Sunday, November 1, 2015

Twice in one day!

It's been a busy day! We were to the grocery store, and Lamp Post Diner for breakfast.
 I had chipped beef on toast, which I haven't had for a while. So much that I brought home half.


The kids are growing! Garrett is not even 3 months old, and he's wearing 6 month sizes because he's so tall! Amary is drinking from the tervis cup that I sent Manda.

 

Wow- I lost October!

How can a month go by so quickly? It sure did, though. Work has been busy, busy, busy. I'm not buried in paperwork now, I can see daylight! Friday I spent most of the day teaching The Physics of Concussion to the science classes, with the help of my stuffed moose. 

Mom has been driving us all insane, and some days the drive is shorter than others. She's been wanting a new chair. Mike and Donna took her to probably 10 stores in the spring, and she couldn't find what she wants. The problem is that what she wants does not exist. She wants a recliner that doesn't recline- she only wants the footrest to rise, without the back reclining. She doesn't believe me when I tell her that if it's called a recliner, then it reclines. 

She needs surgery on her eye to prevent/stop macular degeneration. That will happen November 16. She's have to be head down for 5-7 days, and will have poor vision for 6 weeks after. So last week I took her to Komfort and Kare (I hate cutesy names) because she was sure they would have the chair she wanted. Their name should be Highway Robbers. So we went from there to Boscov's (her 3rd trip there) and she found a chair. It was delivered Friday, and within 2 minutes she hated it and said it wasn't the right chair. Mike took her back to Boscov's yesterday, established that it is the right chair, and set it up and locked it in position. And the salesman told her that what she wants does not exist. 

Amary's new thing is to scream when she's told no. From 3000 miles and a generation away, I find it extremely amusing. Garrett is already in 6 month size clothes, he's so tall. 

And it's November, and Ralph's trying to figure out how to upload my new pix from the phone to the computer.

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Almost fall!

We've been back to school for 3 weeks. It's been so hot, you'd never think the first day of fall is this week.
I miss this little girl so much! She's watching My Little Pony in this pic. She doesn't get to watch much TV, and she really loves it. 
Oscar was never around kids, especially babies. When Garrett fusses, Oscar gets really upset, and looks at us, clearly expecting us to do something!

Right before I left them, Amary went and got her doll's boppy pillow, and sat down with it and wanted to hold Garrett. She looked so pleased with herself!

I've had a busy week- Wednesday was dinner with the nurses, Thursday was dinner with Rosanne, and Friday was dinner with Cookie Swap. By Friday night, I was so tired! 

 



Monday, September 7, 2015

Jet Lag got me good

I flew to SeaTac to be with Manda and Ben when this little guy was born. I got there at 11 pm on August 11. He was due August 18. August 12, which was Ben's birthday, Ben knocked on my bedroom door at 6 a.m. their time- Manda's water had broken! He called neighbor Sarah to come for Amary, and called Steph and Dan to start up. We got to the hospital at 6:55 a.m, the the baby arrived at 7:23 a.m.!
After a little discussion, Manda and Ben decided to name him Garrett Alexander. He weighed in at 8 lbs, 12 oz, only 2 oz less than big sister Amary weighed. 

The next morning, Amary waited for Mama and Dada to arrive home. We didn't tell her til we knew they were almost home with baby Garrett. 


Garrett wasn't impressed to be home! The first night, his crying kept waking Amary up, not to mention his tired parents. It took a bit before he'd sleep a 3 hour stretch between nursing. 


When he's awake, he's bright eyed and bushy tailed! I got to be there for almost the first three weeks of his life! It was so hard to leave, but I do have a life and a job here! I've been home a week today, and I think I've finally conquered the jet lag.

 


Thursday, August 6, 2015

Pictures

I had to have Ralph figure out how to add pix to the blog- what a complicated procedure!

We/he had to save all my pix to some other system- it just got ridiculous. Anyway, that's Sly lounging in the tub, one of his favorite spots.
And here's the hat that I made for Baby Boy, in Husker colors. The diaper cover is made, but I have to sew on the buttons.

Posting now, since this is a trial.
 

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

One week

One week to go til I leave for Mill Creek! I just booked Rapid Rover for pick up and delivery, and I have my list of things to not forget. I won't pack til the day I leave. 

I still have things to do- mainly, quilt Baby Boy's quilt. He's due Aug 18, and Manda is huge. Second pregnancies are harder, since you're chasing around the result of the first pregnancy. Amary hugs and kisses Manda's belly, but I don't think she has any real idea of what's going on. 

We saw them in March, for 2 days. We haven't seen Steph and Dan since early December! 

Yesterday I went to Trader Joe's and Bath and Bodyworks. They have the cutest line of vineyard inspired hand soap, in bottles shaped like wine bottles. And they have fall themed soaps and lotions. And I had a retail me not coupon! 

Our county library does the coolest thing. Every month they have a list up of all the books they've bought that month. I use it to make a list of books I want to read. Some months are a bust, but some months they have tons of good stuff.

It's still hot, 90 every day. The weather pornographers say the heat wave should break soon- probably as soon as I leave for WA. 

And now to get tuit!

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Heat wave

It's going to be in the 90's all week. Thank goodness for AC! The PacNW is also having a heat wave- it could be 100 in Portland! And most of those poor people don't have AC. 

Except for the buttons, I finished the football diaper set for Baby Boy. Not long til he's due! I fly out on the 11th, and come back the 31st, have Sept 1 to recover, and back to work Sept 2. 

I'm still working my way thru the In Death series by JD Robb. I love the at home scenes with the cat. 

Today I had some errands to run, so I picked up Chick Fil-et and had lunch with my mom. I brought her an extra sandwich, which she likes to have for later. Ralph was at Krav Maga, and says they gave him a good workout. Now I think I'm in for the day.

I got the panel and backing for Baby Boy's quilt, so I have to get downstairs and get that quilted. 

Not much else going on, I feel like I'm in a holding pattern, waiting to go to Seattle.

Holly

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Summer Mode

I love summer break. If it's practice for retirement, I'll do fine. Ralph gets up around 6 when the Sly alarm goes off- he comes in, jumps on Ralph, and walks around meowing til Ralph gets up and feeds him and lets him out onto the porch. I get up 8ish, which is so much better than 6:30.

A lot of days I make a full breakfast- eggs with pork roll or sausage and toast. Or waffles and sausage. Because of the big breakfast, we either don't have lunch or just something light. 

I found a crockpot rice pudding recipe that we like- Ralph loves rice pudding. I made that for the second time last night. It only takes 2.5 hours on high, and makes a good amount.

After checking email, I piddle around. I've been working in the guest room and sewing room, cleaning and rearranging. I've made one GWL run, and am almost ready for another. At some point, I had bought a bunch of pillow forms. I looked at them and thought, "Nah.". So I gave them away to someone who was happy to get them, and that got them out of the house! 

Since Ralph got the George Foreman grill with removable inserts, we use that at least once a week for burgers, hot dogs or chicken. With just the two of us, it makes plenty, and saves him firing up the propane grill outside. 

I finished and mailed out Baby Boy's afghan. Next up is a diaper cover set in Husker's colors. It took me two days to find where I'd put the pattern. 

Holly

Monday, July 13, 2015

Hot, hot, hot!

It's in the 90's right now. Too hot- walking from the garage to the house, my hair was soaked with sweat! I made eggs and sausage for breakfast, then we went out to do errands. 

We did the DNA test for Ancestry.com, so we dropped that in the mailbox, got gas, and went to the County Store to get the passport renewal forms. They do the pix right there, and put it all together in an addressed priority envelope, which we then had to go to the post office to mail. I also had to pick up an RX from the foot doc, and drop it at Walgrens. Since we were out, we went to Perk's and did the food shopping. I hope I'm in for the day now, in the AC. 

The guest room is coming along nicely. Ralph has to fix a few tiles, and I want closet doors and another storage cabinet. Now I'm piddling around working in the sewing room, getting that in shape. 

I finished Baby Boy's afghan, and have to start his football diaper cover. He's due in a little over a month! We're hoping he arrives on Ben's birthday. 

And the beat goes on!
Holly

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Busy, Busy!

So much to do, so little summer to do it in! And since I'll be at Manda's for the last three weeks of summer, I have to keep at it!

Yesterday we went to Perk's. The town MUA truck was parked in the handicapped spot. I was so mad that I took pix, and emailed them to the Mayor and to the police via their facebook page. A few hours later I had replies. The Mayor forwarded the pix to the Chief of Police, who is issuing a summons. He also forwarded them to the MUA Director, who was not happy to see them! He will deal with his employee. 

Cleaning up the guest room is going well. With the two new big cabinets, I was able to empty a lot of the fabric totes, and can see what I have! I'm thinking to move the bed, which would leave room for another large cabinet, and I could empty the remaining totes. We measured for bifold closet doors. I have a huge pile to be donated to Goodwill. 

I went back to Carter's, and got Amary some things that Manda said she needs. I also got packs of onesies in sizes 6, 9, and 12 months for Baby Boy. I totalled up the original prices, and I got almost $900 worth of clothes for a little over $200! 

When the new outlets open, there will be an Oshkosh store. I'm so excited! 

This morning I see the podiatrist, and have to stop at Triple A and the library. When Ralph gets home from his Krav Maga class, we'll go out to lunch. Then back to work in the guest room. 

Holly

Saturday, July 4, 2015

July is here!

It's July 4, and we've only been out of school a little over a week! I feel like I'm accomplishing so much more, and getting more steps in, than when I'm at work. I've been getting up around 8 each day.

Yesterday was Dan's birthday, and next week is John's, Steph's, and Steph and Dan's first anniversary. Later this month is Connor's, Kenzie's, Juliette's, Amary's and Polly's birthdays. 

I miss Dad on days like Memorial Day and July 4th. He loved those holidays, and was so proud to be a Navy Veteran of WW2 and Korea. 

I went to a great sale at Carter's, and got lots of newborn clothes for Baby Boy. I also have my tickets to go to Seattle. I'm there til August 31, and Polly arrives shortly after I leave. Then Ralph is going out by train, and will spend 2 weeks there. Manda is working on a to do list for him. 

Baby Boy's afghan is more than half done. It's all single crochet, so it's slow going. 

Happy 4th!
Holly

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Terrible storm!

We had an awful storm Tuesday night. It had been so hot that we had an early dismissal from work, so I'd stopped for gas and went to the library on the way home. 

I was sitting crocheting and watching TV when Ralph told me I should get a flashlight, that there was a tornado warning. Just then the rain and wind started, and the power went out. The storm only lasted a little while, but it wreaked havoc over this end of the county and the next county.

The power ended up being out for 48 hours here! Frank and Charlotte are still out, going on 90 hours. There were so many trees down that I stayed home from work Wednesday. We had no cell service, so I had to go to Mom's and use her land line to call out. 

Thursday was the last day of school, so I went in, even tho the power was still out. Thanks to the generator, Ralph was able to keep our fridge and freezer, and our neighbor's fridge going. He didn't start it til the next morning, so we did lose some things from the fridge. We were so happy when the power came back on Thursday night! 

Our neighbor decided to get his own generator, and ended up ordering it online, I assume from amazon, because he couldn't get one locally. He got one the same size as ours, so we'll all be in good shape if the power goes out again. Knock wood, it won't!

Manda got my plane tickets for me- I'm going out the second week of August, and coming back August 31st. Hopefully Baby Boy will arrive a little early, or at least on his due date. 

I'm working on BB's afghan, and have a hat and diaper cover that I want to get going.  

Holly

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Dinner with the nurses

The third Wednesday of every month is dinner with the nurses. We've been doing it for probably ten years now, and it's always fun. Jean is having chemo, so she was under the weather today, so it was Mary Ester, Lynn, Ralph and me. We were at a diner we're partial to. Ralph likes it because he can get snapper soup, and we almost always have leftovers.

Sunday night I felt lousy, and was up half the night, so I called out on Monday and slept half the day.

I'm still working my way thru the shows I have on the DVR. I have it down to 33% filled. 

Six more school days til the end of this school year!

And that's all that's going on!

Holly

Sunday, June 14, 2015

A busy weekend

Friday, school was dismissed at 1 p.m. because of the terrible heat. I was able to catch an hour nap. We left here at 4 pm, to go to Heather's. Ed and Eddie weren't going to that night's recital, so we rode with Heather and Julianna. Ed and Jeanne met us there. Julianna was in three dances, and did a terrific job! So terrific, that she got the award for most improved dancer for the year! The three year old class, as usual, stole the show. 

Saturday we went to Ed's parents for their yard sale. Ralph knew he was buying a trailer from Ed, so we took the truck. I also got a portacrib, a double stroller, and a high chair. Mike was there buying some things, so we visited with him. We ended up hanging out there visiting for a couple of hours. 

When we got home, I made the potato salad for today's barbecue at Charlotte and Frank's. It was a hit, as were the baked beans. Dave and Juliet were up for the weekend, so we got to visit with them. 

This morning, I spent over an hour cleaning the kitchen so that Sharon can clean the kitchen! I knew there was a table under there somewhere! 

So it's Sunday night, and 9 more school days left. My lunch is all packed. I got gas on the way home because we're supposed to have a few days of rain. 

Holly

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Humidity

The humidity is back up. Walking outside today is like walking into a wet sponge, ick. It's about 90 out, and we have a few more days of this to look forward to. 

Tomorrow night is Julianna's dance recital. She's in 4 dances this year! She loves dance. 

Manda is 30 weeks, so Baby Boy is 75% cooked! 

I've got the DVR down to 34%! It was almost 90% at one point, I just caught up on Once Upon a Time, and now I'm watching Outlander. 11 more school days to go! 

Manda and Jake had birthdays this week. 

And that's all that's going on.

Holly

Sunday, June 7, 2015

June is here!

May seemed to go on forever! Last week was a busy week for us. Work, of course. Monday night we went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner because they were doing a fundraiser for Wounded Warriors. Tuesday we drove 45 minutes for a retirement "dinner" for someone Ralph worked with in the ER. No dinner, just appetizers and a cash bar. Not even water on the tables. And 90% of the appetizers were fish or shellfish. So I had to eat when we got home. 

Ralph had a wonderful time visiting with his former co-workers. I was sitting for a few women who were recently retired or planning retirement, so I was in good company. 

Wednesday was relax night. Thursday was the District School Nurses retirement dinner. I don't usually go, but my close friend Barbara is retiring. It was at an Italian (this is Jersey, is there any other kind) restaurant. The supervisor did a Letterman type top 10 list of things Barbara will be happy to never hear again. #1 was "When is Holly retiring". People want my office with the window, and the small number of kids. Most of them don't realize the amount of time I spend doing special projects for my supervisor and Barbara. 

Ralph put together my first fabric cabinet, and we rearranged some things in the guest room, so I emptied several totes into the cabinet. It's going to look great when we're done. The second cabinet is here, he just has to put it together. 

And it's almost time to go to lunch!

Holly

Saturday, May 30, 2015

May is ending

It's been hot all week, and we've had the AC on. Ralph overdid it, and his left foot is hurting so much that he's using the cane and the walker. Seems to be tendon related rather than a fracture. He has a doc appointment Monday, and we're betting that he ends up in a boot.

We had our 43rd anniversary this week! We had a quiet day, and made burgers at  home for a celebratory dinner. 

Ben's sister Becca married her love Brandon yesterday, with Manda and Ben in the wedding, and Amary looking adorable in a yellow dress. The wedding was in Nebraska. I'm sure Polly and Randy are having a terrific time with Amary.

I'm totally caught up with books by both Kellerman's, Jonathan and Faye. I think I like Faye's books a little more. 

Ralph's foot hurts so much that I went to the grocery store by myself this morning. At 9 a.m., there was hardly anyone in the store, which is great. 

Ralph liked his tiny George Foreman grill so much that he bought the next size up, which does 4 burgers at once. With just the two of us, he may put away the propane grill. 

Four more weeks of school!

Holly

Monday, May 25, 2015

Memorial Day

Having a three day weekend is always a wonderful thing! I slept in til at least 8 a.m. every day, and took a few naps. Saturday we went out for breakfast, Sunday we went out for lunch, and today we've eaten at home all day. 

We're in the final stretch for school, one month from today! The kids are emotionally done. And the staff is worse!

After several days of nice weather, the humidity is creeping up again. The AC will probably go back on tomorrow. 

May has been a good reading month. I caught up on Jonathan Kellerman, and started catching up on Faye Kellerman's Decker series. I'm continuing to reread JD Robb.

We had dinner with the nurses on Wednesday. We went down nearer to Jean, and Nick brought her to dinner. She loves the hats I've given her. 

Sad news from Mike and Donna. Abby, their 5 year old dobe, had to be put down due to kidney and GI issues. Mom was very attached to Abby, and cried for hours. Mike can't be without a dog for long, he just sees them as an important part of his life. Like us with cats. 

I'm working on Baby Boy's afghan. It's a ripple, in bands of rust, chocolate, aran and baby blue. 

And back to work tomorrow for about 4 weeks.

Holly

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Mid May

Oops, forgot to do any entries for the last two weeks! No reason, just didn't get to it. 

I quilted a quilt for the first time in two years! I did the farm fair quilt for Barbara. It was fun, but I'm way out of practice. An HQ retreat is on my to do list for after I retire. 

Mike took us all to Scotland Run for a Mother's Day buffet. It was really nice. I gave Mom a bag of candy bars, nuts, and assorted candy. The Tuesday after, Heather and the kids came up and we had pizza. The kids were having fun. 

I have one more Jonathan Kellerman, and I'll be up to date with his books. Next I'll catch up on Faye Kellerman's. 

I'll see Jean this week and give her the latest crop of hats. I've started an afghan for Baby Boy. Amary will be 22 months old this week! 

We had a hot spell, then a gorgeous spell, now we're on our way to a rainy spell. 

Holly

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Hot!

All of a sudden, it's in the mid-80's! What's up with that! Typical Jersey weather. 

Manda and I are working on dates for my trip out when Baby Boy is due. We have some tentative dates. 

We're getting new gutters, hopefully this week. Ours are at least 25 years old. 

I came thisclose to calling out yesterday- I just didn't feel like working. But I went in anyway, and good thing, a lot was going on. 

Tomorrow night is the CCSNA end of year meeting, which is always held at a resturant. I know a lot of retiring people, so I'll go. 

Today is Cinco de Mayo, not that we celebrate. We actually had chick fillet for dinner, after I stopped at the library. 

And now off to relax.

Holly

Saturday, May 2, 2015

Out and about

We were out the door by 8 a.m.! Went to the Lampost Diner for breakfast, then to a big yardsale at a Clementon church, where we got nothing. Came home to put leftovers away, then went off to BJ's. We have another month on our free membership, and we're probably going to join. By the time we did all that walking, my knees were protesting loudly.

We had to stay at work til 6 one night for parent report card conferences. As far as I'm concerned, not enough parents show up to make it worth while, but it's contractual. Everyone was dragging the rest of the week. 

I bought new towels at BJ's, so my old ones can be used as rags or cat bedding. 

Poor Amary has another bilateral ear infection, and is on antibiotics. Steph used to get them a lot. 

I'm still reading my way thru Kellerman, with a detour for the new John Sandford, which was really good. And still working on cotton chemo caps for Jean. And working my way thru the shows I have on the DVR. 

And doing laundry!

Holly

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Sunday morning

The sky is blue, it's not snowing, and it's going to be warmish. All good things! Ralph took the black stray that he calls Notbob to get spayed- we know he's a boy, because he keeps trying to hump the other feral cats, who don't appreciate it at all. This should settle Notbob down, as well as preventing the births of potentially hundreds of kittens. 

Friday I tripped over a mat at was laying unevenly, and tried to catch myself, and fell. I must have put my arm out to catch myself, because my upper arm was more sore than my knees. The worst part was that I needed help to get up, since it hurts to kneel. My knees were achey and messed up my steps for Friday and Saturday. My goal has been 4000-4400 per day. 

I talked to Carol in rehab, and she sounds great. She sees the doc tomorrow, and is hoping to be allowed to go home afterwards. She's been in hospital or rehab since March 8- way too long. 

Yesterday two cousins came to visit Mom to look at pix she has. I hadn't seen Dianne for a few years, and never met Stacy before. Stacy's grandfather and Mom's mom were siblings, and Stacy is very into genealogy. We had a nice visit, and talked about lots of things. 

And as soon as Ralph gets back, we're off to grocery shop.

Holly

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Tuesday

Yesterday and last night it rained and rained, and thundered and lighteninged. Today was beautiful, clear, blue sky, in the 60's. A nice spring day, something we don't get many of.

I got the brand new Amanda Quick at the library today, and I'm still catching up on Jonathan Kellerman. 

We had grilled cheese, potato and macaroni salads for dinner. I'm back up to 2 miles, or 4200 steps yesterday and today, after slacking off on the weekend. Last week I did 25,000 steps! Of course, my fitbit buddy Becca did 50,000, but she's 25, works retail, and has her original knees.

Sharon comes to clean tomorrow, which is always a good thing! Tomorrow is Frank and Charlotte's 43rd anniversary! 

Jean emailed to say she loves the chemo caps, and to ask for some in light yarn and big stitches for summer. I've been browsing patterns for some that meet her criteria. 

I went to bed at 9 last night, and don't think I'll make it much later tonight!

Holly

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Beautiful Saturday

It's in the 70's, blue sky, just so nice out. I made our usual weekend breakfast of pork roll and scrambled eggs. Ed had given me eggs from their chickens, and I used them- fabulous. 

I ran some errands- bank, post office, Michaels crafts for yarn on sale. Dinner is in the crockpot, a crockpot pizza casserole, a new one to us. Pasta, pizza sauce, spices, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese. 

I just finished Susan Mallery's new book The Girls of Mischief Bay. A little different than most of hers, in that she widows one of the main characters halfway thru the book, then explores her grief. 

I mailed the first several chemo caps to Jean today. She starts chemo on Monday, and they told her she'd start losing hair about the third treatment. 

I've been so tired at night that I didn't do any crocheting the past two or three nights. Last night I took a nap rather than eat dinner, and just had soup when I got up. Yesterday was the first in a week that I didn't make 4000 steps or better. I did 3000. 

The new dishwasher seems like it working well. In the fall we'll replace the dryer, and we'll be good with appliances for a while, knock wood.

And the beat goes on!
Holly

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Midweek

Back at work, which is interfering with life. It's much harder to get my steps in at work. It's 150  steps from my desk to the front do, so I've been doing the round trip several times a day. I tell everyone that my knees stiffen so I need to keep them moving. I've hit 2 miles tonight, or 4400 steps. 

I'm continuing to work my way thru Jonathan Kellerman's books. Right now I'm taking a detour thru Nora Roberts new one, The Liar. So far it's good, as are all of hers, under both her names.

I'm still making chemo caps for Jean, and I have to get them to her as she starts chemo early next week.

Monday was gorgeous, Tuesday dismal and rainy, today back to gorgeous. 

We had dinner with the nurses tonight, less Jean. I had a chicken salad club, which was really good and I have enough for tomorrow's lunch. 

And today was payday!

Holly

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Back to the real world soon

Spring break has been so wonderful! I really hate to go back to work, and keep telling myself one more year. I don't hate my job by any means, it's just interfering with life! Except for the payday part, of course.

Thursday Eddie and Julie had school, and Heather was off. She came up and we went to Trader Joe's. We were so busy looking at everything that we kept walking into each other! Then we stopped at Bath and Bodyworks, then picked up Ralph and went to lunch at Bertucci's. 

Friday I went and got my hair cut, went to Target, and to Big Lots. 

The past 3 days, I've done 4000 steps per day! I'm going to make a real effort to wander around more at work, and keep up the amount of steps. 

I've caught up on Linda Fairstein books, and moved on to Jonathan Kellerman. These are all authors that I've read and enjoyed for years, but got seriously behind on their works. 

I've started another hat for Jean, #6 or 7, I forget. And Carol has been moved to rehab, yay! 

This morning I made our favorite breakfast, pork roll and scrambled eggs. I've got load #2 in the washer. The sky is blue, it's warmish, and it's not raining! Life is good.

Holly

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Enjoying Spring Break

It's so nice to have a whole week off! I put my car in the shop on Monday- turns out it needed a new radiator. The auto repair guy said it should be good for at least another 20K miles, which is great to hear.

Last night we went to one of our favorite diners for dinner, and have plenty for tonight also. Today we went to BJ's. I had a coupon for a free 60 day membership, so we walked the whole store. Some things are a lot cheaper there, others I'm not sure about. 

I saw online that AC Moore had Red Heart yarn on sale, today only, for $2.39. It's usually $2.99. And then I had my NJEA discount, which brought it down to $2.03 per skein!

From there I stopped at Carter's. I'd forgotten how tiny newborn clothing is! I bought a few things for Baby Boy Briles, and a few for Amary. And via Retail Me Not, I saved 20%! So it's been a good shopping down.

The weather, on the other hand, is dismal. Dreary and drizzley. 

Carol is doing well, and will be released to rehab any day now, which is cause for celebration! Yay Carol! 

And double yay for spring break!

Holly

Sunday, April 5, 2015

Easter Sunday

It's a bittersweet Easter for me. April 5, 2007 was Holy Thursday, and the day my Dad died. I can't believe he's been gone for 8 years, and there are days that I don't even think of him. 

I'm grateful that we had him as long as we did, and I'm grateful that Julianna was born early so he could meet her. I'm sad that he didn't get to watch Eddie and Julie grow up, and that he didn't get to meet Amary or Joey or the new baby coming in August. 

It's a beautiful sunny day and the skies are blue. We had a wonderful day yesterday with Heather and Ed and the kids. We had ham (our free ham from Perks, and it was awesome), mashed and mashed sweet potatoes, corn, baked beans, salad, and pineapple stuffing. 3 kinds of pie for dessert! 

This morning I went to Dunkin and got a bagel for me and a donut for Ralph for breakfast. We're planning a lazy day of doing not much!

I'm reading my way thru Linda Fairstein and making chemo caps for Jean. 

Happy Easter!
Holly

Friday, April 3, 2015

Welcome April!

April 3 and no snow for days! Hopefully it will stay that way. And it's finally gotten into the 60's for a few days. It'll probably be a typical Jersey year, and we'll get a few days of spring, then go right into summer.

It's the first day of spring break! We're off for ten days! I have lots I want to get done, including putting my car in the shop on Monday to see why steam is coming from under the hood. It was worked on in December, and the problem continues.

I've been to Perks, Dunkin, the bank, the locksmith, and Applebees for lunch. Now the ham is in the crockpot, and laundry is in the washer. 

We're having a pre-Easter dinner at Heather and Ed's tomorrow. Ham, baked beans, pineapple stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, and pie. 

Manda had an ultrasound, and it's a boy! Baby Boy Briles has ten of everything he needs ten of, and all looks well. BBB will arrive mid-August. 

Steph and Dan are house hunting, which is exciting. They've been taking Toast to a park every weekend, and she can still walk over a mile. 

And that's the latest!
Holly

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

The last day of March

March actually went by pretty fast. Winter just won't go away! We had sleet yesterday with snow mixed in, and we may get a snow shower tonight! Hopefully not. 

By Thursday, it's supposed to be sunny and 70. Here's hoping!

Two more work days til spring break starts, and it can't go by fast enough! 

Ralph has been busy laying out his garden. He's planting corn, peanuts, potatoes, asparagus and raspberries. 

Today is Mike's birthday, he's 59. 

I'm crocheting chemo caps for my friend Jean. I have 3 made, and want to make several more so she can switch them out. 

I'm re-reading the In Death series from the beginning. They have held up well. 

And now to get back to crocheting!

Holly

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Chilly

Spring can't decide if it wants to be here or not. It was almost 70 the other day, and back down to 30 today. But no snow, knock on wood.

Steph is running a 5 K today, on a tulip farm! We're so proud of her! She, Dan, Ben and Manda have all run at some point. Heather only runs if there is a code, and Ed would prefer to drive his street bike. 

Four more work days til spring break, and it can't come soon enough. It's been such a long winter, we're all ready for a break. 

Carol has had another surgery, and is going to have skin grafts hopefully Tuesday. She's feeling well enough for company, so Ralph, Franny and I plan to go see her soon. 

Ralph is working hard at getting the feral cats to allow him to pet them, the first step toward bringing them in. Sly will probably adjust well, Tina not so much. 

I finished one chemo cap for Jean, and I'm working on #2. She starts chemo in about 2 weeks. 

I'm almost all caught up with the "In Death" series, then I'll move on to Linda Fairstein. 

And it's nice and sunny out, and no zombies are visible!

Holly

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Spring

To celebrate the first day of  spring, we had 5 inches of wet, heavy, sloppy snow. It started snowing on my way to work, and snowed all day. Around 2 pm it started to lay on the streets and in the parking lot. One of our wonderful staff went out right before we were dismissed and brushed off all of our cars! The roads were wet but not slippery.

Manda and Amary have bronchitis! They saw the doc today. 

We went to the Christmas Tree Shoppe and got curtain rods and sheer panels for the living room, dining room, and family room. Ralph got some seed starter cups, and we got some raspberry plants. Then we went to Longhorn and had lunch/early dinner. 

It's in the upper 40's and the snow is almost gone. Hopefully it's the last snow of this winter! We're all ready for spring. 

Holly

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Almost Spring?

We had a few nice days, but now it's cold again. And on the first day of spring, we could have snow! Enough, already

Carol has had several surgeries on her leg, and will have at least one more. But she's making great progress, and PT had her up and standing for a minute! That's such a relief!

Yesterday I went to an inservice. The venue gets a big fat zero! Due to a "misunderstanding", there was no coffee/tea or breakfast til after the first hour. The "room" had a tent roof, and even tho it was not real windy, the roof groaned and howled throughout the day. The food was decent, most of the speakers were interesting, and we got 4 prof. dev. hours.

I'm still catching up on JD Robb's books, with a side trip to read the new Sarah Morgan. I finished the star baby afghan that I was working on, and I'm starting chemo caps for my friend Jean. 

And we're getting used to the time change, but I still hate getting up in the dark!

Holly

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Worrying about my friend

My friend Carol is in the ICU, after a freaky accident. She forgot she had put her car in reverse, and got out to pick up something. The car started moving, and she couldn't jump back in or get out of the way fast enough, and was knocked down and hit. Went to ER, was released. Some days later, shin pain and swelling. Dickie took a pic to their doc, who sent her for wound care. The wound people sent her to a higher level ER. She was admitted, had an incision & drainage, and has a massive infection. She's having a second surgery today. 

We're really worried about her. That's a lot to put your body through.

And I think about her constantly.

Holly

Monday, March 9, 2015

The party's over

Manda, Ben and Amary were scheduled to fly in on Thursday night, so they could be here for Julianna and Mom's birthday party. Mother Nature disagreed, dumping us with 8 inches of snow on Thursday, and their flight was cancelled. There were no available seats on Friday, so they got in Saturday at 4.30. We picked them up at the airport, picked up mom, and went right to Heather and Ed's for the party.

At the party, they made their big announcement. Baby Briles #2 will arrive arrive around August 18. We've actually known since Christmas Day, but have been keeping their secret til they got here. We were at Heather and Ed's til after 11pm, and the time also changed that night. 

Sunday, Mike and Donna came up to see them, then Heather and the kids came up to spend the afternoon. We got cheesesteaks and panzarotti's for lunch, and the kids had a great time playing with Amary. She's talking a lot, and everything is "Ammy's". Last night Manda and I took Amary up to Mom's for another visit.

Today we went to a diner for lunch, then to Rita's for water ice. They finished packing up, and Rapid Rover just left with them to go to the airport. I got Amary's chickie hat finished. And she got to stomp around in the snow! They were here less than 48 hours, but we packed a lot into the time. We won't see them again til I go out for the baby's birth, and Ralph will go out in September to see the new little one. 

I'm always sad when any of the kids leave. It's worse because Amary is changing so much by the day. It seems like so long since Julianna and Eddie were that little. But, as my friend Barbara says, at least we're not seeing them leave on a ship or a covered wagon. Those days must have been terrible emotionally!

And it's March, and almost 50 out, and the sky is blue. We have three wonderful, healthy grandchildren, and another on the way. Life is good.

Holly

Saturday, February 28, 2015

The last of February!

What a long, cold, snowy, icy month this has been! I'm so glad to see the end of it. I took two sick days this week- Monday I was throwing up, and Thursday I had such a bad head cold that I just wanted to sleep. 

By Thursday night I was feeling human, and we finally got our dinner out with Ed, Heather, Eddie and Julie. We went to Texas Roadhouse, which the kids love. Unfortunately Ralph developed a toothache that day, so he stuck with soft foods. He went to the dentist Friday morning, and is feeling so much better now.

This morning we had a couple errands to run, the went to Applebee's for lunch. They have an appetizer of sweet potato fries with dipping sauce, which was really good! Then I went into Michaels for yarn to make a baby chick hat for Amary. 

Last night I had dinner at Olive Garden with part of Cookie Swap, which was a lot of fun. So far we've managed to get together 3 months in a row! 

I'm reading Secrets of the Lost Summer by Carla Negron, and enjoying it. It's the first of a loose series, or so the internet tells me. 

So, Goodbye February! It's been real!

Holly

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Ice!

Yesterday we had snow, then freezing rain, then rain. The snow was supposed to be 2-4 inches, turned into more like 6. Now it's warming up, and as soon as the snow is removed, ice is underneath. It may go into the 40s later, but the high tomorrow will be in the 20's- not good.

Last week we were off Monday for Prez Day, and had a snow day Tuesday. I started a baby afghan made of Bernet Baby Blanket yarn, which is like ropes of chenille. It was hard on my wrists to work  with, and used a K hook. I started out making a pattern I found, and hated it after a row, so ripped it out and made it as a big granny. It's the first time I've completed a baby afghan in 3 days! It's pretty, and will be warm, but the yarn was such a pain that I don't know that I'd do another. 

I read the new JD Robb, Obsession in Death, which was good, as is her usual. I just finished Children of the Revolution by Peter Robinson, which brings me up to date with DI Alan Banks and company. 

In two weeks Manda, Ben and Amary will be home for 4 days! Heather will have Julie and Mom's birthday party that Saturday, so they can visit with the whole family at once. I hope the weather improves before they get here! 

I read that you can clean the glass insert of your oven door by mixing a paste of baking soda and water and letting it sit, so I'm trying that.

Holly

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Well.. Brrr!

It was like 6 this morning, with high winds. We got a couple of inches of snow, to make it even more fun.

I had a nice birthday. I didn't want to go out after work, so we ordered in pizza. Ralph got me an MP4 player and put a lot of my CD's on it. I talked to all my girls and mom. And it was Friday, payday, and the start of a 3 day weekend!

Yesterday I went to the DMV and got my hangtag renewed, so that's good for 3 years. Then we went to Friendly's for breakfast, and I took an afternoon nap. Last night I started Jake's beard to go with his hat. I'm afraid I won't have enough yarn to complete it, so I see a trip to AC Moore's in my future. 

I got the new JD Robb at the library and I'm reading that. 

I finished mom's other legwarmer, after taking them apart and re-doing them. I was quite sick of it by the time I finished. I didn't like the yarn I bought, it tended to split. But it's done! 

And I'm off to the sewing room to work on the beard!

Holly

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Mid week

Every day the weather guessers have predicted some sort of wintery weather, and every day they've been wrong. Wrong temps, lack of rain/snow. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

I read 13 books in January, 5 of them on the kindle, the rest from the library. I'm caught  up with Tempe Brennan, and moved along to DI Alan Banks. 

The lottery is over 300 million, so the office lottery group is buying tickets. We call it our retirement plan! There are 20 of us, so it'd be about 15 mill each. I could retire well with 15 mill!

I'm still making red hats for this generation of the Oehrl men. I'll give them out on Sunday, at Joey's birthday party. We have his party from 12-4, then Zac's starts at 4. We have a social life! 

We're having pizza for dinner, something we do every few weeks. 

And that's my update!

Holly

Sunday, February 1, 2015

February

Wow, January is history already! Welcome February! 

It's bitter cold here, down in single digits at night. Another storm coming in, but we should just get rain from it. 

I had a lovely night out Friday, my cookie swap group went to Sandy's for dinner and visiting. Every year we say we're going to get together once a month, then it doesn't happen. We've planned a night out for February, so maybe this will be the year we see more of each other!

In January I made 100 Xmas tree angels, a turtle cowl for Amary, and a red hat and beard for Joey's birthday. 

AC Moore had a good yarn sale going on, so I got some yarn yesterday for specific projects that I'm planning. 

In January I caught up on Stephen White's series, and I'm working on Kathy Reichs. I have to check my notebook and count up my January books. 

We've been food shopping, and I have laundry going, and some bills to mail when we leave to go to lunch at Texas Roadhouse. 

Manda and Ben bought a car, a 2012 Pilot, to replace Ben's small car that he's had since graduation and has driven him crazy a lot of that time. Dan started a new job. 

My goal this week is to make a hat and beard for Jacob to match the one I made Joey. 

Holly

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Snow day

We got out early yesterday due to the forecast. It flurried all day yesterday, and the blizzard was going to hit last night. All kinds of advisories and warnings. Bread and milk bought, cars gassed up. General hysteria abounded, mostly on the part of the newscasters. Weather forecasts every five minutes all evenings. Schools cancelled last night for today. 

We got maybe four inches. 

States in New England had a real blizzard, but not us. Oops.

It's nice being off, no question about that! Stayed up later, slept in, made eggs and pork roll for breakfast. Bread pudding in the crockpot, meat loaf planned for dinner. Laid on the couch and finished the book I was reading. Finished Amary's hooded cowl last night, plans to start Joey's hat today. Facetimed with Manda, Ben and Amary last night. 

Ralph used the snowblower on our yard and Mom's. No paper delivery, due to the state of emergency, which is now lifted. 

So it's a snow? day, rather than a snow day. And more is predicted for Friday.

Holly

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Another winter storm- maybe

We might get a clipper, then a blizzard. Or not. Depends on how the storms track. And depending on which forecaster you're listening to. There will definitely be weather of some sort.

Today is our usual day to shop, so we were at Perk's a little after it opened. It wasn't crowded (yet) which was good. And I remembered to take the list with me, also good. I bought the ingredients to make a new to us dish called tater tot casserole. 

Stephen White is one of the authors I want to catch up on this year. Last night I read Line of Fire, which is a play on words. It had a twist I didn't see coming, and which kept me up til midnight finishing the book. Today I'll start the newest, and the final book in his Alan Gregory series. 

I'm working on a hooded cowl for Amary, that looks like a turtle shell. The yarn is very thick, and it uses an N hook, which is huge. I hope to finish it today. Next up is a hat for Joey for his birthday. 

Hallmark has been running sappy romances, now that Christmas is over. They're good to have on in the background. 

Yesterday I made chili in the crockpot, and a batch of chocolate chip cookies. Because it was me making them, the raisins are implied. Ben and I have a running argument about raisins in cookies- he thinks there should be a warning, I think they are implied in certain kinds of cookies. 

And now it's time to go to Bertucci's for lunch with Frank and Charlotte!

Holly

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Weather Pornographers

That's what my friend is calling the media, and it's so true! We're supposed to get something starting late afternoon tomorrow. Maybe. 

Yay, I have 102 crocheted angels stockpiled for Christmas! And I dis-assembled the legwarmers I made mom for Christmas, because the yarn stretched and they kept falling down. I did four rows on a replacement, but I have to get to her house and see how it fits. 

I just moved a bunch of books from Calibre to the Nook. I have some authors I want to catch up on this year. 

Amary is 18 months old! Incredible! Yesterday Heather, Eddie and Julie picked us up and we went to Pizza Hut for lunch. Julie had a certificate from school that she'd gotten for reading, so she got her personal pan pizza for free. 

And that's my updates!
Holly

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Rain, Rain, Rain

and worse, it's freezing rain! We had planned to meet a group of Cooper people for brunch today, but I was on facebook and saw that the rain is icy rain. It's so bad that all the bridges are closed! All of them- The Barry, Whitman, Franklin, Ross, Tacony and Burlington-Bristol! I don't ever remember that happening before. Terrible accidents on the interstates. So we are in, possibly all day. 

Last night I finished #90 of the 100 angels that are part of my yearly goal! I hope to do the last 10 today. Then I'll rip apart mom's leg warmers, which turned out way to big, and redo them.

We think tonight's dinner will be lasagna from the freezer. A good dinner which also warms up the kitchen from the oven being on- a win win situation. 

I'm reading another new to me author, Sarah Morgan. I'm on the last of a trilogy about the O'Neil family, and enjoying it. 

We picked up Moose from the spa yesterday, all cleaned and oiled inside. Even though I'm not in sewing mode at the moment, it's good to have her here all set up and ready to go. 

And the beat goes on!
Holly

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Midweek

What a week so far! Sunday night the weather hysterics called for icy conditions. Monday morning I got up and checked the outside temp, which was 34. The back driveway looked wet. I took two steps away from the stairs, and the next thing I knew I was flat on my face on the ground! I yelled, and Ralph came running out in his bare feet. He was slipping trying to help me up. Finally he kind of towed me over to the steps, and I was able to roll over and get my feet under me and get up. I was soaked to the skin! My very expensive knees were OK, just sore superficially. I took the fall as an omen and called out from work. 

Later that morning Ralph had a dentist appointment, to get 3 implants for a bridge. He came home swollen and sore. We laid low all day. Tuesday morning he walked me to the garage. 

He's starting to feel better now, and my legs are less achey. Tonight I went to a county school nurses' meeting, to hear a very boring speaker. 

I'm still working on my angels, snowflakes and bells. I have 58 angels made, 44 snowflakes, and 30 bells. 

The Xmas tree is down and stored downstairs, but I have to put away the rest of Christmas. 

And that's midweek here!
Holly

Saturday, January 10, 2015

January

We've finished our first full week of January. We had school on Monday, off Tuesday for Three Kings Day, and the kids had a half day on Friday. 

Tuesday it snowed, less than two inches, but enough to incite hysteria in the media. We took Moose, my Janome 6500, to the spa for a cleaning and routine maint. It's been at least 3 years since I had her professionally cleaned. I take the bobbin case out and clean as much as I can on a regular basis. Since I'm in crochet mode, I thought it was a good time for her to go in. Her name is Moose because she weighs 37 pounds. 

I read 133 books last year, 47 on the Kindle or Nook. That's about my usual. 

My first crocheting goal of 2015 is to make 100 each of angels, snowflakes and bells for the 2015 Xmas tree. It'll take me at least the whole of January. 

It's been cold this week! One day it was 9 when I left the house at 7 a.m. That day we had a high of 23! 

We got Chinese food for dinner last night, something we do 3-4 times a year. We had plenty for leftovers for lunch today. 

We have a couple of birthdays in January. Joey will be 2, Zac will be 14, and Jim will also have a birthday. January 29 would have been the birthdays of both my late friend Linda, and my late grandmother Elizabeth. 

And so it goes, with my first post of 2015!
Holly