In case you wondered...I'm still writing. A book even! You can find my thoughts at www.potofmanna.wordpress.com

I'm keeping a diet journey blog too: www.journey100.wordpress.com

All my other places can be found at about.me/tina_hunt

I even have an author page on facebook T Wilson-Hunt.

TTFN

Funny Thoughts in the Morning

This morning when I washed my face, for some odd reason, I took in a deep breath through my mouth but breathed it out through my nose and when I did I blew the biggest bubble from my nose. I laughed and thought that my grandson would have gotten the biggest kick out of that.

Laughter is the coolest way to start the day.  And unlike coffee, no one is arguing about whether it's good for my heart.

Thank you God for laughter.

Fashion Faux Pas

Today I shopped at my favorite store, Goodwill, on my favorite kind of day: 30% Customer Appreciation Day.  I'm like a 50% plus 30% off!  I spent a total of $12.  Wahoo!

I got four tops and one pair of pants.  The pants are a really pretty avacodo green color and they're Dress Barn brand.  Great find in my book!  One of the tops was miss-sized and I made the mistake of not trying it on, so it will be a re-donate.  One is a t-shirt, which is cute but too long so I may have a friend hem it.  One of the tops is deep purple and in a peasant style--love it!  And the last top is wonderful--to me.  It goes with the green pants, but I may not pair the two since it's over-sized and more casual.  It's a faux suede.  It's a paisley pattern with turquoise and cream accents.  My daughter's first comments to me when she dropped Asher off were: "Mom, what are you wearing?  Don't you know it's not the 70's?" 

Sigh.  I'm fashionally challenged.  Some days I can follow Stacy and Clinton's fashion rules (TLC's What Not to Wear gurus).  But other days all I care about is comfort.  That's what I L.O.V.E about this shirt: it is cuddle up comfortable.  No pinch.  No pull.  No riding up.  Just plain comfort.

Now perhaps, my fashion rebellion has something to do with reaching the speed limit in my age this week.  No, not 70!  55.  Maybe it's because I can still remember the 70's and I happened to like some of the styles--okay, not the hip huggers or super mini-skirts...but the flow and comfort appealed then and definitely appeal now!

It may be a faux pas to the daughter, but it's fun and comfort for me.  And that wins hands down.  I'll try and follow the rules better tomorrow...maybe.

Little Boy Sick

The red-headed wonder child, 6yr old grandson, spends the night at our house on Friday nights.  Last night was Friday.  He was here.

Yesterday was the first day of his very first Spring Break.  He and Mommy slept in until almost 11:00.  They thought that was cool.  I saw it as the makings of one of my nightmares.  I was tired and ready for bed somewhere around 9:30.  I'm old remember.  Asher, the well-rested, red-headed wonder child was still going strong at 11:00.  (Insert weary sigh)

Our little man is not so good at sleeping alone, so he usually picks whether he's going to sleep with Mema or Pepa.  I won that lottery last night.  But we didn't sleep much.  The stuffy-nosed, well-rested, red-headed wonder child couldn't breathe, or find any comfortable position and he needed water four times. 

Somewhere around 4AM I awoke and felt I was "sleeping" next to an easy-bake oven.  I padded off to the bathroom at the far end of the house (since the close one is just a spare and not in complete working condition) to get the thermometer so that I could determine what temperature the oven was set at.  It was a toasty, and yes, rather miserable-feeling 100.4 (and my experience is that home thermometers are always a tad lower than the high power super-effecient doctor office ones, so his temp was probably a wee bit higher).  I tried to get him to take some children's pain medicine.  By the time I don't have to deal with children anymore, some genius is going to invent a tasteless and colorless concoction that children will take unawares.  I wish I knew how, because I would like to be the person that all mothers rise up and bless.

I must have gotten enough into the miserably-fevered, easy-bake oven, stuffy-nosed, one-time well rested, red-headed wonder child because he allowed me to sleep until a couple minutes after eight. 

I got up and found the homestead missing one husband.  He trotted off early to finish the weekly shopping (he's so good at it and so good to do it).  Before he left the house, however, he decided to try and pull out of the garage while the door was still rising.  Door is a bit mangled and car has some roof damage.  When he told me his retelling was missing what I would have considered the correct amount of contrition.  I would (and have, since I did a similar thing) apologized all over myself.  Not one word of that or any thing remotely resembling that.  We're so different. 

While I have been typing the  miserably-fevered, easy-bake oven, stuffy-nosed, one-time well rested, red-headed wonder child came out to sit with me on the couch to get that last bit of sleepy-time in.  I guess that makes him the cuddly-up, afghan-covered,  miserably-fevered, easy-bake oven, stuffy-nosed, one-time well rested, red-headed wonder child.  (And that's enough of that because I've actually gone to using cut and paste.)

I'm going to rustle up some coffee and I may even break down and use the leaded version...I may need some of the go power today.

Retail Therapy

I had to go out this morning and mail a package for Nelson (aka, The Hub-which seems fitting as he is such a central part of my life). He sold a stereo receiver on Craigslist--to a woman in Indiana. And she was willing to pay the shipping. He bought it off CL for $20 and it wasn't what we needed so he sold it for $25 plus shipping. Amazing.

When I was done I decided to spend some of my allowance at Goodwill. I found a couple tops at half price and was quite pleased. Then I drifted aimlessly over to the rack of shorts. I don't wear shorts. My legs are so white that I feel I do the world a service by wearing capris length summer pants. I won't tell you that it also cuts down on the cuts I used to have when attempting to shave my legs. I won't tell you that because it's embarrassing and way too much information. So don't ask.

Anyway... I found myself actually look through the rack of shorts when I came across a pair of longer walking shorts. They were well made, a name brand. I fell instantly in love. I even tried them on. And they fit. The wierd thing is that they are a plaid with very unusual colors. I would never in a million years have put lime green, bright yellow and grayish green (or green gray, I can't tell) together. Never. But I will buy the longish walking shorts in those colors that someone else decided to put together. So I walked out of my retail therapy session having spent $11 and I purchased two tops, my really cool long-shorts, and a half slip. Yeah, the last thing surprised even me, but I have a couple summer dresses and skirts that are a tad bit on the too flimsy side and I will feel more comfortable wearing a slip. Does that make me sound old? I guess that's okay, because I am, kinda sorta.

In just over a week, I will be fifty-five. I wish someone could explain to me how I don't feel as old as that sounds? The fresh crop of grayness in my hair which is framing my face screams it at me, but I'm getting better at considering it as cheap highlights for the moment. Nelson and I went out for dinner the other night at Denny's. A very yummy experience.

I looked through the menu and when I got to the back cover I began to snicker. Nelson looked at me like I was sounding a bit goofey. I just looked up at him and announced that we'll be able to eat out more soon, since I will be able to eat for less. I wonder what other little perks I'll find as learn to age with grace and a slice of panache.

Merrily we roll along...

Really, has it been a month since I've been here? Wow. I've writing in other places and doing so many other terrible time consuming things that I didn't realize how neglectful I've been. Many things have been shifting for me. Some good and exciting. Others challenging and emotionally draining. Sounds a lot like life as most of us live it. Here's one thing very new...very exciting for me. I applied for a scholarship to the Blue Ridge Mountains Chrisitan Writers Conference--and I got it!!! I was beyond excited. Sure, I still have to come up with the money for room and board and figure out the most economical way to get there, but I'm going! Today I made the registration complete by contacting the facility and reserving a room. Here's a description of the conference: http://www.brmcwc.com/ If you wander around the site you'll be able to see some of the keynote people and workshop leaders. I'm beyond excited about this, all that I'll be able to learn and all the connections I'll be able to make. Yay! But it also scares the bajeebees right out of me. This writing thing that I've dreamed about and wanted is going to happen. I'll keep you updated on how it's going. I'd appreciate your prayers, too. I still have a chunk of change I need to come up with. I'm confident God will provide. Best to come back to the real world and get some housecleaning done. Balance. It's one of the things I'm working on...More on that later. ")

An Example: They Grow So Fast

I was sitting at the computer taking my turn at a game of scrabble that I was playing with my sister when Asher came up to sit beside me with some of his way cool "Wild and Weird" cards that Pepa got him. He set the cards aside and focused on my Scrabble game. Since both his mommy and I play it, he has familiarity with the game. He proceeded to look at the letters on my slate: HYPSOA? (?=blank), and he tells me I can make the word happy. Or yoga. I am marveling, because it's one thing to make a word out of the letters you can see, but it takes a different skill to start making them up with a blank. I'm starting the game, and had already considered happy, so I was quite happy to use it. When the next slate of letters popped up, he was quick with a couple of choices--in case I need help. He's growing up so fast! He's so smart. His mommy had to work very, very late, so when it was time to fall asleep, he climbed into my lap and cuddled until he was off in dreamland. I cherish these moments. I will miss my little cuddle bug. But I am so excited to watch him grow.

Thirty-three

33 years. 12045 days 289080 hours 17344800 minutes 1040688000 seconds Plus countless tears, laughs, joys, and sorrows. I have said it before and I will probably repeat myself a hundred bazillion times more: he may not be perfect, but he's perfect for me. No one would have put up me, all my baggage and insecurities, like he has. He has supported my dreams, encouraged my talents, and allowed me to shine. Yesterday, because we didn't have Asher and we would today, he took half a day off so we could do some things we love. We had lunch at Red Lobster, and it was beyond delish. After that we shopped at the Christian Bookstore next door. We found a book of duets (we've been asked to sing at church) that is just perfect for us. Then we went to Barnes&Noble. I drooled all over a Nook, but came away without one. (The only sigh of the day) Then we stopped at Krogers to pick up a few things. For supper we had pizza at Pizza Hut--where we ate our first meal on our first date and our first meal as Mr. and Mrs. We finished the day with sundaes from Dairy Queen. Today I'm going to go buy him a movie. He said "Money Ball" was one he actually would have paid to see in the theaters, so now he'll be able to watch at home whenever he wants. I am a very thankful woman today. It is my anniversary.

Awareness

So since the beginning of the year I have added some routine or discipline to my life. And I'm liking the results. What I am beginning to see is that discipline in one area of life begets discipline in other areas as well. I have considered myself one of the most undisciplined persons on the planet. I attributed that to a sort of reaction formation to my mother's OCD personality. Her discipline expressed itself in a rigidity that I totally rebelled against. I seemed to revel in my disorganization and procrastination. Now, just shy of my 55th birthday, I am finding comfort and even enjoyment in the presence of discipline forming in my life. I started by chosing to read the Bible daily. Several years ago I had purchased a copy of the NLT version of the Bible in One Year. Knowing my patterns I opted to tear out the months of daily readings so that I would have no excuse to not have the book with me to read. (Apologies to all those who might find such "destruction" of a book offensive.) I began exercising daily. I have either walked, walked the dogs, ridden my bike, or worked out with the wii every day. I'm a bit excited that I'm up to 20 minutes of running in the morning and evening. Today I "ran" 3.8 miles. And it feels good! I'm cleaning my house weekly. In fact, right now, I'm writing this having vacuumed and getting ready to clean the bathrooms, to be followed by dusting. In part this has been facilitated by a gift I received for Christmas. Nelson bought me the Dyson Ball vacuum that is touted to be good for picking up pet hair. I love that little sucker! It makes vacuuming quick and easy--and thorough! I have always cleaned on an "as needed" basis. This was definite reaction to my mother's absolute rigidity of her cleaning schedule. Jesus could be at the door and he would just have had to wait until she was done. It's not that I didn't like a clean house--I just couldn't make myself get into a routine. Until now. Today I even organized the toy area of the family room. Honestly, I like it better than the way that Nelson had it done. Mom always said, if you want something done right...do it yourself. She is one smart chick! And I'm reading. I decided that this year I would write down the titles and authors of the books I read. I've already read 16 books. I went to the library today and took out four more. I did a little research and decided to check out some new authors. So I have four new authors. And I'm open to suggestions. I'm not big on romance or fluff. I don't want books that are bawdy or crude. And just I think about movies, I don't think vulgar language is necessary for communication. I guess I'm just a little old-fashioned that way. Well, this is not getting the bathrooms clean and Asher will be here in an hour so I will close and get 'er done. :)

Groundhog Day

I just want to go on record that I think all the Puxatawny Phil or whoever your local groundhog might be very, very ridiculous. Of course this goofy guy is going to see his shadow. Look at the calendar folks: spring doesn't come for 6 more weeks. I think this bunch of hooey is far more damaging to the psyche of a child than the tooth fairy, Santa Claus, and the Easter bunny all together. No child should be teased into thinking that an overgrown rat can bless them with the early warming and beauty of Spring. But I'm not bitter... On to better topics...Asher had a "well child" appointment this morning. Beth thought he was due for some shots. They did several tests to make sure he has reached all his 6yr old milestones and he has and he's 45lbs and 3'9". He coughed and the NP asked to look at his throat and his well-check turned into a strep check that came back positive. Beth was so funny. She called me and said, "Ok. You can tell me you told me so any time, becuase you were right." I told her on Monday that I thought she should have him checked. Imagine that, I was right. Should I go buy a lottery ticket? So since I was right, I took Beth and Asher out for lunch. I got a gift card the other day as payment for a resume I wrote. It was a good day to celebrate, and besides I have been wanting ribs really bad. Beth paid the balance and the tip, a pretty good deal for her! I thought I was going to buy Asher an Oreo milkshake, but he decided just to eat the cheese sticks off Beth's monster appetiser plate and most of my fries. He also drank half my mango tea. Needless to say, a good time was had by all. Nelson and I were supposed to have a meeting with our pastor last Thursday, but he got the opportunity to work overtime so we rescheduled for this week. One of the good things that came out of it was that I did some good cleaning in my house last week and today. It smells so good right now! At our meeting we're going to go over the spiritual gift inventories that we took as a part of the membership class last month. The results were no surprise to either of us. Nelson's strong gifts are in the areas of administration and missions, while mine are in pastoral, teaching, and encouragement. Now we just need to figure out how we're going to best use those gifts as we serve and worship there. Well, I need to wash dishes and finish laundry before Nelson gets home. TTFN

I've been waking up at 4 and working out for 45 min every morning before work. Until today. Today I slept in. Today I will walk the dogs...and try not to let them walk me. That is a workout. Have i mentioned that the dogs each weigh over 50lbs and even with the no pull they still don't think I walk fast enough. :) I called Mom this afternoon to follow up on her appointment with the cardiologist. She learned that she has hypertropic cardiomyopathy, hardening of the wall/s of the heart. They told her this back in 06, but she forgot. I did some reading about it and learned that it is genetic--so the family should know this, especially me with my heart issues. He was completely unphased by the symptoms she discribed (the fainting is classic to the disease). She goes tomorrow to have her pacemaker tested and is to track her BP daily. Then she'll have an echocardiogram before her next appointment. No med change. Just moniter. Ok. While I was there Mom picked up some leg cramp meds at Walmart (homeopathic). This has been good, she hasn't had any cramps since she started taking it. Time to walk the dogs...

The End is Near

I made George pout. First thing this morning he started in on picking me up when I dropped off the bike. On and on. Finally, I very firmly told him that I wanted to walk. I guess he just couldn't understand that tomorrow I'm going to be back in the snow and cold and so one more day to soak in the Arizona sun sounded really good to me. I rode 4 miles and walked 4. And it was wonderful! I have a little pain in my heel, but nothing like it used to be. I've been faithful to ice it twice a day, take my Advil, and wear my boot at night. And Scrabble is done now too. Final tally: Mom 52, Tina 50. I bow to the Queen. It was a blast. I have my alarm set for 4:00AM. My flight leaves at 7:20. I fly back to Chicago and then on to Columbus. I have a layover of 1hr and 55min in Chicago this time...hopefully the weather won't be an issue. Until I get home....

Last Day at Mom's :(

Today is my last day at Mom's. This week has just flown by. I'm sure back home they're thinking it has lasted forever. On Friday I rode in the morning, pushing myself even a little bit farther and feeling great. Today I have to take the bike back. I told Mom that I wanted to do my ride and then meet her back at the bike shop. She said she'd have to ask George for the car. He makes such a big deal out of everything, so I came up with an alternative plan. I'm going to ride the shortest route to the bike shop and then walk home. It is probably only around two miles home. George kept asking what the plan for the bike was, and we kept telling him we had it covered and not to worry. He wouldn't accept that. Finally at supper I just told him. And true to form, he started to talk me out of it. I told him it was my decision and that was final. He was not happy. I don't think many people argue with him, especially not the women in his life. I wish I would have had a tape recorder running to catch all the funny things that Mom has said that have just cracked us up. -When we got in the car to get groceries on Wednesday, I looked over at her and realized she was barely seeing over the dashboard. She was adjusting the seat forward and I said that it was too bad that she couldn't make it go up and all of a sudden she found out that the seat did move up. She said, "Look at me, I'm a big girl now!" (She's barely 5'1") -Last night George was talking to his son on the phone. He drones on so. Anyway, he said something about how Mom and I were playing cards. What??? I looked up at Mom and said, "Shut up and deal." She lost it. We just cracked up and she snorted which just made us laugh even more. -Mom has always said, "Weeee." It's sort of her thing when she's happy. This week that Geico commercial with the pig on the zip line must have played a bazillion times. So needless to say, there have been a ton of pig jokes and every time she snorts we just lose it. Thursday afternoon we journeyed down to Tubac. It was such a beautiful day. We browsed our favorite shops and then came back to Green Valley and hit our favorite Hallmark store, Meridith's. There was an art show on the boulevard and we looked at a few booths before Mom just petered out. Home and Pizza Hut pizza for supper followed of course by more Scrabble. Scrabble score: Mom 36, Tina 32. I increased the high game score to 412. I don't know how I'm going to get everything home. I thought I left enough room in my suitcase coming. Oh well, I'm going to put off thinking about packing until tonight. TTFN!

Tuesday Report

Tuesday morning I was awakened by George. Not a good thing. Mom had fallen. When I got to her she was already back in bed. She was able to speak clearly. There was no blood. I opted to forego the ambulance and hear her out. She had awaken with a cramp in her outer right calf. She had been having them sporadically over the past few weeks. They are quite painful. They found this article about pressure points and she tried using that while she was still in bed, but it wasn't going away so she got up to a nearby chair and sat there and rubbed it. Still no relief. While sitting in the chair she broke out in a cold sweat. The feeling she was having came in waves and she felt like her mind was in overload. Instead of sitting until it passed, she got up to go the bathroom to get a Tylenol because that had relieved the cramp in the past. When she stood up she got woozy and blacked out and crumpled to the floor like a rag doll. Post episode we talked through several options. She has an appointment with her cardiologist on Monday the 16th. We discussed the kinds of questions (today I'm going to make her write them down). She was put on quinapril in 05 and had a pacemaker in 06. These two things need to be addressed. I think her BP is still high (150s/70s). She also has COPD and I don't that is being adequately addressed. She hasn't pursued better treatment because she's afraid the doc is just going to want her on oxygen and she sees that as a final resort. I told her that her medical card has expired and she needs to rely on her doctors not the book by her chair. She relunctantly agreed. One of the things we instituted immediately was to put a little bottle of water and tylenol in her nightstand so that she doesn't have to get up to get those for relief. During our conversation she also shared that she has had these blackout episodes all her life. They usually occur when she feels intensely stressed. She also told me that when she got the pacemaker one of the doctors told her that she had a varicose vein in her brain. I'm researching that one because I don't understand. She got the pacemaker in an odd series of events. She fell back in 06 and really cracked open her head. At the hospital in Tucson they began treating her for a brain anuerism (SP?), but determined there wasn't one and decided that her heart rate dropped too low and that's why she fainted. That's why I think the questions for the cardiologist on Monday are so important. During breaks from Scrabble, I worked on resumes for Beth (Asher's mom) and Nelson. Beth sent me a job description from indeed.com for a banquet coordinator. She would be so good at this job. Nelson found a job for a company selling kitchens and baths. He did construction before his ankle injury and this would be perfect for him. I got Beth's done and emailed it off to her. Nelson's is going to take a little more work. I got a text from one of the gals that I share my elder care job with. She passed her STNA exam. This could mean big changes at work. Now that she has a lisence she wants more pay and 40 hours. For her hours to increase mine must decrease. That will not be good for me. If they don't increase her hours, she may quit and my hours will increase. That could be good for me—except I don't want to work weekends. I guess we'll see how things go when I back. Scrabble score at the end of the day: Me 29, Mom 26.

Scrabble and Vacation Report

Having a great visit at Mom's! Scrabblathon score: 9 to 8. I'm in the lead for the moment, but we've traded that back and forth. I have the high game score: 412, while Mom has the high word score: 101. We have to much fun playing. We've also been enjoying the football playoff games together--taking turns yelling at the tv. Mom rented a bike for me and it is just wonderful. I rode it home from the shop and then had another half hour ride later in the day. I'll ride my full route this morning after breakfast (about 9 miles). I'm glad I brought a windbreaker, gloves, and something to cover my ears because it's supposed to only be in the 40's when I set out. I can put up with the chill because the sun will be shining, the sky will be that high and amazing blue, and I will be surrounded by the mountains. Good stuff for my soul!

On the road again...er in the air

Heidi brought me to the airport. She is so not an early morning person. I was a bit nervous, even wondered if I should call and make sure she was up...especially since I was up at 3:30AM. She arived 10 minutes ahead of our agreed time, 6:30AM Traffic got thick when we got to the outerbelt of Columbus. When I walked into the airport I walked right up to the ticket counter. No one was in front of me. Amazing. I also got through the body/luggage check point with no wait. Unbelievable. Stopped at Starbucks to get a latte because I had a $5 gift card. Got a gingerbread latte, the largest, for only a quarter. No one was ahead of me there either. Yummy. So I got to my gate at 8:00 and my flight doesn't leave until 9:25. Good thing the internet is free. And oh my goodness is it fast. We're on broadband at home and I thought it was pretty good, but this is down right fantastic. Going to make the dial up that I'll use at Mom's seem like a sloth. But any connection beats no connection at all. I've been thinking about something. Mom always wants to buy me something. I think I know what I'm going to ask for. I have been eyeing the e-readers and doing all kinds of research. Beth has a basic Kindle and really likes it. I think I'm going to lobby for a Kindle 3G touch. I like the idea that the internet connection is paid for and I can not only read but check email and a bunch of other stuff. Weigh in with any suggestions based on your research or usage. And thank you in advance. Leaving soon and heading to Chicago and then onto Tucson. Get back to you when I can. ")

Owie and Outta Here

Went to the podiatrist Wednesday afternoon. My plantar faciitus has been killing me, not just when I walk, either. My heel would just throb and ache. So, I knew what I needed a cortisone shot, but I kept putting it off--hoping I wouldn't have to get one. But alas, I knew I couldn't go to my mom's and be able to enjoy myself without it. So I sucked up and went. And it hurt like....I don't know what to even compare it to. I couldn't help but yell. The doctor told me to yell at him. I just yelled and wanted to crawl up the wall. I apologized and told him that I didn't think I was such a wimp. He told me not to worry, that he had seen grown men cry getting a cortisone shot. Good news: my heel feels better already! I leave on this morning for Arizona. I'm so excited. The weather here isn't too bad. One of the reasons I picked this time was to escape the cold and snow of Ohio. Oh well...I'll still be riding bike everyday! Temps have been averaging between 65 and 70. Sounds really good to me. Nelson has been sick since the weekend. On Tuesday he went to the doctor after work. He has the flu. The $100 medication flu. He stayed home from work today. I slept in the guest room last night and will again tonight--I'm not missing this vacation because of the flu. I did start packing until Thursday afternoon. I also be did some laundry and cleaning around the house and but putting away the Christmas decorations will have to wait until I come back. The day went really fast. And this morning I woke up at 3:30. I'm like a kid on Christmas eve: full of anticipation. Perhaps I'll catch a nap on the plane...but I always hate to be that passenger who snores or drools. :) Arizona and Scrabblethon, here I come!

Hope and a Future

Quiet morning. No work. No Bible translation/study with my friend. Just me and the dogs and the computer. I wrote a piece for my "prayer" blog (posted in potofmanana in blogger and wordpress). In addition to writing, I was doing som thinking. Things are changing a little at my job and it has caused me to pause and think about future paths. I still love my job as a caregiver. But I realize it will not last forever. So I have begun thinking about what I want to do when this gig runs out. I am coming to deeper peace about not being able to return to the work I loved and lost...so what can I do? Sitting here surfing and thinking I felt a nudge in a direction I had never considered. I'm going to talk to my husband about it tonight and then I'll share some more. But for the first time in a long time I actually felt excited and hopeful. I hope it wasn't just gas. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

What a beautiful gift today already has been. The sun is shining. The husband made the cassaroles. The grandson woke up in a wonderful mood and is taking a bath (aka making a watery mess). We're soon to head to the inlaws in Toledo for dinner. Trying something new this year and eating later in the day. Only problem is driving home in the dark--not my favorite thing to do and made a bit more dangerous this year by all the roaming deer. I'm praying you have a most blessed holiday.

Rest of the Weekend

Sunday morning went to early church. Great service. Our pastor had back surgery ten days ago and he was preached. It’s just amazing. They actually did it as out patient surgery. He had a herniated disc with several fragments in dangerous areas. Nelson and I were just amazed when they said he was coming home the same day. And he’s doing great! The only pain meds he took were regular Tylenol. The only difficulties for him have not bending over to pick things up (like grandchildren) and the residual fatigue that comes after having anesthesia.

After service we went to Sunday School. I’m starting to enjoy the class more. Nelson, too. This weekend he even decided to commit to singing in the choir. He has a strong bass voice, and would love to sing, he’s just so terribly tired when he gets home from work that it’s hard for him to think about going back out once he gets home. The good thing is that the choir doesn’t sing every Sunday so if he had to miss a practice it wouldn’t be so bad.

We went to Red Lobster for lunch to partake of their endless shrimp special. I loved the sweet and spicy grilled shrimp. I lost count of how many skewers I had. I brought the last one home, along with Nelson’s last parmesan serving. (Going to be a yummy lunch for me today! Picture me smiling.) Our server was the nicest guy. We learned that he had been working at that restaurant for 22 years this coming January. He was so attentive and funny. It really made our dining experience so enjoyable. Nelson, the man who really appreciates good service and rewards it generously nearly outdid himself, but we both agreed that he was in the top 5 of our list of all time best servers.

We asked for a wheelbarrow to use to get to the car, but Tim, our server, apologized saying that the couple who sat at our table previously borrowed it and failed to return it. We managed to make it home without one.

The rest of the afternoon, Nelson was the king and his scepter was the remote. He surfed between the football games and baseball. Fortunately for him, I love football and baseball, so it was quite fine by me.

For supper we ordered Pizza Hut pizza. Pizza Hut was where we had our first date, Nelson and I had our first meal as a married couple there, stopping on the way to our lodging the night we were married. where we took our older daughter to meet up with friends when I was released from the hospital after her birthday (barely two days old and hanging at the Hut). Over the years, we have gone for many different celebrations. On our getaway weekend for our 25th anniversary it’s where we ate, too. We had to laugh, because last night we ordered our standard (super supreme on thick crust) and paid $10 a pizza. That’s probably not much more, if any, than we paid on that first date.

So it was a truly wonderful weekend. I consider myself quite blessed. I’m going to have to workout and count every calorie to take off the pounds all that eating put on, but I’m way okay with that. This morning it was back to work for both of us, but each memory brings a smile. I like that…I like that a lot.