I love my crockpot!

Well, it's been awhile...for a bunch of things. Not just blogging. Kay is being serenaded by a Bill Gaither worship video so I had a moment to type.

Tim and I have a date tonight. His company is treating us to a holiday party in La Conner. I think I'll order the steak! We had several options for Kay coverage but finally plan E came through. A lovely couple from the church will come by and visit. I told them that we would have dinner for them and she said, "something simple...pizza?" We were awake semi early this morning and the crockpot is rolling. I can't wait to set the table and treat them with more than just pizza. The house is already smelling delicious. In tribute to Mark I added extra garlic!!!

We'll spend the rest of the day wiping surfaces to make it look like we're clean and organized. Oh, and smelling Kay's dinner.

December is here!

Welcome month #12!!! We had fun trimming the tree this past weekend and decorating here and there. Kay likes the red lights and Tim was impressed that I knew where all the Christmas stuff was. I was impressed, too. I'll also be impressed if everything stays in the designated spots. So far, so good.

Tim went to Seattle tonight for a well deserved get-away. I hope that he has a great time with his friend at an anticipated concert. Rock on, Dude! I wish I could see the old farts (just kidding guys) at a rock concert reliving past memories. It's quiet here...I miss him and I can't sleep.

Kay has been up and walking around five times now since going to bed fully dressed. She has been increasingly confused about "things". She is convinced that something is happening "down the street" which will keep me on guard throughout the night and into the morning. Thankfully, the wind is swirling and the rain is hitting the windows sideways. That seems to deter the need to exit the house. I'm sure it keeps her awake though. That and the fact that she sleeps during the day even with me stomping around and clearing my throat to get her attention.

The sound of the wind blowing through the trees evokes an image of God's power to inhale and exhale. I just don't know if He is inhaling to take in our trials or exhaling to blow in peace. I'd like to think it's both. That makes me happy.

It's time to turn off the TV and listen to God breathing. Good night.

Ice cream, tea cups and mops

I have to admit...Kay is resourceful. If I were in her position at 6:30 in the morning and needed to eat, I don't know if I would have the wits about me to open the dining room cabinet, get out the English bone china tea cup and scoop out the quickly melting ice cream...without lights on.

I heard the cabinet open, gave a little shout out to go back to bed, heard a couple of slurps and a sweet "I'm fine" in response. She was probably thinking "Let me be, go back to sleep, why do you continue to bug me?" When I think about it, why should I care that she is eating ice cream out of the torn up container with a tea cup. When I am 88, I think I will want to do what I want to do when I want to do it! I just hope I don't piss off my daughter-in-law.

Which brings me to the mop. I am finding a trail of melted ice cream that leads me to the happenings of this morning. If I were able to make a scientific analysis I would deduce that there were several trips back and forth and around trying to find the correct utensil that would allow the ice cream to enter the mouth. However, by not finding a SPOON, going back to find a cup seems right. Dripping all the way. Big sigh...the floors needed to mopped anyway.

With all that said, I want to wish everyone a post very merry Thanksgiving and a pre happy Christmas. Lay off of the ice cream will ya?!

Recess

We live one half of a city block away from an elementary school. I love hearing the children play on their break. I remember climbing the poles and chasing the boys with kisses. The sounds of children playing and laughing make me smile. What will they study when they are called back in by the bell? Recess over.

I find myself wanting to swing with the children. I observe the interesting groups of "friends". Some stand by the fence alone, some stand together, some challenge each other. The laughter rings true. The squeals of delight are solid.

We have a lot to learn from kids and kinship.

Front door open! Where's Kay going? Maybe to the playground to swing? Gotta go!

Recipe of smiles

A dash of humor
A pinch of spice of life
A pound of love
A tidbit of compassion (add a tad more when needed!)

Mix well and stir it up!

We went to the grocery store yesterday. Tim, myself and Kay went on an excursion. Our mission was to get lemons and limes, coffee and un-mentionables. What was meant to be a quick trip after our Mexican lunch meal ended up being $1**.** ! What a team!!! Well done!

Sarah gets the cheese, fruit and the vegetables, Tim gets the meat, Kay says hello to children in the aisle and is our cart pusher. Good exercise. Did we get the un-mentionables?! Oh, and we need distilled water...and bread. Maybe, some cat food? Soda is on sale. Honey Bunches of Oats is two for one for the family size. Let's stock up! Bananas?

Then we come to luxury items like toilet paper and pickles.

I have nothing more to say...I need to balance my checkbook and make a wish list on the back of yesterday's receipt, reminding me of what we forgot to get. Olives?

Funny story about yesterday

Pour yourself a cup of coffee, sit down and enjoy!

I guess I'll start at the beginning. Of course we woke up to construction sounds. I was mistaken about the house across the street being torn down. They are gutting it and remodeling. I have to say, it's looking pretty good. We continued with our morning routine...medicine down, cereal down, apple juice almost down. I had a moment to check email so I went to the den. Often times I hear Kay talking to the TV. For instance, if there is a knock she'll say "Hello" or "Come on in". Well I heard a knock and she responded and I just assumed it was John Boy Walton calling on the Bawldwin sisters. The sound of her voice was different this time and her "Come on in" was coupled with giggles. Uh oh! Who's at the door? I ran to the living room wearing my baby blue, flannel PJs and a purple wool sweater, tattered to shreds and sporting a morning hair-do even a punk rocker would hesitate to fashion.

There they were. Two lovely ladies in rain coats explaining the virtues of the Bible and handing out a special issue of Jehovah's Witnesses Awake and the Watchtower. Great! Then Kay gets tired of listening and sits down on the couch. There I am, without my missionary, trying gently to get them to leave. Our recycling bin has two more pamphlets.

Now it's shower time. Kay is fully dressed and insists that she doesn't need a shower. I tried to explain that her hair-do rivals mine and I showered yesterday. Kicking and screaming we got the job done. Yeah!

I'm driving down to Seattle tonight for a dentist appointment tomorrow and I knew that one of my tires was on the saggy side. I thought it would be a good field trip for Kay. We set out to get air. To my dismay, the tire was completely flat! Shoot! The only thing I could do was walk across the street and ask the construction crew if they could help. I mean, Carharts, bald heads and plaster in the mustaches seemed to be the best resource I had. They said they had compressed air and were more than happy to fill 'er up. Other than waking me up early, they're okay.

So we head to the local tire shop. I can't get to Seattle with a leaking tire! They informed us that it will be about an hour so we went to Subway to get a sandwich and then to the tire lobby to wait. We enjoyed our lunch, I tried to protect every other agitated person who was also waiting, we had leftover Halloween candy, Kay organized all of the magazines and then she spotted the coffee machine. By the second cup, she was walking around offering "swips" to all the lovey men. They were polite and strangers eyes connected with unexpected, delightful patience.

Three hours later...! I have never been a squeaky wheel, but I finally got up to investigate just why my leaky tire was taking so long. I'm a pretty patient person. At this point I was ready to bite three dum dum lollipops at once which would not be good for my teeth. After my investigation I find out that my car had been ready for "ten minutes". My cheeks turned red, I think my chin trembled a little bit, there was no charge and several apologies for the wait. I peeled the third cup of coffee out of Kay's hands with force and we went home. She was having a great time...I was not!

I can't wait for the Mormons to show up.

Napping

Kay is a self professed non-napper. As I write this...she is asleep on the couch with the pillow I brought her earlier "hidden" under the coffee table.

I thought I would take a break from cleaning. My washing machine is filled with suds even after a full rinse, my dishwasher is running and a second load is awaiting, we didn't have garbage pickup this morning due to the holiday and the can is too full for next week and there is still an air mattress blown up and the hide-a-bed out from our sleep over with friends.

We had a great time. A collection of food was served both in the evening and then Sunday morning. We had our own worship service with Kateryna (our Ukrainian friend) playing the piano so we could sing hymns with Kay. It's amazing when words and tunes are instilled in you and come back naturally. I'm a hummer, Heidi is a wonderful harmonizer, Kat was the pianist and smiles were all around. Tim and I always talk about singing more with each other and playing guitars. This was a wonderful reminder of simple pleasures and how healing fellowship can be!!!

I was anxious to see how many leaves had the strength to cling to their branches this morning. The wind really picked up last night and is still stealing my breath as I walk outside. The sun is out though, and the sky is blue. Kay is still taking her nap and I need to get back to work cleaning! I'll take my power nap later.

Sarah~

Comfort food

On a rainy day, can you get anything better than grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup?

A couple from the church came by for a visit on Wednesday. We had a great time entertaining and enjoyed their visit. It's always nice to change the routine of days past. I also think that having company produces a clean house! A great excuse. We had full bellies, with comfort, and topped them off with chocolate mousse pie and coffee. Yummy!

I'm cleaning again (after typing) because we are having company tomorrow. A sleep-over. The dryer just stopped so I can put Kay to work folding. Tim went to work for awhile and now I need to get to work, too. The apple crisp is awaiting the crisp!

Sarah~

Demolition

Don't worry, it's not happening in our lovely abode!

For the last few weeks, every morning at 7:00am sharp the pounding begins across the street. There is a house that has been for sale and in major dis-repair. Well, it seems that it was finally sold and is being torn down. I've become used to sounds of the sledge hammer and sounds of the saws, but this morning I woke to the sound of three men in a terrible argument! Ugly morning pollution! Calvin, our cat was even wide eyed and on edge. I have a clear view from our upstairs bedroom window of this project. The men were standing on the roof and really going at it! I said a prayer. "Please, don't let them throw each other off the roof. Please, let them shut up, calm down and resume the hammering because I can handle that. Please, don't let the curiosity of Kay entice her to go outside and investigate, or invite them in for some coffee"

My prayer was answered. The hammering continues and all is well.

Sunday date

Hello! We are enjoying a beautiful day here in Anacortes. The remaining leaves on the trees are still brilliant in their shades of red and gold. The air is crisp and teases the tip of the nose.

I feel refreshed! Tim and I were able to make a road trip with Kay yesterday. We took her to visit with family and then continued south to a wedding in Issaquah. Thank you, Sarah and Eric for being the hosts and thank you to everyone who could come and visit. I had fun having a date with my husband! From what I gather, by the looks of her skirt, Kay enjoyed her three slices of pumpkin pie, too.

The wedding was lovely. It was good to see old friends, eat good food, laugh, hug, smile. I was relieved when I didn't have to get in the "bouquet toss" because my toes are still bruised from my tumble and I still insisted on wearing heels...oh, and I'm married!!!

Back to Monday madness. Laundry, bill paying, errands...I still feel refreshed and we're happy!
Love, Sarah

Movements

I'm sorry. This entry won't be humorous. I'm not feeling very humorous right now.

Our day has been filled with trying to get numerous samples of "specimens". We came home from a Dr.'s visit yesterday with several jars, sticks, and instructions.

There she goes...I'll be back.


This blog site was created for everyone to be included in our daily/weekly matters. It's up to you all if you want to know our matters! It amazes me, and frustrates me quite a bit, that Kay rises to the occasion for a doctor appt. Or, visitors. The doctor doesn't see what we see!!! Visitors don't see what we see! I trust that the doctor knows what to look for and I trust that God knows when to call her home or tell her to stay awhile. I am thankful that I've learned the skills to be attentive to Kay's needs.

If any one is interested in investing in stocks...take a look at the rubber glove industry, Clorox wipes or Depends. We'll help you out!

Sarah~

Another early morning

What happens in the mind of Kay? What makes it seem reasonable to investigate the outdoors at 4:00 am? Then again, what happens in the mind of Sarah? Typing words (AKA Blogging!) at 5:00 am?

Tim and I are learning to be great listeners. We rely on each other's ears. We rely on squeaky doors and creaky floors and we didn't just have them installed for Halloween. Instead, we've learned to react, or not to, depending on the sound.

I listen through my pillow. I know when Kay is opening her wardrobe. I know when the closet door is being shut. I know when the curtains are being pulled open. I know when the Maple nut ice cream is being tapped into or the BBQ chip bag. I know when the stack of mail that I meant to move to prevent the temptation to shuffle it around is being re-stacked...and shuffled. I also know that for my husband to be inspired to go to work extra early is not because he wants to make another load to get out of storage...it's because the creaky floors and the squeaky front door woke us up at 4:00 and we both couldn't get back to sleep! A power nap is in order later. I'll sleep lightly though, I never know when the blackberry jelly safe will be cracked!

Visitors

Happy Monday to all! We had a wonderful weekend with guests. On Thursday, a friend of mine from massage school (1995) came to visit with her husband and spent the night at the Hide-a-Bed-Away Inn. She moved to Ireland six years ago, met her husband and continues her practice in Killarney. By the way...her husband's name is Patrick McGuiness. Can you get more Irish? We had fun listening to him speak. He said things like "tirty tree tousand tollars". I have to say, my pot roast that cooked all day in anticipation of being digested was wonderful!

We also enjoyed a visit with Becky, Paul, Maria and Elizabeth on Saturday. Tim was the Burger Master King! Thanks, Sweetie!!! The coffee flowed and Thanksgiving tempted an early arrival with the pumpkin pie that Maria was insisting on bringing up. Yum! Thank you, Maria.

On the 10th of November we will enjoy having company again. Tim's MK friend's will come up for a post Halloween pumpkin carving contest. Some think that it's not actually a contest, but I have already started my clay prototype, invested in plastic tarps, sharpened the knives and collected the rag towels. I know I'll win!!! Oh, and then we'll team up to play Cranium. Bring it on!!!

Kay loves her company and coffee. It's always lovely to see her eyes light up when someone comes to the door. Even when it's the Fed Ex guy. She's never meets a stranger!

Beautiful day

I love these crisp, autumn days! The sun is out, the leaves are gold, the sky is a shade of blue that I would consider painting my house. If only I could match it!

Kay also, thought the morning was beautiful. She was out the door and down the walkway at 7:30. If our neighbors were watching, they got a good show. Kay looked better than I did. She was fully dressed and decorated with many necklaces. I however, was in Tim's robe and a sleep weave in my hair! Who needs more help?!

I have to admit, I lost my cool trying to explain that we need to take walks together. Anacortes police know Kay well enough. I am thankful that the community is small. I wish I had a picture of her getting out of the cop car several months ago!!! She was having a great time and invited the friendly policeman in for some coffee. Alas, he declined!

I found some respite sitting in the sun filled dining room watching a spider spin it's web out on the deck. It worked so hard, even when the wind blew. Back and forth, falling and climbing back up. I don't like spiders, but I appreciate their resiliency!

Monday Afternoon

Well, we are watching Sound of Music again. Thankfully...I love it, and it inspires me to sing more. I have been building my finger calluses by playing guitar and singing hymns with Kay. I am always amazed when she harmonizes with me...beautiful! I am always amazed at her recollection of verses and phrases. I have to read...she remembers.


On a sad note, there are remarkable things Kay doesn't remember. We have difficulty getting dressed or finding the bathroom. I would like to say that everything is fine but I think you all know that challenges will endure. We will endure!


Today...three blouses, two skirts, a mis-matched pair of socks, a red flannel night gown, some maple nut ice cream. Yum! All is well! Really, it's a good day and I'm going to sit back down and listen to Julie Andrews singing. "These are a few of my favorite things!!!!"


Sarah~

Early morning

I got up with Tim this morning (5:30). I don't know why. I guess I just wanted to race Kay to the bathroom...she won! No more broken toes or sprained ankles!

There's a beautiful, windy breeze here in Anacortes. The leaves are falling. Calvino (our gato) is settled on my lap as I write so if I make a typing error, it's her fault! It's nice and quiet. I think I'll put some coffee on. Kay will give me big points for that when she gets up...again.

Aaah, I don't really know what to write. Days go by, fingernails grow, floors need to be mopped, etc. I tried to put on a raised toilet seat yesterday for ease of all these tall folk and thankfully it didn't fit because Kay took one look at it and said, "I'm not going to sit on that!"

I hear Kay in the kitchen, so I'll have to sign off. Up and at 'em.

Love,
Sarah

Little House on the Prairie

I thought I would steal a moment while one great episode goes into another. We love the Hallmark channel! Ooops! Now it's Matlock!

Tim is looking forward to his weekend. Kay is looking forward to her next meal and I am looking forward to...sewing. Seriously. I have a project that will be done today! Or, tomorrow.

Kay is doing well! We went to the salon on her birthday and got a sassy, short cut. Today she said she hates it, but I heard more complaints when it was longer. I think it looks great and it's a lot easier to wash.

Her eyesite seems to be okay. She sleeps more (which I think is a call for healing.) Amen! Her outfits are sometimes humorous, but no matter how long it takes to get them on, at least she giggles, asks for help and strides into the living room like a queen!

Funny side note: I had a tumble down the stairs on the way to the bathroom at some odd hour Monday morning. Kay is walking a lot better than I am!!! Every day we get better.

The sun is out, the wind has died down and it's a beautiful day! And we enjoyed watching Little House on the Prairie!

Where are Kay's shoes?

Good morning,

I've been encouraged to fire up the blog again, so here goes....it's not that I don't want to blog, it's just that there really is very little time to update anything these days! I'm not sure how to update, but I will share a few facts and try again when I'm feeling more creative.
Kay turned 88 years yesterday...wow!! Thanks for stopping by Tom. I know we are living in the boonies. Becky is coming up today for a visit and a slumber party with her Mom.
Sarah and I will sleep in the same bed for the first time since the accident. We thought about putting a bed in the living room, but I think we'll try sleeping upstairs again and hope that the insomniacal Kay won't find another way to injure herself while she is wandering around her room and "puttering" at 4 in the morning. We are exhausted and just cannot do the 24/7 watch anymore. Sorry! Angels will be extra attentive in our absence. We will still respond to any unusual sounds and probably won't rest any better because we will be listening all the time!
I must go now and refill my coffee cup. I found Kay's shoes. She was wearing them...in bed!
To be continued. Nic~

Random Thoughts on Friday Morning July 13th

I'm up way earlier than I should be on a day off from work, I heard Kay "puttering" downstairs and that was it, awake! I slept two hours later than I do on the days I have to work, so I guess I slept in enough. I'm waiting for this coffee to brush away some of the cob webs, maybe by the third cup? There goes the first one.....it is now Cob Webs 3 Coffee 1 early in the first period.

I haven't told you about last weekend yet, a week ago today specifically. It was the 47th anniversary of my birth many moons ago on that hot day in Miami. Thanks Mom! You could have been sitting with Dad under the palm trees looking at the ocean and sipping a cold beverage, but instead you were inside Jackson Memorial Hospital giving birth to me. I do appreciate that!! The birthday certainly wasn't the highlight of last Friday. Where was I? Oh yes, I remember now! Cob Webs 3 Coffee 2 Goooooooooooooooollllll!!!!!!

My lovely wife and I had a much needed date last weekend! Thanks to my nephew Paul and his lovely wife Maria and there beautiful young daughter Elizabeth who came up and stayed with Grandma for a night. Sarah and I escaped to Seattle for the night and enjoyed a wonderful dinner and two fabulous sets of amazing music offered up by my favorite group of musicians, Acoustic Alchemy!! They were in Seattle for their week long gig at Jazz Alley and we were thrilled to catch one of there shows and greet the lads from England once again! I don't usually pay attention to birthdays, but this one was really nice! Whoa....there goes a header in the upper corner...nice play! Cob Webs 3 Coffee 3 All square in the 78th minute.

We are considering having a yard sale this weekend. I should probably get busy and start sorting the dollar stuff from the 50 cent stuff. Better yet, give us 5 bucks and you can have it all! By the way, about the photos, the software for our new camera doesn't recognize Windows 98, so I will have to accelerate the purchase of our new computer. Stay tuned for digital images. Coming soon to a blog site near you! I must sign off for now. Have a nice Friday the 13th! I hope none of you are triskaidekaphobes. By the way, Coffee snuck one past the keeper in the final minute. Cob Webs 3 Coffee 4 A rematch is scheduled for tomorrow morning. Ciao for now....

Weekends!

Greetings again to all who pass this way, Happy Independence Day!
What excellent weather for a 4th of July, enjoy your day and hopefully a long weekend!

I am blessed to have 5 (yes 5) days away from the workplace beginning today! Wow!
Let's see...where did I put that honey-do list? I have a feeling Sarah has a copy.

We have been blessed with two wonderful weekends in a row and are looking forward
to this one coming up, I'll tell you about it after the fact. The weekend before last was a
wonderful family reunion that I mentioned in the previous entry and this past weekend we
had a nice overnight visit from our awesome amigos Mark and Heidi and Don.
There was much merriment as always and quality "catch up" time!

We really appreciate visitors! Mama Kay loves the increased activity and people interaction,
and in addition to the fellowship, we enjoy the change from the typical routine of the days.
A consistent routine is very important in our care taking role, but it sure is nice to mix it
up a bit every now and then...especially on the weekends!

We should have our new camera soon. I will try to include photos with future updates.

Stay tuned and enjoy the fireworks!

Love and Cheers!!

Tim, Sarah, and Kay

To blog or not to blog

June 24th 2007

Well, here goes nothin' (or somethin') depending on how you look at it. My brother Tom presented a solid case for blogs, so we will give it a go for a while and see what happens.
I can see the benefits of this for occasional updates and news of Kay. Be sure and check back often to find out what we grilled for supper and how many times Mom moved the house plants and what variety of coffee we're drinking this week...you know, the really fascinating stuff that blogs are made of!! Speaking of coffee...I'm ready for a refill. Mom! Sarah! Calvino!
Somebody?? I guess I have to get it myself, sheesh.

What a wonderful day we had yesterday!! Thanks to all who came for sharing it with us!
Come up anytime! The welcome mat is always out! Thank you Laurie and David for
sharing the nice photos with everyone so quickly. Excellent memories!

To be continued...

Much Love from The Anacortes Nics