Check In

Spoke with the parents today.

Sidney the nurse was there and everything appears to be the same. This is good.

Told them that I had bought another pair of jeans at the same price of $8.00.

They were sitting down to lunch and then off to the salon for a beautification treatment for Mother.

Hospice - Interesting

Today ended the 3rd straight week of visiting Mother & Father, left Sunday and got back today about 1500.

Monday was quite exhausting for all 3 of us but especially so for Mother as well as Father. 3 different folks came. The Nurse who will be the primary medical person, the Bath Aide, who will take care of his physical grooming needs and finally the Social Worker who represents others who will be available for assistance. In addition to all of this the LinCare folks came to pick up their equipment. A very long and stressful day.

After making an appointment with the Bath Aide on Monday, Father wasn't sure that he wanted to go through with it in the morning. I made breakfast on Fried eggs and toast and afterward he decided OK. Terry came on time and she did her thing and Father was very appreciative and quite receptive. She got him all gussied up with shampoo, lotion and worked on his feet which really looked awful: swollen; cracked and dried skin and of course stinky.

He kept going on and on about how good he felt overall and how much better his feet felt. He's been wiggling his little toes for 2+ days now which is a first for at least a week. Terry will come next Tuesday for another shower and foot treatment.

Mother & I then went out for a little excursion to Target, a Lamp Store and food. We found a pair of jeans that were the correct size at Target, a lampshade for between their 2 chairs that has needed replacing for 2+ years and food for dinner.

I made sloppy Joes for dinner and they gobbled them right down to the wicker. Coke to drink, a few Pringles and a couple of cookies.

Today I took him to the Barber and he got his usual treatment of Number 2 clippers all around. We then took a short drive looking for deer.

I took something to the Safe Deposit Box and paid the fee for 2012.

Weather was foggy, so I decided and needed to come home.

I saw Dr.David heading back to work and followed him there and chatted for a couple of minutes. He plans to visited tomorrow.

Father feels so much better after yesterday's shower and today's haircut. It's like his outlook has improved 100% from last week.

Hospice

Yesterday Hospice visited Father & Mother.

Overall it was a pleasant visit considering what the ultimate outcome will be. Father has made his peace and is just tired of it all. He looks really good, better than my last visit which was last week.

I was hoping to continue my cleaning project but somehow I developed some lower back pain that precluded doing that task.

I did however change the batteries in the smoke alarms; do some grocery shopping; make breakfast of scrambled eggs (a first for them in several years); clean some marks from the inside of his HHR; put a VCR back in the bedroom; go over their Life Insurance policies; re-charge the cell phone; made sure that Hospice was aware of Father last wishes; witnessed his signatures; put out the mail; retrieved the paper; double checked the safety deposit box; cashed a check from USAA.

Mother isn't pleased with any of this primarily because she won't or can't realize that the end is coming for Father.

When one tallies the tasks it doesn't amount to very much. The support to him was the best gift of all.

Coming home I got a slight bump from the car behind me who wasn't paying attention. Just a small scratch on the plastic bumper shell.

Vicksburg Trip

I went down on Monday late afternoon to do some cleaning. I had made this arrangement the last time I was there.

I spent the majority of the day on Tuesday doing the following: completely moving every piece of furniture in the Master Bedroom so that I could dust and vacuum. It took me a while to figure out their vacuum cleaner and after that it went a bit smoother. The rug was very dirty and I eventually had to clean the canister. I'm not sure that it had ever been cleaned before. Everything was dusted and the Swiffer worked great. During a break from that chore I took the HHR to Krum's for an oil change, filled it with gas and picked up a few groceries for the dinner that I promised I would make. Eventually I finished the Master BR about 1615 and then started in on dinner. I made Hamburger Goop on potatoes and waxed beans. They had not had that meal in several years. Later father said that waxed beans were his favorite vegetable. When Grandma used to make waxed beans for them as a child, father would always ask if there were enough for seconds. If there were he ate them fast, if not he ate them slowly. Later that night we watched some of the Red Wings game but it was so boring that I went to my room and read.

Today I started in on the family room. Again every piece of furniture was moved and every last item was dusted or vacuumed. Toward the end I had to empty the canister again and was dismayed by the amount of crap that the vacuum had picked up.

Mother gave me a few items and 1 for Rebecca.

I took their Christmas Cards back and will mail them this week.

After leaving VB, I drove the back way to the BX in Battle Creek stopping off at the Fort Custer National Cemetery to pay my respects to Uncle David Anderson. I few items were purchased at the BX and I also stopped at the Gun Store in Hastings.

I called the Huge Show again today and finally arrived home about 1515.

I'm taking a break from the MSU hoops game to give this update while Juliane is working on threading her loom.

Rebecca has a job interview on Friday at work because her boss is leaving. She's a little nervous.

I plan to return to VB next week to continue the project.

MSU Hoops

I taped the MSU vs. EMU game today and we watched it when the girls came back from the Threadbender.

MSU did not seem to be in sync throughout the first half and they eventually won by 25+ points. They had quite a few turnovers and had EMU shot better, it would have been a close game. State is now 4-2 on the season.

They play Florida on Wednesday in the ACC - Big Ten challenge.

Hopefully they will play better.

2 Big Fellows

I saw the 8 point from yesterday and got about 2 minutes of video. He came from the back wood lot up almost to the bird feeder. The Button Boy was eating a corn cob and paid him no never mind.

As he ran around the side of the house I took the video into the TV room and saw him walking toward the front trailed by another Big Fella - hopefully Mr. Limpy but he was moving away and they followed a Doe across the street.

The First Of Many

Today we received the first Christmas Card of the season from Gary & Judi Neuderfer. They beat out Kathy Buss for the honor.

I have been working on the Christmas Letter so perhaps I'll need to get some more work done.

No Pressure ! LOL.

Long Time No See

About 1650 hours today we finally saw one of our big bucks. A full 8 point and almost a 9. He never turned to the proper broadside for us to identify him as Mr. Limpy but we're ever hopefull.

He was 1 of 12 that were spotted in the back yard as it was spitting rain.

We watched Larry Crowne and then A Time To Kill.

MSU beat Northwestern today as well. Kirk Cousins became the all time leader in TD passes thrown, surpassing (no pun) Jeff Smoker. He now has 62 total TD and needs perhaps 475 yards in his final 2 games to hold that record as well.

Almost Thanksgiving

The 4th Thursday is 2 days away and although it is the Official date for Thanksgiving, in reality every day should be treasured as such.

We are given only a finite number of days and only the good Lord knows what that number is.

Treat each day as though it might be your last because you really don't know!

Be thankful for who you are and for what you have.

Veterans Day

Today is a celebration of military service.

Andrew Jackson, my Great-Great Grandfather was killed during the seige of Vicksburg in 1863.

Robert E. Anderson served in the USMC during World War II.

Elwood W. Thornton served as a Bomber Pilot in World War II, flying the famous B-26 Flak Bait.

Robert A. Thornton served in the US Navy during World War II.

Joseph Donald Anderson served as a Pilot in World War II, got out and then volunteered to be recalled and finished a career as a Command Pilot with over 10,000 hours.

David E. Anderson served in the USAF during the Korean War.

William S, Thornton served in the USAF in Korea during the Korean War.

Yours truly served during Vietnam as a Rifle Platoon Leader with the 7th Cavaly.

To all who served...................

My thanks.

Hiding or Not Hiding

It's been a busy month since my last post:

We had a successful garage sale on Friday and I was sick on Saturday but R & M picked up the slack of me not being able to help.

I've been to Vicksburg twice (including today) and did chores for Mother & Father.

Finally finished the mulching project on Saturday.

Went to the Doctor today to find out about by lab results. Everything is good except my Triglicerides are still high. He's taking me off Niacin and starting another. Discussed my "illnesses" from October and September. He thinks perhaps it's a Gall Bladder thing. Ultrasound next Tuesday. Urine test today. I also have a Tailor's bunion on my left foot.

Will investigate a weight loss program through the VA.

Repaired a commode in Vicksburg and also our downstairs b/r after a stoppage last Sunday (30th).

Have been enjoying the deer. The Does are in estrous and the Bucky's are in Rut.

Enough for now.

Events

Friday we picked up JN and her sister at the airport and took them to their hotel downtown. We were then joined by her other 2 sisters and sister-in-law for Art Prize.

We had lunch at The B.O.B. and then walked around seeing some of the venue's. We had a very good time enough though it was cold, windy and spitting some rain.

We played shuffle board at PUB 43 were Doc's painting was displayed.

Saturday Juliane worked for a bit and the sisters visited TBYS. I watched UM dismantle MN and MSU beat OSU in a defensive game 10-7.

The Tigers got spanked in NY.

I also worked a bit in the basement sealing one heat run, foaming some ledger boards and moving a desk.

Today (Sunday) Juliane made a great breakfast of a giant blueberry scone, bacon and basted eggs.

We saw several turkeys and 4 nice bucks in the back yard.

Busy Day

It was a very busy and productive day por moi........

Had a productive group.

Went to Shuler's Book Store and sold back several paperbacks getting $19.80 in store credit.

Took a box of material to Rapid Shred for disposal. A good $5.00 investment.

Bought a bag of cat food for the girls.

Went to Menard's a bought a book and a bag of thistle (bird seed) and 3 pavers for a project. They didn't have the Fire Brick at the 1st store so I went to my least favorite and had a nice lady who knew exactly what I was asking for. Purchased 2 boxes (12 bricks) to repair the hole in RLA's chimney. I'm not sure this is the right material.

Went To Fruit Basket and purchased 50# of thistle.

Juliane removed and re-set my wireless mouse thingy. It seems to be working much better.

We watched an interesting show called Auction Hunters. Quite entertaining.

Returned Jim Brigham's call but had to leave him a message.

What's Been Going On !

It has been a hectic time since my last post.

Today, I assembled the drawer for my IKEA desk.

Rebecca has been here supervising the gathering and tossing of potential garage sale items.

The mulch pile is slowly disappearing - about a good days work left.

My book inventory is coming to the end. As of today I have 997 books recorded. Probably 35% of which I have not as yet read. Juliane has forbidden me to purchase any more books. I'm hopefull than many of the paperbacks will get sold. Rebecca also help me get a Billy Bookcase (IKEA) from the basement into my office. It is just about filled.

I finally was able to do some burning on Saturday. The pile was somewhat diminished but several boards still to be burned.

Saw 13 deer out back a few days ago. 10 doe, 2 fawn and a Spike. 4 of them we licking the mineral block at the same time. I just saw 4 hen turkeys out back.

The painter's were back on Friday to do some repair work. They discovered that the ledger board on the back side of the house has water damage.

This work seems to go so very slowly.

Where oh where has the little boy gone?

Between the computer puking and the Geek Squad repair (359.99); a trip to Mackinac Island, an abbreviated C 1/7 reunion because of illness, it's been a hectic time since my last post.

The weather has seemingly changed. So much that we ran the furnace last night. I'll have to check the propane tomorrow (Friday) to see how much it went down.

It seems that the Lambinator is now sick. I guess I sent it to her via ESP.

Michigan State is on a 2 game win streak and travels to the home field of the Biting Irish on Saturday. I'm hopeful.

We have been mulching away and still have a couple of yards of the stuff to distribute.

The Stock Market has been up and down - what else and our portfolio has been hit hard again.

The cats are well.

The parents are still hanging tough but I need to make a journey down there probably next week.

The Tigers are going great guns with 12 straight wins and are close to clinching the AL Central Division.

The Lions are favored by 9 points on Sunday - who woulda thunk?

10 Years Later

Today is the day that most of us remember exactly where we were when we heard the words - We are under attack.

For those of us old enough to remember - we still recall exactly where we were when President Kennedy was assassinated in 1963.

In some respect it was a simpler time - 1963 than today. The specter of Vietnam hadn't yet grown to it's full potential of death and destruction but at the same time today really isn't that much different in that militant groups want to take over the world.

I hope that the sacrifices of our Warriors do not go unnoticed in today's turbulent times.

Memorial Day and 2 days After

J & I took a trip to Macinac Island on Monday. I'm still fidling with my "repaired" Computer.

We had a lovely time.

More later.

Tomato Soup, Twinkie, Target, Tigers and Trip

The Five T's:

We spent several hours cooking and grinding the tomatoes and potatoes into soup.  I believe we have 15 - 5+ cup bags full.

Twinkie wasn't feeling well today so she wasn't able to come home.

We visit Target for the first time in over a month.

The Tigers are crushing the White Socks. Currently it's 9-0 in the bottom of the 4th inning. Every Tiger starter now has at least 1 hit.

We are mostly packed for our trip to Mackinac Island tomorrow. The last time we were there was as naive newlyweds.

Strange Football Day & Tomatoes & Deer

It's now almost 2100 hours and the Notre Dame game has been suspended for the second time today because of weather. ND is losing to USF. They are (were) ranked 16th and no way should they have been ranked that high.

Michigan's game was also delayed and then called because of the same storm system. They beat Western.

We went out early and bought a bushel of tomatoes to make soup. A big system blew through but only 5 drops of rain fell as we were shopping.

We saw several deer today and 3 bucks which now makes 4 different ones that we have identified.

Virus, Culligan, Michigan State

I opened a file today of Oldies from EG and also a file on Frank Gifford. One of these caused all of my files to become hidden. I then had to take the computer to the Geek Squad. Since I didn't have my external Hard Drive with me I had to make another trip back home. The cost including Back Up and a 2 year protection plan was $359.99. Hopefully I'll have it back by late Sunday.

I'm on a hunt for gonads.

Culligan came out today and did a maintenance check and replaced some filters at a cost of $111.09.

It's been an expensive day.

Michigan State is being pushed around by the flightless birds from Youngstown State.

I'm an unhappy camper right now.

Does & Fawns & Velvety Bucks

I saw several different Does today and each had a single fawn.

Since J saw 2 different sets of twins on Monday, I'm wondering if we now have more fawns roaming around?

Last year on 3Sep we saw evidence (sightings) of bucks that were starting to rub off their velvet.

Wild Man of Borneo?

I've changed my hair "style," but only because I haven't combed it. Just running my fingers through it and it is going in many directions.

This evening J thought I looked like the "Wild Man Of Borneo."

Perhaps she is correct.

Cake and WII

There was a Happy Birthday cake for me in our Group session yesterday. No one owned up so I cut and dished to those in attendance.

Afterward we played WII Bowling and 3 holes of WII Golf. Smack was in great abundance. I was victorious in bowling with a 195 and came in 2nd in Golf with even par

This was to acclimate us to the "Leagues" that are forming at the Vet Center. This is primarily to get us to meet other veterans outside of our own group (comfort zone).

I signed up for everything.

Cowboys versus Army and Marine

This morning was spent honing my marksmanship skills with both a handgun and long gun. A friend took me and another friend to the club where he belongs and we spent an enjoyable 3 hours on various ranges.

I was pleased with my marksmanship especially hitting a target at 234 yards with my .22 and open sights.

It was a pleasant day spent with fellow veterans.

As I was on the road, J called and indicated that she had seen Charlotte and an additional set of twin fawns which now makes at least 5 fawns. I had seen the 2 bucks and twins as well as another nice buck cross Honey Creek.

63 years - Young?

Today I hit the magic number of 63. During the early spring of 1970 there were times when I wasn't sure I would make 22 years.

J & I went to Allegan's Antique Market today and picked up only a couple of items. I did celebrate with an Elephant Ear and a Lemonade. The weather was absolutely perfect for today's trip. I did see one item that I dithered on and at the end we went back but another person had picked it up. Sometimes you lose out on a treasure. LOL.

Home to Becca and a nap.

Received calls from: Mother; RS and EG.

After a rejuvenating snooze I opened presents and was pleased with all of them. Then it was dinner time with the girls: Baked Salmon; salad, fried potatoes.

Desert was a yummy cake but I did have trouble with the candles.

All in all a wonderful day.

Nefarious? or Not

The Lambinator and I have been working on locating and finding out information on our Mother's older brother (Rush) who was killed in a tragic accident in Jonesboro, AR, in 1924.

We have located the plots but there is another non-relative buried in the center of the 5 plots that our Grandfather purchased.

There are some interesting things going on that we aren't quite sure about other than the accident was just that - an accident.

We are currently awaiting responses from the Funeral Home that handled the arrangements, as well as more info from the library.

The sleuth siblings are on the job.

Fraud

Our Credit Card Company called last night and I didn't answer because it appeared to be one of many calls from 800 "service." Today I listened to the message and someone has been charging purchases to our account to include a place in England. Anyway we have protection and now are just waiting for a new card.

As I told the Investigator I would like to remove the testicles of these people without benefit of anesthesia. He chuckled.

Belated Post

Yesterday J & I celebrated 38 years of marriage:

We went to South Haven, Saugatuck and Holland before finishing with dinner in Lowell;

We found several interesting items in South Haven including a great used Book Store. Most used book stores are dark, dank and smell funny. This one was in a new building and their prices were excellent;

In Saugatuck we visited a store that J likes to visit and that I like as well. She had noticed a wire sculpture that she thought I might be interested in for a present. Although they were very interesting to view, I wasn't into purchasing one.

We then went to Holland where I bought a book on Insects.

We also walked on the beach and picked up a few small pieces of wood and a few more interesting stones. We can thank LC for that.

We discussed our adventures and concluded that our greatest adventure has been our Darling Daughter.

Opened cards to finish a lovely day.

Adventure

Tomorrow the Yarn Goddess and I will celebrate 38 years of wedded bliss.

She is taking the day off and we plan to drive down to South Haven. We haven't been there in a couple of years and are looking forward to some antiquing.

Pay It Forward - An Act of Kindness.

As I went shopping today a car turned into the food store ahead of me.

I noticed that her brake light didn't come on when she braked. I waited until she got out of her car and approached her to advise of my onservation. She was very appreciative. 

As I was checking out the lady in front of me had picked up the wrong bag of snacks. She had intended to get two of the same kind. She was a little frustrated and I told her to go a get the second bag. When she came back she was very appreciative as well.

It makes a person fell nice to do random acts of kindness.

Late

Yesterday (i'm late) was another day in the life of a PTSD survivor:

I went to my group at the Vet Center;
Spoke with my Mother;
J & I went to a White Caps baseball game from an invitation from our Realtor and had a good    time until the rain appeared to be headed our way. We got to the car just as the first drops started and it was raining pretty good by the time we got home;
I shut down my computer because of the lightning and watched the Tigers win and the news which told me that the White Caps won. They were behind when we left;
We are making plans to do something tomorrow as it's our anniversary;
Also had a nice chat with our daughter;
I also called a good friend in NJ to see if he survived the earthquake and he did with no issues.

Quite a rain and thunderstorm when I turned out the lights and Feegan (our older cat) was hiding all night.

A Day In The life

I did a few chores today:

Washed 2 loads of towels;
Vacummed part of the Green Room while looking for my knife;
Took J to her Eye Appointment and she had a great checkup;
We then went to COSTCO for a few supplies;
Put the sliding screen door back in:
Walked around the lawn looking for my little Red Knife;
Pulled back the sheets on the bed looking for same.

Read the previous post to see why.

Obsessiveness

One of my issues relating to PTSD is frustration over items that I have no control over.

Take for example:

I have either lost or misplaced my little Red Swiss Army Knife. It's so unique that they don't make that particular one anymore. I've looked and looked everywhere and even called a couple of places to no avail.

Why the big fuss you might ask?

I wish I knew is the answer and I'll keep on looking.

I'm checking to see if I can send another one.

Thanks again for your unfailing attention to my needs!

Weekend at the Cottage

J & I spent a delightful weekend at our close friends (G&L) cottage with their 2 Goldens. We drove through a monsoon on Saturday but when we arrived the rains had mostly stopped. After a lovely lunch we went to Pentwater and did some sights.

J found a couple of items and 1 found a great book on Army Cavalry Regiments. The women drove in L's Mazda Miata convertible while we manly types rode in the Juicemobile. Dinner was at a great little restaurant in Hart called La Fiesta.

On our way home we stopped at a little drag racing dirt strip. We watched a few races and some of the "vehicles" got up to 90+ mph in 100 yards. It was hard to figure out the handicap system though. We finally were driven off by the coolness of the evening and the mosquitoes.

Today we walked along the lakeshore and picked up a few stones and some interesting driftwood. The amount of trash to me was sad only in what we saw: balloons; shotgun shell wads; broken toys; hundreds of plastic items.

We spent time just visiting and had a leisurely din-sup and then left for home.

We stopped for Ice Cream and arrived home safe and sound.

I mowed the lawn while J unloaded the Juicemobile.

The cats were both happy to see us as they were hungry.

A great weekend.

Dinner

The Yarn Goddess and I went to a new restaurant tonight and had a lovely dinner.  The only bad thing was a lemon slice on her plate looked to be at least a day old.

Today's Activities

Today is did the following:

Had breakfast with 3 of my Vet Center friends;
Went to the Credit Union for my wife's work;
Tried to change a couple of light bulbs but the ladder couldn't get close enough;
Refilled our grill propane at $4.13 per gallon;
Bought a mineral block for our neighborhood deer;
Placed said Mineral Block;
Watered the lawn.

The Laminator

I spoke with my sister this evening (The Laminator) and asked her to call our parents (The Twins).

She confessed that she was remiss and would do it tomorrow (Friday).

New Blog

I had to start over with a new blog as I could not respond to any comments. I hope this newest effort goes better.