Last day of September

Hi Everyone, 

I think I am over the shock of the financial crisis for  a little while.   I was getting so nervous thinking we would be losing all our money (what little there is).  I know now that stress is what makes my neck turn, but that is another story. 

Today I feel really well and walked 2 miles in the brisk morning air.  I love the fall weather and I think it is finally here to stay.  Later Gary drove me to Dr. Johnson's office.   I was sure that I had broken a cap and it was going to be very costly to replace.  What a surprise to find out it was my very own tooth and just needed some bonding.  We stopped at 4-seasons to return a blouse and then went to J.D. commons and bought a formal dress shirt for Gary to wear with his tux.  He really needs a new tux, but I will work on that later.  He has lost so much weight that he looks like a little boy wearing his daddy's clothes!!!!   (in the tux)  We ate lunch at the River House in the Commons and stopped at a lovely little bakery near by.   The man running the bakery said he had been on "Food network" and we didn't even know he was in town.   I said to Gary....do we live in a cave or what??? 

I did get my nap in this p.m.  and paid all the bills and have a little left over. 

I wrote to Tim and Fumie about their visit on Oct 17, but have not heard back from them.   Lesley replied that she will not be available that week-end as they have soccer games.  Tom and family will be coming also for the twins birthday party.   I get a little panicky too soon....I really don't mind all the company....just need a little help.   This too shall pass....

Until later, 

Patty Ann 

September...the days are short

Hi everyone...

Well, what has happened????  I don't want you to think I have been sitting in my rocking chair for 2 weeks. 

My friend from CA, Janet, was here on Mon.  Sep 22.  We had a nice bonding and also it was Maggie's birthday.  What a girl...she will do great things in the future.  

We took Janet to Davenport on Tues. morning after I dried and curled her hair.   It was like high school all over again.   LOL 

Wed was lunch with my classmates..we are really bonding now as 1/3 of our class are now deceased.   Yikes!!!

I was home all day on Thurs. by myself in the house.....Heaven!!!   Friday was a little piece of heaven also because I rode to Chicago with my 2 daughters.  I hope they enjoyed the trip as much as I did.   I don't get to be alone with them very often and it was a real treat.   I am proud of both of them.  Why do they say Chris is my favorite??????  Hee Hee!   I wonder what Chris thinks.   

Sat. I put my application in at Von Maur to work with the gift wrapping for the Christmas season.   I have mixed emotions about it.  I love to wrap presents and think I do pretty good at it.  However, I am such a "at home" person.   I just love being home.  Gary always says "why don't you go to work and then when I do....he says why do you want to leave me?????   Confusion sets in.   I guess I am a little worried if I have the strength to do the job...it has been 6 years since I worked.  This too shall pass.....one can always quit, but that is not my plan.   I like to finish what I start, but also know my limitations.  

More to come....we are off to Elim this a.m.   I don't want to go to the hayrack ride, the air is too heavy to sit out that long.

I forgot we also went to the pumpkin patch with Max, Jake and Olivia last week and yesterday we went to Jake's soccer game. 

More to come later...

Love, 

Mom  

. 

Walking in Homewood

I lost my house key on Tues and found it on Thurs!!!!!   Last night I went to a fundraiser at Illini hospital with Karen.   I can't believe I turned down a nice dinner party invitation to play bingo!!!!  To top it all off...Karen invited all of us and then said we would have to fend for ourselves as she had to go to choir practice..   I never learn  my lesson about Karen.   She is always late and disorganized.   You can't help but love her, but sometimes she really tests your patience. 

Today was Dr. Mac and then on to North Park.   Gary was a gem today....running me around and not a peep.  I guess after 15 years, he has finally realized my silly ways. I try to remember to tell him how much I appreciate him and how much it means to me that he is predictable.   

Max was here yesterday to earn some extra money for something he wanted really bad...I think he will be back on Sun. for a visit and then on Wed.   we are taking all the little ones to the pumpkin patch.  I have a lot to do before then....Mon is Maggie's birthday and Janet arrives.... Tues we take Janet to Davenport.   Wed is Golden Girls.  A busy week as usual, I have not had time to take my usual nap lately.   

Until later, 

Patty Ann 

it can't be 10 days!!!!

We have been busy already this fall.   We had a trip to Chicago to visit with friends we met in AZ.  This weekend be had Olivia and Jake here.  They are cute and sweet.  Olivia is a bit of a challenge.  She has a natural obsession to feel everything.   It could be good or sometimes messy.  We took them to paint a penquin yesterday and today we went to the Putnum.  We took them home about 4 p.m.   We really had intended to visit the pumpkin patch, but we have had rain, rain and more rain.  We have a little rain in the basement, but can't complain after what other people have gone through in TX.  

Tomorrow is swimming and a meeting tomorrow night.  Thurs. Dixie and I are starting WW again together.   I think I a little envious of Gary with his 40 lb. weight loss.  

Friday was cousin day at Sandi Rice's house, I did not attend.   I think I was just out of steam.  Dixie told me that she picked up Pauline and she told her that my brother had been physical and mentally abusive for 50 some years.  Wow my brain has a hard time wrapping that around it!!!  It is sad that the last chapter of their lives will be so unhappy and just plain awkward. 

I hope everyone has a good week....more later. 

Mom 

COOL.....and loving it!

I have to back track a little first.   On Sunday night we had all the (my) kids here for dinner.  It was too hot to make S'mores, but it will get cold soon.   I was disappointed that Maggie's birthday is the same day that Janet is coming to town to spend the night.   However, we will work something out.  

On Labor day we took Jake and Max to the Carnival in Keewanee.   Let me remember not to do this again next year.  Jake has a memory like an elephant and was remembering from last year.   It was entirely too hot for me (90 deg) and I worry about the kids on the rides.  You feel so responsible.  Well we made it home safe and sound and everyone had a good time.  I was so exhausted that I went to bed at 8:30.  

Yesterday was a quiet day at home...I walked in the morning with Vida and then did some laundry and watched the R. convention.  Gary was home all day...working on his ferris wheel. 

Today I went to the pool, paid the taxes and Margie is here cleaning.  Thanks to Beth for the link to the dress....I ordered it and the dress was 1/2 price....really a steal for a Eileen Fisher.   It should make a great Christmas dress. 

I have a Dr. appt. this p.m. and need to pick up pants for Gary and pants for Pat and go to the grocery store.   I have a pretty full day.  We are planning to go to Chicago to visit with Diane and Ralph on Fri.   I hope we are home the same day, but if not early on Sat.  as I want to go to the Pops concert on Sat. night. 

I hope Chris is doing okay with the fence in his yard.   It is always SOMETHING!   

Love, 

Mom