Sleeping. Not Sleeping. Anxiety. Nervousness.

 Just a few things I have experienced over the past couple days. Sunday night, my mind was racing about the consults on Tuesday, and the Case Review on Wednesday. I really hope I make the List this time. Well, between all that running through the headspace, everything was beginning to hurt more than usual: the back, the knees, the pressure on the abdomen, my sides if I laid on either one... I am sure there are other things I could add to that list, but continuing the story.... I decided to take on of my sleeping pills - faster to sleep, and kinda sleep through the pain. I took it later than I should have. I woke at 1pm'ish on Monday. Yeah, nothing else was waking me. I had plans to try to get out to RM's as my Sister was in town, as well as her son and his family. The first text I saw was Sis asking if I was coming for lunch.

Well, I was groggy as usual after a night of taking the pill, so I was just going to cancel. I began to type out a text that I wasn't feeling good enough to drive over there. Then I felt like a slap on the back of the head. I re-thought it real quick. I deleted the text and called Sis. I told her give me about 30 mins and I will be there. I still didn't really want to go, but I now had committed. So threw on some clothes and headed to RM's.

I got to spend some time talking with Sis, her son and wife. S, Sis's husband, was napping with the baby. Of course PT was there (erase, erase). Sis and Hubby had to leave for an appt, and the Nephew was going to go do something with his family. That left it down to RM, PT and myself. I thought, just for a while longer. That turned into everyone going to Dennys for supper. I called the Wife, but she had too much paperwork to do and couldn't make it, but I did go. We had a nice supper, then everyone kind of went their own way. The Niece that lives here and her family were at dinner, as the nephew's family were still out doing whatever. I headed home with half my desert (apple crips with a scoop of vanilla and caramel dribbled over it) that I gave to the Wife. She couldn't believe I brought it home for her.

After that, the night was long and quiet. The soft squeak of the bedsprings ringing loudly int he quiet as I tossed and turned ALL NIGHT LONG! I think I slept in so late, it screwed up my sleep cycle. So today I am going to try to get through the whole day with no naps. I should good tonight then. I do have labs, a nurse, and a doctor consult this afternoon. I've been praying the past several days that nothing odd catches their eye, and the lab report doesn't show anything that would make them consider holding from the list again. I keep telling my self I put it in God's hands, but I can't help myself. It's a major life thing.

One thing that was extremely surprising, and very heartfelt, was Sis she had a present for me. I tried and couldn't imagine what shoe would be bring from NM for me. It was an afghan that she had made herself. The story she told went something like, when she started it, some people would ask her who it was for. She would answer  'I don't know. God hasn't told me yet.' Well, when she reached a certain part (was it about halfway?) my name kept repeating as she praying and working on the afghan. So she decided it was for me. As she handed it to me, she mentioned that hospitals get cold and chilly and I was to use it. It's almost a lap blanket than a full size, so it should cover my feet and come up to about mid-chest - perfect for after the transplant.

And that is how my week has been...

PeacE

My To-Do List For Today ....

 ... feels quite full. I have the Group IOP session this morning. Then nothing on the calendar (appointments) so need to get the meeting minutes done and sent out for the Riders (and applications for two new members). Also, I had went to the store yesterday and picked up some supplies for pickling. They had tomatillos on sale, so I got a couple bags. One of the guys I know at the pub makes his pickles on occasion, and he always does a few quarts of spicy hot pickle-ness with tomatillo pieces, some jalapenos, garlic, and usually throws in a small ghost pepper. But I just love those quarts, so I am going to try one. I also am going to make another quart of the Zesty Italian flavored ones as I really like them. Depending how many cucumber slices I get, I may do a second Zesty quart, or a half quart, to share at the Post.

I need to get on a windshield repair. Last Saturday, as we are just getting on the highway, a pick-up truck in front of me tossed a rock that caught the drivers-side edge of the windshield, and the crack spread across half the glass. Plus it is almost directly across my view - enough to be somewhat distracting. Safelite is the best quote I have gotten so far and it is $750 for a replacement (there ain't no "fixing a crack"). I'm going to mull it over for a few days and see if can't find cheaper, but out of four other places, this is still cheapest - and I can do 4 payments versus the whole amount up front.

Between medical bills and Life things (like windshields) it feels like all I do are make payments. Sigh.

Yesterday was PT's 89th birthday. The Wife and I had stopped by last Sunday and brought him a couple presents (a 'Gibbs' Rules T-shirt, and a book on Snowden) and he chose to open them that day instead of waiting for today. My Sis flew into town yesterday as well, as she, RM, a niece and grand-niece are doing their 'Jailbreak' vacation the girls do each year. Well, RM had mentioned the possibility of doing dinner at Black Bear for them, and in the afternoon she messaged me asking if we could make it. The Wife was able to get off early, and we met RM and gang at the restaurant. There were 8 of us, had a nice dinner (I had a Taco Salad, which was good, and plentiful). PT loved being the center of attention (as usual) and I am going to stop there before I voice my opinion about things. As RM says... (erase, erase).

It was nice seeing my Sis, though she has only been gone a few short months, over one state into New Mexico. I may swing out Monday to RM's and visit with her more on Monday prior to her flying back home on Tuesday. Will have to check the calendar in a few and see what is scheduled.

I had a personal session with my Group Lead in the IOP. Usually each week it lasts about 10-15 minutes, but yesterday I yakked for an hour - and didn't realize it. Most of it was griping about PT. We had hit that topic after talking about how I am trying to throw memories and stories together for my kids of my younger days, which lead to telling about my Dad, his passing, and moving to AZ - which brought us to Tom and his conception of "raising kids". For there, it was more than venting. I realized that my viewpoints of PT are so full of anger for how I was treated growing through my teenage years. Then led into how he has been the last several years, from back when I asked him to give up his car keys (he still hasn't) and the advancement of the dementia that many older people get. All I do now is tolerate his questions that are not on topic, his desire to feel wanted and needed (he made his own choices) and in general, just put up with it to prevent a Family Squabble (though most of the family agrees with me to a large degree, in my opinion). Enough! I'm getting worked up (anger) just thinking about this....

With that I need to get off here. IOP in about an hour.

PeacE

Mayo Appointments For April - COMPLETED

 This morning I had a blood draw done, and since they scheduled it, and my preferences are for mornings, it was at 7:30am. That means leave my house by 7am. I didn't get to bed last night until after midnight. so I am  bit tired today.

According to my scheduling with Mayo, this morning is the last appointment I have in April. I do have two "sessions" scheduled in early May. I know they also re scheduling in June another MR of the abdomen. Which is all fine by me. Gives me time to complete my IOP and not have to worry about conflicts in the schedule.

The Wife and I went to Sierra Vista this weekend as a late celebration of our anniversary. We stopped in Tucson Saturday enroute to visit the Daughter and family. We haven't seen them since Christmas-time. The 1 yr old is saying/repeating some words, and is so cute as she can blow kisses and wave. She's about 15 months. She got lots of Papaw loves, because her Sister wasn't as huggy with me. She did give me hugs without complaining though all this weekend.

Went on down to Sierra Vista, and checked into the Comfort Inn. I have stayed at this chain before, and have had a nice stay. But Saturday night...ugh! Someone had some screaming toddler out in the hallway for at least 1/2 an hour just letting them throw their tantrum. What was so bad about that? It was after 11pm. Then around midnight, one of the two rooms across from us had people (I assume it was plural) knocking on the doors with the knocker, so it is loud in our room, with the door shut. Needless to say, I think it was after 2am before I was able to fall asleep.

Sunday our plans changed 'on the fly' all morning. We were going to go back to Benson and look at the painted murals they have all over. They have a guidebook for $5 that gives a background for each mural, artist info, and the murals contain a hidden item in the picture. The list is in the book, but doesn't say what thing to to what picture. Well, after the hot breakfast at Comfort Inn, I wasn't feeling up to walking that much, so we changed to going to Tombstone. As we drove through there, they don't have the 'old-fashioned' shops on the main road, and we didn't see any signs guiding us to the location. I admit, I did not research it very well, it was spur of the moment. So then we headed to Benson (had to to get back on the interstate) and stopped at the Visitor Center to get a guidebook. They are closed. We go online and see 4 other places in town that sell the book. One across the street (closed) an art gallery, and a feed store we had passed coming into town. It's Easter, and a Sunday, so no idea if these places are closed every Sunday, or just Easter, or both. So that was a bust. We started back towards Tucson, and I even stopped at a random Goodwill to cheer the Wife up. I found a nice T for $3, and she got a couple small things. As we left she said she was disappointed in the selection, as in there wasn't much. I dunno, so I only shrugged. Stopped at the Daughter's and stayed through to Easter Dinner. It was so good!

Got home a little after 11pm, and unloaded. Then it was into bed for me. I went out fast as I was just worn out from all the activity and driving. So that was my weekend. Today I got errands to run (sorry RM, none out that way). Another prescription to pick up, need to clean all the bug crap off my window and trash out of the car. Probably get a haircut, then head up to the Post around 4 - it is Bike Night (well, trying to get it started) and I'll work on my House Agenda there to send out tonight - meeting tomorrow.

That's all I got, as I gotta get going....

PeacE

Counting Down the Days ....

 Thanksgiving was a nice day. I was awake off and on the whole night before, anxiously awaiting the time to get up and moving so I could get down there to see my kids, and of course, the Grands. I cared not for the thoughts of glorious foods, desserts and ice cream. I just wanted some cuddle time with the little ones, and the joy it brings me to see all the grown kids together, joking around and whatnot, as if they had never left home.

Well, I finally just gave up around 7am I think it was, and with my "noises" I was making throughout the house, the Wife didn't get to sleep in to 8am. We were on the road by 8:45am. Youngest had left way early that morning, driving himself down. His first solo trip there, as well as the longest solo trip I think he has made since learning to drive.

We arrived, and only were waiting on the Oldest Son to get there. Unfortunately, his girlfriend could not make it. Their cat has been sick and requires timed medication I guess. The gal they had asked to take care of the cat for the day, wanted to take the cat over to her house, of which they were promptly like No. So she had to stay home and care for it. Food prep started, and I sat out of the way at the table, taking turns holding the two smaller Grands, and catching up with the kids as I could.

Dinner was extravagant. The SIL smoked a turkey, as well as deep-fried one. His skills are honed in now, and both turned out wonderfully juicy all the way through.. and the taste! Mmm-mmm good. I was able to get a few things on my plate that didn't make me nauseous, and was able to get them down. Mostly a little turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, deviled eggs, and some giblet gravy that the Daughter did for me from RM's recipe. OF course, this one is different, as they used drippings from the smoked turkey in it as well, so had that smoky taste to it, which I rather liked.

All the older kids had brought/made desserts, so there were plenty. I skipped on making my Cherry Delight (which they did gripe about) as there was going to be so much. I even had to bring some of a couple desserts home as I could not eat them there. We finally headed home around 8pm, the Oldest Son following. Youngest stayed the night, and the Middle Son and family had already headed back as he had to work that night. All made it home safe, except for the Youngest. As of last night, he seems to have caught the "bug" Daughter and family had earlier in the week. Lots of vomiting and sit-down time in the reading room. Hopefully he will feel well enough to travel home today.

Saturday is here, and this last week has been wonderful as my calendar has had nothing of importance on it, and is clear now through Tuesday night (VFW House meeting). Wednesday is my Endoscopy. Thursday is another paracentesis. And FINALLY, on the 8th is the Specialist appointment. Right now I am just over two weeks without being drained, and though the pressure is definitely there, yesterday, and so far today, I actually feel somewhat normal still. Keep it going for 5 more days....

Candy Canes came in for the Santa Run on the 13th. As did my new boots for my outfit. I also pretty much completed "my" shopping for everyone (Thank you Amazon) and am only down to gift cards now. Waiting for Fry's/Kroger to do their 4x fuel points (or 2x if at all) before I get them. RM and I joked a bit the other day about Christmas shopping and how Amazon is our friend, and keeps us out of the brick and mortar stores. I dislike crowds so much....

And I think that about does it for today. I have a couple things to adjust on the Agenda for Tuesday's meeting and send that out, then I am probably going to the Post later. I know, exciting, right? Oh, and RM.... next Riders dinner is 12/12 doing lasagna, garlic bread, and salad - $10/plate, usual time. Off to check the BP and Glucose....

PeacE

Not Sure What to do With Myself

 It's an early Wednesday morning, and though I wish it were because I happened to awaken early, but sadly it is not. I'm still awake since yesterday. As it nears the 5am hour, I just finished typing up notes from the Post House Committee meeting (I'm the Secretary) and sent out to the Chair for approval, prior to sending out to all House members. Tonight's meeting was long, long, long.... I say that because the Chair is someone that has ADHD (squirrel!) and goes off on tangents. But tonight, he actually made some points/discussion issues on paper, and was good about it, until he asked if anyone had 'other business', in which I spoke up. He gave me a quizzical look, to which I responded, 'we have two months of tabled discussions, unclosed issues that have not been addressed, so as I voice them, tell me if these are "off the table" or let's resolve them'. Big Sigh, but I had the opportunity to remove a few, resolve a few, and bring discussion to the others. Overall, was a good meeting, though longer than I like. And I think the Chair may be mad at himself for appointing me as Secretary (previously, the position was held by no one that took notes).

That being said, and 2 1/2 hours later (typing minutes categorizing as to new/old/notes/discussion) took me awhile. I just emailed and asked for an edit, if any revisions need to be made (corrections with dates/info/etc) and now I wait. He's pretty good, and I expect a reply later this morning. Our General Post meetings are next Tuesday, and though I am Aux, I don't have to take notes, but we are at the fiscal year, and elections for leadership are taking place. Nominations were last month, and I am sure we will allow 'last minute' ones, but in the Aux, I think we are covered. Thankfully I am not nominated for anything. My Secretary standing with the House Comm is 'appointed', just as is the same with the Riders Chapter. I don't have to be elected, and as usual, no male wants the job. I guess being a book nerd gets me the job.....

Spent this last weekend down South with the Daughter and family. I always love seeing my Doodad, Widget, and Babygirl.... oh and her husband. Wife and I stayed overnight (hotel) and Saturday we all went to dinner at Golden Corral (a buffet). SIL pulled a change on me, and jumped in to pay for dinner as an Anniversary present for the Wife and I (34 years this past Sunday). I was a tad angry, as I invited them out. I'm of the mind-set that if I invite you, I pay. If you invite me/us, you pay. Well, he got me that night. But it was much appreciated. I forced him to at least let me leave the tip.

I don't know about how normal people go through life (I always considered myself off-center of normal) but lately I have been doing too much internal reflection. Recently, the Middle Son has been asking questions of me (via phone text messages) inquiring about several things. Mostly about his grandfather, and my memories of him. Then about more about me, and the years prior to the Wife and I being married. As I turned these questions over in my mind, I realize that with all my children, I never talked much about my life, prior to marrying their mother. And even those few years at the beginning, there are many details that to this day I don't speak about. The Wife knows some, and I trust her when I said she can never share, but if someone were to ask, she could direct them to me. I don't think that happened with the Middle Son, but either way, he has come asking.

...and I don't know what to do. I hate talking on the phone. Phone texts are even worse, especially if you are trying to share a story...forever typing. Sigh. I told the Son to just text me questions, and when we can meet up, I'll share the answers. But as parents, getting time with your adult children, that is sometimes harder than actually answering the question. This Son has asked me some pretty specific questions, and some I have already replied to, basically telling him to 'wonder forever, because you get no answer from me'. That wasn't easy to tell one of my kids, but sometimes, there are things that even they do not need to know about my life.

And there we have it. Life. Been thinking/feeling a lot about it lately. Medically things seem to be going well. BP and Diabetes allegedly under control (according to daily testing). I seem to find new and more things to add to the list that I 'should ask the doctor about' which will never happen, until I have to. I know much of it is due to habits (drinking, smoking, previous drug use) but I tend to mark it as old age, and this body just falling apart. In some ways, I wish I were more like RM & PT where I am more fit (regardless what you say RM!!!) for my age than I am. But that's' where life gets you when you make not good decisions in your younger years. Sigh.

Okay. I'm done pontificating this morning. It's Wednesday. Happy Hump Day.

PeacE

Post Turkey Day Ramblings

 It is officially Friday now, and has been for almost a whole hour. I can't sleep, so figured I would entertain you with how my Turkey Day went, with so few embellishments, you won't believe it truly did occur.

The day started with Wife, Youngest, and myself, leaving the house about 9am. We were going to grab some Wendy's for the road, but they were closed, so ended up at McD's. Traffic on the road wasn't terrible as far as number of drivers, but the there seemed a bit more than our usual Day-trip to Tucson. Quite a few were obvious impatient to get to their destinations, that there were several times expletives left my mouth. Overall we arrived safely, in the average amount of time it usually takes.

Dinner was mid-afternoon, and the SIL did one heck of a good job. He smoked one turkey, and deep-fried the other. Both came out very tasty! Sides included mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, candied yams, cheesy croissants, gravy, stuffing, giblet gravy, and smoked mac and cheese. I had a bit of everything, except the yams and stuffing (yuck) and could only manage to eat one plateful, though did get just a smidgen more of both turkey meats. A nice sized container of the giblet gravy came home with me. I know RM had asked me a couple days ago about if I needed/wanted the (if any) giblet gravy from their meal, and I said sure, but not sure if I need it now. Daughter made today's with the giblets of 2 turkeys, so there was quite a bit!! I think on Youngest and I ate any of it - those other people are just missing out and eating plain brown gravy....

Doodad was busy with two of her uncles for most of the time, as Oldest Son made it there awhile after we had arrived. Middle couldn't make it due to needing to rest as he had/has to work this night. The Wife and I ended up leaving around 8pm, so I wouldn't be driving overly tired (I must be getting old) so we left the Youngest there, as the Oldest Son said he would drive him home after they all played some games for a couple hours. Youngest just made it home about fifteen minutes ago. He has plans to spend the day with his girlfriend and some of her family for a second Turkey Day.

It was a good day, except for missing the Middle Son. Not sure where we are going to do Christmas at this year, but plan to figure out something soon. I'm sure it will be in the Valley so we all can make it to RM & PT's as our usual plans. I tried several times to get ideas for gifts for Christmas from the kids, but it didn't really work. I usually try to get one gift for each that I pick out, and Wife does the rest. I do have one for the Daughter, and I have a small ting for each of the boys and SIL. Still need to figure out the gift for Doodad from Papaw, as it is usually the best gift, and she just loves it!

Welp, still not tired. I think I might just hit up some sites real early for Black Friday specials and see if anything 'leaps' out at me for the kids and Doodad. Oh crap, and the Wife as she has a birthday coming up soon, as well as Christmas.... when it rains it pours....

PeacE

Closing Out The Weekend

 It is Sunday evening, and we just got back home from having dinner out at Red Robin. My Doodad and her family were in town, and joined us, as well as the two older Sons. So the Wife and I were able to have all the kids (and families) together tonight for a couple hours. Always a good time. Doodad has a birthday coming up later this month, and though I tried to get her to tell me what she would like, she was being a stinker and wouldn't talk to me. Of course, that mean when we were saying goodbyes, she would give me a hug and kiss either. But she will grow out of that phase soon (I hope).

The Youngest has his ACT test this week at school. The Oldest Son is coming by tomorrow late morning to go with me to transfer the title, etc on the car. Hopefully a work project will come to me this week, too. Otherwise no major plans. I did get a couple of the books read this last week that I finished writing the reviews for this afternoon. I have at least three more on my to do list, and picked up a couple more today (already approved) so will be reading quite a bit the next couple of weeks.

The Wife won some gift cards this last week. Seems that had an All Teams meeting, and she won one fo the games they played, winning a $10 Amazon card. She also was selected as Employee opf the Month and that prize was $100 in Visa cards. I'm so proud of her.

Welp, I know it is only Sunday night, but at least y'all will have something to read first thing in the morning....

PeacE

Back Into This World

 Last Saturday, the internet and phone line went 'out' at hour house. Not just temprorarily, and the Wife texted me about it ( I was out with some friends). With the ahole "system out (phones and internet) I knew it was a issue for Centurylink (our carrier) and that somewhere, lines have been cut, or knocked out of commission. Nothing I could do basically but wait. But I was able to get on my pphone and look for outages in the area and of course, it said there were none. It was Monday morning before I could call to try to get a tech out to find out what was wrong. Tuesday before a tech could be there. Sometime between 2 and 4, and they pushed that to the limit. I noticed three different techs from that company helping neighbors a few doors down from me, before my tech showed up at 4pm. I admit though, they were aboe to fix my issue within 15 minutes, and voila! Back into the world!

For four days we 'languisehed without internet services, and I never realized how much just myself rely on having that service. Sure, I work remote, but fortunately was between projects. But just to entertain myself, or watch shows/movies. Emails I could check on my phone. Even most of the social media I do, I was able to do from the phone. But I dislike using my phone for that, and the screen is small enough... I just don't like it. But I was slightly surprised how dependent I had become.

Yesterday was good day. We ( I should say the Wife) cooked the turkey and a green bean cassarole before we loaded to go to the Oldest & Middle Sons' apartment. There the three of them finished the other side dishes, and we then we sat to eat. There was a lot of food. With all the boys and myself having seconds, there was still leftovers, including half the 14# turkey. Wife split the remains of the turkey, and we left all the rest of the leftovers there. We spent much of the afternoon just talking and funning whilst playing games on the playstation or laptop. I had my tablet so I played a few games on there whilst in conversations. Missed having the Daughter and her family there, but did hear from her later that her day was good as well.

Today is Black Friday, and I have no plans of going out to the shopping areas. I
 know there is some shopping I still need to do, but I will do it online as much as I can. I am not even sure I want to look at BF deals at any sites today either...sigh. But how else shall I get the good prices? We will see. Supposed to hang out with the buddies tonight, but am not sure about that as of right now.

On todays good note: BP and Glucose are in the good ranges and I managed to read 4 books since the internet was down. I am up to 246 books completed this year (personal high) and still a month to go. But that reminds me, now that the internet is back up, I need to go write a couple reviews....

PeacE

Black Friday 2021

Let me feel like a Lib-tard, or Donkey-crat, or whatever... but isn't Black Friday racist? I don't care, because it is just another normal Friday for me.

Oh my! Yesterday was such a wonderful day. We arrived down in Tucson around 9:45am, and I got dressed up for Doodad.

I know you can't read the shirt well, but it says "Papaw's the name, Dress-up is the game". It was one of two shirts the Daughter had made for my birthday. It included the outfit of the boa, hat and a tutu the Wife made. Here's a better shot...

Doodad was surprised to see Papaw dressed up for her, so she ran off to and changed into one of her princess dress-ups. Then she pretty much ignored me most of the day because she had her uncle Youngest there to play outside with. We got settled in and I started on making my dessert. The older boys showed up and meal prepping began. By 1'ish we were sitting down to one of the biggest meals I have ever sat down to. SIL had done a wonderful job smoking a turkey, and deep-frying one as well. And the ladies, well, all the extra dishes they put out there were terrific. A couple hours after the meal, and other shenanigans, we had dessert, which is always good. Doodad "inhaled" the Cherry Delight I made - so I was surprised. Afterwards, everyone pitched in with clean-up and putting/splitting the food away. The Boys decided to start a game, and it was near time for us to leave. We left Youngest there, where the two older ones brought him home later.

Though Doodad didn't want much to do with her Papaw, it was still a good day. We had left about 8pm, and around 11pm we got a call from the Daughter. Doodad had been sleeping when we were leaving, and no one could wake her up (Uncle Youngest had done a good job wearing her out). She woke crying because we were gone and she didn't get to tell us bye, so they called. Then it was lights for me.

Today nothing new is planned. Going to the VFW later on, do some reading, and probably stay for karaoke. The Wife had to work. She is adjusting to the new job, and says she really likes it. I guess my biggest decision right now is: smoked turkey, or deep-fried turkey for my sandwich for lunch?

PeacE

Grumpy Hump Day

 The Company is trying to kill me with anxiety attacks. Monday they sent an email stating a project was FINALLY ready to start up this week. They were expecting Tuesday or Wednesday to be the start date, and those selected for the project would be notified. Within five minutes of receiving that email, I responded that I was available for the project and ready to start immediately. Tuesday I get an email stating that "with this being a holiday week, project plans have been changing minute by minute; however, there will be no projects this week". WTF? This is like the third time they have sent out notice of a new project, then the next day, say no, no new project. I'm at like week nine of not working now. Yet they left me with hope, as "there should be several projects ready to start next week". We will see.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and it will be a nice one. All my children are getting together at the Daughter's in Tucson for the meal. I was hoping Oldest Son would be able to make it, and he has confirmed he will be there. Oldest and the Wife were going over the list of items Daughter said would be needed for the dishes and whatnot, plus we were to bring any dessert we wanted. SIL is making his chocolate pumpkin pie. Oldest Son is bringing an apple pie, and he specifically requested I make my Cherry Delight. I rarely make it - maybe once a year, if that. Not that it is difficult, I just usually don't make it.

So I got "our list" from the Wife of what we needed to get/bring. I wanted to get out and do the shopping for supplies on Monday, but didn't get around to it. So yesterday I waited until the Youngest got home from school and asked if he wanted to go with. Surprisingly he said yes, and we were off. Took us three grocery stores to get everything needed for the dessert. The list of things we filled at the first store. Hard to believe that graham cracker pie crusts were in such high demand this holiday! Either way it was nice to hang out one on one with Youngest, and all supplies are ready for our trip tomorrow.

I guess after tomorrow all thoughts turn to Christmas. I know I am waiting a couple (few) more packages to arrive. I know there are a couple more gifts that need to be bought yet, but I have no idea what to get that person(s). Then there are the plans and times to be places for Christmas day. I am sure within my immediate family we will be talking about that tomorrow.

Well, I guess I have rambled enough. Been sitting here for fifteen minutes ruminating on a mish-mash of stuff in my head, and none of it worth writing about.

PeacE

Me? Late For Dinner? Never!

 ... and that didn't happen last night, either. I'm sure many of us have heard the 'Call me anything, except late to dinner' quip/line before, usually from someone that may be a 'little' heavy in the weight. Or, from some people like me, that are quite a bit beyond 'little' in that area. I know I have used that phrase a lot. Or the "See-Food Diet" that I am on. Or how great my attention is, as I don't miss anything, especially meals. I'm a Social Drinker - I see you drinking, so shall I! Oh, I am sure there are many others that come to mind for you, but those were just the easy ones off the top of my head.

No, this isn't a post about my weight, or the weight of anyone else. Not about the 'weight of the world' on one's shoulders. I just got to rambling on about the subject.

The start was supposed to be about what a nice time we had at the Youngest Son's birthday dinner last night. We were able to make arrangements so that at least his two older brothers could be there. Youngest had requested Chili's and it was nice that there was one closer to their apartment. Good thing, too, as the Oldest had a work schedule change and was working nights for a few days. It may not have lasted as long as some of our dinner out, but it was a good time. I miss having the family all together at times.

It's just after 4am here this morning. Again I am up early. Slept decently, and only blame waking up on my bladder. It wasn't an "urgent" call, and so I laid there for twenty minutes before I figured I wasn't going to be able to fall back asleep if I got up for the bathroom. So here I am. 

Still waiting to hear from the Company for the next project.

The Wife and I are having our 30th Wedding Anniversary later this month. Last year we had a serious discussion about going to Hawaii for a week, if not on the date, somewhere near it. I had even begun looking into the travel plans (hotels, car, planes) but things just never got off the ground enough. Travel restrictions kept coming in that made things more difficult. Issues with the state of AZ and the DMV regarding "special" licenses for plane travel versus regular living. Not knowing how the world was going to end. All that made planning said trip exceedingly less of an issue. A year later, who would have known that the Wife would be out of work, and we would be down to one vehicle? That schools would not be attended, and only at-home learning was in session. The Wife and I still have not gotten the "special" driver's license type in AZ you need to be able to fly. The only obvious difference between it and the current one? You have to spend more money to get the special one, and not much else as far as I can tell. It is like they want to re-certify your license, as they require birth cert and all that all over again. Wasn't the proof I have one good enough to show I provided all that before? Either way, not sure what I can come up with in less than three weeks for our anniversary. I'll have to put some thought into it.

Still looking virtually at cars right now. The Wife wants to find something that something that is easy to get in/out of, without having to squat to get in, or climb steps to get in. The minivan is about the right height she is looking for, and she asked on social media for suggestions. Many of those we looked up pics on, and I knocked a few out of the equation. We have a handful we need to get out and physically look and test drive. I want to do it this weekend, but don't know what is on schedule or not. Will see how that goes. I know the car RM has is one on our list, so maybe I can make arrangement to go there this weekend and visit (though really to take her out for a bit and see how the Wife like it or not). I know RM would love the idea, as long as she doesn't have other plans. I'm sire I will hear later today one way or the other.... right?

Well, I am really starting to ramble on, so I guess I will shut this down for today.

PeacE