Same Stuff Different Day

Well, not quite.

Rebecca and I went to church this morning, the first service for our new pastor. She spent the hour being sad. She suddenly realized that our former pastors were actually gone. She'll be fine but I could understand it. I think our new pastor will do well but transition can be a little difficult. He's a singer which is a good thing. I would've missed the music.

She and I stopped by the hospital to see Ray. He's been moved to a regular bed so she could go in with me. They had us wearing masks and suddenly I couldn't breathe. Some fragrances bother me and there must have been something either incorporated in the mask or used in the room that set me off. I had to leave before I started sneezing and coughing. He understood - he's used to it. It doesn't rise to the level of allergy; just a sensitivity of sorts and one that's fairly recent. It's mainly florals and I stay away from powdered laundry soap (liquid is less messy anyhow) and from many perfumed household items. The soap aisle at the store is a challenge and I have to remember to bring tissues in with me so I don't have to buy them on an emergency basis. It's a nuisance but nothing worse.

He was much more alert today and able to laugh with Rebecca at something funny she said. It's a big improvement from Friday. He called a few minutes ago to say good night and sounded better yet. He was understandable over the phone which hasn't happened in a while.

This afternoon Rebecca, Rochelle, and I went back to the church for a welcome to pastor ice cream social. Elcie begged off which isn't unusual lately. It was fun but we didn't stay long.

Tim needed a ride (that boy must get a driver's license) so I went (by myself for a change) to pick him up in exchange for my usual caramel macchiato. I took pity on Elcie and brought her back a small strawberry frappucino.

No lake today so that was 32 miles of driving I was able to skip. They may go tomorrow. The 4th will be mobbed. Instead they hung out around here. It wasn't exactly lake burnout; just the need for a break. I know the feeling.

And now Rebecca is asleep in my bed, the smallest cat is asleep almost on my feet, and I don't see my camera.

I have a ton of laundry to put away - tomorrow. I kept waiting for it to cool off tonight but it never really did. Most of it is stuff the girls pulled out of drawers and off hangers. I think they'll pitch in on putting it away before we go anywhere tomorrow. I still haven't figured out why the one shirt they simply must wear is always on the bottom of the 4th drawer they empty. That's why I hang most things but there simply isn't room for it all. None of it is on the bed at the moment so as long as I can shove Rebecca and any odd cats out of the way, I'll be fine.

Matter of fact, I think I'll head there in a few minutes.

Thanks to all for the comments. We have new visitors and, once again, I'll try to go back through the posts, introduce them, and add them to the blogroll. But not tonight. I might zap my whole blog again.

Speaking of blogger (sort of), has anyone been having problems with access lately? One of my friends struggled for a couple of days before she discovered it was some strange virus. It's been fixed and she's back in business but I pass it on in case any of you are having the same problem.

Mollie, Giants won. Split the San Diego matchup 2 and 2. One game out of first place. Not too shabby for the over the hill gang. The geriatric Giants, that's us. Maybe that's why I'm so fond of them.

Hope all of you who are lucky enough to have a 4 day weekend have a wonderful time. Our 4th will be quiet although we'll probably watch the fireworks in the next town down the road. Maybe 5 miles away, if that. They're better than ours and run a little earlier. Most years we can see ours from a distance just beginning as we drive back into town. We'll probably have a few safe and sane things for the girls. The street will be all but blocked off, all the neighbors will have displays, and we'll have an informal block party. We always make sure our hose and plenty of water is handy for all.

An adult lights everything but the sparklers and the girls have learned that sparklers are hot. They like to let them burn down and use them as sidewalk chalk.

Started to say good night five minutes ago and got sidetracked. Typical.

Goodnight all.

P. S. I found a blonde brownie recipe earlier today and now I can't remember where. If any of you recognize yourself, let me know. I'd like to steal it and post it here.

PPS. Things I discover while googling.

July 3 is . . . . . Stay Out Of The Sun Day and Compliment Your Mirror Day

January 22 is national Blonde Brownie day. I bet you all knew that didn't you.

Nothing New

Today was crazy and I never did make it to the hospital. First taking my son to work (with two of the girls) then to grocers. I planned to take them home, do a few chores, and then head for the hospital.

Then my friend showed up to take them to lake so made the round trip out there. Came homd with plan to lie down for an hour and go to hospital before I picked them up. Wrong. They were ready to come home much earlier than planned.

We came home to a power failure and a very warm house. Must have been a transformer and PG&E (electric company) said it would be a while. We were getting hungry and a bit crabby so I took them all for pizza. By the time I got back, the lights were back on but it was really too late for the hospital even though they would have let me in. I'll get there tomorrow.

Fortunately Ray understands the constant juggling act but it wasn't much of an anniversary for either of us. We'll make up for it.

The girls loved the pizza trip. They've been asking for a while. We brought much of it home with us as usual. It'll be gone by tomorrow.

Now I'm just checking in briefly before I fall asleep sitting here.

Take care everyone.

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Happy Canada Day

It's late and I'm yawning. Rebecca is asleep on one side of the bed and Dipstick is asleep on the other. It's easier to move Dipstick.

They think Ray has an infection and they have him all doped up with i.v.'s running in. Poor man is a pincushion and now he bruises with every new needle. I'll check back again tomorrow.

Took Rochelle and Rebecca to Home Town Buffet tonight. Elcie didn't want to go. She wanted pizza instead but it just didn't sound good in this weather. Home Town at least has salads and stuff. We enjoyed it.

Tomorrow is our 17th wedding anniversary. I clicked onto the blog of one of our new visitors and discovered it's hers as well. Small world. Tim and I were talking tonight (he went to Reno with us) and we agreed it doesn't seem that long.

This was not how we originally planned to spend it but he's where he needs to be. He didn't look well when he came home last Tuesday and it didn't improve. Thursday night was really bad. I was in the laundry room on the phone (quieter there) when he decided to walk out to the car to go to the hospital. Don't know what he thought he was going to do without a driver. One of the girls ran to get me. My friend had dropped by and she was supporting him on one side with Rochelle on the other. I drove him (Rochelle went along) because it was faster than an ambulance at that point.

I'll check back with him early tomorrow morning. I'm taking Tim to work, picking up a few groceries, and then heading for the hospital. At least that's the plan for now.

Means I'd better get some sleep, doesn't it. I'm watching Monk and I think I can hold out 10 more minutes. If not, it's a rerun.

On the bright side, baby Jonathan is doing fine and has already outgrown his 3 month clothes (except for the onesies). His mom went back to work a couple of days ago and his big sisters are babysitting during the time Jim and Melissa are both gone. His oldest sister has a toddler of her own which means baby Jonathan was an uncle before he was born.

Thanks for the good wishes once again. For those who asked, I'm doing okay; just a little tired and stressed.

Take care everyone.