SPA DAY

I went to the spa yesterday (Nov 12th) and it is still working on me today, and today I have made a pack to do it again!!! I arrived at Pat & Bill's in Valpo.at 10:ooam and took Gramps into the house alittle small talk and Gramps had to go to the bath room. We could not get him into the bathroom with his chair so Pat had a porta poddy from when she broke her back,so she got it in the front room and we put him on the pot. We had a nice visit and he still could not go soooo we were going to be late for my Spa appointment. Pat called and told them we would be late and waited. Good old Bill said go ahead and take Mom and come back for Dad later.
she dropped me off and went back to her house. Dad still on the pot but did'nt go so waited 1hr and then brought him back to pick me up. While they were gone and I was at the spa I was getting special attention and loveing every minute of it. She started with head & oiled her hands up and went through my whole head. At first I thought oh no my hair but after a few strokes on my scalp I could care lest about my hair. She worked my whole front and just about had me to sleep but I did'nt want to miss a minute of this so waited for more. She had me roll over and started on my neck and back. Now I thought I had passed away and was in heaven. she then brought out her last trick which was two rocks and placed the hot rocks exactlywhere I wanted them, how did she know that? I laid there a while longer and then she told me I could get up and get dressed. Was she kidding????? My legs were like soft butter and I was supose to get dressed? They have no mirrors in there and now I know why. I finally got dressed and made my way to the front desk. Pat was waiting for me and said I looked like I needed a nap. Little did she know i was still asleep!! She drove us to a Mexican resturant as was my request unloaded Gramps from the van and go up to the door. Well we couldnot enter as it was not handicapped acessable back into the van and off to a chinese resturant. We got seated in there and had a fine dinner. After 3 pots of tea and a full tummy I was waking up. Now it was time for my manicure so Pat & Gramps followed me in to the nail parlor. Got my nails done and went to the van and I touched the van door and ruin one nail. Pat said go in again and see if they will fix it. They were verry nice and fixed it but told Pat to please put the seat belt on me. Took Pat back home after a full day out and said good-by. Thank you Pat Karen & Kevin for my wonderful day and happy birthday to ME.

Back Again

Well I finally have something to talk about besides care giving. It started along time ago with tickets to see the Jersey Boys up in Chicago Oct 14th. Chuck seen the big stretch Lino coming around the corner. It was white and it just kept coming. My eyes must have bugged out of my head as Pat who was here to care for Chuck said she wished she had a picture of me!!! I ran to the Limo (which was taking us to the show) and slowly started to get in. I mean slowly as it was so low my knees were under my chin. I was afriad I wasn't going to make it so I gave my self a pep talk and made my knees lift me up off the floor. There were 10 of us going so as I finally found a seat they were all laughing already and the show hadnt even started or as I thought maybe it had. The inside of a lomo is dark and had sexy lights running all around in it. I even seen a bar which of course I would'nt have missed anyway. No drinks were served as we hadnt planed that in time. We got to the theater and now the problem of getting up to get out. After sitting for at least an hour or longer I wished I did have a drink or two to help me get out of this limo. I crawled out as best I could and found me on the sidewalk as the curb was higher then I was and it was a real struggle. Now I know why the Limo's are for teenage kids going to the prom!!! The show was great and we all enjoyed it so much we were still singing all the way home. I sat next to a little old sady with white hair and very frail. Here Husband was home alone and she was anxious to see him. She said all he does all day is watch the stock market from 9:00 till closing. Well the language at the show had taught her a few bad words,as they were from Jersey!!! She looked at me and said as soon as she got home she was going to look at him and ask him how the F___ was your day???? We would have fallen to the floor laughing but we were already so low we thought we were on the floor. We laughted all the way home and had a great time for old ladies I guess. I lost my driving lisense some where and so the next day I went to the bureau and it was raining so it was slow and I got waited on. I heard them singing and fooling around ao I broke into song and sang I LOVE YOU BABY ETC ETC then they all sang along with me. After a few more songs like WALK LIKE A MAN--- we got down to business and I got a new lisense. See what happenes to me when I get out once in a while!!!!
I was still singing when I got another big surprise. Sunday the 18th of Oct Meg & Kate came to see us. It was a wonderful surprise and we got a lot of things done around the house. These girls are so talented they made Gramps a night hat and other interesting things. They were here for my jewelry party Tues. and made it a great sucess. They decorated the house and made food to eat and I was a good hostess because of them. Pat was the Advisor for Lia Sophia and did a good job.

Easter

Hi,Things have been happening so I guess I will blog a few.The big news in the neighborhood is a new window at Sue's house. They had a double hung window put into their dinning room like we have. Now they have plenty of light in there and are a waiting on the new blinds. All the neighbors were watching as they don't ever not know what is going on in the CIRCLE.That could be a good thing too. I had a visit to the heart Dr. and had some bad news as I thought I was just fine.I am having an Angioplasty proceedure Momday April 20th. I hate this as I have had it before and really hope for the best. Only God has me in his hands and who better could I have with me. Pat will be with Gramps and take care of him until I come home. It could be that night or the next day it all depends on what they find. We had a great Easter and were over at Pat & Bill's. We had way to much to eat but it was all good and we enjoyed it all. We had a lamb cake for dessert like we needed that!!! The best news is Sue has had her surgery and is doing GREAT. I love seeing her walk like her normal gait and not in all the pain she is used to induring. We will be walking around the block together soon. Pat is have a jewelry party the17th and me and Gramps are going. Bill will take care of him so we can party.I have my eye on some rings or earrings and hope to get them. We went to visit Sue & Fred last night and had dinner with them and Gramps could see for himself how good Sue is walking. It was a real chore getting him there as he does not walk very steady and they don't have a ramp to get into the house. With Fred's help we got him in and out of the house ok. When I got him home we discovered the fire place was on and the temp had reached 80 degrees in there and it was like a blast furnace for about an hour or so. I opened the front door and Chuck was freezing he said(as it was only 75o in there then) Thank the kids for his blanket they made him as he is always rapped up in it. I had our bedroom window open and when we went to bed I was finally cool. He had on his night cap ,flanel pj's, and socks and so he fell asleep the minute his head hits the pillow. How do MEN do that!!!!! Pray for me and I'm sure all will go well.

Tatoo Fun

n

ST. Patty's Day

Hi all, We had a great day with Pat & Bill on St Patrick's Day. We invited Sue & Fred but Sue got the flu and could'nt come. I had cooked enough for an army and so was upset over not having a bigger attendance. I had put on so many Irish tattoo's that I was starting to believe I was Irish. I had the pot of gold on my hip and Bill wouldn't even look. After we had started to eat the phone rang and Tommy called and asked if he could come over and visit. We were delighted as we had enough food for an Army!!! Like I said that before. I had made a zwieback pie (Gramps favorite) for desert as I had promised him on his birthday (the 29th of Jan) so we even had desert. I wanted to send home some left overs for Sue but she had said --DO NoT SEND ME ANY LEFTOVERS. I wonder why???? We had a good visit and I had a couple Irish Beers (as by know I was Irish) in every way. When everyone left we were watching some TV and Bridget called to say she and Justin would be over to see us the next day. Justin had not been to see us since we moved in over a year ago so we were looking forward to seeing him. We had plenty of food leftover Cornbeef & cabbage & potatoes & carrots as I cooked enough for an Army SOOOO we had a wonderful vist with him and had a few surprises too. He dyed his hair blond and had a tatoo on his arm too. He looked great and I made him some breakfast as Gramps & I hadent eaten yet. He told us all about school and his studies and realy likes it a lot. Well I guess Gramps & I have not been to lonely for a while and plan on going shooping next week for more suplies as we don't have a thing in the house!!!HA HA

The Blue's are Gone

Hi everyone sorry about my pity party last time I wrote. Now I am cured and feeling up up up!!!! The Maurer's came and surprised us Friday night. We were sitting watching a movie when the telephone rang and it was Jennifer saying they were at OHare and would be here in 2 hrs. It was really a surprise and we were happy to hear we were getting company. They arrived and we got the beds ready and had a good visit until 11:00pm. That was a new experience as We usually hit the hay at nine thirty. We had a waffle,bacon and strawberries breakfast and played with Pipen and the kids and worked on getting things fixed on the computer that I was having trouble with. Went for a walk with Jen & Gavin when the rain was coming and the sky was black so took a short cut around the pond and walked along the rocks. I lost my balance once and almost went into the water but Jennifer was there to save me and all was well. We wanted to see the fan they put in on the roof and where the noise we hear all night is coming from. Sure enough it was right in my bedroom over my bed. I wear ear plugs so it helps. Between Chuck snoring and the fan going I try to sleep. They tell me I do sleep so I guess I do!!!! We had a drink and played a game they brought called Dr. good (or something like that) and I won. It was a lot of fun.We made a nice dinner of flet mignon,baked potatoes,califlower,corn,salad and apple sauce. It was very good except it was to rare for me and Jen so we cooked ours a little more. it was great. We played domino's in the evening and Gavin got tired and went to bed. We played on until 11:00pm and then quit.Jennifer won that game. The time changed so it was really 10:00pm. When I woke up everyone was dressed ( I slept in) and the beds were all put away so I said to Chuck --We better get up and count the silver as they are all packed up and ready to go. All in all it was a great visit and really got us over our blues. I'm having a St Patrick's Day dinner here of cornbeef & cabbage the 17th with Pat,Bill,Sue & Fred so I'm busy looking forward to that. Just how I like it busy busy busy. Thanks to Maurer's we are all set to go. Love til next time

The Last day of Febuary

Well here I am--I'm not on much and you wonder why???? Because my life is not that interesting and some may feal a little boring. We got up this morning and that alone was a plus!!!! I pulled up the blinds and made some coffee. Then comes the real important part doing the pills for the day. Turn on the TV to see the bad news of the day and pour some coffee for me . Start to sit and watch the news and then hear my husband calling BONNIE. I take some apple sauce in to give him his morning pills and hand him his pc pipe that he has to exercise his upper body. Go back to the kitchen and have a sip of coffee again and then hear another cry BONNIE. Go into the bedroom and help him exercise his legs and change his catheter. Get him washed and ready to roll out of bed with a little help and proceed to dress him for the big day. Now we are ready for breakfast except he never knows what he wants. I decide for us and so we eat. I go get myself dressed as the phone will be ringing and the door bell ringing most of the day with important Dr Appointments or nurse or bath aid comming. Some days we could use a revolving door and then other days it remains quite. He is through with PT and OT now so we have more time to --- to---- do nothing. We don't have any exciting things happening like a man coming through the celling or maybe I would enjoy the company. This is how it is except I did'nt get to lunch or dinner. We do end up with a good evening as we can look forward to "The Wheel of Fortune" and
"American Idol"Whooppeeeeeee! we do everything in reverse go to bed and wake up(if were lucky) and start it all over again. Hope I did'nt bore you but thats our life in a nut shell. Love to all until next time.

Party For Chuck's 80th Birthday

Karen & Kate arrived on Jan.31st and we were at the Dr's for Chuck. We were happy to see them here safe and sound. A short time later the Maurer's & Seiler's got here and the fun started from then until they left. The kids were happy to be here also as it is a long time to travel. We got to meet Pippen the new dog of the Maurer's. He is the sweetest little dog we have ever seen and we loved having him. We had a big spaghetti & meatball dinner with garlic bread plus some gratted cheese on top. I gave them a song as I grated the cheese which was O SOL LO MIA and Liam got the giggles and made us all laugh. Well after that they all wanted some cheese on theirs. The blow up bed's were blown up and they filled the living room floor. There was a little arguing about who slept with who and where, but after a little crying it was all decided and we went to bed. We had some sweet rolls and they went over pretty good for breakfast but Kate found her strawberries and whipping cream and they all had a little of that too. I took a few things over to the church hall and checked it out. It was very nice but a little cold so we blew up some balloones and left. The party was starting at four so we went home and prepared the food and did some chores. The party was a great success and the kids played hard and ate harty . We had a party crasher a sweet old man wandered into the hall. I went up to him and asked him if he would like some pizza and salad and he said yes he would like that. I found out he was coming from church and heard the noise and came to see what was happenening. He stayed and had a little food and then I asked him his name and he said it was Larry. It happenes his wife was in the hospital and he was all alone. I'm glad we were there to meet him as I do not know any one at church yet. Now I have a friend called Larry and will look for him at the next Mass and ask him how his wife is doing? I fell after we left the hall and got a big bruse on my thigh and a big sore on my wrist . The girls put ice on me when we got home so I'm doing fine now. The girls are so smart they can do anything . They took the list I make for Bob and did it all. They climbed into the attic to put a few things away and found we had a mold and wet attic up there. They even took pictures so I could show the builder and I did just that. He is going to take care of it soon. Hhooooray for the girls as we have had men up there many time and they never saw it. We have been blessed with such wonderfull grandchildren & greats that we can not began to thank everyone for all the help they have been.We both love you and hope that you know how much you are treasured by us. We had a wonderfull time with all and can't wait until we meet again.

Colder than a well digger's ass

Hi,everyone--It's cold and our blood is still reading Florida's weather. How many years is it going to take??? I try ed to put up a picture but I guess I need help. We started out with a great January. Had the tree taken down with help from Fred & Sue and set a date for Chuck to go into Rehab at St Mary's hospital. He liked his stay pretty well and he sad the food was good. I went back and forth for 9 days and the weather was icy and slow going. About 1hr up and 1hr back. I was getting pooped and ready for Chuck to come home. They helped him as much as they could and everyone was good and kind. He took out a dinning table, hospital bed some chairs and a few other things with his Jazzy while there but got some new good tips on exercise,voice control, dressing himself with a little less help from me. It was a great experience for him & me. We are going to have a lot of help from Visiting nurse Association. Speech, OT, and PT, and a aid to do his showering. I think we need a revloving door put in. As you can see life is'nt a bowl of cheeries around here but we still have fun when our company come and help us and bring some joy to our lifes. Chuck's 80th birthday is coming the 29th and we are going to celebrate it on the 31st with everyone.(wheather permitting) I would be sounding like I need a PITY PARTY huh????? Love is all around me and I just have to reach out and get it. I'm lighting all my candles and not saving them,I'm spending money, I'm breathing, and I'm eating good--what else could I want!!! Hope to see everyone soooooon