Tues. Feb. 28

From a now dark, but not late MO,

Today has gone by quickly. The girls were restless again last night. They needed to go out about 3:30 and I decided to return them to their crate - no problem here. About 30 minutes later, I heard one of them fussing so decided I would put them in bed with me. A little later they weren't just fussing, they were barking and I then heard Jim coughing downstairs. I decided to let him enjoy their company and turned them loose on him.

I didn't get moving until almost 8:00 this a.m. and after fixing French toast for breakfast, we were out doing errands with the girls tucked into their carrier (in the backseat of the truck.) They do so enjoy going with us.

The weather has been great today - am thinking KC may have reached the 70s and we were not too far behind. It is terribly dry (very little snow this winter) and we do need a good rain. We have been having some fires in the rural areas around us - none big, but we don't need any!

Jim dozed some this afternoon and I puttered with the rug hooking - usually with at least one daughter on my lap.

I joined the ladies (Helen, Mary W., Peggy, Kay Green, and Marna) for dessert. Afterwards I decided to drive over to the track (already half way there) and see what was going on. The vaulters had helped get the pallets in place and were working on getting the standards in place. After several frustrations, the feat was finally accomplished. I am thinking that tomorrow they will try to get some of the "weight" people to help them haul the porta pits and get them in place - or they may wait a few days as Jim doesn't let them go up until they do some refreshing of proper procedures.

Jim will join at least one of the groups for breakfast in the a.m. and then we will go to Chris' funeral at 10:30. I really need to do some housework afterwards and Jim will be going over to the track in the afternoon.

Be safe.
B.

Mon. Feb. 27

From a now dark and comfortable MO,

This has been a rather active day - more than I had anticipated. Jim was moving before 7:00 this a.m. and I finally dragged out after 8:00. Jim was heading out to do errands by a little before 9:00 and I had the girls tucked into the car and was soon following - except with my own list. I really didn't have that much to do, but went by the post office, returned a book to the library and also had a bag full of plastic bags from HyVee and WalMart (they use them when patrons check out several books, etc.), went by Scott Stephens' office and set up an a time to get taxes done, and then finally was back home. Later, Jim and I put the girls in the crate in the back seat of the truck and did another series of errands - we seem to let them accumulate over the weekend.

Jim did call the VA in Columbia today and some paperwork will be sent his way. He has been going to do this since maybe before Christmas. He also called the local Social Security office and has an appointment with Jan Pyrtle to discuss his upcoming arrival of the age of 65.

He didn't want to have lunch so I made impromptu calls to Pat, Sandy, and Mary to see about gathering at the Pizza Hut for lunch - Pat and Sandy were free so we had a good conversation over lunch. Mary had just gotten food on the table for Ron.

Pat, Mary, and I left a little after 2:45 for Bosworth to the infamous fabric store there. I had never been there before and there must be tons of assorted fabrics. She had a few bolts of 100% wool left and I ended up with maybe a yard from six bolts. I have the last color grouping in the dryer now - have been washed in hot water and then put through the dryer. We were back in town by maybe 4:30 or thereabouts.

I am reading a book (loaned to me by Pat) about a young French girl during World War II. The author was recently the "guest" author at the local middle school. She (Kimberly Brubaker Bradley) told how her husband kept insisting that she visit with the mother of a co-worker of his about her experiences in France during WWII. The book is written for a junior high level and I became caught up in it within the first few pages. I am now on page 90 of 181. I'm not sure I'll finish tonight, but will hopefully finish sometime on Tuesday.

Jim went over to the track after practice had begun today. He came home all pumped up with the reception the female pole vaulters from last year gave him. He is still hurting a great deal, but the girls made him look forward to working with them.

We don't have too many items on the agenda for Tuesday. Jim will go to track practice at some point and I will join the ladies for dessert at 4:00. At some time during the day, we will go by Lindley Funeral Home to sign the registry book for Chris Earley. Such a shame to have him gone!

Be safe.
B.

Sun. Feb. 26

From a now dark, but still early MO,

This has been a quiet day for us. The girls did a good job of sleeping. They needed to go out in the middle of the night and then returned to their crate (as it was before 4:00) and I didn't hear them again until 6:30. I let them out of their crate intending on them going outside, but instead they headed to the basement to check on their daddy. I checked that Jim was on the move (so I figured he could take care of them) and I headed back to bed - not to awaken for another couple of hours.

We "batched" for breakfast this a.m. and after doing newspapers, took off on some errands. For some reason I had held my old jeans up last evening and noticed light coming through several areas that it should not have been - did a closer check and I had several gaps. I hopefully tried on some blue jeans in the back of the closet, but I am about 10 pounds from them so decided to get a pair at WalMart today to tide me over.

We went to see "Nanny McPhee" this afternoon. It certainly isn't an award winning movie, but we thoroughly enjoyed having some good laughs and several of the actors/actresses are well known. There were several young children at the theater and except hearing them laugh at times (which we were also doing) they were so quiet the rest of the time that I forgot they were there.

Jim has retreated already to the basement to do some reading and I am ready to take the girls out for the last time today - then will head to bed.

Jim has quite a backlog of things to be done (some have been accumulating since early January) and most won't take 5 minutes to do, but of course he is now protesting as to how many things there are to be done. I have a couple of quick errands to do and also need to set up a time to see Scott Stephens to get income taxes done. Jim will go to the track tomorrow afternoon and see what needs to get done and where things are (the week is supposed to be quite nice until maybe Friday). I am going on a wool gathering trek in the late afternoon.

If you haven't had a chance to read Dara and Doug's blog in the last few days, you might find it interesting as to some things they did in the area around Providence, RI.

Be safe.

B.

Sat. Feb. 25

From a now dark, cooler, breezy MO,

This has been a quiet day for us. The girls slept well last night and even after their early morning trip outside, joined me in bed and I didn't hear them until 7:30 - and I think they heard Jim coming from the basement.

Jim fixed a cheese omelet for us this morning for breakfast. It was quite edible.

We have done two chores today (other than a few errands) - the first was that Jim cleaned the sliding glass windows while I worked on the front room windows. They were quite dirty from the dryness we have been experiencing. The second project was to give the girls a much needed bath. I am not sure they were so dirty, but the odors had crept in and we needed some relief. They are now silky and smell divine!

Jim received a disturbing call this afternoon from a former pole vaulter that another past pole vaulter had died early this a.m. The "informant" didn't provide much in the way of details - am thinking he was in too much of a state of shock to tell us. Pat dropped by this afternoon and was able to provide us a little more information - and then later Margaret Vance called. Chris Earley died this morning in KC. Chris came through the junior high after I had retired so I didn't know him until I met him at pole vault practice. He was really quite a character and seemed to like all of those around him - had plenty of hugs and smiles for his team mates. We had also enjoyed watching him wrestle while he was in high school. He seemed to think a lot of Jim. So sad.

We have watched the KU/Texas basketball game and during commercials switched to the Olympics. Just a quiet day for us.

Be safe.

B.

Fri. Feb. 24

From a balmy, sunny MO,

I am not sure what the low was this a.m., but the last time I looked at the weather channel - the current temp. was 65 degrees!!! Almost swimming suit weather! - except I look like a walrus!

Jim decided to sleep downstairs last night so his moaning and groaning wouldn't prevent a good night of sleep for the rest of us. The girls and I ended up going to bed a little after 9:00 so they were ready to go outside at 4:00 this a.m. I let them join me on the bed and I didn't hear from them again until after 7:00 - and that was Jim walking down the hall to peek into the bedroom. They were delighted to see him - in fact, Trixie kept checking his side of the bed when she came to bed with me 4:00.

Jim decided to join a group of old geezers for breakfast this a.m. I'm not sure he was feeling that much better, but felt he needed an outing - and I agreed. I left here about 9:00 to head to the hospital to have a bone density test done. I should know the results by next Friday. Afterwards I went to Citizens Bank & Trust as I had heard Betty Preston advertising about some one day trips later this spring and early summer. One trip was in April and would include going to Powell Gardens to see an orchid exhibit and then on to KC to eat at Wesbster House - a combined tea room and antique shop - am thinking Sandy McGinnis said in an old school house. The second trip is the last part of June and involves going to the New Dinner Theater in Overland Park to see a matinee of "Fiddler on the Roof." I'll check the track schedule for the first trip, but definitely would like to do the second.

I ended up having lunch with Pat and Sandy at the bowling alley today. Sandy and I had BBQ pork sandwiches - absolutely tender and moist while Pat had a club sandwich which she enjoyed. Sandy was getting ready to go to Columbia to spend the night with Cassie (Lee is in Colorado for a basketball game) and then will return on Saturday.

Jim had a call from Dr. Metry's nurse this afternoon. A spur shows up on one heel - the one that is less painful than the other -- so am not sure what is going on unless he has been favoring the heel spur. If the pain isn't better in a week he is to go back to see Dr. Metry.

Jim has headed over to the track now to check out where equipment is stored. I'm not sure what he expects to do, but the weather is marvelous and I think he just needed to get outside.

The boys play Excelsior Springs for the district championship tonight. EX SP is coached by David Garrison - a local graduate and husband of Katie Jackson.

We don't have specific plans for Saturday - maybe I will finally get around to tackling some cleaning upstairs and in the family room downstairs. The basement mainly needs vacumming and some decluttering, but the upstairs needs more.

Be safe.

B.

Thurs. Feb. 23

From a now dark, almost balmy MO,

This has been an active day. The girls had a restless night - am not sure it was due to Jim being uncomfortable when he was up and about during the night or the fact that they didn't do a good job outside on their last evening trip. Anyway, I took them out at 3:00 a.m. and they were fussing again by 6:15. Of course the latter was only about 15 minutes before the alarm was due to go off so it was okay.

Jim had a miserable night. He took some Advil at 3:00 this a.m. and I brought him a banana so that he would have some food on his stomach. He was having a bagel when he was dosing himself again a little after 7:00. When I got back from breakfast, he had temporarily gotten dressed so as to bring in the two plastic garbage cans from the driveway - I had set them at the side of the driveway this a.m, but the garbage guys had left them in the middle of the driveway and Jim didn't think there was room to drive on either side of them. He was soon back in bed.

We didn't have very many at breakfast this a.m. Pat was at the middle school as this is when they have the visiting author and there was a breakfast scheduled this a.m. My mind is tired, but I think those present included Mary Willis, Judy Mathew, Sandy, Margaret, and I am missing someone other than myself, but can't remember. Oh, well - just forgive me. Topics ranged from books, who is ill, upcoming personal activities, etc. Work on the walls has started on the home that Margaret and Larry Vance are building, Sandy has recovered from having three preschool grandchildren in her home this past weekend (of course enjoyed every moment), Judy is busy with her grandchildren and church activities, and I just keep plugging along.

I stopped at Velma's place to leave trays on my way home to check on Jim. He was still in bed and in quite a bit of pain. I took off to do a few errands - needed some more yarn for chemo hats, needed to go by the post office, and eventually made a trip to HyVee. When I returned from HyVee, Mary had called to remind me of the gathering of tennis buddies (Helen, Margaret Worthington, and Mary Warren) at Grand River Inn and for me to join them - which Jim insisted that I do.

This place needs a major cleaning and maybe I will make a better effort on it on Friday - we'll just see what comes up to give me better options.

I met Helen, Mary W., and Vickie at the bowling alley at 3:00. We had tea or soft drinks and ordered a couple of appetizers - enjoyed a lot of good conversation. I'll tell now on one of the ladies (from one of the three groups I feasted with today) - one needs to have her eyes checked as she discovered she had gone into the MEN'S restroom rather than the WOMEN'S -- at least she has the sense of humor to tell on herself - so I won't get specific - but I might be bribed! -- either to tell or to keep it a secret!

I plan on going to bed early this evening. I have cheated and looked at the Olympic results so will probably just turn the tv off when Jim goes to bed. He has decided to sleep downstairs until he doesn't moan and groan so much. Of course I had about 30 plus piles of chemo hats, needed yarn, etc. on the bed and surrounding area, but these have been moved and the bed is ready for Jim.

I have a bone density test in the a.m. - can't remember off the top of my head whether it is 9:00 or 9:30. If we haven't heard from the doctor's office by 1:30, I plan on calling to see if the results of the heel x-rays have arrived.

The girls lost their second round basketball game in district play last night so the season is over for them. The boys will be playing in about 30 minutes in their second round game.

Be safe.

B.

Wed. Feb. 22

From a now dark, but still early MO,

This has been a rather quiet day for us - or at least for me. The girls were on the move earlier than I would have liked this a.m., but returned to their crate until Jim began moving an hour or so later. Then I let them join me in bed and we rested until after 8:00.

Jim left a little after 7:00 for his first breakfast with the "old fogies" and then joined a second group a little later. I think he claims he had oatmeal with the first group and a couple of pieces of whole wheat toast with the second group.

We took the girls with us to do a few errands later and also set up an appointment for this afternoon to get toenails trimmed. This time, Jim took one girl at a time to the back room and I held the other on my lap in the main area - this worked better than anyother time that we took them so we must try to remember this routine.

Brandi Davis Ellis (our neighbor to the north) had her 30th birthday today. After she had left for work this a.m., her parents came over and decorated the front of the house. I went over later and took a few photos for posterity. I can barely remember turning 30!

I had a good casserole for supper tonight. It was supposed to be a breakfast casserole of shredded potatoes, cheese, chili peppers, diced ham (I used diced Polish sausage), eggs and milk. It had refrigerated over night and it turned out quite good - Jim went back for seconds.

I have breakfast with the ladies in the a.m. and then have a couple of errands to do afterwards. I am not sure what the rest of the day will bring.

Be safe.

B.

Tues. Feb. 21

From a now dark and late (for me) MO,

We have had a LONG day. We went to be about an hour earlier than usual last night and I needed to make a trip to the bathroom about 3:30 and the girls heard me. I let them go outside and then returned them to their crate. Then Jim and I couldn't go back to sleep - even though we really tried. Finally about an hour later, we let the girls join us for an early morning romp (this they love) on the bed. Eventually Jim and I decided that we would head to KC today rather than waiting until Wednesday.

We left here about 8:30 as we were not sure when the pet place would open in KC. First we went by our local high school so Jim could take some paper work to Phil Willard. For someone who is supposed to be keeping his questionable leg elevated- I saw no sign of it!!!!

When we got to the pet store (just south of Johnson Drive - east of Metcalf) we realized the store opened at 7:30 because they groom pets there. Anyway, we got a large bag of dog food and then headed south on Metcalf to Borders where Jim found several books to his liking and one of the workers put him on to another author. We had planned on eating at the Red Lobster near there, but had not had a return call from Bill Aronson so we decided to go to Sam's - just off of 95th and I-35. We picked up some trays for Velma and marveled at their selection of food items - seems like so many more than the Sam's north of the river has. Anyway, we then headed north to the Metro North area and ate at the Red Lobster there. Then we made a quick trip into Liberty so I could get some "blank" Monk's cloth so that I can try "creating" some hooked rug patterns of my own choosing.

We were back in Chillicothe by a few minutes after 3:00. I had called Vickie Garrett to see if she would help Jim pick out which keys that Phil had loaned him this a.m. would need to be duplicated for his needs in track. Then Jim headed to Westlake's to have keys made and I headed to Washington Street to join the ladies for dessert - Peggy, Helen, Mary Willis, and Marna Cole.

I have been puttering on some chemo caps at home, but hadn't finished any for several days. I managed to finish two going to KC and two coming back plus began efforts on two more - one that I finished this evening while watching the Olympics.

Jim joins the old men for two different breakfasts in the a.m. I plan on staying around the house until he gets back and then I will be off on a few errands. He should be hearing from Kelly at Dr. Metry's office sometime tomorrow with x-ray results and I think one of us needs to be here to get the results.

Be safe.

B.

Mon. Feb. 20

From a now dark, somewhat warmer MO,

This has been a good day. I went to bed earlier than usual last night so the girls had spent seven hours in their crate by 4:30 this a.m. After letting them out, they willingly returned to their crate and I didn't hear them again until the alarm went off at 6:30.

The Mobile Meals computer work was quite easy today - a few deletions, one minor correction, some xeroxing (went to Piggly Wiggly to do it, but should have gone to DataCom as it would have been cheaper - except then I would have driven from the south end of town to the north end - then back to the south end - probably all comes out about the same). I made a quick trip to the post office and then returned home.

While I was gone, Jim had received a call Dr. Metry's office that I was clear on my annual physical and that he was able to get in at 2:00 this afternoon to see Dr. Metry about his aching feet. I'll do some skipping around, but Dr. Metry was on his case about not taking the Advil as he had suggested and also sent him to have his heels x-rayed - should know results on Wednesday.

The girls should sleep well tonight as about 10:00 this a.m., heavy digging equipment showed up in the lot that Clithro and Grace Anderson bought and began excavating the basement. The girls were besides themselves in their enthusiasm. We had to finally put the "anti-bark" collar on Abby and both quieted very quickly.

Jim and I dozed the middle part of the day - waking about 1:00. I pulled out the current hooking pattern and worked on it while Jim got ready to go to his doctor's appointment.

I was really lazy about supper tonight. I had taken the leftovers from last night over to the Ellis' for their meal this evening so I ended up fixing waffles for supper.

We don't have specific plans for Tuesday. We might end up going to KC as the dog food that we get the girls will only last another couple of weeks and it would be easier to get it now than after track practice begins. We also may wait until Wednesday to go - we'll just see what tomorrow brings. We have a few errands to do, but all can be done in a few minutes - just will take a few stops along the way.

Be safe.

B.

Sun. Feb. 19

From a now dark, but not quite as cold MO,

The girls slept until about 6:00 this a.m., returned to their crate and I didn't hear them until almost 8:00 - good for them!

We were still without hot water in the kitchen this a.m. so I "suggested" to Jim that maybe a trip to Country Kitchen was in order. We had a good breakfast there (and no dirty plates to rinse off in the bathroom sink) and then made a stop at HyVee as I had accumulated a good list. We have spent the rest of the day at home - me finishing the MC Beaton book and Jim dozed this afternoon.

I do the computer work for Mobile Meals in the morning. I just had an e-mail from Nancy Shy that the xerox is not operating so if "half-sheets" are needed, I will need to go to DataCom or HyVee to xerox the needed items - then return them to the RSVP office.

Jim is planning on going to Dr. Metry's office in the a.m. if he continues to be as much in pain as again today. We'll see what develops there.

Oh, by the way, we had left the cold water dripping in the kitchen sink this a.m., but about 11:00, we heard a gush of water and HOT water was finally working. I quickly got the dishwasher going. We have known for years that when it is very cold and the wind is from the east that we have to leave water dripping and a light on the pipes downstairs - just forgot this time. I think one of the culprits is the fact that the vent from the dryer goes up the wall parallel to the water pipes and of course it is quite cold from outside freezing temperatures. Oh, well - maybe we won't forget next time. At least I did a survey of items that I took out from underneath the sink area and did some weeding - so I can almost see everything that is stored there now.

Be safe.

B.

Sat. Feb. 18

From a bittery cold MO,

Jim and I are really slipping. We know that when it gets this cold that we must turn on a regular light bulb next to the upstairs water line (the one that goes to the kitchen), but we both forgot. I went to get water for the girls this a.m. - and of course nothing came out.

The girls slept until 6:00 this a.m. and because Jim had such a restless night, I returned them to their crate after their trip outside. I didn't hear anything again until almost 8:00 - and Jim was beginning to stir - along with a lot of moaning. I am not sure if he has developed heel spurs, but he is finding walking quite difficult and both feet are hurting him. He has used a four letter word with almost everyother word today - I considered checking into a motel!

I fixed French toast for breakfast. About 10:00, we loaded the girls into their crate in the back seat of the truck and set out on several errands - 60th anniversary card for Richard Knouse and his wife (my mind is slipping as to her name) - post office, bank, Model Cleaners, HyVee to xerox (my favorite place is closed on Saturdays and I wanted to get the two pages done), and surely something else. Jim slept much of the afternoon - and afterwards ran the virus protection item on our computer.

I have worked some on my rug hooking project and am now ready to curl up with the newest Hamish Macbeth book by MC Beaton - that will create a marvelous evening for me.

We have no specific plans for Sunday - just want to stay warm.

Be safe.
B.

Fri. Feb. 17

From a dark, late for me, cold! MO,

This has been a full day. The girls slept until after 6:00 this a.m. and after their brief (and cold) interlude outside, they joined us in bed - the next thing I knew it was going on 8:00 and Jim had just started moving. Pat called a little later wondering about a quick trip to St. Joseph and of course I didn't have to be persuaded.

Jim joined a group of old geezers for breakfast and had the opportunity to go with Dupy and Redford to KC to see the DaVinci movie, but knew that I would also want to see it - and he had committed to babysit today. Anyway, one of these days in the near future we will see the movie - hopefully it will be coming here, but of course we can go to KC as well.

Pat and I left here a little after 10:00 and made stops at Hobby Lobby, Michael's, Border's (ate at the coffee shop there and thoroughly enjoyed our sandwich selection), JoAnn Fabrics, and then stopped at the Goodwill store where we found several items of 100% wool. The prices were higher than the local Salvation Army and Threads so I am going to weigh the finished fabric and see how close I came to the price that the lady at Liberty charges. I did find some good colors today. We stopped at Cameron on the way home to have some warm beverage and came on home.

I have since then used the microwave to fix a Marie Callender lasagna meal (really a good size at there are 2 or 3 portions) and a lettuce salad to go with it. I've also processed almost all of the wool - have the last batch in the washer now.

At this point we have no specific plans for Saturday other than enjoying the girls and watching the Olympics on tv - sounds like a good, calm day.

The weather was bitter today - doubt if the high was in the mid-20s, but the wind made it feel much colder! There seemed to be more ice on the side streets in St. Joseph than what I have noticed locally.

I must comment on a funny thing that I saw this a.m. while Jim was at breakfast. The girls like to do wrestling moves on each other - almost always ending with a take-down. Abby is the lighter of the two and usually doesn't get as rattled as Trixie. Anyway, this a.m., I looked down and Abby had Trixie on her back with Abby holding on to Trixie's tail - and pulling her across the carpet. Trixie didn't seem to be minding although she was trying to disengage Abby. There was no growling or howling in pain so guess it was just a fun maneuver for them.

I think we may still have five boys "live" in the state wrestling meet. Bobby Crabtree is still in the championship bracket, but was injured in his match this a.m. so may not wrestle his next couple of matches - would still end up sixth. The other boys are in what is called the "wrestle back" bracket and still have the opportunity to medal. The paper did not carry the results for the heavy-weight tonight and I have not gone to the MSHSAA web site to check brackets - will probably do that in the a.m.

Be safe.

B.

Thurs. Feb. 16

From a cold, somewhat icy MO,

This has been a rather interesting day. The girls needed to go out quite early this a.m. - about 4:30 and I noticed that some moisture seemed to be coming down. After I put them back in their crate, the next I heard from them was at 6:30 - and Jim was already moving around in his bathroom. This time, when I took the girls to the sliding glass door and they stepped out on the deck - they began sliding like crazy! I always go out through the kitchen door and through the garage and was quite careful when I went on the concrete, but it was okay.

Jim got the garbage out and decided that our driveway was okay so I prepared to go to Country Kitchen for breakfast. By this time several area schools had cancelled - except for Chillicothe. Actually the drive to CC was okay, but I must admit that I was quite cautious. We eventually had five ladies present - Judy Mathew, Mary Willis, Judy Duncan, Margaret Vance, and yours truly. Pat had called earlier that she wasn't going to venture out on the ice as twice in recent years she has broken her arm in the wrist area - one year one arm/wrist and about two years later the other arm/wrist.

Jim drove the truck to Barnes Baker to get tires rotated and walked home. When I returned home briefly, I took him to Barnes Baker to get the truck and I went on to have my hair cut. Amy will be having an induced labor in a couple of weeks. She looked somewhat pregnant last month, but there was no question today! This outing was the first time I got into ice, but not on the roads. I stepped out of the car to go into the shop and almost landed on my rump - the parking area was a sheet of ice. Needless to say, I was then more careful.

I was back home again until going on 1:00. By this time the local school was to be getting out and I really wanted to get to the library before the high school let out. I decided to use back streets to go to the library and had no problem.

The temperature has dropped most of the day and I think it is to be in the single digit range tonight. Last night was cool enough that I grabbed a pair of flannel pajama bottoms that I keep handy when I headed out at 4:30 with the girls. I don't need to get so cold that I can't go back to sleep when I return to bed.

Jim joins one of the old men groups in the a.m. for breakfast. I've not had oatmeal all week so I think I will be a good girl and stay home and eat healthy! I know the girls won't mind having me around so it really isn't a suffering thing to do.

I am in the northeast bedroom (now our computer and also junk area) and have just noticed that the north wind has really started to make its presence known - yuck!

Be safe.

B.

Wed. Feb. 15

From a cold, breezy - maybe windy, MO,

This has been sort of a quiet day for us. The girls awakened me about 6:00 this a.m. and by the time I had them back in the house, Jim was in his bathroom beginning his morning ritual. The girls joined me in bed and the next thing I knew it was 8:00 a.m.

Jim joined both groups for breakfast this a.m. The first group was small in number as John was picking up his youngest grandson to bring him for a couple of days with grandpa and grandma - Jacob's first time away from home without parents. I think three of the old fogies were in Missisippi as they had gone along on the drive to deliver the 60 bunkbeds. The second group decided that they were going to see the new Pink Panther movie tonight. Mr. Dupy was taking his grandson so Jim and Dave Redford decided to tag along.

I took the girls on some errands this a.m. and then waited at home until Jim returned to do a second round of errands - bank (IRS paperwork arrived at our post office box this a.m. - post marked Jan. 25!) , Salvation Army to check for 100% wool items - found a couple - and then on to Threads to check there - found three or four. One was a good shade of tan and another was a good shade of deep green - others will be good background filler.

Jim slept most of the afternoon while I cut out the fabric, put it through hot water in the washing machine, dryed it, and then cleaned up some fuzz to get it ready for future use.

I am not sure what I will choose to do this evening - am currently listening to the North Carolina basketball game, but also can choose from knitting, crocheting, reading, and of course cuddling with the girls - a good life!

Jim takes the truck in to have the wheels rotated in the a.m. and I will be joining the ladies for breakfast, then have a haircut, and then have a library board meeting.

By the way, I have mentioned Lance Alexander before - should have said Lance Douglas - this name I am sure that Dianne will remember. I kept wondering why she hadn't responded.

Be safe.

B.

Mon. & Tues - Feb. 13 & 14

I am going to try doing this in two stages - will finish Tuesday evening after having dessert with the ladies - so here goes --

Monday was a full day. I did the computer work for Mobile Meals in the a.m. and unfortunately the ink cartridge had to be changed about half way through the 12 sets of labels. Thank goodness, a replacement is always kept handy, but it did slow things down some. Ruth was in to balance the checkbook and then was off to the YMCA for an exercise class, and then was taking two lady friends to St. Joseph for doctor appointments. She is leaving on Thursday for a cruise in the Carribean.

Jim did errands early and then both of us did errands together - seems we just keep adding to the list. He did go out to see Phil, but he was at the hospital getting some bloodwork done. My annual physical seemed to go okay in the afternoon although my blood pressure was up again so one of my medications is being increased. I MUST GET WEIGHT OFF AND BEGIN EXERCISING!!!!

We have been watching the Olympics quite a bit and Jim has also being caught up in watching the celebrity pair skating on tv. The girls slept well last night as I didn't put them out until after 5:30 this a.m. and that was because Jim was already moving around in the bathroom and taking a shower.

We have spent much of Tuesday morning doing errands. First we went to County Kitchen for breakfast, then on to several errands. Margaret had given us a cell from one of the Pink Panther movies years ago and I had sloppily framed it. We had taken it to Kelly last week and picked it up this morning - am really impressed by how he matted it and framed it - looks professional now. Of course when we got the cell, we didn't have the money to have it done right. Kelly said the cell is in good shape in spite of our mishandling.

Kansas City is predicting the temp to get into the 60s today. We are anticipating taking the girls on a walk in a little while - they need it as well as us. Jim has been spending some time on the bicycle this a.m.

I started a new Joan Medlicott book yesterday - maybe called CHRISTMAS IN COVINGTON - and I have only a few pages left so hope to finish it this afternoon.

I am going to try to save this as a draft and then will add on after dessert with the ladies this afternoon.

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Hmmm - think I have this idea of a "draft" figured out - that will be good.

We did walk this afternoon, but didn't attempt the slope(s) on Maple Street. Rather, we just walked basically a flat area, but probably managed at least a good mile. The girls were exhausted when we returned, quickly drank some water, and then took a deep doze.

We ended up with six for dessert - Helen, Peggy, Mary, Sandy, Pat, and yours truly. Helen was good and again had sliced pineapple and cottage cheese, Pat and Mary didn't indulge, but the rest of us of course had to sample something - Sandy had the taco soup, I had a piece of apple pie (had one put into a box to bring home for Jim) and Peggy had the champagne cake. We left a little earlier than usual as the place was filling up with Valentine Day celebrations.

Jim has breakfast with his two groups of old fogies tomorrow. I am not sure if I will stay home and have oatmeal or whether I will go to HyVee - might depend on what the scales say in the a.m. as I forgot to weigh today. Jim needs to make contact with Phil Willard and also needs to call the VA in Columbia to see what needs to be done to make him eligible for services there since he was cut loose from the clinic in Cameron.

I did finish the Joan Medlicott book this afternoon and am not sure if I will start another book this evening, crochet, hook, or just what television.

Be safe.

B.

B.

Sat., Sun. Feb. 11 & 12

From a cool, mid- a.m. MO,

Today (Sunday) is my mom's birthday - she would have been 90 today. Dad always liked to tease mom that she and Abe Lincoln were born on the same day!

Saturday was a full day. We had a good night of sleep (thanks to Tylenol PM and the girls) as I didn't hear them until about 7:00 a.m. Typing is a little difficult this a.m. as Abby is insisting that she needs to be not just on my lap, but in my arms - she isn't too happy about being left along for a long period of time.

We ended up going to Country Kitchen for breakfast. One of the first people I recognized was Judy Duncan. She and her husband were getting ready to go to KC to the Home and Garden show. We had walked in with Brian and Traci Peters - Chauncey Meneely's mother and step-father.

We spent about three hours with the girls and left here about noon to head to KC. We made a quick stop at the shopping area in Liberty and then headed on south to 90th and Metcalf to the Half Price book store. Jim was able to locate three books by authors that he enjoys. From there we eventually made it to Red Lobster (had called Bill Aronson a couple of times and left messages). Afterwards, we headed south on Metcalf to check out a fabric store where I finally found a pair of scissors that I have somehow misplaced - hopefully they will at sometime be found.

We had left Chillicothe about two hours before we really needed to do so, so still had time to spend before going to JCCC. We finally stopped at Panera on Metcalf and enjoyed a dessert and coffee - both of us were needing some caffeine by this time - as well as some sugar.

We were just north of the JCCC when the cell phone rang and it was Sandy Ross. She and Bernard hadn't been long at the Sage residence in Independence (had breakfast in Georgia that morning and I think she said lunch in Tennessee) and they were enroute to JCCC - just wanted to go over directions again as this was their first time. We had been in and out of skiffs of snow all day so driving wasn't necessarily the easiest.

We went on to the Carlsen Center and waited in the lobby for Sandy and Bernard. They didn't have to call a second time as my "excellent" directions got them there with no problems. Sandy had called a few months ago for tickets and somehow had been lucky enough to get tickets in the room just behind us and about two tickets to our left.

The concert featured the second generation of members of the Kingston Trio. One member had maybe been in the group about 30 years, another maybe close to 20, and the third one less. The guy who did the back-up guitar work had been with the group I think 15 years. Many old favorites were performed and a few that I really don't remember hearing. We enjoyed the performance and I think Sandy and Bernard did as well - despite their exhaustion.

We did not follow each other back to Chillicothe as they had not had an evening meal. We arrived in Chillicothe sometime between 11:45 and midnight. Needless to say, the girls were glad to see us.

I didn't hear the girls this morning until about 6:00, let them go outside, and then tucked them back inside their sleeping crate - didn't hear them again until almost 8:00 - then they were ready for space and activity.

The Austin/KC arena football game comes on about 1:00 and we plan on sort of watching it. Jim is wanting to watch the Pro Bowl at 5:00 and in between we will probably be watching some Olympics.

Jim has several errands to do on Monday and I begin Monday with the computer work for Mobile Meals and then have my annual doctor's visit in the afternoon. Neither one of us will be happy about my weight. I also need to show him some moles on my back as Jim seems to think they have changed in color.

Until I get back on - be safe!

B.

Fri. Feb. 10

From a dark, cold, somewhat breezy MO,

Jim joined a group of old geezers for breakfast this a.m. and I basically did as little as possible around here. John Roney arrived about 10:00 to carry off the enormous, old tv set that we had - Jim guessed it weighed close to 300 pounds. Mr. Roney carries off items for a flat fee - some which he salvages and others go to the dump - I'm happy to just have the items gone and not worry about nails in the area of the dump.

The four of us got out about 11:00 to do a few errands. Then I went to HyVee to do some minor grocery shopping. HyVee has a promotion going that grocery receipts totallying $25.00 can be turned in to any local school and the school in May will get a check for 3% of the total they collect. I get rather frustrated when I end up with a bill of $24.plus change - just miss the $25.00 amount.

A guy from Time Warner cable came by this a.m. and set the new tv up so that we can enjoy all the benefits that it has. Well not quite all, as I am too stingy to pay for all of the channels. The reception and sound are so much better than what we had been getting with the old tv.

I'm not sure where the rest of the afternoon went. Earlier I fixed the infamous chocolate chip cookie pie. We had two pieces for supper and I called the lady next door to let me know when she gets home this evening as they can have the rest of the pie - her husband loves it.

We will have a big day on Saturday so I think we are taking Tylenol PM tonight to get a good night of rest. We'll probably leave about noon to first go to the Liberty area to check out Target and Pier One. Then we are heading to the Half Price book store at about 90th and Metcalf as Jim has found a new author that he is enjoying. We will also call Bill Aronson to see if he is interested in joining us for a late afternoon meal.

We met Bill and Barbara Aronson many years ago at Pomme de Terre. I think we were still using the old truck that Big Mike had sold to JT and Lorraine - with the camper shell on it. Anyway, Bill and Barbara were enjoyable people to be around. They had a golden lab - or maybe retriever named Sandy who loved to put a can of cold beer in her mouth and then swim out into the lake to anyone needing refreshment. Barbara died last spring and we didn't know about it until we received a Christmas card from Bill.

Jim and I will be attending the Kingston Trio concert at Yardley Hall on the campus of Johnson County Community College. Bernard and Sandy Ross have been in Florida with David and Nylene Sage are are to be back in time for the concert. This will be Bernard and Sandy's first trip to the Carlsen Center. I am sure I won't be on when we get home as it probably will be after midnight.

Until I am on again - be safe!

B.

Thurs., Feb. 9

From a now dark, coolish MO,

This has been a busier day than I anticipated, but I think somehow I knew this would happen.

The girls were restless last night and I let them out about 4:30, then returned them to their crate and didn't hear them again until after Jim had let them out about 6:15. We cuddled until the alarm went off at 6:30.

I left from here about 7:15 to go to Country Kitchen for breakfast with the group. The group was quite small today with three of us having breakfast together - Jan, Sandy, and yours truly. Margaret showed up just about the time were were ready to separate. I did call Pat later and she has been under the weather, but feeling better today. Margaret did indicate that Margy Miller was to have surgery at Liberty about noon today.

Jim had decided to go out to see Phil this morning at school - only to learn that Phil was in our local hospital. Margaret indicated that he had been experiencing a lot of lower leg pain and he was in the hospital to see if he had a blood clot. We took him a card about 11:00 and he had already been dismissed to go home, so I'm assuming that is good news.

We priced new tvs in Chillicothe today and eventually went to St. Joseph to check out two or three places there. We did get a new tv and some guy from our local cable company is to be here tomorrow to put the new equipment in so we can get HDTV. There is also a guy going to be here in the a.m. to load up the old, enormous, heavy tv and take it some place away from here. I'm not sure if he will take it to the dump, but at least it will be away from here.

Jim is on the bicycle downstairs now and I plan on an early bed time tonight. After sleeping so much yesterday afternoon, I was quite late in getting to sleep last night - also wanted to finish a book by Jennifer Chiaverini that I had been wanting to read since November. I may start a Joan Medlicott book tonight, but right now I can only think about going to sleep.

Jim joins one of the breakfast groups in the a.m., we have the old tv picked up at 10:00, and the cable tv guy comes at 1:30 - so to some extent our day has been blocked out. I do have a couple of quick errands to do, but that won't be a problem.

In case I don't get on the computer Friday evening, you probably won't hear from me until Sunday as we are going to Overland Park on Saturday evening to see and hear the Kingston Trio.

John - I did ready the mayor's letter that you forwarded and have signed up for future e-mails. The twin granddaughters are delightful and I can see why grandpa and grandmother are proud.

Be safe.

B.

Wed., Feb. 8

From a now dark, cool, breezy MO,

This has been somewhat of a quiet day for us. The girls caught my attention about 6:00 this a.m. and by the time I had them back inside, Jim was in the bathroom taking care of his morning needs. He attempted to roust us at 7:15 (I had requested a wake up call), but I turned over and went back to sleep until about 8:00 - actually dozed on and off from about 7:30 as I had plenty of cuddling to do with the girls.

After showering, the girls and I headed out on a couple of quick errands - and a drive through at McDonalds.

Phil Willard called a little after 9:00 - asking for Jim. Jim was not back yet from his second breakfast and by the time Jim returned, Phil was in class. Jim ended up going out to the high school and will again volunteer with the pole vault. Mike Jones (has been the school sponsored coach the past few years) is currently in Iraq - and I don't know the latest as to when he will be back in Missouri. Jim was adamant that he would only volunteer as that cuts out a lot of hours and if the weather is particularly bad, he can just stay home as they wouldn't be having practice with the pole vault anyway.

I joined Sandy at the bowling alley for lunch today. The sandwiches were fine, but we substituted a house salad for the fries - and the lettuce hadn't been drained well enough as it was rather moist at the bottom. Todd "The Toad" showed up with some guy and sat at an adjoining table. Todd had photos of the Mindy's twins which he showed us after we had prodded him. I guess there is a web site called chillicothecity.org where he has a mayor's column and he periodically updates the photos of the twins.

I went down for a nap about 1:00 and thought I would be up and moving about 3:00. Actually I was up for many five minutes, realized Jim had carried clean laundry up from the basement and was beginning to fold it - the next thing I knew it was 90 minutes later. I don't know why I am so tired, but maybe need to check the old blood pressure - haven't done so for a few months. I have a doctor's appointment sometime in the next couple of weeks - I only look at one week at a time anymore.

I join the ladies for breakfast in the a.m. and beyond that I am not sure what the day will bring. We have been using a large screen tv of Doug's in the living room since the spring of 1998 and it is going bad. At first we could bang on it and it would straighten up, but now it is less and less cooperative. We need to go by Time Warner and get the specific data as to how things are being switched in the next few years so we won't have one that is out of date in short order.

Be safe.

B.

Tuesday, February 7

It is nice to have the daylight hours getting longer. I might make it to spring.

I didn't hear the girls until 7:00 this a.m. and I don't think Jim even heard them at that time. Of course after their trip outside they joined us on the bed - then Jim knew they were alive. He planned on getting up in a few minutes and the next thing I knew - it was 8:45 and he was just waking up again.

Jim's doctor appointment was to be at 11:00 this a.m., but we had a call a little before 10:00 wondering if he wanted to come on in - which of course was agreeable. Afterwards, we did a few errands. We ended up having sandwiches at the little restaurant at the bowling alley (will have soup for supper as a result).

Jim has been on the bicycle (off and on) much of the rest of the day. I think he is spending too much time, but he is happy with the endurance he is building up - even at the expense of being exhausted. I spent about 9 minutes on it last night and evidently over did the arm work as my arms/shoulders are tender today. I'll get on this evening, but do a little less arm work.

There were five of us at dessert this afternoon - Helen, Mary W., Peggy, Sue Jones, and yours truly. Of course we had a lot to visit about and the time went much too swiftly.

Jim has breakfast with the "old fogies" as well as the second group in the morning. I don't have much planned for Wednesday, but should set aside some time to do some vacuuming and dusting.

Be safe.

B.

Mon., Feb. 6

This has been a full day. The girls did a good night of sleeping last night - didn't hear them until almost 6:00 this a.m. Of course they joined us in bed after they had a trip outside - and settled down immediately. Jim began moving shortly afterwards and finally rousted me a little after 7:00. I had thought it would be good to eat breakfast at the Chilli Diner this a.m. - so after showering, we headed to the Diner. Prices had been raised and the the eggs were almost inedible - had I not been so hungry they would have been inedible. The hashbrowns tasted like straw - yuck - so it was not a pleasant experience - I'll opt not to go there again for a length of time!

Jim and I had a few errands to do after breakfast and when we finally got back home, he headed to the basement to tackle the bicycle and I tackled the supposedly "guest" bedroom which had become piled with all kinds of items. I had purchased some metal/plastic covered organizers and shifted a laundry basket full of wool to this area as well as some items that I use with the wool projects. I also found some things I could live without - and have started a container of "fall" items for Threads. I have a feeling that if I took them now, they would be moved in the upcoming transition period to spring - and gone.

I left here about 11:15 to head to Grand River Inn to join the ladies for lunch and then an outing - Pat, Sandy, Mary, Jan, and Judy were also there. We had salads for lunch and then took off south to the Windy Hill antique shop owned by Clark and Sandy Gwin. This really is a nice shop with a variety of items. Clark stays busy with refinishing or repairing old furniture and Sandy seems to have business with the shop. Clark still goes in to the vet office at times - am not sure if it is a scheduled certain day of the week - or just what.

We took off driving and eventually drove by the enormous Bachman home. We ended up stopping at the Dairy Queen in Chillicothe for ice cream. The day was cold, but there was very little wind and the sun was out - so it was an enjoyable day to be having an outing.

Some of you will remember Chip Vanlandingham. Chip was one of my seventh grade students when I first came to Chillicothe. He and his wife had two sons and the younger one died over the weekend. I haven't seen the CT tonight to know where Grant (the older son) is currently living.

Terri Willard's mom also died - maybe on Friday - and I think the funeral is tomorrow. She has had a long bout with illness.

I have also been puttering with income tax paperwork. I have not been able to locate the tax data from a bank in Chillicothe so must go by there tomorrow and see if I have lost it or if they had a glitch. I went back and checked various envelopes in case I put it in a wrong place - but couldn't find it. It was a good feeling to get paperwork filed away - another step closer.

I am cleaning out the refrigerator for supper tonight - am not sure how good the results will be, but I'm sure we won't starve.

Jim sees Dr. Metry in the morning and beyond that we don't have anything scheduled - that usually spells trouble.

Was just playing with some of the icons at the top of this and discovered one that says "link" and another one that says "photos" - guess I might try one of these tomorrow.

Stay safe.

B.

Fri., Sat. & Sun. Feb. 3 & 4 & 5

We have had two relatively peaceful days. Jim slept a lot on Friday - guess he was really tired from the two times helping with the bunkbeds - as well as his time spent on the bicycle. There were home basketball games on Friday and Saturday evenings, but we stayed home instead - that says something about Jim.

On Saturday, I went to Brookfield with Helen and Mary. Some of you will remember Abby and Ashley Johnson - now married -- Abby to a Sattman from the New Boston area and I am not sure of Ashley's married name - and they have started a gift/craft shop in Brookfield. Helen had been there once before and it was a first time visit for Mary and me. Afterwards we went on to Marceline to eat. Cheryl Mossbarger Cavannah happened to come in to the cafe where we were eating so we decided to go to the Magnolia antique store afterwards.

I have been trying to get some items finished - or at least those that can be done quickly - and I'm making some headway. At least I was caught up enough that I felt I could pull out the rug hooking project yesterday afternoon and spend some time with it. While I had the pressure cooker on last evening (fixing a roast for supper) I spent time knitting. I am just not brave enough to leave the pressure cooker unattended.

Jim is now on the bicycle downstairs and the girls are barking outside. They think it is quite special that now they can make a 360 degree circle - go out the trapdoor upstairs, come in through the basement, come up the stairs - and they are then ready to go outside again. Actually it is cold enough today that we have the trapdoor removed upstairs, but they still can go through the basement area.

The girls are going to have a lot of excitement in the upcoming weeks. The lot between Stilwells (live immediately across the street from us) and the LeClares (live southwest of us) has been sold to Clithro and Grace Anderson. Yesterday many of the trees bordering the south end of the lot were cut down (not a big loss as they weren't very stable and some have fallen over in recent years) and today or tomorrow, the clean-up of these trees will occur. There are metal markers on the lot showing the outline of the home that will be built - or maybe they are outlining the basement - guess we will know in a few weeks. Anyway, the girls will be in seventh heaven as they supervise all the activity. Clithro and Grace should be excellent neighbors.

My big project for today is to go through all the accumulated washed and dried wool that I cut earlier this week and clean it up. The edges need to be trimmed from some of the stragglers that have developed due to washing and drying and I have a roller object to go over the wool to remove lint.

We plan on watching the Super Bowl this evening.

I went in this a.m. and tried changing settings so that if anyone wants to leave a comment (or reply) the blog should take them without your having to create a blog first. We'll see if it works. If you still can't - let me know and I will try again.

We don't have big plans for the upcoming week. I am joining ladies on Monday to go to Dr. Gwin's to check out his antique store and then we are going on a drive to see the new Bachman home. Jim has a doctor's appointment on Tuesday - and I think the rest of the week is open.

Be safe.

B.

Wednesday and Thursday (Feb. 1 & 2)

Jim has had two busy days. He joined both breakfast groups on Wednesday and then headed to Dr. Eden's to help construct beds for a "partner" church in Mississippi. I think men from the local UMC are building 60 beds (will be made into bunk beds) and with the help of several local guys (including several breakfast "old fogies"), they were able to finish and load them this (Thurs.) morning. It is my understanding that the 4x4s needed for final construction will be done in Mississippi. A group from the local UMC had gone to the community (or church) in Mississippi about a week and a half ago and I guess they came home realizing that these beds were sorely needed.

I picked up five garbage bags of wool items from Threads on Wednesday. When I went through the bags, I realized that several items were wool blends instead of 100% wool so I bagged these items and returned them to Threads this a.m. For those of you not knowing, this is a "store" operated under the auspices of RSVP as an outlet for used clothing or other items that people are discarding - it is staffed by RSVP volunteers - Clara works here on Mondays. I ended up with two large laundry baskets overflowing with clothing. Of course much cannot be used - especially in suit jackets - as bonding is used to make the material stiffer, but I am still gaining a good supply of wool. I then wash it in HOT water and put it through the dryer.

We stayed up and watched the MU/Texas basketball game last night. I had the tv on, but didn't hear much of the game as a cousin (on my mom's side of the family) called me from Canada. She has a plan whereby a flat fee covers unlimited long distance calling so we were on the phone for close to two hours. Kay -- you will remember Margaret. She and her husband have two sons - one got married last summer and the other will be getting married this summer - and imagine my surprise when I found out the second wedding is in the area of St. Catherine's, Canada - where the Jobsons first landed when they came from England. Actually they stayed in the St. Catherine's area for a number of years as most of their children were born there - and it was a large family.

I joined five others for breakfast this a.m. - Marsha Leopard, Pat, Mary, Sandy, and my tired mind is going blank! Jan was substituting this a.m., Judy was in the Springfield area with her middle son, and I am not sure about others. We had a good visit - as usual - with not too much new coming up other than reminding ourselves about the lunch and antique outing this coming Monday. One story that I have now heard twice is about an attempted rape outside our local hospital in recent weeks - guess the guy got spooked because of some noise - only thing that saved the nurse who had gone outside to smoke. Nothing about this has been in the local newspaper and if the story IS true - I find this quite upsetting as we tend to be complacent in a small community - and therefore vulnerable. I would hate to think the story is not making the local news because of pressure from the hospital.

I picked Jim up at 10:00 this a.m. (he had taken truck in for an oil change at 8:00 and then walked to Dr. Eden's home) and after he got cleaned up, we loaded up the girls and did some errands. I found three more wool items at the Salvation Army (from items that have been in the store at least two weeks) and will go back in another two weeks to again check the older items. I don't want to take new items if someone needs them. They have all clothing items color coded and every week remove the oldest to replace them with new -- actually a good idea.

I started the newest Lillian Jackson Braun book last evening and it is a fast read - maybe one of the reasons I like this series - actually I do enjoy all the characters and what transpires as well. I have decided to cut wool during daylight hours as the darkness makes it difficult (even with the new good light) and of course my right hand begins getting tender with all the use.

In the next few days I will try to figure out how to move some recent snapshots to this blog, but the old body and mind are still recuperating. I'm now ready to go down for a nap with Jim and the girls.

Until I do another update - be safe. B.