14th wedding anniversary

Hi

Today was Gary and my 14th wedding anniversary.  I think we have aged some....we have already been to Home Depot, out to dinner (Biaggis) and Gary is already asleep in his chair!  It is only 7 p.m. 

It has been a good day...we both went to the Y....I go to the pool and Gary goes upstairs to exercise.  We were home about 9:30 and then Margie came to clean the house and help me rid my refrigerator of all things with overdue expiration dates.  Hmmm we eat out too much and then things get pushed to the back.  

I really did not do anything productive today and managed to get a little nap in about 1p.m.   I am just about finished with "Loving Frank" and about to start on " a Wolf at the Table".   

I am reading more now more than any other time in my life.   It seems like I was either busy with kids or tired from working.  Everyday I am wanting to hurry with whatever I need to do so I can sit down and read.  

Yesterday I returned to WW and fully expected to gain a lot of weight, since I ate through my whole birthday week!   Surprising, I lost 1/2 a lb.  Anyway, it gives me new hope in continuing to stay in control.  I brought a box home tonight from the restaurant and did not have tiramusi.  

We did not buy anniversary  gifts, as we are still planning to decorate the screened in porch.  If the weather would just get a little warmer, we could start working on the project.  

Well, nothing much on the agenda for tomorrow, but there are a million things I could do around here.  Friday Geneseo girls and myself will go to Peoria to shop at Macy's.  

Later, 

Patty Ann, Patsy Montana, Sister Ann 

Birthday outing with grandchildren and Daughter

Hi everyone, 

I ended my week happily with lunch with Maggie, Jane, and Beth at the Library and then shopping at North Park.   I rarely go there because I don't drive across the bridge...so that was a treat for me. 

Trying on clothes was a little depressing.   Sometimes I feel like I am on the black line at the pool where we step from one side of the line to the other.  That is the way I feel about my weight.  One side of me says...you really need to get this under control and the other side says....you are 72 and do I really care???? Oh well today is another day and I feel pretty much in control.   I have not eaten one dark choc.  yet.  However, it is only 10:30 a.m.  

Margie came over and we all watched "Juno" together.   It was the second time for most of us, but I enjoyed it just as much as the first time.   I think what I liked about it, was how the people were so real and the houses and neighborhoods were like real people.  The Dad was really good in the show...just a real guy but he wanted what was best for his "Junebug".  I liked the step-mother also as she was also committed to Juno and her cause.  I am not a fan of Jennifer Garner....I don't  really know why.

I cooked a roast for dinner last night and invited Gary's mother over.  She rarely eats a really good meal for herself.   I try to have her over when I cook, but isn't too often.  She likes seeing the flowers and trees in bloom.   Without saying she doesn't get to look out the window when she drives at age 95!  Gary picks her up and takes her home.  

The Pest man was here today and I hope that is the last I see of the ants!   He said to call him if they come back.   I am appalled that I had to pay a $4.00 fuel surcharge.  

We are looking forward to  seeing Max in the talent show tonight at Logan.   More later

Mom  

Battle with the Ants

I have spent the whole week celebrating my birthday and I am not done yet. 

I have been fighting with the big black ants!!!   Gary thinks I am getting obsessive about it, but the Pest control cannot come until Mon.  Just when I think I have them all, another shows up.  I have cleared the countertop of everything so I can get a good hit at them.   GRRRR.

We visited Jake and Olivia's classroom today at Franklin.  It was the book fair.  Jake is very shy in school.  Not much has changed since Maggie and Jane were there and all the teachers remembered them.  I thought Mrs. Keppy was kind of short with the children.   Maybe it is a good thing this is her last year.  Mrs. Edwards is still the music teacher and she is really good with the kids.   

The Golden girls (my classmates) had lunch today at Lavender Crest Winery.  We had a meeting discussing our plans for our 55th class reunion next year.     We decided not to meet their because they charge $250 rental and then we would have to share the room.  Most are not in to the loud music any more. 

I started my new book "Loving Frank".  I need to get something on my goodread site. 

Chris will be here June 4th and that will be my goal to have the porch done....I hope the ants are gone. 

It is after 10 p.m. 

Until Later, 

My 72nd birthday

Hi Kids, 

Yesterday was my 72nd birthday (72 reminds me of "orange and blue in '72") and Huppert 4 squared....which I never really knew what that meant.  That was in the past and this is now.  My birthday was one of my happiest yesterday.  Gary really is with me on redoing the porch and we purchased the porch swing.  It is sort of sitting in the middle of a mess right now, but I can vision it to be in one of our favorite places this summer.  

Beth and Dan and Margie and Scott and Max invited Gary and I to the Cellar restaurant (my favorite) last night for dinner.  I never tire of their charcoaled broiled shrimp and the crisp lettuce.   Max says "is this moist lettuce or dry like ours Mom?"  I love it...almost as much as are "black pancakes ok to eat?"  

After dinner Maggie and Jane joined us for ice cream and cake.  Cake made by Margie and also my favorite....white with white frosting. My gifts were really unique.   I can't describe the inspiration blocks of wood or I would be here all day.   I will say that I find it fun to put a new saying up every so often.   We have made a date for Sat.  for all of us to watch "Juno".  I love Ellen Page and I hope she will become a GREAT actress you won't forget about soon. 

I missed going to the pool this a.m.....but I am going to get a pedicure at 11:15.   I wish I had the nerve to wear the "satin blue" that Beth had on last night.   HMMMM   I think I shall look at the new colors today.   Who cares????

Tomorrow the girls from Geneseo and myself will be going to Peoria for lunch, Macy's and Trader Joes. 

Later Gator, 

Patricia Swanson Vandemore Davison Hansen....WOW....I could be 92 with that resume....Ha Ha!!!! 

Cat emergency at Karen's house

Dear readers,


Yesterday would have been somewhat uneventful, except I received a frantic call from my friend Karen. Seems she is doing some remodeling in her bathroom and the floor was rotted out in a small section. Marley (the cat) fell in the hole. Gary thinks she just went down there to look around. Anyway, I went over to help her....considering that I dislike cats this was a big favor. She was down on her hands and knees with a flashlight trying to coax Marley out of the hole. She was talking to that cat like it was her child....."Mommy's not mad at you, please come out" Hmmmm my only suggestion was...go and get her favorite treats and then she may come out. What do you know the cat hater solved the problem!!!!


Last night I watched 3 episodes of Clatterford BBC video. A birthday gift from Chris. It took me a little while to catch on to the accent, but then I really got into the story. It is nice to start at the beginning and know what is going on. I think it is a bunch of old biddies that belong to a church club and the Vicar is very funny. He would be funnier if he had to deal with Hyainth (sp). Anyway, I couldn't help noticing the difference between (I can't believe I had to sound that word out) Back to the video....in our sitcoms you wouldn't see anyone in torn clothes and pulling people around in wagons hooked up to J.D. tractors. One of the ladies has 2 personalities and one is looney as a looney bird with her false teeth falling out!!! I can't wait to get back to the grieving widow who now has her daughter and grandson (who happens to be black) living with her. Hmmmmm that has not been explained yet.


Gary has a Dr. appt. this p.m. and I am hoping that he will stop at Home Depot and get some things that need to be done around here. I am pouting about my porch, he keeps leading me on and then OOPs! Sorry....Oh well, I have everything I need and "it is was it is".


I am sooo looking forward to my birthday week! It starts with Sun. going to my favorite restaurant (the Cellar). and everyday is a celebration with the end very special with lunch with my 2 granddaughters on Sat. I am blessed to have a wonderful family and great friends.


Later Gator

The month of April

Hi to all my readers..... 

The month of April is very special to me, as I will celebrating my 72nd birthday and Gary and my 14th anniversay.   Hmmmm seems longer than that....   You could always count on the weather being nice and springee when my birthday comes around, but not sure about this year.  My Dad was born on the same day as me and we always celebrated together when he was alive.   He would be 103 if he were still alive on 20 April, 2008.  Every year it seems like I have something to do every day of the week of my birthday.   I guess that isn't too bad for an old lady, but a little frustrating for me if you know how I like to keep everything in some order.  A little ADD there I think.  Who knows.   

I just finished "The Boelyn inheritance" book and Gary threaten to hide it because I was ignoring him.   I think he was just worried about his stomach.  I am not sure why I am attracted to the books that are somewhat gruesome.....and have now bought 2 more of Gregory's books about Henry VIII.  I think I will read something a little lighter in between.  I guess it is just my nature when I start on one thing...I just keep obsessing???   Is that the word I want to use.  Like I go from all Blue to all RED.  All gold jewelry and then all silver.   Yikes!!!

Last night we attended a benefit at the Arsanal Country club with Doris and Bill Park and Scott and Margery.  We were invited by Doris.   I thought it was very elegant, but Gary was grumby...not sure why except that he had to wear a tie and then reminded me that it was not necessary.   Ok...I am going to quit dressing him...just because I think I do a better job...I need to let him be himself.    Just writing and venting....this too shall pass and "it is what it is".

Okay now about this Church thing....boy I am in a mess!!!   I wish I would have kept my mouth shut about being upset with the unChristen Friendship tea.   Now we have Jerry's Church....Elim, First Covenant, Lesley wants us to visit her church and I know we would be welcome at Margie's church......Oh boy.....Gary is completely mesmerized by Jerry and I like him too.   This will work out.....I am confident. 

"Juno" is on DVD and I think that I shall either buy it or rent it today....I loved that movie almost as much as the "good bye Girl.  

Later, 

Patty Ann          

Bonding time with Max

This was a very unique day spending most of the day with Max.  He does not have a lot of free time to spend with us and we were so looking forward to being with him today.  

We started the day by going to a meeting in Eldridge, IA., a support group for people who have the "neck" like me.   My Dr. was the key speaker.   I am most grateful everyday for Botox.   It keeps me somewhat normal and sane.  

We had lunch at Panera's and then picked Max up at his house.  We first went to a model RR display and then to South Park to look for a webcan (sp).  We first went to Kirlins, but he was a little shopper and wanted to go to Coach House.  After much thought he picked a brown doggie, which he named Chocolate.  Jane was working so we wandered down there and picked up some blue crocs for him for spring.  I asked him if he wanted to get Chinese or have pancakes for dinner.   He chose pancakes at home.   We needed to go grocery shopping and had much help from Max.  While he was registering his doggie, I was making pancakes.  I called him for dinner and he took one look at the pancakes and said "is it okay to eat black pancakes?"  Gary and I could not keep a straight face.   Now I have to admit that I am 72 years old and have more than 50 years of cooking, but I have to admit that I am not as good a cook as my daughters!!!! 

He cleaned his plate with two big (black) pancakes and 2 sausages (that he picked up at the grocery), a glass of milk and wanted to know what was for dessert!!!!   He suddenly remembered that he had picked up a little container of mint choc. chip ice cream.  

It was a happy day with Max and later a visit from the girls.  Maggie looked so cute with her pigtails and Jane in her new burmuda shorts.  

Gary kept a low profile, but always willing to drive us around. 

We have a busy week coming up with Eastern Star stuff and Gary has a MRI on Wed.   I will keep you posted. 

Love and Hugs, 

 

Everyday things

I am going to a Red Hat luncheon today with Dixie, Carol Jo, and Verla.   It suddenly occurred to me that all 3 are widows except me.  life is changing for all of us.  I read that to be able to stay healthy at an old age, you need to be adaptable.   Well, I guess we really don't have a choice.  Hmmmm I could work on my driving, but I have gotten along so far.....  

I started back at the Y swim class and WOW I do feel so much better.   I didn't realize what a difference it makes in your mobility.   I love all the people in the class, they each have a special personality and we seem to know each other really well by first name only. 

Beth and Dan were here for dinner last night.  It sometimes startles me a bit to see them without the girls, but this will be more and more.   They have done a good job of raising those girls and I am confident that they will get their educations and have a good life.  I am always grateful that I had my parents for parents....some kids just don't have a chance at life without good parenting.  

Gary is working today and has finally settled down to the $71.00 I spent for the butter boat for Lora.  What else do you get for someone who has everything????

I am sooo grateful today that the sun in shining and that Margie has cleaned by house so I can go galavating (sp) around.  I am grateful for Beth and her new figure and her job that she loves at Augie.   I am grateful for Chris for calling me everyday on the train.   So sweet....I can't wait to see him.  I have everything I need.....but there's always something to want!!!!!  

Til Later 

ps.   I forgot to give Beth the better picture of us.....