Mon. Oct. 30

From what has been a balmy day - with a cold blast coming come tonight!

We had a very restless night. I don't know what was going on with Trixie, but I awakened about 3:00 this a.m. (of course that was 4:00 - dog time) and Trixie was indicating the need to go outside. This was no problem, but upon opening the sliding glass door I thought maybe the world was ending.

The Life Flight helicopter at the local hospital was evidently getting ready to take flight as the air was full of "thumping" sounds - quite loud and it felt as if the walls could be shaking. Of course the walls weren't shaking, but the atmosphere must have been just right for this feeling. I can't imagine what it must have been like closer to the hospital. Neither pup did anything outside and we were soon back inside (helicopter had departed) and they headed for their sleeping crate.

When I re-entered the bedroom, Jim indicated he had been up just about one hour earlier with the pups as they needed to go outside. I am guessing that Trixie heard the helicopter come in, went outside, settled down, and then was reawakened with the upcoming departure. Anyway, the night went downhill after that as I had difficulty going back to sleep - guess I always wonder who is being life-flighted, etc.

Jim left early this a.m. to go to Dr. Eden's to fish. I eventually crawled out of bed about 9:00, showered, and headed out (with pups in their car kennel) to do several errands. For some reason, I had good parking in all spots so the trip went very quickly. He caught five fish worthy of cleaning so we have fish for another couple of meals.

Pat and I met at noon for lunch. She started having a problem with a tooth on Friday afternoon and things went downhill from there as parts of the tooth kept coming free. She saw a local dentist this morning and will be seen by a specialist in St. Joseph on Tuesday afternoon.

I am helping Mary Willis deliver Meals on Wheels in the a.m. and then will go with Pat to St. Joseph as she is not sure just what will be done to her - probably only a preliminary thing, but who knows.

I think we are ready for Halloween. I have several sacks of candy and some special items for children that we know.

Jim plans on puttering around here on Tuesday - so he will get to have some quality time with the girls.

Be safe.
B.

Fri., Sat., & Sun. Oct. 27, 28, & 29

From a gorgeous, warmish fall day in MO,

The past few days have been full.

Jim joined the second breakfast group on Friday and then about 1:15, we left for Liberty. We ate at O'Charley's and then did some minor shopping at Kohl's, PetsMart, and Michael's. Then we went on to Richmond - using highway 210 - guess we had never been on this stretch before as the road was great and the scenery gorgeous.

Richmond has been a football owerhouse in this district for the past several years, but they didn't have much to offer on Friday night. I don't remember the final score, but I know we won by more than 35 points as the clock ran constantly the second half. It was quite cool and breezy when we arrived there, but the wind died down and I was quite comfortable for the rest of the evening. We were back in Chillicothe at a respectable time and will go to Boonville this coming Thursday - for the final district game.

I went over to Mary Willis' on Saturday morning as she was hosting a brunch for Eva Danner - both for political reasons and it was also Eva's birthday. They were probably about 10 women there and of course the food selection was great.

We watched most of the MU fisasco yesterday and watched the first of the USC game - then listened to it on the radio in the truck as we headed to KC. Jim became quite upset at their self destruction.

We left here about 3:00 on Saturday to head to Kansas City. We had a couple of stops to make and then decided to try out a new eating establishment that had caught my eye in the KC paper. The name of the place is WilJenny's (named after son and daughter of the owners) and is located on 135th street between Metcalf and Lamar. The owners had wanted to bring a "Taste of Texas" to Overland Park and had visited various BBQ places (and others) in Texas. They had photos on the walls and we had been to the Salt Lick and Cooper's with Doug and Dara. Three other places they had researched were in Lockhart - which we have yet to go. The waitress was excellent and seemed surprised that we knew the Texas pronounciation of Elgin and a little later one of the owner's dropped by our table.

We did a little exploring of that area of Overland Park afterwards and then headed to Johnson County Community College and the Carlsen Center. I think I had said that the musical group was basically Bolivian, but originally they were primarily Chilean - but now have various Central and South American countries represented. They were a delight to watch and hear, but I was a little disappointed as I had hoped for more pan flute music. We were in the truck and leaving the parking lot a little after 10:30 for the almost two hour drive home. At least we didn't have to dodge any deer coming home.

Needless to say, we are tired today. The four of us did walk this a.m. as Jim was willing to let me spend some time in bed first. The girls so enjoy these walks. Jim has mulched leaves in the backyard with the riding lawnmower and has done some puttering as well. He and the girls are currently in bed napping. I made a quick trip to HyVee to get some chicken for supper - and beyond that don't plan on doing much. I have been sort of watching the Chief's game.

SOMEHOW I HAVE GOTTEN THIS OUT OF POSITION AND CAN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO MOVE - SO JUST BE PATIENT:
At WilJenny's - Jim had a BBQ brisket sandwich that would truly melt in your mouth. They cook the meat over low temperatures for about 12 hours and don't overload it with sauce - so you can season to your own taste buds. Jim had their slaw - which he said was excellent - and the waitress brought him a sample of the combination of beans - sort of a sweet and sour mix. I had the enchilada plate - beef brisket (sounds yucky, but it was good), spinach and sour cream, and chicken - along with the usual refried beans and rice.

We have a few errands for Monday, but I am sure I will still be recuperating.

Be safe.
B.

Wed. & Thurs. Oct. 25 & 26

From a coolish, dampish MO,

We are not getting a lot of rain, but the continued drizzle and coolness are helping to really make freshly planted grass grow.

I can't remember when I wrote on Tuesday, but we had a good turnout at the open house at the library - CT tonight said about 80. After reading the CT article tonight I am wondering if I was at the same open house they were and for sure how many board meetings had I missed (actually maybe only one in the past year). Oh, well - their intent is good.

Jim joined both groups for breakfast on Wednesday and I can't say we accomplished much for the rest of the day. We did make a trip to WalMart as I had kept both of us awake on Tuesday night with my constant coughing. Until about two months ago - I might cough frequently during the day, but would calm down within about 30 minutes of going to bed - but that has changed. We ended up selecting Zicam - cough spray - and I didn't cough once last night. It was so good to get a good night of sleep.

I joined the ladies for breakfast this a.m. - Pat, Judy Mathew, Judy Duncan, Clara, Jan, Ellen, Sandy, Margaret, and yours truly. Afterwards most of us traipsed over to the new Lowe's (turns out we had "crashed" Lowes on Monday as it was supposed to be contractor's day). The aisles were much easier to get around in today and we had a good time looking. Actually we saw a lot of non-contractors when we were in Lowe's on Monday so we weren't the only "crashers."

Jim has gone to see "The Prestige" - that might be the name - some movie about magic as I understand. He should be home in about 30 minutes. I fixed some refried bean burritos and will heat up a variety of leftover veggies for supper.

We have a football game at Richmond on Friday night. We will probably attend if heavy rain is not being predicted. It seems that each time we have been there - the rain has been a downpour.

On Saturday, I have been invited to Mary Willis' for a brunch for Eva Danner. She is running to be re-elected a county commissioner - and it also her birthday. In the afternoon, Jim and I will head to the Overland Park area of KC to eventually see a group perform traditional Bolivian music - which both of us find haunting.

Be safe.
B.

Mon. & Tues. Oct. 23 & 24

From a crisp, sunny Tuesday a.m. in MO,

Monday was a full day. Jim walked in the a.m. and I headed to the RSVP office to do the computer work for Mobile Meals. I was greeted with a printer that had been jammed on Friday, emptied of the jammed paper, but not willing to work properly. After several different attempts, I finally turned it off and VIOLA!!! it worked properly, but by then I was about 30 minutes behind my usual schedule. Luckily Ruth Benson was there as by the time I had the new route sheets updated, she was able to xerox them. I also had to run the data used by those who deliver - and again Ruth xeroxed those. By the time she was done xeroxing, I was also done running twelve sets of labels and together we put the needed items together. Ruth had also called the hospital for their report of last week and I got that updated as well.

The girls had three outings in the truck yesterday. First they went with Jim as he made a quick trip to WalMart, then a second outing as we checked out the new Lowe's store, and then we got out later in the day to go to WalMart for something - and again the girls went along. We have a large crate in the backseat of the truck and they are usually very good riders.

We dozed yesterday afternoon - or at least Jim dozed and I am afraid I just experienced unsettling dreams. Unfortunately the dreams continued when I went to bed last night - so the night was rather long.

The four of us walked this (Tues.) a.m. It was rather crisp as I think it was maybe 29 degrees, but there was no breeze and it was really a delightful walk. The girls love going through the accumulated leaves - and of course are always ready for a nap when we return home.

Jim left a little after 9:00 to go to Dr. Eden's to try his hand at fishing again. He loves the atmosphere at "The Farm" and enjoys being on the water. Dr. Eden is wanting the pond to be harvested of the over population of smaller fish - so Jim is willing to dress fish for a meal (or meals) while putting the nice sized fish back into the lake.

The county library is hosting an open house this afternoon. Tours will be given as well as remarks made by the library director and president of the board. We are going to have to face some significant issues in upcoming months as an outlay of money needs to be done on either rennovating the current library or building a new facility. The current facility has many attractive features, but the plumbing and heating systems are outdated, electrical system is at the max, windows need to be replaced for energy efficiency, some structural work needs to be done, etc. The building was built in the early 1900s initially for a US post office and the second floor primarily for a Federal court room. There is also a third floor as well as a basement. It will be interesting to see what kind of turnout we have at 5:00 today - and what kind of comments we will hear. Some are very opposed to giving up the current building while others would like a new facility - that would also have adequate parking available (the latter a sore issue at this time).

Helen and Stan were to get back from Washington, D.C. on Monday so I am looking forward to seeing Helen to see how the weekend with Emily went.

We don't have many plans for Wednesday other than Jim joining his breakfast groups. I always have housework - which I do a fantastic job of avoiding.

Be safe.
B.

Sat. & Sun. Oct. 21 & 22

From a coolish MO,

Friday was a rainy and coolish day for us. Jim did walk early before the moisture had set in for good. We did not get heavy rain, but had moisture almost all day and into the early evening. It was just a dreary day - and the old bones could feel the coolness and moisture.

We did a few errands on Saturday and then settled in to watch a lot of football. I fixed a recipe from Clara using Dr. Pepper in spaghetti for our supper with plenty of leftovers for another evening meal and lunches for me.

Today saw no moisture, but it certainly hasn't been warm - just seemed warmer as the sun has been out some. The four of us walked about 9:00 this a.m. The girls just love this outing and as soon as they see me getting my white socks out in the a.m. and then reaching for my walking shoes, they almost go into hysteria.

Jim went to see "Flags of Our Father's" this afternoon and I watched tv, held girls, and knitted on chemo hats. Bailey Benson (she calls Jim her third grandfather) came over to see Coach French before she headed back to Springfield and her freshman year at what used to be called Southwest Missouri State. She waited around until Jim returned from the movie and the old geezer got a hug from her when he arrived and another when she departed. He will be impossible to live with for the next few days. She had laproscopic gall bladder surgery a few weeks ago and is doing fine.

Jim is wanting to have fish tonight for supper and I will probably add some butternut squash and some veggies - then finish off with sugar free angel food cake and canned fruit that uses Splenda. I have lots of leftovers so Monday and Tuesday suppers should be covered - and that is okay with me.

I have the computer work for Mobile Meals in the a.m. - first time in the month of October as Darla Macoubrie and Ron Wilder have been covering this duty. Jim will probably walk early and I am going to try to walk after the computer duties. Beyond this, I don't think we have anything special planned for the day - and that is okay with me.

Be safe.
B.

Thurs. & Fri. Oct. 19 & 20

From a now dark and somewhat cool MO,

The past two days have been full. Jim walked both mornings and I am planning on joining him on Sat. a.m. unless it is raining as predicted.

I think we had eight at breakfast on Thursday - usual group - and of course had so many conversations going that it was impossible to keep up. Next I had a hair cut and then I had a library board meeting at 1:30. I had fixed sour cream enchiladas on Wednesday and had thawed some fish for Thursday - along with sweet potatoes and frozen veggies.

Jim walked this a.m. and then joined the second breakfast group. Afterwards, he headed to Dr. Eden's "lake" to fish. He was evidently using the right items today as he caught several to clean and threw two big ones back into the lake. When I sorted the fish this afternoon, we ended up with enough for two meals. He was quite pleased with himself as he also did some rowing at the "lake" and held up quite well. I think this was quite an emotion and physical victory for him.

I did make a quick trip to WalMart this morning to replace some yarn for the chemo caps and also picked up some yarn to make a child's purse for "Joy Toys".

The game tonight did not go well for us in the first half, but gradually we came back and with just a few seconds left (game was tied) hit a field goal and the victory was ours. We play Richmond next Friday (at Richmond).

We have no specific plans for Saturday other than hopefully walking and then enjoying college football. I have enough enchiladas left that I could have them for Saturday supper - or I might decide to make the Dr. Pepper spaghetti - then have the enchiladas on Sunday. Too many decisions for me tonight.

Be safe.
B.

Wed. Octo. 18

From a cool and dampish MO,

Jim joined both breakfast groups this a.m. with me opting to sleep in with the girls. I had finally completed my shower by about 9:00 and then took off with the girls for two or three quick errands. They love going to Investor's National as each of them gets a treat - and they begin barking as soon as I pull into the drive-through.

Jim and I tackled our bedroom this a.m. I don't know how it gets so dusty, but I am sure the vacuum cleaners needs new bags now. We even took bedding off and "upped" the bed so we could do a good job of cleaning underneath as well as in the area of the headboard - quite alarming to see all the dust and dustballs!

We went to A Piece of Cake for lunch. Jim had his usual chicken salad on a croissant and I had cheesy potato soup in a breadbowl. They had molasses cookies today so Jim is in seventh heaven.

Afterwards, we took the boat over to the shed as Jim had winterized it yesterday after his outing to Thomas Hill. Afterwards, we stopped by Threads and I unloaded three boxes of items. I have since spent a little time in the basement family room and have begun to pull out more items to take. Of course when we hit the utility room - there will be more than a few boxes.

I am fixing the infamous sour cream enchiladas tonight for supper. I use no fat sour cream as well as low fat chicken broth so that helps somewhat on the fat content. I had put some fish in the refrigerator to thaw last night, but I have a full day on Thursday and fish will be much easier to fix then.

Jim is planning on walking in the a.m. and I will join the ladies for breakfast. I have a haircut at 10:00 and then have a library board meeting at 1:30 - so the day is full.

Be safe.
B.

Sun. and Mon. Oct. 15 and 16

When I looked to see when I had last blogged - I temporarily became unglued as I was sure I had done something on Saturday - then noticed I had the wrong month on the calendar - duhhhh!!!

We had a somewhat lazy day on Sunday with good newspapers and lots of football on tv. I have resumed working on chemo caps and also got in some reading. The girls love us to be home as they enjoy cuddling up to us when we are in the recliners.

We left here a little before 2:00 to head to a funeral home located just north of Trenton to attend the visitation and funeral for Charles Fulkerson. Funerals are never fun to attend, but this one had lots of memories shared by the family - with lots of jokes and stories of pranks being included. Those attending were laughing most of the time. Charles evidently loved life and made his home open to the friends of his two daughters and then friends of the grandchildren. His wife (still living) was evidently a generous cook and there was always plenty of food for those coming to visit. The two daughters did not read their memories, but rather sons-in-laws did and they did a very good job. Jim knew many of the people that were discussed from his boyhood. One lady was also in attendance who was not a Fulkerson, but from the wife's family. She gave a marvelous extemporaneous talk about her memories of her Aunt Bernice and being around Uncle Charles. A large container of mints were outside the door as we left and we were encouraged to take a few as Charles always had candy in his pockets to hand out to people.

We picked up Pat about 8:00 a.m. on Monday and headed to KC. We first stopped at Kaplan's (on the Plaza) for some fabric that I had ordered and Pat seemed to enjoy all the possibilities that the fabric shop contained. Next we went to "I Love a Mystery" bookstore - while Jim went a couple of blocks away to get the dry food that we use with the girls. This is a marvelous store, but one doesn't want to buy too much as unfortunately the prices are inflated. I guess one has to decided whether to support privately owned stores or the mega stores.

Next we headed south towards the Half Price Book Store. Pat and I first went into a bead store that is located next door and then went on the Half Price store. Jim in the meantime headed to a men's store as he was looking for a good raincoat that would have a removable lining. He ended up ordering one as the size he needed wasn't in stock - so we have an excuse to head that direction again. The three of us next went to Border's - and then headed north.

We had lunch at "O'Charley's" - always a delightful place to eat. We got there after the noon rush hour so the place was quiet - which I appreciate. We made a quick stop at Target and then headed home.

We were in light rain most of the day, but we can't complain as we are really dry. I'm hoping the moisture isn't a setback to the farmers as they are trying to do their fall harvest.

Jim has gone fishing today (Tuesday) at Thomas Hill. In the meantime, I've done several errands and have tackled some of the family room. I have three boxes of items to go to Threads on Wednesday (figured Jim could help carry them in) and I have some misc. yarn for Pat. The latter has been making knitted squares that she then takes to Michael's (recently took 70) and during the fall, winter, and spring - ladies gather to put the squares together and then the finished afghans are donated.

I'm about ready to fix something for lunch - probably a toasted cheese sandwich using the good Havarti cheese. I bought a couple of pork chops at HyVee this a.m. and have an acorn squash in the crockpot - so supper will be easy.

We watched the game between Chicago and Phoenix last night. Jim became quite frustrated at what seemed like poor play calling on the part of the Phoenix offensive coach.

Jim will join both breakfast groups on Wednesday a.m. - oatmeal at one and toast at the second. I need to do some housework as the dust is getting too thick.

Be safe.
B.

Fri. & Sat. Oct. 13 & 14

From an almost temperate MO,

The past two days have been a little fuller than I would have desired. I am not sure much has been accomplished, but it still seems that we have been busy.

Jim walked Friday a.m. and then joined the second group of "old geezers" for breakfast. Helen called mid-a.m. and I ended up joining her for lunch at Applebee's. She and Stan are flying to Washington, DC this coming Friday to spend the weekend with Emily - actually a belated birthday weekend with Emily. Needless to say, Helen is looking forward to the visit.

We were somewhat lazy in the afternoon - actually Jim had mowed the yard - doing more mulching than mowing - while I was at Applebee's. The girls love the leaves, but it makes for dangerous walking in our backyard as we try to avoid the "landmines."

We did go to the Amish store south of Jamesport after I returned from lunch. We can get the Havarti cheese locally, but the WalMart Havarti is really salty and the HyVee seems rather bland - so we stocked up at H&M.

We opted not to go to Cameron for the football game as it was to be cool, and then cooler, and then cooler. We did listen to the game.

The four of us walked this morning about 8:00. It is hard for Jim to contain himself this long as he was wandering around upstairs from about 6:30 on. The girls of course enjoyed the outing - then went sound asleep after getting back home and refilling their "holds" with water.

I was really tired after walking and by 10:30 had gone down for a rest - didn't begin moving until almost 2:00.

We watched the MU/Aggie game this afternoon and Jim has headed to the garage to see if he can now find the USC game on the radio in the truck.

On Sunday, we are going to Trenton in the afternoon to attend the visitation and funeral for Charles P. Fulkerson. I know that Margaret will remember him. He died on Thursday and he and his wife had been living at Sunnyview Nursing Home - the wife survives. I think Mary Willis knows one of the daughters - am thinking that is what she told me. Anyway the visitation is prior to the funeral. Charles Fulkerson was a cousin of Lorraine's. I am not sure if he was a first cousin, but they did share common ancestors.

Be safe.

B.

Fri. & Sat. Oct. 13 & 14

From an almost temperate MO,

The past two days have been a little fuller than I would have desired. I am not sure much has been accomplished, but it still seems that we have been busy.

Jim walked Friday a.m. and then joined the second group of "old geezers" for breakfast. Helen called mid-a.m. and I ended up joining her for lunch at Applebee's. She and Stan are flying to Washington, DC this coming Friday to spend the weekend with Emily - actually a belated birthday weekend with Emily. Needless to say, Helen is looking forward to the visit.

We were somewhat lazy in the afternoon - actually Jim had mowed the yard - doing more mulching than mowing - while I was at Applebee's. The girls love the leaves, but it makes for dangerous walking in our backyard as we try to avoid the "landmines."

We did go to the Amish store south of Jamesport after I returned from lunch. We can get the Havarti cheese locally, but the WalMart Havarti is really salty and the HyVee seems rather bland - so we stocked up at H&M.

We opted not to go to Cameron for the football game as it was to be cool, and then cooler, and then cooler. We did listen to the game.

The four of us walked this morning about 8:00. It is hard for Jim to contain himself this long as he was wandering around upstairs from about 6:30 on. The girls of course enjoyed the outing - then went sound asleep after getting back home and refilling their "holds" with water.

I was really tired after walking and by 10:30 had gone down for a rest - didn't begin moving until almost 2:00.

We watched the MU/Aggie game this afternoon and Jim has headed to the garage to see if he can now find the USC game on the radio in the truck.

On Sunday, we are going to Trenton in the afternoon to attend the visitation and funeral for Charles P. Fulkerson. I know that Margaret will remember him. He died on Thursday and he and his wife had been living at Sunnyview Nursing Home - the wife survives. I think Mary Willis knows one of the daughters - am thinking that is what she told me. Anyway the visitation is prior to the funeral. Charles Fulkerson was a cousin of Lorraine's. I am not sure if he was a first cousin, but they did share common ancestors.

Be safe.

B.

Mon.-Thurs. Oct. 9-12

From a cold, breezy MO,

We had delightful weather when we went to Pomme on Monday - probably mid to upper 60s. Jim had most of the set-up done when I arrived and it didn't take long and we were settled in - also had his boat in the lake.

We went to a local eating place for breakfast on Tuesday and Wednesday. Jim fished on Tuesday and caught two "keepers" which he cleaned and we will have for supper tonight. The weather report was rather dismal with the chance of rain, wind, and dropping temperatures.

At first we thought we would change plans and come home on Thursday a.m., but when they started talking mid to low 30s on Thursday a.m., we decided to come home a day earlier. The furnace in the trailer is great - we just didn't want to be outside in the cold while loading and doing what was needed to get the trailer ready to roll - we had taken the boat out on Tuesday evening because of the weather and wind.

We didn't get back to Chillicothe until after 5:00 on Wednesday and then spent much of the evening with laundry, putting items away (all potential perishable items have to be removed from the trailer), and catching up on newspapers. Needless to say, we were also in bed early.

I joined the ladies for breakfast this a.m. - had nine there - Pat, Sandy, Clara, Jan, Judy Mathew, Mary W., Ellen Whitmer, Margaret, and yours truly. Clara had come in bundled up for extreme winter and bemoaning the coldness outside. I did compromise and added socks this a.m. - as well as jeans - rather than cut-offs.

We will pick up the girls at 11:00 this a.m. and I am guessing we will doze this afternoon as I am tired - slept well until about 2:30 this a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep - finally read for an hour or so - and of course wasn't ready for the alarm to go off at 6:30.

We do have the laundry caught up so that is good. I know what we are having for supper - so that is good. All I need to do is get some checks written to cover the bills that came in while we were gone - and then maybe things will settle back somewhat to normal.

Jim walked this a.m. and I may join him in the a.m. I did walk on Tuesday at Pomme and did well, but seem to be sore today - am thinking maybe too many trips up and down stairs - at the lake and also at home. I am not sure if we are going to the football game at Cameron tomorrow night - will just wait and see what Friday brings.

Be safe.
B.

Sun. Oct. 8

From another gorgeous fall day in MO,

Jim walked this a.m. and we enjoyed the KC and St. Joseph morning newspapers. Oatmeal became our prime breakfast this a.m.

We did a couple of errands - filled my car with gas, checked the post office box for mail - three bills, wrote checks for the bills, and surely something else.

Jim went to see "The Departed" this afternoon while I sort of watched football games - primarily cuddled with the two girls. They are true lap buddies - don't want to call them dogs as I don't think they think of themselves as dogs - or if they do - then they think of us also as dogs.
Abby is really perceptive as when we began packing, she needed more and more attention.

We are mostly packed except for refrigerator items that we will do in the a.m. We will deliver the girls to the kennel about 9:00 and then Jim will take off for Pomme - with me to follow supposedly three hours later, but it will probably be closer to two. He thinks I make him nervous by "rushing" him when the trailer is being set up, so I will stop at Hermitage and pick up some groceries.

We should be back in Chillicothe on Friday, Oct. 13 - hopefully that won't be a bad day for us.

I don't think we are planning on going to Cameron for the football game as I know we will be tired - and we will want to spend the evening with the girls.

Be safe.
B.

Fri. and Sat. Octo 6 & 7

From another gorgeous fall day in MO,

The past two days have gone at a good pace. Jim has walked both mornings and I have hobbled around the house in pain - which seems to lessen as the day proceeds. Jim did join the second group of old guys for breakfast yesterday a.m. and then took me to the Boji Stone for lunch.

I opted not to go to the home football game last night - didn't think the extra walking would be good on my good joints as I have to change my method of walking so much, but Jim went - and neglected to take some extra clothes as the evening got into the low 60s and he was chilled when he got home.

I met Clara, Jan, and Judy Duncan at 11:30 this a.m. for a pre-meal at Applebee's. Judy Mathew had received the invite, but was going to a baseball game of one of her granddaughter's so passed the invite on to Clara. A free will donation to Fellowship of Christian Athletes was asked and then the meal was basically free. We were encouraged not to order from the same category on the menu and the group could also share one appetizer or dessert - of course we opted for the latter. The place was full when we left about 1:00. I was satisfied with the service and the food - just found the noise level a little more than my liking, but of course Jim and I tend not to eat at "rush" time.

We watched the USC game this afternoon and have now watched the first half of the MU game.

We will pack for Pomme on Sunday. We have decided to leave the girls at the kennel on Monday a.m.- Oct. 9 - (or at least I am leaving them) and will then pick them up either late on Friday afternoon or Saturday a.m. - Oct. 13 or 14. My foot is still bothering me enough that taking them for puddle and dump walks doesn't sound appealing to me and I am not sure I can safely navigate the steps coming down from the trailer when taking them out - both daytime and nighttime.

The painful area on my foot has shifted from what almost seemed like a severe ankle sprain on Friday to the middle of the base of my foot today. Yesterday was my most painful day - so maybe Sunday will be better.

I plan on getting on the computer on Sunday, but we'll just see how things go.

Be safe.
B.

Wed. & Thurs. Oct. 4 & 5

From a more temperate, sunny MO,

These two days have flown by. Jim opted not to breakfast with the first group on Wednesday and after walking and showering, he headed to the local hospital to have some blood work done so it can be determined if his Lipitor needs to be changed. He did join the second breakfast group.

The girls and I slept in on Wednesday. After showering, I headed out for several errands. I had a doctor's appointment at 2:45 and Jim insisted on going with me. I had lost another couple of pounds and the doctor gave my sore foot, ankle, and leg a good check. He agreed that it must be a spider bite and recommended that after having used ice for several days, that it was time to switch to heat - and also to take Advil. I certainly won't overdue the Advil as Jim did early this spring!!!!

I fixed Clara's Dr. Pepper spaghetti for supper last night and also fixed some peas to go along with it - both turned out tasty.

Jim watches various news programs most of each evening and gets distressed at some of the opinions which he considers to be ill thought out - or poorly researched. He began grousing and I decided I didn't need to listen to his grousing so I retreated to the basement family room and queen size bed - ended up being asleep a little after 6:30. I slept until about 10:00 and then read for a couple of hours.

Jim was moving before I was this a.m. as he was going on a fishing outing to Indian Creek. This was his first outing with the boat since surgery (actually since our June trip to Pomme.) He came back in about 2:30 this afternoon - had enjoyed the outing, but didn't bring home any fish - as a result he is going to get to take me out for supper tonight - as my old ankle and foot hurts worse than yesterday.

I joined the ladies for breakfast this a.m. We ended up having six present - Pat, Clara, Judy Duncan, Mary, Margaret, and yours truly. The scary news this a.m. was the car accident that Marsha Leopard had on Wednesday a.m. on highway 36 - for some reason the car had drifted to the side and when she corrected it - ended up rolling the car three times. The seat belt kept her from being ejected. She is battered and bruised and has some glass in one or both eyes. She is home, but someone was staying with her today and maybe tomorrow.

Sandy Wheeler called this afternoon as she was heading south towards Branson. The two girls and their families are joining the Chillicothe Wheeler family at Branson for a long weekend. Sandy's mother was also going.

We should have a relatively quiet day on Friday and then will attend the home high school football game in the evening.

Be safe.
B.

Mon. & Tues. Oct. 2 and 3

From another warmish fall day in MO,

Actually Monday was also warm - actually hot - and things are really drying out. Rain is in the forecast for the end of the week and if we don't get some, we will do some soaking of our yard.

Monday was a day of errands. Jim walked in the a.m. and I again opted not to walk as my left foot was still tender and a little swollen. I spent time each hour with an ice pack on it (can now see a spot which I assume is where a critter got me) and alternated with moving and cleaning items into Jim's usual bathroom (off the so called master bedroom.) My agenda for tomorrow (Wednesday) is to get the regular bathroom cleaned with whatever laundry also needs to be done. I did take the carpeting from Jim's bathroom to the laundrymat on Monday so it is clean for awhile.

I did a lot of reading in the afternoon and almost finished the newest Sharon Kahn book - OUT OF THE FRYING PAT, INTO THE CHOIR. This is a delightful, light mystery series featuring a widow of a rabbi in a small community supposedly located near Austin, TX. Ruby gets herself into all kinds of scrapes as a heroine would be expected to do. I hope to finish it this evening.

I took the newest MC Beaton book in the Agatha Raisin series to Kansas City today as I didn't know how much time would be spent at the doctor's office.

We took early this a.m. for the Plaza area of KC. First we went to Kaplan's to check out some wool. I had never been there before and the fabrics that were on display were stunning. The ladies and I are going to have to take a field trip there some time to check this out better and of course check out some other places on the Plaza.

We then headed north a few blocks to one of the massive doctors' building to see Dr. Gutovitz. He is the cardiologist that Jim saw at St. Luke's North way back at the end of June - who had then referred him on to St. Luke's South. I had not met him then as I guess I was sulking from Jim's behavior at being referred on, but thoughly enjoyed him today. Jim will see him again in about three months.

As we were leaving the Plaza area, I called Karen (a first cousin) to see if she could meet us at O'Charley's for lunch, but she had an appointment at noon so we will try again. After lunch, Jim and I did a quick tour of Target and then made a quick trip to Sam's for trays for the local "soup" kitchen.

I had not slept well last night and it seemed like a long way home today. The girls and I napped for way too long when we got home and I will be reading into the night.

Jim joins both breakfast groups on Wednesday a.m. and I need to tackle the main bathroom and get it presentable - I am not much for cleaning anyway so this is not one of the agreeable chores I am looking forward to doing. I've also accumulated a list of things that need to be done - none would take more than five minutes (except for shopping at HyVee to take advantage of the old geezer discount), but I have just let them accumulate.

I do have a "make-up" appointment with our doctor on Wednesday. It is good timing as I will certainly inquire about my foot (same area where I sprained in 1995 and also had a heel spur in the fall of 1995).

I noticed in the Chillicothe paper this evening that Perry Fairchild had a heart attack this past weekend. The paper didn't indicate whether he was back home yet, only that a stent (or more) had been used. Perry might be 50.

Chuck is now moved out to the south of us. We have been neighbors for 35 years so it will be interesting having new neighbors to our south. The young couple moving in have a lot of plans for interior modifications and they are young enough to tackle this project. We will probably lose our neighbors to the north by next summer - and I am also not looking forward to that change.

Be safe.
B.

Sun. Oct. 1

I am not sure what happened, but I hit a key and a "blank" blog was published - oh, well ---


This has been a warm, sunny day. I checked the temp a couple of times this afternoon and both times it read 89 degrees - rather warm for the first of October in MO.

This has been a lazy day for us. Jim walked this a.m. and I opted to stay home. I think I have either been stung or bitten by something on the inside of my left heel as it itches some and there is some swelling - not much, just a little - and my foot is painful when it touches the ground. I have had it on ice much of the day and for a short time afterwards it feels almost tolerable, but doesn't last for long.

Jim went to see "The Guardian" this afternoon while I watched the first half of the Chief's game - then napped during the second half. The girls have spent a lot of time on my lap today - or nestled around me when I was stretched out on the couch.

We have a few errands to do on Monday. Jim is wanting to move much of his bathroom articles to the basement bathroom (he really hasn't thought out the full problems with this) and he wants me to move into the bathroom off our upstairs bedroom. I am not really looking forward to this as it means first doing a good cleaning and then shifting my things - then cleaning the bathroom (and doing some restorative caulking) in the main bathroom upstairs. I haven't figured out his logic, but I think he he fearful of my stepping into the bathtub to shower, but I am quite careful and haven't had a problem so far. Oh, well - guess it will occupy my Monday doing the transition.

Be safe.
B.