Yesterday my daughter Karen had a baby shower for her son and his wife.  These kids got married last June, in a small, intimate, close family members only service.

I met her grandma at the wedding and we spent all afternoon at the outdoor reception, talking with each other.  I just instantly adored her and I guess the feeling was mutual.

I was so excited about being able to see her again yesterday.

My sister Susan, whose birthday was also yesterday, picked me up on her way.  Daughter Pam, who I haven't seen in nearly a year, was riding along with us and Susan's daughter-in-law.

I was drugged up with Advil/Tylenol, a hemp pain patch on my back, a tiny Ativan for my nerves and an anti-acid for my tummy.  I took my cane because I knew I wouldn't be able to walk from their driveway to their front porch without it.

All of Karen's kids and their spouses were there and 2 of my great babies--who of course barely recognized GiGi as they hadn't seen me since last October.

Then my "bonus" granddaughter's Mother, Cathy, walked in.  I was so glad to see her, but...where was Grandma Carolyn?

Cathy explained that her Mother was not feeling well.  She had a slight cold and didn't want to infect anyone, so she stayed home.  She went on to explain, "Mom actually cried, when she told me she wasn't going to be able to come.  She so wanted to see you again."

I could feel tears gathering in my eyes.  I had been waiting to see her and so happy about it for these last few months.  Cathy could see I was upset and she hugged me.  "I know.  I know.  Mom feels the same way."

So the shower progressed.  A really nice shower, only about 25 people and no stupid shower games.  A perfect luncheon of Croissants filled with chicken salad, fruit cups, pink frosted cupcakes and pink frosted sugar cookies.

The happy couple sat at the head of the table and insisted I sit next to them while they opened their gifts.

I got to hug each and every grandchild--and tell them I love them--several times.  Gosh!  It felt wonderful.

Today, my body feels like I got hit by a Mack Truck--probably from all the walking and moving around yesterday, but...I can rest today.  Every pain I feel.  Every spasm in my back today is worth it all.  I got to see a lot of people I love... except Grandma Carolyn.

Carolyn and Stephen and the quilt I cross stitched for them.

These "kids" are both doctor's and in their 1st year of residency.  Can you imagine how busy they are going to be when baby girl arrives in late April?

 Yes, I am still here.  

I really have no desire to post and if I'm going to keep this blog going, I need to post more often that EVERY SIX WEEKS!

I'm sorry.

I started doing leg exercises to strengthen my legs, after having my left leg collapse on me and causing me to fall.  This long isolation time has weakened my muscles.  I've heard that from many another woman my age, so I know it isn't some rare disease like Rickets.  But that knowledge doesn't help my mood!

Now when I walk, I tend to walk "crooked", like my left foot wants to go left while I am trying to walk straight.  After a few steps, the pain hits my left back and spine, causing me to walk even slower.  My balance is off too and I feel like I have to hold onto something to be able to walk.

Lawsy!  It's awful.

The last time I went to the store to get a few groceries, thankfully I had the cart to hold onto because my left calf gave out...or is it my left hip?

I have plans on making an appointment at the orthopedic surgeon that did my hip replacements to make sure they are still situated the way they are supposed to be.

Daughter Karen has had to go get my groceries this month for me.  She can use my food card.  I have my non-food items delivered by the local big supermarket--Meijer.  

The company that does that is called "Shipt" and they are great, but...they won't or can't use my food card.  If they did, I'd have them get all my items from the store and have them delivered.

Of course, that doesn't help the exercise situation.

Before the Lost Year of Covid, I went shopping about every 10 days.  I figured it was good exercise to walk the length and breadth of the store.  With the forced isolation and then the stay home-stay safe orders, most of us elders followed instructions.  We just sat in our recliners, watched TV and crocheted or cross stitched, and our leg muscles atrophied.

========================

I got my shot.  I went with the Johnson & Johnson because the research I had done, just left me with more questions about Moderna and Pizer.  Although all of my kids got the Moderna vaccine, 3 of my friends, my age and older, had problems after the second injection.

One had blood clot issues the day after the 2nd injection and two had strokes.  This may just be a coincidence, but...........?

If they had all received the serum at the same place, I would wonder if the serum was "bad", but they got them at 3 different places, but...in the same County.  Makes ya wonder doesn't it.

There is a baby shower for my May expected great grand baby, it's a  girl!  Karen is having the shower this Sunday and I am going TO HUG everyone of those grand kids of mine.  

I'll try to do a better job of posting.  I'm glad to see you are all well.