Working Out and Working Things Out

Today, I worked out at the gym!  It has been over two weeks since my fall and I am so happy to get back to my workout.  I also walked a mile with my cane.  I can see that this cane and I will part ways soon.  I have given up my toning shoes—they rock too much and I get light headed—not good.  Flat shoes will be the norm until I can ease back into them.

It feels so good to be in motion!  I look forward to a regular schedule soon.  Next week is Leslea and Bob’s wedding in Utah.  Hopefully, I can get some walking in. 

Yesterday, I had lunch with two former sisters-in-law, Bonnie and Shirley.  It was so good to spend some time with them.  Alison and the grandkids joined us too.   I love my hugs from them when they see me.  The blessings in my life come in little arms hugging me J  We reminisced.  I followed Shirley and Bonnie to see Shirley’s property that she is building on.  It isn’t too far from me and I found out that a friend, Frankie Kraxberger is their neighbor—small world.

I am trying not to become overwhelmed with the trip coming and having to get my house ready for company.  It is sometimes a losing battle. 

The reception has me stressing.  It is not the actual event, it is the people coming—mainly on hubby’s side who happen to believe his ex-wife’s lies about Wayne and I.  I hate having to be “on guard” because anything I say and do will get back to her.  It is bad enough that she is always trying to mess up everything but what hurts are those few Wayne’s siblings who still side with her knowing him as well as they do.  Besides, people—it has been 10 YEARS since the divorce, get over it!  We have. 

Another big possibility is that his ex will show up and create a scene.  Leslea and Bob don’t want her there and will call the police if she comes.  Still, that is something that hangs in the air.  Part of me feels sorry for her and her situation but reality tells me that she has created her situation and actually enjoys making others miserable.  Too bad because her life could be a lot nicer than drowning in this misery and control.

Enough of that.  Once again, I give it to you LORD.  I am horrible about taking it back every now and then, forgive me, I am slowly learning but I am still not a good student—thank You for loving me regardless.

Falling Down

On Thursday, September 13, Wayne and I were walking by the old Wilco Farm Store when I tripped, literally flew and landed on the left side of my head.  The result was a concussion, a bloody goose egg shape on my forehead, scrapped knees and wrists.  Wayne said that my arms were behind me and I landed full force on my head—I didn’t pass out, that was amazing.  The school crossing monitor from Lee School came running to our aid. 

We decided to continue walking but I didn’t get too far.  I had to sit down on the steps of the Canby Evangelical Church.  I couldn’t go any further.  I sent Wayne for the car, called Alison and then called Kaiser to see what to do.  The gal said that since I didn’t pass out just to watch and make sure I wake up during the night every two hours.

I made it home and just rested the rest of the day—not much choice there, my body refused to do much else.  The ice pack was my friend along with Tylenol.

That night I was getting up at 3:15 since my cell phone alarm went off.  The world was spinning when I tried to get up.  OK, maybe I got up too fast.  I went to the bathroom when the world settled and then back to bed.  Laying down, the world spun faster!  I called Kaiser and they tried to find me an appointment that morning (note: it is 3:30am).  I finally said I would go to the emergency room.  I had Wayne get my clothes and he sat next to me with them.  I sat up and the world went on fast spin—I held onto Wayne scared to death.  I don’t think that I have ever been that scared!  The spinning wouldn’t stop and the more I tried the more my body was spinning along with the spinning world.

Wayne called 911.  I was so grateful that he didn’t take his muscle relaxers for his back that day!  I was even more thankful that he was there.  The EMTs came in and fortunately, Wayne had dressed me before they came.  The world was still spinning when they transported me in the ambulance.  Well, I can mark that off my bucket list—an ambulance ride! 

My tests came out good and I was released to home.  The first thing I did was text friends and family and post on FaceBook.  I should have read my doctor’s instructions which said no computer and no texting!  I was instantly nauseated and threw up.

So, that day, I slept most of the day and had a lot of quiet time with the LORD.  I have been the victim of the “tyranny of the urgent”.  My life has been so busy that there is little time for my quiet time with Him and I was feeling it. 

So, He does work out things, I feel spiritually refreshed.  I limit my computer and text time.  I prefer one on one in person or on the phone.  Time is precious, use it wisely. Lessons learned while my world spun around me and the LORD stopped it to get my attention.

School Daze

Yesterday, my little grand-daughter, Grace, started preschool.  Today, my grandson, Hunter, began Kindergarten.  Sigh, time is going too fast.  It seems like yesterday that they were little babies.  I remember when their mama started Kindergarten.
 

Hunter has been talking about riding the bus for years and today he had his first bus ride!  He was beaming!  It was a rite of passage for him.  I think he will be fine.  He was confident in the classroom and the bus.

Grace liked her class of mostly girls, but noted that preschool was long!  Her favorite was the snack and playtime.  She didn't like "Circle Time".   She didn't tell us much about her experience.  Hunter was the one who asked her "What was your favorite thing to do?  What was your next favorite?  Did you do this? That?"  And Grace just opened up.  They are so close, it is heartwarming.

Both Wayne and I were thrilled to be a part of Hunter's first day and to hear about Grace's first day. It is one of those warm wonderful blessings life gives you to remind you this is a wonderful life!

Super Saturday!

Saturday was the first practice of Special Olympics bowling.  The night before, I was up late getting everything done--not my fault, those who needed to get me my updated roster fell behind.  The result:  Me stressing out!  I had to call six athletes and tell them that they couldn't bowl because they didn't get their medical in on time--I hate this part of the job!  But I got to tell three on my wait list that they could bowl since I had slots available-the good part!

Saturday morning was like a big family reunion--so many happy faces and hugs--I got so many hugs that helped my attitude!  This past week has been difficult.  He is noticeably depressed, his blood pressure is up and he can't really do any physical labor due to the injury he got with the broken chair that aggravated his tendinitis--it is the pits getting older!  I was frustrated because I couldn't get him out of this slump.  I did notice his spirits get better when the athletes ran up to him and hugged him too!

Practice had a couple of issues but minor and they were done with fast.  All in all, we started ten minutes late but finished ten minutes early!  AND for once everyone was picked up before 3pm!  A real rarity...Wayne and I usually have to wait until four when the last athlete is picked up.

We got home and got a text from Alison asking if we could watch Grace while Larry and her have their anniversary dinner (it's been 10 years!).  Our Grace is not a problem, in fact, her and her brother, Hunter, have a calming effect on Wayne's high blood pressure.  Since it has been too high lately, we were excited about her coming over.  I found out that Hunter was sleeping over at Annie's and Grace asked if she could sleep over--she didn't have to ask, we were thinking about asking Alison anyways.

We had a great time with her and she was falling asleep during Veggie Tales.  She had helped me with inflating the large air mattress on the floor of her room earlier and placed the battery operated candles all over the room.  Her stuffed animals were on her side of the mattress and my pillow was on the other side.  I have always slept in the room with her and will do so until she tells me no. 

Grace and I have a ritual.  Before falling asleep, we tell each other a story.  I can't remember how long we have done this.  The story is made up  and I usually go first.  Grace is next and she usually takes part of my story and adds to it.  I am amazed how her imagination has grown over time.

The morning brought a "pajama party", basically Grace in her pjs and setting the agenda for the day.  She managed to find two projects to do and she drug out the Easy Bake Oven.  We made chocolate cookies with powdered sugar topping.  The biggest one, she said, is for her brother.  The other three for mama, papa, and her.  I had to laugh about the biggest one for Hunter.  Yesterday while we walked to the store to buy pjs, she told us that "Hunter drives me crazzzzy!!"  I asked her does she make him crazy too?  To which she says, "Of course not!"

After Grace was picked up this morning, I started painting the trim above the garage up to three feet from the top on both sides, as well as, the sub roof trim.  Keep in mind that I am afraid of heights.  I was stressed again and almost cried when Wayne said that it needs another coat!  Ugh.  So tomorrow, I will tackle that after Wayne's appointment.  The part I can't do, I hope I can find someone who can help, if not, I will have to pay someone to do it for us.

Right now, I am exhausted.  I think I have more paint on me than on the trim.  Wayne mowed the lawn and our neighbor, Clair's lawn.  Clair has severe COPD and was hiring someone to do his lawn.  They have a limited income and Wayne goodhearted soul he is, mows Clair's when he mows ours.  I am glad the mower is self propelled.  He can mow with his good arm.

I think I will curl up with my new James Patterson book "Zoo" and relax. Maybe with a small glass of wine too!

Tuesday-Canning Part II

Tuesday morning, we got up and I ran an hour of errands, one which was to get two cases of tomatoes.  The plan was to can these but this morning I woke up thinking about the trim above the garage.  Dang, we can't afford to pay someone to paint, so, I came to realize that I have to bite the bullet and do it myself.

Note to self: You are afraid of heights!  Ok, not the smartest thing but a girl's gotta do what a girl has to do!  So, I told Wayne and he reluctantly brought the ladder and positioned it for me.  He handed me a power sander and the next thing I know I am climbing up the ladder shaking and Wayne is steadying it for me.

I was shaking more from nerves than the sander and I managed to get to three feet from the top of the trim.  My tendonitis prevented me (as well as nerves) from reaching that far above my head.  Sigh.  I got on the roof to do the sub-roof sanding, scooting my but up the roof.  Our neighbor, Lynn, across the street saw me up there and Wayne down below keeping an eye out for me.  He shouted that he thought he'd never see the day!  I shouted back me neither but Wayne has vertigo and I don't know why I am up  here since I am afraid of heights!!  His son and him just laughed.  I yelled that I couldn't get to the peak and will have to leave that for now.  His son looked up and starting running across the street telling us that he would do that for us!  Bless him!  I was so happy and got down from the roof.  It took him no time and he was done.  I am so thankful!  I didn't want to ask Larry to do it since he is so busy remodeling their home to sell.  Thank you LORD!

Then it was on to the tomatoes.  Wayne peeled them for me as I chopped for salsa.  I canned 11 quarts of stewed tomatoes and 24 pints of salsa!  I finished about 8:00 that night and literally collapsed on the bed asleep. 

The next day, the kids came over while Larry worked on their house.  I got a long hug from my little man, Hunter--he held on for the longest time.  Ahhh...just what Nana needed most!  Grace proceeded to tell me that she was sick.  Wayne had left for a job interview and test that would take all morning.  I appreciated my time with the kids.  They always lift my spirits.  We played and then I brought in their old kitchen.  They love it!  They hadn't seen it in such a long time.  Grace picked up the pretend cell phone and dailed "911" and she said to the cell phone, "I have pizza for you to pick up!"  OK, she knows 911, I guess we better tell her it is not for pizza. 

Wayne came home exhausted.  I was exhausted stressing about what he was going through.  Time will tell if he gets the job.  He enjoyed having the kids there. He did puzzles with both of them and played baseball.  Grace hit the ball twice way out to the street--she was good, she didn't go after the ball.  Nana had to and so we faced her another direction to hit the ball--into the bushes!

So, I am beat again, though I enjoyed the time with the kids.  I feel overwhelmed with Special Olympics starting this Saturday.  Today is the deadline for the athletes to get their medicals in--I have 7 that don't have them in and tomorrow I find out which ones I have to call and tell them that they can't bowl.  I hate that part!  But I have 18 bowlers on a waiting list that have the medicals in but I reached 87 (2 above my limit) before they did.  Tomorrow is another day, I will worry about that then.

Finally!!!

Yesterday and today I FINALLY accomplished something!  This has been hard to do with Wayne home.  I know he means well but it seems I will start something and then he wants to do something else.  I have been concerned about his depression, so, I stop what I am doing, put it aside and we do what he wants. 

Yesterday, Wayne had the insane idea to scrape and paint the trim above the house.  It really needs it and I hate heights and actually he has vertigo.  We don't know anyone who will help us, so, Wayne went on the roof to attempt to do this despite my protests.  I decided that I should busy myself with cleaning the garage just in case he might need my assistance.  True to form, I saw the scraper fly off the roof and Wayne hollering at me.  His vertigo was getting to him and I had to steady the ladder while he got down.  I had him sit down and stay down while I finished cleaning the garage.  It was great to accomplish my task but we still have the painting to do--guess I will have to pay someone to do it before the rains, I'll check Craigslist.

With Wayne finding his ground zero, the tomatoes we picked last week were letting me know that they are getting too ripe and I decided to can stewed tomatoes.  I had three zucchini too.  I did a canner full of quarts of stewed tomatoes and 4 loaves of chocolate zucchini bread which ended up in the freezer after we tested a slice of it.

Wayne found his bearings and made spaghetti--thanks Dear Hubby!  After spending all that time in the kitchen, I was glad to rest.  But, I wasn't idle, I started knitting Grace's "Perry Hat".  Perry is a platypus on a cartoon that Hunter and her watch.  Grace wants to dress up as Perry but his hat needs some modification from dull brown to pink with sparkles on it.  So, Nana is knitting to her specifications :)

Today, Monday, I cleaned out Grace's(actually a small portion is Wayne's) room/closet, my walk in closet, a few files, and the kitchen pantry!  I wanted to get a thorough clean of the house before I become the "Nana Bus".  Feels good.  So, I started after our morning walk.

Wayne did the mistake of suggesting that we visit relatives in St. Helens (we visited them two and half weeks ago!).  To which I said, "No!  I need to get stuff done at the house, you can go if you want, I really have to get stuff done."  Fortunately, he saw the desperation in my face.  I think he has felt my frustration about not getting anything done.

Tomorrow, we are going to pick up a couple of cases of tomatoes and can stewed tomatoes and salsa!  That should do it for the season.  I will can here and there but small amounts. 

Wayne has an interview Wednesday with a promising company, I pray that they hire him.  He fits the job perfectly!  It is temporary.  However, he is happiest working not being bored at home.

Here's praying!!