Okay, its been six months since I last posted here.  I've thought about doing so quite often, but couldn't decide what to post.  The problem was that I had a lot of things on my mind, but I wasn't sure that I should post them.

The last six months have not been easy.  There was a misunderstanding with a family member which left me in tears every time I thought of it. Things are better now, but I am overly careful about what I say in case I upset them.  I really care about this person and wish I could just relax and be myself around them, but I'm afraid to even joke with them in case they take it wrong.  Maybe our relationship will continue to improve; I certainly hope so.

A family member over six hundred miles away had serious health concerns, and I couldn't be with them.  They were going throught some really rough times, with both their health and other problems, and I was unable to help them.  I was feeling like I was letting them down, although they did not seem to feel that way.

My health has slipped somewhat over the last months, also.  For the first time, I have had to go to oxygen full time; twenty-four seven.  About the only places I go regularly are to restaurants.  (That will be the last thing I give up. I love to eat out)  Cooking is hard if I have to stand over the stove too much.  Crock pot meals are the easiest for me to prepare. With all the dog hair and dirt and dust the dogs track in, cleaning is not easy for me.  The dust really curtails my breathing.  When I do go shopping, it has to be stores which have those electric shopping carts or wheelchairs for the cutomers.  It is so embarassing when I think I am hiding my condition pretty well, and then have the clerks or other workers ask me if I am okay and if I need help. I went into a library near our favorite steak house recently, and when I started out one of the workers inquired if I were okay.  I told her that I was fine, but she insisted on going ahead of me and opening the doors for me.

I am trying to make myself be more active, and trying to avoid as much stress as I can.  Inactivity and stress both have very negative effects on my breathing. Weather also affects breathing, as anyone with COPD is well aware.  We had a very hot and humid summer, so I am looking forward to a cooler fall.

Enough complaining.

My high school fifty year reunion is next month, and my daughter and I went shopping for a new outfit for me. The first store had a wheelchair Terri could push me in, and the second one had an electric cart.  I got a blouse at one store and slacks at the second one.  I found out that you can drive the electric cart into the handicap fitting room, but backing it out is not easy.  At one point I almost had Terri pushed up against the wall, but we made it out of the room with no injuries.  It was even good for a few laughs. I haven't shown the blouse to Wayne. It is so different from anything else I have, that I am a little nervous about it.  Terri likes it, so I suppose it will be okay.

The last six months have not been all bad.  One evening we met Terri and Don at Terri's dad's place to pick peaches.  I sat on the tailgate and supervised. We all had a really fun time.  I'm glad that Wayne and Jim get along so well. 

Other good times were with Garret and Kalee when they made it home to visit.  Of course, we never get to see them as much as we would like, but they always have so many friends and family members to visit, as well as other places the two of them want to go. 

Garret will be going to Iraq, probably in March.  I keep telling him that I am not going to sign the permission slip for him to go on the trip, but I don't think the Air Force will accept that.  He seems to be looking forward to it, so I will just count the months he is gone and say prayers for him and the others.

It may not seem like it, but I have cut this way down from what it could have been.  As usual, I will try to do better about keeping it up to date.  And Anna, I may put in some more about our childhood.    

CHILDHOOD FRIENDS AND MEMORIES

A childhood friend reminded me of the fun we had together when we were young.  We were next door neighbors, and I played with Anna and her sister Annette nearly every day.  In the summer we usually played cowboys and Indians.  There were some tall, thick plants that grew along the road on the north side of my yard, and we would break them off next to the ground and use them for horses.  That was back in the days when kids used their immaginations a lot.  We also sometimes played war, and of course we were the good guys, the Americans.

Back then milk and bread were brought to our homes in delivery trucks.  I liked to meet the milk truck around the block near my aunt and uncle's house, and the milk man would let me ride in the open door as far as my house.  Sometimes we would save up our change so we could buy a half pint of ice cream from him, and I would bring out spoons for everyone so we could sit on our back porch and share. Ice cream never tasted better.

I don't know if Anna remembers this, but one day I stole a doll from her and Annette.  I don't remember if the girls wouldn't play with me that day, or if their mother wouldn't let them come over for some reason.  But then my brother suggested that I take a doll they left lying in their front yard, and hold it for ramsom. I believe the idea was that I would give it back when they agreed to play.  Anyway, their mother was standing at the kitchen window when I took the doll, so I was forced to give it back.  Then she really wouldn't let them play with me.  Thankfully, I was forgiven and we remained friends.

I was a real tomboy when I was young, and much preferred toy guns and such over girl toys.  The Montgomery Ward and Sears Christmas catalogs were always nearly worn out before Christmas.  One year I mentioned to my aunt that a doll in one of the catalogs was pretty.  I was so disappointed on Christmas morning when my present from her and my uncle was that doll.  It wasn't even a baby doll that you could feed and diaper.  It was a "pretty doll" that I couldn't see much use for. So, for a month or so it lay on my bed during the day and on a chair at night.  After a while it ended up in a toy box, ignored.  After that I was careful what I mentioned around my aunt.

Thanks for the memories, Anna.  Those were really fun times.  Kids today have no idea the good times they missed.

   

NOTHING IN PARTICULAR

When I started blogging, I was expecting so much of myself.  I was sure that I would be writing at least once a week, and usually more than that. So much for noble thoughts. I can't remember the last time I wrote, although I have thought about it a lot.  By now I have forgotten all the "great" ideas I had to write about. So, I will put down a few random ideas and let it go for now.

Terri and Don have moved back from Texas. It is nice her being less than thirty minutes away rather than twelve hours, but I have to admit I miss her Texas home.  Her new home is nice, but I don't get the same feeling in it that I did the one in Texas.  I don't even get the same feeling in my own home that I did in the other one.  Can't really explain it.

Garret and Kalee surprised us by driving nineteen hours to spend the Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends.  They had only a few days, but Garret has two weeks leave over Christmas and they are coming home then, too.  His birthday is the day after Christmas, and I am hoping we can spend most of it together.

Danny wanted to come home for Christmas, but he can't afford to take off work.  I still haven't been able to get out there, and now that winter is here I know it will be a few months before I can visit everyone there.

A good friend I made in Colorado is now in a nursing home out there and is in pretty bad shape.  I've talked to him on the phone and he sounds so weak.  I hope I get to see him again. He is in my prayers.

Most of my Christmas shopping is done.  We've mailed Danny's presents to him, but I haven't wrapped any others.  I never did get out to buy Christmas cards, so will have to rely on email and phone calls to wish family and friends Merry Christmas.

Today is mother's birthday.  I love you mother and I miss you so much.

SUNSHINE

Beautiful day!  After an absence of several days, the sun is shining.  The sky is a beautiful blue, and the fall trees are beautiful in their red and yellow  leaves.  It has been so dark and dreary lately, which makes today even more beautiful.

Wayne got to work on the new porch/deck for an hour or so today. He could have gotten a lot more done, but he had to go to a Mason's installation dinner.  I could have gone, but after showering and washing my hair, I was so out of breath I decided to stay home.  They had their annual elections a couple of weeks ago, so Wayne no longer has to furnish and prepare meals or snacks for the meetings. He has been elected to the cemetery board for the next year, which will be a lot easier for him.

Speaking of the Mason's, I started Dan Brown's latest book, LOST SYMBOLS, a few weeks ago, but still haven't finished it.  To be truthful, I got really bored with it.  I will probably go back to it from time to time, but can't imagine it holding my interest long enough for me to finish it at one sitting.

Terri and Don are mostly settled in their new home.  They have a lot of yard work to do, but I imagine most of that will have to wait until Spring.

Garret and Kalee moved into their new row house Thursday.  Kalee has really good taste, so I imagine she will soon have it looking wonderful.  They have been a little aprehensive about this move, but I think they are really going to love their place

Danny is working again, thank goodness, so his mood has improved.  At least while he was off work he got a lot of song writing done.  Wish he would get his music recorded.  Some of his songs are really great.  And I don't think this is just a mother speaking, either. lol

We have a lot of health stuff coming up.  I will have to have a blood test done in November, in reference to my colon problems. We are both getting our regular flu shots November 6th, and Wayne has an appointment on the 4th for an eye exam. I need to make an eye appointment, too. In December I go back to Dr. Botts for my six month pulmonary visit. I think that is all we have scheduled.

I am getting hungry, and I think I will slice an apple and heat up the caramel apple dip. Hey, apples are healthy. 

THIS WEEK

Wayne worked on our new back porch this week, and it is really looking good.  He took yesterday and today off  from working on it, yesterday because of rain, and today just to rest his back.  He is planning on building a new step and moving the dog to Jackie's run tomorrow.  He will soon be starting on the ramp and putting the new railings up.  It will be nice to have it done, even though I probably won't be taking advantage of it for a while.  The car carrier for my power chair is rather expensive, and I'm not eager to spend that money.  I am eager to be able to spend more time in bookstores, etc., so I have mixed feelings.

Talk about mixed feelings, I am getting itcy feet to take a trip.  I am really wanting to go to Denver to see Danny, but with the weather cooling off it feels so cozy staying inside with a good book. My body seems to think I am getting ready to hibernate, I can't get enough to eat.  As soon as I finish eating something, I start planning what I can eat most.  This is not a good thing.

We ate lunch at Country Buffet Thursday, and while Wayne was eating dessert, I took a survey about the restaurant, which earned me a card for a free meal.  It is good until the end of October, and I know we will go back there in time for me to use it. Where else can two adults eat lunch, including drinks and desserts, for just over thirteen dollars?

Garret and Kalee moved from the base hotel to a long term motel today.  They were looking forward to having a kitchenette, but were disappointed when they found out what a fully furnished kitchen consisted of. One pan, one skillet, and a plastic spatula. Not much in way of dishes, either.  The good part is that they will be closing on their new house in only thirteen days, so they won't be in the motel very long.  The bank estimate on their place came back, and it was estimated to be worth a lot more than they are paying for it, so that made them very happy.

Trees are starting to change colors and the temperature right now is 51 degrees.  Brrrr

This is going to be a good sleeping night.  I hope.

EARLY MORNING NOT FOR ME

Everyone who knows me well knows that I am not a morning person.  As far as I am concerned, the day should not start until at least eleven in the morning.  I could even put up with it not starting until one or two in the afternoon, but that would not leave time for a nap. I like to think I am not entirely lazy, as I honestly believe my breathing problems have something to do with how tired I get.  Anyway --------

Sunday evening Wayne suggested that we get up early Monday morning and go for breakfast at our favorite buffet.  We really like the lunch and dinners there, and someone had told Wayne that the breakfast buffets were really good. 

We didn't set alarms, as the dogs always get at least one of us to let them out in the mornings.  Monday morning the dogs slept late and didn't wake us until around nine-thirty.  It is about a thirty minute drive to the buffet, so we decided that we would wait and go Tuesday morning, instead.

Sure enough, the dogs got us up before seven-thirty Tuesday, so we got dressed and headed for Gladstone.  It was very cool that morning, so Wayne turned the heater on in the car.  I honestly had trouble staying awake as it was so warm and cozy in the car.  When we got there, we noticed that there were only a couple of cars in the lot.  We figured that we had missed the early rush, but when we got to the door we looked at the sign showing the hours of business, and found that the breakfast buffet is only on weekends. Too early for lunch, so we started home.  Wayne suggested that we stop at Cracker Barrel in Liberty, which we did. No buffet, but by this time we just wanted a good breakfast.  My breakfast was eatable, but not anything to make me want to go back, and Wayne says that it was the worst breakfast he had ever had.

To make a long story short, I took my upset stomach back to bed for a few hours.  See, nothing good comes of getting up early.  It was a pretty morning, but not any prettier than the evening.

Terri had to take some time off from unpacking to rest her back, which often gives her trouble.  She hated this, but I think she should just enjoy this time.  She is under no deadline to get everything put up, and these days when you can just relax and enjoy the quiet times don't come that often. 

I'm not sure if I mentioned this before, but the row house Garret and Kalee are buying passed inspection with flying colors.  Next is the bank's appraisal.

Danny still has a touch of the flu, but is finally feeling better.  His job hunting is picking up, and hopefully he will have something soon.  His mood is a lot better now that he is not so sick.

I am catching up on laundry today, and Wayne is starting to remove the railings from our back porch, so he can extend the porch to make it easier to get my power chair out and turned to go down the ramp he is going to build.  Everything had been put on hold for a while, because of all the rain we were getting.  I still don't use the chair around home, but look forward to being able to go more places away from home with it.  Once I can get it out of the house and have a way to transport it, that is.  LOL

With Wayne outside, the television is off, and I have to admit I am enjoying the quiet.  Still can't understand why some people will sit and watch it for hours, and complain that there is nothing on worth watching.  As far as I am concerned, that is what the off button is for.  Oh, well.  In a little while he will come in and turn the air up, because he got hot working outside, and will then turn on the Weather Channel to see how hot he really is.  Are all men like this?

CATCHING UP

I've been very lazy about blogging, and I had really thought that I would keep up with it. It has turned out to be a lot like a New Year's resolution - good intentions and lots of determination, but full of holes.

So much has happened over the last month or so.  Terri and Don haven't gotten their Texas home sold, but they did buy one outside of Richmond. The movers delivered their things last Friday, so they are all moved in, even though it will be a while before they are completely unpacked. They have lots of room and I think they are really going to love it there. The view from their family room and deck is out of this world. Some of their friends from Texas have promised to visit, so that is good, too.

Garret and Kalee were here for a month, but it didn't seem like it.  Time went by so fast.  They are now in Baltimore, and Garret is at work in his new post at Fort Meade.  He is still in Intelligence, but his job is completely different from what he was doing in England.  The hours are much better now.  He works five days a week from eight to four, instead of twelve hour days with revolving days off and shift work. They are both very happy about this new schedule.

They have found a row house they want to buy, and their offer has been accepted.  Now they are waiting for the inspection, etc.  The house has  been renovated, and the photos of it are gorgeous.

I still haven't made it to Denver to see Danny.  He is out of work right now, and he also has the flu.  His spirits are pretty low right now.  Wish I could wave a wand and make everything right for him.

It has felt a lot like Fall lately.  Temperatures have been in the seventies and the leaves from the Walnut trees are falling constantly.  We have to park the car in our lower drive because of the walnuts falling. We have three walnut trees which extend over where we prefer to park, and between the nuts falling on their own and the squirrels throwing down half eaten one, it is dangerous to even walk there.  So many have struck our roof that the dogs don't even react to them any more.

Next Friday evening, we are meeting for pizza some folks we worked with at the police department. It is a new place where we are meeting, so just for fun we drove out there one day to make sure we could find it. They had home made pies for sale, and we bought a blackberry pie.  It was the best pie I have ever eaten, and today we went back and got another one.  They are not baked; they are frozen and we have to thaw and bake them, so they are really fresh.  I warm a piece up in the microwave, and then add a little ice cream to it.  Soooo good.

It is getting close to time to take the dogs our for the last time before bed.  Talk to you soon.