Things were a little slow around here this morning - school is still out (that doesn't affect me, of course!) - roads had re-iced, and it was cold! I had taken a loaf of bread dough out of the freezer last night, so I made some cinnamon rolls this morning. Yummy! Bill didn't leave until late morning, as he had to pick up some supplies for his job and he didn't want to deal with any messes.
I spent the rest of my day doing as little as possible. It is amazing how quickly I become totally lazy! I did work on my family history files and got all done that I can do until the supplies come in. (Note - they arrived late this afternoon, so maybe tomorrow I can work it into my schedule.) I did manage to do a few of the necessary things around the house, but only the necessaries! I also worked on the Bathcrest books. I need to get them finished up so Bill can think about doing the taxes. I will probably have to work on that some more tomorrow, too.
All my frenetic energy just plain wore me out, so I also took a rather long nap. Although my sinus infection seems to have cleared up, I guess I am still a little low on the energy level. I even cooked a quickie kind of dinner, so we were able to eat something besides cinnamon rolls today.
Since the temperature got a little above freezing today, most of the snow has melted. It is supposed to get up to 50 tomorrow, so that should finish it. I guess that means it is time to get back to normal. Whatever that is. It has been a fun and interesting week for us - so glad we were not part of the horrors that many had to endure. It is also good to hear so many good Samaritan stories coming out. People really are mostly good.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
January 29th - Fun Snow Day!
While much of Atlanta struggled to get home from work - many had still not made it yet by this morning - in our little world all was well. We got the least of the mess. There is ice and snow and it is foolish to be out unnecessarily, but we do not really have any major problems. In fact, once the sun came out, the stuff on the roofs and roads began to melt. Of course, anything in the shade stayed frozen since the temperature never got above the 20's.
Lisa, David and kids drove over this morning. The main roads were clear enough to be able to drive. They stopped at Costco on their way and bought a sled for the kids. The only real icing was along Prospect Church Rd. In fact, there was one vehicle that had skidded off and was in the ditch. David brought the family on over here and then went back to see if he could help them. He had thrown the chains in the back of the truck, so he was able to pull the car out. I think they were very grateful people - much cheaper than getting a tow truck!
Ashby and Brooks were so excited to play in the snow at our house. They had already played at home, but we have a better hill for them. It is to the side of the house and there isn't the danger of going in to the creek at the end! They had more fun - sliding, making snowballs, making snow angels, and just running around in it. Ashby spent quite a while in the playhouse in the backyard, making things with the snow in the little kitchen. They were in and out all day - mostly out!
They did head back home before the sun went down, since with all that melt they could expect everything to refreeze and turn back into a sheet of ice. That is the biggest problem driving here - ice. Don't listen to those people who claim that we just don't know how to drive in snow. When it is just snow, we can do fine. The layer of ice that develops beneath the snow is the problem!
There is plenty of blame being thrown around for the absolute chaos that has happened - thousands stranded on the interstates all night, children not being able to get home from school and spending the nights at school or even on buses, etc. There is no doubt that emergency preparedness was not practiced, but there were also other factors that caused the gridlock. Oh, well. At least I am safe and sound and didn't have to deal with any of that. I do feel sorry for many friends who were caught up in, though, and couldn't get home.
So, for us, it was just a party day and we did have fun. In addition to the playing, we made some cookie bars, baked some frozen bread, picked up a deli chicken at the grocery store and had chicken and rice, laid around watching TV, laughing and having a great day. Love the family - it would have been boring without them here!!
Lisa, David and kids drove over this morning. The main roads were clear enough to be able to drive. They stopped at Costco on their way and bought a sled for the kids. The only real icing was along Prospect Church Rd. In fact, there was one vehicle that had skidded off and was in the ditch. David brought the family on over here and then went back to see if he could help them. He had thrown the chains in the back of the truck, so he was able to pull the car out. I think they were very grateful people - much cheaper than getting a tow truck!
Ashby and Brooks were so excited to play in the snow at our house. They had already played at home, but we have a better hill for them. It is to the side of the house and there isn't the danger of going in to the creek at the end! They had more fun - sliding, making snowballs, making snow angels, and just running around in it. Ashby spent quite a while in the playhouse in the backyard, making things with the snow in the little kitchen. They were in and out all day - mostly out!
They did head back home before the sun went down, since with all that melt they could expect everything to refreeze and turn back into a sheet of ice. That is the biggest problem driving here - ice. Don't listen to those people who claim that we just don't know how to drive in snow. When it is just snow, we can do fine. The layer of ice that develops beneath the snow is the problem!
There is plenty of blame being thrown around for the absolute chaos that has happened - thousands stranded on the interstates all night, children not being able to get home from school and spending the nights at school or even on buses, etc. There is no doubt that emergency preparedness was not practiced, but there were also other factors that caused the gridlock. Oh, well. At least I am safe and sound and didn't have to deal with any of that. I do feel sorry for many friends who were caught up in, though, and couldn't get home.
So, for us, it was just a party day and we did have fun. In addition to the playing, we made some cookie bars, baked some frozen bread, picked up a deli chicken at the grocery store and had chicken and rice, laid around watching TV, laughing and having a great day. Love the family - it would have been boring without them here!!
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
January 28th - Snow - With a Vengeance!!!
Snow had been in the forecast, but it said that north of Atlanta would probably only get a dusting. Sometimes they are wrong. We actually ended up with an inch or two, but the further south and west you go, the more the snow. We are fine here and Bill was in Gainesville for a job today, so had to problem getting home.
Unfortunately, there are a few thousand other people who can't say the same. When the snow came heavier than expected, every business in town sent people home early and the roads can't handle that much all at one time. Add to it the fact that there was considerable snow and ice and driving was slow and dangerous anyway.... Well, chaos and gridlock are the nice words to describe the result. Motels filled up, gas stations ran out of gas, people were stuck on the roads everywhere. Just glad we were not in it!
The worst was the school children in Cobb County. They had early release, but the snow came even earlier than they had thought and by the time they released the children to buses, most of the buses had to be recalled and the children were stuck at school. Parents couldn't get to the schools to get them, because of the total gridlock. I understand there were maybe 400 students who will end up sleeping at schools.
There is nothing like a snowstorm in Atlanta! When it is forecast and they react in advance to close schools, etc., and then nothing happens, everyone laughs and makes fun of them. Then they have an experience like today and everyone is accusing them of not being prepared in advance. I guess it is a no-win situation for the school officials.
On the bright side, it is beautiful outside, with all the snow. Bill and I are both home; we have electricity; we have plenty of food; we plan to enjoy it!
Unfortunately, there are a few thousand other people who can't say the same. When the snow came heavier than expected, every business in town sent people home early and the roads can't handle that much all at one time. Add to it the fact that there was considerable snow and ice and driving was slow and dangerous anyway.... Well, chaos and gridlock are the nice words to describe the result. Motels filled up, gas stations ran out of gas, people were stuck on the roads everywhere. Just glad we were not in it!
The worst was the school children in Cobb County. They had early release, but the snow came even earlier than they had thought and by the time they released the children to buses, most of the buses had to be recalled and the children were stuck at school. Parents couldn't get to the schools to get them, because of the total gridlock. I understand there were maybe 400 students who will end up sleeping at schools.
There is nothing like a snowstorm in Atlanta! When it is forecast and they react in advance to close schools, etc., and then nothing happens, everyone laughs and makes fun of them. Then they have an experience like today and everyone is accusing them of not being prepared in advance. I guess it is a no-win situation for the school officials.
On the bright side, it is beautiful outside, with all the snow. Bill and I are both home; we have electricity; we have plenty of food; we plan to enjoy it!
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
January 27th - Finally beginning to feel a little better!
As the day went on, my sore throat got less and less so. The worst part is how hard it is to swallow and how much it hurts when I do. But it wasn't as bad as yesterday, so I figure by tomorrow I should be back in pretty much full swing. I took it easy today, though, so I really will be even better tomorrow!
Other than a few routine household things, I worked on my family history files a good bit and got quite a few more finished. I am beginning to get low on some of the supplies I need, but I had submitted an order to Staples over the weekend, so I hope it comes in a couple more days. I got about half of the Bacon line done today. Hopefully, I will be able to finish that tomorrow. Then I will have half of mine all done. It actually is going pretty fast now that I have worked out a system. And they are already in decent shape, so adding a few things isn't as bad as I had thought it might be.
I watched this week's episode of Downton Abbey this afternoon. I never get to watch it when it is broadcast on Sundays. I am glad they post it on PBS to watch at my convenience! I also took a nap, although I ended up mostly just reading and resting. I don't think I ever actually fell asleep. I still needed the down time.
I am beginning to see the end of this round of the sinus trouble. I hope it is the last one this year. I have not had so many flare ups in years. I certainly hope the next round of bad weather doesn't set it off again!
Other than a few routine household things, I worked on my family history files a good bit and got quite a few more finished. I am beginning to get low on some of the supplies I need, but I had submitted an order to Staples over the weekend, so I hope it comes in a couple more days. I got about half of the Bacon line done today. Hopefully, I will be able to finish that tomorrow. Then I will have half of mine all done. It actually is going pretty fast now that I have worked out a system. And they are already in decent shape, so adding a few things isn't as bad as I had thought it might be.
I watched this week's episode of Downton Abbey this afternoon. I never get to watch it when it is broadcast on Sundays. I am glad they post it on PBS to watch at my convenience! I also took a nap, although I ended up mostly just reading and resting. I don't think I ever actually fell asleep. I still needed the down time.
I am beginning to see the end of this round of the sinus trouble. I hope it is the last one this year. I have not had so many flare ups in years. I certainly hope the next round of bad weather doesn't set it off again!
Monday, January 27, 2014
January 26th - A "Not the Best Day of the Week" Sunday
I had every intention of going to stake conference this morning, regardless of how I was feeling, but it didn't happen. My throat is so sore that I can hardly swallow - but still no fever. About the time I needed to get dressed, I realized that I would never be able to sit there through two hours, so I just gave it up.
I did put some boneless pork ribs in the oven on a very low heat to let them cook all morning. And I pulled out some potatoes, broccoli and apples - all from the weekly produce delivery - and got them ready to cook when Bill got back home.
Other than that, I tried doing a few computer things, but just didn't have energy and ended up back in bed by late morning, which is where I was hiding out when Bill got home. The meat was cooked and falling apart, so I put the rest of the food to cook, and we actually had a nice Sunday dinner with just the two of us. I added some barbecue sauce to the meat, steamed the broccoli, boiled the potatoes, and made fried apples with butter and brown sugar. The kids had been invited to the home of some friends to celebrate one of the children's birthdays, so they didn't come over.
I sat around for a little, but by mid-afternoon I went back to bed and this time slept for a long time. I accomplished absolutely nothing today - unless you count that I actually cooked a meal - and it feels like a totally wasted day. My throat is worse this evening, so I am beginning to wonder if I am going to have to make a trip to the doctor one day this week. There is still no fever, so I really don't think it is strep or a cold - just sinus drainage - but it could get infected if it persists too long. So irritating!!!
I did put some boneless pork ribs in the oven on a very low heat to let them cook all morning. And I pulled out some potatoes, broccoli and apples - all from the weekly produce delivery - and got them ready to cook when Bill got back home.
Other than that, I tried doing a few computer things, but just didn't have energy and ended up back in bed by late morning, which is where I was hiding out when Bill got home. The meat was cooked and falling apart, so I put the rest of the food to cook, and we actually had a nice Sunday dinner with just the two of us. I added some barbecue sauce to the meat, steamed the broccoli, boiled the potatoes, and made fried apples with butter and brown sugar. The kids had been invited to the home of some friends to celebrate one of the children's birthdays, so they didn't come over.
I sat around for a little, but by mid-afternoon I went back to bed and this time slept for a long time. I accomplished absolutely nothing today - unless you count that I actually cooked a meal - and it feels like a totally wasted day. My throat is worse this evening, so I am beginning to wonder if I am going to have to make a trip to the doctor one day this week. There is still no fever, so I really don't think it is strep or a cold - just sinus drainage - but it could get infected if it persists too long. So irritating!!!
Sunday, January 26, 2014
January 25th - Still Yucky!
I expended so much energy yesterday that I still have none today. And the sore throat and headache and achy everything else is still there, too. Yuck.
I did get three loads of laundry done, including replacing the sheets. I also straightened a bit and cleaned a little in the kitchen. At least the place looks good. I also spent a good bit of time on my family history files. I got one of my grandfather's lines all done - and it looks good. In fact, there were several things I saw that I just wanted to stop and work on! Next to not keeping a research log (my worst bad!), jumping from thing to thing is my second worst bad. But, I stayed on task and finished the first file. Three more of mine to go and then four of Bill's. Although, I doubt that I will try to do all of it at one time. It makes more sense to do it as I am ready to work in a specific file.
This weekend is stake conference - one of the broadcast kinds - and Bill had meetings in the afternoon. I was feeling so bad by evening that I just stayed home. When he got home, Bill said it was a really good meeting (it is always the best). Among other things, the first counselor in the stake presidency was released. We are already speculating on why that is, but I will control myself and wait to see.
So, another yucky day and no end in sight, but I am excited about the files, so it wasn't a complete loss. I hope I feel better in the morning. I will probably go to conference anyway, as I don't want to miss everything!
I did get three loads of laundry done, including replacing the sheets. I also straightened a bit and cleaned a little in the kitchen. At least the place looks good. I also spent a good bit of time on my family history files. I got one of my grandfather's lines all done - and it looks good. In fact, there were several things I saw that I just wanted to stop and work on! Next to not keeping a research log (my worst bad!), jumping from thing to thing is my second worst bad. But, I stayed on task and finished the first file. Three more of mine to go and then four of Bill's. Although, I doubt that I will try to do all of it at one time. It makes more sense to do it as I am ready to work in a specific file.
This weekend is stake conference - one of the broadcast kinds - and Bill had meetings in the afternoon. I was feeling so bad by evening that I just stayed home. When he got home, Bill said it was a really good meeting (it is always the best). Among other things, the first counselor in the stake presidency was released. We are already speculating on why that is, but I will control myself and wait to see.
So, another yucky day and no end in sight, but I am excited about the files, so it wasn't a complete loss. I hope I feel better in the morning. I will probably go to conference anyway, as I don't want to miss everything!
Saturday, January 25, 2014
January 24th - Still feeling Yucky, but a great day anyway!
I still have the sore throat and headache - sinus stuff always takes a while to clear - but I just loaded up on meds and had a great day anyway.
I met Lisa and Brooks at the mall, where we spent a while at the play area. He had a ball. It is always more fun when there are not too many children there. Then we had a cup of pretzel bites - a "must have" whenever he is there. After walking the mall a bit, we went to the food court for an early lunch. It wasn't really that early for them, but it was for me, as I had eaten breakfast just a couple of hours earlier. I had a little snack, though. A little more walking, then playing on the coin operated cars for a while, followed by a ride on the train, and our mall time was over.
We drove on over to Ashby's school since Lisa was the mystery reader for the day (but she was taking me to do it as a surprise for Ashby), but were still a little early. As luck would have it a big crane and a small bulldozer were working on the edge of the side road right beside the school. Since Brooks is absolutely crazy over trains and mighty machines, we just parked in the lot near where they were working and he got to watch those mighty machines. He gave us a running description of what they were doing - digging, dumping, tapping down, pushing, etc. It certainly filled the time!
We then went in to Ashby's class room. She did not know we were coming, but she knew there would be a surprise. One of the other children saw Lisa and shouted, "It's Ashby's mom!" Then Ashby turned and saw me, too, and got all excited and shouted, "My grandma, too!" Once all the big hugs were finished, I sat in the chair at the front with all the children on the floor around me and we read the two books we had brought from home. One was the Berenstains Bears about the bicycle and the other was about PJ Funnybunny wanting to be something besides a bunny. The children were very engrossed and it was a lot of fun. Ashby stood right up beside me the whole time - proud as she could be!
Then we all headed home. I stopped at the library on my way home to return a book and to pick up six more that had come in. Actually, they were the same books that I had not gotten read and had returned last week. I had requested them again before I even returned them. Now I will have 9 weeks to get them read. That means I am down to about 11 books out now, which is down from the 20 I had a couple of months ago. After doing just a few things at home, I had to take a nap. I had really spent all my energy and though I may not be contagious, this sinus flare-up still saps the energy level.
Bill got home while I was resting and when I got up, we fixed some spaghetti for dinner and watched a little TV - before I couldn't stand it anymore! I went into the office and worked some more on resetting my family history files. I think I am going to like what I am doing, but it will take a while to get everything converted over.
I finished another book this evening so I keep plugging away at the pile! I had a really fun day with the kids. It even ended nicely with Billy calling while he was driving from Des Moines to Cedar Rapids. It sounds like he is doing well. He started his first class this week and is excited about that. The other class was not held since Monday was a holiday, so next week will be the first class. He is also enjoying the job more as he is finally feeling like he is up to speed on the project.
It has been a good Friday!
I met Lisa and Brooks at the mall, where we spent a while at the play area. He had a ball. It is always more fun when there are not too many children there. Then we had a cup of pretzel bites - a "must have" whenever he is there. After walking the mall a bit, we went to the food court for an early lunch. It wasn't really that early for them, but it was for me, as I had eaten breakfast just a couple of hours earlier. I had a little snack, though. A little more walking, then playing on the coin operated cars for a while, followed by a ride on the train, and our mall time was over.
We drove on over to Ashby's school since Lisa was the mystery reader for the day (but she was taking me to do it as a surprise for Ashby), but were still a little early. As luck would have it a big crane and a small bulldozer were working on the edge of the side road right beside the school. Since Brooks is absolutely crazy over trains and mighty machines, we just parked in the lot near where they were working and he got to watch those mighty machines. He gave us a running description of what they were doing - digging, dumping, tapping down, pushing, etc. It certainly filled the time!
We then went in to Ashby's class room. She did not know we were coming, but she knew there would be a surprise. One of the other children saw Lisa and shouted, "It's Ashby's mom!" Then Ashby turned and saw me, too, and got all excited and shouted, "My grandma, too!" Once all the big hugs were finished, I sat in the chair at the front with all the children on the floor around me and we read the two books we had brought from home. One was the Berenstains Bears about the bicycle and the other was about PJ Funnybunny wanting to be something besides a bunny. The children were very engrossed and it was a lot of fun. Ashby stood right up beside me the whole time - proud as she could be!
Then we all headed home. I stopped at the library on my way home to return a book and to pick up six more that had come in. Actually, they were the same books that I had not gotten read and had returned last week. I had requested them again before I even returned them. Now I will have 9 weeks to get them read. That means I am down to about 11 books out now, which is down from the 20 I had a couple of months ago. After doing just a few things at home, I had to take a nap. I had really spent all my energy and though I may not be contagious, this sinus flare-up still saps the energy level.
Bill got home while I was resting and when I got up, we fixed some spaghetti for dinner and watched a little TV - before I couldn't stand it anymore! I went into the office and worked some more on resetting my family history files. I think I am going to like what I am doing, but it will take a while to get everything converted over.
I finished another book this evening so I keep plugging away at the pile! I had a really fun day with the kids. It even ended nicely with Billy calling while he was driving from Des Moines to Cedar Rapids. It sounds like he is doing well. He started his first class this week and is excited about that. The other class was not held since Monday was a holiday, so next week will be the first class. He is also enjoying the job more as he is finally feeling like he is up to speed on the project.
It has been a good Friday!
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