Fri. March 31

From a still daylight - well sort of - MO,

This has been a full day. The girls slept well last night and that really helps. (Need to start doing some proofreading as I read yesterday's blog and realized I had use the wrong "their" - oh, well - do know better on that issue.

Jim joined a group of old geezers for breakfast this a.m. If I understood him right, Don Dupy is at St. Luke's with undetermined heart problems.

The girls and I made a drive through at McDonald's this a.m. They are really good in the car (and truck) as we have yet to feed them "human" food that we get at a drive through so other than barking at the people at the windows - they are not "hounding" us for food.

Helen came down today and some of us gathered at Grand River Inn. Usually this is an ideal place because seldom are more than ten people there - quiet and easy to keep up with a conversation. Today the place was full of people - several small groups - and no group particularly tied with another. Dottie Yeomans Maberry was there as she was meeting with her youngest step-son and his bride to be (the boy's father also there) to make plans for a wedding reception to be held at Grand River Inn.

The girls made quite a racket when I returned and if Jim had any luck sleeping - it stopped upon my return.

I spent most of the afternoon "hooking." Jim headed over to pole vault practice about 2:00.

We have no big plans for Saturday. I may be joining Pat to check out the "new" antique store where the Duck Club used to be. I'm thinking tomorrow is the first day. The owner is advertising that a "flea" market will be held periodically.

Be safe.
B.

Thurs. March 30

This is one of the photos from the meet on Tuesday. This was probably taken a little after 5:00 and you can see how dark the sky was already - the girls vaulted later and there photos are even darker. I am not sure what the height is, but not real high.








We have had a quiet day. For some reason the girls needed to go out at 2:30 this a.m. I didn't put them out last evening as I was in bed a little after 8:00 - quite tired. I did return them to the sleeping crate at 2:30 and I didn't hear them again, but Jim put them out about 5:30.

We only had four at breakfast this a.m. - Judy Duncan, Pat, Sandy, and yours truly. We had a good conversation and seemed to have a lot of things to discus - MU mess, books, cooking, glad to be retired, etc. Sandy and I left last - about 9:00.

Jim and I went to Radio Shack to replace the battery in our portable phone - am not sure how many years we have had it. They did not have the battery so we ended up buying another portable phone - a less expensive one as I don't have the patience to learn a lot of new things.

We dozed in the middle of the day. I am going off now as I am hearing thunder. We have already had two waves of storms this afternoon and this should be the final wave.

The yucky news of the day was that the girls discovered baby rabbits in the backyard - the world now has four less baby rabbits. I was surprised that the mother would have a nest where the girls could get to them - oh, well.

Be safe.
B.

Wed. March 29

From mid-day, sunny MO,

It took us part of the night to thaw out but we ended up having a good night with the girls not getting my attention until about 5:00 this a.m.

Jim joined both breakfast groups this a.m., but left the second one a little early as he was to see Dr. Kozminski. The report there was no spread of cancer - so good news. Now I need to get his Celebrex prescription filled for him to start on Monday.

Jim is in a prone position now on the bed - reading his current book - Robert B. Parker - GUNMAN'S RHAPSODY. He plans on reading about an hour and then will head over to the track.

We did spend about 45 minutes searching both locker rooms this a.m. as one of the freshman boys could not locate his pole yesterday. We finally found it in one of the cardboard carriers for poles in the girl's locker room - although the three younger ones swore up and down yesterday that they checked at least two times - oh, well - at least it was found and there won't be the cost of replacing it.

I probably won't be on again until Thursday.

Be safe.
B.

Tues. March 28

From a now dark, cool MO,

This has been a good day for us. First they girls slept well last night. Jim was moving about 4:00 this a.m. and they heard him so the good old man that he is - even took them outside for their early morning duties. They were soon back to sleep when the returned to the house. Jim began moving seriously about 6:00 and rousted me at 7:00 with the promise of going to Country Kitchen for breakfast.

We had just ordered when Sandy McGinnis and Wally walked in so the four of us ended up having breakfast together. They were heading to Cameron to exchange a part that Sandy had picked up yesterday- but it was the wrong item.

Jim and I puttered around here when we returned. Jim put in some more light stakes on the wire fence as I was fearful if the girls saw something really enticing - like a squirrel or a cat - on the other side of the wire that the jumping the girls do would cause the wire to collapse. It shouldn't now so I will feel better about leaving them for a length of time.

We also tackled some vacuuming of the cold air return. Jim even took the cover off and vacuumed the lining of the return - very gross. We should do it more often, but it gets done about once a year. It is rather a nuisance to have to climb on a step stool, remove the needed screws, do the cleaning, and then reverse the procedure. Oh, well that area is now clean and I replaced the filter on the furnace so maybe things will be a little cleaner.

Jim headed over to the track a little before 3:00 and I followed a little later. I had spent quite a bit of time "hooking" today as well as finally getting around to sewing the loose ends of the three chemo caps that were finished on Saturday. I am an excellent procrastinator!

It wasn't too cool when I arrived at the track, but thank goodness I carried in a blanket as well as a heavy, hooded sweatshirt - had donned thermal clothes prior to leaving the house. When the sun went down, the air really cooled off quickly. I tried to download a photo, but after two attempts (and it being late for me) decided to try to remember to attempt the procedure again tomorrow. One of the irritations of downloading a photo is that when you pull the photos up on the screen, the picture doesn't show up, just the icon. I guess I need to go in and look at them first and determine which icon I want to "publish."

Jim joins the old fogies for breakfast in the a.m. and then sees Dr. Kozminski at 9:30 for his bone scan results. I take the car in at 1:00 to see why the steering column has been "twanging." Of course there will be vaulting practice in the afternoon - so the day proceeds.

Be safe.
B.

Mon. March 27

From a cooler, breezy, cloudy MO,

We have not done a great deal today. We had a good night of sleep. After getting cleaned up this a.m., we set out on errands - first to Supt. office to sign-off on June 1 as Jim is going on Medicare, next to insurance office to set up supplement insurance - we decided to wait on prescription until after seeing Dr. Kozminski on Wednesday, post office, and it seems somewhere else.

I thought I had a lot of energy this a.m, but by about 10:45 - we were ready to "hit the hay" and get some shut eye.

We have been down to Barnes Baker to set up a time for them to see why the steering column is making a "twanging" sound - will take my car in on Wednesday afternoon.

Jim has departed for pole vault practice. He was so hoping for a good day as one of the vaulters has a new pole that he needs to get up on in a non competition mode, but I don't think that will happen as the vaulters will be facing a head wind in practice.

I have the remains of the meat from the taco salad in the crockpot as well as tomatoes and another can of kidney beans - will be a good night for chili.

A home track meet is scheduled for Tuesday at 4:00 so I will be missing dessert with the ladies. Beyond that, I don't think we have anything definitely scheduled.

Be safe.
B.

Sat. & Sun. March 25&26

From a now dark, warmer MO,

I thought I would show you an early stage of my newest hooking project. I do have one of two tulips now done and one of several stems. I've started on the border, but you can tell I have a LONG way to go. I'm estimating three months.

We had a full day on Saturday. The alarm went off at 5:00 and we were leaving here to go to HyVee at 5:45. We had ordered and just gotten seated when Alex showed up and had breakfast with us - good old biscuits and gravy. We didn't have that, but it sure looked enticing.

The temperature at Warrensburg left a lot to be desired - am guessing in the 40s, and it wasn't too bad when the sun was shining, but when the sun went behind a cloud - the temperature quickly dropped. All six of the vaulters cleared a height so that was good. In this early season meet, the three heights are added and that determines a "team" placement - am thinking the girls may have finished fifth and maybe the boys third or fourth. The two older boys didn't have one of their better days, but the freshman just soared to a very good height for a freshman - in fact higher than our two older boys.

We left Warrensburg about 3:00 - meet not over, but pole vaulting was and Jim was quite tired. We were back in Chillicothe about 5:00. We took Alex home (his vehicle being repaired in a shop) and then Jim dropped me off - then he went to fill up with gas. We were in bed shortly after 8:00 last night. I was quickly asleep and Jim tried to stay awake to see the UCLA game. Thankfully, the girls slept soundly until about 4:30 this a.m. - that makes over 8 hours in their sleeping crate which I think is long enough - was quite proud of them.

We haven't done too much today. We've of course enjoyed the morning newspapers. Kansas City had an excellent feature on Norman, OK so we have added that to our Austin trip data. We dozed during the middle part of the day and I am ready to go to bed now - am sure Jim will be there soon as well. He is feeling quite a bit better and is going to join us upstairs tonight.

I did fix a roast in the pressure cooker this evening. Jim was wanting one bad enough that he volunteered to stay close to the kitchen while the pressure cooker was doing its thing. I had gotten some asparagus today at HyVee as well as some strawberries so supper was composed of roast, baked potato, steamed asparagus, and strawberries over store bought cake. I will probably convert the remaining roast into a combination with noodles tomorrow. Am not sure where I will go with that.

We have a few errands to do on Monday. The steering column in the car I drive has been sounding like a tight rubber band so I'll go by Barnes Baker and see what needs to be done. Beyond that about the only thing on the agenda is pole vault practice in the afternoon.

Be safe.
B.

later Friday, March 24

From a still somewhat light MO,

Today has been relatively quiet.

I left here about 11:30 to head to the bowling alley for lunch - Kay and Mary showed up. We had a good visit.

In the meantime, Jim picked up the girls about noon - then headed to get some nap time.

Pat and I ended up going to Trenton this afternoon. We haven't bought a new umbrella in years and one of our "large" ones was destroyed in wind a week or two ago. I thought we would find one at WalMart- but struck out. I also checked Stage today - again struck out. Pat and I checked three places in Trenton - and struck out again. On Monday, I am going to go first to Beemer's and if I strike out there, will then go to the JC Penney order store and check their newest catalog. We don't really need a large "golf" umbrella, but one still a good size. Oh, well - we should have thought of this when we went to KC last Saturday.

Track was out earlier than usual today - a big meet in Warrensburg tomorrow as well as temps here in the 30s and a very cold wind.

The chocolate chip pie that I made this a.m. turned out great and I've made a delivery of the second half to Scott and Brandi Ellis. Scott's eyes lit up when he found out what kind of pie it is.

We plan on being at HyVee by 6:00 in the a.m. for breakfast and then Jim plans on being gone from there by 6:30 - to head to Warrensburg. I doubt if we will wait for the entire meet to be over before we head home tomorrow afternoon.

Be safe.
B.

Fri. a.m. March 24

From an overcast, somewhat cool MO,

We had a full day on Thursday. I joined five others for breakfast - Pat, Jan, Sandy, Johnna Sue, and Kay - and then basically puttered the rest of the morning - a few errands, etc.

The track meet at Kearney was moved up about an hour because of the coolness so Jim left here a little after 12:00 for the stadium. I picked up Alex about 2:30 and then his mom - and we headed to Kearney. Sometimes the first track meet of the year is not the best organized and this one wasn't. The girls' pole vault should have been done by the time we got there, but it was just starting - some help hadn't shown up, etc. About dark, the wind picked up and the already cool temp really started going downhill and the boy's pole vault was called - as all the running and other field events were done. Bailey tied for second, am thinking Amanda was third, and maybe Cholie and Camie came in right after that. Our younger, less experienced male vaulters were finished, but we still had our three better vaulters going when the meet was called.

We were back in Chillicothe a little after 8:00 and it took me a while to continue to thaw out. We settled in to watch the Texas basketball game and found that as the second half started, we just couldn't stay awake. Oh, well. I've yet to see the KC paper this a.m. to see if they have a write up, but they have done a very good job of complimenting AJ Abrams (the freshman that we got to see play as a senior in high school.)

Both of slept well last night - as well as the girls. I didn't hear them until almost 5:30 - had taken them outside at 9:00 last evening - I would say that is quite a good night.

Jim is having breakfast with the group of Butch Shaffer, Don Dupy, Dave Redford, and Jim Nashan. I understand that Leroy Butts is now joining them and sometimes Digger O'Dell.

I was to take the girls to get a haircut this a.m. and almost forgot as I was checking e-mail. Jim will pick them up at noon as I am joining the retired ladies for lunch at the bowling alley.

I need to get organized and decide what I am fixing for supper. I did fix that Chips Ahoy pie this a.m. and will take half of it to the Ellis' this evening. Jim and I probably don't need even half a pie, but for sure we don't need a whole pie sitting around. This is such an easy pie to make - 9 oz. graham cracker crust - 15 oz. pkg or more of Chips Ahoy - chocolate chip variety (or to your liking) - and an 8 oz container of Cool Whip. You dip one cookie at a time in milk and then place a "ring" around the perimeter of the crust - then add one cookie in the middle; then use 1/3 of the Cool Whip to put a layer over the cookies; add a second layer of dipped cookies; a second layer of Cool Whip; a third layer of dipped cookies; and a third layer of Cool Whip. Then take a couple of cookies and crumble them to make a topping. This needs to sit in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours. Yummmmm --

I'll get back with you tonight.

Be safe.
B.

Wed. March 22

From a now dark, coolish MO,

This has been a constructive day - maybe a little more than I needed.

Jim joined both groups for breakfast this a.m. I don't get much news from him - usually pick some up in the next day or two from others and then when I ask him about it - he just says he forgot to tell me.

After showering this a.m., I tucked the girls into the backseat of the car and we took off to HyVee. Pat arrived about the same time that I did and we had a good visit. The girls seemed glad for me to return to the car.

I organized errands items when I got home and Jim finally got back going on 10:00. He wanted to get the fence done first so we set out and eventually got it done - maybe close to an hour to an hour and a half later. I am sure we will discover some muscles that haven't been used in a time as it seemed there was more bending than I anticipated. Of course we used soft wire to attach the 40 inch wire to the posts - the upper attachments were easy, but this old walrus body just doesn't bend like it used to.

Jim dozed the middle part of the day and the girls spent a lot of time outside in the yard - actually going in and out at will. I decided to go to the bowling alley for lunch. Rolfe and Julie McCoy were there with their daughter, Heidi, who had just successfully passed her driving test. Even at my age, I remember the excitement of that day!

The girls and I then made a trip to HyVee as I wanted to take advantage of their "old geezer" discount (5%) and bought some needed grocery items. I also had more than $25.00 so that means I can turn the receipt in to a local school building and they will get a percentage of the total.

Jim was moving when we returned. I put items away and then settled down with the newest book by Rita Mae Brown(e). I think this one is called SOUR PUSS. My eyes were soon heavy, but it was close to 3:00 by that time I was hesitant to take a long nap - so just stayed in the recliner and semi-dozed. Trixie spent much of the time on my lap while Abby soaked up the sun coming through the west window.

We have a full day on Thursday. I have breakfast with the ladies in the a.m. and I am sure we will doze the middle part of the day. Jim will be at the stadium probably a little after 1:00 to see to the loading of the vaulting poles and then he is going to ride the bus to Kearney. I am not leaving until about 2:30. I don't anticipate us getting back until after 10:00 so I probably won't be doing a message for Thursday - may do a belated one on Friday a.m.

Stan and Helen flew to Washington, DC today as Emily is having foot surgery on Thursday. I think they plan on flying back here on Sunday or Monday.

Be safe.
B.

Tues. p.m. March 21

From a now dark, somewhat cool MO,

The day has basically gone well for us. Jim dozed the middle part of the day and about 1:00, the girls and I joined him.

Jim made a second trip to Westlakes to pick up a few more posts for the fence and then went on to track practice. Yesterday he had them run, but today he decided they needed to be on the runway as they could face some meets comparable to today. He was really quite proud of their attitudes when practice was finished.

We had a call this afternoon that our taxes are done. I loaded up the girls and we went to Scott's office to retrieve the needed paperwork. I have the large envelope in prominent sight so I hope to get the needed checks written tomorrow.

Supper was basically leftovers - the last of the baked chicken, sliced the last of the sourdough bread - buttered it - and heated it on the t-fal pan, fixed baking potatoes, cooked some frozen lima beans, and finished off the pie from yesterday. I may have to do some cooking on Wednesday!

I have read on the Chiaverini book today and probably can't finish it this evening, but I will give it a good effort.

Jim joins two "old fogie" groups for breakfast in the a.m. At some time we plan on getting the fencing in place. He put the larger metal posts in place today (we have some kind of device we got years ago that goes over the metal post and then you just hammer it in place - got it after I had held numerous metal posts over the years and kept thinking the maul would slip and break my arm).

I don't have much planned for Wednesday. I will probably have breakfast at HyVee and do some minor grocery shopping. I have a list of quick errands that need to be done - return an audio book to the library for Jim, take some HyVee receipts to Dewey, and surely there are two or three others. Oh, well - the list has been started so I won't worry about it during the night.

Be safe.
B.

Tues. a.m. March 21

WE ESCAPED THE PREDICTED STORM!!!! Thank goodness. The strong east wind is gone and we have maybe an inch of snow. It began with sleet late yesterday afternoon (almost hail - am not sure what the technical difference is between sleet and hail) and then flakes began after 5:00. The ground is just barely covered with snow, but the driveway and front walkway were warm enough that we have not had to do any shoveling. I did get the trace of snow off the deck as it was quite slick and if we get any sun today, it will dry and be safe again.

We've been out this a.m. and bought fencing and stakes to put in a temporary, smaller fenced area for the girls. The wooden fence is still standing, but it is almost leaning on the upright posts that Jim installed (about 30 inches to the west of the main fence) several years ago as he was worried that wind from the north and west would send it tumbling into the housing area just to our east. The girls won't have as large an area, but they can once again use the trap doors to go in and out at their leisure.

Will be back with you later today.
B.

Mon. March 20

It may be the first day of spring, but I can assure you -- it is not spring time here!!!

Jim had a restless night and I think I had a good night of sleep. Oh, well - guess we only need one to be cranky at a time.

Jim left about 7:15 to go to the clinic to get the needed injection for his bone scan. I showered and headed (with the girls) to McDonald's for a sandwich. I had just pulled up to the window to pay when I realized Jim was behind me. The laugh is that he wondered who the person was that was taking their dogs for a ride - then realized it was his three ladies! Actually I'm not sure he referred to me as a lady.

I have managed to get several things done today - finished needed xeroxing, envelopes stuffed, trip to post office to get items into the mail, stopped to do some more stuffing so that I would have about the same quantity of each item that I had sent, made a trip to the bank to take pink and red chemo caps for the ladies to choose for a local gal, and surely something else. I have also done some dusting and vacuuming in the family room (a lady is coming by this evening to go over a first aid unit with Jim as he needs a refresher course because of track), a load of laundry has been done, fixed toasted cheese sandwiches with sourdough bread for lunch (marvelous), have fixed burritos for supper as well as a boxed, instant pumpkin pie for supper. I am about ready to settle into the recliner and begin hooking!

We have had constant wind from the east and northeast today. I happened to look outside this afternoon and noticed some dead limbs on the ground (this is not unusual) and then happened to look at the fence that we have on the east perimeter of our yard - and it was really leaning. Jim went outside and used some long posts to hopefully prop it up for a few days and also discovered the gate at the southeast corner had come loose (it is a wonder the girls hadn't found it already). He has hopefully managed to get it so that it won't come loose again. I've put harnesses on the girls and we'll probably take them to the backyard until the wind subsides and we see just where the problems are. He went by our local insurance office as he was going over to track and I have since called the claims office. We will not be high on the list because of all the tornado damage, but the man was very clear that we should keep all receipts as to what we get in the meantime so as to keep the girls from getting out.

Of course, on top of all of this, we are in an area expecting to get over six inches of snow tonight - one channel said maybe up to 12 inches and I think the other said 10 inches -- as far as I am concerned, six inches is way beyond what I want! Of course it should be thawed and gone by the end of the week, but until then --

We don't have any specific plans for Tuesday other than trying get it so that at least one vehicle can get out. The way the wind is currently blowing there could be some drifting - except it is supposed to be a very wet snow. Of course the wet snow is very heavy to shovel.

Be safe.
B.

Sun. March 19

From a now dark, cool, breezy MO,

We have had a relatively quiet day - except mine started too early. I awakened about 1:30 this a.m. and couldn't go back to sleep. I kept tossing and turning and finally about 4:00 gave up and let the girls out of their sleeping crate. I turned on the computer and did some genealogy work that I had been thinking (when I was tossing and turning) that I wanted to get done. I also was creating a list of things to do in my head - finally got up and wrote down the list - and felt a little better.

Jim slept much better last night. I didn't see the light go on in the basement until almost 6:00 - and the girls were delighted that they could finally join their daddy. I fixed sweet potato pancakes for breakfast (not homemade!) and a little later headed to HyVee to do some minor grocery shopping. By the time I was back - Jim was quite tired and the four of us went down for a long nap. Some of the swelling seems to be gone today and he didn't have to have his shoes wide open.

I puttered on the Jobson reunion some this afternoon and also cut numerous strips of wool for my next hooked rug project. I was disappointed that the Texas basketball game was not on tv - all we could see would be the score. Oh, well - got a lot of work done as a result, but I was still disappointed.

I haven't seen a weather forecast since this a.m., but sleet and snow was in the news then for tonight and tomorrow - may check the tv a little later. I have several projects that I would like to get done tomorrow - mail Jobson reunion letters, must do some cleaning in the family room in the basement, etc. Of course I have a pile of good books to read as well as doing some hooking - we'll just see what gets done. I have almost deleted the refrigerator of leftovers so I need to come up with something for supper.

Jim has a bone scan tomorrow. He is to go in at 7:30 and they do an injection - then he goes back in about 3 hours for the actual scan. One of us also needs to stay close by the phone as we are to get results about the bloodwork relative to his liver. If the results are okay, then a prescription needs to be taken to HyVee to be filled.

Be safe.
B.

Sun. March 19

I am going to try a second time to download a photo of my first "large" hooked rug project. It is approximately 15"x21" - 100% wool with the exception of what I used to bind it and the material used as the backing.

Sat. March 18

From a now dark, breezy, cool MO,

We have had an active day. The girls had a good night and had difficulty getting my attention in the middle of the night - courtesy of the Tylenol PM. I did get them outside and they didn't even stop as they made a mad dash to the grass. Good for them.

We left here about 8:30 to head to the Liberty area. We made our first stop at Target - Jim's favorite soy milk was not on the shelf and I didn't see any new books in the book area that caught my interest - so we walked out of there with a good candy bar.

Next we headed to the hooked rug shop. The lady is so gracious and showed me two or three things that I need to do to improve my second project, but overall she was pleased. What I need to do will only take me maybe 10 minutes - so that will be easily done.

Next she approved of my choice of background wool that I had taken with me (had bought it at Bosworth) and immediately had ideas of complementary colors - then she had fun going through her enormous stock to find just the "right" ones. The pitcher will end up being a couple of shades of yellow with the flowers being orange with a orange/brown plaid center for three flowers and the tulips will be using another orange/yellow/brown/blue plaid - should turn out well as the background is a light blue/gray with a darker blue "pinstripe" and a hint of an orange pinstripe (the latter quite small).

Our next stop was Red Lobster for lunch. Jim likes the Sam Adams fish and gets a baked potato and a Cesaer salad to go with it. I like a combo of scallops and shrimp as well as the baked potato and Cesaer salad - sorry - Cesear doesn't look right, but am too lazy to look it up - for some reason the spell checker doesn't work on this program either.

We next headed to Borders and I found the newest Jennifer Chiaverini book as well as the newest Rita Mae Brown book - so may start one of those tonight.

We planned on seeing a movie next, but I had mentioned that if Jim was tired, I would not be offended if we headed home - which he agreed would be a good idea.

I need to do some puttering with the Jobson reunion on Sunday - must do before I get myself involved with the next rug hooking project - or course this provides good motivation. I am sure we will be watching some NCAA basketball as well.

We have no big plans for Sunday other than enjoying the morning newspapers, resting, watching basketball games, and the projects that I mentioned above. We are supposed to be in line for a sleet and snow storm beginning Sunday afternoon and evening - will see what the forecast is on Sunday a.m.

Be safe.
B.

Fri. March 17

From a now dark and somewhat cool MO,

This has been a ho-hum day, but probably just what I needed. The girls did a good job of sleeping last night and didn't hear Jim until about 5:00 this a.m. I let them out upstairs and since Jim had untrapped their entry downstairs, they spent some time with him and then joined me. I think Jim was a little hurt that they didn't spend as long with him this a.m. as they did yesterday.

Jim left here to join a group for breakfast and hadn't been gone long when the nurse from Dr. Metry's office called to see if he could come at 9:20 rather than 11:45 - I responded that would be fine if I could track him down. He did answer his cell phone so he made a trip through McDonald's and came home.

The swelling of the ankles and feet were very obvious today (not enormous, but still obvious). Dr. Metry told him to stop taking the Advil and the nurse took some blood so they could do a check of his liver. She is to call on Monday if the liver is okay and then he has a prescription to fill for some pain relief. In the meantime he is taking a one a day diuretic (spelling) and that maybe will begin to give him some relief.

We dozed during the middle part of the day - or we tried. I think we were so restless that neither one of us ever went to sleep. I'm taking a Tylenol PM tonight so as to hopefully get a good night of sleep.

In spite of the coolness, they had a good pole vault practice this evening so Jim came home quite happy for the kids.

If we have a good night, we are going to Liberty in the a.m. First we will go by the rug hooking place (that reminds me, I need to take a photo of what I have finished and bore you with it). The lady will help me figure out some colors that will complement the wool I would like to use as the backing. I have some colors, but I don't think I have just what is needed - so we will see.

From there we will go by Target as Jim likes a soy milk that he gets there. Then depending on how we feel, we'll go to Red Lobster for lunch. If we still have some energy (which I doubt) we are wanting to see "Mrs. Henderson."

We have more weather moving in this coming weekend, but it shouldn't be tornadoes this time - instead rain, sleet, and probably snow!

Be safe.
B.

Friday - photo attempt?

Now I will try a photo - just be patient - probably can figure out only one thing a week.

This was actually taken 15 to 30 minutes after the storm so I am sure some melting had happened. I can't believe I actually did this -- now you are in REAL trouble!!!

B.

early Friday - March 17

I am trying again to figure out the method to send a web site via this blog - finally deleted from Thursday's message.

Doug and Dara's blog site

Now, let's see if this will work.

B.

Thurs. March 16

From a now dark, cool, breezy MO,

This has been a FULL day.

Actually it was an active evening as well. Helen called about lunch today and then Sandy Wheeler called later to indicate that John had been checking out the fishing report at Pomme de Terre and noted that the writer had told of tornado destruction in that area. One of the areas that we frequent (maybe 3 or 4 miles from campground that we use) was no more due to the results of a tornado on Sunday evening. Two convenience stores, restaurant, and motel are gone. I have no idea out many campers (pop-ups and trailers) were parked there (used as storage area to be pulled to campgrounds when owners arrived), but a good 100 or more might be in the ball-park. We kept our pop-up there for many years. I'm sure that nothing remains of them other than debris. I told Jim that I would call where our camper is stored when I got back from breakfast, but bless him, he got on the internet and located the telephone number and had a visit with the owner - maybe a little damage on outside, but items in storage were okay. I think John and Sandy are making a trip down there this weekend to check out their storage unit (located in a different area than ours.)

We had eight at breakfast this a.m. - Johnna Sue, Sandy, Pat, Jan, Mary W., Margaret, Ellen Whitmer, and yours truly. We were still visiting when we broke up at 9:00!

I did a couple of errands on my way home and then had a haircut at 10:00. Then I went to the middle school to "show off" my newly completed rug hooking project. Somedays, I just need positive strokes and Mary Lou and Laurie know how to do it.

I headed out again about 11:15 as I wanted to pick up a sandwich before going to my noon RSVP meeting. After that I went next door to the library and puttered there until our 1:30 board meeting.

Jim was at track practice (had gone down for a doze a little after 10:00) when I returned home. I made several phone calls that I normally would have procrastinated in doing - checked to be sure that Retired Teacher Scholarships had been picked up in January - had been so I shredded the applications from last year, called the rug hooking place in Liberty to see if she was going to be in on Saturday to critique my just completed project and to help me in color selection of next project (she was quite agreeable), called Helen (I never procrastinate doing this), called a lady about being on the RSVP Advisory Council for next year (she was agreeable) so then called the head of our local RSVP to let her know that this gal was agreeable. About the only phone call I didn't make (actually forgot) was to a place in KC that carries a lot of "spare" parts for appliances - need to replace the rubber ring in the lid of my very old pressure cooker that is somewhere between 30 to 40 years old - and is somewhat of an off brand.

Jim is wanting to see Phil Willard in the a.m. and then he sees Dr. Metry at 11:30 - or thereabouts - time is written down, but I'll check that in the a.m. I don't plan on doing much - just enough projects to avoid housework!

Dara sent me an e-mail today trying to help me figure out how to add photos - will try again in a few days. She also sent me instructions on adding websites. I'll try to add Doug and Dara's site -- did so, but kept getting an error message. I took the pop-up off Friday a.m. and still got the error sign - will try a second time on Friday a.m.

Be safe.
B.

Wed. March 15

From a now dark, somewhat coolish MO,

Supposedly the temp was in the mid 60s day, but by the time I headed over to the track (about 3:00) I was very glad to have a hooded sweatshirt on - and could have used a little more.

We had a good night and the girls heard their papa about 5:00 this a.m. I let them outside and they came in through the basement trap door - and stayed probably at least 30 minutes with Jim before checking me out - then returned to the basement.

Jim joined both breakfast groups this a.m. and I headed to HyVee and joined Pat for breakfast. Jim had a 9:30 appointment with Dr. Kozminski - PSA still fine, but because of all of his aches and pains, Dr. K decided not to wait the 18 months for the bone scan and to go on and have one. Jim has one scheduled for this coming Monday (March 20) and we will go back to see Dr. K on Wednesday, March 29.

After seeing Dr. K, we went by Dr. Metry's office and Jim is to see him on Friday a.m. I am concerned about his feet being so tender and swelling. He has loosened shoe laces to the point that the shoes are about as big as they can be.

Jim dozed this afternoon and I eventually joined him after I puttered on a couple of things. He rousted himself a little before 2:00 and set the alarm for me for 45 minutes later. I joined him at the track about 3:15 as he was wanting to put the kids through a "trial" pole vault meet - as well as today being the first time that the bar was across the standards instead of the bungee cord. There are several first time vaulters so we did the "four alive" system so they could understand what was going on and also to let them see the importance of also keeping track of things themselves. A few of the kids were disappointed, but several had good experiences. One thing that quickly developed was that as the sun disappeared the temp began going down and most had not brought extra clothes for the possibility of cooling weather. I guess it is better that they learn it today as compared to a meet away from here.

I went to Westlake's this a.m. to get a replacement rubber ring for the old pressure cooker, but they do not carry replacement parts for the brand that I have. The saleslady gave me a web site as well as an 800 number for a place in KC - so I will call them tomorrow.

I have a full agenda for Thursday - breakfast with the ladies, haircut, RSVP advisory meeting, and library board. I also have a couple of telephone calls to make and surely something else. Oh, well - I'll be ready for bed tomorrow evening.


Be safe.
B.

Tues. March 14

From a now sunny, but brisk afternoon in MO,

I am going to write this in two parts - and you will soon see why.

The girls did a reasonably good job last night and didn't hear Jim until about 5:30 this a.m. - needless to say, I was willing to send them his way.

Jim and the girls rousted me about 7:45 - I'd actually been awake for about an hour, but just didn't see the need to get out of bed. The four of us headed to McDonald's for a sandwich (the interior has been remodeled and really looks nice) and then we did a series of errands ending in a short shopping spree for groceries at HyVee.

I had a marvelous call from Susie (goes back to August of 1965 in Belton). I cut off the call just before 11:00 as I was filling in for Mary Willis delivering meals today - her partner is Walt Bonderer's wife. We got along fine delivering meals until the last stop. I knocked on the door, could barely hear a voice inside, finally got through to him that I had food, still could not hear movement, asked him if he wanted me to come inside, he did, and I found him on the floor unable to get up. I have no idea how long he had been down, but noticed that yesterday's meal (metal container and sack) was still on the counter and appeared to be unopened. I told him I would get the manager to get help for him. I located the manager and when I was leaving, she was heading upstairs with a male resident to check on the situation. I guess this is a side benefit of Meals on Wheels. When we returned to the hospital I told the lady who works with Mobile Meals about finding the man down as well as what appeared to be unopened food from yesterday on the counter - sounds like a good possibility for food poisoning from my viewpoint.

I have a meeting at 2:00 relative to Mobile Meals - am not sure what it is all about.

Jim has dozed the middle part of the day. The girls began barking when I returned home so he didn't get as long down as usual. He did not go by the doctor's office again this a.m.

If you get an opportunity to get on Doug and Dara's site, there are some good photos of Dante and Allegra as well as what could be a "scout" purple martin. I can't remember if I mentioned the other item relative to their volunteering at the Zachary Scott theater, but that is also worth a quick read.

Will be back with you later.

From a now dark, but not really late MO,

The afternoon progressed well. The meeting that I had with some of the other office volunteers for Mobile Meals went well. The man who does the annual audit had one suggestion - and it was an easy request.

I arrived back home a little after 3:00 and proceeded to do some puttering around here. The next thing I knew it was 3:45 and I needed to get the girls back in their pen (access to limited area in house and all of the backyard) so I could head to Washington St. to have dessert with the ladies. The ladies today turned out to be Peggy Bacon, Helen, and yours truly. We had a delightful conversation and it was soon almost 5:00.

Jim arrived home soon after I did. My plans were to fix a roast in the pressure cooker so I had pulled out my old cooker and other than having the stove on high, couldn't keep the "rocker" moving. I switched to the newer cooker (but waited too long) and it was soon rocking away, but all in all supper was much later than usual. I will try to take the lid of the old cooker to Westlake's tomorrow to see if the correct ring is still available. The old cooker is smaller and I more to the size that we need.

Pole vault practice went quite well today and other than Jim coming home with very tender feet, he found several things to be very positive about.

I am not sure what will transpire on Wednesday. Jim will join at least the first group of "old fogies" for breakfast. He sees Dr. Kozminski (urologist) at 9:30 - and I plan on being there as usual. I think I've missed probably less than four visits in the past 9 and one/half years - once was with mom when she was having surgery in Liberty, one visit that I thought would be routine, might have been substituting on another visit that I thought would be routine, but with all of his aches and pains, I want to be right in the examination room tomorrow.

I think Jim has also reached the point that we will probably go by Dr. Metry's office at 9:00 to see when he can get in to see Dr. Metry.

I have a short list of errands that I would like to accomplish sometime tomorrow and most of these can be done while Jim is napping.

Be safe.
B.

Mon. March 13

From a sunny at times, overcast at times, but cool, windy MO,

This has been a day when you keep thinking you need to add an extra layer. I am guessing the high has been in the 40s, but the cool breeze certainly brings it lower than this - am thinking the weather channel said the wind chill as 33!

We had another storm last evening, but our area avoided it - most seemed to be in the areas of Warrensburg and Sedalia. I can't remember now how many people were killed yesterday because of the storms, but there were several - including one couple killed south of St. Louis when their vehicle was blown from the road.

I did the computer work for Mobile Meals this a.m. with Ruth Benson being a great help at writing the check to the hospital for the meals as well as she did the printing off of the labels (I just collated the labels.) Because of her help, we were out of there by about 8:45.

We had our taxes done at 10:00 today. What we have to pay out and what we get back don't quite balance. With Jim going on Medicare this June, I'm not too sure what will happen with medical bills so I'm going to call our state retirement system on Tuesday to get the needed paperwork to have more money withheld. I certainly don't want to pay a penalty to various government agencies for not having enough withheld.

Jim dozed the middle part of the day. I took off on some errands and he had already gone to the track when I returned. I noticed a note that he has to go in for some first aid training in order to coach, probably not a bad idea, but I'm sure he is thinking he doesn't want to give up his nap time either.

He is still at track as I am writing this. The CT has arrived and nothing was mentioned about the Life Flight landing in the "north forty" so still don't have a definite idea as to what was going on.

I have several errands to do on Tuesday and have a meeting to attend relative to Mobile Meals in the afternoon. I have no idea the purpose of the meeting so guess I will just have to wait and see.

Be safe.
B.

Sun. March 12

From what has been and may still be a stormy MO,

Actually our excitement began a little after 9:30 last evening. I was in bed - watching tv with the girls - when I heard the Life Flight go over - no big deal as this happens frequently. Then I heard either that helicopter or another one seemingly hovering over this area - that is not usual. About that time, Mary Thompson called (they had returned 24 hours earlier than planned from Indianapolis) with the news that a helicopter seemed to be over their home and that an ambulance and a landing zone seemed to have been established in what we call the "north forty" from their home. The girls were agitated by this time (have learned not to react to the usual Life Flight) so I headed to the front door - and there seemed to be lots of activity. I actually got to see the helicopter above the Thompson home and watched it land close to the sidewalk by Park Lane - just south of the medical clinic. I was rather worried as there are several power lines in the area. I never did see if someone was brought out from the clinic or whether the possibility existed that a helicopter was already on the single pad at the hospital - hopefully the CT will have some explanation on Monday.

Eventually I tucked the girls into their sleeping crate and we settled down for the night. I did get up once with them, but the next time they heard their father coming from the basement and he let them outside.

Jim and I ended up going to Country Kitchen for breakfast this a.m.

We have had two storms go through this area today and may miss a third storm as right now they are talking Jamesport and Trenton. The first storm was about 25 miles south of us, but we still got a downpour and some wind. The second storm came during the second half of the Texas - KU basketball game. Jim had the sound so loud that at first I didn't make out the tornado warning being blown, but finally realized that something was making noise outside. Of course the KC tv stations (especially channel 5) do a good job of covering our area and that had made me maybe a little more alert. We had already put harnesses on the girls and located their leashes - so off we went to the area under the stairway that goes to the basement. Jim has the area pretty well set up - a regular radio (that can also use batteries), a weather radio (electric and battery), an electric light, battery powered tap lights, bottled water, two folding chairs, etc. Oh, yes, also four ponchos.

We could hear hail and then heavier hail and then finally silence. Jim went upstairs and realized the sirens had stopped. The ground was not solidly covered with hail, but we still had a lot of hail on the ground. I would guess it ranged from dime, nickel, and close to quarter size. The deck had quite an accumulation on the south end - evidently rain/hail had come from the north and had blown to this area. The girls were delighted as they love to eat ice! The drainage areas at either side of the road were moving faster than I have seen them in years. I think they would have swept most people off their feet with their speed and depth. Sedalia may have had a tornado touch down today from what I heard on tv.

I had watched much of the Duke/Boston College game this afternoon and watched as much of the Texas game as weather would allow. I have spent much of the day putting the binding on the hooked item that I have finished. When you attach the binding to the back, then an area is exposed between the last row of hooking and the edge of the binding so this needs to be covered with wool yarn - one loop at a time. The project is now done other than using a hand vacuum on it to remove loose threads and dog hair. One issue of the rug hooking magazine that I subscribe to has a good pattern that I will probably use for my next project - vase with flowers. I will be able to use wool that I have accumulated from thrift stores and the store at Bosworth.

We have a rather full day on Monday. I do the computer work for Mobile Meals in the a.m. and then we have an appointment at 10:00 do get our taxes done. Jim will probably be going by Dr. Metry's office in the a.m. to set up another appointment. He bought some diabetic socks today and thinks that maybe his older socks might have been cutting off circulation - which seems to indicate to me that his ankles and feet might be swelling for some reason.

Be safe.
B.

Sat. March 11

From an almost balmy MO,

This has been a quiet day. We went to bed early last night with Jim deciding to try to bed upstairs. I had to get up briefly about 1:00 and about 30 minutes later heard the girls fussing. I took them outside and then returned them to their crate. Evidently Jim had a miserable night as he says he was up about every two hours and finally called it quits about 4:30. He eventually took the girls outside and later let them join me -- so he had a bad night of sleep and since I didn't hear him - I had a good night of sleep.

I fixed French toast this a.m. - about 8:00 and then we puttered around here with laundry and newspapers until Doug Carson arrived to aerate our yard - plus Chucks - and the Bacon's. By this time several guys were working over at the new building so the girls had plenty to occupy their time and energies. Jim wanted to move some so we did bag three large bags of yard debris - will put them out on Thursday - our garbage day.

I set out about 10:00 to do some errands and by 11:00 Jim was asleep - or at least in bed - quite tired and very sore. He eventually got up after 1:30 - had forgotten the Texas game came on at 1:00, but was basically miserable the rest of the afternoon and early evening. If he isn't better tomorrow, he plans on going by the doctor's office first thing on Monday morning and getting an appointment. He has decided to sleep downstairs tonight.

I avoided housework quite easily today - as usual. I finished two chemo caps and started two or three more. I also finished the last decorative corner in the hooked "rug". I have also pressed it and it is now drying so that I can put the binding on it tomorrow and finish it off. I also worked on the baby afghan - and also fixed an easy supper.

I don't plan on doing much on Sunday. I would like to finish off the hooked "rug" and maybe look at some ideas for another project. I have some "Monk's cloth" that is used as backing so I just need to make a decision. One of the recent rug hooking magazines had a relatively easy pattern - ready for tracing - of a vase with numerous flowers. This would allow me to use some of the wool that I have accumulated.

We may be in the line for some severe storms tomorrow night so we will be watching the weather forecast closely. Storms went south of us today, but these could be severe tomorrow evening.

A couple of nights ago I tried taking a photo from a CD and adding it to the blog, but didn't have any success. I'll try again in the next few days. I have a real good one of Abby - perched on my shoulder with her nose just inches from the hooked rug pattern as if she is supervising my every move - I am sure I need such supervision.

Be safe.
B.

Fri. March 10

From a now dark, cooler MO,

This has been a relatively good day. For some reason I awakened about 3:00 this a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep. The girls evidently heard my tossing and turning about 3:30 as they began to get my attention and both did "double duty" jobs outside - then returned to sleep until they heard Jim about 7:00. In the meantime, I still couldn't get back to sleep and I guess I should have read, but was too tired to read - oh, well -- old age!

Jim joined a group for breakfast this a.m. and about 9:00, I headed to HyVee for breakfast and then picked up a few grocery items. Jim was back home by about 10:00 and we headed out about 11:00 to fill my car with gas - $2.24.9 per gallon - and eventually ended up at the bowling alley for lunch. The special today was the BBQ pork sandwich - so tender and so good - and Jim had a cheeseburger with a side salad (which we split) and then we split by sweet potato fries.

We tried to doze this afternoon, but at the same time also wanted to watch the Texas basketball game. Jim headed over to the track about 2:30 and I remained in bed until almost 3:30. After getting the pen set up for the girls, I headed over to the track. We were supposed to have a nice temperature today, but the wind was coolish so I was very glad that I had taken a sweatshirt with a hood. Jim had Alex working with the girls on getting better on turning over while he worked with the boys on steps, etc. Actually the kids looked so much better today than when I had last seen them on Wednesday.

We have the Big 12 basketball tournament on now, but it won't be long and the tv will be turned off as well as the lights - both of us are tired.

I'm planning on fixing French toast in the a.m. as we have some bread that needs to get used up. We were supposed to have someone come tomorrow to aerate the yard, but we are thinking the ground is way too soggy. Beyond that, we don't have anything in concrete other than wanting to see the Texas basketball game. I have plenty of rug hooking, knitting, and crocheting to do - all ways to avoid housework.

Be safe.
B.

Thurs. March 9

From another day of rain in MO,

This has been a good day for us. To begin with, I had taken the girls outside about 9:30 last night and didn't hear any commotion from them until 4:30 this a.m. Almost a full night of sleep for me. Anyway, I had slept well so I had difficulty going back to sleep and then a little after 5:00 they heard Jim moving around - then the bedlam began so I turned them loose for Jim to have the enjoyment of their company.

I did get moving about 6:30 and by 7:15 was heading out the door to go to Country Kitchen. We had a good, talkative group there this a.m. - the two Judys, Sandy, Ellen Whitmer, Pat, Jan, and yours truly -- all of us were in "rare" shape - and must have gotten a little rowdy at times as I noticed that others looked our way periodically.

I had errands to do afterwards - post office, RSVP office to get checkbook so I could get new ink cartridge (ended up making a xerox copy of the Feb. 14 purchase as well as todays so that we could see if another cartridge only lasts a short time). Patty dug out the 2005 check register and the last one purchased in 2005 had been on Sept. 26 - so I don't know if we got one that was close to its expiration date - or just a dud. Anyway the original and xerox copies of purchase will help us if we run into a problem again.

It was approaching 10:00 by the time I returned home and then set out again on a short list of errands as Jim had a couple of items he wanted - large, sturdy container to soak his aching feet in as well as Epson salts.

Jim tried to doze the middle part of the day, but the girls weren't fully cooperative - had to go on a barking frenzy when the mailman left some "junk" mail in our mail box (99% of our mail goes to the post office box, but occasionally we get a first class letter at home - if we had it forwarded - then it would be taken care of in KC and that usually means about a two week delay in getting the item!)

Jim finally gave up a little after 1:00. By this time we were continuing to get light rain so he knew he wouldn't be having pole vault practice as such. He did go over to the track and had the vaulters to some short running (they had already stretched with the regular coaches) and then a cool down jog. It is easy for some vaulters to think that the only thing they need to do is to go down the runway and go up. Some vaulting coaches rely mostly on good sprinters to be their vaulters.

I fixed scallops for supper as well as wild rice combination that I had purchased at Cabela's several months ago - also finished off some lettuce for a salad.

If you haven't looked at Dara and Doug's blog recently, Dara had a good one (written yesterday or today) about Dunkin Donuts.

Jim will join a group of old geezers for breakfast in the a.m. and I'll just see how I feel in the a.m. - probably should have oatmeal in the a.m. as I haven't had any for a few mornings, but we'll just see. I do have some puttering that I need to do - have one corner left on my hooked wall hanging and I worked some today on cleaning up the stray threads, but I think this will take another attempt. One of the wools that I used was really a mess to work with - have learned my lesson - and it frayed really bad. I'll do some fussing when I go back to Liberty again - although I have to admit I learned a good lesson with it.

Be safe.
B.

Wed. March 8

From a now dark, but still early, almost balmy MO,

We experienced more rain during the night as well as intermittently today - and I don't think anyone is complaining.

I had a restless night as the girls are not accustomed to thunderstorms and several seemed to roll through - just enough to wake them up - and therefore me. I did begin moving about 7:15 this a.m. as I wanted to go to HyVee and have breakfast with Pat.

I am not sure just what all went on today - Jim had breakfast with two groups this a.m., dozed during the middle part of the day, and left here about 2:30 to head over to the track. Alex was there to help him today and at least three vaulters didn't show up so I think they had a good practice - between rains.

I ended up going to the bowling alley for lunch and had good intentions of finishing the hooking on the rug/mat, but ended up getting only one more corner finished - then went down for a two hour nap. I had planned on reading, but just couldn't stay awake.

About 3:30 - I headed over to the track to watch practice. At first it was almost balmy - light long sleeve shirt was enough, but it wasn't too much longer when I was glad I had taken a hooded sweatshirt. By the time we were leaving, light rain drops were coming down. Chauncey Meneely and Jake Brooke (she was a former pole vaulter and he attended SW high school and had come to Jim for some help his senior year - ended up being small school pole vault champion that year) came by for about 30 minutes. Jake is a junior at CMS at Warrensburg and Chauncey is probably finishing her sophomore year at CMS - hopes to get admitted to the nursing program.

I have puttered with material for the Jobson reunion this evening and need to get going seriously on some of the updates. I don't think I'm procrastinating, but I am letting time slip away from me - way too quickly.

I join the ladies for breakfast in the a.m. and beyond that I have a couple of errands to do - then plan on being lazy. I have many things I need to putter with - so we will just see what happens.

Be safe.
B.

Tues. March 7

From a now dark, but still early MO,

We went to bed VERY early last night and therefore I was up twice with the girls - first at 11:00 and then again at 6:30. For some reason they didn't hear Jim this a.m. and when I semi-rousted myself at 6:30 and put them outside and they headed to the outside entrace to the basement. I headed downstairs as the stairway was barricaded and found that Jim had removed the barrier to their trap door and they were already standing on top of Jim - absolutely delighted to find the old guy.

I am not sure where the day went, but it seems as if we have been on the move. Jim and I headed to Country Kitchen for breakfast and then stopped at the post office on the way home. I did somewhat tackle the bathroom that I use today - towels and rugs are now clean and a lot of dust and grime have been removed - of course I had good help from the girls.

A little later, we put the girls in the carrier in the truck and made a trip to HyVee for a couple of items. One of the ladies on Friday had mentioned fixing salmon patties and I realized it had been ages since I had done such a thing - so that ended up being supper tonight.

Jim dozed and read this afternoon.

We finally had some rain today - am not sure how much, but I am sure we need more. At least some of the fire potential should have been reduced.

Jim headed over to the track about 2:30 to ask a few questions and opted not to have pole vault practice. He will have practice on Wednesday unless it is raining - or storming. There will be some track meets when the weather is not cooperative and the kids need to have some experience as to how to handle the situation. Of course in Missouri this time of the year it could be warm, cold, sunny, rainy, snowy, etc.

I joined some of the ladies for dessert at 4:00 - Sandy, Helen, Peggy, Mary, and yours truly. We had a good visit. Four of us ordered strawberry shortcake - two had ice cream on theres and two had whipped topping. Sandy ordered the Mexican dessert.

Jim has breakfast with the two "old fogey" groups in the a.m. and I might head to HyVee for breakfast with Pat. Beyond that I have a few errands that need to be done, but none will take very long. I did putter some more on the hooking this afternoon and if all goes well, should be able to finish the hooking on this project tomorrow. Then I need to get some binding for it and do some cleaning up of extraneous threads.

Be safe.
B.

Mon. March 6

From an almost balmy MO,

This has been a full day - or at least so far and I am ready to call it a day!

The girls slept well last night and after I put them outside this a.m., again I let them join me in bed. They immediately settled in and I didn't hear anything from them for about an hour and then bedlam was set loose. I guess they heard Jim moving around in the basement family room and they wanted out of our upstairs bedroom (door was closed) and set about barking in a frenzy. I got them quieted down and then again about 15 minutes later they again heard Jim. This time I set them off on their way and let Jim entertain them. Abby did rejoin me in bed and we slept until 6:30.

Mobile Meals went well this a.m. I had put a new ink cartridge in the printer on Feb. 13 and for some unknown reason Darla had to replace it on Feb. 27. I find that really strange as it usually lasts several months. I need to get out tomorrow and replace the one that Darla put in as I certainly don't want to have to make a trip somewhere in a hurry some Monday a.m. - or have Charles Adams be faced with the problem on a Friday. I have the receipt for the Feb. 13 purchase, but have no idea where the previous receipt is - hmmm.

Jim and I headed to the Social Security office a little before 11:00. Thank goodness we had an appointment as there must have been 10 to 12 people in the lobby - all with numbers and waiting to see someone. Jan Pyrtle was great in explaining what is going on and Jim's paperwork has been filed.

Jim dozed this afternoon and I went to the bowling alley for a sandwich. When I returned home, it had dawned on me that this was an "early out" for our local school district and that some of the tracksters might be there earlier than usual. Jim needed to remark the runways as we had moisture over the weekend and thank goodness a ninth grader was there and he helped Jim by doing all the bending over and marking - Jim just gave directions. With getting over there early - Jim is one tired old man this evening.

We had our second night of the pinto beans/roast/picante sauce combo this evening - and Jim is ready to have it again - with just something different on Tuesday evening. The meat is really tender now - thanks to the pressure cooker. I wonder if I had cubed the roast if it would have been more tender in the crockpot??

Jim has a few errands to do tomorrow and I have some that I started today, but didn't get as far as I wanted. I'll be joining the ladies for dessert tomorrow afternoon.

Be safe.
B.

Sunday March 5

From a now dark, almost balmy MO,

This has been a relatively quiet day for us. The girls did a good job sleeping last night and I didn't hear them until probably 4:30 this a.m. After their trip outside, I let them join me in bed and didn't hear them again until Jim came upstairs - probably 6:30 to 7:00. I just couldn't get out of bed this a.m. and kept going back to sleep - finally forced myselft out just before 10:00.

After showering, I fixed French toast for breakfast and then settled in to enjoy the morning newspapers. Afterwards, I put the roast and beans from last night in the pressure cooker and let it do its job for about 20 minutes - the meat was then so tender that it was hard to get it out - will be good for a Monday supper. I also fixed a box dessert for supper tonight and tomorrow. By this time I had enough items to justify running the dishwasher. At some point in the a.m. I also pulled the vacuum cleaner out and worked in the main bedroom - removed way too much in the way of dust - I just don't see how it accumulates so fast. I do want to clean the blades on the ceiling fan before I go to bed tonight - then the room should be somewhat clean.

Jim slept most of the afternoon and I eventually settled in to do some rug hooking - about 3:00 - just in time for the Texas basketball game. Jim came upstairs soon afterwards and again we enjoyed watching AJ Abrams play for Texas.

Supper was leftovers tonight - chicken from Friday night as well as sugar snap peas and Brussel sprouts. I seem to have difficulty with bs anymore as they remind me of mom's last hours. Of course we also had some of the dessert that I had fixed this a.m.

The house builders worked some this afternoon and now have the south and north walls up as well as some of the dividers within the duplex. We are to have some much needed rain this week so I am sure that is why they worked today.

Jim is currently watching the Oscars and I will rejoin him momentarily. I really could care less and for some reason we haven't seen very many of the films this year.

I have the computer work for Mobile Meals in the a.m. and then will join Jim at 11:00 to go to the Social Security office to meet with Jan Pyrtle about Jim's upcoming SS eligibility. I must remember to take a visual identification with me. The last time I was there I had left my purse in the trunk of the car and they wouldn't let me in. I had to go back to the car and get it just so I could get a message to Jim that he had another appointment coming up in about 15 minutes - elsewhere. I'm surprised we don't have to go through something similar at the post office - am not sure why the SS office has to be that much more protected - oh, well - another of my peeves.

Be safe.
B.

Sat. March 5

From a coolish, dampish MO,

This has been a good day around here. The girls slept until 2:30 (had put them out early last night) and since Jim was sleeping downstairs, I let them join me in bed - didn't hear a stir from them until about 6:30 - and I think they heard Jim downstairs moving around. I had actually awakened before 2:30 with a pounding headache - not like I've been having lately in the back of my neck - just a general headache. I took some Tylenol and it eventually took effect, but I was quite tired when I began sort of moving this a.m.

Jim "took" me to Country Kitchen for breakfast this a.m. - short stack for him and a "lighter" omelet for me - along with dividing a side order of bacon. Afterwards, we picked up the girls and headed to Trenton as I wanted to look for some semi-dressy-old lady shoes. We were having enormous flakes of snow come down when we left Chillicothe and the temp. went down and down as we headed north to Trenton. Some snow seemed to be adhering there, but there was no problem with ice. I found sort of what I was looking for and we were soon back home - and tucked into bed for a good, long nap - probably close to 3 hours.

Jim went to see a movie this afternoon and I have puttered some on my rug hooking project.

I had tried a new "dish" in the crockpot today - bottom layer was dry, uncooked pinto beans, next layer was a chuck roast, then I put some onion powder and garlic on the roast, then topped all of it with a jar of picante sauce as well as water. The roast wasn't as tender as I really like, but it was edible and the beans were great. I'll put the roast in the pressure cooker on Sunday and do some more tenderizing of it. I don't know what I do wrong, but roasts in a crockpot never really turn out the way I like them.

I checked Doug and Dara's blog this evening and Dara has a very good photo of a decorative cake that a good friend of hers made for Dara's birthday. It is worth looking at if you have the time.

We are going to watch the Duke/NC basketball game tonight and I am going to finish off at least three chemo hats. I took two with me to Trenton today, but forgot to take an extra knitting needle so I couldn't get them finished - am really slacking in my old age.

Tomorrow we plan on watching the Texas basketball game and I'm sure Jim will watch the Oscars tomorrow night. I will probably just go to bed with a good book and let the girls go back and forth from the bedroom to the front room.

Be safe.
B.

Fri. March 3

From a now dark and somewhat cool MO,

This has been a FULL day. The girls caught my attention about 4:30 this a.m. that they were needing to go outside. Then they joined me in bed and I didn't hear anything until after 6:00 when the girls heard Jim moving around downstairs. They rushed to join him - and I snoozed until the alarm went off at 6:30.

I was somewhat filling in for one of the secretaries today at the middle school. Thank goodness Doug Long was around almost all the time as I had a lot of questions about items that parents or students were asking - and he seemed to know where to go for the answers. All in all it was a good day, but it was full of confusion as the science fair was being held today - oh, well - just makes me extra glad to be retired.

Jim joined one of the breakfast groups this a.m. and later shared the remaining prime rib (from last night) with the girls for lunch - no common food for them when they can put the guilt trip on their dad.

I arrived home about 4:00 and of course Jim had gone over to the track about 3:00. The girls seemed glad to see me and after I had supper in the oven, I headed to the pole vault area as well. Jim is going to try to have practice over by 5:00 each evening and I think my arrival helps remind him. Alex Chaney was a good helper for him again tonight.

After supper, I made a quick trip to HyVee with a grocery list that had been getting longer and longer over the past few days. I guess I don't usually shop on Friday evening, but it was rather sad to see how harried so many people seemed to be.

We don't have much on our agenda for Saturday. Jim has indicated he is going to take me out for breakfast. At some point during the day I would like to go to Trenton to check out Brown's shoe store. I am in need of a pair of basic "pumps" that I could wear with good slacks as well as the very few times I have a skirt or a dress on. My old Birks just don't always seem appropriate.

Be safe.

B.

Thurs. March 2

This is going to be written in two installments today: here goes --

The girls slept quite well last night (lots of time spent outdoors yesterday and they were very involved in romping last evening) and I didn't hear them until 5:30 - what a relief!

We ended up having seven at breakfast this a.m. - Judy Mathew, Judy Duncan, Johnna Sue Zachary (back from Indiana and seeing grandchildren), Jan Logan, Sandy, Mary Willis, and yours truly. We had so much visiting going that you would have thought we hadn't seen each other in at least a month.

I joined Jim at the pole vault area afterwards and helped him on a few projects - am not sure the spray paint job turned out very well as the wind was really whipping its way through (not as bad as last night at least). I'm guessing I helped him for about an hour as he had already been there probably close to an hour before me.

Afterwards we went to the bowling alley for lunch. Each of us had a sandwich, but then we split his dinner salad and my sweet potato fries - turned out to be a good idea and quite tasty.

When we returned home, Jim went down for a nap and I headed over to Francine's to join Helen and others (Judy Mathew, Mary Willis, and Johnna Sue). They had lunch and I just had ice tea. Again, you would have thought we hadn't seen each other in many weeks. Clara -- we miss you!

I have made a trip to the post office and also have dropped my hours off at the RSVP office. The new rug hooking magazine has arrived and I am about ready to settle down in the recliner and enjoy it.

Jim will head over to the track in a little more than 30 minutes and I will join him about 4:30 - to remind him that we need to be leaving by 5:00 so as to get ready to join John and Sandy Wheeler for an outing to Bevier.

LATER:

I joined Jim at the track and this seemed to remind him that he needed to be closing up shop about 5:00. Actually the wind was cold enough and the temp cool enough that the kids were ready to quit as the younger ones had not dressed in layers - bet they will tomorrow!

We picked John and Sandy up about 6:00 and headed to Bevier. The front area was packed when we arrived, but Sandy had called for a reservation so we were seated very quickly. The food was excellent and I wouldn't have any problem in returning.

Jim has breakfast with one of the old geezer groups on Friday a.m. and then will "sit" with the girls until time to go to track. I had a call today from the middle school wondering if I could pinch hit for the secretary that is in the old junior high area and Friday is the first day on the week that I didn't have something down on my calendar - so I guess I can do a "Scarlet O'Hara" on housework again.

Be safe.
B.

Wed. March 1

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

This has been a full day. The girls slept better last night, but the a.m. still came too soon. I finally dragged my body out at 8:00 - Jim had left at 7:15 for his weekly breakfast with the "old fogies."

We left here a little after 9:30 to attend the funeral at our local Catholic church. There were lots of people already there (funeral at 10:30), but we found seats and began our wait. The church was soon full with people also standing. By the time we left after the service, Jim was worn out with the small pews, standing, and sitting.

I ended up going to the bowling alley for lunch. I hadn't taken time to call anyone, but when I arrived, four ladies were already there and were celebrating the birthday of Mary Thompson. They nicely invited me to join them - which I admit that I did.

Jim dozed some this afternoon. I spent about one hour sitting on the deck in the delightful sunshine. I am guessing the local temp. may have reached 70 or above today - just a nice balmy temp.

Jim headed over to the track after 3:30 and I joined him about an hour later. Vickie had organized the pole vaulters and some weight people to get the porta pits out of the shed and set up before Jim got there so he wouldn't feel the need to do any lifting. Bailey Benson had been put in charge of this detail. By the time Jim got there and all of this heavy work had already been done, he went through the poles with the kids and when I arrived they were readjusting to having the poles in their hands. The smiles were absolutely delightful. Manion Cole was also there. He was a former vaulter and has graduated from MU - home to attend the funeral today.

We have a relatively full Thursday. I have breakfast with the ladies in the a.m., Helen is coming from Princeton and lunch is scheduled for 12:30 at Francine's, and we are going with the Wheelers to Bevier tomorrow evening to eat at the Pear Tree. In between all of this, I am helping Jim re-do the system of tie-downs for the porta-pits (hopefully the cover won't blow to the Gulf tonight) as the ones that he bought and put together a couple of years ago seem to have disappeared. I really don't mind buying items to help the track program, but I get quite frustrated when the are not there the next year. I suppose someone thinks that the school bought them and therefore they are "public" property. I would hate to think how many tarps we have bought over the years. Jim always refuses to bring them home after the track season as I guess he wants to hope they will be there the next year - oh, well - enough complaining for one night.

I have made good progress in the past few days on the current rug hooking project - probably started it over a month ago. It will be ready for the rug binding by the middle of next week so maybe I can make a quick trip to Liberty to get what I need.

Be safe.
B.