Moving forward

Enough about my atempt as Oscar the Grouch. Things are good now .  It was suggested at a sewing group at church in December that I share with others how to make a rag quilt.  No, this is not a quilt made of rags.  Instead the seams are exposed and clipped to make them frey.  We ended up with 5 women making their very first quilt and 3 with varying degrees of experience.  I had helped 3 of them pick out fabric.  It is interesting to watch when I tell them to pick out the fabric that jumps out and says Buy Me.  Once that is done then worry about the rest.  Because I am a control freak those same three came over for individual cutting sessions.  It took some time but I think I was able to write decent instructions.  Had a caregiver that sewed look at them to see if they made sens.  Needed friend Kathy, but she was off being a grandma.  Forgave her until she sent a picture of playing barefoot on the beach under bright blue sky!  Anyway Wednesday was fun and everyone is off to a good start.  Now I have to hope that my layout and assembly instructions make sense.  Trying to describe how to do something with words only has been a challenge.

Silence is golden

Thursday was one one of those days that I was grateful that I could not talk.  Anything that came out of my mouth would have been bad.   It had been one of those nights when my brain would not settle down.  I thought about getting up and reading, but that is so much work.  So I bumbled through the day.  That afternoon I finally got my nails cut and they don't expect me to say anything because I don't take my computer.  I can just close my eyes and ignore everything.  Nice that I can be a snob and brat and get away with it.  That evening was the regular dinner with TCWSM so I was better.                  Friday I decided that I still needed my witch socks.  In September Dave bought several pairs of  Halloween socks.  I decided to keep the witch socks out for the days I was feeling witchy or bitchy.  Going for an afternoon walk helped some.  By Saturday I was better and we embarked on more New Years deep cleaning.

Today is Dave's Birthday

Thinking about his day I had mixed feelings.  I had purposely not planned anything and was beginning to think I had made a mistake.  Then caregiver Yuki told me that her citizenship ceremony was today.  It was so perfect because Dave had been so excited about her starting the process.  He told her we would be there to welcome her.  So of course I would go.  I had ordered flowers from the same florist and when Melissa and I went to pick them up we were welcomed with relief.  We got to the office just as Yuki and her family were arriving.  Like any government office we had to sit and wait.  Granted some of the waiting was while the papers were getting the final processing.  The ceremony was good.  There were 41 people from 24 different countries. Each had the opportunity to state their former country.  This was followed by a video and and recorded singing of the Star Spangled Banner, pledge of allegiance, a welcome from the President and the certificate and flag were handed out. After congratulations were given volunteers handed out voter registration forms.  I am happy that I went because of how wonderful Yuki is and the whole process is very interesting.  Besides I had heard and discussed some of the hundred questions she was given in preparation for the test.                      When we got home I decided to watch the DVD taken when Dave gave his sermon.  Once again technology coma through.  I can see him and hear his voice anytime I want to. I also have the video of his marmoreal service.  Being able watch these when ever I want is special and is a very nice feeling.                       To finish out a good day TCWSM came over for root beer floats.  Dave introduced these to the boys several years ago and almost any time they asked he would make them. Cindy fixed the floats and led us in singing the Happy Birthday song.  This was followed by a toast to let him know we didn't and will not forget.                 Thanks to the wonderful people who remembered his birthday with cards, emails and message.

One More Adventure

Saturday was an interesting day.  Caregiver Melissa and I had some errands to do ending with a stop at a neighbourhood florist.  I was getting flowers to take to church to honor Dave's birthday on Wednesday.  We had an opportunity to visit with the florist and look around while they were doing the arrangement.            Carring the arrangement Melissa held the door for me and I headed for the van.  Unfortunately I had forgotten that I had gone around to get in the store.  Melissa yelled, but it was to late.  I bounced right off the curb. Fortunately Melissa reacted quickly and was able to grab my chair and pull it sideways before I did a face plant.  Unfortunately it landed on her leg and bounced her off the curb.  Fortunately my chest strap and seat belt held me suspected off the ground.  Unfortunately she could not get the 500 pound chair off her leg by herself.  Fortunately the women in the flower shop came out and took the flowers that had not been dropped and assisted Melissa in moving the chair.               When it first happened Melissa had yelled to call 911 fearing the worst.  Once up and able to see that nothing happened to my vent and I was not hurt she then talked to the 911 operator and cancelled the call.                  After taking a few deep breaths she drove to Todd's house.  Todd and Sam were home so they could support and comfort Melissa.  It appeared that the only damage was a headrest that wobbled worse than my head.  We went to our house so I could be comfortable while Todd worked on my chair.  Cindy and the other boys called about lunch so we ended up with a fun gathering .           Only then did Melissa acknowledge her injuries.  The leg that had taken most of the weight of the chair was beginning to swell just above the knee. Other tender spots were attracting attention too.  Settled down with some ibuprofen and an ice pack she even let someone make her a sandwich and take it to her.  Then we knew she was hurting.  Later she had a chance to look at the bruises and tell what part of my chair was on her leg.  Bouncing off the curb was also starting to show.  She defiantly come out much worse than I did!  Now all the caregivers know not to trust me.

CHRISTMAS PART 2

So much went on that I could not write everything.  As we were talking about where we would do Christmas morning Walker gave his opinion.  He did not like having to get dressed to come over here.  (It was 3 days after I had come home from the hospital) He thought Christmas should be a day you stay in pajamas all day.  His next comment led the way.  Why can't we spend the night here.  We had a slumber party Christmas eve!  That led to a fun Christmas morning with stockings before breakfast.  Our family opens one present at a time so it takes a long time.  Yes, we did spend most of the day in pajamas.  It was one of those special days when everyone is together and happy.  The kids were excited about the gifts they had picked for others.  Dave and his love of flashlights was with us in spirit as it was passed down to Todd and Kari.  He would have have been fascinated with the  different kinds of flashlights they were given.  The boys enjoyed all their gifts and said thank you without prompting.  Walker did have to be reminded that he could not stop and read a new book until we finished with the presents. This was the one time he was willing to put his book down. Later when we rejoined them for dinner  at their house both Walker and Sam were deep into their books.  A simple dinner was the perfect ending to a wonderful family time together.