Thursday 12.31.2015

The last day of the year.

Worked, busy, Best Co-Workers Ever.

Clocked out on time!

A quiet evening (at least until midnight--this neighborhood likes to shoot guns and fireworks to blast in the new year).

May 2016 bring good health, happiness, and peace to the world.

God's Blessings.  Hugs.

Wednesday 12.30.2015

Worked today, busy.

So glad to see the next shift come in.

Clocked out in a timely manner.

A quiet night.

Tomorrow will be busy, too.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 12.29.2015

Another great day!

Got the laundry done, put some holiday things away. Cooked the turkey carcass down, picked the bones, and made some awesome soup after a trip to the store for some greens.

Cleaned up the kitchen, read a little, and ready for work in the am.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 12.28.2015

Another great day!

Well, mostly.

I watched the weather channel this morning--lots of weather around the United States--and made the decision to NOT drive the 30 minutes on the highway, in an ice storm, for a massage.  *sigh*

So I had a low-key day at home.

I did go out later in the afternoon for an optometrist appointment. I didn't need to go more than 3 miles. The weather was still bad, but manageable to drive with the crunchy snow pellets on the road.

The optometrist did her thing, "number 1, or number 2..."  and deemed that the prescription had changed only a little.  The technician "tuned up" my existing glasses; they feel like new now. I ordered a set of contact lenses (I use them when I run), and next calendar year I'll order the new glasses.

The wind and icy precipitation continue the intermittent squalls.

I hope you all stay safe and warm.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 12.27.2015

Worked today--my turn to "float".

Which I've learned to see as a gift.

And it was.

Someone else came in to "sit" with the patient at 3 pm, and I returned to my unit. They were just going to call me back, as we had gotten busy. So it all worked out.

Clocked out in a timely manner, and had a quiet night.

Tomorrow is a massage, but there is a winter weather advisory. So I'll check the weather map before going. I can always reschedule. I'd rather be safe than be on the highway in an ice storm.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 12.26.2015

Almost done with this year.

Getting ready for work. Ring Ring. AGAIN!?!?!?!?!  On Call.

Back to bed, settling down, just dozing.

Ring Ring.

Ugh. Had a call-in, need to come in.

Ok.

Now I'll be about an hour late.

So I got there, all was well, and we had a good day. Kind of busy for a while, but ended up good.

Tomorrow I'm scheduled again. We'll see.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 12.25.2015 Christmas Day

Another great day!

Got up to mostly sunny skies.  Did a little food prep before Skype-ing with Matilda and fam.  I still marvel at the wonder of technology.

Went for a run, got the turkey in the oven, and showered.

Frank arrived; we had a nice visit. He seemed to enjoy his gifts, as well as dinner. It was yummy, if I do say so myself.

He helped clean up the kitchen, which I appreciated, and he went on his way.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Hope your Christmas was full of blessings.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 12.24.2015

Silent Night, Holy Night,

Not as windy
As last night.....

Ugh.

I don't like the wind.  I hardly slept as the 20+ mph wind blew, with frequent gusts. I got up and paced the house, wondering if it would be better to sleep in the basement.

I put the earphones on, selected some calming music, and turned it up enough that I hardly heard the gusts.

Yeah, that didn't work either. The music was too loud. I dozed a little, but didn't really sleep until almost 5am, when the wind seemed to slow down some.

Sometime after 0800 I opened my eyes and the sunlight was pouring in. Ahh, that looks much better. I don't like the gloom, either.

I got up and didn't do a whole lot of anything, but little bits of whatever.

I did go out for a walk in the sunshine.  The wind was cold--I was glad to have a hat and scarf, as well as gloves. Didn't see as much wind damage as I thought there might be.

I picked up branches and sticks from my own yard before going back in.

Frank came over this evening, and he mixed up the pumpkin pie from the Family Recipe.  When it came to the molasses, he sniffed the jar and said "Ewww--we put this in it??"  I laughed, and reminded him of the time I didn't put the molasses in.  He looked at me, and measured it out.  Sure looks good, and smelled good while baking!

Tomorrow we'll have a little dinner here.

Merry Christmas to you all, and Happy Birthday, Jesus.

Hugs.

Wednesday 12.23.2015

Another great day!

Rained on and off most of the day, but I caught a non-rainy interval and went out for a run.  Ohmygosh, I couldn't believe how nice it was outdoors!  Balmy 57 degrees with a light breeze. A few worms were out on the pavement, birds were pecking at them. Squirrels chattering in the trees. A butterfly bush in the neighborhood has leafed out again. This weather is sooo strange....

But I have to say, I like it. No shoveling, no freezing cold. Yet. It's a nice break from our usual winters. Yes?

After a shower and a bite, I went out for a few groceries. The store was busy, overall well stocked, people were nice, and all the checkouts were open with lines of at least four carts deep.

Frank invited me over to his new place, and I went there next in the pouring rain.  It looks like he's getting settled in. I think it's a good move for him.  

It stopped raining, I left, and had a quiet night.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 12.22.2015

Another great day!

Worked, busy. Great co-workers, enough to do. Could have had just a little less, though, to be able to clock out in a timely manner. As it was, the oncoming shift was thankful that I did what I did. The patient care was done and appreciated by the patient, as well as the new care team.

A quiet rest of the night.

Tomorrow I hope to run.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 12.21.2015

Another great day!

I think I was mostly awake until 3-ish, and the alarm was on at 0415. Big breath, out of bed.

Dressed and starting on the hair, the phone rings. Again???  I was just on call last Monday...  On call. Ok....

'Jammas back on and back to bed. Nice that it was still warm....

I got back to sleep, and to my surprise it was almost 10 when I woke.

Had a nice day doing things I wanted to do.

Tomorrow is another work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 12.20.2015

Another great day!

Still cold this morning.  I waited until mid-afternoon to go out for a run. Much more comfortable at 40 degrees than 24.  *shiver* 

I showered, did some reading, wrapped the last gift, worked on my budget spreadsheet for next year.  I'm not fast, but I can do an excel spreadsheet.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 12.19.2015

What a great day!

Slept well, thank you God; that doesn't happen very often.

Wanted to go for a run, but the temperature was mid 20's. And since tomorrow is predicted to be low 40's, I chose to wait. Instead, I went out for a couple groceries and fueled the vehicle before the madhouse of consumerism was in full swing. As it was, the store was well stocked and already  getting busy.

Breakfast, shower, and basically a quiet day before going to the Sanders Sing South. We had a good turnout and a great time, singing and visiting. We sure are blessed to have such a great family. Thank you, Scott and Deb for hosting.

A safe drive home, thanks again.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 12.18.2015

What a day!

Worked with the Greatest Co-Worker Ever, on the overflow unit.  And we were busy.

Clocked out, home, and tired.

Tomorrow is Fa-La-La-La-La!!!

Hope my voice holds out.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 12.17.2015

Another great day!

A load of laundry, cleaned the kitchen, did some food prep.  Went out for a short walk.  Smells like snow.

Overall, a quiet day.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 12.16.2015

Another great day!!

Did a load of laundry, went out for a run.

Green lawns, worms on the pavement, noisy birds.  Looks and smells like Spring.  Ahhh, December in Michigan.

Food, shower, reading...

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 12.15.2015

Another great day!

Worked with the best co-workers ever.

I was busy all day, though I did get an hour break about 1:30. I enjoyed it, too.

Finished my work and finally clocked out.

A quiet night.

Tomorrow is house chores.

Thank you for reading.  Hugs.

Monday 12.14.2015

Another great day!

Up and getting ready for work.

Ring Ring--your turn to stay home.

I had just finished the hair (and it looked good, too) and was going to start on the make-up. They called just in time.

I put my 'jammas back on, turned the lights off, and went back to bed.  To my surprise, it was after 9 o'clock when I woke.

Since it was raining, I had breakfast and putzed around the house, waiting for the weather to break.  Somewhere around noon, it did, and I went out for a run.  To my surprise, a large dark cloud appeared over the tree line and opened up.  Yes, I got a little wet, but it stopped after several minutes. The rest of the run was pleasant with mid 50's temperature and no wind. I noticed that the lawns are greening in the neighborhood. Strange December weather for Michigan.

Shower, phone calls, and a quiet rest of the day.

Tomorrow is another work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 12.12.2015

What a great weekend!

Got home around 8:15 pm, driving through rain for a couple of hours. Not complaining, sure beats driving through a snowstorm!

Matilda and I had a great day playing, eating, and watching a couple of her favorite (30 minute) shows. She had a nice nap, and not long after we were up, dressed, and hair re-done (she asked if she could have a side braid, like Elsa from "Frozen".  I did my best and she was happy), the parents came home!

We had a nice visit, though short, before I left for home.

The rain had stopped just in time for me to unload the car. Thank you God!

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday. 12.12.2015

Another great day!

An unbelievable 69 degrees here. We'll be swattin' skeeters soon if the temperature doesn't drop to "normal".  I do like not shoveling and not being SO cold.

What a gift to spend time with Matilda. She has filled an area in my heart I didn't know was even there.

Thank you God.

I'll be driving back tomorrow.

Please pray for those whose lives are changing. Oh. That would be each of us.

Thank you for reading.  Hugs.

Friday 12.11.2015

Another great day!

Kind of a slow start to the morning. Felt a little "draggy".  Started getting things gathered to go to Matilda's for the weekend.

The weather was quite nice--by the time I got out for a run, it was high 40's with a little breeze.

Breakfast and a shower, packed and loaded. I had a couple of stops on the way to the highway, finally cruising about 4 pm. Whew.

A safe drive, thank you God.

Hugs all around. Matilda had just gone to bed, but mom said I could go up. Matilda giggled and laughed and hugged me and we cuddled a little before she went back to bed. So cool.

Tomorrow the parents are off to Columbus. M and I are going to make a gingerbread house. Hope it goes well...

Thank you for reading.  Hugs.

Thursday 12.10.2015

Another work day.

With the Best Co-Workers Ever.

We were busy, and got through the day.

Home, and a quiet night.

Tomorrow I hope to run, and will be going to play with Matilda while her parents go look for housing this weekend.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 12.09.2015

Another great day!

Surprised that it was 0930 when I woke. Of course, I don't sleep "uninterrupted" during the night, waking every couple of hours until early morning. Seems the longest stretch is between 04/05 through 08 or 0900.

Had my list ready to keep me on track; started out with a run. Temperatures high 40's when I went out. Smelled like Spring, with warm breeze and the musty/mildew-y smell when I passed the decaying leaves in the low-lying wooded area. It's a little scary for December in Michigan.

Breakfast, shower, chores, and off to the meeting, which was lively and productive.

Stopped to exchange items at the store, and fueled the vehicle.

Fixed supper, ate, cleaned the kitchen, finished a project (that turned out pretty neat).

Tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 12.08.2015

Another great day!

Got chores done this morning, went out for groceries. Got those put away, and went to the class at the hospital.

Fixed supper and ate, cleaned up the kitchen, and had a quiet night.

Tomorrow is a meeting in the afternoon.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 12.07.2015 Yay!!

I did it!!

I PASSED!!  I am now a Certified Lactation Counselor!!!

A nationally recognized certification, only about 12,000 in the United States.  Woo Hoo!!

I went for a run this afternoon in the warm sunshine.  I didn't look at the temperature, but it felt like low 50's. Birds singing like Spring.

We'll probably get zapped with sub-zero temperatures all at once, and the trees will start exploding when they freeze.

Tomorrow is a class at the hospital, and I need some fresh groceries, too.

Thank you for reading.  Hugs.

"Katherine Jacque  LPN, CLC"

Sunday 12.06.2015

Had a great day at the J.O.B. with the best co-workers ever.  We had a nice lunch break, and an afternoon break, too!  Cherish that kind of day...

Had a quiet evening at home.

Tomorrow I hope to run.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 12.05.2015

Another great day!

And, again, I "floated" out, spending the first 8 hours with a patient on another floor. I've discovered that it's always a gift to spend that one-on-one time with a patient. The last 4 hours was covered by another "patient observer", and I went back to my unit to finish out the shift.

Clocked out, home, and a quiet evening.

Tomorrow is another work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 12.04.2015

Another great day today!

Ran this morning. I'm sure liking this milder weather (so far) for December.

Breakfast, shower.

Got the project mostly completed. Yay!  I'm also liking what I've done so far!

A load of laundry washed, dried, and put away, and a trip to the store.

A quiet night.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 12.03.2015

Another great day!

Worked on a gift project most of the day; I hope to finish this part tomorrow.

Met up with the gals from the hospital. We had a great turn out and a great time.

Maybe I'll run tomorrow...?

Thank you for reading.  Hugs.

Wednesday 12.02.2015

Another great day!!

Woke to sunshine; clouds moved in about mid-morning.

I enjoyed my run--I like being outdoors.

Breakfast, shower, and a whole lot of not much the rest of the day.

Tomorrow is a "gathering" with some of the girls who have retired.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 12.01.2015

Here it is, the last month of the year.

Zoom.

A great day today at the J.O.B.

Steady busy with the Best Co-Workers Ever.

A quiet night.

Tomorrow I hope to go for a run, and there's a meeting that I'm considering going to.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 11.30.2015

Another great day!

My turn to "float" again.

Each time I go, I meet someone who gives me another perspective.  Truly a gift.

Tomorrow is another work day.

Hope it's as good as today....

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 11.29.2015

Another great day!!

Cold, but the sun rose and melted the heavy frost. 

I went out for a few groceries after breakfast, made a pot of delicious soup when I got back. House chores later in the afternoon.

Studied some, finishing another chapter. Getting there....

Frank came over this evening, returning the van he had been using to move. I took him back to his car (at the old house-I'll miss being able to walk over and visit).

A quiet night.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 11.28.2015

Another great day!

Had breakfast and waited for the temperature to get above freezing before I went out for a run.

Mid-afternoon by the time I got outside.  It was really quite nice, though still cold.

Back inside, a shower, fixed supper, ate, cleaned the kitchen, and a quiet night.

Tomorrow I need a few groceries.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 11.27.2015

We did it again, had a great day.

A steady pace of busy, and enough staff to take care of each of our patients. With the bonus of being able to take, and enjoy, our breaks!

A quiet night.

Tomorrow I'd like to run.  Maybe the cold drizzly rain will stop?

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 11.26.2015 Giving Thanks

For the Greatest Co-Workers Ever, I give thanks.

It's hard to work on Thanksgiving, to not be able to join family. We make the best of it, and give our best to our patients.

Tomorrow is another work day.

Hope your thankful day was heart full.

Hugs.

Wednesday 11.25.2015

Another great day!!

Sun shine and warmer temperatures.

I went out after breakfast to pick up a couple of things at the store.  I ended up being there way longer than intended, but was looking at items that are advertised prices over the weekend. No need in going if it's not what I'm looking for.

This afternoon/evening I made a new recipe for a cranberry meringue pie. Woo Hoo!! Sure looks great!

Tomorrow I'm scheduled to work.  

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 11.24.2015

Another great day!!

I had breakfast and waited for the day to warm a bit before going out for a run.

And it was a pleasant 38-40, sunshine-y degrees when I went out.

This afternoon/evening, I did a lot of reading, washed/dried/put away a load of laundry, fixed food, ate, cleaned the kitchen, and had a quiet night.

Tomorrow I need a few groceries.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 11.23.2015

Another great day!

Worked, busy.  The afternoon escalated, and as a team, we got everything done and handed off to the oncoming shift. Whew!  The Best Co-Workers Ever!!!

Got home, had a snack, and a quiet evening.

Tomorrow is ... ?

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 11.22.2015

Another great day!!

Sunshine and blue skies--a welcome sight from yesterday's heavy snow all day.

I went out late morning to clear the driveway again. The plow had gone by, so that needed removed before it froze into place.

Pleasantly surprised that there was only an inch or two of snow on the driveway. I shoveled instead of using the 'blower. It was so nice to be outdoors. There is a different kind of quiet after a snowfall.

If I had used the snow blower, I wouldn't have heard the sandhill cranes chattering as they flew overhead. 3 of them. And they came back over a short while later. Noisy.

The plow stuff in the bottom of the driveway wasn't too bad, either, but there were a lot of larger ice chunks. Probably a good thing I manually removed it.

Did some reading, writing, and housekeeping today.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 11.21.2015

What a snowstorm!!

31-33 degrees, large wet chunky flakes fell in heavy squalls throughout the day.  The snow hadn't stopped, but I went out and got the snowblower running about 3 o'clock.

The path that I shoveled from the back door of the house to the garage was about 5-6 inches of heavy snow. There was no way I would be able to manually clear the driveway.  The 'blower fired up like it should, and I spent the next almost 2 hours moving snow.

The middle of the driveway was a bit deeper; I had to go slower and take smaller sections. This machine has a 24 inch wide path with a two-stage auger/impeller. I was thinking that I might have done this a couple of hours sooner....

I also cleared the "Y" shape at the bottom and into the road a little.  There were ruts where the pick up trucks have gone by (and not very many) at least 8 inches deep.  I don't think my car would have gotten into the road. As of this evening, the snowplow hadn't come yet.

When the first bulk of the snow was removed, I went up and down again, clearing another inch +  that had fallen. After getting the machine swept off and cleared out of snow as much as I could, and put away, I shoveled another couple inches from the initial path from the garage to the house. Wow.

I shook off and brushed off the snow from my hood and shoulders/back and went inside.  My coat was pretty wet, snowpants wet on the bottom half, and I was glad to have them both.

Fixed supper and ate, and had a quiet evening with a lovely phone conversation.

Tomorrow I'll go out and snow blow again.  It's predicted to be 50 degrees and rain by Thursday, so the snow should be gone, but I need to get out of my driveway Monday morning.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 11.20.2015

Another great day!

Sunshine and blue skies.

Late morning I went out for a run. 35 degrees, but the sun felt warm. The air smelled cold, and like snow.

Breakfast and a shower, then went out for a few groceries (along with a lot of other people).

I fixed a nice salad for supper and had a quiet night.

Several inches of snow are predicted for tomorrow. I've got the shovel ready.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 11.19.2015

Another great day!

Worked with an orientee. Kinda busy;  I thought she did well.

Clocked out, had a quiet night.

Tomorrow I may go run.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 11.18.2015

What a great day today!!

Went to the Michigan Mother Baby Summit in Detroit. Representatives from several lower Michigan hospitals meet annually to learn and share our breastfeeding successes.  All 9 Michigan hospitals that had participated in the Best Fed/Baby Friendly Initiative succeeded, and we celebrated our successes.  So much energy and information. We had lots of fun.

It's been a long day, getting over to Detroit by 0705, and driving in traffic both there and back.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 11.17.2015

Another great day!!

Up and breakfasted, started my supper in the crock pot. I also had time to get the few grocery items on the list.

Put those away and soon it was time to go to Leah's.

What a marvelous massage.  I knew I was tight, and it surprises me where she finds the knots and tight lumps in the muscles.

Back at home, I added to the crock pot, and a short while later it was ready.  Yum!!

I portioned/packaged the remainders.  The freezer is full; nice to have a variety of homemade entrees.

A quiet night.

Tomorrow is a conference in Detroit that starts at 0700.  That's an early start to a day...

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 11.16.2015

Another great day!

As I waited for the sun to warm the morning, I stripped the bed, put the blankets out on the clothesline, and the sheets in the washer, then went out for a run. It was beautiful out there, the birds sounding like Spring.

Breakfast.

Kind of a low-key afternoon. My lower back was bothering me enough to take a couple of motrin and a Tylenol. I ended up resting an hour and a half or so before getting in the shower.

Put the bed back together.

Enjoyed some soup and quiet night.

 Tomorrow is a much anticipated massage.

 Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 11.15.2015

Another great day!

Worked with a great group, just busy enough.

We even had time for lunch!!

A quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a chore day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 11.14.2015

Another great day!!

Worked--it was my "turn" to float (work on a different unit).

It was truly a gift, as I was "sitting" with a person who really needed the care that I was able to give.  It turned out to be a pretty neat day.

Had a bite to eat after I got home, and a quiet night.

Tomorrow is another work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 11.13.2015 Lucky Day!!

Another great day today!!

Went for a run this morning.  High 30's and windy.  Bundled up in my winter wear, and I was comfortable.

Breakfast, shower.

Went to Meijer for sale items.  I "saved" $78.08.  I spent $66.48.  Woo Hoo!!  I love sales/savings!!

When I came out of the store, it was nasty frozen precipitation, white slush pelting down.  There was almost a solid layer on the windshield, though it was kind of melting.  The defroster on the windshield took care of the majority of it, and by the time I got home, the precipitation had stopped, the car was melted, and there was a radio announcement about a crash on the highway.  Gosh, doesn't take long for bad driving conditions.

I made a yummy supper, cleaned up the kitchen, and had a quiet night.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 11.12.2015

Another great day!!

Windy with intermittent rain showers.  This house creaked and popped and windows rattled.

I went out for errands, then spent the afternoon in the kitchen, partly to get away from the wind noise in the rest of the house, and partly to use the oven to help keep the house warm.

I made a wonderful smelling granola using maple syrup for the sweetener. Tastes pretty good, too.

A quiet rest of the night.

Tomorrow is grocery shopping.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 11.11.2015

Another beautiful day!!

Clear blue sky, temperature made it to mid-50's. Very pleasant.

Went for a run after it warmed up.

After a shower, I sat outdoors in the sun and did some reading.

Delightful.

Came inside, did the laundry, fixed a pot of goulash (yum), portioned/packaged it, cleaned the kitchen.

A quiet night.

Thanks to all who have served in our Armed Forces.  May God bless you with all that's good.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 11.10.2015

Another great day!!!!

Worked, busy.

All day.

Happy to see the next shift come in.

A quiet night.

Tomorrow I'll probably have sore feet...

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 11.09.2015

Another great day!!

Worked today, with an orientee.

Had a "never had this happen before" AND a "never seen this before" event with two different patients. Both had favorable outcomes; I felt that my experience gave me a confidence to deal with each of them. Each went smoothly, the patients were reassured, and the orientee participated in events that happen infrequently. Like The-First-Time-In-32-Years-Of-Working-Full-Time type of frequency. Things we are "book-learned" about but don't often see.

My list of experiences continues to grow...

I wonder what opportunities will present tomorrow?

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 11.08.2015

Another great day!

Went out for a few groceries (I know, I went yesterday.  It's a new sale week...), putzed around in the kitchen, made some yummy food.

Read some, did some internet stuff, went for a short walk.  That wind is sure cold, and I really enjoyed the warm sunshine.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 11.07.2015

Another great day!!

A little cool, but the sun was warm.

I went out for a run with layers on; the longer I was out, the warmer I got. The sun was warming, too.  The wind tasted like cold, like snow.  Ack!!

Shower, breakfast.

I had another quiet day--I finally feel rested.

Tomorrow I need to do food prep.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 11.06.2015

Another great day!!

Ended up not working today.  Which was a good thing, as I was mostly awake until about 0330.  Ugh.

Mostly a quiet day today.

I did go out for a few groceries.  Surprised at how busy the store was.

Heated up a yummy supper, and had a quiet evening.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 11.05.2015

Another great day!

Was able to get a few things crossed off the list.

Got errands done, and repotted several plants that should have been done a while ago.  Cleaned up afterwards, moved stuff around in the garage again.

A visit with the neighbor, made a  nice salad for supper and ate.

A quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 11.04.2015

What a great day today!

Unbelievable that it's mid to high 70's in November in Michigan.

Went out for a run this morning. Breakfast, shower, and off to an appointment, which went well.

Late afternoon when I got home.  Had a bite to eat, and a quiet rest of the evening.

Hope to catch up on a few things tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 11.03.2015

Another great day!

Good co-workers made the day go much better. Thanks to my two orientees who kept the floor chugging along while I resolved issues with the tech guy for the hearing machines.

Busy this afternoon, they kept up. I'm sooo glad they were there.

A bite to eat and a quiet night.

Tomorrow is appointments.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 11.02.2015

What a great day today!

The phone rang this morning; stay home.

No problem.

I read for a short while, then laid back down for an hour or so.

Woke to sunshine and blue skies.

Beautiful.

Breakfast, then went outdoors to clean the garage, and got it "turned around" for winter, bringing the snow blower to the front.  Yup.

With the car in the driveway, I put the top down and cleaned the interior. Shop vac'd and Armour All-ed and and cleaned the interior windows. Nice.

Followed Frank to Lansing where he dropped his car off for deer repair.

Back in town, put my car through the car wash. Frank picked up his other car and went off to work.

I had supper and a quiet night.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 11.01.2015

What a beautiful day today!

Full of sunshine and blue skies, with a good bit of wind.

Wasn't needed at the j.o.b., so I went out for a run. It was very delightful.

Shower, breakfast, and I wanted to go over to the rental, to see the lake.

I have walked in the area between there and here in the past, and wanted to revisit the neighborhoods, so I walked it again.

To my surprise, the landlady was at the house.  I knocked, and she answered, paint roller in hand.  We had a conversation; she has a new medical issue (she had shared that with me a couple of weeks ago) that will take several months to resolve, and has decided to not rent the house at this time. It's not "done", and she needs the time and energy to heal without worrying about the house.

*SIGH*

I truly understand where she is coming from. And told her I fully honor her decision.

I'm soooo disappointed.

But I know that God has a plan, and whatever it is, it will be great.

I stood and looked at the lake.

Beautiful.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 10.31.2015

Another great day!

Surprised that the clock showed 0915 this morning.

I knew I was tired....

Enjoyed a leisurely shower, then had breakfast.

Around noon, was told I wouldn't be needed at the J.O.B..

Yippee!  I need to get a few groceries!

The store was surprisingly busy with anxious people and anxious children.

Back at home, I putzed in the kitchen a little, did some reading, had supper, read more, completed a chapter in the study guide.

"Falling Back"  tonight. I like that extra hour.

Tomorrow is another mandatory hours afternoon.  

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 10.30.2015

Another great day!

With an orientee with me. She's smart, eager to learn, stepping in to learn. Looks to be a promising team member. I enjoyed my day with her.

A quiet night.

Tomorrow is mandatory extra hours; I picked up the second half of the shift.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 10.29.2015

Another great day!

Nice that I was able to get up at 0630 instead of 0415.  Something positive to be said for 9 o'clock meetings and a co-worker wanting to work the first part of the day.

The second half of the day was very busy, and I had to "leave" things for the next shift to do. Those girls are Awesome, too, and embraced the work load.  As it was, I finished documentation and clocked out a bit late.

A bite to eat and a quiet night.

Tomorrow is an early work day.

Thank you for reading.  Hugs.

Wednesday 10.28.2015

Another great day!

Although gloomy and drizzly/rainy most of the day, it did not rain for a bit this afternoon.

I went out for a walk, ending at Frank's. We had a nice visit, and he brought me home, as it was raining again (and I might melt...)

A quiet rest of the day.

Tomorrow is a work day with a meeting thrown in, in case I need something to do....

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

October 27, 2015

Whoa, can you believe it?  Almost the end of October....

Got the laundry done, as well as a few other household chores.

Not much new around here.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 10.26.2015

Another great day!

Chilly this morning, decided to have breakfast and see what the temperature does.

Warmed nicely by noon, and I went out for a run. It was really very pleasant.

Shower and a snack, I wasn't motivated to do much of anything.

After a while, I fixed supper and ate, cleaned the kitchen, and had a quiet night.

Laundry will get done tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 10.25.2015

Another great day at the j.o.b..

After we had discharged some patients, we shuffled staff, and a couple of us went home. I ended up staying the day.

A quiet night.

Laundry tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 10.24.2015

Another great day!

Went out for a run this morning. Thought it was going to be cool, but low 60's (and humid) felt quite warm.

Breakfast, shower, and over to meet the owner of the rental property.

We seemed to get along ok. She reviewed the lease with me and gave me a credit check form. After I "check out", we'll get together again and sign a lease.  I was so hoping to get a key today.  *sigh*

Groceries, supper, and a quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 10.23.2015

What a great day!

Up, ready, packed, breakfast, checked out.

Over to the learning center for the last time. We finished going over material, had lunch, then the proctored test. 2 hours.

Brutal.

We took our dazed selves out to the car, almost stunned.  It was a challenging test.

We reviewed the material on the way north and discovered that we probably did ok.  We were told that we would get the results in 4-6 weeks.

We finally arrived in Jackson about 11 pm. Traffic, construction, slow meal service at a busy restaurant, and a biology stop accompanied us.

Unloaded, unpacked,

Tomorrow I meet the owners of the lake house; hopefully it goes well and I sign the lease.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 10.22.3015

Another beautiful day!

Intense learning, with an outdoor lunch by the pond. Sunshine, blue skies, temps mid 70's. Delightful.

After class we met Deb's daughter and son-in-law for supper. We had a good time, and it was a nice break from the classroom.

Back to the hotel, we did homework, reviewed for the test tomorrow, and packed up some.

I'm looking forward to not getting up early Saturday morning.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 10.21.2015

It's getting intense around here.

This class is quite in-depth.

3 hours of homework. And that's working together with the roommate.

Tomorrow we get to do it again.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 10.20.2015

Another great day!

Sunshine, blue skies, temps low 60's.

We enjoyed our lunch outdoors in the sun, sitting on a bench overlooking a small holding pond and acreage beyond. Yellows and golds and some reds hued the far treeline. A nice respite from the classroom.

Learning lots, excellent instructors.

Doing it again tomorrow.

Thank you for reading.  Hugs.

Monday 10.19.2015

Another great day!

Learning lots.

Doing it again tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 10.18.2015

Another great day!

Went out for a run. It was a bit chilly, but the sun was warm.

Shower, breakfast, phone calls. Packed and ready to go.

Deb finally pulled in about 2pm. Put my things in the car, and we were on the road.

An uneventful drive, thank you God.

We've got a delightful little suite that is, so far, working well.

Tomorrow we go for the first day of class.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 10.17.2015

Another great day!

Went over to look at a rental for the second time. And I think it will work for me. And it's only two miles further from where I am now. In an area I'm familiar with. AND IT'S ON A LAKE!!!  Hoo Boy, I'm saying God is great!

I called and spoke with the owner when I got home; we'll seal the deal next weekend after I get back.

So excited.

I made a batch of granola for next week before going to the pow wow. I added popcorn to it so it wasn't so dense. It turned out really good!

I got my bags ready to go for tomorrow. My ride will be here about 1 pm. Off to Ohio!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 10.16.2015

Another great day at the J.O.B.!

Busy, again, with enough help.

Clocked out at the end of the shift, and I'm off until next week Sunday!

Tomorrow I'm re-visiting a rental, then hosting the "Rock and Rest" area at the Falling Waters Pow Wow in the afternoon.  It's designed to be a quiet area for moms and babies to feed and/or rest.

Sunday I'm going with another co-worker to a week-long class in Ohio for certification for lactation consulting. So excited to be doing this.

A bite to eat, a load of laundry, and quiet rest of the night.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 10.15.2015

Another great day!

A nice morning, a wonderful massage in the afternoon. The drill for the staff that we had scheduled was cancelled, freeing my evening.

So I fixed supper, did laundry, cleaned up the kitchen.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 10.14.2015

What a great day today!

Kind of gloomy this morning. Fixed breakfast and ate, and rested most of the morning.

In the afternoon the sun came through. Beautiful blue sky got me restless to go outdoors.

It was a bit cool when I went out for groceries.

Back at home, a snack, and out for a run.

A quiet rest of the night.

Tomorrow I see Leah.  Woo Hoo!!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 10.13.2015

Another great day!

I was really busy the first, what turned out to be, 8 hours.  I had lots to do, and worked real hard to stay focused and on task.  I finally got through my list, one thing after another, and finally got to sit down and eat my (yummy) meal uninterrupted!!!  I had had the snack-type food that I had brought, but was pretty hungry by 4pm.

The Best Co-Workers Ever handled the activities while I caught up with myself.

We all finished out the shift, and I know that we all gave all we had today.  Whew!

Tomorrow is house chores and preliminary packing for my trip next week to Ohio for the Certified Lactation Counselor training. I'm going with another co-worker; it will be a good trip.

Thank you for reading, and praying.  Prayers work!!

Hugs.

Monday 10.12.2015

What a day!

A great example of when the routine becomes unique...

All with the help from the team of The Best Co-Workers Ever.

And tomorrow I get to do it again.

*sigh*

Prayers work.

Hugs.

Sunday 10.11.2015

Another great day!

Blue skies and sunshine--a nice morning with Matilda and family, and a nice ride home, thank you God.

I have grocered, unloaded, unpacked, went for a run, had something to eat, showered.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Thanks to those who have prayed when I have mentioned needs--favorable outcomes so far.

Hugs.

Saturday 10.10.2015

What a great day today!!

Clear blue skies, started out mid 40's and warmed nicely to low 60's.

Jenny went out early the first part of the day, while Jeremy, Matilda, and I had a nice morning at home. When she got back, we packed up and went to a very nice Fall Festival at Beasley's Apple Orchard.

It was a very well organized and well run family oriented event. Lots of activities for younger children, who could be heard laughing and squealing throughout the area. We took a hayride back to the pumpkin patch where everyone could walk around and choose their "perfect" pumpkin. So much fun watching everyone.

Back at the house, snack and rest time. After 45 minutes or so, Matilda declared herself "rested".  The parents had gone out for errands; we spent the rest of the afternoon outdoors playing. Such fun!

After supper, I bathed her and put her to bed. Such a special time to share.

We adults visited a bit before turning in for the evening. I'm tired tonight.

Tomorrow I'll be going back home.

Thank you for your prayers for those with medical concerns; they are working.

And thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 10.09.2015

What a great day!

Started with a run, then breakfast and a shower. Spent more time than I wanted to trying to get a picture order ready to upload on the laptop. In the end, the easiest way was to "select and send" from the smart phone to the store.

So when I went to get groceries, they were ready. Nice looking pics, too. This technology is amazing....

Back at home, I put groceries away, mixed up a batch of "Grandma Cookies"--a kind of protein cookie bar I created. Each batch is a little different. This one looks and smells pretty good...

While that was baking, I had a bite to eat, then packed some things to go to Matilda's for the weekend.

A safe drive down, thank you God. Jeremy and Lola the dog greeted me. It wasn't long before we called it a night.

Tomorrow I am playing with Matilda while the parents do chores.  I'm looking forward to it.

Please pray for those with medical concerns.

Gentle hugs.

Thursday 10.08.2015

Another busy work day.

With, of course, the Best Co-Workers Ever.

Whew.

Got home, wrote out the grocery list with great intentions of going out yet tonight.  After a call from an ill friend, I found myself in my 'jamas.

Tomorrow I'll shop. I'd like to run, too.

I'm also going to visit Matilda this weekend. Maybe travel tomorrow afternoon...?

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 10.07.2015

What a day!

Worked, with the best co-workers ever, and we were busy.

Clocked out, home, snack, a quiet night.

Tomorrow I get to do it again.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 10.06.2015

Got up and ready for the meeting.

Energetic, enthusiatic, a good group. We planned 2 events, made reservations for the annual "Education Fair", and began a preliminary topic list.  Go us!

Home for lunch, then to the retinal specialist.

She was much more personable today, yet almost stand-offish-ly professional.  She looked at both of my eyes and told me the left eye was looking better. (Umm, it was the right eye that had the problem....so the left eye has a lesser problem than the right eye?....)  I commented that it was the right eye that was having the visual field disturbance, and that it seemed to be even more "smudge-y" these last couple of weeks. She pulled up another piece of equipment and re-examined my eyes. "Yes," she said, "the right eye appears to be improving."  With the blurriness being more bothersome?  She restated that the jelled vitreous fluid would settle lower in the visual field and not be as noticeable. It would take time. There is a surgery that can be done, but it is a surgery, and she would prefer to wait for the body to do what it does.  (I'm not all about that surgery anyway) She'll see me in six months for a recheck. She commented to the scribe that there is a drusenoid lesion OD (right eye).  (reading about that sounds like an age-related degeneration.  *sigh*)

So I'll go back in six months, or before, if there is a reason.

Back at home, I put on the sunglasses and sat outdoors with the eyes closed. I listened to the birds, and heard the leaves falling from the trees. When I heard water splashing, I saw birds in the birdbath. One of them was a bluebird. I thought they were gone for the winter. Maybe this one is going to stick around.

After a while I went back inside and fixed a salad for supper.

A quiet night.

Praying for medical healing for all.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 10.05.2015

Turned into another beautiful day, after an overcast start this morning.

The sun broke through the overcast as I was out for a run. Lovely!

Breakfast, shower.

Frank stopped over for a bit before going off to his job.

Laundry, and a quiet rest of the day.

Tomorrow is a meeting and a follow-up eye appointment.

Praying for everyone's favorable health outcomes.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 10.04.2015

Another great day at the J.O.B.!

Enough staff, who are the greatest co-workers ever.

Everyone clocked out in a timely manner.

A quiet night.

Thank you for reading.

Hugs.

Saturday 10.03.2015

Another great day, although gloomy and drizzly.

I picked up the boat from being winterized, got it into the garage, and it started raining.  Good timing!!

Visited with a neighbor, followed up on a lead for a rental house and went over to look at it.  Possibilities.....

Stopped at the store for a couple items, came home and made a yummy supper.  Sometimes I surprise myself!

A quiet night.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 10.02.2015

Worked today.

Busy, with a late afternoon lunch.

Lots of discharges meant someone had to go "out to the house"  (float to another unit).  My turn.

So I went to another area for the last few hours of the shift.

Back at home, a quiet night.

Did you see the sunsets these last few days?  Totally. Awesome.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 10.01.2015

What a beautiful day today!

Took the boat over to be winterized.  *sigh*

And on the way back home, I wondered what Diane and Aunt Lois were doing on this lovely day...

A phone call later, and it was arranged that I was going up, and we would take LoLo for an outing over to the apple orchard.

Definitely a beautiful drive. Blue sky with splashes of white clouds, dark green trees beginning to turn shades of red, yellow, and brown.

We had a fun afternoon/evening.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that the apples at Almar Orchard were labeled as organic, and a much better price than at a grocery. And their donuts are awesome!!!!

Diane fixed us a yummy supper while I picked a container of red raspberries from their yard. She said she's harvested at least 3 gallons of berries already, and it looks like they are only about half way through ripening.

I put together an apple desert for us and put that in the oven while we enjoyed our meal. Warm apple-walnut tart with vanilla ice cream. Mmmm.

A safe drive home.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 09.30.2015

Another great day!

Got up this morning and ready for an appointment.

And then I looked at the planner.  Umm, the appointment is next month.  (red face)

So I did a couple of small chores, and rested for a bit.

I knew there were a couple of items on sale, so I checked the ad and made a list, and went out.  Today's savings just over $40, payment of $56. Pretty good!

Back home, I thought I'd go out for a run before having supper.

So I did.

While I was "cooling down",  I brought the outdoor plants in to the basement for the winter. Yes, it looks "funny" now out where they were.

Supper and a quiet night.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 09.28.2015

Another great day!

A nicely busy day at the J.O.B. with a great crew.

Tomorrow I get to do it again.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 09.27.2015

Another great day!!

Warm, low 70's, mostly sunny.

Got the inside of the house cleaned, then went out and got the yard work done. Frank and his friend came over, too, and they were able to cut the higher branches. We got a lot of stuff cut down. That took all afternoon.

I went in and showered, Frank and friend finished up on what he was doing with his car. Friend left, Frank and I went out for food.

Tired tonight.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 09.26.2015

Another great day!

Got up and read for a little, until some of the gloom left the morning.

Then went out for a run.

Breakfast, shower.

I had a big list (for me, anyway), for the store, with some different products than I generally purchase. It took me a while to find some of them, and then read the labels. Overall, with store promos and the "credit card event", the total savings were $30+, with the amount paid $32+.  I think I did pretty good!!

Back home, I had a bite to eat, did laundry, Skyped with Matilda (and her parents), and had a quiet night.

Maybe I can get some yard work done tomorrow?

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 9.25.2015

Sure was another beautiful day out there today!  Although I went to work in the dark, and it was dark when I left to come home, it did look pretty on the few occasions I looked out the window.

Very busy day on the overflow unit. With great co-workers, we got through it, and everyone was well taken care of.

Tomorrow I may do some yard work.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 09.24.2015

Another great day!

Taught my first CPR course.  To my surprise, another "instructor candidate" was in with me. My first class, her observation/assisting class. We worked well together and I think we did a great job.

Done there, I had lunch with the girl who is going to Ohio with me in a few weeks for a week-long conference that will give us the Certification for a Lactation Counselor (if we pass the test...).  It was nice to visit off-the-job. 

Tomorrow I'll be on-the-job.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 09.23.2015

Wow!  Another beautiful day today!

Blue sky, sunshine, mid 70's, cooling to mid 50's at night.  Awesome.

Run, breakfast, shower.

Read for a bit, went out for fresh groceries.

Supper, and a quiet night.

Tomorrow I teach my first CPR course, probably the first of many. considering the population in the area, how many of us are required to keep certification, and how many instructors there are.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 09.22.2015

Another busy day at the J.O.B.

Oddly odd--we each were so busy I hardly even saw the others.

I was still working in a room when the next shift came in, and kind of surprised at what time it was.

Finally left the hospital an hour late. When I got to the lobby it looked funny--it was completely dark outside!  *sigh*  It might be a long "dark season"  this year....

A little snack and a quiet night.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 09.21.2015

Another great day!

Busy at the J.O.B., with enough of our great crew doing what we do. It was almost enjoyable.

Got home to hear the squirrels in the trees. Kind of creepy, them chattering away like they were. I think maybe this season's young 'ens were being taught their voices. It was also kind of neat to hear.

A quiet night.

Getting ready to do it again tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 09.20.2015

What a great day today!

The sun was out most of the day, though it wasn't much warmer than mid-60's.  None-the-less, I went out for a walk, and ended up over at Frank's house.  We had a nice visit.

He brought me home and we did a couple of outdoor chores before he left.

I fixed a delicious supper, portioned and packaged the rest of it, and prepared another entree as well. There were a couple of things in the fridge that needed to be used. Yummy work food!!

A quiet rest of the night.

Work tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 09.19.2015

Another great day!

It was raining when I woke up, but stopped and dried up.

I went out for a run--the wind smelled like damp dry leaves--like Fall.

Breakfast, shower.

Wasn't needed at the j.o.b.; went out for a few items at the store.

A quiet rest of the afternoon/evening.

Tomorrow I need to get some reading done.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 09.18.2015

Another great day at the J.O.B.!

Busy, with great co-workers. Though I didn't get to eat a "meal", I did nibble and snack occasionally, with an "instant breakfast" mixed up in the afternoon. (that instant breakfast works well for me--it can be mixed up in a jiffy, put in a cup with a lid and a straw, and I go on my way. it also "lasts" for a couple hours before I start feeling like I need to eat.)  I had some food when I got home.

Tomorrow, I may go in later in the afternoon, if needed. It's a wait-and-see kind of thing. Happy to help out.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 09.17.2015

Had a great work day today, with great co-workers.

So thankful.

Tomorrow I can do it again.....

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 09.16.2015

Another great day!

Got up and went for a run this morning before it got really warm.

Breakfast, shower.

Cleaned the fridge, went out for groceries to fill it back up.

Top down ride on the way home.

Fixed supper and ate, and had a quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 09.15.2015

Another beautiful day!

Ended up doing 3 loads of laundry, utilizing the "solar dryer".  Line-dried clothes smell so good!

Went out for errands.

Enjoyed being outdoors, reading and watching the hummingbirds, listening to the light breeze in the trees. Sounds like late summer/early fall.  Didn't see or hear robins, or bluebirds--kind of surprised they have left already.

Tomorrow is groceries.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 09.14.2015

A beautiful blue sky day today!

The sun warmed up the high-40 degree morning. I went out for a run after the chill was gone, and the sun was quite nice!

Breakfast, shower, and I felt like a nap.

Ended up outdoors reading. Didn't see, or hear, much in the way of birds. Have the robins left already?

Came in for food prep-ate, put leftovers away, cleaned up.

A quiet night.

Will try the chore thing tomorrow...

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 09.13.2015

Another wonderful work day!

With great co-workers (and enough of them), appropriate assignments, and nice patients. I enjoyed the day and clocked out on time.  

Walking to the car, sometimes a girl just has to go the lake. Fortunately for me, I'm near several hundred, if not a thousand, acres of water in this chain of lakes. I stopped at my one of my favorite sites to just sit and breathe the lake, just as the sun was setting.

Ahhhh.

Back home, a snack and a quiet evening.

House chores tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 09.12.2015

Another Great Day!

Turned out it was my turn to "float", which I have come to accept as a gift from God. I always grow, learn something new, give something back.

Today was no different. An odd "condition" with a patient who needed extra care and kindness. And a great parent was there, too.

At home, I had a snack and a quiet night.

Tomorrow I get to clock in again.

Thank  you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 09.11.2015

What a lovely day today!

A much-needed massage. (well, I didn't think it was much-needed, until Leah got to working on me)  I feel a lot better this afternoon.

On the way to my appointment, I came up on a travel trailer with a large sticker on it.  "Wheatland"   Woo Hoo--I know where you're going... The occupants of the vehicle were, um, older.  My age.  Have fun...I can still hear the music in my head...   *smile*

Back at home, I fixed food and ate.

Showered, made a small grocery list and went to the store.

A quiet night.

Tomorrow is a workday.

Dance on....

Hugs.

Thursday 09.10.2015

Worked yesterday, got home to no internet. 

Agh. 

But this morning I remembered to try unplugging the modem.

A Ha!!!

Did the trick!

Went for a run.

Breakfast, shower.

My foot/ankle are annoyingly sore, and a bit swollen. After doing chores, I got an ice pack and sat outdoors with it on said ankle. 

It did feel better afterwards.

Late afternoon meeting.

A nice surprise tonight--Matilda Skyped to show me her birthday presents!  Big 3 years old already!

Tomorrow is a massage.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 09.08.2015

Worked today.

A great group, just a little too busy.

We got through the day, though, and all was well.

A quiet night.

I'm tired.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 09.07.2015

What a great weekend!

Frank and I went to central Indiana and camped with Jeremy, Jenny, and Matilda. Great campsite with mostly shade, as it was in the low 90's every day.  Their 25 foot travel trailer with slide-outs and air conditioning was very comfortable.  And we were close enough to the "modern" bathrooms to be convenient, and far enough that we didn't smell them....ha ha.

I was right--not much of a cell signal, and no internet. I liked not being "connected".  I did get little flits of anxiety about not being online.  Kind of surprised me.

Home this afternoon. Unloaded, unpacked. It always surprises me how the wood smoke lingers on, well, everything.

A trip for fresh groceries, a shower, and a quiet night.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading.

Hugs.

Friday 09.04.2015

An interesting day today.

I was pondering the morning, wondering if I had time to go run, shower, and eat before going in to the hospital.

And then the phone rang.

We're not going to need you this afternoon.

I can definitely go run.

So I did, and there was a message on the phone from Jeremy when I got back in.

We Skyped after I had showered.  They are going camping this weekend. And he invited me to come on down.

Whoa!!!  I thought about it for a bit, and decided that I would, and let him know.

I had tentative plans with Frank, and I talked with him.

He thought he could go, too, so we are leaving in the wee hours after he gets home from work.  I figure we'll be at the campground about breakfast time.

I'm ready to go, and going to take a nap before we leave.

Not sure if there's internet in that area, or even cell service. I'm thinking not, as I haven't heard from Jeremy.

Here's to a great weekend....

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 09.03.2015

Another great day!

Worked the first 2/3 of  the mandatory extra hours day. Was kind of a nice day with a good group of co-workers. After some discharges, I was able to leave about 2:30.

I finished a couple of things I needed to do while I was there. Came home, did laundry, watered the plants, fixed supper and ate, cleaned the kitchen. Basically, a quiet (?) night.

Tomorrow is a scheduled work day. I split it with another girl; she's the one getting up in the morning.  *smile*

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 09.02.2015

Another great day!

Frank came over to take me to the retina specialist.

I waited in line to register, through the "new patient" processes, and finally get called to the back.

Ashley #1 entered more information into the computer and said she would put the drops in to dilate the eyes. We talked about the migraine concern, and she stepped out to ask about the medications and dosages.  When she came back, the plan was to instill the first medication (tropicamide) and see if the pupils dilate enough. They did! And I didn't need the second medication (phenylephrine), and I didn't get a migraine!!!  Woo Hoo!!!

She did a preliminary vision test, then took me over to Ashley #2, who did the optical images. Digital images, captured into the computer. Those looked really neat. Don't know what I was looking at, but they looked pretty cool.  She sent me on to another waiting room.

And after 10 minutes or so, another girl comes for me to go to yet another exam room.

Another smaller woman with a white coat comes in, extends her hand, and introduces herself as Dr. Gorman. I was struck by her "fine bones" in her hand. I have fairly small hands, but hers were longer than mine, and very narrow. And the phrase that came to my mind was, "she has really fine hands." My own hand felt large with hers in it.

Anyway, she talked, almost too fast. I asked her to repeat several times, and I almost got the feeling that it annoyed her that I was trying to understand what she was saying while she was examining the eyes. And she looked at her watch a few times, too. I heard her say something was a 1+ and asked her what was 1+.  That's when she turned to me and said it was their abbreviations for what she was seeing. (yes, I get that. what is it...???)  She finally said the right eye has a 1+ cataract.  What!?!?!  I've not heard that before... And the other eye has one, too, 1+.     Hmm.

OK, so what does 1+ mean?  She looked at her watch. She explained that there are 5 stages to cataracts. Removal is based on patient complaints. (halo lights, blurred vision, wanting more light to read, preferring larger print, etc.)  I'll see you back in one month. Do you have more questions?
The posterior vitreous detachment is a normal process of aging, and the smudge is like jello drying out in the pan. It pulls away from the edges. What I'm seeing is the vitreous "jelly" becoming more dense. The smudge, and the floaties, will settle to lower in the visual field eventually. May take a year or so. And the other eye will probably develop the same thing. No treatment for this type of detachment. If I see flashes of light, or streaks of color, I am to let them know right away, as those are symptoms of retinal detachment, which IS serious, and treatable.

OK, then. I'm happy I don't have a headache, just a little queasy, and a little woozy in the head. I wait in line to check out and make an appointment for October 6. Of course I have to wear sunglasses until the medication wears off.

Frank walks me out to the car and sees that I get in ok. We visit back at the house before he leaves to get ready for work.  Thanks, Frank, for taking me to the doctor!

After a while, I go out for a couple of errands. I do ok, but  the sun is sure bright, even with the glasses!

Supper, and I sat outdoors to eat. It's mid-80's and humid; I go back inside to cool off after a bit.

A quiet night.

Tomorrow is mandatory hours. I won't know if I will need to go in until after 0500.

So relieved about the eyes. Yes, something is happening. But it sounds like it's "just" the aging process.

I'm thankful to be aging.

Hugs.

Tuesday 09.01.2015

Another great day!

Worked--and at noon I got a bit overwhelmed.  Trying to do everything that needed to be done, and more kept coming at us. We have a great group of staff who swarmed. With everyone reaching out to catch this one thing or that, we managed to give quality patient care as well as finish the shift in a timely manner. You girls Rock!

And I'm tired tonight.

Tomorrow I see the retina specialist. Yes, I'm a little anxious, but I remember standing in front of the oncology office door and breathing in the strength.

I can do this, and all will go well.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 08.31.2015

Yup.

Another great day!

Worked, with a great group of co-workers, and some really nice patients, too!

Tomorrow I get to do it again....

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 08.30.2015

Moving into Fall.....

A lovely day today, after the gloom of the morning gave way to the sun. A few clouds hung on, and the humidity made itself known.

Worked through another chapter in the book. Getting there...

Had a nice walk later this afternoon, came in very "perspire-y".  Frank stopped by just as I got back. He didn't stay long; I got in the shower.

A quiet evening.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Hugs to those with loss.

Thank you for reading.

Saturday 08.29.2015

Another great day!

Went out for a run--clouds were getting heavy and gray, and humidity felt like it was going to rain at some point.

Shower, breakfast, then went to Flint to visit an aunt and cousin.

Light rain while driving, and lasted all afternoon.

We had a good visit.  I think she is more uncomfortable than she lets on, but she is able to get up and down and hobble around. No driving, though.

We enjoyed grilled cheese sandwiches, fruit, and the peanut butter cookies that I made last night. It was fun to see them both get into them throughout the afternoon.

A safe drive home, thank you God. Drizzly, gray driving.

A quiet night.

Tomorrow I've got to catch up on the house and my reading. I'm scheduled for something every day of the coming week. (ick)

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 08.28.2015

Another great day!

So much great weather--even though it was mostly cloudy today, it did warm up to the low 70's.  Enough to put the top down on the ride home from the store. (But I'll put the top down and put the heat on. *chuckle*)

Went to the optometrist for a check-up. Having "floaties" in the right eye that don't go away, and also have developed a "smudge" spot in the center of the vision in the right eye. She called it "posterior vitreous detachment". Her recommendation: see an ophthalmologist.

So you know I had to "google" it.  I wasn't real concerned when the floaties appeared. I might be a little more concerned with the smudge in the center of the visual field.

Here's a link that explains it.  https://nei.nih.gov/health/vitreous/vitreous

I have an appointment with a retinal specialist next Wednesday.

The rest of the day I got chores done, enjoyed sitting outdoors reading, and made a small batch of cookies to take to Aunt Etta Mary's tomorrow.

Maybe I'll run before I go...

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 08.27.2015

Another great day!

Again, I was called this morning to stay home, come in at 0900.

Ok.  And since I had a definite time, I turned on the furnace (I was cold--49 degrees this morning!), read a little, set my alarm, and went back to sleep.

The alarm was on, I was waking after a little snooze, and the phone rang.  "They want you to come in now..."    Well, it was almost 7:30 when I was called. I had breakfast, finished getting ready, and was stopped by all 3 red lights on the way there. And the shuttle took the "long" way over to the hospital, and caught the red light, too. It was almost nine by the time I clocked in.

The unit was busy, almost swirling with activity.  I jumped in and did what needed to be done. We were busy all day.

Clocked out, home, and a quiet night.

Tomorrow I have an eye appointment.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 08.26.2015

Phone rang as I was getting ready for work.

Stay home.

Put the pj's back on, and into bed.

Just dozing off (an hour or so later) and the phone rang again.

"You'll need to be here by 9".    Ok.....

Finished getting ready for work. Breakfast, and on my way.

We were all busy throughout the day, but I was able to attend the "Celebration" for achieving our Baby Friendly Designation.

It was a very nice dinner, with a few words from key people.  Nice to have the recognition/awareness that this really IS a big deal, for the hospital, and for the community.

A quiet night.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 08.25.2015

A pretty good day today.

Though it's a lot cooler--low 60's, and a breeze.

Had a nice morning, a couple of phone calls, made a grocery list.

This afternoon was a meeting at the hospital regarding our investment opportunities/choices with the new-to-us company, Fidelity.

I was the only one there. I mean, the only one there. No Fidelity person. After a phone call to someone who might know, it seems the Fidelity person had it on their schedule for yesterday.  And was not available for today's time frame.  Hope our schedules will coordinate for another meeting time.

So, I went home, got my grocery list, and went to the store.  Worked out well.

Fixed a yummy supper, ate, cleaned the kitchen, and had a quiet night.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 08.24.2015

Another great day!

Feeling Autumnal out there. Breezy, cooler temperature, just 70 degrees. Blue skies with big white clouds. The afternoon got a little gloomy with some gray clouds that blew by, then turned white again. We didn't get any rain; maybe it did somewhere?

A slow start to the morning, but I did go out for a run eventually.  The leaves sound "heavy" in the wind. The "burning bushes" are beginning to turn red, and the birds were noisy.

Breakfast, shower. Frank stopped by on his way to work for a short visit.

I sat outdoors and read for a bit. When the darker clouds came overhead and the wind was cooler, I went indoors and started a pot of soup.  I turned the burner down low and went back out to sit in the sun and read some more.  Lovely!

Came in and finished the soup. Oh my, it's yummy!

Enjoyed supper, did the kitchen chores, and had a quiet evening.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 08.23.2015

I did it.

Got up at 0'dark thirty.

It's "mole season" again, for those of us who go to work in the dark and come home in the dark. While it's not quite dark at 7:30 in the evening, it will be soon.

Ugh.

And I went to work.

Turned out to be a very good day, with a great crew. And manageably busy.

Stopped to "pay respects" on the way home.

Tired tonight,

Tomorrow.... ????

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 08.22.2015

Wow, what a great day today!

Blue sky, light breeze, perfect temperature.

Went out for a run, breakfast, shower. Before the run, I cut up potatoes for potato salad and put them in water in a pan to turn on when I got in.

The potatoes cooked while I fixed breakfast; dunked them in cold water when done, drained and put in fridge while I showered.

Finished chopping the add-ins, mixed it all together, and got ready to go to Diane and Lois'.

We had a great afternoon.  Lois slept a lot, and was very congenial when she was awake. I enjoyed visiting with her.

Diane cooked on the grill, and we had a "super summer supper".

A safe drive home, making a perfect last day of vacation.

Tomorrow is back to work.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 08.21.2015

What a beautiful day today!

After breakfast, caught up on bookkeeping, then took a walk over to Frank's house. He's 0.8 miles from here.

We had a nice visit.  He went off to work, I walked back home.

Fixed food and ate.

Sat outside and caught up with my reading. Making progress!

A quiet night.

One of my co-workers contacted me, wants to work for me tomorrow. Ok, sure!  I'll take another day off!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 08.20.2015

A pretty good day.

Temperatures much cooler, breezy, and maybe the humidity is less?

I went for a run and wondered if I might have put on a shirt with sleeves. After I warmed up, I was happy with the tank top.

Breakfast, shower.

Even though I was going to rest today, I couldn't stay indoors. And that foliage--ugh.  I got the pruners out and started hacking away.

After an hour or so (I'm just going to do a little bit...) and a couple of piles of debris, I thought I'd take a quick trip to the store before it rained. (An item I like is on sale, and yesterday was out of stock.)  So I washed up and took a ride.

Unfortunately, there was more stock, but the variety I wanted was out. (again?)  Ok, back home.

And back out in the yard.

I might as well hack off the stuff over here.

Oh, that was quick.  Look a this stuff.....snip, snip..... looks like I'll need the lopers for this....

I went in and put food in the oven for supper, set the timer, and went back out.

I cut the bigger stuff and got a few more piles.

Time's up.

Went in the house, checked on the food (good timing), added the next part, went out and moved the debris to the big pile (that I've asked the property manager person to send the maintenance people out with the trailer so it can be removed.  Still there, and growing.)

Chores done, I went in and had a lovely supper.

And a quiet rest of the night.

Tomorrow is rest day??

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 08.19.2015

What a day!

I read the letter from Consumers Energy that was in the stack of mail.  "You will receive an automated call when your meter will be changed."  I didn't receive a call.  "Please call for re-light/turn on."  

Hmm.  That means something else needs to happen on their side.

I called.  Automated phone tree, several minutes (and 2 "hold" sessions) to talk with the correct person. (Wouldn't you think there would be a direct extension, when the meters are being changed out in the neighborhood?) The nice lady said someone would be out asap.  OK, thanks. And by the way, I didn't receive a call.  She said that another customer had the same comment this morning, and she would add mine to her list.

So. I put the bed sheets in the washing machine, knowing they will go on the clothesline to dry.

I got my small (electric) griddle out and fixed my breakfast egg, then went outside to get the boat hull cleaned while the shade was still on the driveway.

I did good.  Took a couple of hours, and I got it done. And the Consumers Energy person came during that time.   Yay!!!

I started the next load of laundry, had a snack, and put the boat back in the garage.  Took some maneuvering again, but I got it in there how I like it.  Go Me!

After putting my outdoor stuff away, I was finally ready.  For a SHOWER!!!!

I would have appreciated it just as much last night, too.

Total of 4 loads of laundry, washed, some line dried, folded, and put away. Boat cleaned and back in the garage. Trip to Meijer for a few items. Dropped recyclables at the hospital. (there is a collection area there for employees to use). Supper prepared and enjoyed. Mail opened and dealt with.

Tomorrow I hope to run, and catch up on some reading.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 08.18.2015

Woke this morning to rain.

About 8:30, the rain stopped. And before long, the sun was out, and it was hot and humid. Another beautiful day at the lake.

I got myself ready to leave--packed, loaded, cleaned, turned off and locked up (and as I write this, I realize I didn't cut the electricity--hope I don't lose my privileges).

A safe drive home, thank you God.

There is a green card in the front door. And one on the back door. Saying that Consumers Energy has changed the gas meter, and to call to have the appliances lit.

Sooo.......with a gas water heater, that means.......no shower.  *sigh*

I looked at the water heater, but not having done that before, or seen it done (maybe I should YouTube it?) I just heated some water on the stove to wash up with.

Tomorrow I'll clean the bottom of the boat, and maybe wax it.

Sure hope someone comes in the first part of the day.

I'm tired tonight.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 08.17.2015

Started out a beautiful day today!

Paddleboat ride, then breakfast. KS came down on the golf cart and we went for a ride on that, too. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Then we went out in the speed boat.  That was fun, too.  KS took the helm and drove us around. It was so hot, though, high 80's, maybe low 90's, and humid.

She dropped me at the dock while I took the van and boat trailer to the launch.  I backed the trailer into the water, she drove the boat on, and we were All That!!!!

We went in to the Victorian Cafe for a yummy sandwich, then back at the GC she helped me put the boat things into the boat for the ride home.

She went on to her place, while I went in the lake and removed the mooring poles. Got outdoor chores done as the lightening was in the clouds and the wind picked up.

Moved the van up to the trailer for easier loading; predicting rain tomorrow and for next couple of days, too, so I'll be heading south sometime tomorrow. Hoping I don't get to soaked loading the van.

The storm blew by--we never did get rain from that one, but the temperature did drop to low 70's. A bit more comfortable.

I've enjoyed my time here at the lake. One of the Best Places In the World.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 08.16.2015

Here's the hot weather....

Went for a run this morning.  When I got back, I sat down on the dock with my feet in the water. It felt really good.  So good, that after breakfast I put on the bathing suit and got in. Swam a little, floated a little more. When I'd had enough sun, I came in and showered.

Ahh.

Temps were high 80's if not higher today. Not much breeze in the blue sky.

The lake wasn't as busy today, and really quieted down this evening.

After supper, I took the boat out for a little cruise. It was still hot sitting in the boat.

Back to land. KS texts me that she's at her folks' place.

Yippee!!!

I went down there (in the air conditioned vehicle--that felt good) and we had a good chat.

Tomorrow, who knows?

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 08.15.2015

Another Beautiful Day at The Lake!

Blue sky, blue water, light breeze, low 80's.....  Ahhhh.....

Polly and I went for a paddleboat ride this morning on quiet water. So Lovely. We also found a neighbor's kayak that had gotten away in the storm the other day, and brought it back and secured it at their dock. I enjoyed our morning.

When we came in, I had my breakfast, then sat outdoors reading. Making progress on my study book.

Jim and Polly left mid-afternoon. The "week-enders" were out en masse on the water. At one point I counted 15 pontoons in our bay, not including several jet skis and a few speed boats. There was more boat traffic going by this afternoon than the 4th of July Boat Parade!!  Yikes!!

I don't like being out on the lake when it's so busy.

I fixed my supper and ate, finished the chapter I had been working on, and started the next.

Skyped with Matilda, who ended up with an ear infection and a stomach bug. Antibiotics and rest; she still looked a bit punky.

The boats quieted down, a few jet skis were playing out in this bay until almost dark.

Tomorrow I'm hoping for another great day!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 08.14.2015

Another amazing day at the lake!

Started with a run this morning. Felt like the humidity could bring afternoon storms.

It was quiet though, with beautiful blue skies and calmer breezes.  Almost too warm.

Gray clouds shouldered their way into the sky and rumbled thunder this afternoon. I think we heard thunder for more than an hour before the wind started.

I sat outside, enjoying the breeze, with an eye on the sky. And then the wind was from a complete opposite direction.

The lake was more than white caps. All at once. It had rolling waves. It blew hard--I walked around outdoors checking to see that all was secure, picking up a couple things here and there.  When I got back inside and looked out, (it still wasn't raining yet), I saw the neighbor's boat cover lift off, wrap around a pole of the lift, and land in the lake.  Now, if that were my boat cover, I would hope someone would fetch it.

I put on my lake shoes, put my hair back in a clip to keep out of my face, and fought the wind.  The cover was still attached to the boat by a knotted line. I pulled the cover back into the boat, rolled it up, and secured it best I could. I'd be ok with it if it were mine....then I came in and phoned the owner, leaving a message. Whew--that wind is something!

It wasn't long after that the rain started. It poured for a while, and rained for a few hours, complete with the rumbles of thunder.

Jim, Polly, and I visited for a bit, the rain stopped, and we called it a night.

Tomorrow they'll be leaving. It will be me and the "week-enders" here at the lake.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 08.13.2015

Another great day at the lake!

Sunshine for most of the day, cool breeze, warm sun. The lake was mostly quiet until later in the afternoon when the boats and jet skis started coming out.

We had the internet guy come out, as our service was sporadically intermittent.  Good thing, too, as the phone line wires were corroding, corrupting the signal to the modem. "Bob" put on a new box, new phone cord, and new modem. No static in the phone line, and continuous internet service (so far, it's early yet).

Another couple of hours on resetting the security passcode (if you're a user, you know what it is) and connecting devices to the new modem. 

I got a lot of reading time in this afternoon, making good progress on my learning track. 

Supper, and a quiet evening.

Hoping tomorrow is more of the same.....!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 08.12.1015

Another great day at the lake!

A cool start with warm sun.  Went out for a run. Chuckled when I found myself further around than I had intended. Nothing to do but turn around and head back. I was doing well, though. Turned into a little longer run. Bonus!

Shower, breakfast, and a trip into town. Found a couple of items at the Fish store.

Jim got a piece of wood and some other miscellaneous hardware at the hardware store. Did a fine job repairing the swing. He also mowed the lawn today. Thanks, Jim!

The rest of the day was enjoying the sun. The wind has finally settled down.

Tomorrow is looking to be a fine day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 08.11.2015

Windy with white caps most of the day, sun and clouds.

Sometimes the wind would let up, but it was a pretty stiff wind most of the day. One time when it was quieter, the wind all of sudden started gusting. The seagulls and loons and blackbirds got noisy, too, and when I looked out at the lake, I could see rain coming across. It rained kind of hard for several minutes (with sun shining) and then it was done. Wind settled down again, too. Strange weather I've seen these last couple of days.

I mostly did food prep today. Experimented with a type of bar that's not full of processed sugars. Turned out well, I think, and the nutritional value is acceptable, too.

Also roasted a chicken and packaged that meat for later.

I had finished all that, had supper, and was just doing the last of the clean up when Jim and Polly pulled in.

What a nice surprise!

We visited for a bit before calling it a night.

Still a little breezy, but the sky has cleared. Tomorrow should be another great day!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 08.10.2015

Interesting weather day today.

Quiet, grey and overcast this morning, and around 9 o'clock a heavy fog socked in. So strange. Couldn't see even the bank. In an hour or so, it lifted. And left behind humidity. The sky was still the same foggy color. And there was no breeze.

I decided to go for a run while I could, not sure what the weather was going to do.

I sat outside when I got back, enjoying the very slight breeze, waiting until I had cooled off before going inside.

Breakfast, shower.

The wind picked up, dark clouds rolled by.

I went into town, where the pavement was mostly dry, with puddles to show that it had rained there.

Kind of misty back at the lake and still breezy, which turned into a very light, almost got the ground wet, rain.

I finished cleaning the cottage, then had a yummy supper.

I got some good study time this evening. The lake quieted and the sky cleared and the sun went down.

And just now, the wind picked up, and the loons are calling each other.

Awesome!

Tomorrow is another great day at the lake.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday. 08.09.2015

OhMyGosh, this is the Best. Weather. Ever. that a person could have at the lake. Beautiful blue skies, enough breeze to cool the warm sun.

Jeremy and Matilda left this morning about 0930. I putzed around cleaning in the cottage, after offering him help to get on the road.

I got it mostly done; I had to get outdoors...

I sat in the boat, reading. Ahhh, delightful. (I might have gotten a little sun on my shoulders...)

Evelyn came over, and we shared leftovers. She'd had company, too, this weekend. We put the "spoils" together and feasted. We had a great visit, sitting on the porch in the rocking chairs, catching up.

She left, I was restless.

I got the rakes out and finished the front yard. There, that's done.

Bathed and ready for a quiet evening.

Gotta go to town tomorrow, take the trash in.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday. 08.08.2015

Another great day today!

Not quite as cool overnight, though it was intermittent drizzles for a while this morning.

Jeremy went salmon fishing for the day. I'm not sure where. He left at 0720 this morning, and Matilda and I have been on our own since.

The sky finally cleared this afternoon, though the breeze has been stiff and constant until nightfall. One of my favorite times today was sitting on the dock with her, watching the speed boats, pontoons, and jet skis go "zooming" by.

They'll be leaving tomorrow. Maybe we can have a boat ride before they go...

Thank you for reading.  Hugs.

Friday. 08. 07.2015

A fabulous day today!

Sunshine, blue sky, fluffy white clouds, beautiful lake, family to share it with.

Went to town this morning to do errands, got back, got the boat ready to take over to the launch.  Just then, Jim, Polly, Kris, and Ariana pulled in. Great timing!

We visited and lunched, then a group of us piled into the truck to go to the boat launch. Easy Peasy!

A slow ride back to the dock, by choice. Jim got in the water to screw the mooring poles into the lake bottom. Jeremy got in, too, and all three poles were in pretty quickly. Thanks, guys!

Ariana was first to ride the tube, then Kris. A lot of fun was had.

We visited a bit more before our company left. What a great afternoon!

Jeremy fixed dinner for us, and after we ate, Jeremy, Matilda, and I went for another looong paddle boat ride. He caught one small fish, which delighted Matilda.

A quiet night.

Thank You for this very special day.  Hugs.

Thursday. 08.06.2015

What a great day today!

Although it was cool this morning, I went out for a run in the sunshine. It was actually very pleasant.

Shower, breakfast, and coffee on the dock in the warm sunshine. Delightful.

Enough resting, I had things to do. I decided to rake the backyard and burn the debris. I took my time, and got it done. I had just finished and gotten cleaned up when Jeremy and Matilda pulled in. Great timing!

After supper we went out for a looong paddle boat ride. I know that we all enjoyed it.

Bedtime for Matilda, while Jeremy and I sat on the porch and watched it get dark.

Totally Awesome.

Tomorrow we'll get the speed boat in the water, and we have company coming, too.

Looking to having another great day!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday. 08.05.2015

I've had a busy couple of days.

I finally made it to the lake this afternoon. It's so beautiful here.

But I don't have internet connection on my computer. It seems to be a computer problem, as I'm entering this using my phone. Which is connected to the Internet. A bit bulky, but maybe it will post...

Tomorrow Jeremy and Matilda arrive. I'm looking forward to seeing them.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 08.03.2015

Another great day, and boy am I tired.

Big storm rolled through last night, and when the flash/crash of the lightening and thunder made my heart beat, I had a hard time settling down to sleep. And the wind. I'm unsettled with wind anyway.

And I woke about 0600. With a migraine. Seriously....?

I rolled over and hoped to get another sleep cycle, and magically resolve the headache.

That kind of worked.

I woke again just after 8, but my head hurt worse. Ick.

I got up, stripped the bed, started laundry. Stretched, and that helped. A Lot.  Not gone, but better.  I went out for a run.

Felt pretty good for a short bit, then I was not good anymore. Kind of queasy, too.

Breakfast, shower, and off to Leah's for a massage.  She'll fix me.

And she did.  While she worked her magic, the spasm in the head stopped.  Yay!!

Then it just feels sore, and fatigued, and what I call a migraine hangover.

Came home, changed vehicles, and went to get the boat from the boat cover lady. She did a great job, and even vacuumed the inside of the boat for me! Great!

I wrangled the boat back into the back garage with many tries this time. I've done it several times, and it's a trick, but this time it was challenging me.  I finally got it in the garage. Whew.

Showered again and went to the baby shower.

It was a nice event, and I enjoyed the company.

Tomorrow I have a list of things to do so that I can travel on Wednesday.

I'm really tired tonight.

Thank you for reading. Hugs,

Sunday 08.02.2015

Worked today.

Nicely busy, with an Orientee.  Nice to be able to take the time to teach someone.

Clocked out, on time.

I am officially not required to clock in or out until August 21.

*exhale*

Tomorrow is a massage, then a girls' gathering in the evening.

Soooo ready.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 08.01.2015

Worked today.

Busy.

Got home and vacuumed, as the next 3 days are "pre-leaving-for-vacation" days.  Keep to the schedule and hope all goes as planned for a Wednesday drive to The Lake.

Tomorrow is the last 12 1/2 hour work day until August 21.  Surprised at how I'm looking forward to not clocking in.....

Thank you for reading. Hugs.