February 27th - Happy Birthday, Finn!

Today has been a better day than earlier in the week.  I still have the cold, but I can tell it is getting better - slowly - but at least better.

The morning started out as normal and then about 10:15 the RS president picked me up.  The playgroup was meeting at the church this morning, and we decided to take advantage of the chance to clean out the RS closet when we wouldn't be there alone.  It has been on our to-do agenda for the last year and a half or so.  We were very proud of ourselves when we finished!  Now we just need to figure out what do to with all those old manuals.  We kept a complete set for the RS library, but we don't need to waste space having multiple copies.  (Our decision was to offer them to anyone who wanted to take them, double check with the bishop, and then probably just throw them away.  Hate to do that, but the reality is that they just take up space.)

Once I got home, I had some lunch, did a few more things, and then made a run to the library.  I had four books to return and two more to pick up, plus a couple of books on CD for Bill.  I had planned to make another stop on the way home, but I completely forgot!  I am quite sure I am getting senile.

By then, I was getting pretty tired.  After all, this cold is still hanging on.  So I took a nap, starting a new book, but not reading very long.  I did sleep for quite a while, though!

This evening, we went to a birthday party for 3 year old Finn.  His dad is the other counselor in the bishopric.  They have no other family around here, and they like family birthday parties, so Finn picked the people from the ward that he wanted to have come.  We felt very privileged to be included!  Finn really likes "Mr. Bill."  It was a lot of fun.

I am so glad that this has been a far more productive day than the rest of the week.  Hopefully that trend will continue!

February 26th - Days Aren't Getting Much Better This Week

I got up this morning with every intention of going to my water aerobics class.  However, I finally realized that it would not be a wise thing to do - what with coughing, congestion, and nose drips.  So, I chose to have another quiet day in hopes that I will feel better tomorrow!

I did a few things around the house - not quite bedridden!  The big thing was getting the sheets off the bed, washed, and the bed made again.  It is always nice to climb into bed when the sheets are fresh!

I also worked on my RS email, my lesson for Sunday, and a number of other things.  I did a little family history, but mostly just checking for temple work having been done.  I did spend a big chunk of the afternoon in bed, reading and snoozing. 

Bill got home around noon again and I knew I was not feeling well when I turned down his offer to go out to Red Lobster for lunch!  David stopped by later and he and Bill went over to look at the play set that some friends are giving us.  They decided they will take it apart to move it here, since they want to replace the bolts anyway.  Much of the wood will also need to be sanded so there won't be any splinter problems.  I think they are also going to reconfigure the swing set part just a little.  We will also buy new swings and come up with a cover for the roof of the fort.  We had fun talking about what to do with the play area under the fort - sandbox?  maybe the blowup pool?  a shower head?  Should be fun!

So, I got a few things done, but nothing of any great interest.  I know it is going to take time for the sinuses to clear up, but hopefully I will feel more like getting out tomorrow.  After all, I have some busy days the rest of the week!

February 25th - So-so Monday

I am still fighting the effects of this cold, so my energy level is lower than usual - which means I have none!  I did get the usual Monday morning straightening done, so at least the house looks good. 

I also spent time at the computer - at least that doesn't take much energy.  Besides all the usual, I worked for a good bit of time on the RS email for the end of the week.  More and more people are mentioning the preparedness information and that they are following along and doing it, too, so now I feel a greater responsibility to make sure I get it done!

Bill got home around noon.  The job he was planning to do had to be rescheduled.  He had done a couple of estimates on his way home, but was glad it was postponed as he is still feeling under the weather, too.  We both ended up napping a good bit of the afternoon.

I also planned something for dinner - shock, I know!  A new box of fresh produce comes tomorrow, so I wanted to use up some of what was still left.  We ended up having chicken baked with stewed tomatoes, sweet potatoes, yellow squash and onions, and fresh cucumbers in vinegar.  It turned out really good. 

So, not a terrible day, but I certainly didn't get out to do the chores that I had put off on Friday.  Fortunately, there is nothing that can't wait a day or two, although I am wanting to get those things off my to-do list.  Maybe tomorrow???!!!

February 24th - Much Better Day!

I think laying low yesterday helped, as I am feeling so much better today.  I still have it in my throat and upper bronchial, but I don't have a fever nor do I feel as bad.

I like that we are now on the morning church schedule, so I get up, shower, do hair and makeup, get dressed, have some breakfast, and then check email, etc., if I have time.  Our meetings were very good today.  One young woman had her missionary farewell talk.  She had called her bishop between sessions of conference when the new age for young women was announced in October.  She will be going to Las Vegas and will be a great missionary.  Bill was the concluding speaker.  He was supposed to be prepared to talk for anywhere from 1 to 20 minutes, depending on how long the other speakers took.  He did an excellent job, too, and had about 15 minutes.

The RS lesson was also really good, as usual.  It was Teaching For Our Times and the conference talk was the one from Sister Dibbs, "I Know It. I Live It. I Love It."  There was a very strong spirit and I noticed a couple of sisters who had some strong feelings about some of the things said.

When I got home, I took a short nap so I would have the energy to get through the rest of the day.  Lisa had requested tacos for dinner, since she will have a birthday this week.  They don't take so long to prepare, so I had the time before they would get here.  Then I got dinner fixed and that was about when they arrived.

The kids ate - they love tacos! - and then wanted to go outside to play.  The weather was finally beautiful and we just left the back door open and they came and went as they pleased, while we sat at the table finishing our dinner and chatting.  Eventually we were all outside and the kids ended up on the hill at the side of the house, having fun rolling down and kicking the ball up the hill.  They had so much fun.  While Bill and David took them on a walk, Lisa and I got a chance to relax a little.  When they all came back in, Bill had to get ready to go to a meeting, but the rest of us relaxed some more and the kids played.  As usual, they were very entertaining.

I was so glad to have a great day today, especially after such a bad day yesterday. 

February 23rd - Dreadful Day!

The cold that has been nipping at me all week seemed to attack today.  It is mostly in my throat and upper bronchial.  I never even got dressed today!  I was either sitting at the computer, reading, or sleeping.  I think that a shut-down day is probably the best medicine, but it was dreadful.  Not only that, but the weather was dreadful, too. 

In between all my moaning and groaning, I managed to get three loads of laundry done and the dishwasher run.  And that was it!  Bill didn't feel any better, so we were quite the pair!  He had to go out for a scripture chase activity this evening, and was enough better that he handled that.

I have no doubt that tomorrow will be a better day!

February 22nd - Happy Birthday, David!

This has been a rather busy day.  I did a few normal things to start off my day, then one of the sisters I visit teach came by.  I have hired her to make a cushion for the bookcase/bench that I just got from IKEA.  She had a piece of foam that wasn't going to get used, so she came over to measure and make sure the foam would work.  From there, we both drove to her place to drop off her car for her husband, then we took off for Snellville to shop at JoAnn's.  By the time we got there, it was almost time for lunch, so we stopped at Steak and Shake and had a nice long lunch - talking the whole time.  She had some things that she had wanted to talk about and that worked out perfectly.  From there, we went to pick out the fabric and the notions for the cushion.  It was a great VT visit, I must say!

I had a short list of other chores that I planned to do on my way home.  One of them was to drop off the checks for the group order to my friend who was going to the cannery for both of us this evening.  So, I gave her a quick call on the phone to make sure she was home.  Turned out, she was standing at my front door!  She needed to go out, so she was going to pick up the checks to help me out.  Funny.  I went on home, gave her the checks, and we visited a bit. 

By then, I decided that the chore list could wait another day.  Bill had gotten home while I had been gone, and he wanted to rest a little.  I was doing a couple of computer things.  We had just gotten settled and the missionaries stopped by.  We always enjoy seeing them, but it is hard to nap with visitors!  Actually, they really just stopped to use the bathroom.  They were on their way to an appointment and only stayed a short while.

They left and we settled in again, and one of the first things I saw was the news release that the church had created 58 new missions and one of the new ones would be Georgia Macon.  Just a few years ago, there was only one mission in GA - now there will be three!

I finally decided to take a short nap, too, and today I did sleep for a half hour or so.  Not long after we both got up, we headed over to Lisa's for dinner.  Today is David's birthday and he likes to have a home cooked meal rather than going out.  They fixed a plank grilled salmon, grilled veggies and pineapple, rice, salad - all very good.  Then the birthday cake was a chocolate cake.  We used to call it a tunnel of love cake, because it has a fudge center, but they are calling it something fancier now. 

In addition to dinner, we were able to watch quite a show put on by the kids.  Ashby is so into ballet and having her daddy lift her.  She has the look down perfectly - pretty legs, pointed toes, pretty arms, pointed fingers, head held just perfectly.  Brooks likes to do it, too, but he doesn't look so graceful!  I guess he is the comic relief.  It was a lot of fun.

February 21st - Busy Morning!

After water aerobics, I stopped at the grocery store (yes, all wet and in my swimming suit!) to pick up two quick items.  Then I hurried home, got cleaned up, put together the birthday mug (that was why I had to pick up the hot chocolate paks and some candy at the store) for one of the sisters I visit teach.  Then I met her for lunch at 11:30.  We had a great visit and spent a long time chatting. 

When I got home, I had a lot of things to do at the computer.  My house didn't need any straightening today!  Well, other than the few dishes that were not put into the dishwasher - I wonder who did that.  I have learned to think of that particular appliance as the dirty dish holder and I can't stand to have dirty dishes anywhere else!

I spent some time working on the preparedness part of my email.  I should be able to get that out tomorrow on time.  I also worked on my RS lesson, some planning for a trip to CVS tomorrow (coupons, etc.), and a number of other things.  I even got a little time on family history, but not enough to really accomplish anything.

I have had a sore throat since yesterday and today my throat is feeling "funny," so I hope I am not actually getting something.  Maybe if I just ignore it, it will go away!  I did decide that a nap would be good, although I didn't sleep at all again.

I was so ambitious at dinner that I fixed grilled cheese sandwiches and soup.  How is that for a big meal!! Ha.

February 20th - Not Quite a Usual Day

I had someone coming to clean the house today, so I had to clean the house!  HA!  Not really.......  However, I did need to make sure everything was straightened up, so she could spend all her time cleaning and not moving junk around.  I do the straightening almost every day anyway, but I was particularly attentive to details today - and I made sure I didn't skip any rooms!  I have reached the point in my life where I can't stand clutter and I don't want to clean.  Thus, my house always looks clean, but it really isn't.  So tonight, it not only looked clean, but it actually was!

I spent the rest of my morning time doing various computer related things, then I focused on family history.  That is what I was totally absorbed in when the cleaning woman came just after lunch.  I had gotten a Groupon for three 2-hour cleanings for $99.  $33 to clean my whole house was a bargain, so I grabbed it up.  She did a really good job and was able to get all through the house in the two hours.  I am happy with my bargain, even with a $10 tip added in.

Bill was home by the time she left.  I went back to the family history and he "rested."  Around 6:00, we headed over to the church for the Red Cross blood drive.  It turns out they wouldn't let me give - not sure why, but it was blocked on the computer so I will call them tomorrow.  Bill was able to give his pint, though, so it wasn't a total loss.

So, today was not a quite a normal day, but close enough!

February 19th - Just Another Day!

I started with water aerobics, came home and showered, etc., then did some computer stuff, straightening around the house, etc.  At 2:00, I had a visiting teaching appointment which was fun - she and I love to talk! 

Later, I worked on family history for a while - still on my grandfather's siblings; worked on my next RS lesson; worked on the RS email; sent out some emails.  I even decided I needed a nap - you know, all that hard exercise just wears me out!  Of course, I never did get to the sleeping part of the nap.  Ha!

I guess that makes it pretty much a normal, boring day.  But, I enjoyed all of it.  One of the poems I used on Monday evening for Empty Nesters is the one by Emily Dickinson: "I'm nobody.  Who are you?  Are you nobody, too?  Then there's a pair of us.  Don't tell!  They'd banish us you know."  So me!!!

February 18th - Empty Nesters

This has been a whirlwind day - busy, busy, busy!  That's good, but I have to admit I kind of like the lazy ones!

In the morning, I had to get the house cleaned up since Empty Nesters Family Home Evening was here this evening.  There was the usual "left over from Sunday" mess to deal with, plus a little extra so we wouldn't be embarrassed about the way thinks looked.  Since the theme was around Valentine's Day, I also dug out the valentine decorations for the table.  I know, Valentine's Day was actually last week and why didn't I have things out already??  Just never got around to it, to tell the truth.  Anyway, I hung the heart wreath on the door and decorated the dining table.  I had picked up valentine plates and cups at the Dollar Store last time I was there.  It ended up looking really nice and I had several comments on how pretty the table was.

I also had do a run to the library to return a book due today, plus another that I had finished, and to pick up another that has come in.  Then I got a haircut - badly needed!  My final stop was at the grocery store to pick up something for refreshments.  At least we do pot luck, so I only had to get a little.  I bought some frozen spanakopita (Greek filo pastries filled with a spinach and feta cheese mixture) and some frozen cream puffs. 

During my breaks all day, I worked on my next RS lesson.  It will be chapter 3 of Daughters in My Kingdom and is a really powerful chapter.  The biggest problem is picking out what to use and what to skip since a 25 minute lesson isn't long enough for everything!  I asked one of the sisters in our group to tell one of the stories, preferably in the first person.  Still much more to plan on that.

FHE was a lot of fun.  Since it was around the theme of Valentine's Day, everyone had been asked to bring one or two poems.  They could be love poems, funny, serious, whatever.  It was actually a lot of fun as we went around and everyone read the poem they had chosen.  It turned out to be a great evening.  Of course, the food is always a big part and the table was "heavily laden" with some very good stuff!  We also love the socializing, which is really the whole point in the first place.

When everyone left, it only took a few minutes to get things cleaned up.  By then, it was time for bed and a little time reading.  I am making my way through the D&C at a pretty good pace just reading a section or two each evening.  Then I read whatever book is on the top of my stack until I am ready to go to sleep.

So today was very busy - and a lot of fun!

February 17th - Ward Conference

We had ward conference this morning, so our church meetings were a little different than usual.  The speakers in Sacrament Meeting were the bishop and the stake president - both excellent.  The  last two hours were combined with the priesthood and we heard the 1st counselor in the stake presidency, the stake RS president, her first counselor, the stake Sunday School president, and the high counselor assigned to our ward.  It made for a long time sitting in the chapel!!  But it was all good.

When I got home, I got the roast in the oven and the rest of dinner ready to go.  Then I had a little time to rest and do some computer things.  Bill got home a little earlier than usual - there were some things going on after the conference, but he managed to slip between the cracks, I guess, and didn't have to go out doing visits.

Lisa and the kids came over for dinner.  David wasn't feeling well and decided to stay home.  As usual, we had a fun afternoon with them.  Brooks can now count to ten and he put on quite a demonstration - counting everything over and over again.  Ashby had a little fever, so she came in her nightgown, but seemed to be feeling well enough to play, too.  She did spend a long time reading books, though.  It was a very fun afternoon.

In the evening, I got focused on family history.  I am trying to get birth information (I know the dates and general area, but I have not found any records yet) for my grandfather and his siblings.  I am hoping if I can fill in enough blanks, I will be able to focus my search more specifically in the Danish records.  Tonight I was working on one of his younger sisters and trying to get everything I can on her.  For some reason, I have not been able to find any of them in the 1910 census, which is strange since they were all here by 1903.  I also have been unable to find Camilla in the 1930, which should be easy, as she was married by then.  I found several new items, but not either of those.  I guess I will just keep looking!

February 16th - Service Project

This morning we had our monthly Relief Society meeting.  The stake has a service project going on to make blankets for DFACS (Dept of Family and Children Services) and for the elderly.  They are mostly lap size blankets.  Since the project ends in March, we used our activity this month to work together.  It was a lot of fun.  In spite of lots of conflicts (YW stake basketball tournament and a 4 day weekend which took many out of town), we had about 20 turn out.  We had some cutting flannel blankets, others tying or weaving the edges, and a few learning to crochet.  I was surprised how many wanted to learn!  I think we may have to offer another class in that.  We ended up with 8 or 9 completed blankets, and quite a few more in various stages.  Those were taken home to finish. 

When I got home, I did some usual odds and ends, including some laundry, change sheets, computer stuff, etc.  For dinner, Bill decided we should go out to eat, but when the wait at Red Lobster was over an hour, I voted for fast food!  I was hungry, but I didn't care that much what I ate.  We ended up going to Steak and Shake, which turned out to be perfect - better than fast food, no wait, and the best milk shakes!

February 15th - Unexpected Day with the Grandkids!

Bill had left for work - rather late, actually - and I was finishing up my blogs, FB, emails, etc., when Lisa called and wanted to know if I was going to be home and could the kids come by for a while so she could run some errands and get her hair done.  Fortunately, I was indeed going to be home and, of course, she could drop the kids off.

It was about 11:00 when they got here and we had a day of it!  Mac & cheese for lunch - play with cars - tickle fest - laugh a lot.  Then it was time for Brooks to take a nap.  I am amazed that he still goes down so easily.  While he slept, Ashby and I built a huge tower with the legos and played Rapunzel with the Barbies. 

When Brooks woke up, there were more toys brought out.  We had train Thomas set up - the music toys - the clock toy - the block train - not even sure what else!  There was lots more laughing, tickling, playing, and having a great time. 

Lisa got back around 4:30 and stayed for a little to chat.  My friend came by to pick up her 31 Bags order and she and Lisa talked about the party she is booking from mine.  It was probably 5:30 when they all were finally gone.

In between all that excitement, I did manage to get 3 loads of laundry done, the dishwasher emptied and kitchen straightened, and very little else!!!  What a fun day, though.  The kids are so good and it makes it easy for old Grandma to take care of them.

Once they left, I had to finish up my Friday email for RS and get that sent.  Then I did a few other computer things and was ready for bed early!

Here's hoping for a few more fun days like this!

February 14th - Happy Valentine's Day!

It may have been Valentine's Day, but around here it was just another day.  I don't get too excited about holidays like this and we don't really do anything special.  My day did start with a cute eCard from my college roommate who is on a mission with her husband in Sweden.  She is the thoughtful one and always remembers things like this.  I am so glad she is one of those friends you can count on one hand!

I did the water aerobics class and then hurried home to shower, etc., so I could get to presidency meeting by 11:00.  We had a good meeting.  The VT coordinator came in around 12:30 and we spent the last hour or more trying to update the changes that needed to be made to VT - a never-ending struggle!

I got a chuckle out of Bill.  He was at home when I left for aerobics, but he was gone when I got home.  I guess he forgot that I had the meeting, so around 1:00 or so, my cell phone rang.  I usually ignore it, since no one calls me much, but I decided to look at the screen and it was Bill.  Turns out he had come home, my car was not there, he couldn't find my wet suit (it was in the laundry room where he didn't think to look), and he was worried that I never made it home from aerobics.  Sweet; at least he noticed I was gone!

By the time I got home, I fixed some lunch, did a number of things on the computer, and finally decided I needed a reading/nap.  I enjoyed the reading, but never get to the nap part!  LOL! 

In the evening, Bill went home teaching and I was working on some family history, when the missionaries stopped by.  They had transfers this week and we have a new one.  We had a nice visit and Bill got home just as they were ready to go. 

Turned out to be a busy and mostly productive day - just no Valentine celebrations.  Well, Bill did bring home some flowers when he ran to the grocery store.  I guess he still has a touch of the romantic in him!

February 13th - Surprise Shopping with Brooks!

Just another ordinary day around here.  About 10:30, Lisa called and said she was dropping Ashby off to play with her friend and she and Brooks were available for a trip to Kohl's.  We had shopped there last week and had a $10 coupon which we planned to use to buy some more things for Brooks.  So, we met up at the store.  I got there first and was waiting in the breezeway, sitting on the bench, when they arrived.  Brooks is so darn cute!  He was totally absorbed in making the door open, so when he saw me, he was really surprised.  Best thing of all - he broke into the biggest grin ever and came running for a hug.  I loved it!

After shopping a bit, we went to Moe's for lunch.  Brooks loves their burritos and ate his entire Jr. one and then started in on Lisa's.  Interesting, though, that he wouldn't eat the cookie - it was a bit crumbly and he doesn't like things that are "messy."  Funny!

What a delightful couple of hours, before I headed back home and back to whatever I was supposed to be doing - which wasn't much!  I did get a couple of loads of laundry done, and a few other things.  I spent the rest of my time on family history.  I am currently trying to figure out how to access the Danish records, so I can get my grandfather's birth record.  I think I have found the link - now I just have to figure out how to read Danish!

I did manage to sneak in a short read/nap this afternoon.  It was another cloudy, drizzly day, but hopefully the sun will be back tomorrow!

February 12th - A Much Better Day

I felt much better today - and of course the sun was shining!  I do think I have reached the point where weather seriously affects my joints and sinuses.  It has always been that way a little, but it seems to be getting worse.

Anyway, this morning I went to water aerobics; then home to shower and get ready for rest of day.  Bill was home today, so he had some yard work he wanted to do.  I did a couple of things, mostly on the computer.  I managed to do a little family history.  I worked on my RS email and ended up spending quite a bit of time.  It is the preparedness section that always takes the most time.  I think it is about ready for sending on Friday, with maybe a quick touch up or two.

I was really tired, though, so I did manage to get a good nap.  My naps always start with an hour of reading.  I am wondering if I have gotten into the nap routine for the sake of the reading rather than the nap??!  Until recently, I have not napped quite so much.  The doctor has sent me to have a recalibration done on my CPAP machine to see if that is why I am suddenly more tired.  That is scheduled for March.  I hope that will solve that problem.

I did make a run to the library, too.  I had a couple of things to return and four books had come in.  They are all rather short reads that I picked out from The Library of Clean Reads blog. 

For dinner, Bill wanted the casserole that I had taken to someone last week.  It was just a chicken and noodle casserole, but I think he liked the cheese sauce that was on it.  So, I actually cooked today - and it was an easy one.

I am so glad I felt so much better today.  I still didn't do a lot, but that's OK. 

February 11th - What a Dismal Day!

I am not sure if it was because it was rainy and dreary all day or what, but I didn't feel good today.  I was all achy, headache, tired, etc.  I don't think I am coming down with anything - just the weather and good old "arthur" I think.  I did a little in the morning and then actually went and laid down and slept a couple of hours.  I never sleep in the morning!

When I got up, I still didn't have energy, so just kind of piddled around with a few things, not really accomplishing anything worth mentioning!  What a horrid day.  Hopefully a good night's sleep with help make tomorrow better.

Billy called in the evening - I think he was bored, too.  We talked a little and he talked to Bill for a while.  He hasn't really made any good friends since his move and he really needs to get out there and do something.  This is the time of year when it gets the worst in Iowa.  You are tired of winter, but there is still 6 or 8 weeks of it left!  It does remind me why I will not be moving back!

February 10th - I Love Sundays!

Church meetings were good today, as usual.  During the Sunday School hour, we met with the stake RS presidency, which was nice.  The power of the spirit in the RS lesson was really strong.  It was a wonderful way to begin the day and the week.

Back home, I got dinner prepared - at least what needed to be done ahead of time.  Then, I had time to take a short nap, which I really needed today!  After the nap, I worked on dinner.  We had fried pork chops, russian yellow potatoes, mixed fresh veggies (zucchini, yellow squash, yellow peppers, onions, and tomato), sauteed cabbage, applesauce, and frozen "homemade" bread.  It was all very good and everyone ate well!


When we heard a little knock on the door, we figured it was Ashby.  She is always the first one to the door and loves to knock and then peek in the window.  When Bill opened the door this time, there stood Brooks!  He was smiling from ear to ear!  They had come in separate cars and Lisa and Brooks arrived first. 

He comes in, gives us a hug, and then starts chattering about "the cars" - "where are the cars?"  That is almost always the first thing he wants to play with - the road mat and the cars.  He ended up taking a really nice nap, so he was sleeping while we had dinner.  Lisa had fixed him something before he went down.

When everyone was back up, we had the best time playing with the kids.  They were both very funny today and we laughed a lot.  Of course, Brooks ended up wanting to get out "train Thomas," but other than that, they didn't get out toys today.  While he was sleeping, Ashby sat by the bookshelf and read a ton of books.  It is still hard to realize that at 4, she is reading.  And she loves it!  Later, when I sat on the couch, she brought a stack and wanted me to read to her for a while.  Gotta love having a granddaughter sitting in your lap while you read!

So, we had a great Sunday.  It is always my favorite day of the week!

February 9th - Just Saturday!

Nothing too exciting about the day today.  Being Saturday, I actually dusted and cleaned a little more than usual and also did 4 loads of laundry.  We got the bookcase/bench put together and I am very happy with the way it looks.  I also had some time to do some family history, as well as some other things on the computer.  I also finished the 3rd season of Downton Abbey, so now I won't have anything to waste time on for a while.

In the evening, some of the women from church wanted a Girls Night Out, so five of us met at the Mexican restaurant and had a grand time eating and talking and laughing.  It was fun.

So, another of my rather uninteresting days has rolled by. 

February 8th - Quick Run to IKEA........

....OK, everyone knows that was a joke.  There is no such thing as a "quick" run to IKEA.  However, we did go down and spend a few hours there.  Bill didn't have a job today and I have been wanting us to take a day and do some shopping, so it finally arrived!  After a couple of errands in the morning, we took off.  The first thing we did was have lunch.  Priorities, you know! 

Then we started the long hike - and had a great time.  I have been planning on buying a shelf unit that can be used on its side for a bench, so that was one of the items I was specifically looking at.  We got that and three bins to use with it.  It will go under the windows in the sunroom and will primarily be a bookcase.  I want a foam pad on top, so I will have to get that yet.

Our other purpose in shopping there was to look at their kitchens, particularly countertops and backsplashes.  We are planning on redoing our kitchen in the near future and we have been looking around for ideas and good deals.  Besides that, IKEA is just fun.

When we got home, it was mid-afternoon and we were both tired.  That means that the bookcase will get put together another day!  I did a good bit of family history and also watched another episode of Downton Abbey. 

I forgot to send out my RS email, which I worked all day yesterday getting ready, so that will be a day late.  Good thing I just call it the "weekend" email!

So, a busy and fun day.  We don't seem to have many days that we spend together all day, so that was fun, too.

February 7th - Another Rainy Day in Georgia!

What a rainy dreary day!  I keep reminding myself that we need to have a rainy winter, as we have been dry the last couple of years and the lakes and water tables need to be filled - but I still hate having to go through the dreary days!

I did my water aerobics and then got cleaned up when I got home.  I was starving, so ate a little, and then didn't feel like doing anything!  I ended up spending the rest of the morning and most of the afternoon working on my preparedness stuff for the email this week.  I did a few other things in there, too.  I finally got tired of that and watched another episode of Downton Abbey.

This evening, I had to go to man the family history center.  The presidencies of the wards all have to take turns doing this.  I love family history and wouldn't mind working at the center, but this seems like adding to the loads that the busiest people in the ward already have to carry.  It is only a couple of times a year, but it is the principle of the thing!  The high priest group leader is in charge, so he and his wife met us there to give us the run through of what needed to be done.  Bill decided to come with me, since the bishopric also has to take a turn and their is next week.  Then, since it was quiet and they are good friends, we ended up sitting around just talking.  A lot of fun, really!  We had one patron who was there the whole time - reading and printing things from a microfilm - so she was in the other room. 

So, even in spite of the dreary day, I actually accomplished quite a lot!

February 6th - Some Shopping with the Kids!

My day started as usual - straightening, computer, changing and washing sheets, etc.  Then Lisa called and said they were ready to go do some shopping.  We had set it up as a tentative plan earlier, but I was waiting to hear if we were going to make it.

We met up at Kohl's and had fun shopping there.  The kids played in the toy department with Lisa while I looked for a couple of things I wanted; then I stayed with the kids while she shopped.  When they were finally ready to move on, we walked around the store.  Brooks discovered the hall in the back of the store that leads to the bathrooms and the employee area, so we spent a lot of time exploring that.  He loved turning the water fountains on and off; and climbing up on the benches.  I finally put him up on the handle bar, since Lisa was in the stroller seat, and we went to find Lisa.  Lots of fun.

From there, we headed over to the mall to get lunch at the food court.  We also got a carousel ride.  We topped it off with an ice cream cone.  By the time we finished all that, it was nap time, so the trip to the play area was postponed for another day.  We all had a great day!

At home, I finished up the sheets and got the bed remade, did a few more little things, and then settled in to finish up season 2 of Downton Abbey.  I had been having trouble getting it to stream properly, so had set it aside, but it seems to be working again.  I have now finished the first episode of Season 3.  Of course, that meant I got very little else done!  Great way to finish out my day, though!

February 5th - Another Good Day!

I started my day with my water aerobics class, came home and showered, and did some things around the house and on the computer.  I also had to take a dinner in to someone, so I did a little planning on that.  In between everything else, I managed to get 4 loads of laundry done.  Busy, busy, busy!

Later in the afternoon, I got a phone call.  When I answered, I heard, "Grandma."  Yes, it was Ashby calling.  She wanted to know if she and her daddy to come over to fix the door.  (We discovered yesterday that the door on the playhouse had broken, probably in that huge windstorm we had a couple of weeks ago.)  It was cute talking to her - she seems so grown up!  Of course, I had to be sure that this was not something she was planning on her on without input from her parents.  I could overhear her then talking to Lisa, who had no idea she was on the phone with me.  It turns out David knew, though, and it was to be a little daddy-daughter time.

They came over and it took David all of five minutes to fix the door.  Then we just enjoyed a little fun time.  I had to finish up the dinner I was taking.  The person it was going to finally called to confirm everything, so Ashby went with me to deliver it.  While we were there, Ashby managed to charm my friend totally.  She was wearing her mermaid costume and my friend loved it, so she gave her a couple of costumes that her own daughter had outgrown. 

When we got home, Ashby could hardly wait to try them on!  She was so excited.  It was really a nice gift.  Once again, it proves the point - when we serves others, we are blessed more!

I had fixed extra of the dinner, so we had plenty, too.  David and Ashby ate here, before they finally headed off for home.  What a fun surprise to have them come by!

February 4th - Another Manic Monday!

Mondays are usually busy and today was no exception.  I was busy around the house until I had to go for my doctor's appointment at 11:15.  This was the appointment I made them change when they tried to change the doctor last week.  It was just for prescription renewal, but I have become adamant about seeing only that one doctor.  I am glad I did, too, as my doctor responds so positively to everything - no guilt trips about this or that.  When I mentioned a couple of things that I have been noticing, he immediately evaluated my situation and decided on a course of action.  No garbage involved!  He is going to send me for another sleep study - well actually just a CPAP test study.  He thinks maybe the pressure on my CPAP needs to be adjusted.  That would explain suddenly being so tired all the time.  Sure hope that is all it takes!  And, based on blood test results, he may tweak some of the meds a little.

From there, I ran a list of errands - to the dollar store for some things I have been meaning to get - to the grocery store to pick up a few items - to the library to return and pick up books - to my friend's house to deliver the group order for her ward - finally back home.  After a late lunch and doing a few things on the computer, I decided to take a nap.  I had read a little and then dozed off, when the phone rang.  Lisa and kids were at the school she used to teach at, which is 5 minutes from my house, so they wanted to stop by for a while.

So, had a fun hour with the kids here.  Ashby was in a cuddly mood and wanted to get tickled and have her back rubbed.  They were both really giggly!  We went outside for a bit, too.  They looked out the window and saw birds at the bird feeder and couldn't wait to get out there.  Of course, the birds flew away, but once they are out, they just run.  We refilled the bird feeder, too, while we were out there.  I thought it was cute when Ashby took a handful and threw the seeds on the patio.  She said she was putting them there for the squirrels.  Last time we filled the feeder, we spilled a bunch and I told her it didn't matter, because the squirrels would eat it all up.  Cute she remembered.

Once they left, the day was rather quiet!  So, it may have been a manic Monday, but I got a lot done and got to see the kids.  Who could ask for more?

February 3rd - Taco Sunday!

Yes, we had homemade tacos for Sunday dinner.  This seems to be everyone's favorite meal.  I must admit that we think they are the best tacos ever!

We had a great church service this morning.  It was fast and testimony meeting and there were a lot of very spiritual testimonies.  In gospel principles, we talked about the creation.  In RS, the lesson was the 2nd chapter of Daughters in My Kingdom, about the organization of the RS.  It was really well done and there was a really special spirit there.  I even got one email in the evening from one of the sisters who mentioned how much she enjoyed it.

When I got home, I got everything going for dinner - the meat cooked, topping chopped, table set, etc.  Then I had a little time to do some things on the computer.  I had some emails I needed to send, as well as some other things. 

Bill got home just a few minutes before the kids got here.  I let him cook the taco shells.  I used to do it, but for some reason, he thinks it is his job now.  And then we enjoyed dinner.  Even the little ones like tacos, so it was a big hit.

The rest of the afternoon was as usual - mostly watching the kids play and playing with them.  David helped Bill figure out how to load music on his new MP3 player.  It was very relaxed and fun.  They left shortly after the Super Bowl game started, which was set to record anyway.  While Bill watched that, I was doing more computer stuff.  It seems we waste our time differently these days!

What a great Sunday!

February 2nd - Ground Hog Day!

Another normal Saturday around here - nothing too exciting.  It was, however, a very bright and sunny day - cold, though! - and Beauregard Lee saw his shadow.  He is the only groundhog we pay attention to in the south!  I understand "that other one" did not see his shadow.  I am wondering if that means spring is going to come to Pennsylvania before it comes to Atlanta??? Nah - we will still get spring first!

I got some laundry done, house straightening, family history, RS stuff, etc.  Otherwise, it was a pretty boring day.  I did lay down to take a nap, but never did get to sleep as I finished my book instead.  This one was The Unspoken by Heather Graham.  It had been recommended, and it would have been a pretty good mystery, but I really don't like paranormal books and these FBI agents talked with ghosts.

Another average day in the average life of an average senior citizen - what can I say??!!!

February 1st - New Month, Dull Day

I wasn't feeling so well this morning, so I didn't get much accomplished.  I am not sure what was going on, but I just ached all over and was so tired.  I did a few things - very few! - around the house, then spent time on the computer.  I finally gave up and took an ibuprofen and took a nap.  When I got up, I was feeling better.  I am not getting a cold or anything - maybe just the change in the weather making everything ache.

Anyway, I spent the rest of the afternoon working on family history.  I really got into some research, mostly working on the Cantrells.  They are impossible!  There were so many of them and they all had the same names.  It is so hard to try to figure out who belongs to whom, etc.  I found an 1800 census from Spartanburg, SC, with 7 Cantrells on the same page!  That census only lists head of household and then number of residents by sex/age category.  Of the seven, I might have figured out one of them!  I will give it another try soon.

I also managed to get the week end email done and sent for RS.  I put in quite a bit of time on that this week, so it was good to get it sent on time.

Bill rushed in from work, showered, and then took off for a high school basketball game where two of our young men play on the varsity team.  I was not the least bit interested in going to a game, so I just stayed at the family history a little longer! 

When I picked up the group order the other day, I also picked up the order for a friend in a nearby ward.  She came by this evening to pick her order up, only for me to discover that Bill had taken the car and her order was in the back seat!  I guess I will drop it off at her place tomorrow.  She is only 5 minutes away, so it isn't a big deal.  She did come in with her little boy for a few minutes and we had a chance to visit. 

After her visit, I made some popcorn and read a bit.  It has not been a productive day at all, but I did enjoy the family history work. 

January 31st - End of the First Month of the Year!

Boy, January has gone by so fast!  It is amazing how each year goes more quickly.  Just when we wish things would slow down!!!!

I started the day with water aerobics, hurried home to shower and change and then headed out to RS presidency meeting.  It had been a while since we had met since our last meeting had to be cancelled.  That took about 2 1/2 hours.  Then I made a quick stop at home to pick up my meds and Kindle so I could go to the doctor's office for prescription renewal visit.  When I got there, I was told that the doctor was gone for the afternoon and they had reassigned his appointments to another doctor.  Since I can't stand any of the other doctors, I simply refused, so they had to reschedule me for next Monday. 

By the time I got home again, I was so tired!  I fixed me some lunch - at 3:00! - and then decided it was time for a nap.  Well, more accurately, I should say that it was time to read.  I was finishing up a really good book, Winter Garden, by Kristin Hannah, and I just kept reading and never did sleep.  It is a very good book, although some pretty depressing parts. 

For dinner, we went up Del Rio for some Mexican and then came back home.  I worked at the computer a little while, since I had not had a chance all day to do much. 

I felt like I was on the run most of the day - so this fast moving month ended with a fast moving day!