That's a weird title sort of an “what if” since we watched the movie 2012 it has rambled around my head. If that being, this is our last Christmas. Now, I'm not saying I believe in all the hype but it does make you think. What if........Knowing this, what would you do on your last Christmas?
For Christmas eve my grandparents wanted our family to spend it with them, usually we stop over on Christmas morning and open presents there.
Luke and Julie and the kids were there running around the house getting acquainted with everything again. Julie looked beat. Jacks rolled in late that afternoon with a huge smile on his face, before he knew it the runts were all over him.
Luke, he and I were going to go down town for a while and see some friends. Whatever it is about the holiday/end of the year, seeing old friends from school and work is different. Its like an affirmation of “we made it through another year”. We sat at our favorite downtown cafe and people watched and laughed. We snuck in the house not too late but everyone was already in bed.
That morning was pancakes and bacon and cereal to gobble up, we had a busy afternoon of going out and visiting other family and friends and catching that new western movie True Grit.
Since my G insisted on no presents this year, she couldn't shop for us because of the surgery so she didn't want any from us. It was semi The Year Without A Santa Clause at the house. Her normal feast she cooked, with planning days ahead wasn't to be, if it weren't for Mom insisting we can make it a family effort and letting G supervise, it would have been takeout for us. Jacks and Lori worked on desserts -- oatmeal cookies with and without raisins and a white pan cake with some sticky marshmallow type icing splattered with red and green sprinkles. Mom and Julie were on turkey detail and main courses and overall management. Luke worked on different sides. PG was on twins duty, more like the twins were on PG watch.
It made dinner somewhat more tasty and filling. It was a mish mosh of people running here and there washing odds and ends, the occasional “Uh oh” would waif across the room with giggles. We laughed at the lumpy potatoes Luke beat. The over brown rolls I made, the white uneven cake with red and green sprinkles.
We all sat at our respective tables grown ups and kids table, this year Lori sat with the big folk and beamed the whole night. A side the fact that Jacks slipped his tomatoes from his salad on her plate and she fake scowled at him --- nothing ever changes. We ate and talked about past Christmases and the hilarity of some of the wild presents we were given. PG would always tell us about some interesting present he got as a child, it still astonishes Lori that a simple Orange was a cool gift.
There were no presents to unwrap or paper to pack away or boxes to burn later. We didn't have to worry about next year pulling down tree decorations or lights on the house. It was nice just to sit and enjoy family. We sat and read the paper or talked or watched movies. Why haven't we attempted this before, I see now it really isn't the boxes or packages or lights that make the season.......
After spending the whole day we needed to get back to my parents house and see what Santa had left us, in some way I felt like the little guys were cheated because they had to wait so long to open presents but they didn't seem to mind. The littlest guys really didn't get the concept and Kyle and Camen were promised three Santa visits if they could hold out. So they enjoyed one at mom and dads, then when they made it home they had another and then of course at Julies mom and dads. What a life.....
We opened our gifts and gave our hugs and thanks and wondered how Julie, Luke and Jacks were going to make it home since the northern part of the state had its first white Christmas ever with over 6 inches of snow.
So for our 'next to last' Christmas it was pleasant and enjoyable.
Saturday, December 25
Sunday, December 19
Tis the reason
So G is home now out of rehab walking every day in the church gym making laps. Shes been out a good 2 weeks now still weak but shes chugging along. Worry set in last Friday when we found out she had some “infection” where her incision is draining. Now, I put the word infection in quotes because they aren't certain what type it is, shes worried that its a staph infection. Of course they don't use that word its just a infection of some sort. HOW!! How can this be? The night before the surgery the poor thing was shaved, had to bath 3 times with a special soap. Then bathed again that morning and just before the surgery she was swabbed down with some yellow crap that is pealing off of her skin right now.
I asked her how this comes about and she said the tools used in the surgery were NOT cleaned properly. Why? Why would someone that is responsible for cleaning the surgical tools not be efficient in that one very important job? Now you say “Mark microorganisms are some times hard to clean”, sure I accept that. But I would be damn sure they were cleaned, my gosh the woman was contorted to some finger numbing shape to let the doctor get to crack open her chest and worked on for over 5 hours. Sat in that hospital nearly three weeks being poked and prodded in pain only to find out the tools to work on her weren't properly cleaned. She was an RN in her younger years and she told of all the steps the scrub nurse had to do to clean the tools in her day. Lots of steps are involved, she also said it was rare to hear of a infection after the surgery.
I'm mad that G is now going to an infectious/disease doctor every morning for the next two weeks to get an IV full of antibiotics pumped into her. Its also the fact that the hospital there is full of other patients....does this mean they had the same problem? Does this mean the surgical instruments used on them weren't cleaned properly as well?
The first night the concoction made her sick, so the next morning she had to request another type to be used. She goes in at eight thirty every morning and is out by ten. Two weeks of this daily treatment even on Christmas day. I'm grateful to have her with us on the holidays but not too happy about these latest events..... we will see where this leads us....
I asked her how this comes about and she said the tools used in the surgery were NOT cleaned properly. Why? Why would someone that is responsible for cleaning the surgical tools not be efficient in that one very important job? Now you say “Mark microorganisms are some times hard to clean”, sure I accept that. But I would be damn sure they were cleaned, my gosh the woman was contorted to some finger numbing shape to let the doctor get to crack open her chest and worked on for over 5 hours. Sat in that hospital nearly three weeks being poked and prodded in pain only to find out the tools to work on her weren't properly cleaned. She was an RN in her younger years and she told of all the steps the scrub nurse had to do to clean the tools in her day. Lots of steps are involved, she also said it was rare to hear of a infection after the surgery.
I'm mad that G is now going to an infectious/disease doctor every morning for the next two weeks to get an IV full of antibiotics pumped into her. Its also the fact that the hospital there is full of other patients....does this mean they had the same problem? Does this mean the surgical instruments used on them weren't cleaned properly as well?
The first night the concoction made her sick, so the next morning she had to request another type to be used. She goes in at eight thirty every morning and is out by ten. Two weeks of this daily treatment even on Christmas day. I'm grateful to have her with us on the holidays but not too happy about these latest events..... we will see where this leads us....
Thursday, November 25
Yum Yum!!
We feasted like royalty tonight, G was given a pass for the day from the rehabilitation hospital which was a welcome from the small cramped room. Long days there just sitting around can be so tiresome to a night at Paula Deans restaurant and the rest of the night at home was just what we all needed. I ate like there was a shortage of food so did Luke and Jacks. After we made it home we three flung ourselves on the couches and passed out in the den.
It was just like the old days growing up except in dodging people in line we it used to be football. All the cousins used to get out and play a long game of football.
Those days aren't over just on pause this year. I got a good nap in until I heard the uproarious snoring coming out of Jacks, he never snored when he lived at home I don't know where this came from but it sounded like down from his toenails. It woke Luke up as well which prompted us to smile and use our only defense on him and that's holding his nose till he gasped for air. Well it was some entertainment.
Luke and Julie have been doing daily call ins on their tribe, they left them with Julies parents this whole time. Kyle informed them every dirty deed that Camen pulled and that he was in control of the twins. That his grandparents had no worries with him in charge, Santa promised him a new bike if he was good, old Saint Nick to the rescue.
My Pops decided that it was proper time to invade the house. Hes been out of pocket the majority of the time and not causing trouble for us. Of course we couldn't have a perfect holiday without some mishap and if you know my Pops you know who it was directed to. Jacks has pretty much been avoiding the man like the plague but after the nap Pop seemed to be filled with vim and vigor and needed to pick on someone. Jacks just packed up what he had and left to go my house for the rest of the night and relax. I'm sure so he could talk to that certain someone in private, why I dont know....I witnessed that too.
My mom gave my Pops a scowl and he calmed down and began reading the paper. His mission was complete any way by running Jacks off.
Luke and I broke out the Wii and played a little video football before it was time to take G back to rehab. She was eager to go which was odd to us all, I think she feels safer there for now.
It was just like the old days growing up except in dodging people in line we it used to be football. All the cousins used to get out and play a long game of football.
Those days aren't over just on pause this year. I got a good nap in until I heard the uproarious snoring coming out of Jacks, he never snored when he lived at home I don't know where this came from but it sounded like down from his toenails. It woke Luke up as well which prompted us to smile and use our only defense on him and that's holding his nose till he gasped for air. Well it was some entertainment.
Luke and Julie have been doing daily call ins on their tribe, they left them with Julies parents this whole time. Kyle informed them every dirty deed that Camen pulled and that he was in control of the twins. That his grandparents had no worries with him in charge, Santa promised him a new bike if he was good, old Saint Nick to the rescue.
My Pops decided that it was proper time to invade the house. Hes been out of pocket the majority of the time and not causing trouble for us. Of course we couldn't have a perfect holiday without some mishap and if you know my Pops you know who it was directed to. Jacks has pretty much been avoiding the man like the plague but after the nap Pop seemed to be filled with vim and vigor and needed to pick on someone. Jacks just packed up what he had and left to go my house for the rest of the night and relax. I'm sure so he could talk to that certain someone in private, why I dont know....I witnessed that too.
My mom gave my Pops a scowl and he calmed down and began reading the paper. His mission was complete any way by running Jacks off.
Luke and I broke out the Wii and played a little video football before it was time to take G back to rehab. She was eager to go which was odd to us all, I think she feels safer there for now.
Thursday, November 18
I feel guilty
Although G isn't in perfect health yet in any means, there is a lady here since November 2nd waiting on her husband to wake. The Monday morning we walked in the waiting room she sat with tears in her eyes, he was having a bad day, one of many. I didn't really speak to her much but of course Jacks did. He plopped himself down beside her and they chatted away, typical of him he had a smile on her face in a few hours. Shes watched day after day, family after family as they would progressed on to private rooms. We have, Jacks and I have been banished to the old waiting room with her again. G isn't doing so well on the removing of fluids so she is pretty swollen, they put the catheter back in. Her nerves are pretty well shot and our fidgets doesn't help matters much.
Today at three the lady has made the decision to let her husband go to surgery, I'm not sure exactly what his condition is but he has a a fifty fifty chance on survival. To have to make that kind of choice has to be nerve racking and one I hope I never have to make.
Speaking of Jacks, I don't know where he gets the power or input. Its like he goes into hyper drive to do whatever is needed. Right now he jumps up to walk G at her 4 am walk, she only wants him to help her and he doesn't mind getting up to be with her. He helps her get up from the chair and holds the walker, makes sure she has fresh ice water attached to it so when she stops for her break its there for her. When they return he puts his arm out for her support pulls up the leg on the chair and covers her up. Only for the fact that he dies at the sight of blood he would make a great nurse. Today after we were allowed to go back in the room – the rude nurses shift was over – he took her socks off and put lotion on her swollen ankle. Any woman that gets him will be lucky, she will be spoiled and those that had the chance to have him and lost have really lost out. I wish to be just as patient as him.
Today at three the lady has made the decision to let her husband go to surgery, I'm not sure exactly what his condition is but he has a a fifty fifty chance on survival. To have to make that kind of choice has to be nerve racking and one I hope I never have to make.
Speaking of Jacks, I don't know where he gets the power or input. Its like he goes into hyper drive to do whatever is needed. Right now he jumps up to walk G at her 4 am walk, she only wants him to help her and he doesn't mind getting up to be with her. He helps her get up from the chair and holds the walker, makes sure she has fresh ice water attached to it so when she stops for her break its there for her. When they return he puts his arm out for her support pulls up the leg on the chair and covers her up. Only for the fact that he dies at the sight of blood he would make a great nurse. Today after we were allowed to go back in the room – the rude nurses shift was over – he took her socks off and put lotion on her swollen ankle. Any woman that gets him will be lucky, she will be spoiled and those that had the chance to have him and lost have really lost out. I wish to be just as patient as him.
Wednesday, November 17
Day three
Yesterday was uneventful G sat in her lounge chair with four IVs connected to her plus a chest tube, I glanced at her occasionally to see her pretty slate blue eyes open and shut. She was out of it but still with us.
My PG, I found out, doesn't get the concept of a whisper, no more than four times, I or someone else had to nudge him to tone it down. He thought everyone that came up to inquire about G needed to know that the surgeon had to put off the surgery two hours because he had an emergency the night before. It wouldn't be so bad but the family of the emergency was sitting across the waiting room.
Today G did her first of many laps, Jacks who always wakes with the chickens raced off to her room around five to help in her first go around. Which is surprising to me because he's just as squeamish as I am when it comes to blood and tubes and IVs. As each new family member arrived he beamed about her first lap. She really did well and didn't stop but once.
So now the long days of sitting either in her room or the waiting room begins. The good part is we are seeing some old friends we haven't seen in a while.
I've seen some people from church and Jacks is getting to see a lot of people he hasn't in a long while. I think he sees now how much hes missed, living away and refusing to come home but only for the holidays.
Luke and Julie have been extra helpful driving PG to and from the hospital and making sure he eats at night and changes his clothes for the next day.
My PG, I found out, doesn't get the concept of a whisper, no more than four times, I or someone else had to nudge him to tone it down. He thought everyone that came up to inquire about G needed to know that the surgeon had to put off the surgery two hours because he had an emergency the night before. It wouldn't be so bad but the family of the emergency was sitting across the waiting room.
Today G did her first of many laps, Jacks who always wakes with the chickens raced off to her room around five to help in her first go around. Which is surprising to me because he's just as squeamish as I am when it comes to blood and tubes and IVs. As each new family member arrived he beamed about her first lap. She really did well and didn't stop but once.
So now the long days of sitting either in her room or the waiting room begins. The good part is we are seeing some old friends we haven't seen in a while.
I've seen some people from church and Jacks is getting to see a lot of people he hasn't in a long while. I think he sees now how much hes missed, living away and refusing to come home but only for the holidays.
Luke and Julie have been extra helpful driving PG to and from the hospital and making sure he eats at night and changes his clothes for the next day.
Monday, November 15
Six and a half hours later
Well she made it with flying colors as the doctor would put it, a triple bypass and valve reconstruction. He said he was shocked how well the valve is working now and how poorly it was before. It was a long hard battle I'm sure. I'm thanking God and what ever angels looked over her, now if my mom will relax we will be flying high. She has been getting upset the last few days and her blood pressure has peaked here and there.
Waiting
So right now I've been sitting here what seems days, its only been four hours. G has gone for her surgery on her heart. It was supposed to start around six in the morning but an emergency came in around 3 AM that held up ours for a couple of hours. We all are semi sitting in a large waiting room on those low legged couches, I'm thinking for those that want to sleep they can. I cant sleep at home much less here. Since they are so low to the ground and our legs so long its not very comfortable.
Sitting here in a daze wondering what in store for us next, four hours is a long time sitting and wondering and not knowing.
Sometimes I get aggravated with all the chatter going on around me, I want quiet as if I could possibly hear seven floors down to know whats going on in the operating room. Every few minutes a cart is rolled past and all heads turn. Its nothing but stress and waiting in the room some people just like to talk to pass the time. Lori is trying to read a book and snuggle up to PG.
Jacks, bless him has had nothing but the fun task of waiting after he heard there was to be a surgery he drove straight in and took in camping, his duty was to entertain Lori so they rode the trams, anything to pass the time. I don't know how he withstood it the first five days waiting for a phone calls it was bad enough one day they are doing nothing but a catheter the next they wanted to do balloon and stints and the following its major heart surgery of a bypass and valve reconstruction. Sure it's my grandparent but it's not like she's some old person we never knew, she is and always will be a big part of our lives. I want my kids to know her and to see how wonderful of a person she is. The magic she had with scrapes and bumps and settling battles. She has so much wisdom to share......
Sitting here in a daze wondering what in store for us next, four hours is a long time sitting and wondering and not knowing.
Sometimes I get aggravated with all the chatter going on around me, I want quiet as if I could possibly hear seven floors down to know whats going on in the operating room. Every few minutes a cart is rolled past and all heads turn. Its nothing but stress and waiting in the room some people just like to talk to pass the time. Lori is trying to read a book and snuggle up to PG.
Jacks, bless him has had nothing but the fun task of waiting after he heard there was to be a surgery he drove straight in and took in camping, his duty was to entertain Lori so they rode the trams, anything to pass the time. I don't know how he withstood it the first five days waiting for a phone calls it was bad enough one day they are doing nothing but a catheter the next they wanted to do balloon and stints and the following its major heart surgery of a bypass and valve reconstruction. Sure it's my grandparent but it's not like she's some old person we never knew, she is and always will be a big part of our lives. I want my kids to know her and to see how wonderful of a person she is. The magic she had with scrapes and bumps and settling battles. She has so much wisdom to share......
Sunday, November 7
Just a wait
Well I'm trying something new, today I sit in the hospital waiting area seeing how my G is doing from heart/chest pains. Any cold air hits her and she panics which gives her pains. It must be hard getting old when the weather gets you down. My PG sits in the chair next to her napping off and on. Tomorrow will be more tests to see why she is having these problems. Sundays in the hospital are always an adventure people always make time to visit, so I'm getting the chance to see a few people I haven't in a while. G seems to be doing fine with no pains at the moment.
Monday, October 25
Crawling from out of the hole I've been in.......
Not really, its just been one summer of super hectic rick rolling fun. My Mondays are full of shopping and organizing the two wonderful ladies in my life, OK so I'm their chauffeur and bag carrier and lunch decider. It is sort of fun and my Mom says its good training for my later life..... which makes me worry a bit. The rest of the week is making people smile shuffling the dirt for them.
Speaking of G shes doing well minus the episodes of arthritis in her knees, we shop along with the best of them.
Mom and her blood issues and heart condition seem to be doing fine right now. In fact not to jinx it her last doctors appointment was two thumbs up. So we manage to keep the walking and shopping schedules for each Monday.
Lori is doing great in school as far as I can tell, shes all about cheer leading and of all things boys.....
PG is just PG he has his scheduled naps – at least 3 a day. Hes excited because its time to dip apples in caramel and cinnamon then set them for sale.
My Pops, well hes not changed much. I still avoid him like the plague, anything to keep away from the drama. Hes usually on the road working on his high rise projects in fact hes on the west coast for the next few months working on a nice busy project.
Luke and his bunch are growing and giggling. Last weekend mom and G drove up for a visit to see the twins and some shopping. Mom told me Kyle couldn't be any more like Jacks if he was Jacks. He is everywhere with a color in his hand. He made everyone in church cackle with laughter because he was sitting in the pew holding his little sisters hand. He got the collective “Aww” in which he replied “Don t aww me I'm 5 and cookies are my life!” in other words if he is good and keeps Camen straight then he gets cookies as a reward.
Jacks is busy working like a fool at his job and knocking out school.
Trace and his wife are --- yes folks, expecting a little one some time in March.
So its all rolling along maybe not exactly as planned but is life ever managed to work that way? I figure we all are here and have one another that's aces to me. We just learn to bob and weave with all that's thrown at us.
Speaking of G shes doing well minus the episodes of arthritis in her knees, we shop along with the best of them.
Mom and her blood issues and heart condition seem to be doing fine right now. In fact not to jinx it her last doctors appointment was two thumbs up. So we manage to keep the walking and shopping schedules for each Monday.
Lori is doing great in school as far as I can tell, shes all about cheer leading and of all things boys.....
PG is just PG he has his scheduled naps – at least 3 a day. Hes excited because its time to dip apples in caramel and cinnamon then set them for sale.
My Pops, well hes not changed much. I still avoid him like the plague, anything to keep away from the drama. Hes usually on the road working on his high rise projects in fact hes on the west coast for the next few months working on a nice busy project.
Luke and his bunch are growing and giggling. Last weekend mom and G drove up for a visit to see the twins and some shopping. Mom told me Kyle couldn't be any more like Jacks if he was Jacks. He is everywhere with a color in his hand. He made everyone in church cackle with laughter because he was sitting in the pew holding his little sisters hand. He got the collective “Aww” in which he replied “Don t aww me I'm 5 and cookies are my life!” in other words if he is good and keeps Camen straight then he gets cookies as a reward.
Jacks is busy working like a fool at his job and knocking out school.
Trace and his wife are --- yes folks, expecting a little one some time in March.
So its all rolling along maybe not exactly as planned but is life ever managed to work that way? I figure we all are here and have one another that's aces to me. We just learn to bob and weave with all that's thrown at us.
Thursday, April 29
Mom and her doctors visit.
I didn't sleep well the night before because I worry over this day. This is the one doctors visit my Mom insists I go with her. The whole time she went through her breast cancer and colon cancer she wouldn't let anyone go with her. She even did her treatments for her breast cancer on her own. She insisted that all they were doing was taking a very strong picture of her body and there was no need for the whole family to attend that. Why she wants me to go with her to the heart doctor is beyond me, not that I mind going. But I think maybe that I get as stressed out about the visit as she does. She claims she cant understand the doctor and needs me to translate. It not like hes speaking Spanish, hes Asian.
While we sat and waited for him to come in she you could see her fidget about with her gown, so I would quietly talk to her and tell her the funny things that the guys would do out in the field or saw. This would keep her mind semi off what is about to happen and calm her nerves a bit. Of course her blood pressure was slightly up, which she quickly told the girl that her regular physician has just taken it and it was running on the normal side. I added that shes nervous and the girl grinned and seemed to understand.
A few minutes later the doc walked in, asked her a few minor questions and looked at her EKG. One question he asked her is if she had any pain and she said “no”. She also has one of those glycerin pills she can place under tongue if needed. What bothered me is later on the way out after he patted her on the back and said “see you next year” she mentioned that she does have pain in her chest but not enough to take a pill. Most of the time its if she moves quickly for a long period of time. Part of me wanted to make her turn around and tell him and another didn't. I think she feels if she did tell him then next procedure would be an angioplasty which she really doesn't want to go through or even worse a full bypass. Its not that shes old or over weight but the trauma shes put her body through that's given her this heart condition.
I guess we will have to continue to walk more but slowly and keep eating the salads for lunch on that day.
While we sat and waited for him to come in she you could see her fidget about with her gown, so I would quietly talk to her and tell her the funny things that the guys would do out in the field or saw. This would keep her mind semi off what is about to happen and calm her nerves a bit. Of course her blood pressure was slightly up, which she quickly told the girl that her regular physician has just taken it and it was running on the normal side. I added that shes nervous and the girl grinned and seemed to understand.
A few minutes later the doc walked in, asked her a few minor questions and looked at her EKG. One question he asked her is if she had any pain and she said “no”. She also has one of those glycerin pills she can place under tongue if needed. What bothered me is later on the way out after he patted her on the back and said “see you next year” she mentioned that she does have pain in her chest but not enough to take a pill. Most of the time its if she moves quickly for a long period of time. Part of me wanted to make her turn around and tell him and another didn't. I think she feels if she did tell him then next procedure would be an angioplasty which she really doesn't want to go through or even worse a full bypass. Its not that shes old or over weight but the trauma shes put her body through that's given her this heart condition.
I guess we will have to continue to walk more but slowly and keep eating the salads for lunch on that day.
Monday, April 19
A tiny update
Well the cafe is going very well already to Bees delight. I still try to get in a bit early on Tuesdays to have my lunch. Fridays have started to be fun again, its something I guess being from the south and going out during the cooler months. I don't like it, if it were up to me we would all stay in those months. Now its warming up a bit and doesn't hurt as bad.
I haven't mentioned Chris in a while, one of my very good but very crazy friends. I guess with good forethought I haven't said much about him. Hes settled down some what, I guess having a steady girlfriend does that. He seem not to want to do the weird stunts as much anymore, minus the mini brewery he decided to create. He and his brother live in a small home together and any night now there will be in the news of it blowing its self up from their contraption they've made. He may figure it out soon enough its going to rip into his actual beer costs in making the stuff. You walk in the house and it stinks to high hell but he says you get used to it. I don't see how his girlfriend puts up with it, at least put it in a garage or shed Mr Budweiser.
Mom and I are still doing the Monday walks/shopping. I'm telling you this has been a benefit to me as well. I learned what G likes and dislikes as well as Mom, I get tips on presents for Lori. Thereby I don't give out lame Christmas presents anymore nor I know what to give the ladies at work for whatever occasion that comes about.
Speaking of the girls at work they seem to be getting along very well which is one small feat. Diane and he kids and family are happy in their new home. I think shes seeing now from the tales that Carrie spoke of raising a brood isn't so easy. Carrie is building her home, she worried me for a while when she sold her house and decided to wait a while to build but soon the foundation is going to be poured.
I haven't mentioned Chris in a while, one of my very good but very crazy friends. I guess with good forethought I haven't said much about him. Hes settled down some what, I guess having a steady girlfriend does that. He seem not to want to do the weird stunts as much anymore, minus the mini brewery he decided to create. He and his brother live in a small home together and any night now there will be in the news of it blowing its self up from their contraption they've made. He may figure it out soon enough its going to rip into his actual beer costs in making the stuff. You walk in the house and it stinks to high hell but he says you get used to it. I don't see how his girlfriend puts up with it, at least put it in a garage or shed Mr Budweiser.
Mom and I are still doing the Monday walks/shopping. I'm telling you this has been a benefit to me as well. I learned what G likes and dislikes as well as Mom, I get tips on presents for Lori. Thereby I don't give out lame Christmas presents anymore nor I know what to give the ladies at work for whatever occasion that comes about.
Speaking of the girls at work they seem to be getting along very well which is one small feat. Diane and he kids and family are happy in their new home. I think shes seeing now from the tales that Carrie spoke of raising a brood isn't so easy. Carrie is building her home, she worried me for a while when she sold her house and decided to wait a while to build but soon the foundation is going to be poured.
Sunday, March 14
The party
I've been Mr. Putoffski these last few weeks but only on posting. Actually I post, its the part of adding it to the blog that puts me off.
Last I posted was the triple play birthdays, which went off without a hitch. I kept my eye on my Pops knowing any second he would run into a rant about something but he didn't. Maybe her grew up?
Jacks was here with Lori by one hand and Kyle in his other arm, they both know how to work him. He is going to make a great dad some day.
Camen did her baby stealing act this morning. I just so happened to watch her as she decided to grab one of the twins and slide him into the bed with her. I swear she thinks they are her walking/talking dolls. My G talked to Julie about it then she sat Miss Camen down and they had a good long chat. Yeah right G, lets see how long that chat will stick in her head. She loves the attention she gets nabbing the runts. Kyle just shakes his curly head at all of us and says “If dat was me I would be in dat corner dere on the button”. What he means is, Julie sticks a button on the wall and says for him to put his button nose on it and be still. It never lasts more than five minutes but I tell you he doesn't do it again.
Kyle to me is a riot, he makes me think of Jacks and Luke rolled up into one. G says she sees me because he is so stubborn. Bah, me stubborn?
Mom, Luke and myself cooked the lunch for Saturday as G and PG sat and enjoyed themselves with family. We had people from church stopping in and of course the little girls on PG softball teams he loves to watch to pop in, giggling and cooing over the twins. Its good to know you are loved and thought of on your special day.
That night we three brothers sat down on the deck and relaxed a bit. Some curly head brat would bobble out every once in a while but Julie would race and snatch them up so we might be able to catch up in peace. Its not like nearly every day we don't speak or e-mail one another. I guess “in the flesh” kind of conversations are better. Some days I think how I would love to go back a good ten years and start all over and redo some of the crazy antics. Maybe appreciate the times we spent together a little more, instead of feeling like one was a brat or the other bossy.
Luke started the fire in the pit on the deck which not only called every moth on the planet but the youngsters too. We sat out wrapped in blankets watching the flames crackle and pop. While Jacks would run from Kyle to Camen blowing out their flaming marshmallows. Lori would be the graham musher if you desired a Smore.
I looked over and poor PG with his head cranked to the side just about to drop off to sleep. It was very relaxing out there and the guy is about to turn 80 so he has every right to nod off. I love that old guy.
Last I posted was the triple play birthdays, which went off without a hitch. I kept my eye on my Pops knowing any second he would run into a rant about something but he didn't. Maybe her grew up?
Jacks was here with Lori by one hand and Kyle in his other arm, they both know how to work him. He is going to make a great dad some day.
Camen did her baby stealing act this morning. I just so happened to watch her as she decided to grab one of the twins and slide him into the bed with her. I swear she thinks they are her walking/talking dolls. My G talked to Julie about it then she sat Miss Camen down and they had a good long chat. Yeah right G, lets see how long that chat will stick in her head. She loves the attention she gets nabbing the runts. Kyle just shakes his curly head at all of us and says “If dat was me I would be in dat corner dere on the button”. What he means is, Julie sticks a button on the wall and says for him to put his button nose on it and be still. It never lasts more than five minutes but I tell you he doesn't do it again.
Kyle to me is a riot, he makes me think of Jacks and Luke rolled up into one. G says she sees me because he is so stubborn. Bah, me stubborn?
Mom, Luke and myself cooked the lunch for Saturday as G and PG sat and enjoyed themselves with family. We had people from church stopping in and of course the little girls on PG softball teams he loves to watch to pop in, giggling and cooing over the twins. Its good to know you are loved and thought of on your special day.
That night we three brothers sat down on the deck and relaxed a bit. Some curly head brat would bobble out every once in a while but Julie would race and snatch them up so we might be able to catch up in peace. Its not like nearly every day we don't speak or e-mail one another. I guess “in the flesh” kind of conversations are better. Some days I think how I would love to go back a good ten years and start all over and redo some of the crazy antics. Maybe appreciate the times we spent together a little more, instead of feeling like one was a brat or the other bossy.
Luke started the fire in the pit on the deck which not only called every moth on the planet but the youngsters too. We sat out wrapped in blankets watching the flames crackle and pop. While Jacks would run from Kyle to Camen blowing out their flaming marshmallows. Lori would be the graham musher if you desired a Smore.
I looked over and poor PG with his head cranked to the side just about to drop off to sleep. It was very relaxing out there and the guy is about to turn 80 so he has every right to nod off. I love that old guy.
Friday, March 12
Pre party
Tomorrow is going to be a fun day for the family, how ever it works out my grandparents have a similar birthday month. So instead of celebrating them one at a time we join them together. Lori has one pretty close to my G so she opted to have her birthday this weekend also, not that we don't do some tiny celebrating on the actual day. See, my sister is no dummy, she gets two birthdays this way.
Luke and his monster crew are here already, Kyle and Camen are running around the house and the twins are scrubbing their belly's on the floor sort of like little slugs with the drool trials.
Kyle is into pirate mode right now he talks like a pirate and makes you walk the plank. Poor Camen she just doesn't get it and bobbles all over the “plank” and it aggravates him. “Nooooo little sissy, its like diss!” and he does some little march and then pretends to go off into the brink. PG and I are making him a treasure chest for Easter with “treasures” inside for the both of them. Jacks is coming down on Saturday, he will be with them on the holiday so he will add a few items in it and give it away then.
I kind of miss Jacks a little bit, hes having a terrible time at his job, not that he cant do it. Back in July of last year a guy that works with them blew a gasket because Jacks basically walked in off the street and adapted to the position they gave him so well they promoted him. He has a really nice office on the 6th floor, with a pretty good view. A big desk for him to draw to his hearts content, which he does. Hes had plenty of compliments from the people he works with about his abilities and was progressing along. Although the guy was intimidated with him jumping up the ladder so quickly and reminded their boss, he was at the time, was only a temp.
Now hes no longer a temp and working his way back up once more, although maybe as a test, they paired him up with the jerk that squealed on him. From what I understand the man is a total ass and is willing to find any mistakes and blame them on Jacks, so he is on his Ps and Qs until the project is done.
Speaking of asses Pops will be of course here, matter of fact hes been home for nearly 2 months now without any real incident. I have a feeling hes waiting for this weekend to throw a good one. Because he keeps asking whomever will listen if Jacks is coming down as well. If anything I will be popping some popcorn to watch the action.
This year the weather has started off really odd, we actually had some snow, I think the last time that happened it was over a decade ago. Oh, we have the occasional sleet warning and may be frost or icing on bridges but never snow. This whole week has been nothing but rain, warm weather but rain. Which as kicked in colds, G has the sniffles and ear ache and now my left tonsil is aching and my throat hurts when I swallow. That's all we need is a group together and few of them sick.
I have to remember to set the clocks forward too!
Luke and his monster crew are here already, Kyle and Camen are running around the house and the twins are scrubbing their belly's on the floor sort of like little slugs with the drool trials.
Kyle is into pirate mode right now he talks like a pirate and makes you walk the plank. Poor Camen she just doesn't get it and bobbles all over the “plank” and it aggravates him. “Nooooo little sissy, its like diss!” and he does some little march and then pretends to go off into the brink. PG and I are making him a treasure chest for Easter with “treasures” inside for the both of them. Jacks is coming down on Saturday, he will be with them on the holiday so he will add a few items in it and give it away then.
I kind of miss Jacks a little bit, hes having a terrible time at his job, not that he cant do it. Back in July of last year a guy that works with them blew a gasket because Jacks basically walked in off the street and adapted to the position they gave him so well they promoted him. He has a really nice office on the 6th floor, with a pretty good view. A big desk for him to draw to his hearts content, which he does. Hes had plenty of compliments from the people he works with about his abilities and was progressing along. Although the guy was intimidated with him jumping up the ladder so quickly and reminded their boss, he was at the time, was only a temp.
Now hes no longer a temp and working his way back up once more, although maybe as a test, they paired him up with the jerk that squealed on him. From what I understand the man is a total ass and is willing to find any mistakes and blame them on Jacks, so he is on his Ps and Qs until the project is done.
Speaking of asses Pops will be of course here, matter of fact hes been home for nearly 2 months now without any real incident. I have a feeling hes waiting for this weekend to throw a good one. Because he keeps asking whomever will listen if Jacks is coming down as well. If anything I will be popping some popcorn to watch the action.
This year the weather has started off really odd, we actually had some snow, I think the last time that happened it was over a decade ago. Oh, we have the occasional sleet warning and may be frost or icing on bridges but never snow. This whole week has been nothing but rain, warm weather but rain. Which as kicked in colds, G has the sniffles and ear ache and now my left tonsil is aching and my throat hurts when I swallow. That's all we need is a group together and few of them sick.
I have to remember to set the clocks forward too!
Tuesday, February 16
Ah where have I been?
Well its been a while since I've had a chance to settle down and write much less think. The holidays and winter weather, yes I said winter. That keeps us busy with the city, clearing streets and what not that may be. I feel guilty for not writing and had some many e-mails asking if I quit, I'm not a quitter but I do put off quiet a bit. Mondays are still spent with Mom making sure she keeps up her walking and she is doing quiet well.
My G is having a hard time of it with a case of the shingles, such a nice word “shingles” for a disease or skin condition. Per her, she says they are painful and I don't doubt her one bit not sure how she acquired them, she claims its from worry over all that's going on in the world. What can you do?
Work is going well, the cafe is still closed for the winter months so that's one less project to worry about. Bee isn't too happy with that but the Green house is getting a nice make over while we are down. The last month of the cafe being open the crowds began to grow. So much so I had to wait for my lunches on Tuesdays, that was my day to drop in and check. The girls in the office have been working famously together, no large quarrels or set backs.
Lori is growing so quickly, I looked at her the other day as she walked in from the kitchen and didn't know her. I still remember rocking in her rocking chair when she was sick and five. Scolding her the day she decided to walk to a friends house alone, I ran around the neighborhood like a fool looking for her. Why all the remembers whens? Shes having a birthday coming up soon and she pointed out exactly what she wanted for it. Hey, it helps me and its not a car so we are set.
PG and I have been clearing out a fence row on Sundays the cold weather helps with burning out the row. After maybe “long” half an hour to and hour of yanking weeds and taking in the latest gossip around town we manage to get out his remote control helicopters and fly them about chasing the cows around the fields.
The “idiot” of the family is back home again and in rare form. Bossing and shouting out commands on the evenings I am tempted to come home for a visit.
Jacks comes home next week. I miss him and Lori is all in a tither for him to be here. March is the month of birthdays in our family and we mush them all together, otherwise we spend the whole month birthdaying it away.
My G is having a hard time of it with a case of the shingles, such a nice word “shingles” for a disease or skin condition. Per her, she says they are painful and I don't doubt her one bit not sure how she acquired them, she claims its from worry over all that's going on in the world. What can you do?
Work is going well, the cafe is still closed for the winter months so that's one less project to worry about. Bee isn't too happy with that but the Green house is getting a nice make over while we are down. The last month of the cafe being open the crowds began to grow. So much so I had to wait for my lunches on Tuesdays, that was my day to drop in and check. The girls in the office have been working famously together, no large quarrels or set backs.
Lori is growing so quickly, I looked at her the other day as she walked in from the kitchen and didn't know her. I still remember rocking in her rocking chair when she was sick and five. Scolding her the day she decided to walk to a friends house alone, I ran around the neighborhood like a fool looking for her. Why all the remembers whens? Shes having a birthday coming up soon and she pointed out exactly what she wanted for it. Hey, it helps me and its not a car so we are set.
PG and I have been clearing out a fence row on Sundays the cold weather helps with burning out the row. After maybe “long” half an hour to and hour of yanking weeds and taking in the latest gossip around town we manage to get out his remote control helicopters and fly them about chasing the cows around the fields.
The “idiot” of the family is back home again and in rare form. Bossing and shouting out commands on the evenings I am tempted to come home for a visit.
Jacks comes home next week. I miss him and Lori is all in a tither for him to be here. March is the month of birthdays in our family and we mush them all together, otherwise we spend the whole month birthdaying it away.
Thursday, January 28
An answer of sorts
A friend of mine has returned to bachelorhood after a three year relationship. Craig and his was-to-be wife decided to end it all because she felt the grass was greener on the sly and was caught. To be cold busted, with the guy she decided to cheat with called Craig and inform him is woman was a two timer had to be a blow for him. He is a great guy with a funny disposition in life. In fact we spent last weekend on the driving range pretending the golf balls were her head, drinking beer and counting how his life would be better without her.
Personally I felt she was about one of the more selfish people I've ever met, not that I've come up with that conclusion prior to her cheating on him. She would have complete melt downs over the slightest things, his money was her money always. When he would receive a raise you could see the wheels in her head working on what she could purchase for herself. She had a charm about her when she wanted to use it. Out of the blue she would do simple acts of kindness for him that would exonerate all the bitchy acts of selfishness.
Well, word travels fast amongst the women in the town, knowing a kind guy is now free and available. I mean the last Friday night we spent hanging out doing the usual of playing darts and listening to Trace plonk on his guitar, we had no less than four free beers sent our way. Hey, I'm not the jealous type in the least but the guy as been free nearly a week, give him a chance to clean out his closets! That's why I say “Ladies back off right now hes happy”. What is it about single women that feel the need to help a guy out during the hard times? Its like a bus load of saviors came into the pub the other night. The majority of the time there are eight to ten guys playing pool, doing shots and throwing darts or yelling at a game on the television, without hardly an interruption from the opposite sex. Oh they blow in every once in a while, do their little giggles and winks, in tight shirts and short skirts,the majority of the time to get a free beer out of us.
Speaking of Trace, hes doing well in his marriage with Michelle, they've moved into a home now, no more of the cute little apartment. I'm sure the thought of little feet running about will be the next project for the two of them.
Personally I felt she was about one of the more selfish people I've ever met, not that I've come up with that conclusion prior to her cheating on him. She would have complete melt downs over the slightest things, his money was her money always. When he would receive a raise you could see the wheels in her head working on what she could purchase for herself. She had a charm about her when she wanted to use it. Out of the blue she would do simple acts of kindness for him that would exonerate all the bitchy acts of selfishness.
Well, word travels fast amongst the women in the town, knowing a kind guy is now free and available. I mean the last Friday night we spent hanging out doing the usual of playing darts and listening to Trace plonk on his guitar, we had no less than four free beers sent our way. Hey, I'm not the jealous type in the least but the guy as been free nearly a week, give him a chance to clean out his closets! That's why I say “Ladies back off right now hes happy”. What is it about single women that feel the need to help a guy out during the hard times? Its like a bus load of saviors came into the pub the other night. The majority of the time there are eight to ten guys playing pool, doing shots and throwing darts or yelling at a game on the television, without hardly an interruption from the opposite sex. Oh they blow in every once in a while, do their little giggles and winks, in tight shirts and short skirts,the majority of the time to get a free beer out of us.
Speaking of Trace, hes doing well in his marriage with Michelle, they've moved into a home now, no more of the cute little apartment. I'm sure the thought of little feet running about will be the next project for the two of them.
Wednesday, January 20
Friday, January 15
Still here
Its been a good 45 minutes now G has gone for her procedure, they are doing some stints on her. I'm not sure just how I feel at the moment. I worry of course and I pray in the back of my mind. How should one feel? Do I act the tough guy or do I let my emotions run rampant?
I want to run, my nerves are shattered and I don't seem to want to focus, every cart that rambles down the hall I'm in hopes shes on it smiling.
She looked so scared as they wheeled her out. Eyes a bit watery and red wanting to hold back her own tears. She bit her bottom lip and semi looked away. I knew if she looked at us she might loose it.
Heaven forbid we lose her or something doesn't go just right. She truly is the glue and pillar in the family.
Some random nurse just rolled in a blood pressure meter and wants to change her bed linens.....
Times like this do you ever want a redo in life? Maybe to give that hug when the other guys were looking or the kiss on the cheek.
Maybe to let them listen to that old music and pretend to enjoy it. I don't know, sometimes grandparents bend over backwards for us and we don't see it. They are old and their hearts and feelings can be tender.
Im scrolling back on this post and thinking youre mad flipping crazy and nothings making sense.
From my post a while back I said we need to learn to bob a weave. I'm doing just that.
I want to run, my nerves are shattered and I don't seem to want to focus, every cart that rambles down the hall I'm in hopes shes on it smiling.
She looked so scared as they wheeled her out. Eyes a bit watery and red wanting to hold back her own tears. She bit her bottom lip and semi looked away. I knew if she looked at us she might loose it.
Heaven forbid we lose her or something doesn't go just right. She truly is the glue and pillar in the family.
Some random nurse just rolled in a blood pressure meter and wants to change her bed linens.....
Times like this do you ever want a redo in life? Maybe to give that hug when the other guys were looking or the kiss on the cheek.
Maybe to let them listen to that old music and pretend to enjoy it. I don't know, sometimes grandparents bend over backwards for us and we don't see it. They are old and their hearts and feelings can be tender.
Im scrolling back on this post and thinking youre mad flipping crazy and nothings making sense.
From my post a while back I said we need to learn to bob a weave. I'm doing just that.
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