Catching Up

OHGosh--I have so much catching up to do!  Let's see, where did I leave off?

Oh yes--Thursday--I spent most of the morning in Ancestry.com, trying to find the dates and people we were missing in our family genealogy.  I found a lot more than I expected.  My great grandmother's brother, married a woman named Ella.  We saw her name on their headstone when Wee Sister and I went to the cemetery.  I finally found her and was stunned and amazed.

Her father and his wife had 7 children.  One of his daughter's named Mathilda Ella was born in 1865.  I thought this was our missing person.  But wait--there was an Ella born in 1865 also--which lead me into reading more about him and come to find out, he had an affair and our Ella, born in the same year as Mathilda Ella, was the illegitimate daughter as a result of his affair.  He listed as father, no mother listed.

No wonder I was confused, as was probably his wife and other children.  He and his wife stayed together 55 years, so apparently she stayed because she needed his $$ support for her and his "real" kids.

Then, our great, great, great grandfather lived his last few years with his daughter.  BUT--we realized that he wasn't widowed as we thought because, his wife died three years after he did!  So, why did they separate?  No way of finding that out unfortunately.  

Ancestry.com gives you facts and dates, but not the stories that go along with those facts, unless, as in the case with Ella, someone write the story and uploads it to the website.
===================
My cousin came over in the afternoon.  She was having a bit of problem with a crochet stitch, I think called a PBPTR--partial back post triple--fun, eh?  I had her read the instructions while I tried to do it, but with thin yarn, a small hook and my right hand tremor, I had a heck of a time doing it.  So then, I read the instructions while she did it.  We got it figure out and if and when she gets the afghan done, it is going to be beautiful!!!  Of course we laughed and giggled and chocked on our laughter and had a wonderful time.  Her husband recently in a nursing home, so it was a nice diversion--for both of us.
===========================
Then Dar came over!  Just back from her vacation Up North.  She brought me Mackinaw Island fudge, which warmed my heart toward her...for about 3 whole minutes, until..................she gave me the history of the Soo Locks, and the fort at Mackinaw City and the Crucifix at Indian River and, and.....been there done that several times, but I listened as it was all new to her.  73 years old.  Born and raised in Michigan and this was the first time for her to see these things?

Then she asked, "How has everything been around here?"

"It's been pretty quiet around here......................."

"Oh!  I've got to tell you about my brother and sister-in-law.  They found a new house up in Alma."
<it's pronounced Al Ma.  She pronounces it All Mah>

and on and on she went.  It is even bigger than the mansion they sold on May 10th, for their retirement move to AZ on May 13th, and their subsequent move back here on May 30th.

"That's sounds nice......................"

"Oh!  I got the most wonderful copper wall hangings at Mackinaw City.  They cost more than my whole vacation.  <insert Three Stooges laugh> and.....oh, did you see Jackie yet."

"Yes--she got home Wednes......................"

"Then we stopped at the casino......................."

I quit listening...she went home.............and 30 minutes later.............phone rings..........

"Have you seen my purse?"

"No."

"It's Robins-Egg blue.  Did I leave it over there?  Go check by MY chair."

"Nope."

"Well, where did I put it?"

"I don't know Darlene.  Where did you put it?"

"I know I had it when I got home....then I did some laundry and put away some clothes.."

"Go back and retrace your steps.  Is it in your bedroom closet?"  I can hear her walking around.

Pause

"I've checked everywhere.  It is not here!"

"Did you check your office?"

"No!  Geez!  Why would it be in there?"

"Just check so you know for sure."

"I went in here, but..........wait..........oh here it is!  In my office closet!  Now why is it in here?

"Because...that's where you put it!"

DUH!!!
=============================
Friday:

I finally got up to Wal-Mart to get groceries.  I have been without food for a few days.  $193.18, which was less than I expected for the amount of food I got.  They had Marie Callendar pot pies for $1.00.  I don't usually care for Pot Pies, but I had it Friday night and it was delish!!  The crust nice and brown and the thing was huge.  I could barely eat all of it!  They also had frozen entrees for $2.00 and I got six different kinds.  Also grnd round to make chili.

Took me seven trips to tote all the stuff into the house.  I had thought to call John to carry in the heavy things like the water jugs, cat litter and food, but decided I needed the exercise.  Of course last night, I could barely raise my left arm, shoulder hurts so bad.

About 9:30, I was watching the ball game and crocheting and the phone rang.  It was John.

Chit-chat, then....

"I hurt my shoulder today at school.  Putting heavy copy paper away, up on the shelf, for next year.  Had to move one of the copier machines and one Special Ed. teachers wanted to print out 600 pages for her to give to the kids for summer work."

"I have some really great horse liniment that will help your shoulder pain.  In fact, I just put some one my shoulder a little while ago.  If you need it, come get it."

"Okay--hm-mm, horse liniment?"

"Yes, it works great!!!"

"Okay-hm-mm, I will be over as fast as my little legs will bring me."

In a few minutes he was at the door---

"C'Mon in." I said.  He has never been in my house before.

He stepped in and stood by the door.

"Sit down while I get the liniment.  Oh and here is your soup container.  Best chicken noodle soup I ever had, John."

I went into the bathroom, got the liniment and handed it to him.

"Which shoulder?"

"My right one.  I can't even lift my arm.  It's the result of a bad accident I was in two years ago.  A guy in a pick-up T-boned me.  I also had a closed head injury and was in the hospital for two weeks."

"Do you want me to rub it on your shoulder for you?"

"No.  I'll wait until I get home.  I wouldn't want to take the chance that it might stain my shirt.  Oh--it even has a picture of a horse on it!"

"Hey--I got some Sweet Cherries at the store today.  Would you like some?"

"Ah--yeah.  Not too many though, I don't want to be up all night."

"Well, you don't have to eat them all at once," I said, as I filled up a Zip Lock quart baggie.

"Yes I do."

So we chatted a bit more and as he left, he said, "If this horse stuff works, you will see me galloping by tomorrow morning!"  and he whinnied.
===============================
Lord love a duck--he is funny--a bit strange--but then again, aren't all my neighbors strange?