Tuesday 12.31.2013 Year End

Another great day!

After breakfast, I peeled and cut up the sweet potatoes I had planned to roast for our meal today.  I was expecting Frank and Danielle, and we were going to have our "Christmas",  exchange gifts and eat.

I had finished, cleaned the kitchen, and was going to sit for a minute, when they came in.  I was surprised--he had worked last night, and I didn't think they would be over until later in the afternoon.

Frank still wasn't feeling well--dry cough, and I noticed he had chills off and on.

I put the potatoes in the oven, we visited and opened gifts. It was a nice afternoon.

After eating, I got the thermometer.  Frank's temperature was 102.2.  Uh huh.

We talked about options, and he decided he'd go to the urgent care center when they were ready to leave.

I got a text message a few hours later--throat good, lungs good, gave him ibuprofen and sent him on his way. "Since I've been sick longer than 48 hours, there's nothing they can give me."  

Huh??

I called him.

Soooo, they can't do anything because you've been sick longer than 48 hours?  Did they mention the flu??

Oh, yeah, said I had the flu. Can't do anything for it.

Talkative guy, he wasn't.

I didn't keep him on the phone, seeing as how he wasn't feeling well and all. I'm happy he went and got checked out.  Yucky that he's got IT.  Couple of weeks he'll be feeling better.

I've had a flu shot (mandatory for the J.O.B.), but who knows if it's the same strain??  Hope I don't get sick.

I went out and shoveled the inch or so of snow we had gotten throughout the day. Temp in the mid 'teens, but the wind has quieted some.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Happy New Year.

May 2014 be filled with peace and well-being.

Hugs.

Monday 12.30.2013

Worked today.

Finally had a day that wasn't as jam-packed busy as it has been.

For us, anyway.

Labor and delivery was busy all day, and those deliveries started happening a couple hours before end of shift. Post Partum will be busy tonight.  And tomorrow.

But I don't work tomorrow.

Frank and Danielle are coming over for our Christmas.

I'm looking forward to it.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 12.28.2013

Another great day!!

Sun this morning, temperatures dropped throughout the day. Cloud cover in the afternoon and a layer of frozen precipitation this evening.

I went over to visit Frank for a few minutes before he went to work. He's working 10-12 hours 6 and 7 days--and getting worn out.

I got my chores done and had a good day.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 12.28.2013

What a great day today!!!

Sunshine and blue skies--haven't seen that for a while.

Temps in the mid 40's here this afternoon.  Was absolutely lovely to go out for a run.

Shower, food, and out for errands.

So nice to be outdoors in the sun and milder temps.

A quiet evening.

House chores tomorrow.....

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 12.27.2013

Whoa.

Our work-pace has sure changed these last several months.

I am so busy in the patient rooms, to the nurse's station, and back down the hall again, that I don't see my team mates for hours. Or maybe a glimpse of them as they are flying into a room, or we pass in the hall, or meet at the Pyxis machine (computerized medication dispenser).   Geesh.

Needless to say we were busy again today.

And now I'm home....

With the warmer weather (above freezing) I'm looking forward to going out for a run.

And the days are getting longer.  I noticed the last dark pink of the sunset tonight at 5:20 pm!  Yup--it was kind of light after 5pm.....

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 12.16.2013

Almost the End.....

It always amazes me when I think of how sometimes time seems to drag on, and how the days/weeks/months, and years, seem to fly by.....

I enjoyed the morning reading in bed (a new-to-me "luxury").  When I got up and ambling around the house, I was surprised to see the snow plow go by.  Huh??  I didn't know we had gotten that much snow. And, really, with the budget cuts and all, did we need plowed???

Needed or not, now there was that crunchy bumpy snow plow debris in the bottom of my driveway.  I'll go out and  shovel...

The sun had found a few breaks in the cloud cover this afternoon while I was out. It was cold, low 20's, and windy, but not too unpleasant. I had about 3 inches or so of snow in the driveway.

I putzed around a bit in the house, and generally had a quiet day.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 12.25.2013 Christmas

Worked -- BUSY -- so busy the first 6 hours that I was non-stop up and down the halls. Geesh.  I stopped by the cafeteria to pick up lunch, which was a "traditional" type holiday meal. One of 3 or 4 that is "provided" for us.

It was another almost hour before I could eat, but I did. We staggered our lunch times so we were all able to take a lunch.

It was scheduled as an 8 hour shift, but I had the majority of my documentation to put in, so I was another almost hour getting out.  *sigh*

Back at home, I changed clothes and had a quiet evening.

Looking forward to not getting up early tomorrow morning.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 12.24.2013 Christmas Eve

Another good day!!

Went for the "annual" physical exam.  All is well.

Sunshine and cold air. Temps high teens today.

Was going to go out for a walk when Frank and Danielle stopped in. We had a nice visit.

A quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Merry Christmas to All!!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 12.23.2013

What a great day!!

After breakfast, I went out to pick up fresh food. I got to the store before the parking lot was full. And was in the check out line with everyone else. Probably 20 minutes. But the people were not unpleasant, which was a good thing.

Back at home, I did a few chores. Frank came over for a visit, and I fixed us a
"celebration" dinner--celebrating Jesus' birth and celebrating his car purchase.

Supper was yummy, and we had a nice evening.

Tomorrow is a doctor appointment (I know, Christmas Eve?) but that's what they offered.....

Remember that Jesus is the reason for the season...

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 12.22.2013

Worked today. A much better day.  After 2 pm.

We finally settled down.

And about 4pm, Santa came!!

We had fun listening to him with the new families. 

Simple magic.

Jesus is the reason for the season.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 12.21.2013

Ick.

Worked today, and even though we were busy, it was better than it has been. At least on the overflow unit.

My relief came in so I could leave to go to our family's Christmas Sing.  I'd been watching the weather all day, trying to get an opinion on the ice storm that is predicted.

Much to my surprise, when I got home, Frank was in the driveway with a new-to-him car. Yes, he needs it, as the Mustang does not go in more than a half inch of snow. Or any snow.

It's a 2001 Ford Focus ZX3 hatchback, red. Good job, Frank!

As we watched the weather, I just couldn't feel good about driving an hour and a half in a Winter Ice Storm Warning.  And I need to be back to work in the morning. Being "iced in" out of town would not have been ok.

So I reluctantly called our hosts and told them sad news. And I felt better.

Frank and I spent the evening together, and we received a phone call from the Party.  It was our turn for a song.  I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day is what I chose--and they sang and I sang.  Yay!!  Makes me smile. Thanks, Scott and All!! That was the Best!!!

Now I'm tired and ready to go to bed.

So I can get up and hopefully NOT slide into work in the morning.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Fa La La La La.....

Friday 12.20.2013

Good day today.

Heavy fog and mist. A lot of the snow has melted as it has been mid 30's all day.

Read a little before getting out of bed (what a luxury--!!). Breakfast, phone calls, went to the hospital for an impromptu meeting.

From there, went to the store for fresh food.

Home, fixed food and ate, cleaned the kitchen, and had a quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a workday, for which I have gotten coverage so that I can leave early to attend the Sander's Sing South.

Hoping the weather holds out.

I won't travel if the windshield and wipers are icing up.....

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 12.19.2013

Turned out to be a fairly nice day today!!

Productive morning meeting, and from there went to the eye doctor.

Seems that I need a change in prescription again. Got the new specs ordered.

The weather was so mild--41 degrees at the house--I had a snack and went out for a run!  So nice to not wear a scarf and feel so bundled up. My driveway is clear and mostly dry. Yay!!

Fixed food and ate, read a little, and showered.

A quiet night.

Tomorrow I'll stop at the hospital again, then pick up some fresh food from the grocery.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 12.18.2013

Looked out the window--It snowed again during the night.  Ugh!!!  Snow's ok, but I wasn't expecting to have to shovel again, so soon.

After breakfast, and after the tylenol and motrin took the edge off of the aches in my shoulders.....  the sun was breaking through, and I went out to shovel.

It was just a half inch or so. Easy peasy. And it was melting on the blacktop part of the driveway. When I was outdoors a couple hours later, some of the driveway was dry. Woo Hoo!!  That's why I shovel. (and that I didn't want to get stuck in my own driveway)

Tomorrow is a meeting and an eye appointment.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 12.17.2013

Worked again.

And when I got home, I shoveled the driveway. Again.  Of another 2 inches of snow. Yay!!

And since I didn't get supper at the J.O.B., I fixed a bowl of cereal and ate.

I'm tired, and looking forward to not having to get up in the morning.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 12.16.2013

Worked today.

I've been so tired these last many weeks after working high census.  Feels like I'm getting old or something.....

So I'm going to bed, so I can do it again tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 12.15.2013

What  a great day today!!

The snow plow went by around 0900 -- I had breakfast and saw that it was snowing again.  Ugh.  It was pretty, and I chose to wait a bit before going out and clearing the end of the driveway.

Finally, about noon, there was another 2 inches on the driveway.

I suited up and went out.

Had a nice rest of the day.

Tomorrow is a work day.  I sure hope it's not as busy as it has been....

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 12.14.2013

Yesterday's work day was sooo busy. All day long. Call lights, phones ringing, patients coming in; I was fortunate to have a lunch break about noon, but I was chewing going down the hall, answering the call lights and telephones with food in my mouth.  Oh yeah. That's the worst thing about being a nurse. Irregular meal times. 

This morning I read a little before getting up. The snow was coming down with a winter weather warning; the only reason I'm going out today is to shovel.

And I did.

The first time, about 2 in the afternoon, I moved about 5 inches of light fluffy snow from the driveway.  The second time, about 8:30pm, was about 2 inches. And it was a little heavier.  The temperature must have warmed, as there are icicles forming off of the awning over the back door. Glad I moved the earlier snow when I did!

Tired tonight.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 12.13.2013

Ugh.

Thursday 12.12.2013

Slept fair, got up and ready to go in for another meeting.

First meeting went as expected; ended up staying another hour and helping with hearing screens for the babies.

Enjoyed the sunshine this afternoon, though it was cold and I didn't go out.

Did a load of laundry and a couple of phone calls.

Tomorrow I get to work, thankful I have a job.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 12.11.2013

Slept pretty good, overall.

Got up and went to the meeting. Then to another, shorter one.

Back home, I shoveled the driveway, then went in to warm up.

Geez, it's cold out there!!  Thermometer showed 22 in the sun, but it was crispy, and the wind was bite-y.

Enjoyed home-made chili from the freezer and had a quiet evening.

Tired tonight, and have to get up early again tomorrow for another meeting.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 12.10.2013

Worked today.

Tired tonight.

Meeting tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 12.09.2013

Worked, crazy busy the first 2/3 (8 hours) of the day. A reprieve of maybe 45 minutes, and it started up again. Finally clocked out about 7:30.

Tomorrow I get to do it again.  Woo Hoo!!!

Off to bed....

Thankful for a warm house to come home to (thanks to programmable thermostats).

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 12.08.2013

Another Great Day!!!

A drive to Mt. Pleasant to share the afternoon with the Goodwin clan.

Everyone looked so good; it was awesome to be together and talk and hug.

A blustery snow drive home, and safe.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading.

Saturday 12.07.2013

Had a Great Day today!!

Read for a little while this morning so the sun could warm up the air before I went out for a run.  It was all the way up to 19 degrees when I went out.

And so pretty--

Sunshine and blue sky, with only a few clouds. But it was snowing!!  White snowflakes against the blue sky, with sparkles on them. Kind of like the sparkles on the water. So pretty. And strange.

Made a batch of waffles for breakfast and ate before showering. 

Went out to for fresh food, and picked up a couple of good deals. I finally "saved" more than I spent!

Back at home, I finished baking, as well as fixed supper and ate.

Sure smells good in here...

Looking forward to seeing family tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 12.06.2013

Didn't sleep as well as I had hoped, though I did sleep a little longer this morning.

And since it was almost 9, I thought I'd get my fasting blood drawn for the "annual" physical exam.

So off to the hospital...

A student in the lab. I let her get me set up, and she felt for a vein. I had bad feelings about this....

The lab employee working with her came up, and I gave her a look. "You might want to check for a vein. These can be tricky to get."

The Lab Lady got the drift. "No problem", and she took over.

She didn't find a vein in the antecubital (inside the elbow) and I offered a hand vein. She poked there and it still took her a bit to actually get it.  And then the blood didn't flow real well. We got enough, though.

Whew.

I was able to leave after waiting several minutes for my head to stop being woozy. Yup. I do.

Back at home, I had breakfast, (it was coming up on noon), and went out to browse the stores a little, but didn't stay long. Overwhelming.

So I came back home and had a quiet rest of the day.

Tomorrow is another day off.  Yay!!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 12.05.2013

Worked. Busy.

Finished all the "task" work after 5pm, then sat down at a computer to document it all. I finished in a timely manner, clocking out on time.

Tomorrow I may bake--it's predicted to be low to mid 20's tonight, high 20's tomorrow, and the oven warms up the kitchen.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 12.04.2013

Worked today.

Steady busy with just enough to do and a great group of co-workers.

Was able to enjoy a late lunch, and clocked out on time. Bonus!

A quiet evening, and I'm ready for bed.

Doing it again tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 12.03.2013

Woke to the sound of the frozen snow and it's icy clatters. I opened the back door and listened as it hit the aluminum awning above me, and the white covered driveway and yard, all making the same chatter.

Hm.

Checking the weather app, precipitation supposed to stop in a couple of hours, and the temp is predicted to rise.

Ok.

I went back to bed and read for a while.

When I emerged a couple hours later, the predictions had been correct. The pavement was mostly melted, and I didn't see any precipitation in the puddles.

So I went out for a run.

It was very quiet, with the birds moving around and visiting feeders in yards. A very light drizzle started on the last couple of blocks.

Breakfast, and shower.

Went in the basement and sorted and re-grouped. Checked the internet, and did some baking.

Had supper, cleaned the kitchen.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 12.02.2013

Morning meeting, errands on the way home.

A quick bite, and off to Mason for my massage.

Ohmygosh.  It was one of those "I didn't think I was that bad" kind of treatments today.  My neck and shoulders were so tight, they're sore tonight. Geesh.

And I'm tired.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 12.01.2013

Worked today.

Steady busy, and manageable.  With a great group of co-workers.

Stopped at the store for fresh food on the way home, and now am ready to slow down for the evening.

Tomorrow is a morning meeting, and a massage in the afternoon. Yippee!!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 11.30.2013

I had just sprayed my 'do, ready for breakfast.

Ring ring.

On Call.

*sigh*

I don't mind being on call, but would sure like to know before I'm ready to leave...

So I went back to bed, and read for a while before sleeping again, waking about 0830.

Breakfast, and after a bit, I went out for errands.

And when I got back, I went out for a walk in the sun.  So Beautiful!!

Low 30's, hardly a breeze. Lovely.

Frank was at the house when I got back, and was working on his car. He got it done and drove it when he left.  Hope it's really fixed!!!

A quiet night.

Tomorrow I should work.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 11.29.2013

What a great day today!!

Cold but sunny, mid to high 20's.

Frank came over and we went out for errands.  And we did auto care--he worked on the mustang, and I rain-x'd the van windows and changed the wiper blades.

I've done laundry, and had a quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 11.28.2013 Stuff -ing, -ed

Another great day!!

After a slow and tense drive (breathe, relax the grip on the steering wheel, sit back, breathe, uh oh, why are those brake lights on again??, breathe, ok we're moving, .... ) Frank and I arrived safely (and an hour later than the original ETA) to Donna's. And others arrived after we did.

We had a wonderful feast with a most awesome view overlooking a snow-covered frozen lake. The contrasts of the fresh white and the dull gray sky and the leafless trees with their dark trunks and branches were striking.

The ladies did the majority of the kitchen work, and the guys did most of the "putting the house back together" before leaving.  U. Carl had a good day, and A. Donna is probably really tired this evening.

Frank and I stopped in Flushing on the way home to deliver Lolo's and Diane's dinners. Lolo hasn't been feeling well for a few days and they thought it best not to go.

The second half of the drive was much better, with almost dry roads. Frank and I had a nice visit before he went on home.

Tomorrow I have a couple of things to pick up at the store, and Frank is coming over again.

So very thankful for the ability to travel and spend time with family. And doing it again next weekend!!  Woo Hoo!!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 11.27.2013

Cold and sunny today, with a wind.

I bundled up and went out for a run.

Breakfast, and after a while, shower.

I went out in the late afternoon for a few groceries and to fill the car, and when I got back, I started on the food prep for tomorrow.

Dinner, and loving the house smelling like cherry pie....*smile*

Happy Thanksgiving to All.

Hugs.

Tuesday 11.26.2013

Got up, started the day. Just finishing my hair when the phone rang. Stay home for now....  Good thing I didn't get the hair spray on....

Took off my work clothes, turned off the lights, and laid back down. I dozed for a  couple hours and the phone rang again.

Finished getting ready for work, had breakfast, and went in.

It was icky.

Controlled chaos. Lots of babies during the night. It seemed the phone lines rang practically non-stop. And frequent call lights, though we finally got the patients settled down in the early afternoon.

But we continued to be busy right up until end of shift. With more laboring patients, it will be another busy night. And tomorrow, too.

Though I'm not scheduled tomorrow.

Doing food prep for Thursday's gathering at Aunt Donna's.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 11.25.2013

I was sleeping/dozing in my bed this morning, listening to the furnace, thinking that the radio is going to come on soon. (I program the furnace thermostat so that the house will warm up about 15 minutes or so before I get up). I must have fallen asleep, as I woke to hearing the furnace again. Hmm. I know I checked the alarm on the radio. 

I listen again, thinking maybe the radio station is having "technical difficulties" or maybe it's not tuned in well. Must have dozed off again, knowing that I turned on the alarm.

The third time I wondered about the furnace, I opened my eyes and looked. 

Ugh.

4:45.  

The radio comes on at 0414. I have enjoyed a half hour of "sleeping in", but now will be focused on getting ready for the J.O.B. without daydreaming or lollygagging.  I much prefer a lower-keyed morning....

But I got myself there in good time.

And had a busy day.

Surgicals back, new families discharging to home, peer interview done, sent team mates to other meetings. I was surprised that at the end of the day I only had 3 patients left. Huh. sure seemed a whole lot busier than 3 patients!!!  

A quiet evening at home.

Tomorrow I get to do it again.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 11.24.2013

Hoo Boy it was cold today!

12 degrees this morning. The clear skies, and the sun warmed up all the way to 24 degrees. I bundled up and went out for a walk.

With the wind, it "felt like" 14, according to the weather app. And I agree--that wind was bitter.  I did pretty good with the outdoor garb; the areas on my face that weren't covered were prickly cold. The clouds moved in while I was out, so it felt even colder.

But I had a nice walk. And saw 7 or 8 wild turkeys in a yard, feeding and making their turkey noises. They were still there when I passed by on the return trip. Pretty neat.

I made a pot of chili and portioned it out for lunches. Yum!

And a quiet rest of the day.

Tomorrow I'm scheduled to work.

Jeremy sent a text that they arrived home about 0800 this morning. That's a long drive.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 11.23.2013

What a great day today!!

Jeremy called this morning asking if I was working--could they stop by on their way back to South Carolina??

Nope not working--of  course you can come by!!!!!

I looked through the freezer/refrigerator/pantry and decided on a meal that would work for all of us. Not knowing when they would be arriving, I got on with my morning.

Early afternoon, he called.

I put food together.

And just as it was to a stopping point, they arrived.

Yay!!

Matilda's here!!  (oh yeah, Jeremy and Jenny, and Lola the dog, too!)

We walked around the yard, showing them the boat garage, and everything else. But boy was it cold!!  28 degrees and windy. We went in the house.

Matilda was hungry and devouring her cracker snacks, so I finished our meal.  It was so fun to have them at my table.

We cleaned up and visited. Matilda was finally warming up to me, and I got a picture.

 

Ok, a few actually.

They tucked back into the truck for the 14 hour drive back home, driving all night so that Matilda sleeps the majority of the trip.

I sure enjoyed our visit.

Safe journeys to all who are traveling.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 11.22.2013

Worked today--was pleasantly surprised that I was able to have the "on-call" person come in and cover me so that I could do my two meetings this morning.  And after the meetings ran late, I was able to have lunch.  She continued to do a few of the babies' testings while the rest of us did what we needed to do.

I was busy the rest of the afternoon right up until time to clock out.

Home, and a quiet evening.

Not sure what tomorrow is.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 11.21.2013

Another wonderful day!!

Woke feeling rested (as much as one can with multiple-interruption sleep).

Breakfast, then went out for groceries.

A little housework.

A quiet day.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 11.20.2013

It was cold first thing this morning; 31 degrees with the sun just up. Decided to wait a little before going out for a run.

When I did go out, it was pleasant 42 degrees, with a cool wind that was almost too cold.  I did enjoy it, though.

Back inside, I cooled off, then had breakfast.

Shower, and a quiet rest of the day.

Tomorrow I need a few groceries.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 11.19.2013

Another work day,  thankful to have a job.

Busy but not overwhelming.

Cold, below freezing when I got back home tonight, with the just-past-full moon rising large and bright in a dark starry sky.

Howl!!!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 11.18.2013

Floated "out" today.

"Sat" with one patient, I was moved across the hall to "sit" with another patient, then was "pulled" back to my home unit about 1pm.

We had a busy afternoon; I was happy to be there to help.

Tired tonight.

Working again tomorrow.

Temperatures 35 degrees less than yesterday; didn't lose power, thank you God, and didn't see much storm damage in the short drive to and from the hospital, in the dark both ways.

Praying for fast recovery for all affected.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 11.17.2013

What storms today!!

Praying for those who have lost their homes, basically everything except their lives. And some lost their lives, too.

It's windy here tonight. Hoping I don't lose power...

Tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 11.16.2013

Ohmygosh--it's almost year end.

Had a great day today visiting with my friend VG.  We were able to be outdoors for a bit this afternoon as I swept both of the garages; dead flies in one of them and dead leaves that had blown into the other one. We also knocked down a couple of wasp nests that were empty, except for a fly that had taken up residence.

She arrived just as I was pulling into the driveway after getting groceries, and Frank pulled in a few minutes later.

We enjoyed each others' company.  Frank left, and I fixed Vonnie and I a nice salad for supper. We got to talking about ideas, and next thing, we were doing a craft project!  Thanks, Von, for the prototype!!

She left in the rain, with temps in the mid 50's. Won't be long before this precipitation will be frozen....

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 11.15.2013

Busy work day. Enough help. Great Teamwork. Left on time. Woo Hoo!!

Tomorrow I hope to run, and get groceries.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 11.14.2013

Whew--worked today.  Busy, lots of patients, enough staff, including two large groups of nursing students. Lots of people.

Clocked out, home.

Tired, ready for bed.

And doing it again tomorrow.

Without all those students.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 11.13.2013

A pretty good day today.

Felt rested this morning, thank you God, even with interrupted sleep.

Read for a while, enjoyed breakfast.

In the afternoon I went out for a few groceries.

As I was getting my supper ready, I noticed the pinkish-orange-ish hue of the light outdoors.  Sunset. I went over to a west-facing window and thanked God for the beauty of His world. Orange and pink stripes in the blue-violet sky; the blue-violet getting deeper and the oranges and pinks getting more vibrant as the minutes go by. Another minute or so, and the colors mute and mud. Fascinating.

A nice phone conversation and a quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading Hugs.

Tuesday 11.12.2013 Magic Day

11.12.13  Once in forever date. Yes, I'm kind of strange like that....

Had a great meeting this morning.  Looking for solutions uncovers so many more "problems" to solve.  Never ending.

Came home, had a snack, Frank came over for a short while before leaving for work.

After a while, I fixed my supper and ate.

A quiet evening.

Groceries tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 11.11.2013 Thankful Day--To Our Veterans

To Each of You Who Have Endured the Military

Thank You.

I had a pretty good day today.

Caught up on a couple things at home.  Was ready to go outdoors and trim a lilac branch that had split and fallen, but was raining. 

Later this afternoon, it snowed. Enough that the ground is white.  The paved areas are melted, though. Here comes winter....

Tomorrow is a morning meeting.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 11.10.2013

Another work day done.

A better pace, not feeling like "so much to do, so little time".

Tired tonight.

Hope to sleep; quiet day for tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 11.09.2013

Worked today.  Quiet morning, then the afternoon was pleasantly busy.

Tomorrow we'll do it again.

Yoga tonight.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 11.08.2013

What a great day today!!

Cold--did get to 45 degrees--but sunny.

I enjoyed watching the birds today. They have found the suet feeder after 3 days of being up. I saw at least 5 different species of birds within 45 minutes. Quite a flurry of activity between the feeder and the birdbath. Drinking and bathing, and just wading (standing in in the water in the feeder). Cheap entertainment.

Frank came over, and we walked back to his house, then I walked back home. I went out for errands, came in and fixed supper, spent the evening picking away at the basement. Emptied a couple boxes, discarded, consolidated.

Tired tonight.

Work tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 11.07.2013

Another Wonderful Day today!

Sunshine and blue skies for the drive to Mason for a needed-it-more-than-I-realized massage.

So much that my shoulders/neck are a little sore tonight.

Had a quiet rest of the day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 11.06.2013

Another Lovely Day!!

Mostly drizzly with a few bits of gusty wind this evening, low to mid 50's.

I was able to go out for a run, and managed to be out in just a light drizzle. I got back on the porch and it gusted and rained.  Thank you God, for waiting 'til I was home for the rain to start!

Breakfast, shower.

Putzed around, went out for fresh food.

Came out of the store and it was heavy drizzle.

Supper and a quiet night.

Tomorrow I see Leah.

I'm so looking forward to it.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 11.05.2013

Worked today.  Nice morning.

Then just when I had waited to get lunch--slam--patients started coming out. (new patients coming over from labor and delivery, and a couple also came up from surgery).

Since I could see that I wasn't going to get "hot" lunch, I mixed up an "instant breakfast" and sucked it down when I could get to it. It took away the "hungry headache" that I tend to develop when I don't eat when I need to.  *sigh*

A couple hours of constant activity from all of us. I was able to get my hot food about 2pm, and I got to eat it. Yum.

The rest of the afternoon/evening was as busy as the morning, and I was happy to be able to clock out.  Whew!!

Light supper after I got home.

Tired tonight.

Tomorrow is groceries.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 11.04.2013

Worked today.  And it was a good day.  Busy, just right busy.  Had time to eat. Twice.  Always makes for a better day.

Tired tonight.

Doing it again tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 11.03.2013

Woke this morning--it was sure cold outdoors. I read a while and let the sun warm up before going out for a run.

Then I was hungry, and it was still cold, so I had breakfast.

I did go out in the afternoon, and it was a lot more comfortable in the mid 40's.

Shower, laundry washed, dried, ironed, and put away. Got the "shrink plastic" put on the windows, paid bills, had supper.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 11.02.2013

What a great day today!!

Put together the augratin potatoes, went to Lansing and picked up Vonnie. Went on over to Flushing to visit Sue and Diane and Lolo.

We had a wonderful afternoon, enjoying lunch almost as much as we enjoyed the company.

Thank you God for the safe trip, and these awesome women.

Tomorrow I hope to run, and I have household chores to do.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 11.01.2013

Busy day today.  Happy I had made a great lunch for myself AND I was able to eat it when I was ready to!!  Didn't get supper, though.....

We all worked hard to get through the shift. And a few of us left late as we were finishing up patient needs.

We have a concierge service for us--I had them take my car to Discount Tire. One of the tires had been losing air the last week or so. I filled it, but it was soft again. They found a nail. It's repaired and all four have been rotated. No Charge. Gotta love the service there. (well, I don't love having to wait for the service)

Picked up a few things at the store on the way home. Making AuGratin Potatoes to take to LoLo's tomorrow for a visit.

Tired tonight.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 10.31.2013 Spooky Day

Drizzly but warm (at 61 degrees)--I went out for a run in the drizzle. The birds had been noisy when I went out, but were quiet when I got back in.  And the wind gusted a couple of times and it rained pretty good for several minutes before easing back into the light rain/drizzly stuff. I timed that right.

Breakfast, helped Frank for an hour or so, then showered and got ready to go in for the last 4 hours of the shift (so someone could be with their little one for Halloween).

We had a great afternoon.

Back home, I fixed my lunch for tomorrow and had a quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you God for a great day.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 10.30.2013

Another Beautiful Day!!

Blue sky, sunshine, low 60's.  Cruising right into winter....

Went to a meeting this morning. Frank was at the house when I got back. We spent some time together and ran errands before he went off to work.

I did a little outdoor stuff, and was really sleepy in the late afternoon.

A bite to eat for supper, and I had to close my eyes for a short time.

Tomorrow I'm working the last four hours of the shift.

Hope I'm rested by then...

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 10.29.2013 A Day

A busy day today--lots of discharges, and admissions.  And the whole smash of people leaving, housekeeping and their equipment to "turn the room over" (clean thoroughly for the next patient), clean beds being to taken to Recovery, new patients coming down the hall in wheelchairs or walking, each with their entourages of varying numbers of participants, often including the baby in the bassinet. Surgical patients coming in by bed with two people moving the bed. Staff--the assortment of physicians, nurses, maintenance, pharmacy, dietary, and others--walking briskly up and down the hall to meet their needs, most often pushing their own equipment; computers on wheels (laptops mounted to a mobile platform), blood pressure machines,  carts, IV pumps mounted on poles, etc. Oh, Yes, and Visitors. Starting about 0830, growing to a crescendo about 2pm. By 4:30, the dust had settled, quieted down, and we had time to breathe.

In fact, we staffed down.

And had a surprisingly quiet last hour and a half. (thank you God)

And within the bustle, in the space of their own rooms, I had the remarkable opportunity to share in the first hours of life.

Skin to skin, the newborn lies on it's mother's chest. Warm, familiar. She pushes herself with her arms and legs, stretches her neck, and with open eyes, looks into her mother's face. I can hardly breathe as I watch these two connect with their eyes, looking into what they have each grown to know. Moms smile, often coo, and most always marvel at how their baby is looking at them.

Dads reach out, touch baby's hand.   He and mom look at each other;  I stay quiet, or speak soft and low to encourage or explain or reposition.  Baby drops her head on mom's chest, sometimes bobbing, with open mouth, tongue exploring.

I may ask about feeding, or if I know, I'll gently guide arms and pillows and bodies and next thing we know--baby is suckling.  Her eyes open again, looking at mom, knowing that this is right, being nourished.

This intimacy, this realization, this most life-changing moment, is my gift from God. That I am able to facilitate this experience for them, to be allowed into this most intimate space, is humbling.

My heart swells, sometimes I have difficulty speaking. Saying "thank you" to my patients often comes out with the difficulty of emotion.

And they "get it".

This is my work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 10.28.2013

Worked today.

We actually had a couple of times to "sit".  I was actually surprised, and wondered if I was missing something that I was supposed to be doing.....

The others felt the same way. That we hadn't had a "breather" in several weeks.

Whew.

That doesn't mean to say that we weren't busy.  Surgicals coming back, and babies interspersed, throughout the day.

I am blessed to work with the best group ever.

Tired tonight--I did some yoga for my back, which helped immensely.

Tomorrow is another workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 10.27.2013

What a great day today!!

A nice morning watching the birds, falling leaves, squirrels feeding, and the sun came out.  Bonus!

I went out for a couple of errands, and putzed around in the yard for a bit, looking at what could be done. Went downstairs and spent the majority of the evening shifting and settling things down there. I'm pleasantly surprised how bright it is when the sun is shining.

Tomorrow is a work day.

 Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 10.26.2013

Another Great Day!!!

I was able to do all the things I wanted today, thank you God!

Run, (shower), groceries, prepare and eat yummy stuff. Kitchen chores, outdoor chores.  Woo Hoo!

I hope to enjoy tomorrow, too!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 10.25.2013

I've had a restful day today.

Didn't do much physically, but did some computer stuff.

I just couldn't (more like didn't) go out to the store. I think I dozed off at least twice throughout the day.

Tomorrow I'll be going out for the errands I need to do.

*yawn*

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 10.24.2013

Worked today.  All day long.

Enjoyed lunch at 11, and didn't get to eat again.  Ugh.

So, a light snack at home.

And ready for bed.

Tomorrow is rest and groceries.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 10.23.2013

Worked, tired, hope to sleep tonight.

Heard folks talking about seeing snow today--it sure felt that cold this morning, and smelled like snow, too.

Hope we have a nice sunshine-y winter...

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 10.22.2013

Didn't sleep last night--

I take sudafed to help with the ear pressure when I fly, and yesterday's flights were longer than the 4 hour dosing interval. So I took a second tablet before leaving Atlanta. (I still had ear pain about half way through the flight--enough that I had to close my eyes, deep breathe, and consciously relax and not let my eyes leak.  I could have jabbed a sharp pencil in my ears to relieve the pain. Fortunately, the Ear Planes ear plugs finally did their thing, and I was not that uncomfortable again.)

And sudafed keeps me awake.  Like jiffed up, too much caffeine kind of awake.

So I laid in bed and rested, deep breathed, quieted the brain.  I would doze off, then wake again.

Good thing I didn't work today.

I did have a meeting, though, from 9-12noon. I got up, dressed, and breakfasted.

Lively discussions with some conclusions.

I did the banking, then stopped for fresh groceries on the way home.

And a quiet rest of the day, trying to stay awake.

Hoping to sleep--tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 10.21.2013

Kind of a cool morning in South Carolina.

Matilda had a good night, and a good morning, and even did a nap without difficulty.

I got packed and ready to go; after Matilda woke, we played for a bit before her lunch. Then it was time to go to the airport...

She fell asleep just before we got there, but as I bent to smooch on her, she woke. So I got to tell her good-bye, and that I'd see her on the computer.

A safe journey home, thank you God.

I had a 2 1/2 hour layover in Atlanta, so it was dark when we took off to Detroit.  We saw the red moon rising on the horizon before the clouds obstructed the view. The next view out the window were the stars going by. That's how it looked, anyway. I couldn't see down below because of the clouds. That was pretty neat, too.

I found my car in the parking structure without difficulty (thanks again) and have arrived home without incidence.

Unpacked, unwound, and with sore eardrums.

Tomorrow is a morning meeting and groceries.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 10.20.2013

Another Great Day today!!

The weather was cooler--high 60's and overcast this morning when I was out for a run, with sunshine and 72-ish late afternoon.

Matilda slept well through the night, finally getting up after 8am.  Didn't/wouldn't nap for either her dad or mom; I stepped in and took over her care so they could get their weekend chores done.  And after an hour or two of one-on-one time--walking outdoors, playing in the playroom, and a few attempts to go in her bedroom--we finally got to sleep.

I continued with her when she woke, as Jenny and Jeremy were fixing supper. When it smelled like food was just about ready, we went downstairs.

Sweet as can be, and ate well.

After supper walk around the block, bath, and .... screeching.  I had her for 20 minutes or so, then Jeremy came in and took over, finally getting her quietly into bed about a half hour later.

I sure remember those challenges. Parenting is one of the most difficult things to do, I think.

Tomorrow I'll pack up and leave.

Praying for an easy and uneventful return to Michigan.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 10.20.2013 Checking the Look....

Matilda had a couple "episodes" today with her teeth. But with the oragel and the "tincture of time", we got through them.

After an hour nap, we loaded up and went out to the Street Fair.

She's so sweet--saying "hi" to people and grinning when they say HI back. Like she's figured out a real word in this language we speak.

She enjoyed the musicians that were on every corner, literally. Each with a little different sound, each eliciting a bop and a smile from our Little One. Daddy took her out of the stroller and she walked through the loose crowd, stood in front of the band, smiled and boogied, moving her little body to the music.  So much fun.

But it was warm, near 80, barely a breeze, and she got a bit irritable.  So off we went, back home.

Where she cried, and fussed, and had supper and a bath and another early bedtime.

Mom and Dad went out for some adult time while I stayed in with her.

And about a half hour after they left, she wailed again.  Uh Oh....

I picked her up, she was screaming and drooling--I talked to her in a quiet voice, applied the oragel (to her protest). Her shuddering sobs finally quieted, I wiped her nose again, and I held her snug and rocked her. A half hour later she was back to sleep and in her crib.

Whew.

So far, no more "attacks".

I have one more full day with her, then Monday she goes to day care and I come home.

I am so blessed.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Ready to go to the Old Town Art and Seafood Festival!!

Friday 10.18.2013

Poor little Matilda is cutting molars. She will stop, freeze in place actually, let her mouth drop open, hold your eye, and wail!!!  Drool everywhere, nose running, pulling her ears.  Oragel for the immediate relief, tylenol for a couple hours, and after 3 hours, added motrin. She had a rough afternoon.

But was so tired (only slept an hour during the day today, and had been up a couple times in the night) she was bathed, rocked, and in bed shortly after seven.  Hoping for a better night.

I was asked to make one of Jeremy's favorites--chicken and dumplings--for supper, which I did. And a nice salad to go with.

It's still 79 degrees and humid here at 10:30pm. Instead of hearing the furnace running, it's the A/C.  And thankful for it.

Tomorrow we may be going to an Art and Seafood fair in Old Town Bluffton. Said to be a pretty big gig.  Hope 'Tilda is up for it.  Shoot--hope I'm up for it. The heat can get to me...

Having a great visit.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 10.17.2013

Whew--it's a bit warm down here....

Matilda slept all night--the parents say she's not been sleeping well for several nights due to a molar coming in. They did their morning stuff, going off to day care and work.

I rested fairly well, for being "not at home".  This morning I went out for a run. The sun was quite warm, and I noticed this evening my face is even a little pink, which surprised me.  I was very perspire-y when I was done.

Breakfast, shower, and a quiet rest of the day.

I went with Jeremy to fetch Matilda, who sounds a little congested this evening.

The three of us went for dinner, and brought back food for Jenny, who had an inconveniently timed meeting to attend.

I'm tired again this evening.

Hope to sleep--tomorrow is my day for child care. Aack!!  Hope she takes naps!!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 10.16.2013

I made it!!

Overall, a good trip. Lingering ear discomfort, especially in the right ear, which has never resolved it's issue from almost a year ago.

Jeremy picked me up (the end of his work day) and we went on to pick up Matilda. She looked at me, I saw the flash of recognition in her eyes, and she broke out in huge smile and giggle and came right to me! Made my day!!

Jeremy and Jenny prepared supper while Matilda and I played. After supper is a walk around the block, bath, and bed. Such a sweet girl.

We adults had a quiet evening, and I'm having a hard time staying awake.

Hoping to sleep tonight.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 10/15/2013

Whew!!

Finished the work day.

Busy--don't think I was able to sit for more than a total of an hour, from the time I got out of the car at 0615 until...7:20 pm.  Exhale...

Home, last load of laundry done, 40 minutes of yoga (which helped my body more than anticipated), a bite to eat (hmm, that little naggy headache is probably because I didn't have dinner....), and I'm ready for bed.

Tomorrow I'll finish packing and head to the airport.

I've been a little anxious to see my g'baby--now a year old. Plus 1 month.  I hope she still likes me!!  Oh yes, and her parents, too.

Hug 'em while you got 'em.

Thank you for reading.

Monday 10.14.2013

Another great day!!

Worked--steady busy, yet at a fair pace.

I did need to eat my supper "after hours", though.

Tomorrow is another work day.

Hope to sleep tonight.....

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 10.13.2013

I'm loving all these great days!!

Blue skies again today.

I went out for a run in the late morning. Temp was about 60, and the sun--so warm. Was glad for long pants, though, as the air was still a bit cool.

Breakfast, shower.

Got everything crossed off of today's list.

Except Frank didn't come over.  He had a bit of the yuck yesterday--and I'm ok with him staying away. I sure don't want it.

A quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 10.12.2013

What a great day!!

Sunshine, blue skies, 70+ degrees.  For most of the day, anyway. Became half cloudy this afternoon.

I was able to exercise, then go out and take care of the errands.  And I crossed off items on my list.

A quiet evening.

Tomorrow I hope to run, and Frank is coming over sometime.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 10.11.2013

Worked today, tired tonight.

Can't hardly stay awake.

Chores tomorrow.

Thank you for reading.

Hugs.

Thursday 10.10.2013

Another great day today!!

Sunshine, blue skies, low 70's.

Went out for a run this morning after the sun burned through the heavy fog. It was low 50's when I wet out--and low 60's by the time I got back in.  Beautiful!

Certainly smells like Fall. Wet, fallen, leaves.

Breakfast, shower, paperwork.

Meeting in the evening.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 10.09.2013

I did it!  I did it!!  I really sleepted!!

Yup--a 4 hour block, uninterrupted!!

Didn't wake up to have a hot flash or a bathroom trip.  When I first realized it, I looked at the clock again and checked myself.  Everything seemed ok....then I got up and went into the "necessary room".

I was able to go back to sleep, too, and woke about 20 minutes before the radio came on.

Up and at 'em.

Went in for a meeting with senior management at the J.O.B.  This happens at least twice during the year, as it is deemed important to keep the staff "informed".  The president of the hospital had sobering information to pass on to us about the trickle down effects of the non-payments due to the government shutdown. It's a big mess any way it's looked at.

Those members of the cabinet, and anyone else involved in the decision making process, need to get their head where it belongs before the country's downward spiral is unstoppable.

I was able to sit outside for a bit in the glorious sunshine. Also did a load of laundry, and an hour or so of yoga.

And I'm tired again tonight.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 10.08.2013

Worked today.

Tired.

Can't hardly keep my eyes open tonight.

Maybe I should go to bed so I can be awake???

Tomorrow is a morning meeting.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 10.07.2013

Up and ready for work.  Last couple bites of breakfast, lunch ready, shoes on.

Ring Ring

Hope you haven't left yet.  You're "on call".

Ugh.

Not that I mind being home. 

I'm ready to leave....

So I unpacked my bag, put the food back in the fridge.

I looked at the computer for a little bit, then laid back down.

Didn't really sleep.

Went in the basement and vacuumed a few dead bugs, organized a little more.  At some point it might be done....????

Had a bit for lunch, then went out for a few groceries.

Found some clothes on clearance.

Came back and fixed supper, ate, and about fell asleep on the sofa.

So I'm hoping I can sleep tonight.

And I'll be working tomorrow...

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 10.06.2013

Had a nice day today.

Heavy overcast--and since it was not raining, I went out for a gentle run. It was quiet and still, mid 60's with 97% humidity.

Breakfast, shower, and a quiet, rainy afternoon.

Frank came over for a couple hours this evening.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Hope to sleep tonight.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 10.05.2013

What a nice day today!!

Funny weather--96% humidity, mid 70's, overcast.  And it is "leafing" out there.  You know, like snowing, but it is the leaves that are falling.

I made a pot of soup and fresh bread in the bread machine, and a fresh pear tart, or pie-like thing. My guests, LoLo and Diane, arrived about 4pm.

We had a nice visit, enjoyed the food, Frank stopped over, Diane played piano for us, and they left.  I was happy that the house accommodated LoLo's wheelchair easily.

Frank stayed a bit longer, and we looked on the internet at cars for sale. He's looking for another vehicle, something less than $2,000, for the winter. That beautiful Mustang just doesn't like snowy roads.

He left, and I had a quiet rest of the night.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 10.04.2013

Worked today.

My turn to "float" to another unit in the hospital.

And it turned out to be another one of God's Gifts.

I'm thankful for the people I meet, and how we are able to share this gift, each of us receiving unknown facets.

Like sparkles on the water.

And glitter on snow.

Thank you.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 10.03.2013

Worked.

Almost chaotically busy.

Better after a few discharges, and a couple staff went over to open the overflow unit to accept the many new patients coming at us.

And I'm tired this evening.

And I get to do it again tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 10.02.2013

Finally.

Massage day.

And she did another great job, as usual.

It always surprises me, the knots she finds, the hidden areas under muscles that are tight, sore, or tender.

And when she did the lymph drainage today, it wasn't ten minutes later that my bladder got full. Good news that the lymph is draining--scary that it's all been backed up in there somewhere....and most patients aren't even aware that there is a problem.

I am truly blessed to have Leah in my life.

I fixed a yummy supper tonight and cleaned the kitchen, showered, and had a quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 10.01.2013

Gosh--October 1.  Last quarter of the year.

And 15 days before I go to see Matilda.

I went for a run this morning. 97% humidity, 62 degrees, gray, overcast, quiet. Kind of nice to hear the birds and other outdoor sounds.  Kind of made me miss sitting on the deck at the lake, in the quiet, listening.

Breakfast, shower, and off for a meeting.

As I approached the door to the meeting room, I saw another of the members.  "Cancelled", she said.  Oh. When?  "Just now".

That's really not nice to do. Cancel a meeting at meeting time.

I was a bit miffed.

So miffed, it took me several hours to settle down.

I chose to use the energy to move some things out to the back garage, rearranging some things for winter storage.

Dinner, and a quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a massage.

I'm ready.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 09.30.2013

I slept well last night. It's been a very long while since that's happened.

Went in for the (mandatory) fasting blood draw for our insurance plan, then came home for breakfast.

Turned around and went back in for the Education Council meeting, which lasted an hour longer than scheduled. But we got things sorted out.

Back at home, I got something to eat, and had a quiet rest of the afternoon/evening.

I've got sinus pressure; I'm going to contribute it to the weather, and not the fact that there have been staff that have been ill this past week, coughing and blowing noses and ....., well, you get it.

Tomorrow is another meeting.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 09.29.2013 Red Handed

Turned out to be a very nice day at the J.O.B.

Patients discharged by early afternoon and we ended up with two staff and 3 patients. Isn't it amazing, how the census fluctuates like that??!!!!

After the dust settled and we were caught up with everything, I had lots of time to "be productive".

I did a couple small projects for the committee work, and then I put on a pair of gloves (the blue nitrile, non-latex gloves that we use for anything non-sterile).  I got a tub of the sanitizing wipes and started wiping down equipment--blood pressure machines, portable computers, thermometers, etc. This product is supposed to have a 3 minute contact time (meaning being wet for three minutes) to disinfect. So I was pulling fresh wipes out of the container frequently.  I did this for about 40 minutes or so.

The end of the shift was nearing, and I was done with what I was doing.

My right hand was feeling hot; not an infrequent sensation with gloves on. But kind of like burning hot.

And itchy.

I took the gloves off and washed my hands, like I do all day long.

My right hand was bright red and slightly swollen looking.

What!?!?

Really itchy, but no bumps.

Just red.

Hm. I don't have any benadryl cream with me, but have some at home, about 45 minutes from the time I was experiencing this.

Is this a contact dermatitis, or localized reaction to the chemicals seeping through the gloves??   the chemicals reacting with the gloves????  I thought maybe rinsing my hands well might help.

So I went back to the sink and ran cool water over it. The skin was hot, but the cool water seemed to be helping with the burning sensation, as well as the itching decreasing.

A couple minutes later I dried my hands, and I thought it looked better.

Yep.

And within a half hour or so, the redness had faded greatly, the itching was gone, and so was the swelling.

Whew!!

I washed again before I left, and put some lotion on.

Tonight it seems to be much better, but I feel a few areas of a light prickly itch. I might put something on my skin for overnight.

I think I should probably tell someone in, safety? or infection control? or employee health??  I'll do that tomorrow, as I'll be there for a couple of meetings.

And I am surprisingly tired tonight.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 09.28.2013

Another workday.

But great--

Labor and Delivery was finally quiet.

The overflow unit was busy.

The post partum unit settled down later in the afternoon.

But everybody got to eat today, made better by the potluck.

Weekends are known for "not much" in the cafeteria.  Or "good luck if you're going down there....".

So we got to eat real food, sitting down, mostly uninterrupted.

Thank you God.

Prayers for a co-worker who experienced a stroke the other day.  She looks good, and is going home today.  And hopes to come back to work before too long.  She's 60 years old.

It can happen at any time.

Thank you for reading.

Hug 'em while you got 'em.

Friday 09.27.2013

Another Great Day!!

Beautiful blue sky day, low 70's, no breeze to speak of.

I got a little yard work done--trimming, pulling weeds, and cut the tomato plants down.  *sad face*  There were maybe a dozen and a half very small green fruits left. Like giant peas, almost.

I sat outside and ate my supper; so quiet. Leaves beginning to drip down from the trees.

This evening, I put together a salsa with cucumber, tomatoes, onion, garlic, avocado, cumin, cilantro, and olive oil for a potluck at the J.O.B. tomorrow. The taste test was yummy.

That's it.

Thankful for life.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 09.25.2013

What a beautiful day today!!

Warm sunshine in a clear blue sky.

I went up to the hospital this morning to have my (annual) TB test read. The way it was offered this year made it so that I would have to either get the test or get it read on a day I didn't work. So it's done, and I did not have any reaction. Good for another year!!

When I got back I got ready and went out for a run.

A gentle run.

My hips and feet and shins were a little sore from the walk yesterday. Maybe it's time for different everyday shoes.

Breakfast, shower, and out for a few groceries.

Supper, cleaned the kitchen, and a quiet evening.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 09.25.2013

What a great day today!!

Was able to connect with each of the "electronic" meetings today. Hope to make progress with the equipment placement "challenges" we have, as our floor is redesigning the intake process for the expectant woman. Since the overflow unit was halved, and the storage area and staff room were usurped, we need to create square footage out of ....  um.... well, there isn't any. So we're trying to figure it out.

After the second meeting in the afternoon, I went out for a walk. I went a little over 2 miles, I would guess.

Tomorrow I hope to run.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 09.24.2013

Oh My.

We did it again.

Another 7 babies THIS MORNING. (remember 9 months ago??  Christmas/New Year babies...)

Fortunately, we had enough staff.

Until we had to open the overflow unit, and the manager worked the floor. (yep--OUR managers do what needs to be done.....) Our unit is the best in the hospital.

Great team work, ladies.

We're all tired.

Tomorrow I have two meetings, by phone.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 09.23.2013

Couldn't write last night--"technical difficulties...."

The flash player crashed on the computer, and after a little research, found that I needed to uninstall chrome, which I did, then there were Windows updates that were out there.  Sooo....  A couple of the updates took so long I thought the computer froze up. But, no, it just took the time. And it was still "stuck" (downloading) last night when I went to bed.

The good news is that it was done this morning, and the uninstall/updates/reinstall seems to have restored the flash player. Go Me!

Yesterday I went out for a run, and to my surprise, in one of the yards a bed of crocus was in full bloom!!  Evidently the cold weather a few weeks ago got them confused...

Today was a workday. We had 6 babies this morning! It goes without saying that we were busy all day, and tomorrow will be busy, too, doing all the 24 hour testing with the babies. That can take over an hour or more to do.

I'm off to bed.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 09.21.2013

The wind picked up during the night--and changed directions.  Might have been 50 degrees, with gray clouds.

I got up and thought about going home.

I spent the rest of the morning packing up and cleaning.  Got it all done--loaded the car, cleaned and sanitized the inside of the trailer.

Of course the sun had come out and the wind had lessened, but with the temps predicted to be close to 40 tonight, I just didn't want to stay.

I stopped in Rose City for a visit with U. Carl. He was pleasant today, and can I say, in his own world??  Talking about the construction project he and the other men had done a few months ago. So I listened and asked questions.

Back on the road, the clouds had come back, and was intermittent heavy drizzle with a couple areas of light rain.

An uneventful drive home, thank you God.

I'm unloaded, unpacked, and have prepared supper and ate.

Tomorrow I hope to run.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 09.20.2013

Another great day!!

Didn't sleep much, listening to the intermittent rain throughout the night.

A flat, gray day, with the sun trying to burn through in the early afternoon.

Tom left, and while he was down to his in-laws (I think), I heard the loons, then the sea gulls calling, and saw an eagle soaring across the lake. I didn't see it come across the lake....

But I saw it.

How neat.

The flat gray day returned, and I had a quiet afternoon, sitting outdoors, reading, watching, listening.

I went to visit my "old" friends--strategically timing my walk there and back between rain showers.

Without the full moon being able to burn through the clouds, I went out for a brief "flashlight walk". Didn't see anything really cool, but I did say "brief".....

Hoping to sleep tonight.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 09.19.2013 Ahhhh.......

After a most restless/sleepless night  (like, why? ...... ) I got up, breakfasted, finished packing, loaded the car, sprayed the exterior perimeter of the house (I do not live with bugs) and left town about 0930.

Lansing was a half hour in a traffic back up due to a rollover crash, with the fire truck blocking one lane, and everyone squeezing over to get by.  

Bay City was a wait in line at the gas pump, as the price was expecting to go up. And I heard while I was fueling that "every place else was $3.65, and here is still $3.35".  Seriously.

And I went in to the Meijer store. 

I was just picking up the last item, when the voice overhead said "would the person with a white pontiac g6 please come to the front of the store"....

My heart beat.

The request was repeated.

Uh Oh.

I went up to the service desk--they didn't know what it was about, but got on the phone. While they were (unsuccessfully) calling around, I went to the check out nearby.  She called over to me that the owner had been located.

WHEW!!!

Thank you God!!

Now that my adrenaline was flowing easily, the last leg of the trip didn't last long at all!

It was a beautiful day at The Lake--quiet, hazy, high 70's--

Tom had a lot of the chores done, but I helped him with the dock. We took out a lot of the dock, leaving the last 3 sections in. 

He went visiting, and I had a quiet evening. When he got back, we watched it get dark, listening to the fish jumping and watching the Harvest Moon rising over the lake. 

So Awesome!

Tomorrow is predicted to be warm and rainy.

But what better place to be.....

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 09.18.2013

Pretty good day today.

Went for a slow gentle run.  The bottoms of my feet were still a little sore this morning, and have just a hint of discomfort this evening.  Thankful I have a job, and thankful I can walk.....

Shower, breakfast, internet business, then out for errands.

Back home I did what I wanted to do outdoors--trimmed the bush by the back door and cleaned that up, changed the hummingbird food, and other little things--then came in and made supper and ate.

Mostly packed, and an otherwise quiet evening.

Tomorrow I'll go north for a few days.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 09.27.2013

Worked today--

whew

glad to be done.

The bottoms of my feet are sore.

And I'm tired.

Tomorrow I've got to catch up around the house, so that I can spend a few days away from the house.

I'm going to The Lake.

Hoping for good weather.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 09.16.2013

Another Day

Chasing the halls--the life of a nurse.

Although I did leave on time today.

And tomorrow we do it again.

Yippee!!!

So thankful to have a J.O.B.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 09.15.2013

Yep, another wonderful day!!

Gloomy, drizzly, maybe 60 degrees.

I read some, got kitchen chores done, went out for fresh food, and fixed supper for Frank and myself.

And was it good!!   Yum!!

We visited for a while and had a quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 09.14.2013 Girls' Day

Lovely!!

A blue sky day with a few wispy clouds and temps low 60's for a safe drive to Flushing.

Diane, Sue, A. Lois, and I had a great time together, laughing and sharing.  I sure needed that. Thanks, Girls!  Although I missed taking photos....

A safe drive home, thank you God, and a quiet night.

Tomorrow Frank is coming over; I'm going to cook something. Chicken pot pie, maybe. (Home made, of course.)

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 09.13.2013 (Lucky Day)

I slept pretty good this morning, then read for a while in bed before getting up. Nice!!  

When I did get up, I stretched and went out for a run.

Breakfast, phone calls. Shower.

Swept off the garage doors and frames and the back porch.

Went out for fresh food and fueled the car.

And enjoyed the rest of the relaxing day.

Tomorrow I'm going to visit  LoLo and Di.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 09.12.2013

Worked today.

Seemed like such a long day--like two different days, between morning/afternoon, and evening.

But it's done, and I've clocked out.

A quiet night.

And cooler, too, thank you God. I'll be able to open the bedroom windows tonight for some fresh air.

Hope to run tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 09.11.2013

Remembering the victims of New York City; the losses have impacted around the world.  May we each find the peace of the Lord.

Worked today--chaotic would be a descriptor of the first half of the day. I tried to hold on to the aforementioned peace, with some success.

The back half was much quieter, thank you God. And we got to leave on time, too.

Tomorrow is another work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 09.10.2013 Matilda's 1st Birthday

Jeremy and Jenny are good about texting me pictures.  I saw her with a piece of carrot cake with the numeral one candle, then of course eating the cake. Last year I was in St. Louis watching the texts come in for the birth, then the birth pictures.

I'll be going to visit in mid October.  *sigh*


Sure was hot today.

Mid 90's.

Had a good meeting this morning, then picked up some grocery items on the way home. I had the top down on the car, with the air conditioning on.....

Got the laundry done, and a quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 09.09.2013

Lots of rain this morning, and high 50's. Couldn't run in the lightning....

By noon the rain quit; sunshine and blue skies the rest of the day, with low 80's and high humidity. Ick.

I made business calls, stayed on hold for longer than anyone should for a business call, and got $5 credits for several months because of it.

Went outdoors for a short walk, cooked on the grill, had a nice evening.

Tomorrow is a long morning meeting.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 09.08.2013

Worked today.

Started out ok, then about 0930 I recognized that the nausea I was feeling, along with the discomfort I was feeling in the back of my neck, the side of my head, (on the inside of my head), and the numbness developing on the side of my face was a migraine. It's been a while since I've had one like this. I took what I hoped would be the magic combination of 800mg ibuprofen and 1000mg of acetaminophen, along with a fresh coffee that was mostly decaf with a little caffeinated brew mixed in.

And about 35 minutes or so later, I could tell it was easing up, though may not be breaking through the spasm in my brain. So I added a small bit of a tylenol with codeine (just a small bit--certainly wasn't enough to be "impaired" while working...), and was relieved when I was aware that the spasm seemed to have been interrupted. And it took another hour or so for that to happen.

I was progressively better as the day went on, though my brain is "sore" on the inside in the area that was spasming. Yes, it's odd, but real.

And overall, had a nice day.

I'm tired tonight, and hope to sleep well.

Tomorrow is laundry day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 09.07.2013

Worked today--and had a "nice" day.

And I'm surprised that I'm as tired as I am tonight.

So, off to bed; I get to do it again tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 09.06.2013

Another Lovely Day!

This afternoon, after it warmed up, I put the top down on the car and went out for errands. So nice to feel the sun.

I sat outdoors in the quiet early evening and watched the birds for a while.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs

Thursday 09.05.2013

Certainly was a beautiful day today.

Sunshine for a morning run. And sun all day long.

Breakfast, shower.

Moved a couple things around, changed the door decor to Autumn, harvested another pint of tomatoes.

Overall had a great day.

Tomorrow I'll need to get fresh food.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 09.04.2013

I had a nice day today.

Took the collection for the Education Council in--the Educator (really her title) liked the items and thinks they will go well with other items in the baskets we raffle.

Had a light lunch, then went to Leah's for a massage. And it was much needed. She did a great job, as always.

Back at home I fixed supper and ate, cleaned the kitchen, and had a quiet night.

I also enjoyed watching the birds in the bird bath. There were several playing in there--3 and 4 at a time--flying around, down to the ground, up to the tree branches, back on and in the bath. I saw them for about a half hour--cheap entertainment. And while I was looking, a chipmunk scampered over to the tomato plants, reached up and chose a red one, put it in it's mouth, and scampered back to it's hole. Ha!!! Who knew?!

Tomorrow is another great day.....

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 09.03.2013

Worked today.

Tired tonight.

Ugh.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 09.02.2013 Labor Day

A good day today.

Though I woke frequently during the night, I didn't have to get up early for work. Instead, I went out for a run when I did get up.

Breakfast, shower.

Putzing around, sat outdoors for a while and enjoyed it.

I got a phone call saying I was "on call", then got another one a couple hours later saying I was "staffed off", meaning I was no longer held to being available to the hospital. Hm, ok....

What to do???

Frank came over for a while, and when he left, I had a phone call.

A quiet evening.

Tomorrow IS an early day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 09.01.2013

What a nice day today!

Cleaned the glass on the car, and applied the Rain X product. Sure like that stuff.

Sat outdoors and read; so peaceful in this neighborhood (mostly).  Watching and listening to the birds, though I'd much rather be watching The Lake.  I'm thankful that I'm here and able to watch anything at all!!

Frank and Danielle came over--we went out for food--then came back to the house for a bit. When they left, I went out to pick up Matilda's First Birthday (already!!) card and gift. Time flies!

A quiet night, other than the fireworks occasionally popping off in the 'hood, and maybe the rumble of thunder.

Tomorrow is my holiday to work, and I got the draw of the 3-11pm shift. Not bad, unless the next day is a work day, too, starting at 0630, which it is. We'll see how it plays out.

My maternal grandfather participated in the Sit Down Strike in Flint, MI way back in the 1930's?  for better working conditions and 8 hour shifts.  Seems odd, doesn't it, that so many people still have a longer work day?!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 08.31.2013

A good day today.

Had a nice run. Breakfast, shower.

Went back to a garage sale that I passed and got some items for our Education Council at the J.O.B.

Frank and Danielle stopped over for a few minutes, bringing me a piece of pizza from Klavon's. Yes, it was very good.

A quiet night.

Tomorrow may be another good day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 08.30.2013

Worked today.

Had the time to do what I do best--help breast feed. Two different families. I'd like to say "I made a difference".

Came home and harvested another half pint or so of the cherry tomatoes. So nice to have "real" tomatoes.

Might have to cook something tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 08.29.2013

Yup, end of the month swooping up.....

Got most of the things on my list done today.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 08.28.2013

A pretty good day today.

Slept pretty good, went for a slow jog. Quite humid outdoors, and I was dripping when done.  Breakfast, shower.

Got my grocery list jotted down before listening to the monthly conference call for the Baby Friendly project. Then went out for a few groceries.

I got back at home and put those away, turned around and went downtown to attend a movie viewing that the Jackson Breastfeeding Coalition sponsored, along with other groups in the area. We are growing, and seeing slow signs of positive changes.

Back at home, I fixed supper and ate.

And got tired "all of a sudden".

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 08.27.2013

AAACCKKKK!!!!

So busy I couldn't keep up!!!

Prioritizing, doing what needed to be done first, then a doctor comes in and wants to do a procedure. Now. And I've got a procedure in process. (Really?? Don't you see what I'm doing....????)

Breathe.

Sure, Doctor, I'll be right with you as soon as I finish this.  It will be a few minutes yet.

Got through the first, then the next. On to the doctor.....

And since the other person in my job role and I each had "too many" patients, with lots of timed events and not enough time to do them all, phone calls were made, and we were able to get 2 people to come in and help!!

I sure appreciated it.

The girl I had coming in to cover so I could attend a meeting came in earlier than I needed her, and another one came in to help, too.

When I got back from the meeting, they were all three still busy, and I jumped in and got busy again.

Geesh.

And ended up staying late.

The life of a nurse.

Tired tonight, and ready for bed.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 08.26.2013

I had a pretty good day--  I think because I woke at 0330 (a time I frequently wake up and have a hot flash), remembered that the alarm was set for 0645, got cooled off and settled down, and dozed off.

So I thought.

I heard the radio.

I had actually slept for almost 3 hours, uninterrupted!!!  I was surprised--it seemed that I had just dozed off...

Up and ready for work, I went in for a morning meeting, then worked the floor the rest of the day.

Crazy busy, great team.

Tomorrow we do it again. All day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 08.25.2013

Another great day!!

Rested well during the night, had a nice morning.

Got the majority of the back yard cleaned up--since I was gone the majority of the last few weeks, a lot of tall weeds needed pulled.

While I was out there, I saw that 3 hummingbirds were "playing" in the yard, flying around in the trees, perching, hovering, taunting each other, chirping, chasing--it was really fun to watch and hear. They cavorted like that almost all day.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 08.24.2013

Another great day today!!

First morning I've been able to "sleep in" since I've been home.  Still, I was awake about 0800; much better than 0430....

Went out for a run, then breakfast and shower.

Errands, and Frank and Danielle came over for burgers on the grill. We had a nice evening outdoors. Thanks, you two!

Tomorrow I'll cross off most of the remaining items on my To Do list.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 08.23.2013

Wow--another work day, full of affirmations.

Busy, with a great team.

Late out; tired tonight.

Errands and chores for the weekend ahead.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 08.22.2013

Worked--busy enough to want it to slow down a notch.  But with a great team, we were all able to clock out in a timely manner. Yippee!!!

Home, and tired tonight.

Tomorrow I get to do it again.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 08.21.2013

Yet another glorious day at The Lake!!

I got the trailer cleaned up, packed up, loaded up the car, and sat on the dock with my feet in the water to cool off.

Good-byes and hugs, and on the road.

I stopped to see U. Carl--Ruth and Phil were there!! It was a nice surprise for all of us. Carl was kind of sleeping in his chair; I talked with him a few minutes and then went on my way.

An uneventful drive home, thank you God.

Unloaded, unpacked, showered. Food consumed.

Ready for bed and a work day tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 08.20.2013

What a great day today!!

Clear blue sky, quiet blue water, sunshine, mid to high 80's, lots of laughs with family.

This is what life is all about.

Hug 'em while you got 'em.

Monday 08.20.2013 Full Moon

What a great day!!

Sunday was a busy work day.  With great team work we got through it, and was able to leave not too long after.

Got things ready to go, including watering the tomatoes and harvesting a couple dozen (YUM) and making hummingbird food, cleaning the feeder, and refilling it; packed, loaded, and left about 8:45pm.

A safe trip, thank you God, without cows in the road. Lots of dead small animals like possum and skunk, and a few deer on the last 30 minute stretch, arriving about 12:15.  

Unloaded, unpacked, and tucked into bed by 1 o'clock.  I was tired.

This morning was beautiful, with quiet water and blue sky. Love it.

Amber, Gia, Shea, me, Tom, and KS were in the water this afternoon. Love that, too!

Supper, fishing, (a mess of what, 15 or so) caught by the "littles" with the g'parents, and an evening fire enjoyed by all.

Tomorrow Kim and Ollie and Jas are coming, too.

Nothing better than being at The Lake with people you love.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 08.17.2013

The babies were poppin' last night--seven on night shift.

That makes us busy today. And we had 5 more!

We had enough help, thank you God, with a great group of co-workers.

And we'll all be busy tomorrow, too, as we finish the testing on the babies and do the discharge planning with the moms in preparation for discharge. Generally 24-36-48 hours or so is the usual hospital stay after having a baby. There's a lot to do in that short time frame.

I was able to leave the hospital at the end of the shift, which was a good thing. I have been able to get the few groceries I wanted and finish the other chores so that it won't take very long to get back on the road tomorrow night. I'm looking forward to driving in the clear sky-full moon night. So different than traveling in blue sky day.

Laundry is finishing and I'll be off to bed.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 08.16.2013

What a great day!!

Sunny and warm--

Started out with an "easy" run. By the time I was coming back, the sun was warm enough that I was happy for the shady places.

Breakfast, shower. Got things ready to go home for a couple of days.

Gia, Shea, and I were able to go out on the paddle boat again. Quiet lake and reflective water. We enjoyed an uneventful "adventure" "all the way across the lake". When we were almost back across, the lake started getting busy. We had good timing!

And then I had to leave.

Stopped in Rose City to visit with U. Carl, who looked better (personal care/grooming) today. I went outdoors with him; he seemed to enjoy the fresh air.

I continued on my way south. The trip was extended due to an hour in a traffic back up. We finally moved enough and came upon an exit, which not many of us utilized. But I was moving again, and finally got home around 8 pm.

All is well. Turned around and ready for a workday tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

 

Thursday 08.15.2013

What a great day!!

Finally had a nice day at The Lake.

Even though it was cool overnight, the sun warmed the morning nicely, and by noon the young 'ens were swimming and I had short pants on. No socks, no shoes, no jacket....

Gia, Shea, and I went out on the paddle boat for quite a while. They sure are a curious couple; I enjoyed their conversations.

After supper I put a fire together and we had a quiet night.

Tomorrow I have to go home, to work Saturday and Sunday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 08.14.2013

I made it to The Lake.

Worked Tuesday, another day with "oddities"; reinforcing precisely why we deliver babies in health care settings. Sometimes the babies need help, sometimes the moms need help. I'm honored to be part of a great team.

I got home and checked on the tomatoes. The little fruits have begun ripening, and I harvested over 2 dozen of the tasty gems.

Got myself packed, loaded the car, and headed north. A little later than ideal, but on the road none-the-less.

It was a clear night, temps low 50's, the end of the meteor shower, and I was hoping to see at least one.  I did see a long faint trail, which I thought might have been really far away. And about an hour later, there was a streak so bright, and coming so quickly from the right to the left, and looked so close, that I physically moved my head back as it flew by!  And said out loud "Whoa!!"  Yep. Saw a meteor....

And smelled lots of skunks. Maybe because it's been so cool, but there was lots of small animal activity. Lots of "eye-lights" close to the ground and bouncing as they scurry off the side of the road.

A few "eye-lights" too, of deer.  One that bounded out across the road and appeared that the hooves slipped on the asphalt. I had slowed when I saw it, and slowed even more, as it got it's splayed legs back under itself and carefully bounded away.

Whew.  Okay, creatures are moving, I'm watching carefully, and lowered my speed yet again. Over a hill, around a curve, I see legs. Lots of legs. A herd of ......   cows?!?!!  I stopped, as there were more than I could count, standing in the road, looking at the car and wondering....

Uh Oh.  The cows got out.  I look at the land, at the buildings, see lights on in one of them. The house was dark, and the cows were all over and I didn't see the driveway. I didn't think I wanted to pull in and GET OUT OF MY CAR with all those cows around.... I honked the horn.  To my pleasant surprise, they started moving. I beep beeped again, and they turned en masse and went back onto their property. I continued honking, hoping that their people might hear it and wonder what was going on...... and the cows continued going.

They're out of the road, anyway, and I hoped they would be safe until their humans got to them.

A few more deer, a few more small creature eyes. and I made it safely to the GC, arriving about 12:45 AM.

Unloaded and mostly unpacked, bed put together and tucked myself in by 2. Of course I didn't sleep much.

Today, Wednesday, was another cool day. Long pants, socks, shoes, sweatshirts and jackets in mid-August.  Very strange.

The wind quieted some, Tom offered a boat ride around the lake. Yippee!!  It was nice with the sun out, a bit cool with the cloud cover.

The Eurasion Milfoil looks to be gone, due to the chemical treatment that was done in the spring.  Although I don't like the chemical part, it sure is nice that those weeds are not choking the lake any more.

After supper we visited his in-laws, then waited for his daughter and her kids to arrive.

Which they did.

We got them unloaded and mostly settled. Tom left for home, and I went back over to the trailer for bed time.

Tomorrow I hope to exercise, and also to visit U. Carl.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.