CUTE, BUT PESKY

(There was actually 4...one is behind the middle one.)

Here's the reason my pansies at the end of the driveway have no blooms! I took this photos from the golf cart. They were in my neighbors yard. We slowed down to take photos and let the kids watch them.

OUR SATURDAY

The kids are so good. Only problem...they get up at the crack of dawn. 6:00 my time which is 7:00 their time. That's AM! Once I pry my eyes open though, I'm up. I'm glad I went to bed last night pretty much right after they did. We were all tired from the trip.

Today it was cold and gray and yucky outside so we stayed in all day except for a trip out to get ice cream. When they are here, they want ice cream EVERY DAY! They don't care how cold it is. Landon requested Dippin Dots, but we tried two locations and both were closed so we ended up at Marble Slab. We all had chocolate...yum!

Tonight we watched a DVD movie, "The Incredibles" and popped some popcorn.

I SURVIVED THE ROAD TRIP

I survived the road trip. I drove the 4 hours to Columbus to pick up the grandchildren and had lunch with my Mom and Sherry. It was great getting to see everyone. The kids were so good on the way back here. Not a problem at all. They are amazing! (The portable DVD player and snacks helped alot too.) We're off now for pizza, then it's jammies time with maybe a movie.)

SO EXCITED!

I'm so exited! Going to pick up the kids!

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY

"They" predicted rain today, so I didn't think I would get to play my tennis team match. Of course, it was an "away" match which meant we had a 45 minute drive. No rain when I woke up so I got ready thinking any minute it would start and I could just call it a day. Nope. I just hoped we wouldn't get dressed and get there and then the rain would start and we'd have to turn around and come back home.

Three of us carpooled together. Four out of five teams finished their matches before the rain started. The three of us who rode together finished our match, changed our shoes, got in the car, and was not even out of the parking lot before it POURED! The fifth team will have to go back another day just to finish their match. I hate it when that happens.

It rained ALL day. I mean poured. It wasn't that cold though, which was nice. I sure would have liked to come home and just stay, but I had things to do and people to see.

One of those people to see was Dr. Fox about my foot. He said it was doing very well and for me to just "keep on keeping on". Do what feels right, wear shoes that feel right, etc. I told him I didn't like the brace he wanted me to wear for sports since it limits my movement so much. He said "Well then, don't wear it." He wasn't being a smarty pants...he meant it. He said if I wanted to, I could just wear one of those tight fitting sleeves that you pull on over the foot to support the ankle. We'll see. He said I could go back for more physical therapy too if I decide I want more.

I'm excited tonight. I'm driving to pick up Landon, Kaley Grace and Sydney Anne tomorrow and will bring them back here with me so Eric and Angela can move into their new house and get things unpacked and settled a bit while the kids are here with us. Eric said the kids are excited and so am I!!!!! I'll drive them back on Monday.

I'll be surprised if I get to post anything until Monday night.

I walked an hour on the treadmill tonight. I'm sure I won't get much time to walk until next week. :-(

A LITTLE OF THIS AND THAT

Up at 5:30 this morning. Ugh! But, actually easier than I thought it would be. We arrived at the surgery center right on time, 6:30. I was dressed for tennis so I could go as soon as I got George back home and settled. No such luck. No problem, but surgery took longer than we expected so tennis had to be cancelled. Good really since it was freezing! We stopped on the way home for bagels and coffee and then I got him settled on the couch for the day.

I've decided (kinda spur of the moment) to become a Stein Mart Boutique Lady (la de dah sounding, huh?). Actually, I'll just be a sub for 2 days a month and I'll get 25% discount on anything I buy all month, even sales items. I love it! Steinmart is one of my favorite places. I love that under one roof, you can shop for shoes, clothes, bedding, gifts, jewelry, etc. Gotta love it! Not sure when I'll start, but I spent some time this afternoon signing up. I have several friends here in town doing it and one in Atlanta. They all love it and say it's fun. We shall see.

Walked an hour on the treadmill tonight. Still loving it.

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN

(This photo was taken before the accident.)








I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11


April 3rd, 2004...I remember it as if it were yesterday. Our daughter Bree called us from college hysterical. When we could get her to calm down enough for us to understand her, the news wasn't good AT ALL! Her friend, Jodie, had been in a terrible car accident and was air flighted to Memphis. It didn't look good.

Jodie and Bree had been roommates at one point during college and they were still very good friends. Jodie was (and still is) an incredible young lady. So vivacious and outgoing. Just darling. Very petite, but full of energy and spirit.

This was way before Bree decided she wanted to be a nurse. But, just seeing her with Jodie was incredible. She was so patient and kind and loving. It was hard for me to see them together when we would go for a visit without thinking "there, but by the grace of God". It broke my heart to think that this could have happened to my child. Just watching Bree with Jodie, made me know later when she expressed an interest in being a nurse, that she would be a wonderful, caring nurse. (And she is!)

What an unbelievable family Jody has! One of her sisters starting writing e-mail updates from the "get-go" so everyone could keep up with her slow progress. She wanted to document everything so that when Jodie "came back", she would be able to read them. It broke my heart and warmed it too to read them. I've kept them all. I also check her blog often and was surprised to see a new posting yesterday from her Mom. Oh, miracles do happen. She's doing so well.

If you need a reminder of how lucky we all are and how miracles continue to happen, go here and start with the archives and read about her journey. God is good!

I LAUGHED OUT LOUD

I just read one of my favorite blogs, Antique Mommy, and laughed out loud. She is so funny. Go here to see why.

WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY - 100 CALORIES

I mentioned last week about how I use almonds or walnuts in my handy dandy M&M plastic container for a good snack. The new 100 calorie snack packs from Nabisco are another thing I use to keep the calories down. I LOVE these! I like crispy cookies and these are the best! I love the fact that they are individually packaged so when it's empty, you know to stop. Very tasty. The first time I tried them, I found a variety box at Walmart so I could try the different flavors. My favorite is the chocolate chip and my second is the Oreo cookies. So yummy. I keep a few packs in the car so if I'm out and about and I just need something sweet, I'm not tempted to stop by for something really bad such as an ice cream cone. These really work for me.

Go here for more great ideas.

TUESDAY

Okay, my new exercise schedule is really making me sleep good. Soooo nice. I'm not complaining though. This morning I slept until 9AM...Nine O'Clock!!!!!!!!!!!!! No way. Usually I'm up no later than 7:30, but it's usually 7:00 no mater how hard I try. It's rare that I don't have anything first thing in the morning where I have to get up and get moving. Tuesdays and Saturdays are about the only days and even then I'm up early. But, oh how wonderful it was this morning. After breakfast, I walked on the treadmill for 45 minutes before getting showered and dressed to meet the Tuesday Lunch Bunch at noon. These ladies are so much fun. I'm by far the youngest of the bunch, but they are really nice and fun to see. I ran errands all afternoon and then met George for a date night. Pizza...yum. I did get another 45 minutes on the treadmill tonight though. Off to bed. I can't sleep late in the morning since I have to drive George to the surgery center for minor eye surgery and we have to be there at 6:30. I'm yawning as I type this.

CALL ME CRAZY

"Leave me alone!"

I didn't wake up this morning planning to exercise like a crazy "fool". Actually, I woke up very s-l-o-w-l-y. I just couldn't seem to open my eyes. George came into the room several times asking "Aren't you gonna get up?" Before I talked myself into pushing back the covers, the phone rang. One of the girls I play tennis with, who walks her new puppy early, called to say it was just too darn cold and the tennis courts were frozen. No tennis today. Awww...happiness...I snuggled back down. A few minutes later, Bree called. (She calls every morning after she leaves her 7PM-7AM nursing shift.) I finally dragged myself out of bed.

Once I'm up though, I'm up. After breakfast, I threw on my sweatshirt (yep, over my gown again) and my tennis shoes and walked on the treadmill for 50 minutes. It felt good. I'm really enjoying my treadmill. I just put on the TV and off I go. This afternoon, George and I was determined to ride our bikes. It seems like forever since we've been able to ride due to the rain, our schedules, etc. So, even though it was COLD (probably 40), we took off. Luckily, we warmed up a bit as we rode. We got in 6 miles! Yippee! Tonight I walked 45 minutes on the treadmill while I watched The Lifetown Movie "Angels Fall".

Lots of exercise today, but I feel great. My foot doesn't bother me while I'm exercising...kinda weird. It seems to bother me most when I first wake up in the morning until I get to moving around and usually when I first stand up and move after sitting down for awhile (meals or computer time). We'll see what the doctor says on Thursday.

SUNDAY - THIS AND THAT

Church was packed this morning. Looking around, I could easily see that we had alot of "snow birds" visiting with us.

I just watched the Hallmark Hall of Fame Sunday movie "The Valley of Light"...what a sweet, but sometimes sad, story. I sure love Hallmark movies.

It's supposed to be near freezing tonight. I hope not. I'd really like to be able to play tennis in the morning.

(I walked 70 minutes on the treadmill tonight.)

MY PECULIAR ARISTOCRATIC TITLE

I found this over at BooMama's. Kinda fun! No need to curtsy or bow next time you see me though!

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is:

Milady the Right Reverend Justabeachkat the Harmonious of Goosnargh on the Carpet

Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title here

HOME AGAIN

It's so good to be home! We didn't do much today...just enjoyed being home. Unpacked, caught up on mail (snail and e-mail), and just hung out at home. Nice.

One sad note...our friends Garrett and Jeanette are out of town. Sadly, Garrett's mom "Miss Grace" died yesterday. I reached as many friends as I could to let them know, ordered the flowers, and will keep up some prayers for them during this sad time. It's hard to know what to do when your friends are hurting.

Off to bed. Awwww...there's just something about your own sweet bed.

(I walked 50 minutes on the treadmill and I'm increasing my speed and the incline level. Gotta work on my eating and my water intake though!)

SOOOOOOOOO TIRED!

Wow...what an awesome day! Praise God!

It was a beautiful day in Atlanta...no rain, just really cold, but it is January afterall. The AFLAC meeting was really alot of fun to attend. Our talented daughter-in-law, Jan , did an incredible job with the logo for t-shirts, invitations, the decorations, etc. and she does the photography for this district. George (our son) won a number of awards and was named first place in his division. We're so proud of him! My George (husband) did an awesome job with his motivational speech. I was really impressed with him. It made me proud to watch him in action. (I didn't go with him last time, but I had heard how well he did and that he received a standing ovation. Hence, they asked him to come back for this one.) Mr. Taylor's introduction of him was pretty impressive too. I think my talk went well also. I'm not a speaker (for sure), but it wasn't hard for me to talk about something so personal. I enjoyed getting to meet lots of really nice people after the meeting. We stayed for the short cocktail party afterwards instead of getting on the road and by then the traffic was too bad to even think about driving 6 hours home. We decided to go to dinner with George and Jan and let the traffic clear up a bit. After dinner, we drove 2 hours and spend the night with my Mom in Columbus. It's nice to get to see her any chance I can. We're pooped though. It was a loooooooooooooong day!

ON THE ROAD

(I didn't take this photo. I copied it from Eric's blog...thanks Eric!)

We'll only be gone one night, so packing and getting out of town should be easy. Right? Sure! It's still hard. Anyway, we got out the door by 9:30...pretty good since George's goal was 9:00, so I was only 30 minutes behind his "schedule". I felt bad though, since I know he was just wanting to get to Atlanta before the traffic got too bad. We lose an hour because of the time change. Since it's been over 5 years since we lived in Atlanta, it's amazing just how bad the traffic can be. Oh my!

We checked into the hotel and then drove further up north to have drinks and dinner with Bob and Jennifer. We ALWAYS enjoy seeing them and catching up. We sure miss them. We went to our favorite place for salad and pizza. Wow...wonderful.

Gotta get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow is a big day. George and I are both giving speeches to the managers and sales agents for the Northeast region of AFLAC. This will be George's second time, but my first. George does a motivational type talk. I'll be doing a testamonial about my breast cancer and how fortunate I was to have my cancer insurance with them. Amazing...for some reason, I'm not even nervous. Hope tomorrow, I will feel the same. We're looking forward to seeing George and Jan there. We don't want to embarrass them, so we hope to do a good job and make them proud.

CAN IT BE THE BOOTS?

Okay, why is when you finally get a doctor's appointment scheduled, you feel better? Crazy! But nice. I'm keeping my appointment though 'cause it's way too early yet to get excited. But I'm hopeful none the less.

When I woke up this morning, my ankle felt "almost" normal. It looked more normal than it has in quite some time. AND....drum roll....I just got home from playing four sets of tennis and I think I played the best I have since my surgery.

Go figure???? Yesterday, I literally wore my boots ALL DAY. Seems like my foot would be worse, not better. I'm wondering if the boots helped somehow. Maybe since they're tight around the ankle so I had more support all day? Seems like I've heard some foot injuries are helped if you wear a shoe with a bit of a heel. Who know? I'm just happy with how I feel today. Sure hope it keeps up!

(11PM update...foot is sore tonight. I wore tennis shoes all afternoon, but put on my boots tonight since some of the girls were coming by to see the house and visit. It was a long day though and I did play 4 sets of tennis so maybe I shouldn't complain about my foot being sore. We packed tonight since we're going to Atlanta tomorrow. George is giving another motivational speech to AFLAC employees and they have asked me to give a testimonial about my cancer and how my coverage with them helped.)

WORKS- FOR- ME WEDNESDAY (Smart Snack)

I love chocolate...any kind, but I do love my M&M's. When I did the South Beach diet a few years ago, I needed something to help curb my appetite. So I filled my old empty M&M candy plastic tube with almonds or walnuts and kept them in my purse for snacks. It really, really helped. Also, when we went out for dinner, I would snack on the nuts when everyone else was eating the bread. Having something crunchy worked for me!

Go here at Rocks In My Dryer for more tips!

A WONDERFUL DAY

Some days just feel special, and today was one of those days. Not unlike alot of other days, but for some reason, it felt especially wonderful. I slept until 7:45, which is kinda late for me, and that felt good. George had a doctor's appointment, so he left early and then I had the house to myself. I got quite alot done around the house and then took my time to shower and get dressed for the day. I had lunch with the Tuesday Lunch Bunch at Fabrice, our French cafe. Yummy! I had a wonderful salad and toasted french bread with melted brie cheese. Oh my! I stopped by Dr. "B"'s office (where I did my radiation) and visited with the girls. I miss them. What sweet girls. I'm hoping they will come by the new house next week after work one day for drinks and to visit. Afterwards, I ran some errands and did a little shopping. When I got home, I made a Kentucky Derby Pie to take to the neighbors tonight. They invited us and another couple over for dinner. Wow...everything was awesome and their home is lovely. We had a special time together. Life is good. Now, it's off to bed. Color me smiley, happy and satisfied.

(I only was able to walk 30 minutes on the treadmill today. I was pretty good with eating until tonight, then pretty bad!)

HA! HA! HA!

I had to laugh out loud today when I walked past a mirror on my way to the treadmill. Gosh, I really looked funny. I'm in my floor length gown, socks, tennis shoes and a sweat shirt jacket. When I don't have somewhere to be early in the morning, I Iove having my breakfast and coffee, check my e-mails and then get on the treadmill before I dress for the day. I trade my robe for a sweatshirt and my slippers for socks and tennis shoes and off I go. It's comfy, but I do look pretty silly.