Tuesday, November 27, 2007

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?!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

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!

Monday, November 19, 2007

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?

Thursday, November 15, 2007

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.

Monday, November 12, 2007

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~

Friday, November 9, 2007

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~

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

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.

Monday, November 5, 2007

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

Thursday, November 1, 2007

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~