4/4 Nice surprise

Jane and I went out to dinner by ourselves tonight. It was really nice. Went to Gem City. Then went to Kohl's and did some damage. Thanks for asking, Jane. I had a really nice time.

Gus and I walked a mile today. Yay. But first we stopped in Joe and Cindy's yard. We saw Kirby in the backyard so I let Gus and Kirby run and play awhile. Don't know where Cindy and Joe were, but it didn't matter. I sat in the sun on their swing and enjoyed watching the dogs.

Jill, Todd, and the kids are officially on their cruise. I spoke to them today as they were driving down to Long Beach. The kids are really excited. Kayla said the best part will be the "formal dinners." She can't wait to dress up. Plus she said they can have dessert with every meal. :)

Tonight's article is Studies say 'no' to vaccines as autism cause

11/2 Poor Gus (again)

His "cherry eye" is back, and both eyes are just oozing gunk. I know it's not contagious, but poor little guy looks awful. He's the cutest dog I've ever had, and right now he doesn't look like it.

I feel so bad for him. But I hope it's still there tomorrow so I can take him in for surgery. If it goes away again, we'll have to wait until it reappears.

Poor guy. He's scratching at it by rubbing his head on the carpet, but his great spirit remains. He's friendly and fun, so I'm grateful for that.

I'm a lucky bug.

Oh, and Kayla's ankle is fine. She was only on crutches for three days, and did play soccer this weekend. How wonderful that the damage wasn't great and that she recuperated quickly. What a cutie pie.

More good news--I have Chicago for my fantasy football team and they started today with a sack AND an interception and resulting touchdown. That sure makes me smile.

I'm working on my class in my office while the game is playing about two feet away from me. A good afternoon.

Sure wish someone in the family was going out to eat this evening though--oh, and that they would ask me to join them. Anyone? Bueller?

10/21 GREAT news for YOU!

I've started another blog for all my bitching and moaning about pain. So you never have to read my whining anymore. You probably can't contain your happiness, right? Well, it's the least I could do for you. You've been reading this blog since December of '03. (Well, my Adventure blog from 12/03-6/04, and then this one after that.) I had to pay you back for your faithfulness. :) So this blog will go back to it's usual boring repertoire. No need to thank me.

Little Gus is just adorable. He passes out the minute I pick him up from Doggy Day Care. What a cutie. Elizabeth said she had to give him a bath because he was so dirty from digging in the mud and eating it. Does that remind you of another dog? Quincy used to do that all the time.

It's always an early night around here after Doggy Day Care. He is just plain worn out.

Today went fast at work and tonight I'll again spend time at the computer working on my QU class. I'll have time tomorrow as well since I have to stay home and rest after a procedure I have to have. (I didn't mention "pain," just said I'm having a procedure.)

My dear, beautiful, eight-year-old grand-daughter Kayla sprained or strained her achilles tendon while playing soccer. I feel so bad for her, but must confess she looks adorable with her crutches. (Hi, Kayla.)

9/20 Not much new

Still sick. But I'm getting better I'm sure--I now have antibiotics and a fierce cough medicine (thanks, Jane and Jan). Slept most of yesterday and a lot of today, so that's got to be doing something good for me. Took Gus for our usual Saturday morning Starbucks excursion, and instead of going in to work, came home and slept again.

My nephew Cody took Gussie for a walk this afternoon. That's about all the exercise the dog's gotten for a few days--he and the cat have been sleeping with me all day. They sure are sweet.

In about an hour or so the entire family will meet for my sister-in-law Paulette's 60th birthday party. I know they'll have a wonderful time, even if the life of the party can't attend. :) Sure wish I could go, but Typhoid Mary needs to stay home.

I should start feeling normal by tomorrow (whatever normal is).

Oh, found out last night that my daughter-in-law Beata has pneumonia. I feel so bad for her, but glad it's getting taken care of now. They're coming to visit in two weeks so she should be all better by then. I can't wait to have a full house--with Rob, Beata, Jill, Kayla, and Hunter. It's going to be great.

5/15 Horrible and fantastic news

The horrible is that the deal fell through on my house. Depressing.

The fantastic is that Jill and kids are visiting in October, and I'm thrilled beyond words. We're hoping that Rob and Beata can come at the same time.

5/7 Ugh, yay, and yay

The ugh is that the offer fell through. The guy didn't respond to my counteroffer because of an unexpected expense that he encountered. Shoot.

The first yay is that my sister-in-law Karen sent me tons of books, for grades K through 4. I will definitely put them to good use, Karen. Thanks.

The second yay is that Jill and kids may be coming to visit in October. I guess it's during school break. I am ecstatic. They just need to find some good ticket prices. And I'm confident that will happen.

Oh, and a mini-yay. I was worried about a huge expense that might happen, but it turns out that I worried for nothing. I called my friend Lou in Kentucky and told her I couldn't make the wedding this weekend in Kentucky because I couldn't justify the expense. She said the room at the B&B was already paid for, all the food was free, and all I'd be paying for is gas. She's so smart. She convinced me. And I'm glad, because I'll see several more of my friends there--some I just saw in CA. I'm looking forward to it and it's only a 5 hour drive or so.

The bad thing is that my family is having a yard sale at my house while I'm gone. Wish I could be there to help. And Jan, Jane, Kris, Deb, etc., I'm trying to get my lawn mowed before Saturday. I promise.

5/3 Happy birthday yesterday!

My beautiful granddaughter, Kayla, turned 8 yesterday. I can't believe how grown up she is. Here are some pictures through the years. I'll try to find one from our recent beach experience. I love you so much, Kayla. Happy birthday!

4/29 Home at last

It's wonderful sitting here with my two dogs at my feet. Snoring. Yep. They are both so tired from being at Alpha Dog for five days. I'm just glad to be here with them.

But I definitely miss the SoCal lifestyle. It was such a wonderful weekend. And my friends are the best! Plus, what an added treat to get to spend time with Jill, Kayla, and Hunter. I am indeed a lucky bug.

The weekend was a delight from start to finish. And flying home from California I sat next to a woman who currently lives in Bangladore, India with her husband. She asked me where I lived and I said, Illinois. She said, Not Quincy by any chance?

My jaw dropped. She and her family lived here for 8 or 9 years in the 80s. She loved reminiscing about the city, and said she still missed it. What a neat coincidence.

Work was a little slower today so I was able to get some of my paperwork done. Whew, what a relief.

And Pete gets to go home from the hospital on Friday. Another relief.

4/26 Another great day in SoCal

Am in my hotel room with Jill, Kayla, and Hunter. Told Bruce that only my family could trump his performance. :)

Had a great morning with Suzanne and Debbie going to several yard sales throughout Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. Then Nancie and I went for a bonding experience--manicures and pedicures. We then met up with the gang at the Balboa Pier where we ate at Ruby's Diner, a divine greasy spot of heaven. Yum.

Then our boat ride for 90 minutes throughout the harbor. We saw tons of sea lions and tons of famous people's homes or former homes. It was a delightful time. Robbie called me while I was on the boat. We couldn't talk long because it was too loud where I was. And my friends and I all got temporary frog tattoos on the pier. Rob (Hutch's son) got his right on his forehead. How fun!

Following that we went to Torin's beach house. Oh, my what a beautiful spot. And he's such a nice guy. Deb and I went to put the enchiladas in the oven and discovered there was no oven. We called Joanne who called Torin. It just so happened he was upstairs in the family's part of the beach house and he graciously allowed us to use his oven. His daughter Tiana was there and we became fast friends. After my grandkids arrived they all played together. And Bruce's Shannon's kids are adorable....I especially love Kenzie. Kayla said Kenzie was "so cool, Grandma." She played so well with the little ones, watching them and keeping them safe on the beach.

Debbie's enchiladas were excellent. As was Hutch's wine tasting. Yum. I only got to sample two kinds, but they were so tasty. Lisa did a quiz again and will hand out the prizes tomorrow at Ruth's house.

Most everyone is at Bruce's performance. I am sorry to be missing it--he is SO GOOD. But as I said, time with Jill and the kids trumps just about everything. We're watching the movie Happy Feet, with happy hearts.

4/25 What a fun day

I got up at 1:30 AM pacific time, so I'm really winding down fast. My friend Debbie picked me up around 10:45 AM. By the time we got to Newport Beach it was lunchtime. We couldn't find any of our friends so we found a fun spot near the beach and had some great salads. Then we went back to the hotel and up to the sun roof while waiting for my room to get ready. The hotel is a boutique hotel. Rather small and old, and entirely delightful. We went to Joanne's son's beach house which is FANTASTIC and right on the beach. Tomorrow night Debbie is making dinner for all of us there. Jill and the kids will join us then and I'll be thrilled.

Friends joined us and we played games on the sun roof. It was really fun. We all went to our "meeting suite" as well, and caught up on each other's lives.

Tonight we went to the crab cooker for dinner. Absolutely nothing for vegetarians, except a few sides--romano potatoes, cole slaw, and sliced tomatoes. It made a surprisingly good dinner. Everyone else supped on various kinds of seafood.

Then back to the suite where we chatted and drank.

Tomorrow morning early, Debbie, Suzanne, and I are going to some upscale yard sales. Then, Nancie and I are going for pedicures. After that we'll all meet for lunch on the pier at Ruby's, followed by a boat tour. Finally to the beach house for dinner and fun. Jill and the kids are staying over with me at the hotel, and I can't wait.

The weather here is perfect, and the view is even better. More tomorrow.

1/23 Crazy dogs

First of all it was so hard leaving Los Angeles. I miss the kids and Jill terribly. Wish we lived closer; but I'll continue to visit as much as possible.

The trip home was uneventful; the real action started at Pampered Pets. It's unbelievable how crazy Quincy and Cookie got in the 12 days they were there. They practically knocked me down. And in the car they kept leaning over the front seat crowding me. I must admit it made me feel good that they missed me as much as I missed them.

When we got home they ran through the house as if they were on speed. And they had no manners at all. But right now, they are sound asleep on my bed, both of them curled up together yet each touching me as well. It's so cute.

Tomorrow night is Quincy's class. Hope she behaves and doesn't get expelled for bad behavior.

Gee, it's good to be home.

1/22 Poor Packers and other sadness and goodness

What a sad ending for us Packer fans. I did enjoy watching the game with my family here in Southern California, but the abrupt ending wasn't what I'd hoped for. Well, it's done.

I'm leaving here at 4 AM tomorrow. Have to decide if I'm going to rent a car or pay $90 for a shuttle. Everything is expensive here in SoCal. It's a 45 minute drive to LAX, so if I look at it at as paying two cents a minute, it's not too exorbitant. But still--$90!

Yesterday was one of the best days ever. We spent a few hours at a park and had a ball. Kayla was on her inline skates and Hunter brought his bicycle. We also took Sadie, their dog. She loved it and ended up pulling Kayla around the basketball court and around the track. It was fun to watch.

We also went out to breakfast. Every visit I take the kids (and only the kids) to Coco's. Have been doing it even before Hunter was born and he's five now. It's a special little thing that Kayla, Hunter, and I all enjoy and look forward to.

Jill and Todd have been great too. We played Uno with the kids last night and I loved it. Todd is leaving today for a quick trip to Minneapolis so we said goodbye this morning. Jill is off today so we'll have some special time together while the kids are in school. That will be a nice treat.

Gotta run, lots to do.

1/20 Go Packers

Am watching the playoff game with Todd and Jill. It's fun since Todd is from Eagle River, WI and Jill lived with me in Milwaukee. So it's a lot more fun than watching the game alone. Being with other fans sure makes a difference.

We taped the game so still don't know how it ended. Right now it's 20 to 20 in the fourth quarter. An exciting game.

We had such a wonderful day. Went to Build a Bear with Jill and the kids, and I bought some belated Christmas gifts. Plus this morning we opened other Christmas gifts. Everyone seemed to like what I got, and I loved my presents. I got a gift certificate so I could get the Ironman Triathlon watch I wanted. This one is a lot more feminine than the usual honkin' big ones I buy.

We also went to Starbucks and the kids got to play there while Jill and I enjoyed some coffee. Tomorrow the kids are off school for MLK day, but both Jill and Todd have to work. So I get a full day with Kayla and Hunter. We'll take Jill to work, then go to breakfast at Coco's, a tradition when I visit. Afterward we'll come back and get their dog Sadie, and go to the park so the kids can play. And I'll play with Sadie. She's a sweetheart, but has really aged since the last time I was out here. She's probably 12 years old and is getting up there in years.

I am having a wonderful time. Yay for family!

1/19 Flight delays and more delays

My 11:40 flight was canceled too. But they called me at 11 last night to say they could get me on a 9:50 AM flight--two hours earlier. Jill and I were both happy about that, since I would get into LA at 3:30. Alas, it was not to be.

I got to Atlanta without a problem, and my ATL to LAX flight boarded on time, but we had to sit on the plane for more than 2 hours waiting in line for de-icing. Atlanta is not used to snow and ice, so it took them a long time to take care of all the planes. We finally took off, and I landed in LA at 5:30 PM (Pacific Time). It was a long, long day. We waited so long in Atlanta that they started the movie there. We ended up seeing three altogether--The Jane Austen Book Club, Rush Hour 3, and Balls of Fury. Of the three I just loved the Jane Austen one. The other two were mildly amusing, and were good for passing time.

Jill ended up going to her party alone and Todd and the kids picked me up. It worked out well. Jill wasn't upset about going to the party with her friends, and Todd wasn't upset at missing the party.

They met me at the baggage claim and as usual it warmed my heart to hear those sweet voices yelling, "Grandma!" as they ran toward me. We stopped for dinner on the way home. Jill has a new red Toyota Tacoma truck with a long bed. It will hold three of the five motorcycles when they go to the track. It's really nice.

The kids are in bed in my room, waiting for me to join them, so I'll do that. We don't expect Jill until midnight or so, and I got up at 4 AM (Pacific) and am pretty tired. More tomorrw--we're going to Build a Bear. I love it!

1/18 Flight problems

Delta informed me that my 6 AM flight tomorrow is canceled. It upset me so much, especially after they said there were no other flights available. All weather delays.

Wonder how they knew so far in advance?

Anyway, I cried. So sad to think I'd miss a whole day with the kids. But a nice customer service agent found a seat for me on an 11 AM flight. I'll get into LA at 4:30 PM instead of 11:30 AM--but at least it will still be Saturday.

It will be a close call for Jill and Todd though. I'm babysitting while they go to Jill's winter party and it starts at 6, so it will have to be a quick trip to and from LAX.

I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I miss my grandkids so much.

10/22 California's burning

So much to write about and not a lot of time.

Several of the horrible California fires are near Jill's house in northern LA county. The kids' school closed and their daycare had voluntary evacuation, so Jill took off work and took the kids home. They can't play outside because of the smoke.

Jill had an emergency bag packed and is prepared to go if necessary. Todd is on a business trip, so she is alone with the kids and the dog. But she is a competent and strong woman and I have confidence she will handle everything.

She writes to the family frequently to keep us informed, plus she's called to talk to me. It's scary thinking of my "little girl" and grandkids being out there, but I believe her when she says she's taken all precautions. She has an evacuation plan too, and friends she can stay with. (Sounds suspiciously like hurricane evacuation.)

I love them so much and am glad Jill is so together.

More later on the North Carolina experience.

9/27 Jill and Todd

Today is Jill and Todd's 10th anniversary. It seems like such a short time ago we gathered on the beach at Carmel, CA for the beautiful, simple ceremony. The day was gorgeous. But I remember asking Jill, "What happens if it rains?" She said, "Then we'll get married in the limo." What a great attitude!

Happy anniversary to a wonderful couple! And thanks for giving me the best two presents you could ever give me--Kayla and Hunter. Love you all.

9/13 Another busy day

Got lots done, although half of my day was spent at a meeting in Hancock County, well at least in traveling there and back. It takes almost an hour each way.

After I picked up the dogs and got home it started to rain--bad! Remnants of Hurricane (now Tropical Storm) Humberto. Glad it didn't hit us. But the rain is welcome--except that my dogs like mud too much. So I watched them closely tonight, and I didn't get any mud in the house. Hooray!

Jill and the kids called tonight and I got to see them on webcam. Kayla hadn't seen Cookie yet, so she wanted to see her, and she fell in love.

8/13 Hot tomatoes, thunderstorms, and the best dog in the world

Jan gave me wonderful fresh tomatoes and they keep popping open in the heat (yes, I do take them into the hotel room with me). So I've been eating the ones that won't last the trip. Not a bad deal. They are delicious, Jan.

The trip TO St. Louis was easy, the hotel was beautiful, the kids had fun, Quincy was well-behaved, Jill and Todd got there on time, both of them loved Quincy. All was perfect---UNTIL, the perfect storm appeared at 2 AM. Cut out power to more than 50,000 customers, including our hotel. The lightning and thunder woke me up, and Q just raised her head and went back to sleep. But I knew that if the power didn't come back on it would get awful hot in there. Plus we were on the 4th floor.

I didn't go back to sleep and it got hotter and hotter. Took a bath by the light of the computer. Packed by the light of my phone. Woke up Todd to help me carry my stuff down. When I looked in their room everyone was covered up, and I was sweating. Those damn Californians.

Anyway, I made it out of there and am now in Jackson, MS. Q is in a kennel because I have to work, but I'll pick her up after the meeting tomorrow and we'll finally make it home and to our "normal" routine. Can't wait. More later.

8/12 Fresh tomatoes and hot weather

It is absolutely miserable outside. So hot that I can't even enjoy walking my dog.

The good news is that Jan picked a ton of fresh tomatoes for me to take back to Biloxi. I'm thrilled about that. Have been eating fresh tomatoes practically every meal and now I have a lot more to continue that tradition. :)

Today the kids rode the tractor with Jan and a four wheeler with their neighbor Randy. So they had a great time. I picked up Quincy and she indeed did run around crazily for a few hours.

The kids didn't want to say good-bye to Jan and Tim. They loved their time visiting, and can't wait to go back.

Our trip to St. Louis was uneventful. All three of the kids (Kayla, Hunter, and Quincy) slept for the whole trip, and woke up three miles from the hotel. This hotel is nice. It's across the street from the airport, which is nice and handy.

Q just ate a half bar of soap. Can anyone say "more diarrhea"?

Jill and Todd landed in Orlando and we spoke to them. They should arrive a little after 9 tonight. The kids are thrilled. We have adjoining rooms which is very nice. In a few minutes we're going down for "cocktail hour" where the kids will have free soda and appetizers. We had such a HUGE lunch at Jan's that I believe the appetizers will be enough for dinner.

I have a new GPS. It is absolutely awesome. It also functions as my phone, so that is handy. My new toy is giving me tons of fun. Hope to figure out how to use all the functions. Blame Tim for me buying it. He let me use theirs to go to the vet, and I was hooked.

Thanks, Jan and Tim. I had a wonderful vacation. Now I just need to sleep.

8/11 Lots happening

It's been an amazing time. Right now I'm at McDonald's with the grandkids. They finished breakfast and are playing while I try to catch up a little.

Can't remember if I mentioned the lovely flowers that Rob and Beata sent me for my birthday. Amazing. And some of them are still beautiful more than a week later.

We've seen lots of our family especially Jan, Tim, Jane, Sarah, and Jordan. It's been great. Jan and Tim are just wonderful to let us stay so long. Jane has been incredibly generous with buying the kids things and supplying an extra duffel bag to put them in for the trip. :) Jordan and Sarah have been such big helps with watching them.

Swam every day but one so far. Yesterday we swam twice so that made up for the one day we missed. Hunter's had a few meltdowns where he cried for his mom, but it hasn't happened for several days. In fact now he calls me mom, I hope that doesn't worry you, Jill. Both kids want to live with me now, I think it's 'cause I told them you're never coming back for them and you don't love them anymore.

Okay, the truth...they really miss you, but there's no crying anymore. They are having such a wonderful time swimming every day, being with family, and enjoying "vacation rules." I told them that when we get to the hotel in St. Louis that their vacation rules are officially over and that we need to get them back into "mommy and daddy rules" so that when Jill and Todd walk into the hotel they won't be horrified at their children's behavior. Truth be told, Tim and Jan both say that Kayla and Hunter are very well behaved and polite, so that's very good to hear.

I put Q in the kennel a few days ago. She's such a HUGE puppy and I wasn't having a relaxed time just worrying about the damage she could do at the new house. She is completely housetrained at home (except for the unfortunate diarrhea incident--no fault of hers), but has managed to pee several times on the expensive living room carpet. Plus she enjoys Jan's flowers--a bit too much. So tomorrow morning we'll pick her up and bring her to the house so she can run around outside for a few hours before taking off for St. Louis. I'm much less anxious. The kids are easier to watch. :) We leave about noon tomorrow and will stay at the hotel. Jill and Todd get in at 9:30 so the kids will be anxiously waiting for their arrival.

The following day Q and I leave early for Jackson MS. I have a meeting in Jackson on Tuesday, so will put Q in day care there while I work. Tuesday evening we'll head for home, and that will be a welcome occurence. Have to rest up from my vacation.

Today will be fun though. We're having a family picnic at Jan and Tim's lots of folks are coming and we'll swim then have a feast. Can't wait.

7/6 Fun with puppies and future fun with grandkids

The next door neighbors got a black lab puppy. A tiny little thing maybe six weeks old. Name's Raven. They had a minor emergency this afternoon and Valerie asked if I Raven could play in my backyard while they were gone. Little Kayla brought her over. This Kayla is 7 just like our Kayla, and very sweet. She has a four year old brother, James.

Quincy is this huge giant next to Raven, but Raven kept up with her perfectly. They had such a good time and after about an hour they both just passed out. So cute.

But the big news is that in August Jill and Todd are going to take their vacation celebrating their 10th anniversary. Originally they were going to go in October, but found a good deal in August. They are going to fly to Barcelona and then take the cruise. Sounds delightful. BUT I GET THE KIDS--which is even better. Quincy and I are going to drive to St. Louis where Jill and Todd will drop off the kids at the airport. They're going to have a layover in St. Louis just so this will all work out. Then Q, the kids, and I will drive the two hours to Quincy. and stay several days. I am beyond thrilled.

Don't know the exact week yet, but I'll tell all the relatives as soon as I know.

Yay!