Last post of 2019

Another year has come to an end.  What an unsettled year this has been.  Living apart from Jim, Jenny and her family moving in, Uncle Billy passing away, several trips for SAIA, and numerous other events including our 25th annual family Christmas party.  One of our best yet.  Christmas Day was also wonderful.  It was great having a small child in the house again.  Logan was so excited over Santa, and Jim has spent the last 3 weeks at home!!!

Looks like 2020 is going to be a very busy year.  There may even be a move in our future...maybe?  Jim and I might actually live in the same house again...

What a week!!!!!

Did I say WHAT A WEEK????  Started out with Jim taking Thanksgiving week off...YEA!!!  First was loading up Expedition and making a massive run to Goodwill.  Jim listed the extra fridge in shop on the selling page and it sold quickly. 
Tuesday was spent running around Gainesville.  Had a follow up Dr appt for Carotid scan and leg check.  Everything is looking great!!!  Go back in January for another bilateral leg scan to make sure stents are holding up. So far everything is pointing to good news.
We treated ourselves to an early dinner at Yamatos.  It was wonderful as usual. 
Wednesday we started the day cooking.  Emily and Zack came home. 
Thursday - Thanksgiving was spent cooking and EATING!!!Lots of Eating.  At some point during the day, each kid came to eat and visit - except Chris and family - they will be here for Christmas party.
Emily and Zack went home that afternoon as Emily had to work Friday, but they came back Friday evening for the weekend.  Friday night was an interesting game of Monopoly. The boys (Zack, Jerry and Jake) decided they would take on the "old man".  Proud to say the old man still has it and put the boys in their place.  See pic below.
Saturday was Jim's birthday. Everyone came back and Sara and Kevin also joined us for the day. We ordered 100 hot wings to go with chips and Thanksgiving leftovers.  100 wings sounds like a lot but we only had 2 left by the end of the day.  Cupcakes and ice cream for dessert - Iron bowl on television - too bad Bama lost.  Card games everywhere...and Jim is sick - coughing and coming down with the crud. 
He was a sad sight leaving Sunday morning with his cough syrup and tylenol.  This is Tuesday and he is still sick.  I hate that we are apart when things like this happen.  I'm trying to get house decorated, a little more organized and RV ready for it's new owners - Mom and Papa.  They can make better use of it than we can. 

Lots going on

Got home from Charlotte last Friday and haven't stopped since.  Trying to get the house organized for the holidays and getting ready to move at some point.  The formal living room had been turned into a storage room with boxes and bags stacked everywhere.  It is now a habitable space!!!  Will start working on the garage tomorrow. 

Had Carotid Ultrasound done Thurs.  Going to get results Tues.  Don't really think they will find anything...at least I hope not.  But if they do, we will have that "fixed" also.  My legs seem to be doing really well. 

Jim came home last night (Friday) for the weekend....but then surprised me and said he took the entire week of Thanksgiving off...YEA!!!!   We have a lot of work to do and it will be wonderful to have him to help me out some or at least guide me to what/how to do it.

Tomorrow starts the baking!!!!!!

Still in Charlotte

We are still in Charlotte.  Looked at a few areas for living.  Thursday we got flu shots which means that Friday, I was out of it..   Happens every time but it only lasts a little while and its better than the alternative if I get the flu..

Friday afternoon we took off for Concord to go shopping at the huge outlet mall there.  Not a lot of actual shopping as window shopping.  We have gotten to the point of not really wanting anything...guess that means we have enough....I call it BLESSED!!!

Saturday morning we went to a cool little restaurant for breakfast, then back to hotel to put on pot of beans for Jim.  He had a great afternoon of beans and beer.  Too bad Bama lost the game.  I spent the afternoon on my computer TRYING to clean some pictures out of my phone and organize them.

We also got a call Saturday morning telling us that my Uncle Billy had passed away.  He fought a long fight with several conditions, including cancer.  No one had any service plans at the time so we waited to see how things would go.  They didn't wait long and services are Mon at 11am.  No way I can get to Waldo, repack, then to Ozark in time.  We even checked flights for me to fly home but nothing worked out.  I called Merylon and we had a nice talk and sent flowers from the family.  No real regrets because I always saw him every time I was in Ozark and talked to him the week before.  I know he is at peace and in no pain now.

Today (Sunday) we decided to get out and "road trip". We (I) wanted to see the fall foliage and take a drive to the mountains, so we set the map for Asheville.  We didn't realize we were so close.  Only a 2 hour drive from Charlotte.  Makes for a nice day trip.  We rode through the mountains and the scenery was beautiful.  We found a funky little BBQ joint in the downtown area.  The food was fantastic!!!  We sat around the hotel a little while this evening then decided to walk down to the sports tavern for a light supper.  Turns out it was the happening place for the Panther/Packer game tonight.  We had a blast eating wings and watching the crowd.  Too bad the Panthers lost.  Not a good weekend for football us, but excellent together time.

Getting updated

Not a lot of time for blogging.  Things have been happening....Went trick (trunk) or treating Thursday at church with Logan.  Had a blast watching him.  Got to see Haden and Violet also. 
Friday was spent cleaning and doing laundry.  Jim came home Friday evening.  Went to Sonny's for supper with Jake.

Saturday was spent watching ball games then to Ocala to have dinner with Kate, Sara, Jennifer, Jim and me.  Lots of laughs and scratching our heads wondering why we dont do it more often. 

Sunday was spent on the road to Charlotte.  Stopped by to see the baby(Emily) and Zack.  They seem to be doing well.  We will spend at least 2 weeks in Charlotte looking around the area and Jim has projects he needs to see about on the building they are in the process of leasing.  Praying that this goes thru.  I think he is rethinking if this building falls thru like the others.  Trusting that God will direct us in which way to go. 

Not a lot done today. Jim on the phone and computer mostly, went to the building, and looked at a neighborhood we are interested in.  Will look at another tomorrow.  Trying to stay within a certain radius of the office because of traffic to and from work.  Not making any commitments until lease is signed and they are moving in. 

Sad Anniversary

4 years ago today, I lost my very best buddy.  My Daddy.  Yes, Jim is my husband/best friend, and love of my life, but it seems like there was more than a regular father/daughter bond between daddy and me.  Too hard to describe.  I still catch myself trying to call him and tell him the happenings in my life, ask his advice, or simply to have him make me laugh with a sense of humor no one else understood but us.  I miss you Daddy.

Anyway - seems like God knew I needed distractions today so I had two little grandsons asking for shirts for their Halloween costumes.  So I found the characters they were asking for, worked some magic and BOOM---Halloween T-shirts -   I just wish I knew what the characters were ....lol.   Then comes Jennifer with her Halloween costume for work that needed to be hemmed, so I did that too.  I told Jenny it's funny that I have grown children and I've spent my day making costumes. It's nice to be needed though. 

What a Birthday !!!!

Had surprise "visitors" Saturday !!!  Was sitting in den watching TV and I hear  - Hey Mama  - It's Zack and Emily !!!  He got home last week and they came down for a birthday surprise!!! 

My children "surprised" me with a birthday lunch Sunday.  And I say "surprised" in that they didn't think I knew, but none of them can keep and secret and Emily, Zack, Jake and I went shopping for it Sat night...lol.

Everything was wonderful.  Was missing my husband and 2 of my sons, but we had a great time.  Jim and I have plans to celebrate our birthdays together while I'm in NC with him the next 2 weeks.  It's a new tradition we started a couple of years ago.  It works well for us.

New wreath this time was claimed by Rachel...  Maybe I'll be able to keep one for myself soon  😉

another candy cane wreath

Got quite a bit done today.  Laundry, bills, a little cleaning and of course a little crafting.  Tried watching some television and I did finally finish the 4th season of "The Good Witch" which brings up a question.....when did I become the cat hoarding, Hallmark Channel watching, crafting and crocheting grandma????  Not that I mind doing any of these things and find nothing wrong with them, but where has the time gone and how did I get here???? 
All I did was turn around and my babies are grown, have babies of their own and my husband has a new job that keeps him out of town and now I find myself with a half packed house and waiting...and waiting...and waiting....and how did I get on this subject..🤪  Frustration can get the best of me sometimes, but it always comes back to  "God's timing and not our timing".  Besides, the holidays are coming and that is when I am the busiest and happiest.  Love having my family around and catering to them. 💖💖
Here is a pic of the new candy cane wreath I made today.  Jennifer has claimed this one so guess I'll just keep making them until I get to keep one for myself...lol

Another Birthday meal

Got a text from Jake today wanting to know if I had eaten...of course not...said he would be home in  a bit....He came in with 5 guys....Jr bacon burger and chocolate malt....OMG...went into food coma after lunch.😄

Sad day today....my Daddy's birthday.  I can't even begin to say how much I miss that man.  Another day to get thru next is the 29th....the day he left this world.  SOOOO   I kept busy crafting again.  Learning to make elaborate bows while adjusting to new bifocals....it's been interesting.  Tried a new wall hanger for the Christmas season.  Emily has already laid claim to this one...lol

Beautiful Day

Woke up this morning to 55 degree weather!!!  After checking the weather and realizing that this was the ONLY day we would have this weather for awhile, I spent several hours on the patio reading and enjoying the coolness. 

I also decided today to clean the cat litter (I have been forbidden to pick up anything or bend since my procedure) and proceeded to take it out to the garbage.  After I got back in the house, my phone rings and it's Jim telling me that I'm not supposed to be doing things like that.  It slipped my mind that he installed a video door bell and could see what I was doing outside.  I think the threat was made to remove it if he continued to monitor me  😏

Spent the evening with Rachel and Cory.  Went to pick up my new glasses, Hobby Lobby which was a hoot.  I think I found a new craft store buddy.  Cory was amazed and wanted to spend hours in there.  Then to P.F.Changs for an early birthday dinner for me.  While they were driving me back home, we turned on some music and all three of us were singing in the car. This is something that Rachel and I do every time we go somewhere together and Cory just jumped right in.  He fits in well.

Tabby is sitting at the bedroom door staring at me so I think that's my cue to sign off for the night.

Done

It's done.  The left leg was roto-rootered and I am the proud owner of 3 new stints bringing my grand total up to 6.  Who would have thought.  So glad Jim was able to come home and stay with me.  He left this morning to go back to Columbia/Charlotte and will be gone for 2 weeks this time.  He has a trip to Kansas City in this mix while he is gone. 

Still on restrictive activity until the end of the week but I'm making great use of my time.  Already have the Christmas ornaments finished for this year and going to start working on presents.  Although it seems I'm being ambitious, I know that on most things I will be panicking at the last minute.  It's getting harder and harder to find presents for this family.  Seems everyone has everything they need or want, which is a blessing, but it makes it hard to shop for holidays. 

Monday

It's Monday....enough said....Day started with getting dressed...yea!!!  My Bible study, then what seemed like hours on the phone.  I am scheduled to be at cath lab for my roto-rooter at 8am Thurs.  Jim and I discussed the mammogram that was scheduled for the next morning and we decided to move that appointment...lol  Jim terrified I would pass out again ( I'm a little nervous about that myself).  Then on phone with eye insurance carrier trying to find a place to get new glasses that accepts our insurance. 

Finally down to Pearl Vision to pick out new frames.  There is a big disconnect between people my age and the so called "young people".  I would say that 90% of the eyeglass frames now are "retro" and "mid century" - or for someone my age, they are the glasses that my parents and grandparents wore- not exactly what I want to see in the mirror every time I put them on. Finally found a pair I can live with.  When did they get so expensive??? 

Picked Logan up from daycare then to Walmart to pick up a few things...came home and Jake had dinner fixed 😀  which was surprising since he had his knee drained again today and Cortisone shot to help with inflammation.  He's out of work for the next few days so hopefully they will hurry and get his workman's comp going soon.  This is his second time out in as many weeks.  I pray this is not an ongoing thing for him and he heals soon.

Home

Came home Friday evening.  Saturday was spent watching football all day and watching Jim eat.  Had to call Jennifer later to bring home Alka Seltzer....he WAY over did it.  

Jim left this morning going back to Columbia to take care of that office for a few days.  I'm trying to get things done so I can relax after being roto-rootered Thursday.  Fun times.  Gathering up crafting supplies so I'll have something to do while sitting still 😈

In SC with Jim

Have been in Columbia, SC with Jim this week.  We made a trip to Charlotte to look at the building they are negotiating and drove around looking for housing.  It's not definite, but we are thinking we will be living in SC for several reasons...taxes, etc.  BUT...I'm not seriously looking for anything until all the t's are crossed and i's dotted this time.  The building is in a good location and we can live in either state with ease.  I kind of wish it was farther north (I was in love with that area) but I'm sure I can live most anywhere. 

We have been kind of quiet and still this trip.  Only going out to grab a meal and 1 Target run.  I brought enough projects with me to keep me busy while Jim is at work, and I have the Christmas ornaments for this year almost completed.  A few need the vinyl re-cut and since I didn't bring my machine, I'll have to wait until I get home to finish those few.

Got bored this afternoon and walked down to Cracker Barrel.  Not to eat, but to shop.  Big mistake...I picked up a few Christmas presents but found their Halloween table which was 40% off...Two of the boys in my house (Jake and Logan) will be very, very happy with my purchase...lol.  I was weak.😁

Change of plans

I seldom ever plan.  People usually do it for me.  Like Friday.  I was supposed to have my second leg procedure done.  Had psyched myself up for being “uncomfortable” during the procedure and dealing with the recovery.   I received a call this morning from the cardiologist office informing me that my Dr has postponed it.   Since he has to go through one of the stents he put in the last time to access the new area, he wants more healing time.  Of course I call Jim and he has already checked out of his room and packed his truck.   Luckily he was able to find another room and postponed coming home until Friday.  And...since I already had a clear week next week, I decided I would just go back with him Sunday😊.   Hope he doesn’t mind 🤪🤪🤪

life is moving on

let's go back to last Wednesday night.  It was the closing of the SAIA convention.  Cocktail party was great, dinner and awards ceremony was wonderful...my husband gives good speech but you can't convince him of that.  After party was a blast.  Band was great.  The best part was a "typewriter poet".  I sat down with him and he asked me what my passion was - of course I said family - he wanted to know how many children and if I had grandchildren - I gave him the answers and then he started typing away only pausing to think for a few seconds, the back to typing.....when he finished he read the poem to me and brought tears to my eyes.  He totally nailed it.  I'll try to get the picture of the poem in this entry.  Anyway party was good. 
Next day (Thursday) I actually got to spend some time with my husband.  We spent the majority of the day at the WWII museum.  It was awesome.  We stayed until closing which was amazing.  They play taps over the sound system everyday and it echoes thru the streets.  It will give you chills.  I highly recommend it to anyone going to the NOLA area. 
Friday we are packed and flying back home.  Weekend was quiet and Jim left on his way back to Columbia Monday morning. 

Monday was spent taking taking Jake to the Orthopedist in Ocala to have fluid drained off his knee.  He was a trooper.  He was told not to overuse the knee or go back to work for a week and use knee pads from now on and he should be fine. 

Tues was my turn to get results from heart monitor.  Everything came back normal ...yea!!!!  Now we get ready to unblock my left leg Friday.  Hopefully this will be with no complications this time (passing out).  Actually looking forward to be able to walk again without pain.

Eating

I am eating my way thru New Orleans, or so it seems.....Sunday was lunch with Marty at the Hard Rock Cafe.....Sunday night was dinner with the Crane/Martin staff at the Palace Cafe. 

Monday, I took the tour bus (alone) around the city.  Got off at the French Market stop and looked around awhile..then to Cafe du Monde for Beignets and people watching.  This outing would not be complete without a stop at Sally's Pralines (my favorite praline shop).  Hopped back on bus and took the entire tour through the Garden District, Superdome, Business District, Art District, Basin Street...etc.   Its the only way to see the city that you are visiting!!!!  Tonight was the welcome reception and ribbon cutting on the exhibit hall.  After was the Past President's Dinner in which Jim and I hosted at Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse.  Finally made it back to hotel room a few minutes before midnight.

Tues was a guest outing - A Mississippi river paddle boat cruise.  It was wonderful.  Stayed in the salon (a/c) with some friends and had a great time.  Next was lunch at Antoine's.  No so great.  Food was wonderful, restaurant was beautiful, but wait staff was rude and left a lot to be desired.  I have made sure that the SAIA has left an unfavorable review of their restaurant.  There is no reason for an entire wait staff to be rude and unaccommodating.  Anyway...Next is dinner at Brennan's Restaurant with the Allied group.  A "by invitation only" event in a beautiful venue.  Food was fantastic and the wait staff was doing everything in their power to be friendly.  My favorite was served which is steak and chocolate cake.😀

Today so far, has been the SAIA breakfast ( this is daily) and a the guest outing today was a class at the New Orleans School of Cooking.  Oh My !!!!  The menu was Louisiana Meat Pies, Corn and Crab Bisque, Jambalaya, and Bananas Foster Crepes.  I was on the team to make the Crepes but also went table to table to observe the other dishes being made.  We were then served the food that we had cooked.  The chef laughed when we asked if we could light the crepes....said he liked his eyebrows..lol.   This was a great hit with all the ladies (and 2 guys). 

Tonight is the finale...thank goodness.  begins with a cocktail party, then goes into the GALA and awards ceremony, the into the after party.  I'm sure by the time all this ends tonight we will be ready to crash!!! 

wow....this life

Been a while since last post.  Lots of things have happened.  Lets start with my leg procedure.  Had right leg artery opened up and stents implanted.  Procedure went well.  Came home - had a restless night but nothing unusual - got up next morning,  walked out in yard with Jim and came back in house, was standing in kitchen talking to Jim while he was fixing a cup of coffee.  Next thing I knew I was waking up on floor with Jim kneeling over me scared to death.  I had hit the floor like a fainting goat....didn't even realize I was going out.  Of course we go back to the cardiologist and from there I am wearing a heart monitor for the next two weeks.  That was a pain in the butt.  Try going to pee without getting yourself tangled up in the the wires...🤣  Anyway, that's over and I have appointment next week to get results.  Meanwhile, Jenny and Jerry's landlord comes to them and says that he has sold the house they are renting and need to vacate in 2 weeks.  So...we are cleaning out a room and getting them moved in QUICKLY.  Of course Logan is thrilled to be living with Grandma and Grandpa again. 
Emily comes and stays with me for a week during all of this and has her bat cat.  That's another story in itself.  He is total chaos but so funny. But I enjoyed having kids in the house, just wish it was under better circumstances.
Now I am sitting in New Orleans for SAIA convention.  Hotel looks over the Mississippi River !!!   Beautiful...until you walk down into the streets.  Lots of homelesss..  People sleeping on the sidewalks and in alleyways.  Going to try to get out today if possible.  Jim is so busy and most everyone else is paired up with either their spouse or they brought a grown child with them.  I'm a little anxious about going out by myself because I'm slow and not quit sure why I passed out in the first place.  All I need is to have a medical emergency while I am out alone in NO.  Jim would never let me out again.  I'm sure I'll find something to do. 

Wow what a week

This has been a crazy few days.  Decided to clean out garage room so we can store the boxes that are now in the formal living room.  So all the craft supplies and heat press went into Emily's vacant room.  All the signs, ribbons and rolls of mesh are neatly sorted and stored in the closet.  Heat press is set up and wreath making supplies are ready to be used...YEA!!!!!  Friday comes and Jenny and Jerry's landlord comes by to fix a leaky faucet and also unannounced brings someone to look at buying the house they are in.  SURPRISE    They were shocked.  Monday comes and they find out the lady has bought their house and they have until the end of the month to vacate.  They were set to sign their lease to renew.  SO that brings us to now....the "vacant room" that holds all my craft supplies and Jim's makeshift office.  Moved the "office" today and cleaned the formal dining room (that's where his desk and computer went).  Now to start finding places for the craft supplies and music equipment stored in the closet.  We will get them settled in here before the end of the month.

Took a huge load of clothes to Goodwill today.  Purge, Purge, Purge.  How did we accumulate so much stuff????  Life is never dull.  But I will say that I feel so blessed for these to be our problems.  Moving the overabundance of crap out of the way so we are able to give our kids a roof over their heads when they need it.  God has blessed us. 

Busy Days

Yesterday was fun.  Spent most of day in Orange Park with Emily.  Had a blast shopping in the new fall decorating aisles.  Hit up every craft and home decor store we could find.  Of course we spent too much but you only live once.

Started gathering all my crafts supplies and trying to sort them and put in one room instead of scattered all over the house.  Lots of useless stuff that can go to yard sale, but as I came across others, the ideas started coming left and right.  But that will have to wait for another day.  Have some small stacks to finish sorting, then it's on to another category for the same process.

Another week gone by...

Last week seemed to be the week of Grandchildren.  Actually saw JR a few times.  He and Logan spent the night with me Wednesday night.  Friday,went to Jon's to watch all three kids while he went to an appt.   Saturday was Miss Vi's 2nd birthday party.    Jim was home for the weekend.  Bless his heart, he had to work on my computer and replace parts on it all weekend.  Finally up and running now.  New hard drive so now I have to transfer everything I want to keep.  Long, boring, tedious chore. 

Rachel came in tonight and announced she is moving out again...took her clothes and left...so, I started rearranging things to begin the great purge and pack.  I have approx 30 boxes that I had already packed about 6 or so months ago.  I am now going to begin re-opening those boxes and only keeping what I truly want.  So far, I haven't really missed anything so I can see a huge yard sale and some ebay in my near future. 

Catching Up

Got home from Columbia Friday night.  Saturday was spent catching up on laundry, cleaning and kid happenings.  Rachel has moved back home again.  Don't know how long that will last. 

Jim returned to Columbia on Sunday.  He had to open office at 7am Monday morning so he only had the one day at home, so needless to say the rest of my Sunday was sad.
Monday, however, was a different story.....after a month in exile, I returned to the motherland...HOBBY LOBBY!!!!  I went alone...didn't buy much, but looked for an hour or so (without complaints) and got SO many new ideas. 
Today was spent trying to figure out how to downsize and pack this house full of useless mess.  Well, I would say it's 50/50 on the useless mess.  We are a funny couple.  We both agree to hold onto antiques and family built furniture but we really don't care about anything else....but we also agree on holding onto every last tool (Jim) and craft supply (me). Of course these item could fill another house alone. 🏡🤣
The rest of my week will be spent with a few of my grandchildren.  Seems like I have one or two every day and Miss Violet's 2nd birthday party Saturday.  Life is good.

Still in Columbia

I'm still in Columbia, SC with Jim.  He works and I sit in hotel room watching crafting videos on youtube missing my supplies :(    Have been working on a crocheted shoulder wrap and practicing my brush stroke letters.  I didn't realize it would be so hard to adjust the pressure and turn the brush pen with arthritis.  Sometimes the fingers and hands don't cooperate.

We went to the movies Saturday.  Saw "Yesterday".  It was very good.  Had a couple of idiot 20 something males sitting next to me.  Didn't have a clue about the music and in one scene they were trying to figure out if it was really John Lennon or not...one finally said "I think he's dead"...DUH!!!!!   Went shopping after movie and Jim bought box set of the Mission Impossible movies....can anyone guess what we did Sunday????  Then to Zestos for our beloved broasted chicken.  We both love it!!!!

Have been cooking dinners every night, but it gives me something to do.  Not too bad cooking for only 2.  Missing being able to get out and roam about, but will be home soon and when I come back, I think I'll just bring my car.  Love being with Jim in the evenings and hotel living in the daytime with nothing to do is nice for the first week, but after that it gets claustrophobic.  You can only look/shop in Cracker Barrel so much......

Crazy Life

Finished out last week with Rachel moving back home Saturday.  Jim finally made it home about 12:30 Sunday morning but came home hungry so at one am I am in the kitchen making grilled ham and cheese sandwiches.  We are up a few hours later packing and getting ready to spend a few weeks in Columbia,SC but on the way we stop by to see Emily and her new car.  Seems she speaks and Zack makes it happen.

In Columbia now - hotel gave us the same room we had last time...Jim is working and I'm trying to catch up on some computer cleaning and movie watching while things are quiet.

Love it

👍👍  Loving this being able to get a few things accomplished.  Got all of Jim's clothes moved out of the guest room (Emily's room) closet, sorted and hung in his closet.  Rachel now has room to hang her clothes since she is moving back home for a while. 
Found a great sale at Cato today and bought 2 new dresses and a couple of tops. 
Got some floors cleaned and Vac'd today and got rid of a few stacks of crap that have been laying around waiting for me to find a place for them.  I found the place today.  A big black garbage bag.  I can see me doing a lot more of this!!!

Fun Day

Today was a good day.  Got out of the house and actually interacted with people.  Jenny, Logan and I met up with Emily in Orange Park.  Went shopping, had lunch and a good time talking.  Got a new devotional book, a couple of new decorative items for a new house if we ever move, naturally went to Nothing Bundt Cakes and got our favorites, and of course had to hit Old Time Pottery and get a few rolls of new ribbon.  All of the new fall items are coming out and that makes me want to decorate and create.  Too bad most of my stuff is packed already.  This living in limbo is getting tiresome. Anyway, Rachel was here when I got home so we went to supper in Gainesville.  Tried a new place called Los Pollos.  Simple but wonderful !!!!  Overall, a very good day

Just stuff

When did we become a 3rd world country???  That's the first thing I thought of when I was at Walmart the other day.  I'm trying my best to find alternative places but sometimes you just get tired and want to get everything at one place.  Walmart.  Walmart in Starke, FL.  Oh wow.  I was looking at cosmetics and lotions and decided to go to the gardening section since they are starting to clearance for fall.  I started to walk down an aisle but a couple was standing there, so I just stood there for a minute looking at the end cap when I noticed something didn't look "right or odd" about the woman standing there.  Other than having on extremely short shorts and a tank top (which a woman of her size should never wear), she not only was extremely large, but had her at least size DD breast totally out of her shirt and feeding what appeared to be a 6month? baby.  I really try not to be judgmental because everyone has problems and difficulties in life, and I breastfed my own children, but not while I was standing in the middle of the garden center with no covering at all.  I guess modesty and morals have gone totally out the window.  And before anyone starts hating on me, yes I believe breastfeeding is totally natural and it's your choice to breastfeed, bottle or both.  I also believe you shouldn't be forced to do it in a store bathroom ( totally filthy), but at least have the courtesy to shield yourself at least a little bit.  Not everyone wants to witness this and yes I just walked away. 

I also had my own light bulb moment this week.  In life you spend the first 50 or so years accumulating all the trinkets, possessions, clothing, junk you can get your hands on.... then you spend the next part of your life trying to clean out and get rid of all the junk you have accumulated so you don't have to store or clean it.

Anyway.....got Jim on a plane this afternoon for Kansas City for SAIA mtgs.  He will be back Sat. evening and then we leave Sunday for another week or two in Columbia.  Life goes on.

Catching Up

It's almost impossible for me to blog sometimes. Not enough time and someone always looking over my shoulder.  Jim and I left Columbia, SC Wednesday to come home for the July 4th weekend.  Emily came to spend the day with us.  Brought Binx (her kitten) which kept Tabitha busy playing.  Jake left for Orlando to attend the Halo convention.  He was gone all weekend.  Jennifer, Logan and Emily were here for hamburgers then everyone went their own way.  Jim was "feeling poorly" all weekend so we didn't do much.  The man cold made it's way into the house.  We did accomplish a few things....laundry, got the pantry cleaned out and organized, and a few other little things. 
Jim left this morning to go back to Columbia for a few days before he comes back and catches a flight for Kansas City to attend a workshop for SAIA. 
Had lunch with Jennifer today at TGIFridays, then did a little shopping, came home and watched "the Book Club" then finished watching "Julie and Julia" (loved it).    Quiet around here and I HAVE CONTROL OF THE TELEVISION!!!! 

Our weekend

Jim came home Friday evening, so we got most of the laundry done and his things ready for the next week a little early.  Saturday was spend cooking...breakfast, a small lunch and pot roast for supper.  It was so hot outside we decided to stay in and watched several not so good movies.  Sat night was spent packing and Sunday we loaded the truck and I took off with Jim for a few day.  We stopped on the way to have lunch with Emily and deliver her wreath.  Emily and I made plans to meet in a few weeks to shop in Orange Park.  We arrived in Columbia at a decent hour and went grocery shopping for the few days we are here, then dinner at Cracker Barrel.  Cracker Barrel is just across the parking lot so I see some shopping occupying my time while Jim is at work.😊

It’s Friday

The weekend is finally here.    Poor Jake stayed home from work sick today.  Bad sinuses.  Hopefully he will be better tomorrow.  Got Jim’s cake baked this morning and after all my distress yesterday trying to find the flavoring, I had enough left in the opened bottle 🙄.   Made a yummy 😋 supper tonight.  Homemade stroganoff, peas and rolls.  Jim was home at a nice time today to enjoy a sit down dinner with me and a Jake  

Got a little creative today also.  Emily has been wanting a wreath with black and white buffalo check, so I made her one.  It screams southern...buffalo check, hydrangeas, cotton and a personalization.  An “H” also covered in checks.  I have to guard my decorative pieces now that she has her own house.  It has been pointed out to me that all of my “H” items will also fit her decor and if/when she and Zack marry, her last name will still begin with H.  Anyway...I really enjoy creating decorative items and hope at some point to do something with them. Maybe Etsy or restart my Facebook page when life settles down some.

Don't change things on me!!!!

Long story......I got up this morning thinking that to make easier, I would make a menu for this weekend.  Made my grocery list according to some of Jim and Jake's favorites and a couple of quick lunches.  In my menu I decided to make a cake.  Jim is not a cake eater, but I make ONE that if you don't watch him, he will just get a fork and disappear.  Butter Nut cake with roasted pecans.  It uses vanilla butter nut flavoring.  I have some, but not enough for the recipe I use.  I add it to my grocery list.  I search the flavorings and nothing....I text Jake to check his store (Publix) and see if they have any.  No, but he brought home a flavoring called "Cake Batter".  I told him I didn't think that would work but I would keep it anyway.  I'm sure I can use it for something.  Fast forward....Rachel and I meet in Gainesville for our Thursday night Mom & Rachel outing.  Before we meet, I stopped at 3 different grocery stores and nothing.  After dinner, Rachel and I go shopping and we stop at yet another store....nothing.  But they ALL have this "Cake Batter" flavoring.  Strange.  When I get home, Jake and I get on the Publix website to see if it can be ordered.  It can...no problem.  Jake notices that the picture on both flavorings is the same.  I open the bottle I already have and take a sniff...butter nut flavoring...I open the "Cake Batter" flavoring...butter nut flavoring...can't be....I google to see if they are the same or equal enough to substitute and this is what I found...

McCormick has recently changed the product name to Cake Batter Flavor. It is the same great product with anew product name. Same exact ingredients. ...McCormick Imitation Vanilla Butter and Nut Flavor is a bold blend of butter, vanilla and nuts.

NO NO NO!!!!!  You can't just change the name of things.  I'm 56.  I remember my Grandmothers using butter nut flavoring.  If something has had a name that long...LEAVE IT ALONE!!!!

OK  rant over.  Otherwise I have had a pretty good day.

Good Day

Logan spent the night last night and his mama wouldn't be home until after lunch to get him, so.....we had to do something!!!!  Our day started off with Peanut Butter Cap'n Crunch...Logan's fav... then we decided to get dressed and go to Hobby Lobby.  This kid loves this place as much as his grandma.  We inspected every science experiment box on 2 aisles, picked up every plastic fish, dinosaur, and dragon,  then looked at the "man cave" decorative items (this boy is into cowboy decor..who knew), then to the art section where he picked out a few posters to color.  Believe it or not, I knew what I was going for and got it first with little fanfare.  As we are checking out, he turns to me and says "Grandma, my stomach is growling".  Well, there was nothing left to do but feed the boy.  He decided on Chik-fil-A.  Not my favorite, but he was happy.  Then home to color and play more Wii.  Of course Jenny beat us home and was waiting on him, but he stayed a few hours longer.  Spent my evening watching crafting videos and trying to learn a few things.  It always relaxes me when I get into "creative mode" and make things. 

Ho Hum Day

It was just one of those days.  Got up, got dressed, changed sheets on bed, took care of cats and litter.....then ran totally out of steam..  Had no motivation to do anything.  Tried to clean some but never made any headway.  Tried to find something for lunch, but nothing looked good.  Decided I needed to get in my room and "create" something, so I decided on a wreath, but didn't have the mesh I needed (guess that means another Hobby Lobby trip tomorrow...bwahhaha)...

Jenny and Logan came over and broke up the silence which was a good thing.  Then my wonderful son comes home with supper 💓  He brings pizza for everyone.  Logan is spending the night tonight because his parents have to work early tomorrow.  He has been busy on the Wii.  No gaming limit at grandmas.  It's getting close to bedtime now, so I guess I'll go read awhile. 

Our Weekend

Just another normal weekend at the Holcomb House.  The baby (Emily) came home for the day Saturday.  She called while Jim and I were out for breakfast to ask why we were not at home 👀👀  I had to make it up to her by boiling cajun peanuts.  Jon, Brittni and kids are home from vacation and came by to see us.  Sounds like they had a great family vacation...I remember those vacations with small children...😂😂😂 ....Went to Browns and got fresh corn to shuck and boil then to Fryers for chicken.  Great meal!!!!  Rachel and Cory came over later in the afternoon and we all played trivia games on the TV that Jake had set up for us. 

Sunday was a lazy day.  Cooked breakfast for Jim and Jake then put on a sizable rump roast for later.  Most of the day was spent doing laundry and watching movies.  When the sun went down and you could walk outside without spontaneously combusting, I helped Jim load his luggage for his trip back to work.

Monday was spent getting up at 3am to send Jim back on the road to Columbia, then I snuck off to go back to bed.  Back up to make Dr appts for annual exams to be done before we suddenly have to move.  Made some more progress on packing/organizing my craft area in garage and also worked in front living room.  Lots of work to be done and lots of downsizing to do, but I'm working on it. 

Hobby Lobby

A mother never breaks her promise.  Keeping that in mind, I promised to take Jennifer to Hobby Lobby today for their big summer sale.  I made a big mistake and did some shopping on my own.  $150.00 worth of shopping.  Now I have to pack it up to move (or so I've been told).  Got lots of galvanized metal organizers and odds and ends.  Love everything I got.

After leaving Hobby Lobby naturally Logan started wanting McD's, so what's a grandma to do but take the boy to McD's.   Yuk on my part.  I can live without ever having it again.

We decided to go to Rural King which was across the street and the boy went nuts when he saw the chickens and ducks.  Got upset with Jenny when she wouldn't buy him the minimum 6 baby chicks...hahaha.  Sometimes it's good to be Grandma.  You can just say that Mama won't let me.

Went to Brown's to get fresh veggies then home. 

Have had my sister-in-law Kristie on my mind today.  They had her Daddy's funeral today. 

 Jim came home early today so I actually cooked supper.  Surprised even myself. lol   So nice to have him home for the weekend.   

Everyday Life

Life is moving on.  Yesterday was nothing but thunderstorms, so I worked on organizing and sorting my craft room.  It's hard to know what to go ahead and box up or keep out to use.  Got the ironing done...yuk.   Late afternoon the rain slacked off some so Jennifer, Logan, Jake and I went to Sonny's for beans, fries and "eggneck eggrolls"  Then a short trip to Walmart and back home again.  Exciting day 😀

I spent today in Gainesville.  Had a hair appt and fun visit with Todd.  Roamed the mall until it was over run with teenagers (school's out) then headed to Hobby Lobby where I accidentally ran into an awesome sale.  Found a galvanized sorter, beautiful dry erase calendar and a few odds and ends.  Promised Jennifer that I would take her tomorrow ( boy I'm going to be in trouble...lol)  Hopefully there will be something left 😻   Also had my Thursday dinner ritual with Rachel.  These are the things that I am going to miss badly when we actually move.  I enjoy the times spent with my children.

Vet day for Sherbie

Poor Sherbie had a vet appt today.  He hates vet day...age is showing on him.  He's 17 and slowing down.  His blood work is good and he still interacts so he will be around a while longer thank goodness.  We did have an eventful visit though.  All of his vaccines were due and had to have blood drawn.  He was taken out to the lab and when Brittany (the vet assistant) brought him back, she had on long gloves and Sherbie wrapped in a towel.  He was NOT a happy camper and was hissing and trying to bite her.  Dr. Sailor said that we are all getting old and grumpy. 🙀  Grocery day today too.  Yuk!!! 

Cleaned my desk and shredded TONS of useless papers.  Bought a tote to store my winter clothes if I ever get started cleaning my closet.  Seems like I just can't get my brain in gear and organized enough to get things done.  I'm sure it will get done in due time.

New Life in Progress

SO much has happened in our lives over the last 2 years...too much to go into right now.  I have decided that if I don't start to "chronicle" our happenings, we will get so caught up that we will forget the little things.  That is something I never want to do.

Let's start with the last week.  After 2 attempts at trying to move to the Charlotte area where we actually found 2 different places to live only to have the office building for Jim's new job be in question, he decided to take the week off and regroup.  We came home on Friday.  Saturday was dedicated to a home cooked meal, laundry and catching up with our children.  Sunday - Tuesday was spent in Ft. Pierce with Mom and Papa.  We had a great time visiting, walking thru town, by the beach, and taking Papa out for his Father's Day dinner @ Red Lobster - his choice.

Wednesday was spent cleaning, watching it rain and a night at the Hippodrome to see "The Million Dollar Quartet".  Excellent play with excellent music. 

Thursday afternoon was spent at the movies with Logan -- "The Secret Life of Pets 2".  Logan and I laughed and giggled at the movie and at Gpa asleep in the seat head bobbing and snorting 🤣
Thursday night was Yamato's with Rachel and Cory for Jim's Father's Day. 

Friday - cleaning the shop - Misc. errands -

Saturday - Jake hosted a hamburger dinner for Father's Day.  Jenny, Jerry & Logan, Zack and Emily, Jim and I had a great time and Jake cooked a fantastic meal.  Emily and Zack took her bed home with them for their guest room.  Another sad change in our life.

Sunday - Father's day - Bitter sweet - missing my Daddy but glad to have Jim home with the family.    We are unsettle in our life right now, but blessed beyond belief.  God has watched over this family and I know he has great plans for all of us, just wish he would give us a sneak peak so we could see the big picture but we are told to trust Him, so that's what I will do.