St. Patrick's Day

I didn't have a spot of green on this morning so I went hunting for my St. Patrick's Day pin that I've had for years and years.

First day of spring is this coming Wednesday. I took a picture of my flower beds and am looking forward to those sprouting green shoots to turn into pretty tulips. Won't be long now. And here come the family of quail scooting across my yard. They've taken up living under my deck.

I took the memory foam piece off my bed yesterday to see if I'd sleep better on a firm surface. I had a tough night so back the foam goes as soon as I finish this post.  I had also taken off a blanket but I was up at 3 am. to put it back on. I think I'm trying to hurry spring along. I got up at 6 to finish sleeping in the recliner after turning the heat back on.  Next thing I knew it was 8 a.m.

I've been working steadily trying to find links to my g. grandmother, Jane Downs.  Yesterday, I finally found something.  I emailed the person on ancestry who is working on that line and now I have to hope and pray that he/she responds.  Often times people put their research aside and go on with their lives.  I found a few other references to the name, as well, so I'll eventually try to contact another.

By using clues from the 1896 letter I have from my g. grandmother's sister to her, I was able to find the sister's daughter and granddaughter.  Even printed off  a picture of the granddaughter in a yearbook shot of her at Wesley Junior College in Dover, Delaware.  Her name was Anise Chason. Eventually, my goal is to find out more about Jane's mother and the son she had named Charlie.

No school on Friday so I picked up the twins to go out for a burger at Jack in the Box. We parked at the usual bluff to watch the boats and a limo pulled in along side us.  Not a real long (or pretty) limo but still a limo.  A scruffy looking guy got out and came around to climb in the back seat with his buddies.  His sweat pants were low enough that I got a nice shot of his butt crack.  We kind of tee heed over that and pretty soon this other rough looking bum like character walks up with coffee in hand and climbs in with them.

I look over and notice one of them is smoking a pipe. Wasn't sure if it was crack or pot but with black windows, they had a handy little hideout.  Made for an interesting lunch, if nothing else.

Jenni posted pictures of the twins on Facebook so I grabbed one for my blog. This is Maddie's friend, Erin, and Hunter's friend, Malcolm.

 

The dance was at the Masonic Hall on Lincoln Street and attended by grades 6 to 9.  Was interesting for me to see the antique kitchen queen in the background of this photo. Reminded me of the first time I went to a junior high dance. I had stayed overnight at my cousin, Joan Arey Dubberly's, and she got me ready by fixing my hair and making sure I looked "cute."  I remember she put lipstick on me and I told her that dad didn't allow me to wear it.  She giggled and said: 'Well, who's gonna tell him?'  Funny the things that stick with you.

 

Tomorrow morning I'll be getting up early to load up the car for a trip to Port Townsend. Gonna take some photos at the mill retirement luncheon and then head out to Marrowstone Island to visit a friend before heading home.

 

Notice the trees are moving pretty good so I guess the wind is continuing his bluster for a while. I'm thinking of making a quick Safeway run to replenish the pantry a bit.  I've been very disinterested in cooking and my suppers have been on the dull side.  Maybe I'll get inspired to make something a little different today.

 

 

 

 

 



 

Just hanging...

Been a crummy week...sorta.  Got a touch of a stomach bug or something..lots of exciting trips to the bathroom.  I'm thankful I'm not throwing up, though.  I think my last bad throw-up flu was the week of my step-mom's funeral in 2008.  I thought I was done for -- and it came out of nowhere.  Nowadays everything you eat is suspect so I never know when I'm hit broadside with something like this if it's some bad food I ingested.  Whatever it is, I don't like it.

Just got off the phone with my daughter, Mary, and she's laid up with a horrible bug too.  She told me I wasn't calling my little episode of a few days ago by the right name. It's actually GTA ...global transient amnesia.  I asked her how she knew and she said that's what Jenni texted her from the doctors office last Thursday.

I've been dealing with a lot of anxiousness since that aid call. I guess it's normal to worry that it's going to happen again. From what I've read, though, it's unlikely.  It is unnerving, though, to be grabbing for memories all the time like a certain word I want but can't come up with or trying to remember what I was looking for or what I was going to do.  Then again.....I've been dealing with that for quite a while.  I always joked about it before 'cause all my friends are forgetful too.  Now, though, I worry that I've passed over into that gray area.

Decided I would go back on my antidepressant that I didn't think I needed.  At least I guess it's an antidepressant.  Either that or a tranquilizer.  More or less the same thing, I suppose.

Nothing else much going on.  I'm cooking a Marie Callendar meal for supper 'cause I don't feel like cooking tonight.  Been spending hours looking up genealogy research but keep hitting brick walls and I'm getting discouraged.  I may have to study up more on what options I have.

It's driving me nuts that I can't find my great grandmother's record of birth, her dad's record of birth or death or his marriage and any number of other details connected with her folks.  I don't even know for sure what her mom's name is.  I found her at age 10 in a census but I'm not convinced the woman listed is actually her mother.  That's part of my problem.  I doubt everything.  Ha!

Here's a hummingbird I took a picture of yesterday.  He (or she?) kept flying from wire to a tree and back again but I never did see her land at the feeder. She looked green one minute, and red the next.

 

Just looked over the tv schedule for tonight and it doesn't look like much is on outside of Southland.

Guess I'll watch the golf channel and HGTV.

It's 1 a.m.

Always surprises me when insomnia raises its ugly head.... so I've taken to gettting up and going online.
Saw this video on Facebook and thought it was worth another post.

Always Happy to Get Back Home

I drove into Port Townsend with my daughter, Sue, and granddaughter, Catie, this morning. Catie wanted to drive and normally I would have said sure as she's a good driver and I feel comfortable when she's behind the wheel.  But.... I wanted to drive today. Not sure why as I'm not all that enthused with driving these days.

We stopped by Rose Johnson to pick up an exercise bike and then I dropped Sue and Catie at Sue's dads house for a couple of hours.  I drove down to pick up my sister and while she was getting dressed for the funeral we planned on attending in Hadlock, I downloaded a word program on her computer for her.

The church was full by the time we got there so we took seats in the back.  Diane Westergaard gave the eulogy and it was a good one.  Next, we stopped by Janie's granddaughter's house to take a picture of her great grandson, Callum. He's really a cutie pie.

I took Janie home and went back to pick up Sue and Catie. Planned on heading out as Sue had to go to work but I decided spur of the minute to make a quick run out to Chimacum School where the social hour for May Westergaard's funeral was being held.  Would have liked to have stayed and visited longer. Forgot to take any pictures.  Saw Dan and Ron Mosher, Mike and Nancy McConaghy, Gary McNeil, Niki Meachum, Mark Westergaard, and Julie & Chuck Boggs, among others.

Decided to stop at the casino on the way home so we could each play a little money until we lost it. That went real quick so we continued on to Walmart where I had a prescription to pick up.  I also picked up some hair dye so maybe I won't look so gray and haggard.

I fixed a quick dinner of fish fillets, tator tots and coleslaw. I was really hungry as I had only eaten half a bagel and half an apple earlier that morning.  Dishwasher is running now and I'm in my jammies and ready to watch a little tv until I turn it.  Auction Hunters is on later and I kind of like watching that.

Tomorrow will be more genealogy research, reading, and oh yeah, set the clocks ahead. I'm too tired to do it tonight.  Janie gave me this really cool bowl she braided. It's for putting rolls or muffins in but I like it so much, I think I'm going to put it by my chair and put all kinds of stuff in it.

 

She also gave me a pair of blue suede shoes that don't fit her right. Now I'm going to be really cool!

On the Mend

I was a tad nervous all morning as I awaited my tests at the hospital. I don't mind blood work or ultra sound on my neck but I have no love for MRIs.  Noise doesn't bother me; just the closeness of the tube.  I took a pill but I think I waited too long 'cause it didn't seem to be working.  The very friendly tech rolled me in after I put ear plugs in and then he put a collar around my neck, a rag over my eyes, and a mask on my face. (Like Hannibal Lecter) 

Just like the last time, I began deep breathing but needed to have him haul me back out again.  I sat there a minute, chastising myself for my fear, and said "Okay. Let's try again."  This time I was able to stand it. I concentrated on my genealogy files and who I was going to work on next.  Thankfully, it only took 20 minutes.  Jenni stopped by Safeway afterwards so I could get some Chinese food for supper and some bagels for breakfast.  I was in need of comfort food.

I never did feel sleepy or drowsy although I'm betting I'll be in bed before 9 tonight.  Much to my surprise (and delight) my doctor called this afternoon to see how I was and to tell me ALL the tests were normal.  What a relief!  My sister mentioned that my "episode" kind of sounded like a panic attack that I had back in 1985.  It could have been but I didn't actually feel too panicky; just confused and agitated.  Doctor says it could have been a form of panic as they affect people differently but it was probably a GIA.  I know I wasn't feeling the least stressed when it did happen.  I had pizza in the car, after all, and that always makes me happy. Ha!  It was definitely unnerving, however, to lose my way home.  That just plain AIN'T NORMAL!

I'm gonna kick back tomorrow and do a little computer work and reading.  Not much of anything else.  I am going to Port Townsend on Saturday. Catie has offered to come over and ride with me. She was going to drive but I want to pick up an exercise bike and I'm not sure it will fit in her car.
Sue is going too and I think they plan to visit John and Penny while I'm at the funeral.

Nothing like having medical tests (even scary ones) come back and tell you all is well. At least for now.  That's enough to put a hop in my step.  Hmmmm...I just noticed I've been yawning to beat the band.  I guess that pill is finally kicking in. Doggone it! It's 6 pm and I'm really not keen on hitting the sack this early.  Daylight saving time is coming up this weekend too. Another problem to deal with regarding my body clock.

And here's some more handy dandy tips I got from Rose...

1st week of March

It isn't lost on me that "things happen" to me in March.  I went to work at the mill in March of '79, my marriage broke up the first week of March in '82, I quit smoking in March of '92, and while there's something else, I can't remember now what it is.  Which leads me to my latest March event.

The day started out okay. Two girls showed up at the door wanting to shampoo a carpet (for free) and they caught me at the right time as I've had a couple of spots that needed work.  These two left and then two others arrived to do the work.  The guy left (to come back later to convince me to buy) while the girl (April I think) stayed to demonstrate.

I'd had these demos before so I knew what to expect and having owned a Kirby before, I know they're a pretty good machine.  Way too high for my budget, though.  The picture above with the black patches shows what she got out of my mattress and memory foam topper.  Always a delight to be reminded that you sleep with mites.

The guy who came back to give me the senior discount had a little ADD going on I suspect. Kept wanting to High Five me and probably told me half a dozen times I was "awesome!"  Not a good way to begin with me as I cringe everytime I hear it on tv anymore. (which is all the time)

After they left (and I was tickled that he didn't lay on the pressure and drag the plea out) I decided to run over to the library as I had another book in.  I left there and was really hungry so I thought I'd drive downtown to Domino's and pick up a small pizza. I'd never tried their pizzas before  (usually buy from Papa Murphy or Albertsons.)

And that's when my day got REALLY INTERESTING!!!!!!!

I pulled out of the parking lot to head on home and halfway there, I got confused.  Uh oh.... I knew IMMEDIATELY that something was amiss.  I remember thinking...."Well, Joyce, you're always talkin' about that stroke you know you're bound to have someday, I think you're gettin' it now!"  I couldn't figure out where the hell I was going!

I did know that if I called Jenni at work, I'd probably just get her voice mail so I called Mary as she always picks up unless she's in a meeting.  Luckily, she wasn't in a meeting. I can't actually recall what I said to her but she knew I was confused and she guided me on home. I was close. I think I pulled into Yvonne's driveway because I said something about her 'for sale' sign in the yard.

Anyhow, Mary called Jenni and told her to get over to Mom's as she's losing it.  I don't know that she said those words but both her and Jenni have made remarks like "we always knew we were going to have to put you in a home, we just didn't think it would be this quick."  ha ha

I have a tendency to use humor when I'm especially stressed and this day was turning into  a hell of a stress for me.  I called my doctor (again I don't quite remember doing that) and I think I said something along the lines of "something is going on with me; I may be having a stroke."  So much for paying attention to the message you get when you call the clinic.......the first thing they tell you is to hang up and call 911 if you're having a medical emergency.  It didn't even occur to me to call 911.

Jenni walks in the door and finishes talking to the nurse and she must have called 911 on her way because pretty soon all these cute guys are walking in.  Oh swell! I thought. Now they're all going to  pull up my shirt and see my fat rolls of blubber as they attach me to their gadgets.  I figured I couldn't be that bad if I was still concerned about my fat gut, and I was also concerned that my pizza was getting cold.  And yes, I know exactly how I sound!  Nuts!

I told Jenni to get my camera as this would make good blog material. They all laughed, not realizing I was serious.  But Jenni knew I was serious and she accommodated me.

Yeah, leave it to me to always be looking for a good photo opportunity.  I'm sure they thought I was a nut case.  And I'm sure they were probably correct. Who posts pictures of their aid call?

Jenni took me off to the doctor (I didn't want to go to the hospital) and after an exam, she felt I wasn't have a TIA like I thought (transient ischemic attack) but a GIA. (Global Ischemic Amnesia) Still sounds dreadfully ominous so I Googled it as soon as I got home.  Doctor didn't think I should be driving to PT on Saturday especially after she asked me why I wanted to go there and I couldn't remember. (a funeral)

I was a little anxious that a mini stroke might occur a few hours or days afterwards but the doctor said that was unlikely and I wasn't showing symptoms of that. Jenni was nice enough to spend the night anyhow, just to put my mind at ease.  She ran over to Walmart and picked up a prescription for a couple tranquilizers that I'll take a half hour before my MRI today.  Hate the thought of going in that damn tube again but it is necessary to check out the head and carotid arteries so I'm doing it!

I have an anxiety disorder to start with so this kind of upheavel doesn't set well with me.  I was sad that I was being inconvenienced by a health problem but I was thankful I had medical coverage and a daughter nearby.  I thought I would cry later but I guess I wasn't going down that road. Mostly I was irritated that my computer surfing was interrupted.

The stress wore me out and I slept like a log. Got up at 6 to see Jenni home and now I'm sitting around in my pajamas waiting for the hospital to call and tell me what time my MRI is scheduled.
Saturday is a couple days off yet so I still may drive in if I feel fine.  Have another trip planned for March 18th, though, so perhaps I'll hold off and just go that day.  All a waiting game.

Which is what life is all about, if you stop and think about it.  I must admit I do spend a fair amount of time thinking about my death and wondering how  and when it will occur.  I think that's a natural experience as you age and begin to read more and more obits of people you know.  I've always been fearful that a stroke or some such disability would burden my daughters but no sense wasting energy on that as some things are just plain out of your control and you have to go with the flow, so to speak. Not that I think I'm on death's door but who knows...I could be. Everybody's on death's door really. Oh, that's just morbid. I'll change the subject.

Let's see...what else?    Hmmmm....weather's looking gray and overcast. As usual, I'm thankful I don't live back east where all the nasty winter stuff occurs.  I'm tired and need a nap but once I take that tranquilizer, I'll probably nap all afternoon.  Oh...and HAPPY BIRTHDAY DONALD!

You'll have to admit...this is one of my more interesting posts. Much juicier than photos of birds. Ha!

Rockin' Out in My Kitchen

Plugged in my Ipod Touch this morning and attached the cute little red speaker that I got for Xmas. Just love the new technology these days. Much better than when I was a teen and trying to tune in a Seattle station on my little transistor or playing 45's on my portable (but beloved) record player.
Chuck Berry is on right now -- School Days.

Speaking of which -- Maddie asked me to pick them up this morning as they had "late start" and she had a lot of things to carry.  Jenni usually takes them to school on her way to work but one day a week, they start their classes an hour later and all their classes are shortened.  Maddie goes to Port Townsend Blue Heron School this afternoon for a basketball game.

I had put rollers in my hair this morning, trying again to see if I could get it to look halfway decent. I'm going to go online and try to find me a hat today Something besides the baseball hats I generally wear now.  As Maddie came out of her house, I snapped this picture...

The first thing she said was: "What ARE YOU WEARING?"  I told her it was rollers and this is how I looked growing up.

When Hunter made it to the car, the first thing he said was: "What ARE YOU WEARING?"  I told Maddie to take a picture of me for my blog. Hunter replied: I don't understand why you would want that on your blog?  hee hee  He's right.  The picture turned out dreadful so I took another when I got home.  Still looks dreadful but, oh well.

As I snapped them heading into Stevens Junior High, I was reminded of another picture I took of them (not that long ago it doesn't seem) of when they were playing at McDonald's Playhouse.

                    Hunter heading in for classes on a rainy morning

                      Maddie following closely behind

                     Where did the years go? This was February 2002.

Got a bill to pay, a letter to write, a postcard to address, a book to look for on Amazon, vitamin holder to fill, dishwasher to unload, and the never ending genealogy to research.  I did shoot off an email to a historical society guy in Missouri hoping he could find some data for me that I can't find.

My dreams were over the top interesting last night.  A combination of several scenes and several people.  Involved murder investigation, the usual mill parking lot dilemna I often have of not finding my car, fish floating around inside a house, a lot of running, and conflicts with doctors.  Ahhhh...the quiet night adventures of my life.

And I see I got Bill Koepke's birthday wrong.  It's TODAY!  Happy Birthday again!  I can't even read calendars right these days (when I even remember to look at them). I forgot three birthdays in February. And in case, I screw up....Happy Birthday tomorrow to  Donald Baldridge in California!

My backyard continues to entertain me with the bird traffic. I just spied several pigeons and quail hunting for worms and seeds together. As I grabbed my camera, the pigeons flew off and the quail went into "statue mode" refusing to move a feather.  I assume that's a protection maneuver they've developed to blend in with nature.  I stood for a long time and none of them moved even a tiny bit.

You can hardly even see them in this picture which I've cropped as the ones on the left look just like the rocks I've placed out there. I know I've posted quail pictures enough already but it's really hard not to take their picture when you catch them scattering and running across your lawn.

   Won't be long until my tulips are showing up over the flower box.