DAY OF SURGERYS NEAR & A NEW WATER HEATER!

MONDAY MONDAY so good to me,
MONDAY MONDAY, it was all I hoped it would be; 1960's by The Mamas & Papas. 

Today we met another Mama!  We attended "Joint Camp 1-3:30pm" at UMMC to learn more about my surgery.  Four patients and their support member met in a tiny 10 X 10 conference room with Mary Lama.  She promptly introduced herself by her floor nick name- "MAMA LAMA"- if you want anything yell for 'MAMA LAMA!"  That set the pace for a 2.5 hour meeting of fun and information.   Mary has been with the hospital for 32 years, starting in the clerical field then acquiring her RN degree.  She developed the "Joint Camp" as one of her thesis's for her nursing degree.  She is proud to wear her Nursing Cap!  She even had a joke for us.  Do you know the similarity of a hospital gown and an insurance policy?  Answer: Neither has complete coverage! 

Most all the nuts & bolts were covered for pre-op and inpatient care.  Several of the orthopedic doctors forbid her to discuss rehab as their concern is "big time against infection" in still another facility.  They prefer the patient goes home and has in house rehab. 
  
During the meeting; Bob's phone rang.  He immediately said sorry and left the room.  Everyone reached for their phones to shut them off.  On the way home, Bob told me the call was the lady from the NH returning his call about confirmation of a room for me.  Here it comes; there are issues with our insurance company which should be settled by Friday's meeting.  Oh No!  Another hurdle.

After class I thanked Mama Lama for her excellent presentation and I made a point of discussing my meeting with Annette last week. (the cold experience) I suggested that they plan "Joint Camp" before meeting with Annette if they had that opportunity. 
Hurrying home for our 4:00 coffee  and to let the dog out,   we were bushed!   Bob called for a pizza and I started to sort the washing and pushing that through.  Later I turned on the TV to watch the debate; I didn't even see it, snooze time. 
TUESDAY:
As soon as I woke up, I started thinking how much I could get done before the next appointment that afternoon.  The main thing was getting supper planned, maybe in the crock pot.  I even made the salad ahead of time. 
I had to go see my GP -Dr. Suwarna Naik or Dr. Sue for medical clearance.  She was in a ripping mood; commenting the only time that I come in is for surgery.  I was laying on my back for the EKG and I didn't let that one pass.  I made a response; "that's not true as I was here for my yearly physical."  She left and I waited for her return.  According to her my EKG showed a fast heart beat.  What?  I have never had a heart problem.  Probably her comment raised my heart beat.   Well, that aside, now I have to go for another stress test and she wrote a script for 30 pills of Metropolol for me.  Crap!  She has me on so many vitamins now that my feet and palms of hands are all broke out with tiny white blisters that turn red when they break.  They appear two at a time; like a snake bite.  They itch!  I told her that I'm allergic to the vitamins.  Her response, "of course not, that's lack of vitamins."  Okay now she has me thinking it's scurvy.  The hospital said, no surgery if you have open wounds because infection will go straight to the knee.  So I may not get the knee done yet.   Enough said on that.

They cut the Biggest Looser show down to an hour.  Was that because of the President speech?  I watched him for as long as I could stand it.  I can't help but wonder if he ever forgets anything he had planned to say.  So controlled is he.  
WEDNESDAY:
Betsy has our car today while hers is in the garage for service again.  We kept ourselves  busy all day with income tax and bookkeeping, until we couldn't focus anymore.   

Bob sorta got things ready for the delivery of a new water heater.  You all know how Bob likes to talk, yes?  Well, yesterday he stopped at Sallome's Heating and visited.   As he and John talked, John decided to make a call and John received approval to  replace our heater with a brand new one, same brand, free.   We have to pay for the installation.  So that's on the schedule for tomorrow. 
More income tax preparation in the evening. 
THURSDAY:
Up and at em, breakfast and shower before they are here to shut the water off.   There's another coating of clean white snow outside.  
They arrived before 9 and started the exchange.  The new tank is a couple inches taller so to fit it into the same spot; the shelf has to be removed.  All the storage had to be moved.  I suspected it would be a mess!  Bob has to rebuild the shelving now.  Stuff is piled all over this room and the rec room.  Well, I should just stay out of it and continue to make my grocery list. 

REMOVING ALL THE STORAGE.

COATS ARE PILED UP ON THE SOFA. HOOA, HOOA!

OUT GOES THE OLD WATER HEATER.

DAVE & JOHN; NOTHING IS EASY, IT WON'T FIT! 

ALL INSTALLED; BOB REBUILDING THE SHELVES.

Another co-pay at Dr. Sue's and the dreaded stress test.  I had my bull headed mind make up that I was gonna die trying to pass that thing.  They kept asking me to rate my breathing.  I finally said, my breathing is fine but my knees are killing me.  They really didn't keep it going to long when Dr. Sue said, "your doing much better than I expected so guess we will shut it off now!"  No problem with my heart beat.  I have approval for surgery.  Makes one wonder?  They can now bill for their enormous fee. 

WE HEADED FOR DUNKIN DONUTS FOR OUR 4:00 COFFEE!

After supper we all worked on replacing the storage items.  We are very thankful for the replacement water heater tank.  We never expected that; so good thing Bob likes to talk! 
Time for pills, and greasing the blisters on my feet before going to bed.  I put a cortisone paste on them and then a coating of VICK'S!  Yep, the AARP magazine said Vicks was good for infected toe nails so I thought why not?   
FRIDAY:
Another one of those wide open eye nights.  I watched the debate in the wee hours of the morning.  
RICK: anyone having 7 kids can't be to smart in this day and age; but he's a millionaire.
NEWT: I like Newt because he can't be molded: but he has had his hand slapped a couple times.
ROMNEY: I can't get a liking for him, what's he hiding?  Shyster!
TEXAS-PAUL:  He doesn't cotton to anything, and says so.  We need to get him on Team Annalynn if he can ride 25 miles in the Texas sunshine. 

I finally had coffee and toast before Betsy got up for work.  Then I wanted to read my book and couldn't stay awake.  Figures!  When I did get back up there was the prettiest, large snowflakes coming down-"SUGAR SNOW!"  This saying stems from my farm days; all the farmers who tapped Maple trees for sap, called this snow Sugar Snow.   I'll bet they have their buckets or plastic lines all installed by now.  They need freezing nights and warm days for the sap to run. 

I had a couple of messages on my phone so I made those call backs.  Then Bob and I went over town for groceries in the afternoon.   I picked out a couple paper backs to read while hospitalized.  I wonder how much time I'll have to read if they start the day a 4:00am with that machine that bends one's knee.  We shall see.  (While in Tops we saw our friend who works at the NH Rehab-They are closed down for a procedure audit-no patients-everything dark!  The problem could be paper work or health care)
TGIF-We are all sitting around, doing our thing.  Waiting for the Gold Rush program. 

SATURDAY:

PHOTO: ERIN BROCKOVICH
I should take a ride east to the next town over (Le Roy) to see if I can see her someplace.  She is making an appearance.  Some of the teenage girls with the tic outbreak have been on the Today Show.   Bob recognized one of the fathers who was interviewed.  He owns a TV appliance store and Bob just happened to back the current motor home into his building while there for help with our TV.
Instead of turning it into insurance; Bob went out and replaced the vinyl siding himself.  Life of an RV-ER! 

The Movie "ERIN BROCKOVICH" was out when we were broke down with our  "HOLIDAY RAMBLER VACATIONER in Tenn. for over a week; it had to be before 2002.  We went to the movies to pass the time of day.  Of course, the star Julie Roberts, one of my favorites helps.   During the movie, the garage mechanic called to say the gas tank had to be dropped and replaced, it was being ordered from Mexico.    OMG!  We may as well drive home and come back when and if?  That's what we ended up doing.  The garage owners promised to keep the refrig plugged in, which didn't happen.  We had one smelly, stinking mess when we returned two weeks later to pick up the motor home. 

I cleaned our bedroom, started to gather items for the suitcase.  Thanks to everyone who voted for Christianna & Joe on the Mills Jewelery site.   I enjoyed going thru their site; looking at all the diamonds worn by the movie stars on the red carpet!  Did anyone else see it?  And the new fad; gold & silver tattoos! 

SUNDAY:
We met (GS) Alex tonight for his birthday celebration!  (22 years wow) 



A BIRTHDAY GREETING FROM UNCLE PHIL!

ALEX, DAVID & DONNA @STICKY LIPS BAR B QUE!

APPETIZERS-WE HAD FRENCH FRIED DILL PICKLES & THEN THIS PLATE.
LOOKS LIKE A GARBAGE PLATE, BUT OH SO GOOD.

LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THE RIBS!

AUNT BETSY & ALEX

Such good food!  While we were inside having a grand time, the predicted snow was coming down outside.  TV said, " an inch per hour!"  Big, huge, Sugar Snow!  So pretty.  Heading home, Betsy was driving her big truck and we didn't slip or slide but it was slow moving.  She got behind a snow plow and we all felt safer.  Mother Nature rules again.

GOOD BY OLD KNEE!  BONE ON BONE.

Well, Tuesday (surgery day) is just around the corner.  They are to call me tomorrow with the time to come in.  The same day my nephew in NC will be having one of his feet amputated due to diabetes.  My prayers go out to him and Linda. 

This maybe my last post for a couple weeks.  The hospital has Internet but I doubt that I will have time (Tues. - Fri.) and patience for typing.  Bearing complications; it looks like I will leave there on Friday for the NH Rehab.  The NH does not have access to Internet. 

So until I'm up and doing the "Chicken Dance" ; hope you all have a couple good weeks. 


Golden Gram


























  

Bored!

I don't even want to post this as all I did all week was medical, and one movie.  But like Newt Gingrich says, " I don't but I will!"

MONDAY:
Boring day!  Isn't there a saying; if bored wait something will come up? 

Yep, Couldn't get into the dentist because the doctor was out sick. 

At super, Betsy complained that she had a cold shower again this morning.  Not again, we just had it fixed before Christmas and I just sent the payment out.  Call John!  (Sallome Heating)  John is on a cruise so his brother Dave came out.  He got the pilot light going but he found a wire that is burned.  He has to order it.

TUESDAY:
Went to dentist at 11:30am.  They ground the high spots on plate that were hurting and out I went happy as they felt so much better.   While I was there at the dentist, Bob went over to Home Depot to price water heaters.  He explained the different units but I don't listen; I don't want the mess!  He is also pricing the tank less wall units. 
I dug around for my DVD on Yoga.  I called Sarah who was also bored and we went thru the instructions together...laughing at each other.  While we are down on the floor, Cinderella gets all excited and she attacks us for attention.  A dog's life, ahe?
We had high wind warnings for this evening.  They were saying 80 mile an hour; stay inside.  The winds were bad but Bob's weather machine only recorded 49 mile per hour. 

WEDNESDAY:
Today I had two pre-op appointments; one at Genesee United Memorial Hospital and one at Dr. Hoy's.  The hospital was at 9am.  They remodeled the hospital and it really looked beautiful in the front reception area.  However, to get to the back part they made a long, long, gradual incline hall.  They should have put in a walking conveyor belt like the airports install.  My two cents.  
I had registration with one employee; who did her thing, no chit chat.  Back to waiting room for about 15 minutes.  Then the next employee; she was thorough, she didn't rush, she offered additional health care, she gave me a folder of reading pamphlets, she explained so much but there was just something missing.  (A cold experience) I don't know what I was expecting but I started to loose my confidence.  "Maybe my leg is not bad enough to go thru with this?"  On to the blood tests and chest x-rays.  That completed this appointment. We drove to Dunkin donuts for coffee and a treat since I had to fast for blood work.
Then to Dr. Hoy's.  More x-rays!  We met with the Dr's assistant, Greg.  He answered my above question by pulling up the x-ray pictures on his laptop, and showing me on his knee exactly where he expected the pain area that I'm having would be.  Right on man!  My next question was about my vision of my lower leg flopping around once the bones are sawed-what do I do?  "Say come on leg, we are going this way!"  At this point, nothing had been said about the extension of the replacement knee having a insertable point that goes down into bottom tibia for control.  He cleared up my vision.  We went thru allergies, meds and hundreds of other questions; one more time.  I had my confidence back. 
Home for lunch with Sarah and then we were off to the movies.  Sarah's treat!  I have wanted to see the "War Horse" even though I hate war movies.  The advertisements had a horse in it and I immediately thought "maybe like Disney!"  It was very good and I survived the war parts.  It's 2.5 hours long. Steven Spielberg film with lots of enhancements.  Nice to be retired; to the movies during the week, in the middle of the day! 

THURSDAY:
Another appointment!  I had to be at the American Red Cross at noon up on Transit Road in Buffalo to donate my blood for surgery.  That went fine.  As I'm getting my coat on I see Bob is out in the parking lot; looking down and waving his arms-like he is swearing.  What is he doing?  I approach the car and he tells me that he lost his phone.  He wanted to take a picture of me coming out of the ARC building for my blog.  Okay Bob, calm down. He was so upset with himself.  (It might be  the fourth phone replacement in the last two contract periods)  He had been to Sears to look at water heaters.   Back to Sears and he took my phone to make the call so his would ring.  A lady at the shoe area had it; a good person had turned it in.   We went to Cracker Barrel for a "soft" lunch.  My gums hurt!  After 2 other stops we headed home in a blizzard. 
FRIDAY:
Cool morning!  17 degrees.   Sarah & Betsy left for Bryant University in Rhode Island about 7:00am.  Betsy will fly back and we are to pick her up at the airport on Sunday night.

One more appointment at 10:40am.-my annual eye check up.  Good to go for another year. 

Home again to do some pick up, lunch, a nap and it was supper time.  I made baked pork chops but I went back to my old false teeth to eat! 

More discussion on the water heater replacement; the tank less type has a 12 year warranty.  Okay Bob, but maybe we won't stay in this house for 12 years or in 12 years we could be in the Nursing Home.  74 +12=86 YEARS OLD.
  
I had so much reading to do from hospital that I went thru that while watching the Gold Rush program.

SATURDAY:

I never got dressed until the afternoon because I wanted to shower and all the water was turned off!  DH shut the water off and then went to the store to get the parts required for a couple leaky faucets.  He took the parts with him to make sure he purchased the right replacements.   
After shopping, Bob picked up a box of Florida oranges as the truck driver was here this week.  A group was selling bar be que chicken there so he brought one of those home for dinner.  So thoughtful!
We spent the evening compiling printouts to begin Income Tax. 
SUNDAY:
We have had a nice quiet weekend.  I saw three deer run the length of the back field this morning.  The first sighting in a long time. 
We worked on Income Tax some of the day.  We saw the beginning of one football game and the ending of the other; as we had to pick Betsy up at the airport. 

It's late so guess it's posting time.  No pics this week; we are slipping!  Hope  everyone has a good week ahead. 

Golden Gram

Snow, Snow & Cold!

MONDAY:
I'm blank as to what I did today.  Let's start off with Bob's project.  Over last week; he slowly and methodically  pulled everything off the garage wall where he wants to put his new cabinets.  He had lots of stuff to relocate as that wall was covered.  Betsy had picked up the hanging rack at Sears and she helped him to install that then place the cabinets. 

BOB'S NEW CRAFTSMAN CABINETS.

Ah yes, I made some bean soup.  I picked up the kitchen.  I picked up my finished puzzle to get it ready to mail to my sister.  Then I checked thru all the addresses on the received Christmas cards.  Important little stuff!

The afternoon Bob and I checked all the saved files for the camping club.  After 7 years as Secretary we will be handing everything over to the newly elected and I had stuff so out of order.  I think we pretty much have each writing in the folder it belongs in now.  This computer does what it's told; funny thing I always think that I'm saving things right! 

Then I got an e-mail from Debbie inviting me to go dress shopping with the Bridal party that evening.   Betsy drove and we met everyone at a Rochester shop.  It was fun to see the young girls in the gowns all gussied up!  I tried on three more dresses and never hit that moment when you say "yes, this is the dress!"   One of the dresses made me feel like Dolly Parton; alot more on top than I have.   Wish I had her tiny waist!  When they (14 of us) were all satisfied we went to the Macaroni Grill for a late dinner. 

TUESDAY:
We received word today that (GS)Alex will be assigned to an Airforce base in Oklahoma right after graduation.  He wanted Texas but he is happy with OK.  Several of his friends are going to Mississippi!  Too soon!
Also heard of a calendar date change:  (relatives pay attention) The wedding shower date for (GD) Christianna has been changed from April 22, 2012, to April 29th, 2012.   Hay, that's my Mom and Dad's wedding anniversary-April 29th, 1926.  Well, I guess they will be there in spirit!

Bob and I worked together on the HRRVC camping records again.  We had a lot of junk saved.

After supper,I decided it was time to take down my glass ornament tree (2 hours to pack it all) .   I remembered back when my Mom had barely finished putting decorations up until Jan. 7th.  (Three Kings Day) and no way were we allowed to take it down before that date.      While doing that; I watched the Biggest Looser and it had a different ending!  Putting one guy down for his actions.  Scrapping amongst the team.  Kinda gross!

WEDNESDAY:
I lofted about 10:00am.  Surprise from (DH)Bob; he had arranged for our newly elected HRRVC Secretary to come over this afternoon to go over the transfer of records.  Wow, I have to wake up and get ready!  Now there's no way a person can pick up a house when there is so much piled everywhere for certain events so I dismissed that idea and did what I could.  Bob did run the vacuum upstairs to pick up the tinsel on the floor from tree dismantling! He shoved the tree decos back in storage under the stairs.  There we're ready so we had lunch. 

Once Bob Jae (Bob Jae has a Blog, he helped me with mine) was here, we talked and talked going over stuff.  We had lots of laughs.  The guys even worked in the procedure for installing a generator and some Ipad questions.  Oh ya, Bob showed him all about his new weather station.  Sarah came home from her "hot Yoga" class with Annalynn.  We introduced her to Mr. Jae and she said the right thing!  "I've heard all good things about you!"  Bob J. will have lots of reading material for these winter days.  Shortly after Bob J. left, Betsy came home from work.  The girls were going to "Spin Class", they would eat later. 

Well, be darned if I'm cooking, off we went to eat out.  Now that was a experience.  A family came in with children and of course they picked the big booth right behind us.  The kids were kids!  Of course, the parents wanted them to behave in public.  (Apparently they don't teach them at home) With a very loud voice the mother was correcting them and she was worse than the kids.  She never let up.  One boy took his meal and went to the front of the restaurant to sit on the bench.  I nearly jabbed myself with the fork on her outbursts for that one!  The father asked for a takeout and he left with one of the kids.  That's how bad it was.  Moral of the story; don't sit by a big booth. 

THURSDAY:
Rain all night and all day.  Bob is out checking his rain gauge. 

Finally a day to do the washing and the machine is not busy.  The girls must be all caught up with their wash.  We were close to running out of gutchees! 

I worked on some financial duties this morning.  Everything takes time.  I received another bill from a doctor in Rochester for the copay amount.  I thought we had that taken care of back in October.  Apparently the bank didn't send them a copy of my email payment as promised.  (DH) Bob took right over and he was on the phone for some time with the doctor's office staff and then the bank.  Hope this will end that problem. 

Time to get cleaned up again as we are going to Lancaster to see (GS)Eric before he leaves to go back to college.   Also, before I get my teeth tomorrow and I'll be miserable.  

FRIDAY:
Our green winter is gone!  Blowing and drifting snow; and it's cold.  My appointment at the dental office was for 10:00am.  We got ready and backed out of the garage.  The snowdrift fell into the garage so the garage door wouldn't stay down.  Bob had to get out and shovel the clumps away. 
Then driving was slow but we made it.  The place was open much to my surprise.  Everything went well.  My new teeth went right in.  No adjustment for the top plate.  One on the bottom plate.  We'll see how it goes from here.

We went over to Wal*Mart for bread, milk and birdseed.  There wasn't many customers; the floors were still shinning. 

Lunch at home and then a nap.  I was rived up with nerves and had to settle them down. 

SATURDAY:
Up early so I could call the dental place.  This morning I couldn't get the lower false teeth back in.  The left side of my jaw was too swollen.  I called and called.  No answer.  They promised me they would be there!  Punt time again!  What else, I went back to my old set.

Betsy is outside running the snow blower in our driveway.  (DH) Is not allowed to do it but he sneaks sometimes.  The County plow dumped about 6" at the end of the driveway and it will be hard to get thru if it freezes. 

BETSY RUNNING THE SNOW BLOWER FIRST TIME THIS WINTER.

LOOKS COLD OUT THERE.


Well,  the cursor is stuck here.

We watched football most of the afternoon and evening.  Later GS Eric came down to visit with Sarah.  She promised to cook dinner for him but that never came about-they went out for Chicken Fingers.  We watched a movie together later.

Before going to bed, I went on the library site to get more reading material.  Of 9 pages of mysteries only two listings were available.  All the rest was "place a hold" and when it becomes available they will e-mail me.  Well, that's annoying!  Must be alot more people received e-readers for Christmas.   Also, for many of the books there is only one copy available.  

Sunday: 

Boy is it cold today.  The porch windows have "frost etchings" on them.

I was able to put the new teeth in again today.  I have to get used to them.

Betsy bought a new printer to go with her Ipad.  She and Bob was working on hooking that up.  I guess our printers are to old.   That figures!  They don't even wear out and they need updated.

All the kids took off for Holiday Valley for boarding & skiing.   I wanted to go watch them but came to my senses after deciding I don't need to be adding to my problems.  Instead, Bob helped me take down the last of the Christmas decorations in the Rec room.  

All of a sudden, I can't add captions, as it moves the photo somewhere else above.  Rats.

#1 photo:Annalynn, Christianna & Sarah

#2 photo: Annalynn, Christianna & Rocky

#3 photo:Eric, Annalynn, Sarah, Rocky & Christianna.

So that's about it from our area.  Another week rolled by.  Hope you had a good one.  Posting time.

Thanks for clicking in.

Golden Gram

THIS AND THAT-TEETH & TREES

MONDAY:
Betsy and I took down the living room tree and the wall decorations.  I pack the ornaments in each of their boxes after she removes them.   I packed the two manger scenes and put away my Ugly Trees.  I kept going until the knees started barking; then I brake.   I just put my feet up about 3:30pm and took a nap.  I remember waking up groggy and it was time to start supper.  I mentioned "Miss Batavia" restaurant please!  Of all things, it was closed as the staff was celebrating New Year's Day.  Whooda thought? 
TUESDAY:
The big dump of snow (predicted amount) did not come here.  The sun came out and it was beautiful.  I had a hair appointment in Lockport so that consumed the day.  We visited at our daughter Debbie's after for coffee and goodies.
A new "Biggest Loser" crew started today so I watched that on my TV while the rest watched CSI and etc.  After I stayed up to work on a puzzle.  Oh, it's tempting to keep going for just one more piece.  I haven't worked a puzzle in year's; it takes a while to get oriented but fun!

THERE ARE FOUR ROOMS IN THIS PUZZLE.

WEDNESDAY:
Well, the denture paste that we both use is not available any more in stores so we have to order on line.  I did that in Oct. and we still haven't received the order.  They took  my money!!!  Bob has tried to contact them with no response.  I more or less had to decide if I want to deal with the constant problems of poor fitting without the paste or give in an go for new dentures.  My dentures move constantly making sore spots.  I gave in.  I had an 11:00 appointment today for impressions.  How different the procedure is now;  plaster paris has been replaced with warm wax.  Three sets of impressions were done for each denture.  I had to stick my tongue out and move it from side to side.  I really felt stupid!  I guess it's to move the muscles  adjoining the jaw line.   Then a brace was put in from one jaw to the other jaw.  The dentist came at me with what  "looked like a grease gun"  and pumped more wax on top of the brace.   Now shut your mouth and do not open, do not open, do not open your mouth.   That was the worst.  I imagined not being able to swallow and all kinds of choking thoughts.  Tee Hee, I couldn't help but think of all the people I'd like to see with their mouth glued shut!   Evil I am!   I'll bet if Bob could have seen me; he would have said-"at last she can't talk, maybe she will listen now."
At night, I worked on the puzzle until 1:00am, just couldn't quit!

THURSDAY:
As soon as I had my coffee; I went to work on the puzzle-just to wake up.  Yah, an hour later I still didn't want to quit.  But on today's agenda was an appointment to meet a friend who works at Genesee Cty. Nursing Home-PT section for the grand tour.   To explain, if I pass all my physical requirements and I don't chicken out, I'm having total knee replacement (left knee) on Jan. 31st.  After the hospital stay I will be going to physical therapy at the Nursing Home.   Right now I'm going nuts with all the paper work; there is lots of appointments to make, blood donations, Joint Camp, referrals, forms to fill out, and insurance approval etc.  I still hate to make phone calls!   
 The Nursing Home is close to home for family trips-if I need something and it's very pretty and clean.  Each roomie has their own bedroom with TV and shared bath.  Mornings is occupational therapy and then physical, and physical again in the afternoon.  There's kitchens to cook or warm up food, there is a huge rec room for entertainment, and there is equipment to exercise.   My friend  gave me the Admitting Coordinator's phone number to call and request pre-admission planning  or reservations for a bed after surgery.  After the tour, I was glad that I had picked that place of the three approved venues. 
While supper was cooking,  Betsy came to help me with the puzzle.  She is fast!  We put the last piece in before supper was done.

ALL FINISHED.  THAT WAS FUN!

FRIDAY:
Back to the dentist for a fitting appointment @ 10:30.  My mouth felt so full with the new plates which are set in wax.  I'll pick up the permanent set next Friday.  Hope they fit good.  Then for coffee to wash the taste out.   
We picked up a cart full of groceries at Tops and came home for lunch. I only needed a few items, ya, $160.00.   We both took a short nap and then took off for the Galleria mall.   I'm still shopping for a dress for the wedding.  I tried on a black one & a navy one.  Douddie!  So no luck.  We went thru the kitchen store across the way and then headed home. 
The girls wanted to watch a movie but "pay for view" wouldn't work and posted a sign "unavailable".   Betsy called and they went thru a series of programing to no avail.  They will send a repair guy between 2-4 Saturday  so have someone at home.  Okay.  We watched Gold Rush.
SATURDAY:
Having coffee and I hear a strange noise.  It sounds like someone using a chain saw.  Yep, my new neighbors have a crew of guys cutting down the two pine trees that have been leaning towards his house.  We have been so worried that the trees would come down in our pool area during high winds. 

WHAT A RELIEF!  THE LEANING TREES ARE GONE.

THEY WERE DONE IN 2 HOURS.

The weekend is Verizon free calls so I called several friends to catch up on their health issues and ended up being invited out to coffee.  We even had a piece of pie; getting tired of cookies.  After we went to Target to shop. 
At home, Bob and I watched some football.  The girls left us a movie to watch for the evening as they had birthday parties to attend.  I think it was called "Super 8".  It was weirdly stupid!  Lots of noise!  I read my book while Bob finished it. 
SUNDAY:
No plans for the day so just punt!  I printed a recipe that my sister wanted. I read a couple Blogs.  I finished the HRRVC newsletter and the Business Minutes.  That's ready to go to the Webmaster.  I need to go thru the Christmas cards received to see if any addresses have changed. 

We certainly are lucky with this good weather.  It's still green here. 

 Per Bob's machine: Winds out of the West at 6 miles per hour, peak 17-average 8.   Wind chill 24o.  Temperature 30o.  Humidity 65%.  Rainfall event 0.00, future sunny.

IT KEEPS CHANGING, WONDER HOW COLD WHEN THE  SUN GOES DOWN.

Hope everyone has a good week.  Work those holiday calories off!  Ha! 
Steelers play at 4:30pm. 

Thanks for clicking in.

Golden Gram

A WEEK OF NAPPIES!

CHRISTMAS:

OUR CHRISTMAS PHOTO: ME. DEBBIE, BETSY, DONNA, DAVID
BOB, ROCCO, ANNALYNN & SARAH
ALEX, CHRISTIANNA-THE BRIDE TO BE, ERIC & ROCKY

 Annalynn & Debbie brought red tee shirts for everyone. Annalynn came up with the design and she used the YUDO machine to make them. The camera people lined us up for more mug shots! Flash, flash flash!  Then David forwarded the photo after he "touched" it up in software at home.  He removed the wall and fireplace, fixed the eye glasses glare and added the green background, lettering and the train!  Clever ahe? 
About 10:30 pm on Christmas; it did snow.  The cars were all covered when the families departed for home.
MONDAY:
Ah, today was do as little as possible.   My main concern was getting my Christmas china out of the dishwasher and safely packed away so we could take down the extended makeshift tables from Christmas dinner.  I did accomplish that. 
The girls left early to go shopping and return a few items.    Bob was so tired that he commented about everything he wanted to do just didn't go right.     So we closed the blinds, turned on the tellie  and each took a sofa and had a 2 hour nappie. 
In my head, I'm still remembering all the fun we had yesterday playing a new game (to us anyway) called "Catchphrase".    We made two teams and a small machine is passed with words to act out so your team members guess the word.  You couldn't use the word in your description.  There was places, things, famous people, wars, etc.   It was great to see all the kids and adults interacting on something so simple.  I think the game is a new twist on an old game; who's name escapes me.  Could it be Charades? 
Following  warm ups for supper, Sarah was going to show us her photos from Paris but we couldn't find the right cord to the TV.  So we watched something else.  Betsy was playing with her new IPAD and Sarah was on her computer sending photos to her friend Annie in Paris.  So not much  communication with them; their tired too.
Time to call it a day.  I have a new Nicholas Sparks book to start; "The Wedding."
TUESDAY:
I messed around on computer after getting my coffee this morning.  Sarah was using the washer & dryer so that duty was off my list until she finished.  I had several e-mails and one contained a photo of Bob's southern family that I shall share.

WE HAVE TEXAS, MISSISSIPPI, AND FLORIDA  REPRESENTED HERE.  THEY ALL GATHERED IN FL @MIKE & CATHY'S.

LEFT TO RIGHT:  Jane (Rindo)Maunus, her son, David McCartney, (nephew)his 3 kids: Christian, Julia and Chloe; Mike Strine, (nephew)Donna Strine Ward, (niece)Cathy Perkoski, Al Maunus, Megan Ward; Evan, Tim, and Bill Perkoski. Oh yeah, and Black Jack J

As we ate the left overs, we repacked foods and washed the big bowls to put away.  We sorted our stocking gifts and put  those items away.     
Then Sarah started cleaning her room.  We now have garbage bags of clothes, high school text books, notebooks etc.  They look "cute" beside the Christmas tree.  (kidding)   She did a big job and her closet sure looks better.    Later that evening, she showed us her photos of Paris.  She was surprised how small the portrait of the Mona Lisa was. 

WEDNESDAY: 
Well, she's here in all her strength!  Momma winter is about in rain, ice, snow and cold. Brrr! 

SNOW STILL COMING DOWN!

IT'S PRETTY!

Our plans for a birthday evening with movie maybe put on hold if this weather continues.   I have my coffee and I'm trying to decide what takes precedence for today.  More coffee!
I ended up making a list of all Sarah's clothes that go to Salvation Army.  That was a big job but Betsy can use it to deduct from her income taxes.  (If that's still allowed)  I worked about 4 hours on folding, writing, repacking. 

Bob has been cutting up boxes and trying to keep up with the garbage.  

TRASH PILED UP!

WONDER WHAT THE NEIGHBORS THINK OF ALL THIS TRASH?

BOB HAS BEEN BUILDING HIS NEW CRAFTSMAN STORAGE CABINETS.

Betsy came home after lunch, she said the roads were fine that we could still go tonight.  So it was hurry up and finish my job and then shower and
get dressed to go.  In honor of Betsy's birthday, our whole family met at
Olive Garden for dinner and then we went to the movies to see "WE BOUGHT A ZOO".   The movie had a lot of sad drama but it was not all black like so many movies, no shooting, rape or sex.  Sorta like a Disney Movie.  That's my style.  Matt Damon has an adorable smile too.
THURSDAY:
I'm still picking up and putting things away.  So much stuff gets pulled out for just one day, it's amazing. 
When Bob returned from his errands downtown we had a late lunch.  Then he downloaded Form 10 which reports planned 2012 camp outs to International headquarters. 
About 4:00pm we started getting ready to go out for dinner with our old camping club. (The ARGY'S)   One couple now lives in the Villages in FL and they are in Rochester visiting their children for the holidays.  I had made the arrangements a couple weeks ago in hopes that all could attend.  My friend who had the lung surgery started chemo yesterday but she felt good enough to come.  We were thankful for that.  We all reminiscenced about the good ole days and had lots of laughs. 

Leaving the restaurant we were greeted with  a heavy wet snow that was falling.  We all had to scrap the car windows.  The roads were slick and (DH) Milkman had to see how bad the new car would slide around.  So we did a couple intended dipsy doodles before he came to his senses.  Okay, Bob.
Back at home, the wash machine is still going; man the girls have alot of washing.  Suitcases & bags are piled up all over the mud room for Sarah's departure tomorrow. 
Well the 11:00 news is on so that's a signal that it's bed time. 
FRIDAY:
Bob called me to tell me he was leaving.  10:30 am, oh my gosh I slept late. So I hurried about packing some food for him to take fishing with the boys. (David, Alex & Eric) 

DAVID WITH HIS NEW WADERS, POLE AND VEST. 

ALEX TRYING HIS LUCK.

CAN'T FISH WITHOUT THAT PIPE!

ERIC, "THERE'S MORE FISH IN THE POND AT HOME!"

Bob was gone until at 7:00pm.  I had a nice quite, peaceful day.  I straightened up all the cupboards out on the porch as it was so warm.  After I tackled deleting all the old e mails-there was about 250 now.  That's a job as I look to see if I have saved all the photos that come in.  Then I took time to post all the books I have read and deleted them off my e-reader.  I made lunch about 3:00 when Betsy came home from work.  I worked a little longer on computer until my eyes hurt; then I took a nap. 
Once Bob returned he told of the days adventures.  They didn't catch a fish.  We had a quick hot dog and watched Gold Rush and  Most Wanted before going to bed. 
SATURDAY:
It was cold and wet out most of the day.  I went over town to scoop up some Christmas wrap stuff.  Bob and Betsy worked on his new weather monitor station.  It measures wind, speed, direction, temperature, humidity, rainfall, etc.  Wireless transmission. 

BETSY & BOB PUTTING UP THE WEATHER MONITOR.

THAT TOP THING SPINS IN THE WIND.  NOT VERY APPEALING TO THE BACK YARD DECOR. 

They also brought in the outdoor Christmas lights before the freezing temps return. 
We had a quick supper and enjoyed a quite evening at home.  Never saw the ball drop!
SUNDAY:
Now we have to remember to write 2012.  That will take a while, I'm sure.
It sounds like our first week will be high winds, rain and 48" of snow!  Oh, Man, might have to run the snowblower yet if it comes here.

So off to a new year.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Have a good week everyone!

Golden Gram