sun

we are okay, but our keyboard has gone dead. i finally got through to tech help today and was told how to go to an on-screen keyboard. i'll be back on-line when possible. b

Thurs. April 27

From a warmer, somewhat overcast MO,

Correction: John e-mailed me today to indicate that he thought it was Jim Nashan that was in the hospital -- I knew that, but for some reason indicated Don Dupy - leave it to tiredness and old age -

This has been a busy day. We had nine at breakfast this a.m. - about the only one somewhat new was Marsha Leopard - all the others are frequently in attendance - just not at the same time. Needless to say there were many conversations going on today.

When I finally got back home - (not their fault, I just didn't want to leave Country Kitchen) - Jim and I did a few errands and then returned home. Jim was soon dozing and I puttered on some things that needed to be done on my "to do" list - am whittling it down, but it seems that when I whittle - I also add something - oh, well.

I headed out again on errands a little after 12:00 and eventually reached the RSVP office about 1:00. Tony Figg arrived a few minutes later to set up the new computer and see if there were glitches - all went well until we got to the labels - then major frustration. He eventually did a "round about way" of doing them and we were finally successful - about 2 and 1/2 hours later. Then I needed to go to HyVee.

Jim is just finishing mowing as it looks as if we have rain in the forecast and the grass doesn't need to get much higher.

One of the things I did today was to go by to see Charles and Pat Meek. First I needed him to sign a scholarship certificate - which I took to the high school. In the meantime they had mentioned that a new puppy was being delivered to them today - am thinking it is a poodle and some kind of Chinese mixture. They also deliberated after Hank died about getting another child, but seem to be quite excited about this prospect.

Jim will have pole vault practice of Friday as well as breakfast in the a.m. with some of the old guys. I plan on doing some more "to do" items and get a few more things marked off my list.

Be safe.
B.

Wed. April 26

From what started off as a dampish, coolish morning to now an almost warm, but sunny afternoon,

We had periods of rain last night, but I must admit that I slept through them. Someone commented today about the thunder - and I asked "what thunder?" Oh, well - guess I slept well for at least part of the night.

The girls didn't get my attention until about 4:30 this a.m. and of course after being outside snuggled close to me and we didn't hear much until Jim came into the bedroom about 7:00.

Jim had breakfast with both groups of "old men" this a.m. - oatmeal with the first group and whole wheat toast with the second group. He didn't come with much news. Sandy Wheeler called later today to ask about Jim Nashan as someone at work seemed to think he was in the hospital. I've e-mailed Butch Shaffer so maybe he will know.

The girls and I slept in until almost 9:00 this a.m. The car was at Barnes Baker from yesterday. Jim went by on his way home and it was decided the car was safe to drive - and unless the noise became worse, not to worry about it. We'll see -- I have their 800 number and I wonder how they would feel if I called from out of town to come and get me - oh, well --

I have done "catch-up" today. All thank you notes to the ladies who judged as well as the students who submitted applications are now done. The latter will be mailed the day of the senior assembly. I also updated paper work relative to the scholarship so all that needs to be done in January is to change dates. It is good to have it tucked away. I'll leave paperwork for Mr. Meek tomorrow as he is to be home - he needs to sign the scholarship certificate and decide who will do the presenting - the latter I refuse to do!

Jim dozed this afternoon and I decided to go to Beijing for lunch and then went to Clara's afterwards. It seems there are so many things going on at breakfast on Thursday that I always forget to ask her something.

Jim is now at track practice and I am trying to get paper shredded so as to be able to go out for recyling tomorrow. Of course we always have a barrel of newspapers and small boxes, but I try to shred all items that have our names on them.

I went by Kelly's this afternoon and picked up the three items that I had left there to be matted and framed. Of course they turned out great as Kelly does a fantastic job.

I have breakfast with the ladies in the a.m. and beyond that I hope to put the finishing touches on genealogy for the Jobson reunion. I don't have much left to do. I need to call Grace Ann again to see how many have returned reservations so far - that'll give me an idea on xeroxing.

Be safe.
B.

Tues. April 25

From a now cool, breezy MO,

Today has been a day of great contrast over previous days. I doubt if the temperature reached 60 today, but I was my usual stubborn self - did put on jeans and a sweatshirt this a.m, but refused to wear socks with my sandals - stubborn to the end!

Jim sometimes picks the busiest days to decide that we need to do a few things. When we first communicated this a.m. it was to find out that he wanted to go to Country Kitchen about 8:00 - of course he had forgotten that I had five ladies arriving at 10:00 and a few more things needed to be done. I lobbied for 7:30 and we compromised at 7:45. Breakfast went fine and then he wanted to go to WalMart - for gas and for about four items - then we just had to stop at the post office. Of course I was ready when the ladies arrived about 10:00, but did feel a few minutes of rushed living.

We had thirteen applications to look at today. I had scanned them yesterday and I try to stay out of the selection as I'm considered the chairperson. Two or three of the applicants place high enough in their class that they will receive numerous scholarships so we sort of looked at other possibilities. We finally ended up with a recipient and then chose a first and second alternate. The scholarship is for $500 and will be given to the recipient at the end of the first semester in college providing that grades are satisfactory.

The ladies left at 12:00 and Jim was then ready to head to the bowling alley for sandwiches. Tuesday is a good day to go as again they had a two for one offer. Jim ended up with a cheeseburger and I opted for one of their specials - pulled pork BBQ sandwich - I think it was so tender that a person could have easily "gummed" it.

My car is still at Barnes Baker so I took Jim to track practice, came home and did some follow-up paperwork on the scholarship and then took off a little before 4:00 to join the ladies for dessert at Washington Street. I think we had five there - Helen, Peggy, Margaret (Larry is in Mississippi doing volunteer carpentry work), Mary, and yours truly.

I had put a frozen veggie lasagna in the oven at a low temperature before I left and it was in good shape when I finally returned home.

Jim joins both groups for breakfast in the a.m. and of course will have track practice in the late afternoon. I don't have specific plans, but want to get thank you notes written to the five ladies that helped today judge applications as well as I write a thank you note to each of the students not receiving the scholarship - thanking them for their interest and wishing them well. I really need also to get back to genealogy - am almost finished, but will rest easier when I do the last few things.

Be safe.
B.

Mon. April 24

From a sunny, but potentially stormy MO,

This has been a much more quiet day for us - or at least for me. The girls slept better last night - and that means I sleep better. I wasn't quite ready for the 6:30 alarm this a.m., but I like to get to the RSVP office and get started early - and out early.

There were only a few changes to make in the reports this a.m. Ruth was there and she seems to like to run off the labels - which is fine with me. We were almost ready to leave when Charles called that he would not be in later to xerox the main list - so I quickly headed to the xerox and Ruth put the sheets together. Charles thought he had told Nina on Friday that he wouldn't be in, but Nina wasn't in the office on Friday so I'm not sure who he had told. Anyway, the second phase was completed.

Jim met me at Barnes Baker as I left the car again today to have the "twanging" noise checked. I called a few minutes ago and they are still puzzling over the noise - sometimes they hear it and others times they don't - so who knows.

The four of us dozed much of the middle of the day. Jim is now at track practice and I have been trying to do some minor cleaning on the main level of the house to be ready for the ladies to arrive in the a.m. to go over the scholarship applications. I did a rough read through this afternoon and am glad I am not actively involved in choosing the winning candidate. I know only one of the candidates and know of maybe two or three others - and can't see a lot of difference (on paper) with the group.

I need to get to HyVee a little later this evening (after supper) to get a few items. Barnes Baker is keeping the car overnight and Mike promised they would put it in the garage as we could have a stormy night - no tornadoes are being discussed at this time, just bad weather.

Tuesday should be a full day for me. The ladies arrive at 10:00 and I am expecting at least an hour and a half to make a decision. Since we don't have a track meet tomorrow, I'm planning on joining Helen and the others for dessert at 4:00. I need to come up with something easy for supper as I won't get home until a little after 5:00 and of course we usually eat between 5:30 to 6:30. I find that I have an easier night when I last eat about 2 or 3 hours before bedtime.

Be safe.
B.

Sun. April 23

From a sunny, temperate MO,

This has been a rather active day for us - beginning about 2:30 this a.m. when one of the girls desperately needed to go outside (am guessing it was Trixie). Both did their required duties and Jim had indicated they could join us on the bed. This turned out to be a major mistake as Trixie wanted to feud/play. I finally put them back in their sleeping crate and then about 4:30, again the anguised noises came from their crib and I made another trip outside. At least this time they slept until almost 7:30 in their crate. They had flea medication two days ago and I don't know if the night problems were a result of that - we'll see what tonight brings.

I stayed in bed until almost 9:00. The four of us then headed to the McDonald's drive-thru and then made a quick trip to WalMart as Jim needed some grass seed. Our big project at home was to move dirt from the little garden we had made just north of the bird bath. Some was used to fill a new big flower pot, more was used to fill some depressions in various spots of the yard, and the rest was just smoothed out and Jim planted grass seed. He has since lightly watered it a couple of times.

Jim left here a little after 1:30 to see "Sentinel" which he indicated when he returned home that he had thoroughly enjoyed. While he was gone, I used the steam cleaner on the carpet in the front room and about 2/3 of the way down the hallway. I had vacuumed, but was appalled at the dirt and dog hair that came up. Guess this project needs to be done more frequently.

I have the computer work for Mobile Meals on Monday a.m. and then need to leave the car again at Barnes Baker to see if they can figure out this time why the steering column is making a "twanging" noise each time the wheel is turned. Jim will have pole vault practice in the afternoon, but I think each of us needs a quiet day as compared to today. I do need to do some housework upstairs as I have four or five ladies coming on Tuesday a.m. to go over 13 scholarship applications for the Retired Teachers' group. We keep so much piled on the dining room table that who knows what will be found when I clean it off.

Be safe.
B.

Fri. April 21 - actually written 4/22

From a sunny, Saturday morning in MO,

Yesterday was FULL!

We had a good night of sleep thanks to Tylenol and the girls not awakening until almost 6:00. We still stayed in bed (after they had been outside) until probably 7:30 or later.

Jim joined the old men for breakfast and I headed out to do a few errands. I ended up not getting to go to Ruth's birthday get together as I had something else come up.

Jim headed to Excelsior Springs about 12:30 on the girls' track bus while I headed out of town after 1:00. The weather was great - warm, but not hot and even in the evening, I only added a light jacket over my t-shirt.

There was a diversity of schools present - some larger schools and a few smaller schools - and the track teams ranged from very productive to those who didn't perform quite as well. It is an interesting meet in that several of the schools there we will see again at conference, district, or possibly sectional - so it gives a good idea of what is coming up in the future weeks.

We got back to Chillicothe about 11:00, but went by the stadium so Jim could see to the unloading of the pole vault poles (he didn't carry them, but made sure they got off the bus). The kids had done a good job of loading them, but had run into an obstacle in that the girls' bus was backed into its parking area such that the poles could not be loaded - therefore were on the boys' bus, but the head girls' coach didn't know this - and I don't think the kids had told Jim either. That communication problem will need to be worked out.

Jim has mowed the yard this a.m. and we have done a few errands. We just pulled in an e-mail that an audio book that he wanted (I had donated before he had listened to it) was back in so we are getting ready to head to the library now. I am sure that the afternoon will bring a long nap.

Be safe.
B.

Tues. & early Wed. April 18 & 19

From a sunny Wednesday a.m. - as compared to what was a stormy Tuesday evening!

Jim and I headed to Country Kitchen on Tuesday a.m. to have a good breakfast. Eventually we ended up dozing some prior to heading to Cameron for a large track meet. Jim ran off the pole vault and had one unhappy Cameron father. Cameron's cross bar for the pole vault area was already broken and mended by duct tape - of course it wasn't straight and sometimes when a vaulter went over and the bar should have come off, it stayed because it sagged where the broken spot was - this was the first irritation for the father as he thought Jim should make a judgement call as to whether the vault should count - Jim stayed consistent in that if the cross bar stayed on - the vault was okay - if the bar came down - then it was counted as a miss. Then the father got concerned that the sagging bar was not always pushed upwards enough to make it sort of straight and of course he was claiming that Jim was favoring some vaulters over others - which if you know Jim know if anything he would be harder on Chilli vaulters. Of course Cameron should have had a cross bar that was okay, but the guy didn't seem to understand this. His wife was also taking photos of all the vaulters and by that time I was paranoid enough that I figured he would get a ruler out and try to measure the difference in the sag. The guy has two vaulters that seem to be good kids and Jim has been around them for the past two or three years, and the father has always seemed good until last evening. Oh, well -

The pole vault was over when we discovered that sirens were going off in Chillicothe. We were at the stage in the meet where only the 3200 meter run was left as well as the 4x400 (the latter I enjoy watching) and we decided to head home. Jim was hesitant to go too fast as he didn't want to run into hail and of course I wanted to get home to see how the girls were. I had called Sandy Wheeler and she had indicated golf ball size hail and the radio was talking about a tornado that maybe touched down south of Chillicothe, but was also inferring one was just west of Chillicothe. When we pulled into town, there wasn't much evidence of storm except for leaves being down and a few limbs.

I took the girls outside and then in a little while headed for bed. About 10:00, Jim decided to take them outside again and rather than taking the time to tie his shoelaces, he headed outside with the girls - Abby running ahead of him and Trixie in his arms. Again rather than going around the area where no steps were involved, he headed down the steps, tripped over a shoelace - and took a nasty fall. I'm afraid I wasn't very sympathetic as I've been on his case numerous times about walking around with shoelaces untied! Anyway, he is walking today, but of course is sore.

The girls slept until almost 5:30 this morning - thank goodness as I needed a good night of sleep after being outside in the sun yesterday. Jim headed out to his two breakfasts this morning and I headed to HyVee to join Pat for breakfast. I also picked up some frozen veggies to make chop suey tonight - will use the last of the pork chops for the meat.

Jim is using the riding lawnmower in the front yard and am not sure what he is going to do in the backyard, but he is sure he doesn't need my help.

Somehow in a weak moment, I volunteered to help choose the senior speaker at commencement. The speeches are being given this evening so I will take a nap later today so maybe I will be alert.

I have the car at Barnes Baker hoping they will find out what is causing the "twanging" noise whenever I turn the steering wheel.

Dara has a good item on yesterday's (or Sunday's) blog about their trip to Poteet to get two flats of strawberries so as to make wine. Some of you might find this interesting. http://danddaustinupdate.blogspot.com/


I doubt if I will be back on this evening. I have breakfast with the ladies in the a.m., haircut at 10:00, pick up cookies for the 1:30 library board meeting, and seems there is also something else on the calendar for Thursday.

Be safe.
B.

Mon. April 17

From a cooler, overcast, dampish MO,

Our day has gone well. The girls were restless last night so I was up about 4:00 with them - Jim maintains it was 3:00, but I don't think my eyes are that bad. Anyway, Jim was moving by about 6:30 and took the girls outside to repeat their outdoor duties.

We headed out of here about 7:15 - Jim and the girls in the truck with me following in the car. I followed them through the drive thru at McDonald's - then they came home while I went to the RSVP office to do the needed computer work. Ruth Benson showed up a little after 8:00 - very shook up as she had only learned late last evening of the death of Tanner Edmundson. Ruth had worked with his grandmother at the State Bank for many years.

Jim and I headed to Trenton about 10:30 as I took fifteen knitted chemo caps to the hospital and then we went on to Huckleberry's to eat. The temperature today is probably in the low 60s, overcast, and the air is dampish - so not exactly a pleasant day, but with the coolness, we took the girls with us to Trenton. They do enjoy their outings.

I am afraid I had good intentions of not dozing this afternoon, but gave up about 1:00 and went down for a two hour nap. There is no school here today so the girls were having track practice at 2:00 and the boys at 3:00. This should be good for Jim as the kids should show up separately for pole vault practice.

I am not sure what is on our agenda for Tuesday a.m. other than a few errands that didn't get done today (I did take some donated books to the library as well as go by the post office and make a trip to HyVee for meat for supper today). Jim has called someone today to see if he will come by and give an estimate on replacing our wooden fence.

Tuesday will also see a big track meet at Cameron. I think the buses leave about 1:30 and I will probably leave about 2:30. Rain and storms are in the forecast so I am not sure just what will transpire. If it is stormy when we get back, needless to say, I won't be on the computer.

Be safe.
B.

Sun. April 16

From a sunny Easter morning in MO,

We slept well last night with the girls not getting my attention until after 5:00 this a.m.

I've fixed French toast for us and am generally being lazy.

Helen called this a.m. about a fire in the Chula area on Friday night - or early Saturday a.m. Vickie had called her to let her know that Jane Sanson Edmundson's son is assumed to have died in the house fire. Two bodies were in the fire and two trucks were parked outside - one of them being owned by the Edmundson boy. Identification is being done before legal notice of names is being issued.

Jim and I are getting ready to mow at least parts of the yard. Some areas are really growing fast and furiously. It is much easier to clean up after the girls if we keep the grass short in their fenced off area.

I have been meaning to tell you that two or three days ago, on one of my trips to the backyard, I heard the familiar voice of a jenny wren. We have had a jenny wren family use our two wren nests for several years now - have two broods each year. I had thought about getting the wren boxes out a few weeks ago, but thought it was too early. Hopefully we didn't wait too long this year, but I heard the wren voice again this a.m. in the backyard so maybe they were patient with us.

Later:

We dozed much of the afternoon and haven't done much constructively since then. I did finish the newest Marian Chesney book in the Edwardian series today. I sort of took a detour from genealogy and must admit that I enjoyed the day of reading.

I have the computer work for Mobile Meals on Monday a.m. and then have a few quick errands to do - beyond that - not much is on the agenda other than genealogy and probably should do some housework - might do a "Scarlet O'Hara" on the latter.

Be safe.
B.

belated Sat. April 15

Actually this is the 16th, but thought I would catch you up on Saturday.

We had a good night, did errands, dozed, met Helen for lunch at the new Chinese buffet, and in general didn't have a great deal to show for work - just what we needed.

We had storms in the forecast last evening and at first they were in the general area of KC - then began moving to the east and northeast. About 9:00, I fixed a basket of items in case we needed to go to the sheltered area in the basement - leashes, collars, house phone, cell phone, charger, Jim's billfold, my purse, etc. - and by about 10:00, we decided the time had come - and about then the sirens went off - is this the second or third time this spring?

We spent about 20 minutes in the basement. We didn't seem to have any wind damage so we came out okay.

Helen and Stan were not so lucky. A storm moved through their area about 9:00 and about the time they decided to head to their basement, the wind had died down. Looking outside, Stan noticed what seemed to be strangely shaped hail - which turned out in morning light to be the "sof-it" (or covering that goes under the eaves) along with insullation (spelling) that had been blown out. They had a lot more wind than we did, but it didn't last long. Stan has already called the insurance company this (Sun.) a.m. as well as taken photos.

I should be back on later today.

B.

Fri. April 14

From a warmish MO,

This has been a full day for us. The girls slept well last night - better than Jim did as we was moving a little after 5:00 this a.m. I stayed in bed until probably 7:30, showered, and then headed to the drive-thru at McDonald's. On the way home, I stopped at the business where I xerox and did some minor projects. I had received over the years several items that were folded and I knew they would be a hassle when I did mass xeroxing in about a month - so am one step closer.

Jim was gone by the time I returned home as he had breakfast with Dupy, Redford, Shaffer, and Leroy Butts this a.m. Jim is thinking that Nashan is about ready to have knee replacement surgery.

We met with Kathy Hibler about 10:30 to go over options for long-term care and will do some thinking on it in upcoming days.

When we left Kathy, we headed to the NKC area - first going by a shoe place that carried Birkenstocks (had found address this a.m. on internet) and discovered they had moved, but we didn't recognize the address. We headed on west to Red Lobster and enjoyed our usual lunch there - Jim loves the "Sam Adams" fish, baked potato, and Caesar salad while I had a combo of small shrimp, scallops, and a stuffed item - along with baked potato and Caesar salad. We really do prefer the noon menu - of course cheaper, but the portions are also much better for us.

When we returned to the truck, I tried the telephone number for the store and they told us how to find it - close to I-29 and Barry Rd - in same shopping area as Panera (and we knew where this Panera was). I try to get a new pair of Birks when I have been wearing my current pair for two or three years - then begin gradually breaking in the new pair so it will be ready in another few years when the current pair die - my last pair wore so thin that you could see my skin on my heel. I know they can have the soles replaced and might try that this time.

We then went to Sam's as we were needing to get some styrofoam trays for Velma. I don't think she needed them for about 3 weeks, but we don't have too many Saturdays open between now and the end of May and the ones we do have out of town track meets on the Friday evening before - and then we need Saturday to recuperate!

I found a few more "Jobson" items this a.m. and hope to get them typed into the file before I close up shop for the evening.

We have no big plans for Saturday other than rest. We are going to bring two or three water hoses over from the shed and also go by the post office to pick up mail - beyond that I hope to just putter.

Be safe.
B.

Thurs. April 13

From a HOT, breezy MO,

We have gone from thinking that snow was possible on Friday evening to probably about 90 degrees this afternoon! Only in good, old Missouri ---

The girls slept well last night and Trixie is almost back to her usual onery self today. In fact, by this evening, she probably is back to her usual self.

I headed out about 7:15 to join the ladies for breakfast. We had seven in attendance this a.m. - Judy Duncan, Mary W., Pat, Jan, Sandy, Clara (finally back from Florida), and yours truly. Clara had taken a tumble going into a motel on their way home and looked as if a board had been taken to her face, but she was her usual bubbly self in spite of the obvious wounds. Evidently she was trying to carry to bags into the motel and didn't see a step.

Mary was getting ready to head to their farm east of Macon for the weekend - several relatives are joining them for the weekend. Judy will be back and forth to KC as her husband's parents are visiting there. Jan anticipates a quiet weekend as her busy weekend was last week. Sandy has kids and grandchildren coming so their home will be jumping - and the new carpeting did get put down yesterday so I am sure Sandy was busy today and will be also busy tomorrow.

Jim and I mowed the yard this morning (really high in some places) and also almost finished burning off the accumulated winter debris that we have been piling up. Of course the girls were busy watching us all the while.

We went to the bowling alley for a sandwich at noon. When we got back home, I fixed sour cream enchiladas as well as the accompanying rice and tucked both in the oven at 225 degrees - not knowing exactly when we would get home from the track meet. It was a dual with Brookfield so it really went off well and we were home a little after 4:00. It really got warm at the track meet - haven't been in that kind of heat since probably last September. We are inhaling the water tonight.

We plan on taking it rather easy on Friday. Jim will be joining a group for breakfast and then we are sitting down with a local agent at 10:30 to discus "long-term care plans." I don't know what we will decide to do, but nothing immediately. I do want to get some xeroxing done tomorrow on items that are folded so that I will have a good "flat" copy when I do the major xeroxing the middle of May. This won't take long and I will feel better getting it done. I would also like to spend some time on the computer tomorrow - we'll just see how the day goes.

Be safe.
B.

Wed. April 12

From a warm MO,

This has been a comfortable day - at least so far.

We arrived back from Maryville a little before 10:00 last night. The kids did quite well inspite of the terrible wind. Distant lightning was just beginning as we headed home.

We awakened with Jim's alarm this a.m. - girls must be recovering from their shots yesterday as it was sort of scary awakening to an alarm rather than to them. Trixie is a little tender in one hip today, but Abby seems oblivious to the shots of yesterday a.m.

Jim joined his first breakfast group (Gene Whitmer ended up having a three way bypass if Jim heard correctly) and then went to the high school to see Phil. He was out of there quick enough that he then joined the second group. In the meantime, I had headed to HyVee (with the girls in the backseat) to have breakfast. I had just gotten seated when Pat showed up.

We were supposed to have an adjuster here today from our insurance company - sometime between 10:00 and 2:00 - and it is now after 3:00 with no one having shown up. We have taken turns being at home, but I am ready to get out and do some errands now. I only have two or three quick things to do, but it will cut back on the list for Thursday.

Supper will be leftovers tonight - with probably most of what is not eaten will go into the garbage as we have pick-up tomorrow and a few items are several days old.

I join the ladies for breakfast in the a.m. and then we have a home track meet at I'm thinking 2:00 - as school is getting out early for spring break. I think it is rather interesting that Congress can go on Easter break, but schools go on spring break - hmmmm-- oh, well

Clara should be joining us for breakfast in the a.m. as they were to return from Florida this past weekend - went to Florida in January.
Be safe.
B.

Mon. & Tues. a.m. April 10 & 11

From an overcast, somewhat humid MO,

Yesterday was about as full as I anticipated - lots of quick errands to do, spending time with the girls, some minor grocery shopping, a nap in the afternoon, and spending some time with Jobson genealogy.

Jim had a restless night and was moving about 12:30 - of course the girls also thought they needed to move so I took them outside and then they climbed into bed with me. I am not sure when Jim returned to bed, but I didn't hear the girls until 6:30.

Jim and I went to Country Kitchen for breakfast this a.m. and the girls have had their yearly shots. I am now almost ready to go down for a long nap. Jim will be leaving on the bus to go to Maryville about 12:45 and I will leave about 2:30. I am sure he will be ready to ride home in the truck.

Until I am back on Wednesday.

Be safe.
B.

Sun. April 9

From a sunny, gorgeous MO,

This has been a good day for us. First the girls slept until almost 5:00 this a.m. - approached the 8 hour mark for having not been outside. After cleaning up, we went to McDonald's for a drive through to get a sandwich and have spent the rest of the day at home.

I had one Friday paper, both Saturday papers, and of course both of today's to go through. The KC paper today (in the sports section) had a darling photo of a man and his dog in a boat - with the guy fishing. The dog just happened to be a Westie named Brodie. Brodie almost seemed to be pointing as the guy brought a fish close to the boat and according to the article, the dog liked to "release" the fish back into the lake. Jim had spotted the photo and I was looking for it and also read the article (which he had not done, but did so when I commented on it.) I am sure John saw the article as well as Ron.

We dozed again during the middle part of the day. My blood pressure is fine, but it just seems that by mid-day I can easily nap. The last time I took my blood pressure it was 120/65. Now I just need to get into the habit of walking again so that maybe medication can be lessened. Of course weight also needs to come off.

I went next door to see how the young mother (Brandi Davis Ellis) was doing as she was sitting on their deck with her feet propped up. She is planning on going back to school tomorrow as she has a practice teacher, but I'm not going to bet that she last the day. I thought she really looked pale today and the baby had settled towards her spine so no position was comfortable. Gracie (kindergarten) and Mollie (age 3) came home with me to check out the pups. Of course we supervise the pups and girls closely as the pups really don't know how to behave. They wouldn't hurt the girls, but their jumping around would probably scare them. For some reason I thought of bringing some food outside and the girls finally worked up the courage to feed the dogs (the 3 year old knows no fear and was immediately feeding Abby and Trixie - took a little longer for Gracie).

We had the spaghetti casserole that I had fixed on Thursday a.m. for our supper tonight. I had also bought some asparagus, but am thinking it had been in the refrigerator a little too long. I'm going to get a roast to fix for supper tomorrow night and then fix leftover potatoes into potato patties.

We have a long list of errands to do tomorrow. Most of them won't take more than 5 to 10 minutes each, but I will feel better if each can be marked off.

Be safe.
B.

1/2 Fri. & Sat. April 7 & 8

From a now dark and a little coolish MO,

The past day and a half has been full. Jim left here about 12:30 on Friday to head over to the track and I left about 12:45. The field events were scheduled to begin at 2:00, but Jim "begged" that the pole vault begin as early as feasible because the wind was to shift to coming from the north - and at a good speed. We have two landing areas for the pole vault, but the main one has a runway heading north. The concrete pad for the southern pad isn't big enough and the holes also were never drilled to attach the vertical standards. One girl was a little distressed about starting early, but all in all it went fine - and she did well. About 20 minutes after the finish of the boys' pole vault, the wind all of a sudden began blowing from the north and it felt like it could snow. The day had been quite comfortable until then with a breeze from the northeast, but nothing dangerous. There was one male vaulter from Mexico, MO that didn't even vault for the first time until the bar had reached 12 feet - am thinking maybe only one other vaulter was still in the competition at that point. He would not have been able to vault safely had he been vaulting into the wind.

We met Vickie and David Garrett afterwards at Washington Street for a late lunch and supper. We don't see them very often and it was good to hear David tell some good fishing stories from his experiences working with what I think is the Conservation department.

We were both ready for bed last night, but I'm afraid the girls have developed a bad habit that when we have been away for a considerable length of time (we're thinking they must sleep more than usual) that more than one time is needed to take them outside during the night - 12:30 and 4:30 last night. They then did settle down and even Jim didn't awake until almost 7:30.

We had decided we would get cleaned up and then head to St. Joseph (with the girls) to have breakfast at Perkins. It is so good to get a well prepared breakfast and of course their muffins are divine! We made stops at Lowe's, Border's, and UPCO (a pet supply store) and then came home - arriving about 1:00. We were soon in bed for a nap and mine turned out to be 3 hours in length.

We spent some time outside late this afternoon. We have accumulated the usual amount of downed tree limbs so I spent time cutting the smaller branches into 7 or 8 inch lengths so that they can be burned in our little cast iron kettle in the backyard. Jim breaks up the remaining larger pieces - we should have had a hotdog cookout for supper. We have two or three more burns to do, but eventually we get through through the winter accumulation.

We have three main projects on our list of things to do on Sunday - enjoy the girls, enjoy the newspapers, and I've already forgotten the third item - I do have a list of errands for Monday. I would like to get started going through the accumulated notes that I've gathered since I last updated the Jobson genealogy file.

Be safe.
B.

Thurs & 1/2 Fri April 6 & 7

From a humid, warmish MO afternoon,

We had seven at breakfast on Thursday a.m. -- Judy Mathew, Mary, Pat, Jan, Sharon McCall (husband has been under the weather), Sandy, and yours truly. Of course we had lots of topics for conversation and the time passed way too quickly.

Jim and I sort of mowed the yard later in the a.m. We didn't worry about the perimeter, but made sure to get the higher grass mowed back - all in all - the yard looks much better.

Jim dozed during the middle part of the day and I merely puttered. I ended up working on my hooked rug project and finally got around to fixing supper when Jim called that he was on his way home from track.

We were under a tornado watch last evening until about 3:00 this morning. We escaped any severe weather, but had a little rain and some wind - but nothing was damaged. I need to make a phone call to a cousin (on my mom's maternal side) that lives in the area of Salina and Manhattan, Kansas as I heard the weather announcer mention Longford, KS being a possible target - that is where my great grandparents settled when them came from England in the latter part of the 1800s. In fact, my great grandfather was post master there.

Jim wanted to go for breakfast this a.m. so we ended up going to Country Kitchen. I had gone to HyVee last evening to get the "makings" for a casserole and dessert as our young lady to the north of us has been sent to bed by her OB. She is about a month away from her due date. I ended up fixing a spaghetti casserole this a.m. as well as that easy chocolate chip cookie pie so have the casserole in her crockpot now and the pie in her refrigerator. I also took salad makings over.

I met Pat about 10:00 to go to the UMC to a silent auction sponsored by one of the church circles. There were lots of things to bid on, and I thought I had a high bid on a plate of oatmeal cookies (for Jim), but someone at the last minute added a quarter. The irritating thing is that a comparable plate went for half as much! Oh, well --

I stopped by HyVee on the way home and bought enough shaved meat for 12 big sandwiches along with some sliced cheese. These are now made and are in the refrigerator, but I need to transfer them to the cooler - along with plenty of ice.

Jim has headed over to the track as the Joe Shy Relays are today. I think there are 10 or 12 teams involved. I hope we make it through the afternoon without rain, but we might not be that lucky.

I am not sure if I will be back on this evening - will just see how tired I am. I was doing e-mail last evening when the thunder began and didn't get all the mail downloaded or the responses sent that I had already typed.

Be safe.
B.

Wed. April 5

From a sunny, warm (in the 70s) MO,

This has been sort of an active day for us. The girls did a good job of sleeping last night - sure helps my mentality when that happens.

Jim joined both groups for breakfast this a.m. Don Dupy is home from St. Luke's without having to have major heart surgery - sounded to me as if they cleaned out a blockage. If Jim understood right, Gene Whitmer will be going to St. Luke's in the next few days for major heart surgery.

The girls had a chance to go for a ride this a.m. as I took them to HyVee where I joined Pat for breakfast. Then I did some minor grocery shopping and then the three of us went to the outside drop box at the post office so I could drop in some mail - had forgotten to give it to Jim this a.m.

I've actually accomplished quite a bit (for me) today. Jim helped me lift the overloaded dining room table to the front room before he left for breakfast and I did some major vacuuming of the floor and for various dust sites on the walls and crevices. I then did a mopping of the floor. Oh, yes, the four rugs have also been washed. I don't know how long the floor will stay clean, but it does look better.

Jim's major project this a.m. was getting the riding lawnmower to start. This project took him close to two hours, but it seems to be working now. We are due to get rain maybe tonight and tomorrow so I know that by Saturday, the yard will need a major mowing - first of the season. Jim then spent a couple of hours in bed - some of it reading and some of it sleeping.

I fixed a "boxed" pie this a.m. and will start supper in about 45 minutes - cubed steaks (haven't had these in ages), potato, maybe some gravy (Jim has hinted that this would taste quite good), and a combo of corn and green beans - along with some pie.

I have breakfast with the ladies in the a.m. and beyond that I just need to tackle some projects at home. It sounds as if we may be watching the weather closely tomorrow - so if tomorrow afternoon and evening is dicey - I won't be on the computer.

Be safe.

B.

Tues. April 4

From a now dark, almost temperate MO,

This has been a rather full day - and somewhat of a long one. I bragged on the girls too soon yesterday. We watched the basketball game last night which was a little later than usual for me, I was up at 2:00 with the girls as they needed to go outside, and was then up again at 5:00 with the girls as they were letting me know they desperately needed to go outside. I'm thinking that food and water stayed on the floor too long for them last evening so will see what tonight brings.

Jim rousted me about 8:00 this a.m. with the promise of going through the drive-through at McDonalds. From there we did a few errands - quick stop at supt. office, post office, and then Dr. Eden's. Martha was wanting to make a quick trip to the antique place that Clark and Sandy Gwin have (south of town) so we took off to check this out. We then stopped at what used to be the Duck Club for Martha to see what was there - she found two or three things that she wanted to consider.

Jim had offered to take me out to lunch today and we enjoyed good sandwiches at the bowling alley - plus today was buy one and get one free - so that made a rather inexpensive outing.

While Jim rested I took two pieces of sheet music that Grim had designed (and had his name on the piece) as well as a picture to Kelly to be matted and framed. I'll pick them up in a week or so.

Jim headed over to the track about 2:30 as photos of the teams were being done today. I headed over a little after 3:00. The meet wasn't to start until 4:30, but it was so nice outside that I thought the fresh air would be good for me.

Dennis Benson (a high school classmate of Doug's) again helped run off the pole vault - sure relieves a lot of pressure on Jim and he is able to "coach" the kids this way. Kelly (Dennis' wife) sat next to me during the meet (also a classmate of Doug's.) There were several parents watching as well as students.

Supper was leftovers tonight - thank goodness they were in the refrigerator. We had more of the King Ranch casserole as well as a combination of corn/lima beans. I had used the last of the pound cake - cutting it into layers with low sugar strawberry preserves on each layer.

Jim has breakfast with two groups in the a.m. He should hear more on Don Dupy and I'm not sure when Gene Whitmer is scheduled for surgery - maybe he will also pick up that data as well. If my old body will cooperate, I'll head to HyVee in the a.m. and join Pat for breakfast. I also have a list of grocery needs and that way can take advantage of their senior discount that they offer on Tuesday and Wednesday each week. I need to tackle some Jobson genealogy also tomorrow.

Be safe.
B.

Mon. April 3

From a sunny and breezy MO,

This has been sort of a quiet day for us. The girls slept well last night as we didn't hear them until 6:15 this a.m. - that is a little over 8 hours from when Jim took them out last evening to do their duties - can't complain about that.

I fixed French toast this a.m. and then we set out on errands - post office, filled the truck up with gas, a few grocery items at HyVee, and turned in volunteer hours at RSVP (Darla was doing labels and I'm glad I wasn't on duty as the label set-up wasn't working right - that happened to me a few months ago and I went battier - at least Patty was there to get it corrected.) We also went by and Jim made a decision on his prescription coverage - that will go until the end of December - he will have to further decide during mid-November and early December.

We dozed this afternoon with the girls.

Jim is now over at the track and I am about ready to put some pork chops on for supper - the rest will be leftovers - potato cakes, carrots, and some pound cake (which I sliced and put strawberry preserves on each layer). Jim could eat fresh strawberries every day, but I need a little break every so often.

We will be watching the UCLA/FLA basketball game tonight - if we can stay awake long enough.

We have a track meet scheduled for here on Tuesday - am thinking it starts a little after 4:00. Helen - I'll leave newspapers in the usual spot for you.

Be safe.
B.

Sun. April 2

Progress has been made this week. You will note a lot of straggly wool, but this will eventually be incorporated. I want to get the yellow border finished so I know how much yellow I have left. I've not cut all the yellow, but the pitcher is taking a lot more than I anticipated. The color is not very good in this, but the background is a muted gray/blue with small spots of orange every so often that match the eventually finished three orange flowers - a little brighter than shown. The multi-color tulips are created by using a plaid fabric.


From a sunny, windy, and who knows stormy MO,

I think so far the storms are moving to our south, but we periodically check the tv channels to see if anything is changing. At one point the western sky looked rather ominious, but has cleared at this (3:39 p.m.) time.

We did get some rain last night. I'm not sure how much, but at one time water was standing in some lower areas of our front yard. At some point this week we will have to get the lawnmowers outs to take care of the grass height. The backyard will be somewhat of a problem with the temporary fence, but we will figure out how to do it.

I have been hungry for "King Ranch casserole" so that has been in the crockpot since a little after lunch.

I was going to mop the kitchen and dining room floors today, but with the rain have decided to do a "Scarlet O'Hara" and think about it tomorrow.

We have made it through the two big morning newspapers, but don't have much else to show for our waking hours - maybe we needed a day of rest.

We have some errands to do on Monday - sign up for Part D Medicare supplement, go by post office, and who knows what else. I have some sheet music with Grim's signature on it and I've been planning on taking it to Kelly to be framed for over a month - so maybe tomorrow would be a good day. I also need to make an initial sweep through the closet and take out winter clothes that haven't been worn for awhile - of course will need to keep two or three sweatshirts out and a few turtlenecks. It will be nice to get into t-shirts again.

Be safe.
B.

Sat. April 1

From a now dark, almost balmy MO,

This has been a quiet day for us - just what these old bones needed.

The girls had a good night and that usually bodes well for my night as well. I still didn't want to get out of bed this a.m, but finally rolled out about 7:30 - or a little later. After showering, I fried some low sodium bacon and made an omelet for us - makes for a good start on the day.

I am not sure what was going on, but by 10:00 - we were heading to the bedroom to take a doze. I joined Pat about noon to check out the new antique store that is in the old Duck Club building. Actually they have done a good job inside and there are lots of items to look at. There aren't too many dishes, etc, but there is still enough to find interesting.

I spent much of the afternoon "hooking." I fixed a quick supper (fish, baked potatoes, and last of the layered salad) and then we settled in to watch the Florida/George Mason basketball game. The UCLA game just came on so I'm sure we will watch it as well.

We have no definite plans for Sunday. I have some projects that I have been putting off and need to get started on them - mostly some items I want to duplicate for the Jobson reunion.

Be safe.
B.