October 19th to October 25th 2010

On Health and Healing: what can I do or be for anyone else if I haven’t taken care of me.

I think I have found the perfect new health food, rich in dark chocolate, nuts and cinnamon:

I was never crazy about Goo Goos, made in Nashville but the same company is making this little goodie and it is really delicious.


What's Cooking?

Tuesday: family dinner – we met in Seattle and tried out another BLT

Wednesday: Taco Bean Soup with corn chips

Thursday: Bill’s night out

Friday: date night

Saturday: Todd made awesome Chili and hot wings and Bill made cornbread (Huskies lost)

Sunday: Tuna sandwiches at lunch and awesome dinner at B&P’s including pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes and roasted vegies. 

Monday: Grilled turkey tender for BK and pork chop for me, steamed green beans and Yukon gold potatoes.



On Life and Living:

Sorting and Organizing: Bill and I had cleaned up pretty well around the place for his mother’s visit. Not really ‘for’ her because she thinks everything is lovely anyway, but for us it was a good motivator to get the clutter sorted so now we are trying to keep it that way. I actually made a couple of trips to the attic. It was the first time to do the attic stairs since the shoulder surgery and I was careful but really it was no problem at all.



What's up at the dental office? Bill’s mom needs a crown on a front tooth. She is 93 but she needs this tooth and it has chipped and been filled several times. She has the appointment to get a crown but she is very nervous, she might choke or something. I told her I am sure they will be very careful. She is trying to get out of this but she would be worse missing a front tooth and having to get used to a partial. It is a two hour appointment but I told her there is a lot of resting time in the two hours.

Tuesday October 19th – Bill’s group at work took the two of us to lunch today. It was his first retirement party. Everyone is so nice to him, and me also. We went for Thai food at Bill’s favorite Bellevue restaurant and it was delicious. When I got home I baked a birthday cake for Monica, a co-worker and then walked 2 ½ miles with JoAnn. When Bill got home we drove into Seattle and met Barb and Steve, Amanda, Becky and Ryan for family dinner. We met at the Latona Pub because Steve recommended their BLT and he was right, it was a good one.

Wednesday October 20th – I got my stitches out today and the name of a physical therapist. I read the surgery report and it said that the distal clavicle was completely arthritic. There was no capsular tissue at all so he resected the distal clavicle to get ‘excellent decompression’. I didn’t know I had arthritis in my shoulder but I will tell you my shoulder is doing well and it is much more comfortable than before. I was very nervous that I might be making myself worse but this was a good choice. After the doctor, I mailed a couple of packages and stopped at the yarn shop for a minute and then came home and put together Monica’s birthday cake. Then drove to the office and we all went out to lunch and had cake for dessert. I don’t know what I did this afternoon but the day just flew by.



Thursday October 21st – Knitting all day. I tried on my Sasha skirt for the morning knitting group and we all agreed, I looked like a frump in something that long. Why did I not try this skirt on sooner???? So I took off the grey ruffle which probably will become a shrug. It looked cute when I just tossed it over my neck. Then I attached the last thread of the black skirt to the ball winder and in just minutes all that work was gone and set to redo again. The plan now is to knit about 6 or 7 inches of black in the feather and fan pattern, that was the pattern in the light grey that I took off. So the skirt will not have the grey ruffle at all and it is going to look much nicer on, I hope. At one Patty A came over and we knit together all afternoon. She is trying to get a Baby Surprise Jacket started and I was working on Savanna’s cardigan. When she left I got my act together and drove to Renton to watch Hannah play volleyball. It was her last home game this year and she did awesome. Wow, she can smack that ball.

    Friday October 22nd – The flowers Mom sent are still looking great. It was so fun to come home last Saturday to this beautiful bouquet on the front porch. Bill’s mom was with us and she was so excited that I had a flower delivery. They are still beautiful a week later. Nancy, the lead hygienist came and picked me up today at 9 and we drove to Tacoma. The Tacoma Food and Gift show was on this weekend and we pretty much spent the day there. I had printed a partial Christmas gift list and used that to do some shopping. We had a great time shopping and talking. It was very nice of her to think of me and do the driving. I could barely lift the bags when I got home. I actually had to stand on the curb and wait for her to get the car. I could not walk another step. While I was shopping till I dropped, Bill was chopping till he dropped. He went to the local hardware store and pick out one of the willing workers who gathers there and brought him home. The two of them proceeded to work about 5 hours. Bill with the chain saw and the other guy was hauling wood to the vacant lot where Bill will work on splitting it later. His goal now is to get the back yard cleaned up.

When I got home we got cleaned up and meet the Friday night group and had dinner. Bob and Karen were back from Europe and haven’t left for Colorado yet and Bill and Colleen were both there also. It was nice to see every one but when it came time to leave Bill could hardly move, his muscles had frozen. When we got home we put ice on his back and gave him Advil and I went to sleep. He fell asleep on the couch and came to bed later.


Saturday October 23rd – Neither one of us could move today. I was just tired but he was really hurting. I gave him Advil every 3 hours and we did ice on and off all day. At four he made cornbread and showered and we went to Tamara and Todd’s to watch the Huskies’ game. Todd had made two big pots of chili and a big pan of hot wing. Their friend Ken had made a big pan of layered bean dip and Tamara had made delicious, gooey candied popcorn with candied corn in it. I was sorry when I started eating it because it was hard to stop. Bill and I left at halftime because he was fading and the Huskies were losing and it was after 9pm.


Sunday October 24th – First thing this morning we voted. I am glad to have that behind us. We get really into the voting thing and read all the paper work we have, look up things on line, make phone calls if we need to. The only thing we didn’t do is look up the judges and see how they have ruled on cases in the past to see if we agreed with their opinions, we did look at the endorsements and decided with that in mind. It looks as though we may have fried another computer. Laptops are known for getting pretty hot and when my previous one died in less than a year my Nashville sister told me to sit my laptop on a fan if I am going to keep it on so much. So I did and I do. We also have a laptop that runs most of the media system in the house and today it ‘went to sleep and didn’t wake up.’ Bill has not had it on a fan and in the middle of streaming a movie it died on him. I think we will get a new laptop for me and put mine in the living room.

Monday October 25th - We did buy a new laptop tonight.  Bill is in the process of setting it up.  We are still PC folks here even thought we are happy iphone users.  It may be that we live in microsoft territory.   All I know is that my 'computer guy, supports PC's so that is what I am going with.    Only 16 days left for BK   





Thank you for stopping by and visiting with me. I would love to hear from you also so drop me a line at : celindakot@yahoo.com or my personal email address if you have it.


Grannies’ Diary: Bobbie Ann Maxwell 1945: For a few years now my grandmother’s (my mom’s mother) diaries have been sitting on a bookshelf above my desk. Now that others are reading this, I think I will take things from her diary and tell you what was happening at her farmhouse also. I have started with the first complete looking diary and the year is 1945. I am telling her story, in her words as best I can.

This painting is of my Granny's House where            
she lived when she was writing this diary.  


Friday October 19th - Well Dad helped C.Light bale peanut hay. Dad worked 2 days last week and paid him for doing our feed. He worked yesterday evening and today and he will owe us for this. Bill helped Edgar Light today. He and Chy have gone to the football game in San Saba tonight. Ann and I had a good time. She is so sweet and good she is a pleasure. I ironed today and mended some things this evening. Dad will work for Light again tomorrow. Well I wrote old Dr. Connor about my glasses and sent Mrs. Waddel a letter.


Saturday October 20th – Well, Dad worked for Clarence Light today and Bill, Chy and Ann all went to town. I went to Cherokee with Mr. Perry and Annie Lee and Mrs. S were with him. Annie Lee let me ride in the front seat and she got in the back. Lovie, Nan, Emma all came home with Chy and Ann and I. Bill stayed to help Hilly and then they came on about dark. The girls and I did the chores. Dad got in about dark. Bill, Hilly, Emma and Chy have all gone hunting with old Tipper and Lovie and I are going to read. The San Saba boys were beat bad in the football game last night, nineteen to nothing. Llano carried the score.


Sunday October 21st – Well we had a good day, the girls were all here except Elsie and family. Clarence Light combined our maize, about 28 sacks. He ate dinner with us. We had a good dinner. The girls helped fix the food. Bill rode his horse this evening and he sure pitched a good bit. Gee, but an awful sand storm blew up and it is so cold. The boys put up the heater and we have a fire in it tonight. It sure feels good too. Jim ran over to Llano this evening but none of us wanted to go. I would like to see Mary Ann but I hate to face the Cedar Cutters for they are always on the alert for me to say something evil, which I never do, ha, like old man. Better stop, other eyes might see this. Our little Ann is such a pleasure and we love to watch her toddle, and toddle she does. All day, when she isn’t asleep.


Monday October 22nd - Well nothing much today. Chy and Bill ran up to Cherokee and Ann and I had a good time. Edger Light and wife came to get Dad to help him with their peanuts also got Bill Boy. Mr. and Mrs. Bowden got in this evening. Bill and Chy washed this evening.


Tuesday October 23rd - Well the men have gone to help Edgar with his peanuts today. Cecil came along to get the war victory dollar. Bill’s horse is sure a fine one, he rode him a bit this morning. Well Lovie, Hilly, Emma all came down tonight for supper. I cut out Ann’s little coat this evening and sewed some on it, will finish it tomorrow. Had a letter from Dr. Connor telling me to let him know about my specs. The Chipper got another bump.


Wednesday October 24th - Well another cold day, the norther blew up in the night. The Bill and Dad helped Edgar today, makes 3 days Bill has helped him and two days for Dad. I sent Dr Connor a letter about my glasses and made the Chipper a cute little coat, but it is too big in the shoulders for her. The Bill and Chy have gone to the show and Daddy Roy and I had the pleasure of keeping little Ann, she is so sweet. We had a big frost last night, the first of the season.


Thursday October 25th – Gee, it is cold here this morning. The Bill and Dad have gone to help Edgar, will be 3 ½ days for Bill and 2 ½ days for Dad as they will get through at noon, or so they said. Then Bill will go on to Llano to coach the ball game. Chy and I went to Cherokee this morning. It was noon and after before we got home and Willie boy had come in and was getting ready to go to the football game at Llano. A man called me from Rochelle to buy my turkeys at $6. Burt McBride came and brought Mrs. Gay and Mrs. Smith.

October 12th - October 18th 2010

On Health and Healing: what can I do or be for anyone else if I haven’t taken care of me.    And On Life and Living:

Tuesday October 12th - I woke up and the clock said 11:58 (almost lunch) I had awaken a couple of times only to fall back asleep again. I knew this sleeping would come because I am now back on my regular low dose of steroids and so no extra chemical boost of energy. My friend Patti McM came to visit in the afternoon. I asked her to take me to Trader Joe’s to do some shopping, what was I thinking? I was almost dead when I got home. I heated a new Trader Joe casserole for dinner, it had eggplant and zucchini in it and it sounded good and tasted okay but Bill and I both gave it a thumbs down for texture, too mushy. Bobbie Ann called this afternoon she had a great weekend with her dental office, they had been to a Christian Woman’s Conference in San Antonio for the weekend.

Wednesday October 13th – I’m not wearing the sling so much around the house and I am moving my arm a little. There is really very little pain, I am taking Advil a couple of times a day. Nancy my lead-hygienist came and picked me up this evening and we went to a dinner and continuing-ed class in Bellevue. It was almost too much to do but I am glad I did it and the speaker was interesting. I got home just in time to call Aunt Jeanne before she started thinking I had forgotten her.

                                                                     

Thursday October 14th – Today is Bill’s Birthday. For his birthday I had replaced both of our rain gear from REI. Now we can do lots of walking even when it is raining. His previous jacket had self destructed and mine was something that didn’t breath so I ended up wet on the inside anyway. I went to knitting group this morning and then came home and Patty my knitting friend, came for lunch and the afternoon of more knitting. We had chicken noodle soup and ½ of Greek turkey sandwiches each. (Another friend had made and brought the chicken noodle soup.) I am knitting like crazy on my skirt now. It is time to get that thing finished and I am thinking of wearing it to Bill’s retirement party at his office. I can’t tell you how good it feels to get so many projects finished.

Friday October 15th – Bill took off work today and when we woke up he brought me coffee in bed and we laid there and talked for an hour. It was great. We both had some work to do at the desk and then we did some errands in Redmond. We went to REI, I had gotten him some kayak pants, the ones that the legs zip off and they become shorts, but they were too big so we exchanged them. We went to the bank for some cash to pay the tree guy, when he comes on Monday and then we used a coupon and got lunch at Quizno’s, we are practicing being frugal for when we are retired. Actually I think we all ready practice being frugal. I made a chocolate praline cake for Bill’s birthday cake and we took it over to Bill and Colleen’s this evening. She made roast chicken and potatoes, steamed green beans and a beautiful and delicious green salad. We had a nice birthday celebration.

Saturday October 16th – Today we had to set the alarm and get up early. We left the house at 9:30 got to Mount Vernon at 10:30 loaded Bill’s mom into the car and drove into Seattle. We met Barb and Steve, Becky and Amanda, Sarah and Macy and we all had Italian lunch and celebrated Amanda and Bill’s birthdays again. After lunch at the restaurant we all went back to Barb and Steve’s house and had pie and the birthday folks opened their presents. Then we brought Toula home with us for the night. I was exhausted and took a nap and Bill and Toula visited. He fixed her snacks and they had a great time together. When I got up she and I talked and Bill went to the computer room and did some work there. I was knitting like crazy on my skirt, it is almost finished and it is not a portable project any more. I am getting really excited to finish it.

Sunday October 17th – Bill took Toula home this morning and I met some friends for lunch. It was great to catch up. We met at 11:30 and didn’t get up from the table at the restaurant until after 2pm. Then one of my friends and I went by Chico’s to see what was on sale. It was a very nice sale, we both thought so. Jan called this evening, turned out that he injured his rotator cuff also, he had the MRI this past week and is scheduled for surgery in two weeks. He has been putting up with a sore shoulder for months now hoping it would get better, after hearing my story he was off to the doctor right away. He is going to have the surgery near Uncle Ray because that is where he will go to physical therapy afterwards. I hope his goes as well as mine did.



Monday October 18th – I got my skirt off the needles this morning while I was talking on the phone to mom and then I bought elastic while I was out and about. I went to see doctor Sana. I have and issue on my left hand. It looks like a large pimple but it doesn’t drain and it has been there 3 weeks to a month now. She wants me to see the dermatologist, she said it might be some kind of skin cancer……. My appointment is November 1. (Still in this X#0*# year) I had to be home by one for the tree guy. He is amazing; climbs like a spider, has two chain saws, one on each hip (like 6-shooters) the ‘little’ one is for the branches as he goes up and then when he gets to the top he puts down the ‘little ‘ one and brings up the big on and starts cutting off chunks of the trunk and is dropping them into the back yard like they were nothing. It is lots of fun to watch. Hopefully we will be ready for the windstorms to come this winter and Bill has lots of wood to chop, his first big retirement project.

On being Productive, experiencing Pleasure and Living Positive:

What's on my needles: I started a new cardigan for Savanna this week, in pink of course.

                          

What's off my needles: My skirt! Sasha is off the needles.

What I am reading: Ann Packer’s Song Without Words. I am getting into it and it is pretty depressing. Who told me I should read this book? It is about relationships and the fault lines in relationships…. I have discovered a few of those this year in my own personal crisis, but precious few which makes me happy to think about and now I feel fault lines that have bothered me for years closing in some, I like that. I am content personally. Of course I may have blindly hurt someone that I never intended to, I hope not.

Have I seen any good movies lately: We watched “The Backup Plan” last night. Boy meets girl, boy looses girl, boy finds girl…. and Jennifer Lopez is funny we enjoyed it, a good Netflix.


My thoughts for the week and Positive thinking item for this week came as a forward from a friend in Georgia. I loved this and it made me laugh out loud for sure:

Truths For Mature Adults


1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.


2. Nothing sucks more than that moment, during an argument, when you realize you're wrong.


3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.


4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.


5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?


6. Was learning cursive really necessary?


7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood. At least I was yesterday.


8. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.


9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.


10. Bad decisions make good stories.


11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.


12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.


13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.


14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.


15. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.


16. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.


17. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear, or understand a word they said?


18. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!


19. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

 20. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!


21. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.




Thank you for stopping by and visiting with me. I would love to hear from you also so drop me a line at : celindakot@yahoo.com or my personal email address if you have it.

Grannies’ Diary: Bobbie Ann Maxwell 1945: For a few years now my grandmother’s (my mom’s mother) diaries have been sitting on a bookshelf above my desk. Now that others are reading this, I think I will take things from her diary and tell you what was happening at her farmhouse also. I have started with the first complete looking diary and the year is 1945. I am telling her story, in her words as best I can.


Friday October 12th - Well, well. We had a letter from the Son today. First time I heard from him since the 25th of September. He is so fed up with the Army. I talked to Emma and she has sold a lot of the sacks, She has $6 for me. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis and the boys came tonight. They want my turkey hens but only offered me $330 for them. I got Son’s bucket of fruit cake almost ready to send to him. The Lewis’ brought me a lot of magazines. Dad helped Clarence Light thrush his peanuts today. I did the chores.


Saturday October 13th - Well, I went to Cherokee with Mr. Perry, sent Son’s fruitcake off. I told Mr. Burke not to label it as a Xmas gift because he might not be over there for Xmas. Also sent him a letter. Old Tipper howled a lot today. Fuzz is not here tonight, don’t know where he is. Emma sold $8 worth of sacks. I came home with Mr. and Mrs. Gay as Dad never showed up in Cherokee. Mr. Gay butchered his calf, Lewis took half of it. I hear the Fuzz barking. Albert is in Tyler might be home in a day or two. Dad helped light a gains today that’s why he didn’t come in at noon. He threshed peanuts this evening.


Sunday October 14th - Well a pretty lonesome day. I don’t know where Hilly, Lovie, Nancy and Emma all went. Gordie, Jim and Gordon came by with a load of Mexicans. Gordie thought the girls were here so she went on to Llano with Jim. He was taking the Mexicans to his pecan crops. Mr. and Mrs. Warner Kuykendall came to look at the cows. He said they were too high. Mr. Lon B came with a man from Lometta, he didn’t buy the cows either. The same man called and wanted to know if Hilly was here. Shelly Faye and Irene Randolph came this evening and we had a nice visit.


Monday October 15th - Well, I didn’t do much today, I have a cold. I pieced one lily block on my quilt. I started the quilt, week before last. Frank and Dad pulled a load of corn this evening. I haven’t received my specs yet that I ordered from Dr Conner. We never heard from the Bill Boy and girls today. Wish I could see them. I never talked to the girls today, I hate to bother them.


Tuesday October 16th – Well Glory be as I was milking tonight late, about sundown, I heard a car coming and I kept looking until I saw the color of the car. And Glory be it was the Bill, Chy, Ann, and of course, Lovie, Em and Nancy were with them, and little Ann knew me. Gee but she is so sweet I could eat her. I feel awful bad but maybe I will feel better now. I called Gordie about 8 and it wasn’t long before she was here. Of course Mr. and Mrs. Bowden were here. My stomach sure gave me fits this evening. I feel so bad these days.


Wednesday October 17th - Well the girls were all here today enjoying the Bill and Chy and Ann. Gee, but we are so happy. I cut Nancy a dress out of the red plaid. My nose bothers me some. Dad went to San Saba, had a 1000 pounds of corn ground, cost $2. Payed a $100 on the note. Bill has roped his old horse up tonight. I sure don’t want that old horse to hurt Bill. The Cherokee boys played the San Saba Armadillos last night and beat them 13 to 6. Our little Ann is so smart and sweet. Clarence Light came and wanted Dad to help him bale peanuts. Chy fell and hurt her knees this evening. Sure was a bad hurt.


Thursday October 18th – Well we washed today, the Bill, Chy and I. I feel very well today. Bill ran into San Saba to see Albert, he got in this morning. Ann and I took our go cart ride this morning. Bill and Dad vaccinated the 5 little calves after we got through washing. Then Dad went to help Clarence bale hay but they broke down about 4 o’clock. Ann and I went to meet Bill and she rode to the house with him and I came on. Just as I got to the gate Bill called and said Mama – Ann drank some coal oil out of the little can that I cleaned the paint brushes, but I think she spilled most of it. Anyway, I never was so scared in my life. Oh Lord! But I will be careful with things like tat from this day on. She is up playing after a nice nap. It’s 9:30.

October 5th – October 11th 2010

On Health and Healing: what can I do or be for anyone else if I haven’t taken care of me.

On Life and Living: (Just for fun: Sorting and Organizing: What's up at the dental office? I love my iphone, my favorite app this week is: In the news:)

Tuesday October 5th - Worked on Redmond Ridge and then the nieces came over for dinner. We had a good time visiting and talking about what Bill might do in retirement.

Wednesday October 6th – Another Day on Redmond Ridge and when I got home one of our financial advisors was at the house. We are making the decisions about what to do with the money we have saved for retirement. It is a bit overwhelming and we are so hoping we are making good decisions. We grabbed some leftovers and watched a little television before bedtime. My Aunt Jeanne and I talk every Wednesday night. She is my Dad’s little sister and over 80 now and she has just finished this season of working. She is a ticket taker at Angel Stadium in Anaheim California. She has had this job for almost 15 years. When the Angel’s are in town sometimes she may work 10 days in a row. She is there before each game and has to stay until most of the fans have left after each game. Sometimes it is boiling hot and she is in the sun and all that time she is on her feet which have really started bothering her also but that woman just cannot not work, she can’t even just ‘be home’, she is going all the time.

Thursday October 7th – I went to the podiatric surgeon today. I have been having pain in my right heel for over a year. Last August at Sock Summit I walked a convention center cement floor for three days and then took the train home to Seattle from Portland, almost four hours. When I got up to get off the train I could barely put any weight on my right foot without it hurting really bad. Over the past year the pain in my right heel has been an incipient pest. The truth is it has been a pain it is just that other things have been more of a priority but since walking is the best exercise I really need and want to walk without pain. Guess what the doctor said?  This tendon is starting to tear away from the bone (could be the prednisone or just getting more mature.) To solve the problem I need to stretch the tendon regularly, put a lift in the heel of my shoes and get this – wear heels more often. Not flats, not necessarily high heels but the little low heels like 1 ½ inch to 2 inch. I am supposed to get out of bed at 3AM and slip into a little heel to go to the bathroom. Ha Ha LOL I am so happy that another doctor didn’t tell me I need another surgery that I will be thrilled to wear heels. I feel the urge to go shoe shopping coming on. Oh yes, the new ‘Shape-Up’ shoes are out, they are not good at all for my problem. Anyone need and almost new size 7 ½ pair of black Sketchers Shape-ups?

Friday October 8th – No meds and nothing to eat or drink since midnight and by the time Tamara got here at 9 I felt awful. When we got to the hospital I was having an Addison event and was throwing up. They took me to the recovery area and an anesthesiologist started and IV and gave me the steroids and nausea meds I needed. It took an hour to get me stable and ready for surgery. After surgery was great. No nausea and really no pain. The anesthesiologist had inserted a drain into the surgery site with a ball, about the size of a tennis ball attached to the outside. This ball was dripping morphine to the surgery site and it totally controlled the pain for the first two days. My arm was in a sling to keep it immobile and they told me to move my hands but not my arm and no lifting.

Saturday October 9th – Tamara and the girls came over this morning. It was great to see them. After they left I pretty much slept the rest of the day. Aunt Jeanne called to see how I was doing.

Sunday October 10th – Today we went into Seattle and had breakfast with Barb (Bill’s sister) and Steve. They moved Wednesday from Bellingham and are just getting settled into the new house near Green Lake in Seattle. Steve says he loves BLT’s also and wants to go on my quest with me to find the best BLT in the area. That means we will need to eat a lot of BLT’s. Bill took my morphine drain out tonight. It really isn’t hurting too much but I am being really careful also. Lots of nice phone calls today: my cousin Jan, my sister Suzanne, Steve B from San Francisco and Carl. He said I have to heal up so I can get in and out of the airplane again.

Monday October 11th – I am feeling pretty good today. I talked to mom a long time this morning and Toula called and so did Uncle Ray and a couple of local friends checked in on me also. I feel like I am moving pretty slow but I was moving all day long. JoAnn came here and we walked for 45 minutes. I did a couple of loads of laundry, all with my left hand. Deborah Kay was on holiday from school and I think we talked 5 times during the day trying to figure out how to start a knitting pattern. It was really easy when my mind cleared and I started thinking about it but I sure had a block at first. I finished two more of the little rosebud hats, one for Baby Atchley and one for baby Buckspan.

Grannies’ Diary: Bobbie Ann Maxwell 1945: For a few years now my grandmother’s (my mom’s mother) diaries have been sitting on a bookshelf above my desk. Now that others are reading this, I think I will take things from her diary and tell you what was happening at her farmhouse also. I have started with the first complete looking diary and the year is 1945. I am telling her story, in her words as best I can.


Friday October 5th - Well, the Pollie called just now, she said they had a nice time in San Antonio. Said she had a card from Worth and he likes down there just fine. Gee, but it is raining but we pilled all the turkeys before it started. Mr. Bowden and Frank helped us. I sure would have been blown up if we had not had help. My finger is not sore and I have not got it wet as Dr. Pense requested me not to. Emma said the sure wanted to go to the football game at San Saba tonight as Goldthwaite will play the Armadillos’ at home in San Saba. Sure would love to see the ‘bear’ play tonight. We pilled 176 head of turkeys. Didn’t go to the ballgame as it was so muddy. RH is always on the war path, I can’t stand it much longer.


Saturday October 6th – Today is Jim’s birthday and he is 38 years old. I feel so bad I didn’t get up this morning and old RH is fit to be tied. He called me every lowdown name he knows. Oh God, to think I have to live with a thing like that. Mr. and Mrs. Bowden came late and brought me some squirrel and old RH sure did spout off. He will bring my nice children to shame yet. I used to have to get up when my babies were a few days old to keep him from raving on to me, but I don’t have to do what he says now. I’ll stay in bed if I feel bad.


Sunday October 7th - Well we had a very enjoyable day at Mrs. Gay’s dinner party. There were about 50 guests. Worth came in from college. Nelda was there and Hilly, Lovie, Nancy and Peggie were there. They brought me 25 pounds of ice and Tipper a lot of meat. I feel very well today and my head doesn’t hurt me too much. RH and I don’t speak. I have always waited on him and made the living and I am stopping for I don’t want anything or need anything except medicine. Guess, I’ll have to work to get that. I turned Wewe out as we didn’t milk her only for the cats. I will have to go back to Dr. Pense tomorrow and have the stitches taken out of my finger.


Monday October 8th - Well I went to town and had the stitches taken out of my finger. Dr Pense says to keep it out of water but how can I when I have to milk the cow and wash the dishes? Emma took me over to town in Lovie’s car. We shopped. I got Dad some shoes from the shop, charged $2.00. Put an ad in paper for Turkey Hens sale also cows and Bill’s horse. We ran up to see Gordie for a few minutes and while we were there Elsie called her and said Albert had called from New York. RH took me to Cherokee. Mr. Gay took his fat calf to Goldthwaite and the calf brought $81. Pretty Good. It rained and rained after dinner. Picked out my pecans for fruit cake, cut prunes.


Tuesday October 9th – Well it rained all night and it is still raining this morning. I baked two fruit cakes in the pressure cooker and they are so nice. One is for Son, but I believe he is going to come home. Emma bought fruit cake and goodies of all kinds to put in the Xmas box that she and Lovie are sending. Dad went to see about the goats this morning, said none were frozen down. He drove in 92 head. Well it is still pouring rain. Wish the sun would shine so we could dry out. Mrs. Gay sent me 7 Saturday Evening Posts by Mr. Gay as he had to go down to Bowden’s after his hogs.


Wednesday October 10th – Well Mr Bowden came after Dad this evening to help him fix is flu. I went with them and visited Mrs. Bowden. Flora and Cecil’s children came also. All of them together got the stove fixed and the flu put up real nice.


Thursday October 11th - Well we went to Cherokee. I wanted to send Son his Xmas package but the girls said it would never go, or be any good as I didn’t have it put in a bucket. So I brought it home and cut into it and put it in a bucket. Frank went to Cherokee with us. I took 28 sacks up there to sell. Mrs. Gay went to PTA this evening. Emma liked to beat me because I didn’t come prepared to go to PTA. Mr and Mrs. Bowden came tonight and I was right provoked because I wanted to read the mystery story in the Post that Mrs. Gay let me have. I ate a piece of candy and I really have the tummy ache.

September 28th - October 4th, 2010

On Health and Healing: what can I do or be for anyone else if I haven’t taken care of me.   My shoulder surgery is this coming Friday......

What's Cooking?

Tuesday: family dinner, Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes w/ feta and Green Beans

Wednesday: Tacos with lots of fixin’s

Thursday: Bill’s night out : I had leftover Greek and it was good again
Friday: date night, we tried a new place for Happy Hour, Bill M and I had a green salad and meatball sliders (thumbs up) Bill K had a salad and chicken Masala skewers that he like also and Colleen said the steak sliders were good too, We will be going back there again.
Saturday: Chicken Enchiladas, to a potluck

Sunday: Salmon Days in Issaquah – grilled salmon on Cesar salad

Monday: Chicken and rice pilaf casserole.


On Life and Living:
Tuesday September 28th – Happy Birthday Bobbie Ann, my baby sister. I texted her first thing this morning. Then thought of her cleaning teeth in Texas while I was cleaning teeth in Washington. Family dinner was just Amanda because Becky was in Katy, TX on a business trip. Bill had requested Greek so that’s what we had.

Wednesday September 29th – Worked all day, Dr V brought me roses today, he said he forgot my birthday, but he took us all to lunch for my birthday. After work I made dinner, rested and went to bed early.

Thursday September 30th – slept in, went to knitting group (Thursday mornings at new LYS), came home did laundry and paperwork for a while.



Birthday Gifts in October  :-)



Friday October 1st – Bill took off today, we are practicing for retirement. I walked with a girlfriend and she treated for lunch. (still celebrating my birthday)


Saturday October 2nd – This was a Saturday to work and they had birthday gifts for me too. What a week. We worked through lunch and got off at 2. Amanda and I met for a late lunch then I heated up a casserole and left at 4:30 for Mount Vernon and a family dinner to send off Chris’ little sister and her husband to Samoa and two years serving with the Peace Corp.

Sunday October 3rd – Issaquah Salmon Days

Monday Oct 4th – I rode the bus to the dentist and got my teeth cleaned. No cavities. Then I walked the three miles home, stopping at the bank and Trader Joe’s.

Grannies’ Diary: Bobbie Ann Maxwell 1945: October 2010

For a few years now my grandmother’s (my mom’s mother) diaries have been sitting on a bookshelf above my desk. Now that others are reading this, I think I will take things from her diary and tell you what was happening at her farmhouse also. I have started with the first complete looking diary and the year is 1945. I am telling her story, in her words as best I can.

Friday September 28th – Well I ironed this morning and Emma called and had me fix up her brown bag shoes and two hats, which I did, and sent up by Mr. Perry. Dad got a load of corn in about 1:30 o’clock. I patched the things that needed it after I got through ironing. It is raining now, started about 5 o’clock and I mean it is sure raining hard, it has rained an inch all ready. I talked to Lovie and she said Hilly was sick, that he had two chills last night. He felt bad last night was why they didn’t come by for supper. Gee, but it is still pouring rain. I almost got wet milking the cows.



Saturday September 29th – Well, it’s still raining this morning. I called the store this morning and poor Hilly had to open up and he is still sick. Emma went to the football game last night and hasn’t come in Hilly said. I think it was pretty dirty of her to run off and leave Lovie with the store and Hilly sick. Well Dad went into the pasture and the bigger part of our goats are frozen. Mr. Gay came and helped him drive in about 40 head. The goats were sheared the 21st of August. Hilly went to the doctor and he has pus on his kidneys and having to take sulpha. Emma said it didn’t rain at Commanche where the San Saba boys were playing football. The San Saba boys beat 6 – 0. The thermometer is standing at 32 degrees, sure is cold.


Sunday September 30th - The last day of this ole’ month and no war raging. This time last year my heart was breaking. I thank thee oh God that the great conflict is over. Well we have a humm dinger of a norther. The thermometer says 52 degrees. Well I was sitting here this evening trying to work up a quilt pattern and who should drive up but the Lovie, Emma and Nancy. Well I fixed them a little bite they finished eating most everything and up drove Jim, Gordie and Gordon so I fixed them a little bite. Wish the kids would tell me when they are coming for I sure enjoy fixing a good dinner or supper for them. While I was milking tonight Mr. Gay drove up for Dad to go coon hunting with him.


Monday October 1st – Well not doing much today. Dad went to Cherokee. Sterling Ring, Delreo. This is the address of the wedding ring. We had a card from Chy and she, Bill and Anne are in Colorado. Chy said she had been real sick with her tonsils. She said it had snowed some. She said Anne is wearing little coveralls and that she has worn the little knees out. All the big oil companies are on strike and the paper says the telephone companies are going on a strike. One month ago today Japan signed the peace treaty and poor Son doesn’t know when he will get to come home but I hope it is soon. Peggy sent me a piece of candy and I ate it and now I have the tummy ache. It’s still cool but it looks rainy.

Tuesday October 2nd – Well I was sitting here looking for some white sacks and Dad was reading the newspaper when who should drive up but Gordie Clark and Lovie. They came to wash as the electricity had stopped all water and helpy self laundries, School had to turn out at San Saba so Gordon came out here with Gordie. Jim had gone on his weekly jaunts. I washed what few things I had. Mr and Mrs. Bowden came tonight.

Wednesday October 3rd – Well Dad and I went to town and I spent $27 but it was all for my eyes and my finger, as my glasses cost $20. Elsie gave me the frames I wanted they would have been $27 but when I pulled out the pretty little frames he said the cost would be $20. Then I went up to Dr Pense and he cut a tumor out of my finger and looked at my nose. He said it was red and swollen and I paid him $3. Tom Allan ran into see us while I was at Gordie’s. The lights came on about 9:30 this morning. Gee my finger sure hurts tonight. Dad bought $2.00 in turkey pellets. Lester’s fine dog came in this evening. Whitey is his name.

Thursday October 4th – Gee I haven’t done anything today. Only to clean up the kitchen, sweep and churn a pound of butter. I have to keep my finger out of water until Monday but I sure came very near getting it wet. Gee, we had a short letter from the Bill Boy. Said it was cold up there and that Anne was not walking too good yet. The girls were to go to San Antonio today but I haven’t called as I knew Hilly would be too busy to fool with me. We pilled a few turkeys this evening to see if the pills are all right. Mrs. Gay called about 9pm and she said Thelma and Lillie came and cleaned house for her.