Tues. & Wed. Jan. 30 & 31

From a cold and snowy MO,

We have had several days of very cold and sometimes windy weather. I doubt if the highs for the day have gotten out of the low 20s and the lows have been bordering zero. A couple of nights ago I almost thought the north end of the house was going to blow away before dawn would come. We are getting a little snow today - am thinking the prediction was about one inch.

Tuesday was mainly a day of errands, joining Helen and her tennis ladies for lunch (celebrating Mary Willis' birthday again), and in general not getting any projects done around the house. The girls have spent a lot of time on our laps - much to their happiness.

Jim joined both breakfast groups this a.m. while the girls and I slept in - or at least until a little after 8:00. Jim and I walked at the Y about 11:00, cleaned up, and did a few errands with the girls accompanying us while in their crate in the backseat of the truck.

I had good thoughts of getting the scholarship data done this afternoon, but it is almost over so I MUST do it on Thursday.

Jim and I are joining Sandy and John Wheeler at the new "steak" house this evening. I have no idea what I might order, but am tempted to try their Chicago style pizza. Of course I may look at the menu and completely change my mind. I think all the ladies were pleased with their choices on the menu for lunch yesterday. I thought the Greek salad was excellent the other day (and the two ladies that ordered it yesterday were quite pleased), but am thinking that I might also taste it all night!

We will watch the Texas basketball game at 8:00 - with Jim wearing the Texas cap as usual.

I have breakfast with the ladies on Thursday a.m. We were scheduled for six month dental checkups in a couple of weeks, but we had a call today from the office asking if we might be able to come in tomorrow - actually a better date for us. I think we are doing fine so it should be nothing more than a routine cleaning.

Be safe.
B.

Mon. Jan. 29

From what has been a cold, at times sunny, windy MO,

We had a good night of sleep and seem to have survived a rather active day. I had the computer work for Mobile Meals this a.m. and all seemed to go well - much in part to the help from Ruth Benson. I did a couple of minor errands on the way home from the RSVP office.

I noticed several cars at the Lightner home this a.m. and discovered later in the day that Bill Lightner died either yesterday or during the night. Sheree LeClare is getting food organized for our neighborhood and I need to get a card in the mail tomorrow.

Once I was home, I rounded up some more errands and took off on a second round, returned home, and we went to the Y to walk. After cleaning up, we headed to Piece of Cake for a light lunch - always a tasty treat. I love their quiche and Jim really enjoys the chicken croissant sandwich - and we split a side dish of cole slaw - which Jim loves.

I dozed much of the afternoon while Jim watched tv. Then I made a quick trip to HyVee to get some chicken livers as I really didn't have the mental power to come up with something for supper with what we had in the house. We ended up taking the leftover chicken livers to Pat Nichols - who loves them as well.

I seem to have accumulated another list of things that need to be done on Tuesday - and must get the scholarship data organized. I want to have this delivered to the two county high schools prior to our leaving for LA on Feb. 7.

Be safe.
B.

Fri., Sat., & Sun. Jan. 26-28

From a sunny, but crisp MO,

These have been three good days for us. I don't think we accomplished much on Friday - Jim had breakfast with the second group and I headed out with the girls on some minor errands. We walked later in the morning at the Y. At one point of the morning, I went by one of the churches in town to watch some of the breakfast group as well as some of the ladies from that church make Valentine cards for shut-in church members. They have a lot more fun making these cards and being creative than I would ever be.

On Saturday we decided to head to Cabela's so that Jim could use the gift card from Doug and Dara - had been burning a hole in his billfold. Afterwards, we drove around this area some as it has several new establishments from the last time we had been there. It has become quite a shopping area.

We headed back towards Zona Rosa as I also had a gift card for Barnes and Noble (also burning a hole), but the two books that I was looking for were not to be found - one was newly published and had sold out with more coming in and the second would be published in mid-February.

From here we headed towards the Liberty area and ate lunch at O'Charley's. Jim was a little disappointed with his catfish fillets and my sandwich was okay, but I wouldn't repeat on it. Maybe the fudge I had bought at Cabela's had taken the edge off of eating?????

We watched the Texas basketball game on Saturday evening and called it an early night. The girls slept until almost 3:30 before needing to go out. I had gotten them tucked back into their crate and I was almost ready to drop off when I heard a click and some clatter - the newly set mouse trap had gone off! Abby had been really inquisitive in the kitchen area the past two or three days and Jim had set a mousetrap under a table on Saturday evening. The girls went ballistic - am not sure if it was sympathy for the mouse or furious for having a guest. Jim and I dealt with the mousetrap and then decided to take the girls to bed with us, but they just couldn't settle down - especially Abby. Jim finally got up about 4:30 and I eventually got them settled down and dozed until about 9:30 - when Jim rousted me as he was going to get some shut-eye.

We left here a little after 12:30 to head to Bucklin. One of my Jobson cousins, Bobby, was having a surprise 60th birthday party - put on by his wife and children. I have been away from that community for so long that I really need help with names. One lady there had been probably my best friend in elementary school. Another lady there had been super good to my folks, and the list just continues. I am one of eleven Jobson cousins of my generation with two deceased now - leaving nine. Of these nine, eight of us were there - what a nice feeling. The next generation was also well represented - as well as the next generation.

I have the computer work for Mobile Meals in the morning and beyond that I have accumulated a goodly list of errands - most won't take long, just need to get the list whittled down again.

Be safe.
B.

Thurs. Jan. 25

From what has been a sunny, but coolish MO,

This has been a full day. I didn't sleep well last night and after tossing and turning for an hour or more, finally got up about 4:00, let girls out of their crate, retrieved KC paper from driveway, read the paper, and returned to bed a little after 5:00 - and then the alarm went off at 6:30.

We had a full house at breakfast this morning - am thinking at least 10. Probably 9 were there for most of the time and the conversations were flowing rapidly. Some of you might remember Jan Inman - married Darrell Sallee - daughters may be named Abby and Emily. Anyway, Darrell was killed in a accident at the home yesterday - to be discovered by the younger daughter (am thinking she might be a 9th grader.) The obituary was in tonight's CT.

Jim and I walked at the Y about 10:30, came home and cleaned up, and then went to the newest eating place in town (where Harlow's used to be) and had what turned out to be a delicious lunch. I ordered a Greek salad and Jim ordered a double cheeseburger - with the idea that he would have half of my salad and I would have half of his cheeseburger. The hamburger was hand pressed (so therefore didn't taste like cardboard) and it was divine. The salad was excellent as well. Next time we will order just a regular sandwich to be divided. People next to us had fried catfish (hanging off the plate as they were so large) and these people indicated the fish were excellent. Joe Tate was also eating there and had a ribeye sandwich - again thought it was excellent. This place may become too tempting. They also have gyros sandwiches that we might try next time as I like them. They also make Chicago style pizza - also a downfall for me.

I dozed much of the afternoon and met Pat Nichols a little after 3:00 at HyVee for a capucinno (spelling). I left there about 3:45 as I had a "work" meeting at the library as we were trying to create various tiers of what needed to be done in restoring the library. This meeting lasted about one hour and 45 minutes, but I think a great deal was done in talking over ideas.

I am fixing fat-free refried bean burritos for supper and we will have the layered lettuce salad that I made yesterday. I hear the buzzer going off now.

Sandy Ross called this afternoon to indicate that Karen Fairchild (in Houston, TX for cancer review - am guessing MD Anderson) was to have a catscan today and will have surgery probably on Feb. 8 or 9.

Jim joins the second group for breakfast in the a.m. and then at a later time in the a.m. we will head again to the Y to walk. There are still a few patches of ice on the city streets and neither one of us needs to fall. The weather for the upcoming week will be cool again so I am thinking we will walk at the Y again next week.

Be safe.
B.

Wed. Jan. 24

From a now dark and somewhat cold MO,

Jim joined both breakfast groups this a.m. When he mentioned having shoveled snow this weekend, the first group (most have had by-pass surgery) gave him the business and told him how stupid that behavior was. I guess they really kept reminding him of this misbehavior and he told me the tale as we were later driving to the Y. I had tried to be outside with him when he was scooping snow, but he did a lot of scooping in the backyard when I was still in bed - and of course I didn't hear him. I'm hoping that they got the information through to him.

We walked at the Y about 10:30 and then came home and cleaned up. We made a quick trip to get some extra strength Tylenol and have spent much of the rest of the day at home. I put a pork loin roast in the oven this a.m. at a low temperature and added a few veggies. I also made the layered lettuce/frozen pea salad. The meat was excellent and we have enough left for another meal. Good planning on my part!

I did manage to get some items organized today to take to the library and also somehow managed to clear off the accumulated (and not recorded) genealogy data. I at least now have it sorted and in file folders.

I join the ladies for breakfast in the a.m. and then have the rest of the day open.

Be safe.
B.

Tues. Jan. 23

From what has been a sunny, but crisp MO,

We slept in this a.m. (or at least the girls and I slept in). The girls and Jim finally rousted me a little before 9:00. I was soon dressed appropriately for the morning walk at the Y.

My major errand for the day was to do my "old geezer" shopping at HyVee. I ended up getting a pork loin roast which I will bake on Wednesday. Of course I did a good job of resupplying the items that had been used this previous week.

Our big project of the day was to scoop off the north half of the Thompson's driveway. They are to return from Las Vegas on Wednesday and with the numerous pass-bys by the grader, they would probably take the bottom out of their car as they arrived home to their driveway.

I tried dozing this afternoon, but am not sure I ever actually went to sleep. I finally got up and finished the newest Sweet Potato Queens book - of course laughing generously all the way to the end.

Abby is now on my lap and Trixie is at my feet - what a good way to feel that someone cares!

Jim has breakfast with the "old fogies" in the morning - both groups. He will have oatmeal with one group and toast with the second.

I did confirm the needed data about the scholarship for the local retired teacher's organization so I have no more excuses to get the data done - hopefully will do this on Wednesday and I can get it checked off my list of things that need to be done.

I have several items that I would like to have checked off before we go to LA on Feb. 7.

Be safe.
B.

Sat., Sun, & Mon Jan. 20, 21, & 22

From a cool, overcast MO,

We have had an interesting three days. We walked at the Y on Saturday a.m. and after getting cleaned up, set out with the girls to do a myriad of errands as snow was in the forecast. Thank goodness we did the errands as snow began here around 6 or 7 p.m. and continued and continued. The girls love the snow - which is a blessing - and have no misgivings in going outside to do their duties.

We awakend on Sunday a.m. with still a slight snow coming down. Jim dug out an area (probably had received 4 to 5 inches of snow) so that the girls could be let outside upstairs and then come in through the basement. These characters avoid the scooped out area and play and do "their thing" in the snow! When I had let them outside about 2 in the a.m., I had cleared away snow from the sliding glass door and also used a broom to get some of the accumulation out of the tracks of the door. They were outside all of this time and didn't seem to be in a hurry to come inside the house.

We have watched a lot of basketball and football over the weekend - basketball on Saturday and football on Sunday. Jim has not had a good weekend as the Longhorns went down to defeat against Villanova and the Saints and Patriots also lost.

Our big energy on Sunday was clearing out the driveway. Jim had indicated he would round someone up to clear off the driveway whenever we get snow, but this hadn't been done. He was puttering on the driveway when I looked out and Scott Ellis (young neighbor on north) was helping him. I bundled up and went outside and by this time Clithro Anderson was also using the shovel. With the four of us working (and visiting) the time passed quickly. Jim and I then helped Scott finish his driveway (he had already cleared about half of it.)

Jim and I made a quick trip to HyVee for the makings for peanut butter pie (a favorite of Scott's) and I ended up making two - a full one to take to the Ellis family and a little more than half to take to Clithro and Grace.

I was really tired yesterday afternoon and had a nap during the second half of the Chicago/Saints game - and still slept reasonably well last night. I awakened tired again this morning and have been in bed for much longer than I should have been this afternoon.

I had the computer work for Mobile Meals this a.m. Jim went with me to do the xeroxing as I hadn't heard from Ruth. She called about 8:00 wondering about coming in and I encouraged her to do so - and Jim headed home. After I returned home, we went to the Y to walk.

I have finished the newest Tony Hillerman book as well as a short book by Janet Evanovich - from the Stephanie Plum line.

At this point we have no specific plans for Tuesday.

Be safe.

B.

Fri. Jan. 19

From a sunny, but still crisp MO,

We have had a full day. We walked at the Y about 7:30 this morning. After cleaning up, Jim headed to the Grand River Inn to join the second breakfast group and I loaded up the ladies and went to Piece of Cake for breakfast. Afterwards I delivered some items to RSVP and Jim was home by the time I returned.

We double checked the interior pen for the girls (have access also to the fenced in backyard) and we were soon leaving for the Overland Park area of KC. We made a quick stop at Borders as we had accumulated some Holiday Bucks from last year and I didn't want to lose their value. We then went to Red Lobster to eat lunch and then on to the Glenwood Theater and saw "The Painted Veil." It is not a movie that I would buy on DVD, but I am glad I saw it. The content was interesting and the scenery was also worth seeing.

We were back in Chillicothe by about 6:00 and have settled in for the evening. Needless to say, the girls were enthusiastic when we returned - and will need some extra cuddling this evening.

We have no big plans for Saturday other than watching the Texas basketball game. We have snow in the forecast for tomorrow night and I want to make a quick trip to HyVee for a few last minute items.

Be safe.
B.

Thurs. Jan. 18

From a sunny, crisp, breezy MO,

The day has been full. I joined five others for breakfast this morning - Judy M., Clara, Jan, Ellen, Mary W. We had a good chat and didn't break up until after 9:00.

I made a quick trip home and then headed to get my hair cut. Again I went home and about 11:00, Jim, the girls in their crate, and I headed to Piece of Cake for quiche and salad. From there Jim dropped me off at the library (I had parked the car there before going to POC) and I headed to the Senior Bldg. for the RSVP meeting (usually lasts about 15 minutes.) Next I headed next door to the library and puttered there until the board meeting at 1:30.

This was really a productive meeting as a local contractor was there (knowing he was not being guaranteed a job) to provide us with ideas relative to contracting for upcoming restoration work on the library. He had several ideas that had not been presented to us earlier and I felt a lot better after this meeting.

We are having leftovers tonight so I guess that means I might need to go to the store on Saturday for meat. We are planning on going to either NKC or St. Joseph on Friday to use the "bonus" bucks for Borders before they expire in another week and a half. I think we have about $30 left in that "fund." Other than Borders, I have no idea where else we might go as we really don't have an agenda. Of course we will find a place to eat. The guys were telling him of a newly opened place across from the new shopping area in St. Joseph - so we might eat there - if St. J is our destination. Jim is leaning towards O'Charley's if we eat in NKC.

Jim will join the second breakfast group in the a.m. - after we walk at the Y about 7:30.

Be safe.
B.

Wed. Jan. 17

From a cold, at times sunny, a little breezy MO,

We may have had a little thawing today when the sun was out, but I can assure you that when the sun disappeared, the cold returned and any thawing that happened is now a sheet of ice - again.

Helen called this a.m. that she was coming down and it was agreed to meet at noon at Applebee's. I sent out an e-mail and also forgot to call Vickie, but anyway a total of seven showed up. I think for a couple or so, it was the first time to drive since the storm had settled in. Anyway, we had a good time visiting and time just goes too fast. Those present included Helen, Peggy Bacon, Kay, Jan, Clara, Pat, and yours truly.

Jim had breakfast with both groups this a.m. The first group decided to try a "new" place (advertised 99 cent biscuits and gravy) and according to Jim's report they got the low level that they paid for. Some of the guys think they found a tidbit of sausage in the gravy, but they are returning to the Grand River Inn next week. Jim met with the second group as usual and had his oatmeal.

We headed to the Y a little after 10:00 to walk. Sue Jones and Bill Maupin were among those who were there. Jim used the treadmill and I walked on the track.

We did a couple of errands this afternoon, but basically have mildewed for the day - guess staying up to almost 11:00 last night to see the end of the third OT between Texas and Ok State was about more than we could stand. I am fixing fish for supper tonight as well as baked potatoes. I am not sure what veggie I'll pull from the freezer - probably peas.

I have a full day on Thursday - breakfast, haircut, RSVP board meeting, and library board meeting. Jim plans on walking at the Y and then getting the girls out for an outing - which they love. They have no problem in getting quickly into their crate in the back seat of the truck and seem quite happy with all the action that comes their way.

I did have a call today from the Supt. office as they needed someone to answer the telephone tomorrow, but my "schedule" was too involved to be able to say yes. We didn't have school again today - am not sure what condition the blacktop roads are in to make for safe driving conditions on Thursday.

Be safe.
B.

Tues. Jan. 16

From what has been a cold, sunny MO,

I doubt if the temp reached 10 today! At least there was only a gentle breeze so it wasn't bad getting out and doing errands.

We slept in again this morning and finally got to the Y a little after 9:00. I walk 16 laps (have been told that is equal to a mile) and Jim spent time on one of the treadmills as the walking oval gives him "turf" toe. He didn't mind his time on the treadmill as a good looking blonde was running on the one next to his! The old geezer!!

After cleaning up, we loaded up the girls and took off for a few errands. I stopped by a couple of the banks to pick up travel plans. The Dead Sea Scrolls (a few of them) will be on display at Union Station for about 3 months and I would like to see them. The New Dinner Theater also will be having "Oklahoma" in August and both of us would like to go to that.

I dozed the middle part of the day while Jim watched a movie on tv.

Jim joins the old geezers for breakfast in the a.m. The first group is going to try to new eating place on Washington and Third and the second group will still be at the Grand River Inn. I'm curious as to how the new place is received by these old timers.

We have a few errands to do tomorrow and I MUST tackle some projects around here. I have let the "computer room" become totally disorganized and my "work" table is now piled so high that I couldn't find something even if I wanted. I bought a couple of file boxes a few weeks ago and of course haven't done anything with them. I know there are duplications on the table so I must plow through them.

I also didn't do anything on the scholarship paperwork today - used the excuse that I couldn't contact the high school counselors for a deadline as we had no school again today - and am thinking it has already been on tv that no school will also be on Wednesday. This evening's newspaper indicated that the highways are okay, but the blacktops probably won't be safe until Thursday.

Be safe.
B.

Mon. Jan. 15

From what has been a cold, snowy MO,

We made it through the night without any power outage - thank goodness. I don't even want to think how damaging a power outage this time of the year would be. I'm thinking the tv said the high today would be in the mid teens. We had a skiff of snow this morning.

We went to the Y this a.m. to walk, came home and showered, bundled up the girls, and took off on two or three errands. A couple of things I had hoped to do were thwarted because - first the library was closed due to the weather and I decided I just didn't want to brave the ice on the sidewalks for the second.

Jim has watched tv for most of the day and I didn't care for what he was watching so I headed to the bedroom and slept. I didn't really think I was that tired, but knew I didn't care about the movie on tv - so sleep was a good option.

We will basically finish off leftovers tonight - roast beef, roast pork, sweet potato, and I will steam some veggies.

We have several errands to do on Tuesday and I also need to get to HyVee to use the old geezer discount. Texas basketball is on Tuesday evening so we have decided to stay in the warmth and watch that rather than go to the high school basketball game.

Be safe.
B.

Sun. Jan. 14

From a cold, drizzly, icy MO,

At least as of 6:45 p.m. on Sunday we still have electrical power!

We are among the fortunate in still having power. A line through Tulsa, Springfield, St. Louis - and beyond has widespead power outages - with of course the accompanying near freezing weather. We have had drizzle today and it will be icy outside in a little while as the temperature has stayed between 33 and 35 today in our area. Thousands are without electricity - and of course this means that gas furnaces also don't work as the fans are based on electricity.

I awakened quite early this morning (about 4:45) and carefully went outside and gathered in the KC paper. The girls and I scanned the paper and in a little while Trixie heard Jim stirring in the bedroom and she made a beeline to the door and began scratching to go in. I returned to bed about 7:00 and didn't get moving until about 11:00. Jim had taken a Tylenol PM last night and began moving in earnest about 9:00.

We have watched football today and have basically mildewed. We've managed a couple of loads of laundry and beyond that - not much.

We have a few errands that we hope to be able to do on Monday as we have sereral that will have to wait until Tuesday. I need to start the preparation work on the Retired Teacher's scholarship and that will be good to have that completed and the data out to the two county high schools.

Be safe.
B.

Fri. & Sat. Jan. 12 & 13

From a cold, sleety MO,

We lucked out yesterday (Friday) as the worst of the ice storm went south of us. I am sure Springfield must be a shambles and am guessing that St. Louis has been hit for a second time this winter. The latter is going to wonder as they lost power this summer for several days with a storm, then earlier this winter lost power due to a winter storm, and now this again.

Jim joined the second group for breakfast on Friday a.m. and I joined some ladies at Francine's for coffee and a muffin. I had picked up Eva Danner as she had some foot surgery done a few days ago and isn't supposed to drive for another couple of weeks, but I am sure she will push that some. By the time we left there at 9:30, the sleet was already coming down.

We spent most of the rest of the day in the house as the streets were slick, but at least we were not getting much of an accumulation.

We are watching basketball on tv today and will watch Texas in about a half hour. The sleet/snow has begun again so I am not sure just what is going to transpire. We have no plans on getting out until the streets are better.

I finished the newest Stephanie Barron book this morning and have pulled a book by Hillerman to read next. I do enjoy his series on the Southwest.

Be safe.
B.

Thurs. Jan. 11

From what is supposed to be a warmer MO, but my old bones feel the dampness and see nothing warm about the day!

Jim and I had restless nights - no fault with the girls as they were sort of jolted when I spent from about 2:00 until 3:30 in the front room as I couldn't sleep - then found out that Jim had spent the same time in the bedroom with the tv on as he also hadn't been able to sleep.

I joined the ladies this morning. I'm guessing we had maybe somewhere between 10 and 12. Eloise Wade was there again as well as a first time for Sandy Ross. Kay Green usually can't join us because of her part time teaching at Trenton, but was with us this morning. We had a tables full plus an overflow - needless to say a lot of conversations were going on.

About 11:00, the four of us walked outside. We did the slope on the west side of Morningside and it really got to me - am thinking it was because I had eaten. Anyway, when we got back home, I was soon in bed for a couple of hours.

We did some errands (with the girls in the crate in the backseat) after I began moving - mainly HyVee. The meeting I was supposed to have this afternoon has been delayed due to illness on one of those that needed to be there. Jim slept a couple of hours this afternoon.

We are having a leftover concoction this evening - wild rice, diced tomatoes, onion, carrots, celery, stew meat, garlic, and surely something else that I have forgotten. The aroma is delightful. I plan on fixing six corn muffins to go along with the meal.

I was watching Paula Deen this afternoon and got in the last part of a Mexican chicken casserole as well as muffins with green chilies. I've downloaded the recipes and will need to try them out at some point.

I bought a pork loin roast at HyVee this afternoon and plan on baking it on Friday.

We are to get some rain this evening which will turn into freezing rain by morning. I don't think it is to be as bad as originally thought - fine with me. I had wondered today if maybe we should buy a small Coleman stove just to have in case electricity goes off. We could use it either in the sunporch or in an open garage.

Jim joins the second group of old geezers for breakfast in the a.m. and I just had a call from Lucy Murphy relative to joining a group at Francines about what we do relative to Mobile Meals.

Be safe.
B.

Wed. Jan. 10

From what has been another sunny, breezy, crisp MO day,

If you haven't seen Dara's newest "changing of the clothes for Leslie" this one is a hoot as she has him dressed as a UT cheerleader.

We had another good night (well except for one short time) and Jim was eager to join the two old men groups for breakfast. I headed to the Y about 8:30, came home and showered, puttered around here until about 10:30 and then headed to the doctor's office. My blood pressure was better than the past few months and the weight was the same - the latter was a relief to me after all the salt intake at the Chinese buffet yesterday. Maybe next weigh-in will be better.

Jim and I headed to Piece of Cake for lunch. Butch and Sue Clark were there (had been there once before when we were there.) Butch loves to read and he was telling Jim about the current book he was reading. We also shared views on Grisham's latest. Jim had quiche and coleslaw and I had cheesy potato soup in a bread bowl.

We dozed for most of the afternoon. I awakened to a delicious smell of the roast that I had started a little after 8:00 this a.m. - couldn't pick up more than a small piece as it fell apart - absolutely delicious. I fixed some wild rice to go with it and also some green beans.

We watched the Texas/MU basketball game this evening. There were a few interruptions as Jim was able to make contact with Jim Grozinger and it now appears that JDF will be making two trips to Canada this summer. He will be home a few days between each trip, but that should be adequate time to recuperate somewhat. The first trip will be to an area in Northern Canada and the second just a few hours past Winnepeg.

I have Abby on my lap and she is sound asleep. Her head is resting on my left arm. Trixie is at my feet - also fast asleep. They had an outing with me when I went to the Y and then another outing when we went to Piece of Cake - both a excellent travellers in their crate.

I join the ladies for breakfast in the a.m. Before noon, the four of us will walk outside if the weather is okay (Jim walked outside late in the a.m. today). If the weather is too cool for my old lungs, then I will go to the Y.

I have a work session at the library tomorrow afternoon as we are trying to come up with a priority of things that need to be updated, corrected, installed, etc. There is also a home wrestling meet tomorrow evening - therefore somewhat of a full day.

The forecasters are still talking about moisture for the weekend. It doesn't sound as severe (ice) as they originally were saying - so we will just wait and see. By Monday, the temperature will also be closer to the normal range - COLD - but we have been very lucky so far so can't complain.

Be safe.
B.

Tues. Jan. 9

From what has been a very windy, crisp MO,

I thought the north end of the house was going to blow away during the night. I'm thinking the wild wind lasted most of the night as the roof creaked and creaked. The noise didn't seem to bother the girls as they gave us a good night of sleep.

We walked at the Y this morning, cleaned up, went through the drive thru at McDonald's, did several errands, and made and old geezer stop at HyVee. This was the first of two outings for the girls today - they love to go!

Helen called last night to say she was coming down today and we set a lunch time at Beijjing at 11:45. We ended up with I'm thinking eight present - Helen, Judy D., Judy M., Sandy, Clara, Jan, Mary W., and yours truly. The buffet is always good there and I love their crab rangoon. We had a lot of conversations going so we must have solved the problems of the world multiple times.

I did call Ruth Miller this a.m. to see if she could join us. Her daughter had surgery before Christmas and has been with them since then. Cynthia is to see the doctor in KC on Thursday and Ruth then told me that Walt (Ruth's husband) was to have rotator cuff surgery on Tuesday at Liberty.

Jim, the girls, and I napped this afternoon - way longer than I had intended. I fixed supper and then a little after 6:00 we took off for the middle school gym to watch wrestling. There were several open brackets so the evening went fast. Rusty Black set next to us and of course he and Jim discussed fishing in Canada. Rusty's older son left today for Iraq.

Jim has breakfast with both groups in the a.m. and I plan on walking at the Y while he is gone. I check in with the doctor in the morning for blood pressure and weight. The latter probably will not be as good as hoped due to the salt intake at lunch today - will just wait and see. The scales at home this morning were better than they have been for a couple of months - so maybe there is hope for me yet.

MU and Texas play basketball on Wednesday evening. So far we haven't been able to determine if it will be shown on a channel that we get and Jim is going to ask Butch in the morning if it would be available at the sports bar at the bowling alley.

Be safe.
B.

Sun. & Mon. Jan. 7 & 8

From a sunny, but crisp MO,

We had a good outing to KC on Sunday. We stopped first at Sam's in NKC and then went on to World Market, then to McCoy's for lunch, and finally to the Tivoli to see "The History Boys." I quickly felt quite deficient on my literature background with all the literary terms and verses that were being used. It was a fast paced movie. We were back in Chillicothe just as it was getting dark.

We walked at the Y this morning and then after getting cleaned up, did a series of errands. Eventually we loaded up the girls and headed again to the Amish store - found them open today - and loaded up on Havarti cheese.

We slept much of the afternoon, but have also done some housework prior to and after our nap. I was beginning to stick to the kitchen floor with my bare feet so decided that it was past time to get some scrubbing done. We have also run the vacuum. After cleaning up a myriad of leftovers this evening, we will settle in for some hopefully good football.

We don't have specific items planned for Tuesday other than taking trays to Velma. Helen is coming so we are planning on meeting at the Beijjing for lunch.

Be safe.
B.

Sat. Jan. 6

From a sunny, but crisp MO,

This has been a rather quiet day. The four of us walked about 9:00 this a.m. After cleaning up and having breakfast, the four of us took off for the Amish area as we wanted to get some more Havarti cheese. We were in total dismay when we discovered the store was closed for a holiday. They are always closed on Thursday and Sundays, but had never come across something like this.

Anyway, we went on to Jamesport and then on to Trenton - stopping briefly at the Pamida store there.

The afternoon was spent watching tv - football, Texas basketball, more basketball, and now Jim is watching "Munich."

We are going to KC on Sunday to eat at McCoy's and then cross the street to the Tivoli theater to see "Men of History" - am thinking that might be the title. Helen saw this as a play on Broadway and Jim has been wanting to see the movie. We will probably make a quick stop at Sam's on the way home.

Be safe.
B.

Wed., Thurs., & Fri. Jan. 3,4,&5

From what has been sunny, but coolish MO days.

I didn't realize I had not been on for several days. Am not sure where the time goes.

Jim joined both breakfast groups on Wednesday and then left after the second one with David Redford and Don Dupy for an outing to KC. They saw a movie in Olathe (don't ask me why they went that far) and then ate at WilJenny's afterwards. Jim came home with half a sandwich as well as what was remaining from a BBQ sampler he had bought to share. I guess Don came home with a sandwich and had also bought a quart of their salsa.

I puttered around here on Wednesday and did a lot of sorting of paperwork. I keep thinking something is important and then about every six months go through the pile and wonder why I saved it. At least Wednesday was a goo day to shred paper as we have garbage pick-up on Thursday.

I joined the ladies on Thursday a.m. for breakfast and we had one "new" face - Eloise Wade. Several of us have been after her to join us and I think she weathered our sometime dubious humor in good shape. She is such a delightful "gentile" lady, but I think maybe we can do some corrupting of her too - of course the other "ladies" will say that I do the corrupting. I just can't cope when things become to dry.

I had a short board library board meeting at noon and then Jim and I took off to do several errands - as usual.

Jim skipped his morning breakfast today as he needed to fast before getting some bloodwork done - primarily to check on the Lipitor (spelling). Afterwards, we headed to McDonald's for an egg biscuit and then did a few errands - striking out on one or two and I did a repeat of those this afternoon. We walked outside today (had used the Y yesterday as the wind was quite chilly) and of course the girls enjoyed the outing. The weather was okay, but I seemed to be quite tired today - ended up sleeping from a little after 12:00 until about 3:00.

We have no big plans for Saturday other than watching the Texas basketball game and I am guessing we will switch during commercials to the KC football game. Doug sent Jim a Texas cap so he will be wearing it during the basketball game.

One thing we did do on Thursday was to make arrangements for a February outing to Los Angeles. We will fly out on Feb. 7 and return on the 12th. Holly (our youngest niece) has an art show on the 8th. Carolyn is going to try to get tickets so we can see the Loyola Marymount girls play on Saturday afternoon, and if Jay Leno is doing a pre-screening of up coming routines, we will go to Hermosa Beach on Sunday evening to see that performance.

Be safe.
B.

Mon. & Tues. Jan. 1&2

From a coolish, but at times sunny MO,

These two days have been full. Jim helped with with the Mobile Meals work on Monday a.m. and then we did basically mildewed the rest of the day. Of course there were several football games and a lot of cuddling with the girls that were accomplished. I finished the newest Peter Tremayne book and am now over half way through the newest Lilian Jackson Braun book - the latter is especially an easy read.

I am so proud!! of myself that I pulled tax data while one of the games was on yesterday and did some major sorting of the items that had accumulated during this past year. I also did the 2007 assessment form and we duplicated it this a.m. and it the original is now in the mail. I learned years ago that I didn't like to start from scratch with this every year so began making copies - saves lots of time and frustrations.

We walked this morning outside with the girls. We did the 1.25 route - relatively flat - and with the crispness of the morning I don't think I could have done the slope by Morningside. I think the temp was in the lower 30s when we walked - even though we slept in until after 8:30.

I joined Helen, Mary Willis, and Margaret Worthington for lunch today at Applebee's. Jim loaded up the girls and went to Subway for a sandwich.

We slept quite well last night, but by 1:00 I was ready for a nap and Jim was tucked in beside me in quick order - and we were down a long time. The girls finally got us moving as they needed to go outside.

Jim will join the two breakfast groups in the a.m. and then will go to KC with Don Dupy and David Redford - if plans don't get changed. I have several errands that we didn't get done today and I want to get them out of the way tomorrow.

Be safe.
B.