Jan. 13 - 25

From what has been a cold, snowy, icy MO,

I really didn't realize that it had been so long since I've been on - so here goes mostly nothing. I am feeling better and better so that is not the issue. I am on the computer several times each day checking e-mail and to see if Dara has an update on her Austin blog.

I went with Pat N. last Friday to St. Joseph for a quick outing - music store, Borders, Michaels, Jesse James Antique Mall, Pier 1, and probably something else, but I can't remember. Pat had received a Borders card at Christmas and had some items she was wanting to get. She found some glasses at the antique mall that go with the pattern she collects - was absolutely delighted.

I did the computer work for Mobile Meals this past Monday, but am not on the schedule for February - only as a back-up.

Jim and I went on an outing yesterday - Cabela's, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Barnes & Noble, Red Lobster, Target, Hobby Lobby - and then back to Chillicothe. He had two or three items on his list for Cabela's, struck out at NFM and Hobby Lobby, and found a couple of books at B&N. We were back in Chillicothe about 4:00 - had left Chillicothe about 9:00 a.m. The car outside therm. registered zero for most of our trip until we headed south from St. Joseph. At least it wasn't windy so actually going from the truck to the stores were quite tolerable.

Of course we have enjoyed out breakfast out dates - Jim with "old geezers" and me with "the ladies." I have also joined a female group at least one time for lunch at Applebee's.

We were going to go to Warrensburg today to see a former CHS "thrower" participate, but we had sleet today and the roads seemed dampish, so we decided it would be safer to stay home.

Saturday will be spent watching several college basketball games - am thinking the first one that Jim has marked is at 11:00, and they continue throughout the day and evening. Texas plays tomorrow night so I know we will settle in for that one. I will probably be able to finish Sue Grafton's book - T IS FOR TRESPASS. I don't read during the Texas games, but usually read or crochet through the others. We have almost emptied the refrigerator of leftovers, so I need to put my thinking cap on for Saturday evening. We have had potato soup as well as beef/veggie soup this past week so I need to come up with something that more resembles a traditional meal.

We don't have anything special planned for the next couple of weeks, but at least the weather is supposed to be warmer for a few days before the next cool down - hopefully not as cold as we have seen in recent weeks.

Jim has spent a few afternoons working on his fishing equipment. Karl R. ( a distant cousin of mine) plans on calling Jim in February and they will go over to Thomas Hill Lake - just west of Macon. There is an area of warm water there that can be fished year round - if you can get the boat into the water. Karl will take his boat as Jim isn't ready yet physcially to take on his own boat.

Be safe.
B.

Dec. 28-Jan. 12

From a cold MO,

I haven't been on recently as at first I was too mad/upset to write and then we have just been somewhat busy and I have also been dealing with tiredness again.

Jim decided on the Friday between Christmas and New Year's that he couldn't stay in the recliner any longer to wait on our contracted driveway cleaner to come - so he began cleaning off the driveway. I thought this was foolish as we needed nothing at the store, but he persisted. He did okay until he came to the sloping part of our driveway - then slipped and fell on his hip replacement side - initially landing on his knee and shoulder. A neighbor's son had just arrived to spend some time with his mom - heard a moan - and got to Jim before I could get shoes on and get outside. Of course Jim was indignant, but with Gehrig's strength, we managed to get Jim on his feet. Jim came into the house - for about 5 minutes - then headed back outside and I was immediately following him.

Slush (from the main road) had accumulated at the end of the driveway and Jim was insistent that it needed to be removed before it froze so I began to help him heave the heavy substance from the driveway. He became quite upset at me reminding me that I could fall and be injured - and am afraid I was not a verbally diplomatic wife - guess it was lucky that windows were closed in the neighborhood - otherwise the police would probably have been called. Anyway, I know it will happen again so I have my "travel" bag packed with underclothes and toiletries so that all I need to add would be some clothes - in case we end up at the hospital again! This "planning ahead" of course also hasn't gone over too well.

Jim went with Don and David to KC this week and they saw a movie with "Old Men" in the title. Jim seemed to think it was well done, but didn't think I would have enjoyed it. I went with Pat N. to St. Joseph yesterday - thought Jim might go along, but he opted to have breakfast with the second group of old men.

I've had lunch with the ladies two or three times in the past couple of weeks - always enjoy that.

We have watched basketball and football today - the wrong Texas team showed up at MU and good for the Packers!

We really don't have too much specifically planned for the next several weeks. We need to get to KC at some point as we really like the packaged Marie Calender cornbread mix that we get at Target and Velma will be needing some more trays in a few weeks. We are thinking about going to see "The Bucket List" at some point this coming week.

Be safe.

B.