Busy Yesterday

Went first to R's Drs. appointment.  The good news is that the spot on his lung is very small and hasn't grown at all.  Everett said it looked like nothing but will check again in a year just to make sure.  All else was fine.  We also went to Trader Joe's to resupply our beer and then to Sam's where R. planned to have a hearing test and look into getting a hearing aid but that guy was off until the new year.  Then we had a delicious lunch at Rafferty's.  We were too late for the early movies and too early for the later movies so we came home.  We'll go to the movies on Thursday or Friday.  Our plans for today...usher in the new year, have scallops, lobster and champagne and watch the ball drop.  Happy New Year to all....later....

Clean Up This Messy House

I will be so glad to put Christmas stuff away, but we're not doing that until the end of the week.  It's been raining and everything looks so dreary.  We have papers strewn all over the great room due to getting two papers.  The kitchen is half cleaned up and I need to get busy.  I'm loving my Kindle Fire.  Not sure about a movie tomorrow.  R. has his appointment but who knows how long that will take.  The two movies I want to see are probably too early to see so we may see Saving Mr. Banks or another one that is at a time when we can do lunch first, but we wanted to eat at Longhorn and it is in the other end of town from the theater..We may just have to dis the movie and do it another day.  It's not like we don't have all the time in the world.  I just heard that this year in Tennessee has been the second rainiest year in history!  We'll never get out leaves done...We're on the list, but who knows when they'll get to us...later.....

We're Back from Cincinnati

we had a wonderful time!!  Baxter was great in the car and he adapted but it was SO cold up there and walking him was not fun.  It was fun being with the kids on Christmas morning.  We met at Hofbrau House in Newport for lunch on the 24th and J.J. and Eva were so cute together.  Christmas Eve and Muir and Jim's was fun and delicious!  We went to Jim and Becky's for Christmas dinner and that was also delicious and fun.  Love spending time with the family!  I took a bunch of pictures which R. will put on in due time.  My biggest project will be setting up my new Kindle Fire HD .   This morning I started unpacking and then went to the chiropractor and Kroger's.  R. has an appointment Monday with his Cardiac Surgeon for a follow-up and after that I think we'll take in a movie.  There are tons we want to see but think we'll start with Catching Fire if the times fit with our schedule.  R. busy setting up my weather gauge which we got from Tim and family.  He also has to put Baxter's tag on his new collar and a few more chores.  I need to finish putting things away from our trip north....later.....

Getting Ready

Doing laundry and packing today.  We won't leave early tomorrow due to the rain we're supposed to  get.  It's supposed to ease up as the day goes on so don't know when we'll leave but it won't be that early.  I am anxious to get there, just not anxious for the drive up.  We gave Baxter his bath yesterday and he didn't want any part of it.  He did just stand there and we now have a clean boy.  I used the blow dryer on him and he was fine with that.  I could never do that with Wolfie..he hated it.  Went to bed after midnight last night.  We turned off the tv and listened to our Christmas music.  I slept until after 8 this morning...a good feeling.  No blogs until we get back...later....

Countdown to Cincinnati

Can't wait to see everyone..leaving on Sunday and it's supposed to be a rainy morning and will likely rain in Kentucky to Ohio as well.  I'm sure it will be raining when we try to pack the car and we can't really do it before Sunday.  I'm going to take everything that I can out this afternoon or tomorrow.  R. has a follow up appointment this morning with his cardiologist and will get the car filled on his way home.  This afternoon we are going to give Baxter his Christmas bath.  We got the nicest card from his people.  They said they pray for us and they miss Baxter very much but know he is happy with us and thanked us for taking such good care of him.  I had sent them a card and told them how happy Bax made us and invited them to stop in any time to visit him.  On another happy note....A big congratulations to Jim for getting the job he wanted!!  I know he and Muir are very happy about that.That's about all I have on this Friday...supposed to get to 70 this afternoon. 

Going to Sam's

 A quick trip to Knoxville to get dogfood at Sam's.  We also need to pick up a few things at Publix.  I'm hoping it will be just a short trip with no side trips.  Cold right now but warming up this afternoon.  We watched most of Mary Poppins last night and then turned to the Barbara Walters Special but dvrd the rest of Mary Poppins.  I hadn't seen it in years.  Nothing else going on...later....

Busy Morning

I had my hair done this morning and then finished (I Hope) my Christmas shopping.  I didn't get home until after 12. I had lunch and then finished up wrapping and addressing the gift cards.  I think we'll run in to Knoxville tomorrow morning to get dog food at S am's.  ..later...

Girl Time

We girls..Linda, Bev and I are going to lunch at a new place.  It isn't actually new, but recently moved from Lenoir City to Knoxville.  We had planned to see a movie but the times don't gel with our lunch reservations so we'll do that another time.  We'll also check out the shops around this restaurant.  The sun is shining and it isn't very cold out, so a good day to to this.  I have to fit a haircut in sometime this week.  Yesterday I got all of my wrapping finished.  That's all I have..later....

Good Friends..Good Food..Good Time

All went well yesterday.  The food was good but most of all we had a good time.  Very cold this morning but it is sunny and the week is supposed to get warmer each day.  We're expecting 70 by Saturday.  Today I'm doing laundry and then wrapping my Christmas gifts.  It will be leftovers for us tonight and maybe tomorrow as well...later...

Dry but Cold

I got up early to get some things done for the turkey dinner tonight.  I made my crostada, the brussel sprouts are roasting now, the potatoes are peeled.  I made the stuffing yesterday as well as the gravy.  R. is off to McDonalds to get us a frappe and sausage biscuit so I don't need to worry about breakfast.  Next I need to clean house, set the table, etc.  In R's health update.  He didn't have a bladder infection and is feeling fine.  Lots to do this week to get ready to go away for Christmas starting tomorrow morning with getting my hair cut...later.....

Lots of Rain

Made the stuffings for the turkey tomorrow..one regular and one sausage.  The sausage stuuffing will go into the bird..the regular baked in the oven.  I also made the beginnings of sauerkraut balls.  They have to cool in the frig for 3 hours before I assemble them to fry.  I'm going to fry some and freeze the rest to be fried later.  I haven't had them in years and I love them.  I first had them in a German restaurant in Cincy.  R has gone to the care clinic this morning.  He thinks he has a bladder infection but he feels fine and has no fever.  My chores are mostly done except I have yet to clean up my mess in the kitchen...later...

Turkey..Tree

I've dry-brined the turkey this morning and it is back in the frig.  We will soon begin to get our tree up and do that decorating..  Very disappointed in the Broncos last night.  We didn't even stay up for the second half.  This morning I was abruptly and rudely awakened by Baxter wanting to go out.  That is so rare for him.  He usually sleeps way longer than I and he doesn't usually go out until after he has eaten and it gets daylight.  He rushed out and, unlike most days when he stays out for quite a while, he was back very shortly.  Not going to be as cold today as it has been but rain coming this evening...later....

Busy Times

I left yesterday morning before 9 do do some chores, etc.  I didn't get home until lunch time and after that I baked more cookies so didn't blog.  Today I take Baxter to get his itchy shot at 11 and after lunch I'll head to the library and do a few other loose ends before Christmas.  Tomorrow we will put up our tree.  We'll be heading to Cincy for Christmas..staying with Anne and the kids.  I'm hoping the weather won't cause any of us a problem!!  It's really cold here this morning but dry...later...

Cookie Baking Day

The sugar cookies are baked and iced.  I'm making Dream Bars now.  Those are in 3 steps.  Step one is complete and cooling waiting for step 2.  I really don't like cookie baking but making bar cookies is the easiest way to go and that's what I'm doing today...3 different types of bar cookies.  It's raining again this morning.  Our weather guy said we are 67 inches above our average for the year.  Oh well, at least no snow down here.  Some counties do have snow.  I hope tomorrow is dry because I have some shopping to do...later....

Foggy, Rainy, Weather

Is is just dismal outside.  Both of my boys were sleepy heads this morning.  Baxter stayed on the couch until after 8 and R. stayed in bed until almost 9.  By the time they were up I had the laundry done and folded and put away, pecans roasted, puzzles solved, cookie recipes decided upon and grocery list made.  Lots of good movies out so we hope to see at least one this week.  That's it for me at this time....later....

Lazy Weekend

Watched Auburn win!!  Watched Ohio State lose...damn, but that gives Auburn a boost.  Not sure what we'll watch today.  I'm pretty sure we won't get the Bengals.  I'll be making pasta soup for dinner on this dreary, rainy day.  Other than that..no plans..another lazy day.  I do need to think about making some cookies and doing the pecans...later...

Crazy Computer

If my blog didn't make much sense yesterday blame it on the computer.  It kept jumping around and I would type something and then it would switch to something else.  So...got most of the decorating done yesterday.  R went to the store for me and when he got home we just had appetizers, watched a bit of tv and then I got out the Christmas CDs.  We ended up staying up and listening to them, talking, enjoying the fire and finally going to bed at 1:30.  This morning I slept until almost 8.  It isn't raining yet but is supposed to start soon.  We'll be watching football this afternoon and evening.  I made cookies, roasted chick peas, and cut up veggies this morning and now I'm ready to relax and read before football comes on...later...

I Know..I'm Sorry...

Yesterday I left the house early for tons of errands and when I got home I spent the rest of the day finishing up the ornaments I made for the kids and doing the stuff for my mantle.  Today I moved all of my stuff to make room for Christmas and cleaned while I did that.  Also..R got up at 3;30 because he couldn't sleep and then went back to bed when I got up so I couldn't get on the computer as it is in our bedroom.  I did get most of my Christmas stuff up.  We'll do the tree next week.  We've had rain on and off all day but it isn't very cold.  I think that will come tomorrow.  atioie and Anne are having parties this weekend and they are getting bad weather.  I hope it doesn't interfere with that as they have all put a lot of work in the preparations.  I just had my shower and I'm beat..R. has gone to the store.  I think he's going to make egg nog t.onight.

Outdoor Decor Complete

Lowe's had the solution to our wreath-hanging issue.  R. got it up on the first try and then completed everything else.  This weekend I'll start inside.  Last night we met Jim and Tommie and had dinner at Ruth's Chris...delicious.  Today R. has a Coumadin check and I hope they will take him off it.  I need to stop by the post office for Christmas stamps and then home to work on my ornaments for the kids and other stuff.  Tomorrow I go do some shopping and bring in wood in the afternoon for the storms which will come on Friday.  I think we're mostly going to have rain but some chance of sleet.  We'll be staying in for the duration...warm today..almost to 70....later...

Off to Lowe's...

We are hoping to find a solution to getting our wreath up on the chimney and we also need to get another extention cord.  I started doing the trees that are going on our mantle and will do a few more decorating things inside.  We go out to dinner so will be gone this evening.  It's fairly mild today and going to 58.  I want to get more stuff done outside before it turns cold and rainy on Friday....later....

Christmas Decorating

Well...the biggest chore and the hardest is putting the wreath up on the chimney.  We took the fall wreath down and then struggled with the Christmas one and we didn't succeed.  We need to find a new method of getting it up there.  Other than that I got a few things out and all of the fall stuff is put away.  I'll do more over this week.  Tomorrow night we'll go to Ruth's Chris for dinner with Jim and Tommie.  Other than that..no plans so I'll work on Christmas.  I'll put a few more pic from the weekend up...later...

Back From Virginia

We really had a great time and SO glad we flew.  The flight was just over an hour and Stef picked us up.  We had lots of good conversations with family.  Wednesday I made my corn pudding and R. made the pies.  Steff made a delicious chili for dinner and we just hung out.  We thought about going to see the Hunger Game movie but it was cold and we decided to stay in.  All of the food on Thursday from Wegman's was delicious as well as the things we made ourselves.  We watched a crazy movie in the evening.  Friday afternoon we all went (minus Caroline and Hayden as their high school was in football playoffs and they went to the game)to Jeff and Becky's and as always there was lots of delicious food, wine, beer, etc., but most of all it was great seeing all of the kids.  They had an open house and tons of good people came as well.  I will have R. put on pictures later.  Nicolas and Annie are getting married in Boston on Aug 9th, McClain is still living in D.C. but is working as an administration person at a private girl's school and is coaching la crosse, Evan is in training as a rookie cop for the Norfolk Police D. after graduating in criminal law from Va. Wesslyn and Olivia is a junior at Highlands and went to China this past summer and Kenya as well.  I talked to all of them...they are just great kids.  I know my sister would be so proud of them!!  Look for pics soon.  Oh..we picked up Baxter last evening and they had not fed him any of the food I gave them, had not given him any of his Busy Bones and had not bathed him as I asked them to do.  I'll be writing a not so nice review on their web site and won't be taking him there again!!..He was so happy to be home!!....later.....

Lots of Rain

It's pouring today.  As soon as it get light outside we'll take Baxter to Dog World.  I really hate to leave him, but what are you going to do...Happy Thanksgiving to all and Happy Birthday to Muir.  I'll call.....We fly out shortly after 2...later...

Getting Ready...

lying out of here tomorrow and hope the weather cooperates.  We're supposed to have heavy rain tomorrow morning but we don't leave until afternoon.  I'm hoping all will be well in Virginia so we don't have issues.  We take Baxter to Dog World tomorrow morning.  This morning we are off to Knoxville for R's shot in his eyeball!  When we get back I'll pack.  Since we're not checking any bags we have to pack very judiciously...later....

Brrrrr!!

Really cold out and we have outdoor chores..filling the bird feeders and bringing in wood.  R. said those were his chores so I'll leave him to it.  Brunch is over and the puzzle is almost finished.  R. is working on the last bits of it.  I have ironing to do and finish the laundry.  Tomorrow we go to Knoxville for R's shot in his eye.  Last time he got two shots and it bothered him quite a lot that day.  The other times it didn't bother him at all.  We leave Tuesday afternoon.  It's just a little over an hour to Dulles where Tim will pick us up.  Football tonight...Go Broncos!!  ....later....

Yea, Madison!!!

She got accepted to Auburn and now is waiting to hear from Clemson.  Those were her top choices as they both have top programs in biology and zoology.  She is also hoping to get some scholarship money.  It's raining here and getting colder so I need to get to the library and then come home and relax and read and watch some football...later....

Twelve Years a Slave

It was an extremely well done movie and well acted BUT..so sad and so hard to watch.  At the end I felt like going up to all of the black people in the theater and hugging them and saying I'm sorry.  I'm ready f(or something light as my next movie.  We had lunch (Thank you, Muir) at the Cheesecake Factory.  We said we were going to get something and share because of the large portions, but we didn't.  R. got Vietnamese spring rolls and I got a Quesadilla.  Both were delicious.  We also went to Sam's and I got my Christmas cards and a really cute pair of Sketchers and we stopped at Trader Joe's to get some more pita crackers.  It was a good day and nice weather wise as well.  Today okay but not as warm with cold weather coming for the weekend.  I'm going to go to the library either this afternoon or tomorrow.  My books are due while we will be in Virginia.  This morning I'm cleaning house....later....

Off to K-Town Today

We're finally going to see Twelve Years a Slave today.  Will also go to Trader Joe's to pick up more of the pita crackers which R. really loved.  We'll have lunch at the Cheesecake Factory.  I already warned R that we should share a meal as the portions they serve are ridiculously huge!!. It's supposed to hit 65 today but cool off for the weekend......later.....

Cardiac Rehab Today

His appointment is at 11.  I just fed him a big breakfast since he will be at rehab for 90 minutes eating into lunch.  I'll drop him off and then run some errands and then pick him up.  Yesterday was a beautiful day and quite warm but much cooler today.  Not much going on after we get home.  I do need to do some cleaning in the next few days...later....

Busy Morning

I had much to do this morning.  First I checked out a place we were thinking of taking Bax for Thanksgiving.  It is an apartment and that won't do so then I went to Dog World and checked that out.  I was very impressed with their set up and will put him there.  After that I got a haircut and stopped at Kroger's and then to Hobby Lobby and finally to the post office to mail a package to Eva.  When I got home I still had the laundry to fold and put away.  I'm going to make a beef stew for dinner.  It's almost time for the chew and I'll get in some reading.  There is a Whoopi Goldberg special on HBO tonight at 9.  It's a documentary about Moms Mabley.  I used to watch her on Johnny Carson...a very funny lady.  I also have things DVRd for last night because we watched Peyton beat the Chiefs.  Tomorrow R. goes to his first session of cardiac rehab...he is a reluctant participant to say the least....later.....

Weather

Weather predicted in the Midwest (Ohio) looks pretty scary today.  I texted all of my kids and told them to spend the day in their basement.  I hate wind too, but we aren't supposed to get much..just a lot of rain.  I know how Muir hates wind...Muir...fix a nice cozy spot with a reading place in your basement that will be good for these events!  I got a text from Susan and she said they were going to the Bengals game.  I'm sure they were just watching sports this morning and didn't know about the impending weather.  The Today show guy was in Covington reporting.  I told her to check out the weather channel.  I'll breathe a sign of relief when I know everyone is safe.  I hope everyone was watching the Auburn /Georgia game.  We had just about given up when the hail mary pass took place.  My remark was,"God loves Auburn."  It was the play of the century.....later....

Basement Cleaning Day

We will start the basement today and hopefully finish it by tomorrow.  We went to Lowe's yesterday and picked up some boxes so we'll start shortly.  It's going to be much warmer today but not much sun.  I don't see much football on that I want to see so we won't be tempted by that.  My first order of business this morning is to secure a place for Baxter over Thanksgiving...later.....

Finding a Kennnel for Baxter

I called the kennel where we boarded Wolfie but they are full for Thanksgiving.  Then I got on line and found Rover.com.  They have places to board your dog in their homes.  I read about it and found a place near here, but she filled her place just before I tried for it.  I now have contacted another one and am waiting to hear about that.  I'm sure I'll find a spot but I don't want him locked in a crate.  We're off to Lowe's in a bit and not much else today but tomorrow and Sunday we'll be cleaning the basement.  We're going to have Salvation Army come and haul away the stuff we need to get rid of....later.....

Yesterday

The morning started off with R getting a heart monitor at the Drs.  It was smaller than a cell phone and went in his pocket.  From there we went to Sam's and picked up just a few items and then to Trader Joe's where we got beer and some other things.  I had a Groupon from Toys R Us and got Eva some goodies there and from there we went for lunch at Olive Garden.  We had a lot of time until the movie after that so went to Home Goods.  I got a cute item for my Christmas mantle and saw some trees that I really liked but didn't want to spend the money but decided they would be easy to make.  After I showed R what my idea was he suggested we go to AC Moore.  We decided to ditch the movie, go to AC Moore and do the movie another day.  I got the makings for the trees which were different sizes of Styrofoam cones, spray paint which was with sprinkles in it, and jewels.  I'll have a totally different mantle this year.  I changed mantles about 3 years ago so will have a new one this year.  It was a good day.  Today we take the monitor back to be assessed and take Baxter to the vet for a shot he needs when we put him in the kennel over Thanksgiving.  It's colder today than yesterday but warming up more....later....

Off to Knoxville

First we have to stop by the Drs. office and then to Sam's, Trader Joe's, Toys R Us, lunch and a movie if we can get it all done.  R's cardiologist wants him to wear a heart monitor for 24 hrs. to make sure it's time to go off some of his meds.  He is also going (against his wishes) to cardiac rehab.  I convinced him to try it because they'll put a monitor on him to make sure all is okay.  If it is he'll discontinue that and just go to the gym like we always do.  It's super cold this morning which means I have to wear a coat...something I hate to do....later....

Change in the Weather

This morning it was 51 when I got up.  After dressing, eating and watching a bit of tv I decided to get to Kroger's before the weather changed.  When I got out of the car at Kroger's the wind was whipping up and the temp had dropped.  After getting groceries I got gas and it was really cold then and spitting something which turned out to be rain.  I'm home now and it is raining, but if the temp continues to drop we will likely get some flurries.  I brought wood in yesterday so we're all set.  Nothing planned today so I'll get in some reading.  Maggie called this morning.  When Eva was here she discovered my glass ladybugs and carried them around in her little purse.  She got her purse out this morning and said,"Oh no!!"  Maggie asked her what and she said..Nana's ladybugs.  I told her to take good care of them and I would get them at Christmas.  I told Max he had competition for the ladybugs although he uses them as warriors.....later....

Very Chilly Morning

Tomorrow will be more than chilly..it will be cold with the possibility of a few snow flakes.  It's supposed to warm up to 63 this afternoon.  I have the laundry done but still have the sheets, etc from upstairs to do.  No hurry for that.  Hoping to go to a movie on Wednesday.  I think we'll see Twelve years a slave.  Saw Doris Kearns Goodwin on Imus this morning.  She has written a new book about TR and Taft.  I'm anxious to read it.  Right now I have her book on Eleanor and Franklin in my car listening as I drive.....later...

Too Busy to Blog

I was having too much fun and enjoying Eva, Maggie and Charlie to blog yesterday.  Today I couldn't get on line until just now.  We went to Rafferty's and watched the first half of the Vols/Auburn game while having delicious bar food.  Eva was getting tired so we came home so she could nap and we watched the rest of the game.  She had fun last night playing with the magnets on my frig.  What a sweet, delight!  We went to the park on Friday and I'll have R. post those pictures.  Kind of busy week and maybe we'll take in a movie.  I also need to go to Sam's and a few other places.  later.....

Fun with EVA

Breakfast is over..not sure what all we'll do today, but hope to take Eva to the park.  R. has a Drs. appointment and I have to take him because if he goes and there isn't a close parking spot he just can't walk that far.  I also told Eva we would get out the bird feeders and feed the birdies today.  Pot roast for dinner tonight.  Now I need to see where she is and we'll get out the feeders...Buster and Baxter are at odds.  Buster wants to play and Baxter wants no part of that....later....

A Rainy Start

Yesterday it was actually balmy here..77.  When I got up at 4:30 this morning it was 61 and raining, but the rain has nearly stopped now and sunshine should arrive by noon but with it cooler temps.  Tomorrow morning is supposed to be in the 30s and getting to about 55.  Maggie and Charlie are planning to go to the Vols Auburn game Saturday.  It's a noon game and will be 61 at game time.  Molly Maids did a great job yesterday and all I have to do today is prepare dinner for tonight.  We're having a baked penne pasta.  I hope they get here in good time..safely....later

Not My Fault

We couldn't get on line at all yesterday until late in the afternoon.  R. finally called Charter and it was cleared up.  He was frustrated because he had several things he needed to do and I figured that I would get yelled at by my two youngest.  I went to the store to get groceries for this weekend and was back home before R. was out of bed.  Must be nice to be able to sleep that long.  He made up for it today and was up before 4.  Molly Maids are coming today to give the house the once over.  On the Baxter front...he has never even given a hint of getting up on the furniture, but Monday evening he jumps up on the couch.  R. made him get down and yesterday morning when I got up he was on the love seat in our bedroom.  Last night he jumped up on the couch again and R. was snoozing and I left him stay.  All of our other dogs got on the couch so why not Bax?  I'm off in a bit to see the chiropractor...later....

Getting Ready for the Egberts

I really don't have a lot to do because Molly Maids are coming on Wednesday. They'll do the major things but today I'll get Eva's room ready and do a few other things. I need to go to the library this afternoon. The laundry is done but I'm still not dressed. Tomorrow I'll go grocery shopping.  I'm making Giada's lemon baked penne for Thursday night.  Friday we'll have a pot roast and Eggplant Parm on Saturday.  The weather should be nice, it a bit chilly...later....

Leaves and Pine Needles!

Gadzooks! I did the deck off the great room and the front, but the back deck has to be swept before I can blow it and ivy needs to be cut because it's growing over the ramp so that will have to wait. Today we're going to start cleaning up Richard's van. Don't really have much else planned. I was rudely awakened at 3 this morning. R. had reset the clocks but he must have clicked on the alarm and I had no idea where the button was to turn it off. He turned on the light and did it and we both went back to sleep. I got up at 6 but he slept much longer. He's finally sleeping well and I guess he did watch Austin City Limits and SNL last night. I didn't hear a thing...later...

Pending Chores

I need to blow the leaves off the decks and front stoop and we need to start cleaning up Richard's car so we can sell it. The inside is a mess but we'll do the best we can. I ran to Kroger's to get a few things. I'm making pancakes tomorrow with almond paste, etc. We stopped at Food Lion yesterday but they didn't have that and I knew they wouldn't but we were right there. The Vols are on ESPN tonight at 7..they play Missouri..yikes! later....

Storms

Went to bed shortly after 10 last night and heard the winds starting up..It got up and looked outside and was worried about our awning as the wind gusts were pretty strong. R. decided to lower the awning. Lowering it wasn't really a problem for him, but he can't raise it now because he still can't lift anything that heavy. I guess it will be fine the way it is until someone comes to raise it. The rain and wind died down and it wasn't as bad as predicted, but it put my mind at ease to have the awning lowered. It's a beautiful morning here and should be a beautiful day. We have a few things to do..pick up later. When things dry out I'm going to need to blow off both decks and the leaves really came down with all of the wind. Nothing else brewing around here today. We went to Knoxville on Monday and the trees still weren' t showing color..maybe just a hint. By Wednesday, they were beautiful. It's amazing how quickly that happens...later...

Productive Morning

There is much to do but I got a lot done, so far. I trimmed back the roses and some other outdoor things, washed some windows, put some things away in the shed. I was going to make a trip to salvation army, but the potty chair that was Richard's won't fit in either car trunk. It will have to be taken in the van. R. wants to start the process of selling our VW van and Richard's van. Both need to be cleaned up and emptied of everything. Our van is full of camping stuff which also needs to be gotten rid of. It's pretty warm this morning but rain and wind supposed to move in later. We never get trick or treaters but I always get a few things just in case....later...

Another Nice Day

A nice, warm day predicted. We'll be going to the lab to get R's coumadan check and then to Walmart for some groceries. When I get home I hope to do some work on the deck. I felt really good yesterday after cleaning my dressing room. I also cleaned out a few drawers. I think tomorrow morning I need to make a trip to Salvation Army. I'm sorry for trick or treaters tomorrow evening. Itl ooks like a very rainy and windy evening. Maybe it will hold off until later.That's all I have on this dark morning...later...

Clean-up Time

My dressing room has been in need of a good clean-up for a long time. It is the dumping ground when I make purchases and when I change décor and don't know where else to put things. Yesterday I got some socks at Sam's so that drawer got cleaned out today. I have 3 bags of clothes to take to Salvation Army along with some other items. I'm not nearly finished, but I'm making some headway. That is my big plan for the day. A nice day..oh and for Pat Conroy lovers..his newest book is out today..The Death of Santini. Charlie Gibson interviewed him about his life. He had 7 siblings and 4 of them attempted suicide before the age of 40. I couldn't read The Great Santini which was about his abusive father, but I loved all of his other books and I look forward to this one....later...

Sam's and Lunch

We originally had planned to go to Sam's last week after R's appointment, but after that and lunch I wasn't in the mood to wander around a store. My list wasn't that long, but it has grown since then. I started remembering things that I needed. We'll also do lunch and may stop at Kroger's or Publix. I want to make a butternut squash soup. I got on line and looked at recipes..everyone and her mother seem to have a recipe. I think I've decided on Ina's with a few tweeks of my own. On Baxter news..he usually sleeps through the night and then some..not appearing until close to 9. He woke us up around 3 so I let him out. I didn't want to wait around for him, so I just opened the deck door so he could come in when he felt like it. I have no idea when that was, but he was curled up on his bed when I got up. Nothing much else to report...rain on and off today....later...

Way Off Kilter

Our usual Sunday goes like this:  I get up around 6, make coffee and do a puzzle or read for a bit.  Then I start getting things ready for brunch.  I do bacon or sausage first and put it in the oven on warm.  R. usually gets up around 7 and goes to the computer for an hour or so, then gets the paper while I finish up brunch.  We eat, watch the morning shows and read the papers ending with the NY Times puzzle which we do together.  This morning R. was up at the computer at 4.  I got up at 6 and he was watching Charlie Rose.  I started brunch while he got the paper.  We were finished eating by 7 when we started on the papers.  There was a note in the NY Times that the inserts did not arrive. So..we had no magazine section in which the puzzle lies, no Travel, No leisure, etc.  It's not even 9 and I'm finished with the puzzle, R. cleaned up the kitchen, I did another puzzle...I'm totally thrown off.  The Vols lost, Va Tech lost, the Sox lost.  Yesterday was terrible.  Tomorrow we're going to Sam's so I may not blog...later....

Staying Home

I'm determined not to leave the house today.  It seems like we were going someplace every day this week.  Yesterday after getting his finger stuck R. had an appointment to get his 4th shot in the eye.  It turns out he got two.  Usually he has no reaction at all, but yesterday was different.  His eye watered all day and into the evening and was swollen.  He called the Dr. and he said to put ice on it which he did and today it's better, but he was miserable yesterday.  We also went to Bev's to see her dog and puppies.  I really wish she would keep the dog.  It is so nice..very friendly and smart.  She's house-broken and is just precious.  Speaking of dogs...Baxter loves the cool weather and he isn't scratching.  He came in this morning after his outdoor time and was full of pep.  I gave him a toy that we had and he played with it for awhile.  I can't wait for Buster to get her and they can play.  I'm making some strawberry bar cookies this afternoon.  I'll freeze most of them to have when Maggie and company are down.  I'm worried about the Vol/Bama game this afternoon.  I just don't want the Vols to get killed.  I hope they play well...later....

Cold!!

I really just want to curl up in my chair and read but can't do that this morning.  R. goes to get his finger pricked and then I take him to the Retinologist to get a shot in his eyeball.  After today he only has one more shot to get.  After lunch I'm going to Bev's to see her pups.  She is fostering a mother springer spaniel and her 3 puppies.  I'm guessing they are extremely cute.  Had a wonderful fire last night and plan to have one tonight, as well.  Tomorrow morning we're supposed to have a hard freeze.  All of my plants are in that I care about.  The few annuals that I haven't already ditched will be history tomorrow...later....

Richard's Update

 We went to UT yesterday to see R's cardiac surgeon.  Everything is looking good and under control.  We don't have to go back to him.  He is turning everything over to R's cardiologist who is in Maryville.  He did want R. to have one last echo and arranged that which was just one floor up from his office.  That looked good.  He still has some fluid, but is much better.  Now it is just working on regaining strength and healing completely.  He is improving daily and has been a very good patient.  Dr. Everett said he can resume driving in 2 weeks.  I haven't minded driving him around at all.  Yesterday I told him my driving doesn't make me nervous at all...his does, at times.  He doesn't seem to have much to complain about with my driving although he thinks I am in too much of a rush...later...

The Cold is Coming

It's not too bad here this morning but supposed to turn colder tonight and definitely tomorrow.  Saturday morning it's supposed to be 28.  Time to disconnect my hoses outdoors.  Will do that when we get home today.  R. has a Drs. appointment this morning with his cardiac surgeon and after that we'll make a Sam's run.  I got quite a bit done yesterday.  We took Bax to the vet and he got a steroid shot for his itching.  Speaking of Bax..I need to boot him out before we go.  .er......lat

Forgot to Post Yesterday...

We first went to Walmart and came home unloaded groceries and then went to the mts. for a picnic.  We got our favorite in our favorite spot.  It was very peaceful without a bunch of kids running around.  We had our lunch, did a puzzle and sat and watched the water and enjoyed the day.  The sky was a beautiful, perfect blue.  Very little color to the leaves, but the drive was nice and R. was so happy to get out of the house.  He's feeling better and doing more.  He was unloading groceries and I was after him to not lift anything heavy...he doesn't really listen to me.  Today he made the bed and turned off the fan.  I told him he wasn't supposed to reach that far, but he doesn't listen...We're going to get blood work this morning and then stopping at Target and Kroger.  This afternoon I'm taking Baxter to the vets about his scratching...he's driving himself crazy..just hope it's nothing serious...later...

Wins!!

gThe Vols beat South Carolina and Auburn beat Texas Tech.  Today we need a win from the Bengals and Broncos!! It is quite chilly here although the sun is out and it is starting to warm up.  R. is doing better..swelling is going down, breathing is getting better.  Tomorrow is supposed to be nice and we may go to the mountains for a picnic.  I am going to Walmart and he wants to come along so we'll do that in the morning.  This is a busy week..Tues..blood work, Wed. Drs. app, Fri..he goes for 4th shot in his eye.  I need to get back to the gym and will shoot for that next week.  Tomorrow and Tues are going to be nice and then we get hit with more cold weather.  Our trees haven't even begun to change and anxious to see how it is in the mountains....later....

Fall Cleaning...

D sided it was past time to do some fall chores.  I cleaned my one garden window in the Great Room .and wow...It was really dirty.  I brought my plants back in that go there and cleaned everything.  I have the other garden window to do and both of them to do on the outside.  That I'll save for this afternoon when it warms up.  I may also do some of my kitchen cupboards while I'm in the cleaning mood.  I laid a fire and brought wood in yesterday, but we didn't have a fire.  I decided to save it for an even colder night.  Football today...Go Vols!  They play S. Carolina...later

Another Glitch

 I really didn't expect everything to be smooth sailing after coming home 4 days after open heart surgery.  That being said...enough is enough..First a trip to the ER due to irregular heart beat and a 1 night hospital admittance.  Next breathing issues and retention of fluid.  Another trip to the ER with additional meds.  Yesterday his breathing still wasn't what it should be and fluid still a factor.  Called the Drs office and they wanted him to come in for a Doppler test to make sure he didn't have a blood clot.  He didn't but then saw the PA.  She upped his diuretic and put him on an antibiotic because he had fluid in his chest and legs and that could signal the start of pneumonia.  I'm hoping smooth sailing is starting now.  I don't have anything else to say.  Rain is over and very chilly.  I'm thinking of maybe a fire in the fireplace tonight.  R. doesn't want me to bother because I'll have to bring up wood, etc.  We'll see.  Right about now I'm thinking how nice it would be to flick a switch to light a fire in the fireplace...later....

Happy Birthday, Trip

It's also the anniversary of my mother's birth in 1908.  As I said yesterday, when Trip could drive he always to Mom to breakfast on their birthdays.  Richard and I sang to him this morning as we did yesterday to Maggie.  It was always a tradition that I woke my kids up on their birthday singing to them.  They still expect it though they aren't kids anymore.  It's raining here today and we'll be here all day with no place to go.  I have chores to do around the house which will keep me busy....later...

Happy Birthday, Maggie!!

Yep..I remember the day well.  Our friends were going to watch Anne and Trip when I went to the hospital.  We took Anne to the Hannon's and Trip was going to Carol and Vince, but they had gone to a movie and weren't home.  We finally left Trip with the Hannon's so we could get to the hospital and I almost didn't make it.  She was born about 20 minutes after I arrived.  She was a sweet, easy baby and slept through the night at 4 weeks.  Tomorrow is Trip's birthday.  He was born on my mother's birthday.  When he got older he always took my mom out for breakfast on their birthdays.  October is a busy month for us.  Tim's birthday was on the 13th.  On R. news..all is well.  He was up before I got up and was singing at the computer.  I raised up in bed and asked him if he was singing...He was!  He is a very good patient..not at all demanding or complaining.  On national news...I won't go there because no one wants to hear me rant and rave and believe me, I could go on and on.  The Smokies are opening this morning!...later....

ER Here We Come

So the Dr. wanted us to go to the ER.  We got there around 9:40 and got out of there shortly after 3.  Thank goodness I brought my book.  They did some lab work, another cat scan, a chest x ray and it was determined he was retaining liquid.  They gave him IV Lasix and it started to work immediately.  He must have peed a whole liter within a half hour.  He was given a Rx of the same as well as another med and sent home.  His breathing is getti ng better and he slept the whole night in bed.  He has been getting up around 3.  This morning we go to the lab to get his finger pricked for his coumadan order.  I'm sorry that that seems to be all I have to say, but I know it will get better.  I will be going to the library this afternoon..also trying to come up with low salt menus.  R. definitely loves his salt so this isn't easy....later.....

Another Glitch

R didn't sleep last night and this morning he is more out of breath and his legs and feet are swollen.  We'll call the Drs. office this morning.  I have a feeling he's headed back to the hospital.  I was hoping for an easy week but that doesn't seem like it will happen.  I've got to finish the laundry and tend to the garbage in case we have to go to Knoxville.  Yesterday I cleaned out my cupboard that houses my baking pans, etc.  I'm ditching several things some to the trash and some to Salvation Army.  I need to make a run there sometime this week...later....

Released Again

R was released from the hospital right on time...3.  They regulated his heart rate and all I can say is that when you have had surgery such as he had, someone in the home better be on their toes.  Just keeping the meds straight is no easy thing.  Some he takes once a day, some he takes 3 times a day and the times are important.  I happen to be the medicine giver most of the time.  He also knows all about it but putting 2 elderly people on there own is dangerous if they don't have all of their faculties.  My day yesterday was fun.  I headed to Turkey Creek to the newly opened DSW.  I only got 1 pair.  I almost got a pair of boots, but they weren't super comfortable so I put them aside.  I got a really cute pair of flats.  After that I headed to Bed Bath and Beyond.  I was looking at their down comforters but all they had was white and I am dead set against white and I don't like duvets.  My experience with them hasn't been positive.  From there I stopped at Rafferty's for lunch.  I got a pumpkin cheese cake to bring home and share, which we did last night.  R. is doing well except for his shoulder which is very sore.  He must have pulled something.  No plans for today..just hanging out....later....

The Drop of the Other Shoe

R is back in the hospital.  Here is how it went down...his blood pressure was high yesterday and he was having increasing shortness of breath.  When the nurse called with his coumadan order she asked if everything else was going okay.  I told her about the above and she said she would alert the Dr. and we should expect a call shortly from them.  When they called R told them what was going on and he said due to it being Friday and it could be something or nothing we should come to the ER.  When we got there they did an EKG, started an IV did a couple echocardiograms, started some meds, etc....His heartrate was all over the place.  When it seemed certain that they were going to admit him I came back home to get a few things and then went back.  They already had a room ready for him and then his doctor came in and told us that this was very common with aortic valve replacement and they were administering meds to control it and they wanted to keep him under observation for 23 hours.  Once he was settled back in a room I came home.  He called last night around 10 and was fine.  I'm expecting to get him home early this evening.  That's all from this end.....later.....

Yesterday's Frustrations..

Most are go one.  R. figured out the alarm on my phone.  I'm moving on from giving away my beloved down comforter.  We got on line and looked at tons, but last night got on Khols and Bed Bath and Beyond and they also have a lot and I'll go to the store so I can see them in person.  R. wants to do that that today, but I think it's too soon for him to be traipsing around in a store  and besides that I have to take Baxter to the vets this afternoon if I can get him into the car.  Yesterday afternoon he about drove himself and me crazy running around and scratching his butt.  It may be all in his head, but I need to make sure there is no physical reason.  We took a nice ride yesterday and had our picnic but we could find no nice park as the Smokies are closed.  It was good for R. to get out of the house.  This morning we're going to get his finger pricked for his bi-weekly coumadan check.This should be a beautiful weekend....later...

Frustrations...

I have several this morning...R isn't sleeping well.  His shoulders hurt so then he gets out of bed and goes to the computer.  I woke up at 3 and he wasn't in bed or on the laptop.  I went back to sleep and got up at 5 to look for him.  He was in the great room and had slept in his chair.  He said he did get some good sleep.  He's on the downstairs computer now.  I'm getting a haircut this morning and then I'm going to take him for a nice long ride...not sure where since we can't go to the park.  He needs a change of scenery.  I think I'll stop at Panera and get us a picnic lunch to take somewhere.  My other frustration is that I decided it was time to put away my summer comforter and get out the down one.  I was chilly this morning.  I went down to bring it up and it wasn't there.  That is where it always is put in the off season.  Now I'm fearing that I mistook that bag for a bag of pillows I was taking to the Salvation Army.  I've had that comforter forever.  I got it at a down outlet in Cincinnati before R and I were married so that was over 30 yrs ago.  I can't tell you how distressing this is!  Another stress is that I put 4 a.m. on my phone alarm when we had to get up last week for surgery.  R. said it went off this morning when he was in the great room.  I guess it has been going off every morning.  I can't for the life of me figure out how to get it off.  I have tried every thing I know.  Oh well...Life will go on and I'll figure things out...later...

Continuing Progress

All is going well so far.  Tomorrow will be 1 week since his surgery.  This morning after I got him his breakfast I left to go grocery shopping.  I'm back and he's taking a shower and soon I'll fix his lunch.  This is different for me.  He usually gets his own breakfast and lunch except for Sundays.  Now I'm doing it all and it is fine.  He is in no way demanding and he's definitely not a baby when it comes to being sick like most men I know are.  When I got home with the groceries he called down to me and asked if I needed help.  Give it up, honey.  I can do it just fine by myself.  Sometimes he thinks I'm helpless...I'm not!  Pirates on tonight...keeping our fingers crossed.  Another beautiful fall day.....later.....

Home!

Yesterday was interesting.  R. called just before 10 to say he was being released.  I got dressed and rushed down there.  He had had his shower and was dressed except for his shoes.  After the nurse gave us all of the instructions we headed home.  First we had to stop at Walgreen's for 3 prescriptions.  I handed them in and then we went to Macdonalds to get lunch.  We didn't go in but got what we wanted and pulled up to a spot under a tree and ate.  When I went back to pick up the scripts, two were ready and the third, which was oxycodone was not because the Dr. had written an amount that didn't exist.  Because of what it was, the Dr. couldn't just call in a correct amount, so I had to go back to his office at UT and pick up a new and correct script.  When I took it back to Walgreens they told me it would be about 45 min.  After a roll of the eyes, I went to Kroger's to pick up a few things I needed and then back to the pharmacy.  It was almost ready and we were ready to go home.  I felt bad for R. because he was just 4 days after major surgery!! He wasn't complaining , though.  He got in and upstairs and I went back down to get things out of the car.  I got him settled in his chair and he wanted a bloody mary.  For a bit I was running around like a crazy lady and to coupound matters, I couldn't find his glasses which I had had in my hands when I got out of the car.  I looked for them for 30 minutes in every place I could think of.  I went down to the car 3 more times looking and finally looked in the trash can where I had thrown the Macdonalds trash.  There they were.  Anyway the evening went fine.  He dozed on and off in his chair.  Wasn't really hungry in spite of the fact I made him salmon, which he usually loves.  We ended up watch Homeland which I had DVRd and Last Tango in Halifax and then Bill Maher from Friday night before turning in.  He slept well and this morning we went to get his blood tested for Comoudan levels.  That has to be done twice a week while he is on it which should only be a month.  A beautiful day today.  It's a shame the park is closed.  I would love to take him for a picnic sometime next week.....later.....

On Hold

I'm just waiting here today to hear whether R is coming home today or not.  I have mixed feelings about it.  I know he really wants to be home and I really want to have him here, but I wish he were a little more mobile.  He has difficulty getting up and we do have some issues here.  I think we're okay as far as his chair in the great room.  I'm not sure about his getting out of bed.  I guess we'll see.  Not much else going on here..laundry day.  It rained last night but I didn't hear it.  Much cooler weather this week and that is great...love fall!.....later....

Vols Football

I watched the first half of the game in R's hospital room and then came home.  I puttered around here and checked on some other scores and decided to see how badly the Vols were getting beaten.  Much to my surprise the score was tied at 24 all.  From then on it was very exciting and the Vols went aahead at one point, but even with overtime they lost by 3 points.  It was a good game and it showed they are improving and gaining confidence.  On R. news..he is also improving.  He was walking several times yesterday and today should get the drains removed which will help a lot.  I'll be going down later this morning.  Rain coming this evening...later....

Update

Yesterday started out roughly for R.  A lot of pain, but when the doctor came in he told them to up his morphine because he was such a big guy.  All was fine after that.  He was up in a chair all day and that helps all of the tubes he has in him to drain faster.  He also left cvccu later in the afternoon when a regular heart room opened up.  I'll be going in this afternoon after Vol traffic eases.  This morning I'm making Eggplant Parmisagna .  I have it sliced and salted and will proceed when it has gotten the water out....later...

My Thursday

Yesterday wasn't as bad as I anticipated.  We arrived at UT a bit before 6 a.m. where R. was checked in.  I was with him until shortly after 7 and went to surgery waiting room from there.  They took him to surgery right on time at 8 and he was under way by 9.  I did some puzzles and got a USA Today and Knoxville paper which kept me occupied until Linda arrived.  We went to the cafeteria around 12:30.  My stomach was kind of queasy, but I was hungry so I got a taco and coke and we sat there for a quick lunch.  When we got back to waiting it wasn't long at all before they called my name and ::Dr. Everett was there to talk to me.  Ie told me everything went smoothly in surgery and I could see him in an hour or so.  So surgery lasted around four and a half hours..just what he said..between 4 and 5 hrs.  From there we went across the hall to wait in the CCU waiting room.  While we were there we saw 3 family members waiting from the crash on I40 Wednesday.  They called me back to see him in just about an hour.  He wasn't awake but I talked to the nurse who said all of his vitals were good.  After that Linda and I left.  In the late afternoon..shortly after 5 his nurse called me to tell me he was awake and he had taken out his breathing tube.  I also got to talk to R. and he also talked to me..not really a conversation but a few words.."I love you".  The nurse also said he was feeling and pain, but was dealing with it.  I made a bunch of calls and then watched some tv.  It was a strange feeling because we interact when watching together and I kept looking over at his chair to tell him something but he wasn't there.  I went to bed by 9:30 and slept well.  I woke up shortly after 4 and watched a bit of tv.  It's now 5:10 and Baxter and I are up..well I am.  He's still on his bed.  I have some errands this morning and will go to the hospital later this afternoon.  I'll call his nurse in a while to see how the night went....later...

Surgery Results

Surgery went well and I am home.  I saw him before I came home but he didn't see me.  He likely won't remember anything about today.  I'll call this evening and check on him and again tomorrow morning and go in in the afternoon.Thanks to all who called or messaged me!!

Fun Day

Yesterday we girls had a good time.  We ate at the newly opened Cheesecake Factory.  If you haven't been there be prepared for a huge menu and no matter what you order the portrions will also be huge!  All 3 of us ordered from the small lunch menu and there was nothing small about the portions.  The amount I brought home will feed me for the rest of the week.  After lunch we saw Enough Said..very cute.  Then we went !to Bev's new house.  It is beautiful!  Watched a bit of tv last night and then Jim and Tommie came over.  Tomorrow is R's big surgery day.  He has to be at UT by 6.  later....

Crazy Monday!!

Went for appointment yesterday...first..what was I thinking by now bringing a book along?  Got there, signed in at waited about 20 minutes and they called him back.  I stayed in the waiting room.  After an hour and a half I was about to lose my mind and then the nurse got me to go back where he was.  He told her to get me because he thought I would be bored...believe me I was way beyond bored!  Then the nurse started on the questions.  This went on for another hour.  He had already had an ekg and blood work.  When the questioning was finally finished she was sending us to x-ray.  She called for a wheel chair to take him down there and that didn't take too long..about 20 minutes.  Then we called for a wheelchair to take us to our car.  Wetwaited 40 minutes for that to come.  Those who know me know that I am anything but patient and I was ready to leave without him!  We finally got on the road at 2:30.  Our appointment started at 11.  We decided to eat at this cafeteria.  We went in, I went to the restroom and we started to enter where you get the trays and they were closed!.  They closed at 2.  We finally ate at a tearoom which was very nice and good food and then got home shortly after 4.  When we got home there was a message from his cardiac surgeon.  He saw something on the x ray that he wanted to look more closely at and wanted R. to come in today for a cat scan.  R. told him he had one just 2 weeks ago so he said if we would pick that up and bring it to him that would be fine.  He called and arranged for t hem to make a copy.  I knew it would be difficult for R. to handle all of this with parking, etc., but I was supposed to go to lunch with the girls today.  I finally decided I would go first thing this morning to pick up the cd and then have Bev and Linda drop me off in front of the Drs. office at UT so I could run it in.  I called last night and checked to make sure it would be there first thing this morning and they said it would be.  It was and I am back home.  I'll drop it off later....

Appointment at UT

R.  has to get blood work done at 11.  After that we'll lunch and maybe see a movie if time allows.  No other plans as of now.  I'm thinking I may need a few things at Sam's.  Tomorrow Linda, Bev and I are going to lunch and a movie.  On shoe news...DSW is coming to Knoxville.  When I got out my fall/winter clothes I was thinking that it's time to update some of my shoes.  I must have 15 pairs of clogs.  Yesterday was a terrible day for Cincinnati sport's fans!  Bengals were awful and Reds also lost.  We watched the Broncos kill the Eagles.  Peyton continues to amaze.  Nice day here..yesterday the sun never appeared....later.....

Time to Rant

I can't imagine that anyone who reads my blog is a T-Party sympathizer, but here is my opinion and I hope that of anyone else who is sane.  Shutting down the government and refusing to pay our debts is at the least un-American and borders on treason, if you ask me.  How can you be in a position to govern and yet want to shut down the government.  Your party lost..get over it and do what you can to get along.  This behavior is way beyond juvenile!!! Now..tonight is such a great tv night and thank goodness for DVRs.  We'll be watching the Amazing Race and then Homeland, but will DVR Last Tango in Halifax and The Good Wife.  Nothing that we watch is on on Monday so we'll watch them as well as Boardwalk Empire then.  Yes, I know I'm a tv freak but that's the way it is....later.....

Just Call Me Effecient

Today was the day I put away my summer clothes and got out the fall/winter ones..a job I detest!!  However it was super easy this year and I was finished with everything put nicely away by 9:15.  I started around 7 and first laid out all of my pants in 2 piles, then all of my tops.  Brought the winter stuff up, took the summer stuff down..changed the shoes, etc.  It was no big deal.  R. wanted to know why I didn't ask him to help  but I really didn't need him.  I don't know why I never did it this way before.  Next I'm making vegetable soup.  I brought everything up from the pantry and frig and freezer and after that we'll throw up wood.  R. won't be able to do anything after Thursday for quite a while so I'm taking advantage his muscle while I have it.  We also have our fall wreath to put up today and then we can relax....later....

Chilly Morning

Much cooler today than yesterday.  I got my house cleaned so finished the book I had been reading...Sonoma Rose.  Now the task of deciding what to read next.  Muir loaned me a book when I was up there that I have yet to read and I think I'll start that one.  I need a good book to be reading next week when I am at the hospital.  I'll also take my Kindle which has And the Mountains Echoed which I have been reading at the gym while on the treadmill and I'll take a puzzle book.  No real plans for the weekend..maybe a movie..not sure.  I do love this fall weather..later...

Eva Rae Egbert at Columbus zoo.

She loves the zoo and visits frequently.  This is a picture of her taken this week and she's wearing a sweater her Nana got her.

Stay Home

not leaving the house today!  Seems like I'm on the go every day lately so today I'm staying in and cleaning house.  I got my new vacuum yesterday.  The old one was working fine, but the spring on the handle was broken so it wouldn't roll easily and it was heavy.  I'll keep it to use downstairs.  R. is adamant about me going home on Thursday after his surgery.  Linda thought I should stay all night with him and I was concerned about Baxter.  In addition to the wing nurse the set up there is a room that is totally monitored with a nurse he shares with one other room.  She is stationed between the two rooms.  Linda was remembering that Bev stayed with her husband, but he was blind and extremely sick.  The rain is over and the next few days are expected to be perfect fall weather...later...

Yesterday's News

Here's the news on R's appointment.  Surg.ery on October 3rd at UT.  Hospital stay likely 5-7 days returning home after than rather than going to another facility for rehab.  He wants no visitors for the first few days, at least.  I'm not sure he even wants me there but I'll be there anyway.  Other than that no other news.  I may stay there all night on Thursday and I have to think about what to do about Baxter.  Linda said she would look in on him, but I'm thinking I may call his other people and ask them to take him for a few days.  I could leave him here and just have Linda come to feed him and let him out and then I would come home Friday morning for a shower and stay awhile.  We'll see...It's a rainy day today.  I went to the chiropractor and then stopped at Target to look at vacuum cleaners and I got the new Elton John CD.  It's really good...Diving Board is the name of it.  To the gym this afternoon....later...

Appointment Day

I'll text everyone with the date and time for his surgery.  I don't want anyone thinking about coming down here.  I know Linda will be at the hospital with me on day of surgery and Jim and Tommie will be here for anything I need.  A beautiful morning here.  Not sure if we have any other plans in Knoxville.  We may stop by Trader Joe's and have breakfast at some point...later...

Love Those Wins

Yesterday both the Reds and the Bengals won.  Trip was at the Bengals game and he called me and !  gave me a rundown of what happened.  Must have been a nail-biter.  Another beautiful day here.  My laundry is finished, the garbage is out and I got our outside fall wreath out.  I have some repairs to do on it before it can go up.  I'm hoping R. will be able to get it up.  It is always a challenge to hang on the chimney.  Tomorrow has his appointment with the cardiac surgeon.  I'll inform on when surgery is scheduled.  To the gym for me this afternoon....later....

Rain is gone, Sun is Out and Stinkbugs are Back

It's a beautiful day.  I just ran to the store, got gas, and also picked up a prescription.  I guess we'll watch some football and gold today.  Burgers for dinner.  Nothing else much going on.  I loved the pictures Muir posted of her dad.  The picture in the bathtub was taken when we took a bunch of pictures of our first apartment to send to Grandma and Grandpa Simpson....later....

Raining

 It started raining shortly after I got up.  Presently it is a nice, gentle rain.  I can't believe, after all the rain we had earlier in the summer, that I am happy to see it.  Maybe I won't have to battle stink bugs today and can settle down to watch football and golf.  I also started a new book so that is also on my Saturday agenda.  Nothing else to report.  It seems like it would be a perfect day for soup tonight.  I'll have to see what I can come up with...later....

Scary Blog

Ijust read Muir's blog and couldn't believe it.  Her co-teacher got electrical burns from turning off a light.  I'm with Muir..I wouldn't be turning on any lights at school.  I hope they had an electrician out there to assess the situation!  Now..on to lighter things...thank God for DVRs and PBS.  Thursday night we watched a really interesting show about migrating birds from Africa to Europe.  It was amazing.  I had been DVRing a series on Sunday night..Last Tango in Halifax.  We watched the first episode last night and liked it a lot.  Can't wait to see the second one.  So this morning I got up and was doing a puzzle when I noticed by thumb and pointer finger on my left hand was tingling like it had been asleep and was coming out of that.  I couldn't get it to stop and it is still the same.  I have no idea why but it must have something to do with the nerves anyway it is driving me crazy.  It's a beautiful day..likely the last before rains come tomorrow....later....

National "Talk Like a Pirate" Day

So why would I take not of this?  Because it seems Eva has been putting on her pirate face and talking like one.  She even takes her sippy cup up to her eye like she is looking through a spy glass.  If she goes to a Krispy Kreme and talks like a pirate she gets one free donut but if she dresses like one a whole dozen .  I guess this is everywhere if anyone who has a craving for donuts and isn't afraid to act a little crazy.  Other than that..not much around here.  R's new computer was defected so he is sending it back.  A replacement is supposed to come by tomorrow...later....

Hump Day

This means nothing to me, but it's here.  Fried rice with shrimp for dinner tonight.  R. gets his third shot in his eye today and after that he'll be putting his new computer together.  It arrived yesterday afternoon.  I'll be hitting the gym after lunch and no further plans.  Another nice day although not much sunshine.  The weekend is supposed to be rainy.  We haven't had any in awhile, so I don't mind......later...

A Late Start

I actually slept until after 6 this morning...Thank you, Baxter for not scratching and waking me up.  I had errands to run..went to Lowe's first to get some ornamental kale, etc.  Also got some colorful pepper plants then to Walmart and finally to Kroger's to pick up a winning powerball ticket.  Got home and it was time for lunch.  Linda called and wanted my pasta salad recipe so I emailed that to her and now I need to plant my stuff from Lowe's before The Chew comes on.  After that I'll get some reading done...a nice Tuesday!...later....

Sunday Activities..

We went to Knoxville and stopped at Jim and Tommies so we could ride together to brunch and the play.  Brunch was fun at Tupelo Honey and after that we went to the play.  We were early so sat outside in the beautiful weather.  The play, Noises Off, was very funny..good acting and a good day.  I usually don't like a farce, but this was really good and fun.  R. didn't care for it..he thought it was silly..isn't that the definition of a farce?  I was confused about the Bengals playing yesterday.  They play tonight.  When we got home we turned on the Broncos and Giants.  I really feel sorry for the Manning parents.  Peyton is just awesome and Eli is quite good, but still...that has to be hard to watch.  We were rooting for the Broncos but we also like the Giants because of Eli.  Today R is going to get a haircut, I'm going to the gym this afternoon....later....

Chilly Start

I love this weather, but I'm not sure what I'm going to wear to the play.  I really don't have any light jacket or sweater that I can throw on so I guess I'll just wear a long-sleeved top.  It is supposed to get to 82 this afternoon.  It was 53 here when I got up.  We're going to eat brunch at Tupelo Honey before the play.  Go Bengals...beat those Steelers!!!

Delicious Weather

It was quite chilly this morning.  I should have thrown on a sweat shirt, but I just cuddled up with my throw to watch some morning tv and do a puzzle.  We have no plans today..will watch football and golf.  I made chili last night and we have plenty of that left.  Tomorrow we go to brunch with Jim and Tommie and then to the play at the Clarence Brown.  The play, Noises Off, is a farce and should be pretty funny....later....

Home Sweet Home for Richard

I   got him home by 2 and we had a leisurly evening.  He's fine.  He has a followup appointment with his Dr. this morning and I have to stop by the hospital to get the video of his heart cath to take to the surgeon next week when he has his appointment.  In other news the weather is lovely this morning although it was very foggy.  I'll be heading to the gym later on.  I need to talk to them there because R. is going to suspend his membership for a few months...later.....

Update on Richard

The stress test yesterday did not happen.  He was a bit opposed to it so wanted to talk to his doctors first.  They agreed that it was not needed and would, in fact, be counter productive.  Last evening he had an ultra sound on his carotid and today is getting a heart cath.  I'll be going over later.  Hopefully he'll be released today.  My plans for today..go to the library and do some fall décor around here.  The weather is supposed to change by tomorrow with showers today and tonight.  The battle of the stink bugs goes on.  I can't tell you how much I hate those little buggers.  I resorted to sucking them up in my vacuum.....later....

Early Post

It's too early to report on anything.  R. is usually on the computer first thing in the morning so I don't get on until much later.  Since He's in the hospital here I am with no news.  Last night I watched some tv along with the President's speech and talked to all of the kids.  This morning I have an appointment with the chiropractor and will stop by the hospital after that.  I know that R is having a stress test this morning so he may not be in his room.  If not I'll run a few errands.  I'll have to report on his progress later...later....

Medical Update

Yesterday R was having breathing issues.  After his shower he was really short of breath and was skeptical about the gym but said he had to go to see what he could do.  Well, he got really short of breath and had to stop, but we did get in the pool.  He called his cardiologist when we got home and he called back today and we're going over there shortly.  I'll bring the news later or in tomorrow mornings post.  Other than that not much going on.  I went to the store this morning to get some stuff to stir fry tonight with pork.  Very hot again but should turn quite nice by Friday....later....

Reds Swept LA

That's the good news.  The bad is that the Bengals lost to the Bears.  We didn't get the game but apparently they flubbed it and should have won.  The Reds have a tough schedule for the remaining games and unfortunately the Cards do not.  It's another very warm day here and will continue for a few more days before turning cooler by the weekend.  I'm ready for some nice, crisp fall weather.  Laundry is finished and put away and my fall daytime shows are back...Katie and The Chew.  Apparently Boardwalk Empire started and we missed the start but we'll catch up on Demand.  It's to the gym this afternoon....later.....

Football /Baseball Time

So yesterday we went to Knoxville to get dog food and a few other items at Sam's and then had lunch at Rafferty's, stopped at Publix to get olives for R and then home to watch the Vols.  They beat up on Western Ky and really looked good, but the fun times are about to end.  Next week they play Oregon which is #2.  I know they'll lose but just hope they do as well as they can.  The rest of their schedule is also very tough with just 2 teams they shouldn't have to worry about.  I was also flipping back and forth to watch The Reds and then Georgia and SC.  Later I started to watch Notre Dame and Michigan, but I hate Michigan so much that I turned it off.  Today the Reds are televised and I'll watch that.  I'm pretty sure we won't get the Bengals.  I don't see them anywhere so I'll count on my kids to keep me posted.  The NY Times picked the Bears to win by 3.  I hope that doesn't happen.  The Reds looked great yesterday!!  Go REDS!!! Jim and Tommie are coming over later and I'll have burgers and fries for dinner....later....

The Mess in Syria...

R and I are both in conflict over Syria..stay out or go in?  We do believe we have a moral obligation, but we also believe there will be consequences we can't control or imagine.  I know how most of the country feels..much as we do, but I was wondering how my family and friends felt..Thus a poll I took last night from my phone contacts.  Gina, Trip and Maggie just don't know.  Joel and JimCox ..stay out..Muir and Jerry say leave it to the UN to decide.  There were 8 no replies.  ..that was my Friday evening other than watching Jimmy Kimmel shows that I had DVRd.  Today will mostly be spent still enjoying this lovely weather and watching football.  At some point we need to get to Sam's to get food for Baxter...later...

Morning Erandsr

I'm off to get a hair cut and color.....later....

I Have Nada!

I shouldn't post but I get yelled at when I don't.  This is a cleaning house day and I'm ready to start in the kitchen.  The Great Room is finished.  Broncos and Ravens on tonight..go Broncos!!

TV Changes

When did Kelly and Michael go from CBS to ABC?  I watched them in a few days but R. said they were on ABC and I didn't believe him.  He was right.  I went to Kroger's early this morning to get gift cards for Caroline's birthday next week.  I wanted to get them in the mail today.  Weather is great this morning..cool and dry with a sunny day ahead.  Making an asparagus quiche for dinner..did the crust this morning.  It's to the gym this afternoon...Newest book I'm currently reading is And the Mountains Echoed...later....

Storms

I guess we had a hell of a storm early this morning.  R. said lots of thunder and lightning with one that sounded like it hit us.  I didn't hear a thing and even woke up late..a bit after 7.  Very unusual for me...not the sleepin g through the storm the sleeping late.  I had a few things I wanted to get at Walmart so went there about 8.  It's much cooler today after our 3 day heat wave.  The people buying Richard's house wanted everything out of the house so Jim and Tommie went over there and got the one remaining couch which was supposed to be taken, but the guy didn't take it.  Then when the people did their walk through they decided they didn't want the washer and dryer or the storage shelves in the garage so Jim and Tommie went back to get those.  The washer and dryer was in the contract that they wanted to keep it.  Jim was so pissed he even wanted to take the water treatment device just to spite them.  We stopped that.  Anyway, I hope all goes well at the closing tomorrow...later.....

Happy Labor Day

I used to really like Labor Day when I was teaching because I had started a few weeks earlier and that was a welcome break..the last before out fall break.  Now it doesn't mean anything..just another day.  We have to go over to sweep Richard's house this morning.  The buyers are doing a walk through this afternoon and closing is on Wednesday.  Nothing else going on....later....

Football at Last

Watched Va Tech and Alabama and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  Tech wasn't supposed to have much, but they did okay.  It helped that Bama wasn't at their best.  The score was 35-10. Our defense actually looked pretty good.  Tennessee under Butch Jones won which we knew they would against Austin-Peay.  That score was 45-0.  Next week the Vols play Western Ky who beat Ky yesterday.  Other than that  WVa and Cincinnati won as well as Ohio State and Notre Dame.  Those are mainly the teams I root for.  We gave Baxter another bath yesterday.  He wasn't dirty, but had been itching so much.  I used a medicated shampoo and gave him his flea control after he was dry.  He slept much better last night.  We worked on the puzzle, but I left it to R. to get myself showered and dressed.  We had a bit of rain last night after we went to bed.  It thundered and lightened for quite a while....later....

Finally Summer

We really haven't had much of the summer heat and humidity this summer, but now that fall is approaching it gets hot and humid.  Yesterday afternoon we put our a/c on for one of the first times this year.  In book news I'm about to finish a good book..Imperfect Bliss by Susan Fales-Hall.  It is funny, very today and a real page turner.  This author also wrote One Flight Up which I will look for when I go to the library.  Football weekend.  I'm really looking forward to the Vols and hoping Butch Jones has what it takes.  We're due for a good coach and a good team.  We won't see the game as it is only on pay to view.  Va. Tech plays tomorrow and we do get that, but I'm almost afraid to watch.  If Alabama puts in their first string it's liable to be a blood bath.  That's all I have.....lat

Lazy Day

It's lazy because I don't have anything pressing to do and hope I can make some headway on my book.  I am changing our sheets and they are in the dryer now.  R. has a Drs. app this morning and then going to Walmart.  It's going to be 90 today and humid, but right now the sun hasn't come up and it's pleasant enough.  Now I need to get myself dressed and do some straightening up around here.....later....

Great Movie!

This movie is not to be missed..Lee Daniels The Butler.  We really loved it..good acting on everybody's part.  Went to Longhorn Steak House to have a late lunch afterward, got home just before 5 and watched Chris Matthews which we had DVRd the night before since he is now on at 7 only and we were used to watching at 5.  Went to chiropractor this morning and then to get gas and a car wash.  They were 3 deep at Kroger's but I was on empty so it was a must.  To the gym this afternoon.  BLTs for dinner...later.....

Movie Time

We're going to Knoxville to see The Butler today.  Not sure where we'll eat lunch but we'll do that as well.  Not much else going on.  Cute videos of Eva on Muir's blog...later...

Saying Goodbye to Richard

Our weekend was lovely!  We left Friday morning and had a nice drive through Tennessee and part of Virginia until we hit torrential rains and fog near Staunton.  The drive which should have taken a bit under 9 hrs took 12 hrs.  We did arrive safely and had a lovely hotel room with the balcony overlooking the beach.  R. wanted to have dinner at The Raven where he used to eat when he worked in Virginia Beach.  It was still there and the scallops didn't disappoint him.  We stayed up way too late sitting on the balcony and talking.  Saturday morning we got up and went to breakfast at a local hangout and then just drove around.  Tim, Steff and the kids got there around noon and we hung out around the pool and on the beach.  Joel, Jennifer at Eric got there around 2.  We were scheduled to catch the boat at 5:30.  The black minister who owned the boat and took us out was just wonderful. It turns out his wife is an ER nurse at MCV and Jennifer knows her.  We had to go out 3 miles to put his ashes in the ocean.  While it didn't look that rough, it was.  Tim had gotten Dramamine but he and R. were the only ones who took it.  When we reached 3 miles and minister gave a beautiful prayer and then Joel and Tim threw the shell that contained the ashes overboard and R. say Bon Voyage and we watched in silence until the shell, bit by bit sank.  I tried to take a picture of it and when you see the pictures you will see wires from the boat with a small white dot in the middle.  That is the shell.  It took about 5 minutes to disappear.  It was a very solemn moment.  We were very glad that we had done it in that way.  We got back to shore and ate at a seafood restaurant right in the marina.  We left early Sunday morning so didn't see anyone then.  The trip back was uneventful and went fast because we listened to The Litigators by John Grisham.  Pictures to follow......

PBS

Right now the evenings on tv are usually a wasteland, but we watched this amazing show last night on Birds of paradise and it was so beautiful.  I'm sure you can google these birds, but also to watch their mating rituals is amazing.  As I watched this I thought that a choriographer could write a beautiful ballet using these movements and the costumes could mimic the feathers of these wonderful birds!  Today we're going to get an oil change, tires rotated, etc.  We had planned to then see The Butler, but the time just didn't work so we'll do it next week, but we will have lunch while in Knoxville.  Also Baxter news..he slept on his new bed we got at Sam's.  We had almost decided that we were going to return it but he was all curled up on it when I got up and didn't even move until after7.  I. hope all goes well with him this weekend.  I am worried that he will think we are abandoning him....later...

Humidity Back...Ugh

Yep, it still isn't hot, but very humid.  Habitat coming to Richard's this morning to take remaining stuff in his house.  We'll hit the gym this afternoon.  Tomorrow we're having our tires rotated and then going to lunch and to see The Butler.  Friday morning we leave early for Virginia Beach...later...

Library and Kroger's

Went to the library and loaded up on books and a few dvds to take on our trip to Va.  Saw an old friend there who also taught in Blount County.  Did vegetables this morning and made dip and am going to do receipts in a minute and that will free me up to read this afternoon.  It's cloudy, but no rain yet.  I have to say that in spite of all of the complaining I've done about the rain this summer, it's been unusually cool and comfortable with not a lot to complain about.  This time last year we were in Colorado enjoying the mountain coolness as people in Tennessee were sweltering in one of the hottest summers ever.  This summer is flying by and soon it will be September and I'll start complaining of the cold!  ....later....

Nice Evening

We had a nice evening with Jim and Tommie.  We had appetizers and drinks on the deck and then came inside for dinner.  The meal was good, but the mussels were mostly dead, so I couldn't use them.  I'll get my money back from Kroger's.  The lemonade/raspberry pie was delicious and a big hit!  Today it's back to the gym after lunch.  The morning started out with more rain, but the sun has just come out.  Nothing else going on....later...

Happy Birthday to my Hubby!!!

He finally caught up with me!  Kenny Rogers will also be 75 tomorrow.  We have friends coming to dinner and I'm making fish..grouper, mussels and shrimp baked in a tomato sauce..also baked rice and Cesar salad and a lemonade/raspberry frozen pie for dessert.  Linda and Vic couldn't come as they are on their way to St. Augustine but stopped by this morning to wish R. a Happy and brought tomatoes, gazpacho and a cantaloupe and then were on there merry way.  We got Baxter a very nice pillow yesterday and Sam's.  So far he has only been on it once.  I'm afraid if he doesn't like it, R. is going to make me sleep on it!  It's a Serta and very comfy, but not quite big enough for me....later...

Outdoor Work

Spent much of yesterday doing weeding which was murder on my knees and back, but did it in shorter spurts and resting in between.  It is mostly finished, but have a bit to complete this morning.  I also worked on my deck rug which has developed spots of mildew and looked bad.  I wasn't sure how to attack this but decided on using Simple Green.  I poured it directly on the mildew and bad areas and just let it sit for a while, then scrubbed with a stiff brush and hosed off.  It looks like a new rug.  I did get on line and one person used a bleach solution of 2 parts water to 1 part bleach.  I tried that on a few spots without any success, so went on to Simple Green and I highly recommend that to anyone who has a similar problem.  Today my new dishwasher gets installed.  The old one was still working, but dishes weren't getting clean.  I didn't get anything fancy as I don't need bells and whistles.  My friend who just built a new house put in a highly rated one and sent it back because it took 3 hours to complete the cycle.  It used less water, etc.  Nothing much else going on.  R. has gone to get his second shot in his eyeball...Ugh!  He says he feels nothing...later...

Fun at Linda's

We had a really nice time yesterday evening.  Vic and Linda, Richard and me swam.  The others were chicken.  Dan did most of the cooking which was delicious!!..Prime Rib on the grill.  Bev looked good and is pretty much back to normal.  We got home shortly after 9 and watched a bit of tv.  Baxter has finally gotten on the pillow that I had for the other dogs but they would never use it.  Now I'll get him another one for the bedroom.  Today is lovely with no humidity and pretty cool.  I have been out weeding but my knees and back kill me so can only do it in short spurts before I have to come in and sit down.  I'll get it done eventually.  Nothing much else going on....later....

Good News

We took Baxter to the vet yesterday.  He didn't want to get in the car and was not happy to be in it, but he was great at the vet's.  They gave him 3 shots and checked him for heart worm and it was negative!  I was worried about that since he is 10 and has never been checked for it.  It turns out he is neutered and we started him on a heartworm med and is also good for fleas and ticks.  I was very surprised as out bill was only 146. and we got a 30 dollar rebate for the meds.  On the way home he was much better in the car..just laid down.  He was glad to get home, however.  We also got a new dishwasher, but don't have it yet.  Nothing much going on..to Linda and Vic's for dinner and swimming tonight....later....

Haircut and Baxter to the Vet

I'm anxious to get Baxter to the vet this afternoon.  I just can't believe people who get a pet and then to give it vet care!  I know it's going to cost a lot, but he is miserable with his scratching and I want to have him thoroughly checked.  Got a haircut this morning and then to Kroger's for gas and a few other items.  R. has gone to Walmart but there were a few things I wanted er....that Walmart doesn't carry.  Nothing else going on..I'm making popovers for dinner and will serve them with chicken salad....lat