ENGAGEMENT PARTY

MONDAY:
Hay, Cinder and I have the house to ourselves as Bob has gone to join the boys at the fishing creek.  It might be the last warm day.  Oh, his back is still bothering him but he put on his back brace and then had me help wrap duct tape all around his waist.  Okay Bob.   So then I said, "I suppose you have to go pee now?" 
Yesterday, GS Eric sent me a text saying thanks for the box of grub.  I  just pick up stuff in the grocery store that's 2 for 1 or Bogo. (Buy One Get One)   Everything and anything should help.  I remember when Bob was in college and on our trips home; my Dad & Mom and the neighbor Mom would load up our car trunk with potatoes, cabbage, baked bread, canned goods etc.  That helped a lot.  We had this old bluish gray Plymouth that we called the Gray Goose.  It burned alot of oil, it farted and puffed, up and down the mountains to Penn State.  ( yes Bob gave up his hot rod Ford)  One trip we had a tire blow out and we had to unload everything in the trunk to get to the tire tools. 
Oh in the same time period, we lived in a mobile home  park with many college families; occasionally the wives got together to do hair styles.  We set our hair on rollers using beer for a stiffener.  I'm telling you right now, the hair  was stiff!  Watch that idea be repeated now and everyone will think it's a newbie! 
Bob returned home about 5:00pm; he hadn't caught a fish, while the others had caught several.  I think he is always lighting his pipe and misses the bites.  Ha! 
After supper we talked to Alex on Face Time.  However, the call wouldn't work on Betsy's Ipad so she used her phone to do Face Time.  He showed us his room, and his note book with assignments.  We had a short visit. 
Then we watched the Steeler's game.  It wasn't to exciting until it went into overtime and Timmons made an interception which turned into a win for the Steeler's.  After all their efforts to keep Big Ben healthy, he went down  and hurt his shoulder and he went out, not to return the rest of the game. 
TUESDAY:
Wow, it's cold.  Big change in temps.    I was up early but laid on the sofa and went to sleep again!  That's getting to be a habit.
We went downtown about noon and made several stops, ending up at the Office For The Aging to talk to the insurance providers again.  Still comparing features with prices. 
I had thin chicken slices defrosting for supper.  Betsy was late coming home as she had to go buy a turkey to fix on Friday for the employees at work for their Thanksgiving dinner.  I had everything ready so while I waited for her I answered a couple e-mails. 

She helped me fry the chicken.  (Sarah favorite dinner)  The breading is Ritz crackers and Parmesan cheese.  Then the creamy white sauce for the rice and veggies.  (Philadelphia cream cheese with onion & chives, mixed with chicken soup base)   It's good.

While Bob watched his stories on TV, I did some more scrap booking.  I'm pleased with myself; I finished the 2010 Christmas photos and they are ready to go in an album.  I just have to find the album to add them too; now where did I put that?
WEDNESDAY:
When I  got up this morning I had a couple of jobs on my plate.  But as usually I kinda did what I felt like.  I got to playing with the phone camera taking photos.  I had set the cheese ball ingredients out to warm up.   I was suppose to be working on everything for this weekend-Annalynn's and Mark's engagement party this Saturday.  While I was wrapping the present, I realized what I needed for my next photo project so I went on line to Creative Memories to pick that out.  I did get the gift wrapped. 
While doing all this I could hear a chain saw outside.  I went and looked around; our neighbor to the north of our house was cutting down some more pine trees.  The trees have been leaning our way and he was worried about them coming down on our side.  He cut down two of them.  I'm glad there gone but there is still three big ones left on the property line.  It seems so funny because now we can see into his back yard; and vice versa.
In the afternoon and again in the evening, I spent hours picking out photos to send for developing.  Deleting the bad ones took some of that time.
THURSDAY:
Today the girls from work were taking me out for my birthday.  It was also one of their birthdays.  By the time I was ready to go they were here to pick me up.  We went to Sunny's in the mall.  I had the Julianne salad which was very good.  Well, a 1/2 order.  After cards and gifts; I got my phone out for photos.  I took one and then the darn thing kept going on video.  Rats!  That started a good time.  One other tried her phone but she needed instructions and we all got to laughing because we looked just like the kids that come to supper and can't put the phones down, only with grey hair. 
When I got home, Bob was still out at the dentist so I started to make the Chex mix for the party.  When he returned we had our four o'clock coffee and looked at the photos that he picked up at Wal*Mart for me. 

BETSY FOUND THESE CONTAINERS ON
TUPPERWARE WEB SITE ON SALE.

Then I realized that Betsy had to take a turkey to work tomorrow so I had Bob bring it up to kitchen from the garage refrig.  It was still frozen so I had to soak it in cold water for a couple hours.  Then I cleaned it.  When she got home it was like a frenzy in the kitchen.   Take care of the turkey, make a pineapple upside down cake for one of the employees birthday, and thennnnnnnnnnnnn she wanted to make cupcakes with a new recipe.  Plus we cooked supper in between.  Wow!  Full plate.  I felt like Cinderella!  Cinderella, Cinderella wash the dishes, clean the floor.  Cinderella! 

BETSY FILLING CUPCAKES WITH PUDDING.

 

CUPCAKES DECORATED WITH THE NEW COOL WHIP ICING
TO LOOK LIKE TURKEYS
(Cool Whip came out with a new icing product)

THE PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE TURNED OUT GOOD.  THAT DOESN'T USUALLY HAPPEN WHEN YOU HAVE TO TAKE A CAKE SOMEWHERE. 

That's it for today, let's see what tomorrow brings.  Jammie time!

FRIDAY:
Bob was gone to Albion Ford garage , taking the car for inspection and oil change when I hailed out of bed.  After breakfast I went thur my closet  and picked up the bedroom.  What will I wear tomorrow night to the party?   Later, I paid some bills and all that entails. 
Bob was gone a long time, so I called to see if there was a problem with the car.  (9-1:30)  He first told me that it took that long with the car, the next story was he was riding around looking for fishing spots. ah huh!  Okay Bob. 
We decided to go shopping at Eastern Hills.  He wanted to go to the fishing store with his coupons and I had coupons for Bon-Ton.  Oh my gosh, was Bon-Ton a mess.  They were moving every department; two floors.  Wouldn't you think they would wait till after Christmas shopping to do that?  Empty racks and shelves all over the place as merchandise hadn't been put back up.  I found a couple things then went to the car.  We had previously agreed on a hour each and Bob wasn't back yet.  So I called and he was still shopping.  Talk about women shopping.  After a quick meal at Five Guys we headed home.  Traffic was horrible; stop and go.  People had plans apparently.
SATURDAY:
The shed was covered with a heavy frost when I got up.  It's better than snow!  I suppose the deer hunters would be happy if it were snow.  Today opens shot gun season until Dec. 11th.  I hope they stay away from our area.  We probably won't see deer in the field until that's over.
I just got a package of Chex Mix ready to mail to Alex.  Bob then took it down to post office for me, I hope it gets there by turkey day so he has something from home.  No cookies, he is not a sweets eater.
Betsy put together her two recipes for the party; meatballs and mini hot dogs each in a separate sauce and crockpot.  One sauce has cranberry sauce the other peach jam. 
I finished decorating my Ugly Trees on the landing of the steps.  They are el-cheapo trees from Michael's but they make up very pretty.  I had trouble with the manger staying together. (It's a take apart and lay flat deal for storage)  Back in 1957, Bob made it with very few tools available because we still lived in the mobile home.  The figurines are all that old too, I bought them while working in W. T. Grant in State College.  They are a treasure, some are marked 29 cents.  I doubt that they are Fontanini products. 
Bob was busy in the garage.  He engineered a place to store his hip/wader boots for fishing.  He called me to "come see!"  The boots are in a hanger type thingie, and he and Betsy rigged up a pulley system to pull the boots up to the ceiling to dry. 

THE WADERS GOING UP!  EVERYTHING IN THAT CORNER THAT HE NEEDS FOR FISHING. 

We left for the party about 5ish.  We had one deer about to come across the road but Betsy spotted it and luckily it turned and went back in the field.  There was a little bit of fog out. 
I'll just put in some pics to tell the party story:

MARK'S PARENTS; CLAIRE & LOU, ANNALYNN & MARK
THEY WERE ALL BUSY HELPING DEBBIE WITH THE COOKING & SETTING UP WHEN WE ARRIVED.



 

CLAIRE'S SISTERS, MARSHA & MICHELLE
THEIR A CLIP WHEN TOGETHER!
SO GLAD WE GOT TO MEET THEM.






DELICIOUS CARROT CAKE!

GOODIES
 

 

THEIR FRIENDS

 




 

 

 

GIFTS

WEDDING ATTENDANTS
Just our Sarah missing-I think.

 DEBBIE GETS IT DONE AND REMAINS BEAUTIFUL!
GOOD JOB EVERYONE!

 We left about 9:15pm, the fog was terrible.  We crawled home, arriving about 10:30.  Everyone went to bed!

SUNDAY:
I'm the only one up this early.  Well!  Happy Birthday to me and all the other November gals and dolls.   I had a birthday text wish bright and early
from camper friends.  Then several more texts later.  Geesh, I can't type that fast!  Thanks to all of you.

We spent time going thru the photos of last night and then putting them in the blog.  Again, Bob had 70 some photos and David had around 200,  One can tell that it doesn't cost a penny to click, click, click.

Bob brought some Christmas decorations into the garage from the shed.    I went out to help him put them up as I needed a break.  Betsy had chicken all ready to go in the oven so I put that in first.   

THE FIRST TREE! 
WE HAVE ONE FOR EACH END OF GARAGE. 

I think I will post early as I want to watch the football game later tonight.  How did you guess?   8:20pm  - "The Steelers".   

Have a good week everyone.  We will be baking and eating again in 4 days.  Looking forward to the college kids coming home.  Miss ya Alex! 
Have a great Thanksgiving!  Thanks for clicking in.

GOLDEN GRAM

THE TECHIE GRANDMA!

MONDAY, TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY:
I seem to go from one extreme to the other; I either have lots of ideas for the Blog or I have none like now.   I haven't written at all this week.   Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday just seem to slip by.  It has to be the time change, even the dog wants fed earlier.
TUESDAY:
Tuesday was busy with the need to vote, then breakfast at Miss Batavia Restaurant and then shopping for groceries at Tops for the 6% off with the Young At Heart Program. (60 years and older).   I worked it out so I got a free turkey at Bj's with coupons and  another for .48 a pound at Tops with a $25.00 order, which was not advertised. 
That evening I called my son, David, to get an update on their trip to Vance Airforce base in Oklahoma with our grandson Alex.  They visited many buildings on base and picked up groceries for his hotel accommodations and bought him another Cameo suit as he has to wear Blues on Monday and Cameo the rest of the week.  Alex will be assigned work on base until March when pilot training will start.  On Sunday as they were leaving to return home, a bit of relief appeared-Alex spotted another cadet (Cody) that he knew from a summer boot camp/mission in Mississippi.  Since then, two more boys joined them that Cody knew.  

TAKING FLIGHT!

The foursome has rented a house already.  So they are spreading their wings!  Ha, Wings!    David told me his email address is the same or I could call him!  I sent him an email. 

Then Betsy brought her Ipad out and showed me how to use "FACE TIME."  We dialed his number but he didn't answer.  So then we tried GD Sarah, no answer.  Then GS Rocky  (it's a family affair)  and he answered us.  Ya!  He was at work and he was just a grinning on screen, handsome fellow.   He was a bit surprised I think and enjoyed the event.  So did I as I blew him a kiss!   Not to quit there, we called GD Annalynn.  She was taken back too!  Grandma what are you doing?  We had a fun visit but she was studying so we kept it short.  We hope to set up an evening for a family call to Alex like we have with Sarah.    Betsy called Verizon (couldn't do it on line as my program is no longer available) to set my phone up for texts and pictures also tonight.  Now I can get my photos off the phone, if I can just remember how to do it.    Yes, I'm catching up with the techies in this  world!  Below is the first pic that I moved off my phone into email and then saved in Dropbox.   David sent it to me last week on their trip.

THE ST LOUIS ARCH

WEDNESDAY:
Wednesday was the big let down day.  I feel so  bad that  Mitt didn't win.  But who would want that job anyways.  It is what it is and we have to live with it. 
Since it was so cold outside, I thought we should work on reconciling our accounts until it got warmer outside.  That was not to be, our checking account is all messed up; we can't get it to balance while reconciling. Hope we are not one of the hacked accounts at First Niagara, which was announced this week.   I probably did something stupid.  So we decided to have lunch and go out to rake the leaves then work on the account when it was dark.  I'm telling you right now; I beat those leaves to death!  I was working out my frustrations!  

Bob's back was still killing him and he didn't feel like doing it.  Then there's me and my peg leg hobbling around.  I started to realize that our homestead was asking too much of us, the thought crossed my mind that maybe it's time to think downsizing. 
THURSDAY:
Not much to write home about!  Boring day!  Let the dog out, let the dog in. 
 Bob took Cinder to vets to get her toe nails trimmed.  She was good.  Without being  asked, she walked right over to the scale so the girls could weigh her.
I had a call from my friend who I worked with for 22 years.  She has to go for Chemo again as the cancer showed up again, so guess they didn't get it all during surgery.    I was bummed over that. 
I made beef stroganoff for supper and they ate like little Piggy's.  I tried calling all my grandchildren on "FACE TIME" but none of them answered.  Bah Hum Bug day.  So guess I'll go read. 
FRIDAY:
Another slow day.  Do the little things. 
My friend Mo came for a visit and coffee.  She brought peanut butter kisses cookies.  Um good.  We had quite the discussion about our former place of employment; the current  Commissioner ordered the Veteran's Flag taken down out of the waiting room.  There has to be more to the story but I saw red!  Another that should resign!  
Bored with TV, I went in my craft room.  I needed to pick up as everything gets dumped in there.  Then I pushed a dusting brush around, everything was looking a bit fuzzy.  I even scraped a page!  I need to finish  Christmas 2010.    I wouldn't say that I lost interest as I have done 6 albums with old photos.  I had to get them out of the old books which are not acid free.   I still want to do the Ride For Roswell pictures.  And, now there are the ones from California.  Hoa Hooa!    No end.  
Bob watched the Gold Miners and then we went to bed.
SATURDAY:

FEAR THE MOOSE

I sent DL Donna a text that I had a box of grub for GS Eric that they could pick up to give him on their way to Utica for the game.  They stopped about 45 minutes later.   The last game for this season, hopefully Eric's knee will be healed and he  will be playing next year. 
They had pictures of Alex's location and lots of info or us to read.

BOB PUT THE NEW STICKER ON THE TRUCK.

Oh crud!  I forgot how to take a picture with my phone.  Bob said that I wasn't holding the clicker down long enough.  If I hold it down longer; the camera changes to video.  So he took one and then I saved it and emailed it to myself.  Gees, this will save going by the Creative Memories program and I won't have to wait for Bob's help.  Now let's go try taking another picture.  Gotta get that down pat. 

We are still deciding on what to do today since it's our 56 Anniversary.  Go shopping, the movies, out to dinner.  What, what?  We decided on dinner at Applebee's.  They asked if either of us were Veterans.  So they must have been honoring them last night and Sunday.  We had to wait for a 1/2 hour, no sign of poor economy there.

At home, stuffed, we watched Christmas movies, which are on already.
SUNDAY:
Kinda a foggy morning.  Nobody had plans for the day, then all of a sudden there was all kinds of ideas.  Bob and Betsy took down my living room curtains so I could wash them. 

BOB CLEANED THE WINDOWS





THESE ARE BUGGERS TO GET BACK UP AS THEY KEEP ROLLING ON THE RODS.

 

In between cleaning the curtains,  I went downstairs to start taking down the Halloween houses.  Betsy was willing to help all day so we accomplished alot. 

NOW WORKING ON CHRISTMAS DECOS.  GEE WE HAVEN'T EVEN HAD THANKSGIVING! 




 

WE HAVE ALL THE CHRISTMAS HOUSES UP NOW. 
 THAT'S A BIG JOB DONE!

A big work out day, and I'm tired so guess I'll post for now.  Have a good week and thanks for clicking in.

GOLDEN GRAM

HALLOWEEN & FOOTBALL

MONDAY:
And here comes another week!  I tried to do as many little house picking up jobs as possible before getting ready to go to my Dermatologist for my feet. Yep, the creeping crude goes on.  I have had two salves with vitamin D in them (90.00 each co pay) and it doesn't touch the problem.  I was all set to drive myself to the appointment in Brockport because Bob is still having a backache.  But he wouldn't hear of it and he crawled into the truck-sore back and all.   It's nice of him but it does nothing for my independence! 
He also had another chiropractor appointment in the afternoon so guess he
was prepping himself for the torture. 
In the afternoon,we hunted up batteries and made sure there was oil in the old lamps, prior to the storm.  Bob even hooked up the electric cord from the motor home generator to the house. 
TUESDAY:
We watched alot of TV last night following the storm's path.  We just had rain and a couple gusts at 35 mile per hour.  I checked the pine trees on the property line and they were still standing tall.  It wasn't as bad as some of our New York storms.
I had a hair cut appointment today in Lockport and again I was ready and willing to drive myself.  No way hosay.  Bob climbed in again.  After we went shopping at Bon Ton Department store and then stopped at Debbie's for a cup of coffee and a nice visit.  We saw Annalynn's photos of California trip and Debbie and Rocco's trip to Hawaii.  Beautiful!   They gave me a glass block lighted pumpkin which they are now making to sell for Leukemia.  Isn't it cute? 

Back home, we had cereal for supper.  It doesn't hurt anyone once in a while. 
Bob is already settled in to his NCIS OR CCIS, what ever.  I'm going to read until the special comes on at 10:00 covering the destruction from the storm. 
WEDNESDAY:
Happy Halloween!  How will you be trick or treating?  We always stay home to hand out the loot but fewer, and fewer treaters come each year.  There are several programs for them within Batavia to go attend which is nice.  Safer too!
The special on TV last night was unbelievable.  The poor people.  So much destruction from hurricane Sandy.  The crews will be put to their limits in the repair job.  One commenter said it looked like the Holocaust which is a good description. 
THURSDAY:
Bob had dibs on the car today with appointments for his back and at the dentist.  The daily things were done and then I returned to the medical files that we started going thru yesterday.  I posted all the medical transportation for this year, yes, it took a while but it's done and I only have to add the next two months at income tax time.
We were out of goodies so I baked some brownies.  While they were baking I decided to wash the shower walls & floor down.  At least that's a job a person can see in comparison to the file job.  
Have you ever tried to make Ronzoni Pasta?  My granddaughter, Sarah, said they cook it all the time.  For supper I made a side of it to go with polish sausage and a salad.  Not bad, just enough macaroni for us and the cheddar cheese flavor was good.
We had 7 trick or treaters, we have lots of candy left over to munch on.  Kinda a boring evening so guess I'll go have some brownies and then read. 
FRIDAY;
A short morning for me as I pulled the up early and head for the couch trick again.  I woke up about 10:30 again.   I wanted to go downtown for a few errands and it was noon by the time I got ready.  So instead I drove off to Subway and bought us one of their beef melt foot long subs for lunch.  It was a nice treat.
Downtown I checked Dollar Store and Jo Ann's for the black ribbon on the pumpkin for Debbie.  None.  Then I had a return to BJ's so I went there next an picked up some meat.  Then Wal*Mart and Office Max.  That was enough for me.  Besides it had turned cold and there was snow flakes in the air.  Too soon!
At home, I popped two Ibuprofen and laid down for a while, finished my story on the I pad.  Then I made a Tuna casserole for supper.  Bob's favorite.  I can hardly stand the smell of the tuna fish.  Ugh! 
They announced during the news tonight that they canceled the NY City Marathon due to complaints.  People are standing up with many complaints.
The Steeler's play the Giants this Sunday, wonder if they will cancel that too?
Boy, 3 more days until elections, can't wait for the commercials ads to quit!
SATURDAY:
My coffee in hand, you may think this is silly but the first thing I did was rearrange the refrigerator freezer.  I'm tired of bending to the bottom for the frozen meat so I put the frozen fruit in the bottom drawer and the meat up two shelves where that was.  It was a brain storm I had during my subconscious morning. 
Then I went downstairs to print some photos.  We are going out for dinner tonight with the old camping group (AR-GYS)  and I had a few photos I wanted to show them.  Plus David and Donna have sent photos of their trip to Oklahoma with Alex. 

 

ALEX & DONNA
EVERYBODY WANTS TO SEE ROUTE 66!

DAVID & ALEX AT THE BASE

ALEX TO CHECK IN AT THIS BUILDING

Bob continues to work on the insurance printouts to see if he wants to change providers.  He has a comparison Excel sheet all typed up. 

After feeding Cinder and checking her water dishes we left for the City Slickers Restaurant (previously South Beach) to meet our friends there.
It's now decorated in a South Western theme.  Drinks were 2 for 1 at the bar so we loaded up!  As our friends came in we looked like the biggest slush's with 4 drinks sitting in front of us.  They followed suit.  There was several specials on the menu and I choose the Prime Rib accompanied with sweet potato fries as I don't make it at home. It was huge and very good!  They must have snatched up a good chef.  It was 3 hours later when we left and the owners were just setting up for Karaoke. I'd have liked to stayed for that but Bob kept pushing me to the exit.  Another time when his back is better. 

SUNDAY:
SSS  (shit, shower and shave) all done.  Bob's favorite saying.  We plodded around with coffee.  No hurry today.  I just have stuffed peppers to make for supper and I want that done before the football game this afternoon.  Go Steeler's.  I hope the game isn't cancelled.

IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR IN NORTH CAROLINA
MY NIECE'S SON AND FAMILY
EMILY, SEAN, KEVIN AND ERIC
 

CHRIS & STEPHANIE

Ya never know who's gonna make this Blog of mine.  Lots of competition among the family.  And, I save a lot of photos.  Tee Hee it's fun.  There's a new Blog by my young great niece from Ohio..It's got recipes!  Look on FB for "WILL WORK FOR SHOES AND VODKA" by Stephanie!  She's  cute, perky and full of ambition.  She loves to entertain.   Chris is her "beau" and a good helper.  Congratulations on the Blog Steffie!





I was amused to hear on TV that the new registered voters are not just the 20's something kids but it's 45-50 range who have never voted.   Can that be true?   To let that privilege go by, shame.  Wonder how the voting board  will manage the early voting procedure when they all have such inconclusive results without early votes.  Well, after voting I'm begging for a good breakfast at the local Miss Batavia restaurant.  GO VOTE!

As I close, our thoughts are still with the people following "Sandy".  God help them.  Do what you can to help out, it's another violent tragedy.  If I was younger, I'd pack and go help. 

Have a good week, stay healthy, and make memories.  I have to make a grocery list.  After voting and breakfast Tuesday, I want to go to Tops grocery store to take advantage of the 6% off for "Old Folks!"


GOLDEN GRAM





 

MORE FISH STORIES & OPEN HOUSE FRO ALEX

MONDAY:
I started the week off early, I was up before Betsy started getting ready for work.  I made my coffee and went downstairs to keep quite.  I turned the tellie on real low, laid down on the sofa and promptly fell asleep until 10:00.  Bob was up a doing jobs all ready.  My excuse, I was up and down all night. 
Yesterday, I watched the Bills loose their game and worried that the Steelers might loose theirs.  The Steelers had the dropsy's!  It was very frustrating and I felt like turning the TV off!  My attitude was probably because Troy wasn't playing due to an ankle injury.  He's my man!  So then I start watching for Hines Ward.  What to heck, he appears in a suit and tie and does an announcement.  He isn't playing either; did he get let go?  I wanted to know so I looked up the Steeler's web site on the Ipad
(I'm in bed watching the end of game)  and found out Hines had retired in March!  Retired?  How did I miss that?  Guess that makes me a very passive fan. 
We both went down town (once I woke up) as  I had 2 packages to mail, wanted to go to the restaurant supply, BJ'S, and Bed, Bath and Beyond.  Phew, we did it and I was whipped.   Bob suggested getting lunch at Burger King so we went there.  Burger King has been remodeling since early summer and they even did the inside dinning areas.  It's mostly red with real light wood.   They have more smaller tables for two, a couple booths formed with high walls and cushioned stools on the isle side.  They have 3 sofas and a coffee table up front which is really different and towards the back they put in a high counter with 8 really high chairs along with other sitting areas. I always think those high walls are protection in the event  a nut case comes in shooting!  It's happened in other cities.
At home we put our purchases away, and I started the wash.  Bob wanted to work outside for awhile so we had a later supper. 

Now it's almost time for the debate so I'm hurrying.  This debate will make or break it, the news commentators are saying.  Today's polls had the two contestants tied.  I saw this cute cartoon on Face Book and I had to copy it.
TUESDAY:
Our calendar this week is jammed.  This morning we went down to the Office For The Aging to attend an insurance information meeting.  They schedule this for new Medicare recipients or anyone wishing to change providers.  The next meetings are: Tuesday-10:00-4:00-Oct. 23, Oct. 30th, Nov. 13th, and Dec. 4th)  No appointment necessary; take a chair and wait.
Their main dinning room was the location; and they had representatives from Univera, Independent Health, AARP, MVP, and a couple others.  Free coffee and donuts.  Free Blood Pressure Screening.
After talking to a rep for 1 1/2 hours and friends, we prepare to leave and Bob decides to have his blood pressure checked.  His left arm was used and he had a perfect reading.  Okay Bob lets go! Then he decides to have the right arm checked-it was high!  So that led to another big explanation and I became impatient and was on my way out!  I was happy that I didn't get a coughing jag while there so let's go already.
I want to change companies so I don't have to go thur the referral process since my doctor's staff is so slow.  I'd change doctors too if I knew one taking new clients. 
We had lunch at home and Bob laid down for his nap.  I baked cookies as the guys are going fishing tomorrow.  About 3o'clock Alex came.  He needed to put things in our garage while he went to have his Jeep weighed.  He is in the process of preparing for his departure to Vance Air Force Base and they will pay for his moving expense.  Alex was back in an hour.
I tried to talk him into doing a Blog when he is gone but he wasn't  to excited about that as he isn't a Face book member. 
We all had dinner together and waited for David to come.  The guys worked in the garage fixings their poles and hooks until 9:00.  One of my nieces mentioned deer hunting videos at their house, fishermen are not left out,  my guys had their own seminar with their IPADS and Apps on tying knots.  (Their not taking them to the creek, I have to finish my story.)They were instructed to wear their boots and gear in the car and be ready to head for the creek at 5:30am.  Oh my-all for fishing!  I made a big batch of popcorn just like I used to do when I had all the grand kids home.  I haven't had Alex overnight in sometime so had to spoil him a little.  Grandma's prerogative!
WEDNESDAY:
My the house is quite.  The guys must have departed without my help.   I kept busy all day with some items to hand wash, blogging, a couple phone calls, a turkey dinner and about 3:30 I sat down to read.    At 4:45 the guys weren't home nor had they called.  So I called Bob to see if they were okay and to ask if I should leave a light on for them. Ha!   They were still in the creek!  A 13 hour fishing day, I'll bet their backs are aching.  Guess I better take the turkey out of the oven and we will have to zap it when they get home! 
And here comes the fish stories.  David and Alex both caught about 9-10 fish.  They lost count.  Bob- ???

DAVID'S FIRST CATCH!  NICE ONE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALEX'S BIGGEST CATCH    BIG MAMA! 
WE ALL GUESSED THE WEIGHT 10 -30 POUNDS

 

THEY CAUGHT THESE TWO AT THE SAME TIME!
DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE FISH BUT MY GUYS ARE SURE HANDSOME






BOB'S ONE AND ONLY. 

 

Before going into the creek, they had to wait until a half hour before day break.  They were to stand on bank and mark their fishing spot.  The early bird gets the worm! 

They had packed Subway sandwiches for lunch and they brought them home.  I asked how come you didn't eat?  Alex explained  to me that if you left your spot in the creek another angler would take your spot.  Can you imagine?  Men being that immature?  Alex had their guide bring him food out into the creek. 
The guys cleaned the car out and packed their gear away before supper.  We heard some more fish stories.  They left shortly after as they were exhausted. 
 THURSDAY:
What a beautiful day, sunny and hot!  We could have used the air conditioners as the kitchen was hot this after noon.  Since I haven't cleaned house in a "Coon's Age", I decided to do it today.  Well, the upstairs anyway.  I started in the bedroom, changing the bedding, and worked out from there.  It was hard to keep going.  I'd look outside and want to be out there.  Bob used the Shark machine on the kitchen and bathroom floors to help me.  Later he had a dentist appointment. I took a nap. 

FRIDAY:
 A morning trip to the grocery store as we needed a few items.  After lunch we went out to rake leaves.  Miserable job but somebody has to do it.  It was beautiful out, nice and sunny.   Bob stayed out all afternoon but I came in and did some cleaning downstairs.  Then I took another nap.  It's an effort to do anything. 
I made a simple supper and we settled in to watch TV.  Bob is happy as the "Gold Rush" is starting back up.  However, he is complaining that his back hurts.  By late evening, I had to push him up the stairs.  Oh Boy.
SATURDAY:
 A dark and gloomy day here, with some fog towards the woods.  Rain has been off and on, so much that the dog won't go out.  And, the weather men says it has nothing to do with the hurricane Sandy.  Maybe it will hit here by Tuesday. 
Bob called me this morning to say that Betsy was driving him to the chiropractor.  He was miserable. 
I promised to make chocolate dipped strawberries for the Open House tomorrow for Alex.   We can all say our goodbyes before he leaves for Vance Air force base.     So I dug into that project after we all had lunch.  I wasn't to pleased with the outcome as the chocolate looks to thick.  (any ideas?) 
For supper I prepared pork chops breaded with smashed french fried onion rings.  They are usually real good. And, I threw in potatoes to bake, easy is good.
After supper I cleaned some coconut (out of shell) to take to Lancaster.  The boys and I like it.  Bob moved around from chair to chair trying to get comfortable after being in bed most of the day.
SUNDAY:
Another dark, gloomy, wet day.  We had breakfast and prepared to go to Lancaster for the Open House.  We left about 12:00.  Betsy had made meatballs in a cranberry sauce and hot dogs (mini) in a barbe cue sauce so we wanted  to get there early to set that up. 
Donna had lots of good food; dips, cupcakes, veggie tray, carmel brownies, hoagie sandwiches to name a few.  Seems everyone brought stuff as they arrived too.
We took some photos.

 

DAVID, DONNA, ERIC & ALEX

BOB, ALEX AND CAROLINE
MANY  GOOD LUCK WISHES  TO OUR FLY BOY!

MY THREE HANDSOME GRANDSONS
ERIC, ROCKY & ALEX

 We visited with alot of people.  Donna said they are leaving on Thursday now to drive Alex out to Oklahoma.  He has to be signed in by the 3rd.  His Jeep is packed; the only problem is not enough room for passengers!  They have to work on that one!

Debbie and Rocco were tanned from their vacation in Hawaii.  Annalynn brought a couple deserts; a pumpkin filled coffee cake which was very good.  Right in the season!  Christianna, the new bride was making a list of groceries so she can host Thanksgiving.  Tradition for a new bride in our family!  She decided to turn the turkey cooking over to Rocky and Mike.  They freaked out! 

Some of us tried to watched the Steeler's game but it was just to noisy to hear once the guests  came.  Alex's friend Jay is doing his student teaching in Phys Ed and he knew every player on the field.  Big sports fan.  What did you think of the Steeler's uniforms from 1937?  They looked like a swarm of bees! 

We are home now and it's time to the veggie out and get the pajamas on. 

So I'm posting early.  Have a good week and I'll pray we all survive "Sandy" with out damage.  Thanks for clicking in.

GOLDEN GRAM

 

 

A SICK HOUSEHOLD, DARN WEIRD WEATHER.

MONDAY:
Photos of the 2012 NIKE LLS marathon that TEAM ANNALYNN was in San Fransico.




SOME OF TEAM ANNALYNN  




 

MORE OF THE TEAM

 

 

IF THIS IS THE NECKLACE I'VE HEARD SO MUCH ABOUT, IT'S DISAPPOINTING! 

 



 

 

 

DEBBIE  STILL IN SF, CALF.

 

I guess it's my turn to be sick.  Betsy has been fighting a cold which turned into walking penumonia, Bob has been coughing for about a week, and was miserable while camping.  Now I'm sneezing and a blowing the nose.  There's not to much ambition that goes with it either.  I took care of the last two loads of wash and that was about it. 
During lunch last week with friends, we traded books.  I'm now reading the Apostle of Charity.  The life story of Father Nelson Henry Baker.  His birthdate is not confirmed but he died in 1936.  He lived in Lackawanna.  He extended the boys home, built the unwed mother's home, a hospital, and a Basilica.  The Basilica has stone or marble from Europe.  It's amazing what he accomplished without a computer.  His story is unconditional love, unbridled faith, and an unshakable belief in a better life for all God's children.  Remind's me of Grandma Lang in many ways as each time there was a birth in our family, Gram would say "One more head for God to love!"

TUESDAY:

I was up early so I checked the computer for more pics.  Then I folded yesterdays washing.  Man the sweatshirts!  Weather is weird!  Cold then 70o. 
I went downtown to post some mail early with the hope of the delivery making it to Lancaster for my sons birthday tomorrow.  Hope, hope, pray, pray.  Also stopped at Aldi's for some veggies. 

After lunch I had some accounts on computer to balance.  That wiped out several hours. 

Debbie just called from Honolulu, they were waiting on their room to be ready.  Saturday they will move to Maui where Rocco has a conference.  Looks so beautiful!  

Trying to decide if I'm going to watch the debate.  Wonder which face Obama will wear tonight.  Last debate it didn't look like he wanted the job.  Who would? 
WEDNESDAY:
Really not up to snuff, the ears and throat hurts now.  So I started to make cabbage rolls  so there would be something ready to eat.  I boiled the leaves and let them cool.  (a kitchen hint Gram Rindo taught me; when leaves are cool, turn them over and trim the hard vein so the leaf is more flexible for rolling) While the hamburg defrosted I laid down.  About 3 o"clock I fried the onions and put the rolls together.  I let them cook until supper time.   That's about all I got done for the day.  I didn't even feel like reading.
THURSDAY:
Betsy went back to work today after being home sick for two days.  I got up to eat and that was it.  I've had chills and fever spells.  It certainly doesn't make anything exciting to write about. 
Bob was feeling better from his cold so he went back up to the fishing creek in Waterport, so it was nice and quite here except for my phone ringing.  

ROCKY ENJOYING THE WAKIKI BEACH!

DEBBIE @ THE BEACH

ROCCO & ROCKY AT THE REDWOOD FOREST.

FRIDAY:
A nice morning.  I feel a little bit better.  I decided to dress warm and go out to clean all freezable (and mouse temptations) out of the motor home while Bob does the winterizing.   Then I had all that stuff to put away inside the house, but it's done and I won't be worried about this changing weather getting the best of me.  A frozen mess wouldn't be fun next spring.  So our dearly beloved motor home is put away for the winter; we will have to find other entertaining events. 
Bob had more to do than I did so I came inside until he finished up.  I decided to find out what we owed to Betsy for tolls since the EZ pass is in her name.   I worked on three months billing.  We had some pretty long runs and it adds up quickly. 

SATURDAY:
We had a early wake up as David & Donna were coming to borrow our truck to move some furniture for Alex.  They brought a box of big, beautiful donuts from a new place called Paula's on Main St. in Lancaster.  They were delicious.  They had to be in Rochester by 10 so they didn't have long to stay.

After lunch, I laid down to watch TV.  I fell asleep.  Bob shook me to tell me he had a change of plans.  Now he was driving Donna's car to Lancaster and picking up our truck. David could use some help with a screen door.  ?
I had the rest of the day to myself and didn't do a thing. 

SUNDAY:
Still lazy, not much going on around here.  Bob watching the Bills game.  I hope to watch the Steeler's tonight if I can stay awake.
This is a lousy blog so consider the circumstances.  Kerchoo!  This too shall pass!     Next week will be better.

So have a good week, making memories.


GOLDEN GRAM