the wrong box. You know he just might have a good idea in that respect. The fun part was always making the heart sugar cookies and decorating them. You aren't allowed to send home made treats to school anymore.

     The memories of growing up can never be taken away from us. We look at each day forward as a day of making more memories, some may be fun and some may be painful, but that is life. To think about what we went through in our times and what the younger generation is going through today is really two different things. How do you explain something that is wrong when it is a parent that is doing what is wrong to a child growing up? What happen to teaching the child how to lose as well as win? I spent last Saturday watching my youngest grandson racing his pinewood Derby car. You watch them compete against each other and the expressions on some of the faces were happy when they won, but when that lost came, there were tears, with the parent telling the child the race was rigged. I thought what does that teach the child. My grandson couldn't care less what happened. He was there for the fun. He did come in 2nd in Districts which we were proud of him. After the race he went over to the little boy that won told him congratulations and shook his hand. They talked a few minutes about their cars. He lost by an inch to get to go again the second time with the same little boy. Grandma was really proud of him of where he place  and also what he did after the race. You don't see that much anymore. It is called sportsmanship

     My oldest grandson had to get all dressed up yesterday because the Governor was playing a visit to their school. They got  to observe the swearing in of the Agriculture Director for the state. There is over 80 kids in their FFA group.

    My grandson's basketball team play on Sunday. They won so far they have only lost one game. It was snowing when I left home and snowing when I came home. The car didn't cool off enough to have to clean snow off of it. It was enjoyable to watch. 

    Hubby is trying  really hard to walk and he is showing some progress. It took conversations to get what we wanted, but really I don't see why it has to be that way. If we could only get the problem resolved with them keep shoving his roommates bed over on his half of the room. Their solution is for my hubby to move. No that is not the solution there is other ways of resolving them. Why should he move when he was there first. We will see if anything happens or if we just got lip service yesterday. 

     This post has been a little of this and that. At least the sun is trying to shine and we are suppose to have warmer weather. It will just thaw and make for sloppy streets and ice when it refreezes. Oh the fun of winter. Have a safe and warm day. . 

Snow and Doctor Appointment

      The Cardinal is just one of the several that steals  the dog's food at my grandsons's house. They even bought bird feed, but they seem to like the dog food better. I don't know what they are going to try to do next.

      I thought I would show you a couple of the things that I have been working on. My redword Valentine is actually on a black striped towel, but it looks green. I have it listed in my etsy shop and have another one ready to list.

      My baby bibs are something new that I have been doing. My kitten is actually a grey, but for some reason the color is showing up  a different color. It was suppose to be a steel gray maybe it had a little blue in it.

    I spent the day with my oldest two grandsons yesterday and this was looking out at their back deck. You could see how deep the snow was. They had paths scooped to the dog kennel, the horses, and you almost thought it was a maze as to how it branched off to the different places. They had a path to the shed where the hay was kept and all.

    My daughter in law has a statue in her front yard by the front deck and this was all that you could see was his head. They had drifts in places and I was very happy that they came and got me plus brought me home.

     My grandson's first opportunity to go sledding. He came in red cheeked, but he had fun. He had hot chocolate with marshmallows to help him warm up. They were doing chores feeding the dogs and the horses. Poor Shorty, their corgi was having quite a time in the snow with his legs being so short. 
     I made my eye doctor appointment which was a follow up from my cataract surgery. He was pleased how well I can see and how well they are healing. 20/20  He will dilate them when I go back in six months. I told him at least it would be better weather when I go back, but as he reminded me we have had snow in May. Mother Nature hasn't cared where you lived this time. I didn't have a problem except when an idiot driving a truck decided he wanted my lane. I got partially off on the shoulder and held on praying that staying partially on a dry lane with one side of the car and the other on snow that I would make it by him. I didn't wreck, but I need my mouth washed out with soap with what I called him. I don't use those words. It must have really scared him because he hung back from me after that. He would have got me in the driver's door. God was sure looking out for me today. I was glad I wasn't seeing my primary care doctor today for my blood pressure probably went through the roof. 
    Hubby doesn't walk far, but at least he is trying and that is the main thing. I am hoping to go see him tomorrow as I have only talked to him since Sunday on the phone. I normally go every day the weather permits. At least it warmed up some. 
    Pine wood Derby tomorrow so I am going to try to go watch my youngest grandson tomorrow. He was mad that he had to go back to school after being out three days. Have a wonderful weekend. Stay safe and warm. Take care.

UPDATE

     We got over a foot of snow yesterday and into today. My snow picture is from a previous snow storm. It has been so nice today that I haven't had to get out of the house. They plowed my driveway with a truck today instead of the normal 4 wheeler with a blade. It was hard to push because there was so much. It is so I can get out if I need to do it. My grandson called and was insistent that they bring me something so they  brought me a loaf of bread and lunch meat. My oldest grandson cleaned off my car and scooped what he cleaned off the car so I didn't have to walk through it. She  is coming to get me early in the morning to go stay with the boys while she and dad work. He got to the end of their road when they texts him the office was closed today. She had taken the day off to stay with the boys.  She said that it took them over 1 1/2 hours to clean out in front of their garage and driveway.  
     I don't know what the day will bring for sure. I am going to take some of my laundry out and use her washer and dryer. My oldest grandson thought he was going to have to do laundry, but he was just fine helping me do mine. I have some sweatshirts and jeans I want to do. 
     They can make their grandpa Valentine's which he will like. I said that they could mail them that way he gets some mail.  I assumed they are going to be off all week as we are suppose to get more snow Friday and Saturday. 
     Up date on hubby he is going to go to PT on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a while which will make it nice for a change. He said that it felt good to try to walk. Didn't walk as far as he wanted, but it is a start that is the main thing. He was sore, but that was to be expected because he used muscles that hadn't been used for quite a while. 
     They had a February birthday party for the residents today. He even played BINGO believe it or not. He won and his prize was peanut butter and crackers, and a package of cheese and crackers. Something for a snack. We have talked several times on the phone today and doesn't expect me to come in this weather. A lot of different people were doing things that wasn't their normal jobs because people couldn't get to work.
     The boys and their mom was going to stop and get some bird feed on the way home because the cardinals are stealing the dog food. I didn't know that they would do that. They are already cancelling things for tomorrow because of the roads. They had so many wrecks because they weren't driving for the road conditions. I don't know how many wrecks  we had here, but in Kansas City they had 25 injury accidents and a 125 non-injury accidents. They had almost whiteouts yesterday I could tell that just  from looking out my window. The wind didn't help matters either. 
     If you are  in the winter wonderland, please be safe and warm. Everybody take care.
    

GOOD NEWS!!!!

    The good news is that hubby is suppose to get to go downstairs to PHYSICAL THERAPY tomorrow morning. Maybe the conversations that were held this past week really did get some attention. He sounded excited about just getting the opportunity to maybe try walking. Yesterday, he never got up out of bed said he just didn't feel like it. He doesn't like the pain medication because it makes him dopey. He wants to know what is going on around him. He uses heat packs which helps.  He did have a surprise in the afternoon. His oldest two grandsons and mom came to see him for his birthday. He hadn't seen them since Christmas. I get to see them a little more often  with watching basketball.
    The snow is coming in later tonight another 5-6 inches is expected tomorrow with some more at the end of the week. I don't know exactly where it will be put. We had 5 inches this last weekend. I can deal with the snow, it is the ice that I can't handle. I have cancelled the appointment for tomorrow because of the weather. My doctor told me that he didn't want me driving in it. I don't have any problems, basically it was a wellness check that you have to do once a year.
      My youngest grandson was a little disappointed that the Pine Wood Derby got cancelled last Saturday. My driveway didn't get cleaned out until 4 in the afternoon on Saturday. I wasn't going to get to go anyway because of my driveway being plowed shut when they cleaned the street. I live on an emergency snow route so if I can get out of my driveway I can make it to the grocery store which isn't that far away. We are to get a new pharmacy in our neighbor hood. I have with the bank, the grocery store, Subway, Taco Bell, K-Mart right close to me.  We don't really have city blocks out here because most of the houses around me were built on farm land. When we built our home a long time ago it was like living in the country also with all of the farm land around us, but it isn't that way anymore. At least we don't have apartments.
    What did you think of the Super Bowl? I was happy that Seattle won, because I think Denver thought they had it won before they even played the game. I thought they needed a reality check. I know that Denver is closer to home, but I just think their quarterback has an ego problem. I know that I am probably stepping on some toes and I am sorry, but that is just my opinion . I don't voice it often about football. I did like some of the commercial especially Budweiser's " Puppy Love". I cried when I saw their Welcome Home for a Hero serving in the military. I think it hit to close to home knowing what they go through when they are in harms way. That is partially being part of a military family with having 5 brothers serve in the military plus my oldest son went in right after he graduated from high school. He was in the first Gulf War. I got ban from the television because I was to emotional because I wanted to know what was going on. I have a nephew in Afghanistan right now. 
     There is an election tomorrow to narrow down the people running for the City Council. The final choices will be made in April. I really don't know who to vote for because I don't know that much about any of those running. They haven't really talked that much about any of them. I know that we need a change, but in politics do we really get it when we do vote new people in. I think most of them just give lip service. 
     What a array of subjects tonight's blog  has? Hopefully I didn't step on to many toes and If I did I am sorry. If you get the bad weather, please be careful and stay safe. Take care. 
   

THE SNOW ARRIVED

     The snow is coming down right now. The ground is white. I need to run another errand, but I am debating as to what I want to do. I am not venturing that far from home. Just the post office and the bank. My picture is from one of our previous snow storms. At least the wind has died down so that is a plus.

     The  nursing home had unexpected visitors this week. I talked with one by phone and my hubby had already talked to one about getting help to try to walk again. He wants to walk even if it is just up and down the hall. I know he gets tired of the wheelchair. We will have to wait and see if anything changes. 

     I am so ready for Spring. I am hoping that I can make it to the city this next week for two doctor appointments. I really don't want to cancel them because I have been waiting on them. They are for me. See I do take care of myself even though my family wonders at time. One is a follow up from my eye surgery to see how I am doing. 

     Tomorrow is the first day of February. Where did January go? Is the whole year going to fly that fast? It is almost like blinking your eyes and it is gone. Ethan's pinewood derby was suppose to be tomorrow, but we will have to wait and see. They may have to cancel it because of the weather. 

     There won't be a basketball game this week because of the Super Bowl. Have any of you seen the Budweiser commercial "Puppy Love". It is really cute. They always have good commercials. Some of the others that I have seen I am not to impressed. They tell me it is because  I am partial to horses. 

It is, also, hubby's birthday. He was born on Ground Hog .  He thought he was going to deduct age instead of becoming older. 

     I don't think the custom order that I was approached about will happen. They wanted 7 by the third of February. I can't make them that fast. Do you think that my tea towels look like they are stitched on the machine? I do them all by hand. Now if they wanted  to wait on them, it would be no problem.  Oh well, win some and lose some. 

     Have a wonderful day. Stay safe and warm wherever you are at. If you have to be out, just be safe. 

     

What A Day

   I spent the afternoon waiting to see the doctor at the nursing home. My hubby's room was so cold. I can understand why he is always cold after sitting there. When you walk down the other halls, you can feel heat entirely different then walking down their hall. I don't know if it did any good or not, but at least I got to voice my concerns about his problem. It was amazing to watch what was taking place today. They had visitors from the state checking them out. The picture you saw today was not the normal. They sure do try to put on a good appearance even the meal I ate with him tonight was different.  I will check again tomorrow to see just what was decided about my concerns. I am going back to documenting again.

     My basketball player waiting his turn to be in the game. They went to see the Harlem Globe Trotters last night and had a lot of fun. I saw his brother on the news when they were interviewing one of the grandmothers that was at the game. My grandson pictured  will be going to Children's Mercy next month to see the specialist because he is losing his hearing in one ear. They want to know how much hearing is lost, if there is anything that can be done to help it, and if he will have the same kind of problems with his the other ear. He had to have tubes put in his ears when he was younger. Just keep praying they get the answers when they go. They are getting in quicker with the doctor office here making the appointment. He loves building with his Legos. If he wants one bad enough, he will use his money that he saves. The next picture is of The Mine that he built in one night. When he starts, he never wants to stop until he gets built whatever he is working on. He has a very imaginative little mind.

  I still chuckle every time I think about my oldest grandson trying to stay out of the picture when they were doing the interviews last night at the basketball game. His mom had him call me after he got home from school. When he answered, I asked him how was my celebrity was doing? He said Oh! Man, Grandma just had to tease him a little bit. He had told her when they got home he didn't think he was in the picture.

    It has been cold all day, but at least the wind has died down thank goodness. I am so tired of dressing in layers, but I keep thinking Spring is coming. 

   The cold is even going to reach clear down to where my oldest is. Can you imagine Atlanta with snow? That is what they were saying on the news. Oh well, it can only get better eventually.  Are you going to watch the Olympics? I will probably watch ice skating because our daughter skated when she was younger. We use to go to the Ice Capes when they were close by to watch Scott Hamilton, Christi Yamaguchi. I even have Scott Hamilton's autograph on the back of my name tag when we were in Sun Valley a long time ago.  Our daughter  even taught ice skating while she was going to school. She went to National Collegiate Championships before she hung up her skates and work more on her degree in college. She does a little judging. Both of the younger two grandsons like skating when they went to birthday parties held at the rink. We are fortunate to have an ice rink right here in town. 

    Try to stay warm wherever you are at. Have a good rest of the week. 

      

Where's Spring

  The wind is howling outside my window and you wonder just where Spring is. They said it was at 48 miles a hour according to my weatherbug, but it sounds like jet engines. It has rain in front, with mixture, and snow behind it. I am hoping that it is moving so fast that we don't get much. We got up to 53 degrees earlier today which wasn't that bad, but boy did the temperature drop fast.

    I thought I would post pictures of my boys that you will hear about on my blog. My older two are with big brother's horse Fergie. She is such a gentle horse and will do what ever they ask of her. She will take good care of Matt this summer when he lopes her. He still wants to do the races, but I am not sure if mom and dad will let him do that. He is just so little as the picture will show further down my blog of him. He is starting to grow, but his legs aren't long enough yet. I keep hearing Big Brother is getting a new horse, but I don't know if that has happened yet. My oldest is grandma's helper and come June he will be old enough to get his driving permit. I don't know if I am ready for that or not.

      My base ball player is going to play ball again this summer. His dad got drafted to be the coach last year. They have talked him in  to doing it again. It will soon be that time of the year. He is working on his pinewood derby car for the race Saturday. I didn't get to see it. It is to be a surprise. I got reminded again what time I needed to be there. I try to go watch all three unless it gets to terrible hot. He is doing the Jump Rope for the American Heart Association. He had to do his own calling and asking the neighbors  and family for donations. He is so funny. I got the complete run down on what the money was going for when he asked me if I would sponsor him.

   The last picture is of my basketball player and horse rider. They played today and won 26-7. He made 4 of those points. He was tired when they got through playing. They play

Matt and Fergie

10 minute quarters. There is enough players that they have two sets of 5. Depending on when they are started which quarter they play they are kept moving. They rest the opposite. They lost their first game and have won everyone since. 

   My last picture is him with Fergie who he is going to ride this summer. He isn't much bigger then the picture, but he is starting to get a little taller. He is my dare devil, lego man, and  not afraid of anything which may be good or bad. 

    Enough about my boys as you  can tell they are my pride and joy. They are who I go see when I need a change of scenery from the nursing home. 

    I am going to be spending Tuesday afternoon there to see the doctor. I don't know if it will be do me any good or not, but if it doesn't I know the phone number who just might be able to help get the results I want. Sometimes they do a good job of giving lip service, but not doing what they say.You have to protect your love one's and be there for them. I have been his care giver for going on 15 years. It has been a roller coaster ride. 

    You all have a wonderful week and I will be visiting as much as I possibly can. Take care. Be safe and for those of you in the cold weather stay warm. 

Grow Your Blog 2014

     Are you ready for your grow your blog party ?  Ready to meet a lot of new people from all different areas. I don't know about you, but it is my way of traveling.
     
     Welcome to Shirleystitches blog. I write about things in the past, today, and the future. I am semi-retired since the lumber yard closed this past year. I never thought it would happen, but you just never know. I found out what it is like to live by myself with my husband in the nursing home for over a year. I still go to visit about every day, but with the terrible cold weather I am incline to stay home. We did celebrate 50 years this past October. We never thought we would make it that far. I am one of ten  with six brothers and three sisters which you will read about our growing up on the farm at times.
     
     You will see my embroidery that I do every so often on my blog that is for sale in my etsy shop custom orders are welcome, pictures of my grandsons riding their horses, and playing sports. Many know that I enjoy spending time to watch my grandsons regardless of what they are doing. Their ages are 14, 9. and 8. Just don't ask me to video something not going to happen. I have three children, two sons and one daughter. My oldest son is in the state of Louisiana working and my other son and daughter live close by so that when mom needs a little help they are there for me. 

     My daughter and youngest grandson took care of me when I had my cataract surgery this past year. He was always asking if I needed something. He even shared his bunk beds in his room. He let me have the bottom one and he took the top bunk. 

     You will be reading about what the boys are doing that help to keep grandma entertained. The horse show season will be starting soon. My two oldest grandsons both show horses. Last year I watched my middle grandson get thrown from his horse Cleo. It was scary, but he didn't break any bones just had the wind knocked out of him. He is changing horses this year because he has to learn to lope and Cleo does not like to lope. They don't want him to get hurt.

     We share many things here in blog land with friends that we have made and hope to continue to make new friends over the next year. I know that I am looking forward to the party and hope that you are too. Vicki is our wonderful host and she has some really wonderful volunteers to help considering that she had 500 sign up. All we ask is to leave us a comment so we know that you were here. Have a wonderful weekend and have fun at the party. 

Brr

We don't have this, but we do have the bitter cold with the winds out of the northwest. We have had gust today, but not as bad as we have had in the last few days. They have clocked them at 54. 51. and 49 miles a hour. I know they made it sound like a jet engine. 

 

Some schools cancelled, but most ran about a hour late. It hadn't warmed up much even delaying the starting time. Tomorrow is suppose to warm up some. I know hubby stayed in bed today to keep warm and sleep to make up for last night when he didn't sleep that good. His room is on the northwest corner of the brick building. When the winds are out of the north and northwest it is always cold. He even ate in his room today. He said he was alright just cold. Of course, it always makes me wonder with him. 

 

I have two more redwork Valentine tea towels ready for laundering and putting in my etsy shop.  I have been working to replace some that have arrived at their new homes. I do have one block of my tractor quilt done. I always have more then one project going at once. Do you do that too?  The hands and mind have to stay occupied thinking about what I am doing rather then worry about things that I can not change no matter how hard I want to. They did another physical therapy evaluation to see if he could go back down stairs, but with the right leg not wanting to support him like it should doesn't sound as though he will get to. Just keep praying for some changes. It just part of the roller coaster ride of life.  

 

I hope you all are staying as warm and safe as possible. I know that I am. Take care and have a good weekend coming up. 

 

 

     The weekend is almost gone. The days just fly by so very fast anymore. My family keep trying to tell me it is because I am getting  older or at least that is what my grandsons tell me at times. Some of their ideas are priceless. They had a big lego competition in Kansas City yesterday and some of the things they showed the kids made were unreal.

      At least the wind has died down for the time being, we had a couple of days where it was clocked at 54 miles a hour. It did have a little freezing sleet mixed in, but didn't last long or cause any problems. I know that some of the big rigs were having problems with the wind along with high profile vehicles. I followed an oats bus to the nursing home and you could tell it was bothering him quite a bit. 

     Valentine's Day is just about a month away. First on the agenda will be celebrating a Ground Hog Day birthday. Hubby's birthday is getting close. He says he is going to start deducting years instead of getting older. I think his birthday cake will be just a small one with 74 shown on the top in frosting instead of big candles. His lab work came back better, but not terrific. He falls asleep so easy. I just take something to work on while I let him sleep. He wakes up every so often to make sure I am still there.

     Wish me luck, I am going to try videoing my first ballgame later today. It should be  interesting. My oldest said that he would do it, but he has 4H this afternoon. He will be very busy with working on their judging for competition. State competition is coming up in March and their club is going to host their first horse show this year so that is in the planning stage. They are all looking forward to warmer weather so they can start riding. One of their friends got thrown from their horse. They were lucky and lit in a snow bank. They didn't break anything just hurt pride. I am looking forward to watching them. 

     Both of the younger grandsons liked ice skating when they tried it. They went to birthday parties held at the ice rink. We are fortunate to have one here in town and they just got a new Zamboni. It is electric so it will be more friendly then the old propane run one they use to have. I still like to watch them skate. 

    It is time that I need to get around. I am going to the nursing home for a while. I won't be able to do it tomorrow. Have a great day. Stay warm and safe.

     

Time Flying

     Tomorrow is the 15th of January and I don't know where this month has gone. Valentine's Day is a month away. Are you really ready for it to be a new year? Where did the last one go? It is almost to the point where if you blink an eye the day is gone. 

     My youngest grandson wants a cat to add to his five dogs. His dad is very allergic to the cats to where his eyes will swell shut if he is not careful, but my grandson thinks because dad is older that he shouldn't be allergic anymore. He, also, wants them to buy him a brother to play with because he doesn't have any brothers or sisters. All of his classmates have brothers and sisters.He thinks this is  totally unfair, but yet he doesn't want to give up anything like half of his room. You have to love them because you don't know what they are going to say or do next. 

     He has already figured out what he wants for his next Christmas. He wants a horse and a rabbit. I really don't know where he comes up with all of his ideas. He won't be getting either that is for sure being they live in town. He says he will take care of them.  He knows that he would have to build a hutch for the rabbit.I can just picture that considering who takes care of the dogs now. I think the horse is because his cousins have horses.

     My middle grandson's team won their ballgame on Sunday and he scored 2 points. I think he was a little surprised that it went in. The boys were excited because their teacher came and watched them play. I know it was  fun to watch. He looked tired when the game was over. At least it was a beautiful day with the sunshine. 

     My oldest grandson got a little worried about grandma because I didn't answer my cell phone. It is a situation where it was so noisy that I didn't hear it. I called him back and assured him that grandma was o.k. and that I would try to do better. I don't know if I can set it to ring and vibrate both because I carry it in my pocket. Otherwise, I would be hunting for it. 

    I went to see hubby today and they didn't do the lab work they were suppose to do. It is to be done tomorrow because  they only have a short period of time to get it to the lab to be ran. I have a sneaky feeling that his ammonia level is continuing to go up which means the liver is continuing to go down hill. Going on 15 years is not bad considering the roller coaster ride that we have had since he first got sick. 

    I need to make me some new tea towels considering my Valentine tea towels are on their way to a new home in Texas. You all have a wonderful week. Stay safe and warm. . 

    

This and That

   I keep looking for the sunshine, but today is one of those foggy drizzly days with the temperature just a little above freezing. We have some ice on the ground besides the snow making it slick and this gal is staying home. I stuck my head out the door long enough to get my paper.  Some  schools are in session because they don't want to have to make up days at the end of the year. I just hope that they all arrive safely home at the end of the day. 

   My street is quiet and not the normal grand central station. I can usually tell the condition of the street by the number of cars going by. We are suppose to have a heat wave tomorrow and warm up to into the 40's which would really be nice for a change. 

   There is so much sickness going around right now. I have been lucky so far, but it is constantly watching where and what I am doing. I wore extra layers yesterday when I went to the office. The office is a historic building and you can feel the cold air especially if the wind is out of the north. With the weather we have been having, I think every house has a bit of that. 

    I am looking forward to Spring to start with the boys sports, horse shows, and just plain being able to get outside in the fresh air. The next few Sunday's will be watching my Matt play basketball. Springtime Ethan wants to play baseball again, and of course, both Jake and Matt will be showing horses again this summer. Lots of pictures to take to show grandpa what his boys are doing. Of course, my hands will be kept busy with the embroidering and the camera. I want to try to learn to take video's with it this year. I don't know how that will turn out.

    I really don't think the fog is going to lift this afternoon at all. We will just have to wait and see. 

    Ms. Birdie and Ms Pig are a couple of the tea towels that I have done. I am working on quilt blocks at the present along with somethings for Valentine's Day which is roughly a month away. 

   Hope you all have a wonderful day and the weekend warms up for everybody. If you have to be out, just stay safe and warm. Take care.

Deep Freeze

     Are you in a deep freeze too? I am lucky that I can change the day of the week that I work. I am staying home not only because of the cold, but I have been trying to come down with a cold. I have my cough drops and Vick's handy plus my cup of hot tea with honey in it. There is so much stuff going around right now. 

    My driveway and steps got cleared yesterday just in time. My grandson, Matt had his first basketball game and he didn't want grandma to miss it. It was so much fun to watch. He plays as a guard and lets the bigger kids shoot. He can steal the ball from the bigger kids by ducking under their arm. They lost 20-18 but it was exciting because it was first one way and then the other. What I liked most was everybody played. They rotated so that they could rest. My oldest grandson was waiting for me so he could show me where they were sitting. 

     Schools are closed today because of the bitter cold. I can understand why they didn't want them to be outside in it. They just got an extra day of vacation. 

    Be sure to say the prayers for those in need. There is so many people that are needing them right now. I know that my list keeps getting longer and longer. When you are a caregiver, there are times when you need a prayer to give you the strength to deal with the situations that you face because you never know what tomorrow will bring. I have great admiration for those that have that responsibility, at the job they do, and can relate so well being one myself. God is there with us every step of the way. 

    I think about all of my friends who have more snow then I do, and facing the bitter cold. I just want them to be safe, warm, and if traveling please be careful. 

   Take care.

   

2014 ???

   What will the New Year bring remains to be seen, but we did get more snow and the bitter cold. The wind blew and we were below zero. We have warmed up to a whopping 10 degrees this morning, but I would much sooner have it warmer. 

  We are praying for a better year. It will be filled with watching our grandsons play whatever sport, seeing them ride horses, taking pictures to grandpa so he can watch. One of my goal will be learn how to take a video with my camera. I think he would enjoy that. 

  The snow came yesterday afternoon fast and furious with the temperature dropping. I was out for a little while before it started. I had lost a set of keys while I was at Hobby Lobby on New Year's eve, I was lucky they found them. That started my New Year off right. I was worried. I had to go to Joann's because they had their embroidery thread 30cents a skein. That was a bargain and I am working on quilt blocks at the moment.  Why do they always tell you less thread then you really need for the project?  You only hope that you can find some more so that you can finish it.

   The driveway has been bladed, steps scooped, now if the fairy would only clean my car. That fairy is staying in the house it is to cold. The street is snow packed, so I am hibernating. I have been doing some reading of blogs and I will try to catch up with some more of you today. You know I haven't missed going out in bad weather to go to work. It is rather nice to be able to stay home if you want to. My hubby doesn't want to worry about me in bad weather we just talk by phone several times a day.

   The sun is shining which makes it look warmer then it really is, but I have  a cup of hot tea close by so I am good. I alternate between it and coffee. I don't want to bake anything because I would eat way to much of it. Although a gooey cinnamon roll wouldn't be bad. 

  I hope all of you are safe and warm. Mother Nature isn't being kind to us again, but with being careful we will survive. If you are traveling, please be careful. Have a wonderful day. Take care.