You didn't even know we were gone, did you!
Well - last weekend we went to Chicago to help celebrate our (almost) 3-year old granddaughter, Evie's, birthday.
We dropped Gracie off at the Pet Sitter, Carol's, home Thursday night. I'm always amazed at how she loves to go there. We get out of the car, she hears Mickey (their little dog) bark, and she's off - like a rocket - to the door. Of course, that's in her dreams because she has on her leash. But - that's what she'd like to do. If she could.
Rather than go home to eat, on the spur of the moment, we had dinner at Moretti's restaurant. If you've never been there, you're missing out on a great meal. I can't recommend it enough.
So - our flight left from Rochester - a nonstop one - an hour and forty minutes later we landed in Chicago. I had a wheelchair waiting as I got off the plane because I knew it was a long walk to the Baggage Claim area. And I wanted to save my knee for going to the playground with the grandchildren.
After we got our bag, and were in the taxi for the ride to Nancy and Dan's, I called Nancy on my cell. Bad news. This afternoon Evie and Walter (7 months) were sent home sick with a rash from daycare.
They had something called Hand and Mouth (?) disease. Evie and Walter were both sleeping. We got to their apartment, and Nancy told us that it was a virus and was highly contagious. Oh, my. Goodness. BUT the pediatrician said when the rash was present they were no longer contagious. So, all was well. Nancy postponed Evie's party because the guests were three little girls from her daycare. My thoughts are that their moms were happy. Even though they'd all be exposed to it.
We felt sorry for Evie.
BUT lo' and behold - Evie got up from her nap, and she was a happy little girl. No fever, no rash. In fact, both children seemed fine all weekend. We think the daycare providers over-reacted. And having grandma and grandpa there made the weekend special, anyway. So her birthday will be celebrated over and over. (Thursday is the day) (New party to be scheduled)
There's a big wedding for Dan's family next weekend. His brother Jeff and his fiancee Nina are getting married. Grandpa Neal and Grandma Judy are coming up to babysit Walter, Evie and Vincent. That is so nice. Evie is the flower girl, and Vincent is the ringbearer in the wedding. I do hope we get a lot of pictures on Facebook, or e-mail. The kids won't be at the reception, and Nancy and Dan don't have to worry. Come to think of it, I remember that they babysat Vincent when Paul and I got married.
Vincent (7) is getting so big! He's playing soccer and his dad is the assistant coach. Vincent kept asking if it was time to go yet. He's so into it. After the game, Dan and he were going to a birthday party. So they were gone a good part of Saturday afternoon. When they got home Vincent had to tell us all about the plays he made and how the game went. He was all excited. He scored a goal! Of course I don't remember whether they won or not.
While Dan and he were at the soccer game, and after the little ones had naps, Nancy, Walter, Evie and I walked to the playground. (Paul watched the Gators on TV.) Evie had a milestone - walking on a wiggly balancing beam all by herself - Nancy stayed beside her. She was so proud she had to do it again and again. Of course we clapped each time.
We left on Sunday. Our flight was at noon. I used a wheelchair from the ticket area to the gate. It helped a lot. My knee hurt on Monday and I thought I was going to be going through what I did after Alaska. Boy, that hurt. But . . . No. Today I'm fine again. Good!
We're enjoying beautiful early Fall weather here. The grass is that beautiful green, the flowers are at their peak. I love this time of year. I have a yen to bake an apple pie. We'll make a trip up to the apple orchard some time soon.
So - how're things goin' in your neck o' the woods?
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Potpourri
I looked and it's been only six days since I posted. Seems like two weeks. Somehow I'm finding it hard to get my days straight. I was beginning to feel guilty about not having written.
It's gonna be a hot one today. Up in the 90's. I feel sorry for those in those non-air-conditioned schools (like where I worked).
We got some new mums on the back deck and I was out there this morning trying to get some pics. The sun made them look so beautiful from the kitchen, but the glare ruined the pictures. I'm going out this afternoon to see if the sunrays behave better. Paul picked some green peppers and we're having stuffed peppers tonight. Perhaps I'll add green peppper and red tomatoes to the picture (s)!
So - if you are among the elite, you can see that I've learned how to download my pictures from my camera. The luckiest ones are those on Facebook because with this new camera it is so easy! And fun.
There's even an icon to tell me and definitely easy 1-2-3 steps to follow. I can make albums and title them too! And add to them. Some of you are nodding, well yes, as you've known this for generations. I'm a little slow. As we all know.
My e-mail pictures went out and I've gotten good responses. Paul said they were too big and took up too much room. Uh oh. If you had trouble getting them, please let me know. My computer was not happy too. It left me several indignant messages.
Edna and Mike - sent you pictures via e-mail, and they came back. Address unknown. At least the one we have doesn't work. Could you send me your newest one? You have my e-mail address and Paul's.
Going back to HOT - Paul said he wasn't going out again today. Then the next minute he said he was taking Gracie out for a walk. When I commented, his reasoning was that probably it wasn't as hot in the front - more shade. Guess it was okay.
Our old friends, Dayle and Darryl, who moved to Virginia a couple of years ago, are up for a couple of days. They're staying with Guy and Ginger. We all belonged to Card Club together. Ginger and Guy, Ruth P, Lue, and we went out to dinner with them at the Seneca Harbor Station Sunday evening. It's right at the head of Seneca Lake.
It was a perfectly gorgeous evening - the water was a deep blue with white caps. Lots of sailboats. Lots of people strolling on the pier. The food was good. Paul and I had their chicken alfredo and we took half of it home. I had it for lunch on Monday.
We're having some visitors this weekend - Jeff and Dorothy. Jeff is going to help his friend Vince at a race at the Glen on Saturday. It's up in the air as to when they'll be here. It doesn't matter. We're always prepared for guests . Alaina and DJ are coming Friday night.
Yesterday I went to Bath (I consider Bath my hometown) for my yearly contact lens exam.
My eyesight is now 20/20 - both far and near. My close-up vision has always been good. The doctor said it's because of my glaucoma. It tends to change eyesight. He congratulated me. I'm one of the lucky ones. For some, it goes the other way.
He changed my contact lens prescription. I really don't need them and seldom wear them, but it's very inexpensive to get them. I only use one contact, and that's in my left eye. It's hard to describe, but my left eye tends to let my right eye do the work. But I have 20/20 vision. Go figure.
Afterwards, I had lunch with my very good friend Ruth, her husband Wes, and Ruth's mother, who is 96. I stayed only a little while and then went on my way. Ruth was busy in the afternoon.
I stopped at Dean's ice cream (very bad, or very good - depending on how you look/taste (at) it). I saw Kerri, the owner. Nancy worked there eons ago, and I had the cutest picture of Evie with me, with her flowergirl dress on. Kerri said she could see Nancy's "twinkle" in Evie's bright smile. Lucy, an old Curves friend, was there with her husband.
From there, I traversed Bath - I went to Tops market and saw two friends from my church. I drove past all three homes I'd lived in. I couldn't get over the size of the trees, greenery, and the amount of flowers at each place. I had been wondering how things were - here and there. They all looked beautiful, and did my heart good.
So, it's lunchtime. I think I'll make BLT's. Paul had them yesterday for lunch while I was in Bath, but I'm sure he won't mind having them again.
So - how're things goin' in your neck o' the woods?
It's gonna be a hot one today. Up in the 90's. I feel sorry for those in those non-air-conditioned schools (like where I worked).
We got some new mums on the back deck and I was out there this morning trying to get some pics. The sun made them look so beautiful from the kitchen, but the glare ruined the pictures. I'm going out this afternoon to see if the sunrays behave better. Paul picked some green peppers and we're having stuffed peppers tonight. Perhaps I'll add green peppper and red tomatoes to the picture (s)!
So - if you are among the elite, you can see that I've learned how to download my pictures from my camera. The luckiest ones are those on Facebook because with this new camera it is so easy! And fun.
There's even an icon to tell me and definitely easy 1-2-3 steps to follow. I can make albums and title them too! And add to them. Some of you are nodding, well yes, as you've known this for generations. I'm a little slow. As we all know.
My e-mail pictures went out and I've gotten good responses. Paul said they were too big and took up too much room. Uh oh. If you had trouble getting them, please let me know. My computer was not happy too. It left me several indignant messages.
Edna and Mike - sent you pictures via e-mail, and they came back. Address unknown. At least the one we have doesn't work. Could you send me your newest one? You have my e-mail address and Paul's.
Going back to HOT - Paul said he wasn't going out again today. Then the next minute he said he was taking Gracie out for a walk. When I commented, his reasoning was that probably it wasn't as hot in the front - more shade. Guess it was okay.
Our old friends, Dayle and Darryl, who moved to Virginia a couple of years ago, are up for a couple of days. They're staying with Guy and Ginger. We all belonged to Card Club together. Ginger and Guy, Ruth P, Lue, and we went out to dinner with them at the Seneca Harbor Station Sunday evening. It's right at the head of Seneca Lake.
It was a perfectly gorgeous evening - the water was a deep blue with white caps. Lots of sailboats. Lots of people strolling on the pier. The food was good. Paul and I had their chicken alfredo and we took half of it home. I had it for lunch on Monday.
We're having some visitors this weekend - Jeff and Dorothy. Jeff is going to help his friend Vince at a race at the Glen on Saturday. It's up in the air as to when they'll be here. It doesn't matter. We're always prepared for guests . Alaina and DJ are coming Friday night.
Yesterday I went to Bath (I consider Bath my hometown) for my yearly contact lens exam.
My eyesight is now 20/20 - both far and near. My close-up vision has always been good. The doctor said it's because of my glaucoma. It tends to change eyesight. He congratulated me. I'm one of the lucky ones. For some, it goes the other way.
He changed my contact lens prescription. I really don't need them and seldom wear them, but it's very inexpensive to get them. I only use one contact, and that's in my left eye. It's hard to describe, but my left eye tends to let my right eye do the work. But I have 20/20 vision. Go figure.
Afterwards, I had lunch with my very good friend Ruth, her husband Wes, and Ruth's mother, who is 96. I stayed only a little while and then went on my way. Ruth was busy in the afternoon.
I stopped at Dean's ice cream (very bad, or very good - depending on how you look/taste (at) it). I saw Kerri, the owner. Nancy worked there eons ago, and I had the cutest picture of Evie with me, with her flowergirl dress on. Kerri said she could see Nancy's "twinkle" in Evie's bright smile. Lucy, an old Curves friend, was there with her husband.
From there, I traversed Bath - I went to Tops market and saw two friends from my church. I drove past all three homes I'd lived in. I couldn't get over the size of the trees, greenery, and the amount of flowers at each place. I had been wondering how things were - here and there. They all looked beautiful, and did my heart good.
So, it's lunchtime. I think I'll make BLT's. Paul had them yesterday for lunch while I was in Bath, but I'm sure he won't mind having them again.
So - how're things goin' in your neck o' the woods?
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Doctor's Visit
I had my appointment with my orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Greene, this afternoon. I wanted to know what he thought and what he would suggest as what should be done with my knees.
Naturally, my knees felt good today, yesterday and the day before, (isn't that the way it works???) since I wasn't walking much. At times like these, I told Paul, I felt like a hypochondriac. I also told the doctor the same thing. The doctor said that my X Rays were BAD. They don't lie. He said that it was great that I didn't have any pain, but he could see that pain was possible. Very possible.
He said I didn't need a knee replacement yet, but that sometime "before the end of my life" I would need to have two knee replacements. I wanted to ask him, but didn't - and when do you think that would be? He wants me to keep my knees as long as possible. Good.
He also talked about some injections that can be done - once a week - for three weeks - in both knees. I said I'd like them. He said it could be done before we went to Florida. Good idea. He's going to arrange it.
He also said he has many patients who go to Florida. They have orthopedists that they work with there too. And he and the doctors talk back and forth. He said 60% have it done down there. The other 40% up here. Or vice versa. He suggested I find one down there to work with too, and he'd see me when I returned in May. Meanwhile, I'll have the shots done.
Believe me, that's a relief. I wasn't looking forward to a knee replacement before I went back to Fla. and I'm glad there's something that can help me when I need it. He also said Curves is a good thing. Hallelujah!
And the nurse didn't weigh me. She just asked me what I weighed. I fudged it. (I didn't count the four pounds I gained on the cruise.)
So - what's happenin' in your neck o' the woods?
Naturally, my knees felt good today, yesterday and the day before, (isn't that the way it works???) since I wasn't walking much. At times like these, I told Paul, I felt like a hypochondriac. I also told the doctor the same thing. The doctor said that my X Rays were BAD. They don't lie. He said that it was great that I didn't have any pain, but he could see that pain was possible. Very possible.
He said I didn't need a knee replacement yet, but that sometime "before the end of my life" I would need to have two knee replacements. I wanted to ask him, but didn't - and when do you think that would be? He wants me to keep my knees as long as possible. Good.
He also talked about some injections that can be done - once a week - for three weeks - in both knees. I said I'd like them. He said it could be done before we went to Florida. Good idea. He's going to arrange it.
He also said he has many patients who go to Florida. They have orthopedists that they work with there too. And he and the doctors talk back and forth. He said 60% have it done down there. The other 40% up here. Or vice versa. He suggested I find one down there to work with too, and he'd see me when I returned in May. Meanwhile, I'll have the shots done.
Believe me, that's a relief. I wasn't looking forward to a knee replacement before I went back to Fla. and I'm glad there's something that can help me when I need it. He also said Curves is a good thing. Hallelujah!
And the nurse didn't weigh me. She just asked me what I weighed. I fudged it. (I didn't count the four pounds I gained on the cruise.)
So - what's happenin' in your neck o' the woods?
The end of our trip . . . but not the end of our activities!
Have we been home only six days? It feels like two weeks! When I think back, I have to think what week were we gone? When did we come home? It's crazy. It's only been six days!
Thursday
Well, our six-hour trip to Seattle was good. It was a gorgeous trip.
We pulled over at a place called Dry Falls. It was a spot that looked like the Grand Canyon - a place where there had been a gigantic waterfall during the glacial times or after? - four times as high as Niagara Falls and as wide, or more. Spectacular. We were up top at the rim - and looking for miles and miles back and forth - small little lakes and rivers still there, but mostly gigantic cliffs.
We went through a mountain pass mid-afternoon that was blasting scheduled for early evening. We were surprised that it was backed up. When we got there, they had these trucks, with blinking lights, that slowed traffic down and didn't allow anyone to pass. Interesting way to control the traffic. As noted, this was several hours before the blasting. But it was a pretty area.
We dropped our luggage off at our hotel, same one as before, went for some dinner, and then dropped the car off at the airport, got a shuttle bus back to the hotel.
We had a wake-up call for 3 AM. Our flight left at 6 AM. It's just as you can imagine. Thank goodness for wheelchairs. Weary, tired, slept a good part of the trip. We were back in Elmira at 5:00. Lue's son-in-law, Garland, and she picked us up and dropped us off home. Happy to be home!
Friday
We spent just getting unpacked.
Saturday
Began the Jenn and Robert Y.'s Wedding Weekend up at Glenora Winery. The winery overlooks Seneca Lake. Robert's mother and father, Jen and Garland, are from Tennessee. Jennifer is Lue's daughter. They put on a beautiful Cocktail Party for those coming from out of town to the wedding. We were invited, as family, obviously, cause we certainly weren't from out of town!
The Saturday evening party was held across the street at another beautiful winery. The Glenora winery has a motel atttached. Lots of people stayed there, so the Saturday evening festivities were in a good location for travelers. It was so good to see everyone! (I'm getting to know a lot of people and enjoyed talking with them.) The finger food was delicious, and of course, the wine was great. My knees started hurting just before we left. That was "well-planned."
Have I mentioned that there's a lot of Jennifers in Lue's family? Well, there are five that I can name. It's confusing at times. Three were recent brides.
Sunday
The wedding was at 4 PM. It was held outside on the back lawn overlooking the lake and the vineyards. The ceremony was under a beautiful mantel decorated with greenery. There were six bridesmaids and six groomsmen. And little Robert, Lue's great grandchild, age 15 months, was held by his father, one of the groomsmen. He was the "ringbearer" I've been told. A picture-perfect place and day.
The reception was inside the restaurant that goes with the winery. Gorgeous, of course. Beautiful table settings, candles, votives. Not sure how many people - perhaps one hundred?
So what a great way to end a wonderful trip. We were so fortunate.
Thursday
Well, our six-hour trip to Seattle was good. It was a gorgeous trip.
We pulled over at a place called Dry Falls. It was a spot that looked like the Grand Canyon - a place where there had been a gigantic waterfall during the glacial times or after? - four times as high as Niagara Falls and as wide, or more. Spectacular. We were up top at the rim - and looking for miles and miles back and forth - small little lakes and rivers still there, but mostly gigantic cliffs.
We went through a mountain pass mid-afternoon that was blasting scheduled for early evening. We were surprised that it was backed up. When we got there, they had these trucks, with blinking lights, that slowed traffic down and didn't allow anyone to pass. Interesting way to control the traffic. As noted, this was several hours before the blasting. But it was a pretty area.
We dropped our luggage off at our hotel, same one as before, went for some dinner, and then dropped the car off at the airport, got a shuttle bus back to the hotel.
We had a wake-up call for 3 AM. Our flight left at 6 AM. It's just as you can imagine. Thank goodness for wheelchairs. Weary, tired, slept a good part of the trip. We were back in Elmira at 5:00. Lue's son-in-law, Garland, and she picked us up and dropped us off home. Happy to be home!
Friday
We spent just getting unpacked.
Saturday
Began the Jenn and Robert Y.'s Wedding Weekend up at Glenora Winery. The winery overlooks Seneca Lake. Robert's mother and father, Jen and Garland, are from Tennessee. Jennifer is Lue's daughter. They put on a beautiful Cocktail Party for those coming from out of town to the wedding. We were invited, as family, obviously, cause we certainly weren't from out of town!
The Saturday evening party was held across the street at another beautiful winery. The Glenora winery has a motel atttached. Lots of people stayed there, so the Saturday evening festivities were in a good location for travelers. It was so good to see everyone! (I'm getting to know a lot of people and enjoyed talking with them.) The finger food was delicious, and of course, the wine was great. My knees started hurting just before we left. That was "well-planned."
Have I mentioned that there's a lot of Jennifers in Lue's family? Well, there are five that I can name. It's confusing at times. Three were recent brides.
Sunday
The wedding was at 4 PM. It was held outside on the back lawn overlooking the lake and the vineyards. The ceremony was under a beautiful mantel decorated with greenery. There were six bridesmaids and six groomsmen. And little Robert, Lue's great grandchild, age 15 months, was held by his father, one of the groomsmen. He was the "ringbearer" I've been told. A picture-perfect place and day.
The reception was inside the restaurant that goes with the winery. Gorgeous, of course. Beautiful table settings, candles, votives. Not sure how many people - perhaps one hundred?
So what a great way to end a wonderful trip. We were so fortunate.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)