Wednesday - Counting Down..........

Good Morning Everyone!!

Well, Christmas is almost here, and I guess I'm about ready.....just want to pick up a few small gift cards for Joe.  Taylor is all set, as is Maura.  I asked Maura for some ideas for Joe and she told me not to worry about them, just Taylor.  Well, sorry.....I had already gotten Maura some gifts:  I had a new set of three non-stick frying pans, they were a replacement for some "green" pans I got from QVC or HSN with a life-time guarantee.  I can't remember the Chef's name, but the pans just didn't live up to my expectations.  I called to get them replaced, but the line is no longer available, so i was sent another brand - but in the meantime, I replaced the pans for myself with some cast iron pans, which I have a love-hate relationship with.  I also got her a new, bigger cutting board, a set of knives and a knife sharpener after helping her prepare stuffing at Thanksgiving and saw the tiny cutting board and dull knives she was using.  Also got her a few stocking stuffers.  I thought I would get Joe a bottle of some type of liquor, but Maura did not provide any info on what he drinks, so I'll get some gift cards for McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts and some lottery tickets. Next year, my stove will be fixed or replaced and I'll be able to make some baked goods or home-made candies give to friends.  

Yesterday, I overdid physical work.  I went to the Food Share to pack up boxes for distribution - that was 8:30 to 11:30.  Then it was a "dinner day" so I went straight upstairs to the kitchen - and peeled and peeled and peeled some more, before starting the mashing and cutting and chopping and plating the food.  Left at 7:00.  Every Tuesday and Thursday is food distribution, and the second and fourth Tuesday is Dinner Day, so I tend to overdue it on the Dinner Days.  I overdo it on those two days, and I just have to recognize that I've got to take my regular medication every day, but take extra on those two days, which I did not do yesterday.

I got a notice from my surgeon's office yesterday...they are revising their post-op program to focus on menu planning and recipes, etc.  Next meeting is January 7th, and I'll be there. Looking forward to it for sure.

So, I hope everyone is doing well....I've got to run to a physical therapy appointment for my shoulder now.

Busy, busy, and I'm loving it.  No more sitting on the recliner staring at the four walls, feeling hopeless.  After the holidays, I'm going to go check out some senior housing complexes and get on their waiting lists - it's usually two years long, so that gives me time to decide whether or not I want to make such a big change.  We'll see.

Prayers and good wishes to all of you.

Mary

Good morning Mary and sistas,

I am at the automotive shop this morning.  I've got a dead or dying battery. Either way I can't run the risk of getting stranded on the road.  $185!   More merry Christmas to me.  

I'll check back in later today if I can.  Busy day for us. Keeping Benny all day of cost. Picking up Budder at 3. Lots of cooking today too.  Then driving over to Wimberly this evening for dinner with butch's brother and his wife, and then taking the boys to see the lights there.  A six acre park of lighted displays to walk thru and the weather is perfect. 

Love you all! 

Hello Vickie....$185 battery...WOW!! I sure hope that does the trick. It should last a long while!!

Have a great time with the boys. I am sure they will keep you busy! The boys will love the lights tonight!! A 6 acre park is a lot of lights!!

Have a nice dinner with Butch's family. I love you much!!!

More love and hugs to you and your family.....connie d

Good morning Mary and OFF-

Humid and wet here today.  Mary maybe a gift card to Home Depot for Taylor?  Vickie sorry about the battery but expected after the key fiasco.  The lights in Wimberly sound nice.  I'll have to find someplace local to take my Mom.  She can still see the colors.

Today Mom and I got up early to go count birds.  No birds at my observation points today but that's to be expected.  These points are on fallow rice fields and while there is water present there is also high vegetation that the birds don't like.  So the highlight of the day was reporting that two Hereford bulls belonging to the grazing partner had gotten into my count areas.

Off to clean house today and make some cookies.  Then teaching water fitness tonight.  Tomorrow I will take Mom and count birds on another six obeservation points in another part of the refuge.  Then absolutely nothing until next Monday.  Taking care of an aging parent is hard work let me tell you.  I'm exhausted.  No major battles with the thermostat because have not needed heat this week.  I'm actually wearing capris because it's in the mid-70's and so humid.

Thoughts and hugs going out to all of you.  Special thoughts to Judy who is traveling and Carla who is having surgery today.  I think Trish should have gotten to Philly already but not sure.  Arlene saw on Facebook that you finally got headed in the right direction last night.  Connie hope you're feeling better today.  Eileen I will expect a report on the Star Wars movie.  I know I am leaving someone out so forgive me but remember that I am sending you thoughts and hugs.

Cindi B

Hello Cindi....cleaning and cookies to make for you today.  I hope you had fun making the cookies. I so miss doing that. I especially like decorating the sugar cookies!! 

Sorry there weren't any birds for you and your mom to count today. I hope you both have better luck tomorrow!!!

I am so jealous!! I would love to be there in your wonderful warm weather. I would be in relaxing and soaking in the sun's rays!!

Love and hugs to you...Merry Christmas to you and your mom..connie d

Good afternoon Mary and everyone.....

Mary......you sound so much happier these days. You are so excited about Christmas and being with your family!! That makes me smile!

You have picked out some very nice gifts for your family. I am sure they will love every one of them!!

You be careful about overdoing it at that food pantry. What you do is wonderful and so appreciated. Just don't get hurt and have a set back.

That upcoming meeting in January sounds really great. Meal plans and recipes. That can be a very helpful meeting. Good Luck!!!  Let us know what it is all about!!

Love you much....hugs....connie d

Hello from me again....I forgot to post from me!!

I have had a busy day....It will be another early to bed.

I woke up at 5:00-5:30. I was at the grocery store with Fran by 9:15 AM. It was crazy busy in there!! I was practically high on Vicodin and Flexiril. I had to take it to get through the shopping. Fran and I didn't waste any time. I had my list and we got everything. We were out and home again by 10:30. Melissa was here at 12:30 to clean, do laundry and help with cutting veggies and things like that. 

Carrie and I will be alone for Christmas Day. That will be so fun. I am making her favorite dish....Chicken Chow Mien. She is so excited!!! She has wanted some for quite awhile. She can take the rest home, Greg loves it too. 

I am doing absolutely nothing the rest of today and tomorrow. I want the pain at a minimum on Christmas Day. I don't want to be at the ER! Carrie will be checking me out!!

Time to go rest.....have a good evening!! I will check in later if I can.

Prayers for all of our amazing OFF Family and their families. Special prayers for those in need. I love you all!!!

Remember....Jesus is the reason for the season!

Loads of love and bunches of hugs to all.....connie d

Mary....I have been trying to send you a message here on OFF/OH. It says I am blocked. I hope that is a mistake. I do not see you on my friends list.

I am having the same problem with Jeannie. I hope I haven't done anything to upset either of you.

More love and hugs.....connie d