Well, what have I been up to?
5'11", but now I'm 5'10'.
=====================
Nuttin' much going on here.
The Stink Bugs are back, ever trying to get into the house to "winter-over" up in the ceiling trim and produce more Stink Bugs in the spring.

I keep telling myself I need to get outside and cut back and clean up the perennial gardens, but for some reason, I don't.  There are many excuses.

#1.  The yard waste people just came and they won't be here for another two weeks, so I have plenty of time.

#2.  It isn't even Autumn yet, so I have plenty of time.

#3. I have to drag so much stuff out of the shed, in the wheel barrow to get it done.

#4.  The sun is too hot.

#5.  It's too cloudy and it might rain.

#6.  It's going to make my back hurt.

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

It is such a procedure nowadays!.

Gone are the days when I could work outside for 4-6 hours and enjoy it and live to tell about it.

Now...I have to load up my wheel barrow with: Loppers, small garden shears, electric hedge trimmer, long extension cord for said trimmer.  The yard waste bags.  My trowel.  The rake.  My hand digger.  My folding chair so I can sit to do most of the job.

Today would be a perfect day.  My back feels pretty good.  The sun is nice and it is only 74, but...the yard waste guys came this morning so that means, if I cut back/cleaned up, I would have to store the full bags in my shed and then haul them out September 30th.

Maybe, if conditions are right, I will get out there on Saturday the 28th.  I don't work on Sundays, no matter how nice it is outside, so that takes out the 29th.  Besides, the 29th is Rosh Hashanah.

Oh good.  Another excuse.  If it is a special Jewish or Catholic day, I can't work.

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

I had lunch with the Old School Gal Pals last Thursday.  Our Senile friend was picking on someone other than me, for a change.  She tells these "stories" and then turns to someone and says, "You remember Ruth.  You were there."

Ruth does not remember because it never happened.

Like the time my friend Bethie wasn't at lunch and Senile Liz went on about how Bethie's husband offered me a ride home, but he kept stopping and the ride home took seven hours and I thought he was kidnapping me?

"You remember Judy.  How you told me you were so scared you'd never get home?"

Never even close to happening.

We don't know where she comes up with these things.  Some are humorous and we laugh, unless it involves one of us.  Then whomever she has involved, looks confused and says something like, "No.  That wasn't me.  Must have been someone else." and we keep on eating, or someone will jump in with another subject.

Ah--the joys of getting old!

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

I did get to stop in for a visit with my sister at The Farm.  Probably the only reason I go to the luncheon.  If they are held in the town near The Farm, I use that day for a visit with Sister.  When "they" want to go some where else and it is not convenient for a stop on the way home at The Farm, for me, I usually do not attend.

Although with Senile Liz, I probably should attend all the luncheons if only to defend myself.

Sister and I sat in her smaller living room, which used to be the parlor in the olden days.  Very nice and cozy and we just talked--about her son and my kids and her giving me information about my daughter Jennifer and Jen's oldest, my grandson Andrew who, at 17 years old, just started college at some private college near Boston.  He hates it!

I think he should have taken a year in between high school and college.  What do they call that year?  I know there is a name for it.  Of course, I have not mentioned my thoughts to anyone.  I feel like there are spies in the family that would report back to Jen of "Do you know what your Mother said?!"  

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

My snoopy, gossipy cousin who got me into trouble with Jen and caused me to delete my original blog and make this new, unable to find in any search list one, has somehow gotten on my friends list on Face Book.  Every time I post something, I can feel her lurking in the background.  I am putting her on my "restricted" list so she can't find me.

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

That's about it.  Here I sit, with my excuses and my paranoia.  How pitiful. LOL 

I don’t do much, so when I go to the grocery, it’s like an “outing” for me.  I sometimes engage with people and I intentionally look for old, short or electric buggy people so I can help them get something off the tall shelf.

I went to Meijer to get in on their “10 for $10.00, 11^th one Free” sale.  Had to get my Diet Pepsi.

This time I was the one who needed help.  The shelf where the Diet Pepsi is, was empty.  I looked behind me and they had stacks and stacks of it, in the plastic cartons they bring into the store, but, there were stacks and stacks of other Pepsi drinks on top of my Diet Pepsi.

I turned and saw a guy loading up his cart with Coke.  He had a cammo TRUMP baseball cap on.  He was about my height, but he had a big torso—you know what I mean, a big tummy.  I made a judgment that he had a bit of Red Neck attitude so I knew, he’d be polite to an elderly woman.

“I like your hat,” I said.

He looked at me as if I might be being sarcastic, I wasn’t.  Then I asked, “Could you help me?  I need to get at the Diet Pepsi, but it’s too heavy for me to lift those other cases off it.”

“I’d be glad to Ma-am.  How many bottles do you want?”

“Eight of the Diet Pepsi and three of the De Café Diet.”

He proceeded to get the other cartons off the top and, I could see him counting to himself as he put what I had asked for, in my cart.

“Thank you so much,” I said.

“You’re welcome.” He said.

A man of few words.  He didn’t ask if I wanted more than eleven.  He didn’t mention anything political.  He paid attention to what I had asked him to do and he just did it.  I liked that.

Stopped in the dairy department to get some milk.  Along the way, there was a lady in an electric buggy, trying to stand up and reach for some lunch meat.

“May I help you get something?” I asked.

“Oh, thank you so much Honey,  you’re so kind.”

“What would you like?”

“I’m getting bologna.  My brother will only eat Oscar Meyer and he will only eat the beef kind.”

So I reached up to get a package.

“Now, is that thick cut?”

“Nope.”

“Oh, he has to have thick cut.”

I found it and handed it to her.

“Well, now, that’s too much.  Is there a smaller package?”

I didn’t see any so I told her, “You can freeze it.  Use some and then put however many slices you need into those Ziploc bags and freeze it for next time.”

She laughed and laughed. Hm-mm.

“Did you see this mop I had to get?”

“Yes.”

“My brother wanted this kind of mop.  He doesn’t do the mopping, I do, but he told me to get this kind.  I don’t know why his daughter doesn’t come over and clean for us, but she don’t.  I can barely walk, but it’s up to me to clean.”

I am starting to ease away, so she follows along, in her buggy, talking about how the kids won’t come over and help…mow the lawn…clean the house.

“But they think they are going to get everything when he dies.  Well, I have joint title to the house, so if he dies first, I can stay there.”

By now we are up by the bakery and I am trying to get to the check-out.

“They’ll probably try to kick me out of the house.  Dang kids nowadays. They don’t have time to help—all too busy, but…..hanging like Vultures over your head.  Waiting for you to die and then will come in and pick and take what they want.”

Then she sort of veered off to where the bread is displayed.  “Oh my.  I almost forgot to get his rye bread.  He’d sure be mad if I did.  Thank you, Honey.  Bye. Bye.”

Whew.  Okay, into the check-out lane.  With my new Meijer charge card, I got $15.00 off my order!  When I got gas, I got 0.10 a gallon off the Meijer gas.

It was quite  an adventurous outing today!

  

I just had the best time yesterday!

I had an appointment to get my hair cut and had my $$ saved up in the envelope for it. I had to get cat food and milk and water and some food for me.

I just got a new Meijer card. $10.00 off the 1st order and I had my $16.00 for food on my Bridge card.

As I was getting ready to leave, my sister and Chuck stopped in with bags of groceries for me, including ground beef! YAY.

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

So I took off and after my hair cut as I was paying, a lady walked up to me and smiled. I didn't recognize her, but she did look familiar and I thought, "Oh no! She knows Karen, or her kids danced with Maddie, or were in the band......I'm suppose to know her."

So I stuttered, "You look so familiar, but I don't remember your name."

She replied, "No, we don't know each other, but I wanted to tell you. I was watching your reflection in the mirror while you were getting your hair cut and you have the most radiant smile!"

I was flustered and ready for a sarcastic remark like, "You must be mistaken...are you sure it wasn't a grimace?" BUT thank God, He kept my mouth shut and I just thanked her. and kinda floated out to my car. It's been a long time since I've received the gift of a compliment.

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

Up to Meijers and up and down the aisles, helping short women or people in the electric carts with reaching stuff they needed off the tall shelves.

Up to the check-out line and got behind an old guy with not too many items. He must not have realized I was behind him because he backed into my cart. He turned with kind of a grouchy look and I said, "Hey watch it. I'm old and I'm cranky."

He said, "You aren't as old as I am."

I said, "Wanna bet?"

"Can you top 80?" he says.

"Depends on the month. When is your birthday."

"October 16th--I will be 80."

"Hah! I was 80 on June 21. Got you beat by almost 4 months. Now pay up the bet."

"Damn! You women are always right!"

"And don't you forget it," I said.

By now we both had our stuff loaded on the belt and I notice an older women behind me...holding a birthday card.

"Please go ahead of me," I said.

"Oh thank you. I just hoped I'd find a nice person today. I have to get this card to the post office before the five o'clock pick up." (It was 4:20.)

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

Something was happening with the old guy. He was arguing with the cashier. "But why do they all look alike?" he asked.

I whispered to the clerk, "I'll help him if you can take this lady right now."

So I went up to him and said, "Is there something wrong?"

"Yes. I got all these jugs of water and I thought they were all the same, but some cost more than the others."

I checked the water jugs and asked him, "What kind of water did you want?"

"I want spring water."

"You have two spring water and four drinking water."

"I don't want drinking water! How can you tell?"

"Well, the spring water jugs have a green cap and the drinking water jugs have a blue cap."

"I don't want no drinking water. I want spring water."

Meanwhile the cashier is ringing up the rest of his order.

The aisle next to us was closed so I suggested, "Put the jugs with the blue caps over here. Someone will take them back for you. Just get the jugs with the green caps."

Which he did and was soon gone.

I stepped up to the cashier and said, "Don't you just love checking out old and cranky people all day?"

She said, "I can tell you aren't one of them. Thanks for your help."

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

I'm here to tell you, every time I go to the store, I have so much fun.

To top it off, when I got home, my neighbor was outside and came over and carried in all my groceries for me.

I had a wonderful day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's been a quiet week.  Most of my weeks are, but this one has been particularly boring quiet.

On Wednesday, I went to the Cardiologist for my yearly check in.  It is such a waste of time because there is nothing wrong with my heart, but I suppose it is a good thing, at my age, to have a Cardiologist on "reserve.

Besides, this one was the man who saved Fred's life--after two other Cardiologists told us, there was nothing they could do for Fred.  This doc and I have a mutual admiration for each other.  He really liked Fred and every year, he tells me, that he still thinks about Fred and what a nice guy he was.

I got tears when this doc told me he won't be coming out to the Brighton office anymore, but he added, "When you start having heart problems in twenty years, come down to St. Joe's and ask for me.  I might still be practicing."  Then he hugged me and out the door he went.

When the nurse came back in, I had tears on my face and trying hard not to lose it completely  She said doctor had assigned me to another "really wonderful" Cardiologist, but like I told her, "It won't be the same!"

I guess it was the connection to Fred that he and I shared that made him so special to me and now another connection to Fred is gone.

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

The rest of the week, I spent a lot of time sitting in my recliner, watching the Little League Baseball World Series and the Championship Golf Tournament.  They both ended today.  No more watching golf until next spring.  BUT---

College football begins next weekend, so..............

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

Next month is my month to go to my primary care doc for my 6th month blood work and check-up, prescription renewal.  Also my 6th month dental cleaning and my 6th month check-up at the Pulmonologist.  I also have another appointment with the joint/spinal doc, which is another waste of time.

He insists the only help he can give me is injections in my back.  I insist that I tried that 4 years ago, it did no good and I'm not going to do it again.  Especially when it would have to be done in his primary office, 30 miles away and someone would have to drive me there and back.  I just wish he'd give me a Prednisone taper pack to use when my back gets really bad.  That works the best for me.

When last I visited him in June, he prescribed one for me.  I didn't use it until July 18th, when my back was so bad I could barely walk.  Well, the effects from that have lasted six weeks.  My back doesn't hurt continually anymore and doesn't hurt very often.

If I do something strenuous and it starts to hurt, I just sit and rest for about 15 minutes, than go back and finish the job, or lay down on the couch and do some back exercises.

I know people that take 20 mg of Prednisone on a daily basis.  While I don't want to do that, I don't see why he couldn't prescribed the taper pack when/if I need it.  Maybe I would only need it every 3 months and the effect would last 3 months.

Oh well, I will ask him.  Without that, I am not going back to him.  It begins to feel like he wants a visit from me every two months so he can get a nice payment from Medicare.

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

I have to get to work now figuring out my September budget.  I thought it was a good idea if I posted to this blog first.  You know after trying to spread out my money and ending up in the hole--LIKE I DO EVERY MONTH, I would not be very good company.

We are enjoying nice cool 70's with low humidity.  At least that helps my overall mood.

Thanks for listening.

I did an adventurous thing, at least for me, Saturday evening.

My daughter Karen's high school class of 1979, were having their 40th class reunion.  Up in Durand.  Just 31 miles away.

This group of "kids" were my favorites.  Of all my children, I was closest with this class.  A small town school, they graduated around 60 people and I knew more than half.

I was their "room mother" for 5 years, attending their school parties and going with them on field trips.  In high school, many of the boys played 4-H softball for my Dad and I was the scorekeeper for the team.  Many more of them took Gun Safety classes, taught by my Dad, out at our farm.  They built their homecoming floats in our barn.  We chaperoned their high school dances.

A bunch of them would show up at our house after a school dance or the last night of their Senior play--all wanting a snack and then sitting around in the living room, talking until the wee hours.

At times, half a dozen girls running around upstairs, laughing and giggling at a pajama party.

Some are friends on Face Book.  Most of them, I haven't seen since their graduation day.

I wanted to see and talk to these kids one more time!

But....maybe it wouldn't be cool to crash their reunion?  Then I saw on their on-line notice of the reunion, "all alumni are welcome".

AHA--I am an Alumni of that school and besides--it might be fun. I was shaking the last few miles, still wondering if I should just turn around and go back home.

I didn't tell Karen and Mark that I was going.  I just drove up to the Eagles Club near Durand and walked into their banquet room.

Two of the girls that organized the party and are FB friends and would recognize me after 40 years, yelled, "Momma Miller"! and rushed up to me for hugs.  Hey--I figured I was in like Flynn!

Karen and Mark looked a little surprised when they walked in and saw me, so I went up to them and reached out to shake Mark's hand and said, "Hi.  I'm Judy Miller, Karen Miller's Mom.  I didn't know if you'd recognize me or not."

Mark replied, "Hi.  I think I remember you."

Of course I had just been to their house last Sunday.

Digress--Karen and Mark knew each other all their life, at school.  He was the smartest boy in the class and Karen was always trying to beat him in grades.  They got together on their Senior Trip and married two years later.  I remember well the day she came home from school and announced, "I beat that Rivard kid!  I am the class Valedictorian and he is second place!"  She had beat him by one-tenth of a point on their GPA.

Most everyone recognized me.  There were 3 guys that I didn't even recognize their names, but in talking, found out they took Gun Safety and they said, "Wasn't that out at your farm?"  Of course, they all knew Karen, when I mentioned I was her Mom.  They also all mentioned what a nice, kind person she was to everyone--which made this Mom proud.

I only stayed about an hour and a half and as they were getting ready to sit down to eat, I knew it was time to leave so I could get home before dark.  

They encouraged me to stay and eat, but I told them all, "You kids don't need a chaperone and I gotta get home before dark.  It was a wonderful treat for me to see you again.  I'll see you at your 50th reunion," and I turned to leave.

"Bye Momma Miller.  Thank you for coming. Be careful driving home.  See ya later."

Karen and Leslie--one of Karen's friends.  She spent a lot of time at our house when they were growing up.

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

As I was coming home and got near Byron, I stopped at the Dollar General to get a cold Diet Pepsi.  I saw Pammie's truck in the parking lot, so I knew she was working the check-out.

I thought I'd sneak in, get my Pepsi, get in line and surprise her when I got up to the cash register.

She was checking out a guy and his little girl and I thought totally engaged with them, but she must keep one eye on the entry door because she nonchalantly said, like it happened all the time, "Hello Mother."

I went and got the Pepsi and stood in line, watching her as she checked people out.  

She is wonderful with people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had heard that some people have written to the management of that store that Pam is the best clerk ever, but Saturday evening, I got to see it in person.

She engages each person in a bit of conversation, while she works the till.  Always chats it up with the little kids.  Smiles and laughs for everyone, thanks them and sends them off with well wishes.

Now, I know how painful this job is for her.  With her severe back problems, she is in constant pain, but you'd never know it by the way she interacts with the customers.

I paid for my Pepsi quickly because I didn't want to hold up the people behind me, but she put her hand up high, pointed at me and said, "This is my Momma!"  People clapped.

Then she leaned over and kissed me good-bye.  I whispered, "I'll bet sales would soar if you kissed every customer good-bye."

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

I got home just as it was getting dark.  I was so high on happy that I didn't get relaxed enough to go to bed until well after 1:00am.

What a great time I had.

My kids go up to Karen and Mark's cottage for a few days every August.
Jennifer is in town for a two week business conference, so they got to go this past week.
The cottage is near where their Dad lives so they got to visit him too.
I am so blessed that my kids love each other enough to want to spend time together.  I know so many families where siblings don't speak to each other for years and years.
I'm glad they lined up in chronological age order--a lesson I always nagged them about.  LOL

     Mark 61 and a half-Pam 60-Karen almost 58-Jennifer almost 48.

I don't care how old my children get, as a mother, when I look at them, I still see my little kids.

4 generations.

Karen invited me down to their house Sunday to celebrate the August birthdays in their family.
Aug. 1:  Maddie's 24th and Harrison's real birth day.
Aug. 12:  My son-in-law Mark and new grand daughter Morgan (married to Marcus)
Aug. 16:  My new grandson Stefan (married to Maddie).
Aug. 21:  Helene and Mike's 3rd anniversary
Aug. 29:  Karen and Mark's 38th anniversary.

I gave Helene the blanket I had made.

 ...and Della's pillow, because she is a big sister now.

...and got to hold this little peanut for hours........

...and, not that I want to say "I told you so", but Maddie is 10 weeks pregnant.  A Honeymoon baby, expected March 1st, 2020.

One week old and I haven't met him.

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

Today I woke to cool weather and low humidity, which caused me to react in a frenzy of opening windows and the front door.  I do so hate the hot and muggy.

Lunch today with the Old School Gal Pals.  For some reason, they decided to drive down here to Howell.  I checked the menu prices and I'm not liking the $10.00 price for a sandwich!

I like to have our lunches in Durand, which is about a 35 minute drive from here and close to my sister, so that I can swing by for a visit after lunch.  Saves time and gas.

I don't know who suggested Howell--it will an hour drive for those coming from Owosso (north of Durand).  I guess they thought it would be more convenient for Beth and me?

I don't even know where the place is so had to do a Map Quest.  LOL and, Bethie is off on vacation so she won't be there.  I am curious to see how many of the 11 of us show up.

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

A Dear Friend just diagnosed with breast cancer.  She is taking it better than I am.  She's just about the age of my daughter Pammie, and it feels like one of my own kids had to go through this.  It just makes me sad for her.  I know she will be all right, but still.......

People keep telling her what a strong woman she is and I think.....    people always say that, like there is any other choice?

We aren't all that strong, but what can we do when we are faced with the death of a husband, or a malignancy, or other life threatening disease?  

We have to walk through it or stumble through it or just make it through however we can.  It is as it is.  There are only two choices--get through or give up, and we rarely give up.

People have told me, that for all I have gone through, what a strong woman I am.  It just makes me laugh inside.

I certainly am not.  I'm scared most of the time.  Sometimes I get so anxious, my whole body shakes.  I wake up each morning with a lot of depression.

I just put one foot in front of the other and keep stumbling along.  If I have any strength, it comes in my faith that God will get me through anything I have to face.  He has for 80 years, why would He quit on me now?

It's a beautiful day today.  I will take it with no expectations and tonight, during my prayers, I will thank God for this day.

I knew last night that grand daughter Helene's C-section was scheduled this morning at 10:15 and got notice and a photo at 10:43, but Karen made be vow secrecy and not post anything on FB.

I didn't hear another word.  I called my sister at 6:00, she hadn't heard anything either, so of course, all sorts of worries came into my head.  Was the baby all right?  Was Helene all right.

So I e-mailed Karen and told her we had to have some information.
====================
Harrison Curtis Klar--his middle name in honor of his great grandpa Rivard who died last year.  I have no idea who Harrison honors or what we are going to call him.  Harry?  Oh--I hope not!
8 # 3 oz, 21" long

Do you remember me telling you, big sister Della was born on her grandmother's birthday--my daughter Karen's and now--this one born on his Aunt and God Mother, Madeleine's 23rd birthday.

It appears one can schedule a C-section on a special day, if it is time for the birth.
=======================

Madeleine posted some photos on FB at 6:30, so I figured they were "public" and I wouldn't get into trouble for posting on my own page.  LOL
=======================

Hey!  I'm fine.

How can it be two weeks since I last posted?
Nothing happening around here.
New great grandson should be born this week.
I guess because of all the rain we had in the spring and now this hot weather, the flowers in my garden are taller and fuller than they have ever been.  The Cone flowers are 5 feet tall!  The Lemon Day Lily is 5 feet across!

The Lilies have taken over that garden--none of my Iris bloomed this year.  I know I need to lift the Iris and put them in a new space, but where?

It's not like I am capable or even have the room, to dig another garden.  Then, I had a thought.  Can Iris be grown in containers?  I Googled and sure enough, they can.

I have 3 large containers behind this garden, planted 2 with tomato plants and one with a trellis and Morning Glory.  This fall, I will rip those dead plants out, or even if they aren't dead, and plant my Iris in them, pull the containers up close to the back of this garden and...see what happens.
==================
Today is Tuesday.  I haven't been out since last Friday.  It got real hot and humid again, so I just stayed inside, worked on some genealogy stuff, cross stitched and cleaned.  No, I do not have Cabin Fever.  I have always been content to stay home and unlike my neighbor, Dar, do not HAVE to go out and drive somewhere every day.

Speaking of Dar, she was over Sunday.  Her Dad is 98 years old and she is getting tired of him.  She feels he is too confining to her life.  Now that she has recovered from her accident, 3 years ago, she wants more freedom.

She's on a kick now to sell her home and move to Greece, where she lived 10 years before she moved here 8 years ago.  There is a fly in the ointment, her daughter that she doesn't speak to, bought and owns the house.  Dar would have to buy her out and the last time she mentioned it to daughter, daughter refused.  Daughter lives in Indianapolis, Indiana and probably will never move back here, but she won't sell that house to Dar.

When I asked her why she wanted to move back to Greece, when she had friends and family here, she said that she has "better" friends in Greece.  Both her brothers live in this area.  Her best friend Sheila, lives just up the street.

I told her that a lot can happen in 8 years, especially as the Greek economy has fallen and her friend over there is 85 years old.

"Sometimes we have a memory of a place that grows in our minds until it becomes a sort of paradise for us....when in reality, when and if we go back, we see that it isn't at all as grand as we remembered."

Dar is 77 years old and has many health problems.  I would think now is the time to downsize and stay here, but she said, "The day after my Dad dies, I'm buying a plane ticket to Greece!"
==============
Didn't I go through this same thing when I was her age?  Wanting to move back "home"?  Then when it was too expensive, soon came to the realization, I am right where I need to be.

Very pregnant Grand Daughter Helene and Della.  Grandma Daughter Karen was upstairs painting the nursery and Grandpa was putting the bassinet together.

I don't know why I get so fussed up about the heat and humidity.  It's almost like this weather makes me mad.  Like there is anything I can do about?

I guess it's because it's like winter--which I actually like, but being all closed up in the house, with blinds lowered to keep out the sun's heat and the A/C fan running, instead of the furnace heat fan, at this time of year, when I want to be outside...just ticks me off.

So, just to tick me off, it is going to be the hottest this week, with temps in the 90's, which means "feels like" triple digits.  That and the fact the A/C in my car only comes through the vents sporadically, ticks me off even more.  I don't like to sweat!!!

By the way--I looked back in my journal and exactly a year ago this week, we had the same kind of weather.  It's Mid-July in Michigan, what else should I expect?  Except--it ticks me off.

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

The last time I spoke with my 2nd ex husband, he was just out of the hospital from prostate cancer surgery.  He was working on putting in his garden and feeling pretty good.  I had fully intended to get up to visit him this early summer...when we have our Gal Pals lunch in Durand, it is only a few miles north to his place....I just never was in the mood to listen to his political rants.

Last Saturday was his birthday, so I called him.  No answer, so I left a message, but he has not called back.  I don't know how to find out what is going on.  His children do not associate with him.  He has very few friends--like maybe 5. He could be dead for all I know.  I check the obits everyday, but that really doesn't mean anything.  Sometimes people die and if there is no services, there is no obit printed in the paper.  There would be no services for him.

Sad isn't it?  To live 88 years and have no one in your life who cares?  He drove them all away.  Seven wives and I doubt any of them would care...except for me, because I feel sorry for his poor soul.

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

I am going to sneak out this afternoon to get my hair cut.  Only a 6 mile ride, so I think I can survive with no A/C in the car.  It looks like rain.  I hope it pours all the way there and back--at least that would cool down the car's exterior.

See ya----------

Lord have mercy!

Sometimes I feel like I'm on a Ferris Wheel.  I'm either at the bottom, at the top, or the wheel has stopped and I'm stuck in the middle.  I think I prefer the middle.  Not too high, not too low, just swinging gently in the middle.

I so dreaded Monday.  I didn't know which "car" task to do first.  Did I drive up to Howell to Auto Parts and have them check the code to see why my Check Engine light was on?  Did I drive down to Brighton first to set up an appointment at the body shop to get my passenger side mirror replaced?  I had pondered on this most of the weekend.  I felt so tired, I didn't want to do either one.

I wanted Fred to just do it for me.  He could do the running around and take care of it for me.  I think of Fred a lot.  He loved to go grocery shopping.  He'd haul in the groceries AND put them away.  and of course, his Social Security check, along with mine, paid all the household bills with some left over.

Well, Fred has been gone these last 7 1/2 long years.  So......

I must have had a God Whisper because as I was pondering my Monday duties, I got the idea to call my car repair guys down in Brighton.

"Just bring the car in, Judy.  We can check the Code and see what's going on.  It won't cost anything."

That meant, after I was done there, I would stop at the body shop on the way home---which was only 4 blocks from the service garage and on the same side of the street.  No trying to make a left hand turn across 3 lanes of traffic in the middle of the block.

I got to the service garage at 2:30--told the guys I thought it was probably the O2 Sensor.  (Having worked in a car dealership service department sure comes in handy.)  It took the guy 5 minutes.  Sure enough it is the O2 Sensor, but as long as the car is not running rough, I can just keep driving and have it replaced when I want.  (Get enough money).  The O2 Sensor regulates the gas/oil mixture.  If it is bad, gas mileage will be down and black smoke comes out the exhaust.  The car is running smooth as my cat's fur, so I am not going to worry about it.

On to the body shop.  Girl in there, took my old mirror, ordered a new one and said she'd call when it came in.

I was home by 3:35!!!!!

I am a bit uneasy with driving around without a passenger side mirror.  Not that I need one.  My rear view mirror makes seeing the right side road activity possible.  But you just never know--some cop might see it's missing and pull me over.  So--being the brilliant woman that I am, I have the paper from the body shop, showing the mirror has been ordered, in my purse.  Proof.

Not that I've driven anywhere since Monday, but..............

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We've had 3 days of wonderful weather.  After a week of being shut up in the house with the A/C running, suddenly the humidity calmed down, the temps were in the mid '70's and in the '60's at night, so windows were open for night time sleeping.  I just find it so nice to have the bedroom window open at night.

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Have you ever had an eyelid twitch?  How annoying, right?  For a month or more, I have had twitches in my back muscles.  I only feel them if I am leaning back in my chair or if I lay on my left side at night, but still annoying and I wonder--what causes them.

Age related, right?

I got an e-mail from my cousin.  She has been having digestive problems.  All tests are negative, but bouts of diarrhea, for unknown reasons.  The doc told her it was "age related".

Now that I have reached Level 80, I suppose I am going to have age related stuff.  Age Related means there is nothing they can do for it, I suppose.

Like, dark, crusty spots all over my back.  Drooping eyelids.  Hair falling out.  Arthritis pain.  Twitches in my back muscles.  Constipation.

Ah-hh, it's a wonderful life.

Dear Blog Diary--

I am so weary.  

So tired of the constant battle with this pain.

So tired of the constant worry about money to pay bills.

So tired of having no motivation to do anything.

It is an effort just to get through the day.

Dirty dishes pile up on the counter and, I don't care.

The carpeting needs vacuuming, cat fur, crumbs, pieces of yarn and floss and, I don't care.

It's been so hot and humid.  The A/C on the car only works intermittently. 

I had to drive a 75 mile round trip to visit a friend who needed help on her family tree.  It should have been a pleasant time, but she is slow and talks constantly.  The help she needed took 30 minutes, but I was there 3 hours before I could escape...and escape it felt like.

No food for the cats.  Out of bottled water, milk, bread, plus 2 bags of bottle returns.  I had to go to Walmart to pick up 3 prescriptions and it was the hottest day of the week.    The store feels cool but still very humid.

The gas tank light is lit.  $25.00 and not even full.  So hot standing there filling the tank.

Went through the car wash and my passenger side mirror got ripped off by the scrub brushes.  Didn't this just happen with the driver's side mirror a few months ago?

On the way home, the "Check Engine" light came on.  Now what?

I owe the lawn mowing guy $40.00 and my budget is already $65.00 in the hole.

This next week is going to be very busy, plus I have to find a place to replace my mirror and somewhere that will not charge too much to see why the check engine light is shining.

No phone calls for two weeks.  I have no idea what the family is doing or how they are doing.  They have no idea if I'm even still alive and don't seem to care.  If I didn't post on Face Book everyday, I wonder how long it would take before they noticed and checked on me.

Very, very weary.

My daughter Karen posted this photo on Face Book.
I had not seen it before and it brought tears.
This is after she and Mark had walked Madeleine down the aisle and were about to hand her off to Stefan.

You ask?
Who is this weird character and why is Judy with him?

I've known him since he was 10.  A neighbor and classmate of Karen's.  A kid that worked on the farm for my Daddy and played 4-H softball for him.

Character?  He certainly is!  You should see some of the stuff he posts on Face Book.  

Rabidly political?  Oh my!

Hard, crude language?  It would burn your ears and make your eyes water.

In reality?  Sweet.  Caring.  Thoughtful.  Very tender.

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It had been about 4 years since I've seen Harold, or Hal as he likes to be called.  He came for a visit back then.

He messaged me Monday, said he would be up in Howell and wanted to know if he could take me out to lunch for my birthday.

"Sure". I said.

"I'll pick you up at one".

"Two would be better."

"Okay.  See ya at two."

So unlike me to be so spontaneous.

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He arrived in his Mustang convertible, offered me a hat, which I declined and off we went.

A restaurant in Howell that specializes in steak and seafood.  Classy place.  Was I a bit embarrassed to walk in with him?  Not a bit.  He is quirky and today--quirky is cool.

He said to order whatever I wanted, so I did.  He retired from Dow Chemical Corporation at age 55, lives alone, has lots of moola--"live it up", he said.

I had French Onion soup, giant shrimp cocktail and a Maine lobster tail.  It was superb!.  He had raw steak 2 inches thick.

We talked--for 2 hours--politics, religion, the old days.  Memories he had of my Daddy and Karen and the other kids in their class, which of course I know.

Back in the convertible and home.

He doesn't talk rough, around me.  He is very respectful, around me.  He continually made me laugh.

I asked him if he was going to their class reunion--40 years.  He said, "Sure."  I told him I'd see him there.....because I had already been invited to attend by the other "kids" in his class.  They were and still are, my favorite class of all my kids.

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What a great day.

We should start referring to age
as "levels".
Being LVL 80 sounds way more awesome and wise, than just being old.
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Karen was playing '50's music in the background and apparently I decided to get up and dance.

Maddie had decorated my birthday cake.  It had a "4" between two goal-post candles, which meant "4 Score".  
MOM was made with blueberries and if you turned it around, it spelled, "WOW".

Birthday tradition.  Pammie paints my toenails.  She hates it.  It makes me feel pampered, so she does it because.....I'm the Momma.

Two years ago.

Well, it's official.

I have completed 80 years of life.

It feels weird.  You'd be surprised how differently 80 feels from 79--which I was on Thursday.  When someone asks how old I am, when told 79, they just kept on, but when told 80, it's like now they view me as elderly.  A lot of "youngers" view the elderly as slow, falling down, memory loss, in the way, sort of humans they have to put up with.

I don't understand at all how I got to be this old, this quick.  There seems to be no definition of how 80 year old's are suppose to think or act.  I don't feel 80 in my mind.  I just don't quite know what I am supposed to do now.  

My face isn't full of wrinkles.  I don't have dentures.  I don't use a cane or a walker.  I am still quite straight and tall and not hunched half over with Arthritis.  I don't take naps and I'm not Lactose or Gluten intolerant.  I don't wear Depends, I still eat spicy food and I go to bed at midnight not 9:00pm.  I drink way too much caffeine and puff on my nicotine vapor pen.

People say, "Age is only a number."

Yeah...it's a number.  A really high number.

It's a scary number.  I've seen it in neighbors, family and friends.  80 is when everything starts to go wrong.  Pacemakers and heart surgeries become the norm.  Old age diseases set in.  You start thinking about which nursing home or care facility you can afford.  You make sure all your important papers are up to date and you plan your funeral.

It happens so quickly.  You feel great one day and the next you have taken a fall and your internal organs are bleeding.  You get the news of a terminal disease.  The next thing you know, you're in Hospice.  The next few years are going to bring all of this.

I should be grateful, and I am, that I've lived this long.  So many of my friends have not had that privilege.  I miss them, but know in the back of my mind, I will soon join them.

Negative?  No, realistic.  Truths that I know are coming and wondering how I will handle it all.

I hope gracefully, but I very much doubt it.

I don't know who I am anymore.  

It is very disconcerting.