Friday - Wet Friday

Granddaughter Catie showed up around 10ish this morning. She had "work at home" work to do for a few hours so thankfully, I knew my WIFI password this time.  She's in the kitchen and I'm holed up here in the office room.  I've been keeping busy and calling on her from time to time to help with little chores. You gotta' take advantage of the young muscles when they're in your house.

We loaded up an old stereo w/speakers that was taking up room in the garage and hauled it off to the second hand store that I bought it from a few months ago.  We also made a quick Safeway run. I thought maybe the crowds would be light since it was pouring down rain but nope! Everywhere we went, it was busy.  I stopped at the corner grocery store to mail off a few packages and decided to go by Phyllis Johnson Kendall's place  (FilByGolly) as her sign was up that a sale was in progress.

I've known Phyllis & her siblings all my life and I usually stop in at her store whenever she's selling. It's a cute little place behind her home loaded with "stuff" she's picked up around the country. Crafty stuff mostly but good quality and good prices.  The rain was coming down in buckets as I parked and her two rooms of merchandise were full of customers.  I bought two Christmas presents.

I've been doing little odds and ends around the house since I got up. Changed the sheets on my bed, did a load of laundry, took out the trash, wrapped a couple gifts, took in a pair of pants, and did up the dishes.  I may make a run over to the twins' house when they get home so I can attempt to get a Christmas picture of them, Catie, the dog, and me. Wanted to do one outside but mother nature isn't helping today.

Been looking over my Xmas gift list and I think I'm down to needing to pick up two presents and I'll be done.  Not counting the cookie/bread/fudge packages I plan to make.  Am hoping to get my cards out next week and "maybe" get the house decorated a little bit throughout the next few days.

Gotta make some hummingbird nectar in a day or so two.  The birds are coming around frequently. Right now there's a seagull strutting across my driveway. Wonder what he's looking for.

48 years ago today I was in labor. Here's what the #1 song was at that time...

And the answer is...

Hmmmm.... not sure what to tell you.


Xrays indicate my hips are actually in pretty good shape. It's agreed that bursitis is definitely an issue and I can opt for another shot but they encourage you to wait as long as possible in between injections. I'm hurtin' but I wouldn't say I'm at a 10 level.  Am more anxious about the thigh cramp/spasms anyway.

Was really hoping an xray would help answer the question.  I will see a neurologist next. If for no other reason than to make sure it's not a nerve issue that can't be fixed.  I've also been having little
tics in my hands and body off and on.  Nothing drastic but enough for me to notice.  Might as well get a handle on that before things get out of hand.  Perhaps they're normal. Perhaps they're not.  Yeah, I'm just falling apart.

Stretching often is the solution for now. And I do intend to follow that regime.  Only problem is, stretching kind of scares me sometimes as it brings on a cramp.  That has to be a clue.

And it's not my daughter's birthday and it's not Krs Logue's birthday. I was obviously preoccupied. TOMORROW is the day. 

I did have a nice lunch with Mary Norton, though, so the day wasn't completely a waste.  And I got some Xmas gifts at Costco.  Gotta go fix the kids' dinner now.

Yay! It's finally doctor Day!

I know I shouldn't put so much hope on a diagnosis being presented to me today but I've still got my fingers crossed.  We'll see.  If I end up getting referred to yet another guy, I just may end up crying in the exam room.  And that's not a pretty sight!  Ha!

My legs are aching to beat the band today and that's kind of a surprise as I generally feel fit as a fiddle on doctor appt. days.

Sitting here with a cup of coffee watching the birds outside my window.  Going to have to replenish the hummingbird nectar for sure as I have two (maybe more) showing up all day every day to eat.  And another bird just took a bath.  I have to remember that cold water in winter is viewed differently by birds than by humans and a bath is still a bath.

Saw this video on Facebook this morning and it made me laugh out loud so thought I would put it on here.......


I stayed up until 10 last night as I wanted to see the Sequim trio on The X Factor.  I planned to go to bed the minute they were done but guess who was the FINAL act?  Yep.  Emblem3.  They're being groomed by Simon himself so they'll most likely get a lot of press.  Simon's not quite as cute as he used to be, but then it's been ten years since he first appeared on American Idol.

Ohhhhh...I'm seeing a rainbow out my window.  A good sign, right?  Yeah....

 

I managed to get a few Xmas gifts wrapped yesterday afternoon.  I bought a roll of wrap last time I was at Walmart forgetting that I had a leftover roll from last year that will probably be enough.  Then I discovered more mill wrapping paper I'd squirreled away for safekeeping.  I'll have to pull out my stored bins in the garage to see if maybe I also saved some cards.  I don't think there are any but my memory has been rating Fs lately so I could be surprised.

 

Gonna pick the twins up around 5 and bring them over here for supper tonight. Jenni has a meeting and then a Campfire Girls basket-making project at their camp house.  I knew that box of mac & cheese would come in handy. Hunter will pretty much eat anything I put in front of him but Maddie is more particular and often refuses even ordinary menu items.  No mayo, no eggs, no pickles, no olives, no green peppers, and lots of others.

 

I watched the remake of Poseidon last night.  AMC has this feature where they have subtitles below certain scenes telling you inside facts about the making of the movie.  Fascinating to watch, by the way.  Anyhow, this remake with Kurt Russell was VERY GOOD!  One scene where the survivors were crawling through a narrow air duct with water coming at them from behind gave me the HEEBIE JEEBIES!  Being claustrophobic, I was mighty uncomfortable watching it.

 

Well, guess I'll get myself prettied up for the day. Am meeting Mary Norton for shopping and lunch before I visit the doctor's office. Also gotta stop by the grocery store where my eldest daughter works so I can drop off her birthday gift.  How, oh how, did my child get to be two years short of 50?!

 

                         At St. John's Hospital in 1964 (before they tore it down)

Dad visiting me in San Diego. Les in background at the zoo. Susan is enjoying the ride.



Also,  a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY TO KRIS LOGUE!

Gray Wednesday

Gonna' take some doing to get my engines revved up this morning. Just sitting here having a cup of coffee and contemplating on exactly what I want to work on today.  Weather is overcast and gray but the rains haven't arrived yet.  They wlll, though.

I made a quick run down to the corner grocery store to drop off a UPS return package.  I waited and waited for this order to come from Roman's catalog and even though there were only two items, one of them just didn't seem worth the money so I opted to go to all the trouble of returning it.  Decided to take a spin through town. No particular reason; just time on my hands. Stopped to take a picture while up on the hill.

I managed to get a few Christmas gifts wrapped yesterday and will work along those same lines today. Think I'll bring my boom box and audio book back to the "wrapping room" to help me pass the time.  I may type up labels for Christmas cards  too. Only problem is, I'll have to study "again" how to do a full page of different addresses. I don't do it often enough to make the steps easy to remember.
I can tell right now that I am definitely going to be taking a nap.  As much yawning as I've done just sitting here, I'm guessing it's gonna be a morning nap.  I suppose I should have stayed in bed longer but my legs were hurting too much. I know.  Broken record.   The orthopedic doctor's office called yesterday to switch my appointment from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Irritating as I prefer early morning errands.  They said surgery was scheduled.  Hmmmm... an emergency surgery or a planned one?  If it was planned, then why make office appointments in the first place?

I went to bed at 10 pm last night and it took all my energy to last that long.  Some nights I fall in bed so tired, I just pull the covers up and groan.  Fatigued to the bone.  I guess that's an age thing as I don't recall being THAT tired in days past.  Seems to be happening frequently too.  I'll say one thing for getting old ... it's an interesting process in how you cope and change your habits over time.  The ole joke is "aging ain't for sissies" and boy, that's the truth!

My firstborn will be 48 in a couple of days.  I was 48 in 1991.  My youngest was graduating from high school, my son was fighting in a war, my class was having a 30th reunion, and I was buying my very first home on my own -- a singlewide mobile in Port Hadlock.  Over two decades ago. I guess that's why I'm tired.

I hope I win tonight. Even if I only match 5, I'd get a million. I'd be happy with matching four and the power ball as that would give me $10,000.  I could live with that.

I was looking for a picture for my daughter yesterday and came across these two oldies. Think I'll post one on Facebook.

The American Legion where I spent my younger days playing bingo night after night after night.....

                                                                Before the Sea Galley

Workin' on my To-Do List

Owwwweeee....I may have to stop typing before I even get started.  More later....

Well,that was pleasant.  Every now and again I get these little paper-cut like sores on my eyes near the outside lid slits.  If that makes sense.  I saw an opthamologist about it once but all she wanted to do was give me an eyelid lift. Which I could probably use as my eyes look like I need it, but I was wanting help with the sores.  She thought I was having dry eye and needed to use eye drops more. I don't think that's the problem,though. I was thinking maybe it was psoriasis which I've suffered with since 1970 on various parts of my body. Why is it that I question most of the doctors I see?  Probably because she started right off telling me I needed an eyelid lift.

Just had a salesman at the door and my eye kept watering and burning and I was blinking at him to beat the band. I'm sure he thought I was a nutcase. Which I am a lot of the time. As soon as I was able to tell him no, I went into the bathroom to throw water in my eyes.  They still don't feel great.  I took a picture (it's what I do) so as soon as it downloads to Picasa, I'll post it here so you can see just how ugly I look today.

Which reminds me...my hair!  I swear to God it's getting worse day by day.  You know how you wake up some mornings and look at yourself in the mirror and you know without a doubt that you've aged overnight?  I just hate that!  My hair seems to have gotten more split endy and coarse feeling.  I wish my wig was more comfortable. I'd wear it all the time but it feels too itchy so I wear hats instead.  I wish I was more attractive, but oh well, the seventies are comin' on next year so who really gives a damn. Okay...here's my eye picture...and get a load of that OLD LADY HAIR!

Okay...enough about that!  Let's see...what else is going on around here today?  I stopped by the corner store to mail off three packages and buy my Christmas postage stamps.  Also picked up some power ball and hit 5 tickets so that was an expensive stop.  I made a Serenity House stop to browse their Christmas shed some more.   I spent $11 and was very pleased with my large bag of goodies.
One of them was this like-new white teddy bear with gold angel wings.  Tag said it was from Penneys. Only cost me $3 and I have it sitting in a corner. It's probably about 2' high.

I went outside to finish filling up the bird feeders I had cleaned and had set aside on the porch to dry.
Running out from under the porch was a family of quail.  I guess they have to sleep somewhere.
Back in the kitchen, I used up some leftover turkey and leftover enchillada sauce to make a pan of turkey/chili enchilladas for supper tonight.  Yum!  Last night I tried out a Stouffer's frozen lasagna.  I was all ready to not care for it that much but it tasted better than I thought it would.  With those two dishes in the fridge, I won't have to cook supper all week.  And that's a good thing!

Gotta watch Extra tonight to see that Sequim trio who made it to the finals on the X-Factor. Will watch them perform on Wed when they appear on the factor show again. Also have to watch Wheel of Fortune nightly (which I do anyhow) because I've got a number that needs to be called.  Hope hope.   I'll be taping the HGTV channel from 8 to 11 and will probably tape Dancing with the Stars as well.  So much easier to watch without the commercials and other hoo ha ha.

Read an interesting article in Rolling Stone Magazine last night. They listed the ten saddes songs ever written.

1. The Verve - The Drugs Don't Work

2. Robbie Williams - Angels

3. Elton John - Sorry Seems To Be the Hardest Word

4. Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You

5. Sinead O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U

6. Will Young - Leave Right Now

7. Elvis Presley - Are You Lonesome Tonight

8. Christina Aguilera - Beautiful

9. James Blunt - Goodbye My Lover

10. Radiohead - Fake Plastic Trees

The only ones I know are 3, 4 & 7. I'll have to look the others up on YouTube to listen.
My saddest songs written include 'Every Grain of Sand' by Bob Dylan, 'Crying' by Roy Orbison, 'He stopped loving her today' by George Jones, 'Love Me' by Elvis, 'Born to Lose' by Ray Charles, 'Go Rest high on that mountain' by Vince Gill, and 'When will I be loved' by the Everly Brothers.

I changed the ringtone on my cell phone a few days ago.  Finally landed on one that I hear right away without thinking it's the tv.  'The Lion Sleeps Tonight.'

 

My Sunday So Far......

Sometimes it's mind over matter.  I woke up this morning and decided before my feet hit the floor that it was going to be a better day than yesterday.  Not that yesterday was all that bad, but it did have its moments.  Let's just say that I broke down around midnight and opted to take these pills I'd been prescribed a few weeks back but felt they weren't helping.  I was desperate so I decided I had nothing to lose.  They must have helped some because I was able to drop off to sleep. Sometimes I wonder if I do have Restless Leg Syndrome afterall. But I won't go down that road today.

Anyhow, I got up and fixed a hot breakfast.  It wasn't all that satisfying of a breakfast which is odd because I usually enjoy the morning meal the most.  I think I'm in that rut where nothing I fix looks or tastes good.  I know that if somebody else was cooking for me, I'd probably love everything put in front of me.

I bought a power ball ticket yesterday and daydreamed a little about winning that $325 million.  I started out with who I would call first.  I figured that would be my accountant, (daughter Mary) and she could conference call the rest of the kids so I could tell them all at once that their lives had changed.  Then I daydreamed about how I would spend the money and who I would donate to.

I figured my health care would get a whole lot better 'cause I wouldn't have to wait two or three weeks to get in. I also planned on getting a driver, house cleaners, cook, physical therapist, and oh, the list went on and on.  It was kinda fun but alas, it was not to be. At least not this week.

I cleaned up the backyard a little yesterday. Just little stuff like putting away my solar lights and cute decorations for the winter. Today I have to clean the bird feeders and put in fresh seed.  Noticed that one area below a feeder had a whole lot of seeds scattered below as the grass was extra thick.

 

My poor ole backyard (front and sides too) sure take a beating in the winter. I think the soil in this block is very poor. Only one or two houses have really nice grass and I watched one guy bring in a huge truckload of soil (from where he works).  Walking down one side of my house shows thick moss with mushrooms here and there. Never gets any sun.

 

 

I made a library run yesterday morning and picked up three audio books. I didn't intend to check out any books as I'm determined to read what is on my home shelves but I have no willpower at libraries and I picked up a mystery called 'I am not a pyschic.'  The author is Richard Belzer from Law & Order.

 

I had Godfather on during Thanksgiving meal prep.  I surfed around trying to find something and kept coming back  to watch a few minutes of my favorite movie. Decided it was the only thing of any substance on tv that day.  Sometimes I watch Dr. Oz but I  usually don't feel good afterwards.  He has so may tips of things to buy and eat and habits you need to start that I get overwhelmed at how unhealthy my entire lifestyle is.  I also can't remember half the things he says to buy.  Several are only available at health food counters and I figure they're too expensive to buy on a regular basis.

 

I do like Dr. Oz and I feel he does a genuine service for the public. Just wish he could let the silliness go of people giggling over him when they're called on stage to view rubber body parts.  I had to laugh one day when a woman asked him a question that was so personal and embarrassing that she couldn't get the nerve up to ask her doctor. Yet.....here she is on national tv sharing that personal question with the world. What a dingbat!

 

I watched a 2003 movie with Katie Holms yesterday.  Also had Oliver Platt (who I really like). It was a dark movie but I found myself sticking with it as I wanted to see what happened.  The ending was quite good. Called 'Pieces of April.'

 

I stopped by the bread store this morning as it was Senior Citizen day.  I got a package of fig cookies, a bag of dinner rolls, a package of hot dog buns, and two loaves of bread --all for $6.  Two of the items were free.  I figured since I'd driven that far across town, I might as well hit Walmart and pick up the items on my grocery list. I think there were maybe 7 or 8 things I needed but I ended up spending $97.97 for 19 items.  Two gift cards among them.

 

Checking out of WM is usually one of the worst experiences of shopping there-- IF you can find a checker and don't have to try and do it yourself.  I was at the far end with the 20 items or less clerk and wouldn't you know.....her cash register "acted up."  She kept trying to credit one of my gift cards as it had gone in three times.  Wouldn't work so we stood A LONG TIME waiting for a supervisor.

Then it remarkably showed up as fixed.  The supervisor left and then we had other problems so another guy stopped to see if he could help. He couldn't so she called the supevisor again.  All my things were bagged and in my cart, and it was decided we needed to start from scratch and rescan the items. 

 

Many of them were heavy and I was already having leg pain so I stood there to see if they would unload and rescan 'CAUSE I WASN'T GOING TO.  They did.  Then I had to swipe my card twice before the "computer" cooperated.  Sigh....... typical transaction.

 

As I drove home, I debated whether or not to stop at McDonalds to get a fish sandwich and coke or to stop at Jack in the Box to get a chicken sandwich and chocolate shake.  (they make the best in town)  I had a talk with myself over it and Mickey D won.

 

Everything is put away and since it's still not raining, I think I'll take advantage and get outside with the garden hose to clean up those bird feeders and refill with fresh seed.  I've got the back bedroom set up with a table and supplies to start wrapping Xmas gifts.  I'm not quite in the mood today but I did manage to clear the house of various bric-a-brac in preparation for the Xmas decos I plan to bring out next weekend.

 

I need to start on my Christmas cards too.  I'm still thinking on whether or not to write a Xmas letter and what picture I want to include.  Can't stand any of the pictures of myself this past year or two and I never can get all my kids in the same room anymore so I don't know what I'm going to do. Maybe I'll put together a grandkids photo since Catie is coming over this week. (her mom turns 48 on Friday)

 

I fertilized all my house plants but I'm tempted to throw out the spider plants as they all look puny with brown tips. I'll give them a couple more weeks to see if they snap out of it.  Need to clean the two fish bowls this afternoon. Damn fish!  They just won't die!

 

Here's John Prine in 1973...

 

 

and here's another favorite of mine....Iris Dement....




I saw a special the other night on Alicia Keys.  Man, what a beautiful woman she is.  I just may buy her latest CD  - Girl on Fire.

More Clinic Pictures

I scanned in a few more pictures from Linda Pedersen's collection of our days at the Port Townsend Medical Clinic in the 1970's.

Bob Watkins, Ken McMillan, Bud Ammeter

                                                    Anne & Roger Dickerson

                                          Joan Knutson, Anne, Ruth Kvinsland

Bill Treloar, Jim Pedersen, Mary Treloar

                                     Vernie & Tim Slattery, Dr. McCarron, Fran Watson

 Tom Dickerson -- Dave & Kris Logue in background

      Gael Stuart, Sheila Oar, Vi Choate

                                    Helene Bishop

                                  Jay Henselen & wife

                                  Joanne Meister & Bill Bell

 

                                   Joanne at her typewriter at the clinic

                                                        Lonnie Kvinsland

 

                                             Dr. McCarron and his wife, Noreen

                                  Phil Rich, Vi Choate, Bev Rich

                        Nancy Rowe, Drs. Dickerson & Al Griffith

                                              Dr. Ross

                                 Ken & Judy Bryant, Helene Bishop

Sheila Oar and Margaret Anderson

Black Friday

I wonder where 'black friday' originated. I'll have to google that. Well, apparently the term has referred to several dates over time but this particular black friday goes back to 1966 in Philadelphia when heavy traffic and pedestrians were noted out and about after Thanksgiving day.

It sure looks like black friday today. And yes, I'm aware I haven't been capitalizing friday. Just a mood.  I spent a good part of the morning looking online for Xmas gift ideas. I had a cart filling up on Amazon but then I couldn't figure out how to get free shipping and my cart was charging me close to $20 for s/h and I didn't want to pay that so I emptied  my cart.  I know on-line shopping is the way to go (especially when you live in a rural area like I do) but you also have to know how to shop and get the good deals.   I gave up after a while and decided I'd try another day.  Which may not be the correct course of action as I know black friday is supposed to be a free shipping day you need to take advantage of.  I'm too tired to worry about it now.

I seem to be in a rut.  I thought about bringing in my Xmas decorations from the garage but I just can't seem to get in the mood. Hunter hung my outside lights yesterday so I'm happy that part is done.

I moved the string of lights from my computer window and put them in the backyard this morning. I like looking out in the night and seeing lights. Can't really see the front of the house lights unless I'm coming home from somewhere in the dark.  All the windows look out on the backyard.

No one was all that excited about posing for pictures but I took a couple and shot two very short videos. As usual, they're quite lame.

This is 30 seconds before dinner and about a minute and a half after dinner......

Happy Thanksgiving!

Might be a few days before I blog again so thought I'd say Happy Turkey Day early. I intend to watch the Nature show on PBS tonight at 8 'cause they're doing a piece about some guy who befriended turkeys when they were first born. Since I remember befriending certain chickens of my grandpa's, I'm curious to see what he has to say.  Here's a couple of videos that makes me wonder what turkeys are thinking....





I finished another quilt yesterday and added it to the stack of potential Xmas gifts next month. Decided to put my machine away this morning so I wouldn't be tempted to start sewing another.

My pumpkin pie is in the oven and I don't really have much else I have to do.  Well, there is the kitchen floor.  I cleared all the chairs out and will sweep and mop when I finish up here.  THEN, I'll have my slate clean for the day.  Gees, that was fast! The oven timer just went off informing me the pie needs to come out. Time has a tendency to pass quickly when you're sitting in front of the computer.

I'm playing with the idea of scrounging around out in the garage to find my outdoor lights. Am hoping I can talk Hunter into helping me hang them tomorrow when they come for supper.  I also need to find a box to put away knickknacks around the house so I can set out the fun Xmas stuff for the month of December.  I haven't put up a tree in years but I do have a small table tree and a ton of decorations that I deck the house with.

I just noticed a stack of pictures nearby that I was going to scan in today for a second "clinic blog" post. Guess I'll get to that after the mopping.  Here's another two more  pictures Rose J. sent that  I liked...

Countin' down to Turkey Day

Finally got a call from the orthopedic office late yesterday afternoon. I held my breath as she checked her calendar for the next available opening.  November 29.  Well, I can live with that. I was afraid I'd get set back even further. Unfortunately, it's the Sequim office and not the Port Angeles so I'll have to travel an hour round trip.  And there's no guarantee, of course, that an orthopedic is who I need to be seeing. Have to start somewhere, though, so I'll think positive.

I finished tying and hemming a quilt yesterday and am almost done with another one today.  Think I'll put away the sewing machine when I'm done and maybe work on genealogy or other hobbies.  I made an inventory of "stashed presents" in the closet and I think I'm close to being done.  Have some gift cards to buy and maybe a couple little things here and there.  Decided to go ahead and give some of my sewn projects away -- whether people want them or not! 

I also looked over my bookcases of "read books" that are still lookin' like brand new. I have close to 20 that I can regift and I intend to do it.  They're all really good books too. Solves a lot of my problems on what to buy with little money to spend.

I wish I knew why I was so tired. Maybe it's the weather. I only made it to 9 pm last night and I've already taken a short nap today -- and am thinking I want another.  I ran down to Safeway early to pick up a couple more items I had forgot and bought a couple of bottles of B-Complex vitamins. Expensive little buggers. I would have passed on them except it was buy one/get one free.

I've got some more clinic pictures to scan in for a second "clinic blog post" but I'm too tired right now. Maybe later.  Looked over the tv lineup for tonight and I'll probably have to get both VCRs up and running as there are several things I want to see -- Emily Owens, Go On, Alaska, Sons of Anarchy, and Dancing with the Stars.  Also a couple shows on the HGTV channel.

I saw a guy a few houses down the street mowing his lawn this morning.  Something tells me he has OCD when I think back to how hard it rained yesterday and how his grass must be soaked.  Well, gotta get moving. Here's another picture I received from Rose. I love before and after shots.

Yep! It's Raining....

What a wet gray day. Coming down in buckets and I'm glad to be inside. Johnny Cash is belting out a song on my Pandora music channel and I'm sitting here with a second cup of coffee. I ran a quick vacuum, and cleaned the kitchen. Even scrubbed the oven, racks, and top range as well as the microwave.  Gotta take those sudden energy spurts when they hit. 

Took the bird out of the freezer in the garage and will start to thaw the old girl in the fridge. I think I have all the ingredients I need; now I just have to hope I have the stamina to make a bigger dinner than usual come Thursday. I'll figure it out.

Well, Yvonne just called and has several errands to run and she doesn't want to go alone so I think I'll grab my rainhat and tag along.  More later.

Just finished hitting Walmart and Swains. I was surprised at how many people were out and about in this weather.  Right now I'm on hold.  I'm always on hold when I call this number -- my doctor's office.  Royal pain in the neck. You never get a person; always a machine.  Decided to call the orthopedic office to see if my referral came in and nope, nothing yet.  That's interesting. Now I get to follow up again as to why.  I am not pleased with the customer service at this joint!

Seven minutes holding (for an extension I already had ahead of time but couldn't give because no one was picking up....and the answer given was:  "I don't know why they don't have it. I sent it. I sent it to their PA number but I'll fax it again this time to the Sequim number as well. They're suppose to work together so I don't know why they don't have it."  Typical "NOT MY FAULT" answer.

If I was "somebody" you can bet I wouldn't be jumping through these hoops.  Am I annoyed?  Just a little!

Got some neat pictures from Rose Johnson in an email this morning so think I'll post one of my favorites here and try to remember to post another tomorrow. I wonder if this will enlarge when you click on it. Think I'll cut this short so I can test it out.

Like A Rock

Been surfing around on YouTube this morning just listening to this and that. I love Bob Seger's music and found it interesting that this video had over 2200 comments.  One was "play this at my funeral" and another was "Best song ever and I'll be playing it in my old Impala when I'm old."

Not much on my agenda today. I managed to get a couple of quilts pinned together yesterday so I'll be working on tying them together this week and finishing them for the Christmas gift pile.

 

I've been in a terrible slump as far as fixing interesting dinners goes. I just can't seem to motivate any interest or energy to throw together a nice supper.  I know I'll have to do it later this week, but for now I just want somebody to come here and cook for me.

 

I treated myself to a DVD I've been wanting for a long time. Since I was ordering things online, I went ahead and picked up a present for me too.  Boardwalk Empire, the first season. I watched two disks yesterday and am anxious to continue today.

 



I woke up to pee around 3 or so and immediately noticed that I was walking with no hip pain. None. I was so excited. It was the first time in weeks that I've been without pain in one or either of the hips. The only thing I could think of is that I took off my memory foam and was sleeping on a firmer mattress.  I wasn't sure if that even had anything to do with it because I've alternated putting the foam on and taking it off again trying out sleeping on soft and hard surfaces. It never seemed to make much difference.

I went back to sleep and was very hopeful that the hip thing was finally resolving.  Three hours later I woke up with a horrible calf cramp.  Had plenty of those before so I wasn't all that surprised although it's been a while since one has occurred.  I got up to walk it off and wouldn't you know...the damn hip was hurting to beat the band.  Now I'm wondering if these leg cramps are tied in somehow. I will definitely bring it up to the orthopedic doctor when I finally get an appointment.

And I'm pulling out "my list" to follow closely all the little tips I've recorded on what to take for leg cramps. I should have them memorized by now. Apparently, I haven't followed them close enough, however, and I'm learning (the hard way) that I'd better stick with it or else!  They may or may not be related to the hip pain but something tells me there could be a link--especially when I've been recording severe upper inner leg thigh cramps/spasms this past month or so.  I think those scare the hell out of me more than anything else.

I've found plenty of references to them by other people posting similar symptoms online but sadly, no one has been able to diagnose for sure what is causing them. That seems odd to me.

Well, enough on that subject. Guess I'll scrounge around in the kitchen and see if I can't think of something to throw together for dinner.

Saturday morning

Thursday night I went to bed at 7:15. I was out like a light and slept 11 hours.  I hadn't taken any kind of pill either.  The next day I thought I would be peppy and on my toes but nope!  I was tired all day. Took two naps and found myself dealing with chills.  Uh oh, am I getting sick?  Figured if that was the case, I'd just have to tag along for the ride.

I had things to do, though, so I forced myself to keep moving.  I did get a little sewing done and one letter written so all was not lost.  I picked up the kids at 5 pm at the bowling alley. They were awarded afternoon games compliments of their school. (Good attendance, good behavior, good grades)  YAY!

I took them home, sat and waited while Maddie changed into her soccer clothes, ran her to the field, and drove down to Safeway to pick up some Chinese food for dinner. I wasn't in the mood for cooking even soup.  As I stood in line behind 3 other folks and noticed the clerks weren't making any attempt to wait on ANYBODY, I left in disgust.  Maddie called me from her cell and said the night lights weren't working so practice was off.

Come to find out, another team wanted lights at some time and were turned down so they raised a ruckus with the powers that be.  Solution was to deny lights to everyone.  Yeah, that sounds like somebody puffed up with their own power. Stupid people.  Would be interesting to find out exactly who that person was making such a wise decision.  I took Maddie back home and came back to my place to try and figure out something easy for supper. Found a Marie Callendar dinner in the freezer and while I wasn't really in the mood for ole Marie, I also wasn't in the mood to go find fast food anywhere.

I waited three days for the orthopedic office to call (that my doctor was going to call and refer me to) and after not hearing my phone ring, I decided to call my doctor and find out why. Sure enough....the nurse or whoever didn't read far enough in my chart and THEY DIDN'T SEE THE NOTE!  GRRRRR.....  If my hip wasn't giving me such grief nonstop, I wouldn't have minded quite as much but I'm at the point now where I need something done yesterday!  She apologized but said she's sure they'll call next Monday.  Sigh....

I sat down to read the People Magazine but had to tear out SEVERAL inserts first. Most of them stunk to high heaven.  I had barely started in reading when I noticed the pages were turning my fingers black.  Figured I'd had enough aggravation for one day.

 



Sometimes going to bed isn't a way to get away from it all.  My dreams had me living back in my mobile in Hadlock and the nonsense that went on was nothing short of a nightmare. Fake cops at my door (who when I insisted on seeing their badges) showed me cookies that melted in their hand. People kept showing up looking for somebody named Pnea somebody.  My door kept shrinking and needed more sheetrock and things went from bad to worse -- like my car (only it was my black truck) getting lost in the mill parking lot again.  It went on and on but I won't bore you anymore than I already have.  ha!

 

Wayne, Jenni, and the twins left early this morning for Silverdale. Soccer tournament. If they win a game, they have to go back again tomorrow. I seriously doubt I would spend my weekend running all over the countryside for kids' sports.  Yeah, I know. Bad Mama.  It is what it is.

I need a nap

I've got half a dozen black crows visiting out on my front lawn right now.  I wonder why they don't land on the neighbor's lawn.  Yeah, these are the kind of questions I ponder these days.

I left the house around 8:45 a.m. as I like to get my errands done early.  Walmart was fairly empty so I scooted around quickly picking up last minute Thanksgiving dinner items. Needed to pick up a prescription too. Their pharmacy policy now is to not let you take your pkg until the pharmacist talks to you about the side effects and such.  This can be a real nuisance if it's a drug you've been taking forever.  It can be an irritant if you get a pharmacist who you know darn well doesn't really know much.  Like the one I had today.  I decided I'd try out this low-dose antidepressant (to take the edge off) and maybe make me easier to get along with.  Don't put money on that one,though. 

The one thing she told me was:  "This drug affects people differently. You may feel depressed and suicidal."

"Well, that's just great!", I told her.  "What exactly, then, is the whole point in taking them in the first place?!"  She just smiled.  She told me if I notice I'm getting very depressed, I'll need to call my doctor.  I told her: "I'm not depressed now. I'm just pissed off a lot of the time!  hee hee

Stopped by the bank to visit with Jenni a few minutes and did a quick walk-thru at Goodwill and Serenity House. Nothing much appealed to me to I filled up with gas at Safeway and decided to go into the store and pick up what I couldn't find or forgot at Walmart.

Walmart's very long aisle of dry cereals had everything except the one I wanted --All Bran. As I browsed down Safeway's aisle, I came across this old guy (I think his daughter was helping him) and he was looking around for the kind of cereal he wanted. We both spied the All Bran at the same time (it has a different box so that was confusing) and he took one down for himself.  Not realizing he wanted two boxes for himself, as he reached for the second box, I took it out of his hands saying "thank you."  Then I realized he wasn't actually getting it down for me.  ha ha   I apologized and said: "oh, sorry...I thought you were helping me on my shopping list too."  He laughed and let me have it.

While in the parking lot, I checked my phone and realized I'd missed a call. A guy from class of '68
wanted to buy one of my books and an alumni photo CD.  Come to find out, he lived in PA near the library so I had him come by.  I had an extra copy of 'Walkin' on Water' up in the closet so he bought that one, as well.  He came in for a while and we visited and discussed classmates and Port Townsend. Told me to tell my brother, Dana, hello.....so "Hello Dana  -  from Rich Olson"

Rich is retired from the Forest Service and has lived in PA for decades.  I didn't actually know him but I knew his family. His uncle was Fred Okert.

This gray weather is making me feel like I need a nap.  Maybe I'll set aside quilt sewing today and just veg out in the recliner with the knitting needles. I made a slipper last night and need to make the other one today.  Think I'll practice on making a pom pom too. I used to know how to do that.

And here's a guy whose music I always enjoyed.  This is good country...


When I stopped at Walgreens to pick up my pictures, they had some cracker jacks for sale on the counter. Always a sucker for a "prize inside" ( plus I like cracker jacks), I decided to buy some. I suppose it still sells in a box but this time it was in a bag.  The prize was stupid.  Their prizes have been stupid for years but I'm a slow learner.  It was a pencil topper and with a fun note telling me that a typical pencil can write 45,000 words or draw a line 35 miles long.  I would have been more excited with a top.

Early morning

Another day of getting up early.  Woke up at 5 but laid there a half hour longer hoping I could convince my body that she really needed to stay in the sack a little longer.  Sore hips won out so I'm up and at 'em!

Had a slow start yesterday but once I got moving, I was a woman obsessed.  I rearranged the living room and changed some of the wall decor in three rooms.  Then ('cause my life is boring sometimes but I still have this need to bore others) I walked around video taping the final  layout.   And yeah, it's lame.




My doctor appt. was for 2:45 but I had errands to run first so I went from stop to stop quickly. Naturally, it was pouring down rain the whole time.  First stop was at my neighbor Yvonne's house. She'd left with her daughter to go to the Seattle doctor but her cat managed to outwit her daughter and got outside.  Yvonne wanted me to convince the cat to go back in the house.  When I got there, she met me with loud meows....was more than eager to get in out of the rain.

The doctor listened patiently to my tales of woe about my hips hurting 24/7, and how alarmed I was at the cramp/spasm I had last week out of the blue.  She's referring me to a local orthopedic doctor in PA or Sequim.  I asked for whoever has the first opening so now I sit and wait for the phone call.  My life seems to revolve around medical appts these days.

On the plus side, my doctor did manage to cheer me up regarding my drug insurance. I told her I signed up for Humana through WM but when I realized how much the monthly premium was and how there was a $325 annual deductible, I cancelled it.  The two drugs I take now only total $80 a year so I'd never meet the deductible and I figured it was a waste of money.  I felt it was the right decision for my circumstances but I also realized we're all at the mercy of fate when it comes to health and I could end up needing expensive drugs before the year was up.  She told me that I'd be surprised at how many drugs are available for $4 at WM (and other places) for a variety of health issues. Not just cholesterol and blood pressure but heart medicines too.  That eased my mind a lot.

Just looked over the tv schedule for tonight and guess I'll tune in to Nature on PBS as they're doing a piece on ducks.  I'm surprised how nature shows have become something I search out these days. Another show I've discovered on HGTV is 'Love it or Leave it.'  It's probably my favorite of all those type of programs. 

And speaking of nature, here's my birds in the yard photos for today...

 First time I've had quail in the fenced back yard. They discovered some spilled seeds, I guess.

 

And here's a picture of my son's newest pet....Mr. Beau Bleu....

 

Last night I finished an afghan I've been crocheting.  Much to my dismay, however, I noticed when I laid it out on the floor that I have a definite slant in the sides.  Not sure how I managed to do that, but I'll still gift it out. I'll just have to make sure it's gifted to someone who doesn't crochet and might not recognize the flaw.  Who am I kidding?!  Ha!  You'd have to be blind.  Keep this in mind if you're the one who ends up getting it in the mail.  I'm old now and my eyesight is going.

A note on the news making the headlines this week.....I must be missing something (but I don't think so).... who really gives a rip about the sex scandals of the CIA?!  I can't figure out what all the hoopla is about. I thought it was a non-story from the get-go but then so is the fact that Justin Bieber and his girl friend split up, that Taylor Swift and the Kennedy kid split up, or that Kirstie Allie has slept around. B-O-R-I-N-G!!!!

Well, time to get moving. I've got a quilt top to finish, websites to browse for Xmas gift ideas, and a Town Kid blog post to work on.  48 years ago today was my due date for my first child.  Funny the things you remember.  Man oh man!  My oldest is going on 50.  I think I'm getting tears in my eyes---and an upset stomach!



Feelin' lazy today

Every once in a while, I'll wake up and find I just can't get moving. Today is one of those.  Gotta take a shower later and try to do something with my hair 'cause it's doctor day and I need to make the effort to look halfway presentable.  Right now I'm so unpresentable, I don't think I can even walk out to the mailbox to send off the half dozen postcards I made up.

Been sitting here browsing on YouTube. Watched a ton of things.... Rod Stewart, Bob Dylan, Kenny Rogers, Jamey Johnson, Jakob Dylan, Alison Krauss, Mumford & Sons, Mick Jagger, Tina Turner, Hank Locklin, Beatles, Michael Jackson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tom Jones, Chuck Berry....you get the idea.  I'm loafing.

Came across a video on one of my favorite movies -- Midnight Cowboy.


Weather is looking wet and gray. I don't have too much on my agenda this week. Yesterday I worked steadily on a quilt sewing.  Have enough squares put together and strips sewn up to finish up a couple of top layers for putting together later.  The hard part is the batting and backing and tying it all together.  Have to do it in steps over a few days.

Am thinking (if my energy level rises to the cause)  I may rearrange the living room a bit. Want to put different pictures and quilt hangings on different walls. Maybe change the curtains too. Course this means a whole lot of climbing up and down on the step stool. I'll have to see how that goes. Am hoping a hot shower will help motivate me.

I guess the first line of attack is to get off this computer. Yep!  That sounds like a plan. Perhaps I'll write more later in the day.  Perhaps not.

Veterans Day

Just hung Old Glory out front and decided I'd post a few pics of veterans in my family.

        My dad, John A. Blankenship, in the marines during WWII

 My brother, John L. (Les) Blankenship in the army in Vietnam

 My son, Joseph P. Baldridge, in the army during Desert Storm

My son-in-law, Andrew Krogermeier, at his retirement ceremony from the Air Force


I'll probably spend the day just horsing around the house. Usual hobbies and such. Went to a get together last night at the "other grammas" house about a mile from me. She's recuperating from knee replacement.

Decided to wear my wig as the twins hadn't seen me in it yet. They weren't impressed, but they didn't cackle outright. Probably 'cause their mom would have killed them.  ha ha   Maddie asked me to take it off so she could see my under the wig hair. I did and then we all laughed. I don't think I'll wear it all that often. Way too itchy and uncomfortable. People should be used to seeing my terrible hair by this time anyhow.

And here's a video worth watching.....I do love a good marching song...